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vehicles to supplement stock for sale. ▶ Manage complex customer issues. ▶ Apply safe working practices in an automotive workplace. ▶ Communicate effectively in an automotive workplace. ▶ Establish relations with customers. Salesperson Course $575 $460 for MTA Queensland members Dealer Course $1,030 $824 for MTA Queensland members
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Contents Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland
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HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Ted Kowalski Paul Murray POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Barry Browne 03 9807 9154 Email: barry@barrybrownemedia.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information telephone the Editor 07 3237 8777 SUBSCRIPTION RATES (including GST) Australia: $72.60 annually Overseas: $110 annually
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MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.
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MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848 CORPORATE PARTNERS
02 From the editor 04 From the desk of the CEO 05 Policy/Viewpoint 08 MTA Q&A PAUL JENKINS FROM AUSMECH MECHANICAL SOLUTIONS
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Feature 10 SUPERSTARS AND SUPERCARS: CELEBRITY CAR COLLECTIONS 16 Members Classic HYBRID HOLDEN HERO: 1978 HOLDEN UC TORANA
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30 MEMBERS ESSENTIALS
19 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 20 Professional Circle training 27 Member profiles 28 Industrial relations 30 Concept Corner NISSAN BLADEGLIDER 33 Industry insight WHY PROFITABLE BUSINESSES CAN GO BUST! September 2016 Motor Trader | 1
From the editor
JONATHAN NASH EDITOR
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SAVE THE DATE
ELLO AND WELCOME to the September 2016 edition of Motor Trader. In this month’s main feature we take a look a light-hearted look at celebrity car collections. For many of us, dreaming about winning the lottery and wondering, amongst many other things, just which amazing car we would buy is a pleasant way to pass the time. For some people, however, fortune has struck, money is no object, and dreams of buying Ferrari or two, or three, are a reality. This month, Motor Trader looks at some of these lucky few – celebrities who have taken a love of cars to a whole new level. Take a look on Page 10. In our MTA Q&A feature this month we talk to Paul Jenkins, owner of Ausmech Mechanical Solutions. At just 34 years old, Paul has taken
his family’s business from a small, one-man operation to a thriving company with seven staff, a Fulcrum suspension franchise, a tip-truck enterprise and a mobile brake repair business. Having built a reputation for quality and professionalism, entrepreneurial-minded Paul has big plans for Ausmech’s future. You can read more on pages 8 and 9. In our Member's Classic feature on pages 16 and 17, we catch up with Paul and Jacinda Dawson from Sureline Body Repairs in Brisbane to talk about their UC/LX SS Torana conversion. A stunning piece of work, the Torana was a Christmas gift for Jacinda,who had wanted an SS hatch since she was first able to drive. Now, Jacinda has fulfilled her childhood dream with a brilliant conversion as her daily drive, and the Torana doubles-up as a rolling, fleetfooted advertisement for Sureline’s growing restoration business. Check out the story on Page 16-17. In Professional Circle training news this month, we highlight the brilliant achievement of MTAQ member John Edwards Automotive which recently won the Small Employer of the Year category for the Metropolitan region at the Queensland Training Awards (QTA). It was a well-deserved win for owner John Edwards, who has recognised how critical training is to the health of his business and to the wider industry and has developed, amongst other innovations, an in-house training scheme that is designed to support and complement
THE ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S BALL IS THE HIGHLIGHT ON THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY’S SOCIAL CALENDAR. THIS PRESTIGIOUS BLACK-TIE event will be marketed to all MTA Queensland members, clients and stakeholders and is expected to sell out. The evening will feature dinner, entertainment and dancing and will include an awards ceremony recognising the best and brightest trainees and apprentices at the MTA Institute. Date: Saturday 19th November 2016 Time: 6:30pm - 11pm Venue: Hilton Brisbane
2 | Motor Trader September 2016
the Certificate III apprentice program. With victory in the regional QTA awards, John and his team move forward to the state final, the winner of which will be announced this month. Also in training news, in July, the AUR31012 Cert III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) was given priority one status by the Department of Employment and Training. The Queensland Government provides priority one status to those qualifications which lead to occupations deemed to be critical in Queensland. Parts Interpreting has been recognised as such an occupation and is now fully subsidised by the government. For business, this offers the chance take advantage of User Choice funding with no restrictions around eligibility criteria, allowing for a reassessment of staff training in this important automotive industry segment. Turn to page 23 for more information. As always, we will endeavour to bring you news and insight into the industry, information on the latest training opportunities, and highlight members’ interests. If you have a story worth telling, want to appear in Member Profiles, or have a classic car, bike or truck you would like to see featured, then please contact me.
Cheers, Jonathan Nash jonathann@mtaq.com.au
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Important Information: Applications for finance are subject to credit approval and the suitability of the asset. Commonwealth Bank of Australia reserves the right to require finance arrangements to be made with any Commonwealth Bank of Australia subsidiary. Bank fees and government charges may apply. Applicants consent to their name and merchant identification being provided to MTA Queensland to confirm their membership and eligibility. MTA Queensland may receive a fee from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each successful referral. Referral Fees are not payable on referrals from existing relationship managed Commonwealth Bank customers. As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. You should seek independent, professional tax advice before making any decision based on this information. Full terms and conditions are included in our documentation or available from commbank.com.au Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit license 234945.
From the desk of the CEO
BRETT DALE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND
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HE 2016-17 FINANCIAL year is underway. Here at the MTA Queensland corporate office, we have renewed our commitment to raise the profile of the Association with stakeholders and within the motor trades. Sound progress is being made in securing outcomes and representing issues important to the membership. A considerable achievement for skills development in the automotive value chain was the Department of Education and Training’s approval of our submission to introduce Automotive Parts Interpreting training as a Priority 1 qualification. This course has wide application for skills development in small to medium businesses, franchise dealerships, national and foreign owned and led multinational companies. Securing the Priority 1 level indicates that shortages exist for apprenticeships and traineeships in the automotive sector. It also means existing employees are eligible to undertake the course. An important meeting was with Auto Skills Australia (ASA) Acting Chief Executive Office Luke Behncke. The ASA is in transition mode due to the new Industry Skills Council and is contracted by the Commonwealth until December 31, 2016, to maintain the current training package and provide advice on occupational and skilling priorities for the automotive industry. It is contracted
4 | Motor Trader September 2016
by the QLD government to provide recommendations on the priority of investment for skills. We have worked closely with ASA to ensure that our members’ needs are reflected in their recommendations to State government. I was briefed on the pending changes which include the Allied Skills Alliance, of which MTA Queensland is a member applicant. As General Manager Kellie Dewar says in her Viewpoint, it is the practice of MTA Queensland to send congratulatory letters to elected parliamentarians, Government and Opposition leaders and Ministers and Shadows Ministers with portfolios relevant to the motor trades. In the letter to the Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, the Hon Karen Andrews, I foreshadowed a meeting to discuss skills requirements for the automotive value chain. I am pleased to say this will occur on September 8 at her Gold Coast Office. I met with the Australian Council for Private Education and Training Chief Executive Officer Rod Camm to discuss training policies with relevance to private registered training organisations. Previously, Rod Camm was managing director of the National Centre for Vocational Education Research and the Associate Director General of the Department of Education and Training and is, therefore, a sound influencer of skills development and government policy. On behalf of the Association, I took the opportunity to meet with the Queensland Training Ombudsman (QTO) Geoff Favell to discuss quality training as a registered training organisation from an automotive industry perspective. The QTO’s role includes providing Vocational Education students, employers and other significant stakeholders with a clear pathway for complaints. I’m pleased to report that there was positive feedback about the MTA Institute’s training across the State.
INDUSTRY I have the strong view that collaboration with the Motor Trades
Associations based in all Australian jurisdictions is essential to present a national unified voice and consistent policies for the automotive value chain. Technology is driving changes in the automotive, communications and logistics industries. On behalf of the national MTA membership we must be informed contributors in the policy discussion. To do that we must be cohesive and demonstrate, at the national level, unity of purpose. I’m pleased to report that collaboration with MTAs in other jurisdictions is progressing well. I liked the Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science the Hon Greg Hunt’s description of his portfolio. “. . . industry is about the jobs of today, innovation is about the jobs of tomorrow and science is about the jobs of the future.”
MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES Technological changes in motor vehicles are occurring quickly. Planning to establish a connected vehicle network known as Cooperative Intelligent Transport System (C-ITS) across Australia is underway. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have advised of its intention to allocate the 5.9GHz band for this network by early 2017. The FCAI view is that the regulatory framework provided by ACMA is an essential first step in the development of an integrated, automated and connected driving network. It will provide the structure in which vehicles will be able to digitally exchange information with other vehicles sharing the same road and, equally importantly, allow vehicles to communicate with the road network and surrounding infrastructure.
ECONOMY There are three statistical measures of the Australian economy that I follow assiduously. These are the Reserve Bank Board’s cash rate, the Australian Bureau of Statistic’s consumer price index (inflation rate)
and the Labour Force data. Top of mind is the recently released ABS Labour Force statistics. Whilst the unemployment rate is a sound indicator, it is job creation and the quality of the jobs that is my interest. A pattern is emerging where full-time work and full-time wage is being replaced by part-time employment. In July, more than 45,000 full time jobs were lost. On the other hand, there has been a surge of 71,000 part-time jobs created. This had the effect of holding the unemployment rate at 5.7 per cent. The pattern reflects the transition to a broader economy based on services such as retail, healthcare and tourism which relies on part-employment. Economists say business lacks the confidence to take on permanent full-time workers. In it is my view that the MTA Institute has a strong role to play in skilling people to undertake quality employment in the automotive value
chain. Whether this is part-time or full-time is the choice of the employer and the employee. Currently, the motor trades in Queensland have some 13,000 businesses employing some 90,000 persons. The experience is that employees who graduate from the MTA Institute are regarded highly by employers.
NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES New motor vehicle sales for Queensland have been remarkably stable over the last twelve months with sales steady at around 19,500. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ numbers for July are no exception. On a trend basis, 19,557 new units were sold which was an increase of +45, or +.02 per cent, on the previous month. Compared with July 2015, there is a slight downturn of -82, or -.03 percent. Nationally, 97,922 vehicles were sold in the first month of the financial
year, of which passenger vehicles was the dominant segment with 41,028 sales, an increase of +0.4 cent on the previous month. Sports utility vehicles continued to be popular with sales steady at 36,013.
AND THE LAST THING My schedule for the coming month is to ensure effective corporate governance arrangements so that members have confidence in the Association’s rules, relationships, systems and processes. This will include reviewing and making recommendations pertaining to board governance policy, risk management policy, occupational health and safety policies and member engagement strategies. Until October, as Henry Ford, the industrialist and the founder of the Ford Motor company said ‘execute ideas with enthusiasm . . . as it is the bottom of all progress.’
Policy/Viewpoint
KELLIE DEWAR GENERAL MANAGER MTA QUEENSLAND
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HANK YOU TO each of you for your vote by ballot to de-register MTA Queensland as a state organisation under the Queensland Industrial Act 1999. Overwhelmingly, members agreed. As mentioned in previous Viewpoints, the workplace relations laws covering the motor trades are under the Fair Work Act 2009. As an Industrial Organisation of Employers, we are required to be registered in
the Commonwealth jurisdiction and this occurred on 26th November 2014. In other words, it is unnecessary to be registered under the Queensland industrial legislation as none of the member issues we deal with or represent require State registration. The de-registration process is set out under Section 638 of the State Industrial Relations Act 1999. Its main requirement is that a majority of an organisation’s members must agree to deregistration. And you did so convincingly. Your decision now goes to the Annual General Meeting for ratification. Thank you. Again, I thank Members for their quick attention to their membership invoices. We experienced a strong response to renewals this year
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS It is the time of year for divisional annual general meetings, election of office bearers and reports on activities for the past year. There is one ballot and that is for the Chair of the National Auto Collision Alliance. It is a busy time for my staff and me,
particularly as the intention is to attend each of the divisional meetings.
ADVOCACY Following on from recent discussions with the Department of Energy and Water Supply (DEW) on the Biofuels related issues, a written response was provided on the Biofuels mandate exemption guideline. Service Station and Convenience Store Association Division Chair Tim Kane and I were keen to emphasise in writing the views stated in the discussions. The concerns expressed included that the proposed threshold is too low, having the potential to cause economic, administrative and compliance difficulties for some fuel retailers; the threshold should not lessen competition in the fuel retailing market; the threshold should not put at risk the viability of independent or small operators; and the threshold should be considered in the context of the current difficult economic circumstances. Disquiet was conveyed about the exemption criteria which September 2016 Motor Trader | 5
Policy/Viewpoint included that the proposed biofuels mandate compliance and exemption application processes were highly technical, requiring intense financial and administrative resources; the coercive regulatory requirements; and the provision of extensive data for the exemption application was onerous and financially pervasive. Concerns about the privacy of sensitive financial data was emphasised as was the lack of recognition of the fuel retailer’s investment in a market when the return on investment is unknown. Whist on the subject of ethanol, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has on its website a helpful information table which indentifies the motor vehicle brands and models suitable to operate on ethanol blend petrol. http://www.fcai.com.au/ environment/can-my-vehicle-operateon-ethanol-blend-petrol As part of our advocacy routine, congratulatory letters were sent to the newly-commissioned Prime Minister the Hon Malcolm Turnbull and Ministers in the Coalition Government with portfolios aligned to the motor trades. Similar letters were forwarded to the Leader of the Opposition the Hon Bill Shorten and the Shadow Ministers in the Australian Labor Party team. Elected Queensland Senators and House of Representative Members were congratulated on their individual successes. Pending are submissions to the Motor Accident Insurance Commission. The first refers to the review of the limits to apply to Compulsory Third Party (CTP) premiums for the assessment period commencing January 1, 2017. The second relates to a Review of Queensland’s CTP insurance scheme. The reason for the review is the significant economic, social and technological changes such as the National Injury Insurance Scheme, the emergence of connected and automated smart vehicles, and advances in medical science. This is an important review and members are invited to provide input. A discussion paper can be accessed at https:// maic.qld.gov.au. The due date for the submission is Friday, September 16. 6 | Motor Trader September 2016
STANDARD FORM CONTRACTS FOR UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reminded that the law applying to standard form contracts entered into or renewed on or after November 12, 2016, will come into effect. The ACCC is concerned that some industry sectors are unprepared for the change when existing unfair contracts provisions for consumers are extended to include small businesses. The ACCC advises that small businesses enter into an average of 8 standard contracts a year. Contracts covered include those between businesses where one of the businesses employs less than 20 people and the contract is worth up to $300,000 in a single year or $1 million if the contract runs for more than a year. Only a court or tribunal (not the ACCC) can decide that a term is unfair. However, if a court or tribunal finds that a term is ‘unfair’, the term will be void – this means it is not binding on the parties. The rest of the contract will continue to bind the parties to the extent it is capable of operating without the unfair term.
E-NOTICES The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has introduced a new online registration transfer service to be rolled out from August 1 progressively across the state. The regime of services reminds customers of pending registration payments or other transport matters. These take the form of free e-notices and e-reminders and are available to customers who sign up for the service. TMR has advised that customers can choose to receive e-notices for their Vehicle Registration Notice email instead by post and receive registration electronically. In addition, customers can sign up to receive free email reminders for several services and bookings. This service sends automated reminders about driver licence renewals, vehicle inspection bookings, driving test appointments, infringement notice payments and
expiring Certificates of Inspection. The service includes customers who are eligible for Hazard Perception Tests and those who have been issued with an Accumulation of Demerit Points Notice. The new tool will assist in the private transaction of a car, boat or trailer. To register, visit www.tmr. qld.gov.au. TMR officers were our guests at our recent Automotive Engineers Division AGM and the information they presented was very informative. The presentation included an update on the web portal and mobile application, Inspection Certificates Online (ICO), that has been in development. It will enable Approved Inspection Stations to complete and automatically submit safety certificates and inspection certificates directly and online to the department. The portal is free and removes the need to have safety certificate books in packs, although TMR suggest some books be kept in stock should connection issues arise. Car Dealers should note that the ICO issued certificate need not be displayed on vehicles. It will be built in to the current Check your Rego app where it will indicate if the vehicle has a current certificate.
SURVEY I’ve found another gem from the survey of members conducted towards the end of last year and early this year to share with you. The response to what services were provided and accessed on a regular basis drew unsurprising results. 72 per cent of respondents nominated industrial relations whilst 63 per cent designated industry updates. Other services such as technical information, legal advice and consumer complaints rated well.
FINALLY Have you got your tickets to ‘dancing with the stars’? That is dancing with the MTA Queensland stars at the President’s Annual Ball on Saturday, November 19, at the Brisbane Hilton. And the stars will include the MTA Apprentice of the Year. As always, take care and stay safe.
MTAQ is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Innovation Award and the Community Award - to be presented at this year’s President’s Ball on November 19. These awards have been created to recognise the business creativity of MTAQ members and their involvement within the communities they serve. From business methods that benefit the environment or improve productivity, to relationships with local communities through charitable works, the award judges - including MTA Queensland Chairman David Fraser and the Executive team - want to look at any and all initiatives. Representatives of the winning businesses are
required to attend the event and will, if needed, be flown to Brisbane and provided accommodation at the Hilton Brisbane. But staying at the Hilton is not the only reward. Recipients will also receive a trophy, a $1500 travel voucher and exposure through MTAQ’s website, social media presence and Motor Trader magazine. So get involved and nominate either your own business or the business of another member who you think has excelled in either of these areas. Let us know, via email and in 500 words or less, which business has been nominated, why they have been nominated and include either photographic or documentary evidence to support the nomination, and away we go!
INNOVATION AWARD We often think of innovation in terms of technology, but innovation comes in many forms. From engaging employees with unique incentive programs to methodologies that streamline workflows and increase production; from waste management to quality control; from new product lines to changes to old ones; from customer service programs to unique building, planning and environmental projects. ‘Innovation’ can cover any improvement or adjustment to your business.
COMMUNITY AWARD MTA Queensland knows many members are involved with their community beyond the boundary of their business - be it via charitable works, fundraising, volunteering or direct work in the community. The Community Award recognises a member business which has identified how important their role can be within the community they serve and which has responded with projects, programs and initiatives reflecting that importance.
The nomination process is open now and closes at Noon on Monday, October 31
The winners will be notified by Friday, November 4
Email your nomination to info@mtaq.com.au
WINNERS RECEIVE Return flights to Brisbane A night at the Hilton Brisbane Free entry to The President’s Ball $1,500 travel voucher
2015 WINNER
Steve Hayes accepted the award on behalf of Chip Tyre
Awarded to Chip Tyre. The company is involved in the recycling of end-of-life tyres, breaking down the tyres to create rubber crumb that can be used in a wide range of applications, from tile adhesive glue to children’s playground matting. Using equipment that is capable of shredding 25 tonnes of tyres per hour, Chip Tyre is the only producer of rubber crumb in Queensland, processing in excess of 2000 tonnes per month.
2015 WINNER
Bruce Keown accepted the award on behalf of the Bruce Lynton Automotive Group
Presented to the Bruce Lynton Automotive Group, recognising the generous and ongoing support from the Group to a wide range of charities and community initiatives. Included amongst the charities the Group supports are 4 ASD Kids (a charity founded by Chloe and Mat Rogers, which focuses on caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)), Guide Dogs Queensland and Cancer Council Queensland.
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IT’S TIME TO NOMINATE FOR THE MTAQ AWARDS
MTA
QA &
What products and services does Ausmech Mechanical Solutions provide?
Paul Jenkins Ken, Esther and Paul Jenkins with Matt Cleeland
PJ: The general mechanical operation is our main business and we do a lot of fleet and ‘mum and dad’ work. We also own a Fulcrum franchise which we are looking to expand. The two businesses sort of feed each other. For instance, we could be servicing a vehicle only to discover it requires work that can be done by the Fulcrum team. Likewise, they could be completing an inspection at Fulcrum and find there is a problem that can be fixed at Ausmech. We are authorised to do Safety Certificates for light vehicles and Certificates of Inspection for heavy vehicles. We also have a mobile brake repair van that carries a couple of lathes. The service we offer includes machining rotors, replacing pads, brake fluid flushing and so on, and we offer those services to trade and retail customers. We also sell Everest 4WD and off-road accessories, have a tip-truck business that services southeast Queensland and, as a sort of side business to the fleet and standard mechanical operation, do quite a bit of hot rod and classic vehicle work. That is an interesting part of the business and one that has really grown thanks to word-of-mouth. That’s because we are enthusiasts ourselves - between my father and I we have ’59 Chev Bel Air, a ’55 Ford Fairlane Victoria, a ’54 Customline a ’56 Customline, a Zodiac, a Zephyr, a ’73 LTD . . . and there are more!
How long has the business been operating? PJ: We bought the business in 2005. It was a small operation and we have
In just ten years, Paul Jenkins has taken his family’s business, Ausmech Mechanical Solutions, from a small, one-man operation working out of a two-bay shed, to a thriving company, located in a state-of-the-art workshop, which has seven staff and includes a Fulcrum suspension franchise, a tip-truck enterprise and a mobile brake repair business. With the desire to provide only the best products and services to his customers, the entrepreneurial-minded 34-year-old has built an enviable reputation for quality and professionalism. built it up from there. We started in a two-bay shed and have moved a couple of times since then. We outgrew the first location within six months and moved again in 2011. That move was partly because the premises were a little old and didn’t fit the image of the business. Ausmech provides dealership-quality service and products so we moved to a location that reflected that. We bought the building we are currently in and then leased the building next door to house the Fulcrum franchise.
What’s your background in the industry? PJ: I did my light vehicle apprenticeship with the Denmac Group from 1998 to 2002. They had a dealership at Darra, Indooroopilly and Ipswich and I spent time at each of those locations gaining experience on a wide range of vehicles, including trucks. After my apprenticeship, I worked at Denmac for about three years before establishing Ausmech and the experience I gained there has allowed us to secure truck maintenance work for a couple of fleet companies.
What changes have you seen in the industry? PJ: There have been lots of changes in the industry, particularly in vehicle technology, and I actually think the rate of change is speeding up. 20 years ago you might have a period of a couple of years where things might be static but, today, technology is changing very rapidly. I don’t think this is something to fear but it is something to keep on top of. A lot of guys say ‘I hate the new stuff ’, but it is happening and you either accept it or you get left behind.
We train to keep across it all and I think education is where the answer lies. It’s about knowing what’s out there, what’s coming, and then getting prepared for it. Having well-trained staff is very important. I do have some concerns with the industry. Information sharing with dealerships for example, and fixed price servicing. Fixed price servicing is, I think, a bit of a ‘have’. It’s a bit like getting $5 of chips every day - you can live on it but it’s no good for you long term! It’s the same with cars - the fixed price servicing deal offers the bare minimum. I’ve had customers phone and tell me they had a fixed price deal but were subsequently told by the dealership that they had to do extra work. Well, that’s right, of course - the fixed priced servicing offers the bare bones and you still have to pay for the other work.
How many staff do you have? PJ: Seven staff and I use a couple of sub-contractors, such as an auto electrician, when required. We are a family-owned business and both my mum Esther, and dad Ken, work here. I actually put my dad through his apprenticeship, which I know sounds odd, as if it is the wrong way round! Dad actually worked in the police force and then in senior management before getting to the point where he wanted a change. I was very busy and he came on as an apprentice. So, today, my dad and I are in the workshop and my mum does the admin. We also have Matthew who runs the Fulcrum workshop, Bradley runs our mobile brake repair van, Matty who is our driver for the tip-truck business, and then there is Henri, our apprentice.
To what do you attribute your success? PJ: People will come to you for one of two reasons generally. One is quality – they want their vehicle in top order and we do a good job delivering that. The other reason, of course, is price. So people come to you either for quality or price and I am not that interested in people coming here because they think we might be the cheapest. We are not the cheapest. We want people to come here, and people do come here, because we are the best. And we very much want to stay on the quality side of the equation. We won’t cut corners. For instance, if someone comes to us and just wants a set of brake pads but the rotors need machining then we won’t just put the pads in. If it’s not safe, we won’t do it. That has happened before and I have had to explain why we won’t do that. We must be doing something right because there are three generations of several families that use our services.
What does the future hold for Ausmech Mechanical Solutions? PJ: Expansion. We have a plan mapped out of where we want to be. Part of having a successful business is preparing for the future. If you spend all your time working for your business rather than working on it, then things can stagnate.
What do you do in your spare time, if you have any? PJ: Obviously I enjoy cars – classics, customs, hot rods - and I have more projects going on than the state government! I go camping and fishing, I play the guitar . . . I have a lot of interests outside of work which I enjoy. September 2016 Motor Trader | 9
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MTAQ’S NEW WEBSITE O NEW ENGAGEMENT AN S
INCE JANUARY 2016, the MTAQ has been transforming how it communicates and engages with members, the industry and the public. Through channels including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn, the Association can now instantly let you know of industry updates, of industrial relations news, of new courses available through the MTA Institute, of the successes and achievements of members and apprentices. In August, the MTAQ went a step further with its online engagement, launching its new and exciting website at www.mtaq.com.au. Part of the Association’s commitment to the Professional Circle, the website, in combination with the revitalised social media presence, highlights the Association’s standing as the industry’s peak representative body in Queensland, reaffirms its position as a voice trusted by industry and the public alike, and adds a level of engagement between members, the industry and the public that is truly exciting. For members, the new website carries features available to you as part of your MTAQ membership. These include Industrial Relations information concerning employment legislation, human
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“MTAQ MEMBERSHIP
PROVIDES INCOMPARABLE VALUE WITH ITS RANGE OF ADVOCACY, SERVICES, TRAINING, SUPPORT AND ITS INNOVATIVE OUTLOOK, AND THE NEW MTAQ WEBSITE ADDS ANOTHER LAYER OF VALUE.”
resources and workplace health and safety, and an online store with membership discounts on a variety of
business-related products including workshop stationery and signs as well as motor vehicle and general office stationery supplies. There is also a news feed, regularly updated to offer the latest industry updates, news from the Association, training and apprenticeship opportunities, and plenty of information surrounding initiatives such as Green Stamp Accreditation and the benefits and discounts available to you when dealing with the MTAQ’s corporate partners Guard Insurance, MTAA Super, the Capricorn Society, Australian All Energy Solutions, Dunn &
OFFERS NEW FEATURES, ND NEW OPPORTUNITIES Bradstreet, OurAuto tech-centre and the Commonwealth Bank. Importantly, the new website will soon have a whole new portal aimed at delivering a variety of entertaining and informative elements to the public. From articles on new car releases to the latest in quirky gadgetry; from fun top ten lists to stories that take a view of the industry from a female perspective; from updates on industry news from Queensland, Australia and the world to ‘How to’ video content offering basic vehicle maintenance information, the public portal will offer a host of engaging features. As well as all these, there is also a
“FOR CONSUMERS,
THE WEBSITE WILL THROUGH THE ARTICLES, FEATURES AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS HIGHLIGHT THE EXPERTISE AND SKILLS OF MEMBERS . . . ” function that assists a member of the public in finding the nearest MTAQ member who can help them with whatever automotive query or service they require. Combined with the MTAQ’s revitalised social media engagement and the new website and online presence of the MTA Institute, the Association is highlighting the professionalism and wonderful work done by member businesses, emphasising the incredible work done by apprentices coming through the MTA Institute, presenting the great training opportunities on offer across a broad array of automotive disciplines and raising awareness of the fantastic career opportunities available in the automotive industry today.
These exciting online developments form part of the concept of the Professional Circle, and using these avenues allows the MTAQ to establish a unique conversation and relationship between members, industry and the public. “MTAQ Membership provides incomparable value with its range of advocacy, services, training, support and its innovative outlook, and the new MTAQ website adds another layer of value," said Dr Brett Dale, Group Chief Executive. “Not only do members have access to a range of quality information and services through the website - such as the Industrial Relations portal - but a new Customer Relations Management (CRM) system connected to the site will help us here at the MTAQ offer a more efficient service and even better support. "For consumers, the website will - through the articles, features and social media connections - highlight the expertise and skills of members and confirm that, should they use the services of an MTAQ member, they do so in the sure knowledge they can trust the member’s commitment to the high standards of professionalism that they, the consumer, deserve.” With the new MTAQ website freshly launched and the social media channels proving ever more popular, the time for members to log in, join up and embrace the possibilities that are presented online has never been better. “The time to join the conversation is now,” said Dr Dale. “As the MTAQ continues to move forward in the online and social media arenas, we encourage and invite all our members, students, apprentices and the public to check out the website and participate, get involved, and spread the word about all the great work and contributions our industry and our members make to our communities and our economy.” Find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube by searching 'MTAQ' or 'Motor Trades Association of Queensland'. May 2016 Motor Trader | 15
MAKE: HOLDEN MODEL: 1978 UC TORANA ENGINE: LS1 5.7-LITRE V8 OWNER: JACINDA DAWSON OWNED SINCE: 2015
HYBRID HOLDEN HERO
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ANS OF HOLDEN hold a special place in their heart for the Torana. In the hands of Peter Brock, the Torana steamed to four victories at Bathurst, with the LH version scoring top honours in 1975 and 1976, and the legendary LX A9X SS Hatchback winning in 1978 and 1979. In that 1979 race, Toranas finished in first, second and third place and Brock, with co-driver Jim Richards, won by an astonishing six laps. Not surprisingly, for Torana tragics, it is the LX A9X SS that is considered a bit special. Also unsurprisingly, the LX A9X SS, and its near-cousin the LX SS, cost a pretty penny. So, if you really want one but can’t find one, what do you do? The answer? Build one. Paul and Jacinda Dawson, owners of Sureline Body Repairs in Brisbane, have done just that, taking a 1978 Torana UC hatch and creating this stunning, awardwinning, machine. A Christmas gift for Jacinda, the car is so good it has become a marketing tool for the company - a growling, fleet-footed, rolling advert for a side of the business that the couple has decided to develop. “The restoration side of our business, as a full-time investment, is relatively new,” says Paul. “We got to thinking that if we can get the price right and return a quality product then it could work. And it does. This is what we do, we really enjoy it and the end result is pretty special.” Restoring classic vehicles may be part of the business, but this particular Torana was more than just another job. For Jacinda, getting her hands on an SS hatch was a dream come true. “It is a very special gift,” she says. “My first car was a little 4-cyclinder, two-door Torana and I always wanted an SS hatch. They were so beautiful but, back when I was 17, it was
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the last thing I could afford. So I bought the Torana that I could. “As for this car, it may not be a ‘real’ LX SS, but it is more than that to me. Everything is perfect – the paintwork, the engine – and it is a beautiful car to drive.” So, how do you take the less well-loved UC Torana and turn it into this? With a good deal of skill, a passion for what you’re creating, and a good eye when looking for cars online. “I happened to be flipping through Gumtree and came across this UC hatch for sale,” says Paul. “It was close to home and, when I went round to see it, there was minimal rust and it was just a case of getting it nice and straight. The roof was buckled, which is a big job for a backyarder to do, but it had a 95 per cent perfect steel body. The conversion from a UC back to an LX – now that took a bit of work.” Here is where things get interesting. As work started on the conversion, a 2002 WH Statesman came into the Sureline workshop. Damaged beyond repair, it was a stroke of fortune for Paul. “The Statesman had front-end damage and was a total loss,” he says. “Then I opened up the bonnet and there was an LS1 V8 sitting in there. I ended up doing a deal with the salvage firm to buy the car. “We were able to use the engine, the gearbox, the fuel system, wiring and the computers from the Statesman and run it into the Torana. I then bought a front-cut, the radiator support, skirt section and dash on eBay.
“I did a lot of the fitment testing at home and then sent the computer and the wiring harness down to Melbourne to a place called CAE Performance. I sent them all the details of the car it was going to go into and they sent back the wiring harness all reconfigured to ‘plug-and-play’. “We picked out the dash and welded in the LX frame, modified the taillights and cut them in too and then it went down to the exhaust shop to have the custom-made exhaust fitted and the fuel tank and fuel system plumbed in.” Of course, no project is completed without the occasional hiccup and, in this case, it was the wheels that caused some brows to be furrowed, if only for a short time. “The wheels were supposed to be highly-polished but when they arrived, two of them had anodised faces,” says Paul. “We were at a loss as to what to do. I actually took the two clean back wheels to Signarama Archerfield and asked if they could put on some wrap to make them the same as the front two. And that’s what they did. So the back wheels have film on them and the fronts are anodised - but you cannot tell the difference.” As for the car's glorious colour, Paul and Jacinda chose the Mazda 6 Spice Orange three-layer Pearl, a colour that is close to what was available on the original cars (but with extra pop) and one that is highlighted in the stitching of the new leather upholstery inside. That upholstery was actually done by a local business, Archerfield Auto Upholstery, located just a stone’s throw from Sureline, and Paul says that a number of local firms – including Extreme Custom Engineering, Coopers Plains Auto Electrics, KTC Automotive, Top Tyres, Bosman Tyres, and
DO YOU HAVE A PRIDE AND JOY IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF MOTOR TRADER? Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@
All-Type Window mtaq.com.au or 07 3237 8721 and let’s see if we can share your classic Tinting – all worked with other members. on that Torana. “We like to use local businesses for the work we can’t do in-house,” he says. “Everyone in the area had a play with this car at some point!” The result of putting so much time and effort into this project is jaw-dropping, and it’s no wonder that the car turns heads when it is out on the road. “Whenever it is sitting out the front of the shop you can guarantee we will get people stop and want to look at it,” says Paul. “We have had people just walk in and say ‘I’ve seen the Torana and had to come in and have a chat. What do you do?’. It’s great advertising.” This passion for Toranas that Paul and Jacinda share – along with plenty of other folk too, of course – looks like it will be trickling down to the next generation. The couple’s ten-year-old son is also something of a fan. “In the morning he does asks me ‘Mum, which car are we taking today . . . the beast?” says Jacinda. “Everyone looks at you when you’re in that car and he loves that. It does get a lot of reaction.” September 2016 Motor Trader | 17
Can you afford not to be in the circle? Advocacy
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MTAQ members receive advice and support across a range of issues. From legal advice to business support, from highlighting industry issues to facilitating networking events, the MTAQ is here to support you.
MTA Queensland Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Training +61 7 3722 3000 Fax +61 7 3844 4488 Email info@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113
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ESSENTIALS ESSENTIALS
PAUL KULPA GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE
Contents 19 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 20 Professional Circle training 27 Member profiles
ADVANCE TYRES & MORE BRIDGESTONE SELECT BUNDABERG
28 Industrial relations
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F YOU HAVE been reading my column, you know that I don’t normally touch on government policy framework, I’m usually focused on what value we can add to make your business a success. Training staff for business needs is critical, and our position is of one to assist you achieve these needs. However, something has caught my eye that I found very interesting - the Queensland government released its Vocational Education and Training (VET) Quality framework, and I must say it’s a pretty decent attempt at summarising what makes a quality VET System (the system in which you and your apprentice work and train) and how it makes industry confident in the training delivered – not just by us but any provider. The automotive industry has over 5,000 apprentices and trainees in the VET system at any one time. Information distribution between government and industry is sometimes misinterpreted given the geographic location of industry and the systems of communication. There are many stakeholders in the training sector that have the responsibility to provide information to
For further information on the Queensland VET Framework, search Queensland VET Framework at training.qld.gov.au September 2016 Motor Trader | 19
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MEMBERS MEMBERS
industry, and in particular its learners, which requires the need for clearly established communication systems to provide regular updates on apprentice responsibilities and entitlements. Similarly, employers engaged in training apprentices need to know of their rights and responsibilities to ensure they understand what their involvement really means. Queensland has always been an innovator in promoting the VET sector and ensuring the integrity of the training environment remains robust and meets the needs of industry. It is important the Queensland VET quality framework delivers this message. From the automotive industry training perspective, I believe a number of key areas are important for the development of the quality VET framework: • Ensuring confidence of stakeholders (i.e. employers and learners) is met to guarantee quality of training; • Quickly identifying skill priorities and adjusting to meet the market demands; • Greater engagement of government, employers and learners to ensure greater commitment to VET; • Robust and rigorous application of industry endorsement for providers intending to deliver state-funded programs. Overall, the Framework does provide a broad approach to the assurance of quality in the VET sector, focusing on areas that underpin the integrity of a quality system. I welcome this initiative regarding the Queensland VET Quality Framework and, if executed properly with all stakeholders, the outcomes can create greater confidence in the VET sector.
M E M B E R S
Training GM's Professional Circle perspective
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
Professional Circle training
MTAQ MEMBER WINS QUEENSLAND TRAINING AWARD ACCOLADE E VERY YEAR, THE Queensland government, through the Department of Education and Training, holds the Queensland Training Awards (QTA) – awards that recognise people and organisations who ‘strive for success, best practice and innovation in training’. The awards are considered amongst the most respected accolades that can be won and in August, the first step towards finding Queensland’s best apprentices, trainers and employers took place with the announcement of the regional QTA award winners. Marcello Riotto, Operations Manager for MTAI, with John Edwards at the Queensland Training Awards Winners in each category were announced in Far North Queensland, Darling Downs South I WAS SHOCKED . . . West, Central Queensland, South East, North Queensland, North Coast I AM PROUD, and Metropolitan regions, and they OF COURSE, AND will now be finalists for the statewide EQUALLY PROUD THAT award, the winners of which will be announced this month. WE RECOGNISED The MTA Queensland (MTAQ) TRAINING AS BEING and the MTA Institute are strong VERY IMPORTANT AND supporters of the Queensland Training Awards and this year sponsored the HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO Small Employer of the Year category MAKE IT A PRIORITY IN for the Metropolitan region. And in OUR BUSINESS. what turned out to be a happy twist of fate, it was MTAQ member John Edwards Automotive who took out the “I was shocked,” he said. “I didn’t top prize in that category. really think we would win it. I thought Run by an owner who understands we could be a finalist but not the importance of training and necessarily a winner. I am proud, how critical it is to the health of his of course, and equally proud that we business and to the wider industry, recognised training as being very the award was richly deserved. important and have taken steps to For John Edwards himself, make it a priority in our business.” however, the victory came as In fact, John’s commitment to training something of a surprise. runs a little deeper than just making
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sure his two staff members get some extra education. Recognition of the huge technological advances being made in the industry, and his desire to see young apprentices realise their full potential, meant John thought long and hard about what to do to be able to stay competitive as those changes began to filter down to small business operations like his. “I was having some difficulty with training, especially of apprentices, and I was wondering how I could assess them and what qualifications I had that would let me do that,” he said. “So I did the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and since then our training in-house is much more structured and much more focused. Now, we have an in-house program for our apprentice and that program complements the training done by the RTO and dovetails with the Certificate III competencies. “The technological advances are such that the industry needs more than just the Cert III to be functional, profitable and have better productivity. And it’s not just the technical training, it’s also things such as first aid training, management training, phone skills, budgeting skills and so on. For a small business, customer relationships have to be seamless and it should work so that a customer can come here and it doesn’t matter who they talk to, their needs will be fulfilled. “The Cert IV has helped me connect with the younger generation and allows me to help them be the
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September 2016 Motor Trader | 21
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Training and designed to prepare Year 12 students for the move to full-time automotive industry employment. “This is my second year in the AccelR8 program,” he said. “The student combines theory work with an RTO and a 20-week work experience placement with me. “This year we have two AccelR8 students and even if a student is not going to become a mechanic at the end of the day, being able to help them gain those employability skills, some confidence and self-esteemis invaluable.” Having been recognised for his training efforts with the regional QTA award, John is now in line for the State award, which will be presented at a gala event on September 9. He is happy to be there, and proud to be involved, but it is clear that winning awards and accolades is not something that drives him. And as for his chances of winning, he answers with a shrug of his shoulders. “It’s difficult to know how we will go,” he said. “If what we do here is good enough, that’s fantastic. If not, then congratulations to the winner.” Whatever happens, John Edwards Automotive will stay committed to John’s training philosophy and ideals and will continue to help prepare young people for long-lasting careers in the automotive industry.
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best person they can be. I would hope that an apprentice, should they leave here when they have qualified, would leave as a more skilled and rounded tradesperson than if they had been somewhere else.” Beyond the in-house training for his apprentices, John also keeps himself and his staff up to speed with industry development through other educational avenues. His chief mechanic, Brenton, has completed a Certificate IV in Frontline Management and John's John Edwards relationship with Bosch enables the business to access Bosch training programs. “Being a partner with Bosch and . . . EVEN IF A STUDENT Bosch Car Service means they offer IS NOT GOING TO training courses that we have taken advantage of,” said John. "Both Brenton, BECOME A MECHANIC my mechanic, and I are now Bosch AT THE END OF THE Diagnostic Technicians and we are, DAY, BEING ABLE TO I think, one of the few businesses that have two people that have achieved that. HELP THEM GAIN THOSE “And I have noticed, through EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS, training, that industry changes are SOME CONFIDENCE being recognised by more businesses,” AND SELF-ESTEEM IS he added. “We attend a lot of training events and, in the last five years, INVALUABLE. attendance has really grown. We used to go and there might be just six low-level training of young people who others there. Now we go and there have shown an interest in the industry. are more than 60. It’s encouraging to It’s a part of the training landscape see - people are realising that change of which he is proud of being part. is happening and they are becoming Recently, he has become involved with much more professional.” the AccelR8 program – a program After starting his business in 1989, run by the Queensland government’s John has helped train five mechanics Department of Education and and has also been involved in the
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Introductory Course Right training. Right place. Right way.
Course Overview Lucrative opportunities exist for businesses willing to adapt to new market trends. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) have arrived and new models are on the way. In just a few years, HEVs will become one of the biggest automotive growth areas in Australia. Mastering the latest technology takes time; it’s complicated and dangerous. Therefore ‘learning on the job’ isn’t an option - leave it to the experts. Delivered by industry professionals, the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Course is designed specifically for automotive repairers wanting to familiarise themselves on HEVs. All the information you need to understand hybrid technology and associated safe working practices will be covered in this basic introductory session. 1. Understand principles of HEV vehicle technology 2. Tools, usage and safety requirements 3. Component identification and location 4. S kills and knowledge required to deactivate and isolate the high voltage supply system in HEV Time:
6:00pm to 9:00pm (light refreshments provided from 5:30pm)
Location: MTA Institute, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains QLD Cost:
$330 per person (Inc GST)
Learner Requirements Automotive trade knowledge is desirable but not mandatory. Tools and relevent equipment will be provided. Standard workshop attire required.
Enrol Should you wish to enrol, or require further information, please contact one of our friendly staff on 3722 3000.
Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email courses@mtai.edu.au Website mtai.edu.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113
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MTA Institute Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence
ROM JULY 1 this year, the AUR31012 Cert III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) has been promoted to priority one status by the Department of Employment and Training. The Queensland Government provides priority one status to those qualifications which lead to occupations deemed to be critical in Queensland and, as such, are fully subsidised by the government. This change provides an opportunity for learners to engage in a formal qualification essential to the continued success of the automotive industry. For business, it offers the chance take to advantage of User Choice funding with no restrictions around eligibility criteria and to upskill employees through a qualification that, until now, has been an expensive proposition for business. For those businesses serious about succession planning and investing in staff training, this priority one classification for Parts Interpreting represents an opportunity not to be missed. The MTA Queensland (MTAQ) and MTA Institute (MTAI), led by CEO Dr Brett Dale, played a crucial role in securing this change in classification. User Choice funding priorities are determined from national and state data in conjunction with input from industry and the MTA Queensland was active in submitting proposals to review the status of the Parts Interpreting sector. This is one of the many things the MTA Queensland, through industry consultation, has achieved as part of its commitment to ensuring a sustainable industry for years to come. As the automotive industry in Australia continues to evolve through changes in technology, manufacturing and evolving business models, the
proven over those four decades, to delivering truly effective training experiences that ensure graduates will be productive within the workplace. The MTA Institute is now offering the AUR31012 Cert III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) course as part of its training portfolio. To take advantage of this new opportunity and the benefits of fully-subsidised training to upskill your employees, call or email the MTA Queensland. Email: training@mtai.edu.au Phone: 1800 884 137.
quality of training and skills of employees becomes more important, and strengthening and developing Queensland’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector is critical as that industry evolution continues. The success of Queensland’s VET sector relies on the quality of Registered Training Organisation’s (RTO) providing these training services. The MTA Institute has 40 years’ experience in delivering high quality training, has immensely strong connections with industry and has a genuine commitment,
Running your business could be easier. Motor trades business benefits from those in the know. Find out how Capricorn can help you.
1800 327 437 csl@capricorn.coop capricorn.coop
September 2016 Motor Trader | 23
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PARTS INTERPRETING BOOSTED TO PRIORITY ONE STATUS F
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Professional Circle training
2017 Retail Motor Trade Diary THIS QUALITY DIARY FEATURES: ✷ Professional design complete with gold corners and stitched spine backing ✷ Important telephone numbers and contact details ✷ 30 minute per day time slots ✷ Day by day planning
Member’s price $22 (GST inclusive) plus postage and handling. Non Member’s price $25 (GST inclusive) plus postage and handling. ORDER NOW TO SECURE YOUR COPY and avoid disappointment. (Due for delivery mid-November) Just fax this completed form back to MTA-Q on (07) 3844 4488, OR email stationery@mtaq.com.au Please supply: ____ copies of the 2017 Motor Trade’s Diary at TOTAL $
(Plus postage and handling)
Company Name: Address: Postcode: Phone: (
)
Fax: (
Contact Name:
)
Date:
MTA-Q Member: Membership number/Account number: Capricorn Account number: Please bill to my account OR see payment details below Method of Payment: Cheque (Payable to MTAQ) / MasterCard / Visa Card Number: __ __ __ __/ __ __ __ __/ __ __ __ __/ __ __ __ __/
Expiry Date: __/__
Signature:
MTA Queensland Address Building 8, 2728 Logan Road Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113 Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113 Tel (07) 3237 8777 Toll Free 1800 177 951
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Name on Card:
CVN: __ __ __ /
STUDENT OF THE MONTH LIAM SMITH IS the MTAQ Student of the Month for August. The 20-year-old, fourth-year mechanical apprentice, working with Coastal Farm and Motorcycles in Innisfail, is proving himself to be a top-notch employee and student who is going above and beyond in his studies. “Liam works well as part of this workplace team, has demonstrated a happiness to do anything asked of him and has demonstrated very good customer relations,” said MTA Institute trainer Scott Buckley. “He’s what you want in any student, and displays dedication to all aspect to his apprenticeship. His work books are well researched and always completed on time, and he has always demonstrated an eagerness to learn.” Having recently celebrated his twentieth birthday, Liam has spent the last four years working to realise his childhood ambition of becoming a motorcycle mechanic. “I have grown up with motorbikes and dirt bikes. After I graduated high-school I started working for Coastal Farm and Motorcycles and they offered me full-time work. Three to six months into the job, I decided I wanted to study to become a motorcycle mechanic,” he said. An avid fan and owner of several Honda motorcycles, and an endurance-rider in his free-time, Liam has his eyes on a head foreman position upon graduating from his apprenticeship in late 2016. “The head mechanic here would like to do 2-3 days per week when I finish, and they want me to run the workshop,” he said. When his trainer Scott was asked about why he put forward Liam for the nomination, his answer was quite simple. “Liam has a really impressive knowledge of motorcycles, a large variety of small farm equipment, and ATV and small engines equipment. Credit where credit is due, Liam is an absolute asset to his workplace.”
RODY WALTERS IS a 25-year-old panel beater and MTA Institute graduate working at Maryborough Smash repairs. Passionate about all aspects of his craft, and a self-confessed classic car restoration addict, Brody recently completed the restoration of a stunning 1975 XB Falcon 500 – a project that took five years to finish and which he completed alongside his father Greg. Brody Walters with his 1975 XB Falcon 500 Brody has always been passionate about cars and like many of his peers studying and really like to make something out working in the automotive industry, of doing custom re-build projects. he started putting the skills he I’m already doing a lot of jobs for had learned both from his dad and mates and their friends and that keeps through his apprenticeship to good me pretty busy. I am just going to take use, working with his father to revive it slow and see what happens. the old classic. “I’ve still got a lot to learn about “We just love cars, and in 2010 we fabricating panels, and have just bought the XB Falcon off eBay and started working on a HG Kingswood brought it back to Maryborough by as my next project,” he said. trailer,” said Brody. “We started by Asked whether he sees commercial stripping the whole car back to its opportunity in buying and re-selling bare shell and got rid of all the rust his own lovingly-restored cars, Brody until it was literally just bare metal. is so passionate about his projects “After that we moved onto panel that he said it’s often hard for him to alignment, added a custom exhaust, consider selling them. and re-built the entire car from the “The first XB will stay in the family,” ground up. It’s completely restored he said. “It was a family build, so I now, with a new interior, electrics and can’t see dad and I selling it. A lot motor. It drives like its brand new.” of effort went into over the past Brody started his apprenticeship five years. Even the Kingswood I’m at TAFE before switching to the MTA building at the moment, well, I could Institute to finish his studies and never sell that either because of the he credits his vocational training, time I have put into it. However, most working with his father, and the cars I have worked on I have sold. guidance of his employer Ray “Getting a dormant classic car and Wood, with giving him the skills bringing it back to life is a complete and confidence necessary to tackle challenge, but once you get the job done complex projects. and you stand back and have a look at “I learnt a lot of skills through the car you think ‘We’ve done pretty TAFE, MTA Institute and, of course, well here’, and I get a huge amount of my employer. I couldn’t see myself enjoyment out of that. More enjoyment running my own business, but I’d than just money, anyway.”
September 2016 Motor Trader | 25
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Liam Smith
FATHER AND SON RESTORE LIFE TO CLASSIC FALCON B
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Professional Circle training
67TH Annual Motor Trade Golf Tournament NUDGEE GOLF CLUB THURSDAY, 20TH OCTOBER, 2016 Entries close 5pm Friday, 14th October, 2016 with Treasurer David Gorrie, 12 J Dobson Road, Morayfield, 4506. Phone 0431 431 952 Email: gorriedc@yahoo.com.au Early receipt of entries will determine the priority for allocation of starting times. ENTRANCE FEE: $50 EACH PLAYER, MUST ACCOMPANY THE ENTRY FORM (includes Green Fee, All Competition Events, Halfway Snack and Hot Platters from 5pm) (Entrance Fee is Non-Returnable) SEE ELIGIBILITY AND CONDITIONS OF PLAY
TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED FOR THE FOLLOWING:
18 HOLES STABLEFORD – MAIN EVENT MOTOR TRADE CUP: 18 Holes Stableford. Trophy donated by Motor Trades Association of Queensland for annual competition. Winner each year to receive replica and special trophy. Trophies also for second, third and fourth and numerous trophy run-downs. Nearest-the-Pins on all Par 3 holes
18 HOLES STROKE EVENT Trophies for Winner and numerous Runner-up Trophies Nearest-the-Pins
SPECIAL TROPHY FOR HOLE-IN-ONE ON ANY HOLE COMMITTEE: CHAIRMAN: RON SCELLS P.O. Box 49, Boonah, 4310 (5463 2707)
ROSS McCLOUD, 66 Cumberland Drive, Alexandra Hills, 4161 (0419 841 853)
TREASURER: DAVID GORRIE, (Life Member) 12 J Dobson Road, Morayfield, 4506 (0431 431 952)
DES KEMPSTER, (Life Member) 46 Streeton Parade, Everton Park, 4053 (3355 0410)
PAT HELMS, 234 Kirralee Crs. Upper Kedron, 4053
NEAL SPRING, 10 Fairhaven Street, Bridgeman Downs,
(0439 723 316)
4035 (3263 5515)
SOME PROCEEDS MAY BE DONATED TO CHARITY
Availability of industry stationary, IR advice and industry information.
Training apprentices for the industry's future.
What is the best thing about working in your industry? Every day is different.
What is the best piece of business advice you have ever given or been given? Don’t get bitter, get better.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ?
Advance Tyres & More Location: Stafford Type of business: Tyre & Mechanical Workshop Number of employees: 4 Trading since: 1998 MTAQ member since: 2009
How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland? (MTAQ)
Do it. It is good value for money and the MTAQ has solid recognition in the industry.
AN MTAQ representative called on the business.
How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?
What has been your proudest business achievement to date? Building the business to its current level.
What is the best thing about working in your industry? The variety of work available.
What is the best piece of business advice you have ever given or been given? Make sure you give correct information.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? Do it. It is good value for money.
Bridgestone Select Bundaberg Location: Bundaberg Type of business: Mechanical Workshop Number of employees: 4
How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland? (MTAQ) Through industry contacts.
Trading since: 2013
How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?
MTAQ member since: 2013
Industry information availability.
September 2016 Motor Trader | 27
E S S E N T I A L S
What has been your proudest business achievement to date?
M E M B E R S
Member profiles
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
Industrial relations
TED KOWALSKI INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER
CHANGES TO ANNUAL LEAVE PROVISIONS IN CLERKS PRIVATE SECTOR AWARD AND VEHICLE MANUFACTURING REPAIR SERVICES AND RETAIL AWARD
A
S PART OF the four-year review of modern awards, the Fair Work Commission has made changes to the annual leave provisions of the above awards as shown below in summary form; Dealing with excessive annual leave accrual – If an employee has more than 8 weeks’ annual leave accrued, the employer may give the employee at least 8 weeks’ notice to take no less than 1 week of that accrual. The employee must be left
with at least 6 weeks’ annual leave accrual after taking the required leave. The employee has a similar right to ask the employer to allow him to take annual leave when there is an excessive accrual provided that the employee is not entitled to take more than 4 weeks in any period of 12 months. (Note; Generally, the taking of annual leave requires the mutual agreement of employer and employee.) Taking annual leave in advance – An employer and employee may agree, in writing*, to the employee taking a period of annual leave before the employee has accrued an entitlement to that leave. If the employment of the employee terminates and the leave taken in advance exceeds the actual accrual of leave, the excess leave taken can be deducted from any monies owing on termination. Electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment of annual leave – An employee paid by electronic funds transfer may be paid in accordance with their usual pay cycle while on paid annual leave. (Note; This means that an employer does not have to pay the full amount of the annual leave to be taken when the annual leave commences – it can be paid on the usual pay day/s. This provision has only been inserted into the Vehicle Manufacturing Repair Services and Retail Award.) Cashing out of annual leave – An employer and employee may
agree, in writing*, to the cashing out of part of the accrued annual leave. The payment must not be less than the amount that would have been payable had the employee taken the leave. The agreement must not result in the employee being left with less than 4 weeks’ accrual. The maximum amount of annual leave that can be cashed out in any 12 months is 2 weeks. *Note: There are template agreement documents in the Schedules of both of the Awards. These changes came into effect from 29 July 2016 but the provision allowing an employee to ask the employer to take some part of an excessive accrual comes into effect from 29 July 2017. You should access a copy of the consolidated awards for the full wording of the amendments made.
FAIR WORK HELPING TO ENSURE A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR BUSINESS Fair Work has introduced a new tip-off service which allows a business, which has reasonable grounds to suspect that another business is not meeting its award obligation to employees, to provide an anonymous report to the Department. This will go a long way to ensuring a level playing field for all businesses – one on which all apply the same employment rules and regulations equally. The anonymous tip-off service can be accessed on the Fair Work web site at www.fairwork.gov.au
MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name
Principal/s
Address
Division
Access Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning Pty Ltd Cairns Pitstop Col Wilkie Body Works Euro Auto Tech DCB Mechanical Faranda Automotive Serivces Formula Automotive Galaxy Autos Kombi Shop Mechanics 2 U Midas Ashgrove Pauls Cylinder Head Services Rencal Motors Two Wheel Tyres Ultra tune Hamilton Wilco Motors Zillmere Mechanical Repairs
Michael Sukker Frank Raso Kerianne Crisp Stephen Gross Darren Boyd Catherine O’kane Laura Mole Narendar Piryani Nicholas Parker Leanne Slabosz Ben Neighbour Paul Swindells Laurie Lin Darren Simpson Murray Wilson Mark Flood Chris Usher
161 Waterworks Road, ASHGROVE EAST Q 4060 136 Spence Street, PARRAMATTA PARK Q 4870 3-5 Inston Street, TOOWOOMBA Q 4350 25 Duntroon Road, BRENDALE Q 4500 11 Hugh Ryan Dirve, GARBUTT Q 4814 52 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba Q 4102 49 Balaclava Street, WOOLLOONGABBA Q 4102 12 Wellington Street, CLEVELAND Q 4163 2/677 Eumundi / Noosa Road, DOONAN Q 4562 1849 Ipswich Road, ROCKLEA Q 4106 257 Waterworks Road, ASHGROVE Q 4060 255 Kent Street, MARYBOROUGH Q 4650 3/256-258 Musgrave Road, COOPERS PLAINS Q 4108 3/1505 Warrego Hwy, BLACKSOIL Q 4306 109B Links Avenue South, EAGLE FARM Q 4009 6/70 Raynham Street, SALISBURY Q 4107 6/260 Zillmere Road, ZILLMERE Q 4034
contact@accessautoelectrics.com operations@cps.com.au shop@colwilkiebodyworks.com.au info@euroautotech.com.au darren@dcbmechcanical.com.au info@farandaautomotive.com.au info@formulaautomotive.com.au npiryani@gmail.com kombishop@hotmail.com mechanics@mechanics2u.com sales@ashgrove.midas.com.au Pauls.cylinder.heads@gamil.com bt@rencal.com.au 2wheeltyres@gmail.com hamilton@ultratune.com.au service@wilcomotors.com.au Chris.usher@zmr.com.au
AED TUDQ NACA AED AED AED AED ARD AED AED AED ERAQ AED QMID AED AED AED
28 | Motor Trader September 2016
Investment matters
MARKET WRAP
G
LOBAL MARKETS SHRUGGED off the Brexit (UK referendum to leave the European Union) result and responded with a sharp rally in equity markets. Expectations around additional global monetary policy support continued to underpin risk assets. The US reporting season saw stronger than expected earnings and solid US economic data, which showed growth is starting to improve. European markets were broadly stronger as Brexit fears evaporated. Expectations around a Bank of Japan-led stimulus package drove the Yen down and Japanese equities higher. In what has been somewhat of a surprise, Australian equity markets have enjoyed a strong bounce back in July following the market volatility associated with Brexit. The S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index returned 6.3% in July. Performance was strong across all sectors, although the Energy sector lagged as oil prices fell ~14%. Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors were the notable outperformers, while the Materials sector rallied on higher iron ore prices. We believe the following factors are contributing to the strong upward move: • Cash levels have been high, liquidity remains strong and while there was a significant amount of nervousness leading into the Brexit vote, as the concerns eased we have seen markets bounce. • Economic data has improved. The market has been concerned regarding the potential for a slowdown in economic activity but this does not appear to be eventuating. • Equities remain attractive relative to alternatives.
In the aftermath of the Brexit vote, markets sought the safety of bond yields, driving funds into the bond proxies like property trusts, infrastructure and utilities. While these sectors would obviously struggle in the event that bond yields increase, we also believe other sectors are better placed should interest rates stay low. We provide the following comments: • Property, utilities and infrastructure are very crowded sectors. Three years of strong outperformance will drive money to a sector and it is no different this time. • Infrastructure stocks have capacity limits. The market is focused on near-term yield plus growth measures but there are capacity limits to the size of airports and concessions have limited lives. • Yields on these sectors are below market and not tax effective. The changing political and competitive environment for banks means we are more negative on the ability of the banks to hold their current margins. The domestic election outcome that has raised the prospect of a royal commission
and increased the likelihood of the RBA lowering rates to counter higher deficits, combined with a potential loss of the AAA rating, are all potentially negative for the banks. In addition, the competitive environment, especially for deposits, is increasing. Overall, while we can understand the factors driving the bounce in markets, we retain some caution to reflect that earnings growth remains modest. We continue to expect some volatility in markets but with interest rates remaining low, sentiment generally cautious and some signs of improvement in economies, we think buying the dips is the appropriate strategy. DISCLAIMER This document provides general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation to invest in any product or financial service mentioned above. Investment in a DNR Capital individually managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation. Whilst DNR Capital has used its best endeavours to ensure the information within this document is accurate it cannot be relied upon in any way and recipients must make their own enquiries concerning the accuracy of the information within.
September 2016 Motor Trader | 29
Concept corner
Nissan BladeGlider
NISSAN’S BLADEGLIDER ON THE CUTTING EDGE
N
ISSAN HAS UNVEILED the working prototype of its futuristic, zero-emissions, highperformance BladeGlider vehicle. The spectacular-looking vehicle, with its arrow-shaped design, was developed from concept cars first shown at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2013 and Nissan says the BladeGlider symbolises ‘future technologies combining Intelligent Mobility, environmentally-friendly impact and sports-car driving capabilities.’ The BladeGlider is a stunning piece of work and the demonstration models’ chassis configuration of narrow front track and wider rear track is designed for ‘optimum aerodynamic efficiency and handling stability.’ Wheel-mounted controls for BladeGlider’s systems feed into an advanced display showing speed, state of battery charge, regeneration mode and torque map. Flanking the 30 | Motor Trader September 2016
POWER IS 100 PERCENT ELECTRIC, WITH POWERTRAIN PERFORMANCE DELIVERED BY NISSAN’S TECHNICAL PARTNER FOR THE BLADEGLIDER PROJECT, UK-BASED WILLIAMS ADVANCED ENGINEERING. central display are two screens, with the images of rear-view cameras mounted just behind the front wheels. The driver sits in arrowhead formation slightly in front of two passengers. Power is 100 percent electric, with powertrain performance delivered by Nissan’s technical partner for the BladeGlider project, UK-based Williams Advanced
Engineering. Maximum speed of the demonstration models is in excess of 190km/h, with 0-100km/h taking less than 5 seconds. The rear wheels’ drive is provided by two 130kW electric motors – one for each wheel. Power is supplied by a highperformance five-module lithiumion 220kW battery. Bespoke cooling systems have been developed for both the battery and the motors. “These prototypes epitomise Nissan’s drive to expand its Intelligent Mobility strategy, where driving pleasure combines with environmental responsibility. Nissan believes that enthusiasts should look forward to a zero emission future and BladeGlider is a perfect demonstration of that. It’s the electric vehicle for car lovers,” said Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
“NISSAN BELIEVES THAT
ENTHUSIASTS SHOULD LOOK FORWARD TO A ZERO EMISSION FUTURE AND BLADEGLIDER IS A PERFECT DEMONSTRATION OF THAT. IT’S THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE FOR CAR LOVERS.” CARLOS GHOSN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
September 2016 Motor Trader | 31
Paintless Dent Repair Introductory Course Right training.
Course Overview
Right place.
Paintless Dent Repair, or PDR, is the method by which dents can be removed from the bodywork of a vehicle leaving the original finish and paintwork intact.
Right way.
A wide range of imperfections can be corrected using PDR techniques, though it is most famously used for the repair of hail damaged vehicles.
MTA Institute is running a two-day Fundamentals of Paintless Dent Repair course.
The PDR technician uses special tools, glues and tabs to either push out dents from the underside of the bodywork or pull them out from the exterior of the panel. Specialist lighting and reflection boards and ‘tapping down’ techniques are used to ensure a perfect finish. The PDR industry is experiencing a massive upturn. It is a fast and efficient method for the repair of many imperfections, and skilled technicians are much sought-after in the body repair industry. MTA Institute has partnered with industry-leading company PDR President to offer this course in the fundamentals of Paintless Dent Repair. In this course you will be taught the basic tips and techniques behind the successful practice of paintless dent repair. These include: 1. Metal movements and theory 2. Lighting (fog and line boards) 3. Tool selection 4. Access and leverage 5. Glue pulling Time:
9am to 4pm, lunch included
Location: MTA Institute, Eight Mile Plains Cost:
$1650 per person (Inc GST)
Enrol Should you wish to enrol, or require further information, please contact one of our friendly staff on 3722 3000.
Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email courses@mtai.edu.au Website mtai.edu.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113
20150268
MTA Institute Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence
Industry insight
WHY PROFITABLE BUSINESSES CAN GO BUST! I F A BUSINESS is selling plenty of products or services and buying labour and parts at the right price, how is it possible for it to go bust? Cash is, more often than not, the reason why so many businesses fail. Profits can’t be spent until they are collected. Obviously it’s important to sell at the right price and create the maximum amount of both gross profit and net profit. If you don’t focus on collection though, your business won’t last very long. Cash is the lifeblood of any business, and if it isn’t flowing at the right place at the right time, this can cause real headaches for the business owner. Getting cash into the right place at the right time, means having it in your bank account for more of the time, and not that of others. There are many places your cash can be other than in your bank account, such as: • Customers who haven’t paid you yet • Suppliers you have paid too quickly • Stock – surplus or slow moving • Work in Progress – work not invoiced • Plant and Equipment that could be leased • Excessive overheads and costs Let’s briefly discuss some of the above and how you could get the cash moving back into your bank account quickly. Customers who owe you money are more important than those who don’t! It’s much easier to get money out of customers you have already sold to than new ones. Many business owners feel uncomfortable about debt collection. If this is you, get someone else to do it. It may seem expensive, but it’s much more expensive to have your cash funding other people’s businesses. Outsourcing Accounts Receivables, or training someone to
do it, could cost very little compared to the outcome. If done properly it could put much needed working capital back into your bank account. Suppliers often get paid too quickly. You’ve heard the term ‘The squeaky wheel gets the attention”. Many bookkeepers will get a payment authorised immediately for a demanding supplier or worse still, as soon as the invoice comes in. This can play havoc with your cashflow. You need to use up all of the available terms and negotiate better ones if you can. It can pay huge dividends to spend a bit of time investigating other suppliers and better payment terms. It may seem strange to consider stock as cash but it is. Just think of it as fifty dollar bills piled up in your stock room. Do you have any methodology behind your stock purchasing? Many businesses buy when the sales representative calls in or if they get offered a discount. You should buy stock when it suits you and your needs, not those of your supplier. Discounts can also be a big trap. Ask yourself why are they discounting? Do they know something you don’t? Is there a new product coming up that will supercede the existing one? You need to measure the cost of having that stock sitting around sucking up your precious working capital, against the discount being offered. It may be tempting to swap cash flow for potential increased profits, but if it’s going to cause you cashflow problems perhaps it’s not worth it. Work in Progress can be a real hiding place for cash. If you have many jobs on the go at once, it can be very hard to manage them all to a point where they can
be invoiced. There can be all kinds of hold ups, such as slow parts delivery, labour problems, getting access to job sites etc. If you are trying to do this manually, or in your head without any process, it can cause you real headaches and cash flow problems. A simple job management system can save lots of headaches. With a computerised system you have all of the information in one place about each and every job. You will know what work you have done for whom, who worked on it and for how long. You will know what parts were used as well as being able to compare what you quoted on the job to what actually occurred. This puts you in a strong position to tighten up your quoting skills. One issue many contractors face is never quite knowing how much labour they are invoicing, compared to what they are paying for. With a good job management system you can see this very quickly and clearly. This puts you in a position to ask the question of labour hire “What were you doing with the rest of the time? And how can I sell more of their time and what would it be worth?” If you do a very quick estimate of how much money you have in outstanding customer debts, suppliers paid too quickly, excess or slow moving stock and work not invoiced, you may find it’s worth spending a little time and money getting these four areas sorted out. It could put tens of thousands of dollars back into your bank account, not just today but for the future. It could really reduce your headaches and sleepless nights worrying about cash flow. It could also reduce greatly your interest bill. For more information, go to businessnumbersmadeeasy.com
September 2016 Motor Trader | 33
Craig Lowndes, TeamVortex
The # 1 choice of TeamVortex and 40,000 other businesses Make it Yours
08/16
1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au
This document is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. We also recommend that you seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), an important document containing all the information you need to make a decision about MTAA Super, can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415 or visiting mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.