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Taking Care of Business new ideas and clever tips
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Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine
welcome. f r o m
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E dit o r
Plumbing Industry House 525 King Street West Melbourne VIC 3003 T (03) 9329 9622 F (03) 9329 5060 E info@plumber.com.au www.plumber.com.au The Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine (Industry and Member editions and occasional supplements including the MPMSAA Group Training News, are official journals produced by the Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) ABN: 56 296 473 997 Print Post number: 100019076 ISSN: 1325-6289
Master Plumbers Association Locations Head Office 525 King Street West Melbourne VIC 3003 T (03) 9329 9622 F (03) 9329 5060
Brisbane Group Training SkillsTech Australia 760-776 Kingsford Smith Drive Eagle Farm QLD 4006 T 0424 165 308 F (07) 3854 2346
Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre
Welcome to our June issue. Our business issue covers everything from succession planning, communication, marketing and publicity and insurance and safety. Running a business can be a challenge and takes a huge investment of time, effort and money.
In this issue we’re taking care of business
A successful business is one that is focussed on customer service, is well organised and is adaptable and open to new opportunities.
In this issue, our taking care of business feature is full of clever tips, simple suggestions and some new ideas to help you run, grown and develop an efficient and profitable plumbing business. We see how video is a simple and clever tool you can use to help market your business. We also hear from business coach Roland Hankleroot about creating a business plan that will work for you, and business strategist Stefan Kazakis discusses the five most desired outcomes small business owners want.
4 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Planning is a big theme in this issue, and a successful business always thinks ahead. Have you thought about what will happen when you leave your business? Our Moving On piece brings up some factors to consider when planning your exit strategy. One of the biggest challenges for any plumbing business is being found and staying found. If you’re consider investing in some online advertising, read our Facebook vs Google ads story first. On the member side of things, we’ve got stories from some of our long-time members and an update on our ‘Always choose a Master Plumber’ campaign! Our Mastering Workplace Relations series looks at minimum entitlements and how you should be meeting them as an employer, while our safety update asks if your business could benefit from a Work Health & Safety Management Plan. We’ve also got all our regular features and news from across the industry! Happy reading!
Melissa Chrys Editor Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine
306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3065 T (03) 9356 8921 F (03) 9356 8929
Contacts Publisher The Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA)
Editor Melissa Chrys T (03) 9321 0703 E publications@plumber.com.au
Advertising Tremain Walles T (03) 9321 0780 E tremain.walles@plumber.com.au
Suppliers Salt Creative www.saltcreative.com.au Printgraphics www.printgraphics.com.au Direct Mail Corporation www.directmail.com.au
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contents.
37
10
From the CEO / 9
Taking care of business / 28
A message from our CEO and the Association’s President
Clever tips, simple suggestions and some new ideas to help you run, grow and develop an efficient and profitable plumbing business.
Member news / 10 Member Milestones – long-standing members of the Association were recognised in March.
Industry news / 18 The Battle of Facebook Ads vs. Google Adwords / 26 The biggest challenge plumbing businesses face is being found and staying found – what sort of advertising will work best for you?
Moving on / 32
Operating at peak performance see page 40
26 Copper plumbing taps into the 21st century / 42 Safety update / 44 Could your business benefit from having a Work Health and Safety Management System?
Having a good succession plan for your business will lay the foundations for future success
Mastering workplace relations: minimum entitlements / 46
Apprentice news / 37
The right protection / 50
Tax time / 38 It’s time to start this year’s tax planning
Operating at peak performance / 40 Measurement is the first step towards better environmental management of our buildings
Managing the risk of burglary is an essential part of protecting any business
Product news / 52 WPC news / 62 The latest from the World Plumbing Council
Disclaimer Statements and information appearing in this publication must not be interpreted as having the endorsement of being the opinion of the publisher, which takes no responsibility for the correctness of the statements made. It is a condition of purchase or acceptance of this publication that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in the publication, or from the use of information contained herein and the publisher makes no warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein. The publisher shall not be liable for any failure to publish any advertisement where such failure results from circumstances beyond their control. If advertising material is not supplied in accordance with deadlines, the publisher reserves the right to repeat any material previously provided by the advertiser. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit material. All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Remember, membership renewals are due at the end of June! You should have received your renewal pack in the mail.
Welcome.
from the President and CEO Our advertising campaign kicks off!
The impact of the budget
I am pleased to announce that our ‘Always choose a Master Plumber’ advertising campaign began in late April and we’ve been promoting Master Plumbers using billboards, radio and print advertising.
As we complete the budget cycle announcements by the Federal and State Governments I am struck by the amount of influence these processes will have on our industry.
So far the feedback and response has been great, with lots of new consumers visiting plumber.com.au to find themselves a Master Plumber!
Changes to budget will have a significant impact on the level of confidence in consumer spending and therefore investment, as well as the level of growth in the economy and therefore the level of construction activity. In addition, the investment in training, skills and apprenticeships and changes to employment laws will also have a substantial effect.
Our ‘Always choose a Master Plumber’ campaign aims to: • Increase awareness of the Master Plumbers and its members • Educate consumers on the benefits of choosing a Master Plumber (Master Plumbers are registered, licensed, bound by a code of ethics, provide quality workmanship and are insured) • Encourage consumers to visit plumber.com.au and use the Find a Plumber function to search for a Master Plumber in their area. We’ve also made some important changes to our Find a Master Plumber search function to make it quicker and easier for consumers to find and contact members. The campaign will run until the end of July and we’ll keep members updated on progress and results.
Time to renew! Remember, membership renewals are due at the end of June! You should have received your renewal pack in the mail. Members who renew on time will be able to take advantage of some great savings on their membership fees. We’ve also created some great new bumper stickers and car decals for members to display on their vehicles. These new stickers tie in with our advertising campaign and let you proudly display your Master Plumber status!
Here for you I’d like to remind all our members to take advantage of our services and offers throughout the year. Visit our website to access a full range of resources, templates and documentation to help you manage your workplace and your staff. Got a question about safety? Call our safety guru Rod Tresidder for information or advice on anything to do with workplace health and safety. If you’re looking for an apprentice, call Pancho Grech – he’ll set you up with one of our great apprentices; it’s a great solution for any business. And finally, did you know you can save serious $$ through our Member Benefits Program? You can access significant savings on fuel cards, vehicles, insurance, holidays and shopping! Our Membership Services team is always on hand to help you out, so give them a call on 03 9329 9622.
Being able to influence these outcomes is where the membership of an association becomes critical. Our Association is working with Master Plumber Associations in other states as well as peak bodies such as ACCI to ensure that small business and the plumbing sector is represented. Master Plumbers has also started working with the Australian Hydraulic Services Consultants Association (AHSCA) to liaise with major water distributors and the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) in order to achieve consistency in the processes and standards that apply to plumbing applications. This committee is now working quite effectively. The reform of the VBA continues, but at a slow pace. The recruitment of the management team has been finalised, but once again with a disturbing lack of knowledge and experience in relation to the building and construction industry. The Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 was introduced for its second reading speech on 8 May 2014 and is expected to introduce most of the proposed reforms to operate from 1 July 2014. Master Plumbers continues to push for increased recruitment of inspectors and increased inspection activity as well as improved communication with plumbers by the Authority. Our Roofing Division has commenced consultation with the Union and other industry roofing bodies in preparation for discussions with the Victorian Government through the Plumbing Advisory Committee about the proposed ‘red-tape’ reforms. As you can see, there are a number of key issues impacting the plumbing industry and the need for a collective voice providing input and support on behalf of our industry is vital. I strongly urge you to join the Master Plumbers Association in your state and add your voice to the chorus. Becoming a member allows you to be an active participant in the future of our industry and to help ensure our industry remains strong and maintains its high standards. Contact the Master Plumbers Association in your state to find out more about membership.
Scott Dowsett President, Master Plumbers Ken Gardner CEO, Master Plumbers
www.plumber.com.au | 9
member news Milestone members Members gathered at the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) on 10 April to attend the Association’s Annual General Meeting. The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of Milestone Certificates for businesses who have been members of the Association for over 30 years. These certificates recognise their long-standing involvement and commitment to the Association and the plumbing industry. Congratulations to all the Milestone Certificate recipients! 30 years
TA Asquith Plumbing Tony Asquith commenced in the plumbing industry at the age of 15 years. He was clearly born to be a plumber and now has in excess of 30 years in the industry. He completed an apprenticeship and worked for a boss for a short time before realising it was more profitable to work for himself. Throughout the years he has had a number of employees and has seen the highs and the lows, suffered the recession ‘we had to have’ and is still on the tools today. He currently runs Asquith Plumbing, Dr Draino and Mr Hot Water.
30 years
Moroneys Plumbing & Supplies Geoff and Helen Moroney started Moroney’s Plumbing & Supplies in 1980 in Rochester, a small town in northern Victoria. A turning point came when the business won a plumbing contract with the Ministry of Housing, looking after the plumbing requirements in Rochester, Echuca and Elmore. In 1984 Moroney’s Plumbing joined the Master Plumbers and immediately Geoff was heavily involved. He became Chairman of the Bendigo Zone, then Chairman of the Northwest Region and was a representative on the National Council. In 1989 Geoff started the Master Plumbers Bendigo Golf Day along with a number of fellow members. The event has now been going for over 24 years and has raised over $180,000 for various cancer charities.
10 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
In 2010 Geoff was presented with the Association’s Hygeia award, in recognition of his ongoing and significant contribution to Master Plumbers. Geoff says: “I am amazed at the comradeship of the Master Plumbers members and how lucky we have been to have found such an amazing group of friends who are always there when you need them.”
30 years
Optima Plumbing In the summer of January 1979, Nikola Rogulic and his family arrived in Australia. Having left Germany and its winter far behind, the hot summers in Australia were extremely hard to adjust to and it took three years for the family to settle down and agree that they would stay. Nikola says it was challenging being a plumber from overseas. He had to further educate himself in order to become familiar with a new system and he studied at RMIT for two years to receive his certificate of competency. Optima Plumbing was created in 1982 and the family is proud it is still in operation today. While the business does a lot of work in the domestic market, Nikola is pleased that Optima Plumbing also works on semi-commercial projects, like nursing homes, schools, child care centres, swimming pool complexes and the Deakin university campus. These projects have always made Nikola very proud to be a plumber and his policy has always been to an attention to detail and to provide the highest quality workmanship.
30 years
Banboy Bruce Boyd and Guy Bancroft both studied at Dromana and Frankston Technical Schools. They both ran successful small businesses in partnership with their spouses for some years before commencing a joint company Bancroft Boyd – trading as Banboy, and have been trading since 1992. The company has operated from its factory premises for the past 22 years. Since the business commenced they have employed and trained 10 apprentices. Banboy works largely on the Mornington Peninsula carrying out works ranging from general plumbing to gas appliance servicing to civil contracting.
35 years
Hardinghams Plumbing and Electrical Hardinghams Plumbing and Electrical was started in 1950 by Harold and Iris Hardingham. It is a family owned business that has been servicing Donald and the North Central area of Victoria for 64 years. Harold and Iris’ son Leigh and his wife Joan joined the business in 1974 and the business became a member of Master Plumbers in 1979. Hardinghams employ licensed plumbers and gasfitters and are proud of their quality workmanship. The business has had approximately 20 apprentices over the years and have employed up to 15 full time staff. Over the past 64 years Hardinghams, have manufactured and serviced lots of different things including making and
manufacturing Aquaplate Tanks, installing and servicing windmills and connecting Donald and surrounding towns to the sewerage system. These days they install solar and instantaneous gas hot water systems as well as gas log fires, heating and cooling systems and general plumbing repairs.
40 years
Ellis & St Clair Ellis & St Clair was established in 1973 by Chris Ellis and King St Clair, who purchased an existing business from their employer Frank Smith. Ellis & St Clair has been servicing the Kerang and district area in all aspects of plumbing and plumbing supplies for over 40 years. Today, the business is still run by Chris Ellis and is still in the same location in Maxwell St, Kerang. Its mission has always remained the same: to provide the best possible service to the district and to provide its employees with a safe, secure and happy working environment which they can be proud of. Ellis & St Clair employs two apprentices and 11 fully qualified tradesmen and Chris is proud to note that his very first apprentice Scott Strachan, and his very first tradesman Robert McKenzie, are still working with him today.
40 years
Cambro Boilers In 1967 Eddie Nunn started the Floor Core Heating company. The business operated from an old house in Ormond and Eddie had one worker to help him with installations and another to assist with sales. Initially the business concentrated on house slab heating, but gradually work increased and they also took on larger projects such as factories, schools and aged care facilities. In 1971 Eddie and his wife Joyce bought a factory in Cambro Road, Clayton. The business grew, more staff were hired and the company joined Master Plumbers in 1974. In 1983 the first Cambro MK2 Boiler was manufactured. At this time the
company name changed to Cambro Boilers Pty Ltd and Eddie and Joyce brought their two daughters and their husbands into the business as Directors.
Kevin Started his business (N.F. & K.J. Symes) with his wife Nola in 1970. The business became a company and named Symes Plumbing in 1995.
Eddie’s mind was on work 24/7 and while on a holiday in his caravan up north he was designing the next boiler, the Cambro MK3, sketching it out on the laminex table much to Joyce’s disgust. She wasn’t allowed to wash the table down till they got home, and it was copied over to a large sheet of drawing paper.
The business joined the Master Plumbers in 1974 and Kevin enjoyed attending the meetings in Geelong and getting to know other local plumbers.
Today the business is run by daughter Barbara and her husband Michael and the company is now third generation as their two sons (both plumbers) have become involved.
40 years
Newlands & Knights The Newlands story begins in the early 1850’s when two brothers, James and Archibald Newlands migrated to Australia from Scotland. James established the family business (James Newlands & Sons) on Bridge Road Richmond, with no idea that the business they gave birth to in 1855 would still be operating well over 150 years later. In 1895 Geoff’s great-great-grandfather (George Smith Newlands) welcomed George Knights as a partner into the business and Newlands & Knights came to life. The business has always been located on Bridge Rd Richmond, servicing Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs and being heavily involved with the local community. The Newlands family even have a street named in their honour in Richmond! The company is currently owned and operated by Geoff Newlands, who is the fifth family generation. Geoff is proudly preparing to one day hand over the reins to his own son, David Newlands.
40 years
Symes Plumbing Kevin Symes started his apprenticeship in Geelong at the age of 15 with H.A. Langmead, where he stayed for nearly 12 years.
The business has worked in a variety of plumbing areas over the years, from air-conditioning and mechanical to domestic, and in recent years has become mainly maintenance. At present the business employs two plumbers.
40 years
Banjo Nominees John Edmund Patterson commenced his plumbing apprenticeship at age 15 with Atherton & Son. John was married at the age of 24 and went on to have five children. Due to the growing family financial demands and responsibilities, he decided his best option was to start his own business. Hard work saw the business grow, at one stage employing 25 plumbers and servicing the needs of a long list of domestic and industrial clients. It is a matter of record and source of pride that many employees and clients have stayed with the business to the present day. After his success as a businessman, John entered public life serving as a director on a number of boards and working as an active volunteer. His service to the community was recognised in 2003 when he was awarded an OAM for Service to the Community and Health Services of Victoria.
40 years
Sandhurst Air Conditioning and Plumbing Sandhurst Air Conditioning and Plumbing was established in 1974 when four of the employees of D Smyth & Son were made redundant after its closure. The business mainly carried out mechanical service contracts for the formerly named Public Works Department, Hospitals and Charities
www.plumber.com.au | 11
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Milestone members Commission, and Commonwealth Department of Works, as well as Bendigo Building Society (now Bendigo and Adelaide Bank). Peter Kennedy was chosen as the company representative when the business joined Master Plumbers and for the next 25 years Peter was a representative on the Bendigo and Northern Zone Committee. He served two years as Chairman and many years as Treasurer/Secretary. Sandhurst Air Conditioning and Plumbing participated in many Master Plumbers initiatives, including small business training courses, charge-out rate workshops, industrial relations updates and conferences. By far the next most beneficial initiative was the Domestic and Residential Fire Sprinkler Training Course, which generated a lot of projects for the company. The business was sold to Peter Perez and Trevor Hamilton in 2002. Together they have provided the enthusiasm and energy required to meet today’s business challenges.
40 years
Highbury Plumbing Branko Klarica established Highbury Plumbing in 1970. His determination, honesty and integrity quickly put Highbury Plumbing at the forefront of commercial plumbing in Victoria. Today, more than 40 years on, Highbury Plumbing is one of Victoria’s leading privately owned commercial plumbing companies. Its ownership has been passed through to the second generation, with Andrew Scott as owner/Managing Director. Highbury Plumbing is currently working on large retail projects including Eastland Shopping Centre & Werribee Plaza Shopping centre, other projects include the RAAF Base in Sale, The Shrine of Remembrance and Pheonix apartments, as well as hospital & laboratory work.
40 years
Chadoak Pty Ltd Chadoak Pty Ltd was established and founded by Richard ‘Dick’ Griffin in 1974. Dick started his own company in 1963 and four years later he had a successful business operating out of the backyard of the family home servicing the suburbs of Chadstone and Oakleigh – this resulted in the company name being changed to Chadoak Plumbing and Drainage. The family business expanded as Dick took his son Paul on as his first apprentice and then employed two more of his sons, Peter and Jim. Soon Jim and Peter joined with another of their brothers Kevin, a qualified plumber, to take over Chadoak Plumbing and Drainage in 1974. Chadoak Plumbing and Drainage continued to grow. Six years later Jim and Peter bought a bigger factory in Clayton. The number of staff has grown exponentially and Chadoak Plumbing and Drainage now employs over 120 people, making it one of the biggest plumbing companies in Melbourne. Chadoak undertakes a huge variety of plumbing work including maintenance for large corporations, estate agents, domestic customers, and the three metropolitan water companies. Chadoak gained certification to the CCF Construction Code of Management in April 2001 and has maintained its certification status since and recently become accredited to ISO9001.
40 years
Barden-Steeldeck Industries Established in 1974 by Barry Stokes and Reg Mullins as Barden Roofing, the company has developed into a dynamic organisation through a combination of strong organic growth and strategic mergers, including Steeldeck Industries in 1993, which was involved in many of Victoria’s major projects during the 1970s and 80s. Steeldeck Industries had earlier acquired Holvex Pty Ltd, an old and highly reputable roofing and sheet metal firm.
In addition to its roofing division, Barden-Steeldeck Industries operates a sheet metal workshop which specializes in aluminium and stainless steel fabrication work, as well as general flashings that supplement the roof contracting side of the business. In 2006 four long-time employees were given the opportunity to purchase the company with the impending retirement of the founder, Reg Mullins. These employees were Robert Hansen, Michael Shacklock, Mark Fisher and Nick Mullins.
45 years
GE Howden & Co George Howden became a qualified plumber in 1957. After many years of working for various plumbers he decided to head out on his own and started GE Howden & Co in the 1970s. George’s children Lisa, Paul and Gina, along with this nephew Andrew all became plumbers and worked in the family business. After Paul and George both passed away, Andrew now runs the business with his wife Brenda and their son Corey who is a third year apprentice.
45 years
Arthur Robinson Plumbing Arthur Robinson received a scholarship from the Master Plumbers Association in 1960 and completed a plumbing apprenticeship. He was invited to become a trade school teacher but decided instead to start his own business. Initially Arthur Robinson Plumbing focussed on the domestic plumbing market, both in new builds and maintenance. However an increase in interest rates caused the domestic market to slow down and the business moved onto commercial and industrial work. 54 years after starting, the business employs around 40 staff and services a radius of 1500km. Arthur has very much enjoyed his career as a plumber and the opportunities that have come from being a Master Plumbers member.
www.plumber.com.au | 13
Milestone members 50 years
Alan Cassells Plumbing Alan Cassells started his career as an apprentice in Ballarat in 1954. In 1962 Alan started up his own business, AH Cassells, he worked from home with one apprentice and his wife, Marion, doing the secretarial work. During this time the business focussed mainly on sub-contracting to construction companies and some domestic maintenance. A H Cassells was the first plumbing Company in Ballarat to start up a drain cleaning business when in the mid 1960 Alan acquired a new electric drain cleaning unit. The business continued to grow over the years, completing a mix of maintenance, home construction and commercial/ industrial buildings and maintenance. Eventually, a decision was made to concentrate solely on the commercial/ industrial contracts under a new business entity, Alan Cassells Plumbing. Today the business is still operating with Alan’s son David now the sole Director. Alan joined the Master Plumbers in 1964 and was a very active member over the years. He was President of the Ballarat Zone for two years and a representative on various committees, including the Executive Board, over the years. Alan was made a Life Member of the Association in 1993 in recognition of his involvement and contribution to the Association.
50 years
Lamb & Bell Lamb and bell first began when Alex Lamb and Robert (Bob) Bell first formed a partnership in 1964. They operated from a small shed at the back of the Lamb`s family home in Seaford. Work mainly consisted of plumbing to new houses for various local builders. By 1966 they had expanded the business to employ four plumbers, two drainers and two apprentices.
14 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
In 1967 the sewer mains were underway in Chelsea, Seaford and Frankston, Alex and Bob decided to abandon working on new houses and specialized in sewerage house connections in these areas, this proved to be a very successful decision and continued for the next four years.
50 years
John F Robertson & Son John Robertson went into business for himself in 1957, performing maintenance work for friends and family. He joined the Master Plumbers in 1964.
In 1968 the business relocated to Seaford and by 1971 Lamb & Bell had some 30 plumbers and drainers employed. They then decided to transform the partnership into a company and move into commercial and industrial work which continues today. In 1972 Bob Bell decided to leave the company to pursue other interests and 1977 Mark Lamb joined the company as an apprentice and his brother Peter followed in 1980.
After relocating to East Malvern in 1965, John took on his first apprentice. An increased workload saw the staff level grow, with the addition of a plumber and a succession of apprentices and subcontractors for specialised tasks.
Lamb & Bell has now been successfully operating for 50 years, and whilst the business has been through some tough times it has always managed to adapt to any economic environment.
In recent years, John’s daughter Leonie has joined the business in an administrative role and one of John’s grandson’s Matt Nolan has recently completed his apprenticeship.
50 years
Beatons Plumbing From the early days in the 60’s to its current operations, Beaton’s Plumbing Benalla has always been family owned and operated. Maxwell Beaton finished his apprenticeship in 1943 and started Beaton’s Plumbing on a block of land in residential downtown Benalla in 1960. Maxwell’s son Alan left school to start an apprenticeship with his father and work in the family business. The business moved into its third generation when Paul Antony Beaton began his apprenticeship in 1983. Paul and Alan worked well together, reading each other’s minds and speaking in terms only known to them. Paul and his wife Laura took over the business when Alan retired in 2004. Continuing the family business and helping it grow is what pushes Paul to continue on, and Beaton’s Plumbing may well continue into a fourth generation, with Paul and Laura’s twin five year old boys, who are very proud to announce at school that, “Dad has a big poo truck and loves playing in it!”
John’s eldest son Peter joined as an apprentice in 1976 and staff levels grew again, with four plumbers and two apprentices.
With a broad range of long term valued clients, the business feels fortunate to have avoided the boom/bust cycle by providing a timely maintenance service to many private homes, schools, aged care and community facilities, small and large commercial enterprises and smaller builders. John F Robertson & Son is grateful to the Master Plumbers Association that has been an integral part of the family business for 50 years and looks forward to the future.
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Welcome New Members
It’s time to renew! Members, you have until 30 June to renew your membership and save! You should have received your renewal pack in the mail, if you haven’t received yours or would like to renew over the phone, call our Membership Services team on 03 9329 9622. We’ve created some great new bumper stickers and car decals for members to display on their vehicles. These new stickers tie in with our advertising campaign and let you proudly display your Master Plumber status!
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Master Plumbers welcomes the following new members and affiliates who have joined since March 2014. Tom Stoddart Pty Ltd
Do you have a mate that would benefit from becoming a Master Plumber? Nominate your mate and you’ll be rewarded with an accessory pack from Milwaukee valued at $250! The pack includes a 13 Piece Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit and a 100 Piece Drilling and Driving Kit.
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Head to plumber.com.au to fill in the nomination form or just call Tremain Walles on 03 9321 0780
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Get the most from your membership You can access a great range of discounts through our Member Benefits program. Here are some of the latest offers…
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industry news PICAC news PICAC Training Schedule out now PICAC has released its June – December 2014 Training Schedule. Victorian readers, you’ll receive your free copy with this issue of Australian Plumbing Industry. Looking to expand your business or develop your skills? You’re sure to find a course of interest at PICAC, with everything from asbestos removal and welding, to Type A & B gas appliance servicing
New for 2014 – Medical Gas
Some important dates … Queen’s Birthday Monday 9 June Inter-Water Australia 15-16 October, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Inter-Water Australia brings together innovative ideas in water management with an annual free-to-attend conference and exhibition The focus of Inter-Water Australia will be on innovation – in the way water can be used more efficiently, more sustainably and, in some cases, how its use might even be eliminated Dates altogether. It will not only consider innovations with for your existing water-related diary technologies, such as pumps, valves, meters, etc., it will also showcase some of the most advanced developments that are set to transform the way we use and think about water. Most importantly, it will show how plumbers fit into this brave new world of sustainable water use. To find out more visit inter-water.com.au
Joint Industry Plumbing Conference 13-14 November 2014 Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast Join plumbers and stakeholders from across the industry to discuss strategies for embracing future challenges to our industry. Find out more at plumbingconference.com.au
18 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
In 2014 PICAC is offering a new course, Install Medical Gas Pipeline Systems is a three day program designed to provide participants with the skills and knowledge to safely install medical gas pipeline systems, which are essential for the treatment in hospitals, medical centres and other treatment facilities. For further details visit picac.com.au
PICAC now on Facebook Keep up-to-date with the latest happenings by liking the PICAC Facebook page!
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www.plumber.com.au | 19
industry news PICAC news World Plumbing Day 2014 Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall led celebrations at the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) on Tuesday, 11 March 2014 to mark World Plumbing Day (WPD). WPD is an international event on March 11 every year, initiated by the World Plumbing Council as a means of highlighting the important role plumbing plays in the health, safety and sustainability of our community. PICAC hosted a series of events on Tuesday 11 March 2014 to mark WPD in Victoria. These events included:
Plumbing Industry Luncheon 270 Industry Stakeholders attended a luncheon with speakers focusing on ‘Emerging health risks effecting the plumbing industry.’ In speaking on this important day Minister Hall said, “I am pleased to be able to play a role in supporting the plumbing industry through increased government subsidies for training people in this vital trade. Well trained plumbers are as important today as they ever have been and are in the front line in the fight against disease and ensuring the healthy standard of living we enjoy.”
Well trained plumbers are as important today as they ever have been
to Swinburne University’s Nathan Frauenfelder and Fire Industry Training’s Brent Eacott who won the competitions.
Plumbing Careers Expo 70 students who are considering a future in the plumbing industry took the opportunity to meet with representatives from Registered Training Organizations, TAFE Institutes, group schemes, employers and others involved in vocational education and training.
Plumbing Trades Expo Organizations including, Incolink, IAPMO, Reece, Standards Australia and Energy Safe Victoria set up informative displays of industry innovations, cutting edge products and sustainable solutions for guests.
Crunching the numbers… • Over 400 people visited PICAC to celebrate WPD. • 270 Industry representatives attended the presentations and luncheon. • 27 Organisations exhibited at the Careers and Trades Expo
Guest speakers included Peter Tighe, Chief Executive Officer of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency who launched Asbestos: The Silent Killer DVD staring AFL legend Kevin Sheedy.
• 70 Secondary School students attended the Careers and Trades Expo
Plumbing Apprentice Skills Competition and Sprinkler Fitting Apprentice Skills Competition
• 4 competitors from Fire Industry Training participated in the Sprinkler Fitting Apprentice Skills Competition
13 leading apprentices from across Victoria displayed their skills and knowledge of plumbing, mechanical services and fire protection in practical demonstration. The finalists are eligible for selection to represent PICAC and Australia at the United Association International Apprentice Skills Contest in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Congratulations 20 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
• 9 competitors from 6 RTO’s participated in the Plumbing Apprentice Skills Competition
• 2 Apprentices will represent PICAC and Australia at the United Association International Apprentice Skills Contest in Ann Arbor, Michigan later this year.
industry news Federal Budget impacts apprentices and skills A program that provides financial assistance to apprentices over the course of their training was abolished as part of the Federal Budget. The Tools For Your Trade program provided a series of cash payments over the course of an apprenticeship totalling up to $5500 to assist with the cost of training and the purchase of tools. It will cease from 1 July.
A total of ten skills and training programs are to be abolished in the Budget
“Employee incentives have been around for about 15 years, designed to address the low wages of apprentices. While these incentive payments have often been criticised for their impact on apprentice completion rates, the fact is they have played a part in addressing financial disadvantage and helping many young people to remain in their apprenticeships,” said Jim Barron, CEO of Group Training Australia.
“Last year’s Fair Work Commission decision to increase apprentice wages helped apprentices, however we need to remember that the increase was borne by employers. “Employers, particularly micro, small and medium-sized businesses, are already being stretched, and there is a limit to this,” he said. The government plans to introduce the Trade Support Loans program which will enable apprentices to take out a loan to fund the purchase of tools and other elements of their training. As an incentive to complete, apprentices will get a 20 per cent discount off their loan. The government has also abolished the Australian Apprenticeships Access Program which targets vulnerable job seekers who experience barriers to entering skilled employment, with nationally recognised pre-vocational training, support and assistance.
Since its inception in 1995, this program has assisted tens of thousands of Australians, the great bulk of whom are disadvantaged jobseekers. GTA believes it has been highly successful, delivering value-for-money for governments, taxpayers, jobseekers and communities. A total of ten skills and training programs are to be abolished in the Budget. In their place will be a new Industry Skills Fund, targeting health and biomedical products; mining, oil and gas equipment technology and services; and advanced manufacturing, including defence and aerospace. “We remain hopeful that the guidelines for this new fund, when developed, will enable it to help small and medium sized businesses who are working in the traditional trades,” Mr Barron said. A critically important program for all group training organisations, the Joint Group Training Program, did not feature in the Budget as it is currently being reviewed. To find out more about this topic visit grouptraining.com.au
Wood heaters and flues – a timely reminder With winter approaching the VBA has issued a timely reminder to consumers that wood heaters and flues must be installed and serviced by a licensed plumber. A wood heater and flue that isn’t serviced and maintained regularly is at greater risk of starting a fire. Regular servicing also helps wood heaters to run as efficiently as possible. The VBA has released a consumer information sheet titled, ‘Servicing and maintaining wood heaters and flues to reduce the fire risk’ and recommends that homeowners get these appliances serviced each year by a plumber who is licensed to do the job.
The VBA has also produced an information sheet for practitioners. Technical Solution Sheet 7.01, Solid Fuel Heaters aims to inform plumbers on the safe installation requirements for Solid Fuel Heaters (SFHs) and to provide guidance and advice of SFH maintenance. It also provides tips for the correct use of an SFH and the role and responsibilities of the EPA and local government with respect to air pollution and wood smoke. The Technical Solution Sheet and the consumer information sheet are both available for download at vba.vic.gov.au
22 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
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industry news New leadership team at VBA
The Indigenous Plumbing and Sanitation Foundation
In March 2014, Prue Digby, CEO of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) announced the names of six new Directors. The new members of the VBA executive team are:
Improving the health and sanitation of Indigenous Australians in remote communities has been a long-standing challenge.
Stephen Gregory Director of Corporate Services Marlo Baragwanath Director of the Office of the CEO David Wolf Director of Enquiries and Dispute Resolution Jarrod Edwards Director Technical and Regulation Murray Smith Director of Compliance and Performance Adam Toma Director of Licensing and Registration. Gerard O’Farrel (Manager, Practitioner Services Plumbing) and Dennis Hogan (Executive Regulatory Advisor) are both continuing at the VBA. To find out more about these appointments visit vba.vic.gov.au
According to the Indigenous Plumbing and Sanitation Foundation (IPSF) Chairman, Earl Setches, the reality for many self-administered remote Indigenous communities is that they face acute challenges in maintaining access to reliable clean water and effective sanitation.
Building upon the success of the Indigenous Apprenticeship Program, the IPSF plans to expand the training capacity to embrace more Indigenous apprentices from regional and remote areas, while also funding initiatives which improve sanitation standards within these communities.
“This is frequently due to a lack of available, skilled tradespeople, with the end result being that access to basic sanitation is often denied,” said Earl.
“We are committed to building productive partnerships with the community, the business sector and Government to increase the number of young Indigenous youth obtaining training and employment, by creating more plumbing apprenticeships”, said Earl.
Statistics show that Indigenous Australians have higher rates of chronic disease and are more likely to be disadvantaged by their distance from health care, education and employment opportunities. “Plumbing is on the front-line in the defence against disease and this is where the IPSF has an important role to play,” he added. Determined to make a difference, in 2004 the Plumbing Trades Employees Union (PTEU) began working with business and the Indigenous community to find a solution to the low plumbing standards which often exist in the remote areas of Australia. An Indigenous Apprenticeship Program began, which gave Indigenous youth the opportunity to gain plumbing trade qualifications and skills which could then be translated back into their local community. “Over the last ten years almost 40 young Indigenous men and women have completed their apprenticeships, with many returning to their communities as fully qualified plumbers to enrich their regions with a skill base to improve water and sanitation infrastructure,” said Earl.
24 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
The Foundation also plans to put in place an Indigenous mentoring program. A growing body of research demonstrates that mentoring can achieve powerful and lasting positive outcomes and is particularly effective because it fits well with Indigenous teaching and learning styles. The main aim of the Foundation is to provide relief from poverty and sickness for people in Indigenous communities who are confronted with poor sanitation, putting them at risk of disease and sickness. The IPSF was officially launched on Wednesday, 28 May 2014 at the Richmond Football Club. Check out the next issue for images from the event. To find out more visit ipsf.org.au
New gas installation standards
Standards OnTheGo
Victorian plumbers should take note of the following changes to the gas installation standards.
SAI Global has released an app that allows you to access selected Standards on your iPhone or iPad. This includes the latest Gas Standards.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Gas Installations – Part 1: General Installations and AS/NZS 5601.2:2013 Gas Installations – LP Gas Installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes has been adopted in Victoria and took effect from 31 March 2014. This follows the passing of the Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Amendment Regulations 2014. The new Standard replaces the older AS 5601: 2004 Gas Installations.
Plumbers need to familiarise themselves with the changes in the Standard, which now comes in two parts, each of which is a Standard in its own right.
On-site or on the go, this unique app allows you to view critical Standards purchased via the InfoStore and integrate them with your own comments, highlights and bookmarks.
For full details of the Standard, visit esv.vic.gov.au
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The Battle of Facebook Ads vs. Google Adwords The biggest challenge plumbing businesses face is being found and staying found. How do you let people know you’re here? How do you make people remember your name amidst the chaos of a flooding bathroom? If your marketing budget is small, then you’re probably hesitant about sinking too much money into Facebook or Google ads without knowing what you’ll get out of it, but we’ve done the work for you. Before you begin reading, figure out what you want to achieve with your marketing plan. Do you need to attract more business or do you want to build a community? Then read the list below to decide which ad campaign is going to help you the most.
Clearly both sides have some good and bad points. Facebook is more about social interaction while Google is about purpose. If your business is already well-established, Facebook might be a better way to continue a dialog with your customers. If you’re just starting out, Google could be more helpful for getting your name to interested persons who are searching for plumbers.
26 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Facebook Ads
Google Adwords
Pro Facebook easily
Pro Google allows its
beats out Google in terms of time spent on the site. The average Facebook user spends about 30 minutes per session on Facebook. The longer a person is on the site, the better chance you have of reaching them through an ad.
user to chose their own key words. Depending on your budget, you can chose as many as you like. Chose commonly searched words, such as “plumbers in Prahran.” Now your ad will pop up when someone searches those words.
Pro When setting up your Facebook ad,
Pro Your ads go where they are
you can target certain demographics and geographical locations. You’ll probably want to set a large location to target as well as men and women over the age of 30. These people will more than likely be homeowners who might need a plumber at some point.
needed. People don’t go to Google to browse. They have a definite purpose in mind, and it’s probably to find a plumber. Unlike Facebook, who will display your ad to people in the location and demographics you chose, Google will display your ad only to people who are actively searching those terms.
Pro Even after your Facebook ad campaign ends, you can still interact with the people who liked or shared your page. Your posts will show up on their news feeds, and you can offer advice for fixing a leaky faucet or notify them of any upcoming specials you plan on running.
Con Facebook interactions such as likes, reposts and comments do not always translate into real world actions. When a pipe bursts, a homeowner is not going to Facebook to find a plumber. They’ll probably go to Google. A user may click on your ad, but if they don’t need a plumber for another year, they might not remember to call you.
If you’re still unsure, try both for a set period of time and see which one helps you meet your goals in a timely manner. Be sure to use Google Analytics to help you track your traffic. May the best site win!
Pro One of the biggest advantages Google has over Facebook is Google remarketing or retargeting. Google will display ads on its Google Display partner websites that match a user’s previous searches. If a user searched “plumbers in Prahran,” future ads on other websites might be from similar plumber websites. Facebook only advertises on its own site.
Con The more popular your key word are, the more Google will charge you for them. Though Facebook does the same, Google tends to be more expensive and competitive. You’re basically competing with every other plumber in the area.
These tips came to you from Michael Bird, Director of Social Garden, a digital marketing agency specializing in Search Engine Optimisation, Managed Social Media and website development. Find out more at socialgarden.com.au Primary Sources: www.wordstream.com/facebook-vs-google www.socialadstool.com/facebook-adsguide/facebook-ads-vs-google-ads/ www.wordstream.com/facebook-vs-google
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Taking care of business Clever tips, simple suggestions and some new ideas to help you run, grow and develop an efficient and profitable plumbing business…
Lights, camera, action! It’s never been easier to incorporate video as part of your marketing strategy. Geoff Anderson explains how video can become a valuable tool in your business arsenal. Everyone’s doing it. Some are doing it well, some are doing it badly but are you doing it at all? In 2014, video has become the way businesses connect and engage with their online market. It cuts out complicated explanations and clearly shows people what you can do for them in a matter of seconds. With access to smartphones with remarkable cameras, it has never been easier to be a plumbing business with video content. The good news is that the more video content you can put up on your website and social media channels, the more popular you will be (well in Google’s eyes anyway). Here are five quick and easy ways plumbers can use video to engage with existing customers, keep ahead of the competition and attract new clients.
Maintenance tips
Your promise to your customers
People love it when you give stuff away for free. After all, do you really want to be unblocking a drain that could easily have been maintained?
Do you guarantee you arrive on time? Or that you’ll provide a quote in 24hrs? Or that you’ll leave the job tidier than when you arrived? If you have a key point of difference, put in a video.
For the common problems you come across, get your apprentice (or another staff member) to film you while you give some quick tips on basic plumbing maintenance. And don’t worry, you won’t lose business – people will trust you even more.
FAQs How often are you asked the same thing? Do a quick piece to camera answering the questions you get asked most often. Keep the videos short and do one question and answer per video.
Testimonials Do you have a raving fan? The best time to get a testimonial is just as you are finishing a job.
Value offering Have you invested in equipment that saves your customers time and money? Then tell them about the gear you have and why you use it. Let them know that you are on top of your game and how you can help them.
Video is a powerful way to not only tell but also show what you do and how you can help. It breaks the ice and let’s people feel more connected to you. It’s never been easier to create, upload and distribute video and it’s definitely the next tool you should be using for your business.
If the customer is over the moon then ask them if they’d mind saying a few words on a video for you. Have them explain what specifically they loved about your work. It’s much more interesting than a general comment like, “Mark was fantastic”.
Geoff Anderson is owner of Sonic Sight, a corporate video production company. He is also the author of Shoot Me Now – making videos to boost business. To learn more about using video in your business visit videotipsandsecrets.tv or geoffanderson.com.au
28 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
business FEATURE
Business plans that actually work Business coach Roland Hankleroot talks about why a business plan is an essential for every plumbing business. Why do so few business owners have a business plan, or if they do have one, why don’t they look at it more often? How can we create a plan that actually makes a difference? I bet you have a business plan. You probably created it with the help of your accountant or by following a template you downloaded from a government website somewhere. You filled in the blanks and fiddled with it a bit. It made the bank happy. It looks great and when you finished it, you felt proud to hold it in your hand. But when was the last time you even looked at the thing? We all know the mantra: ‘If you want to build a successful business, you must have a business plan’ I completely agree with that mantra, but does that mean that a business with a “Plan” will be successful by default? No, obviously not.
Most business plans don’t actually have much of an impact on the success of a business, because their format and content is irrelevant for most business owners. So how do you write a business plan that is relevant for your plumbing business? The actual purpose of creating a business plan is threefold: • To spell out exactly where the business is headed and how it will get there. • To have a fixed set of criteria to “test” every decision in the business against. • To know your options and to be able to make swift and accurate decisions when your business circumstances change from the ones you planned for. If your business plan is designed with those three principles in mind, you can be sure it won’t be kept in the bottom of a drawer. It will sit on top of your desk where it will be dog-eared and smudged with coffee stains and scribbles all over it. You will look at it every day and so will everyone else who has anything to do with it.
Business plans that survive There are six key criteria that a business plan must meet for it to truly add to the success of your business: 1 It must be a “live” document and be kept live by the people directly affected by it: monthly, quarterly, annually. 2 It must be designed with the people who are directly affected by it in mind. 3 It must be easy to use and easily accessible for the people directly affected by it. 4 It must be designed to address the short, medium and long-term goals of the business. 5 It must reflect the Purpose and Mission of the business 6 It must be short… on page… ideally.
The perfect plan There is no such thing as a perfect plan. The best business plan for your business is the one you start today. The second best business plan for your business is the one you start tomorrow. There are many resources available to help you get your business planning underway, including government sites (business.gov.au is a good place to start), business coaches and even your local Master Plumbers Association.
Roland Hanekroot is a business coach and the founder of New Perspectives Business Coaching. To see some of his handy business planning resources visit tiny.cc/planpage. He also runs a monthly webinar called “The Small Business Masterminds”. To find out more visit smallbusinessmasterminds.com.au
www.plumber.com.au | 29
Taking care of business
Blowing your own horn Creating your own publicity doesn’t have to be a costly exercise involving a fancy and expensive PR agency. Publicity is valuable because research shows that editorial (i.e. a story in a newspaper or magazine) is more likely to be remembered and recalled by consumers than paid advertising. Getting your story published in a local paper or magazine increases community awareness of your business, gives you credibility and attracts new clients. Before you get started on your campaign of media domination, first consider how your clients prefer to get their information and where you will get the best exposure for your business. Is your target market one that prefers online news sites or local papers and community magazines? Perhaps they would rather engage on social media? Asking these questions will help you figure out who you need to pitch your story to and will help you craft your message. Here are some other simple tips for creating your own publicity…
Find an angle It’s not enough to just write out the story of how your business got started. Think about what makes you stand out from your competitors. You need a unique angle that makes your story different, and therefore interesting.
Here are some angles you might consider… • Is your business a long-time family-run business? Are there multiple generations working in the business? Has your business been part of the community for many years? • Human interest – have you overcome some sort of obstacle to get where you are today? This isn’t an attempt to garner sympathy, but rather an inspirational story about how you or someone in your business business has met and dealt with a challenge. • Special projects – have you worked on a particularly interesting project recently? Or have you been involved in a project that impacts the local community? Have you worked with the local school, library or community centre? People love to read about the places they live and it shows that your business has close ties to the community.
Pictures makes perfect There’s nothing the media loves more than some quality imagery – after all, a picture tells a thousand words! Going to the effort of organising a great photo will get you noticed. If you really want to make an impact consider incorporating some great props, a cute animal or a local celebrity! Images are also great when you’re using social media which is all about creating fun, shareable content.
Keep it simple Prepare a simple media release (i.e. story) to send to your media targets.
• Has your business won any awards recently? Share the good news – it’s great to let people know you have been recognised for your work.
Remember, a journalist will receive dozens of media releases each day, so you want yours to stand out and be simple for them to use.
• Have you helped disadvantaged members (i.e. people, animals or children) of your community? Have you been involved in a charity or fundraising event? These are great human interest angles and also demonstrate that your business is responsible and has invested in the wellbeing of the local community – great for building credibility.
Keep your story short and sweet (a maximum of four or five paragraphs) and include a catchy heading. Add a couple of your (good quality) images and your contact details and send away!
• Can you provide special tips or unique service offerings to people in your local area? • Tap into seasonal events and activities taking place in your local area. Are you sponsoring the local footy club? Tell people about it!
30 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
It’s your business and your profile that you are building, so you can be as creative as you like. But remember, never make claims that aren’t true – you will get found out and this will seriously damage your credibility.
Persistence really does pay off. Don’t be disappointed if a journalist isn’t interested the first time around. Pick up the phone and give them a call, ask them what type of stories they’re looking for and tailor a piece to suit them – the most important part of public relations is building good relationships!
business FEATURE
Getting what you want (from your small business) Are you getting the outcome you want from your business? Author and business strategist Stefan Kazakis outlines the five things most small business owners want. Desired outcomes are your view of how you want things to look when you come out the other side. It’s often the inverse of your current situation; if one of your frustrations is you don’t have enough time on your hands, the desired outcome would be to have more free time. Your frustrations are what you are trying to leave behind and your desired outcomes are what you are aiming for. Here are the five key desired outcomes I hear most often from clients…
1 I want clarity and confidence Clarity breeds confidence. The more clarity you have, the more confidence you will gain to move forward. Most small business owners start their enterprise because they are particularly skilled at something and they are confident they can make a go of it on their own. But this confidence is often shaken with the realisation that starting a business and growing a business are two very different things. Restoring this confidence in themselves and their business is vital for success. Clarity is a key element here. Got a business plan? Now is the time to review it. Don’t have a plan? Now is the time to create one. Consider where your business is now, where you want it to be. What are its strengths and weaknesses? What skills do you need to develop to help your business thrive? Once you have a picture of where your business is going and what it needs you’ll be heading down the right track.
2 I want more clients in my desired target market The key here is “desired target market”. Getting new clients is often quite easy – just dropping your prices will do it. But that’s not the road to sustainability. You need the right clients that you can build your business around. Do your homework and really try to get a clear understanding of who your target market is. What do they want? How do they choose a plumber? Why should they choose your business? And what is the best way to attract them?
3 I want to grow my profits An obvious desire, but how do you get there? It’s also not just about profit in the pocket but profit in the heart. It’s about leading a more fulfilling life and feeling you are making a difference to those around you. Once again, planning is the key. Create a business plan that is realistic and achievable. Set a schedule of key milestones that you can stick to and that make you feel like you are making progress.
4 I want to have a champion team The right staff will be a massive boost to your business. You are not great at everything, so good staff will plug the gaps in your skill set. You also need people better at what you do than you are. This is the ultimate result for your business, so you can move on to bigger and better things.
In the early days of your business you might have to train staff to get them where you need them to be. But as your business grows you’ll be able to hire the best because they will want to work for you. Choose people who will fit into the culture of your business and who are willing to grow alongside you. Investing the time and effort in growing and developing their skills will help you reap the benefits later on.
5 I want more time to spend with my family This is the holy grail for every small business owner I meet. While they are proud of their businesses and love what they do, having a successful and sustainable business is a means to an end. The end itself is getting to a point where they are able to spend less time in the business and more time doing the things that truly matter. I hate to say it, but once again it comes back to planning. And setting boundaries!
Make the change I see small business owners reach these goals every day, and often more quickly than they expected to. And it’s not because they are geniuses, have millions of dollars behind them or have invented the next Facebook; it’s because they looked at their businesses and decided it was time to change, they got the help they needed, and they committed to the process. There’s no reason why you can’t do this too.
Stefan Kazakis is the author of the new book, From Deadwood to Diamonds and has more than 20 years’ experience running successful small to medium sized businesses. He has helped clients from a variety of industries overcome these struggles to achieve ongoing business success and substantial profit growth. To find out more visit stefankazakis.com
www.plumber.com.au | 31
Taking care of business
business FEATURE
Cluey communication Communication is an essential part of every business, big or small. Here are some common mistakes and simple solutions so that you can avoid (or fix) them! The problem:
The problem:
The problem:
Not responding to customer feedback
Not asking for customer feedback
No internal communications strategy
This is hugely common amongst small and large businesses alike.
Do you know for a fact that your service is good and that your customers are happy? No? Then ask them!
When businesses grow from being a one or two person operation into having multiple employees, sub-contractors or business areas, communication can get a bit sketchy.
Feedback comes in many forms; it can be a written or verbal complaint, a comment on social media, a review on a website, or a customer testimonial. Whether the feedback is good or bad, it is essential that you respond. To ignore it completely is nothing short of bad manners. Every time you ignore feedback or a complaint you are losing an opportunity to create better relationships with your customers. Think about it this way. A customer who is taking the time to complain probably still wants to work with your business, if they didn’t they would just ignore you and move on.
The solution Whenever a customer provides feedback or a complaint, at a minimum you should thank them for taking the time to share their opinion (even if it’s negative). Responding shows you value their contribution. If the feedback is positive, send a quick email to say thank you. If you really want to make an impression and get some referrals, consider sending a gift voucher or some chocolates! If the feedback is a complaint, a phone call is probably best. Thank them for expressing their concern and tell them you are working to resolve the problem. You should remain in contact as you address the issue and give a final follow up call once the problem has been resolved. Remember, most people just want to feel like they’ve been heard and taken seriously. 32 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Client testimonials are a hugely powerful marketing tool for your business. Plus, getting feedback from customers on their experience helps you to continually improve your service offering.
The solution You don’t need to conduct a survey with every single customer, but there are some simple ways you can find out how your business is faring. • When you’re on the phone with a client end the call by asking if they were happy with the service/product you provided • Leave customers with a quick and simple feedback form after each visit • Ask clients to leave feedback on your Facebook page – it’s so simple and easy and most people access social media from their smart phone. • Request a testimonial! If they are happy with the service they received they won’t mind recommending you to others.
How does everyone know what’s going? Who’s keeping track of what everyone is doing? Is your team informed and engaged?
The solution The words ‘internal communications strategy’ can sound kind of overwhelming if you’re running a small business, but all it means is having some simple processes in place to make sure everyone is clued-up and involved in your business. It can be as simple as a weekly team lunch or a 10 minute morning tea catch up, or as formal as a minuted fortnightly meeting. If people are working remotely you can send scheduled email updates or have a noticeboard back at head office. Basically it’s just about making time for everyone to catch up, for management to let everyone know what’s happening and for people to express any issues or concerns. It’s also a time to workshop or share ideas, celebrate victories and acknowledge the hard work of others. Keeping your staff involved in your business will build a more engaged team who will help grow your business and stay competitive.
dBlue’s on the job
no problem!
In conjunction with Akatherm, tradelink is proud to release the dBlue Acoustic Soil and Waste System into Australia. dBlue is a three layer co-extruded polypropylene (PP) pipe system featuring a rubber ring push-fit connection for installation ease and speed and a range of vibration reducing rubber-lined metal pipe clamps to deliver superior sound reducing performance. As a result dBlue delivers a number of benefits and is suitable for use in a range of applications including: ✔ Installations requiring low noise levels when incorporated as part of an overall acoustic system; ✔ Commercial and trade waste applications requiring a high resistance to waste temperatures and chemicals; ✔ Difficult installations and sites with no power due to the rubber ring push-fit socket system; ✔ Depending on the building layout and type, the dBlue system may have the opportunity to incorporate the Akavent Single Stack System eliminating the need for stack vents to deliver more floor space while eliminating the time and cost of additional piping and slab penetrations; and ✔ Finally for the plumber, an opportunity to supply and install a larger proportion of the soil and waste package.
now available at
Moving on. The CEO of a public company stays in the job for an average of six years, however many family businesses have the same CEO for 20 years or more – as the owner and manager of your business, your departure will have a critical impact on your family, employees, customers and suppliers. A succession plan (or exit strategy) outlines what will happen or who will take over your business after you leave. A solid plan allows for a smooth handover with minimal disruption to business operations. your
Talk to accountant or financial planner to see what is involved
Even if you’re not ready to leave, beginning succession planning early will allow you to develop a plan and equip your business for its future needs. You don’t want your hand to be forced, so planning now can prevent a lot of challenges later. While there are no hard and fast rules, your plan will depend on your objectives, family situation, financial position, health and age. Your first step is to figure out where you see the business in the future. Begin by mapping out a vision of where you want the business to be in three, five and even 10 years. Next, you want to consider your exit options.
34 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Keeping it in the family Retention planning is a popular option for many family run businesses. If you plan to transfer your business to a family member, you should consider the following: • Is there the desire and ability required for the next generation to run the business? Is this what your children want? • Are there specific training and development requirements that you need to consider before you can hand the business over? • Will you be completely removed from the business or only partially? Do you need to remain involved in a mentoring capacity? • What are your legal obligations? Talk to your family lawyer or accountant to find out. • How will this decision impact family members? Is there fairness amongst family members?
Closing or winding up the business The ease or complexity of this option will depend on your business structure and you will need to consider your obligations regarding taxation, employees, insurance, finance and leases. Talk to your accountant or financial planner to see what is involved.
Buy/sell You might decide your best option is to sell your business to an employee, business partner or an external party. If you decide to sell, a succession plan will help you maximise the value of your business and help you exit with maximum profitability and the foundation laid for the future success of the business. Once again, talking to your lawyer and/or accountant will help you understand all the requirements and processes involved.
[
]
It is inevitable that one day you will leave your business. Whether you decide to sell, retire or wind the business down, having a good succession plan will lay the foundations for future success and allow for a smooth transition when you leave.
Tips for success To ensure your succession plan is one that works for your business, consider the following. Be realistic
Get advice
Communicate
Make sure your plan is attainable. It should be achievable, workable and developed with input from those who have the greatest interest in the business, such as family members, business partners, employees and/or investors.
Talk to as many people as possible to get information, advice and ideas.
You will need to let people know what and when changes are happening. Have a plan for how and when you will let other people in the organisation know when things are happening.
Develop a shared vision between yourself (as owner/manager) and other family members or stakeholders. At the end of the day, everyone wants the business to be successful, so try to understand the wishes of everyone involved. Once your plan is designed, set a timeframe for implementation and completion with a schedule of key milestones along the way to help keep you on track.
Your accountant, lawyer or financial planner can help you understand all your formal obligations. Talking to those involved will help you develop your plan and let you understand the expectations and plans of family, staff and stakeholders. Ask lots of questions and generate discussion about the following… • Who will be your successor or take over? • How much is your business worth? • What management strategy will you need for a smooth transition? • How will you leaving affect business relationships with existing clients and suppliers? • How much income do you need to retire or leave the business?
Review regularly As time passes, personal and business circumstances may change, so it’s important you review your plan often to make sure it’s up-to-date and that you are ready in case you need to leave earlier than expected. Remember, there are no rules for developing your plan – you need to create something that takes into account the needs of you and your family. Creating a plan that is achievable and realistic will help make you leaving your business a smooth and stress free process.
• What provisions do you need to make for family members who may or may not be active within the business? www.plumber.com.au | 35
New requirements
for individual metering of units start
1 September 2014
Sydney Water will require plans for most multi-level developments to include individual metering for units. For detailed specifications, read the guide on our plumbing pages at sydneywater.com.au. Plan ahead to prepare for these requirements. Questions? Email us at meters@sydneywater.com.au
SW235 05/14
apprentice news Apprentice graduation
Congratulations to the 2013/14 graduates from Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV), the Master Plumbers’ group training scheme). Graduates were recognised at a function held in Carlton in early March. Pancho Grech, PAV Manager, was thrilled to see so many apprentices graduate and said, “Completing an apprenticeship with a group training scheme can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. “Our graduates have often worked for a number of host employers, which gives them a variety of on-the-job training and mentoring – it also means they must learn to adapt to diverse work conditions and environments. “As a result they graduate as skilled tradespeople and flexible employees, which prepares them for good roles within the plumbing industry.
“It’s great to see these guys come full circle and I know that in a few years I’ll be dealing with some of them when they become owners of their own businesses.” In the 33 years it has been in operation, the PAV scheme has trained, mentored and placed over 2,600 apprentices. “The completion rate for PAV apprentices is 95 per cent, this is significantly higher than the industry average of around 50 per cent,” says Pancho. Master Plumbers’ CEO, Ken Gardner, was once again impressed by the calibre of the graduates, saying, “The mentoring and guidance they have received from their host employers has been vitally important to their development as tradesmen. These graduates are the future of plumbing and I look forward to seeing the impact they have on the industry.” Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria would also like to the CBus and Tradelink for their generous support of the 2013/14 apprentice graduation. To find out more about a PAV apprenticeship, visit plumbingcareer.com.au or call 03 9329 9622.
Looking for your perfect (apprentice) match?
Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (the Master Plumbers group training scheme) has first to fourth year apprentices available, offering a cost effective and convenient solution to help grow your business. We take care of everything! You only pay for a Master Plumbers apprentice for the days they are working for you so there is no direct cost for holidays, trade school or sick leave.
Rates are as follows (per hour): EBA (construction) Award (standard) 1st year
$36.82
$19.99
2nd year
$49.13
$26.68
3rd year
$60.00
$31.10
4th year
$63.59
$33.70
For more information, call Pancho Grech today on 0418 562 604
www.plumber.com.au | 37
Tax time
time to start this year’s tax planning With the end of this financial year fast approaching, time is quickly running out to get your tax affairs in order. A good starting point is to make an appointment with your accountant, so he or she can advise you how best to legally minimise the business and personal tax that you will need to pay to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Information for individuals Property depreciation report If you have an investment property, a property depreciation report (prepared by a qualified quantity surveyor) will let you claim depreciation deductions on capital items within the property. The cost of this report is generally recouped several times over by the tax savings in the first year of ownership.
Salary sacrificing into superannuation If your marginal tax rate is more than 15 per cent, salary sacrifice can be a great way to boost your superannuation and pay less tax. By putting your pre-tax salary into super rather than having it taxed at your marginal tax rate, you may save substantial tax. Self-employed individuals may also be able to make tax-deductible, personal contributions to superannuation to reduce their taxable income. Remember, though, that superannuation Your contributions are accountant currently limited to will know what $25,000 – any excess strategies contributions are best suit your taxed at penalty rates, circumstances so do not go over these limits.
Super co-contributions Low-income earners (including self-employed people) should consider making personal super contributions to qualify for the federal government’s superannuation co-contribution payments. If you are eligible to make personal super contributions, the government will match your contribution with a super co contribution up to certain limits. The government has announced (although it’s not yet law) that the maximum entitlement will be $500 when taxable income does not exceed $31,920. 38 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Spouse super contribution You should consider making a superannuation contribution of up to $3000 on behalf of a non-working (or low-income earning) spouse, because this will enable you to claim a tax offset of up to $540, as long as your spouse’s income does not exceed $10,800.
Prepay expenses Expenses for investment activities can be prepaid before June 30. You can prepay up to 12 months of interest before June 30 on a loan for a property or share investment, and claim a tax deduction for this financial year. Other expenses in relation to your investments can also be prepaid before June 30, such as rental property repairs, memberships, subscriptions and journals.
Timing profits on investment assets Subject to commercial considerations, it might be worth delaying any disposal or sale of assets until after June 30 in order to defer any capital profits on sale. Alternatively, there may be opportunities to realise capital losses to offset capital gains. Further, you should think about deferring the disposal of assets in order to access a capital gains tax (CGT) discount. If the taxpayer is an individual, trust or super fund, capital gains may be eligible for the CGT discount for assets held for longer than 12 months.
Information for businesses
Consider prepaying expenses As a general rule, make sure your prepaid business expenses are apportioned over the period in which the relevant service has been provided. However, some small business entities may not need to apportion a prepayment and can claim an immediate deduction.
Superannuation contributions Maximise all superannuation contributions to be paid by the business by year end. Remember that the concessional superannuation cap this year is $25,000. Please note that superannuation contributions are tax deductible in the financial year that you pay them, so ensure payments clear by June 30.
Asset write-off and accelerated depreciation Make sure you take full advantage of the new immediate asset write-off and accelerated depreciation rules. Businesses with less than $2 million aggregated turnover can now claim an immediate deduction for any depreciating assets costing up to $6500, and an accelerated initial deduction of $5000 for motor vehicles bought for business use.
See your accountant Your accountant will know what strategies best suit your circumstances, so schedule a time to review what needs to be done prior to June 30. For example, if your business is run through a trust, the ATO requires trust resolutions to be prepared before year end. If your business is run through a company, there may be director loan account issues to consider before year end. Your accountant can help you identify issues like these and more.
Review, review, review You should review your business’s depreciation schedule and write off any assets that are no longer held. It’s also worth reviewing trading stock for obsolete items, which can be written off to claim a deduction. And make sure you also look at any debtors prior to year end, to identify any amounts that can be written off as bad debts.
Daniel Deutsch is a Director of Marin Accountants, a firm specialising in advice for individuals, investors and family businesses. To find out more visit marinaccountants.com.au
Operating at
peak
performance
Plumbing industry professions who provide services to facility managers and building management teams are well placed to add value to the Green Star – Performance process says Romilly Madew, Chief Executive of the Green Building Council of Australia. According to the Property Council of Australia, more than 340 million square metres of non-residential building space is ripe for an upgrade. From offices to factories, from hotels to hospitals, and from schools to shopping centres, these buildings are under-performing for owners, users, businesses and for our environment. Many of these buildings were built at a time when little thought was given to issues such as water or energy efficiency, indoor environment quality or carbon footprint, and the cost of running these buildings is, conservatively, $27 billion dollars each year. All of these buildings, however, have opportunities for improvement; whether incremental, radical, operational or structural.
40 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Measurement is the first step towards better environmental management of our buildings. Last October, after more than two years of industry engagement, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) launched the Green Star – Performance rating tool to address the efficiency and environmental sustainability of Australia’s existing buildings.
Green Star Performance provides a consistent, holistic method of measuring building stock that enables building owners and managers to identify pathways to improve their assets over time. Green Star – Performance benchmarks the operation of an existing building against nine environmental impact categories: management, indoor environment quality, energy, transport, water, materials, land use and ecology, emissions and innovation.
A number of Green Stars Performance credits are relevant to plumbing professionals. In the ‘Water’ category, the ‘Potable Water’ credit awards points when a building uses less potable water in operation than the baseline (an average performer in the market). This credit enables building owners to set goals, and measure and improve their performance against water use targets over time. In the Management category, the ‘Ongoing Monitoring and Metering’ credit rewards the installation of water and energy meters, as well as the implementation strategies that help facilities management teams to better understand the usage patterns of their building. Quality monitoring strategies, together with well-calibrated metering systems, are critical to the successful and sustainable building operations. Usage information from water and energy meters can act as a meaningful deterrent to wasteful behaviour and is a powerful tool to raise awareness of the financial and environmental benefits of reduced water and energy use. With effective monitoring and metering strategies, plumbing professionals can more easily detect leaks in water and energy systems and fine-tune operational procedures.
Measurement is the first step towards better environmental management of our buildings
Green Star Performance provides a consistent, holistic method of measuring building stock that enables building owners and managers to identify pathways to improve their assets over time
Under the ‘Fire Protection Testing Water’ credit points are awarded where processes and systems are in place to reduce the amount of water wasted as a result of fire systems testing, without affecting safety. Additional points are awarded where no potable water is used for fire systems testing and maintenance. This can be achieved by the installation of a closed loop system, by capturing and reusing fire systems testing and maintenance water, or by using an alternative non-potable water source. Once a building owner or manager has an understanding of how a building is currently performing, practical action can be taken to improve the building’s operational performance and reduce its environmental impacts – and its costs. Speaking at the launch of the rating tool at the Sydney Opera House in October 2013, the Property Council’s then Chief Executive, Peter Verwer, said that Green Star – Performance is not another management benchmark, but rather a “tool for unlocking the productivity of Australia’s built environment to make it greener and more commercially successful.” As he pointed out, when the operating costs of our existing buildings equate to $27 billion a year, just a slight improvement in efficiency can yield a massive dividend.
A number of buildings are already signed up to achieve Green Star – Performance ratings – from shopping malls like Chatswood Chase in Sydney to industrial facilities such as Australand’s Keysborough Spec 1 industrial development in Melbourne. Wyndham City Council is benchmarking its three-storey, 1970s municipal building, and Wyndham Mayor Councillor Bob Fairclough has said that, with Green Star – Performance, “we’ll be able to measure the environmental performance of the Civic Centre, identify pathways to improve the building over time and reduce its operational costs.”
The bottom line is simple. Plumbing industry professions who provide services to facility managers and building management teams are well placed to add value to the Green Star – Performance process. An understanding of Green Star – Performance will ensure you remain at the leading edge of best practice in green building and futureproof your career. Read more about Green Star – Performance: www.gbca.org.au/ green-star/green-star-performance
A further 30 plus buildings – including libraries, art galleries, high schools and early learning centres – are working with us to register for ratings. Green Star – Performance has been designed to drive incremental improvements in buildings that could be two years old or 102 years old, and so provides ratings from 1 star (‘Minimum Performance’) to 6 Stars (‘World Leadership’).
www.plumber.com.au | 41
taps into the 21st century High rise apartments, new sources of energy, water efficiency & tougher environmental standards are part of modern building, but a new online copper plumbing e-Guide has got it covered.
When Australia’s copper, hydraulic engineering and plumbing industries decided to release a new design guideline for copper plumbing they were surprised it hadn’t been done a lot earlier. “It’s been about 40 years since it was done as one single guide and an awful lot has happened in Australian construction since then,” John Fennell from the International Copper Association Australia said. “High density office and residential blocks, as well as new standards and technologies for water, power and the environment have all created new challenges for plumbing systems.” The newly released Hydraulic Services Design e-Guide has now changed all that. The online handbook is a comprehensive guide to “cold and heated water” design, pipe sizing and installation for all buildings, providing all the fundamentals of system design methods, materials science and calculations within a single technical manual. While the e-Guide updates all the current codes and standards for copper plumbing, some of the most important of its 20 chapters deal with contemporary and emerging building issues like sustainability, clean energy, high-rise and multi-unit developments, and new Copper is a tried environmental and true material standards in successfully used water sourcing in plumbing and and efficiency.
construction for over a century
One of the most important is water efficiency. Behind many of the requirements facing plumbers and hydraulic engineers in new buildings is the mandatory requirement for “WELS” – or the “Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme”-where all, end of line plumbing fittings and fixture must be rated and labeled. Rainwater Harvesting and Wastewater Recycling has also emerged in the last decade. Rainwater harvesting is now mandated by many Local, State and Federal Government Planning Departments for domestic and commercial developments, while non-potable water systems like toilets or gardening should be supplied by either rainwater or treated grey water. There have also been significant changes in the method of Heated Water for buildings over the recent decade, often driven by the need for cost and energy savings. A significant shift from standard electric storage heaters to heat-pump systems, from gas storage to gas instantaneous, and the rapid expansion of solar have all had an impact, while co-generation using waste heat from buildings and industrial plants is an emerging and increasingly popular technology. At the same time Heat Retention, or insulation, is another issue now covered by the Australian Building Codes Board with strict requirements for the standard of insulation used in buildings and around pipe work. Green Star Buildings are also a major force in plumbing design these days and the e-Guide looks at the whole-of-life cycle analysis of the materials used within the building. And it should be noted that using copper for plumbing provides a point to the rating system.
42 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Some other topics in the e-Guide are worth noting: • The “WaterMark” scheme ensures that all components meet the requirements of the standards and are safe for use in conveying water, and there is stringent testing of material in contact with drinking water so that no harmful components leach into the water supply. • Modern copper joining systems-like “PressFit” systems-for fast, convenient joining and for use in confined spaces and non-flammable areas where heat cannot be used. “Copper is a tried and true material that’s been successfully used in plumbing and construction for over a century,” said John Fennell. “It not only works with all systems, but is keeping pace with every new building, efficiency and energy trend.” “The new e-Guide not only puts it all together in one place at long last, but for the first time comes as a digital resource that delivers expert advice wherever a plumber or hydraulic engineer happens to be working.” The Hydraulic Services Design e-Guide can be downloaded for free at copper.com.au. There are also two free downloadable apps available on the website to help you access the latest copper advice on the go.
MIGHTYLIFT Safest & Strongest Way To Lift 2008 Work Safe Victoria Awards Best Health and Safety Initiative for Small Business
1st ce Pla er n Win
MightyLift – Australian Plumbing
Light
The MightyLift is a powerful lightweight lifting device designed to be versatile, portable, strong and most of all safe. The beauty of the MightyLift is that it is designed to lift plant and equipment in a safe and responsible manner. The MightyLift is an approved health and safety product which won 1st prize in the 2008 work safe awards.
STRONG AND LIGHT
Safe
The MightyLift is simple to erect, non-motorised and suitable for single or double story work. It can also lift up to 120kgs; considering it weighs only 95kgs this makes it perfect for Hvac and Solar applications.
SAFE
Versatile
New health and safety regulations make it mandatory that you provide a safe working environment for yourself and your employees. The MightyLift ensures both your employees are safe from harm and you are compliant.
MightyLift will help keep you and your staff safe, for more details go to
Strong
www.mightylift.com.au
MightyLift - Combining innovation health and safety www.plumber.com.au | 43
Safety update. Could your business benefit from having a Work Health and Safety Management System (WHSMS) in place? Rod Tresidder, Master Plumbers Work Health & Safety Officer, answers some frequently asked questions WHSMS. What is a WHSMS? I am often asked this question by members and other business owners. A Work Health and Safety Management System (WHSMS) is a coordinated and systematic approach to managing health and safety risks. A WHSMS will allow your organisation to continually improve its safety performance and compliance to health and safety legislation and standards. In doing so, it will help you establish safer working environment that protects people at work by eliminating, or better managing, health and safety hazards.
What are the benefits? Research indicates that there are clear links between good WHS management systems and long term business efficiency. It doesn’t matter how large or small your business is, there are still many ways an organisation can benefit from the implementation of a WHSMS. Benefits include: • Creating a safer work environment • A reduction in injuries and injury-related costs – by pre-empting injuries, you can save money on medical expenses, the injured employee’s wages, insurance claim excesses, replacement labour and increased workers’ compensation insurance premiums • Improved business opportunities – many companies have preferential purchasing policies that favour purchasing products or services from companies with an WHSMS • Providing measurable systems that can verify OHS performance • Demonstrating that the organisation is meeting legal requirements • Enhancing your business’ reputation and professionalism
44 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
What are they key features of an effective WHSMS? Whether your organisation is large or small, complex or basic, your WHSMS should: • Have management commitment to managing OHS risk – top management must demonstrate OHS leadership and promote the involvement of staff in the development and implementation of the WHSMS; • be supported by the organisation’s overall management system – the organisation must provide corporate commitment and sufficient resources;
How do I develop a WHSMS? There are five steps to developing and implementing an effective WHSMS. These steps form a continual cycle of improvement and consultation is a key element of each step.
1 Top management commitment and policy
2 Planning
• make the WHSMS’s structures and processes visible to employees and relevant to all business activities all the time; and • ensure that WHSMSs are regularly updated because OHS risks can increase at busy times, or when changes are occurring (e.g. during restructures, changes of products and services, changes of suppliers). The WHSMS needs to adjust to, and be appropriate for, all circumstances.
The policy is a general plan of intent which guides or influences future decisions. It is the basis upon which measurable objectives and targets and the WHSMS is developed.
Plan how to deliver the OHS policy, objectives and targets to ensure hazards arising from work activities are identified and risks can be assessed and then controlled.
3 Implementation
Implement the plan by developing the capabilities and support mechanisms necessary to achieve the OHS policy, objectives and targets.
4 Measurement and evaluation
Measure, monitor and evaluate OHS performance to determine the effectiveness of risk management, and if necessary take preventative and corrective action.
5 Review and improvement
Review and continually improve the WHSMS, with the objective of improving OHS performance.
establish A safer working environment that protects people at work
Master Plumbers can help you
Are there any audit tools available?
Master Plumbers has a Work Health and Safety Unit that can assist you with all your safety needs.
Once the WHSMS is in place it is important to regularly audit the system to determine whether it is operating as expected.
Our Work Health & Safety Management System workshops have been developed in conjunction with key industry stakeholders to provide plumbing employers with the tools they need to comply with the WH&S Act.
While there are a number of options available, WorkSafe has produced a simple WHSMS quiz to help you quickly evaluate the current status of your system. To find out more visit worksafe.vic.gov.au and search for the WHSMS quiz.
The workshop assists plumbers to develop an effective WHSMS to achieve a safe workplace and comply with their basic legal obligations. The workshop helps plumbers further
Master Plumbers also offers an auditing service to members,
develop an understanding of WHS requirements and presents the latest developments in the industry. All participants receive a comprehensive WHSMS/site safety plan template based industry standards and the plan is expandable for those enterprises wishing to develop fully compliant AS4801 or ISO 1400 system as the business grows. To find out more visit plumber.com.au or call Rod Tresidder on 03 9321 0745
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trade.elgas.com.au www.plumber.com.au | 45
Minimum entitlements Phil Eberhard, Master Plumbers Senior Workplace Relations Advisor, discusses the National Employment Standards (NES) and your obligations as an employer.
The minimum terms and conditions of employment of an employee can be found in the National Employment Standards (NES); together with either the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2010 / and the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2010 (if applicable) (Award) or an agreement approved by the Fair Work Commission (or predecessor tribunals) (Agreement).
46 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
mastering workplace relations
If an employee is not covered by an Agreement, that employee’s minimum terms and conditions of employment would be found in the NES and the Award. If an employee is covered by an Agreement, that employee’s minimum terms and conditions of employment would be found in the NES and the Agreement. Neither an Award, nor an Agreement, can reduce the minimum terms and conditions contained in the NES. An Award or an Agreement may provide supplementary terms and conditions of employment to those provided in the NES. In addition, an Award, or an Agreement, may provide more beneficial terms and conditions of employment to those provided in the NES. Finally, an Award, or an Agreement, may contain “terms that are ancillary or incidental to the operation” of the NES. In Victoria, the ACT and the NT, the NES applies to all employees, irrespective of whether that employee is covered by an Award, or an Agreement, or is an Award / Agreement ‘free’ employee. The application of the NES is a little different in the other States, as it depends on whether the employee would be considered to be a “national system employee”, and whether the employer would be considered to be a “national system employer” as defined in the Fair Work Act 2009 (C’th)(FW Act).
NES The NES sets the following minimum standards, they are: maximum weekly hours; requests for flexible working arrangements; parental leave and related entitlements; annual leave; personal/carer’s (sick) leave; compassionate leave; community service leave; long service leave; public holidays; notice of termination*; and redundancy*. *An employee employed, on a daily hire basis, under either the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2010 (PFS Award) is excluded from the termination of employment provisions in the NES. *An employee who is covered by the PFS Award, or an Agreement that contains “industry specific redundancy provisions”, is excluded from the redundancy provisions in the NES.
In summary, the NES provides: • that the maximum weekly ordinary hours to be worked by an employee shall be thirty eight hours (38) per week; • that an employee, in certain circumstances, may request that their employer permit them to work on a flexible basis; • that an employee (the primary care giver) who has a minimum of twelve (12) months’ service with their employer and who will have responsibility for the care of a child (either through the birth of a child or through adoption) may take up to twelve (12) months’ unpaid parental leave. An employee (the partner), who is not the primary care giver, may take unpaid parental leave for a period of up to eight (8) weeks; • that an employee is entitled to four (4) weeks annual leave. That a shiftworker (as defined) is entitled to an additional week of annual leave; • that an employee is entitled to ten (10) days personal/carer’s (sick) leave; • that an employee is entitled to two (2) days compassionate leave per occasion where a member of their immediate family either dies or contracts a personal illness that poses a serious threat to their life; • that an employee is entitled to community service leave which includes jury service and community service activity leave (for example, the CFA, St. Johns, etc); • that an employee is entitled to long service leave;
Neither an Award, nor an Agreement, can reduce the minimum terms and conditions contained in the NES.
• that an employee is entitled to specific days that are deemed to be public holidays; • that an employee is entitled to notice of termination; and • that an employee is entitled to redundancy where the employees position is to be made redundant. The NES requires that an employer provide the Fair Work Information Statement to a new employee “before, or as soon as practicable after, the employee starts employment”.
www.plumber.com.au | 47
Workplace relations roundup
Award / Agreement The terms and conditions in an Award and/or an Agreement specify the detail, whilst the NES specify the general entitlement. The NES provides that an employee’s maximum ordinary hours per week are thirty eight (38), but it does not specify when the hours can be worked. The Award / Agreement details when ordinary hours can be worked, what happens if hours are worked outside of the prescribed period (time) for working ordinary hours (overtime), etc. The Award / Agreement may also specify the number of breaks that an employee is entitled to receive (morning tea break, lunch break, etc). Additionally, the annual leave provisions in the NES detail the minimum amount of leave that an employee would accrue, but it doesn’t require the payment of an annual leave loading. The Award / Agreement may specify that when an employee goes on annual leave how they are to be paid, including the payment of an annual leave loading.
Master Plumbers’ members have access to information, advice and resources relating to workplace relations.
Most importantly, the NES does not specify what would constitute the minimum rate of pay (whether that be on an hourly or weekly basis). In contrast, the Award / Agreement will contain the minimum rate of pay (whether that be on an hourly or a weekly basis) that is to be paid to a particular employee. The Award / Agreement may provide that additional allowances are payable to an employee when they undertake a particular task/function. For example, when an employee is required to live away from home, or undertake asbestos eradication, etc. Additionally, the Award / Agreement may provide that additional allowances are payable to an employee where they hold particular skills that are considered to be over and above their classification or that of an equivalent employee. For example, an Award / Agreement may provide for a first aid allowance, leading hand allowance, etc.
In conclusion… The NES is to be read in conjunction with either an Award or an Agreement. The NES constitutes the legal minimum and cannot be reduced (even with the agreement of the employee/s concerned). An Award would apply where there is no Agreement. The Award / Agreement is read in conjunction with the NES. This article is a summary of the terms and conditions that exist in the NES and some that may exist in an Award / Agreement. It is not a comprehensive examination of the terms and conditions provided in an Award / Agreement.
An Award / Agreement will also detail how an employee is to be engaged. For example, the Award / Agreement may provide that an employee may be engaged as a daily hire employee, a full time employee, a part time employee or a casual employee. The Award / Agreement may also detail how an apprentice is to be engaged and the provisions to be provided to an apprentice. For example, the reimbursement of fees, textbooks, etc.
Master Plumbers’ members have access to information, advice and resources relating to workplace relations. For a more comprehensive understanding of the terms and conditions of employment that apply to employees please plumber.com.au or contact Phil Eberhard, Senior Workplace Relations Adviser, on 03 9321 0720.
48 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
NEW 5 Star Buffalo Same gas pipe connection Same flue position Same base dimensions Same electrical connection Same base box Same dependable performance EA SY TO w
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Different new 5 star rating. Save $331# on annual running costs.
SAVE $331 annual e nergy sa vings
The
right protection As we hear of increased instances of theft occurring both at home and in the workplace, crime experts suggest that burglary will remain an issue for small business owners in the coming year after Victoria Police recorded an increase in crime rates over the past two years. As stated in the Crime Statistics Report 2012/2013, the 24 months to June 2103 documented over 40,000 burglaries to motor vehicles. Furthermore, the Australian Small Business Market for Financial Services reported that an alarming 33% of small and medium businesses across the country had no insurance of any kind in place to cover burglary or theft. These figures indicate an enormous and financially significant risk being borne by those operating mobile businesses. This is particularly relevant for plumbers and other trades, who are being urged to adopting proactive risk management strategies to protect their businesses and safeguard their tools and motor vehicles.
50 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Managing the risk of burglary is an essential part of protecting one’s overall business. In addition to the high costs involved in replacing tools or repairing vehicles, being unable to operate a mobile business due to equipment loss or vehicle damage can cause significant financial stress. The Crime Statistics Report recorded tools (including power tools) as the fourth most sought after item in burglary cases. As thieves are becoming increasingly better informed on the high value of certain tools on the market, tools will continue to be a sought after item. Thankfully, plumbers can employ appropriate risk management strategies, including obtaining appropriate insurance, to minimise their exposure and avoid contributing to this statistic.
Marsh Advantage Insurance recommends reducing the exposure of theft to tools and damage to vehicles by ensuring tools are out of sight and locked away in a tool box if stored in motor vehicles. Furthermore, adequate insurance should be taken out to provide protection for an adverse event. Plumbers should ensure all vehicles are fitted with tested alarms systems, as most insurance policies which cover tools of trade will not accept claims made for lost or stolen items
where there has been no forcible entry. It is important to check work place sites for any equipment which may unintentionally be left behind as tools left outside of a locked box on site will normally not be covered in the event of a claim. Keeping an active log of the usage of tools can be useful for tracking locations or jobs sites where tools were used.
Plumbers are recommended to arrange insurance policies for tools and motor vehicles, to ensure optimum protection when faced with a loss. Such policies can protect against accidental damage, fire, burglary and more. For more information, contact Master Plumber Insurance Brokers on 1300 300 511.
To find out more about obtaining business insurance, call Marsh today: Marsh Pty Ltd trading as Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust) can arrange insurance for all of the aforementioned risks, and a number of other products designed to cover you and your business, including:
• • • • • •
Income Protection Insurance Motor Vehicle Insurance Business Insurance Machinery Insurance Household Insurance Tools Insurance
Please contact a Marsh representative to discuss your individual needs: Call 1300 300 511 Email mpib.australia@marsh.com Visit www.marsh.com.au
About Marsh Advantage Insurance: Marsh Advantage Insurance is a leading provider of insurance broking services for businesses across Australia. Our company is built on a culture dedicated to understanding the risk and insurance needs of local and national businesses that operate in our cities, regions and communities. We are driven by a commitment to deliver industry leading service and value for our clients. Marsh Advantage Insurance sits alongside Marsh as part of Marsh & McLennan Companies, a global team of professional services firms offering clients advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy and human capital. This article contains general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions exclusions and limitations of insurance cover and before decided whether a policy suits your needs please refer to the specific Product Disclosure Statement which is available from Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd. Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303 AFSL 238369) arrange the insurance and is not the insurer. The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by Marsh Advantage Insurance, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry.
marshadvantage.com.au/plumbers
NEED TOOLS INSURANCE? TALK TO US
At Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust), we are all about fast, easy, and competitive insurance, specialising in arranging cover for small and medium sized businesses around Australia. With a team of brokers dedicated to servicing the needs of plumbers. Contact us, the appointed insurance broker to the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia, for an obligationfree quote. Call: 1300 300 511 or Email: mpib.australia@marshadvantage.com
For the full terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the insurance product, refer to the Policy Wording, which is available from Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd. *Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust) (MPIB) is a trading name of Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303 AFSL 238 369). MPIB arranges the insurance and is not the insurer. The MPIB logo and MPIB brand name are owned by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) and used under licence by Marsh Advantage Insurance. MPMSAA receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by MPIB, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry. 14/0006
www.plumber.com.au | 51
product news A touch of genius from Rinnai
Hunt Heating launches display training vehicle
A desire to innovate has driven Rinnai to create a brand new continuous gas water heater, incorporating unique fingertip wireless temperature control technology – introducing the new Rinnai Infinity 26 Touch.
Designed to deliver Hunt Heating’s expertise and product knowledge direct to the customer, this impressive DTV facility has been devised primarily as a mobile exhibition and training facility.
Featuring a showerproof, wireless controller and pre-connected transceiver, Rinnai has now made temperature control installation easier than ever before. Installers only need to mount the transceiver under or near the unit during normal installation of the hot water system, use the ‘quick connect’ system for the transceiver that clips in, is weather-proof and requires no tools or electrical certification, and hand the controller to the end user– it’s that easy. The new 6-star energy efficient Infinity 26 Touch comes with a bunch of features that both plumbers and customers will love! Wireless control technology and components are supplied with the unit, which also features inbuilt Puretemp temperature stability technology and a status operation monitor. High quality internal components are built by Rinnai, and backed by a leading 12-year heat exchanger warranty. Wireless temperature control will also have customers wondering how they ever lived without this feature. Imagine no longer needing to mess around mixing hot and cold water to set the perfect temperature? Being able to accurately set your hot water temperature helps reduce wastage and save on energy costs, as well as set safe temperatures for children and the elderly. The Rinnai Infinity 26 Touch….another touch of Rinnai genius! To find out more visit rinnai.com.au
52 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Information and support is provided through a variety of media including literature, presentations and video demonstrations that can be viewed in the comfortable lounge alfresco area. The vehicle is fitted with products representing the complete Hunt Heating range of energy efficient condensing and solar hydronic hot water and heating solutions. Condensing gas boilers, wired and wireless controls, stainless steel unvented cylinders and solar thermal. Also featured is a fully functioning Immergas HE Condensing boiler for in-depth demonstration and many of the static products are cut away allowing greater understanding of some of the principals involved. The Hunt Heating DTV will be on the road throughout the year, visiting distribution partners, showroom partners Tafe colleges and key independent installation and commissioning contractors by prior arrangement, providing support in these and other locations for customer meetings and installer evenings, as well as regional industry shows. Another significant investment and commitment from Hunt Heating in a bid to raise the awareness of energy efficient hydronic heating across Australia and increasing the support we provide to all our trade professionals. To find out more visit huntheat.com.au
Pipecore premium quality pipe lining materials and equipment What’s new in pipe lining? Pipe Core is a new supplier of premium quality pipe lining materials and equipment throughout Australia and New Zealand. Scott Hunter runs Pipe Core and has 33 years’ experience in plumbing, with over a decade in the pipe lining business. He knows all about the demands placed on pipe lining contractors.
What’s different about Pipe Core? Pipe Core doesn’t sell territories, licence agreements or franchises, they just sell top quality pipe lining materials and equipment. Pipe Core has used these products locally for over a decade and knows they withstand the most demanding Australian conditions. Pipe Core is the exclusive Australasian distributor for VFG pipe lining felts from Germany. They also supply German epoxy resins and silicate resins that are chemically engineered, specifically for pipe lining. These resins are approved by the German Institute for Building Technique; considered to be the global benchmark for quality. To see what’s different, check them out online at pipecore.com.au
product news Plumbspec Mildred Valve® Watermark approved electronic automated safety control valve for internally installed hot water systems.
Sydney Water: new requirements start 1 September 2014
I love Trenchless!
1 September start date for compulsory individual metering of units
Sam Dillon from Aussie Plumbing at Tuggeranong, in the ACT, invested in an Aussie ‘Big Block’ Python so that he could clear blockages in pipes 38mm to 300mm. Sam selected the big Aussie Python because of its huge 31 lpm flow. The machine runs a ‘Big Berty’ RAS series piston pump that produces a whopping 4,300 psi. Matched with the enormous flow, that delivers pressure real cleaning punch.
Engineered in Australia to meet the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4:2003 and ATS 5200.476, the Plumbspec Mildred Valve® joins the Evolve Group’s portfolio of plumbing product solutions.
On 1 September 2014, new requirements will come into effect that means multi-level buildings must be designed and built to cater for metering of individual units.
Like all Evolve products, the Plumbspec Mildred Valve® has been designed with the Plumber in mind, offering unique and innovative design characteristics making it simpler and faster to install. The cutaway on the valve housing allows greater accessibility for tooling and the male-to-male valve and supplied olive fittings permits the Plumber to use their own preferred choice of fitting during installation. The Plumbspec Mildred Valve® has been designed to be installed in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.4:2003.
The new requirements will apply to relevant development applications that receive a Sydney Water Notice of Requirements (NOR).
Features include: • Valve can be installed either vertically or horizontally • Battery operated – does not require connection to mains power • Contains visual and audible alarms that alerts users to multiple trip modes • Uses a robust and reliable contact based sensor trip mechanism • Can be installed up to 600mm from the base of the safe tray making it less troublesome for the plumber and more accessible for the end user • Low maintenance – only required to check unit and batteries every 12 months
The industry can plan ahead for the new requirements by designing plumbing for individual water meters. Go to the Sydney Water website to read the Multi-Level Individual Metering Guide for detailed specifications on what to do to prepare. There are three key things to remember when designing new multi-level buildings. 1 You need to allow plumbing for a single water inlet to each unit. 2 Individual meters need to be located in the common area (not inside individual units). 3 There may also need to be a space and power supply for data logger(s). These loggers will transmit meter reads to Sydney Water remotely. Sydney Water will announce the Accredited Metering Suppliers in the coming months.
You don’t need half a million dollars to have a trenchless business.
To clear large pipes, Sam is running the unit with a 3/8” main sewer hose, with nozzles for use in 150mm to 300mm diameter pipes. He uses a remote Mini Reel with a smaller ¼” or 3/16” sewer hose in branch lines and laterals. A 1/8”, 5000 psi, 15m Aussie Super Worm hose, connected to the Mini Reel is used to clean pipes from 38mm to 60mm such as floor wastes, toilet pans and kitchen lines! Sam worked with the Jetter’s Edge to put together the complete package. The Python is powered by a huge 31HP Vanguard. Vanguard is a “big block” beast that boasts 895cc displacement. It delivers more torque at low revs than other engines in its class. Further information on the Aussie Python drain cleaning jetters and jetting techniques are available from The Jetter’s Edge.
For further information contact meters@sydneywater.com.au
Arriving this June at your local branch the Plumbspec Mildred Valve® is the latest in the new range of Evolve’s Plumbspec plumbing product series. Plumbspec Mildred Valve® is yet another innovative product solution by the Evolve Group. To find out more visit evolvegrp.com
54 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Sam Dillon from Aussie Plumbing, ACT, turned to The Jetters Edge for advice when he looked to expand his plumbing operation. He chose a big Aussie Python jetter with it’s extra flow capacity so that now he can clear larger diameter drains to 300mm fast.
www.plumber.com.au | 55
product news Introducing the new Brivis 5 star Buffalo
SparVision 200 goes ANDROID
The Brivis 5 star Buffalo high efficiency gas ducted heater has been designed to effortlessly replace the Brivis Buffalo Classic. Simply remove the existing ‘heating module’ and position the 5 star Buffalo onto the existing base box. It’s that easy.
A more cost-effective approach to Drain Cleaning and Inspection.
With the same gas pipe connection, flue position, base dimensions, electrical connection and dependable performance as the Buffalo Classic – it’s the perfect solution for the replacement market. Plus, now with a new easy to lift handle, it’s never been easier to manoeuvre Like the Classic Buffalo, an investment in the 5 Star is sure to provide many years of trouble-free, high efficiency comfort, as well as reducing gas consumption. Due to its 5 star rating, the average homeowner can now save up to $331* on annual running costs. Brivis has been providing heating and cooling solutions to Australian homes for over 50 years. Brivis pioneered the very first 5 Star Ducted Gas Heater and has been instrumental in introducing some of the newest and most efficient systems in Australia – including the Contour Evaporative Cooler and the new 6 Star Ducted Gas Heater with Quattra™ technology. For more information on Brivis’ product range visit brivis.com.au or contact 1300 BRIVIS
No iPhone, no worries! The new SparVision 200 pipe-inspection camera from ANCRA works with ANDROID phones and Tablets, iPads and iPhones. Born ahead of its time, the new Sparvision 200A pipe-inspection camera builds on Spartan Tool’s exclusive tablet-based camera technology, using a Nexus 10 tablet functioning as its screen. This gives you amazing flexibility on and off the job site, with exciting possibilities for promoting your company. We’ve kept all of the features you already love, like instant snapshots, on-screen drawing, and a full on-screen keyboard. Even more, the Sparvision 200A comes with a self-leveling color camera, locating beacon, and 200 feet of high-efficiency, super-slick push rod. It is simple to send your recordings to the shop or directly into the customer’s hands via our wi-fi enabled unit. Already own a Sparvision Camera? Take a look at the various accessories and apps to help you protect, maintain and better use your Sparvison 200. Share images on Dropbox and View images in PDF on Acrobat Reader. Note: Apple iPad Version is currently available which includes genuine retina-display iPad®4 as its screen, giving you amazing flexibility on and off the job site. For your nearest Ancra stockist call: 1800 4 26272
56 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
MightyLift: combining innovation, health and safety The MightyLift is a powerful lightweight lifting device that is designed to be versatile, portable, strong and most of all safe. The beauty of the MightyLift is that it is designed to lift plant and equipment in a safe and responsible manner. The MightyLift is an approved health and safety product which won 1st prize in the 2008 work safe awards. The MightyLift is simple to erect, non-motorised and suitable for single or double story work. It can also lift up to 120kgs; considering it weighs only 95kgs this makes it perfect for Hvac and Solar applications. New health and safety regulations make it mandatory that you provide a safe working environment for yourself and your employees. The MightyLift ensures both your employees are safe from harm and you are compliant. MightyLift will help keep you and your staff safe. To find out more visit www.mightylift.com.au
coming SOON
Cbus S
elf Man
aged
Want to get hands on with your super? Cbus Self Managed is coming soon Cbus is introducing a new investment option that will allow you to get hands on with your super. With Cbus Self Managed, eligible members will be able to invest their super directly in Australian shares, Exchange Traded Funds and term deposits via a secure online platform. You’ll get choice and control just like a self-managed super fund (SMSF) without the administration and compliance burden.
To find out more, register your details at www.cbussuper.com.au/morecontrol
Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Contact 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy.
Is this how you feel about accounting? Let Kemp & Partners make it easy for you. Mention this advert for your FREE Business Health Check, Financial Planning Review and Cloud Accounting Consultation valued at $250. SPECIALISTS IN ACCOUNTING FOR THE PLUMBING TRADE
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PHONE 03 9781 1888 info@kemppartners.com.au www.kemppartners.com.au www.plumber.com.au | 57
SparVision 200 goes
Android
A more cost-effective approach to Drain Cleaning & Inspection
No iPhone, No worries! The new SparVision 200 pipe-inspection camera from ANCRA works with ANDROID phones and Tablets, iPads and iPhones. Born ahead of its time, the new Sparvision 200A pipeinspection camera builds on Spartan Tool’s exclusive tablet-based camera technology, using a Nexus 10 tablet functioning as its screen. This gives you amazing flexibility on and off the job site, with exciting possibilities for promoting your company. We’ve kept all of the features you already love, like instant snapshots, on-screen drawing, and a full on-screen keyboard. Even more, the Sparvision 200A comes with a self-leveling color camera, locating beacon, and 200 feet of high-efficiency, super-slick push rod. It is simple to send your recordings to the shop or directly into the customer’s hands via our wi-fi enabled unit. Already own a Sparvision Camera? Take a look at the various accessories and apps to help you protect, maintain and better use your Sparvison 200. Share images on Dropbox and View images in PDF on Acrobat Reader. Note: Apple iPad Version is currently available which includes genuine retina-display iPad®4 as its screen, giving you amazing flexibility on and off the job site.
For your nearest Ancra stockist 1800 4 26272
product news Unico air conditioner Finally, an air-conditioner that comes with no outdoor unit. With the Olimpia Splendid Unico the outdoor compressor is completely eliminated, yes that’s right the all new Italian designed and manufactured Unico is the first fixed air-conditioner without the outdoor unit. Climate control now comes without external pipework or condensors and makes installation a breeze. The Unico comes with both inverter and fixed speed technology enabling it to deliver great performance. With the capability of delivering cool clean air in summer and warm fresh air in winter the Unico is perfect for any aspect of climate control. One of Unico’s other great benefits is it’s extremely silent making it ideal for bedrooms in fact you could call it perfectly noiseless. For more detailed information on the unique Unico contact Noirot Australia on 03 9563 2778.
Viega launches new Sanpress Inox system in Australia Smart Connect Feature enhances safety for drinking water installations Renowned international manufacturer Viega has launched a new range of stainless steel press connections designed to provide the highest degree of safety in drinking water installations. And its versatility means the system can be used for residential, industrial and gas installations. The high-grade stainless steel Viega Sanpress Inox system encompasses a comprehensive range of press connectors, pipe and system fittings for plumbing and building services. The focus is on safety, hygiene, ease of use, precision and durability.
Smart Connect Feature A key component of Viega’s Sanpress Inox system is the innovative Smart Connect Feature, a small channel on the bead of the press connector which enables testing for un-pressed fittings of a complete installation, centrally and conveniently using a manometer.
Enhanced safety Every Sanpress Inox connector is equipped with a high quality sealing element. In addition, a cylindrical pipe guide stops the jamming and wedging of the pipes in the connector and effectively prevents damage to the seal. As a result, secure sealing of the fitting is guaranteed and the work is made much easier.
New from Zetco: Solar Ball Valve Solar heated hot water systems are becoming more and more popular resulting in Zetco developing a specific ball valve better suited to longevity of these systems. Standard Watermarked ball valves simply do not have the temperature range required over time for such installations. Fitted with special PTFE seats, the valves are rated up to temperatures of 200°C. The valves are fully WaterMarked to AS 5830.1 and are available in sizes 15mm and 20mm. • Manufactured in Italy • Full bore • WaterMarked to AS 5830.1 licence WMKA22345 • Suitable for use in solar applications • High temperature PTFE seals • Stainless steel 304 lever handle & nut • Blow-out proof stem • Must be operated in fully open or closed position • All valves pressure tested during production • Size range: 15mm to 20mm • Temperature range: -20°C to 200°C • Maximum operating pressure at nominal temperatures: 2500 kPa To find out more visit zetco.com.au
Viega press technology At the heart of the Sanpress Inox system is the Viega press technology. The connectors are pressed with Viega’s light and practical press tools in a matter of seconds and are permanently secure without the danger of fire and timeconsuming fire prevention measures. Since the pipes are cold-pressed, there is no risk of fire as is the case with welding or soldering. As a result, Sanpress is suitable for refurbishments and extensions. For more information about Sanpress Inox visit viega.com.au
www.plumber.com.au | 59
product news New from RIGID Building upon a proud heritage of delivering the most innovative tools to the market, Ridge Tool announces the SeeSnake CS6 digital recording monitor as part of RIDGID’s commitment to continual development of technological precision products. The CS6 monitor captures still images and video clips directly to a USB thumb drive and automatically generates high quality multi-media reports. NEW Advanced Lithium 18V 4.0Ah Battery • Thinner/more compact design • Increased power density • Short circuit protection • Over current protection • Over discharge protection (eliminates trickle effect) • Cell balancing • Thermal protection (shuts battery down at extreme temperature) • Charge time reduced significantly compared to old batteries This battery is compatible with RIDGID cameras & recording devices that use an optional battery supply and the RIDGID press tools RP210-B & RP340-B.
4Ah Battery Specifications Capacity:
4.0 Ah
Size:
134 x 140 x 102mm
Weight: 0.9kg Charge time:
62 mins (Advance lithium charger)
Life of battery: 500-600 chargers Temperature range:
-20 to 70°C
To find out more visit rigid.com.au or call 1800 743 443
60 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
Apex Valves announces Hydroflow Distributors (Aust) as Australian Plumbing Valve Distributor Partner Apex Valves is a privately owned New Zealand company specialising in the design and manufacture of control valves for low and high pressure hot water and filtration systems, has appointed Hydroflow Distributors (Aust) Pty Ltd as its Plumbing Valve Distributor. “We look forward to our new partnership with Hydroflow Australia,” said Mark Gracie, International Business Development Manager at Apex Valves Limited. “Hydroflow and its team have an exceptional reputation in the plumbing industry and we’ll no doubt benefit from their unequalled customer support and industry knowledge.” This distribution agreement represents a major commitment to the Australian market and our dedication to providing quality products and service. As an international industry leader with more than 30 years of proven performance, we’re extremely excited to help the Australian market benefit from our innovation, reliability and service.” The addition of Australia represents a significant expansion of the Apex distribution network, which includes New Zealand, USA, South Africa, South America, Malaysia, Ireland and the United Kingdom. In addition to its Plumbing Valve product line, Apex produces an extensive range of Float and Reservoir Valves for the agricultural industry. Apex Valves is accredited with internationally recognized ISO 9001 Quality Certification. For more information, contact Hydroflow Distributors (Aust) Pty Ltd www.hydroflowaus.com.au, (03) 9676 8900 and visit www.apexvalves.co.nz.
Elgas provides LPG energy solutions for jobs big and small With renewed consumer focus on clean, efficient, and affordable energy for the coming cold season, Elgas LPG is the simple, clear choice. When it comes to creating a warm and cosy environment for your clients this cold season, a gas log fire or gas heater is the ultimate lifestyle choice. The warmth produced by gas heating is fast and efficient, providing the most comfortable environment for your customers. Elgas can provide LPG energy solutions for jobs big and small, taking care of all your customers’ LPG energy needs and helping your business grow. LPG is a clean, efficient and affordable form of energy and Elgas LPG is fast becoming the fuel of choice. If your customers are thinking of replacing an appliance, or improving their home by purchasing a gas appliance, Elgas will help you to secure the job. With the backing of Elgas Buying Group your business can get access to a wide range of leading brand gas appliances at competitive trade prices. Elgas staff can draw on years of collective experience and expert advice from both seasoned tradesmen and manufacturers, giving you the edge in quoting jobs. Elgas will even help you close the sale by providing you with specially designed trade support material and offers for your customers. For trade updates and all your LPG appliances at competitive trade prices Phone: 1300 362 389 Email: trade@elgas.com.au Visit: trade.elgas.com.au
Solar savings made easy
www.siddonssolarstream.com Australia’s Heat Pump Water Heater Specialists
Our cisterns are now simpler to install. All you need is a phone. █ █
Onsite phone support Free training*
At Geberit, we’re committed to making sure the trade is well trained and confident when installing the world’s leading range of concealed cisterns. Contact 1800 432 3748 for more information. * Onsite training is restricted to the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane and is subject to availability.
www.plumber.com.au | 61
wpc news Celebrations around the globe! Once again World Plumbing Day was celebrated around the globe with events in India, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Indonesia, Nigeria, Philippines, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom and the USA. Celebrations included a huge variety of activities, from workshops and information sessions, to performances, exhibitions and skills competitions. A common theme amongst all the countries involved was encouraging primary school students to learn more about water conservation, safe sanitation and hygiene. Of course, the annual World Plumbing Day International Poster Competition was held once again, with over 100 entries from Indonesia, Jamaica and the USA. Congratulations to the winners: Breanna Maxwell- Corinaldi from Montego Bay, Jamaica and Isabella Santa Maria and Mia Sanchez of California, USA. It was wonderful to see so many people across the world celebrating World Plumbing Day and coming together to recognise the vital role plumbing plays in the community.
Water Innovation Challenge launched! The new Water Innovation Challenge event was launched at PICAC in Melbourne on World Plumbing Day this year. Against the backdrop of a plumbing skills competition, careers expo and trade expo, Grant Stewart, special project manager for the WorldSkills Foundation (responsible for the Water Innovation Challenge) announced the event would take place during Singapore International Water Week (3-5 June 2014). The Water Innovation Challenge will bring together a group of international, multi-discipline teams of Plumbers and Engineers under the age of 26 to participate in a series of hands-on design challenges and practical tasks. During three days of intense competition, the teams will develop a series of real and innovative solutions for emerging water and sanitation problems in two developing countries: Nepal and Bangladesh. Solutions created during the Water Innovation Challenge will go on to be implemented by the winning team in either of Nepal or Bangladesh ‘Sanitation Studio’ programmes, a partnership between Australian NGO Healthabitat and WorldSkills Foundation. Design toolkits created by these teams will also be made available for other NGOs or
62 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | June 2014
The Hon. Peter Hall MLC, Minister for Higher Education and Skills addressing 300 industry stakeholders at PICAC Plumbing Apprentice Skills Competition Winner, Nathan Frauenfelder working on his project
international development organizations for further use in their own plumbing and sanitation development works around the world. By taking part in this inaugural event, the teams will demonstrate that an idea combined with the necessary technical knowledge and hands-on ability can take a young Plumbing apprentice anywhere in the world, where their skills can really make a difference.
WHO launches water treatment evaluation scheme The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently launched the International Scheme to Evaluate Household Water Treatment Technologies. The main objectives of the Scheme are to promote and coordinate independent and consistent testing and evaluation of HWT products based on WHO healthbased performance criteria and to support governments in related technical capacity building activities. The call for submissions for the first round of testing has been issued and products that meet minimum criteria will be sent to one of two designated testing laboratories for evaluation. For more information on the Scheme, including testing protocols and a new report on demand for testing, visit who.int/household_water/scheme/en/
ANY MORE TECHNOLOGY AND THERE’D BE NO ROOM FOR YOUR FEET. HEAVY-DUTY
PADDED TONGUE & COLLAR
ZIP
LACE
THERMAL
REGULATING
LINING PORON XRD
LOCKING DEVICE
UNDERFOOT SYSTEM
90% OF SHOCK ABSORBED
TO MICROBIAL
ATTACK
CUT
RESISTANT
Check out the XFoot™ Rubber range at blundstone.com. For enquiries contact Blundstone customer service on 1800 258 669. PORON® & XRD™ are registered trademarks of Rogers Corporation.
©reated at+m 52432
IMPERVIOUS
Our Continuous Flow range has more stars than Hollywood. Australia’s broadest 6 Star range comes with no less than 8 models. Which means when it comes to hot water efficiency, we’ve more stars than Hollywood. • The first 6 Star Continuous Flow range • 12, 16, 18, 20, 24 and 27L/minute capacities • All 50OC models now temperature adjustable • Display monitor for easy servicing
THE MORE STARS, THE MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT
GAS ENERGY RATING USE THIS LABEL TO COMPARE DIFFERENT MODEL WATER HEATERS COMPARATIVE ENERGY CONSUMPTION
18674
MJ PER YEAR
WHEN TESTED TO AS 4552
• Rheem quality and national support
ACTUAL ENERGY USED WILL DEPEND ON WHERE YOU LIVE AND HOW THE APPLIANCE IS USED APPLIANCE RUNNING COST INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL GAS SUPPLIER
For more information, visit rheem.com.au/products/continuousflow
COMES ON STEADY, HOT AND STRONG
INSTALL A AUSTRALIA’S NO. 1