Testimonials

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There are not enough words to express our gratitude. Catherine from The Engine has been an absolute blessing to us and our business. She has so much knowledge to give and is always willing to help in any way she can. We started our little Otai business with very little experience, and meeting Catherine has opened our eyes to a lot of opportunities. Thank you so much Catherine, you have gone above and beyond our expectations.
Malo, Fa’afetai

Andrew and Leone

Directors, Blended Family Fresh Otai

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Catherine has been an asset to our family business. We were struggling with governance and structure and she has helped us to implement this in our company. Our employees are now driven to achieving and our customers are even more satisfied with the products and services we provide them. Consulting with her has also had a positive effect on our finances.

Cora Lawton

Co-Director, Steelpac Construction

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Since receiving the service that The Engine provides, it has shed some very important light upon the business (Vai Contractors Ltd). This has in turn enabled improvements to the way the business operates both internally and externally. I would definitely recommend The Engine to any business willing to receive the help they supply. It is definitely an added value to any business.

Sam Tukutau

Operations Manager, Vai Contractors

Easy Social Media

I am the proud owner of White Spa & Float Lounge Ltd and I want everyone to know how wonderful our team are and also the “Float Pods” are. Before I met the wonderful Catherine owner of The Engine (2019) Ltd I was struggling with singing from White Spa’s song sheet – the digital world is foreign and hard to understand – also I wanted to set up eCommerce and the list goes on – with Catherine and her EPIC experience she has helped me in major ways guide me through the maze of foreign paths – she gave me the confidence and I really feel in these trying times “I HAVE GOT THIS” a million thank you’s to Catherine and her awesome team – I have look to the future with excitement and confidence – so if you are in my situation dont hesitate to call her – I 100% recommend “The Engine (2019) Ltd – thanks heaps Louise Oliver owner of White Spa & Float Lounge Jervois Road Herne Bay Auckland.

Louise Oliver

Director, White Spa and Float Lounge

Easy Social Media

Catherine and The Engine have been an invaluable source of information for us, especially in the wake of the recent Pandemic. Being a small business which my husband and myself had started from scratch we had reached a stage in our businesses growth that we were feeling a little out of our depth trying to transition into a more Professional and larger company. Catherine supported us in the development of a Website and creating our presence on Social Media.

She also aided us in renewing all of our Employee Contracts including Vehicle and Drug and Alcohol Policies and a solid Code of Conduct Handbook bringing us up to date with all changes. Having a solid Cashflow Forecast has also allowed us to sleep better at night.

Catherine also recommended we hear the voice of our customer, and we engaged in a customer survey produced by The Engine which delivered insights and learning along with humbling testimonials from our customers. We look forward to putting those learnings from our customers into action.

The Engine has been a solid and reliable source of education and guidance in these changing times. It is great to know that they are just a phone call away.

Wendy

Director, Absolute Scaffolding

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Over the years I’ve worked with many business coaches and mentors, all of whom have added value in different areas. Catherine however is one of a kind. She truly understands the challenges of running a small business – wearing different hats, cashflow, juggling new sales versus existing clients. The biggest bonus? Her pool of resources and incredible network of other businesses who can help too. A highly recommended team!

Shelley Pilkington

Director, Open Door Marketing - For "too busy" real estate agents

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Catherine from The Engine is a wealth of knowledge and contacts with a no nonsense, let’s get sh%t done attitude! She has the ideas and answers to your challenges, to point you in the right direction. Catherine is a very caring and supportive lady who also likes to have some fun along the way! Loving the journey… 100% recommend!

Lesley Dobson

Director, It's Organic Darling

Easy Social Media

Since engaging with Catherine and the team at The Engine, we have received great support from her, especially during covid lockdowns. She helped our business to keep focused and stay on track whilst using this time to create strategies that would continue to drive the business forward. Thanks Catherine for all your support.

Mark Richardson

Director, PROTECTiT Limited

Easy Social Media

Thank you to Catherine and her team at the Engine for an awesome Forum. Serving not only a great breakfast and lunch at a wonderful venue (Allely Estate in Kumeu) it was good to hear from quality speakers. Including the 4 Day working week, their own personal and business hurdles and how they addressed them as well as a timely economic update.

Looking forward to the next one!

Gavin Busch

Financial Advisor, Avenue Advice

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Catherine and Zoe of The Engine have been a fantastic team to work with. As small business owners, they have gone the extra distance to fit into our busy schedule to provide their advice. I would recommend the Engine to any business looking for well-rounded and pinpoint business advice.

John Fitzgerald

Co-Director, xplane

Easy Social Media

Catherine and The Engine have helped my company immensely. Being a small family run landscaping company, you may not think that having a business advisor would be very beneficial, or worthwhile. However Catherine’s advisory knowledge and hands on assistance to the small (and large) problems being a small company owner brings with it every day, allows me more time to focus on making dream gardens for clients. Through the uncertain times recently Catherine has acted as a safety net for my business, and has been a pragmatic source for advice. I would highly recommend The Engine to those who like assurance, and having someone on board 24/7 who you can rely on in the inevitable tough times to come.

Darrell Smith

Director, Landsmiths

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Our experience with Catherine was hugely supportive in a time of uncertainty. She offered out of the box ideas, industry contacts and facilitated a process where we could step back and really look at our business and what we had to offer and our unique selling points. She really helped us in the fine tuning our social media posts and offered plenty of ideas on how to generate more business. She also adapted and operated on a level we could understand. We really enjoyed our time with her and on top of that she is big big supporter and promoter of our tour company on Waiheke Island. What more could you ask for! Thanks Catherine, from Ananda Tours!

Brooke Robinson

Managing Director, Ananda Tours

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It is a privilege working with Catherine from The Engine. Catherine brings a wealth of knowledge to our business. Catherine has supported us in creating and updating our business policies such as employment contracts, health and safety, code of conduct and other business support. Most of all the continuous HR support has been the most beneficial for us. Catherine is always just a phone call away, and is always happy to answer and support. Catherine has great Business Connections (Partners), who have been an absolute pleasure to work with. We look forward to continuing this partnership with The Engine. Thank you.

Lauren De Vries

Managing Director, Cinderella Beauty and Spa

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Lidgard engaged The Engine for an array of professional services including sales and marketing advice and organisational design and HR planning/support. We found The Engine to be highly professional, knowledgeable and strongly solutions focused. They were able to offer assistance and guidance in areas we hadn’t even contemplated. We are now a much stronger and focused enterprise for the experience. Our many and sincere thanks!

Justin Edgar

Director, Lidgard Shades

Easy Social Media

I am very thankful I crossed paths with Catherine Sherwood from The Engine as she was an incredible business support for my bridal business and especially during its transition to a new premises. Would highly recommend to anyone who wishes to take their business to the next level to get in touch.

Belinda Beagley

Director, Bridal Brilliance

Easy Social Media

Catherine is a highly motivational person to be around and inspires as she goes. Her connections are outstanding and networking skills are instantaneously on the button and with innovative integrity. Catherine has connected me doing corporate massage and speaking events related to my topics on food, health and wellness. Catherine has had an awesome impact on my business and I look forward to it’s continuum.

David Clark

Director

Easy Social Media

Catherine is an ‘ideas’ machine providing highly relevant, practical advice and direction as well as introductions and referrals to her own considerable network of contacts.

Mike Silverman

Franchise Owner, Maintain To Profit

Easy Social Media

Words can’t even begin to express how amazing it’s been working with The Engine. I can easily say this was the best business decision we ever made. Added huge value to our company and the results are beyond impressive. We’ve grown rapidly thanks to The Engine. We highly recommend this fantastic service to all business owners, it will be one of the best decisions you make!

Gilby

Director, Raincloud

Easy Social Media

In the very first meeting with Catherine I had a lightbulb moment. She spotted a huge opportunity I had previously considered but couldn’t quite figure out how to make it work. With her different perspective, all the pieces of the jigsaw suddenly fell into place and I could see the big picture. I’m now struggling to keep up with sales – another problem for which Catherine’s advice and support has been invaluable. I’ve had many business mentors and coaches in my 11 years in business. Catherine’s hands-on, practical and very accessible approach is shaping up to be the most valuable yet. Coaching is a big commitment for a small business but I’m confident it will be a drop in the bucket once I’ve realised the return on investment. I highly recommend Catherine!

Shelley

Director, Downright Brilliant

Easy Social Media

Catherine came into our lives during our first lockdown. Covid has given our business quite the shake up and without Catherine’s knowledge, guidance, support, and accountability our business may not still be here now. She cares deeply for her clients and helps you find solutions for challenges (Opportunities as she would call them) that you wouldn’t have found yourself. We will continue to use Catherine throughout our business journey and would highly recommend anyone in business to do the same. Thank you for all you do The Engine!!

Kelly Young

Co-Director and Franchise Owner, 9Rounds Albany

Easy Social Media

Catherine and I have been working together on Colonial Hot Tubs for a number of years now. I can only say that if you are even thinking about working with someone to support your business and give it extra go forward then you should be calling Catherine and the team at the Engine now. We have been pushed to ask many hard questions on this journey, and in our own way we seem to arrive at the right answer with Catherines guidance and support. The Engine are a well run and organised team that bring a wealth of experience to the table. Thank you Catherine. I very much appreciate all you do for us.

Charles George

Director, Colonial Hot Tubs

Easy Social Media

RHUBARB is a 7 day a week licensed café based in the Roslyn community of Dunedin. We have been here for seventeen years.
For me, being a business owner has been one day and one step at a time, just working with the issues that come up every day, one at a time. And that’s on a good day.

Late 2020 after the first COVID lockdown I came across Catherine on the Café show. Straight away I felt that she might be the person that I could let in to my “inner sanctum”. I was right. Catherine has been a strength and guide thru some choppy waters. I don’t easily trust, but I trust her.

Her advice in all aspects of managing my business has been of huge value to both my business and to me personally.
Catherine has challenged me to think outside the box, and I always feel that she understands my challenges and is in there alongside me. She has introduced me to businesses that I would not otherwise have had any chance of associating with. Being located in Dunedin has not been a problem with understanding my business and industry challenges. I liked the fact that she had no preconceived opinions about me or my business.
Being a business owner can sometimes be very lonely. The Engine’s slogan of “You are not alone” say’s it all for me.
I have no hesitation in recommending that you make contact with Catherine and the team at The Engine.

Helen Write

Director, Rhubarb

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Lesley Dobson

Its Organic Darling

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Darrell Smith

Landsmiths

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Catherine came on board in early February tasked with forward planning / marketing / succession planning and to assist with my exit as a working shareholder in our import / wholesale business.  Then all hell broke loose with the unforeseen COVID 19 lockdown.

 

Catherine rose to the challenge, rolled up her sleeves and helped in every area from demanding accountability, putting us in touch with already stretched reliable resources to enable us to remain in business through a very testing time, providing introductions to enable much needed IT upgrade, specialist finance options and legal advice options plus social media experts.

 

Not only did we manage to hold our own beyond the lockdown period Catherine facilitated an exit path for me that seemed almost impossible. Going forward the business has retained her as an expert business advisor.

 

I highly recommend the advice and mentorship of Catherine Sherwood and the Engine.

 

Greg Anderson

Former Co-Director

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Alex Su

IRelax

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Catherine Sherwood has been our Business Advisor since early April 2018.  Our group of companies consists of 11 stores and 4 brands.  Her breadth of experience as a business owner as well as her years of experience with the China markets made our decision to engage with her easier.  Over the course of our engagement Catherine has worked to assist my staff in leadership and development, built our Digital Footprint and Customer Engagement, followed through on compliance matters, established sales pipelines for the business and worked on development of strategic partnerships for growth. I regard Catherine as a partner in my business, someone I can share confidential information with, trust to deliver areas within our business with our best interest and know she enjoys seeing our success.  We look forward to our continued partnership with Catherine.

Alex Su

Director , iRelax

Easy Social Media

I connected with Catherine when I was after some legal advice, she pointed me in the direction of Linda from GM Legal, Linda has been a major help to my situation and I am for ever grateful to Catherine for connecting me with Linda. THANK YOU!!

FACEBOOK REVIEW

Amy Duncan

Community Page

Easy Social Media

We are really appreciative of the support & guidance Catherine gave us during our time working with her as our Business Advisor.  Not just from a business perspective, but also on a personal level as she genuinely looked out for us as individuals – not just business owners.

The Customer Survey which was conducted was an awesome process to go through, one that we would never have attempted to do on our own and it was great to get feedback from our customers on what we were doing well, and what we could improve on.

 

Catherine’s experience in customer engagement has helped us to take our social media presence to a new level, and we’ve had great feedback on our monthly newsletters that Catherine initiated and got off the ground for us.

 

Catherine has a wide range of contacts across many different industries which helped us review different facets of our business including finance and marketing.

 

Thank you for your help Catherine, we now feel much more confident in the direction we are heading and more confident to tackle things on our own now.

Scott & Shannon Sampson

Directors, Glendene Engine Reconditioners Limited (GER)

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Grant Finer

Business Strategy NZ

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I’ve had 2 Zoom meetings with Catherine so far, and there is no doubt in my mind that talking to her has been one of my best decisions this year. Catherine not only has the ability to ask the right questions in order for yourself to determine what is important to you and what direction you choose to take next, but she also has guidance and advice to empower yourself to implement any changes you wish to make. I look forward to progressing professionally with a new determination! Thank you Catherine!

FACEBOOK REVIEW

Louise Swainson

Girls Talk Business NZ Member

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The Crate Flexible Office Space is proud to be partnered with Catherine Sherwood and The Engine. As solid believers in collaboration and co-working, our experience with The Engine has been nothing less than generous and helpful. This is relationship is returning in many ways, including the expansion of our business network, new partnerships, more foot traffic through our facility and great promotion from Catherine who is a serious promoter of others whether in person, at events or through social media.

FACEBOOK REVIEW

Dean Payn

Director, The Crate Flexible Office Space

Easy Social Media

We are a Building Company which has been operating for many years and now are in an expanding mode building Container Homes. Catherine Sherwood has made her mark on our business in so many ways as our business advisor, with her expertise and knowledge in every aspect. She has set us up with contacts from her large networking data base, which has saved us a lot of money and heartache, also her invaluable experience in marketing, which in turn has enabled the business to move forward in so many ways.  We have recognised that Catherine’s continual support has been exactly what we needed and realise that we would be floundering without her. It’s very comforting that we have her behind us, and value her friendship. Anyone considering using Catherine’s services would surely benefit in so many ways, highly recommended.

 

Mary and Graham Little

Directors, Attitude Building