Corporate News
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...
AFA PARTNERS WITH WOOD CERTIFICATION STANDARDS BODY – RESPONSIBLE WOOD
The AFA is proud to announce a working partnership with Responsible Wood*. Responsible Wood is the National Governing Body for PEFC Australia. Established in 2002, Responsible Wood* are pioneers in the development of certification standards for wood and wood products...
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...
Safety blitz sparks product recall of cots posing entrapment, choking, falls, hazards for children
Safety blitz sparks product recall of cots posing entrapment, choking, falls, hazards for childrenKaren Collier, Consumer reporter, Herald SunJune 2, 2017 7:59pmAs reported in the Herald Sun FIVE faulty children’s cots have been recalled in the past month...
Baby and toddler cots involved in recall
http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/4700284/baby-and-toddler-cots-involved-in-recall-photos-video/
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 retailer...
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...
Education and Training – Furnishing Training Packages and the Role of Industry Reference Committees (IRC)
The Furnishing IRC is responsible for national training package qualifications relevant to furnishings, kitchens, cabinets, glass, windows and doors, furnishing design, flooring, blinds and awnings and picture framing. These qualifications are included in the MSF...
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 abroad,...
Global Style Connections
The Australian Furniture Association Ltd is now also trading as The Australasian Furnishing Association. The change reflects the Association’s commitment to belonging to a globally-focused imperative to the quality, high standards and safety of Australian furnishing...
A Digital Health Check Now Could Save Your Business
Digital Health Checks for Small to Medium Businesses (SME’s) Small to Medium businesses in Australia are being suffocated by their own business. It is a problem we see time and time again. Businesses get so busy keeping up with the day to day operations that are...
International Furniture Show Australian Welcomes Australasian Furniture Association members at the Inaugural Show.
International Exhibitions and Conference Group Pty Ltd (IEC Group) will be organising the inaugural International Furniture Show Australia at the International Convention Centre, Sydney from 12 to 14 July 2018. The International Furniture Show Australia presents a...
In Spite Of Increasing Import Infiltration, Industry Revenue Maintained To Grow – a summary of recent IBIS World Reports
The AFA has summarised the latest Ibis World Reports on behalf of its Members. This is second in the series is in relation to Mattress Manufacturing in Australia, the full report is at the bottom of this article or click on any of the (read more) links as well to...
Benchmarking by John Clements from hranywhere
Many organisations, regardless of size and structure, will seek to benchmark themselves. Benchmarking helps with improving processes, approaches and technologies to reduce costs, increase profits and strengthen customer loyalty and satisfaction. Benchmarking is an...
Disciplinary action
Generally, employees perform their duties well and there is no need to take corrective action. However, where an employee is not meeting either performance or behaviour expectations, it is critical to act. Coaching and retraining are often all that is required to...
Looking for an Intern? Did you know you can “Trial a young person”
Through the PaTH program AFA Members can host an internship placement in their business and see if the candidate is a good fit. You will receive $1000 to help with the costs of hosting an intern, and the intern is covered by insurance through the program. Just 200...
Developing an export plan?
Many AFA Members are looking to export their products, but how do you go about it? The first step is to develop an export plan so you and your business and staff have a clear plan to follow. An effective export plan will help evaluate your strengths and weaknesses...
Government Tender Project WA
AFA Members are advised that newly listed WA Public Sector Procurement Opportunities currently exist from Tenders WA that require the supply of Furniture. Request No. (Status) & Type Request Summary Dates BMW0247517 (Current) Tender Department of Health -...
Small Business unfair contract terms in focus
The AFA is following developments as the ACCC is continuing to educate business and take enforcement action to ensure that small businesses receive the protections of the new unfair contract terms laws. Since 12 November last year, when the laws were extended to small...
ACCC Legislation
The purpose of this letter is to remind AFA Members of the Federal Court of Australia decision following action taken by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) against Woolworths Limited (Woolworths) relating to the supply of unsafe products to...
Resolving: Intense import competition contributes to descending revenue and exits– a summary of recent IBIS World Reports
The AFA has summarised the latest Ibis World Reports on behalf of its Members. The first in the series is in relation to Wicker and Fibreglass Furniture Manufacturing in Australia This sector of the furnishing industry relates to the manufacture furniture or furniture...
The annual Eat Drink Design Awards shortlist announced
There are some fantastic projects announced in the shortlist and worth checking out, even if it is just to keep up to date with any new restaurants etc. These awards support innovation and excellence in the design of hospitality premises of all scales and types,...