It has been a busy few months for Business Port Stephens and I am so pleased to see the outcomes in this newsletter. The Business Breakfast was certainly a highlight with wonderful guest speakers and an opportunity to reconnect with our local business community.
As mentioned at the breakfast meeting, we have had 'movement at the station' with some long serving directors retiring and new ones joining.
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I would like to thank Rob Reeve and Kate Burrows for their incredible support and contribution to the board of Business Port Stephens over the past several years and I am delighted to welcome our new board member, Chontelle Grecian who you can meet below.
It is always a pleasure to introduce new members and we are delighted to welcome two new members: Key Consultation Solutions and enrich HR.
It was a pleasure to interview Shannon Craddock of Local Clicks. I was particularly engaged with Shannon's comments on the pivoting and transitioning of his business model to cater for the small to medium size sector and would encourage any of our members to reach out to Shannon if needing assistance in this space.
And finally, I would like all of our businesses to take the time to review all of the benefits that come with being a member of Business Port Stephens. I would love to hear stories from our members. Success stories, referrals, suggestions or something you have found interesting that may benefit our members, please ensure you share these with Kerri so we can direct via the best channels.
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Meet our newest Board Member
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Chontelle Grecian, is a marketing consultant with her business Show n Tell and is the Marketing Manager with Nelson Bay Golf Club. She is also a whiz at event management, team management and business management. With a number of years experience across a range of sectors, Chontelle jumped at the opportunity to be on the BPS Board and share her expertise with the team and our members. Welcome aboard Chontelle!
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Our first Business Breakfast in almost a year!
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We had a great turn out of over 80 members and non members join us for our first Business Breakfast post lockdown. A huge thank you to our Sponsor Lynda Sloan from Port to Plate Cookbook, Debbie Innes our guest speaker from Addison Partners, Mayor Ryan Palmer for his update on the LGA, and to Nelson Bay Golf Club for hosting the event.
Did you have your picture taken by our our talented photographer and valued volunteer Henk Tobbe? If so check out his photo album below.
Stay tuned for future breakfasts and evening networking events in 2022...
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Welcome to our new members!
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WELCOME to Kathy Clarkson from Key Consultation Solutions! Key Consultation Solutions will be assisting small to medium businesses to succeed through ensuring their people reach their full potential both individually, as well as a part of a highly productive team through safety engagement and awareness.
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Welcome to Nigel Rayner from enrich HR! enrichHR delivers decades of knowledge and support in the HR space and offers innovative solutions to our clients. enrichHR (formerly 360HR Norwest) is known nationally and internationally as the go-to HR Partner for practical expert advice and support.
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This is an opportunity for Mel to get to know you, what your business is about, what’s happening on the ground for your particular industry, and what makes you tick as a human outside the work place. If you wish to nominate yourself or another member please email us here.
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Shannon Craddock, Local Clicks
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Tell us a bit about you and an overview of Local Clicks
Local Clicks is a brand and business I am very proud of. The last two years have been extremely difficult for many businesses and being in the digital arena now for well over 10 years I’ve always known of this huge disconnect between the price of digital services agencies and what businesses can actually afford. The pandemic just highlighted this massive gap between a businesses marketing budget and the thousands of dollars agencies charge for SEO and websites even more.
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So, I decided to rebrand my digital agency to Local Clicks and created a whole new business plan with the small to medium business owner in mind. I wanted to offer all business owners affordable digital services that delivered results! Pretty simple and we achieved exactly that.
What do you like to do during your down time?
We live in such a beautiful part of the world with white sandy beaches and lush bushland I try to get out as much as I can, even if that’s a 20-minute walk at lunch just to get up and away from the laptop.
Weekends are for exploring the Hunter Valley wineries, AFL, friends and family, I have two pugs so they are very demanding but luckily they also like to sleep after they eat so they are well fed.
I’ve also started to get back into golf which has been expensive with all the golf balls I lose but its also very peaceful and relaxing being out in the open, we have some stunning golf courses right here in our backyard, I’d have to say Horizons would be my favourite.
Shout out your favourite PS business (restaurant, café, shop, service)
So with no office I do tend to visit many of the establishments around Nelson Bay. Most mornings you’ll find me at Bay Hut Café or Little Nel, our favourite restaurant would have to be Little Beach Boat house they have an amazing restaurant upstairs and a beautiful tapas bar downstairs, if you haven’t been check them out.
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1. Business Directory
Your business listing is available to view on our Business Directory here. Please make sure you have added as many details as possible including logo and images as it ranks highly in Google so great exposure for your business. Don't forget you can email us here with all the details so we can upload for you.
2. Database
You are on our database so you will receive not only this monthly e-newsletter but updates on our networking events, other business events and business advice. Take a look at all the past newsletters here.
3. Social media and newsletter
You have the opportunity to showcase your business and special deals in our newsletter and on our Facebook. LinkedIn and Instagram pages. If you would like to take up this opportunity, please email us with:
- Text
- Image
- Your FB business page name (if you have one)
- Your Instagram handle (if you have one)
- Website link for more information
4. Networking events
We currently have four networking breakfasts a year plus an evening Christmas cruise. These are advertised via our website, monthly newsletter and socials. We are planning smaller evening events for local regions in 2022 plus a Regional Roadshow over the next 12 months in partnership with Port Stephens Council, Destination Port Stephens, Port Stephens Women in Business, Services NSW and The Business Centre. Stay tuned for details...
5. Alliance Program
You are included in our Alliance Program with Business NSW. The program provides you with the following entitlements:
- Workplace, legal and marketing advice calls – three calls across these topics, per annum
- A 20% discount on Business NSW event and advice-based packages
- Networking and educational events run by Business NSW
- Member only e-newsletter
- Free membership of Business Australia - You will receive an email from Business Australia providing you with your log in details and how to activate your account. For more information on this program go to the Business Australia website.
If you would like to have a chat about your membership benefits call Kerri on 0455 844 751 or admin@businessportstephens.com
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Do you need help with our online Member Directory?
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We are just a phone call away if you need assistance uploading your information, images, whatever you wish to promote. Alternatively email it all to us and we can do all the uploading for you. The more information you have in the Directory the better - including images!
Remember we rank very high in Google so it is an easy way for potential customers to find you. Plus if you have links on your website back to us it helps with your rankings even more. Marketing made easy!
Call Kerri on 0455 844 751 or email admin@businessportstephens.com
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HOW IT WORKS:
The Business Centre receives funding through the NSW Government Business Connect program. After a needs assessment you will be matched to a Business Advisor. After completing the registration form, you will unlock four hours of business support at no cost. If your business is facing business disruption due to drought, fire, flood or Covid-19, talk to the team and increase your free hours of support to 60 hours.
Martin Mckenzie, Business Advisor, Trainer & Mentor at the Business Centre is coming to Lemon Tree Passage and Raymond Terrace.
Martin has had an incredibly varied career, is hugely experienced and has assisted many start-ups over his advisory career. He is also an innovation expert so if you are looking at a new business idea, a techy spin on something that has always been done in a traditional format or if you just want to bounce your innovative idea off a pro, Martin is your man.
If you would like to make an appointment with Martin he will be holding “in person” sessions at Lemon Tree Passage and Raymond Terrace in the next few weeks or you can meet with him via Zoom or over the phone.
To arrange your appointment with Matin call 4925 7700.
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Do you need help to get back on track?
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NewAccess for Small Business Owners
NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners, including sole traders the support they need.
Over six sessions, coaches with a small business background will work with you to overcome difficult issues, providing you with practical skills to manage stress and get you back to feeling like yourself.
At your first appointment your coach will complete an initial assessment with you, and develop a program tailored to your individual needs.
NewAccess for Small Business Owners is available nationally by phone or video call. Call 1300 945 301 or enquire below.
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Who listens to the radio?
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That's what I'd like to know...
Port Stephens FM - the #1 radio station in the LGA - supports local businesses, organisations and events. For over 25 years local businesses both large and small have chosen PSFM to have their message heard loud and clear by their growing listener base.
If you wish to increase your exposure across our LGA, they have a level of sponsorship to suit all needs and budgets from six months, to as little as two weeks.
Testimonials from a couple of satisfied clients:
‘’We have worked with the team at Port Stephens FM since opening in the bay just over 3 years ago. The turnaround of work is quick and easy. We are usually able to lock in and get a campaign started within a week. The team at PSFM are always a pleasure to work with and we see consistently strong results from advertising with them”. Bannisters Port Stephens
"We welcomed a host of new customers through our doors as a result of the advertising with PSFM and we felt great about supporting our own local community radio station." Pride Prestige Automotive
Like to know how your business can benefits? Click on the button below.
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How to help our neighbours in northern NSW
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Congratulations to Karuah:
NSW Top Tourism Town Finalist
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Karuah is a town on the move with more and more people choosing to call it home and a local community that holds its natural environment as sacred, while creating new places to connect around the town centre.
Watch this clip to discover what to see and do in the region.
The NSW Top Tourism Town Awards are all about community and business collaboration coming together to showcase their town as a leading NSW tourism destination highlighting those special places, experiences, cultural attractions and the all-important locally produced food and beverages driving the visitor economy and delivering the social and economic outcomes for the community.
Says Amy Roddom from BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park & Karuah Waters Estate: "Here at BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park we are excited to be working collaboratively with Port Stephens Council and the town of Karuah. It’s such a wonderful place. And the more people that we can tell about us the better. We look forward to bigger and better things for the township of Karuah and encourage everyone to vote."
Although voting has now closed, learn more about Karuah and consider a visit to give them a much-needed boost after the past couple of challenging years.
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Marvelous Mother's Day gift ideas from our members
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Left image: Bay Hampers.
- Indulge your mum with boutique wine, gourmet foods, natural skin care and hand crafted products.
- Order yours for Mum today $90 - save $35!
- Free delivery to Nelson Bay and surrounds. Click here to order.
Right image: Burbridge and Burke
- Are a gift/lifestyle/homewares store, exclusively stocked with independent Australian brands, artists and designers.
- In store you can find gifts for every member of the family - especially mum.
- They also create a range of their own pieces - statement earrings, décor and homewares - all made on site with a whole lot of love.
- You can shop online at www.burbridgeandburke.com (FREE local delivery within 15mins of the store).
- Or find them on Magnus St Nelson Bay, right between some other fabulous members who have great ideas for Mother's Day: baylivingandgarden and Pizzaz Boutique!
If you have any gift ideas for Mother's Day don't forget to email them to us with an image and we shall share on our socials!
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Our Members in the Media!
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Irukanji stars on Better Homes and Gardens
Everyone's favourite vet Dr Harry from Better Homes and Gardens travelled to Port Stephens recently to meet Ryan and Lia Pereira, the owners of Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters. Enjoy watching as Dr Harry visits the sanctuary and meets some of the many residents.
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Come along for some inspiration, innovation and conversation! (Note the change of Date & Venue). Enjoy interactive displays, eco-products, delicious food vans, expert speakers, live music and engaging activities for the whole family – all with a sustainable futures theme.
If you run an eco-friendly business and you'd like to be part of the Festival, there are several options:
• Marketplace spaces are available – see our trade display rates and send us an expression of interest
• General or specific sponsorship opportunities
• Donate environmentally-friendly products or services for prizes and showbags.
Check out our Festival webpage and for more details, phone Alison on 0448 227 422 or email SFFstalls@econetworkps.org
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MEMBERS DON'T FORGET: if you have any news to share about what is happening in your business, send some text, an image and link for further information to admin@businessportstephens.com so we can share in this newsletter and on our socials.
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