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  • 27-Apr-2015 14:54 | Anonymous

    What will the bank of the future look like? How will customers manage their money in 20, or even 40, years’ time? In this age of imminent change, is it even possible to guess? Certainly many banking executives are struggling to decide where their business should be best placed only 12 months from now. It is understandable. The impact of digital technology has been vast and swift and entirely transformational. Yet while banks try to keep up – and ahead – in the short to medium-term through the latest technological advances and innovative plays, they must also carve out a long-term strategy for themselves. It is about readying your business for who your customer will be tomorrow – whether that is next week or next decade.

     

    Think of customer demographics as a pipeline of sorts – as people are moving into retirement at one end, a new cohort of young men and women is entering at the other, to embark on what (for most of them) will be a 40 to 50 year experience as workers, consumers, savers, borrowers and investors.  This idea lends itself to two key points:

    • Young professionals today will be significant drivers of retail banking revenues tomorrow.
    • Understanding what this group wants will differentiate the winners from the losers in the race for the retail banking space.

    In this context, KPMG set out to survey and hold focus groups with our Australian young professionals between the ages of 18 to 30. We see this group as particularly interesting as they are a strong representation of future premier and private banking customers.


    Key findings:

    • The Gen Y cohort is diverse and somewhat heterogeneous.
    • Digital will remain king.
    • Understanding behaviour is necessary to drive adoption.
    • Online research is the prevailing way that young professionals research and choose their financial products.
    • Leveraging social media in creative ways will give banks an edge.
    • Gen Y wants to stay in control and be empowered with their own finances.
    • Security measures are a bore, giving rise to ‘invisible’ security.
    • Focus on savings first, wealth later.
    • Young professionals are cost conscious.
     
    or
     





  • 27-Apr-2015 09:17 | Anonymous

    I’m going to start this article with a confession: I work for a charity. I am one of those people that nags my friends and family to volunteer at weird and wonderful events to help charities raise money.


    And sometimes people avoid my calls when they know I have big events coming up because I can be pretty persuasive and some people don’t like being event marshals at 5am on Sunday mornings. Go figure.  


    But volunteering doesn’t have to be such a burden. In fact, given the right opportunity, volunteering provides some surprising and worthwhile benefits to the volunteer and to your organisation.


    Still sceptical? Read on.


    Here are just 3 ways that your business can benefit from volunteering opportunities:


    1.       Networking:


    Volunteering opens up opportunities to engage with people you might otherwise never gain access to. Particularly if the opportunity is for skilled volunteers, such as sitting on a steering committee, you may engage key stakeholders that are valuable to your business.


    2.       Build up different skill sets:


    Your staff can develop some really valuable skills by volunteering that can provide very tangible benefits to your organisation. Charities will provide volunteers with practical training in all kinds of fields. And it’s free – always a plus!


    3.       Team building and bonding:


    We all know that teams that bond together, make more money together. But let’s face it; most of the time, organisations are too busy to organise team days or create opportunities for staff to engage outside of work. Volunteering is the new black in team building. It’s fun and fulfilling and it works.



    One caveat though; do your research and find the right opportunities for your team. Start by thinking about what you want to get out of it – then find ways to give back by finding opportunities that are meaningful, both to the charity and your business.


    For information on finding the right opportunity, contact Nermeen Yacoub on (02) 8865 2838.


  • 24-Apr-2015 13:51 | Anonymous

    As we approach Mother’s Day, we think about the women in our lives who are special to us and who play important roles in our lives. These women are not just our mum’s, but sisters, daughters, grandmothers, aunties, wives, partners… the list goes on.


    Imagine if one of these important women in your life found themselves in a place of disadvantage, distress, trauma or even homelessness.


    Every day, Parramatta Mission is helping women, children and men facing difficult times just like these with a focus on both helping them in their time of crisis as well as supporting them through their journey to a safe and independent future.


    Kelly’s cottages is one of Parramatta Mission’s services. Kelly’s Cottages is medium term semi-supported accommodation for single homeless women. Women can self-refer or are referred by other services.  Kelly’s Cottages offers up to twelve months accommodation and offers support to assist women overcome barriers such as self-esteem, employment, vocational training and assists women to obtain suitable stable, safe and sustainable accommodation. Kelly’s Cottages offers counselling, case management and group work. Kelly’s Cottages accepts women with treated mental health, escaping domestic violence, recovery addicts. However there is a great need for crisis accommodation and support for women facing homelessness.


    Sadly 46,000 Australian women are homeless with very few services like Kelly’s Cottages available to help them. Parramatta Mission is extremely dedicated to doing something about this as we work towards providing crisis accommodation for women facing homelessness and developing pathways to help women transition out of homelessness. 


    We’re asking all members of our community to join us on this important project by coming to our Raising Hope Gala on May 29 at WatervieW in Bicentennial Park.


    Hosted by Mark Taylor and with a special guest panel including Seven’s Chris Bath, Lady Mayoress of Parramatta City Council Kirsty Lloyd and indigenous singer songwriter Krista Pav it is sure to be a great event for a very important cause. 


    To purchase tickets, make a donation or for more information please visit:

     www.parramattamission.org.au or phone Donna on 9891 2277.


  • 24-Apr-2015 10:17 | Anonymous

    Novotel Sydney Parramatta has been privileged to host some great events following the success of the recent refurbishment in both their conferencing and bar facilities. These events include State of the City, which was addressed by the Hon. Mike Baird and Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Scott Lloyd and other influential speakers who presented on the expansion of Western Sydney and the light rail project that will assist residents, guests and workers in commuting to the second largest Sydney CBD, Parramatta. This topic was then followed on by Western Sydney Business Connection’s ‘Western Sydney Light Rail’ luncheon with over 200 attendees including local business leaders.  


    Western Sydney Business Connection’s CEO, Michael Sugg, says he credits the success of his event at Novotel Sydney Parramatta to the exceptional service provided by the food and beverage team, as well as assistance from the conference and events team on the lead up and duration of his event.


    The transformation of the Two Forks Bar and Lounge within the hotel has not only been carried out with brand new furniture and a grand lobby pillar couch but staff uniforms have had a revamp to complement the fresh modern look. Both reception and bar staff now wear royal blue uniforms that reflect the Novotel logo with pride. Reception staff wear elegant corporate style dresses and suits with bar staff wearing a modern look with denim apron, pin stripe shirts and blue trousers.  


    The refurbishment of the Lennox Ballroom, with its new state of the art coloured ceiling lighting has not only attracted interest from business events but also that of social and fashion with Napoleon Perdis recently holding an exclusive event for make-up artists and enthusiasts. General Manager, Michael Daviss and Director of Sales and Marketing, Angie Soong, even played undercover security guards for Mr Perdis, escorting him back of house and to and from his private car! 


     The variety of events continue with, The Australian Discworld Convention which was held at  Novotel, an event hosted by fans of fantasy writer, Professor Sir Terry Prachett. The  attendees were dressed in vivid costumes reflecting the character of Sir Prachett’s many  books. This event brightened up the hotel in an exciting way and organiser, Kelly Hillsley  was happy at the success of the event stating ‘We can’t sing their praises enough! They  have gone beyond the realm of duty and have let us run riot in their hotel. They have been  a  joy to work with and we highly recommend them to all round worlders’


     Novotel Sydney Parramatta is excited to hold many more events in their conference  facilities that help grow the brand and Western Sydney and to be a major part of the city’s  development. For an opportunity to explore their new conference and bar facilities, please  contact Conference and Events team to make an appointment and also enquire about our  winter conference offer from $60pp!* 


  • 23-Apr-2015 15:20 | Anonymous

    With the Federal Budget looming, Moore Stephens Accountants & Advisors has partnered with LexisNexis® Capital Monitor, to provide you with a comprehensive 2015-2016 Federal Budget Report. This report will be available on the night that the budget is handed down – at no cost. The report will deliver valuable information to your organisation, having been reviewed and analysed by the Capital Monitor editorial team, alongside Moore Stephens’ team of tax experts. 

     
    To celebrate this partnership, and to prepare you for what is in store with this year’s budget, we invite you to join us at our co-hosted 
    Pre-Budget Webinar 2015. Hosting from Moore Stephens will be partners Scott McGill and Howard Badger, both with over 20 years’ experience. Scott and Howard will provide expert analysis of key topics in the budget and how this will affect particular industries.


    Agenda:


    ·         A discussion of key topics that may be raised in the Federal Budget 

    ·         The potential impacts that this budget will have on key industries

    ·         Question & Answer session 


    Webinar details:


    ·         Date: 5 May 2015

    ·         Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm AEST


    Click here to register for the webinar.

    More about LexisNexis
    LexisNexis has served the legal community for more than 100 years, providing world-class content and leading-edge technology to those who advance commerce, society and justice. In 2015 LexisNexis is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
    Capital Monitor, Australia’s premier parliamentary monitoring service.



                


      

     

                                                                                                

      

  • 22-Apr-2015 12:43 | Anonymous

    On the 16th May, Channel Seven will host a Telethon to help raise much needed funds to build a new Ronald McDonald House® Westmead.


    With your support we can meet the ongoing demands of providing a ‘home away from home’ for families with seriously ill children.


    To find out more about the Building Love Campaign or to donate now visit www.buildinglove.org.au








  • 22-Apr-2015 10:54 | Anonymous

    Parramatta City Council will work closely with the re-elected Baird Government to help deliver a raft of new initiatives including the Western Sydney Light Rail Network, two new schools, new ferry wharves and urban renewal plans for Camellia. 


    Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Scott Lloyd, said the election result brings added certainty to these commitments, boosting Council’s vision to build Australia’s next great city.


    “The Government has a very exciting growth agenda for Parramatta, reflecting our new status as a “dual CBD” with the same purpose and stature as the Sydney CBD,” Cr Lloyd said.


    “Determining the first route of the Western Sydney Light Rail Network is a key priority for Council, and we look forward to working with new Transport Minister Andrew Constance to help deliver this important project. Council’s preferred first route is from Westmead to Epping via Carlingford.”


    Cr Lloyd said Council will partner with the Government to bring several other major projects to reality including:

    • Finding a location for the new Powerhouse Museum, which will move to Parramatta under the Government’s $30 million arts and cultural commitment for Western Sydney
    • Developing the vision to turn Camellia precinct into a new commercial, residential and industrial hub
    • Ensuring proper vehicle access to and from the new Westconnex motorway, with Council continuing to lobby for on and off ramps at the southern end of Church St
    • Building new ferry wharves at Parramatta and Rydalmere. Council staff are already liaising with Roads and Maritime Services on plans. 
    • Building a new multi-level 2,000 student high school and 1,000 student primary school

    Cr Lloyd said Council would continue to lobby for an upgrade to Parramatta Stadium to raise its capacity to 35,000 seats, giving Western Sydney its own world-class stadium to host major sporting events.


    “The Government has allocated $600 million to a stadium package with potential upgrades for the Olympic Stadium, Sydney Football Stadium at Moore Park and Parramatta Stadium,” he said.


    “We will continue lobbying for at least half this funding to be allocated to upgrading Parramatta Stadium which, unlike the other stadiums, is located a few minutes’ walk from cafes, restaurants and other CBD amenities.”


    Cr Lloyd congratulated Premier Mike Baird on the Government’s decisive election win and said Council looked forward to working with him, his new ministry and re-elected Parramatta MP Dr Geoff Lee to achieve great things for Parramatta.


    “It’s going to be a very busy and productive four-year term as Parramatta and Western Sydney benefit from major election commitments,” he said.


    “The Government has also committed to a $900 million redevelopment of Westmead Hospital, extra train and ferry services to the Sydney CBD and development of the North Parramatta urban renewal precinct.”


    Cr Lloyd also congratulated Baulkham Hills MP David Elliott who has been promoted to Cabinet as Minister for Corrective Services, Emergency Services and Veterans Affairs.


    Source: Parramatta City Council 


  • 22-Apr-2015 10:43 | Anonymous

    What do mailbox makers, martial art teachers, lawyers and scorpion tamers have in common? They were all winners at last year’s Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence.


    Each year the awards showcase the diverse range of talent of Western Sydney businesses and selects winners that have made a strong impact in the region.


    Nominations for the 24th year of the awards open on May 1 and the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce is calling on all innovative businesses to put themselves forward.


    Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Roger Byrne said they have a new vision for this year’s awards and hope to bring greater exposure to winners.


    “Business involvement has grown over the years and it’s our objective to continue to increase the value of the awards program for participants,” Mr Byrne said.


    “This year, we’re working closely with JCME Marketing and Events to execute a new strategy and vision.


    “Without changing the essence of the long standing prestigious awards, businesses will appreciate a new look, feel and experience this year.”


    Mr Byrne said businesses that are involved with the WSABE program get the opportunity to showcase their brand among Western Sydney’s influential business circles.


    For more information about the awards visit wsabe.com.au


    Author: Matt Shand 


    Source: Parramatta Advertiser


  • 22-Apr-2015 10:02 | Anonymous

    Parramatta City Council is supporting TAFE WSI and the Western Sydney Business Connection (WSBC) to conduct a research project to evaluate the skills gap in a local context. The project will eventually expand out to Western Sydney and potentially Greater Sydney.


    With the recent changes to the Vocational Education Training (VET) system and the introduction of the Smart and Skilled Skills List by the NSW government in 2014 it has become imperative for businesses and education providers to develop an understanding of the current and future skills usage to ensure financial and business success in the coming years.


    As a local business owner, we encourage you to take part in this research. 


    Through providing input of current and future skill needs, local businesses have an opportunity to get involved and potentially influence government policies associated with skills development. You will also have an opportunity to opt-in for a customised business report. 


    The customised business report will benchmark your organisation’s performance against other businesses in the Parramatta City Council area, other businesses in your industry across the region and other businesses of a comparable size. Results of this research will provide valuable insight to allow businesses of all sizes to better plan their skills and recruitment needs.


    The survey will take less than 15 minutes to complete.


    Lonergan Research has been commissioned to run this study. To take part in the survey, please click on the link below:


    http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2068058/619-Parramatta


    Whilst participation is voluntary, your participation will improve the quality of our research. We invite you to please complete this survey as soon as is convenient and by no later than 8th May 2015.






  • 22-Apr-2015 09:51 | Anonymous

    Have you ever thought of how significant the back office process is for your business? Would you like to reduce your overheads without cutting corners?

     

    Back office processes may not drive your business, but without a reliable back office, no business will be able to grow, let alone survive.


    More so today than ever before, businesses of all sizes are realising the increased efficiency and cost benefits associated with outsourcing back office functions. Companies who outsource are maximising employee productivity while lowering the hidden expense of hiring their own internal staff.


    We understand that your processes are unique, and, we take great pride in our ability to work closely with you in order to ensure our solutions are cost effective, sustainable and align well within your organisation.


    Why companies are hesitant to outsource their back office:


    ·         Hidden costs

    ·         Loss of control

    ·         Confidentiality of information

    ·         Lack of time to delegate

    ·         Risk of miscommunication and delays

    ·         Unsure whether you entirely trust the outsourced company

    ·         Embarrassed of the state of your accounts


    Why outsource your back office to Pendragon:


    ·         No Hidden costs – you will pay 1 fixed cost each month

    ·         No fixed contracts – month to month freedom

    ·         No business is too big or too small

    ·         Secure and confidential platform

    ·         Accessible from anywhere in the world

    ·         Australian qualified staff working for you from 9:00am-5:00pm, 5 days a week

    ·         You will be assured that your accounts are accurate

    ·         Reports are available at anytime

    ·         We become your finance department


    Pendragon main services include but are not limited to:


    ·         Set up and maintain chart of accounts

    ·         Day to day accounts payable and receivable

    ·         Liaising with suppliers

    ·         Banking

    ·         Accounting – reporting, BAS/GST Lodgement and preparation

    ·         Payroll

    ·         General Business Advice


    Contact us today for a confidential, complimentary analysis of your current position on how we can assist you to run ‘Your Back Office’:


    W | www.pendragon.net.au/organisations/your-back-office/


    E | chantelle.langdon@pendragon.net.au


    P | 02 9407 8700


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