Business West May 2013 by Star News Group

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CHOCOLATE GOLD SUSTAINABLE PLANS WEBSITES: GETTING STARTED POOR PERFORMERS ISSN 1837-9869 7-9869

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GLITZ

GLAMOUR HIGHPOINT’S $300 MILLION MAKEOVER

ISSUE 24 M MAY AY 22013 013

Collins & Co 127 Paisley Street, Footscray VIC 3011 T 03 9680 1000 F 03 9689 6605 E fc@collinsco.com.au

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Terry Considine, owner Secon and Fabio Cammarano, partner of Collins & Co

Accountants & Advisors to the Transport & Logistics Industry

CONTENTS 5

FAREWELL FAHEY Scienceworks says goodbye

FULL ON FREIGHT New terminal

COVER STORY Fashion’s new high

A VISION SHARED Sharing your workspace

10-11

LAND OF THE GIANTS Building big things

10-11 CHOCOLATE GOLD Living the sweet life

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12-13 SUSTAINABLE LIVING Creating green homes

14-15 FAMILY FOUNDATIONS How to work together

They’re not only saving on the average energy bill, they’re making money… JEREMY SPENCER

REGULARS 4 FROM THE EDITOR 16-17 STRATEGIES

9 16

Poor performers Websites: Getting started

18 19 20 23

OUT OF HOURS SMALL TALK Q&A

MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Linnell stephen.linnell@starnewsgroup.com.au EDITOR Tim Doutré tim.doutre@starnewsgroup.com.au EDITORIAL Charlene Macaulay charlene.macaulay@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 Australianowned and independent. Produced and published by Paul Thomas for Star News Group Pty. Ltd. ACN 005 848 108. Star News Group Trading Terms and Conditions can be found on www.starnewsgroup.com.au Find an electronic version of Business West online. Keep a copy for yourself or share with your contacts. Visit: www.businesswest.com.au

Chris Potaris

Cover MEGAN GALE

BUSiNESS WEST NETWORK

Picture MATHEW LYNN

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FROM THE EDITOR Promote your business or service 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. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to promote your business or service to the business world of the West, call Trish Di Vito now on 9933 4800 to reserve your space. Advertising for the next edition of BUSiNESS WEST is now open. To register for BUSiNESS WEST visit: www.businesswest.com.au

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WHAT’S KILLING THE WEST? AWARD-WINNING BROKER ■ RIDING IN STYLE YOUR BUSiNESS ■ WEBSITES AND

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PERFECT PRESENTATIONS ROUNDTABLE BENEFITS ENGAGING EMPLOYEES BUSiNESS OF PARTIES ISSN 1837-9869

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POINT OF

DIFFERENCE

HOW TO STAND OUT FROM

THE CROWD

ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY 2013

NEW WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER

CO-WORKING – I’ll admit it, I had no idea what it was, but when an email came through from Wes Towers from Omnific Design regarding a shared office in Williamstown, the concept intrigued me. The idea of co-working seemed to be an ideal fit for many of our Business West readers. It suits start-up companies which haven’t quite got the capital to go out on their own but have grown out of their home-based set-ups. Charlene Macaulay’s article on the co-working concept explores the benefits sharing an office with other businesses can have. When it comes to benefits, I have never taken the subjects of our cover shots for granted, after all, many business owners can find it uncomfortable in front of the camera. You may have noticed a slight difference to this edition’s cover shot and while all our previous cover subjects have been aesthetically pleasing in their own right, it’s not everyday a supermodel comes to Melbourne’s West. Internationally famed Megan Gale was in town recently to promote the opening of the first David Jones store in Melbourne’s West and our cameras were right there to capture the moment. The event was significant on a grander scale, as it is marked the opening of stage two of Highpoint’s $300 million redevelopment.

Speaking of aesthetics, the art of creating a visually appealing website is discussed in our strategies section by Marquez Comelab from Taylors Hill business Oranges and Lime. In his second piece for Business West, Marquez discusses what you need to know before starting up your own website. He delves in to website aesthetics, objectives and functions. Finally, on a personal note, this will be my last edition editing Business West. I have enjoyed my time at the helm of this publication and the people and businesses I have got to know as a part of it. As a parting message I would ask you to continue to get behind the magazine as it promotes the values and companies you hold dear to your heart. All the best to the West. [BW]

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

Madgwicks Lawyers - providing business legal services to the West since 1973 BPW Transpec Managing Director Alfred Unger and Madgwicks Managing Partner and Chairman of BPW Transpec, Peter Kennedy standing in front of BPW truck trailer axles ready to be fitted with brakes at BPW Transpec’s factory in Laverton. Madgwicks | Level 33, 140 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000 | T: +61 3 9242 4744 www.madgwicks.com.au 1039622-KG29-12

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NEWS

FAHEY FAREWELL BY CHARLENE MACAULAY SCIENCEWORKS general manager Genevieve Fahey has retired. Ms Fahey has been with Scienceworks since its inception. In 1988, she was a member of the project team that developed the plans for the new science and technology museum, and she managed one of the first exhibitions that opened Scienceworks in 1992. Since then Ms Fahey has had various roles in management until taking up the position of general manager in August 2003. Ms Fahey, who finished up at the end of February, will move to Queensland to spend more time with her family and enjoy new challenges. “My time at Scienceworks has been far more than a job,” she said. “It has been hugely rewarding to be part of an organisation committed to providing Victorians with a memorable insight into the science and technology in their everyday lives. “We have had so many wonderful exhibitions and programs here over the years and we are now welcoming parents that visited here as children.” Museum Victoria CEO Patrick Greene added: “Genevieve will be keenly missed. “Her passion and commitment has been the driving force behind Scienceworks’ continuous growth into an award winning destination for Victorian families and schools. “Her strong leadership in science,

bitionns has as ensur red tha hat programs and exhibitions ensured that fantas fa a tic, interactive intterrac a ti tivve our visitors have had fantastic, arning g about abo bout the e science sci ciien ence ence adventures whilst learning eir worl rld d.” and technology in their world.” er be ega an w ith the he stu udy dy o Ms Fahey’s career began with study off on at Melbourne e Unive ve ersityy geology and education University ted Ba Bach chel elor o o cie ienc ce where she completed Bachelor off Sc Science elor of of Science Sc Scie cie enc n e Education Educ cat atio io on (Honours) and Bachelor degrees. orkss, the e ttrained rained ra d geo e lo og giistt Before Scienceworks, geologist te parts parts ts of of the Northern Northe No he ern r was mapping remote olog gic cal Surve ey ey. territory for the NT Geo Geological Survey. er husband husb band nd d moved moved back backk When her and her e could cou ould return retturrn to study, study dyy, to Victoria so that he gro ound ou d, so o geology jobs were thin on the ground, g degree degree to work worrk and and she put her teaching taught for a year. ed for for a job b as as ann She then applied Melbo bourne Museum Musse euum and annd education officer at Melbourne earss doing doinng that thhat at before befo ore spent a couple of years Scie Sc ien enc nce ceworrks she was invited to joinn the Scienceworks project group. ay, is history. hist stor st stor oryy. y. The rest, as they sa say, heyy’s keyy achievements ach chie ieveme iev mennt nts Some of Ms Fahey’s inc clude developing develo lopi lo p ng the the h at Scienceworks include thhe most visited visite ted te d science sc cienc ie enc nce ce museum to become the ia; bringing international inte ernatio attio ionnal museum in Australia; nce eworks such suc ch as as Star S arr St exhibitions to Scienceworks rom mit and Starr Wa W Wars ars rs;; aand nd Trek, Wallace and Gromit Wars; ary Austral alia iann Quarantine ia Quaran Qua Qu arantiine creating a temporary Australian ice e approved approvve ved quarantined quaran qu a ti t ne ned d and Inspection Service exhhibition galleries gal alle eri ries es for for a facility within the exhibition 99 98. spider exhibition in 1998. w Scienceworks Sciencew wor orks kss accepted acc c e ep pte t d Her hard work saw Haall all of of Fame Fame for fo or into the Victorian Tourism Hall ree timess inn a ro ow. [BW] winning its category thr three row.

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NEWS

NEW FREIGHT TERMINAL THE State and Federal Governments have chipped in $5 million in funding for a pre-feasibility study into building a Western Interstate Freight Terminal (WIFT) in Truganina. CHARLENE MACAULAY and XAVIER SMERDON report…

PRIME Minister and Member for Lalor Julia Gillard recently announced that her government would put $3.5 million towards the prefeasibility study.

whether the project is an appropriate solution to eliminate unnecessary freight movements, ease congestion and take more than 700,000 trucks a year off our City’s roads,” she said.

The State Government has also contributed $1.5 million.

“If, after careful consideration, the plan is approved, the project will create an interstate terminal and freight precinct at Truganina, as well as a link to the Interstate Rail Freight Network.”

The study will examine the design of the project, undergo an environmental assessment of the site, and oversee commercial, technical and land investigations. It will also look at the potential impact on surrounding traffic and rail networks. Ms Gillard said remove the need trucks to enter the and reduce heavy West.

Above: The State and Federal Governments have funded a prefeasibility study for the Western Interstate Freight Terminal in Truganina. Picture: SARAH MATRAY

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the freight terminal would for interstate trains and Port of Melbourne precinct freight traffic in the inner

Currently, interstate containers bound for distribution in Melbourne are railed to terminals around the Port of Melbourne and then trucked to the outer suburbs. “This funding will be used to determine

But not everybody is pleased by the news. President of the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group Samantha McArthur, who has fought for years to get trucks of Maribyrnong’s residential streets, said the WIFT could just be “passing the buck”. “From what we’ve read it will take about 2000 trucks a day off Maribyrnong’s roads, but that’s not great if it is at the expense of another community,” Ms McArthur said. “They are saying that 700,000 trucks would come out of Yarraville and Maribyrnong so if you do the math I imagine that will have an effect on Wyndham.” [BW]

COVER STORY

FASHION’S NEW HIGH BY CHARLENE MACAULAY DAVID Jones and a raft of new Australian and international retailers have come to the West. The $300 million expansion of Highpoint Shopping Centre opened to the public recently with a host of celebrity appearances, fashion shows, and sales. The Project presenter Carrie Bickmore was MC for the big launch, while model and ambassador Megan Gale was on hand to officially open the West’s first David Jones. Emma Freedman and Nick Bracks also made an appearance at the launch. The 14,000 square metre David Jones runs across two levels and is complemented by around 80 new specialty retailers, including Topshop, Topman, Zara, Chanel, Peter Alexander and Samsung, which opened its largest experience store in the world. Highpoint is the only shopping centre in Australia to secure both Topshop and Zara. Meanwhile, a number of existing stores, such as Witchery and Mimco, have relocated to the new mall area and had shop fit-outs in a bid to up the ante.The expansion, which increased the floor space by 25 per cent, brings the total number of stores to 520. Highpoint development manager Mark Pheely said seeing the three-year project come to life was like unwrapping a big present. “This is a coming of age for this shopping centre,” he said. “This is what people said they wanted – everything they could find in Melbourne under one roof.”

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This is a coming of age for this shopping centre… HIGHPOINT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER MARK PHEELY

Some of the stores, including Zara, Gap and Rodd and Gun, were not ready in time for the unveiling, and opened up in the days following the launch. The unveiling came five months after Highpoint opened its Fresh Food Market and Eco Mall, which links up with Highpoint’s existing level two stores and boasts a full-line Woolworths,15 new fresh food retailers and a mix of children’s wear, services and general merchandise. The full redevelopment created around 4300 jobs during the construction period and more than 2000 new retail jobs upon completion. Planning for the Highpoint development began more than seven years ago when census data identified population growth in the West, which has become the fastest growing region in Australia. The development was designed to enhance Highpoint’s position as one of Australia’s premier shopping destinations and to build on its reputation of being the first to secure major brands to the West. GPT CEO and Managing Director Michael Cameron said Highpoint undertook extensive customer research to identify what the new Highpoint retail offering and environment

needed to include. Customer feedback highlighted a desire for an improved fresh food and fashion offer. “This expansion has been years in the planning and we knew it would work because we went out to the community and asked them what they wanted, well before the first load of concrete was laid,” Mr Cameron said. “They told us the development should reflect the surrounding environment, the creative and resilient spirit of the West. “In response GPT has delivered a stunning architecturally designed mall featuring natural material, exposed beams and celebrates the site’s history as a quarry with use of Bluestone in the floors and furniture. “By far the most striking design feature is the floating roof structure, which was inspired by the Maribyrnong River. “The transparent roof, which has been designed to bring in natural light and fresh air, flows throughout the mall before opening up to a grand new entrance and public space.” The development has also delivered an extra 1000 new car parking spaces with Smart Park technology that guides shoppers to available car parks. [BW]

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BUSiNESS PROFILE

SHARING A VISION BY CHARLENE MACAULAY IT’S the new business buzzword: co-working. But what does it mean? Wes Towers has the answer. Mr Towers, who runs website design and development business Omnific Design, said coworking was much more than a shared office space. Rather, it’s a style of work that encourages collaboration but at the same time allows each business to run independently. The idea is that the fellow businesses can pick each other’s brain and share industry expertise and resources. He set up his own co-working facility in Williamstown North at the beginning of this year after working in a shared office space previously. The office features nine desks and has a communal boardroom. Mr Towers offered workstations for $75 a week plus GST, as well as private offices suited to two or three people from $150 a week plus GST. “Almost all the services are the same (as a serviced office), although each person is responsible for their own phones, since we don’t have a receptionist,” he said. “This makes our environment far more cost effective than serviced offices and is ideal for the start-up or businesses looking to take the next step from working at home.” He currently works alongside two startup businesses, a carpet importer and a web entrepreneur. “As far as I know, this is by far the best value office space in Melbourne,” he said.

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Co-working is about working together as a community, so you can collaborate on projects… WES TOWERS

“Co-working is about working together as a community, so you can collaborate on projects. “It’s not a formal arrangement, but it’s more about working together so everyone benefits. People don’t have to work together in this space, but it makes sense because they’re right next door. “It’s really important for start-ups to save their money, and this is a much cheaper option than having their own private office space. It doesn’t suit everybody, but it suits some.” Mr Towers said the concept also combated the loneliness of running your business from home. Mr Towers’ office space does not have strict rules, but many other co-working environments have a different set of values and their own unique culture. Some may specialise in a niche market such as start-up or technical-based businesses. Others even go as far as conducting interviews to see how well a new applicant will work with the team. [BW]

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LAND OF THE GIANTS

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY THESE big fish are enjoying the fruits of their labour after creating a mammoth playground for Canberra’s botanical gardens. Footscray’s Big Fish design and construction company has spent the past ear creating a wonderland of giant plant forms – including banksias, acorns and leaves – for the Canberra National Arboretum. The play space, which was installed before Easter, includes six, three-metre tall banksia pods that have cave-like entrances and round windows. When finished, kids will be able to slide out of them, play drums in them and move giant beads into and out of them. The forms are made up of large steel armatures, meshed and hand-rendered with glass reinforced concrete. They weigh literally a ton each. Big Fish, which specialises in the generation, production and delivery of innovative features, signage, installations and public art, was engaged by the principal landscape architects, Taylor Cullity Lethlean to develop their initial concepts for the play space. Director and principal designer Alfons van Maanen, fellow director Renata Slusarski and a team of 10 spent the past year busy working on the pieces, tweaking the technical drawings before welding, grinding, cutting and bending the shapes to achieve their final forms.

The installation also includes several beautiful shade canopies, like giant leaves. The creation of the National Arboretum represents the realisation of Walter Burley Griffin’s vision almost 100 years ago, for a place where trees, shrubs and plants are cultivated for the purpose of conservation, preservation, research, education and display. “Quite often we get the jobs that other people say can’t be done,” Mr van Maanen said. Ms Slusarski added: “We thought this was a dream job to do.” The Big Fish studio in Footscray is well known among locals and visitors, who can always expect to see the unexpected from its Moreland St premises - whether it’s something suspended from the tree outside, a crate man on the roof, or a huge fibreglass penguin drying in the sun. The business is no stranger to large-scale projects, having spent the past 20 years designing and fabricating public art pieces, signage and installations for clients ranging from councils and arts bodies to museums. Big Fish also makes a point of supporting the budding careers of dozens of school and tertiary students as well as trade apprentices and students from Victoria University and other institutions around Melbourne. [BW]

business news west

What’s new in the business community?

1070283-SL18-13

New Business Directory launched! Become involved Hobsons Bay City Council has launched its new online business If you want to stay across current issues and network with directory and is encouraging all businesses registered in fellow business colleagues, join a local business group. Hobsons Bay to sign up today! Free to register, the directory is There are four recognised traders’ associations in Hobsons the one- stop-shop for customers looking to ﬁnd a business Bay – Altona, Laverton, Newport and Williamstown, with in Hobsons Bay. many business networks also operating in the area. Visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/directories to register. These groups represent like-minded business people whose focus is on marketing their area and addressing local issues Workshops that may affect your business and the region. The Council has an exciting line up of business workshops Why not join one today? For more information visit scheduled for the winter months. A big focus will be on social www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/business media. For the beginners, we have Go Online: A Start-up Guide for Businesses workshop covering all the basics of Newsletters putting your business online. If you are looking to connect via And don’t forget the Council publishes a free business LinkedIn, we have an exciting workshop dedicated solely to this topic. The Small Business Commissioner will also be back newsletter titled Business Works and a regular electronic to present to businesses on ways they can assist and support. newsletter e-Works, subscribing is easy, simply send an To view all the upcoming business workshops or to register for email to the address below. a workshop, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/business Subscribe today!

For more information please call Sally Curtis, Business and Tourism Ofﬁcer on 9932 1000 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

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BUSiNESS PROFiLE

Groovy Chocolate’s James MacDonald. Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI

BUSiNESS WEST

BUSiNESS PROFiLE

CHOCOLATE GOLD “ (We) are proud of the fact that our products are different and just that little bit more special…

JAMES MACDONALD “It’s quite a seasonal business – we’re very busy at Christmas and Easter, plus times like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. We’re also kept busy throughout the year with corporate work. “You need to be prepared to jump when you get an order. “Often, we work to pretty tight deadlines. Sometimes a business gets onto Christmas presents late, but I never like to let anyone down.” Mr MacDonald said Groovy Chocolates made a point of carrying a smaller range of distinctive product lines, rather than simply emulating products already available elsewhere. “(We) are proud of the fact that our products are different and just that little bit more special.

“There’s plenty of products that we could copy from other chocolate companies, but we wanted to do our own thing,” he said. “We’re trying to fit in without competing – we don’t want to tread on other people’s toes.” Their product offering is so popular the MacDonalds can name businesses like MLC, Village, Nokia, Marie Claire, eBay, JetStar, Budget and the Hilton as some of their clients. And these fancy chocolates are not just for show – the MacDonalds have gone to great lengths to ensure all of their products taste as good as they look. “Your clients or friends won’t thank you for something that looks great on the surface but actually tastes terrible, as can often be the case with promotional confectionary,” Mr MacDonald said. “We have selected the best suppliers and local factories for our production, and for selected lines we even use premium brands including Mars, Cadbury, Nestle, Lindt, Chocolatier and a delicious variety of Belgian chocolates.” The business is a member of the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign. The MacDonalds have had interest from a number of Asian countries and New Zealand, but Mr MacDonald said the couple had no plans to export yet. [BW]

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BY CHARLENE MACAULAY JAMES MacDonald is living the sweet life. Mr MacDonald and his wife Carol fled their dead-end jobs in Scotland and opted for a change of scenery and career in 2006 when they bought into the Groovy Chocolate franchise. Originally established in the UK in 2000, Groovy Chocolates was an online business that sold a range of printed chocolates to corporate and private clients. “It was something that we could do from home that didn’t take up a lot of space,” Mr MacDonald said. Before long, the MacDonald’s took over the Groovy Chocolates name when the Scottish arm of the business stopped trading. The pair quickly started expanding their range and clientele and has become one of Australia’s leading suppliers of promotional chocolate and confectionery. Keen to create their very own niche market, the MacDonalds have introduced a number of innovative products to the market, including original full colour edible print chocolates, chocolate filled Advent and countdown calendars, printed shortbread, gingerbread, mints and personalised Easter Eggs. Their range has seen businesses order chocolate printed business cards, bon bons, bottles of champagne encased in chocolate bottles and other products.

BUSiNESS WEST

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SUSTAiNABLE

PLANS BY CHARLENE MACAULAY SUSTAINABLE living is on the West’s doorstep thanks to a design and build company making waves in the region. Positive Footprints, which specialises exclusively in high-performing, low-impact homes, has spent the past 12 years making sustainable living an easy to achieve option for people that are building or renovating their homes. Husband and wife team Jeremy Spencer and Chi Lu want to make sustainable housing mainstream in the building industry – and they plan on doing it with style. Their crowning achievement in 2012 was the Marion House, which was recently awarded the Most Sustainable House of the Year in the national BPN Sustainability Awards. The Marion House produces more power than it uses, saving about 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year from entering the atmosphere compared to a standard home. That is equivalent to taking three cars off the road every year for the life of the house, and saves the owners around $2500 a year. This is achieved by a combination of eightstar passive solar design (using the sun to heat in winter and the breeze to cool in summer), energy efficient lighting and appliance selection, and a modest 2.2 kilowatt PV array. The house is also very water efficient, using about 70 per cent less mains water than the average home. Through rainwater collection, efficient appliance and tapware selection, and saving the hot water normally wasted down the plug hole, the house saves around 100,000 litres of water per year. “They’re not only saving on the average energy bill, they’re making money,” Mr Spencer said. Mr Spencer told Business West that construction materials were chosen meticulously throughout to limit the

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“

They’re not only saving on the average energy bill, they’re making money… JEREMY SPENCER

environmental footprint, with materials chosen to maximise recycled content, minimise embodied energy and promote health by limiting paints, binders, glues and plastics that offgas dangerous chemicals. The house features high performing clerestory windows to bring light and winter warmth deep into the house, a polished concrete floor to retain heat in winter, and an inverted veranda which funnels the sea breezes through the house to cool in summer. The house even thinks for itself, using temperature sensors to open and close upper windows to maintain comfortable temperatures when the owners are at work or asleep. All of this was achieved on a modest $300,000 budget. “It’s designed to get a lot of sunlight deep into the house,” Mr Spencer said. “This house is also oriented in line with the sea breeze, and the pergola has a pitched roof to allow the sea breeze to come into the house.” Positive Footprints is also working on a nine-star fully sustainable house in Seaholme that has been designed to be carbon positive. “We’ve basically gone and looked at all the problems with building a house and worked out the best way to fix it,” Mr Spencer said. “Most of our clients come to us because they want a house that performs well.” [BW]

Positive Footprint’s Jeremy Spencer and Marion House owner Leeanne Sweet. Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

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FOUNDATiONS IN

FAMILY BY CHARLENE MACAULAY MEET the four people behind Maidstone’s latest housing development. JMC Group director Martin Wagg and his three daughters Brooke, Cara and Rachel have spent the past decade bringing the WillowPark estate to life, and have their sights set on a new landmark development the next suburb away. The WillowPark development boasts 461 architecturally designed homes, townhouses and apartments – already 100 per cent sold – as well as five commercial tenancies, including a community café, Owners Corporation office and hairdressers. The JMC Group bought the land in October 2002 and had to build the roads and set up amenities before construction could begin in 2008, with the development broken up into 10 stages. Today, JMC is busy putting the final touches on the housing development, which is due to be complete by mid-2013. Mr Wagg said WillowPark epitomised JMC’s business philosophy of building communities, not just stand-alone homes. “It’s great to see it all come to fruition,” he said. “The concept was to develop a master plan which included a diverse range of homes, architecture and landscaping which would stand the test of time and that was complimentary to the site and its existing natural attributes. “JMC prides itself on creating superb developments through a combination of first class planning, design and construction.

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“Most importantly, we build homes, not houses. “I am very proud of WillowPark – it is an outstanding reflection of the hard work, commitment, skill and dedication of the JMC team.”

working towards the same common goal.

“(In some ways) it’s easier for us, because we’re used to the parent telling us what to do.” But the four all agree that the hard part is letting go of the working day, especially at the dinner table.

The group threw a festive celebration at the site in November last year to enhance the already strong sense of community and pride among WillowPark residents. Masterchef favourites Dani Venn, Kumar Pereira and Amina Elshafei cooked lunch for residents and kids enjoyed a play wonderland area.

The Wagg matriarch, who is the only family member not to work in the business, is often used as a sounding board when father and daughters disagree on something.

Mr Wagg, who started out his career as a bricklayer, set up JMC more than 30 years ago as a builder, then moved on to become a developer.

Mr Wagg and his daughters understand building your own home is the single biggest investment their clients will make in their lives. It is their job, Mr Wagg said, to hold their hands through the whole experience and make the process as easy and straight-forward as possible.

Brooke was the first daughter to join the team, starting out in administration 13 years ago and working her way up to general manager. Cara, an interior designer, joined suit more than three-and-a-half years ago, and now heads the design department. Rachel, who runs her own event company Marque Management, flew from the nest – but she did not fly far. Despite having her own business, the JMC Group is one of her contracts. “It’s nice that (the job) is varied and you get to do things from start to finish,” Cara said. Brooke added: “The business runs like a family. “We all have titles, but if somebody needs assistance, we’re all there to help. We’re all

“The values we have as a family, we have as a business,” Mr Wagg said.

“We treat every home like it’s our own,” he said. “We can build anywhere – but just to build a building is not our philosophy. “You’ve got to have the full service. We don’t disappear when you sign the dotted line, we don’t disappear at the end. It’s about caring to bother.” Next on the list is $70 million development along Wests Rd in Maribyrnong, which includes six multi-storey buildings ranging from three storeys to 19 storeys. The development will include 378 one, two and three bedroom apartments, 559 parking spaces, retail space, communal podium gardens, a gym and a small café. [BW]

BUSiNESS PROFiLE

“

Most importantly we build homes, not houses… MARTIN WAGG

JMC Group’s Martin Wagg with daughters Cara, left, Brooke and Rachel.

Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI

BUSiNESS WEST

STRATEGIES

WHAT TO DO WITH

POOR PERFORMERS? ONE of the primary challenges of running a small to medium business is getting the most from your team. From time to time, you may encounter situations where one or more of your employees isn’t performing at their peak, but don’t despair. Putting some work into turning a struggling staff member around is not only a satisfying accomplishment, but can save your business thousands of dollars. So how do you go about turning a poor performer into a valuable employee? FRAME FEEDBACK THROUGH A BUSINESS CONTEXT You may have identified a specific area where the employee has fallen behind others in their output. Business Management Daily advises that when speaking with the staff member about the issue, you should ensure your comments are delivered from a business perspective. For example; “Lateness is frowned upon because customers expect us to be able to respond immediately”. Focusing on the business rather than making your comments personal will help the employee see for themselves how they can lift their performance. To completely remove the personal aspect from the discussion, refer to your written guidelines or company handbook as the basis of your feedback. BE MINDFUL OF PERSONALITY Two employees may not react the same way to feedback on their performance because they have different personalities. One staff member may not respond well to a blunt assessment while another may welcome it. Use an approach that is best suited to the individual on a case-by-case basis, while remaining clear and consistent in your communication.

Asking open questions where an employee can reflect on their own performance is a technique that works well with people who are sensitive to direct criticism, and enables them to ‘self-discover’ the attributes or areas that they can improve in. IDENTIFY NOW, NOT LATER Without wanting to appear hasty or over-sensitive, you are more likely to achieve results with an under-performing employee by identifying issues sooner rather than later, when under-performance becomes entrenched. Don’t wait too long before raising your concerns in a private and confidential setting. Again, ensure you have evidence of the behaviour or patterns that you want to change before raising it, and how it conflicts with the company’s objectives. SUMMARISE YOUR DISCUSSIONS After you have spoken with the underperforming employee, summarise the discussion points and any agreed points of action, either verbally or (preferably) in written form, so the staff member clearly understands your expectations and they can act accordingly. Instances of poor performance can stem from unclear standards. A summary of your discussion should solve that issue. If necessary, create a ‘performance improvement plan’ (PIP) which clearly states the expectations, any support or resources that will be provided to assist the employee and what measurements will be used to define progress and improvement.

CAN YOUR OWN SYSTEMS BE IMPROVED? A diagnosis of performance deficiency may be partially attributed to something you as an employer or manager have been doing (or not doing). While going through the process, ask yourself if that person might be better off working with different team members, or needs some upgraded or new tools to produce the quality of work you’re seeking. A performance improvement process can be informative for employee and employer. KEEP INVESTING IN PEOPLE WILLING TO CHANGE If your employee shows a willingness to improve and recognises they’ve been underperforming in certain areas, give them the tools they need to improve. This may be extra training, either externally or internally, ongoing mentoring or coaching or simply extra time to work through performance issues. If possible, give them specific projects where they can demonstrate their improvement. It may be a long and, at times, frustrating process for employers, but improving an employee’s performance and turning around productivity is one of the most essential aspects of leadership and management – and considering the amount of money organisations have to spend on advertising, interviewing and filling a vacancy, it makes good economic sense too. VECCI can help your organisation turn around poor performers with our one day Building High Performance Teams workshop – visit www.vecci.org.au for more information.

WAYNE JAMESON Born and bred in the North West, Wayne commenced his working career as a plumbing apprentice and spent the next 14 years in the trade before choosing a different career path and moving into recruitment. He spent the next 15 years in multiple positions within the recruitment space before recently commencing with Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) in Broadmeadows as the Business Manager for the North West. VECCI - Broadmeadows Suite 18, 11 – 17 Pearcedale Parade, Broadmeadows VIC 3047 www.vecci.org.au Phone 5227 7998

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WEBSITES: GETTiNG STARTED IF YOU are about to have your first website put together, you will no doubt have many questions. There are a few things you need to consider to ensure your first website project goes smoothly. Before you start looking for a web designer and developer, you need to ask yourself the following questions: 1. How can your website be of most help to you and your customers? 2. What are your competitors doing on their website? 3. How much would you budget to get your first website up and running? By being clear about these questions, you are able to have productive conversations with web designers and developers you are considering hiring to build your website. To help you find the answers to these questions, let’s discuss the main objective of your website, your competitors and your budget. MAIN OBJECTIVE Considering your stage of business development, your online strategy and thinking about your daily interactions with your customers, what do you need most from a website? What does it need to do for you? If you are a service provider and you just need a website to tell people about your services, show some of your past works and display your contact details, then perhaps you might just need to discuss Static Websites, especially if you have no need to update your website content every two weeks. If, however you have products to sell and you want to provide an online catalogue for your customers to browse, place orders and make payments online, then you will need an e-commerce website, which is a lot more complex.

If you want to constantly publish special announcements or updates to your customers and visitors, maybe you should consider having a blog as well. Blogs are a compilation of short articles arranged in a timely manner: daily, weekly or monthly. They are very useful to engage your customers in topics that are of interest to them, and in which you can provide the necessary expertise to comment and inform them of the latest trends. You can let them know of products or services you may offer to help remedy problems or take advantage of opportunities. Having the ability to blog allows you to create fresh up-to-date content that is crucial for keeping your audience engaged. You can also post the release of these blog posts to assist your Social Networking strategies using Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and other tools. Fresh content is also an essential component to having search engines index your web pages. YOUR COMPETITORS You should have a look at your competitors online. Find their websites using Search Engines or their business cards, flyers, brochures or catalogues. When you visit their website, click around and find out what they are doing and how they are utilising the web. Are there ideas you might be able to apply on yours? Are there elements of their website that you do not like? Studying how their websites look and how they are structured, may help you get a clear understanding of both the aesthetics and functionality of your own website. This, in turn, will assist you with formulating your requirements to your web-designer or developer. YOUR BUDGET Many businesses across diverse industries with a certain type of customers have varying needs and priorities. After you

have clarified for yourself what you would like your website to do for you, by having a clear objective and studying your competitors’ websites, you will gain an idea as to what you need to do to compete online. For example, if your business is in the fashion, shoes or jewellery industry, then you must be prepared to invest more in aesthetics of your website - much as you would if you are in the finance or advisory industries where the image of success and professionalism are highly regarded. Further, the more functions your website needs, the more you should expect to invest in the development, testing and support of these functions. E-commerce websites, for example, automate the process of serving your catalogue to your customers, taking orders and accepting payments from your customers. To ensure your online shop is always working as it should, you need to keep it updated, regularly maintained and tested rigorously. Before you have a chat with prospective web designers and developers, you must have a rough idea of how much you are willing and able to invest in your website. I recommend being up-front with your designers and developers about your budget… even if it is a rough range. I understand you might have some reservations about ‘showing your cards’ however as web designers and developers ourselves, knowing what our client’s limitations are allows us to explore all the alternatives and find the best solutions for your requirements given your particular budget in the shortest amount of time. Getting your first website might be a daunting experience. However, by taking the time to prepare by asking yourself the questions outlined in this article, you will be better equipped to find the best solution for your budget and the right team to build your website.

MARQUEZ COMELAB is the Managing Director of Oranges and Lime in Melbourne, helping businesses do business online with web design, web development, SEO and other web services. Visit: www.orangesandlime.com

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OUT OF HOURS MELTON WOMEN IN BUSINESS WOMEN of the West, and some men, enjoyed breakfast at WestWaters Hotel recently for the 2013 City of Melton Women in Business Breakfast. Carman’s Fine Foods founder Carolyn Creswell and Environmental Protection Authority Chair Cheryl Batagol were guest speakers at the event.

Picture: MATHEW LYNN

WESTGATE CALDER BUSINESS FORUM THE Westgate Calder Business Forum met at Whitten Oval’s Pound Café recently. Guest speaker Michael Givoni, former Group General Manager for Spotless Group Ltd, spoke about Leadership Preparation and Transition, which included his family business and his rise to head the Spotless Group through changing times. The Bank of Melbourne, Harwood Andrews Lawyers and Family Business Australia are some of the businesses sponsoring the WCBF in 2013.

Picture: MATHEW LYNN

WEALTHY WISE WOMEN AROUND 70 attended the recent Wealthy Wise Women workshop at Williamstown’s Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. Speakers included Dr Nicole Yap, Adrienne Rush (Bendigo Financial Planning) seven times world champion surfer Layne Beachley. Wealthy Wise Women aims to empower women in the West with knowledge, inspire them to take the next step in their journey and to connect them with other like-minded women. The event raised $2064, with proceeds going to Wealthy Wise Women’s selected charities. Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

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SMALL TALK passenger demands, and necessary infrastructure investments. A final report with a feasibility cost analysis is expected to be completed by the middle of this year.

Tony and Kyle from Plum Heating and Cooling, who last year took out the Wyndham Business of the Year Award. Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI

WYNDHAM BUSINESS AWARDS THE 2013 Wyndham Business Awards have been launched. Categories include food and hospitality, franchise, home based business, manufacture, new and emerging, not for profit, retail, service, tourism and transport and storage. One of the new categories this year is Business Person of the Year. Entries close 28 June. Entry forms can be obtained from business@wyndham.vic.gov.au. BUILDER FINED A NEWPORT building practitioner has been fined $24,000 for carrying out domestic building work at a Reservoir property without a building permit, insurance, or registration. He was also ordered to pay costs of $101.60.The court was told that in April 2011 the man, who was not registered as a building practitioner at the time, entered into a verbal agreement with the property owner to carry out over $200,000 worth of building work at the Reservoir address. The work included demolition of part of the dwelling, kitchen extension, internal alterations and a roof replacement. Building work commenced on or about 18 April 2011 without the man obtaining a building permit or builders warranty insurance. The building work has since been completed by another building practitioner. NEW SMART APP MARIBYRNONG City Council is getting tech-savvy. The council has just launched a free smart phone app, Maribyrnong City Services, which features information about the latest council events and news, the ability to search for council facilities and services near a current location, and a range of other functions and useful local information. Ratepayers can use the app to lodge a request for most council services, including graffiti removal, abandoned cars, missed bin collections and footpath repairs.

The app also allows users to send a photo so that they can show the council what the problem is. The app is available for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android devices and will soon be available for Blackberry and Windows devices. More than 120 ratepayers registered for the app during its testing phase. Maribyrnong is one of the first Melbourne councils to develop a customised smartphone app. Mayor Catherine Cumming said the council worked closely with developer OracleCMS to tailor the app functions to best meet community needs. FERRY STUDY A STUDY by Ernst and Young has looked at ferry services from the West to the city and found they could be viable. The Melbourne Ferries Background Study looked at the preconditions necessary for a viable commuter and tourism service between Docklands, Williamstown, Point Cook and Werribee South. It found a viable service could operate taking 50 to 65 minutes from Werribee South. The study also reviewed demand for service and found that almost one in three workers in Point Cook travel to the city for employment, confirming a large potential catchment for a future service. In addition, it confirmed a quarter of the Altona and Williamstown resident workforce also travels to the city. The State Government will now undertake further work looking at various route options including a review of speed limits on the Yarra River and consideration of any conflicts with the Port of Melbourne. This final work will also identify the conditions where ferry services would be viable, including the service conditions to be an attractive alternative to the road or rail, forecasting commuter and recreational

PLANNING REGISTER WYNDHAM City Council has launched an online planning permit register service. Updated daily, the register contains details of all planning applications which have been lodged, advertised and decided upon by council. It also features a search facility which allows applications to be located using keywords such as the type of proposal or its street address. A hard copy of the planning register will remain available for viewing between 8am and 5pm at the Wyndham Civic Centre, Werribee. RETAIL STRATEGY MELTON City Council is undertaking a Retail and Activities Areas Strategy to ensure residents have access to effective, equitable and sustainable services as well as opportunities for employment into the future. The council recently ran an online survey to ascertain how residents currently use activity centres and hear their ideas for the future. The key aims of the strategy are to identify the appropriate size, location and functions of the various activity centres in Melton so that the present and future populations are best served. The strategy will take the existing network of centres and the plans of the Growth Areas Authority as its starting point, as these areas have already undergone consultation and discussion. SEED VICTORY THE SEED Project has won the Community Partnerships category of the LG Pro Awards for Excellence. The Community Partnerships category recognises initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to working with and/or in the community to achieve positive outcomes. SEED was acknowledged for its true partnership approach, bringing together industry stakeholders in the region - including government, business and agencies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to act in a collaborative and mutually beneficial way that provides local results for the local community. The SEED Project is an initiative that started in 2009 through Moonee Valley City Council to get young people aged 16 to 25 into full-time, part-time or casual employment. Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Melbourne Councils have since jumped on board, as well as other organisations like Toll.

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Q&A

ADVOCATING THE WEST CHRIS POTARIS has lived by the notion that ‘The harder I work, the luckier I get’. He’s held positions as the CEO for an international membership and not-for-profit industry association specialising in consumer affairs and complaints handling; a director in a national private Training Company (RTO); the Group General Manager for Australia’s largest multidisciplinary Healthcare Veterinary Specialist Centre and Private Emergency Hospital; the Group General Manager for Australia’s largest Industrial Supplies Retail Buying Group, controlling 126 stores nationally and in Papua New Guinea; the executive director in an apolitical membership-based association; the Organisational Development Manager within a large corporate Human Resources Department; the Head of Corporate Security within the Mass Transit Sector (Rail); as well as having held senior management positions within Government and private sector businesses. He’s also currently a director in a private Smartphone App Development Company. 1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT SKILLS DID IT GIVE YOU TO GET YOU WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? My first job was as a leather cutter straight out of school. Leather cutters essentially cut the leather components for leather clothing. I did that for about 12 months then started my own very small business. I was 18 years old, buying leather skins, engaging lining cutters and machinists to put together jackets that I had cut and had designs for. Whilst this did not make me a lot of money, it was really my first insight into how important it was to have a clear direction and goal in life. I learnt some great technical skills, however more importantly; I learnt the foundations of dealing with and managing people. 2. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER SUCCESS TO DATE? Having achieved and exceeded every corporate initiative, project and KPI ever set for me or by me in every role I have held in my professional career. Whilst this may sound somewhat conceited, it is said with utter humility and in a matter of fact fashion. I have taken many large and medium sized businesses out of the ‘red’ and into a very profitable position by developing strategic and operational plans that can actually be achieved by hard work. My most rewarding success has been that I have done this in a kind, caring, collaborative and transparent way with all of the people that made my achievements possible, my staff. 3. YOU RECENTLY BECAME THE NEW CEO OF THE COMMITTEE FOR WYNDHAM. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR BUSINESSES TO BE PART OF A LOBBY GROUP? It’s very important for local businesses, small, medium and large to be part of an apolitical advocacy-based lobbying group. Whilst this sounds like a sales pitch, it’s invariably a ‘hand-on-heart’ and genuine statement. There’s never been a more important time to support a lobby group that actively and passionately represents the best interests of local community and business groups! There is a tremendous amount of important change occurring in our region currently, the Committee for Wyndham will always advocate and lobby on behalf of all stakeholders. 4. WHAT IS WYNDHAM’S BEST KEPT SECRET AND WHY? Wyndham’s best kept secret is Wyndham itself! The Committee for Wyndham realises that there is an opportunity and need for the broader Melbourne community, business leaders and Government to understand that our region sits in a corridor that has tremendous potential for growth. Whilst it’s widely known that Wyndham represents the fastest growing region in Australia, what hasn’t been acknowledged as yet is the tangible investment and commitment required by Government to support this exponential growth. We have an opportunity to build a ‘Wyndham Brand’ to capitalise on our exciting potential for growth. This can be achieved on a national and international basis.

BUSiNESS WEST

5. YOU ARE THE DIRECTOR OF AN IPHONE AND ANDROID APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA – ARE THEY EFFECTIVE TOOLS FOR BUSINESS? The internet and social media are integral, effective and essential tools for business in today’s web-based ‘super’ business highway. Whilst they’re both key components of any initial business plan, it’s very important to understand that every business is uniquely different. Defining which social networking tool would be the best fit and provide the most benefit to ‘your’ specific business is a key question that must be asked and round-tabled with a number of stakeholders from the outset. Defining questions like, which platform is best for us – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Wordpress (blogs) and why, who are our target market/demographic are and why are two of hundreds of questions and considerations that form part of a focused, specific business plan. 6. IF YOU COULD GIVE SOME ADVICE TO AN ENTREPRENEUR STARTING UP A BUSINESS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Do your homework. Be analytical and research all of the things you must before contemplating any new business, regardless of how big the ‘point of difference’ is or how innovative or lateral the concept is. Some other quick and equally important points are, do a small business course, learn how to read and report on the numbers, look after your great staff, be open, transparent with all stakeholders and block out all negative input, regardless of where it comes from. 7. HOW WOULD YOU SELL THE WEST TO A POTENTIAL INVESTOR? Fastest growing region in Australia, tremendous capital growth potential in the next few decades, strong State and Federal Government investment agenda for the short/mid/long term, real commercial and residential property uplift potential on the back of improved infrastructure and capital works investment, key geographical location in between Melbourne and Geelong (South/West Corridor). 8. IF YOU HAD TO INVITE FIVE PEOPLE TO A BUSINESS LUNCHEON, WHO WOULD IT BE? Jeff Bezoa – Amazon, Larry Page – Google, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Dalai Lama. Why the last three? Because one must have a balance between absorbing inspirational lessons and being inspirational him/herself. 9. WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES EVERY BUSINESS OWNER NEEDS? Unwavering commitment and drive. Emotional Intelligence. A great accountant. 10. HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK? I absolutely love working on my very unique Harley Davidson and spending every other minute of my being with my beautiful family.

BUSiNESS PROFILE

BATHING WITH iDEAS

Mr Kay said the concept was ideal for units, apartments, or bathrooms where space was an issue. “I figured that people have a shower most of the time, but the bathtub gets in the way; either you have to step into the bathtub and shower, or there’s a small shower next to the bathtub, which is hardly used,” he said. “In the shower and bath products currently on the market, the bath dominates rather than the shower. I think the existing designs have it the wrong way around.”

He will now market and sell the invention, which has been patented. Mr Kay expects the S2B Smart Shower to be available to the public in coming months. Mr Kay told Business West that he has had a lifelong interest in inventing practical products. Previously he designed, patented and developed an environmentally friendly and user-friendly pooper scooper, called the Doggie-doo-Right. When not working on his inventions he helps other inventors, entrepreneurs, businesses, universities and other organisations with their innovations as a Designer and Commercial Lawyer. [BW]

C O M M

T T E E

Enhancing the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of Melbourne’s West

M H A

While there are many bath-tubs with showers to buy, Mr Kay said his invention was unique because the focus is on a shower with no visible bath present. The shower only converts into a bath when needed.

The stylishly designed invention involves a walk in shower that converts into a bath.

Mr Kay believes the concept was ideal for families with small children to bathe, and was also a great design for older people, who no longer had to worry about tripping over a bath edge.

Y N

Footscray inventor David Kay has revolutionised the shower over the bath concept with his latest invention, the S2B Smart Shower.

The principle behind the design is that a door or wall moves to close the entrance/ exit to the walk in shower to seal the shower area to also become a bathing area.

WHEN is a shower not a shower? When it turns into a bath quickly, and with ease.

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY

F O

Committee for

Wyndham inc.

As the peak advocacy and lobbying group for Wyndham residents and businesses, we are on a focused recruitment drive and need your support Now!

BUSINESS BREAKFAST Guest speaker: Brian Haratsis, Chairman Macroplan Dimasi - Vision for the East Werribee Employment Precinct.

Wednesday 15th May, 7:15am to 9:00am Tickets $45 Wyndham Cache, 243 K Road, Werribee South

To book contact: 03 8742 4290

admin@committeeforwyndham.com.au The Wyndham area is the fastest growing region in Australia with rapid population and economic growth. The Committee for Wyndham works closely with businesses, community agencies and all levels of Government to enhance the future of the west. As a Member you can have vital input EVENT into key challenges and the strategic growth of your community. For SPONSOR information on becoming a member contact: Executive Director, Chris Potaris 03 8742 4290 email: chris@committeeforwyndham.com.au P.O. Box 2296 Werribee Vic. 3030 ABN 204 128 098 69 email: admin@committeeforwyndham.com.au 1070301-SL18-13

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Tax Strategies

A BUSiNESS WEST PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

ACT NOW TO MINIMISE YOUR TAX PAYMENTS IS YOUR business achieving the best outcomes possible? Here are some brief tax strategies you could consider if they are relevant to you and your business. BUSINESS STRATEGIES Where you are self employed and expect your income to be lower next year, defer taxable income beyond 1 July 2013 where appropriate to reduce assessable income this year: 2013/2014 Tax Thresholds Tax Rate %* $0 to $18,2000 0% $18,201 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $37,000 19% $37,001 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $80,000 32.5% $80,001 to $180,000 37% $180,001 and up 45% *Rates shown do not include Medicare Levy or Medicare Levy Surcharge.

â&#x2013; Consider issues associated with the timing of income (eg: billing work in progress, timing of sales income and the date of entering into contracts for the sale of CGT assets) and expenses (eg: superannuation, bad debts, stock obsolescence) close to 30 June. â&#x2013; If your company incurs a tax loss in 2013, consider whether the new â&#x20AC;&#x153;loss carrybackâ&#x20AC;? rules can be applied to obtain a refund of prior year taxes paid. â&#x2013; With the more concessional depreciation rules applying to small business entities in the 2013 income year, consider whether it is appropriate to bring forward capital expenditure.

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES â&#x2013; If you are selling assets, sell those with capital losses to offset capital gains made by other assets during the fiscal year. These losses can also be carried forward to offset any future gains. â&#x2013; Consider investing surplus capital in investments that will pay income in the 2013-2014 financial year, such as Term Deposits, in order to defer tax to the following year. â&#x2013; Consider borrowing for negative gearing purposes to reduce taxable income and pre-pay deductible interest costs for 12 months in advance (if appropriate). TAX RETURNS To ensure that you have arranged for the completion of your previous years income tax return to avoid any late lodgement penalties. Where eligible this will also allow you to receive any rebates, refunds or co-contributions in a timely manner. LENDING STRATEGIES Consider prepayment / payments (12 months in advance) for any available: â&#x2013; Leases â&#x2013; Investment Loans â&#x2013; Farm Loans â&#x2013; Commercial / Business Loans. â&#x2013; Borrowing funds may assist with previously mentioned strategies SUPERANNUATION STRATEGIES â&#x2013; For those who are wishing to lodge deductible contributions to

Superannuation, you should do so prior to 20 June 2013 to ensure your contributions are received and lodged by your Super Fund Trustees by 30 June 2013. â&#x2013; For those who operate and work within their own entity structures, for an employer tax deduction this financial year, you should remit Compulsory Superannuation contribution (9% SGC) prior to 30 June 2013. SGC must be received by the superannuation fund prior to 30 June 2013. **Please note the SGC percentage will increase from 9% to 9.25% in 2013-2014.

These tax planning tips are a general guide only and your specific circumstances need to be considered. Accordingly seek expert advice to discuss your personal situation before undertaking any strategies, to ensure all of your circumstances and objectives are considered.For Further Information. At WHK our Accountants, Financial and Risk Advisors work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for you. To obtain a copy of our Tax Planning Checklists for Primary Producers, Businesses & Investors, or Individuals, please call 9742 8444. Peter Mayall Principal, Accounting & Business Advisory WHK Werribee office Financial advice and Risk is provided under licence of WHK Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 51 060 092 631 AFSL 238 244 and General Insurance under licence of WHK Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd ABN 17 139 730 528 AFSL 342 526. Lending advice is provided under WHK Pty Ltd Australian Credit Licence number 389 054. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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18 Synnot St, Werribee 3030 T: 9742 8444 E: werribee@whk.com.au Advicelimited is provided under licence of WHK Planning Pty Ltd ABN 51 060 631 238or 244. Liability by a scheme approved underFinancial Professional Standards Legislation other092 than forAFSL the acts omissions of Lending advice is provided under WHK Pty Ltd Australian Credit Licence number 389 054.

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1070290-SL18-13

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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. ANZ Units 19 & 20, 47-51 Little Boundary Rd, Laverton North, Victoria 9316 7142 www.anz.com Getting involved with businesses in the West is what we do. We take time to listen and understand your business. When opportunity knocks on your door, knock on ours. BaFFsky BiZZ 4 Sieben Crt, Truganina, Victoria 0414 853 933 www.iframeuhang.com Using a combination of mirror glass and genuine marble glass and lead light I create a variety of sensational pieces with mirrors, prints and chalkboards. EDDIE THE BUTCHER 29 Mason St, Newport, Victoria 9391 3365 Traditional meats, home made sausages, gourmet delights, free home delivery and spit roast hire. evEX CONSULTING PO Box 3, Seddon West, Victoria 0404 854 779 www.evex.com.au evEX Consulting helps your business be the best it can. We save money. We address issues and solve problems at the source. We specialise in LEAN Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY & EVENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES 7 Rose Ave, Niddrie, Victoria 0438 465 998 www.executivesecretary.com.au ESEMS is a boutique administration and event management company offering expert advice and competitive prices. ESEMS will undertake all of the daily administration and event organisation that businesses do not have the time to complete. FIT FAMILY 34 Jeffrey St, East Keilor, Victoria 0402 466 348 www.fitfamily.com.au Fit Family provides group fitness for the whole family. Kids and Adults sessions run simultaneously so the whole family can work-out – same time, same place, separate sessions. FORESITE TRAINING PTY LTD 1 Banfield Crt, Truganina, Victoria 1300 366 015 www.foresitetraining.com.au A locally owned and operated Registered Training Organisation for training and licensing in the earthmoving and civil construction, transport and logistics and warehousing and storage industries. GARFIELD MAYALL PTY LTD PO Box 2030, Werribee, Victoria 9742 8444 As a Werribee based accounting firm for over 35 years, Garfield Mayall provides their clients with various services through our qualified CPA team of accountants and financial planners. GO COLLECTIONS Level 2/10 Queens Rd, Melbourne, Victoria 8199 8381 www.gocollections.com.au GO Collections specialises in debt recovery. We act immediately on all work referred by utilising all available communication tools. Demands and legal action. Call GO today 1300 851 267. HRNET 20 Junction St, Newport, Victoria 0438 779 925 www.hrnet.com.au HRnet provides small to medium business with flexible and affordable HR and recruitment service with a difference. We access the best candidate sourcing tools and support you to find the best people fast.

INTERMIZZI PTY LTD PO Box 98, Harcourt, Victoria 0409 229 331 Sales People/Sales Tools/Sales Leadership. InterMizzi specialises in coaching and mentoring sales people and sales managers in business to business sales. INTERIOR SECRETS 5-7 Knight Ave, Sunshine North, Victoria 9310 9163 KATHY BUTLER PO Box 4334, Hoppers Crossing, Victoria 0418 489 480 Reiki Master/Teacher. A Reiki session can help ease tension and stress and can help support the body to facilitate healing on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional. A treatment restores balance and harmony to the whole person, bringing about a sense of wellness. LIQUID SKIN PERFORMING ARTS Factory 3, 12 Techno Park Dve, Williamstown North, Victoria 0419966225 www.liquidskin.com.au We provide classes to the general public in Pilates, Adult Ballet, Raise the Barre (blending ballet barre and pilates) and general stretch classes. We also offer professional dance classes. MCLEOD RAIL 702 Footscray Rd, West Melbourne, Victoria 9687 3955 M WORSLEY 6 Ruby Place, Werribee, Victoria 87421400 www.mworsley.com.au Established in Australia in 1967 as Business Consultants, Tax Agents and Chartered Accountants we offer local business custom support to help develop their business as required – 24/7 Hotline support @ $5.50 per minute on 0428 414 400 against a credit card. THE MIXING BOWL - GRAPHIC DESIGN PO Box 669, Werribee, Victoria 9012 6090 www.mixing-bowl.com.au Success is not accidental... It is designed. Graphic design is the key to your business’ first impression. Understanding your passion and goals is the key. PAPILLON LEARNING 102 Arbour Bvd, Burnside Heights, Victoria 0417 056 819 www.papillonlearning.com Papillon Learning inspires leaders to overcome their personal challenges and create the life and results they aspire to. Our clients discover success in life, business, health, relationships and parenting. RMD INDUSTRIES PTY LTD 10 Market Rd, Sunshine, Victoria 9300 5154 rmdindustries.com.au Manufacturing and distribution of products aligned to the fencing and gate industry, agribusiness, Door and Window and HVAC industries. PRD HOMES PTY LTD 85 Orange St, Bentleigh East, Victoria 9570 2866 www.prdhomes.com.au All building needs, new homes, extensions and much more. PARK HOTEL 12 Watton St, Werribee, Victoria 9741 1441

SAVILLS AUSTRALIA 140 William St, Melbourne, Victoria 8686 8000 www.connectoz.savills.com.au Savills is a real estate service provider ranked No.1 in the UK since 2004. It has over 500 offices throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East STARTRACK 45-55 Annandale Rd, Tullamarine, Victoria 92506518 startrack.com.au StarTrack is Australia’s leading freight and logistic provider. StarTrack has ability to tackle logistics challenges by implementing innovative logistics solutions, industry leading technology, and commitment to service excellence. TURNING POINT BUSINESS CONSULTING PO Box 3338, Caroline Springs, Victoria 0416 127 009 www.TurningPointBC.com Teaching low cost/no cost sales and marketing strategies that help small business owners take their businesses to a new level of success and profitability. TWEDDLE CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE 53 Adelaide St, Footscray, Victoria 0412 145 070 www.tweddle.org.au For 90 years Tweddle has assisted parents with young children confidently manage the challenges of early parenting. A not for profit organisation covering Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs. TRACY GROUP Level 1, Suite 2 & 5-399 Melton Hwy, Watergardens, Victoria 9217 9800 Tracy the Placement People are committed to building a strong partnership with all our stake holders by finding the most suitable and reliable staff for your business. VALUE FOR LIFE PTY LTD 181A Nelson Pl, Williamstown, Victoria 9017 1843 www.valueforlife.com.au A communications business based solely around maximising our clients abilities to successfully deliver persuasive, informative and compelling pitches and presentations, transforming their business communications from lack-lustre to remarkable. VERSA ROBES 13/22-30 Wallace Ave, Point Cook, Victoria 9360 0123 www.versarobes.com.au We are a Melbourne based family business, established in 2006. We offer stylish and affordable built in wardrobes, designer splashbacks and shower screens and custom built furniture to the discerning buyer. We offer a high level of service unmatched by most in the marketplace. WE SERVE U RIGHT 21/22 Canterbury St, Flemington, Victoria 0414 337 133 www.winningoptions.com.au I am contracted to We Serve U Right. I would be available for proof read and committee agenda and minute development - at a rate to be negotiated. WYNDHAM PRIVATE Wyndham Private Medical Centre, Level 1, 242 Hoppers Lane, Werribee, Victoria 0438 451 722 www.wyndhamprivate.com.au Medical Super Clinic and Private Hospital including: GP Super Clinic, pathology, radiology, general and specialist dental, specialist consulting suites, allied health, day surgery, phsyc. WORKSAFE 171-191 Hammond Ave, Essendon Fields, Victoria 0411 237 827

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Volkswagen Runner models: stock is limited so rush in now. With all new Runner Driveaway deals, owning a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle is now a reality. All come with powerful and economical engines, ample cargo space, low fuel consumption, passenger car-like comfort and standard safety features including ESP and ABS and a 3 year unlimited kilometre warranty. Race towards a Caddy Van Runner, Transporter Runner, Crafter Runner or Amarok Runner – all hardworking superstars committed to getting you and your tools wherever you need to go. Stock is limited, so visit www.runneroffer.com.au today.

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Werribee Volkswagen

*Driveaway price of $19,990 is for new Volkswagen Caddy® Van Special Edition ‘Runner’ TSI160 manual, white (no added options) only. #Driveaway price of $29,990 is for new Volkswagen Transporter Special Edition ‘Runner’ TDI250 manual, white (no added options) only. ^Driveaway price of $39,990 is for new Volkswagen Crafter Van Special Edition ‘Runner’ TDI300, manual, white (no added options) only. ~Driveaway price of $26,990 is for new Volkswagen Amarok Special Edition ‘Runner’ TSI300, manual, white, (no added options) only. *#^~Offer applies to stock vehicles only. While stocks last. Government, fleet and rental buyers are excluded from the Caddy® Van Runner, Transporter Runner and Crafter Runner driveaway offers but are not excluded from the Amarok Runner driveaway offer. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Volkswagen Group Australia reserves the right to change, modify or extend this offer.

1070550-SL18-13

8-12 Heaths Road, Hoppers Crossing LMCT9800 Tel. 1300 421 170 A/H. Shane Alwis: 0411 373 225 www.werribeevolkswagen.com.au Open 7 days