Newsletter Issue No.21 November 2007

THE TRAVEL STUDIO
Simon and Leeanne Levett

Long time Howden residents Simon and Leeanne Levett are proud owners of The Travel Studio. The business was established in 1997and from humble beginnings with 2 staff in a small office, expanded to their current location in Salamanca Square with 12 staff. Leeanne has over 25 years industry experience and Simon, after a 24 year career with the ANZ Bank, has now taken on the role of Finance and Administration Manager.

LeeAnne advises what sets the Travel Studio apart from other travel agencies is that :
“The Travel Studio is an innovative company that brings a new dimension to the travel industry. Our specialist consultants offer expert advice and comprehensive service in domestic & international holiday travel, corporate & group travel, special interest tours,iIncentive travel, conference planning as well as unique & exotic destinations. The Travel Studio co-ordinates every detail of your itinerary (including the arrangement of flights, accommodation, tours, travel insurance & visa preparation) to ensure 'trouble free travelling'".

The Travel Studio is part of the worlds largest travel management company - The Travelscene American Express group providing access to the very best travel deals & the support of a worldwide network..

Clients are able to enjoy many benefits including corporate hotel rates worldwide, airfare and holiday exclusive specials, American Express card bonus reward points, and comprehensive domestic and international travel insurance. As an independent agent, The Travel Studio are able to offer the best fares available with ANY airline, hotel or tour operator according to clients needs and will suggest alternatives where appropriate.

Professionalism and excellence in service have contributed to The Travel Studio receiving many industry awards including - Travelscene & Qantas Holidays awards for excellence.

In February of this year Simon and Leeanne sought help from the Enterprise Centre as they planned to submit a Request for Tender for a significant State Government contract. Simon advises : “We had not experienced a tender document of this magnitude before and the requirements of the document were very complex. Fortunately, when I contacted David for some assistance, he was able to offer advice on many aspects of the document. Also, he was able to provide external contact details for assistance with other areas of the tender. David’s help was of great value to us and contributed to the successful outcome when we were subsequently awarded the contract.

Winning this significant contract has resulted in the employment of a further 2 additional staff and the new client is very satisfied with the outcomes, in particular the cost savings and streamlined work practices that we have been able to provide to the client”.


The Travel Studio may be contacted on:

Phone: 6224 7444
Email: info@travelstudio.com.au

LADYBIRDS
Kylie Maudsley

In April this year, Kylie Maudsley attended a “ Women in Business “ workshop facilitated by STEPS, Huonville and hosted by Women Tasmania to promote the NILS program managed by the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Guest presenters at this workshop were David Cleary from the KCEC and Bruce Maddock from Mentor Resources.

The program assists women on low incomes (Health care card holders) by providing business mentoring support and small interest –free loans.  A maximum loan of $3000 may be available to assist with business start-up or expansion. Part of the qualification criteria is that the applicant must have a business plan.

Kylie had been working as an employee in the home gardens maintenance industry and recognized a niche market opportunity. Following her attendance at the workshop, Kylie approached the KCEC for advice and assistance with business start up matters and writing a business plan.
“David provided me with a business plan template and offered advice and assistance with it’s preparation and content. In June I submitted my application for a loan of $3,000-00 which w as subsequently approved and provided me with the initial capital required to start up my Ladybirds gardening services business.”

Whilst Kylie specifically targets older domestic clients, she has now also taken on two major commercial clients in the immediate area. “Anyone interested in starting their own business should commence by engaging the assistance of the Enterprise Centre. Their services are extensive and what’s more, they are FREE.”

Ladybirds garden services may be contacted on 0417 544 024.

CERTIFICATE II RETAIL OPERATIONS

Recently, the KCEC in partnership with Willson Training facilitated the delivery of the above training direct into Kingston and the Huon Valley. This training was funded by the Federal Government through the WorkSkills Voucher Program.

The training was designed for people who do not hold a Year 12 Certificate, wish to re-enter the work force and or are working casually and not able to access funded training. It was scheduled on Tuesdays over an 11 week period and covered health & safety, security procedures, customer service, communication skills, retail equipment, stock control, merchandising, legislation and policies and career planning.

A total of 17 locals participated in this FREE training which has a commercial value of $3000-00 per attendant.

SASSY HEALTH & BEAUTY
Sarah Overeem

In April 2005, Sarah Overeem approached the KCEC for advice and assistance to commence her own business in Kingston. After going through the business start up check list and attending select business training and management courses, Sarah opened for business in September last year.

Pictured is Sarah Overeem with employee Jeanie Sorrenson.

Just on 12 months later, at the Small Business Champion Awards, Sassy Health & Beauty was awarded the winner in the Beauty Services category and Sarah won the Young Small Business Champion Entrepreneur for Tasmania 2007.

Sarah and her business will now represent Tasmania in both categories against other State winners on a national level at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards to be held in Sydney in November this year.

As a graduate of the Enterprise Centre program, KCEC commends Sarah on her awards and business success.

IDEAS THAT WORK

10 STEPS TO SET UP YOUR OWN WEBSITE

1. Buy a domain name
2. Choose an HTML editor
3. Design the look and feel of your site
4. Write the text
5. Create graphics
6. Place the text and graphics on the pages
7. Upload your site to t he w eb
8. Test the site
9. Publicise the site
10. Update the site regularly
    
    (Source - Macromedia’s Web Publishing System, ‘Contribute’)

CAN WE HELP YOU ?

IF YOU need some advice or assistance or know of SOMEONE who needs OUR assistance, from advice on BUSINESS PLANNING, BUSINESS PURCHASE, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, BOOKKEEPING or THE GST, we are as close as the telephone and our advice and assistance is FREE.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

‘It is better to live rich than to die rich’. (Samuel Johnson)

The future is made of the same stuff as the present’. (Simone Weil)