Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Small Business Workshop For Strategic Business PlanningA workshop on the fundamentals of strategic business planning designed to assist small business operators and anyone interested in establishing a small business will be conducted by Latrobe City Council By Latrobe City Council - 19th April 2007 - Back to News on Thursday 26 April at the civic centre in Kay Street, Traralgon.
Latrobe City senior economic development officer, Leo Billington, said that this workshop, which is being offered for the first time this year, is designed to assist and guide small business operators with effective, strategic business planning vital for making smart decisions. This workshop is also very useful for anyone running a business, irrespective of how many years they have being doing this.
"Running a small business requires a great deal of preparation and prior planning. There are many who have the desire to be their own boss and therefore should be careful to protect the financial and human resources invested in a business. However, the excitement and enthusiasm of being in business, can in some situations, unfortunately be overshadowed by the lack of a well-planned business strategy," Mr Billington said.
"This workshop will assist business people to define what is marketing and to critically evaluate the key features of a marketing strategy. It deals with the essential elements of marketing to be understood when operating a business. Market research will be discussed alongside an analysis of marketing strategies that actually work. All of which makes sure that any investment is protected. Ultimately, business owners and managers must be attentive to the concept and practicalities of effective marketing," Mr Billington explained.
Serge Auciello, Managing Director of long-established Morwell business, Alpine Beverages, firmly believes strategic business planning is pivotal for success in business. The family-owned business, established 34 years ago, has made a variety of decisions which have been part of a strategy that underpins future growth.
"In our situation, manufacture and sales of beverages requires staged planning connecting supply of ingredients, constant maintenance of machinery and delivery of product to distributors within Victoria and interstate. Effective planning means we set targets and we know when these have been achieved. If this is not the case, our priorities need to be critically analysed," Mr Auciello explained.
"For example, we commenced manufacturing just soft drinks for local home delivery and sales. As the market trends moved, bottled water was added to our product range during a time when we were establishing a state-wide wholesale distributor network. Subsequently, Alpine Beverages began supplying interstate customers and we have even exported consignments into Brunei and East Malaysia," Mr Auciello said.
"A marketing plan, which could easily be part of an overall business plan, makes you stay on track. Such a plan gives flexibility and adaptability depending on which direction a business may go as it matures. Work-life balance issues may even be made clearer when effective marketing strategies are learned. You then begin to work on your business rather than only in the business and time is allocated more efficiently. I also strongly believe that the best form of marketing is the presentation of yourself - business owners and managers represent the front doors to their particular business," Mr Auciello concluded.
The workshop is funded by the Minister for Consumer Affairs from the Victorian Property Fund and coordinated by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development as the ‘Under New Management’ program.
The Introduction to Strategic Business Planning for Small Business workshop, commences at 5.30pm on Thursday 26 April and is expected to finish at 7.30pm. The cost of the workshop is $10 to cover refreshments.
Bookings are essential. For further information, please contact Leo Billington, telephone (m) 0407 541 258.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

Related Articles- East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Lifeline Workshop in Warragul Library: Understanding and Preventing Family Violence for community awareness and safety
Free two‑hour session at Lifeline, held at MYLI Warragul on 25 Nov 2025 from 1‑3 pm, aims to build awareness, understanding and practical strategies to prevent family violence. - Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria. - Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture. - Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media. - Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values. - East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays. - Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
- Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029. - South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring. - South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised.
|
|