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Issue 66 August 2020
business life
Council provides $2M boost to local recovery
for the Business Support
Package, key aspects of the grant
will include:
• A program offering business
seminars/workshops on legal
advice, tax breaks and wage
subsidies.
• Dedicated targeted business
mentoring and coaching
with leading independent
businesses advisors.
• Offering Knox businesses
professional development
to digitally upskill and
enhance their capacity to
access eCommerce growth
opportunities.
• A grant to assist manufacturers
to access funding that will
help them explore business
Knox City Council will provide economic hardship, some for the growth opportunities in health,
a support package of $2 million first time,” said Cr Seymour. medical devices and essential
that will be invested in services equipment/service.
“Similarly, many of our local
and programs to spearhead
businesses have lost customers, • Offering business support
local community and economic
recovery and boost support revenue and employees as a specific for the local creative
for those most impacted by result of having to substantially and cultural sector and
COVID-19. change their operations or close investing in a project that will
altogether.” activate public places and
Mayor, Cr Nicole Seymour said retail centres.
the new package will accelerate The Stage 2 Community and
recovery of the local economy and Business Support Package for
business will be making $465,000 To register your interest in the
facilitate community confidence business support package you
and resilience. in business support programs
must be a Knox-based business
including grants, training and
“As the pandemic situation with a current ABN. To keep
development, and mentoring
has evolved, we have seen the up to date on this offer, please
programs available to businesses.
emergence of a ‘new vulnerable’ subscribe to our eNewsletter here:
in our community; individuals While essential dates and knoxbiz.com.au/Publication/Pub/
and families facing social and guidelines are yet to be finalised subscribe.asp
business life
IN THIS ISSUE Business engagement
Council’s $2M Boost to Local Business and partner From July 2019 to March
Recovery engagement at Knox is 2020, approximately 110
stronger than ever. Knox businesses have been
Business Engagement
‘visited’, while more than 95
While face-to-face meetings
Knox is now a Small Business hours of liaison with economic
Friendly Council are on hold for Knox’s
development partners has
Economic Development team,
New Safe Work Website been carried out.
it certainly hasn’t slowed down
COVID-19 Council Support & the connections with local To arrange a business liaison
Biodome case study businesses and partners. In meeting from Knox’s Economic
New Touch Pivots with PPE fact, COVID-19 has ramped up Development team please email
engagement with businesses. business@knox.vic.gov.au
Massons Healthcare Pivots to
Online
Signex Creates New COVID
Range
We’re a Small Business
Wholesale Bakery Pivots into
Retail Friendly Council
Tilley Soaps Recognises
Hospital Workers
Retail Pivots for Hexagon Valley
Waterman Changes see
Continued SME Support
Restaurant Suppliers Pivot to
Home Delivery
New Maintenance Firm Adds
Fogging Service
Business (Community) Clean-up
Local Foodie Guide
Who is AMTIL?
Awards and Milestones
Welcome to Knox: Clockwise from top left: Judy O’Connell, Victorian Small Business
Commissioner; CEO, Tony Doyle; Mayor, Nicole Seymour; and Jackson
• Pie Champion Opens in Taylor MP in discussion around signing the charter.
Boronia
• New Owners of Jennifer Knox City Council is pleased to need to run their businesses.
Anne’s Cakes announce it has signed a charter The Small Business Friendly
to create a fair and competitive Charter outlines shared
New Concierge Service at trading environment for Victorian goals for both the VSBC and
Council participating local councils to
small businesses.
ASPIRE Update help small business operate,
The Small Business Friendly grow and prosper.
BBP Connect and BBP Jobs Council (SBFC) initiative has
launched In signing the Charter, local
been developed by the Victorian councils are pledging to:
Free Energy Saving Advice Small Business Commission
(VSBC) in partnership with • Pay small businesses within
Benefits of Foil Packs 30 days.
local councils to provide small
Visit Council’s Events Page business with the support they • Support local businesses in
managing the impacts of
Save The Date:
infrastructure projects.
Careers and Skills Forum
• Streamline the approval process
Book Women on the Go Now! when starting a business.
New $18.5M Aged Care Wing • Help set up and support local
business networks.
Shopping Centre Upgrades
vsbc.vic.gov.au/small-business-support/small-business-friendly-councils
2 knox business life | issue 66 August 2020
New Safe COVID-19 Council support
Work Coronavirus is understandably welcome to make contact
website
causing concern in our if they are experiencing
community. Knox Council difficulties making payments
recognises the impacts could on rates, fees, etc.
The Federal Government be significant for businesses
• Visit the Knoxbiz website for
has rebuilt the Safe Work and wants to reassure you that
information about business
Australia website into a our Economic Development
support services.
resource detailing how team is here to support you
businesses in different through this challenging • Webinar workshops for small
industries should set up period. business are available.
their workplace in the post- Council welcomes any queries
coronavirus economy.
How can Council help?
you may have. Please email
• Council has reviewed its
Featuring 1300 web pages business@knox.vic.gov.au
policies regarding financial
tailored to 23 different hardship. Businesses are knoxbiz.com.au
industries, the website has
been designed as the largest
repository of information
relating to workplaces amid Case Study with Council to ease up some
of our supply chain issues,” said
the coronavirus crisis. Council has been working closely Brad.
with businesses to provide
To help build up Biodome’s
personalised support to adapt
to changes in the market and business contacts, Council
build resilience. One company introduced new suppliers and
that has been helped is Biodome healthcare providers. “I didn’t
Functional Foods, which realise we could go to Council
transitioned to a new market by and ask for assistance,” he said.
manufacturing hand sanitiser. “They helped expand our reach
and also ease the pathway for
Managing Director of the family raw materials supplies. Next
operated business, Brad Clark, time I’ve got an issue, I’ll get
said the business really tapered straight on to Council first.”
off and took a dive when
coronavirus emerged. If your business needs support
National COVID-19 Safe or advice, contact Council’s
“In pivoting to make hand
Economic Development team at
Workplace Principles sanitiser, we found it was hard
business@knox.vic.gov.au
On 24 April 2020, the to source raw materials and
National Cabinet agreed to packaging. We worked closely knoxbiz.com.au
the National COVID-19 Safe
Workplace Principles.
In recognition that the
COVID-19 pandemic is a
public health emergency,
all actions in respect of
COVID-19 should be founded
in expert health advice
and the principles operate
subject to the measures
agreed and implemented by
Governments through the
National Cabinet process.
Find out more and
access resources at
safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Brad Clark greatly appreciated Council’s help in sourcing raw materials and
packaging suppliers to help it manufacture hand sanitiser.
issue 66 August 2020 | knox business life 3
business life
New Touch Massons Healthcare switches
pivots with to online
PPE
New Touch Industries has
experienced a change in
product demand during
COVID-19 with an increase in
manufacturing PPE related
items such as sneeze guards,
and hand sanitiser stands and
brackets.
As a leading supplier of laser
cutting, bending and fabrication
services, New Touch proudly uses
100 per cent local suppliers. It
has found that with the sudden
restrictions in overseas markets,
some companies have gone back
to Australian suppliers. This has
resulted in New Touch welcoming
back some customers whose The Massons team at the AOPA 2019 orthotics and prosthetics industry
overseas supply has become conference in Melbourne.
challenging or uncertain.
newtouchind.com.au Anton and Kris Karak have manufacturing technology
more than 25 years of business including a 7-axis robotic carver
Positive
experience in providing clinical and 3-axis milling machines.
and wholesale orthotic and
During the COVID-19 pandemic
manufacturing
prosthetic products and services.
when patient appointments at
Massons Healthcare was the on-site clinic waned, the
move established in 2003 in
Melbourne when Anton and
business continued to provide
custom fabrication services
Kris acquired George W Masson for its clinical partners across
The Australian PMI & Sons Pty Ltd. It moved to Australia, New Zealand and
(Performance and Knoxfield in 2015. Singapore.
Manufacturing Index) moved
back into the black in June, The family-owned business Because more clinical
increasing by 9.9 points to has expanded its premises customers and partners were
51.5 (readings above 50 points and grown staff numbers over working from home during the
indicate expansion in activity, the years, while also providing COVID-19 restriction period,
with higher results indicating services internationally to Asia. Massons decided to increase
a faster rate of expansion), delivery of its online education
Involvement in the community
according to the AiGroup. programs.
is important to the owners
Three of the seven activity who, prior to the COVID-19 The business recently
indices in the Australian PMI pandemic, partnered with a implemented a new online
showed expansion: production local amputee peer support education portal with clinical
(up 9.9 points to 52.3), sales organisation called Limb4Life to and technical education
(up 19.0 points to 56.1) and new deliver a live student education resources including webinar
orders (up 20.6 points to 55.7). event at its premises. This event recordings. Some of these
The manufacturing exports helped educate students about recordings include education
index improved but remains in amputation and amputees. sessions delivered via Facebook
contraction (up 16.1 points to Live and other common webinar
Massons Healthcare has
47.2). platforms.
proven to be adaptable,
aigroup.com.au/ recently investing in advanced massonshealthcare.com.au
resourcecentre/economics/
4 knox business life | issue 66 August 2020
Signex creates new COVID range
Bayswater signage “Our products are
manufacturer, Signex Group, ideal for schools,
lost 70 per cent of its business shops, stores,
when event organisers drew a gyms and office
red line through their events buildings, and we
earlier this year. can print it with
a brand or logo
The Melbourne International or it can just have
Flower and Garden Show, the generic signage,”
Grand Prix and major golf Doug said.
tournaments were just some
“We’ve developed
of Signex’s annual events that
a full range of
they supplied.
products and
After thinking about have gone from
requirements around social a business that
distancing, Signex started virtually stopped
manufacturing tough, long-life overnight and we
floor decals that are R10+ slip looked at putting
rated and suitable for carpet, off all our staff
and closing down
cement and timber floors. Floor
until the event
tapes and window decals were Tina Coward, part owner of Signex, and Abdo
season started, to
then added to their range. Khater, who is part of the graphic design team,
one where we are
with the large format roll-to-roll printer and a
Doug Pieper, Owner Principal supplying much selection of their decals, sneeze screens and hand
of Signex, said the range then needed products sanitiser stand.
expanded into low end and for a completely
high end sneeze screens and new market.
we’ve gone from zero days to
more recently has added a “Importantly, it’s allowed our three to four days a week.”
lightweight, stackable hand staff to keep their jobs. While
sanitiser stand. they are still on JobKeeper, signex.com.au
Wholesale bakery adds retail to its mix
Grant’s Crust Sourdough Bakery Grant bakes a specialty bread.
makes artisan breads for the Recent varieties include
hospitality sector and also used chocolate and cherry; honey,
to make pastries and muffins chilli and basil; sun-dried
before trade dried up. tomato, reggiano-parmisan
But a few weeks after lockdown, cheese and basil; and freshly
Grant and his wife Mayura diced potato, rosemary and
Siritaisong had gained approval caramelised onion.
and certification from Council
“On Friday, Saturday and
to open up the front of their
Sunday we set up trestles under
Bayswater factory and make it
a marquee and sell free range
into a retail shop.
eggs, pre-packed boxes of fresh
With very little sleep, Grant fruit and vegetables as well as
physically built a counter, floor milk and our bread.
and shelves and converted the
front office into a shop where “It is set up in the car park next
many people have since visited to the shop. People can buy
Grant McMaster went into
and bought a variety of artisan what they need and be on their
survival mode when COVID-19
breads. merry way.”
struck after losing 80 per cent
of his business overnight and 50 With regular loaves appearing facebook.com/
per cent of his staff. during the week, each weekend grantscrustbakery
issue 66 August 2020 | knox business life 5
business life
Tilley Soaps recognises frontline workers
During the COVID-19 crisis,
Tilley Soaps in Bayswater has
been busy putting together gift
bags, filled with Tilley products
including its famous rough cut
soaps, and donating them to
the amazing staff at the Angliss
Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully.
“This is a small act that we
were able to do to show our
appreciation,” said Heidi
Jungling from Tilley, “for the
unconditional service and care
they provide to the community.”
“Their role at the front line in
the fight against COVID-19 is
Angliss Hospital staff are very happy with their gift bag from Tilley Soaps.
the epitome of selflessness and
commitment. It was so rewarding
to see the staff absolutely thrilled organisation, which delivers approximately 3.5 million
with their gifts.” food and supplies to Australians personal hygiene products
in need in the most efficient and (including soaps, hand and
As well as the 600 gift bags, effective ways. body washes, sanitiser gel and
Tilley Soaps has donated 10,000 sprays), for Tilley branded and
individually wrapped rough cut Fast Fact: contract customers.
soaps to Foodbank Victoria, Since 1 March 2020, the Tilley
tilleysoaps.com.au
Australia’s largest food relief factory has manufactured
Hexagon Valley enhances video offering
When retail stores starting no-one wanted touch screens a basic How-To video for the
closing their doors and for conferences. Bayswater Business Precinct
exhibitions were cancelled, website (bbpconnect.com.au)
“Because of this, we decided to
Hexagon Valley’s business took and regularly provides How-To
direct our efforts into another
a downward turn. videos for videoconferencing
area of the business, video
They weren’t supplying and conferencing,” said General clients to help them use the
installing digital signage and Manager Matt Ottewill. technology correctly, which
supports on-site instruction.
“With so many
companies doing “We want to get our clients up
business remotely, and running quickly so they can
we refocused on make their own videos to post
supplying and on social media.”
supporting other A new technology Hexagon
businesses to run is working on to help with the
online videos. One current situation is providing
example was Knox an automated temperature
company, Sweet scanning solution for retailers to
Pepper Marketing, use as a safety precaution.
providing them with
video conferencing “In terms of cost and safety, it
equipment allowing is better to replace employees
them to record as with an automated process. This
Matt Ottewill has helped Hexagon to pivot; it well,” said Matt. is particularly cost effective in
now makes videos and educates companies on high foot traffic areas.”
videoconferencing. Hexagon Valley
has also produced hexagonvalley.com.au
6 knox business life | issue 66 August 2020
Waterman
changes see
continued
SME support
Waterman Business Centre in
Caribbean Park has made many
changes to assist its tenants
and members to reach safe
harbour on the other side of the
pandemic.
The small businesses it
supports have been able to take
advantage of new services and
initiatives including:
• Virtual services such as phone • Gatherings have also moved members and staff — and is
answering, mail scanning and online by facilitating casual proud that the recent period has
conference call bridges while “hangouts” to catch up been navigated without a single
members are away from the through Zoom and ensure staff member needing to leave.
office.
everyone stays connected
The business centre is excited
• A rent deferment scheme with each other, feels
for the future and confident
to ensure that any business supported and are able to
suffering financial hardship in the power of small business
navigate the current climate
has access to assistance. to impact the nation through
of business together.
flexible workspaces while it
• Popular physical events supports the continuity and
have been moved online to While it hasn’t been easy,
resilience of its businesses.
create weekly webinars and Waterman’s is committed
workshops. to investing in people — its waterman.com.au
Restaurant suppliers pivot to home delivery
When restaurants closed their now includes fresh bread, dairy,
doors to sit-down patrons juice, tea and coffee, frozen
earlier this year, Red Coral foods, party snacks, oil and
Seafood’s customer base pasta along with high-end cuts
virtually disappeared. of meat and even chef-prepared
meals such as MoVida’s
Co-owner of the Bayswater-
Vermouth and Tapas Box.
based business, James
Marinopoulos, said they “Such has been its success
wanted to help all the that our regular drivers
suppliers they knew and all our staff have been
who no longer had able to keep their jobs.
restaurants to sell to. Plus, other suppliers have
been able to keep their
“So we set up an online home
employees in a job,” said James.
delivery business called The
Melbourne Food Squad starting “We deliver to all over enough who supported small
with basic fish, meat and Melbourne with the key benefit Victorian businesses during
vegetable boxes. But we quickly for customers being they the coronavirus lockdown and
expanded as more wholesalers are receiving restaurant, not continued to place orders even
contacted us.” supermarket, quality food. when the restaurants opened.”
The new home-delivery business “We can’t thank our customers melbournefoodsquad.com
issue 66 August 2020 | knox business life 7
business life
New maintenance firm Business
adds fogging service (community)
Clean Up
As businesses no longer have to
follow a set national ‘day’ to do
a clean up, Knox businesses are
provided with greater flexibility
in when and where they want to
do their clean up.
Nintendo Australia (Stud Road,
Scoresby) has been taking part in
Business Clean Up Day since 2014.
This year, 10 staff from all levels
of the business took part in
the clean-up and a fabulous
morning was had by all.
The team concentrated along
Taylors Lane (between Kelletts
Road and Valleyview Drive) and
then along the south side of
Corhanwarrabul Creek.
Combined Building Maintenance added fogging as a new service as a “In previous years we’ve cleaned
result of the coronavirus. up sections of the bike path that
runs alongside Corhanwarrabul
Creek,” said Dean Goodwin
Ten years after starting rooms to disinfect surfaces from
from Nintendo. “We enjoy
Perpetual Gas and Plumbing, antimicrobials such as corona,
cleaning up along this area as
Managing Director Stephen influenza and gastroenteritis.
the Creek is home to platypus,
Milne has added a new business
“Fogging, or the application so it’s extremely important that
to his portfolio.
of a fine aerosol spray with we keep the creek as clear of
Growing from a couple of appropriate chemicals, is rubbish as possible.
plumbers to, at times, up not new but is an extremely
“Nintendo sees our clean up as a
to a dozen plumbers plus effective way to disinfect all
great way to make a difference
contractors and four front and the surfaces in a room. Unlike
in the local community and our
back office staff, more demand alcohol and bleach that have
staff members look forward to
was coming from Perpetual’s been used in the past and
participating in this event each
ability to manage emergency evaporate, the chemical we
year.”
and restoration projects. use protects surfaces for up
to a week after treatment,
“So we formed Combined
killing microbials that land on
Building Maintenance in
a treated surface, even soft
March this year,” said Stephen.
furnishings.”
“It made sense to set up a
separate company to focus “Interest for fogging has come
on this type of work including from sporting clubs, cafés, child
insurance remediation work, care centres and kindergartens.
which requires multiple skill sets Past the need for COVID-19
including mould remediation, protection, organisations
electrical, plastering and are thinking about using the
painting.” treatment to protect from
influenza and gastroenteritis,” Some of the team from Nintendo
What wasn’t expected was during their Business Clean Up.
Stephen added.
a coronavirus pandemic. But
the company quickly added combinedbuildingmaintenance. nintendo.com.au
a new service: fogging inside com.au cleanup.org.au
8 knox business life | issue 66 August 2020
New local online food and Who is AMTIL?
beverage guide a success AMTIL, the Australian
Manufacturing Technology
Institute Limited, is the peak
national body that represents
the interests of manufacturing
technology suppliers and users
within the precision engineering
and advanced manufacturing
sector.
Since its establishment in 1999,
Wantirna-based AMTIL has
One of the most popular pages on the place markers to see grown to reflect the needs of
on the Knoxbiz website is... the business details including its membership. The number of
the Knox First Local Food and opening hours and phone services on offer is continually
Beverage Guide. number. The business website expanding and AMTIL is always
will specify if they offer home looking
To show the Knox community
delivery. for new
which food businesses are
operating in the municipality, Small businesses are relying initiatives
Knox City Council has created on the community’s support to to
an interactive map with more help keep them going through support
than 100 listings. these unprecedented times so the
please give them your support. industry.
From Hahndorf’s Fine
Chocolates in Upper Ferntree AMTIL
has its
Gully to Stud Park Fish and Free Promotion finger
Chips in Rowville, and everything
More businesses are on the
in between, local food and
regularly being added to pulse and
beverage retailers can be found
the interactive map. is well
on one easy-to-navigate page in
If you would like to have placed
your mobile device or browser.
your business added, to educate and support
Many small businesses are or if you would like businesses and individuals in
owned and operated by families to recommend other the manufacturing industry.
and employ local people. By businesses to be added,
buying locally, people who Whether you are a
please send an email to
live and work in Knox are also manufacturer, importer or
business@knox.vic.gov.au
supporting local jobs and the distributor, or a general
and include your business
local economy. manufacturing technology
name and website
company, AMTIL has various
It’s easy to explore what’s open offerings with which to help you
in the interactive map and click knoxbiz.com.au and your business.
The website has a searchable
directory that can connect you
to businesses that may be able
to help your operation.
Also, check out AMTIL’s News
page for information such as:
“Even in challenging times,
choosing the right investment
strategies can enable you
to contend with low-cost
competitors to achieve
sustainable growth,” Rob
Sutton, 9 July 2020.
amtil.com.au/events
issue 66 August 2020 | knox business life 9
business life
Awards and Milestones
2019 GOVEA
Award winner
Samantha Cheetham, Chief
Executive Officer of SDI Limited,
has won the Victorian Women in
International Business Award as
part of the Governor of Victoria
Export Awards (GOVEA).
Established in 1972, Bayswater-
based SDI is a leading
manufacturer of specialist dental
materials including the Pola
whitening system, marketed in Samantha Cheetham (fifth from left) with some of the US team at a Pola
over 100 countries globally. party in Chicago in February.
Samantha’s SDI journey key export countries. In 2014, of dentistry with a mission
commenced in 1992 as a sales Samantha became President of of innovating dentistry for
representative. Two years later the North American business better health. It currently has
she moved to the USA soon and Managing Director of SDI approximately 300 employees
becoming Vice President, Sales Germany. In 2016, Samantha in Australia and overseas.
and Marketing, managing 15 became CEO and Managing
Samantha and her team
salespeople and distributors Director of SDI Limited, which
aspire for SDI to be one of the
throughout North America. also marked her 10-year
largest dental companies in
Other roles saw Samantha anniversary as a Board Member.
the world.
establish a strong market The company’s vision is to
sdi.com.au
position for SDI in all their pioneer and drive the science
35 years for Dorset years of success,” said Mark,
Business Solutions Manager of the business. “We
are surrounded by a strong
September 2020 marks 35 years team of eight employees
of operation for Dorset Business whose dedication has made the
Solutions, which has occupied business what it is today.
three different addresses in
Dorset Road over this time. “A couple of years ago the
main focus of the business
Starting out as Dorset was stationery, but we have
Stationers and owned by Gus broadened our offering to stay
and Greta De Hoogd, it remains relevant in the market. The
a family-owned business today, business changed its name to
following its purchase in July Dorset Business Solutions to Monique and Mark Smith inside
2020 by Gus and Greta’s Dorset Business Solutions, which
show that is more than just
daughter, Monique, and her they now own.
pens, pencils, inks and toners.
husband Mark Smith who have Mark and Monique thank all
both worked in the business for “We now supply furniture,
tearoom, janitorial and education their customers for their support
more than three decades.
supplies as well as filling and assure them that customer
In 1993 the business became requests for all sorts of unusual service will continue to be a
a founding member of Office items. This has opened up new focus while they are at the helm.
Choice, a nationwide buying markets and opportunities and
group made up of similar family will be a strong focus of the They can provide solutions
owned and operated businesses business in future. for getting back to work or
around the country. continuing to work from home
“We are proud to the one of the with new products and free
“We are both very excited last independent office supply
local delivery.
to have this opportunity and companies still operating in the
look forward to many more local area.” dorset.officechoice.com.au
10 knox business life | issue 66 August 2020Welcome to Knox...
Pie champion opens in Boronia
Country Cob Bakery and café Since then, this feat has
has opened its second Victorian consistently been achieved with
outlet on the corner of Mountain the bakery receiving multiple
Highway and Dorset Road. “Australia’s Best Pie” awards
every year since 2017 for
Business owner, Chan Khun,
various types of savoury pies.
purchased the original Country
Cob Bakery in Kyneton four Chan started out as an assistant
years ago when he followed baker in Melbourne in 2006
his passion to become a pie and it took him eight years to
champion. become pie champion. Chan Khun with some of the
trophies for best pie awards.
“The bakery offers a wide range
of pastry products and our pies
and vanilla slice are irresistible.
We employ two full time and
three casual staff.”
“I always dream big, which
helped make me a pie
champion. Now I’m dreaming to
have a few more bakery outlets
to serve more customers,” Chan
added.
countrycobbakery.com.au
New owners of Jennifer
Anne’s Cakes
Jodie Maudsley and Jennifer extensive retail experience
Kay are first-time business gave us added confidence that
owners who provide a special we could make a go of it. How
service to help celebrate could we not when Jen’s name
birthdays, engagements, is part of the business name!”
weddings and anniversaries. said Jodie.
In September 2019, Jodie and “We love being able to share
Jen bought the Ferntree Gully the knowledge of our products
business, Jennifer Anne’s Cakes, and any tips and tricks so that
which has been supplying cake customers can get the most out
making and cake decorating of the products.”
equipment for 15 years. As soon as it’s permissable,
“Having been customers for the duo are looking forward
many years, when the shop to offering cake decorating
Jen and Jodie’s new business came up for sale, we knew the classes to share their skills and
at 107 Station St, Ferntree Gully potential and wanted to bring knowledge to give customers
was a hit at the Village Fair held more confidence in decorating.
new and exciting ideas to our
before Christmas. fellow cake decorators. Our jenniferannescakes.com.au
If you are a new business in Knox or your business has a new neighbour,
please let us know at business@knox.vic.gov.au
issue 66 August 2020 | knox business life 11business life
ASPIRE
update
The last issue of Knox Business
Life provided extensive details
about ASPIRE, an online
matchmaking tool for material
resource exchanges.
It included examples of the
following materials being
recycled, re-purposed and
re-used:
• plasterboard
• coffee grounds
Concierge service results •
•
e-waste
scrap metals
from Better Approvals Project Another important resource
is timber waste and pallets.
Anyone starting a new business Council’s BAP group then Presently around 70 per cent of
or wanting to expand an mapped out the internal timber waste end up in landfill,
existing one will now have a processes currently in place including timber pallets.
concierge service as part of the to help businesses that come
To take the hassle out of
Better Approvals Project (BAP). to Council for advice, looking
disposing of timber pallets,
Knox City Council recognises at barriers and better ways to
Smart Recycling collects and
that it can be a daunting task do things. It designed a new
buys pallets that are then
for business owners with a long process for assisting start-ups
recycled into landscaping
list of things to get done when and expansions so they can
mulch, custom-made pallets
starting out and expanding. get all the right information,
and crates. This creates a
up front and providing support
Finding the perfect property, sustainable cycling loop.
along the way.
purchasing or leasing equipment, When restoring pallets, for
creating marketing content Out of this process, the Knox
example, Smart Recycling
and finding the right staff are Permit Support team was
checks to see if they are made
some of the top priorities. Often born, creating a one-stop-shop
from valuable timber products
new business owners or those for business owners to bring
before mulching. It has received
expanding can underestimate their proposal to Council and
pallets made from Siberian
the time and effort needed to have the relevant departments
Ash, American Oak and Cherry,
get all of the correct licenses provide advice on what permits
are needed. all timbers valued by furniture
and permits in place to get their makers and woodworkers.
business off the ground. Providing a concierge service,
the team will assist businesses Find out more at aspiresme.com
Council’s involvement in BAP
is supported by the Victorian from the first meeting, through
Government Department of the application process and
Jobs, Precincts and Regions if permits are approved, the
and brought together Council business opening its doors.
staff from various departments It is hoped that the new team
including Health, Planning, will not only make it easier for
Building and Customer Service. business owners to find the
Gaining first-hand insights from information that they need, it
several business owners who will also streamline the permit
had recently gone through a assessment process thus
start up or expansion phase, reducing the overall time it
Council learned of the struggles takes for businesses to get the Furniture made from timber
retrieved by Smart Recycling.
they faced trying to get the approvals they need.
right information from Council
knoxbiz.com.au
in a timely manner.
12 knox business life | issue 66 August 2020BBP Connect and BBP Jobs launched
Two communications initiatives
have been launched in recent
months specifically to help
businesses remain competitive
and sustain growth.
The Bayswater Business
Precinct (BBP) is a thriving
business and employment
community that is home to
4,800 businesses and 30,000
local jobs.
It generates more than $14
billion in revenue, which
represents approximately 12.5 A perfect example of how the BBP works: Bayswater-based MRC
per cent of the total revenue Waterjet Cutting is undertaking a job for Bayswater-based HDD
generated in Melbourne’s east. Creations, which manufactures drilling equipment. The two young
employees are under 30 — one works part time around his uni studies
In recognition of the vital role
and the other wanted to start a career in manufacturing after finishing
this precinct plays in both the year 12. They are cutting a job on material which is thick mild steel that
regional and state economies, was supplied by Metfab, another local Bayswater business.
Knox, Maroondah and Yarra
Ranges Councils have partnered
with Localised to develop a The BBP Connect digital
powerful business to business platform will amplify
networking tool (BBP Connect) connectivity between
and jobs hub (BBP Jobs) for businesses and people within
Bayswater Business Precinct. the region and will stimulate
BBP Connect and BBP Jobs will regional economic activity by: BBP Jobs
enable businesses to connect • Increasing business visibility The BBP Jobs hub will enable
to the local people, knowledge, and promoting local local employers to post job and
networks and opportunities supply chain capability and contract opportunities in the
they need to succeed. expertise. Bayswater Business Precinct.
• Increasing the connectivity The platform will create visibility
and collaboration of local of the diverse employment
Did you know businesses. opportunities in the precinct
that more than 80% of along with the skills and talents
• Sharing local good news available in the local community.
local businesses want stories, business networking
to support other local events and training. This platform will create a
business but less than skills marketplace where local
• Accessing local business
businesses and local talent can
half actually do? The leads and procurement
connect with each other.
number one reason opportunities, particularly for
large projects. Both initiatives are designed
why they don’t is that
• Connecting local people to position the BBP as a great
it’s hard to find local place to invest, start and grow a
to local employment
businesses and experts. business.
opportunities.
BBP Connect changes bbpjobs.com.au
Please visit BBP Connect and
that. bbpconnect.com.au
get connected today.
issue 66 August 2020 | knox business life 13business life
Free energy advice can save big dollars
electricity bills, Knox Council
has partnered with the AEF to
provide free and trusted advice
on how to effectively lower your
energy consumption in your
business and home.
Advice is available on a wide
range of areas, including:
• Solar panels and battery
storage
• Insulation and draught
proofing
Nature’s Organics’ rooftops in Ferntree Gully are covered with more than • LED lighting
5000 solar panels.
• Hot water heat pumps
The Australian Energy AEF’s experienced energy • Reverse cycle air conditioners
Foundation (AEF) is the leading advisors about improving
• Home energy assessments
for-purpose national energy energy efficiency, helping to
foundation that collaborates ease the financial pressure • Pool pump controllers
to create a zero-carbon of rising energy costs, and
• Window films
society and a better life for all lowering your carbon footprint.
Australians. The company can also provide Take action!
connections to reliable suppliers
In visiting AEF’s website, To find helpful energy saving
in the industry.
businesses (and householders) tips and resources or to request
can get expert advice from To help reduce gas and a quote visit aef.com.au
Benefits of foil packaging
As the world attempts to work Aluminium foil, as used in foil
towards a circular economy trays, has substantially higher
with goals of zero waste and recycling value than most other
lower impact, single use plastics materials as it is endlessly
are a no-no. renewable. Foil doesn’t lose any
of its properties in the recycling
Manufacturers and food
process and can be recycled over
producers need to use products
and over again. In fact, some 75 Other benefits include the ability
that can be reused or recycled
per cent of all aluminium ever of foil trays to be transferred
after use, rather than be sent to
produced is still in use — in some from one state, such as frozen,
landfill.
form or another. to fully heated without the need
Design plays a big part in the to transfer the contents — even
Foil packaging protects food
circular economy equation. for microwaves.
against light and air, preserves
According to Bayswater-based
the food quality and offers Did You Know?
Confoil, a locally produced,
good heat conductivity. In
humble foil tray may be the Foil can be used in microwave
addition, due to its production
perfect answer. ovens that were made after 1990.
and the high temperature
Confoil has started a campaign annealing process, it is confoil.com.au
called “Join the Refoilution”, completely sterile so is safe for jointherefoilution.com
which is aimed at educating use in contact with foodstuffs.
manufacturers and food Foil does not harbour or
suppliers on the sustainable promote the growth of bacteria
advantages of foil, particularly so it’s perfect for both cooked
in food packaging. and raw food.
14 knox business life | issue 66 August 2020EVENTS... Book Women on the Go Now!
Book today for upcoming events
on the KnoxBiz calendar.
Knox Council’s Economic
Development unit runs and hosts
a wide range of educational
events, with topics as varied as:
• Record keeping for small
business
Ailsa Page from AP Marketing Works will be the MC at this year’s Women
• Winning government business on the Go online event.
• Commercialising your new idea
• Digital marketing essentials Inspiration. Connection. conversations happening
Support online when the event is over.
Visit the events page to see
what’s available and assess if Knox City Council is this year • Tips on how to make the most
you and your staff could benefit celebrating 13 years of Women of the event.
from learning something new. on the Go. In case you’ve missed Plus, there will be prize
the buzz, it is on Friday, 28 giveaways from local businesses.
knoxbiz.com.au/events
August 2020 starting at 9.15am.
Women on the Go is a
Ailsa Page, Master of
Save the date collaborative initiative by Knox,
Maroondah and Yarra Ranges
Ceremonies
Marketing Sherpa Ailsa Page
Councils. knows what it takes to be
The Careers and Skills Forum
successful. With over 20 years’
that was due to take place early Due to COVID-19 restrictions,
experience in marketing and
in 2020 but will now run on this year’s event will be a little
helping other businesses improve
Wednesday, 24 March 2021. different: it will be virtual!
their bottom line, Ailsa is regularly
The aim is to support students While the event will be online it called upon by government and
in the transition from secondary will still provide the same great businesses for her expertise.
school to opportunities to hear from
An award-winning business
meaningful two local women in business,
owner, author and former judge
training or networking during and after
on the Telstra Business Awards,
employment the event and allow you to take
Ailsa is a regular contributor to
in the eastern part in business showcasing
MYOB ‘The Pulse’ and Inside
metropolitan opportunities.
Small Business. An Australian
region.
For your $20 investment you Marketing Institute Fellow and
Peter Hutton
will be a guest
Details on the will receive: a Certified Practising Marketer,
speaker at the front cover of Ailsa runs her own marketing
• Access to the event including
event. March Knox agency, AP Marketing Works,
inspiring stories from two
Business providing marketing coaching,
business women.
Life explained how important education and strategy to small
this event is for both youth • Opportunity to network. and medium business.
unemployment and employers. • Access to a power networking If you are a Knox business and
Council is currently inviting workshop to take your would like to donate a prize to
businesses to exhibit. To networking to the next level. give away during this event,
express an interest and for more • Online promotion of your please contact us at
information contact business@ business through our business@knox.vic.gov.au
knox.vic.gov.au Facebook Group. For bookings visit
knoxbiz.com.au/events • Opportunities to keep the knoxbiz.com.au/wotg
issue 66 August 2020 | knox business life 15business life
Shopping
centre
upgrades
Upgrade works to Studfield
Shopping Centre and Upper
Ferntree Gully Shopping Centre
are almost complete. Council
encourages people who live
or work in Knox to shop in
their local areas for their daily
conveniences.
In addition to drainage works,
Studfield has seen footpaths
widened, a new access ramp,
seats and garden beds added,
New $18.5M aged care wing and parking bays widened.
Following an $18.5 million and room types. Each floor
investment, Tabulam and has stunning views, premium
Templer Homes for the Aged furnishings, a large living and
(TTHA) in Bayswater recently dining area, open fire places
opened a brand new 54-bed and reading rooms.
state-of-the-art residential aged
This impressive building was
care wing.
self-funded by TTHA, whose
Three years in the making, roots date back to 1861. Improvement works along a
this luxurious aged care Fact: The Templer community section of Burwood Highway
accommodation is a welcome originated from Palestine and within the Upper Ferntree Gully
addition to the area with aged was founded in Australia in Shopping Centre has seen new
care in Knox being highly 1950. TTHA began operation in concrete and asphalt footpaths
sought after. 1972 as a means of providing featuring green-tile banding, new
care for the community’s elderly garden beds and plants, and new
The new wing comprises two street furniture including seating,
in the Bayswater area.
floors and four standards bike racks, a drinking fountain
of resident accommodation ttha.org.au and rubbish bins.
Knox Council is conscious of the environment so to reduce the amount of copies we have printed of Knox Business
Life, if you would like to receive this publication electronically, please email business@knox.vic.gov.au
This edition includes photos that were taken prior to social distancing requirements
Knox City Council Economic Development Contact Publication
• provides a first point of contact for businesses Knox Civic Centre Knox Business Life is published two times a year. Suggestions
and contributions are welcome and should be forwarded to
• provides information and advice 511 Burwood Hwy Knox Council’s Economic Development unit.
• promotes the City’s features to attract new investment Wantirna South 3152 Knox Business Life is published by the Knox Council Economic
Development unit.
• helps businesses become internationally competitive Phone: 9298 8000
Concept design by PARISOTTO DESIGN.
• promotes www.knoxbiz.com.au
www.knoxbiz.com.au www.parisottodesign.com.au
• works with business, government and regional Printed by BROUGHAM PRESS.
organisations www.knox.vic.gov.au www.broughampress.com.au
• assists with site selection business@knox.vic.gov.au Produced by
WMC PUBLIC RELATIONS.
• facilitates training for businesses www.wmcpr.com.au
Knox City Council denies any liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from any person relying on information obtained by or through this newsletter.
Some information that may appear in this newsletter is provided by a third party; such information is made available in good faith as a community service.
Authorised and printed by Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South VIC 3152.You can also read
