A Tauranga-based company is officially open for business in the Cook Islands.

Woods the Creative Agency has been approved by the Business Trade Investment Board to operate as a foreign enterprise.

Woods the Creative Agency operator Reuben Woods.

Operator Rueben Wood says he has spent several years developing the Cook Island's first graphic design course with the University of the South Pacific, and is now looking to provide branding, design and marketing services for local companies and organisations.

He says the agency also aims to work with talented local designers to provide them with exciting career opportunities.

Having already worked closely with Cook Islands businesses for several years, Reuben feels they have a solid appreciation of the cultural fabric of the Islands, and are best placed to build brands that have global appeal.

'It's a real opportunity to raise the level of design and branding within the Cook Islands, so that local businesses can compete on an international scale.”

He says Woods the Creative Agency is confident they will become an asset to many local companies.

'No longer will businesses need to look overseas to outsource their design, marketing and branding work, as we can achieve better results, and we're right on their doorstep.”

The firm is hoping to work alongside product-based businesses that are looking to export.