Nrbm Summer 2010

NORTHERN RIVERS

Summer 2010 $6.95 inc GST

MAGAZINE

Go Green

Simple Solutions for Your Business Business Efficiency Marketing
Investment or Cost? Who’s Looking after Your Customers?

$1500 Prize Draw See p24.

Full Driveway Service and Business Accounts at your
We Wish All Our Customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year

At your local Liberty Service Station, our staff will look after your vehicle without you ever having to step out of your vehicle. Our petrol prices are the lowest possible. Plus – check out our monthly specials and everyday low prices on milk, bread and much more…

• • • • • • •

Business Accounts Welcome No Need To Carry Cash / Receipts Hassle Free Application Monthly Invoicing

Your Local Liberty Service Stations: • • • • • • • • • Bugden Ave, Alstonville Byron St, Bangalow Bridge St, North Lismore Dawson St, Lismore Terania St, North Lismore Union St, South Lismore Kyogle St, South Lismore * Wyrallah Rd, East Lismore * Centre St, Casino *

Friendly Driveway Service Keep Your Work Clothes Clean and Oil-Free Keep Your Vehicles in Top Condition • FREE Oil, Water and Tyre Checks

* 24 Hr Fuel Card Available

Farm, Lube and Bulk Fuel Deliveries Available - Call 6622 4442

Independently Owned Service Stations
Supplied by North Coast Petroleum - A Local Company Employing Local People

NORTHERN RIVERS

MAGAZINE

Publisher
Ashley Burke-Smith

Editor's Note W

Editor
Moyra Burke-Smith

elcome to your Summer issue of NRBM. Our storm season has given us a few reminders of what nature can kick up with high winds, rain storms and high temperatures. Our feature this issue is Go Green where we explore some of the products, offers, rebates and grants available to businesses. When assessing ‘green’ options sometimes the choices seem overwhelming, we aim to simplify what’s available to you so you can make an informed choice. See how being environmentally aware can save you money, build your business and help save the planet for future generations. Apparently the global economic crisis is coming to an end, at least for Australia, but have interest rates been raised too soon? For businesses that have managed to get through the last year let’s hope the government doesn’t take its foot of the stimulus pedal too quickly. Christmas is coming and as a present to you, we have sourced a terrific reader prize for NRBM readers. We have 3 Business Coaching vouchers worth a total of $1500 to give away. We all recognise the benefits of a personal trainer for fitness, the results speak for themselves and in the case of elite athletes they are seen as essential for success. Business is no different - Using a business coach helps you give your business direction and plan how to reach your goals. So, if you’re in a position to grow your business and need that helping hand to direct you through, enter the prize draw for a chance to win some personal training for your business. Summer is traditionally the peak period for our retail, hospitality and tourism sectors and there are some great initiatives being used by local towns to keep revenue flowing onto their local economies. We wish all of our regional businesses a great summer season. Finally I’d like to wish a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all our NRBM advertisers, suppliers and readers.

Design
www.aguawebs.com [email protected] 02 6676 2980

Contacts
Editorial Contributions: [email protected] Advertising Enquiries/Media Kit: [email protected] Subscriptions & General Enquiries: [email protected]

NRBM
T: 02 6685 4516 F: 02 6685 4518 W: www.nrbm.com.au P: PO Box 130, Suffolk Park, NSW, 2481

Moyra Burke-Smith Editor NRBM

The Small Print :
Notice: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences,

Special Contributors
Geoff Kelly, Newcastle Permanent, has a wealth of experience in financial service and commercial business management he covers business banking and planning. Noven Purnell-Webb, MageData, our technical expert covering essential business IT issues to ensure your business is getting the most from technology. Jon Dale, Small Fish, making business grow is Jon’s business he focuses on what issues need to be overcome to achieve goals. Matt Denehy, Eagle Insurance Brokers, a leading expert in both business and consumer insurance giving expert advice to ensure you’re covered. Clayton Oates, QA Business, our business efficiency guru cuts through the red tape to make your business run smoothly. Jacinta Weir, JHA, with over 12 years experience in HR Jacinta advises on recruitment, change management, performance, mediation and strategy.

including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. The views expressed in Northern Rivers Business Magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the editor or publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, internet or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The paper used to produce this magazine is manufactured by an ISO 14001 environmentally rated mill.

www.nrbm.com.au

Summer 2010

NORTHERN RIVERS

MAGAZINE

Two Offices - One Team
Results, Results, Results…
When it comes to selling commercial, make sure you use the team that gets results. With Ray White Commercial Coolangatta / Tweed Heads market share on sign boards in excess of 70%, your property will be looked after by the top performers in the local commercial property arena. Specialising in all facets of commercial transactions including sales, leasing, project marketing and business sales. With double exposure in Ray White Commercial Coolangatta / Tweed Heads and Ray White Commercial Burleigh offices you are sure to reach your desired market. Take advantage of the added bonus of two sales and leasing teams working to achieve the best result for you. Our specialised market place is from Burleigh to Byron Bay.

Location, Location, Location…

For Confidential, Expert Advice, Contact Us Today
Ph: (07) 5599 2000
[email protected]

Fax: (07) 5599 2004
www.raywhitegcsouth.com

Suite 1 / 69 Wharf Street - P O Box 1286 - Tweed Heads NSW 2485 Suite 10a / 2 Classic Way - P O Box 2667 - Burleigh BC QLD 4220

www.nrbm.com.au

Contents
12 14

28

32

16-23

Business Matters
Insurance
Protect your business, don’t be exposed to costly negligence.

Cover Story
12 14 28 32 Go Green 16-23
Find out how your business can save money, energy and the planet. Learn about what systems can benefit your business and how you can access rebates and loans. Throughout the feature we showcase companies that make it simple for you to change over and reduce your carbon footprint.

Business Efficiency
Learn about customer relationship management, CRM in ‘Who’s Looking After Your Customers?’

Accounts
The benefits of sponsorship and how it can make a real difference to your bottom line.

Regulars
News & Events 6-8
Keeping you up to date with what’s on and who’s doing what. Including The Round Up – news from the region’s chambers.

Marketing
Investment or cost? Don’t fall under your accountant’s scalpel.

Special Reader Prize Draw Worth $1500
Add muscle to your business with your very own business coach to help you build your business and succeed. We have 3 x $500 Business Coaching certificates to give away in our fantastic prize draw. See page 24 for details.

Business Matters

9-15 & 26-32

Covering the issues that matter to your business: Employment & Training, IT, Banking & Finance, Business Efficiency, Marketing & Business Coaching.

Pollies Points

33

Find out the key issues that your local pollie is fighting for you.

www.nrbm.com.au

Summer 2010

news & events
New Burleigh Office for Successful Team Visitor Centre Open Building Sector Hit Hard
The financial crisis may be over for some but the commercial building industry is suffering. John Crittall from the Master Builders Association recently commented: "The commercial sector is about 40% down on year to date turnover, we've had over 20,000 redundancies out of the commercial sector and the latest report to September 2009 showed that we had $3.3 billion of projects that had been deferred and another $500 million worth of projects which had been abandoned." Most current building projects were commission well over a year ago and these are in the process of finishing. As for new work although the government has some projects underway for schools, these development projects are often not full time work. The godfather of Queensland construction, Kevin Seymour, says the worst is yet to come. "I'd say that unless something dramatically happens in the next say six months, we'll all be looking for work." he commented. Steve Greenwood from the property council fears what will happen to the building industry when the Government projects end. "The cranes you're still seeing on the skyline, but most of those projects will finish off, but then those cranes will disappear and they probably won't come back for a number of years."

Volunteers on opening day

Hard work and commitment has paid off for the team at Ray White Commercial Coolangatta/ Tweed Heads with the opening of another office at Burleigh in the ever-growing Southern Gold Coast and Northern Rivers region. The new office in Burleigh, located at Tree Tops Plaza comes just over 6 months after principal Jared Hodge opened the Coolangatta/Tweed Heads office, which has achieved a Ray White Commercial market share on sign

boards in excess of 70%. This outstanding result has firmly established Jared and his team as top line performers in the local commercial property arena as well as the residential market particularly around Tweed Heads. After a stellar performance in 2009 Jared Hodge is looking forward to further business growth and expanding his dedicated team to become the dominant commercial agency from Burleigh to Byron Bay.

Sorry Just the Start Says Clarence MP
The state member for Clarence says the apology to the Australians and former child migrants who suffered in institutions or in care must be followed up by meaningful action. Steve Cansdell has spoken frankly about the abuse he suffered in an orphanage from the age of 11. "I think I was fortunate, I didn't go into any of the orphanages until I was 11 and a half and I had 11 years of great strong family support' Mr Cansdell said. "Many of these kids were brought out anywhere from 2-years-old up to 7 and 8, and they missed out on that love it was just cold, there was no compassion or anything shown," he said. The Nationals MP said "It's okay saying sorry but you've got to follow up with meaningful programs to address the past and I think that many of these people do suffer, the same as people in the aboriginal community still suffer... you stick your hand in your pocket, not throw money at them but throw money at programs to ensure it doesn't happen again and help the people that have suffered,"

The Tweed Heads Visitor Information Centre is now officially open. The project is a partnership between Tweed Shire Council, Tourism NSW and the Australian Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan. The state-of-the-art centre, located at the corner of Bay and Wharf Streets, will showcase the many natural and built attractions of the Tweed and North Coast of NSW. Tweed Tourism, has reported increased visitor patronage since the doors opened to the public a few weeks ago. Tweed Tourism General Manager Phil Villiers said, “It is in a wonderful position strategically located on one of the most significant intersections in the Tweed Heads CBD and adjacent to the park and Jack Evans Boat Harbour.” The purpose-built $658,720 VIC includes an information service area, an administration section, public toilets, a plaza and a grassed area linking to the Jack Evans Boat Harbour redevelopment which is currently underway. The building’s display area offers a unique open-air design which integrates with the surrounding park reducing the need for airconditioning.

Vandal Caught on Camera
A new high-tech security system installed by City Toyota in Ballina Road, Lismore, has already claimed one scalp – a young man caught in the act of vandalising cars. An 18-year-old man was caught on camera smashing windscreens with a shopping trolley and jumping on car bonnets at Lismore’s City Toyota car yard. General Manager Mark Pidcock said the footage from their hightech security cameras gave a high resolution picture of the vandal in action. The footage from the camera was handed to police who knew the repeat offender and were able to go straight to his house and arrest him. The German security system was installed by Lismore company Linear G, Sales Manger Amanda Morris commented: “It’s a high-resolution online security monitoring system. You can be at home and if an online alert is triggered, an SMS is sent and you are able to view the footage from your own home. The technology is not expensive to secure your business,” Ms Morris said “A security camera costs about $2500 and installation starts from $800.”

06

Summer 2010

www.nrbm.com.au

the round up
Ballina Success
experienced and survived a Bypass. They said signage and town centre upgrades were crucial to their town’s capacity to recover (and usually flourish) post bypass. Another component of the Chamber’s Bypass Readiness Campaign has been a Destination Style Promotion incorporating Television, Print and Web focussing on bringing locals and visitors alike to Ballina Town centre to shop. Bluefox Productions, local film company, sponsored the production of a 30 second commercial which is currently on air with Southern Cross Ten and our www.ballinatowncentre. com.au website will be live by December. Additionally a 28 page Ballina Town Centre Brochure will be out in early December. With 2010 looming the Board of Management and Chamber staff are working on an action packed events program along with professional development initiatives and projects across various sectors. Call Nadia or Kim on 6681 5049 to find out more.

Byron Celebrates
Schoolies once again visited Byron Bay in November and December and we were ready to welcome them, offering a safe and enjoyable visit. Byron United co-ordinated a Safety Response Group with representatives from the Liquor Accord, Byron Youth Service, Byron Shire Council, Holiday Let Organisation, Police, Hospital, Byron High School, The Buttery and Byron Core Values Group. A 24/7 central hub was set up to offer a safe haven and assistance to our young visitors. Thanks also go to volunteers Red Frogs and Point Zero who provided invaluable assistance throughout the day and night. The safety initiative made a big difference in town. The Christmas Women’s Lunch will be held at Byron at Byron Resort on 10 December and will give all who attend a little more to think about over the holiday period. Cathy Burke, CEO of the Hunger Project is a guest speaker and will talk about their goal for ‘every person to have enough of the right food to be healthy and productive’. Byron United’s annual Light Up Byron has once again been supported by local businesses and the Christmas Tree will shine on Byron Bay throughout the Christmas period. We also raised enough funds to contribute to Carols by the Sea which will be held on 11 December, this has become an annual event in the Bay, organised by Sharny Russell van Herp and the Ministers’ Fellowship. The past year has brought many challenges for the Board of Byron United which continues to represent the interests of the business and wider community.

WE WON! WE'RE STOKED!

Ballina Chamber of Commerce is excitedly popping the champagne corks. Not just because Santa and the economic benefit he brings is coming either! Ballina Shire Council recently resolved to invest $4 million in completing the upgrade of the Ballina Town Centre along with seeking Federal Funding of an additional $4 million dollars so both stages of the upgrade can be done in 2010 – well before the Ballina Bypass which is great news for the whole community. The Chamber invited representatives from Brunswick Heads and Taree who have

Jacaranda A Success
Well we’ve just had a very successful Jacaranda and the blooms seem to get better and better each year. Certainly, the publicity we have been getting for our Jacaranda festival is fantastic and our visitors go away with praise for our beautiful city. Not only is jacaranda a great time for us to celebrate, but it also has a significant economic impact for our city. Our festival draws visitors from all across Australia and these visitors play an important role in our economy. Long may it live and our congratulations to Libby Pigg and her team for their professional organisation of this years event. It is also pleasing to note our Councils commitment to maintaining these beautiful trees and implementing a sound replanting policy to ensure that we will forever be known as the Jacaranda city. Following Jacaranda, our next function is to promote the Christmas season and the Chamber is working with Council and the Ministers Fraternal to organise an opening to the festive season with Carols at Market square. The committee has been active and a draft budget and programme has been prepared for the next 12 months. Our membership is increasing and we are planning to upgrade our web site. All members are encouraged to look at our site and provide feedback.

Brunswick Heads Chamber of Commerce was recently awarded the honour of Best Business Organisation in Regional NSW in the Regional Achievement and Community Awards 2009. Matthew Denehy, Kim Rosen and Robert Rosen made the trip to Bathurst for the Awards last Saturday and brought home two certificates, a heavy glass trophy and a lucrative PRIME TV ad package. Now we will brainstorm the best way to use this prize! We met the Industry and Investment NSW Minister Phil Costa, and then gave a brunch presentation the following morning to tell Brunswick's story. We have also received an invitation from the DSRD Western Regional Manager to meet with the EDO for the small struggling inland town of Warren. They like our entrepreneurial and lateral approach to leveraging talent, enthusiasm and small amounts of money to achieve some great outcomes. Everyone also seems to love our "Simple Pleasures" campaign and the way we are growing the economy and jobs, but not at expense of our village lifestyle and community values. We have proven that an ongoing co-operative effort between businesses, residents, community groups, Council and partners does actually work! The Award was sponsored by Industry & Investment NSW, Prime TV and the Land Newspaper. Thank you everyone who has made a contribution, especially the Executive and sub committees past and present, who have represented the membership so diligently and enthusiastically.

www.nrbm.com.au

Summer 2010

07

business matters

nsw chamber
Sponsored by: NSW Business Chamber

hip

hare

cations,

recent national study by CompliSpace into SME preparedness as well for the Fair Work Act 2009 has revealed that half of Australia’s To small to medium-sized companies do not understand the key find out more about u to membership please call changes to be introduced with the Fair Work Act. Sharon Cadwallader, The early results of the study show that two in five employers are Regional Manager vice Line, on 6686 8282 or visit unprepared for Modern Awards, and 52% of small corporates believe n issues www.nswbusinesschamber. staff members don’t & Safety. seniorcom.au/memberbenefits know that 1 January 2010 is the start date for these new standards. 47% of organisations with 50-200 employees believe management does not have a good understanding of key changes to be introduced Invigorating Business in the final phase of the Fair Work Act. “It’s understandable that nswbusinesschamber.com.au/memberbenefits businesses have had more pressing issues than Fair Work to contend with, being focused for the last twelve months on surviving4:43:10 PM the downturn and steering their business 18/2/08 towards recovery,” said NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager Kellon Beard. “But there are significant changes for almost all businesses, and it is fair to say that ignorance is no excuse for non-compliance” New unfair dismissal rules, effective from 1 July 2009, removed the WorkChoices exemption from unfair dismissal claims for businesses with 100 employees or less. This has greatly increased the number of employees that can make a claim for unfair dismissal.
NBC 1529

Is Your Business Prepared for Fair Work?

Kellon Beard is the Regional Manager covering Northern NSW for the NSW Business Chamber.

Some of the key changes include:
Businesses employing less than 15 full time staff New Small Business Fair Dismissal Code for small businesses. An employee can make an unfair dismissal claim if employed for twelve months or more. 14 day cut off to lodge claim with Fair Work Australia. Fair Work Australia is the new industrial relations tribunal and regulator.

A

Businesses employing 15 or more full time staff An employee can make an unfair dismissal claim if employed for six months or more. 14 day cut off to lodge claim with Fair Work Australia. Fair Work Australia is the new industrial relations tribunal and regulator.

Figures released by Julia Gillard’s office earlier this year show that unfair dismissal claims have doubled in the first ten weeks since the commencement of the Fair Work Act, compared to the same time period last year. And it’s only going to get more complicated for businesses, when the 10 new National Employment Standards and the new Modern Awards system commence on 1 January 2010.
NSW Business Chamber specialises in helping businesses of all sizes meet their workplace obligations as an employer, and comply with the new legislation. Call 13 26 96 for more information.

what's on
December 9 10 12-13 13 16 24 26 27-Jan1 27 31 January 2-5 17 26 27 Febuary 3 8 TBA TBA TBA Considering a Business Small Business Management Program Starting a Small Business Home Based Business Planning Small Business Management Springwood Kingscliff Ballina Lismore Kingscliff www.dtrdi.qld.gov.au [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Great Eastern Fly-In Show and Shine Australia Day SMED Evans Head Ballina Regional Lismore 6621 5592 6628 1042 Contact your Local Council 6621 3460 Korea ICT Market Briefing Getting Into Export Lismore Christmas Carnival Grafton Rowing Regatta Twilight Market Christmas Eve Street Party Boxing Day Races Woodford Folk Festival Maclean Rodeo New Years Eve Brisbane Brisbane Lismore Grafton Brunswick Heads Bangalow Ballina Woodford Maclean Regional www.austrade.gov.au www.austrade.gov.au 0414 442 533 6642 6885 6685 1003 6680 8558 6686 2603 www.woodfordfolkfestival.com. 6647 7120 Contact your Local Council

If you have an event you would like to submit to the calendar please e-mail details to [email protected]
Whilst all care has been taken in compiling event information, details are subject to change. Please confirm dates and times using the contact details given.

08

www.nrbm.com.au

Northern Rivers Group Training can help SAVE your Business up to $ 7 8 0 0 per Apprentice
We are a division of Hunter Valley Training Company and have employed Apprentices and Trainees locally for 21 years. Our business focus is excellence leading to outstanding completion results.
Let us save you time and money
Recruit the right person for the job Monitor all aspects of the Apprentices performance and training Cover the TAFE fees a saving of over $1200 Pay for all PPE a saving of over $1500 Assist with safety systems and the ongoing monitoring of safety (a huge saving)
Northern Rivers Group Training

And a cash back payment of up to $510 0

Conditions Apply (Expires 28 February 2010).

Becoming a Host Employer is easy...
Arrange a time for us to visit to provide costings specific to your business.

(*Indigenous Apprentices may attract a cash back payment of $13,300 if eligible)

02 6622 1363
e [email protected] w www.hvtc.com.au f 02 6622 4355

Call now to find out more

Northern Rivers Group Training

business matters

employment & training

Succession Planning for Small Business
Jacinta Weir, JHA Recruitment ne of these days you may consider reaping some of the rewards of operating your own business by entrusting its future growth and prosperity to another person or team. Sometimes this decision is thrust upon you due to illness or your own mortality. Having a plan in place makes good business sense. What is a succession plan? In a nut shell it is ensuring you have the right people in the right place at the right time when key positions become open. Generally these people tend to be your existing employees who possess the motivation, competence, capability and culture fit to support your business objective. Why should I have a succession plan? If you have a plan on how and when you want to ideally exit your business, your business and personal goals are more likely to be aligned to making this happen, thus are more likely to be achieved. It’s also wise to factor the contingency of how the business will continue to operate in any unforeseen circumstances. Ask yourself: Do you have people in your organisation that you can identify as potential or suitable successors into key roles? If you decide to sell, have a change in health or lifestyle could your current employees readily assume key or critical organisational roles, including your own? Succession planning is not just focusing on labour skills in the market but your internal ability to meet changing demands and your organisations' readiness when change occurs.

O

This is not just a matter of having people ’in mind’ should something happen, but a plan of attack. This is not something which can be achieved overnight; it involves time and effort and having strategies in place before the need arises. The success of this will be impacted by your succession plan. What are the benefits? • Increased likelihood in maintaining a competitive edge by withstanding unpredictability. • Increased employee engagement loyalty and productivity. • Formulated business goals which are focused on making this happen. Where to start? 1. Plan on Leaving - if you set a date, you can plan for it. 2. Set Goals - make them realistic, attainable and measurable and consider if your current employees are able to support your business objectives. 3. Speak to your staff – Are your employees aware of the opportunities within your business? Are they interested and motivated in a future within your business? 4. Budget - training, external advice, and time to work ‘on’ the business not ‘in the business. 5. Be Entrepreneurial - whether your business is for love or money or both, plan ahead. Whether to set a platform for your own prosperity; to provide a comfortable lifestyle for your family; to contribute to the greater good; etc, the continued health of your legacy depends upon its continuing viability. For more information call 1300 800 301.

JHA work for for your human resources JHA work your human resources
• • • • •

Organisational Strategic Management • Organisational Strategic Management Performance Management Review • Performance Management Review Industrial relations/employee agreements • Industrial relations/employee agreements Succession Planning • Succession Planning Coaching • Coaching

@ @ @ @

JHA work for for your staff JHA work your staff
• Daily Labour Hire Hire & Temporary Staff • Daily Labour & Temporary Staff • Professional, Technical, Clerical, Industrial Staff • Professional, Technical, Clerical, Industrial Staff • Permanent Recruitment Packages & Selection • Permanent Recruitment Packages & Selection

JHA work for for your training JHA work your training
• OHSOHS Consultation • Consultation • Traffic Control & OHSOHS certificates • Traffic Control & certificates • Employee specific training • Employee specific training

@ @

JHA work for for your OHS JHA work your OHS
• Training • Training • Consulting • Consulting • Auditing • Auditing • Occupational Health & Management Systems • Occupational Health & Management Systems

@ @

JHA work for for your assessments JHA work your assessments
• Psychometric Testing • Psychometric Testing • Online Computer Testing eg: Office/Accounting/Legal etc etc • Online Computer Testing eg: Office/Accounting/Legal • OHSOHS Corporate Induction Packages • Corporate Induction Packages

@ @

JHAJHA have many more additional value added packages, please call today and we will arrange for a consultant to have many more additional value added packages, please call today and we will arrange for a consultant to meet with youyou your premises to discuss your business needs. meet with on on your premises to discuss your business needs.

JHA • 7• days a week • 2424 hoursday • Ph: 1300 800 301 JHA 7 days a week • hours a a day • Ph: 1300 800 301 Offices@Byron Bay, Brisbane, Ballina, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Tweed Heads Offices@Byron Bay, Brisbane, Ballina, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Tweed Heads www.jharecruitment.com.au www.jharecruitment.com.au
10 www.nrbm.com.au

employment & training

business matters

Careers Expo a Terrific Opportunity

O

rganisation of the 2010 Northern Rivers Careers Expo is well underway with more than half the stands available already booked. This local initiative connects businesses with job seekers. Its aim is to provide local school leavers and job seekers with genuine long term local career prospects. Economically it is vital for the region to retain and grow a skilled workforce and this is recognised by local group NETPAC who support this event. The 2010 Careers Expo is being held on Thursday 29th April and Friday 30th April 9.30am-3pm at Lismore City Hall, Bounty Street, Lismore. Exhibitors cover a variety of industries from the Defence Forces to Nursing, Accounting to Agriculture and the Music Industry to Teaching. One of the highlights of the Expo is the popular ‘Try a Trade’, where visitors can roll up their sleeves and get hands on experience in a number of trades, including: Beauty Therapy, Auto Mechanics, Catering, Electrical, Building and Tourism to name a few. ‘Try a Trade’ is hosted by Northern Rivers Group Training and Connect Workplace Learning. With an increased focus on filling immediate vacancies, NETPAC invites local businesses to promote their business/vocations to local school leavers and job seekers. Many career seekers don’t know what is available locally and businesses benefit by raising their profile in the community. Last year visiting the Careers Expo turned out to offer a lot more than just career advice for year 12 student Georgia Linton from Emmanuel

Anglican College in Ballina. Georgia was the winner of the Diploma of Events scholarship with Mackintosh College on the Gold Coast. Georgia said she was completely overwhelmed when she was called explaining that she was the lucky winner. “This is a really good opportunity for me and I am lucky to get such a great head start.” she commented. Georgia will start her Diploma of Events on 25th January 2010. Organiser Ashley Burke-Smith comments: “We’re really excited about the 2010 Expo. In 2009, more schools attended than ever before, particularly from the Tweed Shire. Exhibitors had record number of enrolments and job vacancies were filled. That’s what makes this worth doing - this is a local Expo, run by locals for locals, and is recognised as a significant contributor to finding a solution to our skills shortages.” For exhibitors, this is an ideal opportunity to talk to future employees, sign up trainees and apprentices, market direct to job seekers and introduce young people to an industry. Many local firms are experiencing the ‘win win’ of gaining a new member of staff whilst helping boost the local economy and their own business. Employers can literally give someone a skill, a job, and a career for life in an area of traditionally high unemployment. The loyalty and longterm business gains from this are immeasurable. For more information call 6685 4516.

Northern Rivers Careers Expo 2010
Sponsored by State Training Services, NSW Department of Education and Training

Employers - Training Organisations - Universities
Here’s what exhibitors said about the 2009 event

“The venue was 100%” “Very busy all day”

“Worked Very Well” “Lots of interest... fantastic.”

The region’s biggest careers event - attended by schools and jobseekers from Grafton to Tweed Heads.

Promote Your Vacancy, Course or Training Program - Call Now
T: 02 6685 4516 F: 02 6685 4518 E: [email protected]
www.nrbm.com.au 11

business matters

insurance

You’re the Boss: Protect Your Bottom Line
Matthew Denehy, Eagle Insurance Brokers

I

t’s challenging for business owners to be up to speed with all the rules and regulations that go with running a business. But there is a way to safeguard your assets should things go wrong. One of the scariest things about being a business owner is that sometimes, you simply don’t know what you don’t know. And let’s face it – there are a lot of rules and regulations involved in running a business. From company law, employment regulations, to responsibilities involving internal financial procedures and more, it’s almost too much for any one person to get their head around. Whilst you try to be as careful as possible in the way you manage your business, it can be relatively easy for something to slip by that can result in a costly and distracting claim against you. The good news is that there is a simple way to make sure you are protected if something like this happens to you. Management Liability insurance can protect you and your company in relation to exposures associated with how the company is managed. It can, for example, cover you in the case of: • Employment breaches including wrongful dismissal, discrimination, harassment, deprivation of career opportunity and breach of contract. • Negligence, breach of duty, misrepresentations by a Director or Officer of the company • Theft by employees and more...

Any of these types of claims can inflict major damage to your profitability – and also create a massive distraction for you and your staff from your main game. Even if you believe that a claim made against you is baseless, it is still costly for you to defend it – or to settle it to make it go away. Take for example the recent case of an employee who had a history of poor performance and who was terminated for smoking in a restricted area of the business premises. The terminated employee sued his employer for wrongful termination, citing age discrimination based on comments by his manager such as ‘you’re too old.’ The employer subsequently settled with the employee for $350,000 and also paid $130,000 in defence costs. Had this employer had Management Liability insurance in place, it could have covered him for the legal fees and the cost of the settlement. Whilst most businesses take out cover for personal injury and property damage, many are left exposed to crippling costs when it comes to claims arising from their management practices. To reduce the cost and inconvenience of these types of exposures, Management Liability cover is essential to consider. If things go wrong, it can play a critical role in keeping your bottom line safe. This article is general in nature. We recommend you seek expert advice specific to your circumstances before taking any action.

Insurance you can count on when you need it most!
Why wait until you make a claim before finding out how good your insurance policy is? Don’t risk it! Our insurance brokers are objective and can make sure that your policy covers your businesses needs. At Eagle we can help you: • • • • • Make an informed decision Avoid paying for what you don’t want Access the full range of offers and products Objectively assess what covers your business needs Save time and focus on your business – let us shop around for you.

Our brokers live locally so you don’t have to speak to a call centre in another state (or country!).

We know insurance so you don’t have to.
Call Eagle today for a no obligation, free assessment of your insurances.

BYRON BAY

BALLINA

SYDNEY

Freecall 1800 132 453 Freefax 1800 650 453 [email protected] PO Box 2176, Byron Bay, NSW 2481

Phone 02 6681 5128 Freefax 1800 650 453 [email protected] PO Box 2176, Byron Bay, NSW 2481

Phone 02 9797 9096 Freefax 1800 650 453 [email protected] PO Box 85, Haberfield, NSW 2045

www.eagleinsurance.com.au
12 www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

it

Reduce Business Costs with Open Source Software
Noven Purnell-Webb, MageData

I

t is no secret that business grade IT costs money – significant money. Software costs are a major component of IT budgets and represent not only an initial up front outlay but often ongoing subscription fees. Smart businesses are realising that substantial amounts of money can be saved by switching to Open Source alternatives. Open Source software differs from proprietary software in that its license allows for redistribution and modification by the public. One of the more significant benefits of this is the cost of obtaining a license – $0. But don't equate this with 'cheap' or 'Freeware'. Open Source software is developed and distributed by some of the world’s biggest IT companies, including Google, Apple, Sun and IBM. Even Microsoft is experimenting with it. Open Source software powers nearly 80% of the world’s web sites. Mac OSX is built on top of Open Source software. A recent Gartner study found Open Source software is in use by 85% of Fortune 500 companies. These companies can afford to buy proprietary software but choose Open Source because of higher performance, security and reliability. Saving millions of dollars each year in software licensing costs is a nice bonus. Would saving even a few thousand a year make a difference to your business? Calculate what you spend on licenses for Windows, Office, backup, antivirus, Sharepoint, Exchange and even your CRM. Moving to Open Source software could allow you to put that money back into your bottom line.

Despite the benefits, do not get sucked in by the zealots who will claim that Open Source software is a panacea for all software evils. Moving platforms takes professional expertise and causes business disruption. Some retraining may be needed for your staff and some of your line of business applications may not be compatible. You will still require professional support and maintenance services or in-house IT staff. Like everything else in your business, you need the right tool for the job, and sometimes that tool costs money. But where there is an alternative that offers equivalent or better performance for less cost then it bears investigation. Many of the benefits that attract the big boys are also applicable to small business. Reliability, security and performance are things we all want in our IT systems. Whatever your primary driver, do yourself a favour and ask your IT provider about Open Source alternatives for your business. If they don't have the skill or experience to give you a balanced analysis then ask someone who does. If you'd like to learn more about Open Source for yourself start by visiting http://makethemove.net/

www.nrbm.com.au

13

business matters

business efficiency

Who’s looking after your customers?
Clayton Oates, QA Business t looks like we have come though the worst of the GFC and what have we learnt? What business systems can we put in place to ensure that next time (and there will be a next time) this cycle comes around we are well positioned to not only survive but thrive through the event? One stand out point is having loyal customers. Building enduring customer relationships during the good times means when the downturn arrives we at least have a consistent track record of keeping clients, customers & patients. There is little need to rely on the concept of “buying business” by discounting our services and undercutting our competition – which is unsustainable long term. Technology can help us in this pursuit. A well maintained Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that compliments our business and how we interact with those who ultimately sustain us. CRM systems have been around for decades and primarily help facilitate the interaction we have with our prospective and existing customers. Functions of a CRM system include the following; • Maintaining an accurate database of Individual Contacts and Businesses you are looking to (or currently) do business with. • Contact Management – recording of points of contact – such as emails, correspondence (inwards and outwards) and phone calls of “who said what to whom” within an organisation.

I

• Sales Funnel / Pipeline Management – recording the various stages within a sales cycle and reporting on the performance of the sales team – e.g. tracking the conversion rate within an organisation. • Campaign Management – such as the co-ordination of an email marketing campaign, the distribution of a personalised email to your customers for an event you are running, tracking of the respondents and ultimately the volume of business which was generated by the event or campaign. • Current CRM systems also have in built integration with your accounting system, eliminating the need to maintain separate databases of contacts. The systems should have the ability to synchronise contacts eliminating duplication of records. This can be an issue where the CRM system is maintained independently to your accounting / invoicing systems. • The ability to interact with your website is also a desired aspect of current CRM systems, such as the automation of a web based prospective customer enquiry details that are automatically updated within your CRM system. Traditionally the implementation of a CRM system was the domain of “Big” business. However, in recent years we have seen the introduction of several, high quality, low cost systems designed for smaller businesses, making CRM an essential tool for businesses of today – and especially those that wish to take care of their customers in the future.

He’s not worrying about his business systems. Are you?

Specialists in Accounting Systems CRM Systems Payroll Systems Point of Sale Systems Management Reporting
Call 1300 BUY TIME to make sure

New Year’s Resolution I WILL make my business more efficient and profitable

works as well for you as it’s supposed to.

Channel 7’s ‘My Business’ Business Systems Experts

QA Business Pty Ltd
T: 02 6628 1500 F: 02 6628 1518
14

PO Box 900 Alstonville NSW 2477 E: [email protected]

PO Box 4925, GCMC, QLD 9726 W: www.qabusiness.com.au
www.nrbm.com.au

business coaching

business matters

Sales and Marketing Do You Do Enough?
Jon Dale, Small Fish

I

wrote about sales activity last issue and I’m going to flog the same horse this time. Why? Because as a business coach, I see that people neglect this area time after time and it’s what every business can benefit from the most. My question is - are you active enough in your sales and marketing? Do you know how many times, each day, your business attempts to contact a prospective customer to give them an opportunity to make a buying decision? The answer is likely to be ‘I don’t know’ so my advice is; measure it. As a NRBM reader you can access a simple report to help you track this and, if you complete this report for a couple of months, you will be surprised at the results. To download the report simply go to: www.smallfish.com.au click on the Resources menu and it’s under Sales. I’ll tell you what to expect because this will be a short and dull article if I don’t. The report was inspired by WOMBAT Selling by Michael HewittGleeson - an excellent book and available as a free download from his website. It comes with instructions but essentially allows you to record, on a daily basis, how many times your business puts itself into contact with a prospective customer.

That can mean how many outbound phone calls to prospective customers are made – ones whose purpose is actually asking people to buy, how many people read your ad, see your sign, walk in your shop, read your flier, visit your website. The results can be quite confronting but they will definitely teach you something about your business, such as: 1. It shows you how few times you invite people to buy something (and perhaps how little responsibility you are taking for driving this). 2. By pointing out how little you do, it stimulates you to do more (I hope!) 3. If you keep it going, it shows you what positive things can happen when you go and do a bit more…… This reinforces the activity. From here, try to think of how you can increase the number of people who see your sales and marketing messages (appropriate ones) every day. You could place an ad in your local paper or business paper; you could start calling all your old customers to see what they are doing; you could get a flier designed, find a joint venture partner and make an offer to all their customers. There are many things you can do – so do something!

The Wallabies have one The Manly Sea Eagles have one Donald Trump has several

Can a coach help your team? We’ll help you decide, visit www.smallfish.com.au or call 02 6680 8036
www.nrbm.com.au

Small Fish

Business Coaching
15

go green

Simple Solutions

G

oing green is not a new concept, many companies have been doing it for years. In our beautiful Northern Rivers region we recognise more than most how important our actions are towards our environment. However, sometimes the amount of red tape and information overload can prevent us from making the most effective changes. This feature aims to simplify what’s on offer and source simple solutions to help you ‘Go Green’, saving you time and money whilst reducing your impact on the environment. Much of our region has particularly high rainfall. A simple solution to utilising this ‘gift from the sky’ is a rainwater tank. You may be eligible for a rebate on both federal and local levels. Depending on which system you get, you could be eligible for a rebate of over $2000. So buying a rainwater tank has never been more affordable. Northern Rivers Rainwater Tanks is a family owned and operated local business dedicated to providing sound advice and assistance when you decide to add a rainwater tank to your home, farm or business. They can also explain and help you to access the available rebates. More rebates are available for solar hot water and ceiling insulation so you can benefit from hot water that costs a lot less and a roof that keeps you cooler in Summer and warmer in Winter. The funding is extremely simple to access; all you have to do is register with an approved Government Installer. If you’re looking at building a new home you can go ‘Energy Smart’. Energy efficient homes are homes that, through their design and construction, maximise the use of renewable energy sources (such as sunshine), and use less energy. They are ‘smart’ because they simultaneously help preserve scarce resources, reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions, and provide significant savings for home occupiers. A study conducted by the Australian Consumers Association (July 1997) estimated an energy efficient home is almost $1,000 a year cheaper to run than an average new home. Even small changes like making better use of natural light, turning things off, emailing instead of posting, increasing your

air-con thermostat by one degree in summer can make a big difference to your costs and carbon footprint. The NSW government has an Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program which offers an energy assessment, tailored action plan and a rebate of up to $5,000 for making energy efficiency improvements. To find out more go to p19. If you opt to invest in solar power, not only do you support your energy needs but you can also sell excess power back to the grid which has to be a win/win situation. You save money, help the environment and get financially rewarded too. Recycling has always been a popular way to be green and today is no different, whether you hold a garage sale of things you don’t need anymore or use recycled paper products, it all helps. Many Northern Rivers councils have Revolve or Re-use Centres or Tip Shops. They recover, repair and sell goods and second-hand items that have been dropped-off at the tip. Ballina has had a privately operated tip shop for about 13 years and the Revolve Shop at Lismore has been running for 6 years. Both are popular and successful operations, which help reduce the amount of waste going into landfill, as well as providing plenty of second hand bargains. Byron Shire is planning to open a Tip Shop by mid 2010 and it is estimated to divert 400 tonnes of landfill per year. Business does have to beware when buying green though as it can be confusing. For example, when you buy ‘green print’ make sure you buy from an accredited printer. Whilst using recycled paper and vegetable based inks is a good start, the new Sustainable Green Print Program has three stages of accreditation, similar to quality assurance. The printer is audited every year and has to show an improvement each time. This new training covers cleaner production practises, waste management, recycling, water, incident management storage & handling of printing chemicals energy & air emissions. So enjoy our feature where you can find out more about your options and how to access rebates and services quickly and easily making it simple for your business to “Go Green’.

16

Summer 2010

www.nrbm.com.au

Get Your Business in Front of Customers
n 1000’s of items available
Pens

LET YOUR WATER TANK SAVE YOU MONEY
Your total rainwater tank solution is only a phone call away.

n streamlined service n speciality theming n items to suit all budgets

Bags

• • • •

OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE by our Licensed Plumbers Assistance with Government Rebate Scheme FREE Advisory & Water Harvesting Design Service All Pumps, Fittings & Accessories
* Ask about roofing & guttering replacement & repair service*

Gifts

Stress Balls

Northern Rivers Rainwater Tanks is your local family owned rainwater tank specialist!!

FREE DELIVERY

KEEN 2 B GREEN?
Huge Range of Eco Products to Choose From
Northern Rivers Rainwater Tanks 64 Lancaster Drive, Goonellabah. www.nrrtanks.com.au

6624 4662

For All Your Promotional Needs

Call on: 6685 4516
[email protected]

www.nrbm.com.au

go green

Reuse Recycle and Recreate

R

ecycling is the godfather of ‘going green’ it’s something that has been around forever. Originating from a time when resources were limited and the need to make do and improvise were essential because there weren’t other options, our grandfathers and mothers were the kings and queens of recycling. From reusing yarn to knit new clothes to taking parts from engines to make something new, the bottom line is the same: reuse and recycle. Local company AJ Magnay have been doing just that for 27 years and their company mantra is "reuse, recycle and recreate". Alan Magnay comments: “We love the question " What have you Got..?", it's our catch cry/phrase because you never know what you'll find, we have pretty much everything you need.” The business was established with a car trailer, one demolition job, hard work and half a shed at their Macauley Street location in Lismore. Today they have 6 sheds and numerous yards. They specialise in second hand building materials and second hand shop fittings, steel shelving and pallet racking. Their range of fittings is perfect for shop fit outs and to help you pack, stack and rack stock in a warehouse or store archives. It’s also great when you need to get the car back in the garage and have to reorganise or if you have to tidy up the shed.

The second hand materials are supported by new products like second-grade pine, plywood, liquidated paint and reproduction brassware. Recycled building materials include: timber doors, aluminium doors, timber windows, aluminium windows, kitchen sinks, vanity sinks, hardwood, laundry tubs, and bathtubs. Second hand doesn’t mean poor quality, shops refit all the time just for a new look. Customers range from solicitors offices looking for heavy duty racking to hold their archives to printers using them to store stock. Shop fitting projects produce their fair share of waste. However, in a lot of circumstances, there isn’t necessarily the room to store such waste. Health and safety of other workers and the general public around the site is paramount. Combine this with possible issues with space and vehicle restrictions, waste management can become a major hassle when renovating a shop. If you are about to refit your shop, instead of ripping out all of the old fittings and tipping them AJ Magnay can strip out your old shop fittings so you can reduce your landfill footprint by recycling. It’s a terrific resource to have on your doorstep when you’re looking to refit your business or simply organise your storage systems and costs a lot less money. With a full delivery service it’s simple to reduce your footprint and buy great treasures at great prices.

At AJ Magnay, it doesn’t cost the earth to be green!
We’ve been recycling for 27 years, bringing you: ♻ ♻ ♻ ♻ ♻ Great Storage Solutions Commercial Fittings for Your Business Reduced Environmental Footprint Recycled Building Materials Keen prices

Glass Paint Doors Shelving Windows Shopfittings Factory Seconds Storage Solutions Building Materials

So ʻReduce, Reuse and Recycle’ - You’ll feel better, you’ll save money and your customers will be happier with you too.

AJ MAGNAY TIMBER AND HARDWARE P: 02 6621 5549
2 Macauley St, North Lismore 2480 www.ajmagnay.com

F: 02 6622 2258

18

www.nrbm.com.au

go green

Helping Businesses Save Money and the Planet.

C

ommercial energy assessments help small and medium sized businesses find new ways to save money and energy. Often small changes like making better use of natural light or increasing your air conditioning thermostat by one degree in summer can make a big difference to the cost of your power bills over a year and reduce carbon pollution. Over the long term, significant energy and financial savings can be achieved by operating existing equipment more efficiently or replacing outdated equipment. For example, switching to compact fluorescent lighting can cut electricity use by up to 75%, and replacing air conditioners that are more than 10 years old can reduce your energy costs for heating and cooling by up to 40%. The Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program offers a commercial energy assessment, a tailored action plan and a rebate of up to $5,000 for making energy efficiency improvements. This program can both save you money and reduce your impact on the environment. the assessment is subsidized so the only cost to the business is $50. After your onsite energy assessment, you receive an action plan to help you save electricity by improving the efficiency of existing equipment or installing new equipment that is more energy efficient. ROI time frames are included in the plan for each action identified. The rebate of up to $5,000 is available to pay for half of your costs to implement action plan recommendations that have a ROI period of more than two years. Rebates will be paid for improvements to lighting, including

skylights, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, boilers, air compressors commercial refrigeration, electric motors, insulation and solar hot water. To qualify your business must spend up to $30,000 a year on electricity or employ up to 20 people. Local company Coolplanet (contracted by the NSW D.E.C.C.W.) has conducted energy assessments on over 50 local businesses, including; Santos, The Echo, Lois Lane, Byron Community Centre, Byron Bowling Club, Lois Buckett, Corner Store, Bridglands and Cape Byron Imports. Also available are residential sustainability assessments under D.E.H.W.A's Green Loans Program. These home assessments are free and a 4 year interest free loan of up to $10,000 is available for improvements. As well as energy assessments, they also conduct greenhouse gas audits, are a carbon broker, carbon offset retailer and can certify your business as carbon neutral. Being carbon neutral combined with an energy assessment is a great way to minimise your businesses environmental impact and promote your green credentials. Current carbon neutral clients include; Ant Packaging, Byron Yoga Clothing, Refreshed Lemon Myrtle, Wild Finger Lime, Earth Car Rental, The Byron Shire Echo and Puncture Proof. For more information and to register go to: www.coolplanet.com.au

business ENERgy assessments
• Backed by NSW D.E.C.C.W. • To be eligible, a businesses annual electricity bill must be under around $30,000. • Rebates of upto $5,000 are available for improvements to lighting, including skylights, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, boilers, air compressors commercial refrigeration, electric motors, insulation and solar hot water. • Commercial energy assessments are only $50. • Coolplanet also conducts residential sustainability assessments under D.E.H.W.A’s green Loans Program. • Coolplanet provides greenhouse gas audits, is a carbon broker, carbon offset retailer and can certify your business as carbon neutral. Being carbon neutral is a great way to minimise your environmental impact and promote you green credentials.

• Over 100 assessments
undertaken in the Northern Rivers.

Call 0405 459 565 or visit www.coolplanet.com.au
www.nrbm.com.au 19

go green

Your Business Can Make a Difference

R

ous Water’s Blue & Green Business Program is an excellent example of local government supporting green initiatives by businesses. The program provides funding for water saving projects undertaken by businesses that are using town water. Targeting the top business water users in the Rous region and accommodation premises in particular the aim is to save water and help business become more efficient, thereby saving them money. Any project that reduces the demand for water from the Rous regional water supply system is eligible for financial assistance. This also includes any project that results in the use of reclaimed wastewater, rainwater and/or greywater, as a permanent substitute for potable water. Funding is based on the actual volume of potable water saved per year and the cost of the works done to achieve that reduction. Projects are currently eligible for up to 50% of the cost of the project, or a maximum of $3,500 for every 1 million litres of water saved per year.

If you or your business would like to participate in a water saving project but are unsure of where to start, Rous Water can help. They can carry out a walk-through water audit free of charge. As the name suggests, this involves taking a walk around your business and identifying water saving opportunities that you may not have thought of. They also provide advice about the most cost effective options for your business and can help you through the application for funding. To find out where your business can save water and money at the same time call 6621 8055.

Over the past few months, a number of businesses have taken advantage of this great funding opportunity. Alstonville Leisure Village located on the Bruxner Highway in Alstonville have installed two rainwater tanks totalling 16,000 litres. The tanks provide water for toilets, showers and laundry facilities in the amenities block and are expected to save about 800 kilolitres of potable water per year. The Clean and Green Laundry in South Lismore have replaced a number of top loading washers with front loaders. The latest addition is an Aussiewash front loader that only uses 30 litres of water per wash. The Blue & Green Business Program provides funding of up to $1,000 per washing machine. Xavier Catholic College in Skennars Head installed five 40,000 litre rainwater tanks at various spots around the school. The tanks provide water for all of the toilet blocks and other outdoor uses. The tanks are expected to save around 1.65 megalitres of potable water each year.

Financial Assistance for Water Saving Projects
SAVE WATER AND MONEY! If your business uses potable water supplied by: Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley Councils and Rous Water, then you could save money on your next water saving project. ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? Any project reducing the demand from the Rous Water regional water supply system can qualify for financial assistance. This also includes projects that result in the use of reclaimed wastewater, rainwater and/or greywater, as a permanent substitute for potable water. WATER AUDITS Water audits are available for businesses that qualify. Walk-through audits are free and assistance can be provided with more complex audits. $$ HOW MUCH CAN YOU GET? $$ Based on the volume of potable water saved per year and the cost of the works done, projects are currently eligible for up to 50% of the cost of the project, or $3,500 for every 1 million litres of water saved per year, whichever is less. HOW DO YOU APPLY? Call Elizabeth Seidl, Demand Management Coordinator on (02) 6621 8055 for an application form.

20

www.nrbm.com.au

go green

Solar Credits Explained

O

n June 9 this year, the “Solar Credits Scheme” was introduced as an incentive to assist householders and businesses to install solar electricity on their premises. To be eligible, you must deal with a solar energy installer who is accredited by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and the chosen installer will help you through the paperwork. How does it work? First, we must understand Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The government has mandated renewable energy targets, ie. industry must produce a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources or else face hefty fines. Alternatively they may purchase the rights to the renewable power generated by systems installed by householders and businesses. For example, a one kilowatt (1 kw) solar power system installed in Northern NSW is entitled to 20 RECs. The price of these certificates is set by the market and is currently $31 per REC. The Solar Credits Scheme offers a 5 X multiplier for the first 1.5kw of eligible PV systems. For example; A 3kw PV system in Lismore is entitled to 62 RECs. Half of the system earns 155 RECs while the second 1.5 kw will earn the standard 31 RECs . Total RECs = 155+31 = 186 RECs. At today’s price of $31, the rebate is $5,766. Feed in Tariffs The best method of supporting renewable energy is by a feed in tariff. This means that you receive more money for the power which you put back into the main electricity system than what you normally pay.

Stop Press From January 2010, NSW will be adopting a gross feed in tariff of 60 cents (3 X normal price) per unit for systems under 10 kilowatts. At this rate, each kilowatt of power you put on your roof will earn you up to $1000 per annum! Solar Power And The Investment Allowance Exciting News forBusiness Part of the economic stimulus package is the “Investment Allowance”. Businesses with an annual turnover of less than $2 million can claim a tax deduction of 50% of the cost of eligible new tangible depreciating assets ordered between 13 December 2008 and 31 December 2009. For other business entities, the additional deduction is 30%. Solar PV Systems are classified as plant and equipment so can be claimed under the investment allowance. Consider the benefits of investing in a solar power system for your business, taking into account the solar credits scheme, feed in tariffs and the investment allowance as well as the public relations and environmental benefits. This is a unique opportunity to make your business climate friendly, while achieving excellent business outcomes. For more information call 6633 1257.

Last chance to get 50% Tax Bonus on your Solar Installation
• Up to $9,500 p.a. earning potential • Requires approx 80m2 roof space • Will produces enough power for three average families • Very low maintenance • For farmers and businesses, order before Dec 31 and collect the investment allowance • Only $49,713 after rebates (conditions apply) • For business or farmers, only $36,105 investment after relevant deductions
(conditions apply)

9.8 Kilowatt Suntech Grid Connect System

• Earns up to $1,400 p.a.

1.4 Kilowatt Family Home System

• Earns up to $2,800 p.a. • Covers all power usage for the average home • From only $12,044
(conditions apply)

2.8 Kilowatt Family Home System

• Produces 6.5 kwh per day • Reduces greenhouse gas • Only $5,405 after rebates (suntech) $6,930 (Sharp Solar) (conditions apply)

Phone Simon for advice on stand alone off grid systems
lla Design | Sale | Insta

Must Order Before Dec 31 – December Specials

tion | Solar Wind Hydro Systems
[email protected]

Solar Power Professionals
www.nrbm.com.au

Phone 02 6633 1257

Mobile 0427 972 494
Licensed Electrician 105621C BCSE accredited

21

go green

Swap Your Hot Air for Hot Water

O

n a hot summer’s day, have you ever thought there must you 75% off your energy bill. The higher the air temperature means be a way to use the heat around us to heat our water? more savings. With the predicted increase in energy costs and Well the good news is that there the cutting of Greenhouse Gas emissions is, and I don’t mean just letting the pipes it makes real sense for both householders, get hot. businesses and the environment. Stiebel Eltron is one of Europe’s largest The system is also eligible for both Federal manufacturers of water heaters making RECs and State based rebates, check with it one of the most successful companies www.stiebel.com.au for full details. involved in manufacturing household and The pump is a recent award winner just system technologies. They are renowned having been announced “2009 Energy for inventive genius and a capacity for Saving Product of the Year” by Master innovation and dedication which extends Sales Director of Stiebel Eltron, Jason Kerr Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of throughout the company. One of their accepting the MPGA WA Award Western Australia. Finalists in this category leading products is a heat pump hot water were asked to demonstrate how their unit. products are environmentally conscious, can Their WWK300A Heat Pump Hot Water system delivers hot provide outstanding savings to customers and how consumers will water without a fuss. It draws its energy from the ambient air and benefit from the products excellence in design and innovation. The transfers this to an internal cylinder. Sufficient hot water at 60°C award also assesses products on their installation and ongoing can be delivered purely by the heat pump even down to 0°C air maintenance requirements. temperatures. “We’re proud to win this award because it shows our focus to The Payback provide consumers of Australia a reduction of CO2 emissions and The beauty of this technology is that the amount of electrical provide long term energy savings against rising energy costs” said energy required to operate the heat transfer process is far less than Graham Biesse, Chairman of Stiebel Eltron, Australia, “It takes the energy used by a conventional electric element. For example experience and knowledge of over eight decades to continually 25°C air temperature, 70% humidity and 45°C rise of water provide customer innovative and efficient products. We feel temperature, the fan and compressor consume 1kW of electricity to honoured to be recognised by the Master Plumbers as they look generate 4kW of heat to the water cylinder (COP). The energy use to acknowledge organisations that are in the business of selling is approx 25% of conventional electric hot water cylinders, saving products that focus on sustainability in plumbing”.

REDUCE YOUR HOT WATER ENERGY USAGE

BY UP TO 75%
GOV

GS HOT WATER HEAT PUMP AVIN S
Immediate cost and energy savings Reduction on your carbon footprint Works in cold climates Proven German quality Can be installed outdoors and indoors*

GE HURNMENT E

INSTALL A

2009 ENERGY SAVING PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
AWARD
22

WINNER OF THE

Resistant to corrosive air Builders enquiries welcome

ACT NOW! CALL

Before rebates disappear

FOR MORE DETAILS

6686 8887
www.nrbm.com.au

go green

Ceiling Insulation, Take the Plunge

T

he Australian Government is investing $4,000,000 into the Energy Efficient Homes Package to improve the energy efficiency of Australian Homes. Part of the package being promoted is ceiling insulation. So what’s in it for house owners, why should they get involved? We asked local expert Bill Lowrie from HBI ceiling Insulation. As well as the feel good factor of actually doing something constructive for the environment, the benefits for the home owner are multiple. Ceiling insulation makes residential housing more comfortable, cooler in summer and warmer in winter. In addition to this you are also reducing your carbon footprint, reducing energy waste and saving money on energy bills. The industry estimates put the saving at around $200 a year on the average home. The beauty of the way it’s organised is that the funding is extremely simple to access, all you have to do is register with an approved Government Installer. The rebate currently provided by the Government as of Nov 2009 is $1200.00. Every home owner who does not have insulation in their property is entitled to take up the offer and is encouraged to take advantage of the rebate. So how does it work? For example if a quote provided by an approved installer comes to $1200.00 there is absolutely no cost to

the home owner and the installer invoices the government directly. If a quote comes in at $1350.00 then the homeowner is required to pay only $150.00, a small price to pay for getting a whole ceiling insulated which will save money on electricity bills well into the future. There are some conditions to qualify for the rebate and you can access these at: www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/ insulation or call 0415 120000. There has been some bad press regarding companies using sub standard products and some insulation products that have no effectiveness in winter and are not completely effective in Summer. To avoid these problems ensure you contact an approved installer and ask about the product they are going to use. Insulation should have an RV rating of 3.5 which is highly effective in both ends of our climate spectrum and should be approved to Australian standards and be heat retardant. Once you take the plunge your installer will arrange a convenient time for installation to take place. They turn up, access your roof space and a couple of hours later they’re finished and your ceiling is insulated. I don’t think there is any easier way to make a difference to the environment by reducing your energy use, save money by cutting your power bills and increase the comfort and value of your home. It’s just too easy.

FREE CEILING
USING THE GOVERNMENT REBATE
HBI AUSTRALIA is working with the Australian Government to provide home owners with FREE CEILING INSULATION which is part of the economic stimulus plan.
Home owners without ceiling insulation or poor conditioned insulation are eligible to receive free insulation in their property. HBI Australia will invoice the federal government and you the home owner will not pay a cent unless costs exceed $1200.00. A standard size home will cost approximately $1200.00. HBI Australia is a member of the Governments Installer Provider Register and is ready to insulate your property. HBI Australia uses GlassWool which is 3.5 RV in value ensuring your home stays cool in summer and warm in winter. Our product is fire retardant and vermont proof meeting Australian Standards. HBI Australia are proud sponsors of sporting groups and local communities in the Northern Rivers.

HBI AUSTRALIA IS PROVIDING

INSULATION

1300 100 424
or register on our website www.hbiaustralia.com.au
www.nrbm.com.au

Please give us a call at HBI Australia to book your free insulation on

23

$1500 Prize Draw

Add Muscle to Your Business
“Small Fish helped us shape our vision for our company and our plan for the future. We have already seen the great benefit in naming and focusing on our business goals.” Glen Wallis, Byron Hire.

$1,500 Business Coaching Prize Draw

Merry Christmas Readers!
We’ve twisted the arm of our colleague Jon Dale at Small Fish Business Coaching in order to bring you a fantastic prize to kick off 2010 for you and your business.

We have 3 x $500 Small Fish Business Coaching Certificates to give away.

Small Fish

Business Coaching

What’s in It for You?
A business coach is more than a tool to help you drive change into your business. A coach will help you get the most from your business and from yourself, just like a sports coach. They will facilitate a process that you’ll take your business and yourself through to work out what you want from your business and how to make it happen. Then you and your coach work together to make sure it happens – that you implement your plan, no excuses, no forgetting. The free coaching session will do this in miniature - a mini audit that will help you figure out what you’re doing right and wrong and where you want to be . Definitely a good place to start! – Jon Dale To enter, simply tell us what your business is, the area of your business you’d like to improve, and your contact details. We will be drawing one certificate from all entries for each month of our Summer edition so that’s Dec, Jan and Feb.

Brought to you by:

Small Fish
NORTHERN RIVERS MAGAZINE

You can enter by:
Post: NRBM, Business Coach Draw, PO Box 130, Suffolk Park, NSW 2481 Email: [email protected], subject header Business Coach Draw Web: www.nrbm.com.au

Business Coaching

office furniture solutions
Steel frame corner workstation * Volume discounts apply *

Come and see Shaws for commercial quality

Robust heavy-duty office chairs

$216

JUST ARRIVED
‘Tulsa’ executive chair

BRAND NEW STOCK

also available

1800x1500x750

$443
Melamine workstation 1800x1800x400 - $308 also available

$205
‘Nevada’ board room chair

1800x1800x750 - $460

Steel frame desk 1500x750 1800x900 - $280

$250
2400x1000 - $297

All melamine desks 1200x600 - $125 1500x750 - $155 1800x900 - $210

$154
‘Wilson’ mid-back chair

* We import direct from the factory to you * ‘Paris’ reception chairs
now in PU leather

Visitor chairs

$166
‘Wilson’ high-back chair

* Lon

g life

*

$201

$191

$108
Fabric - $96

$271
‘Murdoch’ high-back fully ergonomic chair

15 Three Chain Road, South Lismore

Phone 6621 9066

Loads more in our showroom!
* all prices include GST

t to * Buil

last *

Arms and drafting kits also available for ‘Wilson’ and ‘Murdoch’

business matters

banking & finance

Do You Ask for Referrals?
Geoff Kelly, Newcastle Permanent

Y

our existing customer base is potentially the richest source of new business referrals you will ever have. So why is it we ask less than 30% of our customers for referrals? If you’re proud of the job you do then don’t be shy to ask. When Should You Ask? Generally within 90 days of completing the business and especially if you have gone the extra mile for the client or exceeded their expectations in some way. If you have a regular personal contact program either by phone or in person it’s a great opportunity to ask for a referral. A relaxed social occasion when you have time to talk to clients is also a good opportunity. One thing to avoid is asking in a letter, it’s impersonal and unlikely to get a result. What Do You Ask For? If you have a specific target, ask for an introduction to that person. If you have a customer in a particular industry then ask for referrals of similar businesses that they know might need similar services. Having completed work successfully for a business within a business building you could ask if there are any other tenants they know well enough who would be interested in your service. When you’ve helped a client to expand their business, let them know how much you enjoyed helping them to grow and ask if they have a referral that could help your business grow too.

Who Do You Ask? Customers with connections. Prepare a lead list, you can take it with you on client visits and ask them if they know anyone they could introduce you to. You never know, your biggest prospect might be their friend or relative. Talk to your most loyal customers, they already know and like you and want you to succeed so are happy to give you referrals. If you don’t ask, they won’t know. If you know any industry leaders who understand current business trends and opportunities, they have their finger on the pulse and can point you in the right direction. Action Set yourself some targets, these could be as simple as every Tuesday ask anyone you speak to for a referral or contact 2 past customers every day, attend networking functions and actually network. Obviously to do any of the above, you need confidence and commitment. Develop your own style, watch how other successful businesses gain results. You need to get out of your comfort zone to be successful. Involve your team – do whichever feels the most comfortable but remember, if you are not pro-active around getting referrals your business will not reach its true potential. The key is … Just Ask.

Award winning banking for your business
For a genuine business banking alternative, call your Business Solutions team.

Award winning products Local knowledge Local service

Call Geoff Kelly today on 0438 289 703

newcastlepermanent.com.au
Here for good.
Here’s some more information for you: Terms and Conditions are available from Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited ABN 96 087 651 992.
26645b 134x186

26

www.nrbm.com.au

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1998 • Batteries to suit Cars, Motorcycles, Tractors, Trucks, Machinery, Marine, Deep Cycle • Up to 36 Month Warranty • Trade Enquiries Welcome • Agents in all centres Call us today for a FREE Battery & Alternator test Ballina 6686 0600 Casino 6662 8720 Lismore 6622 3000 Mobile 0417 205 345
Servicing Ballina, Casino, Lismore, Byron & Surrounding Areas

Northern Rivers Discount Batteries

Are you managing a business but letting your personal finances slip?
When you’re a busy professional it’s easy to let your personal financial planning slip. But are you making the most of your hard earned money and creating wealth? Will you and your assets be protected in the event something unfortunate happens? Are you using all the options available to you to get ahead? Whatever your situation, at AXA Financial Planning Tweed Coast we take the time to get to know you, understand your aspirations and tailor a comprehensive financial plan to set you on the path to achieving your goals.

s is s i Th es LE sin SA B u OR F

Accountants | Auditors | Business Advisers

“PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FOR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL MATTERS” » » » » » »
Taxation, Advice & Business Services Self-Managed Superannuation Financial & Estate Planning Audit & Assurance Services Risk Management / Corporate Governance Consulting All Accounting Services

For a professional accounting solution, call Byron Bay partners Craig Page and Brad Tom on:

6685 6529
[email protected] [email protected]
TNR, 1/120 Jonson St (above Network Video) Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Fax 6685 6113 [email protected] www.tnrbyron.com.au

We will help you:
protect your investments protect your family with insurance create wealth and maximise market opportunities

You will receive:
a free initial meeting flexible payment options including fee for service financial plans experienced, professional advice you can trust

To get ahead, call AXA Financial Planning Tweed Coast today on 07 5599 3300.

J106645 AXA08

AXA Financial Planning Tweed Coast
Shallain Hodge
Authorised Representative

1/69 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads NSW 2485 www.axafp.com.au/tweedcoast
AXA Financial Planning Limited trading as AXA Financial Planning Tweed Coast, authorised representative ABN 21 005 799 977 AFS Licence No. 234663 Member of the Global AXA Group

www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

accounting

Why Sponsor?

B

usiness awards, sporting teams, community groups, clubs, schools, agricultural shows and concerts. This list represents some of the things that make our community what it is and every day they need sponsorship to survive. There are many reasons why a company would sponsor an organisation or event. Some see it for the promotional aspect or the opportunity to rub shoulders to improve their business, both very legitimate reasons, but why else should a business take up sponsorship opportunities? Because it builds relationships, sponsorship in any form should never be about just handing over some money and getting your logo on something prominent. It is much more than that. An effective sponsorship means you can build relationships internally through staff involvement, externally with the recipient and by connecting with target markets. Now because this article has been provided by an accounting firm it is also very important to note the financial benefits of participating in sponsorships. In broad terms sponsorship can be tax deductable, and when you team that with possible savings on associated benefits, it can be quite affordable. It is always best to consult with your accountant regarding your own situation. So do we practice what we preach? This financial year alone WHK Northern NSW has sponsored over 40 events and organisations. Why the company chooses to do this is simple, it’s a win / win situation. For us we value sponsorship highly within our marketing activities. While we could spend a lot of money advertising in every medium, sponsorship brings benefits that other marketing activities

don’t, namely an opportunity to involve our staff and assist our community. So next time you are looking at your marketing budget, consider your sponsorship activities for the year. It can be most worth while. WHK proudly supports • Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards • Park Beach Bowling Club • Coffs Harbour Legacy • Grafton Rugby Union • Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic • Clunes Tennis Club • Casino Ladies Golf Day • Corindi Red Rock Surf Club • The WHK Ramornie Handicap • Lismore Turf Club • Grafton Dragon Boat Races

• Lismore Women’s Golf • Grafton High School • South Grafton High School • Yamba Variety Club • Brown and Hurley Charity Golf Day • Southern Cross University WHK Prize • Australian National Sikh Games • Ballina Chamber International Women’s Day • Kyogle Soccer • Tabulum Campdraft • North Coast National

Accounting • Financial Planning* • Agribusiness Consulting • Audit & Assurance • Business Advisory • Estate & Succession Planning • Lending & Finance • Risk* & General Insurance • Superannuation* & SMSF* • Tax Consulting

Armidale Ballina Byron Bay Casino Coffs Harbour Glen Innes Grafton

Inverell Kyogle Lismore Walcha Warialda Yamba

www.whk.com.au

* Advice on these services is provided under the licence of WHK Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 51 060 092 631 AFSL 238244

28

www.nrbm.com.au

2 Billion Internet Users
How Many Are Your Customers?

We’re Serious About Marketing, Are You?

Your WEBSITE Your BUSINESS Your CHOICE

Design Branding Event Management

Marketing Strategy Campaign Management Customer Communication

Call: 02 6685 4516
[email protected]
ww.smartclix.com.au 02 6619 0575

For No Nonsense Professional Marketing

www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

energy

Artists in Record Countryscapes Finalists’ Field

T

he Far North Coast has achieved its greatest ever representation in this year’s $35,000 Country Energy Art Prize for Landscape Painting. – Countryscapes. Of the record 49 works selected from across country and coastal New South Wales to contest the 2009 prize, 21 were by local artists, although none were able to surpass Graham Lupp of Bathurst, who won the major prize with his work Hen and Chicken Lane. Leading art market analyst and critic, Michael Reid, made the presentation at the Lismore Regional Gallery – host of the 2009 exhibition, observing ‘a talent cluster’ occurring in the Northern Rivers region. “The competition came down to three very strong works but what made Graham’s piece stand out was the trees – they took on a sinewist, abstract texture, in what is otherwise a traditional landscape,” Michael said. “It was encouraging to see that the Prize has grown to include the full breadth of what is considered ‘landscape’ – moving from being a traditional landscape competition to reflect the broader environments that we live in including cityscapes, seascapes and even mindscapes – the internal reflection.” Speaking at the Lismore Regional Gallery, Country Energy’s Managing Director, Craig Murray, said the depth of talent displayed by the finalists was testament to the vigour of the regional Arts scene. Byron Bay artist Lynne Wallace won the Employees’ Choice Award, while Bangalow’s Clare Hopkins, Rosebank’s Anthony Leitch and Byron Bay’s Jan Rae were all highly commended for their work. Initiated in 2003, Country Energy established a landscape art prize to encourage and showcase the wealth of artistic talent in regional NSW and develop the State’s visual arts industry as a whole.

“We’re proud that Country Energy’s investment in the cultural, sporting and social life of local communities – coupled with our massive investment in the network and local jobs, which amounts to a record $99 million on the Far North Coast this financial year – contributes to the sustainability of regional areas,” Craig said. Countryscapes will exhibit at the Lismore Regional Gallery 5 November to 12 December 2009.

Our apprenticeships help keep kids off the street.
Country Energy’s apprenticeship program is one of the best in NSW. It’s brought hundreds of job opportunities to rural communities over the last six years and gives country kids careers to aspire to. Just another way Country Energy finds better ways to deliver essential services.

30

CPX1629_JUN08

www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

meetings & events

The Show Goes On

S

o you’ve had a successful Expo made some good contacts, maybe even signed some contracts. The show may be over but the real work is only just beginning… Although it’s tempting to think you can sit back and relax once the exhibition is closed, it’s just one part of your sales journey. Park those aching feet under the desk and get to work on the follow up. Now is your opportunity to reinforce the good impression you made with your prospects by sending them a personal follow up, and I emphasis the word personal. You’ve just met them face to face and had the chance to find out about them both personally and professionally; their likes and dislikes; whether they have kids; their hobbies and interests etc. If you send a generic follow up after all that interaction then you’ve just blown all the time you spent on attending the Expo and given your competitors a chance to get ahead. So think personal, thank them for coming to your stand, mention the trade show they attended and add a personal comment relevant to the conversation you had with them at your stand. Use the information you collected on them to tailor the products and services you’re offering so they only get the details that are relevant to
Use the expert services of

their business. The more tailored you can make your communication, the bigger edge you have on the competition. Your biggest hurdle is getting them to open your email. After attending a trade show and leaving business cards at a hundred stands, there will be a vast influx of communications all vying for their attention. You have to offer them a reason to open your email or letter and read it. Things like a tailored special offer, feedback opportunity, tailored assessment, an industry report, useful business tips and information, something that is of benefit or interest to them. You need to engage them in order to continue to build the rapport you started on your stand. You also need to confirm at every point of communication that they are happy to receive information from you, so offer an opt-out link on all communications. Without this courtesy you are little more than a spammer. Make it simple to opt out and send a return message apologising for any inconvenience and confirming their status. It pays to be polite and keep the door open for the future. Email in particular is the communication of choice by companies today as it is low cost, direct and instant. With everyone using it, it’s imperative you make yours stand out.

Ron Howard Printing Pty Ltd Your Local Printer
; Business Cards, Brochures ; Fridge Magnets, Stickers ; Personalised Fridge Calendars ; Digital Full Colour Printing: Posters, Bookmarks etc. ; Copying Services, Stamps ; All General Printing ; Office & Scrapbook Supplies
Servin

When it has to be

perfect...

he North gt

Invercauld House
CONFERENCE & FUNCTION CENTRE
• • • • • • • • Variety of rooms accommodating 8 – 150 guests Quiet convenient location with ample parking On site motel style accommodation Gourmet catering featuring local cuisine Fully licensed premises State of the art equipment Conference and wedding packages 2.5 hectares tropical gardens invercauldhouse.com.au

Sin

50 years

ce 1959

Ph: 6662 1870 146 Canterbury Street, Casino
www.nrbm.com.au

Email: [email protected]

M Pr err os y C fr per hri om o st us m Pr yo Ne as ur w an Ex int pe ing loc Ye d a al ar rt s

st Coa

[email protected]

02 6620 3653
31

business matters

marketing

Marketing - Get To It
Moyra Burke-Smith, AM Marketing

M

arketing is often seen as an expense and is a favourite to fall foul of accountants scalpels in tough times or any times really. To compete successfully in the market place experts agree that marketing needs to be integrated with other business processes. It's a vital process and should be recognised as such. Business owners need to overcome the fallacy that marketing is selling, and the belief that this taints the image of their practice. Successful marketing is a combination of a number of strategies including pro-active attention to corporate branding, advertising, public relations, client relationship management (CRM), and below-the-line promotional activities (including direct mail, online communications and sponsorship). There are several more misconceptions that keep businesses from maximising their marketing opportunities. These include: 1. "We’re good at what we do, that speaks for itself." Wrong attitude, clients assume a certain level of technical expertise from any firm. However, in an increasingly competitive marketplace, it’s the service quality that counts and firms need to differentiate their business in a crowded market. Complacency loses you clients. 2. "Time spent on marketing is time we could be billing." Don’t judge marketing time against billable hours. Instead compare the value of doing billable work for unprofitable clients against spending non-billable time on marketing growing more profitable clients. 3."We’re too small." Marketing and PR are not the privilege of large firms. EG. If a law firm wants to develop its reputation as a specialist, then maintaining a high profile within that industry is important for the firm no matter what its size. Appearing regularly in a niche publication is just as valuable for

the small firm as appearing in the Australian Financial Review for the large corporate firm. 4. "We don’t need it." Many firms devote too few resources to marketing and some none at all. Others don’t use their resources profitably. Determine your firm’s marketing need by measuring time spent on non-core activities devoted to client development. 5. "We placed an ad in a leading newspaper and didn’t get enough calls to pay for the ad." Marketing is an investment. While results from some programs are immediate, clients can take months, or longer, to win. A famous agency head once said there were 18 months between the first phone call and the first cheque. Organisations with a long-term commitment to building their business are those that ultimately reap the rewards. Develop a communications strategy, use a professional marketing consultant if you don’t have in house expertise, it’s more cost-effective, in both time and money, to get it right. In summary, a strategically planned long-term campaign will help you to build successful client relationships, so invest in marketing.

32

www.nrbm.com.au

pollies points

local government

Small Business Rules
Don Page State Member for Ballina
When you consider that there are 650,000 small businesses employing more than 1 million people in NSW it’s clear how important small businesses are to the economy. So supporting small business is clearly critical to economic recovery. Some key facts the NSW Labor Government should take on board include: • 56% of business liquidations in Australia are occurring in NSW • The Reserve Bank says the level of bad loans in the business sector is 6 times higher than the home mortgage sector. • NSW Labor Government is regarded as the least small business friendly Government in Australia. (Sensis Business Survey). Small business surveys show the sector believes taxes are too high in NSW and there is too much red tape. If the NSW Government is serious about supporting business they need to: • Reduce the number and rate of taxes in NSW including an immediate cut of 15% in payroll tax to compare with other States. • Guarantee that Government agencies will pay their bills within 30 days of invoice. • Cut delivery times for major infrastructure projects as many SMEs are employed as subcontractors. • Set specific targets for removing unnecessary red tape and report progress to Parliament annually. NSW has a high unemployment rate, the highest taxation rate and one of the lowest growth rates in Australia. With the highest population NSW should be performing better in all of these key economic areas.

Red Tape Riot
Geoff Provest State Member for Tweed
I recently had occasion to speak in Parliament on behalf of the Opposition in a debate the Rees Government put which congratulated itself on cutting red tape for small business. I’d be interested to hear from any local small business which believes their red tape burden is decreasing courtesy of the NSW Labor Government. I talk to a lot of small business operators in the Tweed and I have yet to meet any who agree with that absurd proposition. Ironically on the eve of the debate, the Government introduced new legislation requiring hotels and cafes to spend another $250 per employee to get mandatory new food safety training certificates. The nearer you get to QLD, the more red tape you face, and the more unfair the competition is against similar businesses across the border. For example, if you built identical houses on either side of the QLD and NSW border, it would be approx. $30,000 cheaper in QLD and the approval time would be half that in NSW. There are several initiatives the Government could take up to remediate this sad state of affairs. It could keep its pre-election promise to establish a cross-border commission to iron out the mass of paperwork and regulations. It could also declare the Northern Rivers a special economic zone with lower state taxes to stop the current trend of investors fleeing to QLD where taxes are much lower. This would not only revitalise our local economy, but generate more revenue for the cash strapped NSW Treasury.

Hospitality Receives a Punch
Steve Cansdell State Member for Clarence
If your small business serves food, start saving up for another red tape slug from the State Government. The Rees Government wants you to train your employees in ‘food safety supervision’, and charge you $250 a pop for the privilege. Labor argues that this works out at less than five bucks a week, but this simply isn’t true. Firstly, the hospitality industry has a notoriously transient workforce, so chances are you’ll have to put several workers through the program each year. Secondly the $250 doesn’t include the Government-approved trainers coming to your premises. You have to send your employees at your expense to wherever the training is taking place. That could be Lismore, Coffs Harbour or Tweed Heads. Of course it’s perfectly reasonable for consumers to expect safe, healthy food when they go out for a meal, but this extra burden means they will pay more for their dinner (if you pass on the costs) for no demonstrable safety benefits. I believe instances of food poisoning from North Coast cafes, hotels and restaurants are extremely rare, anyway. We suggested combining some of the requirements into a single course so you only lose your employee for one day. Couldn’t the government amalgamate courses in food safety with responsible service of alcohol and responsible conduct of gaming?

NSW Labor should take up Coalition economic plan
Thomas George State Member for Lismore
A new independent report confirms what North Coast small business operators already know: Economically speaking, NSW is the worst performing state in Australia. The CommSec study 'Economics: State of the States' analysed the performance of all States and territories across eight key indicators over the past decade. When assessed on its economic growth, home building starts and construction work over the past 10 years – NSW is the worst performing of all States and territories. According to the report, the NSW economy has been “held back by weak construction activity”, with home building starts over the last financial year falling to the lowest levels in 56 years. That is why the NSW Liberals & Nationals are calling on the Government to implement our plans to restore the State’s economy and bring hope and pride back to NSW. We need to cut payroll tax by 15% for this financial year – with an added 5% cut for areas of high unemployment like the North Coast. This would enable businesses to keep people in their jobs. Establishing Infrastructure NSW would restore business confidence by ensuring every infrastructure project announced is delivered. We also need to end the Government’s ongoing campaign of job and service cuts to regional NSW, every time a government employee is cut it’s one less pay packet in our local economy.

www.nrbm.com.au

Summer 2010

33

Advertiser Quick Find:
Aguawebs AJ Magnay AM Marketing AM Promotions AXA Financial Planning Cool Planet Country Energy Eagle Insurance Brokers Gold Coast Airport Limited Grafton Regional Airport HBI Australia Invercauld House JHA Recruitment & Staff @ Work Lismore City Printery Magedata Newcastle Permanent North Coast Nationals North Coast Petroleum 32 18 29 17 27 19 30 12 4 34 23 31 10 17 13 26 Inside Back Cover Inside Front Cover Northern Rivers Careers Expo Northern Rivers Discount Batteries Northern Rivers Group Training Northern Rivers Rainwater Tanks QA Business Ray White Commercial Ron Howard Printers Rous Water Shaws Office National Small Fish Business Coaching Smartclix Stiebel Eltron Summerland Catalogue Distributors Sunsparks Electrics Thomas, Noble & Russell Tweed Central WHK Xerox 11 27 9 17 14 4 31 20 25 15 29 22 27 21 27 Outside Back Cover 28 29

34

Summer 2010

www.nrbm.com.au

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
WHK Northern NSW would like to extend Season’s Greetings to all of our clients and the entire business community. May 2010 bring everybody a prosperous and successful year. better advice for a better life www.whk.com.au All the staff at NORTEC would like to wish our valued customers a very restful and happy festive season! Stay safe and we look forward to serving all of your business staffing and training needs again in the brand New Year. www.nortecltd.com.au We wish all our clients and friends a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from the ACE North Coast Team. Our ACE North Coast Community Colleges will be closed from December 23rd until Monday the 11th January 2010. For course information, check out our website: www.acenorthcoast.com.au

NORTHERN RIVERS

MAGAZINE

We wish a truly Merry Christmas to all Northern Rivers businesses and staff and a big THANK YOU to all our customers, supporters and suppliers. Our offices will close from Dec 21st to Jan 11th. Outside these dates, we hope to help make 2010 a great year for you.

Merry Christmas, a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous 2010 from all of us at Lismore City Printery and thank you for your support in the past year. We will be closing from Tuesday, 22nd December and re-opening Wednesday 13th January 2010. Happy Holidays!

Wishing You and Your Family a Safe and Merry Christmas from the Linear G Internet Solutions team. 2010 is our T enth Birthday so look out for some very special offers in the New Year. Thanks to all our clients’ support in 2009 Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

s �reetings! Christma

We wish you a great Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Please get in touch with us if we can help in any way.
Thomas George MP Member for Lismore PO Box 52 Lismore 2480 Tel: (02) 6621 3624 Don Page MP Member for Ballina PO Box 1018 Ballina 2478 Tel: (02) 6686 7522 Geoff Provest MP Member for Tweed PO Box 6695 Tweed Heads South 2486 Tel: (07) 5523 4816 Steve Cansdell MP Member for Clarence 11 Prince Street Grafton 2460 Tel: (02) 6643 1244

for Regional NSW