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  • 23-Feb-2015 22:55 | Deleted user

    A BOLD plan to create an ­innovation corridor throughout Western Sydney could generate up to 80,000 jobs over the next decade and see the region become the nation’s own Silicon Valley.


    The independent economic development strategy, which has the backing of three tiers of government and the business community, proposes the creation of innovation hubs — suburbs that specialise in different industries.


    The blueprint, developed by the University of Western Sydney, plans for medical, science, technology, aviation and agribusiness hubs, each dotted along the outer Sydney orbital corridor and centred around the long-awaited Badgery's Creek airport.


    The widely backed plan also includes a proposal to build a $20 million Western Sydney Science Centre, similar to the renowned Questacon science and technology facility in Canberra, to be built at the UWS’s Penrith campus.



    Western Sydney Innovation Arc


    At the core of the UWS strategy are key hubs.


    It proposes a large health and medical research hub be created in Macarthur, connected directly to the new population within the South-West Growth Centre (Oran Park, Leppington, Austral).


    In conjunction with a private sector plan to build a Sydney Science Park, a centre of science, development and ­research would be created around Luddenham. This hub would focus on becoming a leading international centre for research and development in food, energy and health.


    Further north, the blueprint proposes a hi-tech business hub at Werrington Park “that focuses on activating and growing technology and innovation-orientated businesses’’.


    It has already been dubbed Sydney IQ and has the backing of Federal Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

    “By creating a whole innovation corridor, there will be more jobs, opportunities and people living here,’’ Ms Bishop told The Daily Telegraph. “This part of Western Sydney then becomes a hub for a smart economy … this is how Silicon Valley started.’’


    At the core of the arc is Badgerys Creek airport which, according to the blueprint must be surrounded by an aerotropolis business hub.




  • 21-Feb-2015 12:06 | Anonymous

    Exclusive raceday hospitality offer for Western Sydney Business Connection Members

     

     

     

     

    Book any raceday hospitality on Cellarbrations Ladies Day - 14 March or Western Sydney Legends Day - 28 March & receive 15% off your booking. 

    The Australian Turf Club invites you to join us for The Golden Slipper Carnival. Promising three unsurpassable weeks of racing within the 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing program, the Golden Slipper Carnival includes Cellarbrations Ladies Day on 14 March, Sydney’s premier race day the Tooheys New Golden Slipper Day on 21 March and Western Sydney Legends Day on 28 March. 

    We would like to offer an exclusive 15% off any raceday hospitality booked for Cellarbrations Ladies Day, 14 March, or Western Sydney Legends Day, 28 March. If you’re a lady who likes to lunch, experience our Ladies Long Luncheon from the top floor of the JR Fleming Stand on our premier Cellarbrations Ladies Day. Or for the men you have the chance to meet cricketing star Mark Waugh, NRL commentator and former player Peter Sterling, and former soccer player and presenter Andy Paschalidis, at our Lunching with Legends event. Or perhaps you would like to experience a first class raceday from your own private box. At Rosehill Gardens, this Golden Slipper Carnival, we have a range of hospitality options to suit your needs. 

    With the glamour, live music, fashion, entertainment, hospitality and heart racing action of the track that we all love – this is a carnival not to be missed! We hope to see you there.

    To book in your raceday hospitality, please contact:


    Anthony Nicolaou

    E: anicolaou@australianturfclub.com.au          

    P: (02) 9760 6215


    or click here for further information.



  • 21-Feb-2015 11:45 | Anonymous

    This free eBook is full of strategies, tips and tools to take your business to the next level of growth.

     

    It explains how to focus your resources on increasing profit, which in turn will increase shareholder value; how to predict financial trends and understand customer needs; and identifies areas for improvement and growth.

    The advice takes two forms:

    • hints, tips and advice on how to address growth opportunities and poor business trends 
    • information about two sophisticated but simple to use interactive tools (KPI Dashboard and Revenue Cube) that will help you to monitor your business’ performance and identify ways to improve it

    and

     

    it includes a FREE review of your business.

    Click here to access the full version of our eBook, Beyond the P&L: increasing value and profit the smart way.

     

     

                   

  • 18-Feb-2015 15:14 | Anonymous

    Australia’s leading Skills Recognition and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Specialist, Get Qualified Australia, is pleased to announce its formation with Staffing Solutions Australia – a Global Talent Acquisition Company.

     

    By utilising a relatively new and unknown government initiative, businesses working with Staffing Solutions Australia gain access to recruit from a global pool of talent at cost very close to zero. Furthermore, these staff members stay with businesses for up to two years, helping to ensure staffing consistency and payroll stability.

    Get Qualified Australia has already been working in the B2B space by introducing businesses to the concept of training with RPL. This method aims to reduce training costs by ensuring staff are training on areas where they lack skills & knowledge, and not being trained on areas they are already competent in. Thanks to training with RPL, employees realise boosted morale by receiving a Nationally Recognised Qualification, while employers are able to streamline and standardise skills across the organisation.

    RPL, introduced by the Australian Government in the late 1990’s, helps to provide Nationally Recognised Qualifications to individuals who maintain solid work experience that can be proved. By providing work evidence, individuals can achieve a qualification through Get Qualified Australia’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO) partners within weeks, and without stepping foot into a classroom.

    For more information on RPL, or training with RPL, visit www.gqaustralia.com.au or call 133 775. For more information on Global Talent Acquisition with Staffing Solutions Australia, visit www.staffingsolutionsaustralia.com.auor call 1300 00 45 44.

  • 18-Feb-2015 14:52 | Anonymous

    Being self-employed involves some uncertainty and risk taking. While it can be tempting to ignore the possible downfalls, it is important that you prepare yourself for the potential hardships.  By understanding all the advantages, disadvantages, and potential risks to your business and finding ways to minimise their impacts, you will be giving your business the best chance of success.


    Some of the advantages of being self employed include:

    • The opportunity to choose your own hours;
    • Independence and freedom to try out new ideas;
    • Increased job satisfaction.

    The disadvantages of being self-employed as a sole trader or through freelance or consultancy work include:

    • Pressure from setting up the business and ensuring it succeeds
    • Adhering to legal responsibilities such as tax compliance and National Insurance;
    • A lack of free time. You may find yourself working every day as you are not only responsible for selling your product or service you are also in charge of all administration tasks too;
    • Money worries. You may have to go a few months without having any earnings as you build up your business. This could even result in needing to take on a part-time job to keep up with your living expenses;
    • A lack of holidays, sick pay and company benefits. You won't be covered if you take time off work for any reason as you are solely responsible for earning your living and you will need to pay all of your contributions to a private pension.

    Here it is evident that the cons for becoming a business owner outweigh the pros. However, there is a way to turn those negatives into positives. If you contact a management company such as Pendragon, you can alleviate some of the responsibilities associated with owning your own business.  You and the management company can negotiate the tasks in which you would like to outsource. Your company can outsource a variety of administration hassles such as; set up of employee contracts, payroll, banking, accounting, accounts receivable and payable, etc. Relieving yourself of these additional responsibilities will free up time and allow you to find more potential clients, expand your business and become more prominent in your field specialty. 


    For more information on how Pendragon can assist your business contact us at info@pendragon.net.au or on 02 9407 8700.

  • 16-Feb-2015 16:37 | Anonymous



    Not looking forward to your next car trip with the kids? Fortunately Kluger is the ultimate family SUV and can combat unruly backseat offspring, or as we like to call them, the Agents of Chaos. Here we introduce Techzilla and Hurl Girl.


    Techzilla

    This Agent of Chaos is calm if they have their favourite electronic devices on hand, but things turn ugly once the batteries run out. 




    Kluger Kryptonite
    Kluger has three 12V power outlets that keep hand-held devices going plus Techzilla at bay. And if you ever have to wait for recharging, Kluger’s in-car sound system with touch-screen audio is a great distraction.


    Hurl Girl
    Perhaps the most feared, this Agent of Chaos can strike at anytime. 




    Kluger Kryptonite
    If Hurl Girl is showing signs of detonation, quickly operate the power windows or perhaps the moon roof to get as much fresh air inside as possible. If evasive action is too late, you’ll be grateful for little mercies such as removable floor mats and an easy-to-clean interior – especially with the leather-accented seats of the GXL and Grande models.


    If you recognise any of these traits in your own Agents of Chaos, choose Kluger for your next family SUV. Toyota has thought of everything to make family travel more pleasant and comfortable, and has equipped Kluger with all the tools that every parent needs. 


    For more information on the Toyota Kluger, call us on 8884 4888 or visit us at our showroom, 112 Sunnyholt Rd Blacktown.


    Land a better deal at Lander Toyota!


    www.landertoyota.com.au



  • 16-Feb-2015 14:29 | Anonymous



    Whether it is a milestone birthday celebration, anniversary or a special event, Novotel Sydney Norwest has a range of rooms available to suit any occasion and budget.


    Together with our highly skilled culinary team, we can create specifically tailored function and event packages to suit any request.


    Take the stress out of planning when you choose Novotel Sydney Norwest as the perfect venue for your special event. Whatever your vision may be, the dedicated team is on hand throughout the entire journey to ensure your event is one to remember.



  • 16-Feb-2015 11:43 | Deleted user

    CHAMPIONS of the West rewards ordinary people doing extraordinary things in Western Sydney to the tune of $10,000 grants in multiple categories.


    The 2015 grants program is expanded this year to acknowledge the achievements of Western Sydney innovators and those making a difference in their community and respective fields.


    This year’s categories include small business, education, sport, and the arts.


    The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Telegraph and NewsLocal— together with corporate partnersNAB, NRMA, Crown, UWS, Origin Energy, Harvey Norman, and TAFE WSi — will reward those excelling in their fields.


    Are you a Champion of the West? Nominate using the entry form for your chance to win $10,000 for your business, initiative or innovation.


    THE CATEGORIES ARE:



    GRANT CATEGORY

    CRITERIA


    Champion of Champions – People’s Choice

    Chosen by the public throughout the People’s Choice (15-22 March).

    Start up


    An innovative project that increases productivity and provides better outcomes for Western Sydney


    Young 

    Entrepreneur


    A young Entrepreneur, under 30 years of age who lives and works in Western Sydney, and whose start up is of benefit to the Western Sydney community.


    Small Business (50-100 Employees)

    Excellence in small business located in Western Sydney (50-100 Employees).


    Small Business (under 50 Employees)


    Excellence in small business located in Western Sydney (under 50 employees).

    Community 


    For not for profit organisations running innovative community programs or projects that addresses unmet needs for residents, workers and visitors of the western Sydney community.


    Indigenous Excellence

    Programs that promote the development of relevant skills for Indigenous Australians, including education, life skills and employment prospects.


    The Arts

    For a creative arts organisation or outstanding program that promote engagement with the arts of western Sydney.


    Workplace of the future 

    Innovative workplace initiatives.




    Classroom of the future (secondary)

    Innovative secondary education programs. Excellence in the conduction of teaching and learning programs in addition to the secondary school curriculum through the use of digital innovation.



    Energy Smart Business

    Excellence in making a difference with sustainable business operations and energy efficiency


    Sport in Education

    Excellence in primary, secondary or grass roots sporting programs that promote health, exercise and wellbeing for the youth of western Sydney.


    Classroom of the future (primary)

    Innovative primary education programs. Excellence in the conduction of teaching and learning programs in addition to the primary school curriculum through the use of digital innovation.


    Apprentice Employer

    Excellence in training and providing above and beyond career advancement opportunities for an Apprentice(s) within their business.


    Tomorrow’s Leaders Today


    A business that invests in the development and implementation of accredited Vocational Training programs to continually upskill their employees, meeting future business growth and future career prospects of their staff.





    Ready to enter? Please have a read of the Terms and Conditions (PDF) and then use the form




    Last year’s inaugural winners have each put their grants to great use. It was a five minute meeting with Premier Mike Baird at last year’s award ceremony that turned the Peppertree Cafe and Training’s $10,000 grant into $60,000.


    “It has been such a life changer,” program manager Mary Malak said.


    “We met the Premier at the awards night and he gave us $50,000 towards our service”.


    The cafe offers young unemployed people in the Bankstown area with free training on how to run their own cafe and then the chance of paid employment.


    The cafe took out the Employment category with the money used towards opening two new coffee windows allowing for more young people to be trained.


    For Liverpool’s Youth Space the win was the kickstart Patricia Hall needed to turn her grant into $150,000 — and counting.


    “Not only do we now have enough money to build our basketball court — we are now costing a recreational area and looking at other programs such as tuition and uniforms for the kids,” Ms Hall said.


    The Creative Fringe owner Debbie O’Connor just has to literally look around to see where her $10,000 win for Small Business went — into a renovated warehouses and 16 new “hot desks”.

    The Creative Fringe offers those who work from home or are faced with a long commute to the office a space from which to work — and not feel so isolated.


    With the money, Ms O’Connor said they were able to renovated an existing warehouse to create more work space and increase the number of “hot desks” from five to 16.


    John Warby Primary School School principal Ann Kitchin used their $10,000 win to renew the lease on a school bus crucial to ensuring students attend school.


    For Natasha Lay and the Friend-2-Friend Youth Mental Health Project she works on, the $10,000 win couldn’t have been put to better use with the money going to essential training of young people.


    It has been a massive year for Buffy McDonald and John Eastwood and their team at the Young Adults Disabled Association Inc (YADA).


    “We have gone from being in debt for the last four years and finally being in the ‘black’ a little this financial year,” Ms McDonald said.


    The organisation won the Environment category for their Liftin’ The Load initiative and thanks to the generosity of businessman Kerry Stokes and Coates Hire they also received a new forklift.


    For nurse Naomi Travers her win in the Innovation category means it has helped turn their idea “into a tangible, working prototype — which is a huge milestone”.


    Ms Travers through her company Alembra Diagnostics designed a urine collection device to assist with obtaining samples from mentally impaired or aged care patients.


    “Now I have something to show nurses, doctors and patients so they can visualise a device that is very different from those currently used for diagnosing urinary tract infections. This is the first of many steps needed to bring a product to market and make a difference in the status quo”.


    For youngest winner — martial arts prodigy Ben Camua — life has been one competition to the other. The 12-year-old Young Achiever used his prize money to fund his trip to the World Championships in Azerbaijan and late last year won the Australian Open championships for his age category.


    “Our next goal is to get to the Commonwealth Championships in Scotland,” Ben’s mother Janice said.


  • 12-Feb-2015 09:11 | Anonymous

    St.George Bank and BCSG launch MyBusinessConnect  


    St.George Bank has today launched MyBusinessConnect, a platform of innovative cloud-based applications handpicked by experts to help small businesses and start-ups run their business more easily and effectively.

    MyBusinessConnect is an Australian-first service provided by BCSG, a cloud solutions provider which supports small business clients around the world with expert knowledge and distinctive, beneficial services through a cloud-based platform.


    St.George has collaborated with BCSG experts to select four packages of cloud-based applications for its small business and start-up customers. The applications are packed with a wide range of features including time saving tools for managing cash flow, website design options, and protection tools to stay legally complaint and safeguard lost computer files.


    Chris Screen, Head of SME Banking at St.George said MyBusinessConnect is geared towards helping small businesses and start-ups run their business more effectively so they have more time to focus on the things that matter most.


    “St.George is a huge supporter of small businesses. We work with over 300,000 small businesses locally and understand the daily pressures they face. To help our small business customers grow, we’ve teamed up with BCSG to provide the most compelling start-up proposition in the market place.


    “Whether business owners need help to manage their finances, execute a marketing campaign, or develop a business plan – MyBusinessConnect is the solution to help businesses get ahead.


    “It’s also available anywhere, anytime, from any device and if our customers need any help along the way, there’s instant access to customer support by phone, webchat and e-mail,” Chris said.


    Paul Wenck, Managing Director at BCSG in Australia said BCSG is delighted to be working with St.George on this innovative proposition.


    “It is an exciting opportunity to be the first to bring online tools to small businesses in this way in Australia. BCSG are passionate about supporting small businesses to be successful and MyBusinessConnect is a great way for them to access services that really help, at a very competitive price,” Paul said.


    Plan, manage, protect and grow with MyBusinessConnect applications


    MyBusinessConnect is available online from any device with an internet connection. St.George customers can subscribe to the Manage Finances, Grow Online or Business Protection applications at a discounted rate with up to 70 per cent off RRP.




    Customers can find out more at http://www.mybusinessconnect.com.au or by visiting their local St.George branch to watch a demonstration or sign up to MyBusinessConnect.



  • 11-Feb-2015 17:39 | Anonymous

    It’s no secret that social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter can be powerful marketing tools for businesses.  For limited expenditure, you can reach a large number of people instantly, and studies have found that 71% of internet users are more likely to purchase from a brand that they are following on social media*.


    So what happens when someone posts something about your product or service that you don't agree with?  Is it okay to respond?


    The answer is yes, but as swimwear company, Seafolly and competitor, Madden, recently discovered, there are some important things to keep in mind in terms of your own liability.


    Stick with the facts


    Do your research before making comments about someone else on Facebook, or any other social media site.  When in doubt, keep your response to a factual account and avoid describing what you think your competitor's state of mind was when they posted. If you get it wrong, they can sue you (even though their comments about you were misleading and deceptive).


    Let’s take an example. High end clothing boutique, Company A, asks a Chinese woman eating Chinese take away food, dripping with sauce, not to enter until she finishes eating and wipes her hands.  Competitor, Company X, only hears the words “no Chinese” and posts on its Facebook page: "Company A is being racist because it didn't let a Chinese woman into its shop!".


    If Company A retaliates with: "Company X has no idea what it’s talking about and is just being malicious to injure us", you may well be liable for misleading and deceptive conduct.  Why?  If Company X genuinely believed that Company A was being racist, it would not be considered malicious.  It’s safer to simply state the facts: "Company X has misstated what occurred. We asked a lady of Chinese descent to finish her Chinese food before coming into our shop because it might have soiled some of our clothes."


    Your ‘personal’ comments


    Another tricky one is your personal social media page.  If any of your 'friends' or connections on your personal account are in your industry, statements you make about people or companies may be in trade or commerce.  This means that, liability can arise under the Australian Consumer Law for any misleading or deceptive statements that you or they make - even when that statement is “hidden” amongst other accurate statements.


    Finally, remember that once a statement is made on social media, it can spread, quickly!  Usually, the more people exposed to a misleading or deceptive statement, the higher the damages will be.  Similarly, the longer those posts are on the site before removal, the higher the damages.  Even if the party about whom the statement was made does not lose any sales as a result of it, they can still claim damages for loss of reputation.


    For more on Seafolly & Madden, search ‘Seafolly’ at www.davies.com.au

     

    Author:


    Liz Lawson is a Lawyer with IP specialists, Davies Collison Cave. She specialises in litigation, including actions for patent, trade mark, design and copyright infringement, passing off and misleading and deceptive conduct, as well as contractual disputes. She also advises clients in relation to these actions, on strategies to resolve disputes and negotiates settlements.


    © 2014 Davies Collison Cave



     *INTA Bulletin, Vo 68, No. 16 The Brand Evolution: How Social Media is Changing the Brand Conversation
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