If you talk to almost any manufacturer right now, you’ll hear the same thing: “We can’t find enough people with the right skills.” It’s not just a shortage of hands, it’s a shortage of ready hands. The kind that understand digital workflows, precision processes, and safety standards. As automation, robotics, and data analytics reshape production, … Read more
It seems like the months and years just whiz by. Here we are in November, the Melbourne Cup is upon us, and it won’t be long before Santa’s been and gone. Then the new year rolls around. So, when it does, what will you do differently? We ask because it’s incumbent upon us as leaders … Read more
No Australian manufacturer should have to face the world alone. Whether you’re fulfilling large export contracts, investing in new machinery or expanding internationally, Export Finance Australia could help you secure the capital you need to grow, compete and succeed globally – with tailored finance solutions to support your journey. Australian manufacturers taking on the world … Read more
Sourcing and retaining talent continues to be one of the biggest challenges for Australian manufacturers. The good news is we can change this from a challenge to an opportunity. It’s not just about “luck” in finding the right people, it’s about shifting mindset, laying strong foundations, and using practical tools that make your business a … Read more
It’s 6.30 am and Bruce, who owns and runs a precision machining shop in Northern Sydney, is already at work. By 9 am, he’s quoted two jobs, fixed a faulty CNC, and taken a call from a late supplier. By lunch, he’s half-thinking, “Should I spend the next couple of hours chasing more customers? Or … Read more
Australian’s have a proud history of innovation. Things like the cochlear implant and wi-fi are among the inventions we have taken to the world. Yet, when times are tough, it can be hard to allocate capital to something that has no immediate benefit. I was recently asked to reflect on what happens when we choose … Read more
Busy business owners seldom find the time to step back and look at their business with a critical eye. When it comes to your corporate structure, that can be a BIG problem waiting to happen.Things we see: Mum and Dad both named as Directors The issue: In certain situations, Directors’ personal assets are at risk. … Read more
Supply chains aren’t abstract, they’re the lifeblood of every manufacturing business. For SMEs, where margins can be tighter and buffers thinner, even a minor disruption can quickly snowball into lost contracts, delayed cash flow, and reputational damage. SME manufacturers already know this. The challenge isn’t awareness, it’s prioritisation. When you’re focused on competing for contracts, … Read more
One of our great challenges is working out how to boost sales. What we are talking about here is change. We want a different outcome to the one we are getting today. More sales. So, something needs to change. What if it was as simple as choosing a new attitude? We humans are a curious … Read more
Australia’s drive toward lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is rewriting the business landscape. With mandatory reporting and ambitious reduction targets pressing in, Tier 1 (T1) companies face both pressure and opportunity. For Tier 2 (T2) companies, helping T1s meet their environmental obligations is fast becoming a powerful growth strategy. Understanding the OpportunityAustralia now requires large … Read more