News Room

Risk Management and Government Grants Available - 12th August 2008

NEWSLETTER STRATACORE 12th AUGUST 2008


Message from the CEO

It is amazing how quickly the market has changed during the last year and this newsletter is quite timely considering the economic climate. Everyone was enjoying prosperous times and now we are faced with record petrol prices and higher interest rates. Businesses seem to have felt the pinch, so now more than ever, is the time for you to ensure your business is in the optimum condition.

Our supporters have provided us with information that may assist you in securing your business against risk and the benefits your business may be able to receive from AusIndustry via grants. Additionally, the Queensland Government provide details of support and opportunities for our employees of the future, particularly the benefits in the manufacturing industry.

Thank you to our contributors and if you have any business tips or news to contribute, please contact lucy@stratacore.com.au.

NEWS

1. Congratulations to Mark Barber of Sea Pen who has been recognised in the July Gold Coast Business Awards, receiving the Mayors Innovation Gold Coast Award.

2. The Australian Business Angels Awards have opened with awards given for a number of areas including the most innovative investment, most promising investment and best investment exit. Nomination forms are available at www.foundersforum.com.au. The conference and evening dinner will be held on Thursday 11th September 2008.

3. Gold Coast TAFE has recently achieved status as a separate Statutory Authority. We are pleased to announce Debbie Crowther has been appointed as a Director of the Gold Coast TAFE.


Are all of your personal assets at risk?

It seems to be the month for our review of structures of businesses, and it is incredible how many businesses were not set up in a structure appropriate to their future plans. The right structure can assist you to protect your assets and ensure that your total wealth is not exposed if a problem occurs. You may also be able to enjoy some tax savings offered by the current taxation legislation if operating in the right structure.

Just as every business is different, the optimum structure for each set of circumstances can also be different. Therefore, it is imperative you seek advice sooner rather than later, as any change in your structure has taxation implications.

For a review of your structure or any assistance in this area, please contact debbie@stratacore.com.au

AusIndustry Support

AusIndustry is the Australian Government's business program delivery division of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. AusIndustry delivers a product range of 30 innovation grants, tax and duty concessions, industry support, and venture capital products to more than 10,000 small and large businesses every year. They assist Australian business to become more innovative and internationally competitive through distribution of some $2 billion worth of assistance annually. AusIndustry offers both entitlement/concession and competitive products. For a competitive grants-based program, customers compete for limited funds, based on the merit of their application. For concessions, such as an R&D Tax Concession, a customer makes a claim, based on their self-assessed eligibility.

The R&D Tax Concession enables eligible companies to claim a tax deduction of up to 125% of qualifying expenditure on eligible R&D activities when lodging their annual tax returns. In addition, under specific circumstances, companies may claim a 175% premium deduction for additional investment in R&D and small companies may elect to claim the concession as an offset, enabling them to ’cash out’ tax losses. "This program is an entitlement if eligible, and many eligible companies may be missing out – so please talk to your local AusIndustry Regional office regarding eligibility and how to register".

The newest "Climate Ready" grant program which launched on 28 July 2008, is part of its $240 million commitment over 4 years under the "Clean Business Australia" initiative (announced in the May 2008 budget) to working in partnership with business to deliver energy and water-efficient projects with a focus on productivity and innovation.

There are three program elements to the "Clean Business Australia" initiative:

* Climate Ready (launched 28/7/08)

* Green Building Fund (to be launched)

* Re-tooling for Climate Change (to be launched)

Eligible "Climate Ready" projects could include new technologies for water recycling; waste recovery or small-scale renewable energy; the development of green building materials to make homes more energy-efficient and more comfortable; and innovations to reduce energy used by appliances, cutting emissions and household power bills.

For more information on any of the AusIndustry programs, contact the Gold Coast AusIndustry Regional Office on (07) 5503 1601 or the AusIndustry Hotline 13 28 46 or visit the website: www.ausindustry.gov.au

Which is more important – Your life or your car?

The majority of Australians have motor vehicle insurance, contents insurance and building insurance while only 6% have income protection, 5% have TPD insurance and 2.5% of Australians have trauma insurance. This is shocking, particularly considering the average monthly premium of TPD protection is $10.21 while the average monthly premium for vehicle insurance is $76.41.

Did you know that 49% of us will retire due to ill health or disability? Amazing statistics, however the majority of Australians would rather insure their motor vehicle than themselves and their family against such unforeseen circumstances.

Income protection, Trauma and TPD insurance are often not addressed when you look at arranging your life insurance. Life insurance can generally be a waste of money, as generally more than 90% of the time we get sick or injured prior to passing away. Any period of disability puts financial stress and pressure on your lifestyle and some people cancel their life insurance as a result.

To ensure you have no holes in your personal risk insurance portfolio you need these issues addressed by a specialist. For personal expert guidance and advice or a review of your existing insurance please contact Jason Churchill on 5596 2994 or melissa@jccs.com.au

If you or your family are financially dependant on your business, or you are in partnership, it is imperative that you ensure both you and your business associates have adequate insurance in place and the correct legal agreements. If you have any concerns, please contact Stratacore.



Do you know someone who is looking for a really exciting career that can take them places? OR

Have you considered accessing the benefits of a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship?

Queensland's manufacturing industry is vibrant and growing. There are hundreds of different types of jobs in manufacturing and many different pathways to help you achieve your ambitions.

These pathways provide the opportunity to utilise new technologies and develop the essential skill sets leading to nationally-recognised qualifications and rewarding careers. You can go right through to university, self-employment, management positions, travel or simply choose where you want to work.

Some of the fastest growing areas in manufacturing include aerospace, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, boatbuilding, electronics, engineering and light metals, fibre composites and food processing and supply. These areas need motivated people who want to become highly skilled and in return offer really competitive rewards and the flexibility to move between trade, technical and managerial roles.

There are many different careers in manufacturing and this web site will help you decide if this is the industry for you.

Visit the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry’s website www.createitmakeitliveit.qld.gov.au to see real life profiles about mechanical engineering apprentices, boatbuilding apprentices, food processing workers and electronic equipment specialists.

So what are you waiting for? Live the life you want to live - 'Create it, Make it, Live it'.


Contact Details

Stratacore International Pty Ltd
Seabank Building
12 Marine Parade
Southport QLD 4215

PO BOX 5931
Gold Coast Mail Centre QLD 9726

Ph: 07 5526 3550
Fax: 07 5526 3150

Email: lucy@stratacore.com.au