BUSINESS
PARTNERSHIP DELIVERING OPPORTUNITIES
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he City of Greater Dandenong is working in partnership with the Victorian Agribusiness Council (VAC) to bring new opportunities for local businesses, particularly food producers and processors wanting to reach new markets across Asia. Last year Greater Dandenong hosted one day of the Red Majesty Chef’s tour, bringing top Asian Chefs to the area to discover new foods and experiences, recognising that they are major influencers in their markets. This month a group representing the Singapore Hospitality sector is being hosted, and future Chef tours are being explored. Also in partnership with the VAC, local manufacturers are being presented with the opportunity to have a presence at the Asian Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition (APRCE) in Kuala Lumpur on 25-27 October 2017. Manufacturers of consumer goods, including local food processors, wanting to reach new export markets, may benefit from exhibiting at this convention. This is the main activity of the Federation of AsiaPacific Retailers Associations (FAPRA), comprising 18 association members from 18 different countries. The exhibition component of the convention attracts in excess of 12,000 attendess. Greater Dandenong businesses interested in finding out more should email business@cgd. vic.gov.au and visit www. aprce2017kualalumpur.com
High performers unite for success L
eading food processors from Greater Dandenong and the South East region of Melbourne have formed a Food Manufacturing High Performance Consortium to drive business improvements and best practice across their businesses. Delivering on a recommendation in the Greater Dandenong Food Strategy, the community of noncompeting companies was facilitated by Greater Dandenong's Economic Development Unit, and is made up of CEO's and MD's. The recruitment and test drive conducted in the second half of 2016 was sponsored by the South East Melbourne Innovation Partnership (SEMIP) and conducted by HPC, a group who specialises in and is renowned for facilitating effective manufacturing consortia across Melbourne.
DRIVING GROWTH
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en local businesses recently took up the opportunity to participate in a Grow Your Business program titled 'Decisions that drive profits.' Facilitated by the ION Group, and coordinated by the City of Greater Dandenong’s Economic Development Unit the program was supported by funding assistance from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport & Resources Southern Region office. The participants undertook a three month program where their business
6 STAKEHOLDER
With the type and extent of activities determined by the group, the fee-forservice model delivers days hosted at member businesses, which incorporate tours and diagnosis of current systems or processes. The group can also undertake intensive workshopped analysis of a particular issue costing the business efficiency or money, with the group working together to resolve the issue for the benefit of one and the learnings of the remainder. Other activities include sharing best practice, applying latest innovations or expert presenters on topics of particular interest to the group. To find out more or discuss your interest in a High Performance Consortium (food sector of otherwise) please contact Councils Economic Development Unit through business@cgd.vic.gov.au
strategies were reviewed and a growth platform strategy developed, including the areas of resourcing, systems, marketing, business development and milestones. The program included one-on-one sessions as well as two half day participant workshops. This allowed for knowledge sharing, networking and better understanding of common issues and problem solving. Many of the participants commented that following the program, they are now in a better position to prepare for and undertake new export opportunities.