PR and marketing

Almost 73 per cent of Australian workers in the mining, industrial and construction sectors have expressed their concern about the widening gap between the two-speed economy.

These are the findings of a recent survey of 1,030 Australians, working in the mining, industrial and manufacturing sectors, conducted by Ferret.com.au – an online business directory servicing the Australian mining, industrial and manufacturing sectors.

The survey revealed growing concerns of economic pressures caused by the weaknesses in the manufacturing, construction and retail industries in opposition to the mining boom.

Dom Weatherhead, Account manager for Ferret.com.au said, “This was one of the most significant responses when it came to addressing concerns and issues regarding the mining, industrial and manufacturing sectors. It shows that confidence really isn’t all that high at the moment.”

In addition to growing concerns about the Australian two-speed economy, was the belief that the mining boom is causing a skills shortage in Australian businesses that are outside of the mining sector. However, those surveyed also expressed concern about a skills shortage in the mining sector, with just over 50 per cent believing the shortage does exist.

“Just over 51 per cent of those surveyed expressed concern for skills shortages occurring in sectors like manufacturing and retail due to the mining boom, but almost the same amount of those surveyed expressed concerns about a shortage of skills in the mining sector as well,” said Mr Weatherhead.

In response to the skills shortage, 54 percent of the Australian workers in the mining sector indicated they believe automation is needed and only 10 per cent indicated they don’t.

“Automation is slowly increasing in the mining sector, with many companies implementing automated machinery in remote areas and places they find difficult to employ workers for,” said Mr Weatherhead.

“Although there are some negative aspects to automation, these results indicate that these workers are worried about the skills shortage and believe automation may be the answer.”

Business owners, managers and employees of the mining, industrial and manufacturing sectors were surveyed about the major issues of their sector including economic, environmental issues, and cost and effectiveness of resources.

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For further information or interviews please contact:
Lauren Milne
CP Communications
Phone: 02 9460 9200

About the survey
The survey of 1,030 business owners, managers and employees of the mining, industrial and manufacturing sectors over the age of 18 years was carried out over the months of March and April 2012 covering all states and territories of Australia and representing all demographics.

About Ferret.com.au
Ferret.com.au is an online business directory servicing the Australian Manufacturing, Industrial and Mining industries. Owned and operated by Catch, an online division of Reed Business Information Australia, Ferret.com.au provides a comprehensive central online source containing the latest product, company and industry news updates. www.ferret.com.au

Website & Ecommerce - Set-up and beyond: tips, trends and ideas with Nancy Georges "The Retail Miss Fix-it"

Most Australian households now have the internet, which means Australian retailers have an easy path into their customers’ homes.

Online presence, e-commerce and social media are now necessary in every retailer’s marketing strategy. Websites and online stores are no longer optional extras – they are a vital necessity.

Technology is driving business more than ever. Nancy will give you the information to get you started in the world that we are now operating in.

Websites and online stores are essential for EVERY business. There are so many options and decisions to be made, which makes it harder to get started. Once you have the cart, you need to ensure it is future proof.

Your online store needs to be an extension of your existing fabulous customer service, so what questions do you need to ask yourself? Shopping cart format sorted? What about the payment gateways and options available to you? What is the best one for your needs? Integrating your website into your social media & offline activity? (which is as important as the site itself!) - what are the "do's & don'ts"?

Nancy will discuss her own experiences with a wide range of products and services.

About Nancy Georges:
Nancy, "The Retail Miss Fix-it", is a Retail Strategist and owner of Magnolia Solutions, offering retail marketing consultancy, strategy and solutions.

She has over 20 years industry experience; in-store management, customer service, product development, manufacturing, wholesaling and marketing. Evolving from a wholesaling business - Paper Magnolia - she moved to marketing support & consulting.

She has built her own websites and online stores, as well as publishing her first printed book and e-book. Her knowledge and references are all from her own first hand experiences.

Working with retailers, wholesalers, brands & manufacturers to navigate the ‘new world’; Nancy strategically integrates and implements sound retail practices with websites, e-commerce and social media. Nancy is one of the Social Media Women founders.

Nancy contributes insightful retail and marketing articles to trade magazines and websites, and is often asked to provide comment for newspapers and radio.

Nancy has just released her new book “7 Powerful Ways to Boost Retail Profits in Any Economic Climate” to help retailers identify the foundation they need to ensure a profitable retail store and business in today’s economic climate. Retailers need the information and support so that they can adapt and navigate the new retail climate.

Nancy is a speaker at industry conferences and events as well as holding seminars focused on retail and the transition actions needed to navigate the ‘new world’.

Follow her on Twitter: @NancyGeorges

A not to be missed event - learn the ins and outs of websites, online stores and offline integration.

Register now for our March event here.

Date: Tuesday 13 March 2012
Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Venue: The Supper Club at the Oxford Hotel,
134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
(Enter the Oxford St side of the hotel and walk up the stairs. Metered parking is a few steps away on Bourke St, $1.10 per hour)

One of Australia’s leading digital marketing agencies, Next Digital, has successfully acquired South East Asian digital marketing agency, FutureLab Asia.  With an ideas led approach and focus on social media, FutureLab Asia was identified as a natural fit for Next Digital to continue its growth strategy in Asia.

FutureLab Asia’s social media strategy skills will be integrated into Next Digital’s service offering across its three Australian offices and its three Asian offices in Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Singapore.  

The acquisition will strengthen Next Digital’s ability to create sophisticated social strategies for its clients in addition to the core digital strategy, creative, web, ecommerce, mobile and digital marketing services it offers.

“Next Digital undertook extensive research into digital marketing businesses in the ASEAN region and found FutureLab Asia to be a great business, with world class talent and services that really complement what we already offer,” says Andrew Burke, Chief Executive Officer for Next Digital.

“This acquisition will enable Next Digital to improve the way we deliver on the social media needs of our clients, and reinforces our focus on becoming a creative leader in Australia and the wider region.”

FutureLab Asia has a comprehensive portfolio of clients including well known brands such as Maxis, Johnson & Johnson, AirAsia and 7-Eleven.

“Their idea processes, creative thinking and ability to execute amazing and award-winning campaigns will add that extra level of firepower to Next Digital,” explains Mr Burke. “Acquiring FutureLab Asia is a key step in our growth strategy and follows our continued strong growth in China.”

The founders of FutureLab Asia, Janet Teo and Vic Sithasanan, will be joining Next Digital, and heading up two separate locations in South East Asia: Janet Teo is CEO of Next Digital Kuala Lumpur and Vic Sithasanan is CEO of Next Digital Singapore.

“We are exceptionally proud to have these two talented and passionate professionals driving the Next Digital business in the ASEAN region,” states Mr Burke.

With over 15 years experience with global brands they will be the driving force behind Next Digital in South East Asia.

“Next Digital is developing a strong network across the region, has great talent across its offices and focuses on developing exceptional work. We are all really excited to be part of this vibrant company and feel a close kinship because we share similar values,” adds Mr Sithasanan.

“Being part of Next Digital brings huge benefits to our current clients as we expand our digital offering in the Asian market, and provides us with the scale to compete with global agencies.”   

Effective today, FutureLab Asia will be rebranded as Next Digital.

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About Next Digital
Next Digital is a leader in creating successful digital strategies for clients throughout the Asia Pacific region.  They combine exceptional marketing thinking, regional understanding and technical firepower to develop and deliver broad digital programs.

Their love for all things digital has been going strong for more than 16 years. That journey has helped them hone their delivery and engagement approach, and has shaped how they innovate and keep in front of a fast changing digital space.

Next Digital is a true full service digital agency with over 170 talented digital specialists working throughout offices in Brisbane, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. www.nextdigital.com

Do you want to boost your businesses online presence? With people spending an increasing amount of time on the internet it is vital to have an integrated online marketing strategy. Come and hear our friend, Valerie Khoo at the July Women’s Network Australia networking lunch.

Valerie is a respected journalist, author, blogger and entrepreneur and will share her ‘Top seven tips on how to boost your business and build your brand online’  while you enjoy a delicious lunch.

At this lunch you will learn:

·         The one thing you MUST do to turn your website into a leads-capturing machine.

·         How to position yourself as an expert in your target market.

·         Five golden rules for creating a successful e-newsletter that drives sales.

·         Simple ways to create an effective podcast to reach your customers.

Details:

Venue: The Vibe Hotel, 111 Goulbourn Street, Sydney

Date: Wednesday, 15 July, 2009

Time: 11:30am – 2:15pm

RSVP Date: Friday, 10 July, 2009

Book Tickets