Don’t confuse price with total cost
29 November, 2011 by By Shawn Dennison, Vice President of Finance, Cerrowire-Electrical DistributionThe following cautionary tale, which shows the pitfalls of confusing price with cost, is a fairly accurate example of what we have been seeing in customers’ buying practices. What this story shows is that the true cost of wire includes so much more than the material cost. Those looking for true bargains need to consider a variety of factors such as rebates, product guarantees and return policies, and value-add features that may end up saving money in the long run. The calculation of costs must also consider lead time, fill rates, number of shipments to complete an order, as well as payment terms. All play a role in determining the true cost.
$200bn of new revenues up for grabs in telecoms sector, says Ovum
10 October, 2011Research firm Ovum says there will be $213.8bn of new revenues up for grabs in the telecoms sector between 2012 and 2015.
Opportunity awaits the innovative
30 September, 2011 by Paul Hodgson*, State Director - Queensland, Enterprise ConnectGlobalisation and the growth of the online marketplace have intensified competition and increased the pressure on SMEs, but instead of letting this dampen the enthusiasm, its time small business owners think creatively and reshape their businesses to take advantage of changing trends.
Global spending on electric power generation infrastructure will reach $403.7bn in 2011, report says
08 August, 2011The global spending on electric power generation infrastructure will reach $403.7bn in 2011, according to Visiongain's latest report: The Electric Power Generation Infrastructure Market 2011-2021.
Why your potential customers say “NO”
03 August, 2011 by Phoebe Netto, Managing Director, Good Business ConsultingIf you are not actively building trust, your business will appear risky to your potential customers. Your potential customers don’t know if your product/service will work or if it will help them. They aren’t sure if you are the ‘real deal’ or if you are any better than the ‘other guy’.
Apprenticeship mentoring program tried and tested in Qld
13 May, 2011Federal Budget funds will support an apprenticeship mentoring program that aims to see 15% more young people complete their apprenticeships.
MG:NECA welcomes government funded incentives for apprentices
10 May, 2011The peak Australian electrical industry body welcomes government funded incentives for apprentices.
ABB bags $30m order from Rio Tinto
12 April, 2011ABB has announced that it has won a $30m order from Rio Tinto.
ABB wins $58m order from QGC
12 April, 2011ABB has secured a $58m order from Australian coal seam gas explorer and producer QGC.
Snakes, bees and cars without drivers cause power havoc
31 March, 2011A report on energy management identified Queensland as the state with the greatest number of power outages in 2010.
ACT construction industry booming
30 March, 2011The latest ACT Government report presents a positive outlook for the construction industry in Canberra.
Latest greenhouse and energy data
24 March, 2011The latest greenhouse and energy data has been published by the federal government.
Rehiring safety staff after the GFC
22 March, 2011Cutbacks are irrational during financially stressful periods as they only amplify skill shortages when conditions return to normal, which in turn hinders recovery. Much of Australia’s business community is now experiencing that costly scenario, as it endeavours to attract quality safety professionals, among other skilled personnel, to their businesses.
Government responds positively to NRSET
18 March, 2011Australian Industry Group welcomes the government’s positive response to the National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce.
Business outlook robust despite consumer apathy
09 February, 2011The latest Dun & Bradstreet Business Expectations Survey shows the outlook for the first quarter in 2011 as being robust, despite consumer apathy being felt by retailers.
