By Candice Boyle
USE of the internet and attending networking events are important tools for businesses in the West, according to a recent survey.
Business owners from a variety of industries recorded their views on the support and service needs of business in the West through an online survey conducted recently by the Greater Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GWCCI).
The survey was conducted in the lead-up to the GWCCI annual 2007 Powercor Greater Western Business Excellence Awards to provide businesses with data to help build strategic action plans to enhance productivity.
Newport business owner Maxine Peace completed the survey after logging on to the GWCCI website in search of ways to better her business.
“I built my business from the ground up and I am always looking for ways to improve and grow,” she said.
The Aussie Shacks owner, like many of the survey respondents, said the internet and networking events played an important role in her business.
Almost 65 per cent of businesses surveyed said they accessed the internet more than once a month to assist their business, and the majority of businesses said they would use the internet first before turning to other services, including government departments and mentors, for assistance.
According to the survey, networking events also played a pivotal role in business, with 54 per cent of owners surveyed attending networking events at least once a month. The respondents said, like networking events, annual awards were important events for business recognition.
Ms Peace said although she was not eligible to enter the business excellence awards this year as she was the sole employee of her business, she would look at entering the awards in the future.
The awards will be held in October and are open to businesses from the cities of Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Melton and Brimbank.
For more information on the awards log onto www.gwcci.com.au and look out for more details in the Star, the awards’ media partner.
