THE BIRTH OF BUSINESS MATTERS MAGAZINE

In 2005, Darren and Alison Blake found themselves at a crossroads. They were seeking effective B2B advertising options for their company, Chilli Group, on the Sunshine Coast. The available channels—TV, radio, and local newspapers— were all geared towards lifestyle content, leaving a glaring gap in the market for business-focused media. Recognising this unmet need, the duo conceptualised Business Matters Magazine.

The magazine was envisioned as a grass-roots platform aimed at uniting the local business community. It was to be a true B2B magazine, offering a fresh alternative to the lifestyle-centric media that dominated the Sunshine Coast. Darren and Alison saw it as an opportunity to fill a void, but also as a way to contribute to the business ecosystem they were a part of.

For those venturing into new businesses, Darren’s advice is especially valuable. With 30 years of business experience under his belt, his counsel is rooted in adaptability. He believes that in a world that’s constantly evolving, the ability to adapt is crucial for survival. The Covid-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, and how businesses must be agile to stay afloat. Drawing inspiration from Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, Darren emphasizes, “You can't just keep doing what works one time; everything around you is changing. To succeed, stay out in front of change.”

Matters Magazine has served as a vital resource for the Sunshine Coast’s business community. f www.chilligroup.com.au