Businesses in South Australia are proving to be a bit ahead of the game when it comes to making the most of the government funded opportunities provided by Future Print…and they’re reaping the rewards, says Future Print’s SA advisor, Mark Ryan.
With Government money on the table and a clear indication that print buyers will continue to want more options and broader services from their print service providers, the opportunities provided by the Future Print Business Transformation Program could be some of the best in years to improve the profitability and potential of print and graphic communications businesses and their supply chains.
Already, businesses around the country are twigging that the subsidized business evaluation tools and broad-based training opportunities may not come again – and they’re seizing the opportunity to take part in this limited program.
Future Print figures so far show that South Australian businesses are leading the pack in making the most of the Program, with a significant proportion of the national tally coming from that State.
“I think businesses which have signed on for the program realise that the Government subsidies under the Future Print Program give them what may well be a ‘one-off’ opportunity to get the training and upskilling they need, with very little financial investment,” Future Printa dvisor Mark Ryan said.
“Of course, training takes time and investment and, with businesses running as lean as they probably ever have to cope in today’s competitive market, it’s not difficult to see why many are of the view that they simply can’t afford the time or expense.
“Those who have already signed up, however, have a slightly different view – in their opinion, they can’t afford NOT to take up the opportunity. Sure, it’s difficult to take someone out of the business and send them off for training but once they’ve gone through the evaluation phase, and can see where and how their businesses can be more competitive and profitable, it all makes sense.”
Print DNA from Renmark in SA’s Riverland is a good example. The company was an early participant in the Future Print Business Transformation program, which owners Ian and Mary-Ann Andrews say has been a key part of their strategy to respond to a changing environment – and they are already reaping the benefits of their involvement.
“We’ve really benefited from the mentorship of our advisor in countless phone calls, and have worked to implement the information and suggestions we’ve received from him, and the knowledge shared at workshops – and the Future Print team even helped us employ a new apprentice recently,” Mary-Anne said.
“There’s no question that Print DNA is a more dynamic business today thanks to Future Print – we are delighted with the results.”
For Ryan, Print DNA is a great example of a business which understands there is always room for improvement and has really embraced the Future Print opportunity to learn and progress.
“Print DNA was already run brilliantly, but Future Print is definitely helping them build their success,” he reports. “Ian and Mary-Ann and their team absorb information and advice like sponges, and then test, measure and implement to make it work for them…and they’re seeing the benefits in double digit growth in both revenue and profit. They’ve taken their business by the horns…and they’re killing it!”
With plenty of places still left in the Business Transformation Program, businesses across Australia have the opportunity to build success like Print DNA. It is a finite opportunity, however, and Ryan says that once the results start to get out, the remaining places are likely to fill quickly.
“Yes, it’s going to take some of your time and yes, it might be tough to cover a staff member while they are trained. But you only have to look at the results to see that it could be the best investment you’ve ever made.”
To find out more, or to sign on for the Future Print Business Transformation Program, go to www.futureprint.org.au or contact your local Printing Industries office to talk to a Future Print advisor.