Retail

Family-owned chocolate business makes this Easter egg-cellent

Donna Acioli — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:51:03 +0000

Family-owned chocolate business makes this Easter egg-cellent Donna Acioli Thu, 04/14/2022 - 10:51

14 April 2022

It takes quite the chocolatier to create all the magic of Easter – without the bunny.

But that’s what Stuart and his team at Enigma Fine Chocolates have achieved, as customers – eager to indulge in handmade artisan truffles – stream through the doors of the Canberra store ahead of the Easter holiday season.

A family business, which Stuart started with his wife in 2015 as a side hustle run out of a small studio next to their home, has now grown to a bricks-and-mortar shop and an e-commerce enabled website.

Stuart is a fully-qualified commercial and pastry chef, who has been in the industry for over 20 years. He has gained a vast knowledge of all aspects of the industry, including managing and running all sections of a kitchen and training of kitchen and floor staff. Trained in French cuisine, he worked at many hatted restaurants, including Vue de monde in Melbourne.

He discovered his love for baking, pastry and chocolate while working in France and England, before bringing his expertise as a chocolatier to Canberra.

“In the early days we started off at home and doing the local markets with the kids on weekends,” Stuart says.

“That slowly eventuated into needing a bigger space, so we got the shop… Now we are needing more space for production and storage, so we are planning to expand.”

Even starting out, the signs of bigger things to come were there, with their artisan truffles winning a string of awards including 2017 Champion Australian Small Producer and 2018 Best Chocolate – Best in Class.

“We entered seven of our truffles and five got gold, silver and bronze,” Stuart said. “It was a huge boost for us – just knowing that people liked what we were doing – it meant a lot.”

For Enigma Fine Chocolates, business is busy this Easter – the first in two years to be uninhibited by pandemic related restrictions in trading and movement.

“It’s definitely been noticeably busier than we’ve seen over the past couple of years,” Stuart says.

“Luckily for us, chocolate was a comfort food during the pandemic. People would buy our products for their own comfort or to send as a gift to let family and friends know they were thinking of them.”

Enigma’s website also helped keep a pulse in the business when face-to-face customer service became challenging.

“We had a website prior to the pandemic, but it wasn’t 100 per cent,” Stuart says. “The pandemic was the kick we needed to update our website. It has helped our business because now people can order from anywhere in Australia – that’s been good for us.”

Another key pandemic-related challenge Stuart has had to contend with has been supply chain disruptions.

“Supply chain issues have been a huge factor in terms of getting the high-quality chocolate we use, not to mention our packaging,” Stuart says.

“There’s been delays and levies, but we try not to let it impact the business too much.

“Just like everyone else, we have had to wade through it. Thankfully we are at the point now where we can stockpile a bit more and have the storage capability to maintain the chocolate quality.”

Visit Enigma Fine Chocolates at enigmafinechocolates.com.au

Make this Easter sweet for small and family businesses: Ombudsman

Donna Acioli — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 23:06:23 +0000

Make this Easter sweet for small and family businesses: Ombudsman Donna Acioli Thu, 04/14/2022 - 09:06

14 April 2022

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has urged consumers to consciously spend with small and family businesses this weekend, amid predictions of a bumper Easter.

“Small and family businesses stand ready for your valued patronage this Easter holiday season,” Mr Billson says.

“For the first time in two years, there is freedom of movement and no trading restrictions to contend with.

“Consumers are expected to spend a record $9 billion on everything from long-overdue family getaways to seafood lunches, not to mention the chocolate and hot cross buns, as is tradition.

“It is wonderful to see consumer behaviour is far more conscious these days and we want to see that trend continue and for shoppers to share the love with our small and family business community.”

As small and family businesses prepare for the predicted holiday rush, Mr Billson says it’s never been more important to be a kindly customer.

“Business owners are doing their absolute best to serve their communities, despite the challenges that come with having staff in isolation and supply chain disruptions,” Mr Billson says.

“The best way to support small businesses is to be a kindly customer – be patient and understanding, with good and generous intent.

“Small businesses are run by real people who deserve our respect and empathy, so please be kind.”

View the Ombudsman’s Easter video message here.

Franchise Disclosure Registry to help restore confidence in sector

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 03:41:34 +0000

Franchise Disclosure Registry to help restore confidence in sector admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:41

13 May 2021

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson has welcomed plans to establish a new mandatory Franchise Disclosure Registry, saying it will provide prospective franchisees with vital information needed prior to entering into a binding franchise agreement.

Mr Billson says the national registry, to be released next year, will require franchisors to lodge disclosure documentation about their franchise annually. These documents will be publicly available through the registry.

“There is a clear need of greater awareness in the franchise sector and this registry will certainly help restore confidence in this sector,” Mr Billson says.

“My office has advocated strongly for the implementation of this registry to improve transparency of franchise operations, so prospective franchisees are properly informed before signing a franchise agreement.

“Over the past six months my office has fielded over 240 calls from franchisees seeking information regarding disputes under Franchising Code of Conduct.

“This demonstrates just how critically important it is for prospective franchisees to know what they are getting into before signing a franchise agreement.

“The Franchise Disclosure Registry will be publicly available, to help prospective franchisees undertake vital due diligence that is necessary before entering into a franchise agreement.

“The cost of purchasing and setting up a franchise can be very significant, so it makes good business sense to do your homework first.

“As part of that due diligence, it is important to seek independent legal and business advice before making that substantial investment.

“Prospective franchisees need to ensure they are aware of a range of key ongoing costs associated with running the business such as wages, rent and inventory.”

The Franchise Disclosure Registry is scheduled for release in early 2022. There will be a transition period to allow franchising businesses to understand the new requirements before the registry is mandated.

Anyone involved in a franchise dispute under the Code is encouraged to contact ASBFEO for assistance on 1300 650 460 or email info@asbfeo.gov.au

Small businesses reap rewards amid rush to buy Australian Made

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 03:33:19 +0000

Small businesses reap rewards amid rush to buy Australian Made admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:33

25 May 2021

Small and family businesses are benefiting from a significant boost in consumer sentiment, with new research revealing 93% of Aussies prefer to buy products made in Australia.

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says while small businesses have faced more than their fair share of challenges in the past 12 months, the consumer-led rush for Australian made products has been a welcome unintended consequence of the pandemic.

“It’s fantastic to see this wave of support for Australian Made products, which is directly energising our small and family enterprises,” Mr Billson says.

“Roy Morgan research released by the Australian Made Campaign estimates if every household spent an extra $10 per week on Australian Made products, an additional $5 billion would be generated in our economy over the year, creating 11,000 new jobs.

“That’s why this Australian Made Week (24-30 May) is a great time to support a small or family business by spending locally.”

Great Wrap – which produces the world’s first compostable plastic wrap from potato waste - is one of the 86,000 Australian small businesses manufacturing here, with help from their loyal customer base.

Co-founder Julia Kay says the small business has employed 16 staff members to work at their solar powered factory on the Mornington Peninsula since launching Great Wrap last year.

“Our customers really wanted us to start making Great Wrap here and we had a successful pre-order campaign that allowed us to do that,” Ms Kay says.

“Customers love that Great Wrap is Australian Made now and we’re proud we can create local jobs too!

“When you choose to buy products from small businesses like Great Wrap it means you are helping to build your own community and create job security within them.”

Search for Australian Made products by visiting australianmade.com.au

Caption: Julia and Jordy Kay – co-founders of Great Wrap

Franchising Code reforms help level playing field for franchisees

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 03:31:28 +0000

Franchising Code reforms help level playing field for franchisees admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:31

01 June 2021

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says the significant reforms to the Franchising Code of Conduct announced by the Australian Government today will help level the playing field across the franchising sector.

Mr Billson says the reforms to the Code, which come into effect from 1 July 2021, will go a long way to addressing the power imbalances that often exist between franchisees and franchisors, particularly when disputes arise.

“These reforms are an important step towards getting the balance right for our small and family businesses in the franchising sector,” Mr Billson says.

“In particular, providing greater powers to my office to appoint an independent arbitrator when both parties agree, will help resolve disputes in a cost-effective and timely manner, while crucially protecting business relationships. This supports a no-surprises, collaborative and mutually respectful commercial relationship between franchisees and franchisors.

“Allowing my office to facilitate group mediation when several franchisees are in a similar dispute with the same franchisor, is another critical reform that will help restore confidence in this sector.

“The changes to the Code mean prospective and current franchisees will be better armed with vital information needed to run their business.

“This includes more transparency around the marketing fund, with an annual financial statement which sets out meaningful information regarding expenditure. Greater visibility around rebates and leasing arrangements will be achieved by these reforms.

“The new mandatory Franchise Disclosure Registry, which is scheduled for release in early 2022, is key to providing prospective franchisees with vital information needed prior to entering a binding franchise agreement.

“Over the past six months my office has fielded over 240 calls from franchisees seeking information regarding disputes under the Franchising Code of Conduct.

“This demonstrates just how critically important it is for prospective franchisees to know exactly what they are getting into before signing on the dotted line.

“Ultimately these much-needed reforms to the Franchising Code of Conduct will play an important role in making Australia the best place to start, grow and transform a business.”

Anyone involved in a franchise dispute under the Code is encouraged to contact ASBFEO for assistance on 1300 650 460 or email info@asbfeo.gov.au.

Ombudsman to monitor impact of Woolworths food distribution move

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 03:08:59 +0000

Ombudsman to monitor impact of Woolworths food distribution move admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:08

10 June 2021

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says his office will closely monitor Woolworths’ planned acquisition of a controlling stake in PFD Food services (PFD), in regards to the impact it has on small businesses in the sector.

Following the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) decision not to oppose Woolworths’ acquisition of 65% of shares in PFD, Mr Billson says small businesses in the food distribution space are understandably concerned.

“The ACCC’s decision not to intervene or impose any conditions on Woolworths’ proposed acquisition of a majority stake in PFD is disappointing,” Mr Billson says.

“The deal is an example of another creeping acquisition by an already dominant player in the food and grocery sector, eating away at the competitive landscape and the footprint of independent businesses.

“In this case it’s the wholesale food distribution channel, which has been one of the few genuinely competitive areas of the food and grocery sector

“Food and grocery suppliers are concerned about the likely further narrowing of alternatives to supermarkets for their products with the transaction expected to result in Woolworths significantly increasing its presence and influence in wholesale food distribution channels.

“Small and family business food and grocery suppliers will understandably feel one of the truly open doors for their products closed a little today.

“My office has made our concerns about this transaction clear to the ACCC and we note the evidence was not sufficient to support ACCC intervention as it has concluded the deal will not substantially lessen competition.

“Given that much of the concern about this acquisition relates to Woolworths’ influence on the wholesale distribution channel and the impact on food and grocery producers who are already concerned about having too few customer options, I hope the ACCC will join me in keeping a close eye on how this plays out.

“In the meantime, my office welcomes ongoing feedback from small and family business owners and operators in food distribution.”

Ombudsman supports outstanding Western Sydney Women

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 02:22:56 +0000

Ombudsman supports outstanding Western Sydney Women admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 13:22

15 November 2021

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson is proud to support this year’s Outstanding Western Sydney Women Awards to be hosted on 16 November 2021, with a stellar line-up of finalists announced.

“I’m encouraged to see so many exceptional women-owned and women-led businesses recognised at this premier event,” Mr Billson says.

“The pandemic has generated a new era of enterprising women who are trailblazing their own paths to success.

“They’re community leaders, entrepreneurs and tradies – and they deserve this recognition for the brilliant work they do.

“My office is honoured to get behind the awards and the efforts of Western Sydney Women, which aims to help women in the region advance their businesses and career paths and provide a network of support for each other.

“Our �Թ�� Counts report shows more than 35% of Australian small businesses are female-led. In fact, two-thirds of new businesses formed are led by women. That has been rising steadily since the 1990s but certainly more can be done to support women in business.

“Research tell us that the most successful start-ups are created by those who have a network or mentors for support.

“That’s why organisations such as Western Sydney Women are so important in creating a critical mass of female entrepreneurial role models.

“I look forward to celebrating the achievements of these outstanding Western Sydney Women on 16 November.”

Ombudsman congratulates enterprising Western Sydney Women

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 02:18:13 +0000

Ombudsman congratulates enterprising Western Sydney Women admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 13:18

17 November 2021

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has congratulated the winners of the Western Sydney Women Awards, many of whom are outstanding small and family business owners.

The awards, held virtually last night, recognised the resilience and agility of community leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals who have navigated their own pathways to success throughout the pandemic.

“Congratulations to the winners and finalists – who are all exceptional women,” Mr Billson says.

“It’s inspiring to see these enterprising women recognised for their hard work in fearlessly facing the challenges presented over the past two years.

“Alison Covington – founder and MD of Good360 Australia – was named Western Sydney Woman of the Year and I congratulate Alison for being a leader in her field as well as an innovator and social entrepreneur.

“Like many women-led businesses, Alison is a problem-solver who founded Good360 as a solution to reduce waste by matching excess goods with those who need them most.

“I wish Alison every success at achieving her goal to provide $1 billion worth of brand-new goods to Australians in need by 2025.

“A big shout out to Cassandra Kalpaxis of Kalpaxis Legal who took out the Western Sydney Women �Թ�� Growth Award, who has carved a reputation as a disruptor of the legal industry and founder of the Dispute Resolution Centre Australia.

“My office is a proud partner of these awards and supports the efforts of Western Sydney Women, which aims to help women in the region advance their business and career goals.

“Research shows the most successful small businesses are run by those who have a network of mentors for support. Western Sydney Women offers a critical mass of enterprising female role models, which is especially important at a time when two-thirds of new businesses formed are led by women.

“It was an honour to take part in this year’s Western Sydney Women Awards, celebrating the achievements of these talented women.”

Kindly customers urged to spend big with small business

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 02:16:15 +0000

Kindly customers urged to spend big with small business admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 13:16

26 November 2021

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is urging shoppers to spend big with small businesses this weekend, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales predicted to smash records.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales (Friday 26 November – Monday 29 November) are expected to hit a record spend of $5.4 billion in stores and online.

Mr Billson said Aussie shoppers have an opportunity to sprinkle some festive magic on small and family businesses, after an incredibly challenging couple of years marred by the global pandemic.

“When you spend at a local small or family business, it’s the gift that keeps on giving,” Mr Billson says.

“We know more than 40 cents in the dollar spent on small businesses flows back to the local community – that includes everything from wages to local residents, to sponsorships for local schools and sporting teams.

“By supporting small businesses, we are helping them to get back on their feet, in turn benefiting the community and the broader economy.

“It is particularly important to support our regional and remote small businesses, who have been heavily impacted as a result from recent natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Above all, it’s important for shoppers to be kindly customers who are patient, understanding and shop with good and generous intent. Small businesses are run by real people who deserve our respect and empathy.”

Given the increased volume of online sales expected in the lead-up to Christmas and predicted delays in delivery services, Mr Billson said shoppers should get in early to ensure their gifts arrive on time.

“If you are shopping online for gifts, as a growing number of people are doing – now is the time to start,” Mr Billson says.

“According to new research by the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan, Black Friday to Cyber Monday sales will likely drive a surge in retail sales, making this one of the final opportunities to shop for Christmas.

“I would urge all Aussie shoppers to consciously buy from a small business – whether that’s at a local bricks and mortar store such as buying your Christmas ham from the local butcher or by browsing the many unique offerings showcased by social media platforms such as “Click for Vic,” “Buy From the Bush,” “Empty Esky,” – to name a few.”

With online activity likely to ramp up this weekend, the threat of cyber-attacks on small businesses also increases.

“It is vital small businesses do what they can to protect themselves from cybercrime,” Mr Billson says.

“60% of all targeted cyber attacks have been on SMEs, costing more than $275,000 on average. Sadly two-thirds of those businesses close their doors within six months of falling victim to cybercrime.”

For more information on how best to protect your business from cybercrime visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s free online learning hub www.cyber.gov.au/learn