A nationwide campaign called Borrow the All Blacks where 100 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) for whom video and advertising packages were created has brought a big smile to the owners of a local company.
ASB reviewed nearly 2000 entries to select the 100 SMEs which will get a share of the bank’s New Zealand Rugby sponsorship through the ASB Borrow the All Blacks campaign.
Borrow the All Blacks, featuring players from the All Blacks, Maori All Blacks and Black Ferns teams, has announced one of the first winners announced is The Cake Kitchen based in Howick.
ASB has chosen to share its biggest sponsorship asset with 100 Kiwi businesses to provide practical help to business customers in need of a boost in these challenging times, the bank’s executive general manager of Business Banking, Tim Deane said.
The campaign is an innovative way the bank can lend a hand beyond the financial.
“ASB has already provided more than $3.3 billion dollars of principal relief, $180 million in low interest overdrafts and $2b in loan repayment deferrals to business banking customers on top of the Government scheme – but more debt is not always the right answer.
“Borrow the All Blacks is our way of lending more than just money to hardworking SMEs who are the very backbone of New Zealand’s economy. We’re gifting them a slice of our most valuable sponsorship asset by creating a tailored advertising package for each of the 100 selected businesses featuring either the All Blacks, the Māori All Blacks or the Black Ferns.”
Deane said when the campaign launched in July, entries poured in from every corner of New Zealand, from Northland to Invercargill and across to the Chatham Islands. Applicants ranged from beekeepers, unpasteurised milk producers and commercial spirulina growers through to butchers, bakers, fish and chip shop owners and tradies of every kind.
“They include everything from start-ups to long-standing businesses, some are proudly local family-run operations and others are exporting New Zealand’s best to the world.
“These companies are doing some truly incredible things but a lot have suffered due to Covid-19. It’s been inspiring to hear their stories and we’re so proud to be able to shine a light on them and give them this boost,” said Deane.
The Cake Kitchen’s Amanda Watson said she entered because the All Blacks are a team that are well respected in New Zealand and are built on hard work, a great work ethic and determination.
“These resonate with me and my business – so who better to represent my business?” she said.
“It is amazing to have been part of the whole process and I feel so lucky to have been chosen and given such an amazing opportunity.”
Watson, a huge rugby fan who recalls the days as a kid going to Mooloo parades, will stay up late to watch test matches now. She’s been into it from grassroots to top level.
“Covid has been hard on the hospitality sector. My business makes cakes for parties and, with gatherings being limited, it has hit hard…a lot of cancellations and downsizing,” Watson said.
“I am lucky to have very loyal customers and a great community but it still has taken a toll.”
