“The Business Link Pacific Business Health Check was quicker and a lot more user friendly than I’d imagined. It’s good to know where we’re at on a whole”.
Our in-country media partner, Savvy Vanuatu caught up with Victor Korikalo, Managing Director of Eagle Watch Security to see how his business was operating since he’d joined the Business Link Pacific program.
Life is what happens while you’re making other plans!
Victor Korikalo was studying Business, Accounting and Trade at the University of the South Pacific, and was well on his way to forging a career in that sphere, when he assumed extra responsibility for managing security logistics at his part-time job.
He soon discovered he had a knack for this line of work and when an opportunity arose in the market for him to start up his own security company, he took it. That was back in March 2016. Now the Eagle from Eagle Watch Security has well and true landed! Victor has now established Eagle Watch Security as one of the leading security businesses in Vanuatu.
First step with Xero
Victor was introduced to Business Link Pacific (BLP) through business advisors AJC Vanuatu Ltd, when his business first began to grow and underwent restructuring. Victor needed to spend more time overseeing Eagle Watch Security’s operations and engaged AJC to strengthen their Xero cloud-based accounting system.
The cost of AJC’s professional services for Eagle Watch Security was subsidised through the BLP Subsidy Scheme. This scheme is designed to make professional services more affordable, minimise risks and introduce businesses to reliable and quality services via BLP approved Pacific business advisors.
These days, Eagle Watch still input most of their financial data in Xero, and AJC verify their accounts. This service has enabled Victor to focus on personalised service, staff development and client relationships that are so important to the company’s reputation.
“Reputation is everything in a small town. Eagle Watch now offers security services for commercial, residential and industrial sites. Although we currently employ over 80 staff, we value client relationships and personalised service. We refuse to compromise on these core qualities as we expand,” Victor explains.
“I’d prefer to have less clients and provide them with great service, than have a lot of clients and not be able to fulfil our obligations to them.”
There’s a lengthy waiting list for people hoping to join the staff, however Eagle Watch Security’s low staff turnover rate is testament to their management approach. They are big believers in investing in their staff. Eagle Watch provide a comprehensive orientation, as well as ongoing training and support for their staff to ensure they’re safe, informed and making the best decisions in and out of the workplace. It’s no coincidence that they have dedicated staff who are committed to the business.
Strengthen your business
This achievement compliments BLP’s objective to work to strengthen small and medium sized growing businesses in the Pacific. BLP’s key role is to connect small and medium sized businesses in the Pacific to local in-country advisory services. The growing network of quality approved advisors offers accessible services for Pacific-based businesses who are in the growth phase.
Although Eagle Watch Security practice values that are as old as time, they are ahead of their competition when it comes to incorporating new technology into their business to strengthen operations.
This technology is enabling Eagle Watch to stay sharp and ahead of the game. It keeps them accountable, provides them with quantifiable data and helps prevent blind spots in their business and on site.
Victor is interested in pursuing further Xero training for his staff, as well as exploring the option of developing a marketing plan for his business to take it to the next level.
To help with this, Victor completed the Business Link Pacific Business Health Check online in under 10 minutes. Immediately he was able to identify areas of his business that he could strengthen, and was linked with quality business advisory services who can help with solutions.
“The Business Link Pacific Business Health Check was quicker and a lot more user friendly than I’d imagined. It’s good to know where we’re at on a whole,” said Victor.
BLP’s Business Health Check is a free and fast service that helps you detect potential problem areas in your business, and provides you with a list of specialist Pacific based business advisory service providers who can help you with solutions. Together you can apply to use the BLP Subsidy to access quality business support.
Learn more about Business Link Pacific
If you are a Vanuatu small and medium sized enterprise and want to access business advisory services, or a Vanuatu based business advisory service provider and want to become part of the Business Link Pacific’s business support network, please get in touch with Yvonne Leo Taiki at the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) at vanuatu@businesslinkpacific.com or call direct on 779 0124 or via the VCCI on 27543.
Business Link Pacific can also be reached through the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Auckland at info@businesslinkpacific.com
Photo credits: Savvy Vanuatu
