A construction boom has taken over Sydney’s West and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. With an abundance of construction companies ready to cash in, what sets one apart from the rest?

It has been shown that structured and well managed businesses have the advantage. The construction industry is renowned for having staff who lack a sense of responsibility and commitment. Often business owners are at the mercy of team members who don’t have buy-in to the vision for the company and the team culture is virtually non-existent. Two of Sydney’s fastest growing construction companies, Next Constructions and Empower Construction, don’t have these issues as they’ve gone against the norm and have implemented a management system to ensure this isn’t the case; this has become a point of difference for them and drives their success.

Gallop Solutions specialises in empowering business owners to structure and grow their business with the help of our exclusive tools. As Gallop Solutions clients, both Next Constructions and Empower Construction have been able to put in place a simple management structure that clearly defines roles and responsibilities in their team, accountable metrics to measure performance with and culture tools that enable everyone on the team to stay on the same page.

Next Constructions placed 77 on this year’s BRW Fast 100 list. They’ve shown that in order to see growth of 54.7% in one year you have to be forward thinking, energetic and thrive on exceeding customers’ expectations. The success of their projects comes down to their collaborative approach and commitment to understanding their client’s key objectives, and this ensures that new clients become repeat clients. Managing Director, Joseph Di Girolamo, had a desire to “Own a business that does not own me” and the management framework that Gallop Solutions has given him has enabled Joseph to work his way out of the day-to-day operations and start working on the business in a broader strategic sense.

Empower Construction is another company who stands out by focusing on the integrity of their service and outstanding quality of their products; this has seen them become the leader of lightweight construction installation and services in NSW. Founder, Ryan Steyn, has managed to grow the company exponentially over the last 8 years, making the BRW Fast 100 list for the second year in a row, this year coming in at 78 with a growth rate of 54.6%. Empower Construction have proven that even the smallest of start-ups can become a contender for substantial growth and profitability in the saturated construction industry with the right leader daring to be different.

Next Constructions and Empower Construction have embraced the importance of having the right management structure in place and this has attributed to them being able to get their team off the ground and running. They are repeatedly smashing forecasted yearly revenue targets and are constantly leveraging from the construction opportunities that lie around them.

About Gallop Solutions

• Over the last 4 years we have worked with hundreds of companies; with teams of 5 - 150 staff and turnover ranging from $2m to $120m across multiple sectors including construction, IT services, professional services, childcare, health services, resources and manufacturing.

• For more information or to get in contact with one of our New Client Managers to see how we can work with you, please email our Marketing Supervisor, Linda Tim at ltim@gallopsolutions.com or call our office on (02) 9560 0035.

Leave the turkey stuffing and pudding making to the experts and join us on Christmas Day for an indulgent festive feast of seafood, carvery, desserts and more!

A separate kid's buffet will be available on the day and each child will receive a special gift from Santa.

Includes complimentary parking. 

To book contact our events team on:

E: h8787-sb4@accor.com 

P: 02 9630 4999 

Want more Christmas cheer?  Check out all of Novotel Sydney Parramatta's Christmas offers below or click here for more information.

Westmead Medical Research Foundation’s (WMRF) corporate partners have been proactive in organising fundraising initiatives to support research, new equipment and innovative health care.

At its inaugural Charity Golf Day held recently at the Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club, Arab Bank Australia (ABA) raised $27,000 towards heart disease treatment and research. Supported by over a hundred attendees from the business community and well-wishers, ABA Chief Executive Joe Rizk OAM, teed off the event. At the luncheon that followed, guest speaker Dr Eddy Kizana, Westmead Hospital cardiologist and researcher presented an update on gene research into heart rhythm disorder.  Attendees were thanked for their participation and generous donations.

“People don’t think much about medical research or necessarily support it, but when you understand the gains, you realise how essential it is,” stated Mr Rizk. “We’re a bank that wants to be part of the community and the whole Westmead precinct is such an important part of this community”. Arab Bank Australia has been a strong supporter of the Foundation for over 20 years and is one of its most engaged corporate partners.

 “We are grateful to our corporate partners for their support because proceeds go towards improving the quality of life, increasing access to state-of-the-art technology and finding cures for diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity, as well as many others,” said Susie Saba, Partnerships & Community Officer at WMRF.

Another of our corporate partners, Parramatta-based travel management company Elite Travel is generously donating $100 to WMRF from every international ticket purchase prior to March 31, 2016. Email info@elitetravel.com.au, visit www.elitetravel.com.au or call 1800 627 746 and quote promotion code ‘WMRF15’.

WMRF is the primary fundraising body for Westmead Hospital and Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research (WMI), and can offer tailored solutions towards building a strong corporate social responsibility profile for companies, helping them to raise funds through events, promotions or special initiatives. Call 02 9845 8162 or email susie.saba@wmrf.org.au for more details. To make a donation, call 1800 639 037 or visit wmrf.org.au

The much anticipated 2016 Celebrate the West function will be held at WatervieW in Bicentennial Park on Friday, 11 March 2016.

Celebrate the West honours the service to the community by San Miguel Family Centre at North Richmond.

In 2016, a new group of champions who have excelled in their field, will be honoured. Some of our past Champions of the West have been Toni Collette, Steve Waugh, Noeline Brown, Lisa Wilkinson, Chris Bath, Ben Quilty and Thomas Kenealy.

Hosted by Bryan Brown, Celebrate the West includes entertainment by internationally acclaimed artists, amazing food, gourmet beverages and silent and live auction items.

Early bird tickets are now available for an afternoon of fun, food and fundraising Westie style!

Thirteen of Blacktown Regions' most talented students received awards for excellence in the workplace last night. Tamarah Bradley of Wyndham College was named VET Student of the Year, an awards program set up by BREED, the leading employment and career pathways organisation in the region. Other award categories included: Outstanding Work Placement, School Based Trainee, School Based Apprentice and Participants in the Digital Enterprise Project. 

The Awards Dinner, now in its 11th year, took place at the Blacktown City Council’s Nirimba Room and guests included Parents, School Principals, Education, Community and Industry Leaders. The students were nominated by their respective employers for displaying excellence while undertaking their work assignments. This year included awards for Ben Fulwood and Harmony Trotman, two outstanding students of the Digital Enterprise Project, a research project aimed to create pathways to Education and Employment for Young People with Disabilities.

The Awards program also acknowledges Outstanding Employers who provide the work placement positions to the over 4,500 students through-out the year. The Employers are nominated by students, schools and the Blacktown community. The 9 employers receiving awards included: Cumberland Ford, Busways, T & T Built in Wardrobes, Cleanaway, Panarottis Blacktown, Australian PC Distributors, Ability Options Wholesale Nursery, Trade Secret Mt Druitt and Alpha Hotel Eastern Creek.

‘It is important that the Blacktown Region community acknowledges exceptional students for their achievements and encourage them to further strive in their next stage of studies, or career.’ said the Chairperson of BREED, Ms Berice Miller. ‘The work placements are a Partnership between students and the employers and both benefit from such a partnership. Students have the opportunity to experience the world of work. While the employers have the opportunity to identify potential talented employees and give their staff the experience of supervising and mentoring as well as supporting our next generation of employees and business people’.

The Students BREED places in Industry come from 25 High Schools, TAFE WSI and Trade Schools. The student’s courses cover vocational frameworks, each requiring a mandatory work placement component for their HSC studies. Frameworks include: Business Services, Construction, Entertainment, Primary Industries, Information Digital Technology, Metals and Engineering, Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Events and Automotive.

BREED programs are assisted by funding from the NSW Government and University of SA. For more information about the 2015 Awards, Winners and BREED please contact:

Stephen Frost 

P: 9853 3200 

or visit www.breed.org.au.

Some of the biggest names in Australia’s sporting history will soon come together for a landmark charity event.

Cricketing greats such as Michael Bevan, Greg Matthews, Frank Misson, Alan Turner, Murray Bennett, Barry Knight and Marshall Rosen will be joined by around 500 of Sydney’s business and community leaders to take part in Northcott’s 20^th Anniversary Cricket Legends Lunch at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Northcott is a not-for-profit disability service provider that hosts the annual event to raise money for children and adults with disabilities.  

Since its inception, the event has been attended by cricketing greats including the late Richie Benaud OBE, Allan Border AO, Ian Healy, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Geoff Lawson OAM, Frank Misson, Mark Taylor AO, Doug Walters MBE, Mike Whitney, and the Chappell and Waugh brothers.

In addition, some of our current Australian cricketers – all legends in the making – have also attended. These include Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, David Warner and Australian Captain Steve Smith.

With its event partner Cricket NSW, Northcott’s Cricket Legends Lunch has raised an incredible $1.2 million which has allowed hundreds of children and adults living with disability to take part in a wide range of sporting and social activities through Northcott’s Recreation Service. From ski trips and outdoor adventure programs to annual swimming and athletics carnivals, the money raised at the Cricket Legends Lunch has brought joy to countless families in Western Sydney and made a significant impact within the community.

This year’s special 20^th Anniversary event will take place on Friday 19 February 2016 at the Noble Bradman Stand at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Pre-lunch drinks will commence at 12.00pm on the hallowed turf of the SCG followed by lunch at 1pm in the Noble Bradman Stand. 

For enquires or to RSVP your attendance please contact Racquel Sherry on 02 9890 0128 or email racquel.sherry@northcott.com.au. 

Energy costs form a significant proportion of business operating costs. WSBC Platinum Partner, Parramatta City Council is offering free workshops to help local businesses reduce their energy costs.

Attendees will receive expert independent advice on energy saving and solar opportunities and will be eligible to receive a free energy assessment for their business.

Improve business performance through energy efficiency

Thursday, 25 February 2016

7:30 am for a light breakfast with the workshop running from 8 am to 10 am

Rydalmere Bowling Club, 6 Park Road, Rydalmere

Learn about:

• No cost and low cost energy saving opportunities
  
• Financial benefits of energy efficiency
  
• Innovative financing options such as Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs)
  
• Free advice from independent experts
  

To register visit www.pccbusiness-energy.eventbrite.com.au

Reducing energy costs for businesses through solar panels or solar hot water systems

Tuesday, 15 March 2016

7:30 am for a light breakfast with the workshop running from 8 am to 10 am.

Rydalmere Bowling Club, 6 Park Road, Rydalmere

Learn about:

• Basics of solar systems including installations
  
• Solar panels and storage technologies
  
• Costs savings generated
  
• Innovative financing options such as Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs)
  
• Free advice from independent experts
  

To register visit www.pccbusiness-solar.eventbrite.com.au

For further information please contact Kartik Madhira, Parramatta City Council on 9806 8291.

The highly anticipated Greater Sydney Commission Bill 2015 has passed through the Legislative Council of Parliament. 

The Urban Taskforce supports the commission and hopes that this authority will put an end to the haphazard approach to strategic planning and development assessment which has hindered the growth of Sydney as a global city.

WSBC is interested in hearing your views. 

Read the Parliamentary Hansard of the Legislative Council debate here, commencing on page 37 here. 

A Parliamentary Research Paper provides an overview of the commission here.

Source: Urban Taskforce Australia

JLL and UK consulting firm, The Business of Cities, have produced a new report outlining a global hierarchy of cities, which breaks cities into established, emerging and new world cities, informs Urban Taskforce Australia, . 

The report, titled Globalisation and Competition: The New World of Cities, states that the global structure of cities is changing, and smaller cities which are lower-down on the global hierarchy are becoming more specialised and becoming ‘niche’ cities, catering to specific markets. 

Sydney is the only Australian city to fall into the ‘established’ world city category, with Brisbane and Melbourne in the ‘new’ world city category. 

The report notes that in order to maintain a competitive edge, established urban cities such as Sydney will need to implement bold urban transformation plans, and also require a major boost to residential supply in order to attract global investment and address local housing affordability.

See the Full report here.

Source: Urban Taskforce Australia.