THE Export Council of Australia (ECA), along with principal partner the NSW Government, and its 2018 award partners, have announced that applications are now open for the 2018 Premier’s NSW Export Awards.

The 56^th annual awards were officially launched on May 21 at the Sydney Start Up Hub.

The keynote address at the launch was given by Jonathan O'Dea, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Treasurer who discussed the value of exports to the NSW economy and noted the importance of recognising NSW exporters.

"The NSW Government is determined to help more businesses reach the global markets. We want to see your business shine on the global stage.” Mr O’Dea said.

At last year’s awards there were a record number of companies with 82 finalists across 21 awards categories.

CEO of the ECA, Alina Bain said, “We were pleased to have our 2017 NSW Women in International Business winner, Jane Lu, founder and CEO of Showpo, talk about growing a multi-million-dollar e-commerce business and winning the prestigious award. It is an inspiring story and the e-commerce opportunity is one the awards program in 2018 will explore through its regional events, with upcoming locations in Griffith and Wollongong.

“The Premier’s NSW Export Awards will be entering its 56^th year and as always we will be looking for innovative exporters across the state to profile and celebrate. The awards give exporters the opportunity to make their company and international business story known. The awards are also an acknowledgement of their contribution to NSW’s economic future.” Ms Bain said.

This year the national program will include a new category: Emerging Exporter Award, for outstanding export achievement by an enterprise in any industry sector which has been exporting goods or services for three years or less.

“The awards program looks to celebrate international business success and innovation across NSW," Ms Bain said. "The ECA will be looking for diverse companies from every industry, location and size, companies both emerging and established are encouraged to apply.

"The international business landscape in NSW encompasses many companies working tirelessly to compete on the global stage. NSW’s exporters succeed through persistence and a recognition that Australia’s industry has much value to add for international customers. The awards recognise this challenge and rewards those businesses taking it on.” Ms Bain said.

The ECA is calling on all New South Wales companies engaged in international business to apply for the program.

Information can be found at www.exportaward.com.au/nsw.

Applications will officially close on 17 August 2018. The finalists will be notified in September with winners announced at a prestigious awards presentation dinner on the 24 October 2018 at The Star, Pyrmont.

Winners in the National Award categories will go on to represent the State at the Australian Export Awards National Ceremony in December.

For any enquiries on entering the awards, attending the Sydney launch event or the regional e-commerce events, contact Kristen Mulligan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2018 National award categories:

• Agribusiness
• Business Services
• Creative Industries
• Digital Technologies
• E-commerce
• Education and Training
• Emerging Exporter *NEW*
• Environmental Solutions
• Health and Biotechnology
• Manufacturing
• Minerals, Energy and Related Services
• Regional Exporter
• Small Business

2018 NSW state specific award categories:

• NSW Asian Exporter
• NSW Innovation in Export
• NSW International Development
• NSW Women in International Business
• Western Sydney Exporter
• NSW Defence Industry

 www.export.org.au

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THE TEAM at Outsource2Us will present The Many Faces of Marketing Workshop, a free event designed to deliver valuable marketing skills to small businesses, as part of Queensland Small Business Week 2018.

Outsource2Us is conducting The Many Faces of Marketing Workshop on Thursday, May 31 at 5.30pm in the Brisbane suburb of Albion.

Outsource2Us directors Hilary Knights and Jane Toohey said that they were looking forward to providing value to local business owners.

"The workshop has been developed as part of Small Business Week 2018, where the focus is on small business owners networking, connecting and learning new skills to succeed now and in the future," Ms Toohey said.

The team will take attendees through the entire process of marketing a small business, from identifying unique selling points and developing strategy to digital marketing tactics, search engine optimisation and website design.

“We are passionate about helping businesses grow and excited to share our expertise with other local businesses,” Ms Knights said.

Outsource2Us will cover a range of marketing topics during the workshop, which will be held in Albion at Stalled Espresso. Food and beverages will be available to purchase.

www.outsourcetous.com.au

Diary note:

• The event will take place from 5.30pm to 8pm on Thursday 31 May at Stalled Espresso. For more information or to register your interest for this FREE event see https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-many-faces-of-marketing-workshop-tickets-44213404483

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THE Queensland Resources Council is supporting Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in her efforts to address "growing Japanese concern with the coal export impasse created by monopoly rail operator Aurizon".

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the Premier’s urgent call for Aurizon and the independent regulator – the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) – to resolve the threat from Aurizon to halt the export of up to 20 million tonnes of coal was “absolutely correct”.

The Premier said today, as she departed to lead a trade mission to Japan, “I think it’s very important that Aurizon and the QCA sit down and try to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency.”

Mr Macfarlane said, The QRC welcomes the Premier’s visit to Japan and her plan to reassure steelmakers in Tokyo about ongoing supply of Queensland’s high-quality coal.

"Queensland coal exports to Japan have increased to $7.8 billion – the equivalent of one in every $9 of the State’s total exports – under the Palaszczuk Government.

"When the Bligh Government privatised QR and established Aurizon, all stakeholders were aware that the management of the Central Queensland Coal Network would be subject to independently and transparently determined undertakings enforceable by the QCA.

“The QCA’s regulatory process is still underway. We only have a draft decision on the table, yet Aurizon has already decided to choke coal supply to Queensland’s customers, like the very worried steel industry in Japan," he said. 

"The QRC and its member companies have worked with the QCA through its review process. In stark contrast, Aurizon have sought to delay, and most recently with an application for judicial review to the Supreme Court, tried to upend the draft QCA process."

www.qrc.org.au

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MEMBERS of the business community gathered in Melbourne last night at the 2018 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards to celebrate and recognise the leadership and innovation of Victorian companies.

Victoria’s manufacturing sector has significant achievements to celebrate. The sector contributes $27.7 billion to the Victorian economy and has seen 13 months of consecutive growth for the first time in a decade.

This year, the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards was delivered by the Victorian Government in partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Mark Stone described the awards as a spectacular display of Victoria’s elite manufacturing businesses and congratulated all winners and finalists presented at last night’s gala ceremony.

The 2018 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards winners are:
 
Individual Awards Winners

• David and Tony Ellul, Marand (Honour Roll)
• Vanessa Katsanevakis, Sussex Taps (Young Manufacturer of the Year)
• Vanessa Kearney, Viva Energy (Woman Manufacturer of the Year)
• Jill Walsh, Actco-Pickering (Woman Manufacturer of the Year)

Company Awards Winners

• Osteon Medical (Manufacturer of the Year - Small Business)
• Creature Technology (Manufacturer of the Year - Medium Business)
• Bosch Australia (Manufacturer of the Year - Large Business)
• Boeing Aerostructures Australia (Company Induction)
• Siemens (Leader in Industry 4.0)
• PACCAR Australia (Leader in Workforce Skills Development) 

Company – Growth Sector Awards Winners

• Entegra Signature Structures (Construction Technologies)
• Albins Performance Transmissions (Defence Technologies)
• Bombardier Transportation Australia (Transport Technologies)
• Leica Biosystems (Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals)
• Keppel Prince Engineering (New Energy Technologies)
• Chobani (Food and Fibre) 

Mr Stone also congratulated Victorian Chamber members recognised for their advanced manufacturing capabilities and solid commitment to business excellence.

“We were thrilled to see our members – Boeing Aerostructures Australia, PACCAR Australia, Bombardier Transportation Australia and Chobani – as award winners. We also congratulate other members – Smallaire and Della Rosa – which were amongst the finalists,” Mr Stone said.

The Victorian Chamber encourages manufacturing businesses to nominate in 2019 and celebrate their commitment and contribution to Victoria’s economy.
 
About the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.victorianchamber.com.au

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