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  • 26-Mar-2015 09:31 | Anonymous

    Don’t be bitten! The Shark Tank and IP


    If you’re looking for investment in an idea or business, securing ownership of your intellectual property (IP) rights can make or break the project.  This has never been more evident than in recent episodes of the TV series: The Shark Tank (Network Ten).


    Entrepreneurs and inventors often need assistance to get things off the ground, but an investor may need some evidence that you value your ideas, before they do.  


    The Shark Tank


    The Shark Tank is a reality television show that sees aspiring entrepreneur-contestants pitch business ideas to a panel of "shark" investors.


    In a number of pitches, several “sharks” have made a point of asking about IP protection, indicating that a strong, or weak, IP position can play a significant role in the decision to invest.


    Patents – owning the rights


    A key concern for any investor is whether competitors can be prevented from entering the market.  This makes owning the legal rights to an invention critical to its commercial potential.  


    An innovation patent might be the best option to start out, providing quick protection while other business considerations are put in place. However, applying for a standard patent might be the best strategy depending on your circumstances.  Professional advice from a patent attorney can help you with this decision.


    Either way, owning a patent can play a significant part in convincing potential investors to back your project. From the investor’s perspective having a patent will serve to protect the market from competition and reduce the risk involved in the investment.


    Business name Vs trade mark protection


    Another key issue has centred around trade marks. In one instance, a contestant thought that a registered business name would provide trade mark protection.


    Unfortunately, this is an all too common misconception. Registered business names and domain names do not provide any trade mark protection, leaving a brand open to copycats. 

     

    Businesses rely on their mark or brand to distinguish themselves from competitors and build a trusted reputation with customers and clients. A registered trade mark should not be overlooked as it provides you with an exclusive right to use the mark for your goods and services.


    Don’t forget that it is also key that you are not infringing the rights of another trade mark owner!  Imagine you’ve put everything into building up the business for years, and suddenly you receive a nasty legal letter alleging infringement, effectively forcing you to stop trading under that logo or mark.  It is not uncommon.


    Before spending money on any marketing, brochures, or packaging, at the very least you should have a trade mark clearance search done by a professional.  


    Take away points for entrepreneurs and inventors

    • Investors will scrutinise the presence or absence of any IP when deciding to invest in a business.
    • It is important to secure your IP protection prior to disclosing your ideas! If you’re unsure about it, get in touch with your local DCC office – your initial consultation is always free.
    • A valuable tool to use as a starting point is the IP checklist – it’s a quick, easy to use guide to remind business owners of the steps needed to identify and secure various IP rights.
    • Before dealing with the Sharks, avoid being bitten by ignoring your intellectual property. With proactive steps, a business can significantly increase its potential value for an investor.

    Davies Collison Cave can help with all your IP needs, in a friendly, no jargon way.  We regularly provide expert advice to first time entrepreneurs and inventors, as well as some of the largest corporations in the world.  


    By Simon Reynolds and Anthony Cowle



    Click here for more IP News.....


  • 23-Mar-2015 15:50 | Deleted user

    Manufacturing business leaders will gather at a University of Western Sydney forum to collaborate and develop strategies to secure the industry's future. 


    The UWS Ideas Lab: Organisational Capability in Advanced Manufacturing is being held in partnership with Bankstown City Council and Western Sydney Future Advanced Manufacturing, a WSBC and UWS initiative, at the Bankstown City Library on March 24.


    The UWS Ideas Lab series is designed to bridge the gap between university, community, industry and government by bringing major stakeholders together in a forum to genuinely discuss topical issues, to forge a way forward.


    Western Sydney is the third largest economic region in Australia behind Sydney and Melbourne, and produces 38% of the Sydney's GRP annually.  Yet recent UWS research highlighted the contrasting outlooks of the regions' 8,500 manufacturing businesses.


    The Making Western Sydney Greater report, conducted by UWS with William Buck, St George and Western Sydney Business Connection, found Small and Medium Enterprise manufacturing businesses are the engine room of growth in Greater Western Sydney, with expectations for revenue and profit 6% ahead of budget. In comparison, the GWS region's manufacturing businesses have 0.0% anticipated growth for full time employment, with Large Businesses anticipating a reduction in full time employment of 1.7%.


    In order to help grow the advanced manufacturing industry and drive a renewed focus on the business skillset of  advanced manufacturing management – such as marketing and promotion – the Ideas Lab will discuss new business models adopted by similar high cost environments, including the UK and the USA.


    According to Professor Scott Holmes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Research and Development), changing the profile of manufacturing is crucial to Western Sydney, and UWS is committed to helping the industry grow.


    "Much research into the sustainability of manufacturing favors the adoption of advanced manufacturing models, changing the required skillset of management.  says Professor Holmes.

    "By bringing together the region's small, medium and large manufacturers into a collaborative and constructive forum, we can work together to address any gaps in management practice - working together to adopt international best practice strategies to overcome it."


    The forum will be chaired by Chair Anthony Moss, CEO of Lead Your Industry Pty Ltd, and will feature:

    • Jason Furness, CEO of Manufacturship
    • Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith, Minister for Police, Emergency Services & Sport
    • Tania Mihailuk, Member for Bankstown, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading
    • Sharon Austin, Board member of Southern Strength Agile Manufacturing Network
    • Tony Broughton, Managing Director of Supply Chain Squared
    • Steve Facer, General Manager of Chess Engineering
    • Dr Premaratne Samaranayake, Senior Lecturer UWS School of Business



  • 16-Mar-2015 14:13 | Anonymous

    How much time and money do you spend on marketing to acquire new clients or customers?  Of course, it will depend on your industry and target market.  But do you truly know what the return on your investment is for each activity and whether it is a good return or not?

     

    We would love to share with you the most cost effective and ego boosting marketing tool available to all businesses – the Referral Program!  

    Referral Programs are THE most powerful, but underused, tool in marketing.  All you need is an amazing base of raving fans who trust you, an easy way for them to refer which makes them feel and look good, and a clear process on how to take care of those referrals – who then in turn become raving fans – and so the cycle continues!

    There is much talk and advice around about creating a Referral Program, but how do you do it?  Firstly, It should be designed to genuinely reward your raving fans, tailored to your market and those referring you.  If done well and with authenticity it can be the most effective qualified lead generation and conversion activity in your marketing strategy.

    Trusted raving fans – who are they?

    • Your existing clients who receive such great results from working with you through the products and services you deliver they can’t help but share it with people
    • Your partners and business associates who value the relationship you have invested in building with them and likely receive a reciprocal benefit through your relationship

    How can they refer to you?

    You need to make it as simple and enjoyable for them. Some ideas that we know work brilliantly are:

    • Provide a complimentary gift voucher that your raving fans can share with their contacts. At Gallop Solutions, all of our clients and partners receive complimentary gift certificates to share with their business contacts, which allows them to attend a Discovery seminar as the guest of the referrer
    • Hosting a “bring your friend” showcase event once a quarter or more regularly
    • One point of contact in your team who they can always contact to discuss referring their contact

    What do you do with the referrals once received?

    Your company’s primary contact person needs to be listed on all contact materials as the “go to” person for referrals; then they act as the custodian, first qualifying the referrals and then tailoring the communications with the referred party and keeping the referrer in the loop with progress. Depending on your business, it might take weeks, months or years for that referral to come to fruition, but maintaining  your contact points throughout the process is the key to keeping the ball rolling. Don’t forget to utilise your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool to its fullest potential for this!

    How do you recognise their trust in you?

    • It might be as simple as an acknowledgement of their trust in you to take care of their contact in an email, card, gift or take them out for lunch. Make sure it’s tailored to them, there is nothing worse than sending wine to someone who doesn’t drink wine!  Perhaps they would appreciate an introduction to one of your own business contacts as a thank you.
    • Another great tool is a formal referral recognition program where you track who refers most and it then creates an ongoing and regular incentive. At Gallop we have a monthly prize of a $200 restaurant voucher for the most qualified referrals given by a client
    • You might like to consider offering bonuses, discounts or ‘credits’ as incentive for referring. Think big – many successful companies such a Dropbox, PayPal, Eventbrite, Airbnb, Spotify and Uber have enjoyed raging success using these methods!

    The Referral Program has certainly been a fantastic tool for Gallop; our entire client base has been built upon referrals! So, THANK YOU! And if you would like any more hints and tips on creating your own program, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will put you in touch with our amazing referral care team!

     

  • 04-Mar-2015 14:30 | Anonymous



    Every day 46,000 Australian women are homeless.* Parramatta Mission is doing something about this. Join us in building the solution.


    It may come as a surprise to learn that 44% of all people experiencing homelessness are female,* also that most homeless services are provided for men and very few for women. Parramatta Mission is working to raise hope for women facing homelessness.

    Parramatta Mission’s inaugural Raising Hope Gala was held on 27 June 2014 to launch the project of raising awareness and funds to establish crisis accommodation for women facing homelessness in Western Sydney.

    Since the initial gala, we have taken modest steps towards the development and implementation of accommodation and support for women facing homelessness. A foundation has been established to sustain the project over the long term as we work towards our goal of developing pathways for women to transition out of homelessness.

    There are multiple reasons and experiences that can lead to a woman facing homelessness, such as family breakdowns, employment challenges, violence or abuse, and the cost of living. Mental health is another common theme present in women facing homelessness, and when paired with the above factors, mental health symptoms can often be exacerbated.

    While social housing is a temporary fix for women with complex needs, for many women it can only be seen as that, a temporary fix. A holistic approach toward meeting women’s individual needs is a necessary requirement in reaching a more permanent solution.

    Restrictions around implementing a more complete approach for individual women include limits to funding, affordable housing, access to therapeutic interventions and extensive time delays for professional intervention. These restrictions significantly impact on the healing process that is vital for women to connect with the community and maintain stable tenancies / housing over long periods of time.

    Parramatta Mission, with your partnership, is doing something about this. Join us at the 2015 Raising Hope for Women Facing Homelessness Gala. Friday 29 May, 7pm – 11pm. WatervieW in Bicentennial Park.

    For ticket enquiries or for more information contact:

    Donna Kelly

    Phone: 9891 2277

    Email donna.kelly@parramattamission.org.au

     

    Every day 46,000 Australian women are homeless.* Parramatta Mission is doing something about this. Join us in building the solution. 
  • 02-Mar-2015 08:26 | Anonymous

    Lynwood Country Club is very proud to be the official amalgamation partner with Castle Hill RSL Group securing the sustainability of the club and its facilities.

     

    Castle Hill RSL Group has a membership of approximately 47,000 members which has increased by in excess of 27,000 during the past decade. This growth has been achieved as a result of a strategic shift in Board and Management policies and the decision to reinvest back into our venues and significantly expand our community engagement initiatives. During this time we have re-invested approximately $67m in building costs and $34m in plant and equipment. As a result the Group has an extremely solid asset base of $95.5m and is in a very strong financial situation for a hospitality venue and not-for-profit entity.

     

    Castle Hill RSL Group has established itself during the past decade and is now a state of the art modern hospitality and sporting venue and its facilities and amenities are second to none and brand new. However, the true financial benefits of our recent capital expenditure programs will be realised in the years to come with only limited capital expenditure required at the Castle Hill RSL site, thus enabling the Group to concentrate heavily on its Parramatta and hopefully Lynwood sites. 

     

    The Board and management of the Castle Hill RSL Group are excited about the opportunity to further develop a premier nationally recognised Links Golf Course in the Hawkesbury region developing a future strategy for Lynwood Country Club transforming it into the social community hub for the Hawkesbury and Northwest sector through the provision of a Links golf course, accommodation, functions, café, restaurant and sporting infrastructure. 

     

    Castle Hill RSL’s Group General Manager David O’Neil said “The Castle Hill RSL Club Group consists of the parent entity the Castle Hill RSL Club, C2K Fitness and Aquatic Centre and the Parramatta RSL Club. The Group’s mission is to provide facilities, products, services and relationships which add value to our members and communities – we strive to operate a vibrant, exciting, entertainment, hospitality, sporting precincts that are central hub of our communities, relevant to all age and demographics operating in a profitable, efficient and effective manner”.

     

    The Group is passionate and committed to supporting our local communities and recognise that our entities in Castle Hill, Parramatta and hopefully Pitt Town need to have their own identity.  All venues are vastly different and require an individual approach to servicing the needs of the members and their relevant communities.

     

    The Group is extremely active within our local communities and nurtures and supports local projects providing in excess of one million dollars per year in direct and indirect donations and community support programs. Many of these initiatives are directed at youth through Sporting, Education and Leadership programs. 

     

    The Board of Directors and management of Castle Hill RSL Group are supported by Clubs NSW, the staff and members of Lynwood Country Club are building a solid business platform for the future growth and development of the Lynwood Country Club site and the promotion and expansion of golf.  Lynwood has an opportunity to capture the community and provide a unique experience to its local and broader community.  We believe in partnership we can create a successful future for Lynwood Country Club and it’s growing communities.

     

    Currently short and medium plans are under development to ensure that Lynwood Country Club is a vibrant entertainment and sporting precinct relevant to its communities. These plans include refurbishments of the club house, upgrading of the golf course and driving range. We are also committed to developing first class community engagement programs including a Golf Academy and Junior Golf Academy. Some minor works on the golf course have already commenced including repairs, maintenance and resigning.

     

    We are excited to be part of the Pitt Town community and we look forward to sharing our Lynwood vision with you.

  • 27-Feb-2015 13:49 | Deleted user

    WSBC would like to see procurement processes leveraged to provide sustainable outcomes for the region and consider further legislation on local procurement for long-term support of business in the region.




    Situation:  

    $30bn worth of investment is proposed for Western Sydney in the coming decade with some of this investment already underway and flowing through to the economy.


    This is great news for the people and businesses of the West, however a key issue identified by WSBC through recent research and discussions with industry is that local Western Sydney Businesses are not necessarily getting access to work on infrastructure and other major projects that are already underway.


    One of the key concerns is that local businesses are not receiving sufficient opportunities due to difficulties in joining supply chains and accessing preferred supplier lists with prime contractors the government has engaged. 


    Given the scale of the investment and opportunity that lies ahead it is critical for the Western Sydney economy that we address these issues. 


    WSBC considers this issue has two parts, firstly how can we address this as a short-term consideration, getting local supply chains working better together and ensure local Western Sydney SME’s are getting fair access now to current projects. 


    Secondly, how can industry in Western Sydney be properly prepared for the future to take on as much work as possible from the upcoming investment boom? Keeping this money flowing back into the Western Sydney economy should be a major focus.


    Proposal:

    To address the short-term issues WSBC is calling on the government to work with all current prime contractors to review their preferred supplier lists and ensure local capabilities are being considered for Western Sydney work, creating a more diverse and local supply chain. WSBC’s research showed local sub-contractor businesses clearly felt they don’t have adequate access to major projects and they need help to understand what they need to do to be considered.


    To address the long-term issue, WSBC believes that due to the massive scale of investment that will take place in Western Sydney, there is a real need to significantly improve communication and consultation with local industry in Western Sydney to maximise local procurement opportunities.


    Don Wright from University of Western Sydney and a board member of WSBC, stated, 


    The investment that will happen in Western Sydney over the next decade is a once in a generation opportunity for local business, but we have to work with local industry to prepare them ahead of time to capitalize on this opportunity. The government needs to engage with industry now to ensure comprehensive workforce planning is undertaken and that this planning is underpinned by high quality and timely information flows from government related to major projects. Business has to know the scale of what is ahead to adequately prepare”.



    To make this approach work, WSBC is calling on the government to give greater priority, urgency and status within government to work with local industry representatives, (such as WSBC, University of Western Sydney, TAFE WSi and RDA), to formulate a strategic plan to drive new employment and economic outcomes in Greater Western Sydney by harnessing procurement opportunities, particularly through the work of the new “Strategic Procurement Group”.


    We would like to see the Government draw together the skills and local knowledge of organizations to leverage procurement processes to provide sustainable outcomes for the Region. It will consider areas such as; effectively disseminating information about projects, identifying the opportunities of these projects and the skills required, further mapping the skills and training needs, industry engagement, professional education requirements, supply chain collaboration and even issues such as tender development capabilities.


    WSBC calls upon the government to strongly support the work of this group and the development of legislation on local procurement for long-term support of business in the region.


    WSBC is encouraging the group to look specifically at five key objectives;

    • Coordinate and disseminate infrastructure project information from different levels of government   
    • Expand on current work by some Western Sydney Councils to develop strategies for local procurement
    • Undertake further research to look at other international examples of similar infrastructure booms and how regional economies have capitalised effectively
    • Work with government and prime contractors to ensure the capabilities of local industry are effectively communicated and considered
    • Research on skills and labour forecasting to map the future jobs and skills requirements within the region

    Brendon Noney, President of WSBC stated, “Western Sydney is not looking for a handout. We just want to ensure that this massive amount of money that will be spent developing the region will flow through the local economy to create opportunities for local businesses and boost local jobs”.    

        

     


  • 27-Feb-2015 13:00 | Deleted user

    An introduction to the research 


    National accounting and advisory firm William Buck, in partnership with Western Sydney Business Connection, St George Bank and the University of Western Sydney will soon release the findings of recent research on Western Sydney businesses in the report “Making Western Sydney Greater”.  


    The report includes insights into:

    • The 3 key priorities for Western Sydney business owners – and how they vary to those of the Government;
    • The 6 action points that must be considered for the region’s successful growth;
    • How to shape Western Sydney as Australia’s 3rd largest economic region by developing a workforce for the future;
    • The support the Government can provide for businesses – and how that differs for Micro, SME and Large Businesses;
    • And much more.


    Amongst all the research, three key themes that emerge are employment, infrastructure and business sentiment. 


    Quick peek …


    Business impediments and opportunities


    The research found SME Businesses are positive in their employment intentions. As a group, they are expecting to increase employee numbers, in particular their full time employees and contractors.  By way of contrast, large Businesses, on average, are intending to reduce their workforce. 


    Despite this positive outlook on employment, both SME Businesses and Large Businesses in the region cited workplace regulation and employment taxes as two of the most significant impediments to their businesses. 


    For SME businesses, their greatest threat comes from employment related regulation, which creates 2 of their top 3 business issues. 


    More than taxation, and materially more than import/export regulation and environmental laws, it is employment related regulation that is negatively impacting businesses. Changes to the current arrangements are required for SME businesses to develop to their full potential.  


    These same businesses see investment in their workforce as a key opportunity.  Government support for training of employees was identified as a preferred way for structured support to be provided to businesses in the region.


    Business sentiment


    The “GWS Business Sentiment Index” was -4.9, showing a neutral to slightly negative business outlook. This is not only negative – but more negative than that of the general Australian business community.


    This can be contrasted with the forecast financial performance of businesses in Western Sydney, which is positive. 


    On average, businesses expect to slightly exceed their revenue and profit targets and maintain capital expenditure over the coming six months. Financial performance is strongest for SME Businesses, in particular those with turnover of $2-$30m. Capex is strongest in the +$100m turnover businesses, but financial performance is weakest in this group.


    The report’s research shows the material difference in economic performance between the region as a whole, the SME Businesses, and the Large Businesses.


    For example, the forecast revenue results for:



    What next?


    Western Sydney has a once in a generation opportunity. If the benefits of major projects in the region, such as the ‘Badgerys Creek Airport’, can be harnessed to drive and grow development of SME Businesses, the benefits for Western Sydney and New South Wales, could be enormous.  


    With a detailed plan for Western Sydney’s development and growth, the skills and attributes of the workforce needed for its implementation can be identified.  Businesses in the region should then be supported to invest in their employees and develop these skills and capabilities in a targeted way.  


    Local procurement combined with employee skills development, targeted at SME Businesses, will be an effective way to drive the growth and development of the Western Sydney economy.


    Get involved … 


    The Making Western Sydney Greater report will be released in early March 2015 to all those that completed the research and to those that want to participate in the next stage of this ongoing research. 


    To receive a full copy, email research@williambuck.com


    This research is based on the responses of over 200 business owners and senior managers from across the region.  


    The research is an ongoing effort. To be part of the next survey in May 2015 contact us on research@williambuck.com 


    William Buck, WSBC, St George and UWS are committed to making Western Sydney greater.



  • 27-Feb-2015 09:32 | Anonymous

    Deciding how to allocate valuable marketing resources can be hard with many avenues available for promoting your brand.

     

    In challenging economic times it’s imperative that any investment is able to return diverse benefits, not just exposure. It is more important than ever to be able to convert marketing investment into additional business and working with a charitable organisation can help improve this conversion. 

    Westmead Medical Research Foundation is currently offering a strictly limited number of digital advertising opportunities on screens positions in high traffic areas of Westmead Hospital.

    3, 6 and 12 month packages are available for Big Hearted Businesses who would like to support health care in Western Sydney while exposing their brand over 1 million patients, family and friends who visit the hospital annually.

    Raise awareness of your brand amongst the 8,500 staff that service 975 beds and celebrate over 5,500 births.

    For more information please contact Mat Fisher on 0435 009 406.

  • 27-Feb-2015 09:12 | Anonymous

    Mike Conway, leadership specialist and corporate innovator, will create and deliver a world-first in experiential-based leadership for the award-winning MBA program run by Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Australia’s top business school. 

    MGSM today announced the exciting new unit and the appointment of Mr Conway as an Adjunct Professor, who will draw on his outstanding skills and achievements to mentor its next generation of business leaders from April 2015. 

     

    Professor Conway is the CEO and Founder of XVenture, a fast-growing group specialising in creative and innovative solutions for business, leadership, team and experientially based learning programs. His achievements include creating the television series XVenture Corporate Challenge, the XV141 digital business channel, and the extraordinary 100 Leaders program which is presented through Event cinemas.

     

    MGSM has been working with XVenture since its executive, senior staff and students tested a two-day, hands-on XVenture Challenge last year. 

     

    Professor Alex Frino, Dean of MGSM, said: “After undertaking the XVenture Challenge it was obvious that this has to be a key part of future learning. The aim is to take students out of the classroom and into the field to test out traditional management ideas.

     

    “XVenture’s approach is unique, with a blend of challenges reflecting contemporary business as well as an understanding of reflective learning practice – something which is often lacking in MBA studies. This program delivers important management theory in an online program before taking students into the field in a radical new experiential learning experience.

     

    “XVenture has tremendous dedication, commitment and standards in this field. The work they have undertaken with major corporations and the research they continuously gather on how teams and leaders succeed is very powerful.”

     

    The future-proof MBA module consists of 12 mini-lectures and recorded lectures delivered by MGSM’s top academic team, including Prof Frino, and produced jointly by XVenture and MGSM.

     

    This elective unit, a global first titled “Leadership & Teams in Action – XVenture”, will be offered from Term 2. It includes a set of introductory mini-lectures and a two-day, experience-based XVenture Challenge to complete the module. The entire Challenge is filmed and post-produced on site, and the video is used for learning during and after the program.

     

    Prof Conway said: “The Challenge is a big job, but the benefits and impact on an individual’s learning are so significant. To work with MGSM is one of the most exciting projects I have ever been involved with and I can’t wait to see the first MGSM MBA students enrolling.

     

    “This new learning module provides the platform for individuals to explore leadership styles and test assumptions by combining e-learning and real-world experience to give students a rigorous, academic and transformative MBA experience.”

     

    Prof Frino said: “This immersive and integrated, experience-based learning program gives every participant the opportunity to work on their own development in a unique team environment.

     

    “It is a perfect fit for MBA programs, the breeding ground for tomorrow’s leaders. They are the finishing school for middle managers gunning for senior leadership positions, and the place where the national stock of leadership capital is being developed.”

     

    www.XVenture.com.au 
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