The NSW Department of State and Regional Development and Illawarra ITeC would like to invite you to a FREE half-day seminar presented by Tony Gattari. 

The seminar will cover the following topics:

• Master the 6 steps of the Achievers Group 'Sales Cycle'
• Apply 21 strategies on how to get immediate sales results
• Learn powerful psychological profiling techniques that allow you to sell to any personality type
• Transform from being a salesperson to being a problem solver, through the art of communication and getting others to see your point of view
• Use the 101 sales tips that will give you an advantage over your competition
• Learn how to build an immediate relationship with your customers
• PLUS YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE: A comprehensive 70-page workbook which can be used for immediate results in your business!

The Illawarra Regional Labour Market Update – it’s not all doom and gloom! 

Are you sick of hearing about the ‘economic downturn’ and  ‘financial crisis’ in the media? 

I was recently talking to Natalie Viselli, Research Manager from IRIS Research, and she has provided some positive information about the region which I thought that I would share with you.

The Illawarra is home to over 400,000 people, with a population growth rate of 4.5% between 2001 and 2007. The Illawarra is a key region of Australia, contributing considerable resources to the national economy. This wealth of resources is perfectly complemented by the region’s stunning physical beauty, making it an ideal place to combine outstanding business success with a great lifestyle.

The local property market has shown signs of recovery, with sales increasing during the December quarter in the Wollongong Statistical District. We are now seeing the effects of the increased First Home Buyer’s Grant and lower interest rates, with house sales up 1.5% and unit sales rising by 5.0%. The number of houses sold in Wollongong increased 0.1% to 431, while Shellharbour experienced a 13.3% increase to 188.

The rental market is also stabilising, which is easing the pressure on local renters. Median rental prices remained flat in the December 2008 quarter at $310 per week for houses and $240 for units. There was also an 18.9% increase in the number of units advertised to let each week, which is a very welcome turn around on recent results.

Meanwhile 2009 started with a boom in local commercial investment. The value of non-residential building approvals increased by 1.9% in the March quarter to $60.9 Million. This is in stark contrast to the 26.0% downturn experienced across the state as a whole. Over the past twelve months, commercial investment totalled $280.4 million, which is the highest result since December 2007.

Despite all the doom and gloom, people still appear to be spending in the Illawarra. The March 2009 IRIS Consumer Sentiment Monitor found that there was improvement in the proportion of households purchasing clothing and footwear (up 2.7% to 79.4%), household furniture and equipment (up 1.1% to 34.7%), as well as recreation and travel (up 0.9% to 29.7%). Residents feel more confident about their financial position, and are optimistic that they will be better off in one year’s time.

The local mining and manufacturing sector has experienced a downturn in coal and steel production as a result of the global economic crisis. However, the volume of exports passing through Port Kembla Harbour rose by 30.9% in the December quarter to 4.3 million tonnes, with overseas exports soaring by 43.0%.

There seems to be no stopping the local tourism industry. December quarter guest nights rose by 5.5% in 2008, while room nights increased by 3.0%. As a result, takings from accommodation stood at $11.5 million, which is 7.5% higher than the December 2007 quarter result. 

Free Business Advisory Services

If this current economic situation is really getting you down and you find you are struggling and really need some business advice – call Illawarra ITeC and make an appointment to see one of our Business Advisors. 

Illawarra ITeC has five Small Business Programs to either :

- help you get started in your business venture; or
- further develop your business skills and improve your business.

All programs provide free and confidential business advice. We have offices based in Wollongong, Nowra and Mittagong - but we are also a mobile service and can come to you. 

• Illawarra Business Advisory Service (IBAS)

Serviced Offices Available    

Are you looking for serviced offices in the CBD of Wollongong for a reasonable cost?

Illawarra ITeC has fully serviced office space available now
No LEASE – Monthly Rental Agreement only.

Run your business from established offices in a prime location or utilise Illawarra ITeC’s virtual office facility.

Benefits include:

• Short term / Long term availability
• FULLY services offices
• Reception/Mailing/Cleaning
• Your phone answered in your business name
• Business name signage

Additional services available:

• Broadband Internet Access
• Undercover parking available
• Training/Casual Interview Rooms for hire

Premises located at:  
1/336 Keira Street (Cnr Keira and West Streets) Wollongong NSW 2500. 
Contact Sarah on (02) 4223 3100 to arrange an inspection and discuss rates.

If you require further information please don’t hesitate to contact me on 4223 3100 or 1300 650 058.

• Business Enterprise Centre (BEC)
• New Enterprise Development Scheme  (NEIS)
• Illawarra Innovation Advisory Service (IIAS)
• Aboriginal Enterprise Development Officer (ADEO) Program

Call Illawarra ITeC today on 1300 065 058.

Do you receive our weekly Illawarra ITeC Small Business News Newsletter?   If not, email Virginia today on ibec@illawarraitec.com.au and we will automatically send you a copy.  

This is only a brief outline of the types of small business advice and assistance that we can offer. Want to know more?  Remember I am a FREE service and can assist you in developing your business in many ways. Call me today on 4223 3100 or check out our website at www.illawarraitec.com.au