NSW Businesses Poised to Shine at Global Expo in China

By Robert Hayward

The NSW Government is backing 29 businesses from the food, beverage, and health supplement sectors as they prepare to showcase their products at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) this week. The six-day trade show, China’s premier import-focused event, draws dignitaries and exhibitors from over 150 countries, offering NSW companies a direct connection to buyers, distributors, and potential customers throughout China.

As NSW’s largest two-way trading partner for nearly 20 years, China continues to be a top consumer of the state’s agricultural exports, valued at $3.6 billion for 2023/2024. NSW’s wine exports have also surged since the removal of import tariffs earlier this year, signalling continued growth opportunities, especially for the state’s premium food and beverage sector.

Last year’s CIIE saw NSW businesses secure $40 million in export deals, and the NSW Government is once again committed to facilitating new opportunities for expansion and success. Among this year’s exhibitors is Mrs Toddy’s Tonics from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, which will present its range of plant-based beverages, already stocked in Australian supermarkets.

Other participating businesses include Pablo & Rusty’s Coffee Roasters, Australian Vintage Wines, Balance Water, and Noumi. The CIIE will take place in Shanghai from 5–10 November 2024.

For more information about the event and the full list of NSW businesses that’ll be exhibiting visit here.

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The China International Import Expo is a leading event on the global trade calendar and offers unparalleled opportunities for NSW exporters to connect with buyers and distributors in China.”

“We are excited to once again showcase the best from across NSW at this prestigious import-focused event, including meat from the Riverina, wine from the Hunter Valley, spirits from Wollongong, and health supplements made in Sydney.”

“China has a strong appetite for produce made in NSW, which is globally recognised for its high quality and safety standards, with demand only set to grow.”

Mrs Toddy’s Tonics Co-Founder Sophie Todd said:

“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to introduce a proudly Australian, female-led brand to China, and look forward to showcasing the Mrs Toddy’s Tonic range on the international stage.

“We know that Chinese consumers are becoming more health conscious and are turning to products with natural ingredients, so there’s enormous potential for a business like ours to establish a presence in this lucrative market.”

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Business Bureau Marks a Successful First Year

By Ian Rogers

In its inaugural year, the Minns Labor Government’s Service NSW Business Bureau has provided vital support to small businesses, handling over 265,000 assistance requests.

Statewide, business owners have benefitted from approximately 45,000 hours of free, tailored advice on essential topics like strategic planning, marketing, and cash flow management. Since the Bureau’s launch in October 2023, its web pages have received over 2.2 million visits, offering businesses personalised guidance, expert advice, and access to digital tools.

A dedicated team of Business Concierges has streamlined the process for businesses to access government assistance. This includes understanding regulatory requirements, applying for necessary permits and licenses, accessing disaster relief, and receiving referrals for mental health support for business owners and their employees.

The Bureau’s rapid response team has delivered critical on-the-ground support during crises. For instance, they assisted over 140 businesses in the wake of the Bondi incident, provided aid to those affected by M6 sinkholes, and supported Northern NSW businesses disrupted by a fire ant infestation.

Digital tools like the Service NSW Business Bureau App and Business Profile have simplified access to government resources. More than 165,000 businesses have utilised these solutions, facilitating tasks such as license management and streamlined transaction handling.

Notably, businesses can now easily renew vehicle registrations through the Service NSW Business Profile or the Bureau Mobile App. This feature has already been used by over 21,500 customers, demonstrating the Bureau’s commitment to making business operations more efficient.

For more information on Service NSW Business Bureau, call 13 77 88 or visit here.

Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“I am passionate about small business, having lived it my whole career, and these customer numbers tell an amazing story of the significant support delivered by the Service NSW Business Bureau in its first year.”

“The Business Bureau is supporting small business owners no matter where they are on their business journey with free, tailored advice and digital tools which are helping to make being in business easier.”

“Driven by the priorities of the recently launched NSW Charter for Small Business, we are focused on working with small businesses across the State to tackle unproductive red tape, break down barriers and build a stronger future.”

“We know small businesses having been doing it tough, but now the Business Bureau is there for small businesses every step of the way.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Small business owners across the State wear many hats which is why we remain committed to making support and services more accessible and more flexible than ever.”

“We have seen more than 165,000 businesses access the Service NSW Business Bureau app and their Service NSW Business Profile which shows the Business Bureau’s digital tools are making it easier for small business owners to access the advice, information and support they need on the go and at a time which suits them.”

Founder of Learnopolis Jennifer Kozanic said:

“As a new business, we needed advice about what sort of public liability, professional indemnity and level of cover we needed. We also needed support with considering who we should target with supplying our product and service.”

“The Business Bureau has provided great advice on writing grant applications, business development and pricing. Winning a NSW Government contract was huge for us as a two-person start-up.”

“Sam, my business concierge, genuinely wants to support us and to have someone cheering you on from the sidelines, who understands business, is something I would recommend for every owner.”

Founder of Parkview Realty Ben Burfitt said:

“The Business Bureau has been hugely supportive in making sure my application for both my class 1 real estate agent licence and business corporation licence were progressed.”

“To have someone who is able to liaise with other areas of the NSW Government was extremely beneficial in getting licence approval in a timely manner.”

“My business is new and so brand awareness is important to us. I look forward to working with the Business Bureau on how to develop this and market the company in a way that represents our story and what we offer.”

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said:

“The NSW Government has done much to improve the digital interface with business. Our state has led the nation for the past decade. With rapid improvements in technology and a constantly evolving operational environment, this is an area we can never take for granted. The work must be continuous or we risk falling behind.”

Tough New Strata Laws Pass Parliament: Greater Transparency and Penalties for Agents

By Ian Rogers

Strata managing agents will now face stringent new regulations aimed at cracking down on undisclosed kickbacks and enhancing transparency in their dealings. The newly passed laws empower owners’ corporations to make key decisions regarding buildings and common property in townhouses and apartments, with strata managing agents assisting. These changes come in response to widespread concerns about accountability and conflicts of interest in the strata sector.

Key reforms in the legislation include:

• Increased Penalties: Stricter fines and higher penalty infringement notices for agents who fail to meet their obligations to disclose commissions.
• Enhanced Disclosure Requirements: Strengthening the rules around conflicts of interest, ensuring agents are transparent about any potential conflicts.
• Ban on Insurance Commissions: Agents are now prohibited from receiving commissions on insurance products unless they actively seek out the best deals for residents.
• Empowered Enforcement: NSW Fair Trading has been granted greater powers to enforce compliance and crack down on unethical practices in the strata industry.

These reforms are supported by an $8.4 million investment in NSW Fair Trading’s resources, as outlined in this year’s state budget.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong, emphasised the importance of these measures, stating: 

“Building more high-quality, higher density housing is a key pillar of the Government’s comprehensive plan to build a better NSW. We need people to have confidence to invest and live in strata schemes. These changes will help restore the confidence of the 1.2 million people already living in strata schemes.”

With these new laws, the government aims to strengthen trust in the strata system, ensuring better accountability and fairness for residents across New South Wales.