Business Bulletintaking care of business in Kingston

Volume 1 • 2014

in this edition

Automotive supply chainThe City of Kingston is one of Victoria’smost important industrial locationswith local companies providingover 17,000 jobs in manufacturing.A number are involved in theautomotive sector.

It was therefore disappointing to learn that Holdenhad decided to cease manufacturing in Australiafrom 2017. Coupled with the exit of Ford, thisdecision is expected to have a significant impacton local component suppliers.

In order to get a better understanding of theimplications for individual businesses, Councilconvened a roundtable forum with componentsuppliers on 18th December 2013. The primarypurpose was to hear from local companies thedegree to which their businesses will be impactedby the recent decisions of Ford and Holden.

Council also wanted to understand the types ofsupport and transition assistance that would

most efficiently and effectively help thesebusinesses to diversify into new markets,move into new areas of production and toretrain their employees.

Following this forum Kingston’s Mayor, Cr PaulPeulich, wrote to the Premier outlining theconcerns and suggestions from local companies.In particular, the Mayor emphasised that it wasimperative for any transition assistance to flowthrough the whole supply chain. A follow-upmeeting was held on 23rd January to furtherdevelop a strategy to meet the challenges thesebusinesses are facing.

Council will continue to work with localautomotive component manufacturers and theState and Federal Governments, to minimise thenegative impacts of international decisions on thelocal community.

For further information contact SuzanneFerguson on 9581 4712.

February 2014 Kingston Business Bulletin 1

6

Kingston Sustainable BusinessNetwork Breakfast

3

Free digital training programsfor business

2

“KnowYour Customer”Kingston Demographic Booklets

9581 4735kingston.vic.gov.au/business

2 Kingston Business Bulletin February 2014

Happy NewYear. I hope 2014 isa prosperous one for all ofKingston’s business community.

At the beginning of each year, we muse aboutwhat the next twelve months might hold.Unfortunately the future is not ours to see sowe can only deal with what is known andwhat can reasonably be expected.

One of the “knowns” is that technology willcontinue to drive business efficiency andcompetitiveness. Buyer behaviour has clearlyshisted with consumers doing more and moreof their research on products and servicesonline. This not only applies to the retailconsumer but also to business-to-businessbuyers. Consequently, if your online presenceis less than adequate, you will be missing outon potential sales.

Outlined in this bulletin, you will find a varietyof opportunities to improve the online aspectof your business. I encourage you to takeadvantage of those workshops, seminars andnetworking opportunities that are relevant toyou. You may also benefit from having a teamof Monash University students work with youon an IT project.

Council has recently updated our own websiteand would now like to ensure that as manybusinesses as possible are registered onKingston’s online business directory whichwill help boost your own search engineoptimisation. Even if you are currentlyregistered I urge you to update your entry tomake sure it contains current information.

Please feel free to contact the EconomicDevelopment team if there is anything thatyou think we may be able to help you with.

From the editor

Suzanne FergusonManager Economic DevelopmentCITY OF KINGSTON

It always seems impossible until it is done.

Nelson Mandela

Kingston Council has created asuite of demographic booklets onspeciGc Kingston retail precincts tohelp businesses better target theiroffer to attract local shoppers.

The comprehensive “Know Your Customer”booklets individually look at the catchmentdemographics for shopping areas in:

• Chelsea• Cheltenham• Clarinda• Dingley Village• Highett• Mentone• Moorabbin• Mordialloc• Parkdale• Patterson Lakes

This work was funded under the StateGovernment’s “Streetlife” project whichsupports local retailers in suburbanshopping strips and hubs.

The “Know Your Customer” booklets canbe accessed online atwww.kingston.vic.gov.au/business/Kingston-Business/Retail or you canobtain a free hardcopy by emailingCouncil’s business unit atbusiness@kingston.vic.gov.auor call 9581 4735.

“KnowYour Customer”Kingston Demographic Booklets

Get it right from the beginning.

Whether you manufacture, import or purchaseyour stock from local suppliers, you mustensure the products you purchase are safe andmeet Australian product safety standards.Relying solely on statements by themanufacturer and supplier that the productsare safe is not a substitute for implementingyour own quality checks or procedures.

Mandatory safety standards apply to productsthat can pose hazards - such as children’s toysand safety equipment - and require them tocomply with particular rules relating toperformance, composition, contents, methodsof manufacture or processing, design,construction, finish or packaging.

Mandatory information standards, such as theinclusion of warning labels, provide consumers

with information to help them decide whether agood or product-related service is appropriatefor them.

For more information, view the Product SafetyAustralia websitehttp://www.productsafety.gov.au/

What happens if the product isunsafe?

If you recall a product, you must notify theCommonwealth Minister within 48 hours.For more information, view the Submit arecall page on the Product Safety RecallsAustralia website.

This content was provided by Consumer Affairs Victoria. For

more information visit consumer.vic.gov.au/smallbusiness

Now Available

Make safe, buy safe, sell safe.

If you supply businesses andconsumers with goods andproduct-related services inAustralia, you must complywith product safetyrequirements under theAustralian Consumer Law(ACL). Everyone in the supplychain must keep up-to-datewith the ACL – includingsuppliers, manufacturers,importers, distributors, hirersand retailers.

February 2014 Kingston Business Bulletin 3

Free digital training programsfor business to be held in KingstonThe Digital EnterpriseWorkshops areaimed at business owners and Not forProGt organisations looking to takeadvantage of opportunities to improvetheir businesses through theintroduction of high-speed broadband.

VECCI (Victorian Employers’ Chamber ofCommerce & Industry) has developed a series ofshort, practical workshops aimed at givingbusinesses the information they need toimprove doing business digitally. Theworkshops have been developed to meet theneeds of a diverse range of businesses atvarying levels of digital experience andengagement so, whether you are a microbusiness that is yet to develop a website or amedium-sized enterprise that is looking toutilise innovative technologies to improveproductivity, broaden your markets or reduceyour costs, these workshops can help.The first workshop – Going Global Online – will cover:

• Export/import opportunities• Online resources (Australian Tradelinks,

Austrade, APEC Business Travel Card)• Outsourcing• Cultural awareness• Case studies – best practice in specific

industries

The first workshop will be run on Wednesday 26February at Kingston Council offices, 1230Nepean Highway, Cheltenham.

Businesses can register for this training bycalling VECCI on 8662 5333, emailingdigitalenterprise@vecci.org.au or registering onthe VECCI website www.vecci.org.au/business-solutions/digital-enterprise-program

Workshop 1 -Going Global Online

When:26 February 20146.00pm - 8.00pm

Where:1230 Nepean HighwayCheltenhamBookings:8662 5333 orwww.vecci.org.au/business-solutions

Getting Downto BusinessGetting Down to Business is aninnovative new program for youngpeople aged 16 – 25 years with apassion for enterprise – whetheryou’re looking to kick start yourbusiness idea or take your ventureto the next level, Getting Down toBusiness will help transform yourideas into reality.

If you are studying, running or developingyour own business, working or have othercommitments, Getting Down to Business canbe tailored to meet your needs.

Getting Down to Business is an initiative ofthe Victorian Government, delivered byEnterprising Partnerships. The program willbe held annually, beginning March 2014, andrunning through to November.

What’s on offer?

• Four groups comprising of fortyenterprising young people, supported byEnterprise Facilitators, where you shareand solve problems with your peers

• Three presentation days - where youpitch, refine and deliver your ideas withenterprise and industry experts

• Experienced facilitators that will help youdevelop your business plans to start andgrow your business, and create your ownpersonalised mentor and training plan

• One-on-one coaching and mentoring -you’ll be matched to enterprise andindustry experts

• Five short courses to build your businessand management and skills

• New connections and networks – findnew opportunities for collaboration

• Online, face-to-face and conferencingsupport

• Five short courses - your personalisedmentoring and training plans will betailored to meet your requirements.

Apply now

The competitive application process is openuntil Friday 21 February and limited places(maximum 40) are available.

To find out more and apply, visitwww.enterprisingpartnerships.com.au/getting-down-to-business

Mordialloc Food,Wine and Music FestivalThis year the successful annualMordialloc Food,Wine and MusicFestival will be held on the Grstweekend of March – Saturday 1 andSunday 2 March - at Peter ScullinReserve, Beach Road, Mordialloc.

In a major coup for 2014, the Mordialloc festivalhas been selected by the Melbourne Food andWine Festival to be featured as a “must visit”festival in its metropolitan event calendar.

Local business, 2 Brothers Brewery, has crasted aspecially-made beer, “Mordi Lager”, for saleexclusively at the festival. The fine Australian barley,sost water and premium quality yeast and hopswere forged together at the brewery in January andwill be freshly ready in time for the festival.

The Mordialloc Food, Wine and Music Festival ispresented by the City of Kingston and sponsoredby Hocking Stuart. If you are interested in festivalsponsorship or advertising on the big screen,please contact Council’s Festivals and EventsTeam on 9581 4754 or events@kingston.vic.gov.au.

For more details, please visitwww.kingston.vic.gov.au/mordiallocbythebay

4 Kingston Business Bulletin February 2014

The Kingston BusinessWomen’sNetwork continues to grow fromstrength to strength and has a newsponsor for 2014, the Bank ofMelbourne!

The aim of the network is to empower women toreach their full potential in business. It supportswomen in their pursuit of success and helps toprogress your ‘start up’ or established businessinto a more profitable enterprise.

There are business information sessionscomplemented by networking events and onlineforums. The business to business relationshipsestablished between members is one of thenetwork’s most recognised and valued benefits.

By participating in the network you can tap into alocal community of business and personalcontacts in an environment that is supportive ofboth your business and personal goals.

For 2014, the following business events will beoffered:

• Four bi-monthly networking meetings withpresentations on business topics

• A special business luncheon to be held mid-year

• A Christmas Cocktail event in December

The first networking event will feature apresentation on “Marketing Your Business” forsuccess, and will provide opportunities forparticipants to actively network and make newcontacts for the coming year.

Marketing Your Business for success!

DaTE:

Tuesday 11th February 1.15pm to 2.45pm

VENuE:

Quest moorabbin,kingston Rd, Heatherton

NExT EVENT:

Tuesday 29th april

TOpiC:

guiding your business in the rightdirection

FOR bOOkiNgS aND mORE iNFORmaTiON ViSiT :

www.kingston.vic.gov.au/business/Events-Workshops/Networking-Events

NewYear, New Partnership

for Kingston BusinessWomen’s Network

Starting YourBusinessWorkshopHowever good your business idea,taking the plunge and starting yourown business can be a dauntingprocess. Making the right moves atthis early stage can help set your newbusiness on the road to success.

Offering clear, straightforward advice and a freementoring session from an experienced businessadviser, this workshop covers all essentials. Fromcarrying out a feasibility study and determiningthe best company structure to preparing abusiness plan, you will leave this workshop with aclearer idea of how your business will look.

Starting Your Business Workshop

DaTE:

Wednesday 12th February 2014

TimE:

6.00pm - 9.30pm

VENuE:

kingston Council –1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham

COST:

$30 Light catering will be provided during the event.

MelbourneBusinessAwardsKingston Council is a majorsponsor of the MelbourneBusiness Awards. Bi-monthlybreakfast networks provide aforum to recognise theachievements of businessenterprises operating in theSouth East Region of Melbourne.

The Awards inspire small to medium sizedcompanies and enable participants toengage with other businesses andGovernment services.

To be part of the Melbourne Business Awardsin 2014, your company has the opportunity tobecome an Annual Member, or attendbreakfast meetings on a casual basis.

2014 Breakfast Dates• Friday 21 February• Friday 4 April• Friday 18 July• Friday 5 September• Friday 5 December

Refer to the link for member benefits:http://www.melbournebusinessawards.com.au/

February Networking Breakfast

DaTE:

Friday 21st February 2014

TimE:

6.30am - 9.00am

VENuE:

Hemisphere Conference Centre –488 South Road, moorabbin

bOOkiNgS:

www.melbournebusinessawards.com.au

February 2014 Kingston Business Bulletin 5

BusinessPlanning BasicsEveryone wants theirbusiness to prosper, growand succeed.

It takes creativity, discipline, energy andplanning to make that happen. What if growthhappens faster than you expected or slowerthan you were hoping? What if you get ill or abusiness partner leaves? You need to considerthese and many more questions if you are tocreate and sustain a successful business.

Give yourself the best chance to succeed byattending this practical and engaging seminar.

Business Planning Basics

HOST:

City of kingston

DaTE:

Wednesday 12th march 2014

TimE:6.00pm - 8.00pm

VENuE:

kingston Council –1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham

COST:

$20 per personLight catering will be provided during the event.

MelbourneYouth2Business(Y2B) NetworkBreakfastThe main focus of this network isto bring together business, youthand education providers to look atthe increasing Victorian youthunemployment rate and developcollaborative approaches topromoting industry employmentopportunities and inHuencing thecurriculum to meet skill shortageand industry needs.

Melbourne Youth2Business Breakfast

DaTE:

Wednesday 19th march 2014

TimE:7.00am - 9.00am

VENuE:milano's Tavern, brighton

guEST SpEakER:

Ruslan kogan - Serial entrepreneur,founder and CEO of kogan Technologies

CONTaCT:

d.ascone@youthconnect.com.auor call Daniela ascone on 8306 6300

Marketing Basics

Kingston City Council invitesbusiness owners to gettogether after work at a localvenue situated in theindustrial precincts ofKingston on a quarterlyrotational basis.

These business networking events are attendedby business owners for the purposes of gettingto know “who’s who on the block” and topotentially establish new business relationshipswith neighbouring businesses.

They also provide an opportunity for thoseattending to hear what business services andsupport Council offers, and to discuss anyissues or challenges they are facing in theirbusiness. This two-way exchange ofinformation enables Council’s businessdevelopment team to be an effective voice forthe local business community.

The next event will be on the 20th marchin the Redwood gardens business estatein Dingley.

For further information and to register visit:www.kingston.vic.gov.au/business/Businessor call 9581 4735

Small businesses thatsucceed know the importanceof marketing!

Marketing is the key to letting people know youexist, so it pays to know how to do it. However,traditional marketing channels such as print,magazines and newspapers are being overtakenby an array of online options, changing the waywe market.

Join us and learn practical tips and ideas aboutdeciding which marketing tools are best for yourbusiness and how to create an effectivemarketing strategy to ensure you are gettingvalue for your marketing dollar.

Marketing Basics

HOST:

City of kingston

DaTE:

Wednesday 2nd april 2014

TimE:

6.00pm - 8.00pm

VENuE:

kingston Council –1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham

COST:

$20 per personLight catering will be provided during the event.

Meet Your Mates

6 Kingston Business Bulletin February 2014

The Kingston Sustainable Business networkprovides a forum for businesses to explore newand innovative sustainable initiatives. Join withlocal businesses over a hot breakfast, to hear thebusiness case for solar, challenges and potentialbarriers, what questions to ask and how solarenergy may improve your bottom line.

Using case studies and language you canunderstand, VECCI’s Sustainability experts willhelp you assess and understand the sometimescomplicated world of solar energy.

Kingston Sustainable Business NetworkBreakfast

DaTE: Wednesday 19th February 2014

TimE: 7.00am - 9.00am

VENuE: Woodlands golf Club,White St, mordialloc

COST: $20 – includes hot breakfast

LimiTED pLaCES aVaiLabLE - bOOk NOW:

www.kingston.vic.gov.au/business/Events-Workshops/Networking-Events/Sustainable-business-Network-Event

CONTaCT FOR FuRTHER iNFORmaTiON:

angela on 9581 4787

Kingston Sustainable Business Network Breakfast

For all businesses committed toreforming their business practicesto reduce both operating costs andenvironmental impacts.

You are invited to be part of agrowing network of businessesthat are aware of the competitiveadvantage of sharing sustainableknowledge and businessinnovation.

New program to assist your businesscut costs and boost productivityThe Australian Industry Group(AiG) and CityWestWater inconjunction with SustainabilityVictoria's Smarter Resources,Smarter Business Program arehelping companies cut costs andboost productivity through thedelivery of the Resource EfGciencyAssist Program.

As part of the Program companies with lessthan 200 employees can access a range of FREEservices including onsite assessments andtraining on energy and materials efficiency.

5 reasons to take advantage ofthis program

1. Inputs such as energy, materials andwater are continuing to increase

2. Waste (including trade waste) disposalcharges are also continuing to rise

3. Access specialist advice including onsiteassistance at no cost to help you identifyand implement opportunities

4. The Program will help reduce your costsand boost productivity

5. It’s FREE for companies with less than200 employees

Be quick as the services available arestrictly limited

Register your interest with Ai Group'sEnvironment and Energy Team on1300 733 752 orenvironment@aigroup.asn.auor visit the Resource Efficiency Assistwebsite:www.resourceefficiency.aigroup.com.au

ManufacturingHall of FameThe Minister for Manufacturing hascalled for nominations for the 2014Victorian Manufacturing Hall ofFame.The Manufacturing Hall ofFame recognises the innovation,productivity and contribution madeby manufacturers to theVictorianeconomy.

Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner tobe held on Monday 16 June 2014.

Nominations are now being called for in thefollowing categories:

• Hall of Fame Inductees• Manufacturer of the Year Small

Business (<20 employees)• Manufacturer of the Year Medium

Business (20-99 employees)• Manufacturer of the Year Large

Business (>100 employees)• Enabling Technology Company of the

Year• Enabling Technology Entrepreneur of the

Year• Technology in Manufacturing Award• Young Manufacturer of the Year• Hall of Fame Honour Roll

For more detail on the awards andnomination forms visit :

www.business.vic.gov.au/halloffame

February 2014 Kingston Business Bulletin 7

Melbourne South East Economic RegionAs businesses compete more andmore on a global platform, it is vitalthat natural ‘economic regions’, suchas Melbourne’s South East, workcollaboratively and strategically toensure the success of each of theindividual entities and sectors withinthat region.

The Melbourne South East group, made up of10 councils, ConnectEast, United Energy, andsupport from both State and Commonwealthgovernments has recognised theinterdependencies within this economic region,and the need for a regional approach to ensurethe future growth and success of such a crucialregion in Australia’s economy.

Melbourne South East group (MSE)acknowledges the region is a coherent economicentity in its own right and is planning to showcasethe region with a new website to be developedearly in 2014. This will provide all 10 councils in

the region with a mechanism to collectivelyillustrate the diversity of business and richness ofamenities in the area and will reinforce theupdated strategic direction of the MSE group.

The 2014 MSE Business Awards is the premierbusiness awards recognition program in thesouth east region of Melbourne andnominations for the Awards have been receivedfrom businesses across the South East Region.There will be a Gala Award Presentation Dinnerheld on May 9th where businesses will competefor a range of business award categories.

MSE Business Awards Presentation &Gala Dinner 2014

DaTE: Friday 9th may 2014

TimE: 7.00pm

VENuE: karralyka Centre, mines Road,Ringwood East

bOOkiNgS: www.bizmaroondah.com.au

Kingston Businesses to BeneGt from ITStudent ProjectsKingston Council is offeringanother practical supportprogram open to local business,encouraging business owners totake the next step in theirdevelopment by tapping intothe skills of Monash University’sIT students.

During 2013, a sample of Kingston businesseswho participated in the Kingston – Glen EiraMentor Partners Program were given theopportunity to participate in the studentproject program. The results were positive,providing small local businesses with newtools they would not otherwise have had theconfidence or financial investment to achieve.

In 2014, Kingston businesses will againbenefit from student projects to help growtheir business through increasing their ITsystem capabilities and web presence.

Business owners work with a dedicated teamof final year IT students who are available to

develop customised web-based systems anddatabases to help businesses improve theirprocesses and grow their business. Theprojects in turn provide students with practicalexperience in real-life business settings.

There is no cost to business other than timeand commitment; based on businesses havingthe IT hardware capabilities. All projects arefacilitated by a program coordinator. This offeris available through a joint initiative with GlenEira City Council’s BusEd program –linkingbusiness and education.

Limited places are available, applicationsclose February 2014.

The university will ultimately decide whichprojects are the best fit to meet their criteria.If you would like to know more about theprogram and how your business could benefitfrom assistance with developing a website, e-commerce or IT systems, then contact theprogram coordinator, Sandy Brouvalis on 0438507 010 or emailsbrouvalis@mentorpartners.com.au

The Organisation for EconomicCooperation and Development (OECD)has included the South East MelbourneInnovation Precinct (SEMIP) as a casestudy in its recently released report,Innovation-driven Growth in Regions:The Role of Smart Specialisation. TheOECD is a forum where governmentswork together to address the economic,social and environmental challengesof globalization.

“Smart Specialisation” is a policy frameworkcombining industrial, educational and innovationpolicies that promote new growth opportunities. The“Smart Specialisation” approach suggests thatcountries or regions should identify and select alimited number of priority areas for knowledge-based investments, focusing on a region's strengthsand comparative advantages.

The City of Kingston has been an active participantin the SEMIP initiative since its inception in 2009.This initiative is a partnership between the cities ofKingston, Knox, Greater Dandenong and Monashtogether with the Australian Synchrotron, CSIRO,Monash University, the Centre for Nanofabrication,the Small Technologies Cluster and the VictorianGovernment.

The primary objective of SEMIP is to facilitateconnections between the advanced manufacturingsector and the region’s world class researchinstitutions to grow the economic prosperity ofthe region.

The report can be found at www.oecd.org/sti/inno/smart-specialisation.pdf - page 96.

For more information on SEMIP activities phoneSuzanne Ferguson on 9581 4712.

OECD recognition forsouth east Melbourne

4 Kingston Business BulletinJanuary 2014

What’s on

MBA winner “Business of the Year 2013”Award

IRONMAN Melbourne is back - Sunday 23 March, 2014

Local staircase manufacturer Slattery& Acquroff took out the prestigious‘Business of the Year’ title at theMelbourne Business Awards’ annualgala breakfast in December, 2013.

The Braeside-based company edged out closecompetition from nominees including ExhaustControl Industries, Heuch and Breadsolutions.

Other businesses nominated for the awardincluded: automotive lighting systemsmanufacturer Hella Australia; synthetic grass andsports surface installer GrasSports Australia; datacentre and cloud computing services leaderOMNIconnect; and, commercial diving servicesoperator Professional Diving Services.

Slattery & Acquroff, is a multi-generational familybusiness that has continued to grow anddemonstrated a great product combined with allthe key success factors for winning the award.

Kingston Council congratulates Slattery &Acquroff on their success, as well as all the

nominees, who are deserving of recognition fromthe business community.

This year’s Employee Development Award waspresented to Joe Truong, from Lewis Australia,while Sarah Tscholl, from Kinder and Co, receivedthe Young Achiever award.

Planning is now well under way for the 2014Awards program, with the first nomineesbreakfast set for Friday, 21st February 2014 .

For more information about the MelbourneBusiness Awards, see page 4.

For the third year running, triathletes fromall over the world will return to Melbournein March to compete in the IRONMANAsia-PaciGc Championship Melbourne 2014 – themost popular IRONMAN event outside oftheWorld Championships in Hawaii.

The gruelling 226km event sees athletes battle it out forthe chance to grab one of 100 qualifying slots at the WorldChampionships.

Race Start: 7.20am Sunday 23 March, 2014 at theFrankston ForeshoreRace Finish: From 3.20pm at Catani Gardens, St KildaVisit www.ironmanmelbourne.com for more informationor phone 1300 835 411.

To safely accommodate this extraordinary eventand wellbeing of triathletes, there are temporarychanges in road traffic conditions. The runcourse incorporates the Nepean Highway soplease be aware of the changed conditions onthis road on Sunday 23 March, 2014, and thepotential business opportunities with increasedvisitor numbers.

• Kingston Farmers’ Market1st Feb, 1st March, 5th April, 3rd May

• Kingston Business Women’s NetworkTuesday 11th February

• Starting Your Business WorkshopWednesday 12th February

• Kingston Sustainable BusinessNetwork BreakfastWednesday 19th February

• Melbourne Business AwardsFriday 21st February

• Going Global OnlineWednesday 26th February

• Mordialloc Food, Wine and Music FestivalSaturday 1st -Sunday 2nd March

• Business Planning BasicsWednesday 13th March

• Meet Your MatesThursday 20th March

• IRONMAN MelbourneSunday 23 March

• Marketing BasicsWednesday 2nd April

• MSE Business Awards Presentation& Gala DinnerFriday 9th May

For a business to be successful andseen as credible, people need toknow about you. Business eventspresent the opportunity to networkyour business with other localbusinesses. As well as developingnew relationships, theseworkshops and events create anopportunity to meet and securenew clients or customers.