MARCH APRIL 2021
MYCAP PORTAL How to access your products and services.
FUTURE RIDE
CITROËN 19_19
WHY NOMINATING YOUR APPRENTICE IS A WIN FOR WORKSHOPS & THE AUTO INDUSTRY.
Last chance to nominate!
AAAA CAR PARC
How data could help you save a fortune on your advertising bill!
SURVIVE. DRIVE. WIN. From disaster to world domination.
GIVE YOURSELF A TAX BREAK
Key points to maximise your FY21 tax return.
RECOGNISE EFFORT | REWARD HARD WORK | RETAIN FUTURE LEADERS
LAST CHANCE CAPRICORN
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
Stars
NOMINATE YOUR APPRENTICE AT CAPRICORNRISINGSTARS.COM $20,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES UP FOR GRABS! ENTRIES CLOSE 30 APRIL 2021
For more information visit capricorn.coop/tc and click on ‘Capricorn Rising Stars 2021 Terms and Conditions’.
CONTENTS APRIL 2021
your apprentice! 5 Nominate
Last chance - entries close 30 April 2021.
6 myCAP portal
Access all of your Capricorn products and services and keep up to date with everything new
8
AAAA Car parc
How to power your advertising using data.
11 Capricorn Risk Meet Capricorn’s new head of sales Les Mcgregor
12
16 Capricorn Travel
Adventurers switch red dirt for white snow at Christmas
17 Busy period tips
How to be at your best when work is hectic.
18 Capricorn Rewards Happy Mothers Day!
20
Your workshop's website
8 elements you must include on your workshop’s website
at Work 22 Woolworths
How you can further streamline business operations.
yourself a tax 25Give break
14
How you can benefit from the Federal Government’s Instant Asset Write-Off and Temporary Full Expensing incentives.
26 TaT article Workshop & Equipment layout
CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021 3
David Fraser Group CEO
CEO’s message
Hard work Make your has its workshop rewards. a more rewarding place to work.
Normally we start afresh during the New Year period, and although it’s already April, this month we would like to start something new. Ever since we released the State of the Nation report it has prompted conversations about what the research tells us about the automotive industry. And, more importantly, what can we do about it? Every month I would like to share with you some of the discussions we are having at Capricorn about the automotive industry at large and how we can all play a part in building a diverse and stronger community. To start off we are looking up from underneath the hood and seeing if we are adapting quickly enough to change. We often hear or talk about disruptive change. In our industry that can be a future which includes electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, connected cars, ride sharing or subscription models all working to replace car ownership. So how do we succeed in a disrupted industry? My big tip is to know your customer. We often talk about “disrupt or be disrupted”, but this shouldn’t be confused with being customer focused. Unless you’re constantly innovating and innovating in a way that customers care about, you and your business are going to be left behind. Read Hastings, Netflix CEO, was quoted as saying “Companies rarely die from moving too fast, but they frequently die from moving too slow.”
With all new Capricorn Rewards With Capricorn that work as hard as Rewards you do! that work as hard as you do!
DS R A W Got your eye on a new E R Set? Upgrade the Callaway Golf staff kitchen with a new Now you can get it or Delonghi Coffee something better, in Machine. Just one the all new Capricorn way you can use your Rewards. points with Capricorn Rewards.
Don’t be the one who stands back and watches change happen. Don’t be the one who looks back and wonders what happened. Be someone who makes things happen. Be in control of your own destiny. Disruption doesn’t happen overnight or with a big bang. It will be small incremental steps over the next decade and beyond. Now is the time to consider what you can or should be doing from today onwards. You should start with falling in love with your customers and planning your future – even small change is better than none.
Spend your points at capricorn.coop/rewards Spend your points at capricorn.coop/rewards
I have also been focusing on getting to know our Members this month so that we can better plan for our future. It has been wonderful reading all of your comments on Facebook. It seems our Spot the Difference photos are just as popular on Facebook as they are in Ignition. As always, have a fantastic month and I look forward to speaking to you again in May. Yours in cooperation, AU Rewards Banner Ignition March.indd 1
David Fraser Group CEO
4 CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021
Follow us today by scanning the QR code or by searching ‘Capricorn Society’ on Facebook
22/02
WHY NOMINATING YOUR RISING STAR APPRENTICE IS A WIN FOR WORKSHOPS AND THE AUTO INDUSTRY. We know completing an apprenticeship is no easy undertaking. It takes a lot of passion, commitment and sacrifice to become qualified as an auto repairer. We also know how important it is to retain our apprentices as the industry continues to experience a shortage of repairers. Capricorn Rising Stars is your opportunity to recognise and reward your hardworking apprentices. Nominate your apprentices as Capricorn Rising Stars today to show them they have what it takes to be successful in the industry! Here are the Top 5 reasons you should nominate your apprentice, even if they’re still learning the ropes: 1. KEEP YOUR APPRENTICE COMMITTED TO A CAREER IN AUTO
Learning isn’t always easy, but by nominating your apprentice as a Capricorn Rising Star you can give them the encouragement they need to stay passionate about auto repair and excited to get stuck-in each day. 2. BUILD A POSITIVE WORKSHOP CULTURE
By nominating your apprentice, you’re letting them know that you’ve got their back and will be an advocate for them as they build their career. This builds trust, which is fundamental for high-performance teams. 3. $20,000 IN PRIZES TO BE WON
The 2021 Capricorn Rising Stars prize pool once again makes nominating your star apprentice very rewarding. The winning apprentice will receive $5,000 from Castrol and a Capricorn Rising Stars trophy, in addition to all of the prizes that the top five finalists receive. These include $1,000 from Castrol, a $1,000 Repco voucher and tickets to two Repco Training Masterclasses. The prizes don’t stop there — the Capricorn Member workshops who nominate the top five finalists will also be rewarded with a 12-month Repco Autopedia subscription. Additionally, the overall winner’s workshop will receive enrolment in the Workshop Whisperer’s Service Advisor Pro online program, which is valued at over $3,000.
CAPRICORN
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
Stars
Capricorn “Rising Stars is your
opportunity to recognise and reward your hardworking apprentices.
“
Last Chance – Entries close 30 April 2021
4. REWARDING OUTSTANDING PEOPLE
Through Capricorn Rising Stars we want to recognise those aspiring auto repairers who show passion for automotive, a positive can-do attitude and a strong commitment to forging a long and rewarding career in the service and repair industry. This unique judging criteria creates a level playing field for first to fourth year apprentices across all automotive service and repair disciplines. This also means that Capricorn Members can nominate any of their apprentices who demonstrate outstanding character and potential as they continue to learn their craft and display eagerness to further develop their skills. 5. EVERYONE WINS!
Every nominee will be sent a certificate to formally recognise their accomplishment. With your apprentice’s permission, you can display the certificate in your reception area to let your customers know about the highquality people you have in your workshop. SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? NOMINATE YOUR APPRENTICE TODAY AT CAPRICORN.COOP/RISINGSTARS.
Nominate your apprentice today via capricorn.coop/risingstars Entries close 30 April 2021. For more information visit capricorn.coop/tc and click on ‘Capricorn Rising Stars 2021 Terms and Conditions’. CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021 5
ACCESS ALL OF YOUR CAPRICORN PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. The new year has certainly kicked off with a bang, and in the busiest of times, it can be difficult to keep organised and stay on top of everything. That’s why Capricorn provides you with everything you need right in your myCAP Portal. Through the myCAP Portal you can access all of your Capricorn products and services, as well as keep up to date with everything new, or coming soon.
STATEMENT & DOCS
Did you know that you can get your monthly statements through the myCAP Portal before they arrive in the mail? You can access current and previous statements here so there are no worries if your paper statement takes a walk.
PURPLE PAGES
Can't find your Purple Pages directory? All the latest details for all Preferred Suppliers are available online through the myCAP Portal.
REWARDS
Not sure what to do with all of your Capricorn Rewards Points? Well, the Capricorn Rewards website will have something to reward you and your workshop. From coffee machines, to golf clubs, to iPads, you can always find something exciting on Capricorn Rewards.
WOOLWORTHS AT WORK
Introducing Woolworths at Work, a new way for you to get your groceries and everyday essentials online through your Capricorn Trade Account. Use this portal to get access to your own personalised website packed with time saving features.
KNOWLEDGE
They say knowledge is power. Well, we like to think our knowledge products are pretty powerful. Enjoy instant access to the most comprehensive range of online service information for over 34,000 vehicles with Capricorn Service Data. Boost your business operations with AutoBoost which includes checklists, customer service guides, advertising templates, staff forms and more.
EVENTS
You can register for an event near you on the Events page as they return to your area.
MEMBER RESOURCES
Keep up to date with all things Capricorn, our Preferred Suppliers and the industry with Sparks and Ignition. Also find a digital copy of our Member Guide and Member logos under Member Resources.
Account Details Transactions Statements & Docs Support Requests
17
Purple Pages Rewards
0 pts
Woolworths at Work Specials Fuel Cards Contacts Communications Security Knowledge Service Data AutoBoost
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KEEP YOUR COMPUTER SECURE 1. Keep your internet browser up to date. As soon as a browser falls out of schedule it is at risk of being hacked. Your browser will prompt you to update when this happens, so make sure to take the time to download and install the new version. 2. myCAP Portal can be logged into via https://online. capricorn.coop (this is the same URL as our current login page). 3. Always make sure your passwords are over six characters in length and include a capital, a number, and a special character. 4. Do not store passwords on a Post-it note where someone can easily see them, making them easily stolen.
8. If you have never accessed our Portal or set a password, please contact our friendly Customer Service Team on 1800 327 437. 9. If you ever suspect that your login details have been compromised, click ‘Forgot your password?’ on the myCAP Portal login page and follow the prompts to set your new password. 10. When using the Capricorn portal, some of our pages open in new tabs. Always make sure to close your browser window (not just these tabs) after logging out of our myCAP Portal, before moving on to your next items of business.
5. As we continue to secure our myCAP Portal, your browser may prompt you to re-enter your login information; existing saved passwords may not be pre-filled on the browser. 6. Make sure you always see the lock button next to the URL in your browser before entering your username and password:
7. We do not recommend saving passwords on shared workstations.
CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021 7
HOW TO USE AAAA CAR PARC TO POWER YOUR ADVERTISING Data. It sounds boring, right? But what if that data could help you save a fortune on your advertising bill, by allowing you to target exactly the right potential customers with exactly the right message to get them through your workshop door? Suddenly, data is a much more interesting idea. It’s something that has the potential to transform the efficiency of your advertising and boost your turnover. What if we told you it was also very easy to do? And that many Capricorn Members were already using this data and reaping the benefits? You’d think about it, right? In this article we’ll explain exactly how those Capricorn Members are using Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Car Parc tool to target their advertising in an incredibly efficient way, and how you can do it, too.
H o w Ca r Pa rc w o r k s a n d t h e d ata av a i l a b l e
AAAA’s Car Parc is an interactive tool that generates a customized report to help you find out what vehicles are the most popular in your area. You can use that data to help with all kinds of business planning — not just advertising, but even things like which spare parts to keep in stock and which training to invest in for your team. It uses actual statewide and national demographic data. At a click of a button you can get detailed information about the cars being used in any local government area in the country. It’s also stunningly simple to use. You simply choose a postcode and Car Parc generates a series of graphical reports with incredibly useful data. Let’s look at an example of the data available, using the postcode for Darren and Cathy’s workshop — 3165.
Meet Cathy from Bentleigh Automotive Services Darren and Cathy Shaw operate Bentleigh Automotive Services, a Bosch Service centre, in Bentleigh East, in Victoria. They’re no strangers to the industry, having previously owned Malvern Auto Electrical.
Darren had expanded the Malvern business to include mechanical servicing and when the Bentleigh auto electrical business joined the Bosch network, Bosch asked him to do the same at his new workshop. “Because we started a business without any servicing work, and that’s what we were concentrating on, we used the Car Parc tool to look up the most popular cars in our area and target all our marketing and advertising,” Cathy said. “Using Car Parc we can look up our council area, see the most popular cars and see how that’s changed over the past five years. “The most popular cars are Toyotas and Mazdas but now because we’re a Bosch workshop and we’d like to concentrate on European servicing — and Mercedes and BMWs are the ninth and tenth most popular cars in our council area in the Car Parc data. “But the tool also shows us that in a nearby council, which we’re also targeting, Mercedes is number four and BMW is higher up. So, we look at that and we know we can get a lot of work from that council area, because we’re quite close to the boundary.” That little piece of information — that the council next door has a lot more European cars than their local area — helps Darren and Cathy decide where to spend their hard-earned advertising dollars. They know they’ll get much more bang for their buck by targeting potential customers on the other side of the council boundary.
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As Cathy said, most vehicles in the local area are Toyotas and Mazdas. There is a good number of VWs and a handful of Mercedes and BMWs. But this simple slide tells you a lot more than that. By comparing the 2014 and 2019 figures, you can also see the trends. The number of Toyotas and Mazdas are growing, while the number of Holdens is shrinking. In some good news for Darren and Cathy, the trends show the number of European cars is also rising.
Using Car “Parc we can
look up our council area, see the most popular cars and see how that’s changed over the past five years.
“
Car Parc then gives you the top models by council area. Darren and Cathy might hope to see a lot of VW Golfs drive onto the workshop apron.
This particular slide also tells you how many cars households in the local area generally have. In Darren and Cathy’s case, it’s more than one — which is why asking customers if they have another car that needs a service is always a good idea!
The data tells them there’s 2,238 of them driving around the local area that are more than five years old, out of warranty, and likely to need servicing at some point. The data also tells them there are 1,011 VWs less than five years old. That’s the pipeline of future customer growth for Darren and Cathy for this particular model in their local area.
Car Parc then gives you a breakdown of the most popular models of all the most popular makes for the area selected. We’re showing VWs here because Darren and Cathy are targeting European makes, but Car Parc also provides all the data for Toyotas, Mazdas, Subarus, and so on. The Car Parc data also gives you a breakdown of who owns these vehicles by key demographics — including by age, which is very useful if you’re advertising on platforms like Facebook, where you can target very specific groups. CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021 9
HOW TO USE AAAA CAR PARC TO POWER YOUR ADVERTISING CONT.
Knowing what kinds of cars are driving around your local area is handy, but it’s how you use that information that really matters. One of the key ways Cathy uses that data is in deciding the workshop’s advertising strategy and spend. “I go into it when I review our marketing, quarterly, with our website people,” Cathy said. “We use it to decide our SEO keywords and we use it for the demographics for our Facebook marketing.” And has that helped get more customers through the door? “It has,” Cathy said. “We know because we’ve been changing our database of customers from auto electrical to servicing work and it’s just really helped us focus our extensive SEO keywords, internet, Google AdWords, and Facebook advertising. “We’ve changed our whole market in the past three years compared to what the workshop received before and how they were finding us. People come in now and say, ‘Oh, do you still do auto electrical work?’ Whereas before, they were only coming in for auto electrical.”
Taking the potential of Car Parc data even further Lesley Yates is the Director of Government Relations & Advocacy at the AAAA. She said workshops around the country were starting to use Car Parc as an essential tool in their marketing. She said it allowed Members to get their marketing message right. “For example, if you have a lot of VW Golfs in your area, you could be saying ‘in the month of February we’ve got a special on servicing your Golf: every Golf gets 10% off’. “You’re also saying to the community ‘if you drive a VW Golf, we’ve got staff that are trained specifically in that model’.” But while using it to correctly target your SEO keywords and Google AdWords is an excellent use of the tool, Lesley urged Capricorn Members to also think beyond online advertising.
“
Knowing what kinds of cars are driving around your local area is handy, but it’s how you use that information that really matters...
“
Deploying Car Parc Data to supercharge your advertising
“And get onto things like your local area’s Facebook group. Most communities now have a good karma network or some kind of community Facebook, and are asking each other ‘do you know a good electrician? Do you know a good mechanic?’ Seek out those opportunities.”
A last word on advertising and the Car Parc tool
Back at Bentleigh Automotive Services, Cathy said in the two years she had been using its data, the Car Parc tool had helped transform their business. Diversifying a workshop into new fields is no easy feat. It takes time for the local community to understand you’ve expanded from auto electrical into mechanical servicing. While that journey takes a lot of hard work, Cathy said Car Parc had helped make it easier. “The biggest thing I can say is you don’t have to be the expert in the vehicles in your area,” Cathy said. “There’s something else there that’s got all the data and you can just use that. “There’s no need to work at trying to find the data; you just have to look at the figures in Car Parc and then you can work out what you’re doing.
Data might be digital, but advertising comes in many forms. “Let’s say you do discover that there are a whole lot of Volkswagen Golfs in your local community,” Lesley said. “Why aren’t you putting some signage up to say you service VWs? Because, let’s face it, if you’re based in the local community, people are driving past you and they will see the sign. “There are all sorts of things that you can do once you’ve got some tools; you really begin to think about what happens if you step outside the workshop and go into the community. “Sponsor the local school’s newsletter, reach out and ask if you can do something for the local fete: ‘can I donate a car service for the school raffle?’
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“You don’t have to work at it. It’s quite easy — it’s just on the screen whenever you want it.” When you put it like that, data doesn’t sound boring at all, does it?
Want to learn more about the Car Parc tool but not a AAAA member? Email info@aaaa.com.au
TM
MEET CAPRICORN RISKS NEW HEAD OF SALES LES MCGREGOR For Les McGregor, joining Capricorn Risk Services after 30 years working in the Australian insurance industry felt like coming home. “I used to deal with Capricorn a long time ago, back in about 2000,” he said. “I was working for a company who used to assist with the insurance for Capricorn back then. In those days it was just the automotive division, so I worked fairly closely with them in providing members with insurance. “Then I was also working closely with the Area Managers, as understanding the benefits of Capricorn I was keen to promote the cooperative.” Fast-forward a couple of decades and Capricorn has its own, well-established, mutual protection arm in Capricorn Risk Services, and Les, as our new head of sales, is in charge of Capricorn Risk’s field team of nearly 40 people. It was an opportunity he jumped at. “For me, it was going back to probably the days that I enjoyed the most — which was working, dealing in the motor trade industry,” he said. “I enjoyed being out on the road, going into workshops and talking with mechanics and panel beaters and auto-electricians. You’re dealing with good people, hard-working people, and I really enjoyed being able to help them out and make sure they had the adequate protection.”
teams love being face-to-face with Members and I cannot wait to join them. Despite lockdowns and restrictions, Les said he was proud of the service the Capricorn Risk Services field team has been able to provide to Members during the pandemic. “The way our leaders and account managers have been able to get on with their jobs in tough times — not being able to see Members, but making phone calls and trying to help the Members out as much as possible — that’s really pleasing to see,” he said. “They really care about the Members.” Les, who has worked in the insurance and protection industry in Australia since the age of 18, said the fact Capricorn Risk Services is a mutual makes a big difference to the way it engages with Members and the service provided. “Nearly all insurance companies in Australia are actually pulling back and winding down their field force,” he said. “We’re actually looking to grow ours. We’ve received feedback from Members that it’s important that we’ve got people seeing them face-toface.” “It’s part of what makes it a great place to work — because we’re going out and seeing Members, building relationships with them, helping them and, I suppose, helping them grow their businesses, too.”
As restrictions ease, Les is looking forward to getting out onto the road. “It’s unfortunate that with COVID at the moment I haven't been able to go out and see too many Members,” he said. "Our field
Contact Capricorn Risk Services 1800 007 022 I info@capricornrisk.com I capricornrisk.com Products sold through Capricorn Risk Services Pty Ltd (ABN 93 111 632 789) are: (i) discretionary risk protection products issued by Capricorn Mutual Ltd; and (ii) general insurance products issued by a range of insurers and brokered through Capricorn Insurance Services Pty Ltd. Before deciding to acquire any product you should consider the Product Disclosure Statement available from Capricorn Risk Services Pty Ltd to see if the product is appropriate for you. Capricorn Risk Services Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 460893) of Capricorn Mutual Ltd (AFSL 230038) and Capricorn Insurance Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 435197).
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The inside story of Brawn GP is an incredible read for any motor racing fan, outlining how a disastrous situation was completely turned around through sheer determination...
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by Paul Marinelli
SURVIVE. DRIVE. WIN. FROM DISASTER TO WORLD DOMINATION. 1 2 CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021
If you are a fan of true sporting success stories, here is one that has to be read to be believed. Survive. Drive. Win is the story of how a Formula One team had lost its multimillion dollar income lifeline following the 2008 season and was faced with trying to locate a new owner or investors, with extremely limited time during the onset of the Global Financial Crisis. Unable to attract a new owner, the fledgling but determined management team decided to take a massive risk to save the team by way of a management buy-out. Despite the odds being stacked heavily against them, this team beat the world’s best Grand Prix teams and drivers to become the 2009 Formula One Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Champions, laying the foundations of success that would result in a mega-team dominating the sport of Formula One motor racing to this day. The book is written by Nick Fry, leader of the management team that managed to do the seemingly impossible – and in amazing style. The highly experienced motorsport executive spent over three decades with Ford Europe before taking the CEO helm at the world’s largest motorsport based engineering company, Prodrive. He followed this with the CEO role for the factory entered BAR Honda Formula One team, Honda’s official factory team, which then became the far leaner but extremely potent Brawn GP Team in 2009. The book outlines how the Global Financial Crisis caused Japanese automotive giant Honda to announce the company’s immediate withdrawal from Formula One just as the team was engaged in its detailed engineering preparations for the 2009 season. This news was delivered without prior warning, leaving some 700 members of staff and management personnel in limbo until a new owner or another solution could be found to continue competing. Fry’s unrelenting pursuit of one of Formula One’s most talented engineers, Ross Brawn, saw him disturb the legendary Formula One engineer while on a worldwide “fishing sabbatical” after a multi-season run of success with Michael Schumacher at Ferrari. How Fry convinced Brawn to get onboard, to the total dismay of the Italian team, was his first of many major coups in saving and enabling this Formula One team to reach the highest of motorsport highs from the most disastrous of starting points. The team was purchased from Honda for the princely sum of 1£, with the new team management taking on all of the team’s liabilities, staffing and engineering, using the state-of-the-art facilities that Honda had invested millions of pounds in over their several years in Formula One. In a show of support for the new management, Honda agreed to provide limited funding to keep the team racing, but
without Honda engines — the most expensive components for any Formula One car. This meant that the team had to be run extremely lean and sadly the headcount was drastically reduced to the bare minimum required to enable the team to function. This meant 40 staff at the races instead of 140 as it was previously under Honda’s ownership. Each factory department had to lean out its costs, with Brawn and Fry flying the budget airline EasyJet to the European races. The book recounts funny experiences on those EasyJet flights after winning Grand Prix races, with F1 fans unable to believe that the triumphant team owners were sitting with them, celebrating in the cheapest seats on the plane. Cost cutting was so dramatic that any expense over 75£ required management approval! After missing the first two pre-2009 season tests, the new team, known as Brawn GP, brought their new, plain white liveried cars to the third and final pre-season test day with drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. They were equipped with Mercedes-Benz customer engines and managed to blitz the entire Formula One field’s lap times by over 1.5 seconds! The car had been developed throughout 2008 by the Honda factory team and required modification to cater for the new MercedesBenz power unit, but in an engineering feat of perfection — mainly centred around Brawn’s ingenious rear double diffuser concept, the cars were instantly very fast. Then it was on to Melbourne for the opening Grand Prix of the 2009 season, with limited spares and a small team full of hope, backing up their testing pace with pole position and the Grand Prix win for Button and second place to his teammate Barrichello. It was a 1,2 Brawn GP debut that sent the rest of the field into a tailspin, with protests against the car’s design submitted by the big three (Ferrari, McLaren and Williams) which were all ultimately unsuccessful. A further six Grand Prix victories and five podiums followed as the Brawn GP juggernaut amazed the Formula One world. By the final race of the 17 round season, Jenson Button and Brawn GP were the 2009 Formula One World Champions, taking the cherished Driver’s and Manufacturer’s titles in one massive fairytale fell swoop. (Rubens Barrichello finished third in the title chase). The team was then sold to Mercedes-Benz and the rest is Formula One domination history that continues to this day. The inside story of Brawn GP is an incredible read for any motor racing fan, outlining how a disastrous situation was completely turned around through sheer determination, the right people and a heap of luck. Survive. Drive. Win by Nick Fry is available in Australia and New Zealand from Allen & Unwin Book Publishers.
CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021 1 3
FUTURE RIDE
CITROËN’S PROMISES ‘LE VOYAGE IN E-COMFORT’
1 4 CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021
Citroën, the French automaker, has given us some classic designs over its century in business. Think of the sleek and imposing Traction-Avant of the interwar years, the sporty SM of the 1970s, and the bug-like 2CV that captivates children and adults alike whenever we see one pootling along the road. With a track record like that, their latest concept car releases are possibly a little less… iconic. Let’s take a closer look at one of them — the Citroën 19_19 Concept. Citroën promises the 19_19 will be “le voyage in e-comfort”. While the 30-inch tyres don’t immediately scream “this ride is going to be comfortable”, Citroën says the comfort is provided by an innovation — a fully glazed, suspended cabin which sits on a modified version of Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension system. It’s so smooth Citroën has promoted the 19_19 as “a living room on wheels”. (Which might also explain the safety-defying passenger seat, which is quite literally a chaise longue like you’d see in a posh city apartment, and the marble magazine rack. No, really: it has a marble magazine rack.)
But are we really interested in comfort? No-one who sees a Lamborghini Gallardo zipping past them on the freeway thinks “yeah, but those seats have absolutely no lumbar support”. We want something beautiful — and powerful. How does the 19_19 stack up? Well, unlike the Traction-Avant and the SM, the 19_19 doesn’t really have the most drool-worthy appearance. Apparently, the design is based, in part, on an egg and on a long-defunct Citroënmade helicopter. Let’s get to the power. The 19_19 is powered by an all-electric drivetrain, and Citroën says it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h. Driven by 100 kWh batteries, the 4WD drivetrain comprises two motors (one at the front, one at the rear) and develops torque of 800 Nm and power of 340 kW. Citroën says the vehicle has a range of 800 km — which would make this ugly duckling more practical for long distance travel than many electric vehicles. Compare that to the Tesla Model 3, currently available. Tesla says the Model 3 hits 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, has a top speed of 261 km/h and has an estimated range of 657 km. The big difference, really, is that the Tesla might just be a more practical option for a family trip to Coles than a car with a chaise longue. OK, so we’re giving the 19_19 a well-mannered hard time because of its over-the-top design. Obviously, it’s important for car manufacturers, like Citroën, to have the space to be creative and try new things with concept cars. And no-one really expects to see the 19_19 — complete with chaise longue and marble magazine rack — sweeping around the Great Ocean Road in the near future. Concept cars are the place for manufacturers to try out all their kooky ideas. But another Citroën concept car, the Ami, is on its way. It’s a reprise of an old Citroën name, but it’s being marketed as the heir to the 2CV. When the Ami concept was launched in 2019, it looked a bit like a particularly robust vacuum cleaner — especially with the charge cord hanging out of it. Yet it received rave reviews. Now that car (technically a quadricycle) is about to hit the streets of Paris and… it still looks like a vacuum cleaner. So, sometimes, taking a risk pays off — and the public falls in love with a kooky concept. Most likely, the 19_19 isn’t a future ride at all. It’s an experiment. An idea. A concept. Perhaps we’re not meant to drool over it, like the old SM? Maybe it’s meant to bring a smile to our faces when we see it, like the old 2CV and the new Ami? Not every idea can be a classic. Whatever the future holds for the 19_19 and its marble magazine rack, good on Citroën for pushing the limits.
CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021 1 5
ADVENTURERS SWITCH RED DIRT FOR WHITE SNOW AT CHRISTMAS It gets pretty hot in Tom Price, in Western Australia’s mining-rich Pilbara region. In December and January the average daily temperature is about 38°C. No wonder Josh and Laura Stevens like to get away from it occasionally. The couple own and operate Pure Mechanical in Tom Price and Paraburdoo (they also recently opened a third workshop on a Fortescue Metals Group mine site) and like many people in the mining industry, work fly-in fly-out from Perth. You’d think they’d have enough of planes in their day-today working life (especially as they also operate a plane refuelling business) but, nope, the couple love nothing more than jetting off for an adventure. “We book a holiday with Capricorn Travel every year,” Laura said. “We were doing at least one overseas each year, before COVID, and then trips within Australia, too — to Margaret River and those sorts of places.” The couple, who have been in business seven years, have been to Colorado in the US, Switzerland, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Italy and the UK, among other places. “Because we’re self-employed we’re very busy during the year, so wherever we go we need to go around Christmas,
because that’s our quieter period,” Laura said. That often means a huge temperature drop if travelling to the northern hemisphere. Fortunately, that’s no problem! “Especially at Christmas time we do find that in those colder climates, Europe and America, you get a great atmosphere,” Laura said. “And we love skiing, so we try to incorporate a bit of skiing.” The couple book both their holidays and their FIFO flights for themselves and their staff using Capricorn Travel. Laura said it is a great way to maximise their rewards points. “Also, Capricorn Travel has been managing our flights for a number of years now and it’s just very easy for us,” she said. “Things can change at very short notice and it’s so convenient to be able to just make a quick phone call and get things changed. “Overall, it’s been a very positive experience. I definitely recommend Capricorn Travel to anyone who is interested in travel — and I even recommend them to friends who aren’t in business.” With more than 35 years of experience, the Capricorn Travel team is available to help you plan your next Australian adventure. Charge your travel to your Capricorn Trade Account and enjoy the additional benefit of earning Capricorn Rewards Points. Contact Capricorn Travel today .
1800 655 077 I travel@capricorn.coop capricorn-travel.com.au Capricorn Travel Australia Pty Ltd ATAS | Accreditation No: A10552 | ACN 008 926 645 1 6 CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021
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BUSY PERIOD TIPS
Like any business, your workshop will have busy periods. But while these times can provide a revenue bonanza, they can also create a lot of risk.
both times when customers are likely to:
How so? Well, when we’re busy, sometimes our standards slip. And if our customers aren’t getting the level of service they expect from us, they might take their business elsewhere next time. (Customers don’t see being busy as an excuse for poor customer service!)
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So, how do you ensure your team is still giving their very best, even when you’re getting slammed? The answer, according to customer service expert and New York Times bestselling author Shep Hyken in his article 5 Ways to Prepare for Being Really Busy - is preparation. Here are Shep’s five tips for handling those busy times well while still delivering an amazing experience to customers.
"If you know you're traditionally busy, then you can prepare for it." 1. Look at your history and know when you’re busy Look back over your records and track the patterns during your busy times. Knowing when you are busiest will help you make a game plan. Most workshops are really busy around Easter and Christmas –
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Have time off work, so it’s convenient for them to bring their vehicle in for a service. Be planning to travel, so will want to ensure their vehicle is in tiptop condition for a long journey. Potentially have an unfortunate accident especially during the stress of the Christmas rush.
If you know when you’re traditionally busy, then you can prepare for it. 2. Properly staff your workshop to meet the workload Being understaffed means potentially irritating customers when they don’t get the service they’re used to. This can show itself in many ways. Perhaps paperwork is building up on the counter, the customer lounge isn’t looking as good as it should, or maybe you don’t have enough time to offer Mrs Jennings a drive home like you normally would. Not having enough employees on hand to meet (and exceed) customers’ expectations could cause a customer to leave, hang up or, even worse, never come back because of one tainted experience. 3. Recognise the opportunity you have with new customers When customers receive great service during busy times, they know that less frantic times will be just as good, if not better. This is especially important for new customers.
4. Warn customers about busy times Let customers know that you’re busier than normal and that could cause some delays or other service issues. “While I suggest you do all you can to avoid problems, sometimes they are inevitable,” Shep said. “Tell your customers how they can avoid problems during busy times.” 5. Have good self-service options Customers are getting used to taking control of their issues by going to websites, interacting with webchat facilities, and more. If it’s something as simple as checking whether their vehicle is ready to collect, your customers will appreciate the availability of a good self-service option.
“Just make sure that if the customer opts to talk to someone instead, it’s fast and convenient to do so,” Shep said. And finally… No matter how busy your workshop gets, giving every customer a great experience is vital if you want them to keep coming back. So, get yourself prepared for your next busy period now, to ensure everything runs smoothly when the time comes.
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Happy Mothers Day from Capricorn!
GIFT IDEAS!
Make her day!
Mother's Day is Sunday, 9th of May and Capricorn Rewards is here to help take the stress out of finding the right gift. Login now to browse our wide range of products to celebrate Mum or any special person in your life! Need some extra gift-giving guidance? Check out some great ideas you can get with your Capricorn Rewards points via capricorn.coop/rewards.
Macaron 4-Piece Mini Cocotte Set
Belladonna Little Luxuries Pack
Rest & Restore De-Stress and Recovery Pack
Fitbit Versa 3 (Pink Clay/ Soft Gold)
Peony Blossom Hand Cream, Soap & Perfumette Set
Toffee Leather Shopper Shoulder Bag (Black)
Delivery Timeframes We’re working hard to deliver your rewards as safely and quickly as possible, but the impacts of the pandemic are causing some delivery delays with Australia Post and various courier companies who are experiencing significant increase in demand, so please be aware your deliveries may experience delays. Throughout this period, our suppliers are also experiencing unprecedented high demand for product. Despite their best efforts to update us on stock levels, out of stocks are inevitable. We understand the frustration should you find your reward may be out of stock and apologise for any inconvenience this has created. Our customer service team will work closely with you to provide these updates, or to refund your points so you can select an alternative reward option. We thank you for your understanding and appreciate your patience during this time. 1 8 CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021
*Products subject to availability.
DIRECTOR ELECTION for New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory and Victoria/Tasmania. Capricorn will be looking for energetic and passionate members to join our board of directors. In 2021, director elections will be held for a director in the New South Wales/ Australian Capital Territor y zone to fill a vacant director position and one for the Victoria/ Tasmania zone. As a Member your participation in the election process (as a voter or a candidate), is one of the most important contributions you can make to your Capricorn. Capricorn will soon call for candidates in the 2021 Director Election. Capricorn is ultimately controlled by its directors. They set the strategic direction for Capricorn and also the framework in which the Group CEO and the executive team work. Directors are responsible to the Members for the performance of Capricorn and must always act in the best interests of Capricorn. Being a director is a demanding and challenging role. It carries with it a great deal of ethical and legal responsibility. Seeking to become a director of Capricorn, however, is one of the most important contributions you can make to Capricorn.
elections you need to satisfy all of the following criteria: • be a Member in either of the NSW/ACT or VIC/ TAS zones; • hold 2,000 or more shares in Capricorn; • be involved in a trading automotive or allied business in either of the NSW/ACT or VIC/TAS zones; • demonstrate a high level of commitment to Capricorn based on purchases using your Capricorn account; • be of good standing; both within Capricorn and the wider community; • not be a wholesale supplier to any automotive or allied business; and • not have any actual or potential conflict of interest that will create a material risk to the board or your capacity to properly perform your duties. To provide more information to those Members who are considering standing as a candidate in the 2021 director elections, Capricorn will provide a candidate information pack. The candidate information pack will provide details about what is involved in being a Capricorn director and the process for the 2021 director elections. All Members in both the NSW/ACT zone and the VIC/ TAS zone will also receive shortly, an email about the election process and informing them of the release of the candidate information pack.
• Are you looking for personal growth and your next challenge? • Do you want to use your experience and industry knowledge to give back to the automotive industry? • Would you like to be part of the team that helps shape the future of Capricorn? If you answered YES to those questions, then becoming a Capricorn director could be the right fit for you.
To be eligible as a candidate in the 2021 director
If you are considering standing as a candidate in the 2021 director election, then you are strongly encouraged to request a copy of this candidate information pack now by contacting Ms. Sarah Chamberlain on +618 6250 9591 or emailing: sarah.chamberlain@capricorn.coop
o o T d o o G nottnot o to Share
If you have a story or a ride that could be published in Ignition, email it to ignition@capricorn.coop Ensure you include Member Ride in the subject line.
CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021 1 9
8 elements you must include on your workshop’s website Your website is your 24-hour sales companion, providing information to potential customers at all times of the day. Your website is your 24-hour sales companion, providing information to potential customers at all times of the day. For workshops, websites don’t need to be complicated or have fancy designs. To contribute to your success, your website has to do a few things: • Show your location • Show your services • Build trust quickly • Make it easy to book. You can achieve these things through a number of must-include design elements, which are listed below.
Websites are a critical part of the marketing puzzle Many workshop owners rely heavily on word of mouth and Facebook to market their business, with less than half using their own website, according to Capricorn’s State of the Nation Report. The report also shows that just 32 per cent of mechanics were “very or extremely confident” with marketing tasks.
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A website is an essential part of your digital marketing ecosystem which also links directly to any Facebook ads or Google AdWords campaign you’re running. After all, you need a place to send people once they click on that ad. Unlike those two platforms just mentioned, your website is a space you own and control. The good news is that it has never been easier or more cost effective to make a website. If you’re willing to put in a few hours, it isn’t always necessary to have any coding skills or to even hire a developer (though this might be advisable if you’re looking for something more complex like a scheduling tool or online payments). There are plenty of services with offthe-shelf designs to configure and they will also host them for you for a monthly fee. Check out your Purple Pages for Preferred Suppliers who can assist you with this. Even though the builder services are out there, you still need to make sure you choose the right template and get the basics right.
Eight things your workshop website needs 1. A descriptive web address Your web address, or URL, should be easy to read and instantly tell people what you do. If you can make it easy to remember, you’re going to have more people visiting you. A good place to start is your business name or your location. ‘sydneycitymechanics.com.au’ is an example of a URL that tells visitors exactly what to expect. 2. Easy-to-find phone number and appointment booking Once someone has decided you can help them, you want them to have the quickest path to contact information. Put your phone number in bold and your address in the header to make sure it shows up on every page and is prominently displayed. Making it as easy as possible for customers to directly book services through your website is also a great idea because if people are ready to book, it removes the “layer of friction” (the need to call you) between consideration and purchase. If you offer online appointment booking (and you really should) make sure it’s nice and clear on your website home page. 3. A useful and informative footer Like the header, the footer is on every page and you can load it with useful information. Because it’s at the bottom
of the page it won’t get in the way. Insert badges of associations you belong to or awards you have won, here. Also put links to all the major pages of your website, an embedded Google Map and your opening hours. 4. A compelling call to action on your home page It’s the first thing visitors see, so make it simple and direct. Place a big call to action, like “book now”, as the main message. Also highlight between one and three services you want to promote the most. Proudly display any testimonials you’ve received, as they help to build trust with new customers instantly. As the background, or hero image, use a photo of you and the team. Do not cut corners by using a stock image: it looks cheap and impersonal. 5. A detailed list of your services Tell people what you do. List out the key makes and models you service if you specialise. List the jobs you do, especially those you are most geared towards. Do you have specialised tools or have access to special parts? Spell out the advantage of your offering, but do it like you’re talking to someone who doesn’t know too much about cars. 6. Your unique story The second most visited page on most websites behind the home page is the About page. Explain what makes you unique as a business. Tell an authentic story about yourself and what you care about. People trust people who seem real. Use real photos of the workshop and reiterate here the testimonials from happy customers. 7. Multiple contact options Make your Contact Us page a delight by giving people options to contact
you. Phone, web form and email are nobrainers. Also consider how you could accommodate Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, which are both great for allowing people to submit pictures, videos and sounds from their car. The caveat here is that if you offer a channel, people will expect you to answer promptly on it. Don’t offer 10 options and reply on two, because you’ll be losing customers on the rest. 8. Mobile compatibility People organise their lives while they are on the go: in meetings, on public transport, waiting for their friends to arrive at a restaurant. Make it easy for people to get their car into your workshop by having a responsive web template. Responsive templates allow you to build the website once and have it display properly on any device with the information in the right order.
For more articles like this one, check out Capricorn’s CapHub for exclusive articles, interviews, industry analysis and more at capricorn.coop/caphub or scan this QR code.
How you can further streamline business operations with Woolworths at Work
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Your Capricorn Trade Account gives you a lot more than just parts. Take advantage of Woolworths at Work to save even more time and hassle as you consolidate more business expenses. Whether it’s coffee and snacks to keep your team running, cleaning products or stationery for the office, Woolworths at Work can help you run your business more efficiently and effectively.
Free next day delivery On orders over $99*
The business platform also promises national and consistent pricing options on a range of products providing cost predictability for easier forecasting too. With flexible pick-up and delivery options added for your convenience, what are you waiting for?
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To take advantage and start shopping, simply register your Woolworths at Work account. This can be done by logging into capricorn.coop and clicking on the Woolworths at Work links.
Once activated as a user, you will be able to login and shop online at any time and benefit from:
Business products and pricing
From bananas to biros and coffee to cleaning wipes, Woolworths at Work offers a wide range of products focused for workplaces which means you can get everything you need, without having to trawl through thousands of products not relevant to businesses.
Increase your Member returns
Woolworths at Work is an easy way to increase your cooperative buying power and increase your returns from Capricorn.
Discount your shopping
Capricorn Members earn 1 x Capricorn Rewards point on every $1 spent. Use these points to effectively discount your purchases or save them up for something special.
Free next day delivery On orders over $99*.
Capricorn CEO David Fraser said the introduction of Woolworths at Work as a new Preferred Supplier was done as part of Capricorn’s ongoing commitment to streamlining Member’s businesses.
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We’re always looking to help our Members get more value from their business purchases. With Woolworths at Work providing an easier, smarter and healthier way to shop, I am pleased to announce this now includes groceries too.
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The new service has proved popular with Members who helped test the new offering. “The website is easy to navigate and the search function allows the user to quickly select the required products and add them to the shopping cart. Check-out is also quick and easy as no immediate payment needs to be made as the account is linked to Capricorn,” Ben Schwartzkopff of Rosenthal Crash Repairs said. For more information on how Woolworths at Work can benefit your business, speak to your Area Manager or call us on 1800 327 437.
Login to capricorn.coop to sign up to Woolworths at Work today.
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*Only applicable in non-remote areas where delivery is available, and for an 8-hour window. Bag fees apply.
Prices start from
$3250* per person
LIMITED AVAILABILITY Departing from Adelaide, travel coast to coast through the fiery red centre, experiencing the Australian outback at its dramatic best.
THE GHAN ADELAIDE - DARWIN THE GHAN 31 OCTOBER - 2 NOVEMBER 2021 DARWIN 2 NOVEMBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2021
Includes: • 3 days/ 2 nights aboard The Ghan – Gold service Twin Cabins • All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages. • A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines. • Immersive off train experiences in Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine. • Cruise the Nitmiluk Gorge, learn more about Katherine’s ancient Indigenous rock paintings, or discover authentic outback life on a cattle station. • Litchfield National Park and Waterfalls Tour. • Charles Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise.
Login to capricorn.coop and click on the ‘Events’ tab to register *Flights are not included. Price is per person in a twin share and is subject to availability. Contact Capricorn Travel on 1800 655 077 or email travel@capricorn.coop for full package details or to book flights. Capricorn Travel Australia Pty Ltd / ACN 008 926 645 / ATAS Accreditation No: A10552
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PREFERRED SUPPLIER Profiles DARWIN
Bridge Toyota
14
YEARS PREFERRED SUPPLIER
bridgetoyota.com.au
Bridge Toyota is the NT’s largest Toyota dealership and currently employs over 150 staff across their Darwin and Palmerston locations. The Bridge Toyota parts’ department supplies Toyota genuine parts and accessories across the whole of the Northern Territory including Darwin, Palmerston, and remote mining communities and they can freight to anywhere within Australia. They pride themselves on their commitment to offering outstanding guest service and won the Toyota President’s Award for Excellence in 2019, for the third year running.
ROCKLEA
D&W Wreckers
12
YEARS PREFERRED SUPPLIER
wreckersinbrisbane.com.au
D&W Wreckers are motor vehicle wreckers with over 35 years’ experience. In 2005, Tony Dodds purchased the business and successfully changed the focus of the business from general wrecking to the speciality of 4WDs and light commercials. They provide secondhand reconditioned and new replacement parts, with a minimum 3-month part warranty. They also provide reconditioned gearboxes for 2WD and 4WD, all coming with a 6-month warranty. D&W Wreckers are always dismantling top-quality popular models and with the experience of their team, Capricorn Members are sure to get the right quality part the first time, every time!
SEAFORD
Mason’s Prestige
20
YEARS PREFERRED SUPPLIER
masonsprestige.com.au
The expert team at Mason’s Prestige have been providing expert service and repairs to drivers in the Frankston area since 1990, specialising in Volvos. With a collective experience of over 120 years of professional experience in mechanical repairs Mason’s Prestige enjoy seeing customers come back to them again and again for all their automotive needs. They provide clear and friendly service and are committed to providing the best for their customers. Long term Preferred Suppliers for over 20 years, contact Mason’s Prestige for your aftermarket Volvo parts.
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Give yourself a tax break How you can benefit from the Federal Government’s Instant Asset Write-Off and Temporary Full Expensing incentives. For the past several years the Australian Government has offered an Instant Asset Write-Off that allows businesses to claim an immediate deduction for the business portion of the cost of an asset in the year the asset is first used or installed ready for use. But following numerous COVID-19 outbreaks changes have been made to the scheme to extend eligibility to more businesses, increase the threshold amount for assets and introduce Temporary Full Expensing. So now, exactly how a much a business can claim may depend on the value of the new equipment purchase and when it was purchased. Other important factors that affect eligibility include the annual turnover of the business and when the new equipment was installed for use.
Here’s the key points you need to know to maximise your FY21 tax return.
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Without these schemes, businesses would only be able to claim depreciation on any assets purchased. That is, the reduction in value of the asset over its life span. Under that system, it may take many years before a business can recoup the full cost of any equipment purchased and installed. The changes to thresholds result in more businesses and assets being eligible for the Instant Asset Write-Off and Temporary Full Expensing to immediately claim the business portion of the cost of new and secondhand equipment purchased and installed on their next tax returns.
What is the maximum value of equipment I can claim? The answer to this question largely depends on when the item was purchased and installed. See below our quick reference guide which includes key requirements and limits for both the Instant Asset Write Off and the Temporary Full Expensing scheme:
Eligible businesses
Date range for when asset first used or installed ready for use
Equipment Value Threshold
Less than $5 billion aggregated turnover
Between 7:30pm AEDT on 6 October 2020 and 30 June 2022.
Unlimited (No maximum threshold)
Less than $10 million aggregated turnover
12 March 2020 to 30 June 2021, providing the asset is purchased by 31 December 2020 and after 7.30pm (AEST) on 12 May 2015
$150,000
7.30pm (AEDT) on 2 April 2019 to 11 March 2020
$30,000
Less than $10 million aggregated turnover
What are the key benefits of the Instant Asset Write-Off and Temporary Full Expensing initiatives for repairers?
Therefore, many workshop owners who purchase and install equipment in the lead up to the end of the financial year, will not be left out of pocket for long with their expenses being reimbursed as a tax deduction. For many Members, this deduction has proven to be a tremendous opportunity over the past few years to purchase the new spray booths, wheel balancers, diagnostic tools, solar panels and other workshop equipment needed to stay competitive and grow their businesses.
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Important information: While the increased limits make it seem like a good opportunity to purchase a fleet of Ferrari’s for your customer loan cars, there are exclusions and limitations in place on certain items. (Sadly this includes a maximum value for passenger vehicles purchased). The information provided here should not be relied upon and does not constitute tax advice. To check whether you are eligible for any of the incentives mentioned it is important you speak to your tax accountant. For more information on Temporary Full Expensing & the Instant Asset Write-Off refer to ato.gov.au
It is essential all purchases are settled before 30 June 2021 to be eligible for pre-approved finance. While pre-approval expedites the financing process, all loans are still subject to a final approval process, once an
How is Capricorn helping Members? Of course, not every business has thousands of dollars lying around that can be easily diverted from paying wages and other regular expenses to invest in new equipment. To help Members take advantage of the incentives available and grow their businesses, Capricorn Finance may be available . Some Members may be pre-approved for loans up to $30,000 to fast track the application process and make it easier for them to get new equipment before the End of Financial Year cut off. Keep an eye on your inbox later this month to see if you have been pre-approved.
application has been submitted. Capricorn Finance offers business equipment finance through Capricorn Society Limited (ACN 008 347 313) and brokers business finance through Capricorn Society Financial Services Pty Ltd (ACN 129 134 667). Fees and charges, terms and conditions, and lending criteria apply.
Or visit capricorn.coop/eofy today and find out how much finance you may be eligible for. CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021 2 5
WORKSHOP AND EQUIPMENT LAYOUT - by Jeff Smit
Mechanical workshops have traditionally never been the prettiest of places but attitudes have certainly changed in recent years, because there are now many workshops where you could literally eat your dinner off the floor. There are just as many who have paid little attention to the cleanliness and equipment storage in their workshops – if they only knew the potential financial rewards in running a clean workshop, with everything in its place. There are two very good reasons for running a clean and well-organised workshop – it’s a much nicer place to spend at least a third of your life, and productivity increases substantially if everyone knows where things are. Increased productivity should translate to a healthier cash flow. For many workshops that have been around for a few decades, the hard part might be finding the time and the inspiration to make the changes that might be needed.
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“ Imagine the satisfaction for all concerned when the workshop runs like a well-oiled machine and you can find everything you want when you need it. A well laid out and organised workshop is not only efficient but can have a huge impact on the productivity and satisfaction of staff, and on the perception of the efficiency of the business as seen through the eyes of customers. Achieving this perfect state won’t be easy, and it will demand a lot of effort, thought and planning. So where to start? Begin with the layout. This refers to the placement of machines, workbenches and storage, usually in a confined space but relative to each other. Poor layout forces excessive travelling time between these areas. Extra clutter or disruption from tools in the wrong place will make the situation worse. Tools should be categorised and kept in designated and clearly outlined locations. Cabinets, chests, and lockers are a good means of storage for groups of tools. Open-shelf displays are good for visibility and even an open wall, fitted with pegboard or slats, can store tools on hooks or in open baskets. An efficient workshop will have a designated living place for every piece of equipment, every tool and all the stock. Then comes the planning, which means storing tools and spares close to where they are needed. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how many workshops haven’t figured out how much unnecessary work and time loss they cause by not having things close to the action. For instance, if a certain hoist is used for standard service work, all the standard service tools and equipment must be close to that hoist. A good start is to go through your workshop, section by section, and assign a permanent location or storage place for everything as you go. Especially target those items that were stored somewhere ‘just for now’ but have never moved since.
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Workshops perform much better when staff don’t have to waste time hunting for something they know exists but they can’t remember where it lives, or when it was last used. The frustration this causes is bad for morale and very bad for business.
A well laid out and organised workshop is not only efficient but can have a huge impact on the productivity and satisfaction of staff...
How much more effort is required to put every object in its designated home? Clutter is reduced, workspace is cleared, and productivity improves. There are no downsides to simply being tidy. Grouping of tools or parts makes it easier to find things when they are needed and has an added advantage of immediately revealing tools and stock, thereby removing the temptation to replace things you can’t find when the tool truck calls. Once you get the groupings right, organise the storage so that the most frequently used things are at the front of the storage area and at shoulder height. The less frequently used things can be either at the rear, or on a higher or lower location. As much as possible, arrange items so that something else does not have to be moved before you can reach them. Start with a small section of the workshop and document the position of every piece of equipment as you go. Each cabinet, shelf or wall spot should be identified with a number or letter, with each shelf numbered and every piece of equipment assigned to a set position. Once that’s done, you will have a complete equipment and tool catalogue, and the beginning of a far less frustrating and more productive era. After your reorganising is done, one very simple rule must apply forever – when you use something, put it back where it belongs. When everyone realises the time and effort they are saving, this simple rule will become habit and once it becomes habit, it is no longer a chore that you have to think about. At least once a year, I recommend a review of each section in the workshop, almost like a visual stocktake that will reveal storage that is not working. Workshops which have been established for some time will appreciate a well-planned declutter and restructure.
It’s a common practice to leave parts, components or tools on a workbench, out in the open where they can be seen, with the theory being that they serve as a constant reminder that something needs to be done. This visual clutter is counterproductive because sooner or later they will become absorbed by an even bigger pile of stuff.
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Easier. Smarter. Healthier.
Woolworths at Work is the new way to get all your groceries and everyday essentials. Easier. One trusted supplier for all your groceries, and free next day delivery on orders over $99.* Smarter. Your grocery shopping earns 1 x Capricorn Rewards point on every $1 spent. Healthier. Our specially curated range gives you healthier choices, for a healthier workforce. Sign up through Capricorn today: capricorn.coop/shop *Only applicable in non-remote areas where delivery is available; and for an 8 hour window. Bag fees apply.
Diversity is the secret to 36 years in business And after the year we’ve just seen, Leigh, Liz and the team of seven employees are thankful for their wide offering. “Our business survived through the Covid-19 pandemic due to our diversity of service, repair, modification improvements, dynotuning and our commitment to our customers,” Leigh said. For the past 11 years, Leigh and Liz have been Capricorn Members. They said they like that it’s tailored to the automotive industry and that the pricing is competitive. Alongside their trade account, they have protection with Capricorn Risk Services and use Capricorn’s equipment finance, fuel card, Capricorn Travel and the Purple Pages.
Leigh and Liz Holman have seen a lot in their 36 years in business. The couple owns SVS Auto Repairs and Dyno Tuning in Cairns, Queensland. They like to think of it as a “highly diversified automotive service, repair and modification workshop. “We pride ourselves on not specialising in one small corner of the industry, but we offer broad services,” Leigh said. “It’s always yes at SVS.”
Leigh said being a Capricorn Member saves time on reconciling accounts and gives his business access to quality suppliers. While 2020 was a challenging year for everyone, Leigh said the automotive industry faces an even bigger challenge.
Capricorn Member Profiles
SVS Auto Repairs and Dyno Tuning
“The automotive industry is highly underrated and often not respected and, furthermore, our industry is the most costly to keep up with current equipment and knowledge,” he said. But being a Capricorn Member makes that a little bit easier. What does being a part of Australia’s largest cooperative mean to Leigh and the team? “Security,” he said, “and the feeling that someone has your back.”
Capricorn Preferred Suppliers are an integral part of our cooperative model. We recognise the achievements of our high performing Capricorn Preferred Suppliers through our Million Dollar Preferred Supplier Awards. These awards are presented to Preferred Suppliers who reach million dollar milestones in total Capricorn Member sales. It is great to see Capricorn Preferred Suppliers reaching these outstanding milestones. Congratulations to the following Preferred Suppliers.
AMG Parts AMG Parts have been suppliers to Capricorn for exactly 2 years and are thrilled with the support from Capricorn’s Members. Recently they have taken on two new franchises, Hyundai and Kia, bringing them to 6 franchises including Toyota, Nissan, BMW and Mini. They have a large range of mechanical and panel items, offer all manufacture pricing incentives for panel parts price matching and trade mechanical pricing.
Daimler Trucks Laverton Daimler Trucks Laverton/Somerton have been providing Capricorn Members exceptional Customer Service since 2002. Don Hovenden, Ray Musumeci & Jeff Frazier (pictured) carry on the exceptional Customer Experience. Daimler Trucks Laverton moved into their new state of the art facility 4 years ago & have merged Daimler Trucks Somerton into their Business.
First Auto Parts
Multispares VIC/TAS
First Auto Parts have been a Capricorn Preferred Supplier for 24 years. James Philip & his Staff (pictured) have been instrumental in consistently growing their Capricorn Sales during those years.
Multispares have been a National Capricorn Supplier for 20 years. Multispares sell Capricorn Members a Huge Range of Truck, Bus & Trailer Parts. Mathew Cuthbertson (pictured) & his experienced Team of Parts Experts continue their highlevel Customer Service to Capricorn Members.
CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021 2 9
CAPRICORN CLASSIFIEDS Classifieds Advertising Guidelines Do you have a business for sale, have equipment that you need to get rid of, or are you just looking for a part that you haven’t been able to find? If the answer is yes, then you should advertise in the Capricorn Classifieds; it’s FREE to do so. See below for details. • The Capricorn Classifieds are for Capricorn Members only to advertise. Payment is to be organised between advertiser and purchaser. • Parts or equipment that relate to your business only may be advertised. • Businesses for sale may be advertised. • Cars for sale cannot be advertised. Shoreline Panel & Paint Great opportunity for a Panel Beater / Spray painter to purchase a business with clients walking through the door constantly with insurance claims as well as plenty of private work. Small fully equipped workshop to carry out small repairs. Baslac water base paint system diesel fuelled baking oven. $150k. U2/12 Griffin Drive Dunsborough 6281 Call 0413930286. Harris Best Panelbeaters Business, Marlborough NZ Expressions of Interest, long established busy panel shop in a prime location. Turn key operation. Wheel Aligner and Hoist. Potential to grow. Price $97K. Call Trevor 0272464108 all reasonable offers considered. Tin Can Bay Workshop/Mechanic Want a Sea change? Well established business, with great returning customers. Tyre Bay and 3 Hoists, and fully stocked. Owner retiring due to ill health. Phone 0438 632 951 2WD Dynotech, Rockhampton QLD With extras, fan, ramps, new computer and more, ready to plug and play $33,695+ neg. Shipping to be calculated. Photos by request. Contact Rhys - rhys@tsomechanical.com.au or 0402 742 733 Workshop service station, Richmond TAS. Well established independent service station with mechanics workshop long lease offered, Good strong customer base with huge potential, owner retiring. Call 0408906076
• Classifieds are on a first come, first served basis. Depending on the number received, your classified may not appear immediately. • No positions vacant. • No pictures to be submitted. • By submitting the Online Capricorn Classifieds Ad Form, you acknowledge that the price of any goods or services shown is inclusive of GST.
Automotive Mechanical & Suspension Business, Myaree WA. Established 1974, huge client base, excellent reputation, 3 units on long lease, 4 hoists incl wheel aligning hoist, all equipment & stock, office manager & mechanic happy to stay if required. Contact Graeme 08 9330 3231 or graeme@g-mac.com.au
Truck Wheel Alignment & Mechanical Brisbane North Trading for over 46 years this fully quip 725 m² workshop situated in a high exposure position on Brisbane North. Full mechanical & wheel alignment for cars 4WD trucks buses & trailers $342,000 + SAV. Ph.0450 484 008
Automotive workshop, Tauranga CBD, NZ Since 2011. WoF AVIC. Spacious. 2 hoists, tyre machine, balancer etc. courtesy car,. reasonable rent, good lease/landlord. good returns and potential to increase turnover, inquire today $200,000. Andrew 022 6469334
Premier Automotive Repairs business, Berry NSW. Established for over 20 years with loyal customers and continuous repeat business. Great location, strong returns, this is an Ideal lifestyle business. Price on Application. Call Steve 02 4464 3999 or 0417 251 205.
Automotive Repair Workshop, Sunshine Coast QLD 3 hoists and lot of equipment, high profile frontage. Long Established family run business, large client base. Come and enjoy the Sunny Lifestyle so the Owner can retire. $134,000 WIWO. Call Richard 07 5493 6000
Mechanical Automotive Workshop, Gladstone QLD Well established. Owner retiring. Strong customer base. Always busy. Well equipped with plenty of room. $110,000 ONO. Ph: Michael Carr 0401 828 615.
Mechanical Workshop, Melbourne VIC Established in 1962 with current owner for 12yrs, located in Bayside, mechanical service & sales, very prominent loc. Owner retiring. Ph: 0411 460 460 Siemens Exhaust Tube Bender - Rapid make press type 1¼in to 2½in. Tooling has had minimal use. $6,500. Press Hydraulic 35 ton Manual plus air over hydraulic operation. $1,500.Suspension Spring Compressor Hydraulic operation automotive. $500. Call Denise 07 5520 2755
Antique Block Boring machine, circa 1915 “Improved Universal Cylinder Reboring Tool – USA”. In very good condition. Packed in original wooden box with instructions. $1000.00. Contact owner 07 4630 7001 Mechanical Workshop, Port Macquarie NSW. Town is booming and this great earner could be yours! Prime location, large loyal customer base, excellent google reviews. 4 hoists, wheel aligner, injector bench, scan tool etc. Price/ lease negotiable. Call Maca on 0414 850 365 Brake, Mechanical Workshop, Port Lincoln SA Well Established for 28 years. 5 Bays. 2x Molnar Hoists. Large pit. Fully equipped large block. WIWO. Freehold, equipment & stock. Owner needs to retire. Contact 08 86830779 or 0428113242.
How to Advertise in the Capricorn Classifieds 1. Send an email to ignition@capricorn.coop with the following details: your Member number, business name, contact details and details of your advert (no more than 30 words). 2. Capricorn must receive your classified advert by the 16th of the month preceding the publication month. If we have not received your classified advert by this date it will be published in the following month depending on the number of adverts received. 3. Check out your advert and fellow Members’ classifieds in the next edition of Ignition. Email: ignition@capricorn.coop Publisher's General Disclaimer All information, material and content contained in this edition of Ignition is provided or sourced by Capricorn Society Limited (“Capricorn”) for general information only and is not intended to be advice or comment on any particular matter or subject. Before acting on any information you should consider the relevance of it to your own circumstances and, if necessary, take professional advice. Capricorn makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any material (including, without limitation, any third party supplier advertisement in respect of which Capricorn merely acts as a conduit) included in this edition of Ignition. To the fullest extent permitted by law Capricorn, its officers, employees, agents and representatives disclaim any and all liability to you or any other person for any loss or damage whatsoever connected with: (i) reliance on material in Ignition; or (ii) inaccuracy, error or omission in material in Ignition. Capricorn, Stronger With Capricorn, Ignition, Capricorn Travel, Capricorn Mutual and the boomerangs device are trademarks or registered trademarks of Capricorn. If you have any news or information that you think would be of interest to your fellow members, please send the information to Capricorn via email ignition@capricorn.coop.
Capricorn Society Limited ACN 008 347 313 Postal Address: Locked Bag 3003, West Perth WA 6872 Registered Office Australia: 28 Troode Street, West Perth WA 6005 Phone (08) 6250 9500 General Enquiries 1800 999 233 Members 1800 327 437 Suppliers 1800 005 322
N R O C I R P CA
Spot the Difference Find them all and win! 1st Prize: 4,000 points 2nd Prize: 2,000 points
LAST MONTH'S ANSWERS LAST MONTH'S WINNERS 1st Prize - 4,000 points Muirs Radiators
2nd Prize - 2,000 points Menzies Mechanical
Email your answers to ignition@capricorn.coop before 21 March 2020. Winners will be selected by a lucky hat draw of correct entries. Please ensure you include your Member number and email address when submitting your entry.
WORD Hunter
Find the 16 words hidden in the jumble. They could be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or backwards. See if you can find them all!
GOVERNMENT
WORKSHOP
MILLION
ADVERTISING
ORGANISED
HARDWORK
EQUIPMENT
DETERMINATION
MAXIMISE
PANEL
SURVIVE
PORTAL
PROACTIVE
KNOWLEDGE
ELECTION
FINANCIAL
CAPRICORN IGNITION APRIL 2021 3 1
Capricorn is helping Members get new equipment
GIVE YOURSELF A TAX BREAK Take advantage of the federal government’s instant asset write-off at the end of financial year.
Find out what you’re eligible for at capricorn.coop/eofy lending@capricorn.coop l 1800 327 437 *For full information on the Instant Asset Write-Off and to find out if you are eligible please visit: www.ato.gov.au/Business/Depreciation-and-capital-expenses-and-allowances/Simpler-depreciation-for-smallbusiness/Instant-asset-write-off. Capricorn Finance offers business equipment finance through Capricorn Society Limited (ACN 008 347 313) and brokers business finance through Capricorn Society Financial Services Pty Ltd (ACN 129 134 667). Fees and charges, terms and conditions, and lending criteria apply.
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