2025 Workshops
We invite you to register for our free Business School Workshops across Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Wellington every quarter, with the next commencing in May & June 2025.
As trusted advisors and accountants to numerous New Zealand businesses, we observed that some organisations tend to outperform others over the medium to long-term. Our research reveals that high-performing businesses often share qualities that make them better prepared for the future, allowing them to unlock opportunities as they arise and remain resilient in uncertain or unfavourable market conditions.
Business School Workshop
KPMG Business School Workshop shares best practises in business planning to help SMEs effectively manage opportunities and challenges by discussing the theory of good business planning, engaging in practical exercises, and sharing expert tips.
Kick-start your planning to get a head start on the next 12 months
Learn from practical exercises and advice that you can bring back to your team and your business.
Continue investing in your personal and professional development as business leaders.
Key dates and locations
May/June Workshops
• Auckland – Friday 9 May
• Hamilton – Tuesday 10 June
• Tauranga – Wednesday 11 June
• Auckland – Thursday 12 June
Interested in attending but can’t make these dates?
We run Business School quarterly and will hold the next series of workshops in September and November.
More information
1. Assessment: you’ll complete our diagnostic survey, self-assessing your current state, to identify opportunities for your business against the characteristics of a high performing business. Be honest – you’re the only one that will see your result!
2. Workshop: we will get together in-person at the KPMG office in a small cohort of approximately 6-8 like-minded businesses. Throughout the day we will help you assess your current state to identify key opportunities, learn insights about best practice for SMEs, and get hands-on support to start planning priorities and actions for the next 12 months. You will be guided through the workshop by our team of KPMG advisors who specialise in helping SMEs achieve their goals.
3. Individual plan: we will arrange a 1-on-1 catch up for 60 minutes to help you work through any specific issues in a confidential setting to then feedback and help you progress your business plan for the next 12 months.
The KPMG Business School is for the key decision-makers of privately owned businesses seeking to make a change in their business, to either achieve growth, improve performance or build value for future exit. Each business brings 1-3 attendees who are the owners, directors, or senior managers responsible for the overall and financial performance of the business.
You are likely:
• A privately owned business that has been trading and already have a commercialised product in the market, or;
• Are a startup with growth potential at commercialisation or scale up stage;
• Not a ‘sole trader’ – you’ll have team members and other complexities to manage;
• A key decision-maker in the business, with a growth mindset v
Facilitators
Sven Pannell
Partner, Enterprise Advisory | Wellington
Sven has 18 years of experience working across a variety of strategic advisory, investment, management consulting and general management roles in London, Los Angeles and Wellington. He has worked in professional services firms, including a Christchurch-based investment bank, government organisations and for an ultra-high net worth family looking to understand where to invest next. Sven’s core skills involve strategic planning, business performance improvement, financial analysis and facilitating discussions in a manner that not only helps to develop clear plans, but builds momentum and motivation for those plans to ensure they get delivered.
- Master of Arts (hons) in Law, Cambridge University
- BA (Hons), Law, Cambridge University
- GradDip, Film and Television Studies, UCLA
Nick Swallow
Director, Enterprise Advisory | Auckland
Nick’’s area of expertise are in sustainability, strategy, marketing and international trade, with sector experience across agri-business, education, utilities and F&B. He currently leads KPMG New Zealand’s mid-sized business sustainability consulting and advisory services. He has completed a Master of Sustainability Leadership at the University of Cambridge, and his research has focussed on sustainable practices in New Zealand SMEs, purpose-led business leadership, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction in dairy farming. Prior to joining KPMG, Nick was NZTE’s Trade Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, and developed support services for Kiwi exporters to thrive offshore in European markets.
- MSt, Sustainability Leadership, Cambridge University
- GradDip, Management, University of Cambridge
- BSc,Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Canterbury
Charmian Mead
Director, Enterprise Advisory | Tauranga
Charmian has over 15 years’ experience working with NZ private and listed businesses, iwi organisations, not-for-profits, and Fortune 500 clients across a wide range of industries including tourism, agri-business, FMCG, technology, and consumer products. With a background in law and business, Charmian’s craft is in designing and implementing growth and innovation strategies. She is experienced in using human-centered design methods to gain deep customer and stakeholder insights to inform robust strategies, business models, and operating models that drive commercial, social, and cultural outcomes. Charmian is a strong people leader and influencer with experience in managing complex stakeholder dynamics at all levels, with particular experience with Māori and community-based organisations.
- Master of Bioethics and Health Law, University of Otago
- Bachelor of Laws, University of Otago
- Bachelor of Science, University of Otago
