NRBM Winter 2015

Moyra Burke-SmithEditor NRBM

NRBM is and always has been proud to only use local suppliers.

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Get there quicker.

The Ballina Byron Gateway AirportGetting you to and from Melbourne and Sydney every day, fast.

Conveniently located only 5 minutes from the Ballina CBD and under 30 minutes from Byron Bay and Lismore, its the easy way to go.

Flights now available 7 days a week to and from Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne. Choose from up to 58 flights a week and start your holiday or business trip sooner.

Caf Free Wi-Fi Car Parking Car Rentals Shuttle Buses Taxis & Limousines ATMsSouthern Cross Drive, Ballina NSW 2478

Gateway Airportwww.ballinabyronairport.com.au

Get there quicker.

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport

Getting you to and from Melbourne and Sydney every day, fast.

Conveniently located only 5 minutes from the Ballina CBD and under 30 minutes from

Byron Bay and Lismore, its the easy way to go.

Flights now available 7 days a week to and from Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne.

Choose from up to 58 flights a week and start your holiday or business trip sooner.

Caf Free Wi-Fi Car Parking Car Rentals Shuttle Buses Taxis & Limousines ATMs

Southern Cross Drive, Ballina NSW 2478

Gateway Airport

www.ballinabyronairport.com.au

Get there quicker.

The Ballina Byron Gateway AirportGetting you to and from Melbourne and Sydney every day, fast.

Conveniently located only 5 minutes from the Ballina CBD and under 30 minutes from Byron Bay and Lismore, its the easy way to go.

Flights now available 7 days a week to and from Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne. Choose from up to 58 flights a week and start your holiday or business trip sooner.

Caf Free Wi-Fi Car Parking Car Rentals Shuttle Buses Taxis & Limousines ATMsSouthern Cross Drive, Ballina NSW 2478

Gateway Airportwww.ballinabyronairport.com.au

Welcome to your Winter issue of NRBM. This issue marks NRBMs 8th birthday and wed like to say a big thank you to all our readers, columnists, advertisers and the team who make NRBM possible. Its important for our

regional economy to have a business publication covering issues that impact on our Northern Rivers business community and covers their successes.

At this time of year business owners are even more focussed on finance than ever with the end of the financial year. Our columnist Kate Cameron from Rochdale Accounting gives good advice on business finances and planning for 2016 in her column on p10.

Our feature this issue is on Enova Energy, an exciting new force in renewable power in the Northern Rivers. The Enova team have an impeccable pedigree with wide ranging experience in both business and environmental fields. They are the perfect blend to bring into being Australias first community-owned renewable energy retailer offering an alternative to the big 3 power providers. Launching in July they will be offering a wide range of services and best available energy offers to the Northern Rivers community. Find out more about what they have planned and how you can be involved on p16 and 17.

Our company profile this issue showcases HVTC Northern Rivers, we talk to Manager Stevie Cole, about the business, the team and meet one of their clients.

Business Matters is a feast of business information and ideas including Employment & Training, where you can find advice on wage awards, tips to help you work on your business effectively and get the right staff for your business. In Food & Drink we investigate the culinary delights available to you, showcasing Blake Seymour, Executive Chef at Ballina RSL. Jamie Cunningham, our expert business consultant, highlights the top 5 technologies that could kill your business. Theres a whole lot more so youll have to investigate every page.

We hope you enjoy your Winter issue and that you have a good Winter season.Until next time

Editor's Note

The paper used to produce this magazine is manufactured by an ISO 14001 environmentally rated mill.

Jamie Cunningham has worked with 300+ business owners around the world. One key result of his work is helping owners to attract and hire top talent, saving them time and stress in their businesses and their lives.

Clayton Oates, QA Business, our Channel 7 business efficiency guru cuts through the red tape and helps you streamline your business to make things happen. Recognised as one of the Top 25 Global Accounting Technology Thought Leaders, the only Australian-based professional to to be recognised with this honour.

Greg Arnold, Effective Workplace Solutions has 30 years experience as a workplace relations practitioner and manager in a broad range of industries including construction, engineering, publishing, and hospitality. He helps business to reduce the risk and exposure to costly disputation, court cases and prosecution.

Josh McIntosh, All Pest Solutions, with over 10 years experience in pest control Josh and his team are passionate about pest control and provide a high quality and professional service throughout the Northern Rivers to business and residents..

Stephen Paul, Safety and Fire Education. Stephen is the Work, Health and Fire Safety Trainer and Workplace Safety Consultant at S.a.F.E bringing his extensive industry experience including 15 years in health services and over 20 years in the emergency services.

Tony Bowden EPIC Employment Service Inc. EPIC is a community based, not-for-profit organisation connecting employers and jobseekers to create long term employment in the open labour market.

Jonathan Marquet, McCartney Young Lawyers. Jonathan works with commercial clients with a particular focus on property aspects and advises in relation to local government and planning issues and future planning needs.

Gail Fuller, Byron Coastal Real Estate providing sound real estate advice in property management, holiday rental revenue, selling and buying property. Our team is focused on increasing your profit and ensuring your investment is maintained to a high standard.

Kate Cameron Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory - Kate started her career with PWC Sydney and moved to Lennox Head in 2005. A massive fan of Xero she seriously enjoys working closely with businesses to achieve results and positive change. With experience in both marketing and accountancy Kate brings a lot extra to businesses.

Soraya Barnham, Complete Uniform Solutions, works with businesses to enhance their corporate image and branding with strategic use of logos, Workwear & Uniforms.

Our Experts

NRBM

T: 02 6685 7569F: 02 6685 5430

W: www.nrbm.com.au

P: PO Box 1777, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481

The Small Print :

Notice: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication the publisher

accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising

from the reliance on information in this publication. The views expressed in Northern Rivers Business Magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the editor or publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or

transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, internet or otherwise, without the

prior written permission of the publisher.

Publisher

Ashley Burke-Smith

Editor

Moyra Burke-Smith

Design

[email protected]

02 6676 2980

ContactsEditorial Contributions:

[email protected] Enquiries/Media Kit:

[email protected] & General Enquiries:

[email protected]

Winter 2015

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21

Contents

Cover Feature

25

1312

16-17

Business Matters

Business Efficiency 12 Can accounting technology deliver for small business?

Health & Safety 13How prepared is your team to tackle a fire?

Food & Drink 21Blakes Table is the new buzz in Ballina

Employment & Training 22-25Find out what you need to know on pay awards, employing the right staff and training.

Regulars

News 6-7Keeping you up to date with news from the region, including The Round Up news from the regions chambers.

Business Matters 9-15 & 18-28Covering the issues that matter to your business: Biz Tips, Banking & Finance, Legal Corner, Health & Safety, Employment & Training, Real Estate, Uniforms & Workwear, Business Efficiency and Marketing.

Company Profile 26This issue we talk to Stevie Cole, Manager of HVTC Northern Rivers and find out more about the positive impact they have in our community.

Canberra Comments 29Local Federal Member for Page comments on current issues

Pollies Points 30Find out the key issues that your local pollie is fighting for you.

Enova Energy - Power for the people 16-17In our feature this issue we meet the team behind Enova Energy a new force in renewable energy. This Byron based community-owned energy retailer, aims to position the region as a leader in energy solutions. Find out how you can get involved.

Heres some more information for you: *Offer available for refinanced loans until 30/06/15. Loan must commence prior to 28/08/15. Minimum loan $150,000. The $1,000 cashback will be deposited to the loan account after the settlement date. Applications for finance are subject to Newcastle Permanents normal credit approval process. Fees, Charges, Terms and Conditions apply. Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited ACN 087 651 992, Australian Financial Services Licence/Australian Credit Licence 238273. NPB2945 HP

Winter 2015


Cheat Your Way to the Lismore Business Excellence Awards

Local accounting and financial services firm Crowe Horwath are confirmed to again sponsor the Lismore Business Excellence Awards.

For the second year the team are excited about preparations for the awards which is building up to be another gala event.

The Business Excellence Awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to support the local business community. Last year we provided a Survive and Thrive guide to everyone that entered, but this year we want to encourage more businesses to put their entries in said Catherine Bashforth Marketing Manager at Crowe Horwath.

To assist businesses with their entries Crowe Horwath have developed a handy Cheat Sheet which breaks down the entry criteria making it easier to complete. Catherine said we really do understand the time constraints that many business operators face, so we wanted to assist them where possible. Entering the awards is a fantastic way to take a step back and review where you are and what you want to achieve, we hope the cheat sheet helps make the process easy and time efficient.

Judging will be starting soon and tickets for the Gala Awards Dinner on 1st August are on sale now. All of the information along with the Cheat Sheet can be found at the Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry website www.lismorechamber.com.au.

Bangalow Billy Rides Again The Bangalow Chamber of Commerce and the Bangalow Lions

Club hosted yet another successful Australian Billycart Derby Championship in May with a record registration tally.

Despite a damp start we went ahead with our crowd safety preparations and were rewarded with a fabulous day (not too hot) and lots of thrills and spills.

Our lunchtime parade is really popular with the schools and clubs all adding their colour to the street. We've been hosting this event since 1994 and it just keeps getting bigger and better particularly since the local primary school added their own fundraiser "The Mad Hatters Derby Tea Party" to the event (a mutually beneficial arrangement).

We like to rope in a couple of celebrities for a race in the

afternoon and this year we had Katrina Katetoni (a hatted pastry chef), Mick O'Regan (ex-ABC and our tireless race caller), Pat Davern from Grinspoon and Tex Perkins from Cruel Sea.

All in all a fantastic family day out.

Love Lennox Festival 2015 The Lennox Head Chamber

of Commerce hosted the 3rd annual Love Lennox Festival on Saturday June 6 2015.

The festival is a celebration of everything there is to love about Lennox Head, our beautiful seaside village nestled between Byron Bay and Ballina.

The Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce is a small but vibrant chamber with big goals. Love Lennox Festival began to support local business during

the quieter winter months. This year the Love Lennox Festival Committee gained the support of the local business community, community groups, home based business and the creative arts to create a unique and exciting showcase for the town.

Despite the weather the festival attracted huge crowds that enjoyed street entertainment, festival stalls, surf board swap meet, kids activities and competitions including Dogs of Lennox and Paper Plane Competition.

Social media was used very effectively to spread the word and the famous Instragram frame visited nearly every local business to ensure the festival energy reached far and wide.

25 local eateries participated in the inaugural Flavours of Lennox. Patrons were encouraged to purchase tasting plates for $5 and vote for their favourite flavour and enter the draw to win prizes.

Of course the event would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors and the efforts of the Love Lennox Festival committee who worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a success.

We think 2016 will be even better!

There is no better time to visit Yamba than now, with beautiful cool, sunny days, making your visit a real pleasure. We have an abundance of cafes, restaurants and retail outlets, all with their very own style and vibe. Voted on Trivago as Australias most affordable accommodation town, makes this an affordable holiday for everyone. Check out whats on in the months to follow:

The annual Surfing the Coldstream Festival will be on Saturday 17th October, with an impressive range of activities, films, music, street performers etc. This is a free festival making it a fabulous event for all the family. Go to www.surfing thecoldstream.com.au for more details.

The Hot Rodders will again be visiting Yamba on the weekend of Saturday 14th November, with over 400 vintage Hot Rods and cars on display throughout the CBD, why not come and stay for the weekend?

The Yamba Chamber is working closely with our members, Clarence Valley Council and key stakeholders to ensure we all can maximise on the biggest growth and development projects in the Clarence Valley. Such projects such as the second crossing of the Grafton Bridge, the Pacific Highway upgrade and the new Harwood Bridge, there will be opportunities for employment, training, construction, hospitality and tourism.

Yambas Winter Pleasures

THE ROUND UPNEWS & EVENTS

Winter 2015 Winter 2015

100 Go SolarWorld Environment Day was celebrated in June with the launch

of 100 Go Solar at the Green Building Centre in Byron Bay. This community initiative was launched by Pam and Martin Brook of Brookfarm, who are Silver Status winners of the Sustainability Advantage Award from the NSW Office of Environment and

Heritage.Vicki Brooke of 100 Go

Solar commented Were thrilled Pam and Martin can lead the way for businesses in Byron Shire to switch to solar. It makes perfect economic and environmental sense for businesses to go solar.

Whilst there has been a terrific take up on the domestic side of solar, business is lagging behind

with just 25% of installations of new solar installations for businesses.

Byron Shire Council have come on board with the project as well as part of their Green Keys Initiative backed by Green Building Centre. The purpose of the program is to help local businesses to become sustainable in their operations.

One of the critical factors is to get landlords and landowners involved, by keeping it simple for them to access and finance its a win win for both landlords and tenants with savings from day one benefitting both parties.

So the challenge is launched to get 100 businesses in the Byron Shire on solar. To enter register through the website www.100gosolar.com.au or email [email protected].

New Jail Proposed for GraftonA new jail will be built in Grafton under a plan to deal with New

South Wales' rapidly growing prison population.The announcement follows a significant downgrade of Grafton's

existing prison several years ago, and would lead to the delivery of 1,000 extra prison beds, Deputy Premier and Justice Minister Troy Grant said.

He said the state's prison population was reaching capacity at about 11,600, and a record $1.2 billion would be included in next week's state budget to address a critical need for expansions and upgrades.

"We always have challenges from time to time with capacity and, yes, there is a need for additional beds," Mr Grant said.

Under the plan, the new jail would be built on a greenfield site at Grafton, under a public-private partnership.

It would accommodate 600 prisoners and should be built by 2019.It would employ 200 prison officers, compared to 47 working at the

city's existing facility."The current jail is old, it's worn and tired, it's been downsized in

scale because of a lot of issues with the current site, so a new site is the best option," Mr Grant said.

Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis, whose electorate includes Grafton, said the city had suffered in recent years and the prison development was a welcome boost.

"It will employ hundreds of people and that's exactly what we need." Mr Gulaptis said.

Lismore Paves Its Roads With GlassAnother milestone in Lismores

recycling history has been reached with Lismore City Council building its first road paved with glass.

The 500-metre section near Numulgi Hall has been reconstructed using glass sand from the Glass Processing Plant built in May, 2014.

Rural works supervisor Peter Brewer-Charles said council would be using the glass sand in all road base from this point forward.

Its a consistent product with good compaction results, Mr Brewer-Charles said.

Since the recent establishment of councils glass processing plant, all old glass, crockery and pyrex collected from yellow-lidded recycling bins has been crushed into sand and stockpiled, ready for use in road base.

The glass to sand concept had some teething problems, as the product needed rigorous testing to ensure there were no WHS risks to staff due to the glass sands silica content.

Blakebrook Quarry quality assurance supervisor Jon Rigley said We needed to make sure the product was 100 per cent safe to use and that our staff were well-equipped and educated to feel safe and secure using this new product.

There has been an enormous effort by all the staff at the quarry, and in particular the boys in the laboratory, to ensure this idea could get up, Mr Rigley said.

Councils executive director of infrastructure services Gary Murphy said This is a revolution in how we construct roads and we have received excellent feedback from the community right from the beginning for this concept, which saves everyone money and is good for the environment.

The recent State of the Regions Report: Inequality Between and Within Regions from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), confirmed trends showing the link between income inequality at a regional level and economic growth on a national level.

Dr Peter Brain, leading economist and co-author of the report, said: "The report identifies a need for policies and investments to be implemented on a region-by-region basis to decrease the existing inequality across Australian regionsLocal government is strategically placed to coordinate job-creation policies at the local level to improve Australia's economic performance and hence make an important contribution to national economic growth."

ALGA President Troy Pickard welcomed recommendations for targeted investment in Local Government services such as local infrastructure maintenance and provision.

Mr Pickard stated: "The success of programs such as the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program in 2008-10 and the longstanding Roads to Recovery Program highlights the value and effectiveness of a direct partnership between the Federal Government and Local Government in delivering major outcomes in job-creation and economic stimulation.

"However, the decision in the 2014-15 Federal budget to freeze the indexation of Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) funding will cost local government an estimated $925 million over the forward estimates. Financial Assistance Grants, which are particularly important for poorly-resourced councils, are a major element in the national strategy to combat inter-regional inequality.

"Every years delay in the adoption of this approach imposes significant costs on the national economy by limiting the growth potential of both country and metropolitan regions." He said.

Regions Out of Pocket by Income Inequality

Facilities Is the building accessible?

Do you need audio hearing loops? What kind of parking is available? Is public transport accessible? Make sure you know who is attending your event so you can meet any

special needs when choosing your facility.Presenters

Keep your speakers presentations short, sharp and to the point. If you have a large topic to cover break it down into smaller chunks so your attendees can digest it.Topics

Are your topics relevant? When attendees lose interest it will cause distraction to your environment. Always have engaging presentations that attendees will benefit from. If you know you have a particularly dry topic to cover, make it interactive, create an activity or show an engaging video.Create a Memorable Experience

Make your event memorable. Look at social media campaigns, tweets, Instagram. Encourage networking, sharing and posting to get your attendees to start conversations and engage with each other on a new level. Give a gift to attendees whether its a desk calendar or desktop inspiration thats relevant to your presentation.

Make the effort to motivate your people, they are your best asset! For more information call 02 6642 0900 or email: [email protected]

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advertisement feature

Weve all heard it before begin with the end in mind. Why is it that we always get bogged down in the details and forget about the bigger picture?

When youre trying to generate an inspirational experience for your team, organisation and purposeful outcomes are your keys to success. Purpose

When organising any event ask yourself two questions:- What do I want to gain out of this experience?- What do I want my team to gain out of this experience?Answer these two questions and you have your purpose. Take the

answers to these two questions and write them down or put them on your whiteboard, keep them around you and in your space while you plan your event, it will keep you on track. Keeping the purpose in the forefront of your mind while you plan will make sure you check through each part of the planning.

When it comes to the actual detail, break it down, make sure each element meets the purpose of your event.Scheduling

Timing of topics and breaks is essential to keep people in the zone. Make each topic no longer than 45 minutes including questions. Break it down into 35 minutes of direct presentation with follow up questions for 10 minutes.Food

Choose your food wisely. Nourish the mind with healthy and satisfying choices. Fresh cut meats and salads, fruits, if you have a group that like a little bit of junk go for hot finger food, cheese and cold meat plates. Fresh tea, coffee and water are always a hit. Avoid the sugary sweets, you dont want your attendees to crash and burn.

Plan Your Event Effectivelyby Grafton Community & Function Centre

The return of winter means you'll be spending more time in your home, but you wont be the only one seeking shelter. As temperatures drop, mice and rats

head indoors to search for food and they might pick your house or business for their new residence.

Rats are prolific breeders, so when you see a rat, you must take immediate action. Rat populations can grow exponentially. Under ideal conditions a pair of rats could produce 15,000 offspring in just one year.

How do you know if youve got rats or mice? Inspect your property regularly for signs of rodent activity, which include: Gnawed surfaces, rats and mice need to gnaw to keep their

constantly growing incisor teeth worn down, look for damage to woodwork, plastic and lead pipes and electrical cables

Holes in walls, mice holes approx. 20mm in diameter, rats approx. 80mm

A run, rodents having established the best route from one place to another use it frequently and this "run" becomes soiled with grease and dirt and leaves a "smear"

Footprints on dusty surfaces Droppings, faeces or droppings of rats and mice are a good

indication of the cause, size and duration of the infestationSo how do you avoid attracting these beasties?

Be Neat. Manage your grass levels and keep your yard free of rubbish, debris & accumulated building supplies. If storing materials or equipment outside, do so neatly. Elevate stored items to help reduce nesting. This will also allow you to inspect under and around these items more easily.

Uninvited Guests

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business matters

pest management

Don't Feed Them. Rats will establish a home in your yard

if there is an ample food source. Dont leave any pet food, dog

manure, open garbage cans or cans without tight lids, bags of garbage, bird

seed or any other food scraps outside for rats to eat.Cut Off Their Water Supply. Similarly rats will nest in your

yard if they have water. To eliminate this problem remove any dump buckets, unused flower pots, toys, equipment & anything else in which water can accumulate after rainfall.Disease Transmission

Rodents have been implicated in transferring over 55 diseases to humans ranging from viruses to parasitic worms. However the most common of all is food-poisoning e.g. Salmonella bacteria. These diseases can be transmitted to humans by a variety of means: Rodent urine or faeces contaminating your food, cooking

utensils or kitchen appliances Direct human contact with urine or faeces; where bacteria

enter through small cuts or scratches Blood-sucking insects, such as fleas, transferring diseases from

rodent to human Other animals, such as your pets, transferring diseases from

rodent (or blood-suckers) to human Rodents directly biting humansSo this winter season be aware and avoid attracting these furry pests. For more information visit: www.allpestsolutions.com.au.

Josh McIntosh, All Pest Solutions

as possible but more importantly provide you with up to date information relevant to making timely decisions about your business. We are continually moving clients to the Cloud and setting up businesses on Xero just this week I received the comment Wow, Xero has changed my life. It provides the opportunity for clients to work more closely with advisers with up to date data and planning opportunities.

This time of year is also a perfect opportunity for clients to review their current loan and financing arrangements and determine if restructuring, refinancing or a consolidation could benefit you. Many individuals and businesses are currently paying above market interest on finance sought years ago. A simple review of your finance could save you thousands. We have recently been involved and worked closely with a number of clients to restructure their current debts to ensure they obtain not only the best finance option to suit them, but reduce interest costs

and most importantly, minimise non-deductible debt. Looking at your debts, and determining the best finance strategy for clients is something we love to do. We also work with the banks to ensure they are clear on the strategy we plan with you.

Contact Rochdale if you need assistance with planning for the 2016 financial year.

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business matters

banking & finance

Clients commonly associate the end of the financial year with tax planning however the ultimate time to start tax planning for the year is the start yes July. It is

imperative you budget for your tax bill, know your ongoing position, monitor against forecasts and consistently implement strategies throughout the year.

Have you mapped out your business cashflow for the 2016 year? Dont gamble with the unknown for your business. Planning is the lifeblood of your business. Now is the time to start planning for the 2016 financial year. Are there expenses or capital purchases you know you will need to cover? Have you considered changes in pricing and marketing strategies and the effect they will have on the bottom line? Are you wanting to budget for a family holiday in 2016? A carefully constructed cashflow budget for the year will assist you in planning for business expenses and understand any financing requirements before they arise. Avoid getting caught short by unplanned expenses.

Having a realistic yet challenging goal for the year will give you and your business the opportunity for a clear path and the ability to make decisions and action changes as required.

Another consideration this time of year is to ensure your bookkeeping processes are not only as efficient and as accurate

Ready for the New Financial Year?Kate Cameron, Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory

12 www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

business efficiency

Business often involves repetition (at least the things that work are usually worth repeating) however have you ever found yourself repeating the same old tasks without

making any real progress? Re-living your own Groundhog Day, over and over again

Accounting Technology may be just awakening from its own (20 year) Groundhog Day! I can vividly recall the buzz around desktop accounting software back in the mid 1990s (not too dissimilar from the excitement of the Cloud today) and whilst much progress has been made since then it is arguable that The Promise back then has actually been delivered to small business.

So what is/was The Promise? Part of it is that technology would provide the platform for more efficient businesses, a connected, streamlined world with systems that dealt with compliance behind the scenes, the BAS, Bookwork, Tax Returns all being dealt with in order to make the process of accounting invisible. Then your Trusted Advisors could get on with Proactive Business Advisory services that ultimately add value to the business and their owners.

A world in which technology completed, complimented and enabled a process in which the business owner could fast track the realisation of their goals and dreams of why they entered the world of business in the first place (more time, more money and that elusive notion of freedom).

The reality has been that Small Business Accounting Technology systems have been mostly delivering Compliance Computing for the past 2 decades, leaving the big picture promise widely un-delivered.

Then just when the systems were being refined to cater for streamlined business processes along comes The Cloud with the promise to deliver on what the desktop world largely failed to do, its out with the old and in with the new.

So a few years in are we seeing this new medium delivering on The Promise? Its still early days and whilst there are tremendously exciting developments, there is also concern that we are re-living the Groundhog Day world!

Many have devoted time and resources to make the switch from Desktop to Cloud. The spotlight is now on delivering on The Promise of business efficiency solutions. This is more than just removing obvious pain points of the desktop world though that is part of the transition; its not the place to end at. Otherwise we will just repeat a transition and not deliver The Promise.

The potential is there for The Promise to be delivered however it is going to take an environment of active collaboration by all stakeholders in the Accounting Tech profession to make it a reality. We all have a responsibility to participate with a focus on the End at the Beginning to ensure that this time - The Promise is delivered, Small Business certainly deserves that we do.

Clayton Oates, QA Business

Stephen Paul, Safety and Fire Education

Its a normal day at work. All of a sudden theres a burning smell that unmistakable smell of smoke.You quickly go into response mode. The

decision to evacuate or to stay and fight is made based on the size and location of the fire and the facilitys emergency procedures.

Obviously the primary thing to remember before grabbing an extinguisher is that LIFE IS NUMBER 1. Buildings can be rebuilt but life cant be brought back. Life safety is always the main priority, so if in doubt, evacuate.

The second priority after life safety is could you safely tackle the fire? Is the fire equipment available and the correct type for the risk and ready for use? Knowing that your fire technician is competent, has an understanding of the installation and maintenance standards and is able to do a building survey to see if any changes of use have occurred that varies the required fire equipment is vital.

The next issue is Am I competent and confident to safely use the fire equipment? If I have never used a fire blanket how do I know I can use it without burning my knuckles or singeing my eyebrows? What size fire can I put out with an extinguisher if I have no practical training or if all my training was with an electronic fire and a virtual extinguisher?

There is no better way to give staff the confidence to safely tackle an emergency than realistic, live, hot fire training. Being

able to make the assessment that I put a fire out about that size in training so I know I can safely tackle this real fire or This fire is much bigger than what we tackled at training so the best course of action is to evacuate is critical.

We recently had a participant completing their annual first response training who hesitated at using the fire blanket. After the other participants had their turn she decided to have a go. After

feeling the heat and more fully understanding the risks she knew she would be able to attempt to use a fire blanket if the need arose.

So it can be seen that preparation is the key to managing an emergency and being prepared for the possibly disastrous event of a fire in relation to first response firefighting.

The key things are:1. Make sure the fire equipment is correct for application, in

position and not obstructed2. Ensure fire equipment is being tested regularly by checking that

the tag has been stamped3. Have relevant and realistic training so you have the confidence

to size up the situation for fight or flightALWAYS REMEMBER life is more important than buildings.

First Response Firefighting

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business matters

health & safety

Accounting Technology - A Promise to Keep

14 www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

uniforms & workwear

There is an alternative to stock service uniforms. Todays market is flooded with generic uniform options, with the right provider you can get an innovative and unique

approach with each uniform specifically designed and created just for your company.

Your providers aim should be to produce for you the best looking uniform in the market. Working with you to develop a result that your team will be proud to wear: a uniform that is completely tailored to them and your business.

Your organisation's image is unique and should form part of your marketing strategy. A custom made uniform will definitely deliver your messages to the public. Having a unique and stylish design with high quality material will advertise and promote your brand(s).

As well as offering branding solutions to stock service corporate shirt and polo ranges you should also consider custom designed sports teamwear, corporate shirts and polos for special events or teams that you sponsor.

By using your brand and your corporate logos and colours you can create eye catching designer sports team uniforms for your sponsored teams and local events your business supports. This is another way of raising your profile as your logo and company colours will be associated with these external events in a positive way.

So how do you economically get a polo shirt design or sports shirt that stands out from the rest, gives that slick finished appeal and does not take 12 weeks to get to you?

Its simple there are a number of options, one example is using our Black Kanvas range.

Sublimation printing dyes the garment, unlike traditional screen printing methods the colour is "in" the fabric and not on top. This gives a much better feel to the garment, as well as colour fastness and the ability to print unlimited colours.

This process enables the production of "all over prints" which allows your design to extend across the whole garment. Youll have seen sublimated clothing in sports including Aussie Rules, Cycling, Netball and Soccer.

Complete Uniforms offers a range of sublimated designs in core colours that can be purchased with your logos for delivery within 4 weeks. You can use our design templates and order from as few as 10, you can brand your logo on the sleeves or chest, creating a contemporary tailored uniform for your business. The range of garments include polos, jackets, sports singlets and t-shirts, board shorts, caps, towels even rash shirts and boardies!

Creating bold striking designs has never been this much fun!If you require your own template this still has a low minimum

order of 25.Custom Sublimated Workwear is cost effective. Step out of the

box with your uniforms, you will be surprised and how fast they can be supplied and just how little they cost.

Step Out of the BoxSoraya Barnham, Complete Uniform solutions

Jamie Cunningham

There are massive technological changes coming, and they are happening faster than you think. The good news is theres just as much opportunity as there is risk for your business.

Here are the top 5 to keep an eye on:1 - Crowdfunding and Sourcing. The ability for ANYONE to now

raise capital on an idea means even if youre in an industry that is capital intensive, the barriers to entry have been levelled. Further, the connectedness of people (the crowd) via the internet means access to skills and labour is abundant like never before. When you see lawyers and accountants outsourcing overseas, you know its become mainstream.

2 - 3D Printing. This one is a game changer. China firm WinSun Decoration Design Engineering is printing four story homes. Since 3D printing became somewhat 'mainstream' (if you can call it that yet), the technology has increased in speed by 100x. Knowing Moore's law, this is only going to speed up. To give you an idea, doctors are already printing replacement joints and bones.

3 - Cognitive Computing. Websites and software are pre-empting what you are looking for. How are you serving your customers better by using technology to learn their preferences? The market is starting to expect things tailored to their needs and wants. If you are not keeping up, you may be perceived as not caring about your customer.

4 - Sensors and Camera. From the garbage truck knowing how full the bins are on its route and rerouting to be more efficient, to the wearable sensor technology that tells you you're low on magnesium.

The world of 'knowing before you do' is upon us. Think about your products and services - how can you incorporate this technology with point 3 to innovate your business?

5 - Robotics and Automation. Sick of chasing your dog down the street? Cheetah the robot can now run and jump obstacles faster than Usain Bolt. When you mix this with points 3 and 4, you start to understand why futurists are saying within the next decade or two, 47% of jobs will be replaced by robots. OK, thats not a short-term threat or is it? Foxcomm (Chinese manufacturer of iPhones) says within 3yrs it plans to make 70% of assembly line work done by robots.

So I hear you saying ... well, thats all great Jamie but those changes don't apply to my industry. My only comment to that is be careful. Young minds are thriving on these changes and industries are being turned upside down. Be the disrupter not the disrupted.

For more detailed reading on each of these points check out Peter Diamantis's latest book 'Bold'.

15www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

biz tips

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It also translates into significant community benefits with direct employment and flow on jobs in many areas of the community. Dividends will return to the community and a constitutionally guaranteed 50% of profits will flow back into the community benefit projects, and facilitation of ever increasing community renewable energy generation. So Why the Northern Rivers as your base?

We are fortunate enough to live in the pristine Northern Rivers environment and we feel an obligation to help protect that environment. We also have a community that really understands what it means to be a community and to support each other. Its a community that demonstrably is aware of the reality of climate change and wants to do something constructive about it. If any region can show how the renewable industry can both create employment and reduce our impact on the environment, this region can.How can people get involved?

People can get involved in a number of ways, they can: Request a prospectus, available from July, by signing up on:

www.enovaenergy.com.au Help spread the word, and tell other people about us Volunteer to work with the Not for Profit (NFP) arm of the

business Register their interest in buying energy through us (retailing

expected in September)

Today three large energy companies all involved with CSG dominate the retail space. Backed by their large fossil fuel generation, they account for a third

of Australias greenhouse gas emissions. Supported by distribution companies with a central grid mindset, electricity is transported hundreds of kilometres, incurring significant losses along the way. Add to this a doubling of energy prices over the past five years, an inadequate response from the federal government on climate change, its little wonder consumers are looking for a better way to meet their energy needs. So what is the solution? We spoke to Alison Crook, Chair of Enova Energy, to find out more about their community owned renewable energy alternative.

Theres a lot of talk of Community Energy at the moment what do you see as the future trend in power supply?

There is no doubt the future in power supply will involve battery storage technology. This will have a bigger impact on the electricity supply than solar PV has had over the last 5 years. Battery storage is likely to change the way we interact with the grid, where we become partners with the distribution businesses in assisting them manage peak energy demands to avoid costly upgrades to the grid. Enova Energy is well placed to provide equipment and advice and to negotiate with networks for the best outcomes for our customers, so our customers can make a real difference. Where individuals or groups want to go off grid completely we can provide advice on when and how it will be cost effective to do so, carry out installations, and provide maintenance.How has Enova Energy come about?

There had been discussion in the region for some years about energy options. Kim Mallee, then Sustainability Officer, Byron Shire Council and myself went to the community energy conference in Canberra in July 2014 and on returning decided to get a group together who were interested in making change happen. This evolved into a group of four people who pursued and won a grant offered by a consortium of the Total Environment Centre (TEC),

Enova Energy Power for the People

NSW Government Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), and sustainability officers from Regional councils to carry out a feasibility study and develop a Business Plan for a community energy retailer. Once we got underway, Steve Harris, now our CEO contacted us and we have been developing it ever since. The major power suppliers are also talking about investing in green initiatives, what are your points of difference?

Being Australias first community owned renewable energy retailer includes being a social enterprise committed to creating local jobs, and delivering local economic and environmental benefits. We do this through offering a range of affordable renewable energy options from ethical sources. We will also offer energy education, advice and technology to local households and businesses to assist the community to manage energy more efficiently; and we will facilitate community efforts to generate more local renewable energy by supporting local innovation and technological advances in energy.

We are local, personal, and we care. We are not big, bureaucratic and one size fits all! We can tailor projects to work with the community on green initiatives. As people demonstrate in various ways that they want to adopt alternative energy solutions, we'll be there to provide advice and help make it happen.

We intend to offer the best 100% Green Power price and the best Feed-in Tariff.

Another important part of our project is that we are here to ensure all socio-economic groups can share in the Renewable Energy Revolution that is underway, and that the needs of vulnerable households already struggling with energy prices can be addressed.What does community owned really mean for the community?

That we are committed to ensuring that Enova Energy is at least majority owned by the community (as Shareholders) and that it stays that way. We have written the constitution so this is ensured. We will only exist if the community wants us to and demonstrates that by investing in us and purchasing from us.

cover featurecover feature

Meet the TeamThe team has some great credentials between them, which

are part of the reason they have come so far. Alison Crook is well known in the

business world, she has served on some 17 boards in both private and public sectors including IBM Australia, Lend Lease Corporate Financial Services, St James Ethics Centre and Australian Volunteers International. Along the way she has

been named as Australian Business Woman of the Year, and Australian

Business Leader of the Year (Professions), been awarded an AO for services to public

administration and a Centenary Medal for services to business.

CEO Steven Harris brings two decades of NSW energy sector experience with him having held senior roles at Powercorp and Origin Energy, heading up the sustainability team and establishing Australia's first Green Power program with over 500,000

customers Patrick Hall iday,

Co-Founder and Energy Technology Manager is a passionate supporter of renewable energy. This shire and its community are currently at the forefront of nationally significant renewable energy initiatives. With Beyond Zero Emissions

and Council supporting a whole of shire approach, across all sectors, we are even

stronger and even more able to lead Australia.

Mara Bun, Director and Resilience Strategist, is a Non-Executive Director of the Boards of Green Cross Australia, Australian Ethical Investments, and now

Enova Energy. She began her career as a Financial Analyst with Morgan

Stanley for 5 years specialising in high technology finance. Since then she has been involved in a number of humanitarian projects and held leadership roles with The Wilderness Society, Greenpeace Australia, Macquarie Bank, Allen Consulting Group, Canstar and CSIRO.

Robert Rosen, Director, played a pioneering role in development of the socially responsible investment industry in Australia. With a background in accounting and property investment hes an experienced Director including: Nature Conservation Trust of NSW (Chairman/Director), Rainforest Rescue (Chairman/Director), Bush Heritage Australia (Treasurer/Director) and Australian Ethical Investment Ltd (Director).

Melissa Mac Court, Co-Founder and Marketing Manager, has experience in marketing and business development

spanning many sectors including IT Software, sustainable material, events, convention

and exhibitions, tourism, sports products, NFPs and government organisations. Melissa owns her own local marketing services business and has previously held many senior executive roles in both start-up

companies and large organisations.

An Australian FirstThis is the first time that a community owned renewable energy

retailer has been viable in Australian history. Its no mean feat to become a legal entity in the power industry especially when youre offering an alternative to the traditional power sources and going head to head with the big 3.

Part of the Enova Energy mission is to spread the word and show that it is possible to create community power and they aspire to create a commercially and socially vibrant model that can be copied by like-minded communities across Australia.

Two of the team, Steve Harris and Patrick Halliday, recently spoke at the successful Byron Solar Revolution Symposium. An enthusiastic audience had many interesting questions for keynote speakers Prof. Tim Flannery and Giles Parkinson and also for the panels that followed. Good connections were strengthened and new connections made.

When speaking to the team or listening to their presentations its the passion for bringing about change that shines through. Their commitment to bringing about peoples power, literally allowing people to be involved in producing and owning their own power and supporting their community is compelling. One thing for sure is that the source of Northern Rivers energy is heading for change. For more information visit: www.enovaenergy.com.au.

Winter 2015 Winter 2015

18 www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

legal corner

Experts in Future PlanningIf you advise clients in the accounting, financial planning or wealth management sectors, youll know that their future planning needs are complex. You may need to obtain legal advice for your clients needs.

If you are going to refer a client to a solicitor, they need to be to an expert you can trust.

McCartney Young Lawyers take a holistic approach to estate planning needs. We can put the pieces together to ensure your client and their familys future is secured.

BUSINESS LAW PROPERTY LAW PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT FUTURE PLANNINGTel: 02 6683 5566 [email protected] Level 1, 31 Cherry Street, Ballina www.my-lawyers.com.au

Expertise matters.

MCL001_FuturePlanning_ADNorRivBizMag.indd 1 27/08/2014 11:09 am

Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have seen a rapid rise in fame and popularity. If youre a professional in accounting,

financial planning or wealth management, youve probably overseen the establishment of SMSFs and manage compliance aspects for clients SMSFs.

With substantial wealth held in an SMSF, it begs the question: what is in place to ensure that the members death benefits are directed in accordance with their wishes?

There are two common mistakes made by advisors when it comes to SMSF estate planning.

Firstly, a binding death benefit nomination (BDBN) for a SMSF does not automatically expire after three years, as is the case with retail and industry funds, where BDBNs must be renewed. So unless your clients circumstances or wishes have changed, for the second reason I will note later, it can be risky to renew BDBNs unnecessarily.

The second common mistake is failing to ensure that the BDBN is completed strictly in accordance with the requirements of the SMSF trust deed. The trust deed might annex a specific form to be used, there may be specific witnessing requirements or there may be a formal procedure by which a trustee approves the nomination.

It is imperative to dot all the is and cross all the ts when it comes to completing a BDBN. Why? If the nomination does not

satisfy the requirements of the trust deed then it is not a valid nomination and the SMSF trustee is not bound by it.

Take Stefan, for example. He and his second wife, Cynthia, are members of a SMSF. Stefan and Cynthia are the two directors of the corporate trustee for

the SMSF. Stefan has contributed significantly to the SMSF and has 4 children from a previous relationship

that he would like to provide for after his death. Stefan completes a BDBN nominating 50% of his death

benefits to pass to the trustee of his estate, so it could be distributed to his children in accordance with his Will. His advisor fails to check the trust deed, which requires that a nomination is made to either the members legal personal representative or a dependant.

Upon Stefans death, Cynthia (as surviving director of the trustee of the SMSF) determines that the BDBN was not valid as it did not comply with the trust deed. She decides to pay all death benefits to herself as his spouse and Stefans children miss out on any share of the benefits. The children are left with little choice but to make a claim on Stefans estate.

SMSFs can provide excellent advantages to members. However, it is important for professional advisers to properly consider the estate planning implications. Clients will be relying on your advice to ensure that their wishes are satisfied at their death. Make sure your clients super fund is not just self-managed, but well-managed.

Is Your Self Managed Super Fund Well Managed?Jonathan Marquet, McCartney Young Lawyers

19www.nrbm.com.au

Enova Community Energy Ltd

enovaenergy.com.au

Australias first community owned renewable energy solutions provider

offers a new model

Enova Energy is a new concept in energy providers one whose time is NOW. The sustainable energy market is igniting, offering an unprecedented opportunity for Australians to benefit as customers, as shareholders, as communities. Were not only pioneering renewable energy services & products in Australia, were also a social enterprise committed to creating local jobs and delivering local economic and environmental benefits. We do this through offering a range of affordable renewable energy options from ethical sources, providing education & expertise to households and businesses, assisting communities to utilise power more efficiently, less expensively. We support and facilitate community renewable generation projects. We are local, we are capable, and we care.

Our passion is bringing about positive change by empowering people with a sustainable vision and practical solutions. A renewable future is now in your hands ...

Launching in the Northern Rivers July 2015

Register for updates. Apply for a prospectus today.

Invest in

Your Energy

Future

20 www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

real estate

Homes are one of the few physical things on earth which all of humanity have some association and a touch point with. It could be as simple as a grass hut, or as palatial as

the mega homes we see of the rich and famous.Its something we all have in common, a place we reside in at the

end of the day to rest our bodies and a place that is our own personal territory that allows us to just be.

We fiercely protect it, we use it to identify ourselves, to make money and to showcase ourselves to the world.

Our home represents all manner of things, and those things are our personal projection on our properties. We have strong relationships built over years with our properties; personal investment, especially if we have physically worked on transforming them through renovating, or simply bringing our families up in them. They hold memories for us, like our childhood home.

I sometimes wonder if agents really understand or even contemplate the full impact of the business we are in, and even consider any of the above, before they head into a home to sell or rent for the owners.

The first consideration for any transaction that is about to take place is the honoring of the people first. Finding out what the home means to them and then designing a plan to support them in either moving or managing their investment so it is supported as they would wish if they were living there themselves.

I recently renovated a holiday property for a client who had just bought a rural property. We spent several hundred thousand dollars on this home. The owners lived interstate and had not seen the work that had been carried out. They arrived with their elderly mother to see

the property and she made the following comment. I love the way you have renovated this because I can feel that you have spent the money and bought the furniture, as if it was your own home. I can feel the love that you bring here. This particular home had been neglected for some years and it was not about turning it into a showcase home, more about bringing it up to the standard it deserved. When our guests arrived they felt the warmth, care and consideration taken to ensure they were comfortable and attended to.

We as agents should be honored to be involved in such a personal experience with people, assisting them to move on in their lives. We impact this process greatly and just a few caring or understanding words can be the lasting memories for many people.

Money should never be the driving factor, reaching sales targets, for an agency.

I say it should always be about love. Making that the foundation of our business.

Where the Heart IsGail Fuller, Byron Coastal Real Estate

Theres a new trend in Clubs food offerings. We interview Blake Seymour, Executive Chef at Ballina RSL to find out more

What do you see as the new trends in RSL food?To me it looks the same as the trend in the hotel world a decade

back. Hotels started hiring really high calibre chefs from the restaurant world with great reputations to run a restaurant in or even the whole hotel.

In Sydney now you can see really high quality restaurants opening up in large clubs. Clubs are now offering a wide range of food outlets within the one club. For example: a high end restaurant alongside an Asian dumpling restaurant, a wood fired pizza outlet and a quick and fresh bistro pumping out lots of quality food.

I also think peoples expectations these days are much higher, so any successful business has to give customers what they want.

As a local boy tell us a bit about what you love about the area?I was born in Lismore and did most of my schooling in Ballina. In

terms of my profession we really do have a wide range of beautiful food sources that are in abundance in this area. The rich soils from the ancient volcano, the river, the sea and all the high tablelands behind us really give a great choice of products. Thanks to all the fantastic producers of course.

Personally I really love any sort of outdoor activity and this area is perfect for that. I like to do ocean swims up at Byron Bay a couple of times a week, if there are a few waves around I will be out on my surf board or even out for a ride on my mountain bike.

Whats been your food journey to date?My food journey started a bit later than most chefs. After school

I completed a bachelor of business and started working in hotels in Sydney. At 22 I travelled to Europe to broaden my horizons and ended up working in a little kitchen in Covent Garden in London. From there I managed to get a job as an assistant cook in the French Alps under the supervision of a very talented chef that really got me inspired in the food world. I think all the produce that you see in France also helped to inspire me to get my apprenticeship when I got back to Australia.

I did my apprenticeship in the old restaurant Ruby's in the Lennox pub and some time under Val Suarez, a very talented local Spanish chef. After that I found my way back to London and worked in a very special

little Spanish restaurant called 'Moro,' which was amazing. I then moved onto Lords cricket ground and a sous chef position at the 'Park Lane Hilton.' Returning to the Northern Rivers I worked as a sous chef at 'The Byron at Byron' for 5 years.

Blakes Table is a new experience, can you explain how it came about?

Ive always wanted to do this style of dinner and its how I like to eat. I really enjoy doing degustation menus but with this other style of menu there is no fuss its just really good quality local ingredients prepared very simply and put on the plate.

This lunch or dinner is served platter style on the table for you and your guests to share. Locally sourced ingredients such as beef, seafood, vegetables, cheeses and preserves are used to give you a beautifully designed menu from local ingredients that are in season.

If you want a nice relaxed style lunch or dinner showcasing the best and freshest local ingredients, then Blakes Table is for you.

What special foodie events can people look forward to in the next 12 months?

The new menu in the bistro 'boardwalk' will be starting at the end of June so Im really excited about that. Our next quarterly degustation is on the 28/8/2015. There is a new breakfast menu which is becoming very popular on Sundays, when we offer table service rather than just using the old buzzer system.

We are also serving a beautiful big buffet breakfast on the first Sunday of each month and you couldn't get better value for money. The first 'Blake's Table' will be held on the 31/7/2015 with more to be scheduled later in the year.

Whats on Your Doorstep?

21www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

food & drink

240 River St 6686 2544 www.ballinarsl.com.aut h e b o a r d w a l k

Tantalise your tastebuds with the new Breakfast, Lunch

and Dinner menu by Executive Chef Blake Seymour

New exciting meals available plus a few of your old favourites.

Open for Breakfast from 8am, Lunch from midday till 2pm, Dinner from 6pm

and snack options, tea and coffee are available from 8am till late 7 days.

The first Sunday of each month

we offer a full buffet breakfast.

Plus

22 www.nrbm.com.au

The Job Active program, which replaces the current Job Services Australia program from 1 July this year, is a highly sought after 5 year contract and attracted interest from

hundreds of Australian and international organisations.When officially released in late March, management and staff at

NORTEC were elated with the news that they had won four employment regions, retaining a large part of their existing regional footprint (from Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads) and expanding further south to Bulahdelah near Newcastle and north to the Gold Coast and west Brisbane /Ipswich regions, effectively doubling their service footprint.

NORTEC has also had successes in its Small Business Support division, recently winning the tender for the Australian Government funded Australian Small Business Support (ASBAS) program, a small business advisory and mentorship program. This win was further enhanced with the recent announcement that its bid for the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) (a training and support program for jobseekers with a unique business idea) was successful in the Port Macquarie, Northern Rivers, New England and Gold Coast regions.

Paul Bennett, CEO of NORTEC said that he was not only proud of the work that the team at NORTEC had delivered during the lengthy tender process, but proud of the validation that this success means for the organisation. "It means we can create even more opportunities and inspire more futures in the regions we operate."

This community owned organisation came to life over 30 years ago in the Northern Rivers in a lounge room discussion on how to increase employment prospects for young people.

Since their humble but earnest beginnings, NORTEC has continuously grown and now provides solutions for staffing, training, small business

advisory programs and community support initiatives throughout the NSW North Coast.

Passionate about supporting local business growth, NORTEC is a business success story in its own right.

Scott Wilson, Employment Services Manager for NORTEC commented: "What sets us apart is our staff, they are committed to getting to know our local business needs and have a personal approach to finding the right staff for the business. We offer a holistic approach to our jobseekers needs, offering a range of in-house programs."

"Often the biggest barrier is gaining work experience or transferring skills to another industry after being made redundant. This holistic approach assists our jobseeker candidates to transition into work comfortably whether from school, redundancy or from difficult personal circumstances.

Its a real blessing to be working for a company that is not only delivering a valuable service in the community but that is forward-thinking in its approach to business. There is a sense of purpose gained from working in an industry that really does make a difference to individuals and communities, Scott further stated.

Inspiring Futures

23www.nrbm.com.au

business matters

employment & trainingbusiness matters

employment & training

Its that time of the year again and businesses are not only dealing with end of financial year accounting issues, but also considering the impact of the Minimum Wage increase

announced by the Fair Work Commission.The FWC has decided to increase the Minimum Wage by 2.5%

from the first pay period to commence on or after 1 July. FWC President, Justice Iain Ross stated in the decision A number of considerations have led us to award a lower increase than that determined in last years review decision. Among these considerations was the reduction in inflation and aggregate wages growth, which Justice Ross referred to as the most significant change to occur during the past year.

Of course any increase will apply to the current Award wage rates. However, for various reasons employers often pay staff rates of pay that are in excess of the Award rate. The question that is often posed to me is, If Im paying an over-Award rate of pay to my staff, can I absorb the increase? The answer depends upon the way that the over-Award payment is expressed in the contract of employment/letter of appointment.

Employers are not legally bound to pay any more than the appropriate Award rate of pay, however if the over-Award is expressed in such a way in an employment contract/letter of appointment which prescribes

a precise over-Award payment, then that prescribed over-Award must be maintained. In other words, if the employment contract states that the employee shall be paid $20 over the Award, then that employee shall maintain the $20 parity between the Award rate and the actual rate of pay the over-Award payment therefore is not able to be absorbed.

However if the over-Award is not prescribed and defined in the contract of employment, then the over-Award component may be absorbed by future increases. For example, if the Award rate is $400 per week and the contract of employment simply states that the employee shall be paid $450 per week, then there is no contractual obligation to maintain the $50 parity and increases may

be absorbed into the over-Award rate.It is important to note here that staff should be advised

in writing as to what over-Award payments are to be made and what the additional payment is intended to cover, either by way of a letter of appointment or employment contract.

If you require further information and clarification into this very important aspect of

employment contracts, please do not hesitate to contact us at Effective Workplace Solutions.

You should always seek expert advice prior to entering into or drafting employment contracts or appointment letters.

2.5% Wage Increase Can You Absorb the Increase?By Greg Arnold Effective Workplace Solutions

Scott Wilson, Kevin Hogan, Member for Page the Ballina Team and Luke Hartsuyker, Member for Cowper

Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.Creating Opportunities. Inspiring Futures.

Supporting Business Growth and Development

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Interviewing, skills validation, administration and legal requirements, saving you time, e ort and money,

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Tailored solutions to suit your business.

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Call: 1800 667 832 Visit: www.nortec.org.au

24 www.nrbm.com.au

business matters


With work commencing on the major highway upgrade between Woolgoolga and Ballina many employers are looking to recruit local people to cover the

expected increase in business.Thousands of new workers with specialised road construction skills

will flow into the region and stay for several years, which is going to boost the local economy. In addition to the specific construction jobs there will be many more types of jobs created from the increased activity and this is where local employment providers can help.

Hospitality is one area where jobs will boom and employment and training providers are already preparing the many highly skilled local people to fill these jobs.

One business well placed to gain from the huge infrastructure project is The Creek Restaurant at Halfway Creek Shell Service Centre, situated halfway between Grafton and Coffs Harbour.

Restaurant operator Lynn Heyman is preparing for the boom and recently employed Lisa Speer with the support of EPIC Employment. Lynn likens finding the ideal employee to winning Lotto because that's how she felt when Lisa walked into her kitchen.

The Creek Restaurant serves up fresh home-style meals 24 hours a day seven days a week to hungry travellers, truckies, and locals.

Customers have been hungry for what 'The Creek' has to offer for many years, and Lynn has gradually increased her staff from 10 to 16 over the past six years.

Not just anyone can fit the bill when it comes to working at 'The Creek' - they need to be a team player, think on their feet, be highly organised, and customer-focussed.

Lynn says she has tried many ways of trying to attract quality staff but it isnt always easy to find someone who fits in with both the job and the team and its extremely time consuming which, when youre running a busy business, is time you just dont have. Earlier this year Lynn tried out recruiting through EPIC Employment.

"Lisa has been brilliant - she's been like winning Lotto. She just gets in and does the job, and doesn't need to ask what to do next," Lynn said.

"I really recommend going through agencies like EPIC because they can find the person who will be right for you, and cut down on the work involved in finding someone. I have looked for employees in other ways like job adverts, and it's just too hard and wastes so much time."

For more information visit: www.epic.org.au.

Staff That Fit the BillTony Bowden, Epic Employment Service Inc

Cate Worboys, Head Teacher, Business, North Coast TAFE

Ever heard this before? "I should be working on my business, instead of in it! What that means is that you should be managing all aspects of your business, rather than just

managing to scrape through each month. Trouble is, youre flat out: so here are five quick-fixes.1. Re-ignite relationships

Invest the first half-hour of each day into one relationship. Talk (dont email) to a client or customer, or a team member, or a supplier and listen out for needs, good ideas and even complaints so you can cement or build the trust between the two of you. Its a currency worth investing in, because then youll know better what youre wasting your time on and where you need to focus your effort.2. Develop then delegate

The art of delegation is actually the art of having the right people. Ask yourself am I not delegating because I have no-one to delegate to? See above to discover step one to solving that problem. Then talk to a supplier (training organisation, recruitment firm or temp agency) who can help you find or develop the right person.3. Inspire innovation

Being innovative is about working smart, not hard. There are three things you can do now to enable this; create opportunities to maximise innovation in your business, make sure you model behaviour that supports innovation (encourage experimentation and acknowledge your failures) and, together with your team, agree on the sandpit and the boundaries within which you will all operate.

4. Connect your financial data to business requirements

All too often, the financial data is not hard-wired to business-critical activities. Take a highlighter to your spreadsheet and mark those burieditems that actually have a significant impact on daily business activity then work out how to change how your finances are analysed and reported so that this data comes first.5. Prioritise your daily, weekly and monthly activities

Place your big rocks into your schedule first, then fit the small and medium rocks in between. Its impossible to do it the other way around, but thats what most of us try to do! And while youre in your diary, schedule a minimum of 30 minutes of compulsory thinking time each day to brainstorm solutions to next weeks and next months biggest struggle point. Chances are you wont make the time for that next week or next month.

If all this seems daunting Management training can help for example Certificate IV in Frontline Management a course that will deliver you the knowledge to succeed with these (and other) ways to work on your business.

You could decide to acquire the knowledge yourself, or you might have someone on staff who would provide value to your business by completing the course. Whichever you decide, talk to us in the first half-hour tomorrow morning, perhaps?

Five Time-Effective Ways to Work On Your Business

25www.nrbm.com.au

business matters


Learn how to work on your business, instead of in your businessIf you are spending every minute of your working day doing the scores of tasks needed to be done, rather than steering the direction and the future of your business, then its time to stop and take stock.

Who is best placed to improve your business?

Probably you. Or perhaps you can train someone else up. But where to start?

Talk to us. We can provide you with customised management training to suit your needs, your time and your budget.

Visit northcoasttafe.edu.au or call 1300 628 233 to discover your competitive edge.

North Coast TAFE - Your Business Advantage.

Ammie Millard with Lotto Lisa on right

Hunter, Illawarra, Mid Coast, North Coast, North West, Northern Rivers, Shoalhaven, Southern Sydney, Sothern Tablelands, Western Sydney, Hunter-V-Tec

WELL TAKE CARE OF THE REST

YOU GET ON WITH BUSINESS

HVTC Apprentices and TraineesHVTC Northern Rivers is part of HVTC (Hunter Valley Training Company), Australias oldest group training organisation.

Over the past 34 years, we have trained and provided employment to more than 20,000 apprentices and trainees.

In partnership with our host employers, our apprentices and trainees have won many awards and scholarships.

Simple and stress freeAt HVTC we recruit, employ and arrange formal training for your apprentice or trainee, leaving you free to focus on productive work that boosts your business.

We take care of everything for you. We are specialists in recruitment, VET regulation, WHS and HR.

We manage all of the paperwork and payroll. You receive one weekly invoice simple!

We will look after youWe are committed to providing the best solutions for your business and maximising your training investment. Full time and part time trainee and apprenticeship options School based options Indigenous engagement Mentoring and performance management Proven recruitment process

Call us today 02 6622 1363 hvtc.com.au

Over 27 years experience in the Northern Rivers

Completion rates around 25% higher than national average

Customised services

Multi award winning apprentices and trainees

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How long have you been established? HVTC (Hunter Valley Training Company) started as a not-for-

profit organisation in 1981. HVTC Northern Rivers (formerly Northern Rivers Training Group) was established 7 years later. How did it all start?

We were the first Group Training Organisation in Australia, created through an initiative of the NSW Government in partnership with industry and unions to provide a new approach to apprentice training. We now employ over 80 people supporting over 800 apprentices and trainees across the state.What sets you apart from other training organisations?

We aim to take the risk out of employing trainees and apprentices providing easy and stress free solutions to recruiting and managing them.

Our high completion rates we feel are due to our expert staff and our rigorous recruitment, management and mentoring processes which result in quality outcomes. At the end of the day it comes down to care, we strongly focus on customer care and customer service.You must have had some great success stories along the way?

Yes, Samantha Tindiglia took out top honours at the 2014 National Group Training Association Awards, winning School Based Trainee of the Year. Samantha was hosted by Care-Ring Childrens Centre in Goonellabah.

Weve recently also celebrated two TAFE Award winners. Mechanical apprentice Jacob Dawes, with Simmo's Automotive, received the Award of Excellence for Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology Apprentice of the Year from Kingscliff TAFE, and Eric Riddle, with Northern NSW Local Health District, was awarded Information Technology Certificate IV Trainee of the Year at the Wollongbar TAFE Excellence Awards.What do you love about operating in the Northern Rivers?

We enjoy the diversity of employers and industries we work with; from small business through to large government agencies.

Being part of a regional community means we have the opportunity to really get to know our clients and build real relationships, which is a win win situation. By working in partnership with our clients

and really listening to their needs, it makes it easier to find the right solutions for them. Its also great to see people that we work with develop and blossom in their careers.

Often in regional areas young people have to leave their local communities to get jobs elsewhere, we help people stay in the region by engaging young people in traineeships and apprenticeships. It feels great to have a positive contribution to our community.

We also have a strong history of success in assisting indigenous people to achieve qualifications and meaningful employment. A number of our traineeships and apprenticeships are filled by indigenous young people.

HVTC (Hunter Valley Training Company) is Australias oldest Group Training Organisation (GTO) and has employed and trained a staggering 20,000+ people over the past 34 years. We spoke to Stevie Cole, Manager of HVTC Northern Rivers to find out more about how the company has continued to succeed and flourish and what sets them apart.

Simmo's Automotive GroupAs part of their program of School Base Apprenticeships and

Traineeships HVTC Northern Rivers has worked closely with Simmo's Automotive Group, who currently employ 30 staff members and host six full time apprentices; three in the paint and panel workshop and three in their mechanical workshop.

Owner, Warren Simmons, says, We took on two School Based Apprentices from HVTC and were delighted with the boys and the service provided. We were so impressed that we signed them both up as full-time apprentices.

Simmo's Automotive Group is a company that believes training is the only way the auto industry will continue into the next decade. The objectives of the company are to identify, train, evaluate and improve the quality of their greatest asset - their staff.

Their commitment to training has been proven over the years; they have employed approximately 100 apprentices and have continually hosted apprentices with HVTC Northern Rivers since 2005.

"HVTC has given us impeccable support in a professional and consistent manner. Their quality service allows us to concentrate on the other important duties that come with running a business." said General Manager, Andrew Simmons.

For this dedication to skills training and employment, Simmo's was recently named winner of the 2015 HVTC Excellence Award for Small Host Employer of the Year.

HVTC Northern Rivers

HVTC Northern Rivers Team

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Winter 2015

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business matters

marketing

Its this time of year that most marketing departments get their budget for the next financial year, so its essential to plan that budget carefully to ensure youre getting the best value and

the best results. Yes you cant plan for everything, however there are ways to stretch your budget further if you plan ahead.

Often opportunities arise throughout the year and thats great if you are placed to take advantage of them, but you can only do that if youve planned your budget and have a contingency fund. I know this is almost unheard of in this day of budget caution, an extra pot of money? How can it be?

First you have to look at all the marketing you know youre going to do, so all the Expos youre going to attend, the communications campaigns, the customer reward promotions, sponsorships etc. All the 'have to' things you know you need to do.

Then look at the crossovers in marketing materials and merchandise you can identify between these activities. For example, if you attend 4 expos throughout the year then look at the attendance numbers for last years events and bulk buy your merchandise rather than buy 4 times a year. You can save substantial amounts by buying in bulk rather than realising youve run out of something 2 weeks before the event and having to pay for an express service.

If you have brochures of flyers that dont date then order your years supply in one go, the run on costs are minimal, so even if you over

order and have a few left over at the end of the year youve still saved. Those materials left over may even help with an additional end of year campaign or be used at those unplanned for events you always want to take advantage of but dont have the materials available to do so.

At this time of year I always make myself popular with clients by wishing them a Merry Christmas. For most of us its something were

not ready to be thinking of, but in marketing terms its the perfect time to be planning.

Imagine a November without that mad seat of the pants rushing around? Use this time now to get the artwork done without the stress of a tight deadline. Choose your client gifts and merchandise knowing you have time to choose wisely and explore a variety of ideas to find the perfect one that fits with your brand. Avoid that

knee jerk choice that you may later regret.By planning now you can also take advantage of price points for

having 12 weeks production lead time. Youll save money and are guaranteed to have your materials well in time for Christmas, leaving you time to plan the Christmas party.

For more information visit: www.coolpromo.com.au.

Merry Christmas? Youre Kidding!Moyra Burke-Smith, Cool Promo

Kevin Hogan MPCaring & Delivering for Our Community

Visit www.kevinhogan.com.au or call 6621 4044 for the latest business newsAuthorised by K Hogan, 63 Molesworth St, Lismore NSW 2480

$5.5 billion Jobs and Small Business package

Immediate deductibility on assets under $20,000

Tax cuts for small businesses

$2.45 billion in annual red tape savings

Three Free Trade Agreements

Lower electricity prices

KevinhoganMP @KevinHoganMP

Kevin Hogan, Federal Member for Page

The Federal Government announced the biggest small business package in Australias

history on Budget night and many local businesses are already taking advantage of these new measures.

At the heart of the package are tax cuts for all small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $2 million. This includes tradies as long as you have an ABN, you will qualify for the benefits from this package.

Small businesses will be able to immediately deduct each and every asset costing less than $20,000 that they buy.

I have heard from a large number of local businesses which are already taking advantage of these deductions to expand their operations ranging from automotive companies to cafes. I would like to encourage other small businesses to consider doing the same.

If you need more detailed information about how your business can make use of the package, please contact my office.

The reason the Small Business package is the centrepiece of this years budget is because the Government recognises that the sector makes up 96 per cent of all Australian businesses. Nationally, it employs more than 4.5 million people and produces more than $330 billion of our national economic output every year.

Likewise in the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley, its the hard working women and men of our 10,000 small businesses who are the engine room of our local economy.

The highlights of the $5.5 billion Small Business package are: 1.5% tax cut for all small businesses 5% tax cut for small unincorporated businesses Immed

NRBM Winter 2015

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Transcript of NRBM Winter 2015