NZRA member gives Meridian its vote of confidence

Thursday 01 September 2011

Spring 2011

Its slogan is “Well Worth Finding”, and although Castle Rock Cafe is hidden off the beaten track in Christchurch’s Heathcote Valley, it’s full of customers on a sunny week day afternoon, with a relaxed, bustling atmosphere. That wasn’t the case two years ago when the ailing café was taken over by its new owners, Mike Saunders and his partner Golda Saunders. 

Formerly the General Manager of Lone Star restaurants in Christchurch, Mike had always wanted to set up his own hospitality business.

Undeterred by the recession, Mike launched his cafe and catering operation determined that with hands-on management and professional, enthusiastic staff he could make it a success.

But when he started calling power companies to find a supplier for his new venture, he was dismayed to hear they all charged a hefty deposit to new business customers.

He objected to that on principle. “To me that’s like saying ‘You’re going to fail’.”

Already a Meridian customer for his home electricity, he asked if Meridian would agree to waive the bond and was very pleased when Meridian agreed.

“It wasn’t really the money itself, it was more that it was a vote of confidence, which you need when you’re opening a new business. Meridian was more flexible and dealt with us on a more personal level. They gave us more confidence in ourselves by waiving that deposit. They’ve always been very easy to deal with. I just think they understand small businesses and their needs better than other power companies.”

Two years on, Mike says Castle Rock Cafes turnover has increased 450–500 percent. He’d like it to be the first of a number of cafes and restaurants he hopes to launch around Christchurch through his company Lost Cafes Ltd.

He’s also joined the New Zealand Retailers Association (NZRA) and switched to their Partner Premium Pack, which entitles him to an extra prompt payment discount on his total energy bill.

Meridian’s flexibility and personal touch have made Mike a loyal customer and he shoos salespeople from rival companies away when they come calling.

His advice to other new business owners is to shop around for a power company and look for one that understands your business.

“Everyone’s trying to compete on price but it’s not all down to a few cents here or a few cents there. Customer service is still important and you expect some personal service even though it’s just power.”

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