VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone has welcomed this week’s release of the Interface Councils’ Fairer Funding Report.

Mr Stone said Victoria’s 10 municipalities that lie at the interface of metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria are under increasing pressure to accommodate the state’s rapid population expansion.

"The Interface Councils’ research shows the municipalities have absorbed 50 per cent of the state’s growth in the past five years," Mr Stone said.

"This growth is expected to continue, with current forecasts predicting that 1.7 million people will reside in interface communities by 2031.

"The significant role these communities play in local economic development, trade, business investment and employment means adequate infrastructure funding must be a priority for government at all levels.

"It is estimated that the 10 municipalities will require more than $10 billion in new or upgraded infrastructure and services over the next 15 years.

"This is why VECCI’s Taking Care of Business state election agenda supports the establishment of an Interface Councils Growth Fund that will support the progressive funding of the Councils’ priority projects."

*

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

ends

WHO is leading the way when it comes to business innovation and growth in Australia? Many would be led to believe it’s tech-savvy, Gen-Y with all their mobile apps, while others suggest it’s the Baby Boomer generation, driven by the need to fund their retirement.

Robert Gerrish, Founder of Flying Solo; an online solo and micro business community, and Michael McQueen, social researcher, author and international speaker are set to reveal the real role that both generations actually play in business today at the National Small Business Summit (NSBS) in Melbourne on 7 -8 August.

Robert Gerrish will deliver his presentation, titled: Productivity in Baby Boomers, aiming to debunk the perceptions of today's start-up entrepreneurs and change views of the worn out, Aussie-battler who works night and day from the third bedroom.

“Today’s small business entrepreneurs are not all mac book wielding, bearded, single-speed cyclists! My presentation is filled with tales of nudity and mischief, giving a new perspective on today's over 50s as well as a fresh new way to measure productivity,” Mr Gerrish said.

Meanwhile, Michael McQueen’s keynote presentation will explore the lies that we have been told about Gen Y and some of the key challenges that the older generation face in communicating with, leading and working with today’s youth.

“Summit attendees will leave my presentation with powerful insights into what’s really shaping Gen Y, along with practical strategies for engaging, motivating and equipping them in meaningful ways,” Mr McQueen commented.

The 12th annual NSBS hosted by the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) provides a platform for small business representatives, senior politicians, bureaucrats and big business representatives to exchange ideas, opinions and experiences aimed to drive change and build productivity across the small business sector.

This year, the Summit has attracted yet another great line-up of high-profile speakers and attendees, also including Yasmin King, CEO of Service Skills Australia, Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO of Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) and David Bates, Managing Director of Workforce Guardian.

While COSBOA is focussed on key issues such as workplace relations; the collection of superannuation; contract law and competition policies, these exciting and passionate speakers provide specialist insights and information covering a diverse and comprehensive range of small business subjects.  

About the speakers:

Robert Gerrish is the founder of Flying Solo, an online solo and micro business community, boasting a membership of over 65,000 Australian businesses. Each day their site, online forums and social networks welcome over 5,000 visitors, and around the country Flying Solo meet-up groups gather to share ideas and strategies.

Robert is a business commentator and author of bestselling book, Flying Solo: How to go it alone in business. Flying Solo’s biannual audience survey explores trends, challenges and activities of the Australian micro business sector. Flying Solo works closely with State and Federal Government in support of their small business activities and programs.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgerrish 

Michael McQueen is a leading specialist in demographic shifts, change management and future trends. In 2004 Michael founded a consultancy specializing in demographic shifts and social trends called The Nexgen Group.

A social researcher and bestselling author, Michael’s first book The ‘New’ Rules of Engagement was the culmination of a 3-year study of the key drivers of youth culture around the world, with an emphasis on the values and attitudes of Generation Y.

Michael’s latest book Winning the Battle for Relevance explores why even the greatest businesses and institutions become obsolete and how others can avoid their fate.

As a speaker, Michael has shared the stage with some of the biggest names including Bill Gates, Whoopi Goldberg and Larry King.

http://michaelmcqueen.net/about/profile.html

About COSBOA & the National Small Business Summit:

1. The Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) was founded in 1979 and was incorporated in 1985.
2. COSBOA is Australia’s peak body exclusively representing the interests of small businesses.
3. The 2014 National Small Business Summit will be held at the Crown Conference Centre Melbourne on August 7th and 8th.
4. The National Small Business Summit provides the small business sector with the opportunity to discuss and identify relevant issues, promote innovation and generate ideas to stimulate growth within the industry.
5. For more information about the summit visit: www.nationalsmallbusinesssummit.com.au
6. For more information on COSBOA visit: http://www.cosboa.org.au/
7. Interviews with Peter Strong, Chief Executive are available upon request.
8. COSBOA is a long-time advocate of small business on issues from taxation and workplace relations, through to competition law and retail tenancy.
9. The goals of COSBOA are to promote and support the development of small businesses in Australia and the council recognises that it is a national imperative for Australia that the needs of small business are on the national policy agenda.
10. Connect and follow via social media:

• Facebook: /COSBOA
• Twitter: @COSBOA
• Hashtag: #NSBS14
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/cosboa

ends

VICTORIAN business has reported increased optimism about prospects for the state economy in the year ahead, despite the current challenging trading conditions, according to the latest VECCI - Bank of Melbourne survey of business trends and prospects released today.

Almost 25 per cent of respondents expect stronger state economic conditions during the next 12 months; an increase from 20 per cent in the previous quarter.

The state-wide survey based on over 400 respondents measured actual business performance over the recent June quarter and business sentiment regarding prospects for the state and national economies over the next 12 months.

The survey, taken after the state and federal budgets were released, shows business has responded well to budgetary measures that will improve both the state and national infrastructure base and lower business costs.

“The improved sentiment in respect to Victoria’s near term economic prospects follows the state budget’s strong infrastructure focus and announced cut in the payroll tax rate to 4.85 per cent," says VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone.

“The challenge for policy makers is to build on this momentum with further measures that convert the improvement in business sentiment into new investment and employment.

“Key priorities must be to lower business taxes and cut red tape, continue to invest in job creating infrastructure, improve industry skills and get more Victorian businesses into exporting.”

Despite a lift in business confidence, the survey found actual trading conditions for the past three months remained difficult for many businesses. Respondents reported declines across a number of key indicators including employment, exports, profitability and building and structures investment.

“Having regard for recent labour force statistics showing growing unemployment and the latest survey results, it is clear more needs to be done to tackle obstacles to job creation,” said Mr Stone.

“The mixed conditions reported by industry signal that the Victorian economy continues its transition,” said Bank of Melbourne Chief Executive Scott Tanner.

“The lift in business optimism following the State Budget is heartening and if the programs articulated in the budget are delivered this should translate to stronger economic activity.”

VECCI & Bank of Melbourne partnership 

VECCI is pleased to partner with Bank of Melbourne. The bank supports VECCI’s quarterly Survey of Business Trends and Prospects, Business Leaders event series and Women in Business event series. The partnership builds on both VECCI’s and the Bank of Melbourne’s mutual goals in supporting businesses in Victoria.

Background – About VECCI

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.
www.vecci.org.au

Background – About Bank of Melbourne
Bank of Melbourne is helping build a better Victoria. Since launching in July 2011, the bank has tripled its workforce, opened 89 branches and become more involved in the local community. The bank partners with Victorian organisations and events including the MCG and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and supports industry with initiatives including Agenda Victoria. As a full-service bank, its team of lenders, account executives and industry specialists are supporting Victorian businesses, both large and small.

www.bankofmelbourne.com.au

ends

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to keep the cash rate on hold at 2.5 percent does little to support the current upswing in retail sales.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said that despite an uplift in the previous months retail sales figures, consumer confidence remains extremely fragile.

“Lowering interest rates today would have been a supportive step in the right direction for the retail sector but unfortunately this wasn’t the reality.

“Given the government still needs to pull money out of the economy to balance the budget, retailers believe the RBA will need to continue to support the economy via low interest rates for some time.

“We’re also aware that Australians are struggling to save at present. According to the latest Banking Day Report, only 46 percent of households said they were able to save each month – down from 49 percent in December and the lowest level since ME Bank started the survey in 2011.

“Although the retail sector finished the 2013-14 financial year on a relatively strong note, (recovering somewhat in June from the post-Federal Budget downturn), the reality is that this activity will be short lived.

“Consumer confidence often shows a dip in sales between August and October and it is now imperative that the Federal Government do all that it can to ensure that retail trade does not suffer as we gear up toward the spring/summer racing season and also the Christmas trading period.

“The ARA urges the RBA to lower interest rates at their next meeting in September in order to aid retail growth, especially for the SME sector,” Mr Zimmerman said.

*

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

ends