Spotlight

Chris Lamont

NSW Small Business Commissioner

This month, we are featuring Chris Lamont, a name that is familiar to the small business community in New South Wales.

As Small Business Commissioner, Lamont has dedicated himself to supporting the state's small businesses since June 2020. With over two decades of experience in policy development, advocacy, and senior government positions, he has a proven track record of delivering major government reforms and programs.

He previously served as General Manager for Capital Projects and Infrastructure with the City of Melbourne, overseeing the delivery of the capital works program. Lamont's journey to becoming Commissioner was not an overnight success, beginning his career in the not-for-profit sector before moving into government positions.

He leads the Office of the Small Business Commission, providing free or low-cost mediation, advocacy, and strategic advice to small businesses across the state.

Under his leadership, the commission has played a crucial role in assisting businesses during the bushfires, floods, and COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining its track record of advocacy and issue resolution.

Lamont's passion for small businesses is evident in his words and actions. He firmly believes that small businesses are the lifeblood of their communities and drive economic growth and job creation.

He advocates for policies that support small businesses, such as reducing red tape, improving access to finance, and creating a level playing field for small businesses to compete with larger ones.

Looking ahead, Lamont is committed to continuing his work of advocating for the interests of small businesses across the state. With his passion, experience, and commitment to making a positive difference, Lamont is an asset to the small business community in NSW.

Eddy Nader

Managing Director, NPG Retail - Urbanista Cafe & Convenience

Eddy Nader has been a long-time friend to CEO, Wally Mehanna and the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce. He actively seeks new relationships, and new opportunities and shares the knowledge openly and honestly that he acquires whilst scouring the globe for inspiration and innovative ideas. Does he love numbers? Yes, he digs deep into the research and how and where data is collected before he relies on it.

Eddy is more than an award-winning businessman, he is a family man, an entrepreneur, and an advocate for his industry and our community.

When he talks to you he's exploring ways to help you. He asks questions to better understand you. He listens because he's always learning. Don't mistake him, he is well-intentioned and motivated...unless he's binging on TV shows based on real life including Power, Ghost or the Good Doctor.

What is Eddy looking for? Eddy says education doesn't matter, training doesn't matter, it's the person, their drive. Eddy looks for driven and highly motivated people receiving 60+ applications to work with him as Operations Manager. He's inclusive and promotes an equal world. Whether he supports women in convenience or partners with the Kids Clinic to hire baristas with special needs, he's not just dishing out charity, he's putting the right person into the right job.

When you talk to Eddy about his family he lights up. He's proud that they negotiate and contemplate. Three generations of convenience and petroleum. Eddy's son at just 19 designed an award-winning store with his Dad. A proud father says he was already a natural so the rest was drive and motivation.

Talk to him about Free Enterprise and whether alcohol should be available in a service station. An interesting Philosopher!