People in Business

A Point of Service

Personifying the adage that a well-planned venture creates its own niche, City Forex NZ Limited has earned distinction among corporates and individuals for its quality service, exchanging currency and goodwill, remitting money overseas and earning respect at home.

“The market may be replete with similar providers and competition may be fierce, but dedication and sincerity will always be followed by rewards,” says Managing Director Sunil Kumar.

Apart from the rich experience that he gained as a trainee at the City Foreign Exchange Limited in Hong Kong, his affable manners, punctuated by the strength of conviction and professional integrity have been the instruments of his success in a field that is increasingly being saturated by local and international players.

“The Indian community expects and demands safe, fast, reliable and compliant money transfer process and we have endeavoured to meet these needs. Nothing appeases the customer more than quality service that backed guarantee of security,” he said.

This reporter remembers the apprehension that Mr Kumar sported prior to establishing the operation in October 2005.

“Is Wellesley Street in Auckland’s Central Business District the right location for this business? Will customers expect car park facility, which we cannot provide? How competitive can we get, given the overheads and other recurrent costs?”

These were the questions that he asked himself and others in the business, wondering if there would be “money in the business.” That was ironical.

Four years on, City Forex has established for itself a reputation as an honest exchange and money transmission house (its Western Union connection works wonders) and as an enterprise that walks an extra mile to promote customer satisfaction.

Apart from regular customers, the company’s ‘On-the-spot service’ booth in the Princess Wharf area is considered useful and strategic.

“Do people have money to spare in these days of depressing recession?

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” Mr Kumar said, reminding us of yet another adage. “The best time to do anything in now.”

His career began with a software company in Ahmedabad and went on to include Central Excise and since the beginning of this century at the New Zealand Ministry of Justice and finance companies, leading up to his current roles in City Forex, City Forex Australia Pty Limited (Director) and City Forex Fiji Pty Limited (National Director).

Phone: (09) 9701040 Mobile: 021777965 Email: citynz@clear.net.nz Web: www.cityforx.com

A Point of Difference

When Kishore Ramasre arrived in Auckland 18 years ago to study graduate degree in International Business, followed by postgraduate diploma in Finance and masters degree in Business Studies, he did not know that he would one day be a positive image of his father (who runs a photo studio) in his native Lautoka in Fiji.

His career began with the ASB Bank in 1996; the money was good and life was pleasant but not good enough to a man who was keen to make it bigger and better in life, prepared to take risks and work hard.

“We make a point of difference, accept and combat challenges. We must do something that keeps us busy as well,” he told his wife Shareen, who migrated to New Zealand in 2004, following her (arranged) marriage.

Retail food business appealed to both of them and the involvement of Shareen with her experience in real estate and food industry became a major strength.

That was two years ago; the search for an address and a business went on and it was not until recently that prospect of establishing a franchise of Moshims Discount House in North Shore appealed to the couple.

The plot at 54 View Road was suitable and an initial meeting with Moshims Discount House Managing Director Mohammed Hasim Khan proved successful.

The 600 Sq M property came with freezers and car park facility.

“The Harbour Fitness Centre located within the complex is mutually complimentary. Everyone who attends a gym would need a cold drink, but walks out with a number of other purchases. Many of them have become our regular customers. Service with a smile helps,” Mr Ramasre said.

The retail store also has a food takeaway counter, which is proving to be an added attraction. With a wide range of items such as butter chicken, fish and chips, Chinese and rice dishes and outdoor catering orders, this section keeps the staff busy.

With almost 10,000 items in stock, this Moshims outlet caters to Indian, Maori, Pacific Island and European communities.

“It is never a dull moment and that is what we sought and got,” Mr Ramasre said.

Phone: (09) 9122815 Mobile: 021-628889 Email: kishore.ramasre@clear.net.nz

A Point of Contact

Bankers, it would seem, have what it takes to be entrepreneurs, independent professionals and or self-employed. With an increasing number of people of Indian origin going on their own, the community will soon boast of more wealth creators than wage earners.

Among those keen to prove their worth with innovative ideas is Krishna Datt, a banker by experience (in his native Fiji and in New Zealand).

He has just launched ‘epropertystop,’ a property website that claims to bring together buyers, sellers and others in the industry to a common place to bid, bargain, purchase, sell and invest in properties.

“This site affords a global point of contact and has immense potential to grow, offering opportunities for financiers and bankers to interact and conduct online transactions. It is user-friendly and offers scope for expansion,” Mr Datt said.

He said the website is a single window for people interested not in residential and commercial properties for lease or purchase but also in finding rural and holiday homes anywhere in New Zealand.

“Instead of just reaching the local audience, realtors or financial institutions can list themselves on the website for international customers to find the property of their choice in this country. I am confident that the epropertystop will become the single largest property resource for those interested in the property sector,” he said.

While properties can be listed for $NZ 1 per day, buyers keen on properties can register their requests free of cost.

“Each property will have a link to local banks or mortgage lenders. There will be a second option for insurers. Everyone keen on entering the website with their logos (with a click taking them to their own website) can contact us,” Mr Datt said.

Phone: (09) 2731598 Mobile: 021-1393436 Email: krishna.datt@sonisung.com

Web: www.epropertystop.com