There are a lot of reasons to become a member of an industry association. The Westpac Business Team has set up special arrangements with a number of organisations that allow us to offer their members special banking deals and opportunities.

“We are recommended as the preferred bank to choose and, in return, we have member only banking benefits and discounts,” said Martin Welsh, Westpac National Associations Manager. “It can be a case of ‘every little bit helps’, or it can equate to many thousands of dollars saved above standard rates.”

Members of selected associations can choose any or all of a range of special banking deals from Westpac. These 
include EFTPOS, Business and Personal Banking Solutions, along with a range of other benefits.

Among those businesses to get significant value through these offerings are members of the New Zealand Retailers Association (NZRA), which has negotiated a range of preferential banking deals in partnership with Westpac.

“Small and medium businesses see the greatest benefits,” explained Russell Sinclair, NZRA Northern Regional Manager. “The clout we can put behind our negotiations means that these deals can be better than what they may achieve on their own. If I was a member, I’d sit down and analyse every offer and see how much extra it could bring to my business.”

There are many different industry associations throughout New Zealand. Being a member brings with it certain benefits with preferred suppliers like Westpac. Understanding what these are can go a long way to helping you save money and build your business. Westpac provides special banking deals to members of these industry associations:
• Booksellers NZ
• Electrical Contractors Association of NZ
• Federated Farmers
• Hire Industry Association of NZ
• Hospitality Association of NZ
• Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ
• Nursery and Garden Industry Association
• NZ Association of Optometrists
• NZ Dental Association
• NZ Medical Association
• NZ Retailers Association
• NZ Veterinary Association
• Restaurant Association of NZ
• Petals and Teleflora
• Tourism Industry Association of NZ

Case Study : Adrienne Winkelmann

When Westpac EFTPOS Solutions Manager Carol Folan was discussing new opportunities with a customer, she realised their membership of the New Zealand Retailers Association (NZRA) had lapsed. She did some calculations and the savings that could be earned simply by re-joining were far too good to ignore for Steve Cockeram, Business Manager at fashion designer Adrienne Winkelmann.

“We already do our general banking with Westpac. When Carol approached us about moving our EFTPOS and credit card facilities, she also brought to our attention the extra benefits we would receive by re-joining the NZRA,” he explained.

Cockeram admits he ‘didn’t really see the benefit’ of being a member of an industry association. However, on top of the estimated $4,000 the company will save by moving its merchant facility to Westpac, it’ll save up to the same sum again through membership benefits negotiated by the NZRA.

“If we do the same number of card transactions as last year, we’ll not only save by changing banks but we’ll get an additional discount for being with the NZRA. That’s a decent saving on the membership fee!”

The advice may seem simple enough but it’s the sort of customer service that can be significant for businesses like Adrienne Winkelmann, which has been designing, manufacturing and retailing exclusive, high-end women’s clothing for 32 years. Plus, it’s not just banking where the Auckland-based company is enjoying savings.

“Although the biggest saving to be made is on running the EFTPOS machine, membership of the NZRA means we’re eligible for discounts on our insurance premiums and even courier costs,” added Cockeram. “If someone’s in the retail market, they should make sure they’re 
a member.”

For more information call us on 0800 177 677 or visit www.westpac.co.nz/associations