In this latest series, Marketing Executive Amelia Chubb catches-up with the board of directors to find out more about them and their involvement with Partners Finance & Lease.
Meet Jim Boult
A permanent resident of Lake Hayes near Queenstown, Jim has lived in the area for 38 years. He is an active director, co-owner and a founding member of Partners Finance & Lease.
Many will also know Jim as Mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council, a role he has held since 2016. In true Queenstown spirit, he celebrated the reopening of businesses at Level 2 lockdown with a bungy – watch it here.
Additional current roles and interests include director and owner of Telelift Sales & Hire, Chairman of the Wayfare Group and Cardrona Alpine Resort, Chairman McConnell Property advisory board, member of Downer NZ advisory board, and board member and past national chair of the Child Cancer Foundation.
Why Partners Finance & Lease / what does the company mean to you?
“I started my commercial career in the finance industry. It’s something I have stayed passionate about and was delighted to join Francis and Graham in setting Partners Finance & Lease up in 2014.”
How did you stay sane during the COVID-19 lockdown?
“My primary role as Mayor of the district most affected by COVID 19 gave me zero downtime. Queenstown is suffering badly from the virtual cessation of the tourism industry and the massive unemployment resulting from that. My job is to lead the district to recovery.”
What does trade look like from where you are now and going forward?
“Like all crisis situations, this will bring opportunities for those in a position to take them. In particular, the civil construction business is likely to benefit from central Government’s spend on ‘shovel ready’ projects. That industry should fare well, as should those associated with it, such as equipment suppliers and transport operators.”
Businesses are responding creatively as a result of COVID-19 – what have you seen / any standout examples of this in your area and beyond?
“The tourism industry has to become creative – it will be difficult to survive otherwise. Operators, hoteliers, and others are forming alliances to offer attractive packages to the domestic market given its price sensitivity. Some operators are engaged in retraining staff to undertake council and government-funded nature-based works, such as trail construction and pest eradication.”
What one piece of advice would you give to uncertain business owners/managers during this time?
“The economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 lockdown will be one of the worst in modern history – possibly the worst. Smart business people will be alerted to changing their model to suit as the issue plays out. Keep your business as nimble as possible. Very importantly – form a strong reliance with your financier – they will support businesses going forward when they know and understand your strategy.”