August 2011

Volume: 8   Issue: 1

Welcome to the August 2011 edition of Strategon's Newsletter where you'll find the latest news on Strategon's work with some of Australia's leading companies and how we've played a key role in their continued growth and development. Strategon is ten years old in August 2011. We would like to thank all the people we have worked with over the years and we look forward to being able to work with the region's most innovative companies as we all go forward. To find out how our team can further assist your company, contact us at info@strategon.com.au or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. The Strategon Team Newsletter Spotlight Small Business September Invitation Angel and VC Valuation Assessment Read more

STRATEGY Martinus Rail secure ARTC's (Australian Rail Track Corporation) East/West project.   The project involves the design and supply of 54 tangential turnouts for passing loops on the rail lines between Whyalla, Broken Hill, Parkes and Cootamundra. This is a big win for Martinus Rail, who will deliver the project over a 18 month period and further secures Martinus Rail as a major player in the turnout market in Australia. The first turnouts will be delivered in September this year. The project further develops the exclusive relationship Martinus Rail have with DT (a leading manufacturing of turnout steelwork). DT will manufacture the crossing and switches for the turnouts to suit Martinus Rail designs. The design of the turnouts is the latest technology and allow for increase train speed through the turnout, increasing the capacity of the East/West corridor.     COMMERCIALISATION Flat wins Australian Innovation Award  Strategon client, Flat Pty Limited was just awarded another innovation award. Founding Director, Tony Pike was pleased to receive the 2011 People's Choice Award in the DuPont Australia and New Zealand Innovation Awards and is now excited as the company moves into first sales in a number of International markets. Strategon Director Damian Chown has been working with Flat for 6 years raising capital, accessing government grants and helping management build and execute strategy. With the company now outgrowing the need for his advisory services, Damian maintains a role as a board member and confidant amongst staff. Strategon wishes Flat all the best as it moves into the next stage of business growth.       Energy Efficiency Pays Off for NSW Businesses  Many of Ilum-a-Lite's NSW customers have recently earned substantial cash backs by installing Ilum-a-Lite's energy saving products, approved for inclusion in the NSW Government's Energy Savings Scheme. The NSW Government's Energy Saving Scheme (ESS) was introduced to offer a financial incentive to reduce energy use. Earlier this year, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) approved a number of products from energy saving specialist Ilum-a-Lite Pty Ltd for inclusion in the scheme. "Many businesses are keen to reduce their energy consumption for environmental and economic reasons" said Mark Rutherford, Ilum-a-Lite's Managing Director. "With the proposed introduction of the carbon tax and expected rise in energy prices, now is the perfect time to make changes that will markedly reduce energy consumption levels. For NSW customers, it's doubly attractive as the Government is offering financial incentives via the ESS for doing so." Ilum-a-Lite supplies energy saving devices for a wide range of projects. Its Light Eco Plus®, Save it Easy® and Light Eco® replacement fittings are all eligible for the ESS rebate. "Since May, our energy saving solutions have generated more than 10,000 Energy Saving Certificates for our NSW customers, enabling them to claim in excess of $200,000 in cashbacks in the last two months alone," said Mr Rutherford. "As Ilum-a-Lite celebrates its fifteenth anniversary, it's great to see the growing interest in the market for installing our energy saving solutions. In fact in June, we recorded our highest ever month in sales and our growth continues." Ilum-a-Lite's innovative range of energy saving solutions is available throughout Australia, Europe, Asia and South Africa. Its partnership this year with specialist venture capital investor, Cleantech Ventures has enabled the company to expand its operations and to develop new solutions. "Our products are of particular interest to those who are responsible for managing facilities and property portfolios," reported Mr Rutherford. "By installing them, it is possible to achieve energy cost reductions of between 20 to 90 percent, whilst making it easier for an organisation to fulfil its commitment to landlords, tenants and of course the environment." Mr Rutherford believes that Ilum-a-Lite is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the demand for energy saving solutions. "We've spent many years developing our market leading range which generates a significant return on investment in a relatively short space of time," he said. "And with the expected increase in energy charges soon, it makes sense to be proactive and implement changes now that can dramatically cut energy use." Ilum-a-Lite's team of engineers and technical specialists can advise customers on the most suitable choice of energy saving solutions for their premises. Enquiries can be directed to their offices on 1800 133 666.     CAPITAL   NSW Rebate Scheme to Foster Jobs Growth   One of the key priority announcements of the NSW Government is its Jobs Action Plan. This plan targets the creation of 100,000 new jobs in NSW from July 2011 and gives businesses the incentive to employ new workers and expand their enterprises. 40,000 of the new jobs will be prioritised for non-metropolitan areas of NSW with the remaining 60,000 in metropolitan areas. Businesses that increase their employment levels will receive a payroll tax rebate following the employment of each additional employee in a position that is a new job. To be eligible for the rebate scheme, you must be registered as an employer and paying payroll tax under the Payroll Tax Act 2007. The payroll tax rebate of $4000 per full time employee is available for the first 100,000 new payroll tax paying jobs created in NSW. The rebate for part-time employees will be pro-rated based on full time equivalent (FTE) hours of employment. The rebate will be paid in 2 equal parts, on the first and second anniversary of the employment of an additional employee in a new job. For further information can be accessed at http://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/taxes/payroll/job_scheme/, alternatively contact Lisa Nolan at Strategon on 0413 156 111 to discuss the Government assistance that maybe available to your business.     Initiatives to Support a Clean Energy Future  The Government has outlined new initiatives to support innovation in clean and renewable energy. Together with a price on carbon pollution and the Gillard Government's expanded 20 per cent by 2020 Renewable Energy Target, the three new measures will create economic incentives for businesses to invest in low and zero emissions innovation. The measures include: • a $10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation • an Australian Renewable Energy Agency to manage    $3.2 billion in funding • a $200 million Clean Technology Innovation Program. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation will invest $10 billion in businesses seeking funds to get innovative clean energy proposals and technologies off the ground. It will also invest in the transformation of existing manufacturing businesses to re-focus on meeting demand for inputs for these sectors, for example, manufacturing wind turbine blades and solar photo voltaic panels. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency will independently administer $3.2 billion in existing Federal Government grants for research and development into renewable energy technologies and initiatives to bring them to market. The Clean Technology Innovation Program will provide $200 million in grants to support business investment in renewable energy, low emissions technology and energy efficiency. This could support manufacturers to develop new clean technology products. Further information about the Government's clean energy future and carbon price announcement is available at www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au Information about Clean Energy Future initiatives in the Innovation, Industry, Science and Research portfolio is available at www.innovation.gov.au/cleanenergyfuture     INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT   Success in Vietnam  Singapore based Balanced Engineering and Construction Pte Ltd ( BEC) is one of Asia’s leading specialist’s in slip-form and jump-form construction, heavy lifting operations and the design and construction of high rise structures . In its latest project win BEC has been awarded Mong Duong II a coal fired power plant (2x600MW) by Doosan Heavy Industries Vietnam Co. Ltd. The project is located in the North of Vietnam Cam Pha district and the owner is AES-VCM. The project with a total value of USD 11.24 is a critical step in the development of Vietnam's power infrastructure and BEC's first project with Doosan Heavy Industries , one of South Korea's leading global ECP contractors. Strategon have been working extensively with BEC to ensure the company has the appropriate corporate structure and funding facilities to support its rapid growth.       Global Markets for Growth  Strategon is hosting another global trade mission in August. Sydney director Damian Chown is hosting 3 companies on a weeklong trade mission to China and Hong Kong. Each client has been working with Damian on building their international business plans and during the visit they will be introduced to suppliers able to cut local production costs and potential partners that have shown a willingness to license or distribute their products. If your business is ready to expand internationally, don't hesitate to contact Damian at damian.chown@strategon.com.au and enquire as to how he can assist you accessing more customers and cheaper costs in overseas jurisdictions.       PEOPLE   Selling Professional Services  Strategon is set to launch its “Selling Professional Services” program nationally. The Program is specifically targeted at professionals in education, accounting, law, technology, architecture, consulting or government enterprises, with some responsibility for business development. It offers practical tools and techniques for building relationships with employers for business development purposes. In three days - with this public or in house program - participants will learn how to: • Analyse your markets and client base • Analyse your competition • Develop your firm’s value proposition • Identify competencies needed for business development • Use Performance Consulting methods and tools • Use additional communication skills for relationship management and sales • Undertake the sales process; using techniques for sales discussions and questioning • Write winning proposals Wendy Taylor from our Adelaide office is managing the first programs and local TAFE’s are already showing an interest in the program. For further details, please contact Wendy at wendy.taylor@strategon.com.au

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