BCQ Member Newsletter

Business Chamber Queensland member newsletter | Your business update

Wednesday, 11 October

Energy efficient cashback for your business

This week we saw a new appliance cashback program for Queensland businesses to invest in energy efficient equipment.

The Queensland Business Energy Saving Transformation program comes as we called for targeted funding for businesses to invest in sustainable technology and practices ahead of the FY 24 State Budget.

We know business operating costs are at record highs and energy and power prices are contributing to the high cost of doing business.

We're seeing this through our Pulse Survey which is an important tool decision makers rely on to understand Queensland business sentiment, expectations and conditions. The September quarter survey is now open and you can contribute your insight here.

It's why we advocated for this targeted funding on behalf of our members and the state's business community.

This is your chance to capitalise on the cashback offer to realise immediate and long-term business benefits.

Investing in energy efficient equipment is an important step to help take some of the immediate sting out of power bills but also offers long term sustainable business benefits.

Sustainable businesses are seeing immediate cost saving and long-term competitive benefits. Sustainable business is a critical consideration to meet supply chain needs, respond to evolving consumer demand and realise market-driven opportunities.

It also means businesses can be competitive for procurement, export and trade internationally and maximise a sustainable Olympics legacy.

We’ve been working with the State Government to bring energy efficiency and sustainable business measures to the forefront, to ensure the state’s business community is supported to manage day-to-day costs and are empowered to continue the important role you have in the future of the state’s economy.

But there is still work to do and we’ll continue working with business and government to ensure there is further support for businesses to scale, grow and diversify your business practices.

In the regions with Q2032

We’re leading the business community’s journey to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games, ensuring every business in Queensland is able to benefit from the growth opportunities ahead in our state.

Major events like the Olympics have the potential to put momentum behind decisions you might already have been thinking about or planning for.   

It means there is a fresh enthusiasm, excitement and drive within the state’s business community and it’s all happening within a transformational business environment which can accelerate business opportunities.

Ensuring every business can benefit from the economic growth in the next decade, regardless of where you are in Queensland, will be the test of Olympics success – that will be business gold.    

Now is the time to ensure Queensland businesses are ahead of the game.  

It’s really important these games leave a lasting, sustainable and positive environmental and social legacy in Queensland and it’s equally important businesses are empowered to be a part of that.   

To achieve that, work must start now. It’s why the Business Chamber Queensland team and CEO Heidi Cooper visited Cairns and Townsville business communities with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this month to help share the benefits to come for Queensland businesses.

Q2032 helps us understand what to expect, how to get involved and most importantly how to get ready. Sustainability will have a key role in that journey.

To get ahead of the game, begin or develop your sustainability journey with our free ecoBiz program. It’s an important first step in being competitive for procurement opportunities.

Understanding Industrial Relations reforms impact

We’re working to ensure Queensland businesses are at the forefront of Industrial Relations reforms and the Federal Government has clear information about the potential impact on the state’s employers.

It’s critical Queensland business insight is included in this advocacy.

We've asked the business community in Queensland what the likely impact of these reforms could be and we'll share some of those insights with you shortly. If you contributed to our recent survey, thank you.

Read CEO Heidi Cooper's column in The Courier Mail

Our final Business Matters event for 2023 will officially launch the Chamber’s Queensland Beyond 2032 Report, which outlines the key areas needed to ensure that Queensland businesses can thrive over the next decade and beyond. The opportunities for Queensland businesses leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are substantial. But what are the key areas of focus to ensure that Queensland businesses can thrive now and into the future?

Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023
Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Venue: Ballroom A, Hilton Hotel, 190 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City

Ticket options

General Admission: $190 per person incl. GST
Business Chamber Queensland member price: $170 incl. GST
Table of 10: $1850 incl. GST
Business Chamber Queensland member price: $1650 incl. GST

To access Business Chamber Queensland member priced tickets, click here and enter the email address associated with your membership. Access codes are only to be redeemed once. Please contact the Business Chamber Queensland's marketing team at marketing@businesschamberqld.com.au for any assistance. Tickets are non-refundable. Ticket prices are GST inclusive.

Terms and conditions apply, see here.

The Report, based on research across a wide range of Queensland businesses, provides insights and the practical steps needed to achieve prosperity beyond 2032. The deep exploration covers five key themes:

Extending the economic horizon
Digitisation and innovation
Growing the future workforce
Advancing Queensland sustainability
Building thriving communities

DETAILS AND TICKETS

Access our Energy Efficient Action Toolkit

Easy solutions to unlocking business efficiencies and potential

Adopting and increasing energy efficiency in your business is an important way to save money, reduce emissions, increase efficiencies, and demonstrate to your customers, suppliers and markets that your business values sustainability.

Energy efficiency can also be an easy first step to your business sustainability journey, helping you to unlock the potential, efficiency and savings which sustainable businesses enjoy.

Business Chamber Queensland's Energy Efficient Action Toolkit is a valuable resource to help you get started to become more energy-efficient and sustainable.

The toolkit will:

Provide you with a suite of self-service easy-to-use digital resources and tools.
Inspire you to consider the value of energy efficiency and productivity for your specific business and workforce.
Provide practical tips and solutions to enhance energy efficiency and lower emissions.
Provide information about additional help available.

The toolkit is designed for you to access in your own time, and if you need help or inspiration from other businesses, that’s available too.

The Business Chamber Queensland Energy Efficient Action Toolkit has been developed with the assistance of a grant from the Queensland Government's part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

GET STARTED

Transforming the state's workforces

Register to access the Workforce Evolve learning platform. Not sure if this is for you? Chat with a Workforce Coach to understand how the program can help your business.

We've officially launched our new Workforce Evolve program, designed by business for business, to transform business employment practices and support immediate and long-term workforce challenges.  

We’re bringing together businesses, staff and Queensland communities, to deliver long-term sustainable solutions to workforce challenges, now and in the future.

We know workforce challenges are a top priority for businesses right across the state. For more than a year our Pulse data has shown the ability to attract and retain suitably qualified staff has been the most significant constraint on business growth.

It’s why we developed the free Workforce Evolve program, to ensure greater attraction, retention and participation among workforces across the state, supporting businesses and your workforces now and in the future.

Free access to six self-paced, online learning modules allows employers the flexibility to choose your starting point based on your specific needs and goals. Included are downloadable, practical resources in the library and access to free, personalised Workforce Evolve Coaching to support employers throughout the program to convert learning into action and to maximise change within your organization.

Our team designed Workforce Evolve to equip businesses with the knowledge needed to adapt to the changing work environment and evolve the way you attract and retain staff, providing employers with the tools and information you need to bring fresh and innovative thinking to your workplaces.

We’ll support Queensland businesses to consider different approaches to alleviate immediate workforce pressures as well as driving long-term business resilience and sustainability.  

We’re best placed to deliver the Workforce Evolve program in partnership with the Queensland Government, given our 155 year legacy of supporting Queensland businesses and deep understanding of the state’s business community.

It is essential businesses are equipped to take up future opportunities through a resilient, sustainable and diverse workforce.  

Workforce Evolve is one way we’re supporting Queensland businesses, now and in the future.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Workforce Connect Fund. 

GET STARTED

September quarter Pulse Survey is now open

We need your insight to better understand business conditions in Queensland.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Business Chamber Queensland's Pulse Survey has been measuring Queensland business confidence and expectations for more than 20 years.

We use the quarterly Pulse Survey, Queensland's most established, comprehensive and trusted survey of business sentiment, in advocacy efforts to shape state and federal policies on behalf of businesses – including yours.

This is your chance to have your business voice heard and help us advocate to government on behalf of businesses across the state.

See the details in the June quarter Pulse Report

Business operating and labour costs are at record highs while the compounding impact of reduced consumer spending and workforce challenges put pressure on businesses’ bottom line.

Out now, the Pulse Report of Queensland business conditions for the June quarter shows interest rates, level of demand and economic activity, workforce challenges and wage costs, as well as insurance premiums, are the most significant constraints on business growth.

It means businesses have weak confidence in the future of both the state and national economies.

Read about these Pulse findings and what they mean for Queensland businesses in the news.

Country pubs feeling the pinch

Business is everyone's business

Profits decline for state's businesses as they prepare to pay more for workers

Key report findings

General business conditions increased but remained satisfactory and are expected to decline slightly in the September quarter.

Business operating costs and labour costs reached record highs.

Average selling price remained at moderate levels in the June quarter. 47% of Queensland businesses indicated their average selling price remained unchanged during the June quarter.

Employment levels remained largely unchanged in the June quarter and are expected to hold steady in the September quarter.

Capital expenditure remained steady in the June quarter, and is expected to fall slightly in the September quarter.

DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT HERE

Business Chamber Queensland in the news

Exports to India doubled in the last 12 months following free trade agreement

Queensland exports to India close to doubled in the 12 months to March, following a free trade agreement between Australia and India, Business Chamber Queensland data shows.

The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), entered into force in late December and already Queensland exporters have benefitted from tariff-free shipments of close to 85% of goods.

Small business needs help and needs it now

Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper said there wasn’t much optimism in the state’s economic future.

“Businesses are currently facing the combined impact of high operating costs, high labour and insurance costs, high interest rates and reduced consumer spending which mean they’re less optimistic in the state and nation’s economic future,” she said.

ABC The Drum 12.09.23

Kathryn Robinson is joined by Parnell McGuinness, Tom Crowley, Adam Carrel and Heidi Cooper to discuss the brain drain hitting our renewables sector, plus why are Australians not eating enough vegetables?

WATCH HERE

The engineering brain drain facing Australia's renewable energy sector

CEO Heidi Cooper told The Drum if Australia was to ramp up its investment in clean energy projects and capability, it would be necessary to ensure the country had the skills to match demand.

Sustainable business story

“They want to work at White Whale”: How sustainability is supporting a Far North Queensland coffee business

ecoBiz helps businesses save on average 19% on their energy, water and waste bills.

But, for coffee roasters Ali and Stephen Slotemaker, a sustainable business focus has more value than minimising their environmental impact, reducing emissions and saving money.

DISCOVER HOW THE ECOBIZ PROGRAM COULD SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS

Snippets from Business Connect networking event

Business Chamber Queensland held another networking event Business Connect last week with Royston & Wendy Kent from B&C Plastics.

B&C Plastics has been part of Business Chamber Queensland’s ecoBiz program since 2019 and are at the forefront of circular economy. 99% of all plastic products manufactured at B&C Plastics are multiple or lifetime products.

Boardroom Lunch | Queensland Beyond 2032

As we prepare to launch the Queensland Beyond 2032 Report, comparing the gap between where we are and where we are heading provides insights into practical steps we can take to achieve the a prosperous Queensland economy beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

At our September Boardroom Lunch with Shadow Minister for Employment and Training, Small and Family Business and Open Data Mr Brent Mickelberg, business leaders contributed their thoughts on key business policy levers and opportunities for the sustainable uptake of trade, investment, and business growth over the next ten years and beyond in Queensland.

Snippets from Building Board Diversity event

Building Board Diversity, held in partnership with BDO Australia, provided guests with an insightful look into the opportunities and actions that can be taken to better nurture the appointment and retention of diverse talent on boards.

IR Reforms Business Briefing Webinar Series

Business Chamber Queensland members can join for free

The Federal Government introduced the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 to Parliament that is set to make sweeping changes to a number of key industrial relations laws and could have a substantial impact on business.

To help you understand these impacts, our expert Workplace Advisory team held a series of IR Reforms business briefings throughout September and October. There is still one left in the series.

Sign up:

12 October, 9-9.30am - Workplace Delegates

Online training and new training bundles

Business Chamber Queensland has recently revamped the suite of online training courses for members and non-members.

As part of this revamp, existing courses have been updated and new courses introduced.

Courses range from compliance focused courses such as ‘Alcohol and drugs in the workplace’, to developmental courses, such as ‘Discussing performance with staff’.

These development courses are ideal for developing your leadership team, as well as your future leaders.

In addition to several new courses, it’s also easier for members to purchase bundles of training specific to your needs. By choosing a bundle, you can also save up to 40% on the per course cost. Featured training bundles include:

Conduct for Employees bundle,
WHS for Employees bundle,
WHS for managers bundle, and
Improving Management Skills bundle.

Individual courses cost $25 per user per course, and bundles start from $100 per user per bundle.

Some Business Chamber Queensland membership levels receive several training courses for free per year as part of their membership. If you are unsure if this applies to you – please feel free to discuss this with the Workplace Advisory Services team by calling 1300 731 988.

Visit the Business Chamber Queensland website for more details.

DOWNLOAD TRAINING FLYER

Digital Skills Hub | Thriving in the digital world

Digital technology touches every aspect of business, professional and personal lives. It has changed, and will continue to change, the way we work and live. For business to survive and thrive in this ever-changing digital landscape, it is vital to stay up-to-date.

At Business Chamber Queensland we know business matters. And we know that that what matters to business is staying relevant through ongoing learning. Our Digital Skills Hub opens a world of possibilities by giving you free access to hundreds of training courses – from an Introduction to Digital Marketing to understanding SEO to Demystifying ChatGPT, and everything in between. The courses are available to your employees too and can be undertaken at any time of the day that’s best for you, 7 days a week.

All you need to do is register here to get started!

We have curated these 8 playlists for you, but in addition to these, you will also have access to thousands of other courses.
1. Marketing, social media and websites
2. Data Analytics for business
3. Cyber Security
4. Digital Technologies
5. Managing your customer’s journey
6. Digital in less than 5 minutes
7. Digital basics
8. Artificial Intelligence

REQUEST INFORMATION

Our advisors can help you with information about WorkCover claims, how to handle returning to work, case reviews, appeals processes, and more. We can also help you understand the steps in the process, where to find relevant information and who to speak to at different points along the way.    
  
Our service is available to all Queensland employers by calling  1300 365 855 and speaking with an advisor or emailing    workcoverinfo@businesschamberqld.com.au
  
As part of Business Chamber Queensland’s free workers' compensation information service to Queensland employers Business Chamber Queensland has made available free resources to assist employers who are preparing the return to work process for an employee.  Contact workcoverinfo@businesschamberqld.com.au for details or see the Business Chamber Queensland website.

FIND OUT MORE

Workplace Services news | What Are reasonable adjustments – Disability, discrimination and unjustifiable hardship

A recent decision of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia highlights the requirement for employers to either make reasonable adjustments for employees with a disability if they don’t face unjustifiable hardship by doing so.

Read the blog to understand more, including what it means for Queensland businesses.

2023 Growing Queensland Business Roadshows

Meet the Business Chamber Queensland team at the 2023 Growing Queensland Business roadshows from October 17 to understand how we can help you prepare for future business opportunities across the state.

At the 2023 Growing Queensland Business Roadshows we’ll provide you with practical tips and information on:

increasing your competitive edge and savings with sustainability through our ecoBiz program,
how to transform your employment practices and future proof your workforce with Workforce Evolve, and
what to do now to capatalise on opportunities with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Roadshow locations

Please note, the roadshows will run from 9am to 12pm.

	Location	Date
1	Maryborough	Tuesday, 17 October
2	Brisbane CBD	Wednesday, 18 October
3	Redlands	Thursday, 19 October
4	Ipswich	Monday, 30 October
5	Toowoomba	Tuesday, 31 October
6	Gold Coast	Wednesday, 1 November
7	Logan (Beenleigh)	Thursday, 2 November
8	Rockhampton	Monday, 6 November
9	Cairns	Wednesday, 8 November
10	Townsville	Thursday, 9 November
11	Moreton Bay (Morayfield)	Tuesday, 21 November
12	Caloundra	Wednesday, 22 November
13	Mackay	Thursday, 23 November

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