Over 85 percent of large businesses interviewed in the bi-annual Making Western Sydney Greater research expect to grow their business within the coming year, while 66 per cent of SME businesses recorded a similar expectation. An average growth rate of 8.63% is expected over the next 12 months.

Overall business sentiment was also notably positive. The Business Sentiment Index for Western Sydney remained positive, moving slightly from 15.83 (Q4 2014) to 13.49 (Q2 2015).

The Making Western Sydney Greater research is a collaborative project between William Buck, St.George, the University of Western Sydney and Western Sydney Business Connection. The research report drew on responses from over 200 business owners and senior management personnel involved with businesses in Western Sydney.

Greg Travers, Director at William Buck comments, “Overall business sentiment for the Greater Western Sydney region is positive. It is interesting to note that the business sentiment amongst large businesses has improved significantly, and while the SME demographic remains positive, the business sentiment for these businesses has actually decreased.

“Both SME and large businesses are forecasting that they will exceed their revenue and profit targets.  Capital expenditure is expected to be maintained for SMEs, and marginally increased for large businesses.”   

Employment trends were also very strong and consistent with the positive outlook for economic activity in the region. SME businesses expected to increase the number of full time employees by 1.9 per cent while large businesses expect a 3.3 per cent increase.

According to the Employment Projection Report prepared by the Department of Employment, employment in Greater Western Sydney was projected to grow by approximately 10.7 per cent over the period spanning 2014 to 2019. The research indicates the actual growth in employment should exceed this forecast.

Matthew Kelly, Executive Manager for Western Sydney at St.George said, “Overall, the research indicates a real strength in the Greater Western Sydney economy which reflects what I’ve been hearing from St.George business customers in the region".

“It’s positive to see a big proportion of businesses expecting to grow. Many have taken concrete steps to plan and implement this growth. There are also some businesses that appear to be at the front end of their growth cycle and have not yet planned for future growth - these businesses are facing huge potential to expand their workforce and invest in the future.”

Export markets and new product development are two growth opportunities for Western Sydney businesses that don’t appear to be fully exploited. Less than 25 per cent of SME and large businesses consider increasing their export sales to be a key part of their growth strategy, and only around half considered developing/launching new products or services as key.

Greg observed, “On one hand this indicates further potential growth opportunities for businesses in the region, which is a positive. However, it also raised questions on potential barriers to accessing export markets and inhibitors for innovation and investment in new products and services. These are issues we will be looking to further explore with businesses.”

Warren Day, Director, Engagement at the School of Business at the University of Western Sydney said, “One of the biggest issues identified by all businesses was the challenge in finding employees with the right skills. With a projected upswing in employment in Western Sydney, applying skills development training alongside a local procurement policy are important steps towards developing Western Sydney’s workforce for the future.”

Development of Parramatta CBD

Developing the Parramatta CBD is a central plank of the State Government’s policies for the region.  A special focus of the research was on business attitudes towards this strategy.

For businesses based in the Parramatta LGA, almost without exception the redevelopment of Parramatta is seen by business leaders as positive for their own business and also for businesses across the region.

For businesses based outside of the Parramatta LGA, 90% view the redevelopment of Parramatta as valuable for businesses throughout Greater Western Sydney, although only 60% believe it will be valuable for their own business.

Businesses identified three priorities to ensure the success of Parramatta as the second CBD.

• Creating improved public transport connections with surrounding Western Sydney centres (Westmead, Rydalmere, Olympic Park and Norwest) was the highest priority identified by businesses across the region as a whole, and the highest priority issue for businesses located outside of the Parramatta LGA.
  
  
• Increasing the number of financial and professional service businesses with substantial presences in Parramatta was a high priority for business across the region as a whole, and the highest priority issue for businesses in the Parramatta LGA itself.
  
  
• A third priority was to ensure Parramatta is developed as a “living city” by having an appropriate mix of residential, commercial, entertainment and open space developments. 
  

“Turning the vision of Parramatta as a second CBD into a reality that delivers real benefits for businesses will be challenging, but focusing on these key priority areas is a must.  With the right policies and support, Greater Parramatta and the Western Sydney region can drive the future productivity of Sydney and New South Wales,” Greg concluded.

The next Making Western Sydney Greater research will be undertaken in October.

Over the past three years, Australian mid-size manufacturers (MSMs) have experienced declining sales, tighter margins, rising employee costs, and as a consequence - declining profits. However, not all businesses have been impacted in the same way. 

Grant Thornton’s latest benchmarking report Manufacturing growth:  Benchmarks for Australian mid-size manufacturers demonstrates that several MSMs are bucking the trend. Despite difficult market conditions, these businesses point to a positive correlation between strategic investment and improved profitability.

Manufacturing growth: Benchmarks for Australian mid-size manufacturers is unique in its focus on MSMs – and the information captured is not otherwise available in the Australian marketplace. The full report addresses market and margin growth for MSMs, employee value, the bottom line, optimising operations and financing for growth – specifically, what they may mean for your operations.

If you would like further information on the study and a customised copy of the complete report, please contact Grant Thornton’s Manufacturing team via the details below who will arrange a time to discuss it with you.

Ryan Pollett
NSW Head of Manufacturing, Grant Thornton
E ryan.pollett@au.gt.com
T +61 2 9286 5532

What’s the best bet for Melbourne Cup?
Novotel Sydney Norwest

Celebrate the race that stops the nation with our Melbourne Cup Luncheon.

$98.00 per person

Tuesday 3^rd November 2015

Grand Ballroom

12:00 – 4.00pm

Package Inclusive of

Sumptuous buffet

Large screen coverage on the day

4 hour beverage package

Lucky door prizes

Entertainment

Sweepstakes

Complimentary car parking

Early bird special for all WSBC members:

Take advantage of the early bird special and receive 10% off when you book a table for 10 people. Please note this offer ends on 30^th September 2015. 

Simply call (02) 9634 9634 or email SB03@novotelnorwest.com.au

*Terms and conditions apply.

As always there is exciting movements’ happening at Novotel Sydney Parramatta, this month sees the official launch of 350 Restaurant and Lounge and introduction of their new General Manager, Stephen Wills.

Stephen Wills takes on the reigns as General Manager at Novotel Sydney Parramatta after previous GM Michael Daviss moves to Novotel Sydney Central. Stephen joins the team with a tremendous amount of hospitality experience which started at the age of fourteen when working as a chef in his hometown in England.

After moving to Australia in 1998, Stephen started working with family owned hospitality group; Doherty’s which gave him the opportunity to explore Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales as Executive Assistant Manager across the group’s properties. During his time in Ballarat, Stephen joined the Accor Hotels Group as General Manager for Mercure Ballarat Hotel.  

Stephen’s greatest achievement to date is his assistance in the successful operation of Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour following the closure of Sydney Convention and Events Centre. He then went on to lead the hotel’s $6 million refurbishment on its public area and launch of their new restaurant “The Ternary”.

Now at Novotel Sydney Parramatta, Stephen brings his knowledge and expertise in time for the launch of the hotel’s new 350 Restaurant and Lounge. Stephen says he is thrilled to be a part of the new look restaurant and to showcase the new menus designed by Executive Chef Kiki Kiki which has already received great feedback from guests and locals enjoying the new concept and bright, contemporary surrounds.

Stephen says he feels right at home in Parramatta, with the Western Sydney business partners making him feel more than welcome in the community. The team at Novotel have also made his transition to the hotel a lot easier and sees many great opportunities to further the hotel’s success and secure its leading position in the West Sydney market.

Stephen’s bubbly and down to earth personality has made him an easy fit in the existing team at Novotel Sydney Parramatta and they look forward to assisting in his plans for the future. The team describe Stephen as an approachable family man, who enjoys spending time with his three daughters and keeping fit during his downtime.

Pop along to Novotel Sydney Parramatta to meet Stephen, the friendly face often seen greeting guests in the hotel lobby and while you are there make sure to try out their new 350 Restaurant and Lounge. 

Visit www.novotelparramatta to explore the new menus.

The Protect & Grow business seminars kicked off in Seven Hills last week, raising great questions from attendees and tweets on some useful business info to #WSBAgrow.  The seminar brings together information on several business aspects relevant to companies of all shapes and sizes.

DCC talks about how to utilise your intellectual property (yes, you have it!) and why it’s important, Telstra talks on utilising the cloud to free up business expenditure and KMPG looks at available grant funding and tax incentives for research and development.

We’ll do it all again in Parramatta on 21 October at the Novotel and 11 November in Penrith, so go to http://www.accessnews.com.au/ for more info!

* Tweet from Yellow Brick Road Blacktown

Before you know it Christmas will be here so it’s time to start organising your company Christmas party. Let WatervieW help you with our easy Corporate Christmas party packages. 

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Parramatta City Council is kick-starting moves to build a fast rail link from the new Badgerys Creek airport to the Sydney CBD via Parramatta by funding a feasibility study into the proposal.

Council will set aside $50,000 from its annual budget for an initial feasibility concept report into the development of a fast rail link, which it believes should be built during construction of Sydney’s second airport.

“Evidence from around the world indicates that cities that have been successful in establishing viable second airports have established fast rail links,” Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Scott Lloyd said.

“Those comparable airports that don’t have effective fast rail links have experienced significant difficulty encouraging key airlines to relocate their operations due to concerns about traveller access, and we want Badgerys Creek airport to become a true gateway into Sydney’s West,” Cr Lloyd said.

The current commitment by the Federal Government to build Sydney’s second airport makes no immediate provision for rail connections. Instead the Federal and NSW Governments have announced a $3.5 billion package to improve road access to Badgerys Creek.

Council staff will prepare a report on the potential of a fast rail line linking Badgerys Creek to Parramatta and the Sydney CBD and a consultant will be engaged to assist with the preparation of the feasibility report.

It is envisaged that the construction costs of the fast rail link would depend upon existing track capacity, and that some tunnelling for new track and stations would be involved.

Council is aware that a number of transport and property consortiums have floated the idea of developing a fast rail link between the Sydney CBD and Badgerys Creek, with options to extend the line to Canberra.

For more information call 9806 5050

Don’t miss your chance to ‘Get Connected’ with up to 300 other businesses at the South West Sydney Business Expo on Wednesday 14 October (9am–2.30pm) at the Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre.

The Expo will be a one-stop-shop for local business owners to tap into practical business advice and assistance, showcase products and services, meet new customers and suppliers, and participate in a series of business management workshops.

Expert advisors from Business Enterprise Centre Southern Sydney and the Migrant Community Resource Centre will also be on hand to offer support in languages including Arabic, Korean, Mandarin and Vietnamese.

With 45 stallholders already confirmed and a networking breakfast hosted by the Bankstown Business Advisory Service conveniently taking place before the Expo, make sure to register early at www.bankstownbusiness.com.au/getconnected or call Jan Bouhali on 9707 9083.

The Expo is an initiative of Bankstown City Council in partnership with Arab Bank Australia, KPMG, Allied Express, QuickBooks and EzyCollect, and is supported by the NSW Business Chamber, the NSW Small Business Commissioner, the Business Enterprise Centre Southern Sydney, the Australian Arab Business Council and the Community Migrant Resource Centre.

The Greater Western Sydney Skills Barometer is a joint research project undertaken by TAFE Western Sydney in partnership with the Western Sydney Business Connection (WSBC). 

The Barometer aims to identify predicted future (3-5 years) gaps in Industry Skills across Greater Western Sydney and beyond.  

The report, due to be released in early October, highlights a number of attention areas, one being the importance of both the Vocational Education and Training Sector and Industry Sectors working together to encourage future students to undertake studies and develop careers in skills areas that Industry has identified as being critical for the future, so that businesses of all sizes can continue to actively contribute to the Greater Western Sydney and NSW economies.

Various industry engagement events

 have been held via round table discussions where we have discussed the initial key findings of the Barometer. 

This included an Industry Breakfast with Minister Barilaro MP on the 19^th of August at Mount Druitt TAFE.  

Click on the image to download the initial key findings that were discussed at these events. 

All discussions will be integrated into the final report, due to be released in October 2015.

GWS Skills Barometer Key Findings:

1. There is a significant shortage of skilled and qualified workers in western Sydney, with around half of job applicants under-qualified for the position, according to the Greater Western Sydney Skills Audit.
   
   
2. Management positions are the hardest to fill, accounting for 30% of unfilled roles in GWS and taking an average of nine weeks to fill compared to five weeks for other roles. Skilled and qualified hospitality workers are also in short supply, with 31% of available jobs remaining unfilled.
   
   
3. Businesses are increasingly looking for applicants with superior soft or personal skills, with those cited by business as most important being team work (98%), time management (97%) and communication skills (95%). In addition, 48% of businesses are experiencing a technical skills shortage and this is expected to increase to 68%, or 7 in 10, in the future.

Further details of the report release will be posted soon.

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