B2B magazine September 2013 issue 86 by B2B magazine

THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET Do you know where it's at?

MONARO SCREENS A manufacturing success story

THINK LOCAL ACT GLOBAL Canberra Web can show you how SEPTEMBER 2013

IT’S TIME ! To think about star ting your own business...

can help you. $4.95 inc. GST ISSN 1833-8232

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DO YOU HAVE UNCLAIMED SUPER?

DO YOU REALLY HAVE AGREEMENT?

AN APPLE A DAY…

Using the ATO's SuperSeeker

DDCS says get legal advice

Healthy Identity investigates

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CONTENTS B2B EDITORIAL

Spring brings opportunities of conďŹ dence ...

Photo by Andrew Finch

There is something very encouraging about the weather starting to warm up. Don't get me wrong, I love winter, yes I do. Living in the Nation's Capital we get the best of both worlds. Skiing in the winter and the fabulous South Coast during the summer. But the warming weather brings with it something else - and it is all about confidence. Like bears coming out of hibernation - we come sniffing out of the cave into the warm sunshine, and lo and behold birds are chirping and flowers a blooming ... and we feel? Well we feel happy and confident about the world and the future. And this is how easy it is. What is needed more than anything else in our economy is confidence. Not reckless risk taking, but confidence to continue to spend and invest in our future - if the bear never came out of the cave for fear of perpetual winter things would become pretty dire. So stick your head out of the cave and smell the flowers - there are good times ahead.

TIM BENSON Editor

Enough about bears. This issue features a story from Synergy Business Centres about starting your own business. This could be quite pertinent for many public servants now that the Federal election has concluded. Public servants move into the private sector for many reasons. Generally it is because they have the skills that the private sector is seeking and that they, in most cases are better remunerated. But on many occasions it is to start a business. This can be a daunting task for someone that has not ever been responsible for their own: IT support, accounting, finance, human resources, diary, purchasing - let alone cleaning the office toilet ... but this is what is in store for the public servant setting out on their own. But never fear Synergy Business Centres are here to provide some rolled gold advice - and if you decide to take up a serviced office - you may never have to clean your own Send all comments office bathroom ... to editorial@b2bincanberra.com.au

23 COVER STORY

THINKING OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS?

your gateway to business support Visit our website for a full list of events, latest news and more!

WWW.CANBERRABUSINESSPOINT.COM.AU

CONTENTS FEATURES 10 Curious about the employment market? Ask the experts at Hays

12 Making it- the Monaro Screens success story 14 16

18 20 22

with RSM Bird Cameron CanberraWeb: your local web design company Relocation Laws: the relocation management specialist Accomodate Canberra: leading the way in executive apartments Best of Breed: OPC I.T. and Engineers Australia Clear Complexions: Suzi the fresh face of success

24 ACT Credit Union becomes customer owned 'Beyond Bank'

26 Canberra Business Event Centre:

Canberra's premier business event centre.

COVER STORY 29 It's time to start thinking about your own business with the Synergy Business Centre 34 ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS 35 ACCOUNTING Do you have any lost or unclaimed super? By RSM Bird Cameron

BUSINESS LAW Will employee issues never cease? By Elringtons Lawyers 36 BUSINESS RELOCATION Organisations on the move By Allied Pickford's Business Relocations CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Better regulation By Australian Institute of Company Directors

37 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Unauthorised use of your brand Sports law - preventing poaching By Arete Group

38 FAMILY LAW So you thought you had an agreement… By DDCS HEALTH Does an Apple a day really keep the doctor away? By Healthy Identity 40 RECRUITMENT Are you registered with the right IT recruitment agency? By PCA People RISK MANAGEMENT Does BYOD stand for Bring Your Own Disaster? By Paladin Risk Management Services 41 SERVICED OFFICES 6 Steps to Crowdfunding your business idea By Synergy Business Centres WEBSITES Responsive or mobile friendly websites By Synapse Worldwide A2B: ASSOCIATIONS TO BUSINESS 42 MINISTERS MESSAGE: Are you frustrated by illogical red tape? 44 CANBEERA BUSINESS COUNCIL: Federal Election – 7 September 2013 45 ACT EXPORTERS: Planning for exporting success 46 ACT & REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY: Responding to a changing business environment BUSINESS NETWORKING 06 B2B @ B2B July Issue 85 Launch 07 B2B @ ACT Chamber Women High Tea Series

08 B2B @ Launch of the 2013 Canberra BusinessPoint awards 09 B2B @ ACT Chamber Crisis Summit

ESTATE PLANNING Splitting a SMSF under the Family Law Act By Certus Law

PUBLISHER I EDITOR

Tim Benson editorial@b2bincanberra.com.au 0402 900 402 02 6161 2751

PUBLISHED BY

DESIGN

Man Bites Dog Public Relations ABN 30 932 483 322 PO Box 4106 Ainslie ACT 2602 t 02 6161 2751 | b2bincanberra.com.au

pixeltopaper.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY art-atelier.com.au

ISSN 1833-8232 LEGAL NOTICE 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.

Listening to small business forums Over the last three years the ACT Government, in partnership with Canberra Business Council, has facilitated a series of “Listening to Small Business Forums”. This year the Forums, which will be sector specific across 10 industry areas (listed below), will be delivered between August and October 2013. Registration is essential as each Forum will be limited to around 15 participants. INDUSTRY

DATE

TIME

Retail

28/08/13

4.00 – 5.30pm

Professional Services

29/08/13

8.30 – 10.00am

ICT

11/09/13

4.00 – 5.30pm

Construction

12/09/13

8.30 – 10.00am

Not-for-Profit

25/09/13

4.00 – 5.30pm

Education & Training

26/09/13

8.30 – 10.00am

Health, Sport & Recreation

09/10/13

4.00 – 5.30pm

Hospitality

10/10/13

8.30 – 10.00am

Tourism & Arts

23/10/13

4.00 – 5.30pm

Recruitment

24/10/13

8.30 – 10.00am

IF YOU ARE A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER OR OPERATOR AND WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR INDUSTRY DISCUSSION PLEASE REGISTER AT:

WWW.CANBERRABUSINESSPOINT.COM.AU

PROGRAM DELIVERED BY:

C ANBE RR A BUSINESS COUNCIL

AN INITIATIVE OF:

AN ACT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE

B2B @ AUGUST ISSUE 85 LAUNCH

CANBERRA BUSINESS EVENT CENTRE, REGATTA POINT

You’re You’re assured assured of of an an interactive interactive and and personal personal experience experience with with our our small-group small-group Canberra Canberra region region tours. tours. Sample Sample the the delights delights of of our our wine wine tours tours and and explore explore Canberra’s Canberra’s attractions. attractions. Catering Catering for for just just two two to to ten ten pampered pampered guests, guests, travel travel in in style style and and comfort comfort in in our our modern modern air-conditioned air-conditioned Mercedes Mercedes Benz Benz vehicle. vehicle.

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B2B @ ACT CHAMBER WOMEN HIGH TEA SERIES FUNCTIONS @ FEDERATION, VERSATILE RESTAURANT

$27 $27 per per sleeping sleeping bag bag -- Hurry Hurry offer offer ends ends 31st 31st August August

B2B @ LAUNCH OF THE 2013 CANBERRA BUSINESSPOINT AWARDS CANBERRA BUSINESS EVENT CENTRE, REGATTA POINT

B2B @ ACT CHAMBER CRISIS SUMMIT AINSLE FOOTBALL CLUB

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for another way? What if there was a bank that believed in prosperity for the many, not just the few. A bank that used its profits to benefit customers and their communities, not share market investors. That offered you a competitive alternative for your banking.

BBAU0557

A bank that you owned, just by being a customer. At Beyond Bank Australia, there is another way to bank. If you want more from your bank and more for your community, simply phone us on 13 25 85 or visit beyondbank.com.au

Beyond Bank Australia is a trading name of Community CPS Australia Ltd ABN 15 087 651 143 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237 856.

BBAU0557 115x186 B2B.indd 1

27/08/13 12:46 PM

Job No BBAU0557

Size 115x186

Client

F E AT U R E

Curious about the employment market? Ask the Experts.

t Hays we are the experts in recruiting professional, skilled and qualified staff. Our investment in our staff sets the industry benchmark, ensures we stay at the forefront of the Australasian recruitment industry and has helped us become the only recruitment consultancy to hold the status of Employer of Choice for Women for 11 consecutive years. Hays has received a number of prestigious awards of recognition from our peers and customers in the industry. We have won four Fairfax Employment Marketing Awards (FEMA) in the last four years, including Recruitment Firm of the Year, Best Candidate Care by a Recruitment Firm (twice) and Recruiter of the Year. These awards recognise and award the outstanding performance of recruitment agencies in Australia. Most importantly, candidates themselves largely decide the winners for the Best Candidate Care award. As such, these awards recognise our commitment to ensuring our candidates receive the best possible care in all their dealings with Hays. We are long-standing, proactive members of the Recruitment & Consulting Services Association and became the first national specialist recruitment company to be accredited with the International Quality Standard ISO9002 (now ISO9001:2008) in 1994.

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That is very well, but what does that actually mean locally? Put simply in Canberra we identify, employ and retain the best recruiters in the market. Examples include several of our senior management team. Clara Fallon CAHRI is a Senior Manager who has been with Hays since 2006 and leads the HR recruitment team. As well as overseeing our legal, procurement and sales and marketing teams. Clara has developed a robust network and a credible reputation within the Human Resources and Business community in Canberra, which spans across all sectors including; Private, Government and Community organisations. Clara sits on the ACT AHRI Council and is the Convenor for the Attraction, Recruitment & Retention Network for AHRI ACT. Clara is truly qualified to give expert recruitment advice in the HR sector. Sarah Walsh has been with Hays since 2008 and is one of the managers of our bustling Office Support business. With a BCOMM in PR she was previously a Senior Events Coordinator for a National Body and truly understands her candidates background. “Forming meaningful relationships and counselling candidates on all stages of the process prior to placing them” is Sarah’s approach. One of the most experienced and best placed recruiters with Hays globally is Andrew Sutton FCA. He is a Business Director and has

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almost 15 years experience within the industry. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, having worked in audit with 2 of the Big 4 Chartered Accounting firms and as a commercial Financial Controller before joining Hays. Andrew has an advisory approach and delivers all messages with honesty and integrity, two values at the core of his whole career. But what are the experts saying about the market in Canberra during this election period? “We are busy”, states the Director for the ACT Jim Roy. “Having sat with virtually all of the 50 staff over the past few weeks, we are experiencing huge demand for skilled staff in a number of areas. With this in mind a clear business objective for us is now the attraction of enough quality candidates. Specifically Payroll Professionals, Internal Auditors, Digital Marketing staff (app creation and project managers), .Net developers and Technical BA’s, Property Managers and EA’s with security clearance are all in hot in demand in Canberra.” Unsure with where your career stands? Ask an expert, ask Hays. 5th Floor, 54 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra Telephone: 02 6257 6344 Fax: 02 6257 6377 Email: canberra@hays.com.au

Does your workplace/office need a facelift? Dream Design Furniture and upholstery can make your furniture look and feel new again. Sofas, ottomans, armchairs or dining chairs, whatever your need, Dream Design will transform your furniture back to its former glory or update its style. Simply email a photo along with a description for a quote or visit the showroom and see the quality workmanship and extensive fabric range available at Dream Design.

www.dreamdesignfurniture.com.au (02) 6280 4464

| Yallourn Street, Fyshwick

F E AT U R E

Monaro Screens: a manufacturing success story.

Making it. 12

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F E AT U R E

Manufacturing in Australia is difficult at the best of times, but for family owned Monaro Screens, business couldn’t be better.

onaro Screens has been in business for close to 20 years and in that time it has had some considerable growth,” says owner David Byatt. Monaro Screens was founded 19 years ago. It became a family affair three years later, when David and his wife Deirdre took ownership. Monaro Screens manufactures and installs shower screens, security doors, robe doors, mirrors, fly screens and glass splashbacks in Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounding districts. The company is built on the values of honesty, quality, knowledge and professionalism. Monaro Screens was looking for similar qualities in a business advisor. “When Monaro Screens selected RSM Bird Cameron, Deirdre and I were looking for an advisor that we could trust and build a relationship with. That relationship has lasted for 15 years now and Andrew Sykes from RSM Bird Cameron has become a close friend,” explains David. RSM Bird Cameron’s proactive approach has let the firm take an important leadership role in the development of Monaro Screens. “RSM Bird Cameron has always taken an interest in the development of the business, probably even more than I have. Andrew has really guided me to make the business more successful. ”

gave me a call to have a look at a building he had found. I thought it was out of our price range but Andrew demonstrated to me that we could afford it. Monaro Screens has now been at that location for six years. It’s a good example of RSM Bird Cameron’s hands-on approach helping the business grow,” explains David. Through the SMSF the company could afford the building, which functions as a show room and has increased the potential for expansion and growth. “I like that you can ring RSM Bird Cameron and speak to someone you trust. RSM Bird Cameron supports Monaro Screens with all types of services – from tax advice to business planning and succession planning,” says David. “I am always impressed with the personal service. The team is always willing to come out to our work place to have a chat. RSM Bird Cameron really takes service to the next level.” David’s immediate future is about succession planning for his three sons. “Another five years will be enough for me. Running the business for 20 years has been very satisfying, but I would just like to do some other things. Deirdre and I have already been speaking to Andrew about this and are looking to set up a board of directors.”

Good advice RSM Bird Cameron assisted Monaro Screens with the set up a SMSF. “With its tax-effective benefits, superannuation is a key element of retirement planning. Self-managed superannuation funds are an appealing option for business owners who want to control their superannuation assets. Many people don’t know the benefits and possibilities of having a self-managed super fund,” explains Andrew Sykes, Partner, RSM Bird Cameron. RSM Bird Cameron supports business owners with compliance services, such as the preparation of financial statements, audit and tax returns. The company also helps devise strategies to access superannuation in the most tax effective manner, for example to benefit from transition to retirement strategies. Through its self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), Monaro Screens was able to purchase a new property and relocated from Queanbeyan to the current facilities in Fyshwick, Canberra. “Monaro Screens had been in Queanbeyan for about 13 years. One day Andrew

“I would advise any business owner to find a good accountant. I hear a lot of people say this and it’s true. Monaro Screens was lucky to stumble over a good one. I think that is the most important thing I have learnt in my career.” “I sound over the top but I seriously give a lot of credit to Andrew and RSM Bird Cameron with where Monaro Screens is today. People look at me funny but I can honestly say the business wouldn’t have been in this position if he hadn’t pushed me”. David Byatt Managing Director, Monaro Screens

RSM Bird Cameron will be running a series of introductory sessions highlighting the key benefits and aspects of this software from between Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 September. For more information, please contact ana.lulic@rsmi.com.au or 02 6217 0328.

With RSM Bird Cameron you really are… Connected for Success. (02) 6217 0300 103-105 Northbourne Ave rsmi.com.au T:6247 5988 | E:Canberra@rsmi.com.au W:www.rsmi.com.au B 2 b M A G A Z I N E s E P T E M B E R 2 0 13

F E AT U R E

CanberraWeb YOUR LOCAL WEB DESIGN COMPANY

RESPONSIVE DESIGN

Canberra Web is Canberra’s premier web design company. Since its foundation in 2010, Canberra Web has been at the forefront of its competitors providing modern, cost effective web presence for local and interstate businesses. Canberra Web specialises in responsive web design. Responsive websites display differently depending on the device a visitor is using, providing the website in an attractive and easy to consume format, tailored to suit smartphones, tablets, small screens or desktop computers. In today’s market, where over 50% of browsers accessing the Internet are on mobile devices, businesses can’t afford to have a website that is not mobile-friendly. If a website is not responsive, it forces users who are visiting the site on a phone or tablet to scroll around the page and zoom in and out constantly. This extra effort for the user will take its toll on the contacts that a business will get through the website as their potential customer generally leaves for competitors that have had the foresight to have a website that caters for mobile users.

ONLINE STORES

Canberra Web can create the online store you need to get your business off the ground or give an even greater marketing boost to an existing business. Online stores play an important role in today’s market - with more businesses preferring the low overheads and more consumers preferring to shop from the comfort of their own home. As experienced online store developers, Canberra Web uses the powerful Magento e-commerce platform used by thousands of businesses nationally and internationally. With an advanced stock control system, easy to use product listing tools and a plethora of features and available extensions, Magento can allow anyone to have an online store running smoothly and profitably in a very short period of time. Canberra Web doesn’t just create the website and configure it for you, when you have a store built by Canberra Web you will be given training on how to use Magento as part of your package, so you can run your shop independently.

These packages include graphic design, web development and training - everything you need to go from an initial idea to a brilliant new website.

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DYNAMIC DESIGN

The importance of dynamic design principles when creating a website is often overlooked. It is important to have a website design that not only reflects sound design principles but also reflects the individual character of the business; this is where dynamic design comes into play. “Using a dynamic design process is an efficient way to design a website that gives visitors what they need while letting the business express itself in the design of the website,” explains Michael, one of the senior web developers at Canberra Web. Developing websites based on static design documents like Photoshop mock-ups can result in a rude shock for the customer when they discover that the website they had on paper doesn’t work the way they had imagined which can cause long delays and increased costs as the website needs to be redesigned and rebuilt, sometimes from scratch. When you choose to build a website with Canberra Web, you will be collaborating with an expert web developer. We provide an opportunity to have face-to-face meetings where you can discuss every detail of your project to ensure that the website will not only look fantastic and deliver informative content, but will reveal the things that make your business special. This is very difficult to achieve by communicating with a faceless entity via email or over the phone in an attempt to convey what you want from your website.

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IN-HOUSE GRAPHIC DESIGN

Canberra Web boasts professional in-house graphic designers so customers don’t have to outsource a graphic designer for their artwork. “When I sit down with a client to create something for their business, whether a logo or image, I always try to get a feel for what the customer is like and what they are trying to convey. This helps me to work out the best way to portray this in the artwork” quotes Isaac, one of the graphic designers at Canberra Web. With highly skilled graphic designers working in-house, Canberra Web can assist with anything from image manipulation, logo design and banner creation through to new business branding from the ground up.

PACKAGES

Before any work is commissioned, employees of Canberra Web discuss your options with you to determine which package is appropriate. These packages include graphic design, web development and training – everything you need to go from an initial idea to a brilliant new website. Canberra Web offers fixed price packages which provide the best value for money and give customer’s the confidence that there are no nasty surprises waiting in the final invoice.

CanberraWeb Give Canberra Web a call today to book a time with one of our helpful web designers to discuss your obligation-free quote on 02 6223 2222 or visit our website and browse through our extensive portfolio of completed projects at www.canberraweb.com.au.

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F E AT U R E

O I s t T s i l ia A c e C p s t n O e m L S e g E a R AWn man L locatio re

photo by Andrew Sikorski

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01 20 E C SIN Y, T N G IN PA MEN T M A GE ER CO OP UE ANA IQ M EN E BE OUT N AG N S O R I B A T IG O L H ST DES T CA FU LTD ESS ELO NT, EN . ND R E C TY S P SUC ESS GEM NT A RNM ARS W LY YE VE SIN NA ME LA E M BU MA URE -GO R 12 N E IO N C TR ED ER VE AT EX ALIS D RO NO R O C P N I LO AN EC TE RE ND FO RE IS TU T A LLY SP ING I D G D RN EN NA AN DIN LU , FU I C IO NM OV S, IN ICES VER NAT R P E V IC G O ND ER RV G S O AA T E S RR NT TIN DI EME NBE U A CA AG N N I A S M e have built our ES N I success based S BU on a strong

delivery process extending beyond the traditional ‘building completion’ approach,” Nicole Laws, Relocation Laws Founder and CEO, said proudly. “At Relocation Laws, our team of specialists strongly believe the success of any relocation, fit out, and staff reorganisation is staff acceptance of their new accommodation, and the need for early consultation and co-ordination with user groups.” The key indicator for a successful relocation project is efficiency and creating minimal disruption for staff. By providing a high level service, Relocation Laws is able to assist with staff gaining initial acceptance of their new environment. “Relocating into new or refurbished tenancies is not simply shifting boxes, but involves a complete range of needs determination, planning, staff liaison, service provider liaison (IT, communications, and office equipment), logistics planning, and coordination with fit out designers and the construction team to ensure that nothing is left to chance or missed in the process,” Nicole explained. Part of the success of the relocation process is also about providing storage analysis of current workplaces and working with the designers to ensure staff have the appropriate storage in the new tenancy in order for them to do their jobs to maximum efficiency. In addition to client briefing skills, Relocation Laws also has extensive experience in the preparation of tender documentation and contract administration for various contracts associated with relocations and project management, including: implementation plans and programs and also experienced in undertaking furniture and storage surveys and room data sheets, and working closely with subcontractors from the design stage to fit out completion. “Relocation Laws is not a removalist company. Our team seeks to provide a transparent and value-for-money service by obtaining quotes or tendering for removalist services, always ensuring best value for money for our clients and a competitiveness in the market place,” Nicole stated.

Relocation Laws provides high level consultation with user groups to identify needs and requirements which are included in the tender or quoting process. This enables a tailored and organisation specific process.Relocation Laws head office is based in Canberra with another office in Brisbane and a national presence. RECENT SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS Relocation Laws has provided Business Relocation Management services to many government agencies across Canberra and nationally including: most recently completing; • Australian Federal Police (AFP) • Attorney-Generals Department (AG’s) • •Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) • •Department of Innovation, Industry, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE) RELOCATION SYNOPSIS In 2012 the DEEWR and DIICCSRTE were merged under a Machinery of Government. Relocation Laws were contracted to manage the relocation of 1500 staff from one Department to another, across 5 buildings in a process that took 6 weeks from the date of engagement to final completion. In this time, Relocation Laws collected a scope of works, ran a full tender process including a written report and recommendation, contracted a removalist, managed the delivery of 9000 crates and supervised 4 weeks of relocations. The success of this project hinged greatly on Relocation Laws vast experience in logistical planning, by providing a detailed relocation schedule that suited both Departments. Our notable success on this project: • Relocation of 600 people, in one weekend and over 3 different buildings. This required staging parts of the relocation on trucks as well as managing 5 different destination locations. • All moves had to be completed commencing at COB Friday with multiple shifts of staff as well as interstate crews. RELOCATION SYNOPSIS In December 2012, Relocation Laws was appointed by Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE) to provide Business Relocation Consulting services for a major relocation of 2000 staff into several buildings across Canberra’s CBD within a very short timeframe. Relocation Laws was appointed just 13 days prior to the relocation and were involved in the coordination, management and execution of the entire relocation. Overall Relocation Laws managed an extremely successful relocation of 2200 staff over 4 weeks and 6 buildings. Our notable successes for this project include: • Altogether there were 28 separate locations across 6 buildings which meant a tight and detailed schedule • Relocation supervision and management and scheduling around building restructuring works • Move 1 entailed a 30 hour shift to achieve the relocation • Full IT and Telephony was required for this relocation, which meant Relocation Laws had to manage and supervise several relocation crews.

Relocation Laws Unit 7, 29 Bentham Street, Yarralumla 2600, ACT m 0419631644 e nicole@relocationlaws.com.au www.relocationlaws.com.au B 2 b M A G A Z I N E s E P T E M B E R 2 0 13

B2B PROPERTY

Accommodate Canberra By Tim Benson

leading the way in executive apartments Peter Maloney, successful local businessman and owner of Maloneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Real Estate, launched Accommodate Canberra four years ago, after seeing a similar model in Melbourne.

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Peter Maloney, Owner, Maloneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Real Estate and Angela Csaszar, General Manager, Accommodate Canberra

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s a landscaper on New Parliament House in 1987 Peter decided to go into real estate. Peter worked for Realty World for the next nine years and after three years he became a sales manager. In 1996 Peter bought a Realty World franchise and in 1998 renamed it to Maloney’s Real Estate. “We initially focused on property management. We started with 80 properties and now we manage 1200,” Peter said. Peter launched, Accommodate Canberra four years ago, after seeing a similar model in Melbourne. “I am very pleased with the growth of Accommodate Canberra to an offering of over 90 executive apartments in four years,” Peter said. Accommodate Canberra manages a portfolio of executive one, two and three bedroom apartments on behalf of their investors. With over 90 apartments in Canberra City, Acton, Turner, Glebe Park, Kingston, Barton, Deakin, Forrest and Phillip, you can experience luxury, sophisticated elegance and high class living at affordable prices. “All apartments are in central desired locations in commercial or social precincts. We offer luxuriously appointed and fully furnished, elegant, serviced executive apartment accommodation in Canberra’s most prestigious and sought after residential complexes,” Peter said. “The benefits for property owners and investors are that they can generate almost double the return they would receive from a normal rental,” Peter said. Peter says that an average one-bedroom apartment will rent for approximately $550 per week in contrast to approximately $1050 per week through Accommodate Canberra. A weekly housekeeping service is included in the nightly rate as well as security car parking, leisure facilities and the complete cost of the apartment’s utilities.

“Corporates are saying instead of putting people into other 5 star hotels, we can put them in serviced apartments. Once you have stayed in an executive serviced apartment you won’t want to go back to a hotel,” Peter said. Angela Csaszar, Accommodate Canberra’s General Manager, started with Maloney’s Real Estate in 2006 and then moved to Sydney in 2009 to work for a reputable Sydney real estate. Angela came back to Canberra to manage Accommodate Canberra in 2011. The Accommodate Canberra team also consists of Hayley Wood, who has experience in the hotel and hospitality industry and exemplary customer service skills. A new member to the team this year is Larissa Platt, who has extensive Government and Embassy knowledge. “My goals for Accommodate Canberra are to continually sustain and look after our clients and properties and build relationships with new corporate clientele” Angela said. Accommodate Canberra has undertaken a concentrated marketing campaign that has included networking and marketing to local businesses, government departments and embassies, and keeping regular contact with clients. Angela says that the market for executive apartments is quite strong, with the majority being regular clientele. “The majority of our regular clients come from a vast area of industries as they draw on a lot of resources from outside Canberra,” Angela explained. A new initiative for Accommodate Canberra is the capacity to book for one night in addition to the normal five-night stay. “We are please now to be able to offer one night stays, starting from $200 per night, at the Griffin Apartments,” Angela said. So why use Accommodate Canberra and not stay in a hotel? “Our properties are convenient. We provide excellent service. We have quality properties and furnishings. You benefit from

a 5 star style accommodation but with a home-style feel – basically our properties are comfortable and affordable,” Angela said. Accommodate Canberra’s executive apartments are booked for and by: • Consultants • Corporates • Tourists • Group bookings • Accommodation tenders • Tours • Conferences • Employers • Sporting tournaments • Concerts • Family groups “Talk to us before you commit to your usual arrangements – you never know, you might find our products to be more suited to your needs,” Angela said. Another innovation coming in 2013 will be the capacity to book online. Peter says that Canberra is fairing quite well in the current economic climate. “Compared to other states Canberra is doing quite well. Rental returns are good and there are some well-priced established units. Interest rates are also good where you can lock them in. There are plenty of ‘smart investors’ coming into the market,” Peter said Accommodate Canberra is a business that has seen a market in Canberra and tailored their services to meet an unmet demand. This combined with excellent service, high quality accommodation and great use of modern technology; Accommodate Canberra is set to innovate and grow in 2013. Ph 02 6295 9430 enquiry@accommodatecanberra.com.au accommodatecanberra.com.au

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F E AT U R E Stephen Durkin (Engineers Australia CEO) and Brett Norton (OPC Managing Director) Photos by Andrew Sikorski

BEST OF BREED

OPC AND ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA OPC has had a long and successful 27 year partnership with Engineers Australia. In an age when constant change is more likely to be the norm, especially in the area of ICT, we have been able to sustain an effective and mutually beneficial relationship between our two organisations.

ngineers Australia (EA) has more than 100,000 members and 200 staff across nine states embracing all disciplines of engineering. It is the largest and most diverse professional body for engineers in Australia. EA was OPC’s first customer when we opened our doors in 1985; they purchased typewriters back then! How times have changed! Over the years OPC has continually supplied EA with best of breed hardware, strategic advice and technical support services which, in 2011, resulted in OPC being appointed EA’s sole IT service provider in a fully outsourced arrangement. This was a huge step for EA and testimony to the strong, trusting relationship we enjoy.

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Under this arrangement OPC has provided Engineers Australia with many benefits. They have a business partner • Who can provide guidance and advice on the implementation of best of breed solutions, emerging technologies and standardised IT business processes, • Who can deliver a team of certified and qualified professionals with superior IT skill sets to target any requirement and • Who sees the value in a long term and mutually productive alliance that can progress the direction of both organisations

F E AT U R E

Dear Brett,

The OPC I.T. team

EA has been able to realise cost efficiencies and reduce downtime through reduced staffing requirements and by OPC being able to complete IT projects within business as usual hours. They have also minimised risk through OPC’s use of standards based methodologies as part of a continual service improvement. By being able to ‘leave it to us’, Engineers Australia has been able to focus on its core business – the advancement of engineering and the professional development of its members. In November last year they launched eChartered, which is a membership accreditation that further positions the registered members as the best of their breed. eChartered Members possess defined engineering competencies, are recognised by the community, industry and governments as professional and responsible contributors to the well-being of Australian society, have demonstrated engineering competence, and have a commitment to professionalism which has been formally assessed by Engineers Australia and tested by Member peers and senior engineering professionals in each area of practice. OPC’s technical expertise was key throughout the development and implementation of the eChartered site. ‘Our relationship with Engineers Australia is one we that we hold with great pride and a sense of privilege,’ says Brett Norton, Managing Director of OPC. ‘We like to think of ourselves as the leaders in our respective fields.’

OPC IT Pty Limited. 31-37 Townshend Street, Phillip ACT 2606 P: 02 6162 8300 F: 02 6282 6558 www.opc.com.au 25 March 2013

Mr Brett Norton Managing Director OPC IT Pty Limited PO Box 6005 MAWSON ACT 2607

Engineers Australia’s long-standing professional relationship with OPC IT dates back to 1985 when they were contracted to set up the organisation’s typewriters in our Barton headquarters. For almost 30 years, OPC have been providing Engineers Australia with reliable end-to-end IT support. OPC were 25 March 2013originally engaged on a needs-by-needs basis by Engineers Australia, however in the last two years they 25 March have since2013 taken on sole responsibility of our IT infrastructure Mr Norton andBrett service support needs across our nine state and territory Managing offices. Director Mr Norton OPCBrett IT Pty Limited As anDirector organisation with over 100,000 members and 200 Managing PO Box 6005 staffITacross Australia, OPC Pty ACT Limited MAWSON 2607 we create and transmit a staggering PO Box 6005 amount of information every day. To this end, we commenced 25 March 2013 MAWSON the rolloutACT of a 2607 nationwide renewal program for our Dear Brett management information systems. Mr Brett OurNorton organisation has moved to an IT engagement model Dear Brett Managing Director Engineers Australia's long-standing professional relationship with OPC IT of talking rather than telling. We recognised it’s no longer OPC IT Pty Limited contracted to set up the organisation's typewriters in our Barton headquar PO Box 6005 enough for organisations to post on arelationship website Engineers Engineers Australia's long-standing professional providing Australia with information reliable end-to-end IT support.with OPC IT MAWSON ACT 2607 or send an to email andthe expect this to create meaningful contracted set up organisation's typewriters in our Barton headquar providing Australiaon with reliable end-to-end interactions with customers. OPC were Engineers originally engaged a needs-by-needs basisIT bysupport. Engineers Austral Dear Brett since taken onAustralia sole responsibility of our IT minds infrastructure and service suppor Engineers engaged the best in the business OPC were originally engaged on a needs-by-needs basis by Engineers Austral offices. to help us with thelong-standing transition to an improved information Engineers Australia's professional relationship with OPCservice IT dates back since taken on sole responsibility of our IT infrastructure and suppor management system. OPC were part of this team to200 help us contracted to set up the organisation's typewriters in our Barton headquarters. almo offices. As an organisation with over 100,000 members and staff acrossForAustr providing Engineers with end-to-end IT support. effectively drive Australia changeevery andreliable implement technology.the rollout amount of information day. To thisimproved end, we commenced As were an organisation with over members and 200 staff across Austr OPC wereinformation fundamental in100,000 the successful andAustralia, management OPC originally engaged onsystems. a needs-by-needs basisroll-out by Engineers however in amount every day.ITscale To this end, we commenced rollout delivery of our most recent project, e-chartered. since takenof oninformation sole responsibility oflarge our infrastructure and service supportthe needs across management information systems. offices. Our has moved to an IT engagement Thisorganisation online chartered program enables engineers model to takeof talking rather enough for organisations to post information on a website or send an em the from being graduates to fully accredited chartered As an step organisation 100,000 members and 200 staff acrossofAustralia, creat Our organisation hasover moved to an IT engagement model talking we rather interactions withwith customers. amount of for information every day. this end, we commenced the rollout a nationwid professionals in a secure online environment. enough organisations to To post information on a website or ofsend an em management information systems. They are responsible forthe thebest administrative interactions with customers. Engineers Australia engaged minds in thesupport businessand to help us with development of the Engineers website, austhan management OPC were part of corporate this team to help effectively Our organisation system. has moved to an ITAustralia engagement model of talking rather telling. W Engineers Australia engaged the best minds in the business toemail help us with enough forthat organisations toover post6000 information on a website orin send an expec technology. website includes pages and receives excess of and interactions with system. customers.OPC were part of this team to help us effectively management over 100,000 visits per month. technology. OPC were fundamental in the successful roll-out and delivery of our most re Engineers Australia and engaged the best minds in the business to help us with the transition Computers technology always seem to fail when online chartered program enables engineers to take the step from being management system. OPC were part of this team to always help us effectively drive change needed most and OPC’s help desk team have OPC were fundamental in the successful roll-out and delivery of our most re professionals in a secure online environment. technology. online chartered program enables support engineersfortothe take the step from being demonstrated timely, professional professionals in a secure environment. OPC were in the successful delivery ourdevelopment most recent large sca They arefundamental responsible for online the administrative support of the organisation, trouble-shooting a roll-out broad and range of ITofand issues. online chartered programover enables engineers to take the step from being graduates to website thatdesk includes 6,000 pages and receives in excess of over 100,000 OPC’s help operates during business hours across all of professionals in a secure online environment. They are responsible for the administrative support and development of the Australia’s time zones, meaningpages the Canberra team remainof over 100,000 website thatand includes over 6,000 and receives in excessmost Computers technology always seem to fail when needed and OPC'sAu They arehours responsible for theour administrative support and development after to ensure Western Australia Division officeof isthe Engineers timely,that professional support for the trouble-shooting a broad ra website includes over 6,000 pages and organisation, receives in excess of over 100,000 visits per mo serviced. Computers and technology always to failtime whenzones, needed most and during business hours across all of seem Australia's meaning theOPC's Canbe timely, professional support for the organisation, trouble-shooting a broad ra Computers and technology always seem fail when needed most and OPC's help desk team Engineers Australia staff have very much appreciated Western Australia Division office istoserviced. timely, professional supportacross for the all organisation, trouble-shooting range of Canbe IT issu during business hours of Australia's timetheir zones,a broad meaning the the responsiveness of the OPC team, along with during business hours across all of Australia's time zones, meaning the the Canberra team rema Western Australia Division office is serviced. Engineers Australia staff have very much appreciated compassionate approach ensuring our technology does notresponsiven Western Australia Division office of is serviced. compassionate approach of ensuring our technology does not get the better o get the better of us. staff have very much appreciated the responsiven Engineers Australia Engineers Australia staff have very much appreciated the responsiveness of the O OPC effectively after ourneeds ITour needs to allow tonot compassionate approach of ensuring technology does get the o OPC effectively looklook after our IT to allow usget tous focus onofour core bu compassionate approach of ensuring our technology does not the better us. better focus on our core business, that is, delivering on our 100,000 members' needs. OPC effectively looklook afterafter our ITour needs allowtousallow to focus coreon business that bu is OPC effectively IT to needs us on to our focus our core members’ needs. members' needs. members' needs. We willwill continue to value their their IT services for many years to come. We continue to value IT services for many years towill come. We continue to value their IT services for many years to come. We will continue to value their IT services for many years to come. Yours sincerely

Yours sincerely

Stephen Durkin Stephen Durkin Chief Officer ChiefExecutive Executive Officer

Stephen Durkin Chief Executive Officer B 2 b M A G A Z I N E s E P T E M B E R 2 0 13

F E AT U R E

SUZIE THE FRESH FACE OF SUCCESS Suzie Hoitink knows a thing or two about presenting the fresh face of success. Having been the face of the Clear Complexions Clinics for over seven years now, she, more than most, understands how important it is to project the right image.

he is, in essence, her own brand. Clear Complexions has achieved enormous success with two more clinics opening next year, another in Canberra and one in Sydney. On the back of her recent success at the Telstra Business Womens Awards, Suzie talks about being the face of Clear Complexions and why she believes people should invest in their image. Why do you front the Clear Complexions brand? I want to convey a message of authenticity, accountability, and professionalism to clients; that a real person is behind this brand, a medical professional they can trust. I stake my personal reputation on the treatments and products we deliver at the clinics. I also want to connect emotionally with people, before they have even walked into the clinics. What we do is all about relationships and caring for our clients. As the face of the Clear Complexions Clinics, you are naturally scrutinized. Is that difficult at times? No, not really. I love everything about what I do. I think it is sometimes strange when someone recognizes you but people are always so gracious and kind. Tell us about the typical Clear Complexions Client? Well, we treat men and women from the ages of about 10-90 years old!

A typical client though is usually time poor, wants a solution quickly, only trusts a medical professional to treat them, and is just after an honest answer on what will and won’t work for them. They love that our nurses do a thorough consultation and educate them on how to get their skin healthy again and keep it that way. I think they love our honesty, however brutal it may be at times! Why do you think it is so important for people to take care of themselves? Many of the people we see at the clinics are at a point in their lives where they realize that how they present has a direct effect on their working life. They don’t want to look 20 again; they simply want to look the best they can. I think we all want that. A lot of people are out there are doing amazing things in their careers, but like it or not, it is the image that you present, that first impression, that is often what is remembered. I also see the amazing effect taking care of yourself physically has on clients confidence and emotional wellbeing. The flow on effect throughout every aspect of their lives is profound. They just project this aura of self-assurance and having it together. People respond positively to that and are drawn to them and what they represent. It’s important. So, where do you recommend people start? GUNGAHLIN 6241 7660

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The first step is picking up the phone and getting some guidance. Everyone’s skin needs are different and there’s a minefield of treatments and products out there that can be costly and potentially hazardous to navigate. Go to a medical professional. We only have nurses treating our clients at the clinics. What is your top tip for looking good at any age? Restore the health of your skin. Healthy skin is beautiful skin. Your skin is constantly trying to repair the damage the environment has inflicted on it, but UV exposure depletes the skin of the antioxidants needed for cellular repair and collagen renewal. So my top tip is to feed your skin first before embarking on any treatment. Only use medical grade skincare containing vitamins B3, C, A, and E, and use alpha and beta hydroxyl acids to restore the skins acidity. You will see the difference almost immediately. Then you can start on treatments that can make dramatic improvements in the look and feel of your skin. Any last words of advice? Keep everything in context and be age specific. What I mean by that is don’t be tempted to get 25year old lips at 55. There is nothing worse than seeing someone who looks ‘done’. Looking great is about being the whole package; healthy skin, healthy body and a healthy outlook.

CLEARCOMPLEXIONS.COM.AU

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F E AT U R E Robert Keogh, Chief Executive Officer, Beyond Bank

ACT credit union becomes customer owned ‘Beyond Bank’

ne of the nation’s top three credit unions, Community CPS Australia has become a 100 per cent customer owned bank under a bold new naming strategy designed to offer consumers a real alternative in the financial services sector. From 1 August, the Community CPS Australia Group and its five allied brands will trade as Beyond Bank Australia, a values-based, 100 per cent customer-owned bank operating in SA, WA, ACT, Wagga Wagga and the Hunter Valley – with 50 branches, 650 staff and 200,000 members. Chief Executive Officer Robert Keogh said, “Our customers in the Australian Capital Territory can now access a banking offering which combined the best of both worlds – the same level of safety and security for their savings combined with an unrivalled operating philosophy that puts customers and their communities first.” “Becoming a mutual bank retains the best of both worlds – all the benefits of mutuality that our members know in terms of high levels of service, competitive products and a commitment to reinvesting our profits to benefit customers and the community, under the auspices of a bank.” “It shows Australians there is another way to bank, a way that puts people before profits and believes in prosperity for all. Our model is based on providing better banking solutions, meaningful community initiatives and personalised professional business services.” Beyond Bank Australia has also formalised its community support by setting up a Community Development Division to expand an established program of investment activities that strengthen the fabric of communities in which Beyond Bank Australia operates. “We have a strong track record of investing in the Canberra community, donating more than $230,000 through our grants and sponsorship program over the last three years,” Mr Keogh said. This includes $20,000 for Boundless Canberra – the first playground in the ACT that caters for children of all abilities to play together - and $15,000 for Volunteering ACT. As Community CPS Australia we distributed more than $8 million to charities, not-for-profit organisations and community groups around Australia since 2007. Beyond Bank Australia’s plan for the future is to increase its annual contributions by more than 150 per cent as a demonstration of their commitment to strengthening the communities in which they operate. “As Beyond Bank Australia I am very pleased to say this true commitment to the community will become even stronger as we seek to develop more partnerships at a national, regional and local level,” Mr Keogh said. Further information: visit beyondbank.com.au

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B2B Half Page_Layout 1 24/04/12 9:12 AM Page 1

take your pick…

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enquiry@accommodatecanberra.com.au www.accommodatecanberra.com.au

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F E AT U R E

Robert Jeston, Manager, CBEC

Canberra’s premier business events centre

he Canberra Business Event Centre (CBEC) has been at Regatta Point since the year 2000 - so it comes as a shock to CBEC manager, Robert Jeston, when people tell him they didn’t know it existed.

When we ask Robert why people should have their events with him at CBEC he said that there are many good function venues in Canberra but what makes CBEC stand out is the personal service they give to their customers. In the last 12 years CBEC has run more than 2,500 events, catering for more than 60,000 people. CBEC has a modern boardroom with seating for up to 20 people. It has a 68-inch presentation screen – and panoramic views across Lake Burley Griffin. “The boardroom is the ideal setting for any small meeting or corporate dinner,” Robert said enthusiastically. The Eye room can offer you everything from planning days with classroom style set up to theatre style set up for 70 – 95 people and a U-shaped set up for up to 30 people. “The best thing about The Eye room is 26

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that we can offer people a fantastic room for business, and Christmas, cocktail parties - and of course weddings. With the views overlooking the lake, I don’t believe there is a better place to hold an event in Canberra,” Robert said. CBEC also has a amazing audio-visual set up, including six drop down screen and six HDMI light pros. “It rely is one of the best set ups in Canberra,” exclaimed Robert. “What could have more impact to promote your business or impress your staff than to have your training or wedding day at Canberra’s premier event centre,” Robert said proudly. When we ask Robert why people should have their events with him at CBEC he said that there are many good function venues in Canberra but what makes CBEC stand out is the personal service they give to their customers. “We support our customers from the time of their enquiry right through to the end of their event. We help them with their audiovisual needs and make sure they have only the best food and beverage services. Well known Canberra caterers, Hudson, do all the catering at CBEC. “Hudson’s are fantastic caterers. They

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provide excellent food and beverages accompanied by exceptional service,” Robert explained. The modern and professional audio-visual set up at CBEC has been established and maintained by Millennium Audio Visual since 2000. Robert and Katie have over 35 years of being in the events industry and know how to look after your events. Robert has worked in a number of well know hotels in England as well as West Germany and was manager of the Members and Guests at Parliament House before coming to CBEC. Katie Also worked at Parliament House and the Hyatt Hotel before coming to CBEC. “We both love working at CBEC and hope we can let the ‘secret of Canberra’s premier business and event centre’ out of the bag,” Robert said. P 02 6207 7394 M 0409 660 335 Regatta Point Commonwealth Park, Acton E bookings@cbec.com.au www.cbec.com.au

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COVER STORY

Photos by Andrew Finch

IT’S TIME ! To think about star ting your own business.

egardless of who won the recent Federal Election there will be thousands of public servants in Canberra and around the country that will be considering taking advantage of a redundancy package and either heading into retirement, the private sector – or starting their own business.

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COVER STORY

ith this in mind Synergy Business Centres has expanded in Canberra by opening a new centre in Tench Street Kingston and outlines below some of the vital steps in starting a business. “We are pleased to be expanding in Canberra to provide more, virtual and serviced office, facilities to individuals, businesses and government,” Dario Beltrami, Synergy General Manager Canberra, said. The new Centre in Kingston, Canberra’s oldest suburb, provides a professional and economical total office solution. Located in the heart of key business districts, it is suitable for all types of businesses seeking executive offices complete with high quality furnishings at an affordable price. The Synergy offices located in Canberra’s popular inner south, an area that has been largely redeveloped, is located a stone’s throw from the Kingston Foreshore and the Parliamentary Triangle, and is adjacent to Kingston’s popular café and boutique shopping area. With its vibrant culture and being only a short 8 minute drive to the CBD, Kingston is regarded as one of the most exclusive suburbs in Canberra. Kingston currently houses a number of firms across industries such as accounting, legal, banking, engineering, advisory groups and defence contractors. “These new developments and the rise of a café society have revitalised Kingston and restored it as one of Canberra’s most exclusive suburbs,” Dario said.

“ ”

We are pleased to be expanding in Canberra to provide more, virtual and serviced office, facilities to individuals, businesses and government. Dario Beltrami, Synergy General Manager Canberra

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Synergy Business Centres tips for people considering starting a business. In the early business strategy stages, an entrepreneur probably won’t have the three most important things all successful businesses require: a physical presence, online presence and money. “The fact is these three things are needed to accelerate the process of success and become the entrepreneur you’ve always dreamed of,” Dario outlined. Even though obtaining some of these right now may seem unrealistic, Synergy Business Centres will show you, how they might be obtained.

Apply for “Free Money” So you’re probably wondering why “free money” is in quotes. The reason it’s in quotes is because you have to dedicate time and effort to getting this money. However, after you get it, as long as you remain true to your entrepreneurial spirit, you don’t have to give it back. “There are organisations and different groups who are willing to invest in your idea. These organizations succeed through your success,” Dario explained. • Federal Government: Most likely, you’ve heard of federal grants. Many people believe that they only apply to non-profits, but this is false. If you go to the Australian government’s Grants Link (http:// grants.myregion.gov.au) web page, you’ll discover a trove of federal grants available to people like you who believe they’re business idea can succeed as a contribution to the public. This contribution can come in many forms: job creation, important services, vital goods, etc. If you make your case convincing, getting a federal grant isn’t out of the question. Many entrepreneurs have done it before. Niche Organisations: Even if you have the wildest idea imaginable, there’s surely an organisation that supports it. The key is to find these organizations and create a list. • Many industry-specific organizations give out grants to entrepreneurs passionate about their idea. Do a Google search, find these organizations, and discover if they give out grants. If they do, apply. Apply, apply, apply. Even if the grant is for a small amount of money in the grand scheme of things, it’s enough to help you build your business one step higher. For instance, a small grant can help you build your first major online presence – a website.

COVER STORY

Build an Online Presence “Having a website that describes your business and the products and services offered is as vital for business success as oxygen is for human survival,” Dario outlined. Today, building a beautiful website is easier than ever. You can use platforms like Word press that offer you easy, unlimited access to every facet of your website or incredibly user-friendly platforms like Square space that require virtually no website building experience at all. If you don’t feel comfortable building your own website, you can find skilled web designers through freelancing platforms like oDesk. In online spaces like oDesk, you can get great deals for great services – web design, graphic design, logo design, web copywriting ... everything you need to build an incredible website. If you have the extra money to spend, spend it here.

Build a Physical Presence Many small businesses start off at home in a small corner of the living room or spare bedroom. Your family will put up with it for a short period of time, making an allowance for all the paperwork, conference calls, and other activities included in running a small business from home. But what do you do when you need to have meetings at your office? Is your home office presentable enough to have visitors? What about the opportunity to network with other small business owners? “You certainly don’t get to do a lot of that when working alone from your living room,” Dario said. When you have a physical presence, the trust people have in you increases dramatically. There’s something about an office location that’s irreplaceable by mobile technology. It’s incredibly special to have a physical location, because, nowadays, not many entrepreneurs have one. They’re either working out of their home or traveling all over without rest,” Dario stated. Having a place you can escape to and focus solely on business without distractions is invaluable. While some people look at it as an unneeded expense, others look at it as an opportunity to form professional relationship and invite clients or potential business partners to a professional, personalized environment. When entrepreneurs want to invest in their professional impression, they end up going with one of two kinds of physical presence:

“ ”

Working in solitude every day of the week can get rather boring. It may help to be in an environment where other entrepreneurs are just as excited about their businesses as you are about yours.

Serviced Office Suites (http://www.synergycentres.com.au/serviced-offices.html) If working from home is not for you, a serviced office may prove to be a much better choice. A serviced office is a shared office space where many entrepreneurs come into one space to rent an office and other office tools for anything from a few hours to several months at a time. You can often choose to rent an entire office space which can be useful for those needing space for 2 to 3 people. “You can also only rent desk space if you are a solopreneur looking for a quiet place to get your work done. These spaces often come with internet access, access to a meeting space, fax and copy machines – and most importantly – coffee,” Dario explained. Aside from the physical benefit of renting a serviced office, there are also many social benefits as well. One of the downsides of being an entrepreneur can be the loneliness. “Working in solitude every day of the week can get rather boring. It may help to be in an environment where other entrepreneurs are just as excited about their businesses as you are about yours,” Dario outlined. You may also find partners who can collaborate on projects with. For example, if you’re a graphic artist you may partner with another company in need of design work for their marketing materials.

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COVER STORY

Virtual Office Suites (http://www.synergycentres.com.au/virtual-offices.html) With a virtual office suite, you get a professional business address, secretary, and even access to conference rooms at locations run by the virtual office provider. You have access to nearly everything a person with a serviced office suite does except for a building office. Basically, a virtual office suite allows you to maintain your home working environment while enhancing your professional stature in the physical space.

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A virtual office suite allows you to maintain your home working environment while enhancing your professional stature in the physical space.

With today’s technology, small business owners should have no problem cutting down on paperwork or connecting with other professionals as needed via the internet. Technologies like the cloud allow you to create, save, and access your business documents stored on a remote server accessible via the internet,” Dario said. The benefit of this is that if your present computer should happen to crash or get stolen, you will be able to access your documents using another computer. A digital office will also make your business portable. A portable business can mean that you can work anyplace on the planet that has a reliable internet connection. You can work from cafes, beaches, a sunny porch, etc. If you wanted to experiment with location independence, you could do so with a digital business. Have you ever wanted to live several months in Malaysia, China, or India all while making money? You can do that if your business is digital. “Basically, a virtual office suite allows you to maintain your home working environment while enhancing your professional stature in the physical space,” Dario stated. Once you have made the decision to start a business, or to move out of your home office it can all seem a bit daunting. But if you combine these tips with your entrepreneurial spirit and original ideas, you’ll achieve success quicker and form important business relationships along the way. “I am also available to sit down with you to discuss your needs and any aspect of this article – please call me to arrange a time for a coffee,” Dario said. Level 6, 39 London Circuit, CANBERRA CITY, ACT 2601 Units 1 to 4, 8 Jardine Street Kingston ACT 2604 synergycentres.com.au 32

The Synergy offices located in Canberra’s popular inner south, an area that has been largely redeveloped, is located a stone’s throw from the Kingston Foreshore and the Parliamentary Triangle

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Good governance and excellence in leadership are the foundation for achieving strategic outcomes, high performance and community confidence. Don’t miss hearing from our expert speakers and industry leaders. Thursday 7 November 2013 8.30am - 12.30pm BAE Systems Theatre Australian War Memorial Treloar Crescent, Campbell 03825_13

Leading the Public Sector in challenging times

Public Sector Governance Forum:13

ADVICE 35 35 36 36 37 37 38 38 40 40 41

ACCOUNTING

WEBSITES

Do you have any lost or unclaimed super? by Megan Dahlenburg, RSM Bird Cameron

BUSINESS LAW Will employee issues never cease? by Craig Painter, Elringtons Lawyers

BUSINESS RELOCATIONS Organisations on the move By Gary Green, Allied Pickfords Business Relocations

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Better regulation By Phil Butler, Australian Institute of Company Directors

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Sports law - preventing poaching By Shaun Creighton, Arete Group

ESTATE PLANNING Splitting a SMSF under the Family Law Act By Stephen Bourke, Certus Law

FAMILY LAW So you thought you had an agreement â&#x20AC;Ś By Di Simpson, Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson

HEALTH Does an Apple a day really keep the doctor away? By Robbie Manzano, Healthy Identity

RECRUITMENT Are you registered with the right IT recruitment agency? By Allison Guy-Ritchie, PCA People

RISK MANAGEMENT Does BYOD stand for Bring Your Own Disaster? By Rod Farrar, Paladin Risk Management Services

SERVICED OFFICES 6 Steps to Crowdfunding your business idea By Robert Okulus, Synergy Business Centres

Responsive or mobile friendly websites By Sam Gupta, Synapse Worldwide

ACCOUNTING

By Megan Dahlenburg

Do you have any lost or unclaimed super?

It is possible for people to lose track of their super over the years as they change employers or funds. In this article, we look at how people can track their lost super by using the ATO’s SuperSeeker service. Losing super According to the Commissioner of Taxation’s 2010/11 Annual Report, Australians have around $20.2 billion in lost and unclaimed super. Lost super refers to situations where people are unable to find their own super accounts. Some people forget to tell their super fund when they change their name, address, or job. Over time, it can become difficult to keep track of super, especially if a person has changed jobs often and has multiple accounts. Unclaimed super is where a person is eligible to take money from their super account, but the fund is unable to contact them. Finding lost super There are a few options available to find lost super. • Employers. If they don’t know which funds hold their money, people can check with previous employers, who should be able to tell them which funds they contributed super to on their behalf. • Super funds. Contact funds directly about how much super they hold. • Use SuperSeeker. Use the ATO’s secure lost super register to find super. It is important for people to find their lost super savings. Super is designed to help support people during retirement, and needs to be managed to get the best financial outcomes. Consolidating super into one fund could save money on fees, and it is easier to keep track of just one super account, rather than having super with a number of different funds. How to use SuperSeeker According to the ATO, people can use SuperSeeker to see a list of all the super funds they have contributed to in the last two financial years. Note that SuperSeeker does not hold records on self-managed superannuation funds. SuperSeeker can provide a list of any lost super accounts listed under a person’s name, which have been reported to the ATO by super funds. SuperSeeker will also list any unclaimed super money the ATO itself holds for people. To use SuperSeeker, people can submit a form, call the SuperSeeker service, or do an online search themselves. A Tax File Number, name, and date of birth are required for the search. If the SuperSeeker identifies lost super under a person’s name, they will be provided with the fund’s details so they can contact the fund directly about what they would like to do with their super savings. If unclaimed super is found, people will either be provided with the fund details, or if the money has been transferred to the ATO, a form can be lodged to make a formal claim on the money.

BUSINESS LAW

By Craig Painter

Will employee issues never cease?

As if the economy, business compliance and keeping up with customer demand were not enough for business owners to contend with: employers also need to be vigilant about the behaviour of their employees! Courts have found against employers for breaching their duty of care to employees and customers in circumstances where an employee has failed to exercise commonsense. By way of example, one Friday evening in sunny Shellharbour, Ms Day was having a drink at the Ocean Beach Hotel (“the Hotel”). The Hotel management, in exercising its Responsible Service of Alcohol obligations, formed the view that Ms Day was intoxicated and that she should be asked to leave. Management asked a security guard, who was employed by a third party security company, on ‘hire’ to the Hotel, to eject her. The security guard spoke to Ms Day for a few moments before pulling the bar stool from beneath her. She fell, landed on the floor and sustained injury. Ms Day commenced a claim for negligence and rightly so. The primary judge found that the security guard had committed an assault on Ms Day for which his employer was liable. Had the security guard been employed by the Hotel, then the Hotel would have been liable to compensate for the injuries caused. In this case, however, the security company that employed the guard was deregistered after the event so Ms Day appealed the decision and tried to hold the Hotel accountable for the acts of the security guard. The NSW Appeal Court ruled that the Hotel was not liable for the acts or omissions of the security guard because, in part, the guard was not an employee of the Hotel. We would hope that employees do not often commit assaults like in the situation above. However, employers are increasingly finding themselves liable for a range of actions committed by their employees including workplace bullying and harassment. Good policies and training are the key for employers who wish to minimise their liability. Workplaces should have effective anti-bullying and harassment policies together with general behaviour guidelines that are well known, published and adhered to. Employees who breach the policy must be told that their behaviour is unacceptable. Managers must be suitably trained in how to manage their teams, and in how to implement the policies of the workplace. Although good policies and practices are the first start, they are only the start. The employer must be vigilant in assessing and acting on any complaints, and watching out for unacceptable behaviour. Employers can also seek assistance in the formulation of their policies and guidelines, and where breaches are committed, legal advice should be sought regarding what action to take.

Bird Cameron

Chartered Accountants

For more information, please contact Megan Dahlenburg of RSM Bird Cameron on megan.dahlenburg@rsmi.com.au or 02 6217 0300.

Craig Painter Contact Elringtons T: (02) 6206 1300, Level 7, 221 London Circuit, Canberra City visit: elringtons.com.au

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BUSINESS RELOCATIONS

by Gary Green

Organisations on the move

We’ll get your business and your people set up, in place and ready for work on time. Total Solutions For You We have expertise in professional relocation management and commercial relocation services. We understand the wider issues, the need for careful planning, detailed project management and clear communication with your staff. Our experienced team takes total responsibility for your relocation, leaving you to concentrate on the day today running of your business. Whatever the scale of your business relocation and challenges we have the expertise and resources to make your relocation successful. Everything You Need We are able to do it all for you, whether a small office or a major corporate relocation. Allied Pickfords have the people, systems and specialist equipment on hand to have the best practicable office relocation. The Allied Pickfords Project Management Team has the experience to oversee and direct each stage of your move. From dismantling workstations, through to safe handling and transport of computer equipment, using our specialised equipment. Our Project Management Team leaves nothing to chance we work with you every step of the way to make for a successful relocation. Getting Back To Work Our aim is to minimise your downtime and should you wish to take advantage of our nightshift or weekend services, it’s often possible with proper planning and implementation, to finish work one day in your existing location and start back the following day in your new location. No fuss, no panic just a fast efficient and totally reliable service. Not An Office Not all businesses operate within the office environment and Allied Pickfords has the experience and knowledge to assist in these relocations. Our people understand the practicalities of moving machinery, specialised equipment, materials and stock. We have experience in relocating, Libraries, Laboratories, Hospitals, Factories and Warehouses, Hotels, Universities and Schools. Services We have a full suite of services designed to make your relocation quicker and easier. Packing, Asset Relocations, Internal Relocation Services, Handyman Services, Storage, Security Destruction, Paper Recycling, Refurbishment Programme, FF & E and Computer Disconnect and Reconnect. We can also assist with the relocation of staff locally, interstate and overseas. Organisations on the move are moving with Allied Pickfords Business Relocations.

Gary Green can be contacted at Allied Pickfords Business Relocations on 0423806702. visit: www.alliedpickfords.com.au

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B2b M AGA ZINE

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

by Phil Butler

Better regulation

In my last column, I reflected on the need to take action on regulation. In July, we also released our final policy position paper titled ‘Towards better regulation.’ We believe deregulation – stemming the growth in regulation and actually cutting back existing red tape – is a key

The growth of regulation and administrative compliance is not only costly for business, but gets in the way of boards doing their real job. element of the agenda for boosting national productivity and a crucial policy priority for whoever wins the election. The growth of regulation and administrative compliance is not only costly for business, but gets in the way of boards doing their real job: improving corporate performance and shareholder returns, devising strategy and making good business decisions which lead to more investment and jobs for Australians. We need better and more efficient regulation. The whole system of creating - and removing - regulation needs to be reformed, not just the regulations themselves. Better understanding of business More effort should be directed at recruiting for senior public sector management positions directly from the private sector. The next government should also institute executive exchange and secondment programs to allow government officials and ministerial advisers to work in the private sector, and to similarly allow private sector executives the opportunity to work in government. In our paper, we also outlined reform which relates to some specific policy areas which are set out below: Extended Statutory Business Judgment Rule We have long advocated for an extension of the business judgment rule beyond its current limited scope. The defence should be available when directors carry out their roles honestly and with integrity. This would assist directors to take the commercial risks needed to succeed. Protections for Forward-looking Statements The need for suitable protections for directors when making forwardlooking statements about the prospects for their company is also an urgent area for reform. Insolvency law reform Australia’s insolvency laws are regarded as amongst the harshest in the world for directors. Current laws on insolvent trading sometimes prevent the best stakeholder outcomes from being achieved. The critical element to address our concerns is a extended business judgement rule defence. Such reforms, instituted by whomever may be in government, are critically important to the future of Autralia.

Phil Butler is Manager - NFP, Public Sector & ACT at the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Level 3 54 Marcus Clarke Street Canberra T: 02 6132 3200 | www.companydirectors.com.au

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

By Shaun Creighton

Sports law Preventing poaching

In many football codes we are seeing rival clubs “approaching and poaching” players who are still under contract for the following season. Many sports followers must be wondering what can legally be done to prevent this issue (assuming the club does not wish to grant a release). The answer may lie in the tort of interference with contract (or inducement to breach contract). A ground breaking case in the sporting world on the tort of inducing breach of contract was when Kerry Packer formed World Series Cricket and the ICC changed its rules so that any player signing for WSC was disqualified from playing any ICC test match. Here, the Court held that the ICC had directly interfered with the players’ contract with WSC and had acted to induce a breach of contract (in circumstances where it was likely WSC may suffer damage). More recently, in Australian Football League & Ors v Hard On Sports & Ors [2012] VSC 475, the Court held that the defendant intentionally interfered with and induced a breach of contract by procuring AFL players to sign memorabilia which was intended for commercial sale without the AFL’s authorisation. By securing the player’s signatures, the defendant placed the players in breach of their contractual obligations to the AFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. In Canberra, a potential inducement to breach contract case was averted when Jake White confirmed his commitment to the Brumbies at a time where there was speculation he was being “approached and poached” by South African rugby. Whether the Canberra Raiders will take legal action as a result of some of their players being “approached and poached” while still under contract remains to be seen. Here, any “exit clauses” in player contracts would need to be considered carefully against the facts ahead of taking action. Subject to the interpretation of any exit clauses, if the Raiders establish (a) they are likely to suffer damage (b) that the “poachers” have knowledge of the contract and (c) there is an intention to interfere with a contract, then the Raiders may have rights and remedies available to them. With the Raiders likely to be minor premiers in the Holden Cup this year, they are presumably taking all appropriate measures to avoid the Canberra “Poachers Pantry” being more than a gourmet food and wine establishment on the edge of town. ARETE Group have a specialist sports law team which includes 3 Olympians (Shaun Creighton, Kim Crow, Nathan Deakes), the son of an NRL coach (Campbell Hasler), the son of a professional cricket coach (Scott Hogan) and a former AIS physio (Margaret Grant). In addition to intellectual property and general commercial legal services, we offer a broad range of sports law services. For a copy of our recent article on intellectual property and related rights in relation to colour schemes go to www.aretegroup.com.au/.../sports_law_updaterights_in_colour_schemes.pdf. For a copy of our recent article on nonanalytical positive tests (which is relevant in light of the recent ASADA cases), go to www.aretegroup.com.au/pdf/anti-doping-non-analyticalpositive-tests.pdf. P: GPO Box 579, Canberra ACT 2601 E: shaun.creighton@aretegroup.com.au shaun.creighton@aretegroup.com.au T: 02 6162 1639 | M: 0430 22 78 62 W: www.aretegroup.com.au or www.asportslaw.com.au

ESTATE PLANNING

by Stephen Bourke

Splitting a SMSF under the Family Law Act

When a couple separates, superannuation is an important issue to be taken into consideration. Since the introduction of the Superannuation Guarantee in 1992, the amount of money in superannuation is everincreasing. When the superannuation is a self managed superannuation fund (SMSF), another layer of complexity is added.

To ensure that the SMSF is audit proof, all trustee decisions should be documented. There are notices that the trustee and the parties are required to serve on the fund and each other. In an SMSF the individuals that "own" the fund have the dual role of trustee and member. The individuals must separate their role as trustee from their entitlement as members. When they are in the process of separating, it is even more critical that the member/trustee demarcation is clear. While there can be tax benefits that flow from the splitting of superannuation, including CGT rollover relief the ATO may well conduct an audit to ensure that the splitting of the superannuation fund was for a genuine separation and not contrived to reap tax benefits. To ensure that the SMSF is audit proof, all trustee decisions should be documented. There are notices that the trustee and the parties are required to serve on the fund and each other. Even though the parties are the trustees, the notices should be given and documented. It is surprising how many people don’t comply with this aspect of the rules who may later find themselves in trouble if they are audited. 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 non-member became a member or remains 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. If the parties have just gone through the difficult process of severing their other financial ties, why should they keep this one financial relationship going? Part 7A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations therefore provides that the member of an SMSF can insist that the non-member rollover their entitlement. We usually recommend that the orders or superannuation agreement include the necessary steps so that one party can exit the SMSF without the risk of incurring further conflict down the road. As tempting as it may be it does not pay to cut corners when splitting a SMSF. The ATO is ever vigilant!

Certus Law specialises in superannuation, trusts and estate planning. Visit Certus Law at Level 5, 28 University Avenue, T: 6268 9090, www.certuslaw.com.au

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FAMILY LAW

By Di Simpson

HEALTH

So you thought you had an agreement …

Sometimes I meet someone who happily tells me that they have “sorted” their property settlement, “just between us”. No paperwork, no orders, no lawyers. Sounds good? A recent decision of the Full Court of the Family Court (Bevan and Bevan 2013) highlights again, the risk in relying upon informal settlements. The facts are interesting. The husband and wife had been married for 22 years and had two children. Their fortunes blossomed during the marriage but declined before separation in 1994. The downturn in their fortunes appeared to affect the husband significantly. He declared he would make a new life elsewhere. He told the wife and other people, that she could keep the Australian property. The husband then went to sea. The wife subsequently dealt with their property, as she saw fit, including selling assets and making investments, without input from the husband. Over the next 10 years, the parties had holidays together and the husband contributed an inheritance and other funds to the parties’ accounts. The parties divorced on 22 July 2010. An application for property settlement must be filed within 12 months of divorce. With 2 days to spare, and 17 years after separation, the husband filed for property settlement. The matter went to trial in December 2012: lawyers engaged on both sides. None of the property at the trial existed at separation. The net property pool was over $1M. Despite the husband’s delay in bringing his application and his repeated prior representations that the wife could “have it all”, the trial Judge awarded the husband 40% of the asset pool. The wife would probably need to sell her home. The wife appealed. In April 2013 the Full Court allowed the appeal but did not make a redetermination. Submissions were invited from both sides. And so the wait continued for these parties, some 19 years after they separated. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. But we can be clear about this here and now: informal settlements are risky. People change their minds. What might’ve seemed “ok” at one point, may look “unfair” later on. Reaching agreement at the end of your relationship, about the division of your property, is ideal. Be smart, though. Get advice from specialist family lawyers about the settlement - and get orders or a financial agreement made. Invest in certainty and management of risk – no doubt Mrs Bevan wished she had.

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Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer and respiratory disease account for 59% of the 56.5 million deaths each year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) have identified poor consumption of fruit and vegetables as a major contributing factor in the development of these diseases, and it is estimated that 2.7 million lives could potentially be saved with adequate intake of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables are made up of many vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that are beneficial for our health as they provide protection from free radicals, high blood cholesterol and many other disease related factors. These free radicals, also known as prooxidants, build in our system through every day but are enhanced by poor lifestyle factors such as tobacco and high levels of alcohol consumption. Breathing, eating, even exercising yield these silent killers, so avoiding them is impossible. "So, if these free radicals are slowly killing me, is there hope?" Unfortunately we cannot fully eliminate the problem, however we can neutralize the effects of these free radicals simply by eating enough. Based on scientific evidence "does an apple a day really keep the doctor away?" I'd like to say it does, however that one apple doesn't account for the 2 fruit and 5 veg that is recommended by the Department of Health. In 2002, the 'go for 2 and 5' campaign was launched. Figures from research in preparation for the 'go for 2 and 5' campaign illustrates Australians consume a daily average of 2.6 servings of vegetables and 1.6 servings of fruits. What is of greater concern is that most Australians think they have an adequate average daily fruit and vegetable intake. Naively, this is not the case. Many Australians under-consume fruit and vegetables due to the lack of knowledge of 'actual' recommended intakes of fruit and veg. So, there is some truth in the famous saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away", however with a higher industrialized society, that single apple is not be enough to combat lifestyle-related disease. At Healthy Identity, our healthy coaches specialise in creating nutrition, exercise and lifestyle programs so you and your network can reach your healthy identity. If you need any advice in regards to your health do not hesitate to get in contact with me on 0423 366 014 or email robbie.manzano@healthyidentity.com.au

Robbie Manzano is founder and managing director of Healthy Identity. Robbie has degrees in Human Nutrition and Coaching Science from the University of Canberra and has completed a Graduate Certificate Public Health from Curtin University. robbie.manzano@healthyidentity.com.au 0423 366 014

18 Kendall Lane, New Acton Canberra City ACT 2601 T: (02) 6212 7600 E: mail@ddcsfamilylawyers.com.au www.ddcsfamilylawyers.com.au

By Robbie Manzano

Does an Apple a day really keep the doctor away?

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RECRUITMENT

By Allison Guy-Ritchie

RISK MANAGEMENT

Are you registered with the right IT recruitment agency?

Registering with the right IT recruitment agency is critical to finding the right opportunity for you. Does your agency work with IT clients that you want to work for? How strong is their relationship with their clients? Do they receive exclusive roles? Do they regularly survey their clients to understand what is valued and to identify any areas for improvements?

A good recruitment consultant takes pride in their reputation. They will work with you to ensure that you are represented in a way that gives you the best chance of obtaining a role. These are great questions to ask an IT recruitment agency consultant. Furthermore, a good recruitment consultant will offer to meet you in person, to get to know you and discuss your career goals and aspirations. They will contact you before they submit you for a role to obtain your permission to do so. They will discuss the role with you in detail and give you an understanding of the culture and working environment of the company that you are interested in. A good recruitment consultant takes pride in their reputation. They will work with you to ensure that you are represented in a way that gives you the best chance of obtaining a role. Working with a recruitment agency is very much a two-way street. Take control of your job search and be proactive in following up and getting back to your recruitment consultant in a timely manner. This will show your commitment to the search and give a great first impression to the person who is representing you to their clients. A successful agency has strong consultant, client and candidate relationships. PCA People, the first recruitment company in Canberra, assists IT professionals to find the right roles. No matter what your IT skillset, we will be able to assist you with: • Career advice • Resume formatting and content • Salary guidance • Interview tips and preparation plus much more. PCA have a large range of clients in Canberra across Government, Private, Industry Associations and Not-For-Profit sectors. Come and register with highly skilled IT recruitment consultants who have worked in the Canberra market for many years. For more information contact Louise on 02 6162 7304 or email louise.dickson@pcapeople.com

by Rod Farrar

Does BYOD stand for Bring Your Own Disaster?

BYOD might just be the biggest security risk the private and public sector has ever faced. Corporate and government security in relation to intellectual property, operational data and national security has never faced a greater security issue. The age of social media, frictionless document sharing and multiple network access points all enabled by mobile devices is any Chief Information Security Officer or Chief Technology Officer’s nightmare. Picture this.

The question is how can you stop these data and security breaches when the devices creating these threats are as fragmented as the security policies that are meant to prevent them? A disgruntled employee planning on making the jump to a competitor takes their smartphone with them. All client details, confidential pricing documentation, VPN and Wi-Fi passwords and everything else generated by the company fall directly into the hands of a competitor. A government employee with access to sensitive information downloads an application to their smartphone thinking it is a harmless productivity tool. Unwittingly this application uses the smartphone to access supposedly secure information via a VPN and distributes this information to public message boards and open forums. A C-level executive working on a business relationship that directly affects company share price sends an email to an associate from his tablet. Without his knowledge an external third party access this email and then acts on this information. The company share price drops by 25% in the next three hours. The question is how can you stop these data and security breaches when the devices creating these threats are as fragmented as the security policies that are meant to prevent them? So how do we protect our organisation against this very real risk? Enter MDM or to the layperson, Mobile Device Management. MDM is delivered as mobility as a service (MAAS) and controls connected devices across multiple security layers and directly combats and stops the above scenarios from ever happening. Through developing security policies directly related to company policies and implementing them through a MAAS platform, you no longer have to bring your own disaster into the work place. For more information on MDM contact IC247 Mobility on 02 6263 5940

Level 3, Canberra House, 40 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra City T: (02) 6257 1010 | www.pcapeople.com

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B2b M AGA ZINE

PO Box 359, MITCHELL ACT 2911 Australia T 0400 666 142 | F 02 8208 7398 E rod@paladinrisk.com.au W: www.paladinrisk.com.au

SERVICED OFFICES

By Robert Okulus

6 Steps to Crowdfunding your business idea

Forget pleading with a bank manager when you need cash to set up a new business. Crowdfunding, where you ask a large number of people for a small amount of money, is fast becoming the way to raise capital. The Pebble, an e-paper smartwatch, is the biggest success story to date, with 68,929 investors pledging over $10m through online funding platform Kickstarter.

From virtual office and mobile working packages, to serviced office space you can book by the hour, the day or longer term, we can help keep overheads to a minimum. Here’s how to go about crowdfunding your big (or small) business idea: 1. Research, develop and refine your idea. Crowdfunding campaigns run for a finite time, usually 30-60 days, so clearly defined, focused projects stand the best chance of success. 2. Set your goal. Do you need to raise all the funding, or just part of it? Have you considered the cost of any rewards you’ll be offering backers? 3. Choose the right platform. Kickstarter, http://www.kickstarter.com, is the most famous, but there are plenty of other options. What model best suits your idea: donation-based, where people pledge money in return for products, perks or rewards? Or equity-based, where you sell a stake in your business? 4. Write a killer pitch. Tell a compelling story about your product or service. Offer something back – projects with rewards do better than those without. And the more creative the better: limited editions of a product, an experience money can’t buy… 5. Create a video. Like rewards, videos sell a project. You don’t need to be Spielberg, most are just people telling a simple story straight to camera. 6. Drive traffic. Money won’t just roll in – tell people about your page via email, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Create more traffic by asking them to tell their friends, family and colleagues about it. And remember, if your business idea takes off, with Synergy Business Centres you don’t have to splash out on expensive premises. From virtual office and mobile working packages, to serviced office space you can book by the hour, the day or longer term, we can help keep overheads to a minimum. If you are thinking about starting you business read our feature story in this issue ‘It’s Time! To think about starting your own business …’

Robert Okulus, Area Director robert.okulus@syn.net.au | T 1300 476 946 Level 6, 39 London Circuit, Canberra Units 1 to 4, 8 Jardine Street Kingston ACT 2604

WEBSITES

by Sam Gupta

Responsive or mobile friendly websites

How many times have you searched for something online? How did you feel when you found what you were looking for, but couldn’t read the details as the site appeared too small to read from?

There are three key benefits of having a responsive website. First and foremost, you save time and money in the mobile site development and ongoing management of it. According to the statistics, around 94% of smartphone users have searched for a product or service on their phones and nearly 60% access internet via their smartphones every day; more interestingly, around 85% users do so ‘on the go’. So, you can’t ignore this trend. Full, traditional websites generally look good on the bigger screens but fail to pass-on the same effectiveness on the smaller screens. Although, you could have same customers accessing your website, their behaviour will be different on the mobile screens. To better promote your business on mobile, you need suitable website. The term that really picked up last year was ‘Responsive’ web design; which basically refers to mobile friendly websites. Responsive websites are designed in such a way that they change their appearance and layouts based on the device it’s on. On desktop it shows the full/ traditional website, on tablet it changes the layout to suit a tablet screen size and on mobile devices it again changes the layout to optimize for the mobile screens size. The goal is to provide the best possible user experience regardless of the device. There are three key benefits of having a responsive website. First and foremost, you save time and money in the mobile site development and ongoing management of it. The same website serves all devices. Secondly, it improves the user experience and engagement of mobile devices. Thirdly, there is no need to track performance of two separate websites (desktop and mobile). Big Data tools such as Google Analytics are capable of reporting on your responsive website. So, next time you are analysing your website statistics, pay some attention to the statistics on mobile traffic. Responsive websites are not that expensive to make and the ROI generally makes it worthwhile. I would love to discuss your business’s online strategy. Give me a call on 1300 785 230 or drop me an email on admin@synapseworldwide. com. We offer free one hour consultation on how you can make your online strategy work for your business.

Sam Gupta is the managing director of Synapse Worldwide. Sam would love to hear your thoughts on this advice column. Please contact him on 1300 785 230 or admin@synapseworldwide.com

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MINISTER’S MESSAGE

Are you frustrated by illogical red tape? ANDREW BARR

ACT DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER TREASURER MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

nnecessary and illogical red tape is an understandable source of frustration for local businesses, which is why the ACT Government is making progress on reducing it. Last month ((August)) the Red Tape Reduction No.1-Licence Periods Amendment Bill was passed by the Legislative Assembly, and as a result real estate agencies, motor vehicle repairers and travel agents now only have to renew their licences every three

We are committed to continuing to work with the business community to identify and eliminate unnecessarily burdensome regulations and I encourage anyone who is frustrated by red tape that is affecting their ability to do business to lodge a complaint, or suggest reforms, through the Fix My Red Tape portal via the Canberra Connect website at www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au years, rather than annually, as was previously the case. This will save these owners and their staff time and effort, helping free them to focus on their core business. It is one of the initiatives to come from the Red Tape Reduction Panel, which meets regularly to discuss and seek practical solutions to issues raised by our business community. Additionally, a new e-lodgement process for rental bonds is to be implemented by the end of 2014, and reviews to alleviate compliance burdens associated with police checks and streamlining administration requirements for signage are also being undertaken. As part of Phase 2 of the reforms, it is proposed that the approvals and licensing processes for the development applications for outdoor dining areas, food trucks and ‘pop up’ dining operations will be streamlined, and there will be further investigations into facilitating innovative ideas such as’ pop-up’ dining or coffee carts being established near existing businesses.

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Further reforms identified to be addressed in Phases 3 to 5 will focus on the hospitality sector, including licensed clubs, and university reporting. Phase 1 of the reforms has already seen the abolition of registration labels for light vehicles, along with clarifying guidelines and streamlining processes that don’t involve legislative change. We are committed to continuing to work with the business community to identify and eliminate unnecessarily burdensome regulations and I encourage anyone who is frustrated by red tape that is affecting their ability to do business to lodge a complaint, or suggest reforms, through the Fix My Red Tape portal via the Canberra Connect website at www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au To reduce the cost of doing business the ACT Government is also reforming the taxation system. This includes cutting the rate of conveyance duty and insurance duty. On July 1 duty on all insurance policies was cut from 8 per cent to 6 per cent. For example, an ICT services company with an office in Fyshwick and 30 employees will save about $3500 this financial year on professional indemnity, employer liability and motor vehicle insurance. Commercial stamp duty has also been cut, with the duty payable on large properties, in particular, falling significantly. The duty payable on properties valued at more than $1.65 million has been cut to a flat rate of 5.5 per cent, to help attract new business and investment to the ACT. The ACT Government, in partnership with Canberra Business Council, is currently facilitating a series of Listening to Small Business Forums. The ACT Government is seeking to create a dialogue with small and micro business across different industry sectors to better understand the issues and opportunities they are dealing with in 2013 –where there is a role for the Government to address these matters we will strive to do so directly and quickly. Running until October, the forums will be sector based across 10 industry areas. For more information see www.business.act.gov.au

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A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S

Federal Election – 7 September 2013

CHRIS FA U L K S

CEO CANBERRA BUSINESS COUNCIL

CANBE RR A BUSINESS COUNCIL AFFILIATED WITH

UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday, 26 September 2013 2013 ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards Thursday, 31 October 2013 2013 CBC Annual Gala Dinner - Celebrating 100 Years of Business Thursday, 21 November 2013 2013 Canberra BusinessPoint Awards

Principal Members ACTEW Water, BluePackets Brookfield Johnson Controls, Canberra International Airport, CanPrint Communications Pty Limited, Cantlie, Cre8ive, Custom Security Services, Elite Sound & Lighting, Ernst & Young, eWAY, Hindmarsh, ISIS, KPMG, Master Builders Association (ACT), National Australia Bank Limited, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Staging Connections (ACT), The Village Building Co, Toshiba (Australia) Pty Limited, TransACT Communications, Westpac Banking Corporation 44

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s I write this article we are heading off to polls for the Federal Election on 7 September 2013. By the time you read this article the election may well be decided. Regardless of who comes into power, it is critical that the incoming government has received a clear list of priorities for the ACT and region. Canberra Business Council has presented such a list of priorities to the major political parties during the election campaign. We have met with key people across the political spectrum and on 30 August 2013 we released a Plan for Growth and Jobs in Canberra & the Region at the CBC Senate Candidates Debate at the National Press Club. Following the election the Council will continue to speak-up on behalf of the Canberra business community and engage with the incoming government to press the case for economic growth and jobs in Canberra. Are the political parties listening? Not really! Canberra’s electorates are not regarded as “marginal seats” so we are frequently ignored during federal election campaigns and then overlooked by incoming governments. This is particularly frustrating given that Canberra and the surrounding regions are in for a challenging time over the next year or so, regardless of which party forms the next Federal Government. Both of the major parties have made it clear that they will significantly cut the total number of Commonwealth Public Sector (APS) employees. Their rhetoric reflects a lack of understanding of the synergistic relationship between the public and private sectors in Canberra and a disregard for the magnitude of the impact that the proposed cuts will have on the economy, jobs and the private sector here. They fail to recognise that the APS accounts for a large percentage (39%) of the total employment in the ACT so any cuts to the APS have a disproportionately large and negative impact on the local economy compared to other states and territories. This will be exacerbated this time around because the efficiencies are being targeted at the Executive (EL) and Senior Executive Service (SES) levels of the APS, of which 62% and 77% respectively are based in Canberra. Canberra Business Council has developed a strategic and well-considered plan to encourage industry development, infrastructure, jobs and growth in Canberra and the surrounding region; to assist small business to survive and to support staff transitioning out of the APS. Over recent months the Council has consulted with over 30 peak industry B2b M AGA ZINE

bodies and local Councils and 150 businesses and individuals to determine the priority projects that will help the ACT adjust positively and confidently to Federal Government downsizing and maximise longer term opportunities for growth and jobs. What is Canberra Business Council’s “wish list” for Canberra for the next Federal Government? 1. Contribute to building a new national convention centre (The Australia Forum) 2. Provide support for direct international flights to and from Singapore and NZ. 3. Upgrade Pialligo Avenue and Canberra Avenue; construct the Ellerton Drive Extension Ring Road in Queanbeyan; complete the duplication of the Barton Highway and upgrade the Kings and Monaro Highways. 4. Establish the ACT as a site for Federal Government-funded trials of ICT and digital projects which could seed exportable products or services. 5. Ensure small businesses have an opportunity to competitively tender for Federal Government work. 6. Re-establish the Capital Region Ministerial Business Roundtable. 7. Lift the status of the National Capital in the Ministry to Prime Minister and Cabinet. 8. Establish regular meetings between Federal Department Secretaries/Agency Heads, the Head of the ACT Public Service, representatives of ACT Business and the head of the ACT Public Service. 9. Support newly-elected Federal Parliamentarians to attend a “Meet the real Canberra” induction/ familiarisation day. 10. Go to market immediately seeking Expressions of Interest for the first stage of the High Speed Rail (HSR) project – Sydney to Canberra. 11. Commit to ongoing growth funding for the national cultural institutions and the NCA and provide $200 million to fund the next addition to the National Gallery of Australia. 12. Retain and grow a hub of world-class research and learning institutions in Canberra – the Australian National University, CSRIO, NICTA etc. – to enable the Territory to continue to leverage off these institutions to diversify its economy. 13. Commit to retaining Federal Government Departments and Agencies in the ACT. 14. Support separating APS staff who want start their own business. 15. Review and amend the citizenship requirements for entry into the APS and for consulting to the Federal Government.

A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S

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Planning for exporting success

xporting requires a strong risk profile, a great deal of energy and enthusiasm, and a damn good plan. To facilitate developing the capacity of exporters a partnership has been formed between the ACT business community and the ANU College of Business and Economics to promote work integrated learning for ANU undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students, and to assist ACT businesses to develop robust international business plans. The competition, now in its third year, has been highly popular among ANU students and attracted strong support from the ACT business community. In this competition, around 30 teams of ANU students compete against each other to prepare the international business plan for six SMEs (5 teams per firm). To date, 16 SMEs from the ACT and NSW have participated in the competition as live business clients, including members of the ACT Exporters’ Network and previous winners of the ACT Chief Minster’s Export Awards such as Datapod and XP Solutions. Ms Lisa Materano, Managing Director of Blended Learning International, noted “The International Business Plan Competition has been a wonderful experience for us. The process was seamless, very well organised and the students particularly enthusiastic in their learning and the application of this learning. The combination of practical exposure with clearly rigorous and structured academic learning is all too rare and yet worked so well in this program. We were so pleased with the linkages developed under Dr Lu’s guidance that we currently have interns from this program.” Mr Ted Philpott, owner of York Foods, stressed that his involvement in the 2012 competition was very worthwhile. “There were many benefits to us as a small food manufacturing company located in Goulburn to have students from the ANU look at possible overseas markets for our Gourmet Cooking Oils”, he said. “We found that we learnt a lot more about the future of our products in the overseas marketplace by our interaction with students and staff and we hope to put some of those concepts into reality over the next twelve months.” The 2013 competition has officially commenced,

with the involvement of six clients: • the Australian Business Academy, • Contentgroup, • DAMsmart, • Freedom Foods, • the Royal Australian Mint, and • XP Solutions. Each organisation presents ANU students with unique business challenges that require them to research, synthesise and analyse the potential values of various export markets for future growth. Through these industry-based learning opportunities, students will be better equipped for their participation in the professional workforce. The ACT Exporters’ Network Manager is pleased to be supporting the ANU International Business Plan Competition. The network views this as a great opportunity for both businesses and students to collaborate. The ACT business community is a very well networked environment that is always keen to engage with innovative and entrepreneurial students. Dr Vinh Lu is currently in dialogue with the Export Council of Australia to bring the International Business Plan Competition to a national level in 2014 by seeking interest from likeminded academics at other institutions. More information about the competition can be found at http://www.ibcompetition.com/. Come to the ACT Chief Ministers Export Awards this year! To register for this lunch on Thursday 26 September, 2013 please go to www. canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au If you are involved with exporting and international business, then please consider the advantages that being involved with the ACT Exporters’ Network provides. To find out more information about membership of the ACT Exporters’ Network and to take advantage of the benefits please contact the Canberra Business Council on 02 6247 4199, or Email: ceo@ canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au Canberra Business Council welcomes the support the ACT Government provides to the ACT Exporters’ Network, as part of the Global Connect Initiative.

ELLEN POPE

EXPORTERS NETWORK MANAGER

The ACT Exporters’ Network works with exporters from the Canberra region, to build opportunities in overseas markets. If you require assistance, would like to be involved in our events, or find out more about the Network, please visit our website (www.actexportersnetwork.com.au) or contact Ellen Pope, ellen.pope@ canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au or 02) 6247 4199

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A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S

Responding to a changing business environment GREG SCHMIDT

DIRECTOR, WORKPLACE RELATIONS

Corporate Sponsors ActewAGL TransACT The Canberra Times The Good Guys Tuggeranong Synapse Chamber Networks Women in Business Young Business Network Business after Business Foundation Member Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry SAVE THE DATE Chamber Golf Day DATE Thursday 17 October TIME 11.30am Registration VENUE Federal Gold Club, Red Hill

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he ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been serving the Canberra business community for almost 80 years. Chamber members have access to advice on a range of issues regarding the employment of staff, varying other business matters, and we receive many calls from members to our Workplace Relations hotline. Regrettably, this year there has been a marked increase in the number of businesses seeking advice on how to downsize their staffing, or otherwise restructure their organisation. There are a number of reasons why an organisation might need to reduce its staffing levels, and each case is different, but there are some consistent themes. Most business people don’t like to cut back – they would rather see their business thriving and expanding. And they don’t like having to lay off employees either. It’s difficult and stressful having to fire someone for misconduct or poor performance, but at least that outcome can be seen as being brought about by the employee’s own actions. It’s far worse having to dismiss someone due to a situation that is not the employee’s fault, which may be the case if the business’ income has fallen due to a decline in trade. Because of this reluctance to terminate staff, many employers continue to delay even after it’s become clear that they must take action to address a worsening financial situation. We’ve had a number of calls from Chamber members that run like this: Chamber: Good afternoon, what can we do for you? Caller: I need some advice on terminating an employee. Chamber: Can you tell me why you need to terminate someone? Caller: It’s because our revenue is down – down a lot. We’ve been bringing in less income than our expenses for about four months already, and I can’t see that it’s going to improve. I’m worried about whether I’ll be able to make payroll next month if I don’t do something.

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Chamber: Sorry to hear that. The law does allow you to lay off staff provided that you have a valid reason, and you follow a reasonable process. If you’ve called, then you’ve probably already done your financial analysis and you know that you have to reduce business expenses. Let’s talk about which staff are affected, because you will have to talk to them and provide information, and also consult with them about whether there are any other options besides terminating employment…

There are a number of reasons why an organisation might need to reduce its staffing levels, and each case is different, but there are some consistent themes. The Chamber held a Business Crisis Summit in August which was attended by over 200 local business representatives. Valuable information was provided by those in attendance and via an online survey, it’s clear that the Canberra business community is very concerned about the state of the economy, both on a national and local level. Not only has the Federal Government reduced its spending, but our members have told us that the protracted Federal election has certainly not been helpful either; people who are uncertain about the future of their job are prone to cut back on their household spending. One simple option put forward by a Summit participant was a “Buy Local” philosophy; where governments, businesses and consumers look to purchase goods and services from local providers, rather than from interstate or overseas. The Chamber will follow up on all the information collated through the Business Crisis Summit, and make recommendations to both the ACT and Federal Governments, as appropriate. In addition, we strongly encourage business people from Canberra and our region to join with us in the Small Business Too Big to Ignore campaign (http://toobigtoignore.org.au). Politicians of all persuasions are now taking note of the views and needs of businesses, and the campaign will continue past the date of the Federal election.

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