2020 is off to a busy start and I'm sure by now most businesses are back in the swing of things, and ready to tackle the year head on. We have some great events coming up for business owners and managers, and we will soon be launching a fantastic capacity building program for small businesses in conjunction with Business Foundations - WA's largest and most trusted small business advisors and trainers. Business in Cockburn - Did you know? Cockburn produces $7.72 billion of goods and services per annum Around 3% of the state's Gross State Product Cockburn is home to 8,349 local businesses This represents 3.6% of the businesses in WA These businesses provide 54,895 local jobs This represents 4% of the jobs in WA. In 2020 the City of Cockburn will developing its first Economic Development Strategy and is working on a number of ways to support existing businesses and attract new businesses to Cockburn. I look forward to working with you on a range of projects and activities in the year ahead. If you have any queries about the City of Cockburn or would like to see a business development event on a particular topic please contact Sarah Kahle, Business Engagement Officer at [email protected].
Work on the first Henderson-built Offshore Patrol vessel (OPV) will get under way within weeks, and part of a 12-ship program worth $2 billion headed by German family owned business Luerssen and Henderson based Civmec. Civmec has completed the cutting of steel for the first OPV, which it supplies to ASC in Osborne for ship fabrication and is about halfway through this process for Ship number two. The first steel is expected to be cut for Ship number three – the first to be built at Henderson – at the end of March. Read more
Aurora nails speed test in 3D printing race Bibra Lake based company Aurora Labs Limited, which specialises in the development of 3D metal printers, powders, digital parts and associated intellectual property, has signed an agreement with a Norwegian quality assurance company to provide certification services for parts made with the company’s 3D metal printers. This comes off their recent experience in Germany, when it visited Formnext, a manufacturing exhibition in Frankfurt, where they showcased the ability of Aurora’s machines to print successfully at revolutionary print speeds, attracting significant global interest.
Aurora has developed 3D metal printers and metal powders utilising a Rapid Manufacturing Technology (RMT), which has increased metal 3D printing speeds by 2000%. Read more
Barrett Communications wins Canadian radio contract
Cockburn business Barrett Communications have been awarded a multiyear contract to supply the Canadian National Defence Department with Very High Frequency (VHF) radio communications equipment. This new contract follows on from the earlier contract awarded to Barrett in 2016. Established in 1976, Barrett Communications designs, manufactures and markets HF and VHF radio equipment for specialised, autonomous, medium and long distance radio communications. Their systems and equipment are used in the following markets:
Defence Peacekeeping Civil security Border security Coast Guard Government Humanitarian Critical infrastructure suppliers Power /Water / Aviation Individual Civilian use.
HF and VHF radio communications is "free to air"; having no recurring usage charges once the communications network has been installed. This Bibra Lake based company now has a customer base in over 150 countries globally. Read more
Spotlight on: Canva
Canva is a free graphic design program that is available online, does not require special software and is easy to use! You can create consistent and professional marketing materials such as: Flyers and brochures Posters Menus Signs Facebook and Instagram posts. Many businesses are creating high quality marketing materials and publications using this simple free web based software.
Canva was created in Perth in 2006 by a university student, and now employs over 8,000 people worldwide and is valued at AUD$4.7 billion.
There are a range of Canva workshops available, and we recommend the upcoming workshop "Digital Tools to Boost Productivity" on 28 February 2020 from the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), which will also provide information on a range of other free online tools.
KWINANA FREEWAY The Murdoch Drive Connection project (Main Roads WA) will be conducting a full closure of Kwinana Freeway northbound between Berrigan Drive to Roe Highway, Monday 24 February to Thursday 27 February from 10pm to 4am nightly. The purpose of the closures is to install new gantry signage which will span all lanes of the northbound carriageway. KAREL AVE ON RAMP Karel Ave to Roe Highway westbound on-ramp will be closed from 7pm Sunday 23 February to 7pm Thursday 30 April. Main Roads WA will be widening the on-ramp, and this extended closure will enable the ramp to be safely and efficiently built in one go, rather than over a number of closures. To keep up to date with current closures and disruptions please see the Main Roads website.
Saturday 15 February 9am-5pm Location Cockburn Health & Community Facility, 11 Wentworth Parade, Success 6164 $20 pp Registration essential
This workshop is for people who are considering starting a business or have just started a business. One of the common questions asked by new and aspiring business owners is: “Will my idea work?” This workshop is designed to help you answer that question by taking a closer look at your business idea so you can determine if it’s feasible to move forward with. This workshop is presented by the SBDC, the only agency in the Western Australian Government dedicated to helping small business.
At the masterclass you’ll learn how to access structured export market entry support, qualified buyer introductions and on-going coaching that will help you achieve long-term export gains. You’ll learn how to become investment ready by understanding the various capital options for expansion and how to prepare to meet prospective investor expectations.
The goals of the masterclass are to:
Improve your export readiness and capability as a valued business in the South West Metro Region. Help you identify export markets and connections. Improve your understanding of the export world and ways to access ongoing support. Build relationships with like-minded businesses within the Region.
An opportunity to provide benefits and recognition to Australian Defence Force and veteran families
The Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant encourages the Australian community to recognise and acknowledge the unique nature of military service, and support veterans and their families. This program encourages the local businesses, community groups or sporting clubs to show their support for veterans and their families by way of special offers, discounts or concessions. To enable easy access for Veteran Card holders, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has partnered with the Australian Partners of Defence providing Veteran Card holders with access to over 500 businesses from around the country and this number continues to grow on a daily basis. Local businesses can directly register their specific offers to Veteran Card holders. Registration is free and there is no ongoing costs to businesses. Visit www.recognition.dva.gov.au for more information about the Covenant and the Veteran Card, and sign up now to support our Defence Veterans.
If you have any queries or would like to get in touch with Sarah Kahle, Business Engagement Officer please email [email protected] or call 08 9411 3444
