B2B in Canberra November 2009 (Issue 42)

NOVEMBER 2009 Issue 42 $5.95 PP 255003/09169

McMillan UNVEILS ITS ACE PARTNERS Cover story pages 24 – 25

BUSINESS And Sport mix in the Capital RSM bird Cameron teams up with the Canberra Capitals

Canberra Business Council: Celebrating 30 years Read more pages 16 – 20

Change is happening at the University of Canberra PAGE 40

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B2B in canberra business and government magazine

November 2009 issue 42

COVER McMillan unveils its ace partners Full story pages 24 – 25

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Contacts

Contents

PUBLISHER Tim Benson 02 6161 2751

upfront Read about local business success

04

Harris Smith: executive development

04

Vermillion: provoking and inspiring business management

editor Liz Lang editorial@b2bincanberra.com 02 6161 2751 DESIGN VOODOO

www.voodoocreative.com.au

photography Andrew Sikorski, www.art-atelier.com.au ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES advertising@b2bincanberra.com 02 6161 2751 0402 900 402

Cover Story McMillan unveils its ace partners

24

Feature ACT Chief Minister's Inclusion Awards

26

04

Capital Waste Skips: save money and time

ADVICE Advice from the business experts

28

06

Portrait Café: a picture of culinary delight

06

RSM Bird Cameron teams with Canberra Capitals

08

G2b Chief Minister Opposition Leader ACT Government OH&S Commissioner Commissioner of Taxation

32 32 32 33 34 35

A2B ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Canberra Business Council ACT Exporters' Network

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opinion Are your Christmas arrangements in place for your children?

10

Olivia Gesini, Farrar Gesini & Dunn

published by Man Bites Dog Public Relations ABN 30 932 483 322 PO Box 4106 Ainslie ACT 2602 t 02 6161 2751 f 02 6262 7721 b2b@b2bincanberra.com www.b2bincanberra.com

Profile Mark McCabe

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ACT Work Safety Commissioner

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U2b The University of Canberra

40 41

feature Celebrating 30 years of the Canberra Business Council

16

C2B Canberra Southern Cross Club Networking See who's out and about in Canberra

42

feature Telstra ACT Business Women's Awards

22

Christmas Gifts Feature Great gift ideas

43

PROFILE Emeritus Professor John Richards Chair, ACT Accreditation & Research Council

DISTRIBUTED BY Australia Post PRINTED BY Blue Star Print Group

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LEGAL NOTICE RELATING TO COPYRIGHT, WARRANTIES AND LIABILITIES Man Bites Dog Public Relations (‘MBD’) owns the copyright in this publication. Except for any fair dealing as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwth), no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of MBD. MBD has been careful in preparing this publication, however: it is not able to, and does not warrant that the publication is free from errors and omissions; and it is not able to verify, and has not verified the accuracy of the information and opinions contained or expressed in, or which may be conveyed to readers by any advertisement or other publication content. MBD advises that it accepts all contributed material and advertisements contained in this publication in good faith, and relies on various warranties and permissions provided to it by the persons who contribute material and/ or place advertisements. Those warranties and permissions include that neither the material and/or advertisements are misleading, deceptive or defamatory, and that their use, adaptation or publication does not infringe the rights of any third party, or any relevant laws. Further, MBD notifies readers that it does not, nor should it be understood to endorse, adopt, approve or otherwise associate MBD with any representations made in contributions and/or advertisements contained in the publication. MBD makes no representation or warranty as to the qualifications of any contributor or advertiser or persons associated with them, and advises readers that they must rely solely on their own enquiries in relation to such qualifications, and be satisfied from those enquiries that persons with whom they deal as a result of reading any material or advertisement have the necessary licences and professional qualifications relating to the goods and services offered. To the maximum extent permitted by law, MBD excludes all liabilities in contract, tort (including negligence) and/or statute for loss, damage, costs and expenses of any kind to any person arising directly or indirectly from any material or advertisement contained in this publication, whether arising from an error, omission, misrepresentation or any other cause.

B2B in Canberra | November 2009

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upfront

"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress. " Barack Obama

Using ‘head and the heart’ approach with senior executives

O

ne of the biggest challenges of working with senior managers who are undergoing career change is helping them to successfully integrate the intellectual and emotional aspects of their situation,” says Peter Neil, partner of executive development company, Harris Smith.

“Typically, senior managers who are in career transition want to approach change on a rational level, use their ‘head’, and treat their situation as a project to be managed. While this is a key part of the approach, the emotional consequences of career change or ‘heart’ felt emotion is often harder for senior managers to work through,” he said. “A key part of our approach at Harris Smith is helping people to solve adaptive problems which involve the head and the heart.”

While Harris Smith has only had a presence in Canberra for four months, the company has been working with senior management teams and individual executives to create and sustain high performance since 1993. Harris Smith partners with leading global and Australian companies to deliver tailored solutions in the areas of executive coaching, leadership development, talent management and organisational

owned a management consultancy business and consulted to the federal and ACT government for 10 over years.

“Our focus is on the senior executive wherever he or she is working – whether that is the federal or ACT governments or private and publicly listed companies,” Peter said. “We know that although the organisation and industry can create their own specific challenges, the challenges faced by senior leaders tend to centre around consistent themes whether they be strategic, operational or people related. “ “Harris Smith offers a strategic and rigorous coaching approach and leadership development program which is evidence based. We can also draw on the experience of our people who have worked at the most senior levels in companies including Fortune 500 and FTSE companies as well as some of Australia’s biggest firms,” he said.

Peter Neil, partner, Harris Smith

Harris Smith & Associates, Level 7/ 161 London Circuit T: 6230 0266

transition. Specialising in organisational psychology, Peter is no newcomer to Canberra having

Vermillion: provoking and inspiring business management

M

onica Davidson, managing director and principal consultant, at Vermillion Business Management

by Monica, has ‘vermillion’, not ‘red’

Monica Davidson, managing director, Vermillion

coloured hair – this typifies the fresh approach Monica brings to business management.

Established in 2008 Vermillion primarily provides business management services to government but has found that its services can be tailored for businesses both large and small.

“Basically what we do is business improvement by eliminating inefficiencies,” Monica said.

Monica has had 13 years experience in business and corporate strategy roles with both the public and private sectors.

“I established Vermillion as a consulting company that could fill the gap in the consulting industry by providing our clients with strategic and improved business outcomes,” Monica said.

One of Vermillion’s first consultancies was working closely with a Canberra based construction company who had, experienced significant cash flow issues since 1963.

“Over a 12 month period our consultants turned the business practices of this company around so that it runs a positive cash flow and all aspects of the business are much healthier,” Monica said.

Monica believes a major challenge facing the consulting industry in the current economic and financial climate is getting clients to see the long-term benefits of investing in business improvement strategies.

“By provoking thought and inspiring action I

believe we can get our business and government clients to see the benefits of investing in business improvement,” she said.

“We have tailored a number of packages directly for the Canberra business community.”

These packages are: • Business Analysis Package ($2520 – $4400) for small to medium businesses with staff including face-to-face meetings, on-site observations and research, comprehensive analysis and report, resource links and recommendations.

• Business Improvements and Efficiencies ($900 minimum) for sole traders, home businesses or small businesses with not many staff. Including face-to-face meetings, brainstorming, sound boarding, mentoring, improvements and efficiencies paper, resource links and recommendations.

Vermillion also does three to six month contracts with government departments.

Vermillion Business Management by Monica: email – monica@vbmbm.com.au or T 02 6156 2032 or M 0402 422 883.

FACT: M ultiple job holders were more likely to work long hours; 18% said they usually worked more than 55 hours per week (compared with 8% of single job holders) and 56% of them said they were often or always pressed for time. (ABS October 2009).

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

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upfront

"Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall."

Stephen Covey

Save money and time with Capital Waste Skips

C

apital Waste Skips is a locally owned business started by David Lynch in 1995.

Since its origins as a one–man, one truck enterprise, the business has grown considerably to a fleet of five trucks servicing Canberra and surrounding regions, five to six days a week.

“Whether you are cleaning up the yard or garage, renovating, building or undertaking a small or large commercial project, you are going to need a skip of some description at some point in your life,” David said.

Capital Waste Skips pride themselves on having absolutely no hidden fees – what they quote is what you pay.

“Getting a skip is easy – orders can be placed on–line via our website or over the phone. We deliver on a date suitable for you and pick up again when it’s filled. Save time and money on trips to the rubbish tip,” David said.

Capital Waste Skips is also environmentally conscious and doing many constructive things such as recycling concrete, bricks, metal, green waste, paper and soil.

“We accept most recyclable materials. But importantly, when booking a skip, remember that your costs may be dramatically reduced by

hiring a separate skip for concrete, soil and brick waste,” David said.

Capital Waste Skips is also currently contracted for the waste removal for a green star accredited construction site.

“We have been able to recycle between 8595% of the total waste taken from this site to date. Also all our trucks used to transport the skips and waste materials are compliant to the latest Euro 4 Emission Standards, which further reduce our carbon footprint.” David said.

Capital Waste Skips also offers frequent skip

users, a Frequent Skippers Club, offering $25 off every fifth skip hired for residential customers.

They also have an Garden Club that people can join for free online at their website www. capitalwaste.com.au. Once registered you will be notified of special promotions and offers to help around the garden.

Capital Waste Skips T 02 6288 4222 F 02 6288 4020 cws@capitalwaste.com.au www.capitalwaste.com.au

Portrait Café: a picture of culinary delight

T

he stunning National Portrait Gallery and Venus Food have teamed to present a unique event experience bringing together the portraits of the people who have shaped our nation, an award winning architectural design and beautifully presented and contemporary seasonal catering tailored for any occasion.

Venus Food is the next step for Savva Dimarhos and Vanessa Broadfoot, former owners of Sitting Ducks Catering.

“We jumped at the opportunity to bring our passion for flavour, texture, colour, design and aroma to Canberra’s newest cultural institution,” Vanessa said.

After six years of offsite catering at Sitting Ducks, catering for many memorable corporate and private events, Savva and Vanessa are in their element and absolutely inspired by their new home.

They have brought with them their professional team to ensure seamless service from the conference boardroom or corporate cocktail event to the most intimate of wedding celebrations.

“We are continuing to develop close relationships with the wonderful producers of this

dedicated function spaces ‘The Terrace rooms’ hold 180 seated diners. Glass doors open onto the terrace with views towards Lake Burley Griffin which allow an abundance of natural light.

“These rooms are ideal for conferences with the lunchtime break best spent browsing the gallery. For corporate cocktail parties, gala dinners, launches and weddings there is the Gordon Darling Entrance foyer, a striking and iconic space that lends itself to the most exceptional of events,” Vanessa said.

This light filled foyer showcases the design of the gallery and allows guests to appreciate that the event they are attending is very special indeed.

“From the initial enquiry with Fiona Thomas, event co-ordinator of the Portrait Gallery to the menu design with Vanessa, your vision becomes a reality to exceed your expectations,” Savva said.

region which allows us to offer handpicked premium produce,” Savva said.

There are a variety of venue spaces available for hire within the National Portrait Gallery. The

FACT: Western Australia continued to record the fastest population growth at 3.1%, followed by

For all venue and availability enquiries – Fiona Thomas 6102 7010, fiona.thomas@npg.gov.au For all catering enquiries – Vanessa Broadfoot 6102 7162 vanessa@portraitgallerycafe.com.au www.npg.gov.au www.portraitgallerycafe.com.au

Queensland (2.6%), the Northern Territory (2.2%), Victoria (2.1%), the Australian Capital Territory (1.8%), New South Wales (1.6%), South Australia (1.2%) and Tasmania (1.0%)

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

More than fifty years ago, Franco Calabria opened a tiny barbershop downstairs in Bailey’s corner.

Today Franco of Canberra is one of Canberra’s longest established and most successful businesses.

Sons Sam and James share Franco’s passion for hairdressing, fashion and running hair salons.

MBD 31 1108

Rock-solid business advice is the key to long term business success and critical when passing a successful business from one generation to the next.

When Franco of Canberra needs business advice, RSM Bird Cameron is there.

RSM Bird Cameron Ph: (02) 6247 5988

Growing my business takes effort and passion. So I take RSM Bird Cameron’s advice.

Sam and James Calabria Franco of Canberra

www.rsmi.com.au

"Becoming wealthy is like playing Monopoly... the person who can accumulate the most assets wins the game."

Noel Whittaker

upfront

Business and sport definitely do mix in the Capital

R

Left to right: Carrie Graf, Garry Lee and Chantella Perera

SM Bird Cameron is proud to be a sponsor of Canberra’s most successful national sporting team: the Canberra Capitals.

Not only has RSM Bird Cameron been a sponsor of the Capitals for the past three years, they also employ Capitals guard Chantella Perera part-time in their Insolvency Division.

RSM Bird Cameron ACT Managing Director, Garry Lee said, “The partnership has been a good one because businesses want to be associated with well known successful brands - and the Capitals are the best women’s basketball team in Australia and the ACT’s most successful national sporting team.”

Yes, you heard it right. The Canberra Capitals are more successful than the Brumbies or the Canberra Raiders. The Capitals represent excellence and success.

The Capitals have won the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) for six of the last ten years – including last year.

Capitals coach Carrie Graf said, “We need more sponsors like RSM Bird Cameron. Having a player working in their business certainly adds to the relationship between the sponsor and the Capitals.”

Chantella works with RSM Bird Cameron part-time four days a week, trains three nights a week and on the other days does individual sessions, such as one on one skills development and weight sessions.

“We wouldn’t be as successful as we are without sponsors such as RSM Bird Cameron from the Canberra business community.”

“Working at RSM Bird Cameron is a wonderful opportunity for me. They are very supportive of the Capitals and love coming out and watching me play. I didn’t think I’d be able to pursue my professional career until I’d retired from basketball but RSM Bird Cameron have made this possible,” Chantella said.

Garry Lee says that RSM Bird Cameron is very pleased to sponsor the Capitals and employ Chantella.

“Chantella is a natural leader and high achiever and this is demonstrated both on the court and in the workplace,” Garry said.

Chantella went to Fresno State in the US on a basketball scholarship and was awarded an undergraduate degree in business management. She is currently studying her Masters in Professional Accounting and Commerce and intends to undertake the Chartered Accountants Program in the future.

Other achievements include being a member of the: 2008/09 WNBL winning Capitals 2007; FIBA U21 World Championship (Silver); 2007 World University Games, Bangkok (Gold) and 2009 World University Games, Serbia (Bronze).

Capitals coach Carrie Graf said that sponsorship is critical for the growth of the team and female athletes.

“We wouldn’t be as successful as we are without the sponsors such as RSM Bird Cameron from the Canberra business community,” Carrie said.

It is important to note that the sponsorship of the Capitals is within reach of both small and big business.

“Sponsorships can range from businesses providing goods and services to the team to packages worth $3000 to over $100,000. While we are extremely appreciative of the large sponsors like RSM Bird Cameron – the smaller sponsors are critical to our ongoing success,” Carrie said.

Garry Lee says unlike other codes that are ‘having their problems’, being associated with the Capitals’ strong, successful brand has been ideal for RSM Bird Cameron.

“We benefit in many ways from our sponsorship of the Capitals, such as branding, marketing and networking opportunities and sponsors functions and pre game briefings – we also have gained, in Chantella, a new member of the RSM Bird Cameron ‘team’,” Garry said.

FACT: N on-profit institutions contributed close to $43 billion (or 4.1%) to Australia's economy in 2006/07, as measured by gross domestic product (ABS September 2009).

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

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OPINION: FARRAR GESINI & DUNN Are your Christmas arrangements in place for your children?

Christmas is around the corner so it's time to start thinking about Christmas arrangements for your children. For many parents this means planning holidays and quality time with their children.

By Olivia Gesini

F

or those parents who are separated, and want to take their children out of Australia these Christmas holidays, there are a few things to remember:

1. If you have orders about children, it is a criminal offence to take children outside of Australia without the written consent of the other parent.

2. Both parents need to sign an application for a passport for a child.

3. If the other parent has not agreed that the children can leave Australia they can seek an order that the children be placed on the Airport Watch List. This is a register of children which is kept by the AFP at all airports and ports in Australia. The Australian Federal Police then intercept any person who tries to take a child who is on that register out of the country.

The Family Court and Federal Magistrates Court have wide reaching powers when it comes to children’s matters and the courts can make all kinds of orders including orders requiring aeroplanes to turn around mid-flight, orders requiring aeroplanes to land, and orders halting flights at airports.

If a child has left Australia, depending on which country they are in, the other parent can seek an order that the child be returned to Australia. If an order is made, the authorities in the other country find the child and escort them back to Australia.

This is not a pleasant experience.

As a separated parent, how do you take your children on an overseas holiday? The short answer is: you need agreement. Although a court can make an order allowing parents to take children outside of Australia, the process is lengthy and can be costly. By adopting an interest-based approach to the issue you and the other parent can frame your discussion around what really

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

matters: your child.

What is an interest-based negotiation?

Interest-based means that the focus of the negotiation is not what your rights are but what you value. For example, do you want your child to visit your family in another country so that they have a stronger sense of who their family is? Do you want your child to experience another culture and see the world through other

the other parent.

By talking about values and by focusing on what is best for their child the parents have created a plan based on trust and validation of their role as parents. Although a court could make an order that the child leave Australia for a holiday, no court can order parents to trust each other.

That means without trust the next holiday will be a cause for further parental dispute.

As a separated parent, how do you take your children on an overseas holiday? The short answer is: you need agreement. Although a court can make an order allowing parents to take children outside of Australia, the process is lengthy and can be costly. people’s eyes? Whereas rights focus on what you are entitled to do (and what the other parent is entitled to stop you doing), interest-based negotiation looks at the ‘why’.

By creating a forum for dialogue about these issues you may find you and the other parent are closer than you think. For example, instead of just saying ‘no’ the other parent will be asked to explain why. It may be that they are afraid that the child will not come back; that the child will not cope with a long time away from the other parent or it may be as simple as having made other plans. In an interest-based negotiation these concerns are articulated and can be dealt with in a way that means both parents feel validated and the best outcome for your child is identified and implemented. In our example, this may mean that the child travels overseas with one parent, but is given an email account which they use to email the other parent every day. That way, the child meets their extended family and experiences the culture in another country, while staying in touch with

Another benefit of interest-based negotiation is that it can provide parents with a framework to use again when other issues arise. For example, as children grow older their needs change and parents need to adapt to these changes.

Interest-based negotiation can set the tone for future discussions and ensure that as circumstances change the best interests of the children remain at the forefront of any discussion.

Litigation is more likely to lead to ongoing disputes between parents. Fighting each other in a court will lead to greater distrust and conflict. Although the tension may calm down after the court case ends there is a real chance that it can flare up again as issues arise. Interest based negotiation is the best option to ensure that parents are able to achieve what they want most: to raise happy healthy children who fulfil their potential.

For an Out of Court solution, contact Consensus Family Lawyers.

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upfront PROFILE

“ ”

Mark McCabe The ACT’s Work Safety Commissioner, Mark McCabe acknowledges that many in business believe he is Canberra’s work safety policeman. But nothing is further from the truth.

A

ppointed as Occupational Health and Safety Commissioner for the ACT in January 2008, Mark explains that his role is purely educative in terms of work safety and is separated from the compliance function which is carried out

by WorkCover.

With the introduction of the new Work Safety Act last month which wholly replaces the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 (ACT), Mark McCabe’s title also changed from OHS Commissioner to the ACT Work Safety Commissioner. The position is a statutory appointment.

One of the goals that Mark has set himself is to reach small business with messages about work safety. He explained that the ACT has the highest workers compensation figures in Australia and believes this is because many small and micro businesses in Canberra are not paying enough attention to work safety issues.

“Small businesses are probably conscious that they’re keeping their heads down in terms of work safety but they’re running a huge risk. If a serious accident occurs and a small business does get an OHS fine, it would not be uncom-

“If you haven’t thought about work safety, at least give it a thought because it has the potential to really affect your business."

“My role is to build the capacity of stakeholders, for want of a better term, to understand and meet their OHS obligations. I find more people are prepared to listen to what I have to say if they understand that I haven’t got the inspectors behind me. It is just a matter of convincing business that they aren’t in the spotlight,” Mark says.

“OHS is an old term with negative connotations – and for many it’s boring or a turn-off,” he says. “I say to businesses that OHS is all about risk management – a common business term – and it is not as hard as they think. OHS is not always about spending dollars, quite often it’s a matter of working differently.”

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

mon for that fine to be upwards of $50,000 – which would send most small businesses broke.”

Mark said under the Act, businesses have to take all ‘reasonably practicable steps’ to minimise risks. He says that the key for businesses is to assess what OHS risks they have, and then to work out what steps they could take to lessen or eliminate those risks.

“The first thing I say to a small business is talk to your staff about work safety issues and they will come up with a range of solutions for your business.”

Originally a Queenslander, Mark has spent

his professional career working in the fields of workers compensation and/or occupational health and safety. Until 2002, Mark was in the senior executive service of Comcare – a level which he attained without a holding a university degree. Mark then took a year off and began a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in ancient history and Latin. From 2003-2005, he was the project manager for the ACT Government’s ACT Safety First Project. In 2005 Mark was appointed as the manager of the Workplace Injury Performance Unit within the Chief Minister’s Department’s Office of Industrial Relations, where he provided leadership on the management of workplace health issues for the ACT public sector.

What is immediately refreshing about Mark McCabe is his capacity to understand the dayto-day challenges faced by business. As he says, “If you don’t recognise the real world that people operate in, then they’re not going to listen to you.”

Mark McCabe’s website www.worksafety.act. gov.au is showing that people are beginning to take heed of the work safety message with 250 unique visits a day and between 15,000-20,000 page visits a month.

His parting remarks to B2B readers are, “If you haven’t thought about work safety, at least give it a thought because it has the potential to really affect your business. I would feel much more comfortable if people were consciously assessing the risk with regard to safety rather than it being an unconscious decision to avoid it. People are keeping their heads down at the moment – and that’s a recipe for disaster.”

Photo: Andrew Sikorski

OHS is not always about spending dollars, quite often it’s a matter of working differently.

No matter how big or small.

Call Keith or Stuart on 6232 4541 www.insitec.com.au

IT business solutions > Clever thinking

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Business and Government need quality IT solutions that don’t break the bank.

upfront PROFILE

“

Emeritus Professor John Richards Emeritus Professor John Richards brings a long list of impressive credentials to the table as Chair of the ACT Accreditation and Registration Council.

B

ut it is his interest in students, the quality of their learning and the education process that drives him to make a difference in this role and other career pursuits.

An electrical engineer by training, Professor Richards came to Canberra 22 years ago to be Head of Electrical Engineering at the Australian Defence Force Academy. After eight years, he became Rector of the ADFA campus and two and a half years later, he was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The Australian National University in 1998.

After five years as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richards became Dean and Director of the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science. For the past eight years, as Master of University House and Graduate House, Professor Richards has overseen its academic and business operations on a part-time basis. In addition to these roles, Professor Richards since June has also been the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian College of Educators – an association of professional educators – a position he will hold until the end of the year.

Established under ACT Assembly legislation, the ACT Accreditation and Registration Council (ARC) is a statutory authority responsible for the registration of vocational education and training

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

organisations and the accreditation of their courses. ARC also accredits courses in the higher education sector with the exclusion of those offered by universities. The 11 member council is appointed by the ACT Minister for Education and is supported by a secretariat in the ACT Department of Education and Training.

Professor Richards explains that unlike universities, which are able to accredit their own courses, the one hundred and twenty seven vocational education and training (VET) providers and five higher education providers in Canberra who wish to offer courses, all need to gain a tick of approval from ARC in order to operate lawfully.

“If someone is telling a provider that they can or can’t teach in the ACT then the ACT needs to be involved."

“In principle, the training providers put forward proposals to us regarding the particular courses they wish to run. The Council then assesses the providers’ capacity to provide the courses, including their ability to support students, the quality of library facilities, and other matters in line with the Australian quality training standards for accredited courses,” he said.

“Our first step is to register a training provider to make sure they are capable and then we carry out accreditation of their courses,” Professor Richards said. “Accreditation is for one year initially with mid-term audits carried out to see how the provider is tracking. The audits are carried out by trained auditors from the

”

Department of Education and Training with assistance from industry professionals also trained to the same high standards.”

Professor Richards said that aside from being the ‘quality control agent’ for ACT vocational education training and the higher education sector (excluding universities), he believes that ARC has a strong educative role and needs to be as ‘helpful as possible to providers’ because, at the end of the day, the livelihoods of students are at stake.

The ARC also plays a significant role in advising the Minister for Education on vocational education and training and higher education in the ACT. ARC has been actively advising the Minister on the proposed move to national regulation of the VET and higher education sector. Recommendations for the national regulation of the university and higher sector were made to the Federal Government by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley in the report, Review of Australian Higher Education.

“Our council has debated this issue extensively. We have come to the view that you can’t argue against national regulation. But it is how national regulation works in practice that is important,” Professor Richards said. “The strategic and economic importance of education is part of the ACT’s business planning. If someone is telling a provider that they can or can’t teach in the ACT then the ACT needs to be involved.”

Professor Richards was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia this year for service to electrical engineering as an academic, through professional associations, and as a contributor to the development of space sciences. He has been married for 39 years and enjoys family history and astronomy.

Photo: Andrew Sikorski

The strategic and economic importance of education is part of the ACT’s business planning.

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upfront feature

Canberra Business Council 30 Year Gala Dinner and Business Achievement Awards a great success The recent Canberra Business Council 30 Year Gala Dinner and Business Achievement Awards, held at the Hotel Realm, was a great success with almost 500 members of the Canberra business community in attendance.

T Photos: 1. New CBC Chairman Brand Hoff being congratulated by outgoing CBC Chairman Craig Sloan, 2. Left to Right, Dr John Howard, University of Canberra; Kristine Riethmiller, KMR Consulting; David Segrott (Australian Health and Safety Services Pty Ltd) ; Brand Hoff, Chairman, Canberra Business Council; Michelle Melbourne, Intelledox; Craig Sloan, KPMG; Glenn Keys, Aspen medical; Hugh Chalmers, Meyer Vandenberg Absent board members: Michael Capezio (Australian Hotels Association); John Hindmarsh (Hindmarsh); Mayor Tim Overall (Queanbeyan City Council) and Chris Faulks (Canberra Business Council).

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

1

2

he CBC was celebrating 30 years of service to the Canberra business community and took the opportunity to reflect on its origins, achievements and future directions.

From the formation of the Group of 22 in 1979, made up of ‘24’ associations, to the affiliation with the NSW Business Chamber in 2007, the Canberra Business Council has got on with representing businesses in the ACT and surrounding region.

The evening also heralded the contribution of outgoing CBC Chairman for the past seven years Craig Sloan and the election of Brand Hoff as the new Chairman.

Stratsec, Canberra-based information security consulting company, was also awarded the Canberra Business Council Annual Business Achievement Award Winner for 2009 The keynote speaker at the dinner was Bernard Salt, one of Australia’s most compelling and entertaining social and business commentators and a leading adviser to corporate Australia.

Outgoing CBC Chairman Craig Sloan held the role of CBC Chairman for seven years and during this time his leadership was pivotal in strongly positioning the CBC as an extremely credible voice on key business issues affecting the ACT region.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chairman of CBC,” said Craig Sloan. “It has been an honour and

CANBERRA BUSINESS COUNCIL TOP 12 ACHIEVEMENTS OVER 30 YEARS

1980 – Canberra Development Board 1988 – Public rally for self government 1991 – Sustainable Canberra Project 1996 – Ministerial/Business Forum for the ACT 2000 – Focus on Business 2006 – Convention Centre 2007 – Affiliated with the NSW Business Chamber 2006 – Action Agenda – Eyes on the Future 2008 – High Speed Rail 2008 – Ministers’ Canberra Consultative Forum ScreenACT ACT Exporters’ Network

Stratsec – winner of the CBC Business Achievement Award

I

n its five years of business operations, information security consulting company, stratsec has had many wins. At the end of last month, it added the 2009 Canberra Business Council Business Achievement Award to its prize list.

Company founder and chief operating officer, Doug Stuart and Sean Wood, national manager, capability accepted the award on the company’s behalf at the Council’s annual gala dinner and 30 year anniversary celebrations.

Speaking about the award, Doug said, “It was wonderful to be recognised in our home town of Canberra where the business began and a great honour to receive the award infront of such a large gathering of Canberra’s eminent business people and invited guests.” stratsec is an independent Australian-owned provider of information security consulting services to a diverse range of global private and public sector clients. The company's capability was further enhanced when it merged with Australian infosec firm SIFT in May this year.

The company has offices in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore and an expanding presence in the Asia-Pacific region (Malaysia), the UK and the US. Key services include ICT security consulting, trusted advisory and technical assurance services including Common Criteria evaluations. Microsoft, SanDisk, SAIC and IBM

From left: Julian Buckmaster, Darren Stewart from MakinTrax, Sean Wood, Melissa Humphries, Ken Hendrie and Doug Stuart

and most Australian government agencies are among the company's key international and Australian clients.

Doug paid tribute to the Canberra Business Council and its work within the region.

“This is an important region and the way that the Canberra Business Council operates here is truly remarkable. I believe it’s imperative to be part of Canberra Business Council because the association not only makes you stronger as a company but it provides business with a strong collective voice with which to reach those who need to hear,” Doug said.

“The effort and commitment shown by the Canberra Business Council Board together with CEO Chris Faulks and team gives us the confidence to continue to grow our business from our Canberra headquarters,” he said.

Doug Stuart is passionate about Canberra, his company and people. “stratsec has a great team culture along with world recognised experts in the cyberspace field. With expansion on the horizon, it’s going to be an exciting time ahead.” www.stratsec.net or info@stratsec.net

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17

upfront feature Stratsec emerged from a strong field of finalists which included: Dynjab Technologies – a leader in the passport and visa scanning solutions.

Dyesol – international commercialisation of Dye Solar Cell technology.

Simmersion Holdings – Australia’s leading provider of 3D simulation solutions for urban planning.

EOS Creative Technology Solutions – specialising in the development of advanced electro–optic technologies.

Point Project Management – management consultancy specialist.

Intelledox – a leader in automated document creation and output management software.

Healthcube – innovative software development in health-care solutions.

Treonic – specialising in a web-based knowledge machine to create any individual web application.

"The diversity among the finalists was impressive, but all have in common, great ideas and smart business acumen supported by hard work"

Photo: Canberra Business Council, Business Achievement Award winners..

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

privilege to serve the Canberra business community and to make a contribution to the ongoing growth and development of the region”, Sloan continued. “I welcome our new Chairman Brand Hoff and take great comfort knowing that I leave the leadership of CBC in such capable hands,” he said.

Brand Hoff is one of Canberra’s most successful technology entrepreneurs, founding Tower Software which was acquired by global giant Hewlett Packard in 2008.

The Tower transaction is arguably the region’s largest acquisition of a privately-held company and is a strong endorsement of the calibre of the ACT private sector.

Mr Hoff is a well-established business leader in the region and understands the needs of growing companies and the challenges of sustainability for mature companies.

“On behalf of the CBC Board and the membership, I would like to thank Craig for initiating and leading many of the enduring partnerships the Council has with the ACT Government and Kindred Organisations,” said Brand Hoff. “Craig's broad and deep knowledge of business issues and his engaging personal style have cemented very high levels of credibility and trust with our members and key stakeholders,” he said.

“The broad range of vital business programs now delivered by the CBC is testament to Craig’s vision and leadership and provides specific tangible benefits to the business community of the ACT and surrounding region,” he continued.

Michelle Melbourne has also taken up the role of Deputy Chair of CBC. Ms Melbourne is co-founder of Intelledox, an award winning global technology company based in Canberra. Ms Melbourne brings over 20 years of business experience across a range of sectors.

Intelledox solution boosts productivity of the Hong Kong trade community rapidly and now supports a customer base of more than 54,000 companies, practically constituting the entire Hong Kong trade and logistics community.

“The Intelledox solution automates the creation of trade-related documents for the world’s first fully electronic logistics infrastructure – the DTTN. Intelledox provides Tradelink with a highly scalable document creation solution, able to support DTTN’s significant customer base in Hong Kong and elsewhere,” Mr Williamson said.

The DTTN supports Hong Kong’s established international reputation as a leading logistics hub within Asia. In 2008 the total value of trade through Hong Kong was US$760 billion, increasing some 5.3% over 2007.

“We have chosen Intelledox because it offered us a cost-effective solution that provides the scalability to grow as our business expands,” Justin Yue, chief executive officer Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited, said.

The intelligent Intelledox portal, developed to meet the customised DTTN requirements, automates the manual processes previously associated with handling commercial documents.

It is expected to handle approximately 20 million transactions per year.

“The Intelledox solution provides a userfriendly, simple yet very powerful tool and further enhances our value proposition to clients,” Justin said.

Intelledox: T 62806244 info@intelledox.com www.intelledox.com

Intelledox CEO, Phillip Williamson

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GREY 18661

I

ntelledox Pty Ltd is a Canberra based, innovative, responsive software development company whose philosophy is that all software applications should be simple to use, elegant in their construction, and provide an excellent value proposition for their clients.

“Our vision is to become the leading provider of automated document creation and output management software,” Intelledox CEO, Phillip Williamson, said.

Intelledox’s value proposition is that their document automation software will reduce the burden on users and IT by reducing the time to create, personalise and distribute a document by more than 50 per cent.

Recently Intelledox announced they had successfully implemented an Intelledox solution at publically listed Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited ('Tradelink’). Tradelink is a leading provider of trade-related electronic services for both Hong Kong and international business communities.

Tradelink has been growing rapidly since incorporating in 1988. Since publicly listing in Hong Kong in 2005, and acquisition and development of the Digital Trade and Transportation Network (DTTN), the company has expanded

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upfront feature

Canberra Business Council Life Members from left: Robin Schall, Darrel Killen, Bert Roberts, David Cusack, Ian Crawford and Denis Page

“I am looking forward to the next era of the CBC, as we work together to address a range of new challenges for the business community”, she said.

Commenting on Stratsec winning the Annual CBC Business Achievement Award, CBC CEO Chris Faulks said, “Stratsec is an outstanding Canberra success story, growing out of a small start-up company of three individuals formed in 2003.”

Stratsec provides information security consulting services to a diverse range of global private and public sector clients with a presence in each Australian capital city. Stratsec now counts among its international clients Microsoft, SanDisk, SAIC and IBM. “Together with the other finalists, they demonstrate that Canberra is uniquely positioned as Australia’s smartest city and most innovative, export-focused business environment”.

“The diversity among the finalists was impressive, but all have in common, great ideas and smart business acumen supported by hard work” Ms Faulks said.

In 2009 the Council carries on with the same spirit of commitment demonstrated by the original Committee of 22 - namely the desire to provide a strong voice for business and to bring together its members and government to ensure that the future of the Canberra Region is prosperous and secure.

“We are currently pursuing a range of initiatives which will be critical to the economic growth of the ACT and surrounding region,” Ms Faulks said.

B2B in Canberra – Business and Government Magazine congratulates the Canberra Business Council and looks forward it’s successes over the next 30 years.

Getting better returns from your assets

O

rganisations typically include the value of their assets in their annual reports as a measure of business performance for the year. The assets include infrastructure such as dams, roads, transportation systems and power stations, as well as buildings, fitouts, major plant and equipment, and vehicles.

The business performance of many organisations depends on the performance of their assets. Utility companies rely on the readiness of their dams and power stations, state and local governments on the reliability of their transportation systems, freight companies on their fleets. The performance of these assets, and the returns they deliver, can decrease due to age, the rapid progress of new technology, physical deterioration, poor maintenance or because the assets are costly to operate and maintain.

GHD’s recently recruited asset and facilities management consultant Ami Sudjiman said failing to keep a proper asset register was one of the biggest weaknesses in large organisations.

“Without a register, organisations can only say that they have a portfolio of assets worth so much, but don’t know exactly what and where their assets are,” she said.

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

Ami was originally trained as an architect, but saw the need for organisations to better manage and maintain their assets while creating new ones. Since the early 1990s, she has focused on facility and asset management, supporting government agencies to develop policies and plans to better manage their assets and long-term capital and maintenance programs.

“Having a plan to manage assets means that you know that you have the right assets to support business growth and be able to develop business plans more realistically”, Ami said.

She said government agencies, in particular, had been shown to benefit from sound asset management because it increased their chances of securing funding.

“They can show they’ve done their homework,” Ami said.

GHD has developed a graduate certificate course in asset management, and trains

Tristan Yates and Ami Sudjiman of GHD

organisations to plan for, acquire, monitor and maintain to achieve optimum life cycle costs.

GHD’s management services group also guides organisations to make sound decisions in repairing, refurbishing, renewing or replacing their assets, in order to achieve sustainable returns.

Contact: Ami Sudjiman, asset and facilities management consultant, GHD, Barrandi Centre, 16 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra 6113 3267

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2009 TELSTRA ACT

W

hen asked why she thought she’d received the 2009 Telstra ACT Business Woman’s Award Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award, managing director of Easycare Landscapes, Vicki Berry, said, “I think it’s because I’m surrounded by a great team of people who all care about and work hard at customer service and satisfaction. My team are intent on achieving outstanding results, take huge pride in their work and treat the landscapes as if they were their own.”

Vicki is no stranger to awards having previously won the Chamber of Women in Business Outstanding Community Spirit Award, the Environment Award and an Honourable Commendation for the Business Women of the Year Award and Family Business Australia’s First Generation Award for NSW and the ACT. Vicki says that she takes immense pride in winning this Telstra Award. “It reinforces credibility in the business to win such a prestigious award. People know that to win this award we are a business that has been around for some time, has a good reputation, good financials, and looks after their clients,” Vicki said.

Easycare Landscapes is a full service landscape company doing everything in the garden from design, construction and maintenance. They build decks and pergolas, do water features, paving,

Vicki Berry

Easycare Landscapes

Winner:

Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award and walls and are also strong on the horticultural side with planting, pruning and irrigation.

Vicki also has a very clear vision for the future of her business. “We will stay predominantly residential but will continue to design, construct and maintain the landscapes of multi-unit complexes and commercial sites. We are also in the process of starting a new design business that will focus more on the upper end of the market,” Vicki said.

Vicki Berry and her team at Easycare

J

o Metcalfe, wife, mother of two and business group manager for Canberra’s largest consultancy firm GHD, is the winner of the Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award at the 2009 Telstra ACT Business Women’s Awards.

On receiving the award Jo said that it was ‘unexpected’ but ‘very special’. “I’m inspired every day by the presence and extraordinary capability of the teams in my group at GHD. These teams of professionals design and deliver billions of dollars worth of projects that I’m so proud of. These great people and our clients are such a great source of energy for me,” Jo said.

GHD is Canberra’s largest consultancy firm of 220 professionals with global operations of 6000 people turning over $1 billion a year.

Jo is responsible for the performance of the Management and Property group comprising three diverse units of 45 project managers, management services consultants, planners, spatial analysts, community consultation facilitators and landscape architects servicing over fifty clients in any year, turning over $8 million.

The judges commented that Jo took a collaborative approach to leadership and had an excellent understanding of how business worked from both a financial and management aspect.

Jo says part of her success is recognising what she is good and building on those strengths. “I’m originally a landscape architect by training. But 22

November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

Landscapes have literally become part of the Canberra landscape and are a deserving winner of the 2009 Telstra ACT Business Woman’s Award Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award.

Easycare Landscapes: 8 Beltana Road, Pialligo ACT 2609. T: 02 6257 8122.

F: 02 6257 8031. info@easycare.com.au www.easycare.com.au .

Jo Metcalfe

Canberra GHD

Winner:

Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award even at uni, I was a better team leader than designer. I can hear my professors at UNSW saying ‘thank goodness she became a manager rather than inflicting her design skills on the world,” Jo said.

As a senior GHD executive Jo is a company shareholder. She has also held a number of global roles including a position on the Service Line Leader – Architecture, which involved coordinating and standardising the services of 400 architects across the world.

In her spare time Jo is a violinist, the first

woman on the Property Council of Australia ACT Division Board and also sits on the national Professional Standards Councils (These Councils approve and monitor schemes that improve professional standards and protect consumers).

GHD Accomplish More Together 6 Marcus Clarke Street Canberra ACT 2601.

T 02 6113 3298 F 02 6113 3299 www.ghd.com

Business Women's Awards

V

eronica Wensing, executive director, Canberra Rape Crisis Centre says winning the 2009 Telstra ACT Business Woman of the Year award is a fantastic thing and will assist in getting the centres message out to a mainstream audience.

“The message is that rape can happen to anyone. We as a community need to take collective responsibility to promote respect,” Veronica said.

Australian Bureau of Statistics show that one in four girls before they are 18, one in six boys before they are adults and one in three women in their lifetime will experience some form of unwanted sexual activity. The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre has 18 staff, provides 24/7 phone support for people affected by sexual violence; legal and medical advocacy services; face-to-face counselling for women, children and men; community education and input into government policy and reforms – and has all the normal business responsibilities of business planning, strategic planning, human resources and budgeting.

Veronica believes that she won the award because the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre has introduced a Wraparound Approach for victims who decide to engage with the criminal justice system.

“We signed a memorandum of understanding with the police which involves them calling us every time someone presents to make a

Veronica Wensing

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre

Winner:

Telstra Australian Capital Territory Business Woman of the Year and White Pages Community and Government Award report or a statement. Last year this contributed to 202 callouts (also to forensics and medical services). A 78 percent increase on the previous year,” Veronica said. In addition to this the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre responded to 3500 calls to the rape crisis line, and provided over 2500 face to face counselling sessions.

“One of the things we are focusing on is prevention. If we don’t deal with prevention we will be forever picking up the pieces,” Veronica said.

A

t just 21, Kelly Tunney established her freelance photography business in her lounge in Belconnen.

Nine years later, and Kelly Tunney Photographer has become a full time business.

Within two years, Kelly created another two photography studios to meet the growing needs of her clients. She now shoots over 55 weddings and 40 portraits a year and has three studios.

“I was very excited to win this Telstra Award. It was very unexpected recognition for something that I love to do. The process was a good and challenging and coming out with winning was a ‘surprise’ as an understatement,” Kelly said Kelly attributes much of her success to her philosophy in relation to work.

“If you are doing a lot of wedding you can get stuck in a routine. So I tell my clients that I’m there for them and it’s not just repeating what I did last weekend. I try to bring them something new that has never been done before,” Kelly said.

“I’m a people person and that is probably why my business has grown and become successful.”

Kelly believes that having a business in a creative field may have made her stand out from the crowd.

“My business is in a creative field and may have been a little different to the other applicants. Telstra is also big on work, life balance and running a pretty successful business whilst being

The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre is delivering Respectful Relationships programs into four ACT schools. “The program is about encouraging young men to be respectful and not coercing young women. It’s also about teaching young women that they can expect respect,” Veronica said.

Canberra rape crisis centre 24 hour hotline: 6247 2525 Business Phone: 6247 8071 crcc@rapecrisis.org.au www.rapecrisis.org.au .

Kelly Tunney

Kelly Tunney Photographer

Winner:

marie claire Young Business Women's Award a mother and a wife would also have been important,” Kelly said.

Kelly has also secured two international weddings next year: one in Ireland and another in Greece.

“I’ve also been taking on a mentoring role for some people and giving them a helping hand – something I would have loved when I was starting out,” Kelly said.

Kelly says that once you form a relationship with a client you are there for all their important

occasions: engagements, weddings, pregnancy, newborns etc.

“It’s all about treating people like people and not another job or a number. I’m passionate about my business and this comes through in my photography,” Kelly said.

Kelly Tunney Photographer: T 02 6251 8555 M 0407 232 272 www.kelleytunney.com.au

B2B in Canberra | November 2009

23

McMilla unveil

cover story upfront

When Ben McMillan took over the 20-year family business, his grandmother said to him that ‘a smile in business creates goodwill.’ With new business developments being unveiled from his London Circuit HQ, Ben and his team have plenty to smile about. Liz Lang finds out what’s happening.

Left to right: Rod Farrar, Ben McMillan, Peter Neil and Scott Sutherland

24

November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

T

here’s such a positive vibe in our office about our new business offerings that we want to let Canberra know what we are doing,” Ben says.

Ben has big shoes to fill since taking over the business in June this year. Undaunted by the challenge, Ben is putting his stamp on the staff development and training business that has a proud history within Canberra.

Located in the heritage listed office premises at 161 London Circuit, McMillan offers a diverse range of services in vocational education and training, staff professional development, and human resource consultancy Australia wide. This includes training needs analysis, design and development of training or other staff development programs, facilitation, evaluation, business and succession planning, as well as mapping of internal courses to qualifications.

Ben explains, “I wanted to expand the business so that McMillan could offer our clients a greater suite of services. I needed a clever solution which would deliver topline client services without placing undue strain on staff resources which often happens in a growth phase.”

“I’m excited to announce that McMillan has entered into a range of leading-edge professional partnerships with companies in the leadership and management fields which will have unbelievable benefits for our new and existing clients,” Ben said.

Companies Project Management Techniques and Tools, Paladin Risk Management Services, and the Harris Smith Group have joined forces with McMillan. The credentials of the people behind these companies are

an ls

Photos Andrew Sikorski

ITS ace partners impressive as is their passion to share their professional knowledge with clients.

Scott Sutherland’s award-winning company, Project Management Techniques and Tools was the first professional partnership that McMillan entered into in 2003 and the litmus test for this model of collaboration.

Scott is passionate about his field. He has provided his clients with the methodology, training, planning, facilitation and mentoring for seven state and two national Australian Institute of Project Management Project of the Year Awards in the past four years.

“Through the partnership with McMillan, I now have a greater suite of tools at my fingertips which I can offer clients with confidence in the training room,” Scott said.

Peter Neil, a partner at Harris Smith and registered organisational psychologist, said he believed the strength of the new partnership with McMillan was that it brought the management and leadership streams together. He believed this would result in relevant leadership development for people in Canberra – an area that he identifies as a current gap in the marketplace. Harris Smith is the Executive and Senior Management Practice of The Donington Group which specialises in providing senior level career management, leadership development and coaching services. Peter’s background also enables him to provide organisational psychology services such as selection and psychometric assessment as well as a range of strategic HR consulting services such as talent management and workforce planning.

“The partnership with McMillan is about helping individuals and organisations to be more effective, whether it is through executive coaching, team development, talent management, project management skills, risk management, or training in specialist subject areas,” Peter said.

“If a client is working with McMillan in the development of their supervisors or middle level managers, our company as a strategic partner, can offer clients a consistent service at the senior executive level with the same approach, values and rigour,” he said.

Risk management is an area that still mystifies many businesses and organisations. Director of Paladin Risk Management Services, Rod Farrar, is one of 180 certified practising risk managers in Australia and as he says, one of the few who train in the field. As a risk management professional, he is committed to giving back to the community. Next year in partnership with McMillan, Rod hopes to be able to offer a cost-neutral Diploma in Business to the Manly-Warringah Football Club.

While his partnership with McMillan is in its early days, Rod is confident about its future. He comments, “It’s a relationship that is going to blossom over the next few years. With McMillan offering this high calibre of services into the marketplace, at a cost effective price, everyone is set to benefit.”

“The partnership with McMillan is about helping individuals and organisations to be more effective, whether it is through executive coaching, team development, talent management, project management skills, risk management, or training in specialist subject areas.”

Ben McMillan is clearly energised about the new partnership arrangements. ”Our partners are experts in their fields and they bring that experience to organisations and into the training room. By partnering with other companies, it enables us to maintain a strong focus on our core areas of expertise yet at the same time present a seamless offer of services to our clients.”

Ben uses the analogy of a building a house to describe the advantages of the McMillan partnership arrangement for clients.

“The difference would be project managing the building of your house by yourself or going through a building organisation which has its preferred and trusted suppliers and providers. As a client, you benefit from the cohesion of that relationship, the systems that flow together, and the collective experience of the team.”

Ben and his partners share their similar values. As Ben says, “We don’t get up every day just to make a dollar. We get up because we enjoy our businesses.”

McMillan is laying the foundation for an exciting future – one that is shaped by professional partnerships, business passion, and above all, delivering great services to clients.

Level 7, 161 London Circuit, Canberra T: 6230 0266 E: train@mcmillan.net.au www.mcmillan.net.au B2B in Canberra | November 2009

25

feature

Canberra proves to be an inclusive society: awards night

T

A record attendance of almost 400 people attended the 2009 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards in the Great Hall of Parliament House on Thursday 22 October.

he gala awards hosted by Australia’s Queen of Comedy Fiona O’Loughlin from Alice Springs, also featured special guest artists from the Seven Network’s Dancing with the Stars, Gerard Gosens and Jess Raffa, who performed spectacular dance routines across the parquetry of the Great Hall.

Parliament House was an inclusive mix of guests who came together to acknowledge those who have excelled in promoting an inclusive society.

The night was presented by Disability ACT as well as joint principal partners from the business sector Drake Medox and MAXimusSolutions Australia.

The awards are a public acknowledgement of busi-

It is the vision of the ACT Government that all people with disabilities achieve what they want to achieve, live how they choose to live, and are valued as full and equal members of the ACT community.

L-R: Matt Tukaki from Drake Medox, Robert Glynn from MaximusSolutions Australia, Jessica Thomas and Gemma Rainbow from Raytheon Australia together with John Hargreaves MLA

26

November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

ness, organisations and individuals who have gone the extra mile to include people with a disability in their workplace, business or community.

They promote the excellent work being done in the community and recognise that a small change to the way a service is delivered to a person with a disability

could make a big difference. Chair of BLITS and executive director of Disability ACT, Lois Ford said “This initiative is as much about building healthy communities, as it is about good economic sense.”

“One in six people in the ACT identify as having a disability. This represents a significant market in commercial terms. " "The Canberra community has recognised the importance of these awards by nominating organisations and individuals who are showing leadership by genuinely looking at their practices so that people with disabilities are included,” Lois said.

In a message from the Chief Minister he said “It is the vision of the ACT Government that all people with disabilities achieve what they want to achieve, live how they choose to live, and are valued as full and equal members of the ACT community. We need to build a strong and lasting culture where we encourage ability and offer unbiased opportunity.”

The campaign is part of the work being done by BLITS (ACT Business Leaders Innovative Thoughts and Solutions).

It is an ongoing program that thrives to build on opportunities within the business, arts and the sports community to increase the presence, participation and respect for people with a disability within the social and cultural economic life in the ACT. For more information contact the BLITS manager, info@blits.org.au

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advice

Aim for the stars with a vertical garden

Five key business improvements

By Jon Elphick

By Andrew Sykes

D

id you know that the Green Building Council Australia has included indoor plants in its assessment for Green Star rating buildings?

Indoor plants can score two credit points towards the office interiors rating – the equivalent of interior lighting.

One point is awarded where it’s demonstrated that indoor plants are incorporated in the tenancy fitout and comply with the following requirements: • Plant species are selected on the basis of their suitability to indoor environments • A ‘Horticultural Maintenance Plan’ is in place (minimum two years) to ensure that the health of the plants in maintained • There is a minimum density of one large plant (300mm pot) or two small plants (200mm pot) per two work settings, distributed over the nett lettable area (NLA).

Two points are awarded where the above is demonstrated and the plant density is increased to a minimum of one large plant or two small plants per work setting.

Green Building Council Australia states that the plants do not have to be in individual pots but provided at the same ratio of planting surface to work settings, distributed over the NLA. Those interested in green buildings and plants will probably be aware that one of the hottest trends right now in interior plantscaping is vertical gardens. Vertical gardens provide a dramatic wall of living plants with all the benefits that indoor plants offer to improve indoor air quality.

Vertical gardens are a simple system enabling numerous plants to be stacked vertically in freestanding columns or walls – dramatically transforming any space.

These gardens really make a statement. They provide an instant green wall, offer all the benefits of mass plantings and are perfect for corporate or hospitality locations. For entry foyers, large open space offices, or even to create spaces in a restaurant, vertical gardens are a stunning and practical divider with a difference.

The pots used in the vertical gardens are terracotta which look at home in any surrounds. Please keep in mind that these plant walls will need ongoing maintenance to keep the plants alive, healthy and thriving so they can deliver indoor air quality benefits.

For more information on the GBCA, go to the Office Interiors / Interior Environment Quality section, (IEQ – 15 ‘Indoor Plants’): http:// www.gbca.org.au/green-star/rating-tools/green-star-office-interiorsv1-1/1530.htm

The Canberra office of Ambius is headed by Jon Elphick who has a team of seven staff. The business has been in operation for 20 years and was formerly Rentokil Tropical Plants. www.ambiusindoorplants.com.au Unit 5/67-71 Vicars St Mitchell T: 02 6241 1451

28 November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

I

t’s during tough times that businesses tend to focus on getting their processes better. Key areas where most businesses can improve are:

1. Management of credit facilities: Businesses should consider their current level of financing and the possible need for further debt financing in the future.

Securing new debt facilities, or refinancing existing loans, has become increasingly difficult in recent times. Banks are looking for highquality borrowers with greater protection against defaults. The opportunity exists for business owners to get closer to their bank. Keep your bank informed and give them plenty of notice if you’re in need of increased debt funding.

2. Management of cashflow: We’ve all heard the saying that ‘Cash is King’. In a slowing economy, the management of cash flows is of the utmost importance. Has your business cash collection time increased in the last 12 months? Do you expect to have difficulty in meeting scheduled payments? The opportunity exists to negotiate your credit terms with your customers and suppliers. Management of inventory levels is also important in the control over cash flows.

3. Customer and supplier relationships: In times of general financial stress, customers are likely to pay their bills more slowly and the liquidity of a business can be rapidly affected. Businesses who rely on only a small number of customers may find themselves at risk if one of their key customers falls into financial trouble.

4. Don’t assume that your customers are financially healthy.

Businesses should be screening new customers very carefully and be selective of those customers who are offered credit terms. Any terms of trade should be formalised with customers. Do you have the ability to charge your customers interest on late payment of debts?

Among other things, you should actively follow up all debtors, formally negotiate your credit terms, ensure you get your invoices out to customers promptly and consider offering discounts to customers who pay promptly.

5. Businesses should take the opportunity to bargain with suppliers.

Negotiate your credit terms and consider taking advantage of any discounts on offer. Most suppliers will be eager to be paid promptly and ‘cashed up’ businesses have the opportunity to take advantage of this by receiving discounts for prompt payment of invoices.

Focus on profitability While cash may indeed be ‘king’, profit is the lifeblood of any business and is vital for long term sustainability and growth.

Andrew Sykes is a partner at RSM Bird Cameron. For information on business improvements, contact the experienced team at RSM Bird Cameron.

103-105 Northbourne Avenue Canberra, T.6247 5988. www.rsmi.com.au

AICD DIRECTOR AND BOARD DEVELOPMENT

Does the ACT shape up well in boardroom report card?

Foundations of Directorship

Guide your company to prosperity

By Phil Butler

T

he ACT is one of only two states and territories which did not fail the test when it comes to the excessive liability burden imposed on company directors, according to new research by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

The AICD Boardroom Burden Report Card, measures on a state by state basis the ‘business-friendliness’ of legal regimes, in terms of the content of laws imposing liability on directors, the number of those laws in operation in each state and territory and the procedural fairness with which they are administered.

The new report card highlights the best, and the worst, states in which to do business in Australia from a director liability standpoint.

It also carries a strong message for all governments – including, despite its relatively good performance, ours here in the ACT. That is because this is more than an issue for directors themselves.

By encouraging an overly cautious approach to decision making, focusing directors’ minds excessively on risk avoidance rather than adding value and wealth creation, these laws stifle business and can have an impact on where companies invest and create new jobs.

The results reinforce the message from a survey of directors late last year by the Federal Treasury and AICD, which showed that the burden of legal risk being confronted by Australian directors is making many qualified people shy away from taking up board seats and causing others to leave through resignation or premature retirement.

It showed that concern about liability risk is also producing suboptimal business decisions.

The research shows there are no less than 663 state and territory laws which impose personal liability on individual directors for corporate misconduct, and the number is growing all the time.

Under these laws, directors are liable simply because they are a director, even where they may not have had any personal involvement in a breach. In some states and under some legislation the onus of proof is reversed, removing the presumption ustralian Institute of Company Directorsof innocence, and there are very narrow legal defences and limited rights of appeal. is Australia’s membership institute for three-part report card While scoring better than most, the AICD’s ors delivering knowledge and continuing gave the ACT a 'fail' mark on the measure assessing the substantive content these laws. This measure deducted marks where laws ing in the field of ofdirectorship. volved a reverse onus of proof and ‘deemed liability’ or had no business judgement rule defences and added back marks where other more information, defences apply. contact Laura while doing relatively well, thethe ACT can’t rest on its laurels. The ey on 1300So,764 633 or visit message from this report card is the same as the rest of Australia: ite at companydirectors.com.au ‘Must try harder’.

How to add value and guide your organisation towards success AICD’s Introduction to the Strategic Role of the Director offers a practical introduction and overview to the strategic planning and risk oversight management duties and responsibilities of a director and board.

piring small business ake the next step

Course details Strategic Role of the Director Wednesday 18 November 2009 For more information or to enrol on this course, contact Renee Heins on 1300 764 633 or visit the website at www.companydirectors.com.au

AICD#1505

Phil Butler is state manager of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ ACT Division. For more information about AICD's course programs and events, call 6248 5954.

As a director you need to know your role and perform it well from day one. This course is the start you need.

B2B in Canberra | November 2009

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advice

Divorce and self managed super

Putting ideas into practice

By Stephen Bourke

By Jerome de Rose

W

W

hen couples separate, superannuation is an important issue to be taken into consideration.

When the superannuation is self managed superannuation fund (SMSF), another layer of complexity is added. In the SMSF context, the individuals that ‘own’ the fund have the dual role of trustee and member. The individuals must separate their roles as trustee from their entitlements as members. When they are in the process of separating, it is even more critical that the member/trustee demarcation is clear. The fund may be difficult to split if there are non liquid assets such as real estate that need to be liquidated before a split can occur.

There can be tax benefits that flow from the splitting of superannuation, including CGT rollover relief. The ATO may conduct an audit to ensure that the splitting of the superannuation fund was for a genuine separation and that the splitting was not contrived to reap the tax benefits. To ensure that the SMSF is audit proof, all trustee decisions should be documented. There are notices that the party receiving the superannuation (called the nonmember under the Family Law Act, even though they might have their own member entitlement) is required to provide the trustee after a splitting order or agreement.

The trustee is also required to give notices to both the member and non-member. Even though the parties are the trustees, the notices should be given and documentation of this action should also be prepared. This will ensure that the law was strictly observed and that the splitting of the superannuation was genuine.

Part 7A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations provides that the non-member may elect to have a new interest in the fund or to rollover their entitlement to another complying super fund. If the fund were an industry or public offer fund, the member does not have any option but to accept the choice made by the non-member. However, the SMSF environment is quite different. If the non-member became a member of the SMSF, it would make the management of the SMSF quite a challenge!

Trustee meetings and decisions could become very strained and it is not a recommended course of action to adopt. Part 7A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations therefore provides that the member can insist that the non-member rollover their entitlement. Equally, if the parties to the divorce/separation were both already members of the SMSF, the wise course would be to have one of them resign so that the ongoing management of the SMSF can be conducted in an orderly manner. One party may rollover their interest to another complying superannuation fund to avoid separated parties having an ongoing joint responsibility for the management and administration of the SMSF.

Stephen Bourke is a director in the boutique firm, Certus Law, specialising in superannuation, trusts and estate planning.

He also consults to other practitioners through the consulting practice, SuperSplitting.

Level 5, 28 University Avenue T: 6268 9090 www.certuslaw.com.au

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

hat happens to great ideas? You go to conferences such as the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) mini conference called ‘Build your small business’ and get great ideas about moving your business forward in Canberra. But with the hectic pace of doing business today, it's easy to leave those great ideas in the task list.

Leading up to the Christmas sales period, it is a busy time for many small business owners. But this is exactly the time to use the great ideas you learnt at the CIT conference. Choose one or two strategies that you can dedicate your time to, are enthusiastic about and put them into action.

An important aspect is to identify your customers/clients.

Whether it is marketing or tendering, you need to know your target audience and hone in! If it is government tenders that you seek, procurement expert Angi Wirtitsch from CIT Solutions suggests ‘the first step is to research the agency through their website.’ Simple and easy, this will provide you with valuable insight into what departments want and how your own business can offer them value for money. For government tender opportunities, Angi suggests the AusTender and Procurement Solutions websites.

For other business opportunities, look at your own company data, ascertain what is and isn't working and seek ways to improve. Some new concepts in marketing include social networking using Facebook, twitter, internet, Google and mobile phone marketing. Traditional sources including telemarketing, newspapers, radio and television are still available but why not experiment with a specific campaign suited to your customers demographics? President Barack Obama and Dell Computers are among the many successful users of social networking.

To increase your business, listen to your clients, engage in conversation and connect with them often. Build trust and have a keen interest in their company – help them grow. A solid relationship with clients is important to take advantage of opportunities that arise.

With sales messages, clarify the purpose of your work/product and services and focus in on their strengths. Be sincere, accessible, flexible and adaptable and make sure you include contact information, logos, pictures, and graphs in y our sales messaging. Try to win your customers hearts and minds.

Although these ideas can take time out of your busy daily activity, if you don’t schedule time to build your business, ask yourself – who will?

CIT has many flexible ways of helping small business owners survive and prosper. With the GFC moving on, make sure your business is part of the economic recovery.

Jerome de Rose is the director of the CIT Centre for Business.

Call 6207 3542 to find out how CIT can work with your organisation to up-skill your staff. http://www.cit.act.edu.au

advice

Does your website measure up?

The fountain of youth

By Sam Gupta

By Chris Males

I

s your website measuring up to be a high performing business asset? Put your website through the checks below and find out.

Does your website…

• Look fresh and attractive? 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

First impressions count. Make sure your website doesn’t look old and tired. A fresh looking website is more likely to retain interest and generate leads.

Load quickly?

No one likes waiting. A good website is of no use, if it takes too long to load or browse through. Visitors to your website are influenced by the time it takes to load your site.

Have user-friendly navigation?

Keep it simple. Visitors should be able to find and easily retrieve the information they are looking for. Display the most relevant information first. Use banners and big headings to help visitors find popular items quickly.

Have good content?

Write the content for people and also for search engine robots!

Your content should provoke thought and action by your visitors and help you achieve higher rankings on search engines.

Encourage interactivity?

Visitors just don’t want to look or read through your website.

They want to be able to interact with you online. Give visitors the opportunity to opt-in for a newsletter, become a member, fill-in a quotation form or have the option to chat online.

Shape up as search engine friendly?

Being search engine friendly means that search engines can easily access all pages and read the contents properly. Search engines discourage the use of full flash websites or websites with frame/iframe. In most cases, search engines will not automatically register your site on their database. If you haven’t yet registered your website on major search engines, you should consider doing so.

Link with other social media websites?

You want other websites to link to your websites. Try to get as many associated businesses, suppliers and affiliates to link to your website. If possible, create facebook, myspace, twitter and other social media websites to link to your site.

Track all statistics?

You want to be able to track information about your online visitors. Use on-line statistics to track the success of your website in terms of meeting your business objectives.

Please contact me on admin@synapseworldwide.com or call 1300 785 230, if you would like me to help you analyse your website.

A

ll too often in today’s society we find ourselves getting consumed by building our career, creating financial security and making ends meet. This can sometimes come at the expensive cost of our health.

Recently, I wrapped up a 90 Day Lifestyle Challenge with 13 of Canberra’s most successful businessmen and the results were simply outstanding. Starting with an initial health assessment, the program focused on key areas such as reducing waist measurements, increasing lean muscle (the key to looking and feeling younger) and improving each individual’s cardiac health through 90 days of healthy eating, moderate exercise, and a few little sacrifices along the way (chocolate and alcohol were a common theme).

Interestingly, we also worked out what each members ‘Biological Age’ was compared to their Chronological Age, both before the 90 days and afterwards. The post-assessments showed that some of the group lost up to ten centimetres off their waist measurement, halved their amount of body fat and slashed up to six years off their ‘actual’ age! Although these results are always nice to see, by far the greatest benefits came from the associated improvements in lower blood pressure, lower resting heart rates and reduced cholesterol levels.

Here’s how to bring your own Biological Age down in the lead up to summer: • Eat foods that were once growing and once living. If you can’t pick it off a tree, pull it from the ground, or hunt it, then it’s probably not worth eating!

• Lift weights at the gym, or attend Bootcamps to improve your lean muscle mass. This is the key to keeping a faster metabolism, which is absolutely critical in your weight/bio-age loss success.

• Eat breakfast – an absolute must if you want to improve your metabolism.

• Break your bad habits! Get off the soft drink or alcohol for 30 days and see your waist line shrink.

• Be focused! Because the group mentioned above are naturally high achievers, they know what it takes to be successful. You will need to practise the daily disciplines that lead to success in any field.

Breaking bad habits, healthy meal choices and portion control, and getting up on time to work out early are just a few habits well worth striving for.

If you would like more information on how you and your workmates could be involved in a 90-Day Lifestyle Challenge then simply email info@pfcorporatehealth.com

Chris Males is one of the country's freshest corporate speakers on the topics of health, stress management and productivity. He is also the managing director of Pro-Fit Corporate Health, a national corporate health and wellbeing provider. To contact Chris please email cmales@pfcorporatehealth.com or phone 6291 5902.

B2B in Canberra | November 2009

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Act Government

Jon Stanhope

Zed Seselja

ACT Chief Minister

ACT Opposition Leader

L

ast month I had the pleasure of releasing a comprehensive review of Canberra’s supermarket competition policy, paving the way for a revitalisation of the supermarket sector in the national capital.

The review was conducted by Mr John Martin, formerly of the ACCC, who was previously involved in that organisation’s 2008 review of supermarket pricing.

It is the Government’s hope that the recommendations of the review will lead to a revitalisation of Canberra’s Group Centres — the medium-sized shopping centres that sit in scale between the town centres and the local shops – as well as attracting new entrants to the market and freeing up options for local suburban shops. The ACT Government is the first jurisdiction in Australia to undertake a comprehensive supermarket competition policy review. Three major themes emerged from the Martin review: • opportunity for the Government to actively facilitate competition and diversity; • potential of using the planning process to support competition outcomes; and • need for greater government coordination.

The review found that the main competition deficiency in the national capital related to full-line supermarkets — the big stories that offer up to 35,000 product lines.

One of Mr Martin’s major recommendations is for the ACT to increase the number of larger, full-line supermarkets in central Canberra and Gungahlin. Currently, two major chains — Woolworths and Coles — compete face-to-face in the town centres and one of the two operates in most group centres. The only independent to operate at a town or group centre is Supabarn – which has a presence in Civic, Wanniassa and Kaleen. There are also three Supa IGAs: in Hawker, Kingston and Civic. The local centres are dominated by IGA stores. The other major force is ALDI which has seven stores in the ACT and which has created welcome competitive tension wherever it has opened stories.

Mr Martin believes our city would benefit from encouraging a third full-line independent supermarket chain to expand in the ACT, particularly in the group centres — not just to create competition and diversity but potentially to support an alternative source of wholesale grocery supply. He recommends that the rigid retail hierarchy be made more flexible and that there be greater encouragement of higher-density mixed commercial and residential development in languishing local centres. And he says that because of the current impediments to independent full-line supermarkets and ALDI stores establishing a presence in group centres, in some cases it may be appropriate for the Government to intervene through direct land sales or restricted auctions.

A high-level interdepartmental committee will report back to me within two months and it is my intention to have a brand-new policy and brand-new processes in place before the end of the year, with an on-going inter-departmental mechanism for delivery of the new regime.

I believe the outcomes will be good for competition, good for the industry, and good for Canberrans.

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

T

he recent encouraging news about the national economy and the reduced scale of the impact of the GFC is welcomed.

It means many families are breathing a sigh of relief and many businesses are looking forward to a better future.

During the Budget period this year, when the massive debts and deficits of the ACT Labor government were revealed, I argued strongly that the GFC should not be used as an ‘escape clause’ and that much of the situation we face is a result of poor management of the matters we can control and not a result of the factors that we cannot.

The truth is highlighted when you compare the figures of what this government has received in their term of office, and how much their expenditure has increased above and beyond those windfall gains.

According to Commonwealth government budget papers included in ‘State Finances at the crossroads: the states’ budget problem and what to do about it’ by the Institute of Public Affairs, the GST revenue provision in excess of the Guaranteed Minimum Amount ranges from $473 million extra in 2000-2001 to $846 million extra in 2007–2008, with incremental increases for each year in between.

However, the government’s expenses increased higher than forecast revenues, but higher than those additional revenues.

Comparing the actual versus forecast of the total expenditure of the Territory during the same period from 2000-2001 and 07-08, we see that the forecast was $16.01 billion but the actual expenditure was $20.47 billion, or a windfall spend of $4.382 billion.

That’s more than $4 billion in extra revenue that has propped up a fundamentally flawed system of governance. It is this $4 billion windfall that hid the true face of failure.

All that is now laid bare. We cannot blame the GFC for embarrassing infrastructure delays like the prison opening or the still incomplete GDE. We cannot blame the GFC for the frightening cost blow outs such as the $250 blow out to $363 million for the Cotter Dam, and we have a budget bottom line in tatters, with a decade of debt and deficits and no plan for recovery.

In this year’s budget, 2012/13 is projected to have the strongest revenue base of any year in territory history.

In that year, revenues are projected to sit around $3.8 billion. Yet this government is intending to spend nearly $4 billion.

We will still have to borrow $150 million just to operate the Territory, and those were figures before the reduction of GST revenues of more than $60 million per annum are taken into account.

The GFC was a factor earlier this year, but not the only one. Far more crucial to the governance of this Territory is the mismanagement of the basics of the economy by the Stanhope Gallagher government – the basic management of not spending more than you earn.

Act government

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ACT Government backs grain venture capital project Stephen Hardy Australian Capital Ventures Limited

F

or some weeks now supermarkets in the ACT and elsewhere around the country have been inundated with requests for a new breakfast cereal product, all brought about by a unique grain and seeding (in the plant and financial sense) from within the ACT. The new grain, known as BARLEYmax™ , is a non-GM patented barley developed by the CSIRO. Anne Howard, business manager of BARLEYmax for the CSIRO’s Food Futures Flagship, said the new barley is a nutritious wholegrain that provides an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, including resistant starch.

"BARLEYmax has exceptional nutritional properties including a low glycemic load and very high fibre levels, to help promote health and potentially reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and certain cancers," Anne said. "It is highly versatile with a naturally sweet, nutty taste that can be incorporated into a wide range of foods such as breads, muffins, snack bars, pasta, biscuits and of course, breakfast cereals."

The ACT Government’s involvement with BARLEYmax stems from its investment in a joint venture with the CSIRO through the Canberra Business Development Fund (CBDF), an equity investment vehicle specialisng in local technol-

to commercialise this new grain," Anne said.The CBDF has invested approximately $5.6 million in 10 local companies over an eight–year period. The CBDF’s size has recently been increased by $1 million, with an additional $1 million expected to be contributed in the current financial year, bringing total funds committed to $8 million.

Stephen Hardy, CEO of ACVL (which is also manager of CBDF), says the aim of the fund is to provide expansion capital for Canberra region businesses with growth potential.

"The partnership between the Government and an experienced fund manager implements a model allowing the Government to support local businesses, while ensuring that the support is aimed at businesses with an exceptional growth potential," Stephen said.

"Typically, CBDF provides working capital for market expansion, increased production capacity and further product development. CBDF only provides equity or semi-equity (convertible notes) and does not provide loans or grants."

Investment proposals located in, or providing benefits to, the Canberra Region qualify for an initial assessment where the proposal is for a business that has already generated revenue, or,

‘The ACT Government’s involvement in the development of BARLEYmax through the CBDF has been a key factor enabling the CSIRO to commercialise this new grain.’ ogy‑based companies. CBDF is a joint venture between the ACT Government and Australian Capital Ventures Limited (ACVL), an entity related to Hindmarsh.

"The ACT Government’s involvement in the development of BARLEYmax through the CBDF has been a key factor enabling the CSIRO

alternatively, has developed a prototype that is being trialed for commercialisation and offers a sound business plan for expansion and growth.

"BARLEYmax is a great example of the CBDF criteria at work: intellectual property has been secured and BARLEYmax grain is now licenced for food production. Product differentiation comes

Photo: Carl Davies, CSIRO Plant Industry VRU"

It is generally uncommon for governments to be involved in promoting businesses through mechanisms such as venture capital. But for the ACT Government, use of such funding, in addition to its many other business development programs, is proving to be more than a winner.

from its unique health benefits and disease prevention potential with global and domestic markets growing. It is immensely satisfying to work on something that can combine health improvements for millions of people with potential profitability and a great taste," Stephen said.

"We also look at a return on investment.

The signing of licence agreements for the production of Goodness Superfoods cereals using BARLEYmax, and others to follow, has significant potential to generate high returns for all investors, including the government," he said.

The BARLEYmax joint venture has already licenced Austgrains to manage contract growing and supply for food manufacturers, and Popina Food Services is the first licensee to release products incorporating BARLEYmax under the Goodness Superfoods brand.

Products featuring BARLEYmax are expected to be on the market soon, including extruded and rolled breads; muffins and health bars.

Meanwhile the rush to those cereal shelves is continuing.

Other ACT companies supported by the CBDF include the ASX-listed Biotron Limited and Simmersion Pty Limited.

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Act occupational health & Safety commissioner

How to take all reasonably practicable steps to provide a safe working environment Mark McCabe ACT Work Safety Commissioner The new Work Safety Act 2008 qualifies the requirement of safety duty holders (such as employers) to manage risk by taking 'reasonably practicable' steps to eliminate or minimise risks.

T

he Act outlines the meaning of 'reasonably practicable steps': Each of the following must be considered in working out what are reasonably practicable steps to eliminate or minimise a risk:

(a) (b) (c)

(d) (e)

ACT Work Safety Commissioner P.O. Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 T: 6205 0333 F: 6205 0168 E: worksafety@act.gov.au

For health and safety information and guidance www.worksafety.act.gov.au www.safetyforum.org.au www.safeworkactawards.com.au www.actsafetyshow.com.au

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

the seriousness of the risk; the availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or minimise the risk; what the duty holder knows or ought reasonably to know about (i) the hazard giving rise to the risk and the risk itself; and (ii) ways of eliminating or minimising the risk; the cost of eliminating or minimising the risk; anything else prescribed by regulation.

Also, a regulation may prescribe what are, or are not, reasonably practicable steps to eliminate or minimise a risk.

‘Reasonably practicable’ is enshrined in the ILO’s Occupational Safety and Health Convention No. 155.

Article 4.

Clause 2 of this convention provides that the aim of national policy on occupational safety, occupational health and the working environment 'shall be to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, linked with or occurring in the course of work, by minimising, so far as is reasonably practicable, the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment.'

OHS legislation in all Australian jurisdictions other than Qld (where a similar standard is expressed as ‘reasonable precautions’) and in the UK, Singapore and other common law countries, provide for duties of care to be subject to, or subject to a defence relating to, the duty holder meeting the duty so far as is ‘reasonably practicable’.

The inclusion of the test of reasonably practicable is often expressed as the standard of conduct or a limitation on the otherwise unlimited nature of the duty to ensure health and safety.

Reasonably practicable will often involve having regard to: • the severity of the hazard or risk in question • the state of knowledge about the hazard or risk and any ways of removing or mitigating that hazard or risk • the availability and suitability of ways to remove or mitigate that hazard or risk, and • the cost of removing or mitigating that hazard or risk.

All these factors should be taken into account in determining whether a safety duty has been met.

The following opinion given by Lord Asquith* in 1949 is often offered as the cleanest and simplest definition of a duty to do things in so far as is reasonably practicable. If we base our decisions on the following definition then we will have a strong argument to suggest we have discharged our duty.

'Reasonably practicable' is a narrower term than 'physically possible' and it seems to me to imply that a computation must be made by the owner, in which the quantum of risk is placed on one scale and the sacrifice involved in the measures necessary for averting the risk (whether in money, time or trouble) is placed in the other; and that if it be shown that there is a gross disproportion between them – the risk being insignificant in relation to the sacrifice – the defendants discharge the onus on them. Moreover, this computation falls to be made by the owner at a point of time anterior to the accident. *Source: Edwards v National Coal Board (1949) 1 KB 704 at 712, CA, per Asquith LJ

For more guidance on how to comply with the territory’s health and safety laws, go to www.worksafety.act.gov.au .

Australian tax office

g2b

Bag the business tax break by 31 December

Michael D’Ascenzo Commissioner of Taxation All businesses need assets to operate and to grow. If you are thinking about purchasing, replacing or improving your business assets, you have until 31 December to take advantage of the investment tax break for your business.

A

re you eligible for the 50% business tax break? If you’re thinking about taking advantage of the 50% tax break for small businesses, it’s important to check your business’s eligibility and that the purchases qualify for the tax break before investing.

If your small business has a turnover of less than $2 million a year, you may be able to claim the extra 50% tax deduction on eligible depreciating assets.

The 50% tax break applies to eligible assets costing $1,000 or more that are purchased between 13 December 2008 and 31 December 2009 and are first used or installed ready for use by 31 December 2010.

Provided you meet all the eligibility criteria in the income year, your business can claim the deduction in the income tax return for the year the asset was first used or installed. So if the asset was a computer bought and installed in September this year and it cost $1,000 or more, you may be able to claim the deduction in your 2009–10 tax return.

Remember, the tax break is not a refund. It is a deduction and can only be used to reduce your assessable income at the end of the income year.

More information Before you buy any new business assets, talk to your tax agent or call the business tax break infoline on 1300 337 921. For more information on exactly how the tax break works and what assets qualify, visit www.ato.gov.au/businesstaxbreak.

Annual Report tabled The Tax Office Annual Report 2008-09 was tabled in Parliament last month.

The report is published each year to inform Parliament, stakeholders and the community about the Tax Office's performance in administering the taxation system.

The 50% tax break applies to eligible assets costing $1,000 or more that are purchased between 13 December 2008 and 31 December 2009 and are first used or installed ready for use by 31 December 2010.

Highlights for 2008–09 Net cash collections were $264.5 billion. This was 1.2% above the 2009 Budget forecast for 2008–09.

• The Tax Office provided almost $17 billion in transfers and payments (not including GST input tax credits and income tax refunds), which was 83.1% more than last year. This included payment of the tax bonus for working Australians.

• The Tax office successfully implemented 65 new legislative measures, including the tax cuts and aspects of the government’s stimulus plan.

• The Tax Office collected about $41.2 billion in GST for state and territory governments and fully met our commitments to them under the GST performance agreement.

• The Tax Office met nearly all compliance commitments and Taxpayers’ Charter standards.

• Some 86% of individuals and 90% of businesses agree that the Tax Office is doing a good job, and 86% of tax agents feel that our systems and processes are being improved to make it easy for them to deal with Australia’s tax system.

• In response to the global economic downturn, the Tax Office's small business assistance program provided practical assistance to more than 101,000 small businesses.

e full h t w e To vi nual n A O AT go to t r o p Re ov.au g . o t a . www

B2B in Canberra | November 2009

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Act and region chamber of commerce and industry

Feeling the pinch in the ACT Sam Andrewartha, Executive Officer, ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry

From 1 January 2010 employers will have a new opportunity to start effectively managing the impact of stockpiled employee annual leave on their businesses.

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ew National Employment Standards (NES) recognise an employer’s right to direct employees to take paid leave where they have stockpiled excessive amounts of leave and where the employer’s request is reasonable.

While this ability has previously been recognised by workplace laws and some awards, its recognition in the new NES is giving many employers confidence to tackle the issue of annual leave stockpiling for the first The financial impact of employees stockpiling time.

The solution for many their annual leave is also highlighted by the employers who have $33.3 billion price tag of the 123 million days of commenced planning for this development is leave that have so far been stockpiled nationally. Tourism Australia’s No Leave, No Life; a new user friendly ‘off the shelf’ program which provides practical support for employers to develop and implement cooperative leave reduction strategies.

The actions of these employers is also being driven by new research which highlights the toxic effect that leave stockpiling has on the health of a business and employees.

The productivity of employees is undermined by exhaustion and fatigue as is their motivation and ability to Corporate Sponsors perform at their peak.

ACTEWAGL, 104.7 / Mix While employers are currently negotiating their way 106.3, Prime TV, The through economic uncertainty, skills shortages and retenCanberra Times, The tion of skilled staff still continues to be a major issue. As Good Guys Tuggeranong, the economy begins to emerge from downturn this will Duesburys Nexia, Synapse once again be of major importance and those businesses Worldwide, B2B in Canberra. which have retained staff and skills will be best positioned Associates and Affiliates to take advantage of the recovery.

Retail Traders Association, It has also been recently reported that Australian emAustralian Industry ployees take more sick leave that their counterparts in Defence Network other western countries. It doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes Foundation Member to deduce that employees who take their annual leave Australian Chamber of on a regular basis are far less likely to take a ‘sickie’ due to Commerce & Industry fatigue or illness.

The financial impact of employees stockpiling their annual leave is also highlighted by the $33.3 billion price tag of the 123 million days of leave that have so far been To become a member of stockpiled nationally. the Chamber please call No Leave, No Life has also been developed by Tourism 6283 5200 or visit Australia in partnership with the Australian Chamber of www.actchamber.com.au Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and as the local member of the ACCI national network, the ACT and Region Chamber 36

November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

of Commerce to support local tourism by encouraging employees to take their leave in their own back yard.

This is the other major reason that the ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce recommends No Leave, No Life to Canberra employers.

The tourism industry is vital for economic prosperity. Tourism directly and indirectly employs an estimated 878,000 people which is nearly ten percent of Australia’s workforce.

In 2007-2008 tourism also contributed $70.4 billion or 6.2% of the nation’s GDP. While many residents of ACT and the region pay their bills from their involvement in local tourism, as a committed champion of the local industry the ACT & Region Chamber wants to support its growth so that our community can enjoy the major economic benefits which come with successful tourism.

Now that we hopefully have your attention, we’d like you to consider the example of the Canberra Cup which will be run at Thoroughbred Park on 29 November 2009.

Whilst there are no figures as yet for the ACT, In 2008, Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival contributed a total of $549.8 million to the state’s economy, with $124 million of that coming from spending of Melbourne residents alone.

While the Canberra Cup can’t be compared to this major event, the major Victorian country race meetings staged around the same time collectively contributed $54 million.

Take note! This money is not spent on wagering alone.

Excluding interstate and overseas tourists, Victorians spent more than $32 million in retail fashion outlets.

Food and beverage providers benefited from a spending bonanza of more than $18 million and more than $8 million was spent on accommodation.

Canberra racing is yet to reach its potential to benefit business in the region. It already contributes $48 million to the Canberra economy.

At the ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce we recommend that prudent business people start to audit their annual leave policies and the practices of their employees in order to comply with the new NES which take effect in the new year.

We also think that Canberra businesses should recognise the opportunities of major events and Canberra including The Canberra Cup and Canberra Racing.

ISM Fundamentals Course If you’re new to ICT Security, or have a need to know about the Australian Government’s Information Security Manual and how it should be used in your organisation, then this two day course is what you’ll need to get a foundation understanding of what is required by DSD.

Who Should Attend? s IT Security Advisers and Managers that are either new to the position or who would

like a refresher. s Security Executives, Chief Information Security Officers, System Owners, Security

Administrators or in fact anyone with an interest in Government ICT security requirements.

Topics Covered s Security Governance. Includes management structures, forums and frameworks. s Security Policy. The over-arching policy, it’s purpose and basic content. s Security Risk Management. The difference between Strategic and Operational Risk

and the purpose of the Security Risk Management Plan in the secure management of systems. s Incident Response Plan. The IRP defines and establishes the way an organisation will

detect and respond to security incidents. This baseline document allows System Managers to tap into and leverage the organisation’s systematic approach to responding to incidents. s System Security Plans. The SSP defines the way administrative and technical controls

are to be employed. s Standard Operating Procedures. The SOP is a detailed work instruction –

a “How to do it” document. We’ll look at who needs them and for what tasks. s Accreditation and System Assessment. We’ll look at what this is and who is

responsible for it. s Change Management. The role of security in any change to an ICT system is explored. s Security Awareness Training. A key tool that ensures the success of any security strategy. s ICT Security Standards. We’ll touch on DSD’s requirements for Gateways, hardware

selection, software security, access control, network security, cryptography and data transfer.

Z00 40347

Date 26th, 27th November Venue Waldorf Conference Centre Cost $1,210.00 Registration www.saltbushgroup.com/training or 02 6227 5870

a2b

Canberra business council

Business achievements worth rewarding

By Chris Faulks Chief Executive Officer Upcoming Events How to deal with the OHS & employment law changes Detailed discussion on the management and impact that the OHS changes will have on small business Meyer Vandenberg, Farrell Pl, Canberra 7.45am-9.00am, Wednesday 11 Nov 2009

Flexible working arrangements Assisting organisations to be ready to meet and manage employee requests and maximise the benefits of the new flexibility provisions Meyer Vandenberg, Farrell Pl, Canberra 7.45am-9.00am, Wednesday 25 Nov 2009

Christmas Connect An opportunity to network with the local business community and members and celebrate the year’s achievements and look to the year ahead.

Yarralumla 5:00pm-7:00pm, Tuesday 1 Dec 2009

Principal Members ActewAGL, Actew Corporation, Bank West, Clayton UTZ, Bega, HolisTech, CRE8IVE, Ernst & Young, eWAY Hindmarsh, HSA Group, KPMG, Master Builders, NAB, National Museum of Australia, NEC, Oracle, Staging Connections, The Village Building Co, Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems, Total Concept Projects.

Affiliated with

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

Given the environment of economic doom and gloom over the past year, it is easy to overlook the positive and focus on the negative. Certainly, things have been tougher than usual for businesses in the ACT and surrounding regions, and this needs to be recognised.

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et in this period of hardship, through all the ups and downs, there have been businesses which have not only held their heads above water, they have managed to innovate and demonstrate a unique commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

These businesses make an important contribution to the local economy, but more importantly, they set an example which helps inspire others in the business community – a particularly valuable commodity during times of adversity.

For these reasons, Canberra Business Council is always in search of business achievements worthy of acknowledgement.

We understand that all too often the quiet achievers can be neglected, because they're too busy with the task at hand to become engaged in flamboyant selfpromotion.

So every month we undertake a rigorous process to identify and acknowledge the best and brightest businesses in the ACT, as part of the Canberra Business Council Business Achievement Awards.

The Canberra Times and ActewAGL share the Council's belief in rewarding business excellence in the ACT, and have joined with us to proudly sponsor these awards.

Importantly, I want to highlight the fact that our Business Achievement Awards are not artificially restricted to our members – we take into consideration all businesses in the Capital Region, whether CBC members or not, and select a winner based purely on their achievements.

The Awards have been running for several years now, and previous winners include such luminaries of the ACT business community as Aspen Medical which, not surprisingly, has gone on to win the Telstra Business Awards and most recently, the prestigious BRW ANZ Most Successful Private Business of the Year Award.

Over this past year, monthly winners of the CBC Business Achievement Awards include Intelledox, HealthCube, Auraya, Dyesol, stratsec, Dynjab Technologies,

Simmersion Holdings, EOS Creative Technology Solutions, Treonic and Point Project Management.

All of these businesses have contributed towards the resilience of the ACT economy during the recent economic downturn, and in turn have helped to maintain the prosperity of our community.

From among our monthly winners, each year we select an overall winner for whom we have a special presentation at our Annual Gala Dinner in late October.

This year, I am proud to announce that the 2009 Canberra Business Council Business Achievement Award winner is stratsec.

An independent provider of information security consulting services which began in 2003, stratsec has grown rapidly in an extremely competitive environment to serve an impressive array of local, national and international clients, ranging from the Federal Government to Microsoft, SanDisk and IBM. The Canberra Business Council is not alone in recognising stratsec's achievements. The company has also won Telstra Business Awards in the small business and SME categories respectively, the 2008 ACT Emerging Exporter Award, and this year's Froggy Award in the SME category.

The Council congratulates stratsec, and applauds the tremendous achievements of all of our Business Achievement Award winners past and present.

As the Australian and global economies head towards recovery, I believe we should place greater emphasis on recognising and rewarding more of the businesses which are driving the economy forward.

I encourage all local businesspeople to take inspiration from these award winners.

No matter how small or humble their beginnings, any business can rise to great heights when backed by people with vision and a commitment to excellence.

Act exporters' network

a2b

How contract bonds can help you win export contracts

By Brent Juratowitch President, ACT Exporters' Network Consider this scenario: your business has been shortlisted for a large export contract with a new overseas buyer. While the potential buyer is satisfied that your products or services are technically sound and competitively priced, they have reservations about whether a small, financially modest company from distant Australia will be able to meet its contractual obligations.

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n these grounds, the buyer awards the contract to a larger company they have dealt with before.

Being able to provide contract bonds to a potential buyer could give you, the exporter, a competitive edge and help you win the contract in this situation.

A bond is an assurance to your buyer by a third party, such as a bank, that you will carry out your contractual obligations. If you default, the buyer can make a call on the bond. For many international tenders, a bond is a basic requirement and if you can’t provide the bond, you can’t compete for the contract.

An overseas buyer will often request a performance bond to give it security that you will perform your

benefits. Knowing that you can provide an advance payment bond and can therefore negotiate advance payments also gives you confidence to compete for contracts that might otherwise be beyond your financial capacity.

However, a bond is often a significant percentage of the contract value. The main difficulty that exporters (especially SMEs) encounter when faced with a bonding requirement in an international tender or a buyer’s request for a bond is that their bank requires a level of security they can’t provide. Often a bank demands 100% of the bond’s value, which for many SMEs would consume too much valuable working capital.

If your bank can’t assist you with a bond, or you can’t provide the full amount of security that they require, Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC), the A bond is an assurance to your buyer by a third party, Australian government’s export agency, may be able to assist. such as a bank, that you will carry out your contractual EFIC will check that you obligations. If you default, the buyer can make a call on have the technical and financial capacity to perform the the bond. For many international tenders, a bond is a contract that the bond would support and that you meet basic requirement and if you can’t provide the bond, you other eligibility criteria. For an SME, EFIC requires security of can’t compete for the contract. a minimum of 5% of the bond value, which has the benefit of obligations throughout the term of the contract – for freeing up your working capital. EFIC can either issue example, that you will meet the contract specifications the bond directly to your buyer or provide a guarantee and supply them on time. For buyers who are corporate to your bank, which then issues the bond. or government bodies, requiring a performance bond For more information about EFIC’s finance and infrom a supplier is almost standard practice. surance solutions for exporters, call them on 1800 093 You might negotiate with a potential overseas buyer 724 or visit www.efic.gov.au. that the buyer will provide payment at the start of the contract. In return, the buyer may require an advance The ACT Exporters’ Network is proudly sponsored payment bond to secure repayment of their funds if by the ACT Government, Centre for Customs & Excise you default.

Studies, St George Bank and AusIndustry.

This type of bond doesn’t just give the buyer comfort because it enables payment of cash before any work is carried out, it also gives you significant cash flow

Upcoming Events 12 November Pitch Club New and emerging exporters ‘pitch’ their export strategy to a panel of experienced exporters and industry specialists.

Time: 12 – 2pm Venue: TBC To express an interest in pitching, please contact Brooke on 6247 4199.

25 November CEO International Forum A closed forum for CEOs to focus on vital business goals and challenges.

Time: 5.30 – 7pm Venue: Ernst & Young

House

If you would like more information on the ACT Exporters’ Network mentorship programs please visit www. actexportersnetwork.com.au or contact Brooke Anderson on 6247 4199.

B2B in Canberra | November 2009

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THE UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA

Change is happening at the University of Canberra Professor Stephen Parker is leading the University of Canberra through a period of reinvigoration. B2B spoke to Professor Parker and asked him to elaborate on his vision for the University.

Q: Vice-Chancellor, since you became the VC, it seems A: The University exists in a physical space in Bruce, in much has changed at the University. Can you give us a quick overview?

A: Certainly. Not long after I joined the University, I instigated a Strategic Planning process, and as a result we developed our 2008-2012 Strategic Plan; the Thirty Nine Steps. The Strategic Plan has given the University a solid

basis for ‘going forward’ and developing into a better university, a university of the 21st century. The Plan has five central strategies focusing on increasing the student load; improving teaching and educational outcomes and increasing research outputs – not surprisingly, performing at a higher level in our core business. And doing these things by strengthening the foundations of the University’s administration through systems, processes and innovative technology solutions.

We also have as a priority engaging more effectively with the environment within which we operate – the physical environment, the geographical environment, and the social and economic environments. In this context we have also developed a Campus Master Plan which will see significant renewal and redevelopment within the Bruce Campus over the next 10 years.

Q: Within the Strategic Plan and the Campus Master Plan, what do you see as the priorities of the University over say the next five-10 years?

If you would like to discuss how the University of Canberra can help you, contact Robert van Aalst in the University’s Office of Engagement on 62012885.

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

A: We are working towards making the University Campus a vibrant hub of activity within Belconnen and an asset that is valued, used and respected across not only the Belconnen and ACT community, but also across the Australian and global communities. A University is a significant asset to the environment within which it operates – we want to make sure that firstly, the asset is working at peak effectiveness and secondly, that the broader community, our community, is invited in to share our experience and make use of our facilities.

Q: You say the University wants to become a more integral part of the Belconnen and wider Canberra community – how do people get involved?

the heart of a vibrant precinct that focuses on innovation, education, research, community and health services and elite sporting achievement. We have in place already – and look to expand – opportunities for students and non–students alike to share in the vibrant culture of the University of Canberra campus.

We are working on plans now that will see some exciting new developments in the way we view lifelong education. From early childhood through to University of the Third Age, our vision incorporates a range of facilities and services that will allow for a broader and more inclusive learning cohort. We also want our campus to be the home of numerous public, not-for-profit and private enterprises which contribute to the University’s work and benefit from their on-campus location and interactions.

Already we have significant community involvement in campus life, but we want to build on this: increase the sporting events held on our fields and in our facilities; increase the numbers of musical festivals and concerts; increase and broaden the social activities on campus. In short, the University is open for business.

Q: On business, the University is one of Canberra’s biggest businesses, employers and exporters. Do you see the University as a member of the business community?

A: Yes, indeed we do. Not only do we operate a consid-

erable business within the ACT economy that employs around 1,000 people, we contribute significantly to the economic growth of the Canberra economy by what is broadly termed ‘education exports’. We attract over 1500 international students each year. Education is Canberra’s second biggest export and students make a significant contribution to the ACT economy by both working and spending during their time here. We also have a vibrant micro-economy on campus with a range of on-campus commercial activities including conference facilities, food and beverage outlets, banking and shops.

The University sees itself as a key component in the ACT’s knowledge economy, in particular by making a significant contribution to educating professionals to work within the public sector and the ever-growing private sector – a private sector that places more and more demands on highly trained and qualified employees. We work with employers to ensure we deliver graduates with the professional skills to hit the ground running in their careers. And, through our flexible undergraduate and postgraduate programs we are here to help people keep their skills up-to-date throughout their careers. From accountants, to architects, ICT professionals, nurses, teachers… the list of professions our graduates work in goes on. The University of Canberra is a vital link in a highly functioning ACT economy.

Canberra Southern Cross Club

C2B

Tough times result in better value business events Sian Lovekin Events Sales Manager

The bold promise of G20 leaders to continued economic stimulus spending is good news for Canberra business. But despite this, and other indicators that confidence in the market is starting to recover from the global economic downturn, business and government event organisers are more price sensitive than ever before.

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he last financial year was particularly tough for business. Often substantive budget cuts have been made to ensure business sustainability.

Still, over the last 12 months we have seen an unprecedented demand from both ends of business for quality conferences and events. The emphasis on costeffectiveness however has never been greater.

It’s a fact that business development and market growth require stakeholder engagement at a number of levels. Holding business events is essential to achieving increased business growth – whether it’s to raise awareness and market products or services, industry networking, or workshops and team building events.

The key to maximising investment in business events is to ensure the best return on investment.

Since opening in March 2009, the purpose-built Southern Cross Events Centre at Woden has hosted 140 quality business events from workshops of 15 people, to sit-down dinners for 700 guests, and seminars for over 1,000 delegates.

The demand for quality five star function facilities and service must be balanced with the very real business need to ensure the holy grail of ‘value-for-money’. That is why it is essential for the event industry to be able to guarantee the best facilities, and delivery, packaged to meet the unique pricing needs of business today.

As an experienced business event organiser, I know that our business customers want and need the best product packaged at the best price with repeat and referral business being one of our key performance measures.

Already we’re experiencing a large amount of repeat business at the new Events Centre in Woden. Our hightech facilities are the big drawcard but it’s the value for money we’re told, that brings people back again. For example, you can host a day conference with catering for as little as $35 per person in one of the best-equipped conference rooms in town.

The Southern Cross Events Centre function bookings for the first quarter of 2009-10 are well in advance of the same period last year. Estimates for advance function bookings to June 2010 show a forecast increase of more than 50% compared to last financial year.

As evidence of consumer confidence, this is great news for the industry as a whole.

The increase in functions held at the Southern Cross Club shows that corporate event organisers are demanding better value-for-money, as well as high quality event outcomes. The Club is uniquely positioned to meet this demand.

The increase in functions held at the Southern Cross Club shows that corporate event organisers are demanding better valuefor-money, as well as high quality event outcomes. The Club is uniquely positioned to meet this demand.

ACT and Commonwealth government department event organisers also prioritise value as an essential influencer to choosing where to hold conferences and special events.

The repeat conference business at Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong from government departments is exceptional. Event organisers book Tuggeranong because of the range of well-priced quality catering packages available. The rooms have great space and natural light and the balcony and view of the mountains are added features.

Strong growth in the Club’s function business also has great additional benefits for the local economy and our Canberra community through increased jobs and the creation of employment opportunities.

Since opening, the new Southern Cross Events Centre at Woden has employed 30 staff across the catering industry.

The Southern Cross Club employs 434 staff in total across seven venues throughout Canberra.

While there have been some calls for the stimulus spending to be wound back, the government’s firm commitment to continued spending to ensure long-term economic growth and employment is heartening for all business. Businesses that must, by necessity, spend wisely to ensure future growth.

Enquiries: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden T 6283 7200 Tuggeranong T 6293 7200 www.cscc.com.au

B2B in Canberra | November 2009

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Invite B2B to your next event: b2b@b2bincanberra.com

networking

Robin Schall, Darrel Killen, Bert Roberts, David Cusack, Ian Crawford and Denis Page @ CBC 30 Year Gala Dinner, Hotel Realm

Pam, Richard and Chris Faulks @ CBC 30 Year Gala Dinner, Hotel Realm

Sarah Palic, Susie Heikkonen, and Danielle Rodda @ CBC 30 Year Gala Dinner, Hotel Realm

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

Brand Hof, Craig Sloan, Elizabeth Whitelaw, Robin Schall and Denis Page @ CBC 30 Year Gala Dinner, Hotel Realm

Ravi Ravendran, Peter Terho, John Riley, John Smith and Malcolm Hobbs @ CBC 30 Year Gala Dinner, Hotel Realm

Grant Shaw, Katrina Hancock, and Nicole Stenlake @ CBC 30 Year Gala Dinner, Hotel Realm

Liz Lang, Danny Bruha and Tim Benson @ CBC 30 Year Gala Dinner, Hotel Realm

Christmas Gifts Feature Business Owners: Give your top clients a FREE Christmas gift on us (valued at $40)… and have them raving about you!

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Phone Annette direct now on 0412 101 543. First 11 business owners only.

Want to keep it local?

Well so do we! Hamper Art has a range of Gourmet Hampers supplied and stocked only with products from Canberra and the surrounding region. Simply buy one of our Local Gourmet Hampers and you are supporting a minimum of six local businesses. So lets work together and do what we can for our community.

Order now for Christmas!

1 & 4. Troika Germany keyrings All TROIKA Germany’s keyrings can be engraved for an enduring corporate gift, one likely to be used and admired every day. ‘Jumper’ $30.00 and ‘Angel’ $45 (with Swarovski crystals available in white or shiny chrome) 2. Flexi-Basket from Ocho A contemporary design which folds away to the size of a small bag, complete with a carry bag. $55.00 3. Troika Germany Rollerball Pens 6 unique designs. High quality Schmidt ink + refill, in metal box. $59 5. Troika Germany paperweights Unique and fun desk and office accessories $50-$85

Check out our website to easily view our full range of hampers. Our secure online ordering facility is quick and simple but safe.

The Black & White Gift Shop Southlands Centre, Mawson (near Commonwealth Bank)

Hamper Art | T 616 22 777 | F 6162 1722 Unit 2, 19-25 Kembla St, Fyshwick ACT 2609

T: (02) 6286 9075 www.blackandwhitegifts.com.au

www.hamperart.com.au | info@hamperart.com.au B2B in Canberra | November 2009

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networking

Invite B2B to your next event: b2b@b2bincanberra.com

Haussegger Simon Weaving, Robyn Archer, Ivan Slavich and Virginia night opening Festival Film tional Interna ra @ Canber

Zameron Stack, Rebekah Griffiths and Antoinette Schulz @ Canberra International Film Festival opening night

Justin Jones, Amber O'Shea and Ivan Powell @ Canberra International Film Festival opening night

Felipe Bernabo, Karina Nunes and Azdruval Fugueroa @ Canberra International Film Festival opening night

WORK IN THE CITY? WORK OUT WITH US!

Shivani Sabalingam, Michael Sergi and Bohdana Szydilik @ Canberra International Film Festival opening night

Lisa McLelland, Mark Kenney and Emma Ciff @ Canberra International Film Festival opening night

Pro-Fit Health Club includes A boutique and private setting unlike the big gyms Free weights & machine weights Separate cardio room with plasma TVs Outdoor heated pool & sauna Lunchtime classes in Glebe Park Personal training & nutritionist

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

The true professionals in Business Relocations. One of our professional consultants will be committed to your business requirements throughout the entire relocation process.

Specialists in relocations of: • Offices • Libraries • Government Departments • Hospitals / Laboratories • Schools / Universities • Warehouse / Factories • Hotels / Retail

Canberra's Website Experts

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Are you looking...? to take the next step in your career by gaining further qualifications? for practical training that will help you reach your full potential?

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The Productivity Places Program is funded by the Commonwealth and ACT Government.

Funded places are limited to 14 eligible participants per course. These fees are for non-government employees.

Multi award winning training provider WISDOM will offer the following funded qualifications:

Call WISDOM for more information or register online at www.wisdomlearning.com.au

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business relocations?

networking

Invite B2B to your next event: b2b@b2bincanberra.com

Sam Andrewartha, Chris Males, Toni Friend and Chris @ ACT Chamber of Commerce Golf Day

Peters

Nancy Harrison, Lyn Bruen, Leanne Gundrey and Lee Corrigan @ Business in Focus Month Launch

Peter Dimock, Frank Spagnolo and Clive Murphy @ breyk-throo networking breakfast

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November 2009 | B2B in Canberra

Sam and Smiriti Gupta, Chloe Butler, Adeel Mansoor and John Pennay @ ACT Chamber of Commerce Golf Day

Hayley Symons, Michelle Davison, Yvonna Grusska and Alexandra Bryant @ Business in Focus Month Launch

Carolyn Stuart, Vicki Berry and Anne Davis @ breyk-throo networking breakfast

John Dowse, Graeme Sellar and Pat O'Callaghan @ ACT Chamber of Commerce Golf Day

Brooke Anderson, Craig Richmond, Lisa Barlin, Cindy Reese and Monica Penders @ Business in Focus Month Launc

Nick Johnson, Jeremy Watson, Shiraz Khan and Lindsay Watson @ breyk-throo networking breakfast

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* Conditions apply.

B2B[voodoo]I422009

Commander Centre (ACT) | Unit 4, 26 Sandford St, Mitchell, ACT, 2911 | info.act@commandercentre.com | www.commander.com

INSURANCE

‘With Bendigo Insurance we’re fully covered.’

Jack and Julie have lived in Old High Street for 35 years.

Now retired, and with the kids moving on, they recently bought a new plasma TV and sound system.

This prompted them to check their home and contents cover. And just as well – because what they hadn’t realised was how valuable their home, and all the things in it, really are.

All the books, CDs, clothing, furniture and collectables Jack and Julie have acquired over the years, actually add up to much more than they expected.

And whilst we hope they never have to make a claim, at the Bendigo we’re here to provide peace of mind in case they ever need to.

To find out if your home and contents are fully covered, call into your nearest branch: s Calwell Community Bank® Branch, Shop 19 – 21 Calwell Shopping Centre, Webber Crescent, phone 6291 3385 s Wanniassa Community Bank® Branch, Unit 13 – 14 Wanniassa Shopping Centre, Sangster Place, Wanniassa, phone 6231 9024 s Canberra branch, 161 London Circuit, Canberra, phone 6290 9700 s Jamison branch, Shop D05 Bowman Street, Jamison Plaza, phone 6253 0088

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178, AFSL 237879, The Bendigo Centre, Bendigo VIC 3550. Insurance products issued by CGU Insurance Limited, ABN 27 004 478 371, AFSL 238291, an IAG Company.

Bendigo Bank receives a commission based on a proportion of the product premium. (S25214) (08/09)

www.bendigobank.com.au