Information evening supports local business people

Whether you own or manage an established company, have just started a new business operation or are a would-be entrepreneur with an idea, a free business information evening on the Gold Coast next month could provide some valuable insight.

Presented by Southern Cross University’s Graduate College of Management, the Business Insight evening at Broadbeach will include two presentations from business experts followed by an informal meet and greet to give guests the chance to discuss all their business related questions.

Dr Michael Singleton, senior lecturer at Southern Cross University, will provide businesses owners and directors with a guide to the often misunderstood area of corporate governance.

Dr Singleton, who regularly works with boards of directors and chief executive officers to provide expert advice on their corporate governance issues, said it was an area that enterprises large or small overlooked at their peril.

“It is a sad fact that every year the Australian Securities and Investments Commission prosecutes dozens of business owners for failing to conform to government standards in relation to how an enterprise is governed and run,” said Dr Singleton.

“High profile cases in Australia have resulted in the CEOs of large well known operations like HIH Insurance facing jail sentences, but many people don’t realise that even the smallest firm must comply with a number of fundamental principles or risk significant penalties.

“I will be showing how business owners can protect themselves and their companies as well as using corporate governance principles to help their businesses grow.”

For budding entrepreneurs, Simon Kalinowski from Mandalay Technologies will speak on how to make a business dream a successful reality.

Simon has set up three successful enterprises in areas as diverse as distribution, retail and finance. His latest venture has seen him transform the financial fortunes of Mandalay Technologies from struggling software company to market leader with client networks across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in five years.

“Regardless of the type of business you are in the principles of establishing and operating a successful enterprise are the same,” said Mr Kalinowski.

“I’ll be offering an honest assessment of the strategies that have worked for me – and those that haven’t – to help provide people with some user friendly and practical advice on setting up and running their own business.”

The free Business Insight evening will take place on Wednesday 10th September at the Sofitel in Broadbeach at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start. Seats are limited. For more information call 07 5506 9306 or email brooke.charlton@scu.edu.au

Photo: Dr Michael Singleton