Christine Abela
Christine Abela
Canterbury, South Island, Timaru, Otago
Christine Abela: Business consulting that helps you get your business sorted
I’m Christine Abela, a business consultant based in Timaru, South Canterbury. I work with owner-operated businesses that have reached the point where working harder isn’t fixing the problems anymore.
My background combines business consulting with more than four decades working with technology and systems, which means I can help work out what needs to change and, where appropriate, help make that change happen.
Business experience with a technical brain
My career started as a programmer and systems analyst, and I’ve now spent more than four decades working with businesses, technology and online systems.
That technical background still matters, but I’m a business consultant first. I look at the whole business: direction, numbers, people, accountability, systems, technology, marketing and growth. And because I understand the practical side as well as the strategy, I can often help implement what we decide rather than simply leaving you with a list of recommendations.
Ways to work with Christine
Different businesses need different levels of help
You might know exactly what needs fixing and simply need a structure to work through it. You might want regular support and accountability while you make changes. Or you might have several things going on at once and need someone experienced alongside you to work out what matters, what needs to change, and help you make it happen.
I work with business owners at each of those levels.
The important thing is choosing the right amount of support for where your business is now, rather than paying for more than you need or struggling on your own when you actually need some help.
I want to work through things myself
Get Your Business Sorted: Self-Guided
A structured way to work through the six areas that make a business easier to run and grow: Strategic Direction, Measure, Execute, Systemise, Automate and Grow.
This is a good fit if you are comfortable doing the work yourself, but want a clear framework so you know what to tackle, and in what order.
Best suited to: Business owners who want structure rather than regular consulting support.
How it works: Online programme that you work through at your own pace.
Next step: Explore Get Your Business Sorted →
I want structure, but I’d also like regular support
Get Your Business Sorted: Group Coaching
Work through Get Your Business Sorted with me and a small group of other business owners.
You still do the work in your own business, but you have somewhere to ask questions, test your thinking, stay accountable and keep moving instead of letting the important work disappear underneath everything urgent.
Best suited to: Owners who want guidance and accountability without the cost of one-to-one consulting.
How it works: GYBS programme plus regular group sessions with me.
Next step: See how GYBS Group Coaching works →
I want to work through my business with Christine one-to-one
Get Your Business Sorted: One-to-One
This uses the same six-stage GYBS framework, but we work through it together and apply it specifically to your business.
Rather than simply learning the material, we can dig into what is actually happening, challenge assumptions, decide what needs attention first and turn those decisions into practical action.
Best suited to: Owners who want the structure of GYBS but would rather work directly with me than in a group or on their own.
How it works: Individual sessions with me alongside your GYBS programme.
Next step: Talk to me about GYBS one-to-one →
My business has several things that need sorting out
Oxygen8 Business Consulting
Sometimes the problem doesn’t fit neatly into a course.
Perhaps turnover has grown but profit hasn’t. Everything still comes back to you. Your team is busy but accountability is patchy. You have systems, but they don’t quite work. Or you know the business could perform considerably better, but you’re too close to it to see what needs to change first.
This is where my broader business consulting work fits.
We look at the business as a whole, establish what is really getting in the way, agree the priorities and work together on making the changes. Depending on what we find, that can include strategy, financial measures, people and accountability, systems, technology, marketing and implementation.
I’m based in South Canterbury and work with businesses locally, elsewhere in New Zealand and online.
Best suited to: Established owner-operated businesses with several connected issues, particularly where the owner wants an experienced outside perspective as well as practical help getting things done.
How it works: Ongoing one-to-one business consulting through Oxygen8.
Next step: Book a business discussion →
I run a franchise system and want stronger business operators
Business Training for Franchise Companies
A good franchisee can be excellent at delivering the product or service and still struggle with the business side of running their operation.
I work with franchise companies that want to strengthen franchisees’ understanding of direction, numbers, execution, systems and growth, using a structured framework that can be applied consistently across the network.
This can complement the operational and technical training already provided by the franchisor rather than replacing it.
Best suited to: Franchisors wanting to improve franchisee business capability, accountability and commercial decision-making.
How it works: Tailored training or a pilot programme for a group of franchisees.
Still not sure which one you need?
You don’t need to diagnose your own business before talking to me.
If you know something needs to change but you’re not sure whether you need a programme, group support or one-to-one consulting, start with the Get Your Business Sorted Business Snapshot. It takes you through 18 questions covering the six areas of the business and helps identify where the gaps are.
Take the free Business Snapshot →
Or, if you already know you want to talk it through with me:
A little about me outside business
I’m based in Timaru and am actively involved in the local business community through BNI, the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and Lions.
When I’m not working, there’s a fair chance you’ll find me in the garden, sewing or doing some other handcraft, or occasionally fishing. Having interests that have absolutely nothing to do with business is quite deliberate.
Whether your business is in need of rescue, needs to improve or just needs to grow, our Business Success Programme will help you to achieve your goals.
Book a FREE Consultation