3 March 2010. Education, Broadband rollout, productivity, financial services and tax reform were tackled in today’s lunch with Senator Nick Sherry MP, Assistant Treasurer, and The Hon Maxine McKew MP, Member for Bennelong. Click here to read more and see pics.
2 March 2010. Members and guests of RBF and North Ryde Macquarie Park Chamber of Commerce gave the elegant new facility a rousing 'office warming' at our March Business After Hours, packing the boardroom and conference room to capacity. Click here to read more/see photos.
26 February 2010. Funding for business clusters closes soon. Applications for the current round of strategic business clusters program funding must be received by 5 pm on Friday 5 March 2010. Further information can be found at www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/clusters or by phoning 1300 134 359.
25 February 2010. Business welcomes inquiry into Proposed Small Business Superannuation Clearing House System
NSW’s largest business organisation, NSW Business Chamber, has welcomed the announcement of an inquiry into the Federal Government’s Superannuation Clearing House Bill as an opportunity to correct issues identified by the business community.
“Business is supportive of the Government’s plan to provide a clearing house facility that businesses can use to pay their superannuation obligations to their employees,” said Stephen Cartwright, CEO of NSW Business Chamber.
“Business does have some concerns about how the clearing house will operate in practice. We want to ensure that it is a facility that will provide value to businesses and is not an additional burden.”
Mr Cartwright said the NSW Business Chamber had identified four key issues with the current bill that should be the subject of the inquiry. They include:
1) Why has Medicare been chosen as the approved clearing house when the initial proposal for a free small business clearing house facility suggested it would be operated by the private sector? The Government has not released an explanation for this decision.
2) The bill provides the “approved” clearing house (Medicare) with an unfair advantage in that contributions are deemed to be made to the relevant superannuation fund on the date they are received by the clearing house regardless of when they are forwarded to the nominated fund. Payments from existing clearing houses, which are not approved, are dated when the clearing house pays the super fund, not when the employer pays the clearing house.
3) Under the bill, an “approved” clearing house cannot accept a payment if the employer is not a small employer (less than 20 employees). Many employers have fluctuating workforces; if their workforce increases from 19 to 20 they are not eligible to use the “approved” clearing house.
4) Not all superannuation contributions which employers have to make are covered by the bill. For example, the deeming of a contribution made to a fund does not apply to contributions arising under other obligations such as agreements and/or fund trust deeds. Many employers pay superannuation contributions monthly (not quarterly as required by the guarantee) but where monthly contributions are enforceable the deeming provisions do not apply.
“These are uncompetitive outcomes that will not encourage employers to use superannuation clearing houses.
“Businesses want to be able to use an efficient and competitive clearing house system to discharge their superannuation responsibilities. These are the issues that need to be resolved to create a fair system that is not a burden on businesses.”
Media Contact: Chris Taylor 0419 692 236.
25 February 2010. Hola! It's Latin Extravaganza!: Jackie Pettit of The Shack at Epping tells us bookings are flooding in for the Latin Extravaganza evening next month. To add spice to the evening, The Shack would like to request a donation of a voucher/item that they can use at the Latin Extravaganza fundraising dinner on the 12th of March 2010. "As active members of Epping and Eastwood chambers and the Ryde Business Forum we can guarantee that you kind donation will not be overlooked. Your logo will also be displayed on every table on the night. We expect over 100 people. For tickets to Latin Extravaganza 2010 please visit The Epping Club’s website.
We will also provide you with a tax receipt to the value of your donation," Jackie said. So book your place at The Epping Club and do contact Jackie if you have something to donate.
25 February 2010. City of Ryde Volunteer Recognition Awards: Nominations for the 2010 awards are now open. Awards are for Individual, Group and Young Volunteer of the Year. You can nominate any business, industry, community group, family or individual actively involved in voluntary service in the City of Ryde during the past two years. Closing date for nominations is Friday 16 April. Go here to make your vote online: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/volunteerawards
22 February 2010. Welcome to two new members:
- Charles Mille of AUSNAC CVGT Apprenticeships. CVGT is an Australian Apprenticeships Centre which works with prospective employers as well as apprentices and trainees to match them up. CVGT's head office is in Victoria and Charles is the Sydney Manager. Find out more at www.cvgt.com.au or call Charles and the team on 9600 0500.
- Vincent Boulus (Business Development Manager), Paul Lynch (Technical Services Manager) and Andrew Dawson (Executive Director - FM Services) of Sodexo. Sodexo is one of the giants in facilities management. They handle everything from environment management through to contract cleaning, energy management, project management, compliance and certification, grounds and garden maintenence, waste management, security, food services and much more. Have a look at the website http://au.sodexo.com/auen/default.asp for more information on all their services, and call the team on 9461 6100.
19 February 2010. What a busy couple of days! Firstly Andrew Bland and Sabrina Ferguson met the Home Office Minister Brendan O'Connor at Maxine McKew's Bennelong Electorate Office on Thursday 18. Then Sabrina and Andrew Hill headed to NSW Business Chamber this morning to hear about the exciting new Chamber Alliance packages we're going to offer our members - more about that soon. Finally... what a way to end the week! Another trip to Maxine McKew's office, this time for the official opening with Prime Minister of Australia the Hon Kevin Rudd MP. Good to see the PM return to the electorate, be it ever so briefly.
17 February 2010. Vale Margaret Hodgekiss. We were very sad to learn this morning that Margaret Hodgekiss passed away last night after a two-year long battle with cancer. Margaret had been a longtime member of RBF through both North Ryde RSL Community Club and Frank Hodgekiss Agencies. Always bubbly, positive and outgoing despite her ill health, Margaret had many friends in the Forum who will miss her.
Our sympathies from the Board and Members to husband Frank, and Margaret’s extended family.
We will pass funeral details on to members as soon as we know them.
17 February 2010. Member for Ryde Victor Dominello MP spoke to members and guests about infrastructure, transport, crime and local issues at this morning's business breakfast. A key part of his address was Liberal/National Party policy to fix the broken bits in NSW. Click here to read more and see photos.
12 February 2010. Welcome to new member Peter Bliss of Business is Bliss .Peter has qualifications in Marketing, Sales, Sales Training and Qigong (meditation), a degree in teaching and lectures part time in Marketing and Sales Management.
His company "Business Is Bliss" has been teaching people valuable lessons and techniques he has learnt - through keynote speaking, training days, seminars and workshops for the past 12 months. The approach is unique, combining simple western business intelligence with traditional eastern wisdom. Contact Peter on 0417 221 903 or visit the website.
12 February 2010. New MD at Access MQ. John Gorman, Chairman of Access Macquarie Limited (Access MQ) - the commercial arm of Macquarie University - has announced the appointment of David Wright as Managing Director of the company.
Wright previously co-founded and served as CEO and President of Monitoring Division Inc, a US based venture backed technology start-up. The company spun out of NICTA Ltd, where Wright had been the Director of Commercialisation from September 2006.
Wright also co-founded and served as joint CEO of T3 Communications (sold to Pacific Internet), Slice Wireless (merged with U-Turn) and One.Tel Networks. At One.Tel Networks, Wright led a team commencing with three staff that within two years raised $2b in project finance and developed, constructed, launched and operated a nationwide wireless mobile business in Australia.
Gorman said Wright brought to Access MQ not just 15 years’ direct experience in the commercialisation of technology, but also proven skills in raising investment; managing highly skilled technology staff; and outstanding project management.
Wright holds degrees in Commerce (BComm), and Law (LLB, GDLP) and is admitted as a Solicitor and Barrister of the Federal and High Court of Australia and Supreme Court of the A.C.T.
Media contact: Greg Welsh, (02) 9850 7456, 0407 200 474, greg.welsh@mq.edu.au
12 February 2010. New courses from TinCAN U. Greg Jenkins of TinCAN Learning has the following courses open for booking:
12 February 2010. NWBEN's opportunities for employers. A new year brings new opportunities for local business and community organisations to add value to their organisation by:
(1) Supporting young potential employees while they assess their potential as future employees or apprentices/trainees and
(2) Providing their current employees the chance to increase their supervision and training skills
(3) Contributing to community capacity building across a number of industries/jobs .
North West Business Education Network is funded by the State Government to facilitate the work placement program for the schools and TAFEs who have students studying a Vocational course (TAFE Certificate) as part of their HSC. In NSW, 2 x 1 week work placements are mandatory for these students to complete their course, so they rely entirely on industry support.
This is a request for any employer who is not yet involved to contact us and have a chat about how easy the process is and how worthwhile the program is for employers and importantly, for young people. Last year, we had over 350 business partners involved, many taking students each week, however any level of support is valuable. Every week an employer can offer lightens the load for everyone. Many schools require their students to go out in the same weeks so it can be a challenge to find an appropriate match at times.
NOTE: Students are covered by insurance and do not get paid.
The following frameworks are currently being undertaken:
· Construction
· Electro-technology
· Metals and Engineering
· IT – (some need to practice using the different packages, and others are studying CISCO so require networking and troubleshooting practice)
· Entertainment
· Hospitality – Commercial Cookery or Food and Beverage or Accommodation Services)
· Tourism – Retail
· Event Management
· Business Services (Admin tasks)
· Retail
It is very important that these young people are able to gain hands-on skills and learn about the real world of work- our economy depends on having all young people employed and skilled. Teachers are often surprised at how they return to school much more focused and confident. It can be a life changing experience for many and is always a chance to increase their employability skills.
Please contact NWBEN on 9440 9656 to have a chat or register your interest. Even if you are unable to offer support they would like to understand issues for employers in this program. Contact SUZANNE ATTERIDGE, Executive Officer Tel: (02) 9440 9656,
Fax: (02) 9449 5774,
M: 0419 194 637
2 February 2010. Small business survey by Macquarie University
Macquarie University (in association with the University of Wollongong) is currently undertaking a research project on sustainable performance in the small business sector, particularly those small businesses involved in service industries, and is seeking the valuable input of small business owners in a survey. The aim of the research is to improve the current understanding of performance measurement practices in this area and highlight areas for improvement in terms of the development of relevant and unique performance measurement frameworks for small service businesses.
Most performance measurement tools have been developed using large corporations’ data as sampling material, and this information is not always appropriate or applicable to small businesses. The survey will ask you about your current performance management practices. If you have up to 20 employees we encourage you to complete the survey, as the resultant research and findings may be of assistance to your business. The link to the survey is:
http://commfac.uow.edu.au/limesurvey/index.php?sid=46112&lang=en
Dr Vicki Baard of Macquarie University is running the survey and can be contacted if you have any questions about the research. Her email address is Vicki.Baard@efs.mq.edu.au and her phone number is 9850-9192. Background information on this project is available on request.
2 February 2010: What a great way to start the new year - lots of new faces joined our members at Dunmore Lang College in the spacious and friendly Almgren Centre at Business After Hours on 1 Feb. Click here to read more/see pics.
2 February 2010: Welcome to new member Malcolm Harrison of First Contact Relocations, who joined us last night. First Contact Relocations provides discreet, professional and personalised relocation services for individuals and familiies relocating to the north shore and northern suburbs of Sydney. Malcolm works with corporate executives from overseas, interstate, intrastate and returning expats to help them find a home, schools, car and other necessary services in their chosen area, taking the stress out of relocating and making it a smooth transition into a new job. To find out more call Malcolm on 0401 761734.
29 January 2010: Welcome to new members Adam Hyland and Peter Franke of Franke Hyland Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys. Adam and Peter, after working for several years with a larger corporate legal firm, have struck out on their own and formed a new partnership last December. They are based in the heart of North Ryde and offer personalised service for your patent and trade mark legal needs. Whether it's registering a new patent or trade mark, or a legal battle over an existing one, call them on 8875 7890.
21 January 2010: New GMs at Stamford, Toga properties and Next Gen. With the new year comes the news of new General Managers at three of our Level 1 member companies.
- Paul Gallop, who has taken the reins at Stamford Grand North Ryde, has been with the Stamford group for two years, and has moved from Stamford Plaza Melbourne to assume the Sydney role. You can contact Paul on 9888 1077 and meet him and his Sales and Marketing Team at our February Business After Hours.
- Changes too at Medina Executive Apartments and Travelodge Macquarie North Ryde. GM Stephen Peace has moved on to manage three properties in Melbourne. Of course he’d like to stay in touch with RBF members so if you’re visiting Melbourne may we recommend Stephen’s properties: Causeway Inn, Hotel Causeway & Causeway 353. All three hotels are located in the Melbourne CBD. A big welcome to the new GM, David Mills, who will be joining us at our February Business After Hours to meet other members. David’s can be contacted on 0422 431 112.
- Next Generation Clubs Ryde has a new General Manager - Liam MacGilp. You can contact Liam on 9334 0044. In this hot weather NGCR is a great place to be - get fit in airconditioned comfort and cool down in the pool!
20 Janaury 2010: Welcome to new member Hort Grade Pty Ltd. Hort Grade provides detailed gardening services to both residential and commercial clients. "We specialise in all aspects of garden care including Garden and Property Maintenance (Mowing, pruning, clenaing, mulching, weeding etc), garden design and Installation, irrigation installation and repairs, pre sale makeovers, plant selection and planting. We have more than 10 years' experience in the horticulture industry and are fully insured," Director Michael Mastro told us. Does your commercial premises need a makeover? Or your own garden at home? Call Michael on 8819 4914 to discuss your needs.
19 January 2010: Welcome to new member KayWeb Holdings. Based in North Ryde, KayWeb Holidings provides web design, web marketing and web applications development services nationwide. KayWeb has offices in Sydney (North Ryde), Melbourne (CBD) and Manila (Marikina), and employs 8 full-time staff including web designers, web programmers, sales staff and project managers. Your contact at KayWeb is Haig Kayserian, on 9888 1007. To find out more about the company and see its portfolio of services, visit www.kayweb.com.au.
11 January 2010: Welcome to new member Amgen Australia, our first new member for 2010. Amgen is a leading human therapeutics company in the biotechnology industry. For 25 years, the company has tapped the power of scientific discovery and innovation to dramatically improve people’s lives. Amgen pioneered the development of novel products based on advances in recombinant DNA and molecular biology and launched the biotechnology industry’s first blockbuster medicines. Your contact at Amgen is Sara Pantzer, Head of Government Affairs and Policy, who may be contacted on 9870 1333.
11 January 2010: Health & Wellness Seminar - Thurs 28 Jan to Wed 3rd Feb @ Macquarie Uni, North Ryde. Trina Mosley of Eastwood Chamber of Commerce/Allegiance Home Loans is presently volunteering her time to support a Health & Wellness Seminar (with friends from The Frank Dominello Memorial Fund – Millie Booth & Lynn Sim) to be held between Thurs 28/1 to Wed 3/2 at Macquarie University. This will be an education seminar on looking after your health & wellbeing for both men and women of any age groups through education on the following subjects:
- Breast Wellness Seminar (for both men & women, regarding Breast Cancer)
- Nutrition Seminar
- Health Practitioners Seminar with 3 International guest speakers
- Health & Wellness Seminar
(Remember, coronary heart disease affects 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women, cancer affects 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women, osteoporosis affects 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men over the age of 60)
Over the week, they are expecting approx 500 people to attend the seminars for each session. The money from the fundraising is supporting The Frank Dominello Memorial Fund (Kolling Foundation). This site will be live shortly for people to buy tickets for the event, in the meantime, click here to download the invitation flyer.
Events like this one need sponsorship to be successful - why not consider sponsoring the event and giving your company profile a boost? Sponsorship entitles you to many advertising spots during the event depending on the level of sponsorship (logo on website, banner signage, flyers, exhibition stand, free passes etc). Here is the flyer regarding the sponsorship / expo stands & the seminar program itself.
Trina said, "I am passionate about this event and for people to be educated regarding their health and alternatives to the standard drugs / medicines we take. This event is only less than 3 weeks away so we would seek your feedback as soon as possible."
If you require more information, please contact Millie Booth on 0419 042 662
