LARGE CHUNKS OF AUSTRALIAN FURNITURE GIANT NOW IN HANDS OF CHINESE

Nick Scali managing director Anthony Scali has sold half his shares in his family’s namesake business to Chinese manufacturer KUKA holdings for $77.2 million in a deal that the business says will strengthen relations with a major supplier. Scali reduced his stake in...

MODERN ICON REACHES ANOTHER MILESTONE

A great big Happy 95th Birthday to one of Australia’s leading founders of great furniture design and manufacturing and the AFA’s inaugural Master of the Year in 2014. Ian, together with his wife Joyce, celebrate their birthdays this month and we send them our...

FRANCHISE SECTOR FACES POTENTIAL SENATE INQUIRY 

*Source March 12, 2018 Matthew Elmas It has been a trying month for Australia’s franchise sector, which after a string of scandals is now staring down the barrel of a Senate inquiry. A spokesperson for Senator John Williams has confirmed that he intends to move a...

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION TO ADD $45B TO AUSSIE ECONOMY 

* Source  March 12, 2018  Inside Retail Digital transformation will add an estimated $45 billion to Australia’s GDP by 2021 and increase its growth rate by 0.5 per cent annually, according to a new study released by Microsoft and IDC APAC. In a survey conducted with...

An Issue of National Importance

by Simona Jobbagy, AFCoPN Chair, Director of Business, Design, Media and ICT Programs, Swinburne University “Preparing young people for the new future of work is an issue of national importance” according to the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA, 2015). The fast...

COACHING AND MENTORING

by John Clements, hranywhere As leaders of businesses, we have many responsibilities.  These range from dealing with the day to day operational aspects of our businesses and handling business finances to developing the people working with us.  Each of these is...

Standards Update From Furntech-AFRDI

Review of standards AS/NZS 4442:1997 Office Desks and AS/NZS 4443:1997 Office panel systems – Workstations. The committee has met to consider a large number of public comments. The accepted comments are now being included in an updated committee draft. Standards...

SMALL BUSINESS CONTACTS TO ACCC UP 30 PER CENT

Almost 5,000 small businesses contacted the ACCC in the second half of 2017, up from 3,700 in the preceding six months, according to the latest edition of the Small Business in Focus released today. Alleged misleading conduct, false representations and consumer...

PRIORITY OCCUPATION LIST

The West Australian Food, Fibre & Timber Industries Training Council needs information from industry about the supply of skilled employees in the following sectors: Textiles Furniture, Wood & related products Forestry & Timber There are specific...

Workers Compensation

by John Clements, hranywhere In the event of a work-related accident or illness, state and territory health and safety laws require injured workers have access to first aid, workers’ compensation and a return to work rehabilitation program.  This follows the key...

Leading A Culture of Innovation

by Simona Jobbagy, AFCoPN Chair, Director of Business, Design, Media and ICT Programs, Swinburne University January is always a good time for reflection on the year past, as well as some blue sky thinking to help us deal with the challenges that await us. As our...

Do You Import Timber Products?

As of the 1st of January 2018, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will cease the “soft start” audit period.

Tipping Furniture Warning

The AFA has been liaising with Government to look into tipping furniture as it poses an ongoing threat to Australians. The AFA is pleased Australia’s consumer watchdog has launched a safety investigation into a popular series of drawers by Swedish furniture...

New Year – New Jobs – Are you searching for Skilled Workers?

AFA Members are encouraged to advertise vacancies using the AFA Career Hub. A number of roles have been filled in the past few months since launching this valuable platform, so the offer to assist Members with finding good quality candidates is extended once again....

If you are in Manufacturing, the NSW Government Needs Your Help!

Injuries and illness in the manufacturing industry are too high and Safework NSW is working hard to do something about it. If you work in Manufacturing there are free workshops being held in February. Small Businesses who attend may be eligible for the $500 Small...

Protecting Your Business By Dave Cain 

A Brief Guide on Fraud Prevention, Stolen Credit Cards, and Protecting your Business. AFA Partners, House Of Home provide the following advice – While the rise and rise of e-commerce has unlocked previously closed doors to savvy retailers both domestically and...