Business West November 2012

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GAME THE BUSiNESS OF SPORT

ISSUE 21 NOVEMBER 2012

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CONTENTS 5

HERITAGE OPPORTUNITY Braybrook facelift

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MELTON’S NEW PARK $21 million investment

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAY Buying local

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SWEET SUCCESS Wyndham Business of the Year

10-11 KEEPING THINGS CLEAN Giving staff a chance

12-13 TUBS AND TURNOVER Family-owned bathware

14-15 COVER STORY More than a game

16-17 TIME TO TIDY

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Professional organiser

18-19 RECORD MANAGEMENT Future of document storage

REGULARS 4 FROM THE EDITOR

Outplacement, Council services

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26-27 OUT OF HOURS 28

BW NETWORK

EDITOR Tim Doutré tim.doutre@starnewsgroup.com.au

It’s about changing the way they think, and turning it around. If you can do that, you’ve got a worker for a long, long time...

MALCOLM DOLMAN

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20-21 SMALL TALK 22-23 STRATEGIES

MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Linnell stephen.linnell@starnewsgroup.com.au

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EDITORIAL Charlene Gatt charlene.gatt@starnewsgroup.com.au ADVERTISING Trish Di Vito trish.divito@starnewsgroup.com.au Mobile: 0413 252 395 DESIGN Mark Dinnie mark.dinnie@starnewsgroup.com.au BUSINESS WEST Cnr Keilor Park Dve & Thomsons Rd Keilor Park 3042 Phone: 9933 4800 Fax: 9933 4844 Business West is a division of Star News Group Pty. Ltd. Celebrating our 102nd year as a family-run business. Proudly Australian-owned and independent.

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Q&A Ross Morley

Cover WESTERN BULLDOGS CEO SIMON GARLICK

CALENDAR

Picture DAMJAN JANEVSKI

BUSiNESS WEST

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FROM THE EDITOR Promote your business or service xxxx in BUSiNESS WEST… BUSiNESS WEST offers your business the opportunity to be seen by your target market; key business decision makers in the West!

Stay tuned for the next edition of BUSiNESS WEST: coming out in December.

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MO RE TH AN A

GAME

THE BUSiNESS OF SPORT

ISSUE 21 NOVEMBER 2012

SP RTiNG CHANCE THIS edition of Business West we reflect on the business of sport. No, we didn’t run the boundary line for that one day in September.

But we did head straight to the boardroom to gain an insight in to what it takes to lead a sports club.

fields of business was the need for passion passion for your industry and passion for your role in it. The three CEOs I spoke to have a desire to succeed both on and off the field and when it came to doing their bit, they were relentless.

I caught up with three CEOs of some of the biggest sporting organisations in the West, including Essendon Football Club’s Ian Robson, Western Bulldogs’ Simon Garlick and Werribee’s Mark Penaluna.

The idea to focus on the business of sport was born from the mouths of our wonderful Business West readers, subscribers and contributors, who at countless functions and in numerous articles have constantly reverted to sporting analogies when discussing their businesses. Whether it be florists and fencers or musicians and manufacturers, everyone seems to love throwing in a good sporting pun or analogy when it comes to their organisation.

The first thing I noticed about these three gentleman was that they all spoke quickly and they spoke with purpose. Phones were constantly buzzing and I got the feeling they had a million and one things on their minds – and after wrapping up the interviews I realised – they did.

The idea behind the feature on sport was to gain an understanding of the financial pressures clubs and thus their business leaders are put under and to ascertain whether or not they would resonate with other businesses from different fields. The answer was a resounding ‘yes’ with a few small exceptions. For example, if your business has a rough week, there is little chance that come Monday morning you will be greeted by a fan of the organisation serving up an expletive-ridden spray in reception.

Apparently that happens in the sporting world.

That is not to say customers cannot be as discerning or passionate as football fans.

One of the key factors that I found did resonate with the business of sport and other

So if you take three things out of this edition, let them be this: sport is much more than a game, passion is essential for success and play the man not the ball.

Ok, that last one you can leave on the field.

Tim Doutré Business West Editor tim.doutre@starnewsgroup.com.au

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NEWS

HERiTAGE OPPORTUNiTY The 1.6 hectare site, which stands on the corner of Ballarat Rd and Lacy St, is listed on the State Heritage Register but had been reduced to a heavily graffitied frame in recent years.

Binks Ford bought the site around 1998 with a vision to turn it into a dealership for Ford and Nissan, but plans fell through when the Nissan franchise was sold. Binks then sold the site in 2008.

The factory was designed by architectural partnership Grounds, Romberg and Boyd in 1957 and opened in 1962 as the new manufacturing plant for ETA Foods and Marrickville Margarine.

ETA Foods became a household name in the post-war era.

The building was considered to be ahead

of its time for its application of a curtain wall, which was considered to be a defining feature of inner-city buildings, not industrial sites.

It is not known when ETA stopped using the factory. Western Regional Commission later used the site, before it fell into private hands.

Heritage Victoria added the site to its State Heritage Register for its “architectural, aesthetic and historical significance”.

This is the second major site along Ballarat Rd to be redeveloped in recent years, with Masters Home Improvement opening its first store in Braybrook last year.

Maribyrnong City Council’s Sel Sanli said he was thrilled to finally see development on the site that would create employment opportunities. [BW]

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BY CHARLENE MACAULAY A HERITAGE site in Braybrook that has become a public eyesore will soon be given a facelift.

The old ETA Foods building is currently being demolished to make way for commercial retail tenancies with partial reconstruction and restoration of some parts of the existing “glass curtain” walls, canopy and corner office building and some reinstatement of the landscaping.

The saw-tooth roofed factory building behind the front wall will be demolished to provide room for car parking with the steel framing and one spandrel of black glass along the top of this wall retained as a reference.

A new retail/warehouse building will be constructed across the rear of the site, which is in a Zone Business Three District.

Maribyrnong City Council’s Sel Sanli.

Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT

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NEWS

Minister Brendan O’Connor inspects the WBACE site with Melton Council’s Broden Borg, Sophie Ramsey and Garry Stock.

NEW PARK FOR MELTON

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY THE State Government has announced a new business park for Melton.

Federal Sustainability Minister Tony Burke and Small Business Minister Brendan O’Connor recently announced a $21 million Western Business Accelerator and Centre for Excellence in one of the single largest investments in local infrastructure in the West outside of road and rail.

The City of Melton has received $14.6 million towards the establishment of the business precinct, which will have a particular focus on supporting the construction sector.

The sustainably designed hub in the heart of the developing Toolern precinct will provide office space and support for new and growing local businesses.

The centre for excellence will provide training for construction businesses on issues

such as environmentally sustainable building design and construction. Small business owners will also be able to access training in business management skills.

The hub will also include a data centre which will service the needs of digital businesses in the City of Melton and demonstrate how the reliability and speed of the National Broadband Network will provide new business, learning and lifestyle opportunities.

“The population of the City of Melton is expected to double by 2031 and 83 per cent of its workforce are currently forced to leave the area for work,” Mr Burke said.

“This project will help create local jobs and take cars off the road, allowing Melton residents to spend more time with family and friends.

“Historically, state governments have put jobs on one side of the city and houses on the other. This program is only required because

planning hasn’t been as good as it could have been.”

Mr O’Connor said the project would create real benefits for the West.

“This project will go a long way to easing congestion in western Melbourne and will help create more local jobs where we need them most.

“The hub will have a particular focus on supporting the construction sector given the importance of this industry in providing new homes for the growing population of Toolern.

“Fifteen new housing developments are underway in the municipality and more than 34 per cent of all new businesses registered in the Shire are part of this industry.”

Melton City Council will work with a consortium to deliver the Western Business Accelerator and Centre for Excellence, including Lend Lease, the Burbank Group of Companies and the Kangan Institute. [BW]

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAY

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY WHATEVER you buy today will determine the Australia that we live in tomorrow.

That’s the premise behind Stephen Gately’s web-based business, Buy Australian Made, which promotes Australian-made products and manufacturers.

“It’s a simple sentence when you first say it, but when you start thinking about what it means, it’s got quite a lot of depth to it, I think,” the Sanctuary Lakes man said.

The seed for Buy Australian Made was sown many years ago when Mr Gately grew up on the family farm in Gippsland, growing vegetables for Australian processing.

“A lot of those vegetables were what people would be buying from the supermarket frozen.

“I saw over the years, those vegetables we were growing – peas and beans – were starting to be replaced with vegetables that were imported from New Zealand.

“I saw the impact it had on us as farmers.

Luckily they (my parents) were very innovative and changed to growing other things, but it just seemed strange that we were able to grow high-quality product where we were but businesses decided to import the product from overseas.”

Then, about eight years ago, he started promoting hard to find products and services globally – but his lifelong dream to boost Australian businesses soon came to the fore.

“That went reasonably well, but then I thought, I’ve got to do something local and something that would actually impact businesses in Australia. That’s when the Buy

Australian Made concept was born.”

That was seven years ago. Today, Buy Australian Made promotes more than 400 Australian businesses.

Mr Gately told Business West that the high Australian dollar was affecting Australian businesses that were exporting, plus making imports cheaper than they have been in the past.

His website, he hopes, will start to change all that.

“It’s about making it easy for shoppers to find Australian made products and helping Australian manufacturers actually find new markets to keep them viable and grow, be innovative with new products and provide jobs for people in Australia,” Mr Gately said.

“There are Australian-made options – you just need to know where to find them.

“Because so many manufacturers now are going straight to the end shopper, they’re able to pass on those additional savings that retailers can’t. A number of the manufacturers that I promote go straight to the shopper.”

Mr Gately launched an iPhone app in May this year that has already been downloaded more than 24,000 times. An Android version is also on the drawing board.

He will also launch Buy Australian Made Direct next month, a new program that allows businesses involved to offer a discount for customers who buy in bulk.

“My dream is to have every Australian manufacturer feature on Buy Australian Made so that it is the go-to place when people are looking for Aussie-made products.” [BW]

Buy Australian Made’s Stephen Gately.

Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI

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7

WYNDHAM BUSiNESS OF THE YEAR

SWeeT SUCCESS “

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY KYLE Briggs is a man that never breaks a sweat.

The director of Plum Heating and Cooling has been fanned with praise since taking out Wyndham’s Business of the Year at the recent Wyndham Business Awards, going up against heavyweights like Werribee Open Range Zoo and Encore Tissue.

Plum Heating and Cooling also won the retail medium category for the third time.

“It made me very proud,” Mr Briggs said.

“We were very excited to be recognised.

“What it meant to me is that all the hard work that we’ve done over the years – a lot of people don’t see all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes for a business to survive – it was really nice to get that recognition.”

Plum isn’t new to accolades, being a favourite among their suppliers.

The business was a Hitachi Premium Dealer for 2006, 2008 and 2009; and an Airgroup Australia Platinum Dealer of the Year for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Mr Briggs started the business 20 years ago as a licensed plumber who was doing installations.

In 1992 he opened his first shopfront along Synnot St, Werribee, trading under the name The Climate Centre. One employee was on hand to help out.

“When I finished my apprenticeship as a plumber, I started contracting to different companies and I knew that I had the ability to be able to install systems very well and also dealing with customers was something that I’d done very well,” he said.

“When I saw an opportunity (to open a store), after I’d been around and seen how

Why Plum? Because we’re plumbers, we do a plum job, and we wanted something that’s different, that stands out – that sounds sweet…

KYLE BRIGGS

other businesses ran, I thought I could do it myself.

“I’d go out and do the sales, and then I’d go and do the installations for the first couple of months. Then I saw the need to have somebody continue on doing the installations, so I could concentrate on doing the sales.”

In recent years Mr Briggs rebranded the business as Plum and moved into a bigger factory and showroom in Point Cook with exposure to the Princes Freeway.

He now boasts around 17 employees and a second store in Boronia, with plans to open a third in Epping next year.

Today, the business specialises in almost every type of heating and cooling system available on the market today, including evaporative cooling systems, ducting heating systems, split systems, ducted split systems and add-on cooling.

Mr Briggs said the move to Point Cook and the name change marked a big moment in the company’s journey.

“Why Plum? Because we’re plumbers, we do a plum job, and we wanted something that’s different, that stands out – that sounds sweet.”

Mr Briggs believes a mix of marketing and doing right by his customers had seen the

business prosper over the past two decades.

He plans on celebrating his 20th year in business by giving customers 20 per cent off over summer.

But like many businesses, the global financial crisis hit the business hard, prompting Mr Briggs to look at Plum with fresh eyes.

“The last two years we’ve had to do things different to the way that we’ve done them in the past,” he said.

“The business hasn’t lost market share as such for what we do, it hit the whole air conditioning industry across the board. We haven’t had the hot summers we’ve had previously.”

Right-hand man Tony Crouch added: “While we’ve been down in our core business of installations, we’ve been able to grow the business in other areas to compensate for it, namely in service and maintenance or heating and cooling systems.”

Mr Briggs now runs a dedicated service department and has most recently placed big focus on his website and online marketing to keep Plum on trend.

“It’s (the internet) very important. We get a lot of work from that. It’s the way of the future, really.” [BW]

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Plum Heating and Cooling’s Tony Crouch and Director Kyle Briggs.

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What’s new in the business community?

Hobsons Bay Business Workshops The next two business workshops coming up are Financing Your Business and Starting Your Business. In the first workshop, you will discover ways to finance your business and achieve your goals, whether you are starting, sustaining or expanding your business. You’ll pick up tips on what kind of finance is available and how to identify which product is best for your business. You’ll also receive a free mentoring session, giving you and your business free expert advice tailored to the needs of your business.

you consider whether starting a business is right for you and will provide the essentials for turning your dream into a successful business.

Workshops are on Monday, 12th November and Wednesday, 14th November at the Altona Civic Centre.

For more information, or to register, contact Sally Curtis on 9932 1000.

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The Council publishes a free business newsletter titled Business Works. You can register to receive The second workshop is aimed at those either this and our regular electronic eUpdate by simply considering or in the initial stages of starting a business but also useful for existing small business sending an email to the address below. owners. This comprehensive workshop will help Subscribe today!

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BUSiNESS WEST

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BUSiNESS PROFILE

KEEPING THINGS

CLEAN

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY MALCOLM Dolman believes that everyone deserves a second chance, and sometimes even a third or fourth.

The owner of Werribee’s Clockwork Cleaning Services was recently named as a finalist in the National Employment Services Association Excellence Awards for his commitment to employing locals who have been doing it tough.

Epitomising the “do unto others” rule, Mr Dolman treats his team the way he would like to be treated.

Fourteen of his 16 full-time employees are former job seekers who have faced a variety of challenges in their lives - challenges Mr Dolman, through collaboration with employment agency MatchWorks, has helped iron out.

Some of his employees have battled drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and cultural and language barriers.

“I have worked with thousands of employers in my 16 years in the industry and I believe Malcolm… is one of the good guys,” MatchWorks general manager Michael Wasley said.

“His shelves aren’t filled with books about policy and procedure and he doesn’t have a university degree on the wall.

“His principles and values are demonstrated in the way he interacts and supports his staff.”

As for Mr Dolman, he was shocked to be a finalist in the Champion Employer of the Year category.

“I thought, there must be more employers out there who are trying to help people and aren’t just out there for themselves. I was rapt, and a bit embarrassed,” he said.

“If we gave all these people at these agencies a shot, there’d be no dole.

“If some of these employers thought about just giving some of these people a shot, then I think they’d get a hell of a shock.”

Mr Dolman is no stranger to doing it tough.

As a child, he was born and raised in a

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Flemington high-rise commission home, and his parents were always struggling to scrape together enough money to get by.

He worked as a maintenance officer for McDonald’s for 13 years before starting Clockwork at the recommendation of a licensee, but the business floundered for 18 months after he injured his back.

Then he was offered the cleaning contract for the Alex Fraser Group and enlisted MatchWorks to help him find employers.

Today, he manages the cleaning and maintenance for all of the Alex Fraser Group’s sites, plus another 15 contracts around the state.

“I’m not stupid. If I interview someone and think they’re going to steal off me, that’s about my only worry.

“Everything else, I can curb. I think it takes a bit of time for these people who’ve had it hard, but it’s worth it.

“You put a bit of trust in them, and trust goes a long way. It’s about changing the way they think, and turning it around. If you can do that, you’ve got a worker for a long, long time.”

Mr Dolman even went as far as having seven of his employees around for Christmas dinner last year when he found out they had no plans.

“Your employees can make you or break you,” he said.

“For the last couple of years, it’s been unbelievable. Things have just blossomed. The workers are great.

“I’ve had one guard who’s had one day off since starting. My leading hand hasn’t had a sick day in two years.

“If each of my 15 employees took two or three sick days a year, you’re looking at thousands and thousands of dollars. If you get the right sort of workers and train them properly, they enjoy it.

“As long as they work hard and are honest, they’re good as gold.” [BW]

“

It’s about changing the way they think, and turning it around. If you can do that, you’ve got a worker for a long, long time…

MALCOLM DOLMAN

BBUSiNESS USiNESS PPROFILE ROFILE

Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

401241-SH18-12

Clockwork’s Malcolm Dolman.

BUSiNESS WEST

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BUSiNESS PROFILE

TUBS AND TURNOVER

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY IT’S all in the family at Rick McLean’s Designer Bathware.

The business, which has been a major supplier of quality bathware throughout Australia over the past 39 years, has had up to nine family members working together at one point.

Today, that number is a more subdued seven.

Patriarch Rick McLean is at the helm as founder and director, while son Christian is a joint director and general manager.

Then there’s Michael, Rick’s brother and production manager; Astrid, Michael’s wife and sales manager; Jess, Rick’s daughter-in-law and showroom manager; Shannon, Rick’s son who has recently re-joined the business; and Katie, Rick’s niece and business development manager.

The family meets every Friday morning to review figures and talk about plans going forward.

“These days it’s good, because we’ve all matured a little bit, and we’re all a little bit older,” Christian said.

“I’ve been here 20 years and back when I first started we used to have issues – it was simply an immaturity thing and it was simply my way or no way, that’s how we all kind of reacted against each other.

“These days, we’re very tolerant, you have to be in a small business, and things can’t always run the way you want them to.

“You just have to manage it and deal with the issues as they arise. We’ve got better as time’s gone on. There are days where it’s not so good, but I think it’s the same with any business.”

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BUSiNESS WEST

“

These days, people are buying products off the internet and we’re shipping them interstate. It has revolutionised the way people shop…

CHRISTIAN McLEAN

The dream, Christian said, is to keep passing Designer Bathware down the family line.

The business has grown in leaps and bounds since Rick, a former AFL player for Richmond and Carlton, started the business in Coburg in 1973 with a focus on shower screens and mirrors.

In recent years the business has diversified to include other bathroom products, including baths, vanity units, basins, tall boys and toilets.

The business, which moved from Coburg to Keilor Rd and then East Keilor, made its biggest move yet last year when it purchased a custom-built showroom along Keilor Park Drive.

“We wanted to build a brand name, get greater exposure, there’s 28,000 cars a day that go past here,” Christian said.

“We wanted to increase our market share.

“If we’d just stayed measuring and installing shower screens, we were in danger of being swallowed up. We needed to increase our presence in the market place and now we’re pretty much a one-stop shop for somebody who is building or renovating a bathroom.”

“If we didn’t move into other areas, we would have been struggling.

“It’s (the last year) been challenging, but it’s been challenging across the whole industry.

“I think if we hadn’t moved here, we would’ve been in a worse position than what we are. Our numbers are down, but I think they would have been far worse if we weren’t here. We get a lot of people coming through the door here – being here has been a good move for us.”

Another thing that has worked for the business is the slew of home improvement and renovation shows on TV. Designer Bathware products have featured on The Renovators and The Block, while many customers have come in asking for products they have seen on the shows.

The business, which supplies more than 200 stores like Bunnings and Mitre 10 across Australia, also offers a virtual showroom on its website to cater to the ever-growing online market.

“Up until five years ago it was really nonexistent,” Christian said.

“These days, people are buying products off the internet and we’re shipping them interstate. It has revolutionised the way people shop.” [BW]

BUSiNESS ESS SS PPROFILE R

Designer Bathware’s Astrid Graf, left, Michael McLean, Christian McLean and Jessica McLean

Picture: MATHEW LYNN

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13

COVER STORY

MORE THAN A GAME While boardrooms and locker rooms can seem worlds away from each other, the people in them are united by a desire to succeed. TIM DOUTRÉ caught up with three passionate football administrators from the West to find out how they intertwine the worlds of business and sport on a daily basis.

FINANCIAL PRESSURE ONE thing that resonates in the sporting and business worlds is that people want to be associated with success.

So when a football club is not achieving on the field the pressure can be felt off it. Good clubs, like good businesses, plan for when times are tough.

“We are very fortunate that we have built up a very strong portfolio of sponsors over the last three or four years,” Essendon Football Club CEO Ian Robson said.

“It’s an annual challenge. It never gets any easier. You’re working to safeguard, you are always thinking ahead.”

Mr Robson spoke of the “confronting” period in 2010 when people felt Essendon was “devoid of hope”.

“The harsh reality is: in this industry changes have to be made and we brought about a change. James (Hird) and Mark (Thompson) came to, or back to the club, depending on your perspective, almost overnight that hope returns.”

Western Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick said there was “no doubt” there is a correlation between successful sides and an influx of membership and corporate support but like Mr Robson he stressed the importance of being prepared for leaner times.

“The important thing is, that even this year when we have had a year we would rather not (on the field) and perhaps taken a step or two back to go forward, in the long run we are financially robust enough to forecast another profit.

“We’ve now got a base to build upon that means when we do have a year or two on the field that

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BUSiNESS WEST

isn’t as successful as we like we have the capability to be able to withstand that. That’s something we haven’t been able to do in the past as a footy club.”

VFL clubs are by no means in the same boat as AFL clubs, despite hosting the next crop of AFL stars on a weekly basis.

Revenue streams are limited and penny pinching is a necessity.

But like AFL clubs, living and dying financially on scoreboard results is not an option in the VFL. “You have got to aim for revenue sources that are external to the club, then it’s not reliant on whether you win or lose,” Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna said.

“You will have that stability.

If you are reliant on ‘x’ amount of members to come through the door and you do have a bad year then it’s a real challenge. You have to make sure you are not reliant on any particular facet.”

TACKLING TURNOVER With a turnover of $50 million, 45 players and 90 full-time staff – the Essendon Football Club is more than just a kick-to-kick at the weekend.

“It’s quite a complex business in that sense,” Mr Robson said.

The Bulldogs are comparatively “one of the smaller clubs”, according to Mr Garlick, but he noted they registered an annual turnover of $35 million and were “growing all the time”.

“Over the last five years in particular there has been a real ability for us to establish and consolidate our revenue flows and now we have hit five operating profits in succession and likely to do again this year,” he said.

The VFL’s Werribee Tigers

are minnows compared to their AFL counterparts but the focus on professionalism and the bottom line is still very much at the forefront of Mr Penaluna’s thinking. When he started as CEO there was only himself, a football manager and a parttime sports club manager in the administration. It was a role he described as “very, very much hands on”.

The financial position of the club was far from strong, requiring conscientious decisionmaking and prudent spending.

However, during Mr Penaluna’s tenure the club has gone from strength to strength, appointing their fifth full-time employee this year, in addition to their full-time senior coach Scott West – one of only three full-time VFL coaches.

PREMIERSHIPS AND PROFITS Football clubs like businesses use traditional measures to gauge success. Generating a profit and managing your assets are critical to success. However, Mr Robson said sporting club’s differ in one key area.

“The first rule of business is: income should exceed expenditure. The football industry, or for that matter the professional sport industry, we are very good at turning it on its head and saying ‘this is how much we are going to spend, now this is, therefore how much we are going to have to raise’.

“Most businesses say ‘this is how much we can generate, therefore, this is how much we can spend’. We sort of do it in reverse.”

Mr Garlick described membership, sponsorship and corporate support as “core football revenues”, which for the Bulldogs have grown in recent years.

“They take a lot of work, effort and planning. Then there is your non-football revenue areas as well. At the moment we have got a fully operational childcare centre, we’ve got a club community sports hall.

“The days of just purely putting a team out on the paddock and hoping they win on the weekend are pretty much gone.

“So much goes into it which is a positive because we are 128 years old and we see our role as really important in and amongst the direct community.”

From a revenue point of view Mr Penaluna couldn’t be prouder of his organisation.

“We have made a profit every year for the eight years I have been here and we will make a profit this year.

“Sponsorship for the third year in a row is at a record level.

We’ve worked hard to develop a business, a social venue being the Tigers’ Clubhouse, that’s really helped give us a kick along. Our turnover has gone from $650k in 2003 to $1.15 million in 2012.”

NO ROOM FOR EMOTION Emotions and sport go hand-inhand, but when you are the head honcho you can’t afford to get swept up in the romance. No one knows that better than Mr Garlick.

“Working in footy clubs, it’s nearly a prerequisite for you to have a genuine interest and passion and love for what you do because they are pretty allconsuming,” he said.

But he noted the importance of the club in the community and said it was a driving factor when it came to planning for the future.

“It’s important to understand when you work with an

COVER STORY organisation that has been around for so long and provides so much joy to people that you are doing things that will continue to improve it for a long period of time.

“Rather than a short term fix that might get you a result straight away, let’s do things that are for the best interests of the club longterm.”

Mr Robson described it as getting “the balance right”.

“We all want to win premierships, that is why we are here, but you also have to have business plans to underpin that pursuit,’ he said.

“Premierships are fantastic and the cream on the cake but it is also about how you go about winning them that I think also becomes a compelling story.”

Mr Penaluna said being involved with the football club kept his competitive juices flowing but he kept a level head when it came to the club’s long-term future.

“You want to work to make sure the team is successful, you want to make sure the club is financially stable, as well as build infrastructure along the way.”

THE FANS When it comes to company performance, many CEOs answer to shareholders, but a more unenviable task faces sports administrators – answering to the fans.

“It’s a rare privilege, the footy club means so much to people, we are constantly reminded of it, and we should be,” Mr Robson said.

“If there is one thing that you have to have whether you are involved here in a tracksuit or a business suit, there is one trait that is consistently required across the organisation – resilience.

“Everything we do here is scrutinised. The journey is never perfectly smooth.

That’s the exciting thing about being involved in a football club – that perpetual pursuit of success. I find that uplifting, invigorating, energising and the minute I don’t will be the time to hand the keys to someone else.”

Mr Garlick highlighted the fact that members were the lifeblood of the club and in a way their passion served as a motivator in day-to-day business.

“Our entire team on and off the field walk in every day knowing we are serving our members’ interests.

“Generally you can’t stray too far off the path when you have that sort of mindset.”

PHILOSOPHY – TAKING IT ONE WEEK AT A TIME? As far as philosophies are concerned all three administrators echoed similar thoughts, mostly revolving around constantly striving for success.

“The desire to get better has got to be like the constant pebble in your shoe,” Mr Robson said.

“It can’t be a once a year thing or a once a month thing, you got to have a view that you’ve got to be able to enjoy the journey and the moments of success along the way and celebrate those but it is a perpetual journey, it is about the pursuit of excellence.”

Mr Garlick draws on his background as a player when it comes to his business life.

“In this type of role you still need a high level of resilience, enthusiasm and commitment, which are all things you need to have a reasonably successful AFL career.

“There is no magic formula.

What you tend to find in both sport and business is; the people who work really hard and are genuinely committed, who build organisations off the back of strong values and behaviours, tend to do reasonably well.”

Mr Penaluna leant on the old adage: “do as I do, not do as I say” when it came to approaching the business.

“I don’t believe in asking someone to do something I am not prepared to do myself.”

Ultimately, leading a sports club is no different to leading any other business. You lead a team of employees, you seek success and win or lose you answer to your shareholders/fans. In the end, no matter what business you lead, the best advice has to be: always keep your eye on the ball. [BW]

THE PLAYERS IAN ROBSON CEO AND MANAGING DIRECTOR ESSENDON FOOTBALL CLUB ANNUAL TURNOVER: $50 MILLION Ian Robson has forged a sports administration career that spans two decades, and has taken him around the world. The Tassie boy with an economics degree has managed to “carve a niche beyond just dealing with the numbers” working with government bodies, rugby organisations and the AFL. The 51-year -old played some Aussie Rules footy himself, including some reserve games for St Kilda but his “turning circle was compared to that of the Queen Mary” and so he gave it up. “Fate led me to a path of sports administration very early and it was something I really enjoyed and I have worked hard at,” he said.

SIMON GARLICK CEO WESTERN BULLDOGS ANNUAL TURNOVER: $35 MILLION When it comes to the business of sport Western Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick knows what it’s like on both sides of the white line thanks to 181 AFL games in an 11 year career. He retired from football in 2004 with a Sports Management Undergraduate degree and a Masters of Business Administration. Roles with Lease Plan Australia, and stints as a director and chief commercial officer with the Bulldogs led him to the CEO position which he took in November 2010. “The Chief Executive role is more of a strategic overseeing role, rather than hands on in every facet of the business,” he said.

MARK PENALUNA CEO WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB ANNUAL TURNOVER: $1.15 MILLION Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna recently wrapped up his ninth season at the helm of the Tigers in the VFL. On the field, Mr Penaluna’s passion for football is evident in his Port Melbourne Colts life membership, and his time with Port Melbourne in the VFL. Off the field, he spent 14 years with Telstra in various roles, while his football administration career began with an honorary role at the Port Colts in 1992.

In 1996 he spent five years as WRFL General Manager before heading to the Tigers. “It takes 97 people for us to get the football side on the park. I would think not far behind what an AFL club does.

To manage and oversee all that is a huge challenge,” he said.

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“

Staying organised does not need to be complicated…

Organising You’s Amanda Lecaude.

Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

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TiME TO TIDY

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY AN ORGANISED desk means an organised mind.

So says Amanda Lecaude, who has used her organising skills to become director of Organising You, a professional organising and de-cluttering service for businesses and homes.

Ms Lecaude, who has a background in marketing and public relations, set up the business in July this year after a close friend suggested she would be a ‘natural’.

The recommendation fed her own lifelong desire to run her own business.

“I was always looking for products, or to open a shop, but nothing ever really happened.

When my girlfriend said to me ‘this is so you’… it just sort of happened,” the Moonee Ponds mother of two said.

“I did some research and found that there was this body – Australian Association of Professional Organisers – and then just started sussing out the industry, how it works, who does what.”

In recent months Ms Lecaude has been busy networking and setting up an online presence on social media, while also working three days a week as a general manager for a recruitment business to help pay the bills.

“

From a mental point of view, as well as a physical point of view, if you can keep everything quite tidy and quite organised, I think it frees up your mind…

AMANDA LECAUDE

two and that completely frees up your time, your mind.

“Staying organised does not need to be complicated and whether it is the office or home environment, it should be kept simple and practical so it is something that can be incorporated into your everyday life.

“For example, in your home or work office start and end the day with a clear desk space – allow that five to 10 minutes, particularly at the end of the day, to file or put everything away.

“You can then start afresh the next time.”

Ms Lecaude sits down with her clients to find out what they’d like to achieve through Organising You. In the initial consultation, Ms Lecaude gets her client to discuss what problems their clutter is creating, and the best way to make the de-cluttering manageable.

Organising You, which focuses on home offices, small to medium sized businesses, wardrobes, pantries, children’s bedrooms and garages, provides tailor-made solutions based around Ms Lecaude’s five-step organising challenge:

“For some people, you only need to go in once, a couple of times to set it up and you never have to go back, others you get a sense where you’re going to have to do a bit more of an ongoing maintenance program and follow up with them.

Ms Lecaude said organisation was paramount to the running of a home or business.

“You can’t put your views onto them – you very much have to operate the way they want to.

“From a mental point of view, as well as a physical point of view, if you can keep everything quite tidy and quite organised, I think it frees up your mind,” she said.

“What’s important to them is different to what’s important to me. You never throw anything away or do something that they don’t want to do.”

“It’s very much about having those files or processes in a way that’s easy to find.

She said many tradesmen in particular had poor organisational skills.

“At home, we’ve all got rooms and things that we say we’ll get to and we never do.

“How much stress is that putting on you?

“A lot of them are really good at their job, but not very good at the back-end of their business.

“You’ve always got that in the back of your mind, and you never find the time. If you got someone to help you, it’s done within a day or

“They go to the accountant at the end of the year with their box of receipts, and it costs them a fortune, whereas if you set up a few

systems and procedures to help them with that process, then it cuts costs down and makes things easier.”

Ms Lecaude draws the line at hoarders, but otherwise has loved becoming her own boss.

She told Business West she couldn’t wait until Organising You became a full-time job.

“It’s great.

“Just to be able to work in your own time – I have a family, and you have to juggle that family work/life balance.

“That’s important to me, so that I can take my children to school, I can pick them up.

“I really enjoy doing the homes and helping people, because I like to see the end result.

“I had one client say to me ‘I wish I’d done this 10 years ago’ and all I was doing was helping her to organise some clutter.

“We didn’t throw out a lot, because there wasn’t a lot of stuff to throw out, it’s just getting that satisfaction and seeing how much it changes people’s lives.” [BW]

TIPS TO DE-CLUTTER ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Have a vision Clear and clean Sort and purge Assign, store and label Celebrate

*Source: Organising You

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Compu-Stor’s Jeremy Manford.

Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI

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REC RD

management is the same, we can have staff come over here and operate the business. We mirror everything, no matter what it is.”

Today, Compu-Stor’s Melbourne operations have built up a large public and private clientele, much to Jeremy’s satisfaction.

Established in 1987, Compu-Stor prides itself on being one of the largest and longest serving document storage companies in Australia.

Jeremy said the move to Melbourne had proved challenging.

“Our goal, like most businesses, is to get over the five-year hump, and we’ve successfully done that this year.

Patriarch Peter Manford set up the business in 1987 at the height of the stock exchange crash.

“What we did find in Melbourne was people were asking us who Compu-Stor was, and where we came from. In our industry, storing customer’s records, it’s imperative that we’ve got that trust.

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY IT’S the Perth-based business that has made Altona home.

“He got onto insolvency companies and from there, slowly built the business up,” son Jeremy Manford said.

“When the crash happened, people wanted to downsize, and records management took off in certain areas – he was able to get on to the back of that.”

Looking to the future, Peter continued to reinvest profits back into the business, and purchased all the properties Compu-Stor ran out of to build up an investment portfolio.

Today, Peter has taken a back seat but remains on the board, while his sons Jeremy and Robert are joint directors.

Robert is in charge of Compu-Stor’s Perth operations, while Jeremy moved to Melbourne in 2007 to establish the business in Altona after an opportunity opened up with one of their clients.

“In Perth, our name is very well-known because we’ve been there for so long,” he said.

“It was slow at the start, now I believe we’ve got a very good name in the industry (in Melbourne).”

“

“Probably the best thing about it is that we are in different states,” Jeremy laughed.

“Customer service is our number one priority and we believe being privately owned and a family business gives us benefits over our competitors, which are multi-nationals that might have call centres.

“Because our processes and everything

JEREMY MANFORD

In 2007, Compu-Stor started out in Altona with a 2000 square metre warehouse. By 2009, the company upsized to an 11,000 square metre warehouse, and also own the neighbouring block for future expansion.

“We don’t want to be the biggest, we want to be the best,” Jeremy said.

“We’re able to ring each other at any time to discuss matters… and I go over to Perth regularly and my brother comes over here as well.

“We’ve got room to grow again if we need to, and if we had to, we can always go back around the corner to our old facility. We’ve put down the foundations for our business to grow, and a key thing for us is to make sure we have that and our customers have that guarantee as well.” [BW]

We don’t want to be the biggest, we want to be the best…

A couple of outside advisors assist and mentor the pair.

“It works really well. We’ve got a good understanding, we’ve both got different strengths, and we work together pretty well and we sort of always have.

“We’re ecstatic at where the business has grown to, and we really look forward for the next five to 10 years.

“Our theory is, we want to able to be in touch with our customers and if there’s a problem, we give them our card and say ‘ring us anytime, we’ll fix it’. That’s been our process in building our business, bit by bit. We’re in no major rush to fill a shed, we want good quality clients that want a good quality service.”

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SMALL TALK VICTORY FOR HUBBY DEER Park owner Darryl Spencer has led his team to victory at the Hire A Hubby National Awards recently, taking out the title of Victorian/ Tasmanian Franchise of the Year (Multi Person).

The local property maintenance business, which employs three locals, was recognised for its outstanding performance and contribution to the local community over the last year.

“

No business can be successful without customers, so I thank the community for helping me get to where I am…

DARRYL SPENCER

Mr Spencer said he was delighted with the award win and owed much of his success to support from the community.

“No business can be successful without customers, so I thank the community for helping me get to where I am,” he said.

KEEPING IT FRESH

EPA BREACH

HIGHPOINT Shopping Centre has showcased a new look with the launch of its new Fresh Food Market and Eco Mall.

LAVERTON drum reconditioner Schutz DSL has pleaded guilty in the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court to polluting Cherry Creek and breaching its EPA licence.

The retailing giant opened stage one of its $300 million redevelopment this month, placing focus on fresh food and produce with a new full-line Woolworths, 15 new fresh food retailers and 20 new retailers offering a mix of children’s wear, services and general merchandise.

New retailers include Yahweh Asian Grocer, Yes It’s Fresh Deli, Go Vita and Highpoint Fresh Flower Market.

“Food is the new black,” Highpoint Development Manager Mark Pheely said.

“We have offered it before, but it hasn’t been a strong point. We see food as a really fundamental part of this development.”

The design of the new Fresh Food Market and Eco Mall features a strong focus on curves – curved walls, curved furniture – while lots of bluestone, timber and natural light is used in homage to Maribyrnong’s history.

The Highpoint expansion will also feature the West’s first David Jones department store and TopShop, which is on schedule to open in early 2013.

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The EPA alleged the company discharged herbicide from its Laverton North site into a nearby creek on 21 September.

The unintentional discharge occurred when a recently installed pipe temporarily connected Schutz’s wastewater treatment plant to the stormwater system, so that wastewater containing chemicals flowed into the local drain and then into Cherry Creek.

The main chemical was Trifluralin, an herbicide that is toxic to aquatic life.

On the day of the incident, Schutz complied with EPA officer instructions to shut down its wastewater system and install sandbags to stop the discharge.

The court ordered Schutz to fund a $40,000 environmental project in an area adjacent to Cherry Creek near Cherry Lake.

The project will involve weed clearing, building a rabbit-proof fence and restoring the area to its natural state by planting indigenous grasses.

The court also ordered Schutz to pay EPA’s costs of $15,000.

Hire A Hubby CEO Brendan Green said Mr Spencer deserved the accolade.

“Darryl provides a quality service to his neighbourhood through both his commitment to providing high quality work and his community service, and he is thoroughly deserving of this award,” he said.

“He is a member of Hire A Hubby’s franchise advisory council and others within the network draw inspiration through his mentoring.”

COMPANY FINED FOR UNDERPAYING TWO companies and their director have been fined $78,600 over the underpayment of two staff at two Melbourne take-away-food outlets in the West.

Turbo Cafe Watergardens Pty Ltd, which operates a Turbo Cafe at the Watergardens Shopping Centre was fined $26,400; and Turbo Cafe Point Cook Pty Ltd, which formerly operated a Turbo Cafe at the Point Cook Town Centre shopping complex, was fined $39,000.

An Essendon North man, who was the owner-manager of both outlets at the time of the underpayments, has also been fined $13,200.

Two Turbo Cafe staff were underpaid a total of $10,458 between November 2008 and August 2010.

SMALL TALK Federal Magistrate Daniel O’Dwyer noted that companies operated by Mr Versace had previously been the subject of other substantiated underpayment complaints.

“There is a need, in my view, to send a message to the community at large, including small employers, that the correct entitlements of employees must be paid,” Federal Magistrate O’Dwyer said.

Fair Work inspectors discovered the underpayments when they investigated complaints lodged by the employees.

The underpayments were rectified only after the Fair Work Ombudsman launched its prosecution.

YOUNG LEAD THE CHARGE THE guard is changing in Australia’s small business sector, with companies run by younger entrepreneurs growing faster and more likely to make a profit than older business owners.

According to a nationwide survey commissioned by American Express, small business owners between the ages of 18 and 34 years have experienced above average growth over the last 12 months, with 46 per cent growing their client base, compared to 35 per cent for the average small business owner.

More than two in five (42 per cent) have increased their revenue (compared to 33 per cent) and 34 per cent have expanded their product or service offering (compared to 26 per cent).

More than half of this age group (56 per cent) have also seen an increase in profits over the last financial year (compared to an average of 40 per cent).

“The past year has shown younger business owners to be both resilient and resourceful and they are leading the way forward when it comes to the success of Australia’s small business growth,” Amelia Zaina from American Express said.

ROAD TO CHINA TEN businesses from the West travelled to China last month as part of a super trade mission led by Premier Ted Baillieu.

The mission included more than 600 delegates representing more than 400 Victorian companies and was the largest ever to leave Australian shores.

Mr Baillieu said the mission was part of a substantial push from the Victorian Coalition Government to generate new jobs, attract investment and establish new trade ties with China.

Delegates met with key figures in government, business and finance to promote their businesses and Victoria as a terrific opportunity for investment.

“More than 80 per cent of the businesses on

this super trade mission are small to medium enterprises and 42 per cent have never been to China before,” Mr Baillieu said.

“More than 2000 business-to-business meetings have been organised to give Victorian companies an opportunity to gain a foothold in the world’s fastest-growing economy.”

Mr Baillieu said there were great opportunities in China for businesses to attract new jobs and investment to Victoria.

NEW IN TOWN KMART has made Sanctuary Lakes home.

The new concept Sanctuary Lakes store opened its doors for the first time in September, boasting new fixtures and fittings, self-serve checkouts, newly designed team member registers and wider, uncluttered aisles so customers have easier access with trolleys and prams.

The Sanctuary Lakes store is the second Kmart store to open in the Wyndham area, with a Werribee store at Werribee Plaza.

“We’re pleased to not only be available to more customers, but play our part in boosting the economy in the area, with the creation of more than 150 jobs filled by those living locally in the region,” Kmart managing director Guy Russo said.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? MELTON has become a city.

The municipality cemented its position as one of the fastest growing regions in Australia after being officially recognised as a city recently.

Mayor Justin Mammarella said the change was a historic day for the new City of Melton.

“The city status reflects the changing character of today’s municipality,” he said.

“This is about the future of Melton.

We currently have a population of 115,406, projected to be 241,000 by 2031.

“The city status acknowledges our fast growth and we will continue our advocacy efforts to the State and Federal governments for investment in facilities and infrastructure projects that support our ongoing population growth.”

Melton grew from a roads authority in 1862, to a shire and now a diverse city.

CEO Kelvin Tori said that the city status wouldn’t change council operations.

“It will be business as usual. After the local government elections in October, the new council will decide on rebranding,” the CEO said.

The city status will not affect addresses, suburb names or rates.

UNIVERSITY HIT VICTORIA University has been hit with yet another funding blow after the State Government cut funding to its Youth Guarantee supplement.

More than 13 full-time positions related to youth support and education will be cut at VU, while VU College will deliver a third less student contact hours in 2013 than it has this year as the university’s Youth Strategy budget is cut from $2.08 million to $680,000.

Meanwhile, the extent of the State Government’s $32 million TAFE budget cuts at VU is being realised.

The budget cuts, which will remove differential funding for all 18 of Victoria’s TAFE institutes by January 2013, means VU has been forced to cease a number of courses and streamline some services.

VU Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and Students Anne Jones confirmed that VU would move all courses from its Newport campus to Sunshine at the end of 2012, and would hand the site back to the State Government “who will then make decisions about its future”.

The future of VU’s popular training restaurant VenU also hangs in the balance.

BRIMBANK BILL BILL Jaboor has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer of Brimbank City Council.

Chair of the Panel of Administrators Mr Peter Lewinsky announced Mr Jaboor would take the helm on 5 November after signing a five-year contract.

“Prior to accepting this role Bill was the CEO at Hobsons Bay City Council, a position he has held since 2004,” Mr Lewinsky said.

“He has over 40 years’ experience in local government and many achievements which will bring a great amount of skill and knowledge to this role.

“Bill has a long list of academic accomplishments including an MBA, a Bachelor of Arts Degree and an associate Diploma of Business Studies. He has also completed a short course for State and Local Government Executives at Harvard University.”

Mr Jaboor replaces Nick Foa, who left Brimbank City Council in June to take up a role with Places Victoria.

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STRATEGIES

IMPORTANCE OF OUTPLACEMENT WHEN retrenching to cut costs, why spend money on outplacement?

When the decision is made to retrench staff it is not made lightly nor without consideration of other options.

While ultimately staff cuts are implemented to save money, restructuring is typically a proactive process used to build organisational capability rather than simply shed people.

Outplacement or career transition services cost money, so it may seem counterproductive to invest in employees who are exiting the company at a time when money is tight, or is it?

WHY USE OUTPLACEMENT SERVICES? THERE is no hiding the fact that despite the current economic climate, good people are still hard to find.

The economy is cyclical and when it picks up, and it will, or when your business improves, you may want those employees back. The better they are treated now with the support of outplacement services, the more likely they are to come back when you need them.

Offering outplacement services keeps your displaced employees focused on the future. When they are talking to outplacement consultants, and focusing on developing the skills required to find a new role, they are generally not thinking about lawsuits and dwelling on the past. Outplacement support also reduces any negative publicity you may receive from unions.

Strategic advice and coaching is provided to those having to deliver the stressful news to ensure the process is professionally managed. Those who remain with the company, watch to see how their excolleagues are treated. If the perception is negative, this will likely impact their productivity and motivation.

At the time when retrenchments are made, more than ever, you need your employees focused, dedicated and productive. Providing outplacement services sends a very clear message that the company cares about their employees, which gives remaining employees a sense of comfort at an often difficult and stressful time.

Let’s also not forget about the impact of social media. Disgruntled employees have ample opportunity to make negative comments about their past employer, which affects your employer brand. Outplacement providers explaining how this can negatively impact on their future job search explaining that over 90 per cent of recruiters use social media to check out candidates.

Make no mistake, just because a person leaves

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a company it doesn’t mean they no longer have an impact on that company. Ex-colleagues often remain friends of your current employees if not in person certainly on Facebook. If ‘survivors’ hear that their ex-colleagues are thriving and progressing in their new job search, it allows them to focus on their roles feeling less guilty.

Many progressive organisations couple outplacement with training for their existing staff around being innovative and adding more value within the new structure. This helps to focus the workforce on the company’s strategy and instil a renewed sense of confidence.

WHAT ARE OUTPLACEMENT SERVICES? OUTPLACEMENT services vary considerably.

Originally targeted at displaced senior employees, outplacement is now offered to factory employees and administration staff, as well as managers and CEOs. The level of service offered tends to depend on the seniority of the role and the ease of likelihood in finding a new position as well as the number of people whose roles are being retrenched.

If you have been in a job for more than four years, you will find the employment market has changed since you last applied for a job. You now need to develop online skills, develop your ability to network, to create a personal brand, to target and approach potential employer organisations, sell your uniqueness for roles both on paper in the form of a CV and in person, perform during behavioural interviews and understand how to maximise the effectiveness of working with recruiters. Outplacement services will provide all of this advice and more.

Realistically budget has an impact on the amount of time and support an organisation can afford to provide to an exiting employee, but the cost need not be as prohibitive as you may think.

There are upsides for all in using outplacement services, for the organisation in terms of morale, productivity and public perception. For the manager having to retrench staff, the ability to offer career advice assistance and be supported through the process. And for the displaced employees, the opportunity to explore options, have a plan of action and develop confidence and competence in the job search process.

If you are ever in the situation where you need to make one or 100 roles redundant, then consider outplacement services as a vital component to the retrenchment package, and view this not as a cost but as a worthwhile investment.

JUNE PARKER is an experienced senior leader, having held executive positions within Recruitment and HR Consulting organisations.Throughout her 20 year career June worked with many people across diverse industries including manufacturing, logistics, warehouse, retail, accounting, engineering, aviation, and many service organisations often within the western and northern suburbs. June is a Director of Selection Partners, a boutique HR Consulting business, which provides career transition coaching and outplacement services.

Selection Partners provides one-on-one and group outplacement programs to suit any budget or duration.

June has a Bachelor of Business honours degree, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership. She is a certified Business Coach and accredited in the use and interpretation of many psychometric tools including personality, abilities and sales preferences.

June can be reached at Selection Partners on 8566 8600 or june@ selectionpartners.com.au

STRATEGIES

MAKiNG USE OF YOUR COUNCiL BUSINESSES can often overlook a great resource that is right ht under their noses. For tips and assistance sometimes you need eed look no further than your local council. Business West approached ached Melton City Council to find out what assistance there is out there here for businesses looking for a helping hand.

WHAT WE DO FOR BUSINESS MELTON City Council provides a broad range of business services to new, existing and prospective businesses, facilitating business success from inception through to sustainable growth and competitiveness.

During the past 10 years the City of Melton has been one of the fastest growing local government areas in Australia. Population projections indicate that the City’s population will grow from the current 115,406 to more than 241,000 by 2031. This growth illustrates the opportunities that exist for businesses within the municipality with great access to transport links, plentiful supply of industrial land and a young, skilled and keen labour force.

BUSINESS SUPPORT COUNCIL’S Business Growth and Sustainability unit offers a suite of services to local businesses to help them develop and grow to their full potential.

TRAINING, EVENTS AND FORUMS IN partnership with Business Victoria, Council hosts business training workshops throughout the year covering topics such as, business planning, networking, marketing, franchising and e-commerce. Council also hosts business breakfasts and professional development days. Recently 143 local business delegates attended the Building for Success: 2012 Atherstone City of Melton Business Breakfast held at Tabcorp Park. Attendees were brought up-to-date on the key drivers behind the municipality’s exceptional growth and were treated to an entertaining address from keynote speaker Dr Adam Fraser.

Dr Fraser spoke about ‘The Art of Flow’, a philosophy designed to be a real time solution to stress and burnout. By attending events

such as this, businesses have the opportunity to listen and learn from industry professionals and to make new contacts and network with other local businesses.

PROMOTION COUNCIL provides a range of platforms for businesses to promote themselves and celebrate their achievements. The annual Powercor City of Melton Business Excellence Awards recognise and reward the contribution local businesses make to the City’s economy.

The 2012 awards saw Rainbow Meats Caroline Springs take out Powercor Business of the Year in front of 260 attendees and 40 finalist businesses at the Gala Awards evening held at Witchmount Estate Winery. Each year the event grows and plans are already in place for the 2013 awards to be held on Friday 19 April.

Council’s Small Business Expos held at the Djerriwarrh and Summersault festivals provide further opportunities for local businesses to showcase themselves. Other opportunities include the free online business directory at www.melton.vic.gov.au and the new Buy Local – Supporting Local Jobs campaign to be launched in November.

KEEPING BUSINESS INFORMED

already successful business, Council’s Business Growth and Sustainability unit can help guide you and facilitate guidance and resources.

Council’s knowledge of local support networks can provide the pathway for your business to grow. One-on-one business advice services are free and available by appointment.

BUSINESS VISITATIONS COUNCIL wants to learn more about local business and gain an insight into how it can provide further assistance. Businesses will be taken through a business assessment to determine what their needs are and the process will assist them in connecting with the resources, training, funding and advisors they require to grow. The 45 minute appointments leave businesses with an understanding of the resources that are available for their business to succeed.

TO book an appointment or for more information about how Melton City Council’s Business Growth and Sustainability unit can assist your business call 9747 7200 or email businessevents@melton.vic.gov.au

COUNCIL’S recently redeveloped website provides the perfect platform to provide up-todate information and resources for business.

Industry snapshots, demographic profiles, business resources and links to industry specific support from Business Victoria are provided for businesses to download.

ONE-ON-ONE BUSINESS SUPPORT WHETHER you need advice on business planning, starting a business or growing your

BUSiNESS WEST

23

Budgeting

A BUSiNESS WEST PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

THE BENEFiTS OF BUDGETiNG A BUDGET helps to “control” your business finances.

It’s like a building plan.

It gives you a picture of the end position, and identifies all the actions needed to deliver the final desired result. The key is to commit these actions to writing and put numbers on everything.

Your budget should tell you what income you can expect, and what your costs will be.

It doesn’t have to be complex.

The key is to have one and to monitor your actual results against that budget.

There are a number of benefits of drawing up a budget, including being better able to: Manage your money effectively Allocate appropriate resources to projects Monitor performance

2. CASH FLOW STATEMENT. Shows money in and money out of the bank account. Profit is great but cash is better. Even if your sales are booming, will all of this be tied up in stock and with customers who owe you money? Will you need an overdraft? A Cash Flow report reflects these questions.

3. BALANCE SHEET.

A budget outlines what you will spend your money on and how that spending will be financed.

However, it is not a forecast.

A forecast is a prediction of the future whereas a budget is a planned outcome that your business wants to achieve.

Shows your assets and liabilities. If you are going to be as profitable as you expect, and people pay you as you anticipate, your assets and liabilities will reflect this.

Budget forecasts and Break Even Analysis are other methods of controlling your financial decisions and financial management.

You could also ask your accountant to review your budget figures or to put the final budget figures together.

For any help or advice on how to set up a budget, systems to use or monitoring your budget, talk to one of the Business Advisers

A good budget will also give you an opportunity to do some ‘what if’ scenarios to check how fragile the business would be if sales were not at the level you expect, or expenses were higher.

What if the price of milk drops or the sale of my crop is slower than I expect?

Meet your objectives Improve decision-making Identify problems before they occur - such as the need to raise finance or cashflow difficulties plan for the future increase staff motivation Your budget is made up of information from the following three reports: 1. INCOME STATEMENT. Shows your sales, expenses and most importantly your profit.

What if my costs go up?

What if interest rates go up?

Once you have your budget, the numbers should then be broken down month by month, so you can continually react to changes or unexpected events.

If costs are going up, you can quickly identify where you can trim back expenses or if prices need to be raised. Either way, you will be actively managing your business and improving your chances of achieving your business goals.

at WHK. Peter Mayall - Principal, Accounting & Business Advisory, WHK Werribee office Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than for the acts or omissions of financial services licensees.

WHK Pty Ltd ABN 84 006 466 351

10 Cashflow Tips for Christmas Maximising the 10 cash flow

e

Christmas trad

tips to make

are the brim? Here s stockings to fill your busines al holes.

Want Santa to them from potenti tips to protect invoices issued

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the most of Christm

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Are your procedures. your invoicing Tip 1: Review delivered?

Christmas as goods are anticipate any projections to your cash flow Tip 2: Update leaps 30 percent. activity usually a may sound like shortfalls. Sales Bulk-buying costs supply chain. calculated the your stock and but have you Tip 3: Review off each unit, Also, look into cents few a on the stock? shave good way to amount spent e, shelf life and can move quickly. inventory you of storage, insuranc old for check nt ship or ways to tighten rs placing significa on new custome credit checks getting Tip 4: Consider pay. that they can have a orders to ensure Make sure you costs. supply g wage and your increasin year.

Tip 5: Monitor into the new flow positive the payment plan to stay cash advantage of by taking full ask for your cash reserves the last day, or on Tip 6: Maintain paying and by your suppliers terms offered t. earlier paymen discounts for t terms or offering your paymen note by shortening new year. Take up payments accounts by the Tip 7: Speed to settle their promptly. of issue. This your debtors chase them up incentives for within 24 hours slow to pay and s for of invoice values rs are usually debtor discount up to 80 percent of which custome need to offer so you can receive eliminates the bank. It also for debtor finance capital in the Tip 8: Sign up working te immedia Follow up profit margins. gives your business the festivities. eat into your mode. recovery from nt which can sluggish a are on holiday early settleme making departments away or will either be their accounts most people customers and s, before your Tip 9: In January, Christma invoices before outstanding the silly season! and welcome feet up, relax Tip 10: Put your

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Make the mos of Christmas trade

Ballarat T: 03 5304 5700 Stawell T: 03 5358 1733

Colac T: 03 5234 0200 Warrnambool T: 03 5564 2100

Geelong T: 03 5224 7700 Werribee T: 03 9742 8444

Hamilton T: 03 5551 2200

With 10 weeks until Christmas make the most of the Christmas trade.

What can you do to improve your cash flow and profitability over Christmas and the New Year?

Call our Business Advisers now to obtain a Christmas Checklist or to discuss how we can help you.

Ocean Grove T: 03 5255 5077

au

www.whk.com.

18 Synnot St, Werribee 3030 T: 9742 8444 E: werribee@whk.com.au

Advice is provided licence of WHK Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 51 060 092 631 AFSL 238for 244.

Liability limited by under a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than the acts or omissions of Lending advice is provided under WHK Pty Ltd Australian Credit Licence number 389 054.

financial services licensees. WHK Pty Ltd ABN 84 006 466 351.

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BUSiNESS WEST

www.whk.com.au

1049815-EP41-12

WORD SEARCH Able Industries Accountant Adecco Bulldogs Burbank Employee Eyeclarity Flexi Personnel LeadWest Lithocraft Matthews Steer Melton Metro West Minuteman Press Moonee Valley Oranges and Lime Taxation Tracy Group Wyndham

BUSiNESS WEST

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OUT OF HOURS THE Burbank Group of Companies knocked over the competition at the recent Hobsons Bay Business Awards to take out Business of the Year.

The business, which is run by father and son team Eddie and Jarrod Sanfilippo, also won the Manufacturing and Industrial Award.

Other winners included Seaside Fitness, Captains Retreat, Mosaic Restaurant, Helen’s Kitchen Favourites, Tracy the Placement People, Mancini Real Estate, Elle & Stuart, Quest Williamstown North, Jim’s Self Storage, OMCS International and UCAN café.

The event was hosted by Ian Cover from ABC Radio’s The Coodabeen Champions.

1

HOBSONS BAY BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2

1 Elle & Stuart’s Maureen Bourke, Jennie Dennis and Kylie Jinette.

2 MC Ian Cover.

3 Tracey the Placement People’s Leith Day and Sarah Melville.

4 Bendigo Bank’s Ashleigh Coles, Hobsons Bay Community Fund’s Colleen Gates and Lauren Martin.

Pictures: MATHEW LYNN

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3

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BUSiNESS WEST

OUT OF HOURS BUSINESSES in the City of Melton enjoyed an early start at Tabcorp Park recently for the Building for Success Melton Business Breakfast.

Guest speaker Dr Adam Fraser, pictured, offered business owners a real time solution to stress and burn out.

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2

3

1 Westgate Community Initiates Group’s Steve Hardiman.

2 Western Water’s Les McLean and Member for Melton Don Nardella.

3 Lend Lease’s Anne Jolic.

Pictures: MATHEW LYNN

Combining years of work with Olympic athletes, the armed forces and business professionals, Dr Fraser has perfected ‘The Art of Flow’, which left attendees with a new way to view work, pressure and performance.

Melton Shire Council General Manager Planning and Development Luke Shannon also discussed the key drivers behind Melton’s exceptional growth and the opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors that have arisen under the State Government’s recent planning and land use announcements.

BUILDING FOR SUCCESS MELTON BUSINESS BREAKFAST 1

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COMMITTEE FOR WYNDHAM CENTENARY DINNER The Committee for Wyndham hosted a Centenary Dinner recently to celebrate the State Research Farm site in Werribee.

The event commemorated the significant education, employment, research and science in agriculture, food and turf production, animal husbandry, veterinary science and provision of health services that have been generated at the location during the last century.

Guest speakers included the CSIRO’s Food Science Centre Manager Murray Brown; Professor Ken Hinchcliff, Dean of University of Melbourne Veterinary Science School; and Paul Byrnes from the Growth Areas Authority.

1 Former farm workers Sue Kline, Margaret Mahoney, Jeanette Stewart and Gail Di Gregorio.

2 Committee for Wyndham Chairman Peter Hudson.

3 Professor Ken Hinchcliff.

Pictures: MATHEW LYNN

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BW NETWORK Business West Network – a growing directory of local businesses ready to do business with you.

You can join the Business West Network by registering online at www.businesswest.com.au to make sure you receive your personal copy of Business West AND receive a free onetime 30-word listing for your business in a future edition.

1800 DETAIL PO Box 4191, Hoppers Crossing, Victoria 1800 338 245 www.1800detail.com Car Detailing Melbourne Wide, Your Home - Your Office - Your Choice.

A&B INTERIORS 106 Douglas Pde, Williamstown, Victoria 9397 6388 Drapes and curtains, blinds and shutters, upholstery, bedspreads and cushions.

ANGE KENOS CIVIL CELEBRANT 6 Coghlan St, Niddrie, Victoria 0408 999 003 Weddings, divorces, funerals, baby namings, etc.

These are just some of the ceremonies that I conduct for you. With personal attention, care and professionalism. You matter to me.

ANZ Units 19-20, 47-51 Little Boundary Rd, Laverton North, Victoria 0435 969 816 I am working as a Business Banking Manager for ANZ Bank in the Laverton Business Centre. I am keen to know business activities in the Western Suburbs.

BETTER SOLAR 3 Creekwood Crt, Tarneit, Victoria 1300 90 44 33 www.bettersolar.net.au Better Solar provides premium Solar systems at great value prices. We believe every family can benefit financially from solar power and we make it easy to do so.

COMPLETE HIRE EQUIPMENT PTY LTD 185 Fairbairn Rd, Sunshine, Victoria 9312 5444 We hire all types of equipment for the home handy man to the construction worker.

HERE2BHELPFUL-PERSONAL CONCIERGE/ LIFESTYLE MANAGER 41 Caledonian Way, Point Cook, Victoria 0412 654 376 www.here2bhelpful.com.au We are here to help you regain more time. Busy people require trustworthy, reliable and organised people to help out and support their very busy lifestyles.

KANGAN INSTITUTE 38 Buckley St, Essendon, Victoria 9094 3112 www.kangan.edu.au Kangan Institute provides businesses with customised training and skill development incorporating recognition of existing skills, government funding and service delivery options. Call us for professional training consultancy.

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LEROY MADISON 7b Goulburn St, Yarraville, Victoria 0402 329 258 www.leroymadison.com.au Leroy Madison Designer Dog Products are locally made by two passionate professionals who make high quality great designed products for dogs.

M WORSLEY 6 Ruby Pl, Werribee, Victoria 8742 6938 www.mworsley.com For over 50 years Michael Worsley has helped establish, develop, manage and support businesses around the world bringing relief to many business challenges. He has recently returned to Werribee.

MATHS, PHYSICS, ENGLISH, CHEMISTRY TUTORING 18, Sovereign Rt, Hoppers Crossing, Victoria 0409 384 489 Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English and Computer tutoring for little learners to tertiary level students. We are specialised in VCE Maths, Physics and Chemistry tutoring.

MEDIAPOINT PTY LTD 80 Technology Dve, Sunshine West, Victoria 0411 773 908 www.mediapoint.com.au We are a digital printing company located in Sunshine West that house the latest HP Digital print machinery which is also the most environmentally friendly.

NO GYMTRAINING The Boulevarde Aberfeldie Park, Essendon, Victoria 1300 886 638 www.nogymtraining.com.au Seven Day Free trial! No Gym Training provides challenging workouts designed for all levels of fitness and optimum results, in a fun, social environment at Aberfeldie Park Essendon.

OPTUS BUSINESS - MELBOURNE WEST Level 1, Suite 3, 262 Racecourse Rd, Flemington, Victoria 8360 9762 www.obdwest.com.au At Optus Business, we provide genuine, all of business communications solutions. With mobile workforces on the rise, we also have a range of solutions that meet the needs of businesses looking to improve communication between staff, customers and suppliers.

PALLET CONTROL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD PO Box 5080, Hallam BC, Victoria 9703 5318 www.palletcontrol.com.au We offer extensive pallet control services and ancillary products to the manufacturing, warehousing and transport industries.

PAPAMAMA AUSTRALIA PO Box 3565, Caroline Springs, Victoria 9363 0671 PapaMama Australia is a parenting advocacy and parenting training program for every community. We offer support and advice for all parents. We offer parenting workshops and seminars to up-skill or oneon-one sessions. Happy Parenting!

PARKVIEW HOMES PTY LTD Factory 19, 189B South Centre Rd, Tullamarine, Victoria 9330 2008 www.parkviewhomes.com.au Builders and Developer of multi unit (domestic).

PARTNERS RETIREMENT PLANNING AND INVESTMENT ADVISORS L13/636 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria 8508 7800 PARTNERS is a Financial Planning and Investment practice that works with clients and their accountants to achieve financial solutions that enables them to lead the lifestyles they choose.

PETER ROGOZIK PROPERTY CONSULTING Unit 2, No 2 Berry St, Yarraville, Victoria 9689 9080 We offer a complete range of services exclusively for buyers of property.

Our services include sourcing and evaluating properties, checking of contract , negotiation, investment analysis and property management.

PRIME HEALTH GROUP 1/38-40 Little Boundary Rd, Laverton North, Victoria 8352 4900 Prime Health Group offers a full range of occupational medical services such as injury management, preemployment medicals, drug screening, vaccinations, physiotherapy and wellness programs. Contact Karyn on 8352 4990 for further information.

QIC 399 Melton Hwy, Taylors Lakes, Victoria 9361 5511 Watergardens Town Centre Owner and manager of shopping centre. Approximately 240 retail outlets.

QUEST WILLIAMSTOWN NORTH 115 Kororoit Creek Road, Williamstown, Victoria 9393 9700 Four Star serviced apartment accommodation located on the shores of Port Phillip Bay. nightly, weekly, monthly and extended stay rates available.

RED AGENCY Level 1, 132B Gwynne St, Richmond, Victoria 9670 8350 An award-winning public relations company with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Works with a broad cross section of companies from four sectors - Government (local, state and federal), consumer, corporate and technology.

REWARDS FINANCE PTY LTD 33 Signature Blvd, Sanctuary Lakes, Victoria 0411 801 307 Receive $200 Gift Voucher when you settle Loan with us. Includes New Loan, Refinancing, LoDoc Loans, Commerical Loans etc. Receive Residex FREE property Report.

Visit www.rewardsfinance.com.au for details.

BW NETWORK RSEA PTY LTD 41 Raymond Rd, Laverton, Laverton, Victoria 0412 430 125 www.rsea.com.au RSEA are a national safety company based in Tullamarine and Laverton supplying the western suburbs with clothing, P.P.E and footwear. We have a large walk in store with a range of products.

SANCTUARY LAKES CHIROPRACTIC 102 Point Cook Rd, Seabrook, Victoria 9369 7987 Chiropractic/Remedial Massage, x-rays, bulk-billed on-site for immediate care on first visit. Open 6 days a week with extended hours. HICAPS available.

Preferred provider for Medibank and HBA. SANCTUARY LAKES CLUB LIMITED Greg Norman Dve, Sanctuary Lakes, Victoria 9394 9044 Sanctuary Lakes Club is a members golf club with magnificent facilities including a Greg Norman designed championship golf course, a driving range, a restaurant and bar, and a function centre that hosts up to 120 people. The hospitality facilities are open to the public.

SCIENCEWORKS 2 Booker St, Spotswood, Victoria 9392 4865 www.museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/ Scienceworks is a museum with a difference featuring many fun and interactive exhibitions that make learning about science exciting for all. With a whole array of exhibitions, programs and shows, Scienceworks will satisfy curious minds and active bodies. Adults $8 entry, children and concession free.

Additional fees apply for certain programs or shows.

SUPREME OFFICE SOLUTIONS (SOS) 16/2 Techno Park Dve, Williamstown, Victoria 9397 7780 We are a team of experienced, professional bookkeepers who provide bookkeeping services to small business. We are located in Williamstown.

Efficient service and reasonable rates.

T TRIPLE K LANDSCAPES PTY LTD 4 Elegan Crt, Hillside, Victoria 0409 539 065 We build beautiful gardens. All aspects and landscape design and construction Bobcat hire, concrete, paving, pools, pergolas, decking, stone work, real and fake lawns, tank and well systems, soil and pebbles, irrigation, ponds and water features, feature walls, fences, outdoor flood lights, retaining walls, planter boxes, make overs, meeting strict budgets or work in stages to achieve amazing results.

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS 83 Hannan St, Williamstown, Victoria 8398 0805 Websites that achieve more!

TECHNE PTY LTD Level 4, 65 Brougham St, Geelong, Victoria 0417 592 055 Techne operates within the construction, project management, development, interior design and fit-out industries. For over 30 years Techne has successfully developed quality projects with an adaptability and flexibility to tailor services to the specific needs and requirements of its varied base of customers.

TINT SHIELD PO Box 1583 Werribee Plaza, Werribee, Victoria 97492380 www.tintshield.com.au Tint Shield specialise in window tinting for residential and commercial premises. We have window films that reduce heat, glare and fading with additional benefits which include, lowering energy costs, reducing the reliance on air conditioners and providing a more comfortable environment for your home or office.

THE OFFICE 16 Parker St, Williamstown, Victoria 8340 0444 www.office@the-office.com.au We offer both virtual and fully serviced office solutions that include support staff, furniture, business infrastructure and outgoings for less than the price of a receptionist.

THE PROFIT FROG 12 Angelique Gve, Albanvale, Victoria 0410 670 831 The Profit Frog focuses on growing business revenue without expensive advertising. Drawing upon existing resources and assets, The Profit Frog structures unique marketing for profit growth within 90 days.

TOOLS-N-ALL 2 Carberry Dve, Melton, Victoria 0418 104 466 On-site seller of all major brands of tools and consumables for the construction and manufacturing industries.

TRACY THE PLACEMENT PEOPLE 17 Hall St, Newport, Victoria 8331 5000 The Tracy Group - Recruitment and Placement Specialists for all businesses and jobseekers.

Accredited training and education as well as temporary and permanent labour hire. The Tracy Group offer complete employment solutions.

TRANQUIL HOME 4 Quartz Crt, Keilor East, Victoria 0407 854 927 Tranquil Home selling kids placemats and mess mats from laminated fabrics in designer prints. Mats are waterproof, machine washable and BPA free. A unique product for busy mums.

VERVE CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD 32 Paringa Way, Burnside, Victoria 0425 701 967 To provide our clients with the best service, most integrity and greatest quality offered within the industry.

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY PO Box 14428, Melbourne, Victoria 9919 4011 VU is the primary university in Melbourne’s West, with excellence across higher education and TAFE. Over 50,000 students study at campuses in Melbourne’s West and CBD and partner sites overseas.

WATERS EDGE BUSINESS CENTRE 1 Greville St, Caroline Springs, Victoria 9217 6400 We provides customised, Virtual Office support services for businesses that are time poor. Virtual Office enables you as a business to have access to a receptionist, secretary, and office space without all the overheads. Services can be arranged on a casual or on-going basis whether you work from home, from your car, or away on holidays, a virtual office helps you reduce your workload and avoid missed opportunities.

WEBHOUSE GROUP 44 Translink Dve, Keilor Park, Victoria 0434 378 602 We develop Public Facing Websites and Online Marketing Strategies for our clients on our unique and proven Content Management Engine. Our solution includes Search Engine Optimisation and Site statistic monitoring. We also assist clients with the development of Process Management and CRM software applications.

WILD FOR BEAUTY 13 Daisy Dve, Point Cook, Victoria 0433 521 547 www.wildforbeauty.com.au Wild for Beauty are passionate beauty experts with a commitment to using quality products for all skin-types. Specialising in spray tanning, waxing, nail treatments, makeup, eyebrow/lash tinting and facials.

WILLY DESIGN 1/7 Beachcomber Pl, Sanctuary Lakes, Victoria 9395 9646 Residential design, energy efficient, sustainable living.

New residences, Alterations and additions to your existing home. We collaborate your thoughts and our experience to provide a great solution.

WYNDHAM CITY COUNCIL PO Box 197, Werribee, Victoria 0412 335 541 Wyndham City Council’s Economic Development Unit’s vision is to foster responsible business development, employment opportunities and promote Wyndham as a place to invest, live and recreate. For all investment and business enquiries please call (03)9742 0901 YOUR BUSINESS ALLIANCE PO Box 3111, Caroline Springs, Victoria 9360 5898 Your Business Alliance provides professional sales and marketing services for small to medium businesses.

ZAPHREN CREATIVE 50 Queensville St, Kingsville, Victoria 0416 268 959 www.zaphrencreative.blogspot.com Zaphren Creative is a Melbourne based Communications Design Studio that offers a holistic approach to marketing, from initial brief through to the printed or published material.

WAITING FOR TRADIES PO Box 6478, Point Cook, Victoria 0418 569 318 Do you need a tradesperson to come to your home, but don’t have all day to wait? Waiting for Tradies recognises that your time is precious - let us do it for you!

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Q&A HAVING grown up in New Zealand, Ross Morley left school at the age of 16 and started a building cadetship. Following his cadetship, he went on to work for about five years for a builder who focused on top end homes and alterations. After some overseas experience in which he carried out building work in the United States, Mr Morley set up a building partnership with a mate from Unitec.

The pair started on the smallest additions and alterations before moving up to new homes and units. The partnership dissolved amicably in the late ’80s, at which time Mr Morley and his wife Elaine set up Ross Morley Construction.

In 1997 the pair opened the first G.J. Gardner franchise outside of QLD, in an area north of Auckland, New Zealand.

Building on the success they had in New Zealand, the opportunity to set up the master franchise for G.J. Gardner Homes Victoria/Tasmania arose, which they did with a partner in 2000. Now as sole owners of the master franchise, Mr Morley and his wife have 12 franchisees building around 400 homes per year.

1. DESCRIBE A TYPICAL WORKING DAY. I start with a morning run or a workout at the gym. Afterwards, I go to our office in Tullamarine to attack the in-tray and emails. Often I’ll go to one of our franchisee’s offices to offer my support or I’ll meet with a builder looking to become a G.J. Gardner Homes franchisee.

2. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT SKILLS DID IT GIVE YOU TO GET YOU WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? Well, I completed a building cadetship, which is similar to a carpenter’s apprenticeship with a bit more theory. It taught me to always be punctual, keep a tidy work space and do the job properly otherwise you will be pulling it apart and re-doing it.

3. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR WORKING LIFE? This year being invited to speak at the USA G.J. Gardner Homes Conference about how I made the journey from a small builder on the tools to Managing Director of the Master Franchise for Victoria/Tasmania with 12 franchisees building around 400 homes per year.

4. WHERE IS THE BEST SUBURB IN THE WEST TO BUILD AT THE MOMENT, AND WHY? I would rather not highlight any one particular area, however, the market in the West is definitely a little softer than it has been so that is good news for buyers. In these times someone that does their homework should be able to get very good value for money.

5. WHAT STYLE OF HOME IS CURRENTLY IN VOGUE AMONG G.J. GARDNER CUSTOMERS? With the first home-buyer market quiet after the state bonus removal, we are still strong with our second and third home-buyers who demand customisation. People like to be able to personalise their new home, and of course every housing lot is different, so to optimise the sun, views and recreation areas you need to shuffle things around a little. Our Ferrara design is one of our most popular family designs, we have now included some other size options of this design to satisfy customer demand.

G.J Gardner’s Ross Morley.

6. IF YOU HAD TO INVITE FIVE PEOPLE TO A BUSINESS LUNCHEON, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I’d invite Bill Gates because he seems to have done okay for himself, Richard Branson because I like the way he lives his life on the edge and how that attitude filters down to his business decisions. I’d definitely invite Tim Cook who replaced Steve Jobs at Apple as he’s obviously been instrumental in the company’s current success. Jeremy Gutsche, the man behind TrendHunter.com is on the list as he proliferates new ways of thinking in market research and lastly, Muhammad Yunus – the king of social company culture.

7. WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES EVERY MANAGING DIRECTOR NEEDS? Honesty, strong leadership and lots of drive!

8. HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK? Family time at the holiday shack with lots of fishing and water skiing or in winter going snowboarding. Yes, I’m a pretty old snow boarder and pretty ‘lame’ according to my teenage son, but I love being up in the mountains.

9. WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS MANTRA? Always tell the truth and lead by example.

10. HOW WOULD YOU SELL THE WEST TO A PROSPECTIVE BUSINESS INVESTOR? The West is an excellent area to invest given the reasonably priced land and homes, a large workforce and services and easy access to the Surf Coast for weekend getaways.

BUSiNESS SERVICES Don’t Waste Marketing Dollars.

Get Expert Advice Before You Spend!

Call 0419 546 159 now apmarketingworks.com.au

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1034769-SH24-12

MARKETING

To advertise your services to the business community phone: 1300 666 808

FFOR OR YOUR DIARY

NOVEMBER Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Melton Small Business Expo Melton Recreational Reserve, High St, Melton.

12pm-5pm. Go to www. melton.vic.gov.au/ businessevents for more information.

MELBOURNE CUP PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Celebrating 40 years of the Organ Pipes National Park Organ Pipes National Park, Calder Highway, Keilor North. 11am-4pm.

Call 9337 7395 for more information.

Starting Your Business Workshop Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, Altona. 6pm-9pm. $30. Email business@ hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au to book.

Motivating Mum meeting Demazzi’s, Essendon.

10am-12pm. Email alli@ motivatingmum.com for more information.

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Wyndham BizNet monthly meeting Werribee Racing Club Rooms, Chirnside Park, Watton St, Werribee.

6.30pm-9.30pm. $40 members, $50 non-members. Call 0418 533 806 to book.

Moonee Valley Council Mayoral Charity Community Race Night Moonee Valley Racecourse, McPherson St, Moonee Ponds.

5.15pm start. Go to www. mvcc.vic.gov.au/150 for more information.

26 27 28 29 30 G Get Connected H Home Based Business BBreakfast AAscot House, 50 Fenton SSt, Ascot Vale.

77am-9am. $35. Go to wwww.trybooking.com/ BBRYL to book.

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Choice Quality Taylors Lakes Hotel The best place for all your Accommodation and Conference needs

Phone: 9217 9500 7 Melton Highway Taylors Lakes Vic 3038

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Our 58 luxury 4 Star rooms, including Spas and King size beds FREE Internet access in Rooms and at Conferences Fantastic Conference Rooms and tailored Corporate Catering Ideal for Training or Sales Meetings Packages for the Corporate traveller Access to KORE Gym and Swimming Pool

We are conveniently only 15 minutes from Melbourne Airport and the CBD

www.taylorslakeshotel.com.au 1050464-JL43-12