kingston business bulletin feb 2013 web

KKiinnggssttoonn BBuussiinneessss BBuulllleettiinnVolume 1 2013Taking Care of Business in Kingston www.kingstonbusiness.com.au

It has been said that people whocreate knowledge and people whoneed that knowledge do notnecessarily communicate well withone another – and this needs tochange if Australia is to improve itsperformance in converting world-class research into new and excitingproducts that address the challengeswe are facing.

The South East Melbourne InnovationPrecinct (SEMIP) initiative, of which Kingstonis an active partner, has accepted thechallenge of assisting local companies toaccess the world-class research institutionsthat operate within this region.

A number of events featured in thisedition will provide you the opportunity tobe involved with new and emergingtechnologies and innovation at its best.One not to miss is:

SEMIP INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM 2013 “Innovation Symposium 2013”, to be heldon 21st March, is designed to showcasesuccessful examples of companies thathave bridged the gap between researchand innovation.

Professor Ian Chubb, Chief Scientist ofAustralia and Patron of Science inIndustry, will give a national perspectiveon this very topical issue, complementedby presentations and panel discussionsfrom both small to medium enterprises

(SMEs), larger companies and theresearch community.

An international perspective will beprovided by Kees Eijkel, CEO of KennisparkTwente, the shell for commercialisation inand around the University of Twente andSaxion University in the Netherlands.

Who should attend?Industry leaders, owners and operators ofbusinesses who are hungry for change andwant to make the right connections.

SEMIP INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM 2013

Date: Thursday 21st March

Time: 8.00am – 2.00pm

Venue: Hemisphere Conference Centre,

488 South Rd, Moorabbin

Bookings: www.innovation2013.com.au

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Innovation

Are youconnected?As businesses look to emergingtechnologies for growth anddevelopment, they are quicklyfinding the first hurdle is the out ofdate broadband infrastructure andits inadequate capabilities.

Since the announcement of the rollout ofthe National Broadband Network (NBN),Council has been actively highlighting thecritical need for high speed broadband inKingston, one of Victoria’s majoremployment centres.

While successful in ensuring a number ofKingston areas are now included in thecurrent roll out program, there are still key industrial precincts missing out.

Council is now proactively pursuing the NBN for other locations, such as Braeside,which is home to many internationallyfocussed companies employing large numbers of our community.

Council’s Economic Development team arenow visiting business owners in industryprecincts to collect data on current andfuture technology requirements and otherbusiness needs.

Tell us about your business technologyrequirements:• email [email protected] or• call phone 9581 4735• or Have Your Say athttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KingstonBroadband

Emergency Management is oftenperceived as emergency services andthe flashing lights as they turn outand respond - but what happensbefore and after an event?In emergency management, there are fourfundamentals for managing emergenciesand disasters - Prevention, Preparedness,Response and Recovery (PPRR). These fourfundamentals are fast being adopted bybusinesses to ensure their continuedsurvival. Ask yourself the followingquestions to maintain preparedness.

PREVENTION – How do we prevent a bad year,incidents and accidents happening, beingaffected by a disaster, cash flow issues?

PREPAREDNESS – Do we have enoughinsurance cover? How often will we meetand review targets, standards, equipment,stock holdings performance etc and whatwould we do if a disaster was to happen tothe business or area? What is our businesscontinuity plan?

RESPONSE – How can we reduce theturnaround time for requests, orders anddeliveries and how would we keep everyonesafe if there was a fire / flood / disaster?

RECOVERY – How quickly can we fix an issueor problem for a client, what would we do if amajor emergency was to affect our business orarea - would our business continuity planstand up, can we temporarily relocate andcontinue trading?

These are questions being asked bythousands of business owners (includingself-employed) across the country.

Online tools like MyBizShield, have beendeveloped by using the four fundamentalsof emergency management to help youmeet your business needs through anyemergency.

Will you leave it too late toPrevent, Prepare, Respond and Recover?Helpful tools for businesses can be found atwww.business.gov.auwww.mfb.vic.gov.auwww.ses.vic.gov.au

Collaborative Networks Pilot ProgramThe Victorian Government’s CollaborativeNetworks Pilot Program aims to promoteimproved productivity through fosteringpartnerships between business and Victoria’sworld-class research institutions.

The demand-driven program works to translaterecent research and technological innovationsinto commercial outcomes and builds onVictoria’s competitive advantages in business,manufacturing, innovation and research.The Networks will be led by:• The Council of Textile and Fashion

Industries of Australia• The Monash Institute of Medical

Research

• Dairy Innovation Australia• Composites AustraliaIf you have any questions relating to theCollaborative Networks Pilot Program,please [email protected]

Emergency Management Basics

2 A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston

EditorialHappy New Year to everyone! Ihope you had the opportunity tospend some relaxing time withfamily and friends and have nowreturned to work with renewedenergy to focus on the year ahead.

Depending on which economic analyst youlisten to, 2013 is going to be a good yearwith the US economy improving, the debtsituation in Europe stabilising and Chinagrowing faster than expected – or it will bethe exact opposite!

I think the reality is that a great deal ofuncertainty remains and that 2013 will bechallenging for most businesses, dependingon what sector you operate in.

However, there is one thing that is certain.The use of social media in all its guises willcontinue to increase at an incremental rate.Innovation and new technology adoptionand adaptation, together with excellence incustomer service, will be fundamental tobusiness success.

Savvy customers are now extremely wellequipped to research your product orservice and to purchase at the time of theirchoosing. If you don’t offer potentialcustomers this convenience, yourcompetitor will.

Access to high-speed broadband is crucial.Council will continue its very activeadvocacy on behalf of its businesscommunity to be included in the early roll-out of the National Broadband Network.

Kingston will also be offering a diverse rangeof opportunities and forums to assist you toinnovate in your business regardless ofwhether you are a start-up or an establishedcompany. And it is not just about newtechnologies. Business model innovation isalso paramount. The old way of doingthings may no longer be appropriate.

If there are any other activities that you thinkwould assist your business, please contact me.

“It’s not the strongest of the species thatsurvive, nor the most intelligent, but the onemost responsive to change”. Charles Darwin

Suzanne FergusonManager, Economic Development,

City of Kingston

HomeBiz Connect The Australian Government’s new HomeBizConnect is designed to introduce Home BasedBusinesses (or intending home based start-ups)with the skills involved in running a businessand can connect you to a range of low-costand no-cost business advisory services.

Professionals will be on hand to answer allsorts of questions from tax to record keeping.They will also be able to advise you how tofind people who can help you develop a

business plan and understand what it takes torun a small business.

Whether you are looking to start a new onlineretail store, to contract out your corporate ortrade skills, or support a partner by managingtheir paperwork, registering to attend anInformation Session is a great place to start.

The Melbourne launch is on 18th April 2013at Rydges, 701 Swanston Street, Carlton Register at http://homebizconnect.org.au

Collaborative Networks Pilot Program

SAVER PLUS FOR YOUR WORKERSProvide your employees withaccess to a free matched savingsand financial education program.

Saver Plus is a savings program thatcould help your employees receivematched savings dollar for dollar (up to$500) towards personal or familyeducation costs. It is an initiative of theBrotherhood of St Laurence and ANZand is funded by the AustralianGovernment with ANZ providing thematched savings. It is delivered byvarious community agencies and is nowavailable within the City of Kingston.

Saver Plus participants set a savingsgoal, complete financial skills workshopsand save regularly and consistentlytowards their savings goal. To beeligible to join Saver Plus a person must:• have a Centrelink Health Care Card

or Pensioners Concession Card;• be at least 18 years old;• have some regular income from

work (themself or their partner);and

• be a parent or guardian of a childat school or be attending orreturning to vocational educationthemselves.

Eligible savings goals can includecomputers, text books, school uniforms,equipment needed for vocationaltraining e.g. tools of trade as well asstudent excursions and camps andequipment or fees for club andcommunity activities such as dance,music, swimming lessons, sport etc.

This program has been comprehensivelyevaluated by RMIT which has shown that

participants find the financial educationsessions to be extremely rewarding.They finish the program with improvedmoney management skills and a longterm savings habit which helps toalleviate financial stress. The latest RMITresearch shows that 87% of participantscontinued to save after completing theSaver Plus Program.

It may be possible for you, as anemployer, to offer the Saver Plusprogram to your employees and havethe financial education sessionsdelivered in the workplace if you have asuitable space. Alternatively, individualworkers can contact Jewish Care, who isthe community agency contracted todeliver the program in Kingston.

This program provides an excellentopportunity for employers to assist theirlower income employees improve theirfinancial literacy and receive dollar fordollar matched savings towardseducation costs.

For further information contact HenryFrenkel, Saver Plus Project Worker on 8517 5670 / 0488 069 627 [email protected].

Workplace English Language andLiteracy (WELL)

HomeBiz Connect

Volunteer businessmentoring – a rewardingexperience

Retired and semi-retired CEOs andentrepreneurs are helping localbusiness owners to achieve theirgoals through the Mentor PartnersProgram.

If you have a wealth of experience andsuccess in business and looking forsomething rewarding to do in your freetime, then the Mentor Partners Programmay be what you are looking for.

The Mentor Partners Program is a jointinitiative between Glen Eira and KingstonCity Councils and enables experiencedbusiness people to give back to thecommunity using the skills they haveacquired over a lifetime in business.

Mentors in the Program feel a greatsense of satisfaction, knowing they arenot only assisting individuals to reachtheir goals, but also contributing to theeconomic development of our region.

The free Program, which has beenrunning since 2002, matches volunteerbusiness mentors with local businesses,to assist the owners in overcomingchallenges and developing action plansto grow their business.

Mentors are accredited through Glen Eiraand Kingston City Councils and areprovided with access to businessresources, business events and supportmaterials.The Program also gives mentorsthe opportunity to utilise their businessknowledge in different settings andcontinue to build their mentoring skills.

If you have a successful businessbackground and enjoy motivating andhelping others, and would like to givesomething back to the community, pleasecontact Mentor Partners Program Co-ordinator, Sandy Brouvalis, on 0438 507010 or visit www.mentorpartners.com.aufor more information.

A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston 3

The Workplace English Language andLiteracy (WELL) Program is agovernment-funded program aimed atassisting organisations to trainworkers in English language, literacyand numeracy skills.

This funding is available on acompetitive grants basis toorganisations for English languageand literacy training linked to job-related workplace training and isdesigned to help workers meet theircurrent and future employment andtraining needs.

The organisation applying for thefunding grant should be prepared toco-ordinate project activities and touse approved training providers, as setout in the guidelines. Eligibleactivities include English language,literacy and numeracy trainingintegrated with workplace training.Employers are expected to contributeat least 25% of training costs (50% forsecond and third year projects) andprovide regular reports.

Further information is available atwww.innovation.gov.au/skills


The first event for the KingstonBusiness Women's Network will beheld on 19th February whereguest speaker, Amanda Birch ofLemexe, will share her expertiseon creating and delivering atargeted communications strategy.

Amanda has a wealth of businessexperience, both in Australia andoverseas, and will outline a low-coststrategy to ensure your business messageis heard.

There is dedicated time at the event totalk to others about your business andmake new connections. First-time

attendees at these events are made verywelcome. There is no better time than thestart of 2013 to build your businessconnections and network with like-minded business women.

The February event is sponsored andhosted by the Mentone Hotel.

Date: Tues 19th February 2013Time: 1.15pm - 2.45pmVenue: Mentone Hotel

95 Beach Road, MentoneCost: $20, which includes light

finger foodTo register visit:www.kingstonbusiness.com.au

MAKING GOOD BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

Planning to start a business? Findout what you need to know tomake sure your new business getsoff to a sound start.

This comprehensive workshop on startinga business will cover topics that includehow to assess the viability of your idea,identifying the best business structure foryour needs, marketing, finance, pointersand tips on preparing a business plan andwhat resources are available to assist andsupport new business operators andmore.

*A voucher for one free mentoring sessionis provided for participants in thisworkshop.

Date: Wed 20th February 2013Time: 1.00pm - 4.30pmVenue: Woodlands , 109 White St

Mordialloc Vic 3195Cost: $30To register visit: http://goo.gl/kc41V

Starting Your Business

If you are a business operating inBraeside, you are invited to comealong to a business networking eventhosted by Kingston Council.

This is a great opportunity to meet yourneighbouring business owners after work,chat over drinks and nibbles and find outwhat business support is available for localbusinesses.

Council’s business development team willbe on hand to hear first-hand about yourbusiness and keep you updated on theservices and resources currently available.

“Meet Your Mates” events are held ineach industrial area in Kingston on arotational basis. This free event is focussedon businesses in the Braeside andMordialloc area.

Talk business with other businesses inKingston and make new contacts!

Date: Thurs 21st February 2013Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pmVenue: BraesideCost: FreeRegistrations are required, to register visit:www.kingstonbusiness.com.au

For more information, contact Angela or Matton 9581 4735.

MEET YOUR MATES

To visit the eventsPage on ourwebsite, please scanthe QR code.

For more details visit:

www.kingstonbusiness.com.au Phone : 9581 4735

ADVANCEDMANUFACTURING ATMONASH UNIVERSITYThis workshop will showcase four ofMonash University’s world-leadingcapabilities in new and innovativematerials, processes and technologies thatare transforming the future ofmanufacturing. Could your companybenefit from knowing the latestdevelopments in:

• Flexible solar cells printed on plastics;• Spray drying and functional particles

for the food and pharmaceuticalindustries;

• Enhanced construction materials,including utilisation of waste materials;

• Advanced RFID systems and real worldapplications.

INNOVATION WORKSHOP -ADVANCED MANUFACTURINGDate: Tuesday, 26th FebruaryTime: 8.30am – 11.00amVenue: Monash Biomedical Laboratory,

770 Blackburn Rd, ClaytonRegistrations:

[email protected] by 19 Feb 2013 for catering purposes

ROYAL AUSTRALIANCHEMICAL INSTITUTE

An opportunity exists for localmanufacturers who are heavily reliant oninnovative and competitive chemicaltechnologies to mix with scientists fromindustry, academia, and business executivesat a free networking event at MonashUniversity. Held at Taste Baguette,“ChemBeers” is the Chemistry NetworkingEvent of the South East Corridor.

CHEMBEERSDate: Thursday, 21st FebruaryTime: 5.30pm – 7.30pmVenue: Menzies Building, Monash University

Further information can be found athttp://www.raci.org.au/events/event/chembeers-4


Starting Your Business

MEET YOUR MATES

Find out about businessresources, assistance,programs and information

Get FREE and direct access to local,state and federal governmentagencies, business advisors and others.Ask questions, get information, andfind out about the programs, grants,resources, people and organisationsthat can help you. Network withother small businesses and learn howto run or improve a small businessand be inspired!

Find out how to: • Source government programs,

grants and resources• Get practical help to commercialise

new ideas and kick-start yourbusiness

• Secure your intellectual property• Protect your business from scams• Comply with your tax obligations• Protect your employees and make

your workplace safe• Fulfil your consumer guarantee

obligations• Find out about Kingston Council’s

business support programs

Small businesses are the engine of oureconomy. Come along and see how wecan help you to be more successful.

Date: Tues 9th April 2013Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pmVenue: Woodlands Golf Club

109 White St, MordiallocCost: Free (incl. refreshments)Registration:www.kingstonbusiness.com.auEnquiries: Joe Imbesi - 0402 133 673

BUSINESS ‘Q & A’

The Kingston Business Women’snetwork event for April willfeature guest speaker, ElizabethConway, from the Isis Institute.

Elizabeth will draw on her ownpersonal success as a business womanfor over 20 years, as well as a ReikiMaster, to inspire those wishing tonavigate successfully their personal,professional and spiritual journey.

This event will be sponsored by theQuest Apartments in Moorabbin.

Date: Wed 17th April 2013Time: 1.15pm - 2.45pmVenue: Quest Apartments,

MoorabbinCost: $20, which includes

light finger foodTo register visit:www.kingstonbusiness.com.au

Powering Your Business Success

Small businesses that succeedknow the importance ofmarketing! Marketing is the key to letting peopleknow you exist, so it pays to know howto do it. However, traditionalmarketing channels such as print,

magazines and newspapers are beingovertaken by an array of onlineoptions, changing the way we market.Join us and learn practical tips andideas about deciding which marketingtools are best for your business.

Date: Thurs 18th April 2013Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pmVenue: Kingston City Council

1230 Nepean HighwayCheltenham Vic 3192

Cost: $20Register: http://goo.gl/qFsrS

MARKETING BASICS

Plan to succeed in business.

This practical business planning seminarwill point your business in the rightdirection and is ideal for both newbusiness owners and those thinkingabout starting a business. You will learnhow to write and implement a onepage business plan and how to set goalsthat will put you on the track to success.

Date: Wed 13th March 2013Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pmVenue: Kingston City Council

1230 Nepean HighwayCheltenham Vic 3192

Cost: $20

Register: http://goo.gl/Sd6pN

BUSINESS PLANNING BASICS






Consumer behaviour has clearlychanged. The speed of this changehas caught many retailers bysurprise. Consumers are shoppingacross an array of multiple channelsany time - day or night. There isnow a new retail landscape!

Consumers simply have moreopportunities at their fingertips. It is nolonger sufficient to have a shop andconsider using a catalogue or flyer assufficient to engage with customers.They demand more touch points such aswebsites and online stores.

Retailers need to embrace new ways ofselling and find a point of difference togrow their business without increasingtheir shop floor space. If you arerunning a retail business, don’t miss thisopportunity to find out how!

This workshop will de-mystify the‘multi-channel trends’ and will provideretailers with an understanding of whatis actually the new way of retailing.How to combine a physical store withan online store and why this will assistyour customers.

Topics covered will include:• Multi-channel retailing• Inventory management• Fulfillment and logistics• How to leverage existing

technology channels• Successful online sales techniques• Cross-channel sales and why they

are important.

Karen Bycroft from the Australian RetailInstitute will help retailers understandthe changes required to be successful andhow to implement a retail strategy thatwill keep pace with customers’ demands.

Karen has over 20 years of experience inretail, including working for major UKdepartment stores, Marks and Spencer,and Woolworths, and fashion retailersincluding Adams and Sears.

Spaces are limited and bookings areessential.

Date: Tuesday 19th March 2013Time: 6.00pm - 9.00pmVenue: Woodlands Golf Club,

White Street, MordiallocCost: $20 includes light finger foodBookings: www.kingstonbusiness.com.auEnquiries: Marian 9581 4786

BUSINESS APPS The Australian Government hasembraced the digital world withthe release of business apps foryour iPhone.

The four business apps include:

• MMYYBBIIZZPPLLAANN – interactive tool thatsteps through the process of creatinga solid, well-structured plan, tailoredto your business.

• MMAARRKKEETTMMYYBBIIZZ – steps you throughthe process of creating a solid, well-structured marketing plan, tailoredto your business.

• MMYYBBIIZZSSHHIIEELLDD – process of creatinga solid, well-structured emergencymanagement plan, tailored to yourbusiness.

• BBUUSS IINNEESSSS ..GGOOVV..AAUU IIPPHHOONNEE AAPPPP –access essential business informationand resources in the palm of yourhand using business.gov.au’s FREEiPhone application.

All apps are free to download andprovide a great resource for businesses.To download the free apps, visit:www.business.gov.au and click on theApps Page.

GET YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE TODAY Want to get your business online,but don’t know where to start?

Need some help with your transition to e-commerce?

Or do you just want practical advice aboutthe internet and what it means for yourbusiness?

The Australian Government’s Digital Businesswebsite provides information that may assistyou, with simple and practical tips on whatyour business could be doing online and howyou can do it.

Visit: http://www.digitalbusiness.gov.au/

Multi-Channel Retailing – The First Steps

Want to get your business online,but don’t know where to start?

Need some help with your transition to e-commerce?

Or do you just want practical advice aboutthe internet and what it means for yourbusiness?

The Australian Government’s Digital Businesswebsite provides information that may assistyou, with simple and practical tips on whatyour business could be doing online and howyou can do it.

Visit: http://www.digitalbusiness.gov.au/

Industry Support Programs ForumHave you thought about takingadvantage of free or low-costassistance programs in 2013 to helpyou reduce your energy use,improve resource efficiency andlower your operating costs?

This FREE Forum will provide you with anoverview of a range of industry assistanceprograms.

SMARTER RESOURCES SMARTERBUSINESS: Sustainability Victoria’s newindustry support program provides a suiteof support services to help businesseswith over 20 employees become morematerials and energy efficient, and savemoney. Services include funding forresource efficiency and energyassessments, and implementing upgrades,as well as support for grant applicationwriting.

CLEAN TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTPROGRAM: The $1 billion CleanTechnology Investment Program providesgrant funding to manufacturers forinvestments in energy efficient capitalequipment such as machinery upgrades,replacement of compressors and lighting,as well as alternative energy supplies.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ASSIST: TheAustralian Industry Group’s (Ai Group)Energy Efficiency Assist Program isproviding a range of products andservices, including FREE onsite energyassessments, for small to mediumcompanies in the manufacturing sector.

ENTERPRISE CONNECT: Is an AustralianGovernment initiative that presents a realopportunity for small and medium sizedbusinesses looking for ways to boostproductivity and innovation in order toimprove their competitiveness,profitability and growth. Services includeBusiness Reviews delivered at no chargeto businesses and grant assistance of upto $20,000, to implementrecommendations identified in theBusiness Review.

Date: Wed 27th Feb 2013Time: 9.00am - 11.00amVenue: Woodlands Golf Club

109 White St, MordiallocCost: Free SEATS ARE LIMITED.Register:www.kingstonbusiness.com.au or phone Sarah on 9867 0224, or email [email protected]

Sustainable Business in Kingston

SustainableBusiness Network

The City of Kingston is seekingExpressions of Interest from localbusinesses to participate in aSustainable Business Network in 2013.

The Network will provide businesses withinformation and support for theimplementation of sustainable businesspractices to stay competitive in a globalmarket. It will provide a platform forbusinesses seeking innovative solutions totheir environmental challenges.

• Networking breakfasts and practicalseminars will keep you informed andfacilitate contact with key industryexpertise.

• Information and advice for business onthe availability of government fundingprograms.

• Regular updates on environmentalchallenges and energy issues and theimplications for your business, as well asopportunities.

Membership of the Sustainable BusinessNetwork is free. TToo rreeggiisstteerr yyoouurr iinntteerreesstt,, pplleeaassee eemmaaiill::bbuussiinneessss@@kkiinnggssttoonn..vv iicc..ggoovv..aauu oorr ccoonnttaaccttAAnnggeellaa SSttuubbbbss oonn 99558811 44778877..

The City of Kingston’s SustainableBusiness Program has enabled 14participating businesses to identifystrategies to build resilience in theircompany in a challengingmarketplace and develop innovativenew business opportunities.

Consultants from The Shaper Group assistedbusiness owners to develop realistic businessplans, reduce their carbon footprint, reduce theiroperating costs, maintain employment levelsand improve production processes and output.

L K Diesel Service was one of the participantsin the program. This family-owned andoperated business was established in1967.Currently, three generations work togetherat their Braeside site. The company suppliesand services industrial diesel engines,generators and pump sets within Australiaand the Asia/Pacific region.

Through the program, L.K.Diesel identified 3key drivers for creating a competitive

advantage through sustainability:1. Operational Efficiencies 2. Branding 3. New Business Opportunities

The business focussed on 3 key operationalefficiency areas - water saving, wastereduction and energy efficiency.

(i) They installed 2 x 25,000 litre watertanks. Now, the cooling tower, washbay area, toilets and hand basins all usetank water. Mains water is only used fordrinking water and a drip feed systemfor the garden area, leading to areduction from an average of 792 litresper day to an average of 94 litres.

(ii) Costs for waste removal and packagingmaterials have been reduced by 80%.Most cardboard boxes are now recycledand waste paper is shredded for use inthe despatch area.

(iii) An energy audit found that lightingwas consuming most of their electricity.The initial outlay of changing theexisting 400W metal halides in the

workshop to 150W LED highbay will berecouped in 2½ years. Costs associated withchanging the existing 30W fluoro tubes inthe office space with 18W LED tubes will berecouped in only 1.6 years.

As a result of the Sustainable BusinessProgram, L.K.Diesel also commenced anumber of new branding initiatives,including upgrading their website andacquiring an industry database to extendtheir marketing to potential customers. Thecompany is developing ways to use web-based technology to streamline customers’purchasing and servicing requirements. ACustomer Relationship Management systemwill enable the creation of tailor-madesolutions for each customer.

All participants in the Sustainable Businessprogram achieved a great deal. Theyestablished robust measures to reduce thecost of doing business and also identified newbusiness opportunities, while strengtheningexisting customer relationships.


For information regarding any of the articles included in this newsletter please contact Suzanne Ferguson on 9581 4712, PO Box 1000 Mentone 3194

DISCLAIMER The information in this publication is given in good faith and hasbeen derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate.However, the City of Kingston does not accept any liabilitywhatsoever for its contents or the use of the information.

community inspired leadership

community inspired leadership

What’s on in Autumn

• Kingston Farmers’ Market - 2nd Feb, 2nd March, 6th April, 4th May• Making good business connections - 19th Feb• Starting Your Business - 20th Feb• Meet your mates - 21st Feb• Innovation Workshop - Advanced Manufacturing Technologies- 26th Feb• Industry Support Programs Forum - 27th Feb

• Melbourne Business Awards Breakfast - 1st March, 10th May, 19th July, 6th Sept, 6th Dec.• Business Planning Basics - 13th March• Multi-Channel Retailing - 19th March• SEMIP Innovation Symposium - 21st March• Business Q & A -9th April• Powering Your Business Success - 17th April• Marketing Basics - 18th April• Go Online: A Startup Guide - 8th May

Specialty Group named‘Business of the Year’

A future where roofing materials will generate solar energy withoutthe need for add-on PV panels has helped The Specialty Group, aMoorabbin-based industrial textiles manufacturer, win theMelbourne Business Awards’ (MBA) ‘Business of the Year’ title.

Other nominees included global fast food industry technologydeveloper, Summit Innovations; food processor, Corvina Foods; solarhot water systems developer, Chromagen; feature glass productsmanufacturer, Celsius Glass; software and electronics engineeringfirm, Hydrix; footwear maker, Koalabi; and electronics componentmanufacturer, Fabtronics.

These businesses demonstrate just how dynamic the south-eastregion of Melbourne is in terms of the diversity of commercial,industrial and manufacturing businesses and the products andservices they deliver.

The Melbourne Business Awards is a great opportunity to networkwith a broad cross-section of the local business community and hearcase studies of diverse and innovative businesses.Register for the first breakfast for 2013 to be held on Friday 1stMarch, at The Hemisphere Conference Centre in Moorabbin.

Kingston businesses, who were nominated for the Melbourne BusinessAwards in 2012, will now have the opportunity to compete for theprestigious MMeellbboouurrnnee SSoouutthh EEaasstt ((MMSSEE)) BBuussiinneessss AAwwaarrddss..

FFoorr mmoorree ddeettaaiillss vviissiitt::wwwwww..mmeellbboouurrnneebbuussiinneessssaawwaarrddss..ccoomm..aauu

‘THE BEST OF THE BEST’The south east of Melbourne is one of Australia’smost dynamic and important economic regions. TheMelbourne South East (MSE) Business Awards aims torecognise and celebrate excellent businesses thathave contributed to the success of the region byacknowledging their achievements at a GGaallaa DDiinnnneerrttoo bbee hheelldd aatt tthhee FFrraannkkssttoonn AArrttss CCeennttrree oonnFFrriiddaayy,, 1199tthh AApprriill 22001133..

In addition to those companies that qualify forconsideration by the Melbourne Business Awards,nominations are being sought from other Kingstonbusinesses in the categories of:

•• MMiiccrroo // HHoommee BBaasseedd BBuuss iinneessss AAwwaarrdd

•• EEnnvv iirroonnmmeennttaall aanndd SSuussttaaiinnaabbiilliittyy AAwwaarrdd

•• BBuuss iinneessss GGrroowwtthh aanndd DDeevveellooppmmeenntt AAwwaarrdd

If you believe that your business deserves to be nominatedin any of the above categories tell us what you haveachieved and why you should be Kingston Council’snominee for that particular category. To be considered weneed to receive your nomination [email protected] by 14th February.

The Specialty Group’s George Lucas accepts the award from ChairmanGeoff Lawyer and City of Kingston Mayor Cr Ron Brownlees

kingston business bulletin feb 2013 web

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