Ccbr February 2016

•

•

Y

R AT ING

TM

EB CEL

CENTR AL COAS T

E A RS

Print Post Approved – PP100001854

Vol 26 February 2016 Published monthly (except January)

business review MHAIRI MACLEOD ASTUTE BY NAME & BY NATURE Stevens tops off big year with big award win Aubrey Brown Lawyers now top 5 in Australia Pacific Link welcomes plans for housing bonanza

The all new GLC. Make the best of every ground.

Mercedes-Benz Gosford 373 Mann Street, Gosford (02) 4320 0922 www.mbgosford.com.au Dealer Licence 19041

CURRE

NT PO

SITION

80% S

It’s time to consider investing in your business future.

Smart Business Centres are the future of small to medium size business.

It’s time to invest in yourself. Completion date January 2016.

Purchase from $105,000 + GST* Lease from $8,500pa + GST* *Prices are net of outgoings and strata levys

• • • • • •

Architecturally designed Smart Business Centre 40 individual strata offices Shared Reception lounge Shared Boardrooms / Meeting rooms Shared Breakout area / Function room Shared Refreshment bar / Balcony

• Secure tenant parking • Undercover customer carpark • NBN ready business grade Broadband service - high speed, high performance with unlimited data usage • Direct business grade wireless connectivity over the entire complex • Guest Wi- Fi available for visiting clients throughout the facility

Contact Tim Gunasinghe 0402 200 004 e: tim@commercialhq.com.au Nicole Gunasinghe 0417 792 740 e: nicole@commercialhq.com.au Office 02 4365 4566 www.commercialhq.com.au

OLD!

CON T EN TS

Read ersh ip

20,00 0 Cover story 4 Mhairi MacLeod – Astute by name and by nature 7 8

15 Bakehouse Cafe opens production kitchen 16 MTN Accounting relocates to Erina joins with M Robinson & Co

Stevens tops off big year with big win Council amalgamation update

+

16 Brett Hunter Deputy President REINSW

8 Central Coast dam levels reach 75.6 per cent

18 Investor pays $2.25 million for West

9 Robson Partners’ donation to Coast Shelter

18 Government puts Gosford property

10 Peter Robson steps down as Lasercraft Chairman after 28 years

18 Gosford Council sells Gosford property

11 Aubrey Brown Lawyers now Top 5 in Australia

20 Show me the money – Profit vs Cash

Hear Edgar Adams’ business comment 8.10am each Monday.

Regular features

Central Coast Business Review

12 Latest land values by Valuer General misses the supply and demand issue for Coast

Gosford factory units on the market 19 Erina service station fetches $6.57m

6

Edgar Adams Editorial

Will 2016 be the year of action?

13 Australia’s fastest growing marketplace for business lending arrives on the Coast

14 Business Briefs

13 Pacific Link welcomes plans for building bonanza

18 Property News

14 Nouri adds Tommy’s

22 Funny Business

14 Sure Optical relocates changes name

23 BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY

Contact

Front cover: Mhairi MacLeod

17 Commercial and Industrial Property for Sale / Lease 20 Business Tips

Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Central Coast Business Review is a Registered Trade Mark of Adams Business Publications Pty Ltd P.O. Box 3259, Erina, NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4367 0733 Fax: (02) 4367 0744 Email: info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Typesetting by Graphic by Design ph (02) 4365 6777 Print & Distribution by Bromley Direct ph 0412 439 773 © Adams Business Publications 1994. All rights reserved.

Reproductions in any part prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure all information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the publisher, Adams Business Publications. The producer accepts no responsibility for illustrations or photographs supplied by organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors.

Phone 02 4367 0733 Fax 02 4367 0744 Email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Web www.ccbusinessreview.com.au

We know talent.

Chandler Macleod Group, incorporating JuliaRoss, has a database of over 350,000 active candidates in various industry sectors, with 22,000 employees out working on client sites every week. Through our experience with planning, sourcing, assessing, developing and managing talent along with industry intelligence, we know a lot about talent...

Contact our Tuggerah team on 02 4355 6666 or visit us at Suite F7, East Wing Professional Suite, 152 Pacific Highway, Tuggerah. chandlermacleod.com

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

3

4

COV ER S TORY

Mhairi MacLeod – Astute by name & by nature OPERATING IN A traditionally male dominated field has never been an issue for Mhairi MacLeod, Founder and Principal of Astute Ability Finance Group. In fact she thrives on it. Commencing her career in the motor vehicle industry on the Central Coast at the age of just 19 built resilience and taught Mhairi that with the right attitude and work ethic you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

As I learned more about Mhairi’s background, I couldn’t help but think how apt the name she chose for her business is. By the age of 24 she already owned two properties, had completed a business college qualification, had worked in a management role in the motor trade for a number of years and was in the process of starting her own business. It was clear from the beginning this astute young woman was going to succeed in a ‘man’s world’ despite the naysayers who told her she was too young and the wrong gender for the world of commercial finance. Since that time Mhairi has done much more than just succeed.

She has gone from strength to strength, winning a string of accolades along the way and even outlasting some of those who told her she would fail.

Commencing her business with the year’s salary she had saved in the bank in 1998, Mhairi knew that despite her many contacts she would need to spend a significant sum of money on advertising. “Back then a decent ad in the Yellow Pages cost up to $20,000 a year but it was an essential investment as there was no Internet,” said

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

Mhairi. Rather than simply waiting for the phones to start ringing, Mhairi made another smart business decision in those vital early days. She aligned herself with businesses in the industry she was most familiar with – motor vehicle sales. Mhairi’s first alliances (with Alan Graham’s Motor World and Suzuki) provided her with a steady stream of income from the finance deals she made for the customers of those dealerships.

Mhairi’s first major break came two years after opening the doors of her business when, on the back of a referral, she secured the contract with Orix Australia to handle the finance needs of customers purchasing vehicles at the Orix dealership on the Central Coast. Mhairi held this contract for a total of twelve years, placing staff onsite at Orix seven days a week while simultaneously growing other parts of her business.

Over the next few years, Astute Ability Finance Group’s service offering expanded to include residential home loan finance in addition to a diverse range of commercial asset finance services, including vehicles for self employed people, trucks and trailers, boats, heavy machinery, farm equipment, and other equipment for SMEs and FIFO’s.

Over the course of a decade Mhairi had built an impressive residential mortgage book, growing her team in the process.

Sensing the writing was on the wall just before the GST hit however, Mhairi made another astute business decision - to sell her residential mortgage book and consolidate the business. So determined was Mhairi to do so that she attended an indus-

By Phaedra Pym

try conference in Fiji with the sole intention of making the sale, which she accomplished within a month after the conference. A testament to Mhairi’s integrity is the fact that one of her requirements was that she would work with the new owner for a period of two years following the sale to ensure her past clients would be well serviced. Indeed Mhairi’s fierce determination to look after the needs of her clients like no other has been one of the traits that has ensured a strong level of customer loyalty and referral over time.

The decision to sell her home loan book allowed Mhairi to not only consolidate her business in time to weather the storm ahead, but also focus on her true passion - to help small to medium business owners by providing them with the assets they need to run a successful business.

This includes the many self-employed people who struggle to obtain finance by approaching the banks directly. “It’s all about taking the time to get the right information and presenting their business and case for finance in the right way to ensure a lender will respond favourably without demanding security over the client’s house,” says Mhairi.

Mhairi not only survived the tough economic conditions brought on by the GFC but thrived due to her ability to quickly adapt to market conditions and foresight to continually seek new ways of sourcing and processing business. “The hardest part about the GFC was seeing some of our clients go under,” reflected Mhairi.

COV ER S TORY

Driven by a challenge and the excitement of change, Mhairi is constantly researching and looking ahead to see what’s on the horizon and identify niche markets that are lacking adequate financial support. One such market she discovered was the equine (horse) sector. And so Mhairi set out to learn as much as she could about the industry before targeting it in a series of ad and social media marketing campaigns. “Research is vital when attempting to develop relationships in a new market. You’ve got to build trust,” said Mhairi. Now in their 3rd year in the equine sector, the team’s hard work is paying off with a steady stream of repeat business.

“I’m predicting that by the end of this year, we will have doubled our database for that sector,” said Mhairi.

Recognised by Facebook as one of the top service providers for responding to people (5 minute response time), Mhairi is such a fan of social media and the leads it generates that she hired a team member specifically charged with the role of managing Astute Ability’s social media accounts. Since then Kirsty has become qualified as a finance broker meaning all three women on the team are able to grow their own databases of clients in niche areas while responding to any request that comes into the office. “I purposely don’t have a receptionist as anyone who calls wants to speak to a broker. We all answer the phones as all our clients know that each and every one of us is qualified,” said Mhairi.

UND

MAN ER NE W

AG E M E N

Mhairi Macleod, with Astute Senior Consultants Sue Wilson and Kirsty Bryson wins the Professional Services category at the Australian Small Business Champions Awards In addition to running a successful national business, Mhairi is a mother of two, a wife to Paul a FIFO worker who is away up to 5 weeks at a time, a member of a national industry advisory panel and a mentor in a local high school teaching kids financial literacy skills. It almost goes without saying then that running a tight ship

both at home and at work is an absolute necessity for Mhairi. Her energy, enthusiasm and positive ‘can do’ attitude is such that she gives the impression of having the ‘astute ability’ to juggle her many hats with ease. According to Mhairi, ”It’s all about structuring your timetable right and loving what you do.”

T “We’re making the Patonga Hotel the Central Coast’s best place for your next business meeting - visit us soon!”

Andrew Smith, Owner Nestled amongst giant Norfolk Pines, directly opposite the wharf, Patonga Beach Hotel is without doubt the most sublime place to while away an afternoon with exquisite fresh food, fine wine and ales.

An easy 30 minute scenic drive from Gosford places you at the Central Coasts most talked about destination venue.

Ph. 02 4379 1111

www.patongahotel.com

info@patongahotel.com CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

5

6

EDITORIAL

Edgar Adams discusses local issues

Will 2016 be the year of action WELCOME TO OUR first issue for 2016.

Readers of CCBR over the last two years have certainly been getting a good dose of positive news for our region.

It all started in September 2012 with a newly elected Gosford Council and subsequent appointment of CEO Paul Anderson in early 2013. Anderson’s announcement “Gosford is open for business” had a significant effect.

At the same time Wyong Council was already undergoing positive change as Michael Whittaker had been appointed CEO a year earlier. The election saw enough new councillors come in to reinforce his positive management style.

The message got through very quickly to property developers and investors with development applications being lodged with Gosford Council thick and fast.

Nearly all were approved.

We are seeing evidence of this as you drive around the fringes of Gosford CBD, Terrigal and Erina.

Right now there are around 14 Development Approvals current representing about 1,800 units with five applications current for about 315 units.

Included in these are the major projects that were approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel in the last quarter of last year. All these have a two-year commencement period.

All of these projects require financing of course. Most are relying on the Big 4 Australian banks – well good luck! A few are relying on foreign investment – Chinese.

The money climate in China has totally changed in the past six months so we need to take a deep breath there.

The point of all this is that while Gosford Council has done everything it could to encourage investment and development, as we move into 2016 we need to keep in mind that more than a few of these projects won’t get off the ground.

While Gosford has been all about high rise residential Wyong is a different case.

About five years ago, early in the reign of Wyong CEO, Michael Whittaker, Council identified 28 “iconic development sites” across the Shire. The idea was to encourage development.

Unfortunately none have taken off. The Key Site at The Entrance is the best example with the Development Approval being announced with great fanfare. CCBR understands the property is now on the market, with the Approval of course!

There are plenty of small residential subdivisions opening up in the north, around Wadalba and Warnervale. But unrealistic developer contributions are holding back the big ones that will make a big difference.

The residential construction industry is an essential component in the economic mix of any region. Talking to those in the trade there is plenty of activity, certainly more than the past 15 years when government influences killed it stone dead.

Looking at Sydney newspapers and on

• • • • • • •

the Net there is not a lot of external marketing going on which would indicate that we are not attracting the big players.

While the focus has been on residential growth industrial growth has almost been sidelined, as has commercial growth.

This is where real jobs get created. Not government jobs or welfare dependent jobs.

Not enough effort is being put into attracting new businesses to the Coast.

Business relocations are seldom heard about.

The rollout of the NBN across the region is well advanced, even though most will be fibre-to-the-Node.

The Coast will be the only region in Australia fully broadbanded but it is being kept a state secret – particularly by the Federal Government.

The opportunities this infrastructure will bring are endless.

We must promote the Central Coast as great business environment because it is.

The State Government won’t because their total focus is on Western Sydney.

This has to be a priority for the new Greater Central Coast Council.

Finally, on the subject of the merger of Gosford and Wyong Councils.

There is an old adage - Careful what you wish for.

All during the life of CCBR this Editor has advocated for one Central Coast council.

Simply on the basis that both councils CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Commercial Advice Taxation Specialists Audit Services Compliance Services Financial Planning Super Lending Self Managed Super Funds

Minimise your exposure and maximise your protection.

Speak with one of our helpful team now on 4353 2333 or visit us at www.bishopcollins.com.au expert

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

•

commercial

•

professional

BUSINESS NEWS

Stevens tops off big year with big award win ERINA BASED BUILDER, Stevens Construction, has won the 2015 Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards for the Central Coast Grammar School (CCGS) Performing Arts Centre which they completed in August 2014 in the National Public Buildings Award − $5 Million to $10 Million category.

The awards were presented as part of the National Conference in mid-November as the grand finale to the MBA’s national conference on the Gold Coast.

Earlier in the year Stevens had won the Public Buildings over $6 Million and Commercial Projects Over $5 Million category at the 2015 Master Builders Newcastle Excellence in Building Awards for the $10 million Grammar School project.

Officially opened to the public on August 15th, 2014, the CCGS Performing Arts Centre is a 750-seat tiered theatre complete with a large stage, an orchestra pit, a sound and lighting box, a catering kitchen, seven learning spaces, ten music tutorial studios, an instrument store, a box office and more.

The school’s aim was to develop a state-ofthe art facility that provided the community with a platform for performing arts as well as the best possible learning areas for its students. Stevens Construction engaged the services of over 600 workers to help construct the 3,000-plus square metre centre. While the client produced it’s own design for the project, Stevens Construction was able to provide substantial savings through value-added engineering.

Stevens Construction Director Steve Mailey receives Award from Adam Woodhead Sales Director Progressclaim.com The past year has been good for Stevens and this year is looking just as good. They are presently completing a $28 million shopping centre at Crows Nest having completed a major shopping centre in Adelaide and a cold storage warehouse at Prestons and other projects in 2015.

On the Central Coast they are looking at a March completion for the Element building in Erina and are working on extensions to the Coles Supermarket at the Lisarow Shopping Centre as well as extensions and additions to the Gibbens Group owned Lisarow Business Park.

New work on the books to commence early in 2016 is construction of Rockpool Apartments at Terrigal and a residential project in Woy Woy. A Tier-2 commercial contractor, Stevens Construction has a long proven track record of building excellence. Since their inception

nearly three decades ago, the company has delivered an impressive, multi awardwinning portfolio of projects spanning a diverse range of sectors including commercial, retail, industrial, hospitality, residential and education.

Company Director, Steven Mailey, said the entire team was “simply ecstatic” with the award recognition. The national recognition is a credit to the entire team, but CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Now your business can find staff...

FOR FREE! Find Staff 4 Free is a one-stop solution for your recruitment needs.

We assist employers within a range of industries, and can fill full-time, casual, temporary and part-time positions, as well as Traineeship and Apprenticeship roles - all for FREE. Visit www.FindStaff4Free.com.au to download our FREE app and get the best for your business!

FS4F Advert One Stop 180x100 .indd 1

12/06/2013 10:48 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

7

f

8

GENERAL NEWS

Council amalgamation update THE PROCESS OF amalgamating Gosford and Wyong Councils is reported to be moving smoothly ahead with July 1 being floated as a date for a functional merged Council to be in operation.

At that point both CEOs will vacate their positions and an Administrator will be appointed by the Minister for Local Government Both Gosford and Wyong Councillors will retain their positions until Local Government Elections are held in the first half of 2017. However they would have little say as all power would be in the hands of the Administrator whose job it will be to establish a single organisation.

The proposed merger is being officially reviewed by the Office of Local Government (OLG) under plans announced by the State Government at the start of the year.

Both Councils agreed to a voluntary merger in November last year as part of the State Government’s Fit for the Future process.

A review of the merger will be conducted by OLG delegate, John Rayner, a former General Manager of Sutherland Shire Council and will allow the community to have a say with public meetings to be conducted and submissions received up until February 28th.

As most ratepayers across the Coast are showing little interest in the merger the community meetings are likely to become forums for disaffected political and activist groups to grandstand.

What will undoubtedly be discussed is the make-up of the merged Council: the number of councillors and whether wards will be introduced.

Currently there are 20 councillors across

EXPERT ADVICE FOR EMPLOYERS Whether your business is large or small, we can help you manage your workforce, protect your trade secrets and reduce your workers comp premiums.

Call Warwick Ryan on 02 4367 4366 or email wpr@swaab.com.au Swaab Attorneys Suite 2.06, Level 2, Platinum Building, 4 Ilya Avenue, Erina NSW 2250

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

the two councils this is expected to be reduced to 12 or 15 which would be a workable number.

Another matter should be the election of Mayor and remuneration. The circus of the past whereby mayors are elected annually by their fellow councillors usually ‘out of the hat’ is a nonsense. At the same time there has to be an acceptance that the

position of Mayor is in reality a full time job.

Accordingly a suitable salary needs to be agreed commensurate with the demands of the job.

Following the review and after considering submissions, Mr Rayner must then prepare a report for the Minister for Local Government and the NSW Boundaries Commission.

Central Coast dam levels on the rise

The Central Coast’s dam levels have reached 75.6% and will continue to rise over the coming weeks following substantial rains in January The last time dams were at this level was in 1990.

Gosford City Council’s Director of Construction and Operations, Mr Stan Antczak, said the recent rain was great news for the Central Coast’s water supply.

“The significant rain from the recent east coast low has already increased our water storage by around two and a half per cent, or 5,245 million litres, since Monday,” Mr Antczak said.

“We expect the levels will continue to rise in the coming days as the runoff flows into the dams.”

Wyong Water’s Director, Mr Greg McDonald, said water was being extracted from Wyong River to help top up storage levels.

“The high flows in Wyong River have

Mangrove Creek Dam taken near the end of January allowed us to pump out excess water at higher rates to store at Mardi and Mangrove Creek Dams,” Mr McDonald said.

“We have already captured ten days’ worth of water for the Central Coast and will continue to extract water over the next few days.”

Mangrove Creek Dam has received 174mm of rainfall since Monday, while Mardi Dam has recorded 165mm, and Mooney Mooney Dam has recorded 194mm.

The Central Coast’s main storage dam, Mangrove Creek Dam, which can store 190,000 million litres is at 72.9%.

Mardi Dam, which can store 7,400 million litres, is at 82%.

Mooney Mooney Dam is full at 4,600 million litres.

PROFIT

net It's hard enough making money, let alone ensuring it stays in the right column. If your productivity is buzzing but those elusive profits are lagging, you need a fresh set of eyes across your financials.

Are you ready for a strategy that builds security for your future?

Then you’re ready for Harwood Chartered Accountants a refreshing approach to building your profits.

GENERAL NEWS

Robson Partners’ donation to Coast Shelter EACH FORTNIGHT STAFF at Robson Partners makes a contribution to charity from their pay packets with funds over the past year reaching $2,500.

With Robson Partners’ parent company, Count Limited, agreeing to match the contribution through their charity programme, the Count Charitable Foundation, a total of $5,000 became available for donation.

After an exhaustive search of charity organisations based locally on the Central Coast, Robson Partners’ employees selected Coast Shelter to be the worthy recipient of this year’s funds.

Coast Shelter is a not-for-profit charity based on the Central Coast which provides accommodation and support programs for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They have been operating for over 20 years and provide accommodation to over 150 men, women, families and youth every night. In addition to this, Coast Shelter also co-ordinates the provision of over 1,000 free meals every week through the Coast Community Centre. Coast Shelter has ten programs which work together to achieve the mission of ending homelessness on the Central Coast.

Coast Shelter CEO Laurie Maher (2nd from left) with Robson Partners Directors David Evers. David Robson and Troy Marchant David Robson, Managing Director of Robson Partners, presented a BIG cheque to the Executive Officer of Coast Shelter, Mr Laurie Maher, at a morning tea with the Robson Team, on Tuesday, November 24, at their offices.

Thanking the staff at Robson Partners, Coast Shelter CEO Laurie Maher said,

“Generous contributions like yours, enable us to continue assisting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness on the Central Coast.”

He added, “Thank you for believing in our clients and for supporting us in our work, to ensure everybody has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

APPLY FOR A SMALL BUSINESS LOAN UP TO $250,000 AND WE WILL GIVE YOUR PAYMENTS A BREAK FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS.*

Mitchell A

tkins Co-Founder an d Central Coa st Finance Speci alist

APPLY NOW AT Email Phone

mitcha@lendingpost.com.au 0404 118 598

Web

www.cckickoff.com.au

WWW.CCKICKOFF.COM.AU

THINK OUTSIDE THE BANK

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

9

10

NEWS

Peter Robson steps down as Lasercraft Chairman after 28 years WELL KNOWN LOCAL businessman, Peter Robson, has stood down as Chairman of Lasercraft Australia after 28 years.

Mr Robson, along with John Leddy, the recently retired General Manager, founded Lasercraft 28 years ago and their dedication and expertise has seen Lasercraft become one of Australia’s leading and most respected disability enterprises operating from an office/factory premise at West Gosford.

Commenting on the change, incoming Chairman Michael Dick, said, “the leadership and financial management shown by Peter at Board level and John as General Manager have enabled Lasercraft to provide a secure working environment for many supported employees.”

Also Lasercraft has been very fortunate to have a dedicated team of employees to assist the supported employees.

Lasercraft Australia is a non-profit organisation that provides long term supported employment for people with moderate and severe intellectual and physical disabilities.

Its trademark recognition awards have received national awareness and its customers include most of Australia’s leading companies together with Government Departments.

It is fair to say, however, that cheap overseas imports have presented challenges to Lasercraft Board and administration in recent times.

In addition to being challenged by threats to its core business by cheap imports the cost cutting now undertaken by companies in an attempt to continue

Michael Dick with Peter Robson to remain financially viable has impacted on the demand for recognition awards and Lasercraft has had to adapt and evolve to meet these challenges.

The other major challenge facing the Lasercraft Board and administration, together with other Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs), is the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which will see the current “place based” Government funding replaced with “people based” funding.

The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme will significantly alter how current ADEs operate and are funded.

The NDIS will require major changes to existing operations and could well affect the future viability of many ADEs.

Mr Dick said that the Board and senior management of Lasercraft are aware of the requirements of the NDIS and the challenges that its introduction will pose.

The core business fundamentals established by Peter Robson and John Leddy means that Lasercraft is well placed to meet these challenges.

While Mr Robson has stood down as Chairman he will remain on the Board while John Leddy will have an advisory role.

The current Board comprises local business people, being: Chairman: Michael Dick Deputy Chairman: Tony Anderson Secretary: Trish McDonald Treasurer: Tammy Barnden Board Members: Peter Robson, Sharon Carpenter, Peter Bayley

The Central Coast Community College is looking to recruit three new Board Members with specialist skills in the following areas: • Legal / Human Resources • Marketing / Business Development The College’s Mission is ‘to provide high quality, flexible training and support, ensuring that students fulfil their potential and to support the development of local enterprise and the community’.

Our Vision is to: • Raise aspiration • Achieve potential • Enjoy success

If you believe you have the skills, experience, passion and interest in further education, we would like to hear from you!

For an information pack, please contact Michelle Hurford, HR and Executive Support Officer at mhurford@cccc.nsw.edu.au or phone 02 4349 4486.

Applications are to be submitted to Michelle Hurford by 18th March, 2016.

For an informal discussion, please contact Jonathan Davis, Executive Director on 02 4348 4310 / 0477 040 007 or email jdavis@cccc.nsw.edu.au

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

NEWS

Aubrey Brown Lawyers now top 5 in Australia

Aubrey Brown Lawyers Team. (front row l to r) Veronica Nash, Senior Associate, Directors Kevin Pearce, Ryan Finch, Anna Cruckshank and Rod Wicks and Operations Manager Sandra Jeremy AUBREY BROWN LAWYERS has been awarded fifth place in the 2015 Top 50 Law Firms Australia competition.

The competition saw hundreds of law firms all over Australia participating and Aubrey Brown was successful in ranking in the top 5 in Australia. “Top 50 Law Firms is committed to ensuring the efforts of small to medium and large

Year 12 School Leaver Scholarship Award To celebrate 70 years, and in recognition of its strong relationship with the community of Wyong Shire, Aubrey Brown Lawyers offered a scholarship to a Wyong Shire 2015 Year 12 School Leaver who demonstrated the motivation and aptitude to perform well in a career in law.

Aubrey Brown Lawyers said they were excited to announce that Ben Hughes from Mackillop Catholic College has been

law firms in Australia are recognised, and are given the opportunity to grow and succeed�

James Vickery, founder of Top 50 Law Firms and Managing Director of I Know IT. Aubrey Director, Anna Cruckshank said, “all of the staff at Aubrey Brown are very excited with this result and wish to thank clients, colleagues and friends for their support and votes.�

Aubrey Brown Lawyers was established in

awarded the scholarship.

The Directors were impressed with the quality of applications put forward from Year 12 students, and particularly Ben who showed a commitment to learning and a passion for law. Ben will gain valuable experience working in each of Aubrey Brown’s expert teams including Commercial Law, Litigation, Criminal Law, Family Law, Estate Planning, Wills & Probate and Property Conveyancing while studying law with the Legal

Wyong in 1944 by Aubrey Brown who was a highly regarded Wyong character.

He later expanded the firm as the Central Coast region grew and employed Rod Wicks and Kevin Pearce both of whom remain Directors. The firm subsequently expanded across the Wyong Shire. Today Aubrey Brown Lawyers operates out of one central office at Tuggerah Business Park.

Profession Admission Board.

This experience will give Ben a great foundation for a career in law with both practical and professional skills.

Ben Hughes

INSURANCE BROKERS

Local People - Local Knowledge Local Service - Global Solutions For all your business insurance requirements

Phone: 4355 9999

Fax: 4355 9977 www.abcentralcoast.com.au Unit 4/3 Pioneer Ave. PO Box 3009, Tuggerah NSW 2259

AFS License No: 244618

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

11

12

NEWS

Latest land values by Valuer General misses the supply and demand issue for Coast

By Chris Smith, Senior Town Planner, ADW Johnson Central Coast Office

THE RECENT RELEASE of the report by the Valuer General identified that land prices on the Central Coast have by soared by over 25% for Wyong Shire & over 17% for the Gosford LGA for the 12month period to July 2014.

This is good news if you are one of the lucky one third of population who own their own home. It’s also good news for those already committed to a mortgage, helping out the debt to equity ratio. But for the balance of the population – about one-third - it just makes that dream of home ownership just that little bit harder to achieve.

While mainstream media might soften this rise to some degree by saying that we are coming to the end of the current bullish property market, but do the same rules apply to the Coast?

A number of local professionals in the industry suggest that the Central Coast market is still experiencing strong demand for residential land, with no signs of let-up in the short term. In fact, according to property valuer Michael Dick, the estimates of growth rates of 17%-25% under-represent true growth experienced in the 2nd half of 2015.

Some of the reasons for this continuing upward pressure on Coast prices include; • The simple economics of ‘Supply and Demand’, with not enough effort/emphasis by Government planners (in the past) to ensure adequate and serviceable land being available in the supply pipeline; • Remaining zoned land is typically constrained, thus increasing development costs; • Continuing strong demand in the Sydney market, and growing acceptance that the Central Coast is an acceptable alternative to some of the emerging outer-lying suburbs of the north-west and south west growth sector; • Housing affordability and improved lifestyle offered by living on the Coast – less congested roads, access to beaches and bushland, schools, shops, medical and retail/commercial; • Continuing improvements to rail infrastructure in an effort to improve commuting times.

The recently released draft Central Coast Regional Plan has identified, a shortfall in supply which can only be met by producing approximately 590 more homes than the average annual housing production of 1,390 dwellings over the 19 years to 2014-15.

Further to this, a recent report by the NSW Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) “State of land supply Central Coast 2015” confirmed a current shortfall of future housing stock with approximately four years of ‘greenfield’(undeveloped) land in the pipeline. The major concern though is the bureaucratic process takes approximately 5 years from inception to delivery.

There are a number of major ‘greenfield’ land rezonings ‘on the boil’, including over 1,500 lots proposed by the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, (the Coast’s largest private landowner) and 1,200 lots by Wadalba East landowners, but each of these projects is yet to navigate the hurdles of a complex planning process.

Within these projects, not only is there some answer to the supply and affordability issues facing new home buyers, but hundreds of millions of dollars of direct economic injection into the local economy through the civil and building construction industries, specialist consultants, real estate, conveyancers, through to retailers – and this does not include Section 94 developer levies, State infrastructure Contribution, Stamp Duty on transfers & future rates.

In terms of job creation, Wyong Shire Council estimates a job creation indice of 10 jobs per $1 Million of development investment.

Whilst there has been strong support for developments within the Gosford City Centre, not all new residential will choose this City living lifestyle. More needs to be done by local policy and decision makers to ensure other forms of affordable and appropriate housing supply become available in the short-term.

On the eve of Council amalgamations, we, the residents, business and policymakers of the Central Coast, have the ability and opportunity to play a significant part in our future prosperity.

Instantly grade your website to learn how to get more customers bloomtools.com/grader-centralcoast

0414 794 154

www.essence-images.com.au CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

NEWS

Australia’s fastest growing marketplace for business lending arrives on the Coast JUST IN TIME for the new business year and the seemingly endless array of development projects underway, online business lending leader, LendingPost have announced their commencement of trading in the Central Coast market.

LendingPost Co-Founder Mitchell Atkins is leading the charge locally, having previously completed stints at Deloitte and BDO in Corporate Finance and Restructuring.

Mitchell, a long time Central Coast resident, said that the ability to provide integrated finance solutions to small and medium businesses on the Central Coast was an opportunity he just couldn’t pass up.

“Lending Post has been operating in the Sydney market for some time, and our track record in successfully placing finance for a range of business needs is outstanding,” Mitchell said. “Rolling the brand out on the Central Coast was something we have been looking at for some time, particularly given the platform Lending Post has developed to speed up the approval process.”

Mitchell Atkins A leader in the online lending space, LendingPost is using a sophisticated model to ensure those that apply for finance are approved as fast as possible, and with a minimum of fuss.

“It’s no secret the big banks can drag their feet on finance requests, and in small

business time really is money. That’s where Lending Post shines - fast approvals and competitive rates to keep your business running as efficiently as possible,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said that the growth of funding on their platform is an example of the stability, reliability and quality of the finance options they offer.

“We’ve invested significantly in our platform, and seeing the business expand to work with clients across Australia is a fantastic result for the group,” Mitchell said.

“Our expertise in finance will be a great asset to the Central Coast business community, and we’re really looking forward to working with clients to facilitate the financing needs of small and medium business on the Coast.”

Since launching in late 2013, LendingPost has helped fund more than $310M in loans to Australian business with a panel of more than 80 non-bank lenders.

For more information phone 1800 LENDPOST (1800 536 376) or visit www.cckickoff.com.au

Pacific Link welcomes plans for housing bonanza The Central Coast’s leading community housing provider has welcomed the NSW Government’s breakthrough plan to supply urgently needed public housing in partnership with private enterprise developers and not-for-profit housing groups.

The new plan announced by Social Housing Minister Brad Hazzard on Sunday, will see the government demolish ageing and dysfunctional estates and sell them to developers in return for new developments that include a mix of private and public housing units.

The government says the plan will unleash a $22 billion building bonanza that delivers 23,000 new social and affordable homes, incorporating 17,000 replacement dwellings and 6,000 new units over a 10 year period.

Pacific Link Housing CEO Keith Gavin has welcomed the new initiative, which gives not-for profit community housing groups a larger role in affordable and social housing provision and management going forward.

“This policy recognises the value of closer collaboration with developers and community housing groups and the way they can now work together to meet the government’s policy objectives in the sector.

“It creates a new and effective model for the future development of new housing after many years in which progress has been slowed to a standstill due to budgetary constraints.

“Not-for-profit providers like Pacific Link Housing have already transitioned from housing management to management and supply. We are more than ready to play our part – partnering with Government and developers to deliver new housing and reduce waiting lists.

“The Ministers announcement marks the beginning of new era that promises lasting benefits – including the increased

supply of affordable housing for the elderly and key workers essential to the future of our communities,” he said.

Pacific Link Housing now manages around 1,000 properties in the Central Coast and Hunter regions and consistently invests in new programs at a time when community housing providers are forecast to take control of 35 per cent of social housing in the next 10 years.

“The new policy of renewal and rebuilding offers new hope to those on waiting lists in our region and we are ready to assist in this collaborative process,“ Mr Gavin said.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

13

14

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Sure Optical relocates, changes name heavily in world-class optical equipment which can identify those at highest risk of developing macular degeneration.

Sure Eye Care’s new premises at West Gosford Optometrists Sure Optical have relocated from Lisarow Shopping Centre to Riverside Park West Gosford and renamed the busi-

4332 0177

ness Sure Eye Care. The premises feature a revolutionary patient education tool, the Rodenstock Lens Hub that is the only one of its type on the Central Coast.

The new premises were officially opened in early December by Rodenstock Australia General Manager Tim McCann and Sure Eye Care owner Amanda Rungis.

The practice was designed by Sydney architect Martin Tuktens of Prinzip Design and features a unique pivot wall that houses the Rodenstock Lens Hub. Owned by Optometrist and Orthokeratologist, Amanda Rungis Sure Optical opened at Lisarow in 2005 investing

TOP 5 IN THE 2015 TOP 50 LAW FIRMS Contact the award winning Aubrey Brown Lawyers for professional and innovative legal advice today.

Rodenstock Australia General Manager Tim McCann with Sure Eye Care Owner Amanda Rungis Nouri adds Tommy’s Gosford restaurateur, James Nouri and his partner, Tara Senam have opened Tommy’s Cafe at Masons Parade, Gosford adding to his well known Jimmy G’s chain of cafes.

The new premises are an extension to the Bayswater Clinic medical rooms that1

aubrey brown L A W Y E R S

T (02) 4350 3333 | F (02) 4351 2407 www.aubreybrown.com.au CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

Creating Lifelong Relationships

15

BUSINESS BRIEFS

MTN Accounting relocates to Erina joins with M Robinson & Co

James Nouri and Tara Senam have occupied the site for many years with the cafe extension added during 2015 and opened just prior to Christmas.

The business presently trades 7-days for breakfast and lunch and will open for dinner in about three months.

Mr Nouri’s family opened a cafe if Gosford in 2002 which was subsequently relocated to Carbow Arcade in 2009 and shortly after he opened Byblos Lebanese Restaurant in Kibble Park which he sold a few years later.

He has since expanded opening a number of cafes around Gosford that how include: Jimmy G’s, William Plaza Gosford, Jimmy’s Riverside, West Gosford, Jimmy’s Expresso Bar, Carbow Arcade, Gosford, Jimmy G’s at North Gosford Private Hospital.

Mr Nouri said he has more expansion plans for 2016. Jimmy G’s will open in the Mariners Centre of Excellence at Tuggerah in April and will open a Pizza and Wine Bar in William Plaza Gosford with Jimmy G’s Cafe relocating into the Food Court at the Imperial Centre.

Greg Diamond and Mel Robinson Central Coast accountants Greg Diamond and Mel Robinson have merged their accounting practices and now operate from a new office at Suite 5, 203 The Entrance Road, Erina.

Mr Diamond’s practice More than Numbers (MTN Accounting) has been based at Toukley after he moved to the region from Sydney five years ago and bought an established practice in the area.

Ms Robinson set up her own practice at Tumbi Umbi in 2004 after ten years in a partnership at Wamberal.

Asked why they had chosen Erina Mr Diamond said that finding suitable quality office space on the Central Coast had

proved to be very difficult. “We needed more space but ruled out Gosford and Tuggerah. Our clients come from all over the region and Erina is certainly a commercial hub for the Coast.”

ses Wanted Quality Businesmobile home villages, parks, Including caravan ustries. turing & service ind fac nu ma s, motel e. nc rie Over 37 years expe

STATES ARGYLE43E32 6555 Ph: 02 et.au argyle@terrigal.n

As XERO Specialists, we know how to get you organised & streamline your finances

At Robson Partners we believe beautiful business starts with good looking numbers.

XERO is the leading online accounting software system that connects small businesses to their advisors and other services. It provides business owners with real-time visibility of their financial position in a way that’s simple, smart and secure.

We teach business owners that one of the ways to drive profit in their businss is to systemise and leverage new technology that will lead to more time to focus on key drivers of asset growth, such as marketing and selling.

“XERO is giving business owners visible control over their cashflow.

It’s beautiful for business” Troy Marchant CA Director, Robson Partners

So no matter what you do or where you do it, with XERO and Robson Partners we can help you do beautiful business.

Want to learn more? Come along to one of our regular free seminars or 1-on-1 sessions to learn how you can ‘do beautiful business’ too.

> For more information scan to register please visit our website, call 02 4320 0500 l troy.m@robson.com.au

www.robson.com.au

!

AR

E RE

N MI

SE

F

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

16

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Bakehouse opens production kitchen at Erina Brett Hunter Deputy President REINSW

Brett Hunter Paul and Kate Mackie who operate six Bakehouse Cafes across the Central Coast as well as one at St Ives have opened a production kitchen in the Erina Industrial Area to service their chain of stores.

The Bakehouse sells high-end bread, cakes, pastries and pies in a cafe environment The new facility will be a central production kitchen for all stores as well as having a cafe attached to it. It operates three shifts per day seven days per week employing some twenty staff. Four bakers who have been employed commute from Sydney.

The Mackies have installed a $85,000 artisan oven to meet the growing demand for artisan (sour dough) breads.

Mr Mackie said that the Central Coast market is changing rapidly as more Sydney people with sophisticated tastes move into

the region. Until now two stores, Green Point and Erina have produced all the product range which has then been distributed to all stores.

Overall the Mackies employ some 75 staff and the centralised kitchen will give more quality control over their products.

With the exception of their St Ives store which is located in the St Ives Shopping Village, all Bakehouse Cafes operate away from shopping centres.

Mr Mackie opened his first bakery business aged 24 in the Bay Village Shopping Centre and over the years has owned businesses at Westfield Tuggerah and Deepwater Plaza Woy Woy. “Shopping centres are not personal, you cannot build relationships with customers in shopping centres, although St Ives is an exception,” he said.

Mr Mackie was full of praise for the Health Department at Gosford Council. He said that the Inspector had been supportive and reasonable.

The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales In late November 2015 elected John Cunningham as President and Central Coast agent Brett Hunter as Deputy President of the industry body for a two year term.

REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin said, “As a long standing member of REINSW, Brett is known for his personal approach to customer service and is trusted in the community for delivering the best outcome for clients. We believe he will take these skills into his leadership of our industry”.

Commenting on his new role Mr Hunter said, “REINSW plays a key role in ensuring new legislation and policies are in the best interest for agents and consumers alike.

Throughout the next two years, I will continue to strengthen our advisory role and continue to lobby for both members and consumers. We will focus on increasing the qualification and education requirements for agents to ultimately raise the level of professionalism across the industry.”

Chris Watson joins Chapman & Frazer

Modern cuisine with healthy options, all cooking done on-site Catering for vegetarian & gluten free Specialising in corporate catering di MANFREDI coffee.

Shop 1/9 Williams Court, Gosford – 4323 6669 Shop 2/12 Kurrawyba Ave, Terrigal – 4385 3627 Shop 7/1 Pioneer Ave, Tuggerah – 4351 0834

www.bodyfuel.com.au CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

Rob Wilcox from Gosford commercial industrial agents Chapman & Frazer Real Estate Agents has announced the appointment of Chris Watson as sales and leasing agent with the company.

Mr Watson was formerly an agent with L J Hooker Commercial Central Coast where he started his career twelve years ago.

He replaces Geoff Broadhurst who has retired after 25 years

PROPERT Y

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE/LEASE

PRIME DEVELOPMENT SITE – WYOMING $980,000 + GST TUGGERAH INVESTMENT WITH QUALITY TENANT

3 x 3 year lease with directors guarantees and a quality factory, office and warehouse complex with (freehold) torrens title and a net annual rental of $180,000 plus all outgoings and GST. Commencing yield is approx 8.37% FOR SALE $2.15M NO GST

HIGHWAY EXPOSURE - ERINA HOT SPOT!

Excellent exposure to the Central Coast Highway via shop front and pole signage. Great regular shaped Strata position of 115m2 with 3 on site car parking space.

FOR SALE $460,000 + GST / FOR LEASE $3,000 pm + outgoings + GST

SOMERSBY - IMMACULATE WAREHOUSE, SHOWROOM & OFFICE Very neat & tidy warehouse approx 224m2. The high clearance area is approx 144m2, carpeted & air conditioned mezzanine office approx 40m2 , showroom approx 40m2 has sliding door access to the air conditioned warehouse.

FOR LEASE $25,000pa net + GST

WEST GOSFORD - MINI STORAGE WAREHOUSE

Concrete panel construction with roller door, PA door, toilet & shower within the unit. 24 / 7 access.

The owner has built a mezzanine area approx 25m2 with a small kitchenette & insulated office.

Separately metered for water & power & has phone access.

FOR SALE $150,000 + GST

SOMERBSY LAND ZONED B5 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

All services are available including gas & all Council contributions have been paid. This subdivision is zoned B5 Business Development & allows bulky goods premises, warehouse or distribution centres, light industries, retail shops, child care centres all subject to Council approval. Lot sizes from 2000m2 - 3148m2 Prices from $220,000 + GST

KILLARNEY VALE - OFFICE IN POPULAR BUILDING

Small office space within a very popular building with the convenience of parking on site. Posititioned next to Coles at Killarney Vale, this suite is surrounded by very stable tenants.

FOR LEASE $250 net per week + GST

Rare opportunity for a redevelopment site in the Wyoming Industrial area. Road access via Evans Close and Brooks Avenue. Security fencing and abundant onsite parking as well as street parking.

Vacant possession. Zoned 1N Industrial.

Approx 1300M2 with partitioned offices; 5T gantry crane $1.5M excl GST/Lease $122,000pa net.

INVESTMENT

$1.55M GST N/A

Modern concrete panel industrial unit complex.

3 Units are leased and one vacant. Currently returning $72,302 pa gross with potential to increase to $132,302 pa gross. Suit part owner occupation or investor.

LARGE IND UNIT/WAREHOUSE

FOR LEASE

Concrete panel construction; very impressive presentation; approx 604m² incl ground floor conference room + partitioned & air conditioned mezzanine offices $60,000 pa gross excl GST.

CARNARVON RD IND UNITS

FOR LEASE

Pristine wall and floor finishes (almost food grade) in these recently refurbished premises; Unit 4 approx 133m² incl small reception office $18,550 pa gross excl GST & Unit 8 approx 141m² $18,875 pa gross excl GST

SOMERSBY MEADOWS

FROM $640,000

6 Lot Rural sub-division; 2Ha to 4.1Ha; Private sealed road access; Building entitlement; Building & usage covenants; North & East aspects; Settlement June 2016.

Prices shown with * are inclusive of GST.

One of the best buildings in Tuggerah Business Park, 1st time offered for lease. Total lettable area of approx 2800m2. Building consists of generous offices, lunch room & admin area, clearspan warehouse perfect for storage & distribution. 3 roller shutter entry points FOR LEASE $80/m2 + outgoings + GST.

NORTH WYONG INVESTMENT

• Outdoor & Building Signs • A-Frames, Banners & Flags • Vehicle Graphics & Magnets

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES and MORE INFORMATION – www.ljhooker.com.au All prices shown GST incl. unless otherwise indicated

LJ HOOKER COMMERCIAL – CENTRAL COAST

21/1 Reliance Dr, Tuggerah • Ph: 4353 7700 ljhcommercial.com.au

SALE

The site presents itself as the first privately held parcel of land to motorists when exiting the M1, either northbound or southbound. As such it is uniquely positioned and perfectly placed for redevelopment into a set of village shops, cafes, service station and/or McDonald’s style road house. Investigations are ongoing with RMS for approval for these types of developments. The existing four (4) bedroom two (2) storey brick and tile house would serve perfectly as an onsite manager’s accommodation.

ERINA LEASE

Quality ground level office property ready for occupation. Featuring a superb fitout with powered work stations, generous office suites & meeting facilities. Multiple office areas with professional and modern fitout. Close proximity to community services with medical and supporting businesses nearby. Would suit a wide range of businesses.

• Full Colour Digital Printing • Lasercut Letters • Boat & Trailer Graphics

le Vehic

4365 0645

Suite 5, 206 The Entrance Road, Erina www.rhc.com.au/erina

• Indoor & Exhibition Signs

Bann ers

WEST GOSFORD - SELLING FAST!

The Mariners Centre of Excellence - Come and be a part of this amazing development centrally located at Tuggerah, close to Tuggerah railway station & the M1 Motorway. We have Commercial areas for sale and lease (office spaces) from 15m2 to 8000m2 (approx). The new ‘display suite’ is open for inspection.

MOUNT WHITE

Office opportunity with current fitout in place consisting of seven (7) glass & plasterboard partitioned offices with commercial grade carpet, large boardroom, open plan work station area & reception area.

110m2 Industrial unit with excellent vehicle access.

High clearance tilt panel construction. This is the best value industrial for sale in this area.

FOR SALE $220,000 + GST

TUGGERAH- RAISE YOUR PROFILE!

A long established nursery producing quality tubestock and landscape lines. Situated on 10.9 hectares with large dam and bore and all the infrastructure in place. Large, private bushy 27 acres available for the first time since 1973 boasting a wonderful two bedroom bush cabin, separate mud brick office, work sheds, two substantial green-houses, two shade houses AND an awesome opportunity to build a family house or holiday home among the gum trees.

GOSFORD LEASE

NORTH WYONG - AFFORDABLE INDUSTRIAL UNIT

12 high quality architecturally designed industrial units left in this complex of 16. 20m2 high clearance full tilt panel construction. Electric gated security.

Automated commercial roller door. Construction commenced.

Prices from $259,000 + GST

SALE

CHARMHAVEN ENGINEERS FACTORY FOR SALE/LEASE

TUGGERAH - TOP NOTCH PROPERTY FOR LEASE

2.26ha site with 95m frontage to Pacific Highway.

Currently returning $185,000 + GST pa with multiple tenancies , it has a mixture of large industrial & manufacturing sheds, large secure yard compound & a residential cottage. Zoned B6 suitable for a multitude of businesses.

FOR SALE $2.7m + GST if applicable

MOUNT WHITE

ps Wra

• Lightboxes & LED Signs • Retail Shop Fronts • Expo Signs & Displays • Business Cards & Flyers • Safety & Real Estate Signs

3D Signs

Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5pm

CALL FOR A

tuggerah.signarama.com.au

FREE QUOTE

Unit 16/10 Pioneer Ave, Tuggerah Business Park

ERINA – OFFICE SUITE FOR LEASE Located in the Highpoint Building – last suite available Air conditioned and secure building Approx 56m2 office space available – suitable for a small business Great location – and close to Erina Fair Shopping Centre FOR LEASE $28000 PA inc GST – includes one secure parking space Contact - Marie Lowe on 4363 6900

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

17

18

PROPERT Y NEWS

Investor pays 2.15 million for West Gosford factory units Government puts Gosford property on the market

A local investor has paid $2,150,000 (GST not applicable) for a factory/warehouse comprising three factory bays one of which is vacant and the others leased to Insinc Marine and Adams Towing at West Gosford.

The property at 278 Manns Road is on a 5,387 sqm block with a 2,113 sqm building built about 40 years ago.

The sale was negotiated by David Tawyer from Citicoast Realty.

Gosford Council sells Gosford CBD property ERINA SHOWROOM / OFFICES – FOR LEASE MODERN RETAIL / COMMERCIAL CENTRE – CENTRAL COAST HIGHWAY • 137 sqm Quality fully renovated ground floor space. New carpet, paint and kitchen amenities. $38,000 P/A + GST • 81 sqm Quality ground floor space – Expansive glass frontage only $25,000 P/A + GST • 121sqm First floor space new carpet & paint $31,000.00 P/A + GST.

GOSFORD CBD OFFICE Take your pick: All well located buildings lift access, ducted a/c, some water views & onsite parking available: • 40 Mann Street, 110 sqm to 408 sqm from $255 per square metre nett + GST • 15 Watt Street, 163 sqm to 231 sqm inter connectable - $245 per square metre nett + GST • 125 Erina Street, 127.5 sqm partitioned medical space - $282.35 nett + GST (ground floor-lift n/a)

CITIGATE BUSINESS CENTRE NORTH GOSFORD – FOR LEASE Top exposure to Pacific Highway, ground floor showroom space of 109sqm to 218 sqm.

Be amongst other existing quality businesses.

Competitive rental structure and 50% rent reduction off first years rental for quality tenant (minimum 3 to 5 years initial term).

Citicoast Realty 87 Mann Street, Gosford NSW 2250 Tel: 02 4324 1322 Email: Citicoast@citicoastrealty.com.au

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

A Gosford Council owned property at 139 Faunce Street, Gosford (Cnr with Watt Street) sold at auction through Ray White Gosford in mid-December 2015 for $508,000 (GST not applicable).

The property comprises a former 7-room brick residence on a 304 sqm lot zoned B3 Core Business. FSR: 5.0:1.

The property is leased to CoastFM community radio station in place until October 2017 at a rental of $10,995 per annum plus GST and Outgoings.

Auctioneer Michael Norman said that bidding had been active with six registered bidders with the buyer being a Chinese investor from Sydney.

The NSW Land and Housing Corporation is inviting potential partners from the private and non-government sector, including community housing providers, to express interest in them delivery of medium and high density integrated social, affordable and private housing development on a property they own in Mann Street, Gosford.

The property is the former Gosford Packing House / Mitre 10 site at 299-309 Mann Street and 2-4 Hills Street, Gosford acquired by the Government in 2008.

The Department acquired the 4,696 sqm site in 2008 for a reported $4.7 million. It has remained vacant ever since.

Social Housing Minister, Brad Hazzard, announced in October last year that as part of the Government’s Communities Plus public and private housing initiative developers would be offered seven sites around the state for affordable social housing.

See story Pacific Link welcomes plans for building bonanza Page 13 Investor sees value at Doyalson A local investor has paid $968,000 (GST included) for a 2.04 hectare property at 220 Pacific Highway, Doyalson North zoned Ru 6 Investigation.

The property, which last traded in April 2006 for $985,000 (source RPData) comprises an older style workshop plus 2 residences on a level block.

Mark Davies from McGrath Gosford negotiated the sale Sydney investor buys at North Wyong A Sydney investor has paid $305,000 plus GST for Unit 3 a 260 sqm industrial unit with mezzanine office at 9 Willow Tree Road, North Wyong.

Mark Davies from McGrath Gosford negotiated the sale.

Developer buys Tuggerah lot A local developer has paid $340,000 plus GST for a 1,906 sqm fully serviced vacant lot at 6 Joule Place, Tuggerah.

Ty Blanch negotiated the sale.

PROPERT Y NEWS

Erina service station fetches $6.57 million

THE CALTEX SERVICE Station at 161 The Entrance Road, Erina sold at auction for $6.57 million in early December 2015 through agents Burgess Rawson. The property was sold

with a secure 10 year lease to Caltex Petroleum Pty Ltd to September 2023 plus options extending to 2043. It comprises a Caltex Woolworths service station including conveni-

LEASINGS Beachcomber Hotel rezoning to deliver innovative development in Shire’s north At its first meeting for 2016 Wyong Council endorsed the designation of the Beachcomber Hotel/Motel site at 200 Main Road Toukley as a “key site” paving the way for the development of a planning proposal (rezoning) to permit a mixed use development of the 1.1 hectare lakefront area.

Council says the owner believes having just tourism accommodation and a large pub on the site is no longer viable and this rezoning will allow for a more vibrant and viable development on the picturesque site.

The proposal provides for tourist apartments, residential apartments and ground floor retail to be contained in two main buildings. The main buildings will be deliberately angled to enhance views and solar access for future apartments within the buildings as well as to allow for views through the site from the public domain along Main Road.

Wyong Council reports boom in DAs Wyong Council has released DA figures for November and December 2015 revealing the boom in investment in Wyong Shire shows no sign of slowing.

During November, 131 DAs were approved representing $41 million in investment and in December 124 DAs were approved worth a huge $335 million in investment.

Council continues to have one of the fastest DA turn-around times in the state with a median processing time of just 21 days in both November and December.

Telecommunications company take short lease at Tuggerah Telecommunications and infrastructure company, Kordia Solutions Pty Ltd has signed a 18 month lease for a 212 sqm brick factory bay with quality amenities, 2 mezzanines and high wide roller door at 5 Johnson Road, Tuggerah.

Rental is $80,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Ty Blanch from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Cafe leased at Charmhaven An Asian operator has leased a vacant cafe at 127 Pacific Highway, Charmhaven on a 5 + 5 year lease at a rental of $31,200 plus Outgoings and GST. The cafe is fully equipped with kitchen fit out and seating for 30 plus alfresco seating.

Bernie Nash from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Pest control company signs long lease at North Wyong Flick Anticimex Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s largest pest control companies has taken a 5 year lease plus two 5 year options on a factory warehouse unit at 7 Donaldson Street, North Wyong.

Rental for the 335 sqm unit which includes 3 ground floor offices, 2 storerooms plus boardroom and 2 offices

ence store and ANZ Bank ATM on a 2,475 sqm site. Rent of $372,732 per annum plus GST is paid yearly in advance with tenant paying outgoings and includes annual CPI increases.

upstairs is $39,200 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Bernie Nash from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Recycler leases at Berkeley Vale National lamp recycling specialists, Lamp Recyclers, has leased Unit 3, 5 Hereford Street, Berkeley Vale.

Terms of lease for the 150 sqm unit are 2 years with 2 year option at a rental of $16,020 per annum including Outgoings plus GST. Bernie Nash from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Concreter leases at Tumbi A concreting operator has leased a 212 sqm unit at 17 Bon Mace Close, Tumbi Umbi.

Terms of lease are 2 years with no option at a rental of $19,295 per annum including Outgoings plus GST. Ty Blanch negotiated the lease Lisarow warehouse leased A Sydney distributor has leased a 725 sqm warehouse on a 2,029 sqm lot at 37 Sunny Bank Road, Lisarow.

Terms of lease are 5 years with 5 year option at a rental of $56,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Chris Watson from L J Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

19

20

BUSINESS TIPS

Show me the Money: Profit V Cash more help with cash flow management.

That number might be greater now.

I have shown in the very simple example below how profit does not always equal cash in the bank.

By Troy Marchant, Director, Robson Partners Chartered Accountants

As a Chartered Accountant, I have lost count of the number of times I have heard from clients, “I can see profit on the profit and loss account, but where is the cash?”

In fact, last year I ran 12 workshops (1 a month) for almost 200 small business owners called “The Business Blueprint”, in which I asked the business owners in the audience if they ever had ever experienced this. Nearly every time, the hands go up in the air.

I ran a survey in 2010 of small businessw owners and as part of that survey, it transpired that 68% of the respondents needed

Assuming all your sales were collected and you paid your expenses, you would have $5,000 in the bank.

But what if you had used $3,000 to buy capital equipment to be used in the business? Based on this you would only have $2,000 in the bank which does not equal the profit of $5,000.

To add to this, what if some of your sales were on account and you were yet to receive the cash? Again, you would still show a profit of $5,000, but you would be

chasing cash from customers to pay suppliers and expenses.

You will know that I am a massive proponent of cloud based accounting software programs like XERO, which has live bank account feeds that help demystify much of this problem quickly.

But XERO is only the tool – the key is what you do next.

At a bare minimum, you should work with your accountant to put together a cash flow forecast that is broken down at least monthly and better yet, weekly.

Then, at the end of each week (or month) pull out the forecast and compare the actual cash and bank balances to your forecast.

If you are below your forecast balance, find out why and implement measures to improve the cycle of cash in your business: 1) collect debtors faster 2) introduce better terms 3) increase more ways to pay 4) get rid of dead stock. The list goes on.

The key is having a system that imposes regular weekly check points, to review, adjust, and re set for the next week.

Reducing Sunday penalty rates a common sense move The NSW Business Chamber, the state’s peak business organisation, says the Productivity Commission’s recommendation that hospitality and retail workers be subject to a uniform weekend penalty rate is a common sense move that would enable more businesses to open their doors on Sundays.

“Reducing penalty rates on Sundays in the retail, restaurant and hospitality sectors will enable more businesses to open their doors on weekends, which means they have a greater opportunity to grow their business and employ more people,” said NSW Business Chamber Chief Executive, Stephen Cartwright.

“The Productivity Commission’s recommendation for one weekend penalty rate for the retail, restaurant and hospitality sectors reflects the modern reality that the community expects businesses to be open and trading on Sundays. This is a common sense move that warrants serious consideration by the Fair Work Commission.

“The excessive cost of employing staff remains the number one issue for business owners across NSW. It simply beggars belief that we are persisting with a system where the current level of Sunday penalty rates is forcing many small businesses to shut their doors or operate with reduced staff.

"For regional and tourist towns across the country, this can have a devastating

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

impact on the local economy. If businesses cannot afford to open, visitors cannot spend money and local workers miss out on income.

“With youth unemployment still a huge problem in many communities, the current penalty rates mean that the cost of employing even young people in entry level jobs in retail, hospitality and tourism is simply prohibitive for “Excessive Sunday penalty rates are pricing young people out of their first jobs.

Young people can’t get their foot in the door in the job market because it’s too expensive for small businesses to hire them

when the work is available.

“Reasonable penalty rates have a place in modern workplace regulations, but consistent weekend penalty rates on Sundays, when people expect most retail and hospitality businesses to be open and trading, are long overdue,” Mr Cartwright said.

“The excessive cost of employing staff remains the number one issue for business owners across NSW. It simply beggars belief that we are persisting with a system where the current level of Sunday penalty rates is forcing many small businesses to shut their doors or operate with reduced staff.,” he said.

Get results!

ADVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY IN CCBR

For further information phone 4367 0733 or email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au

CON T INUED AR T ICLES

Will 2016 be the year of action

Stevens tops off big year with big award win

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

have been at war with one another forever exacerbated by a long line of mostly hopeless councillors led by even more hopeless mayors.

This Editor vividly recalls the former Member for The Entrance, Grant McBride telling him of his embarrassment at leading delegations of both mayors to meetings with various Ministers on matters affecting the whole region only to find neither could agree with each other and would argue in front of the Minister.

It sent all the wrong messages to Macquarie Street and equally to the bureaucracy.

It was the same sort of story with Federal issues too.

At the same time the Hunter Region with fifteen councils could and did take on the Government with devastating effect. It is one of the reasons the Hunter is such a successful region while the Central Coast was left behind.

It has only been in the last three years that the two councils have worked together and been well managed.

So in the long run the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong will be good for our region.

In the meantime though, this amalgamation will not be plain sailing.

While the two councils are working amicably towards the merger getting the two organisations with totally different cultures

to come together will not be easy and that is why we will see an Administrator appointed to make it happen.

Among the employees of both councils there will be winners and losers, but that’s life and in the end the whole region will benefit.

Whoever the Administrator may be he or she will have a tough job getting rid of some of those staff who think ratepayers are there to serve them and not the other way around.

Redundancies will cost a packet. The Local Government Award is probably the most generous on earth. Long term employees will walk away millionaires.

Current thinking is that an Administrator will be there until the next election which will be around March / June2017. Only then will a CEO be advertised and eventually appointed.

It is therefore absolutely imperative that whoever gets the Administrator’s job will ensure that the region continues to move forward.

We cannot afford to be in the wilderness and the Government has to understand that.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Edgar Adams Editor

also rewarding for CCGS to see their project showcased on a national stage and know they have received a finished project that is recognised by the industry as being the best in its class.

Stevens Construction was established in 1988 by founder John Stevens, who built the company on a firm foundation of values rooted in quality, integrity, safety, efficiency and cost effectiveness. Throughout his time at the helm, Mr Stevens maintained a hands-on approach to building to ensure clients not only received quality workmanship of the highest standard, but also a level of personalised service unmatched in the industry.

Those principles were passed on to current Directors Steven Mailey and Jason Lewis when they took the reins of Stevens Construction in 2006.

Stevens Construction looks forward to taking on more high calibre projects like the CCGS Performing Arts Centre and exceeding their client’s expectations as they did on that particular multi-award-winning project.

EFORE

EVER B N E IK L R B C ERIENCE C

EXP

Central Coast news and issues you won’t find anywhere else, PLUS...

Great networking opportunities at our regular bi-monthly Cocktail Evenings, Access CCBR with our new App (Central Coast Business Review Magazine in the App Store) Weekly Subscriber Newsletters to keep you right up to date. Have your say through our Linkedin Discussion Group and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

JOIN US AND SUBSCRIBE ONLINE NOW www.ccbusinessreview.com.au

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

21

22

FUNNY BUSINESS

A STOCKBROKER RECEIVED notice from the Taxation Office that he was being audited.

He showed up at the appointed time and place with all his financial records, then sat for what seemed like hours as the investigator pored over them.

Finally the Taxman looked up and commented, “You must have been a tremendous fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”

“Why would you say that?” wondered the broker.

“Because you’ve made more brilliant deductions on your last three returns than Sherlock Holmes made in his entire career.”

A wealthy investor walked into a bank and said to the bank manager, “I would like to speak with Mr. Reginald Jones, who I understand is a tried and trusted employee of yours.”

The banker said, “Yes he certainly was trusted. And he will be tried as soon as we catch him.”

As the plane was flying low over some hills near Athens, a lady asked the stewardess: “What’s that stuff on those hills?”

“Just snow,” replied the stewardess.

“That’s what I thought,” said the lady, “but this fellow in front of me said it was Greece.”

A young man asked an old rich man how he made his money.

The old guy fingered his worsted wool vest and said, “Well, son, it was 1932. The depth of the Great Depression. I was down to my last penny.

“I invested that penny in an apple. I spent the entire day polishing the apple and, at the end of the day, I sold the apple for threepence.

“The next morning, I invested money in three apples. I spent the entire day polish-

@OrganiseInt

info@organise.net.au

ing them and sold them at 5:00 pm for one shilling. I continued this system for a month, by the end of which I’d accumulated a fortune of five pounds.”

“And that’s how you built an empire?” the boy asked.

“Heavens, no!” the man replied. “Then my wife’s father died and left us two million dollars An accountant dies and goes to Heaven.

He reaches the pearly gates and is amazed to see a happy crowd all waving banners and chanting his name.

After a few minutes St. Peter comes running across and says, “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you personally. God is looking forward to meeting such a remarkable man as yourself.”

The accountant is perplexed. “I’ve tried to lead a good life, but I am overwhelmed by

your welcome,” he tells St. Peter.

“It’s the least we can do for someone as special as you are. Imagine, living to the age of 123 and still looking so young,” says St. Peter.

The man looks even more dumbfounded and replies, “123 years old? I don’t know what you mean. I’m only 40.”

St. Peter replies, “But that can’t be right we’ve seen your time sheets!”

Quote of the month “The superior man is modest in his speech, but excels in his actions.”

Confucius

Partner 4325 9862

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

organise.net.au

BUSINESS DIREC TORY

A CC O U N TA N T S

OFFICE SERVICES Business advisors who care, providing innovative expertise, creating solutions at value for money.

Office Chair Repairs Mobile service to your home or office.

Repair of all brands of office chairs for a fraction of the cost of new chairs.

4353 5370 catax.com.au Ph: 4339 2854

•

www.thechairking.com.au

•

Gas struts • Servicing Reupholstery • Chair cleaning

COMPU T ER SERV ICES S E C R E TA R I A L S E R V I C E S WordPerfect Secretarial TEL: 0414 443 067

info@workperfectsecretarial.com.au

www.wordperfectsecretarial.com.au

✓ Independent Minute Taker ✓ Shorthand dictation, audio transcription ✓ Proofreading, Copyediting, Typing ✓ Examination Invigilation ✓ Surveys designed (eg, Board/committee self-assessment) data collected, analysis reports prepared PROFESSIONAL

CONFIDENTIAL

RELIABLE

SECURIT Y OINT

ALLP

RITY

N

NW

NE

SW

SE

URIT

S

Y

N N

E

W

N

E SW

W

SE

it’s your world. it’s your world.

SEC

E

W

We are 100% Australian owned and have over 25 years Ian Tindale J.P. ALLPOINT of operational experience in the security industry.

Consultancy / HR Officer SECURITY

Automation Media Control From your home to your office board room – We offer solutions for lighting control, audio/visual, communications and automated living environments.

Phone: (02) 4322 1713

SECU

Allpoint Security is the trusted name for Fax: (02) 4322 1753 Mobile: 0418 110 696 T security on the Central Coast.

POIN ALL

AU T O M AT I O N A N D T E C H N O LO G Y

S

Guards - Patrols - Alarms1/1 Gibbens Road, West Gosford 2250 Guards - Patrols - Alarms Monitoring - CCTVian.tindale@allpoint.com.au Monitoring - CCTV Master Licence 407301286

Web: www.allpoint.com.au

www.allpoint.com.au 1/1 Gibbens Road, West Gosford 2250

4322 1713

ALLPOINT SECURITY

1300 307 601 livingautomation.com.au

TA X AT I O N

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Phone: 4323 3677 www.howas.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGN > PRINT For brochures, flyers, newsletters, stationery, logos, posters, menus & more

• Accounting & Bu Business Services Taxation • Taxat • Superannuation Superann e. leanne@howas.com.au or ken@howas.com.au

www.madcowgraphics.com.au Wamberal 2260

0416 111 357

EFFECTIVE AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING

I N S O LV E N C Y We are different We are different

Do you provide a service or sell products to businesses?

Results ininTurnaround Results Turnaround Management Management Suite 2.02, Corp, LevelErina, 2, Platinum Fountain Ph: 4305Plaza 2405 4 www.tphinsolvency.com.au Ilya Avenue, Erina 2250

FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE 4367 0733 EMAIL edgaradams@ccbusinessreview.com.au Amanda Lott Lott Amanda CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016

23

TAKES CORNERS. STEALS HEARTS.

Worthington BMW

Sales Finance Service Parts

THE NEW BMW 318i SEDAN HAS ARRIVED AT WORTHINGTON BMW.

The new BMW 3 Series Sedan is still the very definition of the premium sports sedan – but this Ultimate Driving Machine doesn’t just take corners, it steals hearts. Surround yourself in luxuriously modern interiors, experience the performance of the latest generation BMW TwinPower Turbo engines and savour every exhilarating curve and heart-racing hairpin. With extraordinary fuel efficiency of 5.4l/100km~ and a wealth of luxurious features as standard – including BMW Sport Line package, 18" Alloy Wheels, LED Headlights, Head-Up Display and BMW ConnectedDrive^ innovations – this icon provides exceptional value.

The new BMW 318i Sedan has arrived. Visit Worthington BMW for a test-drive today.

THE NEW BMW 318i SEDAN FROM

57,990

$

drive away*

COMPLIMENTARY BMW SCHEDULED SERVICING FOR 5 YEARS/80,000KMS†

Worthington BMW Cnr. Central Coast Hwy & Kangoo Rd, Kariong, Gosford. Ph 1300 179 754. worthingtonbmw.com.au

DL 16016

~Fuel consumption based upon Combined Driving Test Cycle from ADR 81/02 for automatic transmission. *Drive Away Price for the new BMW 318i Sedan with automatic transmission, metallic paint and no optional extras. Price is based on the vehicle being garaged in Gosford and a private owner with a good driving record. Price may vary according to individual circumstances. Standard production lead times apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. ^BMW ConnectedDrive Terms and Conditions apply. Please refer to www.bmw.com.au/ConnectedDrive or contact Worthington BMW for further details. †BMW Service Inclusive Basic offer is valid for the new BMW 3 Series, and is based on the vehicle’s condition based service monitoring for 5 years from the date of first registration or up to 80,000kms, whichever occurs first. Normal wear and tear items and other exclusions apply. Scheduled servicing must be conducted by an authorised BMW dealer.