PARTNERS

Working with your Improvement Partner you not only get their expertise you also get the expertise of all the Partners in our firm. Our partners are successful business owners, former executives and working together they are focused on making your business work the way it needs too for you.

TOGETHER WE GET EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS

Murray Dempsey

Murray Dempsey

Director & Business Partner

After completing a bachelor of commerce degree, Murray started his business career working in the UK managing a group of independently operated service stations / convenience stores, where he received a practical grounding in the fundamentals of business management, marketing and retailing.

Following a passion for travel, Murray undertook an overland journey from London to Cape Town in a VW Kombi. Subsequently working for UK Adventure Travel company across Africa.

On returning to NZ, Murray became a small business owner operating service station / convenience store businesses. Stemming from the success of his business and building on his practical business and life experiences, he was inspired to complete an MBA so as to gain a deeper and broader understanding of business management.

On completion of his Masters studies, Murray in 2001 moved to Australia to work for a major global travel company, with the purpose of designing and implementing a business improvement programme for them with the objective to improve their organisational effectiveness, customer focus and overall performance. Whilst there, he also established and grew an internal market research business to provide the company the understanding of their customers, markets and people required for them to better compete in their marketplaces.

Murray has over recent years, has been assisting businesses to better how they can improve their performance and make their businesses work for their owners. Utilising the fundamental principles and practices that lead to superior business performance, works with businesses to make them ‘world class’.

Murray is also the owner of Metropol magazine, Canterbury’s #1 Lifestyle magazine.

Contact Murray: murray@ebi.works

Ph: 021 639 994

Luke Piper

Luke Piper

Director & Business Partner

With over 15 years combined experience across:

  • General management
  • Governance
  • Business ownership
  • Business consultancy

Luke is a seasoned professional with tremendous knowledge under his belt working with a variety of companies for many years. Luke has successfully consulted to a variety of businesses and industries including but not limited to:

  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Sports clubs
  • Transport logistics
  • Manufacturing/Joinery
  • Residential Construction
  • Renovations
  • Plumbing
  • Contracting

Luke is constantly searching for challenging business opportunities to test himself, driven by his passion for seeing others succeed. With his extensive knowledge and successful track record, he is the ideal choice for any business owner looking to improve their operation’s outcomes.

Luke’s executive management positions in his career before working with SMEs provided him with a wealth of knowledge. His inclusive, grassroots, small business experience makes him an ideal EBI Business Improvement Specialist. Besides his academic qualifications, Luke has intrinsic knowledge and experience with SMEs, including his own Hospitality business, this enables him to evaluate all elements of an SME from the ground up and implement the right strategies quickly, to see tangible results.

Luke’s strongest attribute lies with his ability to assess the “real needs” of SME’s and quickly understand the root cause of challenges for business owners. He stands by the business philosophy of “know your numbers”; in doing so brings strong financial and business acumen to his consulting relationships.

His business planning and strategic thinking skills allow him to determine innovative ways to solve problems relevant and accurate to a specific situation or business. When not working, Luke enjoys staying fit with regular exercise, cricket, golf, coaching rugby and spending time with his son Ben.

Contact Luke: luke@ebi.works

Ph: 021 0236 4504

James Makoni

James Makoni

Senior Business Advisor

A Christchurch resident for over three decades, James brings a strategic and practical approach to business.  His diverse career spans senior and executive roles in iconic New Zealand companies across multiple industries, including processing and manufacturing, retail and distribution, sales and service, import and export, asset, fleet, and facilities management.

His expertise includes collaborative planning with local and international partners, continuous improvement initiatives, supply chain transformation and strategic business development.

Driven by a passion for excellence, James focuses on enhancing customer service, improving productivity and efficiency, boosting profitability, and ensuring peace of mind for staff and business owners.

With his extensive experience and results-oriented approach, James is well-equipped to help businesses flourish in today’s competitive and challenging environment.

Contact James: james@ebi.works

Ph: 027 675 3498

Janice Wickes

Janice Wickes

Senior Business Advisor

Janice, a seasoned small business owner, entrepreneur, investor, and consumer, has built her own investment portfolio and navigated various business challenges. She successfully led her small businesses through the GFC, managed post-quake insurance issues, and ventured into new product development with Callaghan Innovation funding. Unlike the “slash and burn” approach, Janice excels in empowering staff and enhancing business performance through collaboration, broad vision, and tactical decision-making.

Starting her career in logistics and warehousing as a Customs Broker and International Freight Forwarder, she consulted for numerous importing and exporting businesses, solving supply chain issues and ensuring regulatory compliance. She transformed a financially underperforming logistics business, doubling profits, improving staff morale, and reducing company debt within three years.

After the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, Janice managed an insurance battle while taking a fixed-term role with the new owners of the logistics business, discovering her talent for complex problem-solving and process improvement. She later took a role at South Island’s largest shipping port, significantly improving operational processes, increasing revenue by over $1 million, and enhancing service delivery and compliance.

Returning to consultancy, Janice focuses on refining businesses to enhance their capacity, retain talent, and reduce crisis management. Her unique blend of critical review and practical change positions her as an effective agent of business improvement.

Contact Janice: janice@ebi.works

Ph: 027 4999 735

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