The prosperity and well-being ofthe Kingston community and itsneighbouring municipalities isintegrally tied to the ability oflocal companies to prosper andthereby generate high valueemployment.

The City of Kingston is one of Victoria’smajor employment centres and itsindustrial sector is one of the largestand most concentrated in the State.

The global economic landscape isbeing rapidly reordered withsignificant implications for theAustralian economy as a whole andtherefore the Kingston economy. Inparticular, the industrial and retailenvironments are undergoing majorstructural change.

Although it is clearly the responsibility ofthe Federal and State Governments toset macro-economic policy, a paradox ofthe global economy is that it reinforces

the importance of local “place”. In thiscontext, local government’s role ineconomic development is significant butit needs to work in partnership withother tiers of government, business andthe community.

Kingston’s Economic DevelopmentTeam has identified 8 priority areas inwhich to focus its resources:1. Strategic Economic Planning2. Regional Collaboration and

Partnerships

3. Fostering Innovation andTechnology Adoption

4. Business Education and SkillDevelopment

5. Business Networking – MakingConnections

6. Retail Precincts7. Business Sustainability8. Advocacy

This edition of the Kingston BusinessBulletin has been organized underthese priority areas. There are alsomany other activities and servicesavailable to local businesses that situnder each of these themes.

To ensure that our activities arerelevant to you, Council is seekingfeedback on what the major issuesand needs are for local businesses inthe short and medium term. You canprovide your feedback by going on-line at www.surveymonkey.com/ShapeLocalEconomy or by completing theenclosed form and faxing it back.

KKiinnggssttoonn BBuussiinneessss BBuulllleettiinnVolume 2 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

A Prosperous Future

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Page 3

““WWaallkkiinngg tthheewwaallkk”” ttoo eenneerrggyysseellff ssuuffffiicciieennccyy

Page 7

Taking Care of Business in Kingston www.kingstonbusiness.com.au

Kingston’s Framework for Economic Development

The South East Melbourne InnovationPrecinct (SEMIP) held its secondInnovation Showcase on 30th March2012 featuring an impressive group ofspeakers from industry and academia.

One such speaker, Dr Stefan Hajkowicz,Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO,impressed delegates from the outsetwith his keynote address, ‘TheSwitzerland of Asia? Manufacturing astrong economy for Australia’.

Dr Hajkowicz discussed how Switzerlandhad performed relatively well duringthe economic crisis despite havinglimited natural resources. He said thebackbone of the Swiss economy wasfinancial services; pharmaceuticals; andcarefully selected niche products withinthe manufacturing sector. In contrast,40 per cent of what Australia currentlysells is iron ore, gold and coal.

He said the future lay in Australia’strade with Asia and posed the questionas to whether Australia could be theSwitzerland of Asia?

This concept clearly aligns with SEMIP’spurpose which is to bring together theregion’s amazing range and breadth ofinnovative companies and the precinct’sworld class research institutions withthe overall objective of south eastMelbourne being recognised as theinnovation and knowledge capital ofthe Asia-Pacific.

For more information on SEMIP and itsinitiatives go to: www.semip.org.au

Unlocking Business ValueHow should your business invest innew technologies?

By investing in new technologiesAustralian businesses are becoming moreproductive, as well as more innovative,competitive and smarter, particularly withhow they engage with customers.

Get connected with your prosperous futurein Kingston by registering for the“Unlocking Business Value” breakfastseminar on the 25th July, 2012.

The City of Kingston and the AustralianIndustry Group have partnered to bringexpert speakers together from MicrosoftAustralia and the M-Institute to focus onthe insights gained from the recent AiGroup National CEO Survey 2012 –“Business Investment in NewTechnologies”. *

This report presents the findings of asurvey of 540 Chief Executive Officers ofbusinesses in the manufacturing, servicesand construction sectors. Adoption of newtechnologies was seen to be an importantcontributor to business-level productivityimprovements.

• What should businesses be doing nowto prepare for the future?

• Is your business model ready to takeadvantage of global communicationsand online markets?

Date: Wednesday 25 July 2012Time: 7.15am to 9.30amVenue: The Hemisphere Conference

Centre488 South Road, Moorabbin

Cost: $22 AiG members $33 non-members

To register call Maya on 9867 0155 oremail maya.gorelik@aigroup.asn.au

* report available at:http://www.aigroup.com.au/policy/reports

SEMIP Innovation Showcase

2 A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston

EditorialA key priority for Kingston Councilis to ensure the municipality iseconomically robust and attractiveto businesses today and into thefuture. A strong economy meansbusinesses are successful and jobsare available locally.

A broad range of business developmentand support services are currently offeredthrough Council’s Economic DevelopmentTeam. However we are well aware thatthe global economic landscape is beingrapidly reordered and that my team needsto continually reassess what we do toensure that the services we offer tobusinesses remain relevant.

We have identified eight priority areas inwhich to focus our resources. Thesepriority areas are outlined in the frontpage article. In addition, this BusinessBulletin has been laid out under each ofthese key themes. Clearly there are anumber of other services that fit undereach theme but they can’t all be included in this newsletter.

We will be producing a ProsperousKingston Economic DevelopmentFramework which will clearly outline allthe services available to the businesscommunity. Before we print thisdocument I am seeking your feedback onwhether you consider these are the mainpriority areas. I am keen to hear whatchallenges your business is facing and inparticular those things that Council canassist with. Please take a few minutes tocomplete the short survey inserted in thisissue, or go online at: www.surveymonkey.com/ShapeLocalEconomy

“When written in Chinese, the word crisis is

composed of two characters. One represents danger

and the other represents opportunity.”

John F Kennedy

Regional Collaboration and Partnerships

Marcel Kamp, Marand Precision Engineering;

The Hon Mark Dreyfus, Federal Member for

Isaacs; Kerry Hayes, Australian Synchrotron;

Suzanne Ferguson, Kingston Council;

Lothar Schmidt, Hella Australia

Suzanne FergusonManager, Economic Development,

City of Kingston

Unlocking Business Value

Regional Collaboration and Partnerships Fostering Innovation and Technology Adoption

TechnologyTalks

Find out about the capabilities of Australia’s only Synchrotron!How could it help your business to develop and refine your products?

Come to a free workshop which will inspire you to explore applications and capitaliseon the opportunities arising from this world class infrastructure.

Existing case studies will be showcased, showing successful connections betweenscience and industry.

Speakers include:• Peter Duxson, COO, The Zeobond Group• Dr Rob Fitzpatrick, Director, Centre for Australian Forensic Soil Science• David Thurrowgood, Senior Conservator, National Gallery of Victoria

Venue: National Centre for Synchrotron Science800 Blackburn Road, Clayton

Time: 8am registration 8.30 start – 11:30am - Morning tea providedRegister: events@semip.org.au

Social media policy foryour business

Business Victoria’s helpful HumanResources (HR) template for smallbusiness owners now includesguidelines for the use of social mediain the workplace.

The template can help you develop policiesand procedures for managing anddeveloping your staff. The newest additionto the template – social media – allows youto take advantage of the many benefits tousing social media, while limiting the risksand consequences of misuse.

Also covered in the template are examplepolicies for:• hiring and inducting new staff• flexible working arrangements• performance management• conflict of interest• environmental best practice.

To download the HR template, visit theBusiness Victoria websitehttp://www.business.vic.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?BUSVIC:STANDARD:1001:pc=PC_64025.html

Get a free website foryour business today!The Council of Small Business ofAustralia (COSBOA) has joined theGetting Aussie Business Online initiative.

Together, COSBOA, MYOB and Google willwork to help small businesses throughoutAustralia take advantage of the web byhelping them get online.

Having a website allows you to do businessin your sleep. Stay open 24/7 and never missa customer with this free solution fromGoogle and MYOB.

What you get: • free website for 1 year• free .com.au web address for 2 years • free e-commerce functionality for 1 year

To take advantage of this offer, you needyour ABN, phone number and 15 minutes.No contract or upfront payment is required. Visit: www.cosboa.org.au/Media/getting-business-online

Biotechnology OpportunityThe Victorian Government invitesyou to join the Australian Pavilionat 2012 BIO InternationalConvention in Boston from 18 - 21 June 2012.

The BIO International Convention bringstogether biotechnology leaders from aroundthe world – more than 15,000 attendees from65 countries – and for exhibitors, deliversunparalleled exposure.

The Victorian Government will provide a varietyof marketing opportunities, connection pointsand networking resources to support yourpresence in Boston.

Financial assistance is available for eligible Victorian companies through theTechnology Trade and International Partnering (TRIP) program.

For further information and to register your interest in participating, contact:Dr Carla ChinniProject Manager - Life Sciences Department of Business and InnovationEmail: carla.chinni@dbi.vic.gov.auPhone: +61 3 9651 9228Mobile: +61 430 136 280

A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston 3

What do Forensic Scientists, makers of greencement and art conservationists have in common?

They have all used the Australian Synchrotron to developinnovative ways to improve their products or processes.

Tuesday 29 May 2012

4 A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston 5

15th May KBWN Luncheon Page 5

25th May Melbourne Business Awards Page 5

29th May SEMIP Innovation Workshop Page 3

31st May Carbon Pricing Forum Page 7

6th June Cash Flow Workshop Page 4

14th June Meet Your Mates Moorabbin Page 5

25th June Retail Seminar No 1 Page 6

23rd July Retail Seminar No. 2 Page 6

24th July Get Your Business Organised Page 4

25th July Women in Business Network

22nd Aug Your Business Online Page 4

27th Aug Retail Seminar No. 3 Page 6

For more details

visit: www.kingstonbusiness.com.au

Phone : 9581 4735

Calendar of EventsCashflow is the lifeblood ofevery business.For financial success it is critical that youkeep a close eye on your profits andcashflow. Learn how to monitor andmaintain profitability, increase cashflow andimprove stock, customer and suppliermanagement. Ideal for those new tobusiness or those with some businessexperience but limited financial knowledge,this seminar will change the way youmanage your business.

*A voucher for one free mentoring session isprovided for participants in this seminar.

Date: Wednesday 6 June 2012Time: 6.00 pm – 8.00 pmVenue: Quest Apartments Function Room,

Ground Floor,37 – 39 Station St, Cheltenham.

Cost: $20To register for this event, please visitwww.business.vic.gov.au and enterworkshop event ID 8004.

Improving Cash Flow andProfitability Seminar

Work smarter not harder.Prevent poor time management in yourbusiness by attending this seminar. Learnhow to identify and remove distractions,how to prioritise effectively, usefulstrategies for productivity, and other tipson how to create more time in your day. Ifyou know you waste time but don't knowwhy, this seminar is for you!

Date: Tuesday 24 July 2012Time: 6.00 – 8.00 pmVenue: City of Kingston,

1230 Nepean Hwy, CheltenhamCost: $20.00To register for this event, please visitwww.business.vic.gov.au and enterworkshop event ID 8005.

Bi-Annual Kingston BusinessWomen’s LuncheonFeaturing Guest SpeakerSally Browne(www.sallybrowne.com)Sally Browne has had a fascinating anddiverse life; from humble beginnings she builta multi million dollar empire! This businessluncheon is a great opportunity to beinspired, network with other business women,and at the same time view the fabulousKingston Charitable Trust Annual Art Show.

Take time out to hear a successful andinspiring local businesswoman and enjoy theKingston artistic achievements over lunch in astunning environment!

Limited places available – so book early!Date: Tuesday 15 May 2012Time: 11.45 am – 2.00 pm

Venue: Woodlands Golf Club,White Street, Mordialloc

Luncheon: two course meal and acomplimentary glass of wine

Cost: $48 per personBookings: 9581 4735

“The Sport of Business”A Local Lesson in Building a Business out of the World GameFounding CEO of the Melbourne HeartFootball Club, Scott Munn will be thespecial guest speaker at the MelbourneBusiness Awards Breakfast on 25th May.Scott will share his business success story ofoverseeing the development and evolutionof one of the newest players in thecompetitive Victorian sporting landscape.

The MBA Breakfast will also profile twolocal success stories, Celsius Glass andSummit Innovation. Book on-line atwww.melbournebusinessawards.com.au

Make the most of theinternet.This workshop is ideal for business ownerswanting to increase their online presence andutilise the internet to manage and markettheir business more effectively. You'll learnmore about how to increase traffic to yourwebsite, using social media to achieve yourbusiness aims, the art of blogging (and whyyou should use it), and other strategies tomarket your business online. This workshop isdesigned for business operators who alreadyhave a website.

Date: Wednesday 22 August 2012Time: 5.00 – 8.30 pmVenue: City of Kingston,

1230 Nepean Hwy, CheltenhamCost: $30.00To register for this event, please visitwww.business.vic.gov.au and enterworkshop event ID 8016.

Your Business Online

Business Education - Networking - Making Connections

Get Your Business OrganisedSeminar

Meet Your Mates in Moorabbinat 2 Brothers Brewery• Do you know the other businesses in your

local area?• Could you exchange services and do

business with them?• Find out what business support there is

from Council• Share your business ideas and issues over a

beer with other local business owners

Kingston City Council invites business owners toget together for networking and businessinformation at 2 Brothers Brewery4 Joyner Street, MoorabbinThursday June 14th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Enjoy a complimentary drink and pizza!To register visit the website for a registrationform at Events:www.kingstonbusiness.com.au or emailbusiness@kingston.com.auFurther details, call Angela on 9581 4787.

6 A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston

We all know that the way peopleshop has changed. What are theimplications for those in themiddle of these changes – smallretailers?

Retail specialist Greg Davis, who is anexpert in consumer behaviour andcustomer markets, will facilitate a seriesof sessions to assist small businesses inKingston’s strip shopping centresweather the changes and thrive in thenew shopping environment.

With six sessions over six months, Gregwill guide you through a range of issuesinfluencing your business and identifyopportunities for you to move ahead incompetitive markets.

There will be time in each session tonetwork and share experiences withothers and to discuss first hand thesuccessful business strategies used byleading retailers.

Sessions are tailored specifically to theKingston retail environment and offerdetailed information and analysis tomake a difference to your business. Don’t miss out on this uniqueopportunity!

SESSION 1. “Your Catchment your Customers” –who they are, what they spend andhow you could capture more!

Monday 25th June 2012 5.30pm for 6:00pm – 7:30pmWoodlands Golf Club, White Street, Mordialloc

SESSION 2 Benchmarking your performance – sixways to measure the performance ofyour business – 23rd July

SESSION 3 Finding your unique position– identifythe influence of consumer movementand how you can capitalise on this toattract more customers and more sales!– 27th August

SESSION 4 Marketing and promoting your business– six tips to promoting your business inan efficient and effective manner – 17th September

SESSION 5 Growing your business – six tips forgrowing and prospering in toughretailing conditions – 22nd October

SESSION 6 Is it me? - What type of retailer am I?What are my strengths, my weaknesses,how can I use these to my advantage? – 26th November.

The sessions cost $20 each or $100to attend all six.

Call Marian 9581 4786 to register oremail: marian.hamilton-kerr@kingston.vic.gov.au

WALLETS PAST WINDOWS – valuable retailingsessions with Greg Davis (Retail Consultant)

As part of Council’s on-goingcommitment to revitalising commercialprecincts, Main St Mordialloc is about toundergo major capital works which willinvolve replacing the current brick pavingwith an asphalt and sawn blue stonepaving treatment, new landscape andlighting treatments and enhancements tothe war memorial area. These works willbe commencing on 14th May, 2012.

Westall shopping centre has also had aface lift with works recently completedon footpath replacement and enhancedlandscaping and seating.

Mordialloc Streetscape Improvements

Retail Precincts

Asphalt & sawn blue stone

paving treatment

Sovereign Seat

Planting Example

Grow yourbusinesssustainably…

“Walking the walk” to energyself sufficiencyCaspak Products is located inBraeside and distributes innovativeand increasingly environmentallyresponsible packaging solutions.

As Managing Director, Bryce Hickmott sayshis company prides itself on its exceptionalcustomer service, speed to market, getting itright first time, small initial production runs,and honouring commitments.

Caspak has modelled its business aroundinnovation, and the move to energy selfsufficiency using Solar Power is a logicalextension of that model. In February thisyear they installed a 22kw Solar Powersystem through a Lyndhurst company, MetroSolar. Not only can they monitor the powerproduction from their solar panels but alsomonitor their power consumption through asmart device called “powertracker”.

Caspak made the decision to be a leader intheir industry and demonstrate a move tocarbon neutrality. This shows their current andpotential customer base that they are ‘walkingthe walk’ in terms of energy self sufficiency.

The company has installed a 26,000 litre rainwater tank which supplies all the wastewater needs for their Braeside operation. Inaddition the management team encouragestheir employees to ride to work andprovides bike racks, showers to change atwork, and even a Myki ticket to make it aseasy as possible for team members to leavethe car at home!

Managing Director of Caspak, BryceHickmott, is happy to talk to other businessowners about his company’s sustainabilityachievements and show you around the site.For further details go to:www.caspak.com.au

Kingston Council has received agrant from the Department ofBusiness & Innovation (DBI) toagain run a Business SustainabilityGroup Program in 2012 .

The successful program was offered to asmall group of companies in 2011 who arenow putting into action the stepsidentified to build business resilience,reduce their carbon footprint, decreasecosts and take up new businessopportunities.

The Group Program is designed to supportparticipating companies in improving theirenvironmental performance as well asraising business awareness of carbonpricing implications.

It will focus on identifying strategies thathave measurable and achievable outcomesthat can be implemented without highcosts through a series of three workshopsover three months commencing at the endof July. The program will be delivered byThe Shaper Group, having a proven trackrecord in assisting businesses to becomemore sustainable as well as demonstratingways to reduce operating costs.

If you are a business with a turnovergreater than $500,000 and would like totake up this opportunity, please contactAngela Stubbs on 95814787. Places arelimited so be quick!

A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston 7

Carbon Pricing starts in July –what does it mean for yourbusiness?

A Kingston Carbon Price Briefing. Thisworkshop will explore the risks andopportunities to your business of a carbonprice. Australian businesses are facing anumber of cost pressures to their businessesincluding a high Australian dollar, increasedlabour costs, increased waste levies, risingenergy and water costs – with theintroduction of a carbon price, will this be thetipping point for many businesses or does italso represent new market opportunities?

This workshop will create a forum to discuss therange of implications to business and valueschains due to the introduction of a carbonprice. It will examine a range of potentialresponses and help identify areas of

opportunity that can help businesses buildresilience and also help identify new businessopportunities.

Presented by Dan Atkins from The ShaperGroup - one of Australia’s leading sustainabilitypractitioners and entrepreneurs.

Date: Thursday 31st MayTime: 5.30 - 7.30pm,Venue: Woodlands Golf Club

White St, MordiallocCost: $30 includes light refreshments -

Drinks and networking at the bar after thebriefing.To register, download a form from the Eventspage at www.kingstonbusiness.com.au andemail to: business@kingston.vic.gov.auFor phone bookings, call Angela on 9581 4787.

Business Sustainability

Bryce Hickmott and Caspak’s solar panels Showing Angela Stubbs, Kingston’s IndustryDevelopment Team Leader the Caspak bike racks

Caspak’s water tank

Advocacy

For information regarding any of the articles included in this newsletter please contact Suzanne Ferguson on 9581 4712, PO Box 1000 Mentone 3194

DISCLAIMER The information in this publication is given in good faith and hasbeen derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate.However, the City of Kingston does not accept any liabilitywhatsoever for its contents or the use of the information.

Speaking up for SmallBusiness

community inspired leadership

community inspired leadership

What’s on in Winter• KBWN Luncheon - 15th May• Melbourne Business Awards - 25th May• SEMIP Innovation Workshop - 29th May• Carbon Pricing Forum - 31st May• Kingston Farmers’ Market - 2nd June, 7th July, 4th August

• Cash Flow Workshop - 6th June

• Meet Your Mates Moorabbin - 14th June

• Retail Seminar No 1 - 25th June

• 2012 BIO International Convention - 18th - 21st June

• Retail Seminar No. 2 - 23rd July

• Get Your Business Organised - 24th July

• Unlocking Business Value - 25th July

• Women in Business Network - 25th July

• Your Business Online - 22nd August

• Retail Seminar No. 3 - 27th August

Small businesses need acompetitive and fairbusiness environment to grow and prosper.

The Small Business Commissioner is an independent officeestablished by the Victorian Government to assist smallbusiness. The Commissioner has a wide range of functionsand powers and is dedicated to promoting a competitive andfair operating environment for small business.

The Commissioner has four key messages:• Be informed – know your rights and obligations and you

will avoid disputes.• Be fair – ensure your ongoing business relationships.• Be smart – settle disputes quickly and get on with

business.• Be aware – of government requirements.

The Commissioner’s Office offers practical assistance on arange of small business issues and promotes informeddecision-making by small business to assist in minimisingdisputes with other businesses and Government agencies.

The Commissioner’s Office website (www.sbc.vic.gov.au)contains online forms, legislation, information andregulations relevant to small business, as well as upcomingevents. The Commissioner’s Office assists small business byoffering information, preliminary assistance and mediation.

AusIndustry NewsThe Minister for Industry andInnovation and Minister forClimate Change and EnergyEfficiency, Greg Combet,recently launched the CleanTechnology Investment Program & the Clean TechnologyFood and Foundries Investment Program - which specificallysupport existing Australian manufacturers.

Both these programs are part of the Government’s CleanEnergy Future package (www.cleanenergy future.gov.au) - aWhole of Government initiative to help Australian businessesadapt and prosper in a low carbon economy.

Projects that can be supported include switching to lesscarbon intensive energy sources or installing newmanufacturing equipment, processes and facilities to reduceenergy consumption and carbon emissions. • Manufacturers with turnovers of less than $100 million

requesting funding under $500,000 only have to matchthe government grants on a dollar for dollar basis

• For all other grants under $10 million, applicants will berequired to contribute $2 for every $1 from theGovernment

• For grants of $10 million or more, applicants will beexpected to make a co-contribution of at least $3 foreach $1 of Government support

To find out whether you are eligible, or for furtherinformation on the program, please contact the AusIndustryHotline on 13 28 46 or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au

New National Business Names Registration SystemA new National Business Names Registration System will be launched later this year and will replacethe current state and territory registers. The new system is expected to commence from 28 May 2012, pending the passage of legislation through the State parliaments.Oncethe new system has commenced, all business name registrations will be managed and administered by the Australian Securities andInvestments Commission (ASIC).To find out how it will affect existing businesses, contact: Victoria - http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/contact-us 1300 558 181