Posted on April 12, 2013 by Stephen from BAM
Aussie Wipes supporting SIDS and Kids
Aussie Wipes has now joined 100′s of other BAM members in promoting their products with BuyAustralianMade. Aussie Wipes is not just about the high quality products they make or that the profits made stay in Australia. We are pleased to have Aussie Wipes as a BAM member because of who else they support, read all about it below.
SIDS and Kids together with Aussie Wipes will launch their new Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Accredited, pH balanced, hypoallergenic wipes at the Pregnancy, Babies & Children’s Expo from 22 – 24 March, 2013 at the Adelaide Showground, Wayville. The baby wipes will give parents an easy way to raise funds for sudden infant death syndrome.
“The Pregnancy, Babies & Children’s Expo is a perfect forum to introduce our Red Nose Baby Wipes, together with our partner Aussie Wipes they will give us a way to raise funds all year round for research into still birth and support bereaved families. We hope more Australians buy our wipes to help save more babies lives,” says Leanne Raven, Sids and Kids, CEO.
In Australia each year over 3,500 families experience the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child from stillbirth or during the first month of life. SIDS and Kids relies almost totally on the support of the community. Since launching in December 2012 the brand has already raised $15,000 where it aims to sell over one million packs in its first year of launch to fund research into stillbirth and safe sleeping practices.
Red Nose Baby Wipes are specifically formulated to be not too wet and not too dry, dermatologically tested, pH balanced and hypoallergenic. They are available in scented and unscented 100 wipe packs and 30 wipe travel packs. They are the only baby wipes in Australia accredited by the Forestry Stewardship Council to help manage our forests and are dermatologically tested to be delicate on baby’s skin.
To find out more about Aussie Wipes and how they support SIDS and Kids visit their BuyAustralianMade brochure… HERE
Posted on April 12, 2013 by Stephen from BAM
Helping Australian businesses Connect, Inform, Grow
ManufactureLink is owned and operated by AMTIL (Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited) who are the peak body representing the advanced manufacturing industry in Australia. I am pleased to have ManufactureLink as a BuyAustralianMade member and to assist them in increasing awareness of their services that they offer Australian businesses.
Anyone who has ever had to source manufacturing services or technology knows that the process is difficult, time consuming and full of risk. The traditional methods of using phone, fax and even internet searches are slow, inefficient and provide insufficient information to make informed decisions.
ManufactureLink has 3 core powerful online tools to achieve this:
- Australia’s most comprehensive Industry Capability Directory where participants can locate providers of custom manufacturing processes, manufacturing services, service providers to industry participants, as well as suppliers of Manufacturing Technologies.
- A Request For Quote (RFQ) system where your manufacturing requirements or general enquiry can be broadcast online to the ManufactureLink provider (supplier) community in a secure and controlled manner who have the opportunity to respond with quotes or answers to your queries. Visit the ManufactureLin to register your free seeker (buyer) account today and start submitting RFQ’s in seconds.
- An intelligent and intuitive Newsfeed which provides not only the latest Industry News but also product/process news and manufacturing technology news.
To find out more about how ManufactureLink can help find Australian made components and Australian delivered services see the ManufactureLink brochure on the BAM website . . . HERE
Posted on March 27, 2013 by Stephen from BAM
Prime Minister tours Tindo factory
Tindo Solar, the Australian designer and manufacturer of photovoltaic solar panels has joined BuyAustralianMade to help raise awareness of their Australian made solar panels.
The Tindo solar panels are made in a purpose built factory which was officially opened late 2012 by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honorable Julia Gillard. Also present were the SA Premier The Honorable Jay Weatherill, Federal Member for Makin Tony Zappia and SA Minister Tom Koutsantonis.
The Tindo solar panel is a world class, high quality and innovative panel that is new to the Australian public. Managing Director Mr. Adrian Ferraretto describes the key attributes of the AC module as;
1. Enhanced electricity production – traditional DC panels need to wired in “strings” with the performance of each string reduced by the lowest performing panel in each string. Research evidence confirms at least 15% additional performance with an AC panel.
2. Owners of an AC module system can observe real time the performance of each and every panel via the internet or smart phone
3. The micro inverter has an industry first 25 year warranty
The Prime Minister stated that two myths had been put to rest;
1. that Australia cannot create a new innovative high quality manufacturing business and compete with overseas products. Tindo Solar’s success shows that our future lies in a high skills, high wage, high innovation economy
2. that the world class Tindo Solar manufacturing plant shows that something could be done in the face of climate change through installation of a solar system like the Tindo Karra 240 which assist the environment while creating new manufacturing jobs in Australia .
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the impact of cheap imported products on a business like Tindo Solar and stated that “I am aware of the issue and the Australian Government is currently exploring options to remedy”.
Tindo’s Manager of People and Business says that “the interest received so far by the public across Australia confirms our believe that Australians want to select an Australian made solar module that has quality and performance embedded in each panel and at a price not a great deal different to imported panels.
Mr. Inwood said “that above all we are proud to be offering the Australian public a panel that is made by Australian’s”.
It is a natural fit that Tindo Solar has joined BuyAustralianMade to promote and increase awareness of their Australian made solar panels. To see the range of solar panels made by Tindo – CLICK HERE
Posted on March 26, 2013 by Stephen from BAM
Unique gifts, Unique experiences
CLICK HERE to see video
1000′s of great gift ideas for birthdays, anniversary’s, Christmas, Mothers Day, Fathers Day or just as a THANK YOU. Including rally car driving, hot air ballooning, cooking classes, gift boxes, romantic dinners or jumping off a cliff and everything in between.
Red Balloon is the newest BuyAustralianMade member. BuyAustralianMade helps Australian businesses like Red Balloon promote their Australian made products, Australian grown produce and Australian delivered services.
Red Balloon was established in 2001 by Naomi Simson and since then has collected a host of awards and accolades. Red Balloon aggregates 1000′s of gift ideas and experiences and makes it easy for people to buy that something special for an anniversary, birthday, Christmas, Mothers Day, Fathers Day or for no real reason at all apart from you want someone to experience something very special.
Red Balloon focuses on delivering a unique experience and unique gift ideas and making it easy for people to purchase and to use the voucher. The founder Naomi Simson has recently received accolades such as winning the 2008 national Telstra Business Womens Awards – Innovation, and 2011 BRW finalist for Entrepreneur of the year. She is particularly proud as being voted by her team as one of the top ten Great Places to Work in Australia and Hewitt ranking RedBalloon with a 90% employee engagement score for the past three years. RedBalloon delivered one million experience gifts in less than 10 years and is well on its way to changing gifting in Australia forever.
To find out what unique experiences Red Balloon offers check out the Red Balloon brochure page on www.BuyAustralianMade.com.au/clients/749-redballoon
Posted on March 25, 2013 by Stephen from BAM
This category will introduce new BAM members to you, giving a brief description of their business and the products they make, the produce they grow or the services they deliver.
CLICK HERE to see the newest BAM Members listing, click the listing to visit the BAM Members website.
Posted on November 9, 2012 by Stephen from BAM
Click here to see video clip explaining BuyAustralianMade Direct
BuyAustralianMade Direct will be officially launched by founder Stephen Gately and Federal Senators John Madigan and Nick Xenophon on November 13 in Melbourne.
Also attending the launch will be the inaugural group of BAM Direct shoppers and a number of manufacturers participating in the BAM Direct initiative.
Founder Stephen Gately said there is a large number of shoppers growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of choice of Australian made items on the shelves of large retailers.
“The idea of connecting shoppers directly to the Australian Manufacturers made a lot of sense. By shoppers buying in bulk direct from participating Australian manufacturers not only are the shoppers buying products at a discount they are directly supporting Australian manufacturers. This is a win for shoppers and a win for Aussie manufacturers,” he said.
“BuyAustralianMade Direct not only makes it easy for shoppers and other businesses to find Australian made products, it helps farmers promote their produce and also provides the Australian services sector with an effective way to reach users. ”
Senator Madigan was proud to be a supporter of the cause, saying Australian manufacturers deserved the support and recognition of consumers.”
“Australian manufacturers deliver great products while paying work cover, superannuation and penalty rates,” he said.
“I believe we should be supporting Australian manufacturers and companies that give back to the community.”
“Local, state and federal government should have procurement policy that takes into account the value sociable, economic and environmental benefits that come from purchasing Australian manufactured products.”
Senator Nick Xenophon, who will be unable to attend the launch, said the initiative was imperative that both politicians and the public supported the BuyAustralianMade project.
“In the past few years we have seen scores of job losses in the Australian manufacturing industry,” Nick said.
“It’s becoming increasingly important that we do all we can to support locally made products and services.”
BuyAustralianMade founder Stephen Gately said the company “began in 2009 and now promotes hundreds of businesses, employing tens of thousands of people making thousands of products and delivering hundreds of services.”
“The website BuyAustralianMadeDirect showcases everything from Tshirts and socks through to tea, olive oil, biscuits, detergents and other household items. Even more Australian made manufacturers and Australian made items will be added to BAM Direct.”
Posted on May 6, 2012 by Stephen from BAM
BuyAusMade app - making it easy to find Aussie made products
Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) May 06, 2012
Online shopping is on the lips of millions of Australians, but it was not always this way. Online retailing was made possible by technological innovations that occurred over time, and it took years for online retailing to attain the scale, credibility and reliability that now see it storming after shopfront retailing models in a variety of Australia’s retail industries. Online shopping has evolved into a secure, efficient and viable method of shopping for time-poor and tech-savvy consumers. Revenue generated by Australian Online Shopping industry is expected to increase 8.6% per annum over the five years through 2011-12 to be worth $10 billion. This will include growth of 9.1% in 2011-12. According to IBISWorld industry analyst Naren Sivasailam, ‘Demand over this period has been driven by growth in disposable incomes, greater consumer confidence about shopping online, an increase in the range of goods on offer, better efficiency across the transaction process and an explosion in the number of online retailers’. Although growth has slowed recently, the industry has become a leading sales platform for many retailers.
As online retail moves to become a normal retail method, growth will slow marginally. Over the five years through 2016-17, industry revenue is expected to increase. ‘Industry players are expected to place greater focus on their marketing techniques in a bid to differentiate themselves from the growing number of competitors’, Sivasailam adds. Anticipated growth in disposable incomes and continued increases in the IT literacy of the Australian population are expected to bode well for online retailers.
Market share concentration on the Online Shopping industry has grown over the past five years due to the continued consumer acceptance of the internet as a valid shopping medium. A multitude of new operators have flooded the industry over the past five years, all vying for a share of the online market. The resulting growth in enterprises has led to a rapid expansion in the range products and services offered online. Concentration is set to strengthen over the five years through 2016-17. This will occur as operators become better equipped in their supply of goods and consumers overcome fears associated with purchasing something without physically touching or seeing it and credit card safety. To this end, the industry is poised to experience further mergers and acquisitions as a growing number of businesses recognise the growth potential of online enterprises. The largest players in this industry include Woolworths and Apple.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Online Shopping report in Australia industry page.
Posted on February 13, 2012 by Stephen from BAM
Julia Gillard – Saving our manufacturing sector is possible! by Roger La Salle
Only a change in Government policy can save our manufacturing sector!
Despite Julia Gillard’s recent commitment to the future of manufacturing in Australia, the fact is that with current policy our manufacturing base is largely unsustainable, except in some key strategic areas where subsidies may be important to maintain some capability. Military application and the like may fall into this category, so too agriculture, if we can categorise this as the manufacturing of food which is essential to our survival.
As for the rest, the future seems bleak under the present government policy.
Innovation can be the solution
Innovation has often been cited as the saviour of Australia’s declining manufacturing base. Indeed we do need to support innovation and the development of new products, technologies, processes and systems but this alone will not sustain our manufacturing sector, as long as present government policies prevail.
Is IP Protection the answer – perhaps!
New products and innovations that are the subject of IP protection can lead to sustainable manufacturing. But ask yourself this question, “why would you manufacture any new product in Australia (or any other product for that matter) when you can make it for much less in China and import it (with little or no duty) then sell it at a much greater profit?
In short it is simply uneconomic to manufacture most items in Australia, and to do so is little more than an act of altruistic patriotism. An obvious answer is to impose duties to protect our manufacturing base, but with both the Labor and Liberal commitment to “free trade agreements” this is unlikely to happen. A different solution needs to found.
One possible solution
If the government were to offer a tax holiday, for perhaps 5 years, on inventions and innovations that are made in Australia it would have a trickle through effect. It would kickstart local manufacturing, create jobs and stimulate and support Australian innovation. The cost to the Government would be negligible and further revenue would flow to government from taxes on employees, reduction in unemployment and the activities surrounding the creation of new facilities to support these new ventures.
The incentive to develop and localise industries with new products would be profound.
Is anybody listening?
I wonder if those in the Government would consider this suggestion for without a drastic change in policy it seems likely that manufacturing in Australia will cease to exist within the next decade.
Roger La Salle, is the creator of the “Matrix Thinking”™ technique and is widely sought after as an international speaker on Innovation, Opportunity and business development. He is the author of four books, Director and former CEO of the Innovation Centre of Victoria (INNOVIC) as well as a number of companies both in Australian and overseas. He has been responsible for a number of successful technology start-ups and in 2004 was a regular panellist on the ABC New Inventors TV program. In 2005 he was appointed to the “Chair of Innovation” at “The Queens University” in Belfast. Matrix Thinking is now used in more than 26 countries and licensed to one of the world’s largest consulting firms. www.matrixthinking.com
Posted on February 13, 2012 by Stephen from BAM
The Clever Country – if only!
© Roger La Salle 2011
www.matrixthinking.com
Australians are indeed clever
Australian engineers and scientists are indeed world class, much like New Zealanders we “punch much above our weight”. Numerous examples could be cited including the Interscan Microwave aircraft landing system of the 1970’s that beat all comers, including the USA and Germany in demonstrating the best technology. Cochlear and Resmed are other examples and it is pretty well accepted that we excel in the biomedical sciences.
Australians are great technologists but still our economy relies on the resources sector and with the decline in our manufacturing base, a growing emphasis on tourism and services in general.
The Governments part
In an endeavour to inspire innovation and investment in the sciences and “brain work” the Government over many years has provided accelerated investment allowance in the form of tax claims as R&D incentives. One may well ask if this is working as a real research incentive? Further, one may well ask just how easily it can be rorted by unscrupulous would be entrepreneurs?
The problem with the present system is that it comes at a great cost to Government whether successes are generated or not. Further, if you do happen to succeed with a new endeavour, you get punished.
Yes, in Australia we pump money in to the front end at great risk, then if you do succeed you get punished with a tax on your profits.
A Better Alternative
The search for an alternative should be made with the mindset of SME’s, not that of big businesses that should not need incentives to research and innovate.
The system embraced should strike at the very heart of business by rewarding success and encouraging profit.
Thus a better system may include the following attributes:
• No cost to government
• Ultimate reward to Government with taxes on wages if the innovation is an export success that creates employment
• Clearly focuses innovation at export markets
• Can be readily audited
Such a system may seem like “snake oil”, but perhaps could be implemented with the following guidelines:
• No government money is used in seeding new initiatives and there are no accelerated investment write offs
• A tax holiday will be provided for a period, (suggested 3 years) for all income generated from exports where sales have been made to places where patents or formal IP protection is claimed (This could include registered designs, copyright and plant breeders rights)
If such a system were to be introduced I believe the shift in the mindset of SME’s and entrepreneurs would be almost instantaneous, focused and profound.
In short entrepreneurs would be saying – “Find me an export opportunity that I can protect with IPR and let me at it”.
The Naysayers
Doubtless there will be an endless stream of critics to the above suggestion, but one may question if the present system really works? Is it achieving its aim, what is the cost to Government and for what return and finally, how easy is it to rort?
Where to from here?
Let’s start the debate!
Posted on January 12, 2012 by Stephen from BAM
This article appeared in the Sunshine Coast Daily…
THE Federal Government should consider ways to make sure Australia Day products were made in Australia, former Australia Day Committee chairman Lisa Curry said yesterday.
She was speaking after it was revealed that most Australia Day products – from flags to stubby holders – available on the Sunshine Coast were manufactured overseas.
Ms Curry, who headed the committee that weighs up national Australia Day honours, said the country’s national day was important, as was supporting Australian business.
“IT’S obviously better all round if the products can be made in Australia – particularly those that are being sold in association with Australia Day,” she said.
Ms Curry (pictured) said the Federal Government could consider assisting Australian businesses that manufactured items carrying images of the Australian flag.
And she agreed that, alternatively, the government could consider banning imports that carried Australian flag images.
“The reality of the situation is that times are tough our there, and if people want a flag to celebrate our national day, they are more likely to pay $5 than $30,” she said
“But if the Australian-made products’ prices were more competitive, that’s something else altogether.”
The overseas products, some which have packaging saying they are “Australian designed”, are being sold across the Coast, from cheaper, discount stores to the retail giants.
However, the boss of an online website that promotes Australian-made products said Australian flags and products manufactured in this country were not that much dearer than imported items.
BuyAustralianMade.com’s Stephen Gately said China funded its manufacturing industries, which had the benefit of cheaper utilities, such as electricity.
Mr Gately said bigger Australian retailers were after as much profit as they could muster – and Australia Day products were not immune.
He said there were Australian companies that produced good products for reasonable prices.
His Melbourne-based website lists at least two companies that manufacture Australian flags and associated products.
Should Australia Day merchandise be made in Australia?
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