Iba cultivating indigenous business growth

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www.firstnationstelegraph.com

Cultivating business growth by Daniel Hughes 1 December 2013

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ndigenous Business Australia (IBA) is helping Indigenous businesses gain supply chain opportunities in the infrastructure and resources sectors through a new collaborative initiative. Working with the Australian government and private sector leaders such as Leighton Contractors Pty Limited, IBA is introducing Indigenous suppliers and procurement teams at interactive workshops to explore upcoming project needs, register suppliers and explain tendering processes. As a result, more Indigenous businesses are delivering services for WA’s major projects with flow-on benefits including workforce development and improved community re-investment outcomes. Leighton Contractors now has 89 Indigenous suppliers registered to provide services to the company, with around 30 per cent located in WA. IBA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Fry says it’s a terrific initiative that gets people talking and building relationships. “The collaborative workshops enable Indigenous businesses to build strong networks with government and private sector organisations, navigate contract requirements and compete on an equal footing with other suppliers.” “The workshops are a two– way exchange, expanding the private sector’s understanding of suppliers’ capabilities; and Indigenous businesses’ knowledge of opportunities and how to access them.” Leighton Contractors piloted the workshops with IBA in early 2013

as part of the company’s Indigenous engagement and supplier diversification program. As an outcome, Indigenous businesses are working with Leighton Contractors at Elizabeth Quay and Kings Square, two of Perth’s largest property development projects, and on the Gateway WA Perth Airport and Freight Access Project as part of an alliance with Main Roads WA and other key partners. Building on this success, IBA and Leighton Contractors cohosted Cultivate 2013 from 7 to 8 November, inviting around 40 Indigenous suppliers from across WA to a two day workshop featuring presentations from Indigenous suppliers, IBA and Leighton Contractors’ procurement and project delivery teams. Leighton Contractors Managing Director, Craig Laslett, said: “The workshops are expanding and diversifying our partnerships with Indigenous businesses which now extend across a range of categories including earthworks, traffic management, ICT services, safety and security, health services and training. “We not only have an obligation but an opportunity to address

Indigenous disadvantage, including supporting and fostering the growth of Indigenous businesses. “We have a strong focus on training and employment, and assisting Indigenous people, corporations and local communities to build successful and sustainable business partnerships. “The benefits to our business include supplier diversity, innovation, cost competitiveness, reliable delivery and deeper relationships with Indigenous communities in areas where we operate. “Cultivate 2013 is a great example of how we can use our diverse projects and partnerships to deliver positive outcomes and help to enhance people’s lives.” A highlight of Cultivate 2013 was the presentations by Indigenous business leaders who successfully secured contracts with Leighton Contractors through workshops earlier this year such as Dr Alanna Sandell of Monitor Health Check Solutions, Phil Matera of Matera Group, Nathan Briggs and Carol Atkinson of Kamilaroi Transport and Maitland Parker and Cameron Bunker from MIB Traffic Management.

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