Beachheads frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Beachheads programme helps New Zealand companies succeed internationally by providing access to private sector advisors and their top quality international networks.

The key elements are the knowledge, contacts and services of specialist Advisors and NZTE staff offshore, who assist companies to quickly develop high-level networks that would otherwise take years to build. This gives credibility to New Zealand companies entering a market.

The Beachheads programme is designed for companies that need a direct presence in market to do business.

Most New Zealand companies entering new markets recognise how hard it is to create new networks and the crucial importance those networks have in their ability to penetrate and grow.

The Beachheads programme fast-tracks this initial phase and ensures participants get access to top quality connections it would normally take years to develop.

It also provides mentoring, advice and on-the-ground assistance with business set-up and expansion.

Beachhead advisory boards are located in China, Europe, India, Japan, Middle East, North America, South America, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand.

The core element of the programme is the international network of over 80 advisors that give companies access to the contacts, experience and expertise of senior executives who have ‘been there, done that’.

All companies accepted into the programme are assigned an in-market advisor who acts as their mentor and provides one-on-one advice relating to your business, the industry you are in and the specific country and/or wider market.

Participants also receive support from NZTE staff in New Zealand and around the world, and can access a range of in-market services, such as office space.

New Zealand registered companies that are globally ambitious and typically have:

- a detailed business plan
- an experienced management team
- revenues of at least $5 million and are aiming for $100 million*
- an in-depth understanding of their target market
- at least one senior manager ‘on the ground’ in the region they are applying for
- independent governance.

Note:
* Occasionally smaller companies with exceptional opportunities and an experienced management team are accepted.

Companies need to apply for the programme, and present to the New Zealand Advisory Board which will make provide feedback and suggestions on the application and recommend to NZTE whether the company should be accepted into the programme.

Since 2002 around 160 companies have participated in the programme.

Yes, at the discretion of NZTE.

Initially the majority of companies participating in Beachheads were from the IT sector. Now participants include a wide range of New Zealand businesses from all industries. Some are already successful exporters and others are just beginning to internationalise. Typically Beachheads companies are globally ambitious, and tend to have specialised IP and the ability to survive and scale in international markets.

No. Any company can apply for the programme. Current participants come from all sectors and industries, and range from small to large companies.

By world standards, many of New Zealand's larger and well-established companies are very small relative to their global competitors and struggle to gain market share in highly competitive overseas markets. NZTE support for these companies is designed not only to accelerate their and New Zealand's export earnings growth, but also to have successful New Zealand companies develop strength in-market so that they can act as mentors for other smaller New Zealand companies seeking to enter these markets.

Yes. The Beachheads programme is ideal for those companies looking to expand their offshore presence. Beachheads works well for established exporters as they have the scale and capability to make the most of the advisory networks.