Affinity Marketing

COMPRESSPORT® technology leading the compression market as Aussie Olympic hopeful and team member Melissa Rollinson wins her first world title

2011-12-05T16:15:00.001-08:00

Following the success of COMPRESSPORT® products in countries all over the world, COMPRESSPORT® has recently celebrated Aussie triathlete and team member, Melissa Rollinson taking out her first world title in Las Vegas after just one year of triathlon competion.
Mellissa Rollison, an Australian steeplechase and athletics champ is an avid COMPRESSPORT® user. Mellissa has been training in athletics since the age of 11 and since her first triathlon she has worn COMPRESSPORT® compression garments.

“I have found COMPRESSPORT® garments to work best for me,” she stated. “Not only do they provide good compression to my muscles but they are easy and comfortable to wear during all three legs of a triathlon - being lightweight, breathable and not having the whole foot piece allows me to swim in them with ease.”
COMPRESSPORT® offers a wide selection of sporting gear designed to cater for the needs and demands of professional athletes and amateur sportspeople. COMPRESSPORT® products are perfect for all sports and have been created especially to facilitate training, racing, and recovery needs.

The innovative technology utilised in COMPRESSPORT® products increases efficient venous feedback from your feet to your heart, reducing the accumulation of toxins while increasing oxygenation to the muscles, and improving recovery time so you can train more often. COMPRESSPORT® products use veino muscular compression technology to stimulate muscles while training. Products in the range are all designed differently, each with their own unique features that are sure to meet and exceed training needs.

The R2 product (Race and Recovery) reduces impact shockwaves and muscle oscillation helping prevent injury and reducing muscle fatigue. With this technology, COMPRESSPORT® allows you to go beyond on your limits and at only $65.00.
The UR2 (UltraRace and Recovery) is COMPRESSPORT’s first product to boast the ‘micro encapsulated textile’ technology. The microcapsules of organic essential oils are embedded in the textile and are constantly releasing their active ingredients onto your legs ensuring the continued wellbeing and protection of your legs. At only $79.00 you can perform at your peak without a massive price tag.

The new Miss COMPRESSPORT® is a stylish way to perform your best while running, pedalling or even during long haul flights or car trips. The range follows the R2 model while the special woven fibre of the calf sleeve enhances massage and optimises comfort to the calf. At only $70.00 each, you can get your friends together and train fashionably.

Due to the success of its current range of products, COMPRESSPORT® has designed a range of new pro racing socks. The PRORACINGSOCKS 3D.DOT have been engineered in 360 degrees to optimise an athlete’s performance during effort. These new generation socks offer both extreme comfort and biomechanical advantages aimed at optimised blood flow and posture hold.

Some of the key benefits include:
• Blood flow stimulation: The acupressure effect of the 3D.DOTS contributes to activating and stimulating the micro blood circulation in the soft areas of the foot where the skin is thin and microcirculation flush with the skin.
• Shock absorption: The external overwoven structure of the 3D.DOTS allows for absorption and dampening over the shock areas.
• Protection of the Achilles tendon: The 3D.DOTS at the rear of the sock protect the Achilles tendon thanks to their “cushion” effect thereby preventing friction and pressure from the sock.
• Protection of the malleolus on the TRAIL model
• Slip-proof: The multidirectional 3D.DOTS ensure maximum grip in shoes thereby preventing feet from slipping during effort.
• Ventilation: No heating, no risk of blisters as the air flows easily between the 3D.DOTS.
• Water extract: The 3D.DOTS do not retain water (rain, hydration, perspiration) and facilitate its discharge. Feet stay dry.
• Extreme comfort: The internal overwoven structure of the 3D.DOTS ensure extreme comfort and eliminate any risk of chafing thanks to its padding effect.

With COMPRESSPORT® superior training garments athletes are given the opportunity to train at their peak, exceeding performance levels through an innovative design that boosts their performance, avoids muscle tear and injury, and aid in fast recovery.

Pro Aussie Triathlete, Tim Berkel is also an avid user of COMPRESSPORT® products stating, “The PRORACINGSOCKS 3D.DOT socks are my first choice in foot support and protection for marathon competing. I am adamant about wearing not only a comfortable sock for the 42.2km marathon but one that will support my Achilles/sole area, which tend to get tight over the long haul of a marathon. I knew with this comfort and support it would hold me in good steed to go forth and do my best ever marathon time to launch me into another consecutive victory of Challenge Copenhagen.”
COMPRESSPORT® products are available in various stores all across Australia, or for added ease you can shop online at the e-store.

Visit http://www.compressport.com.au for more information.

IT entrepreneur creates micro business accounting software after own start-up frustrations

2011-12-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

In today’s society, technology is increasingly becoming one of the key industries changing the way we operate our daily lives. Each day, new innovative advances in technology are being created and mass-produced to the public. In turn this has created a high-tech world lead by technology as the key source of knowledge and power. One of the main benefits of technology is its ability to help individuals and businesses, and the reason why Uri Maimon decided to design his very own accounting software for micro-sized businesses.

Uri Maimon is the founder of Nominal Accounting Software. A self-proclaimed technophile, Uri has been programming since he was 10 years old, and still retains a passion for software and computing. Nominal Accounting is a specifically designed product designed to help micro and small sized businesses (sole traders, consultants, businesses with 5 or less staff) with required accounting needs in a simple and straightforward product. Nominal Accounting enables business owners to create invoices, purchases, expenses, reports, even submit BAS and integrate into PayPal accounts.

Born and raised in Israel, Uri has since been living and working in Australia for over ten years. Starting out in the IT industry as a customer support technician, he worked his way up to project management before starting out with his own IT consultancy business. As his business grew, Uri was shocked to learn of the limited number of accounting software packages available for small and micro business owners.

“The existing products all seemed to be over complicated, expensive and used ancient technology,” says Maimon. After exploring the options available, Uri decided to create his own software package. He based his design and features on the simple question – ‘Will it be simple enough for an Australian micro business owner to operate and provide full functionality and business insights in an easy-to-use format?’ and from there, Nominal Accounting was born.

One of the biggest challenges he has faced through his journey is creating a new category. “I wanted a micro business management software that broke away from existing software products dominated by the likes of MYOB and QuickBooks.” The key driver behind Nominal Accounting was to create something innovative, easy, simple and effective that was not already on the market.

A key challenge Uri has faced on his journey has been learning the ins and outs marketing a product like Nominal Accounting. “Positioning and branding is not about what you say or do but about what space you occupy in the mind of the prospect,” Maimon states.

“As a small company, finding your place in an incredibly competitive market is often a difficult task. Nominal Accounting has distinguished itself by targeting a niche market and emphasising the micro business aspect of the audience. We have created a new category and seek to be the leader in this category through understanding our audience and going over and above their needs.”

Nominal Accounting seeks to achieve an effective and simple solution for all micro business owners in Australia, using current technology and integrating with other systems used by small business, such as online payments.

“We provide simple accounting software that allows Australian micro businesses do their bookkeeping by themselves. Often micro business owners don’t know much about bookkeeping and don’t have time to invest in training, they also don’t need complicated features but still need to do things like submit their BAS, create payslips and keep GST records. Nominal provides a simple solution that makes it easy to get started and still includes all the features necessary for a micro business owner,” Maimon says.

Since developing Nominal Accounting, Uri has successfully expanded the business and now faces his own challenges as it continues to grow. For those aspiring business owners, or anyone currently involved in running their own business Uri believes that reading is the best tip to help up skill and learn new areas quickly.

“I have found that reading books in all departments of business helps you see and identify patterns that can often transfer to your own business situations. My initial naive thinking was that if a product A cost X and is of a certain feature and quality, and product B cost less and has better features and quality, than it should be easy to sell at least some product of B. The error of my ways soon hit me: No one is going to care about a product which is a little bit better and/or a little bit cheaper unless we find something they really care about.”

Awareness is a huge part of the marketing and growth strategy for Uri and something that he is largely focused on at this stage of the business’s growth.

“We have a very big awareness gap which we’re looking for innovative and cost effective ways to close. Our website has X visitors/month, out of which 10% download the trial version, out of which 50% try the software, out of which Y% actually but the software. Our main challenge is to increase both the X value and the Y value of this vital statistics of our business. Google Analytics has been an invaluable tool in growing Nominal to where it is today.”

Voting Commences for the 2011 Toyota One Hit Wonder - Who Will Take Home the Prize?

2011-09-12T19:57:00.001-07:00

Voting Commences for the 2011 Toyota One Hit Wonder Down Under – Who Will Take Home the $10,000?

With the final curtain call on an awe-inspiring week of big-air style at Thredbo Resort, the competing athletes breathed a collective sigh of relief as the final day of shooting wrapped and there was only a Schuss Bar after party left to conquer.

During the week-long event we saw tricks from some of the world’s best freeskiers with only a few casualties - Chris Laker sustaining a shoulder injury after a triple cork attempt on day two and Elias Ambuhl still lost over the Tasman Sea.

The athletes have all selected their final ‘One Hit’ tricks including;
- double cork 1440 tail grab by Gus Kenworthy (USA),
- switch double cork 1080 safety to truck driver by Jossi Wells (NZL),
- double cork 1080 with a tweaked mute grab by Chris Laker (USA) before his injury,
- switch 1260 mute to tail grab by Joss Christensen (USA),
- cork 900 tail grab by Jerome Lambert (FRA),
- switch double cork 1440 by Bobby Brown (USA),
- double cork 1260 shifty by Jordon Houghton (NSW),
- 720 mute grab by Anna Segal (VIC),
- switch double 1440 mute grab by Joe Schuster (CAN),
- double front flip superman by youngster Jesse Houghton (NSW).

Just as we predicted Aussie Anna Segal was on point against the guys, landing her first ever 900 and stepping up her ambition with every hit over the monster jump.

However, it was Jesse Houghton who bagged the NIXON Peer Performance Award, presented at the after party as voted by his fellow competitors. The consensus among the crew was that the youngest competitor left his quiet personality in the boot room when he guinea-pigged the jump on the first day, and continued to unleash a myriad of both technical and crowd pleasing tricks throughout the week.

“Last year I said it was the best jump I’d ever hit, but this year’s 100-footer killed it. I’m stoked to be voted rider of the week by the best in our sport - it’s a pretty big honor,” said Jesse.

Jesse takes home a $659 NIXON 51-30 watch, but is still in contention for the major cash prize.

It’s now up to YOU, the public, to get online and vote at www.onehitwonderevent.com for your single favorite athlete’s trick. The athlete with most votes will take home $10,000 in cash - the biggest first place prize on the Australian Alpine event calendar.

And what’s better than awarding someone else the grand prize? Each member of the public who votes will also go into the draw to win the ‘Ultimate Winter Package’ worth over $10,000. This includes an all-expenses-paid holiday for two to Hakuba Japan, staying at the luxurious Phoenix Hotel, a complete Salomon ski or snowboard package, Von Zipper eyewear, plus a GE DV1 HD Waterproof & Shockproof Video Camera to film the entire trip.

World’s Best Freeskiers Fire Up All Engines on Day Three of the Toyota One Hit Wonder

2011-09-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

No one but Al Roker could have predicted better conditions to get down and dirty in Thredbo on day three. When the athletes turned up under breathless sunny skies, they all knew this might be their last chance to put themselves in the direct path of the $10,000 cash. It was now or never and it was
time to throw down.

Progression was the word of the day with riders collecting new tricks for their bag of goodies. Defying all means of comprehension, these freeskiers were in their element and pushing boundaries
like their lives depended on it.

Gus Kenworthy left no opportunity untouched. Having hit the jump well into
yesterday’s late afternoon, today he showed the world why he is the current AFP overall champ, with effortless switch double cork 1440’s amidst a flurry of grabs.

We saw switch 1260 mute grabs from Canadian Joe Shouster, big cork 720’s from Frenchman Jerome Lambert and some massive rodeo 5 safety grabs from NZ hero, Jossi Wells. Victorian Anna Segal gave us true insight into why she is the only female finalist in this event. Not
only going bigger with every hit, from 3’s to 5’s and then landing her first ever 900, what loomed large yesterday was conquered and dominated today. She was our unstoppable Aussie and promising Sochi Olympic gold medalist.

It didn’t stop there as 2010 AFP overall champ and Salomon team rider Bobby Brown made us question our own eyesight and replay the take again and again. Stomping a switch right 1260 mute grab for the second time ever, he left the camera crew and his fellow athletes lost for words.

“Russ Henshaw dared me... enough said, it was time to mix it up and nail this trick,” Bobby said.

18-year-old Jesse Houghton played camera favourite again, sending his double front flip superman well into the carpark.

Jesse explained his game plan, “So far I’ve been trying to stomp both a technical trick as well as the crowd pleaser. It’s hard to know what the public are going to be looking for when it comes to voting.”

From Sept 12, you, the public, have three weeks to vote online at www.onehitwonderevent.com for your single favorite big-air trick. You will go into the draw to win the ‘Ultimate Winter Package’ worth over $10,000, and the winning athlete with the most votes will take home $10,000 in cold hard
cash, the biggest first place prize on the Australian Alpine event calendar.
More info and daily recap videos at www.onehitwonderevent.com

Day Two of the 2011 Toyota One Hit Wonder Kicks Off in Immaculate Style

2011-09-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

Day Two of the 2011 Toyota One Hit Wonder Kicks Off in Immaculate Style

With day one swept under the rug due to weather, the finalists could hardly be contained as overnight the rain turned to snow and they woke to a bluebird day at Thredbo Resort, and a perfectly groomed, seen-to-be-believed
jump.

As the athletes stood at the base and visualised their first hit off the 100-foot, four-storey-high Charles Beckinsale built behemoth, there was an audible murmur of nervous chatter and apprehension.

With speed checks underway and just a few warm ups on the 65-ft practice jump, the athletes wasted no time getting to work on producing some of the world’s most aesthetically pleasing tricks for the cameras.
Five invited young guns from Skiers Junction, all aged 15, joined in the warm up session alongside their local and international heroes who no doubt provided inspiration for Australia’s future freeskiers. The standout of the group was junior Salomon team rider, Ollie Immurs with his clean grabs and smooth style.

Local Jindabyne crowd-pleaser, Jesse Houghton launched into a dramatic, laid-out front flip and then later a double cork 1080 mute grab. Older brother and fellow Salmon team rider, Jordan Houghton equally impressed with his
double cork 1080 high mute grab. 2010 reigning champion, Bobby Brown nailed the trick-of-the-day with a switch double cork, 1440 mute grab to
Japan.

Day two was an unfortunate early end for Chris Laker (US), who came unstuck as he attempted a triple cork and was taken down the mountain with a serious shoulder injury. Yet it was Anna Segal - the only female competitor in the competition and Australia’s freesking princess - who was
the crowd fave, hitting the massive jump with a 360 mute grab to huge applause from spectators.

“The perfect conditions today meant we could all get out there and throw down our best...there is no doubt there is a lot more to come from all the riders throughout the next couple of days,” said Anna.

Jordon Houghton revealed his feelings on first arriving at the jump site. “The jump is massive. No one really wants to
go first but we all thought my brother Jesse being the youngest, could handle it. And he did.

”After the finalists have laid down their best over three days of hitting monster jump, members of the public will then have three weeks to vote online at www.onehitwonderevent.com for their single favorite big-air trick to take home $10,000, the biggest first place prize on Australia’s events calendar.
Each member of the public who votes will also go into the draw to win the ‘Ultimate Winter Package’ worth over $10,000. This includes an all-expenses-paid holiday for two to Hakuba Japan, staying at the luxurious Phoenix Hotel, a complete Salomon ski or snowboard package, Von Zipper eyewear, plus a GE DV1 HD Waterproof & Shockproof Video Camera to film the trip.

Roy Morgans Free Market Research

2011-08-31T04:50:00.000-07:00

The ultimate data resource for media and journalists
Need some statistics for an upcoming article? Wondering which mobile phone carrier has the best customer satisfaction, what the latest employment figures are, or where Australian businesses are more likely to spend their advertising dollars? The Roy Morgan Market Research Update is a convenient fortnightly email direct to your inbox that contains Roy Morgan Research’s latest findings on various industries, new product releases and upcoming events.

Roy Morgan Single Source conducts over 50,000 interviews annually in Australia and over 20,000 interviews annually in New Zealand covering findings from industries including;
o Automotive
o Banking and Finance
o FMCG and Retail
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o Internet, Technology and Telecommunications
o Media and Advertising
o Politics
o Consumer and business confidence
o Societal Issues and Trends
o Tourism, Travel and Leisure
o Young Australians (based on our survey for 6-13 year olds)

It’s free to receive Roy Morgan Market Research Updates and once you become a subscriber you will receive a fortnightly e-newsletter complete with the latest findings from Roy Morgan Research, the latest Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence findings and the latest national polling.

The Market Research Updates are based on the simple premise that if you want to know everything about your target market, it is critical that you interview people within that target market and put all the questions to them. No guesswork. No assumptions. Just pure, powerful facts.
By subscribing to Roy Morgan Market Research Updates, you will be able to access research data that will boost the validity and influence of your feature article or interview topic, with top-line data from the largest annual survey of Australians. You gain access to the data that Australia’s top mainstream and industry media use for many front-page news articles.
Thorough, accurate and comprehensive, the field survey work that Roy Morgan undertakes is weighted carefully against the Australian population to provide presenters, producers, marketers and journalists with the power to clearly see;
o The market - its demographics, geo-demographics and lifestyle.
o The reasons why people act and think the way they do.
o How people feel about politics, the environment, advertising, product brands etc.
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o The places people will buy these products and services - by retailer or service provider.

Roy Morgan Research, Australia’s best known and longest established market research and public opinion survey company, was founded in 1941 by Roy Morgan. Since then, Roy Morgan Research has earned an unparalleled reputation for accurate, insightful, independent, high quality information.
Roy Morgan Research is a truly international market research company and the provider of the world’s most extensive and only true Single Source Survey.
Roy Morgan Research. As seen on Can of Worms – Channel 10

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World’s best skiers en route to Thredbo for the 2011 Toyota One Hit Wonder Down Under

2011-08-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

With the finishing touches being put on the gargantuan pile of snow that will form the biggest jump in the world right now, the best skiers on the planet are beginning to clear Australian customs to take on the best local talent in Thredbo for the most anticipated big-air event on the Australian skiing calendar.

After a month long audition process, the following finalists will have from the 6th-10th of September to land their single best big-air trick on the 100ft Charles Beckinsale built jump. The winner, as voted by the public, will talk home $10,000.

Bobby Brown (USA)
Elias Ambuhl (SWI)
Jossi Wells (NZL)
Gus Kenworthy (USA)
Joe Schuster (CAN)
Chris Laker (USA)
Anna Segal (VIC)
Jesse Houghton (NSW)
Jordan Houghton (NSW)
Joss Christensen (USA)
Jerome Lambert (FRA)
Dhanu Sherpa (NSW)

In a first for the Toyota One Hit Wonder, Winter X Games gold medalist and current slope-style World Champion, Melbournian Anna Segal, will face up against the men, showing off her prowess as Australia’s distinguished princess on the international contest circuit.

“I know Jordan was feeling pretty confident until he found out that Anna is in the mix, but there is no reason she can’t step it up and throw down with the guys. I’ve got no doubt her style and finesse will impress the public voters,” says Event Director, Tim Myers.

After the finalists have gone head-to-head in the monster jump, a virtual grandstand, made up of anyone connected to the Internet, will then have three weeks to vote online at www.onehitwonderevent.com for their single favorite big-air trick to take home $10,000, the biggest first place prize on the Australian events calendar.

Each member of the public who votes will also go into the draw to win the ‘Ultimate Winter Package’ worth over $10,000. This includes an all-expenses-paid holiday for two to Hakuba Japan, staying at the luxurious Phoenix Hotel, a complete Salomon ski or snowboard package, Von Zipper eyewear, plus a GE DV1 HD Waterproof & Shockproof Video Camera to film the trip.

As well as the people’s choice champion, the athletes themselves will vote at the end of the week to decide the NIXON peer performance award, who will take home a $659 NIXON 51-30 watch, to be awarded at the Schuss Bar after party on Saturday the 10th of September.

More info on the athletes at www.onehitwonderevent.com/athletes

Nominal Accounting. The simplest way to manage your micro business

2011-08-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

Whether you are just starting out or you are looking for better ways to manage your existing micro business, one of the key factors to making it a success is to manage your business financials and track your business health. Nominal Accounting Software makes it super simple for businesses with up to 5 employees to stay on track.
Accounting is a fact of life for any micro/small business, whether you’re a contractor that bills to one customer on a weekly basis, or you’re in retail and need to keep track of the profitability of different products or the conversion rate of your online store. Each micro business is different and yet they have the same financial needs.

There are various ways and means to keeping your financials in order such as;
- Pen and paper; The dollar cost is very low but at the same time it is complex and time consuming. Wouldn’t time be better spent working ON your small business?
- The Shoe Box; All documents, invoices, receipts are collected and then sent off to your accountant. This is probably one of the most expensive ways to do your accounting and it fails to give you any insight to your business.
- Desktop accounting software; Such as the well known MYOB or QuickBooks. They usually require some kind of training to begin using them or at least a basic understanding of accounting concepts.
- Online accounting software; Such as Saasu, Xero and many others are available today. The usually have higher ongoing costs and that they lack a lot of the functionality that is available in other desktop solutions.
- Outsourced bookkeeper; Similar to the shoebox option - it makes it simpler for you but costs more and provides you with less insight into the workings of your own business.
- In-house bookkeeper; The cost of a full-time or part-time employee comes with the highest costs and is probably an over kill for most small businesses.

So what is the answer? No business can run efficiently without any kind of bookkeeping and Nominal Accounting Software offers a unique accounting program specifically designed with micro businesses n mind, unlike other products that target businesses of all sizes.
The desktop software helps you manage all aspects of your business including:
- Time Billing; bill customers for time spent, multiple rates and costs, easy to fill timesheet which automatically generates an invoice.
- PayPal Accounting; integrate your PayPal account, auto create invoices, purchases and payments, account for PayPal fees and transfers.
- Integration with all your online systems (Freshbooks/Harvest-invoicing, SalesForce/SugarCRM/Highrise-CRM, Magento/ZenCart/VirtueMart-shopping carts and Google – contacts)
- Invoicing Customers; choose and customise an invoice template (reinforcing your brand), bill for time, print and email invoices, record credit notes.
- Paying Vendors; record receipt of items, enter and pay bills.
- Tracking Inventory; manage your item list, adjust physical count and inventory values, adjust prices and costings.
- Managing Cash and Bank Accounts; spending money, making deposits, transferring money, working with register and reconciling accounts.
- Paying Employees; setting up payroll, paying employees, editing, printing and emailing payslips and recording payroll liabilities.
- Preparing Financial Reports; producing reports, customising reports; scheduling and emailing reports.
- SBR Standard business reporting; using the NEW Australian Government interface, Nominal Accounting is also the FIRST and ONLY small business accounting software that allows you to submit your Business Activity Statement and Tax File Number declaration forms from within the accounting software.
- Business Dashboard that allows you to view multiple KPIs, such sales over time, average sale, as well as Facebook Feeds, Twitter mentions, Twitter followers over time and your Google Analytics stats.
Nominal Accounting Software helps you to track the health of your business at a glance with monthly, quarterly & yearly reports, so you can make decisions in real time to benefit your business.
If the shoebox is full then it’s time to look at another way to keep your finances on track! Nominal Small Business Accounting Software brings the greatest insights to your business as well as the simplicity that is required by the micro business owner.
For more information on Nominal Accounting, visit: http://www.nominal.com.au

Christine Manfield & Annie Smithers share a ‘Taste of Burgundy’

2011-08-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Tastes of Burgundy tour was an opportunity to travel with two of Australia’s most acclaimed and recognized chefs to a region of the world that is eponymous for its produce, food and wine. The 2011 tour saw illustrious Australian chef\s, Christine Manfield and Annie Smithers, lead participants on a culinary journey through Burgundy, with dishes to inspire and stimulate.

After the resounding success of the Tastes of Burgundy tour 2011, both Christine and Annie have compiled two recipes which can give everyone a little ‘Taste of Burgundy’.

“I was thrilled to be part of the inaugural Tastes of Burgundy tour for 2011’, says Christine Manfield of the highly acclaimed Universal Restaurant in Darlinghurst, Sydney. “It was a wonderful culinary and wine experience with myriad taste sensations, the produce is inspiring’ she says.

‘The recipes reflect the seasonal and regional produce I found at the various markets in Burgundy’ explains Christine.

‘Spring is when white asparagus, tomatoes, radishes and strawberries are in abundance. Chicken, pork, game birds, rabbits and lamb are plentiful and the array of artisan farmhouse cheeses is extraordinary,’ she says.

“We had a fantastic trip to Burgundy!” says Annie Smithers, from Annie Smithers Bistrot in Kyneton.

“Fresh and seasonal produce is a major ingredient when cooking in Burgundy, which is similar to my bistro in Kyneton as we grow and use all our own produce,” she says. “I hope the recipes I have provided will give you a ‘taste of burgundy.”

Next year, three prominent Australian chefs are set to once again, delight the senses of food and wine enthusiasts with a penchant for French cooking with the Tastes of Burgundy 2012 tour.

Commencing in April 2012, Tastes of Burgundy will run 5 weeks of cooking schools in the iconic gourmet region of eastern France, La Bourgogne (Burgundy).

Each Tastes of Burgundy weeklong experience will be individually led by the crème de la crème of the industry;

• Serge Dansereau from one of Sydney’s best and Australia’s most acclaimed eating establishments, Bathers Pavilion on Sydney’s Balmoral Beach;
• Andrew McConnell, Executive Chef and co-owner of Melbourne’s Cutler & Co. Dining Room & Bar, Cumulus Inc and the recently opened Golden Fields in Melbourne;
• Kate Lamont, one of Western Australia’s most successful chefs of Lamont’s restaurant in Perth CBD, Cottesloe and the Margaret River.

Each of the renowned foodies have signed up to teach the one-week Tastes of Burgundy school experience in April, May and June 2012. Each week will include three “cooking days”, involving market visits (Dijon, Beaune and Chalon or Autun), menu design and afternoon cooking classes, culminating in an exquisite dinner each evening.
sensations, the produce is inspiring’ she says.

The non-cooking days will be packed full of trips and experiences including; barrel tastings in a stunning 14th century cellar; a visit to local artisan farm – one of France’s finest produces of cherve, and the must see Hospice of Beaune.

Participants will also dine in restaurants ranging from small bistros to the stunning Abbaye de la Bussiere, a former monastery, now Relais & Chateaux accommodation and Michelin-star gastronomic restaurant and bistro. A farewell degustation dinner created by the talented hands of Chef de Cuisine, Eric Pras, and his team at the famous three-star Michelin restaurant, Lameloise in Chagny, will conclude the week savoring the Tastes Of Burgundy.

Fine food and wine aficionados will delight in eight days of sumptuous local food and wine in Burgundy with their chosen chef, whilst cooking and residing at a stunning 18th century chateau just outside the village of Meursault. The chateau is set in 6-hectare parklands, complimented by traditional antique décor, a sunny outside terrace and in-ground swimming pool.

The week is all-inclusive, from first arrival and pick-up in Le Creusot, seven nights accommodation in a beautiful chateau, cooking classes, cultural visits, transport for the week, all meals, wine, champagne and the return transfer to Le Creusot for onward travel. All Inclusive Tour - AUD$9,000 per person

Tastes of Burgundy is an opportunity to travel with one of three of Australia’s most acclaimed and recognized chefs to a region of the world that is eponymous for its produce, food and wine.

A complete culinary experience from the beginning to the end

Visit www.tastesofburgundy.com for more information.

Give a heartfelt gift this Fathers Day

2011-08-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

This Fathers Day, there’s a heartfelt, affordable way to show your appreciation for your Dad by adopting Sumatran orangutan twins through the Australian Orangutan Project. They are in desperate need of funds to buy medicines, nappies, food and the basics of life. Each orangutan infant requires one-on-one attention for the first eight years of their lives - the time it takes for an orangutan mother to teach her infant how to survive in the rainforest.

On 21 January 2011, an adult female at Batu Mbelin named Gober, gave birth to healthy twins; a boy named Ganteng (meaning handsome) and a girl named Ginting (a popular local name). Orangutan twins are very rare and these babies are extra special since both parents are blind and lucky to be alive.
Gober lost her sight to cataracts and was rescued in 2008 after her blindness forced her to raid crops, risking almost certain death from villagers. The twins Father, Leuser, was shot by villagers with an air rifle and was found near death with 62 air rifle wounds including three pellets lodged in his eyes.
Due to their blindness both parent orangutans now have to spend the rest of their lives at Batu Mbelin, a care centre in Sumatra. Gober and Leuser were introduced to each other in 2010 in the same cage for companionship. The usual breeding ban at the centre was lifted to improve the quality of life for elderly Gober, now well over 40 years old. Gober is now kept well and truly busy looking after not one, but two beautiful babies.

It is hoped that both infants will eventually be released to a life in the wild, something that has now been denied to both their parents. Despite their handicaps, both Gober’s and Leuser’s genes will be given a second chance to contribute to the conservation of their species in the wilds of Sumatra.

“Adoption is an opportunity to make a real difference to orangutans’ lives by improving their survival chances, offering them a safe, secure and stable future and habitat. From what our adoptive families tell us, it is an enormously rewarding experience for them too,” says Leif Cocks, President and Founder of the Australian Orangutan Project.
100% of this Father’s Day donation of $110 will go towards the raising and support that the care centre in Sumatra need to get these young infants back into the wild.
Your Father’s Day foster pack will include: A certificate with your Dad’s name on it; a biography of the twins and their parents; activity booklet; magnet and sticker. PLUS, when you donate, you will receive an AOP stubby cooler just to let him know how much you love him!

So to celebrate Father’s Day this year, please help the orphans to celebrate too by giving them a future. You can adopt the twins too by visiting http://www.orangutan.org.au/adoptions-new/adoption-the-twins-yearly and following the prompts.
Please ring 1300 REDAPE for inquiries!

Tastes of Burgundy set to tantalise French cooking fans in 2012!

2011-06-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

Tastes of Burgundy set to tantalise French cooking fans in 2012!

After the resounding success of the Tastes of Burgundy tour 2011, three prominent Australian chefs are set to once again, delight the senses of food and wine enthusiasts with a penchant for French cooking with the Tastes of Burgundy 2012 tour.

Commencing in April 2012, Tastes of Burgundy will run 6 weeks of cooking schools in the iconic gourmet region of eastern France, La Bourgogne (Burgundy).

Each Tastes of Burgundy weeklong experience will be individually led by the crème de la crème of the industry;

• Serge Dansereau from one of Sydney’s best and Australia’s most acclaimed eating establishments, Bathers Pavilion on Sydney’s Balmoral Beach;
• Andrew McConnell, Executive Chef and co-owner of Melbourne’s Cutler & Co. Dining Room & Bar, Cumulus Inc and the recently opened Golden Fields in Melbourne;
• Kate Lamont, one of Western Australia’s most successful chefs of Lamont’s restaurant in Perth CBD, Cottesloe and the Margaret River.

Each of the renowned foodies have signed up to teach the one-week Tastes of Burgundy school experience in April, May and June 2012. Each week will include three “cooking days”, involving market visits (Dijon, Beaune and Chalon or Autun), menu design and afternoon cooking classes, culminating in an exquisite dinner each evening.

The 2011 tour saw illustrious chefs, Christine Manfield and Annie Smithers, lead participants through a culinary minefield in Burgundy, with dishes to inspire and stimulate.

“I was thrilled to be part of the inaugural Tastes of Burgundy tour for 2011’, says Christine Manfield of the highly acclaimed Universal Restaurant in Darlinghurst, Sydney. “It was a wonderful culinary and wine experience with myriad taste sensations, the produce is inspiring’ she says.

The non-cooking days will be packed full of trips and experiences including; barrel tastings in a stunning 14th century cellar; a visit to local artisan farm – one of France’s finest produces of cherve, and the must see Hospice of Beaune.

Participants will also dine in restaurants ranging from small bistros to the stunning Abbaye de la Bussiere, a former monastery, now Relais & Chateaux accommodation and Michelin-star gastronomic restaurant and bistro. A farewell degustation dinner created by the talented hands of Chef de Cuisine, Eric Pras, and his team at the famous three-star Michelin restaurant, Lameloise in Chagny, will conclude the week savoring the Tastes Of Burgundy.

Fine food and wine aficionados will delight in eight days of sumptuous local food and wine in Burgundy with their chosen chef, whilst cooking and residing at a stunning 18th century chateau just outside the village of Meursault. The chateau is set in 6-hectare parklands, complimented by traditional antique décor, a sunny outside terrace and in-ground swimming pool.

The week is all-inclusive, from first arrival and pick-up in Le Creusot, seven nights accommodation in a beautiful chateau, cooking classes, cultural visits, transport for the week, all meals, wine, champagne and the return transfer to Le Creusot for onward travel.

A complete culinary experience from the beginning to the end.

Visit www.tastesofburgundy.com for more information.

Critically Endangered Orangutan Pushed Closer to Extinction as Government Set to Reject Mandatory Labelling of Palm Oil

2011-06-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

Critically Endangered Orangutan Pushed Closer to Extinction as Government Set to Reject Mandatory Labelling of Palm Oil

Thursday’s recommendation by the Senate Community Affairs Legislative Committee to reject a bill that requires mandatory labeling of palm oil in food products will mean that Australians are kept in the dark as palm oil continues to be labelled as vegetable oil.

Orangutans are being pushed dangerously close to extinction - predicted within the next 10 years - as widespread deforestation due to palm oil plantations has left them with sparse remaining habitat in Indonesia and Malaysia. It is estimated that an orangutan dies every two hours as land is cleared for further palm oil plantations.

Greens senator Rachel Siewert and Independent senator Nick Xenophon have condemned both major parties for rejecting a move designed to help protect endangered orangutans and wildlife species.

The Australian Orangutan Project and Australian consumers demand that mandatory labeling of palm oil in food products is introduced. Palm oil is the single biggest threat to the orangutan and exists in 50% of supermarket products, yet is masked under a myriad of labels including ‘vegetable oil’.

Whilst some food manufacturers may voluntarily label or even remove palm oil from their products, it is clear that without labeling support by Government policy that most will not.

The palm oil industry does not want Australians to know if they are consuming their product and the Senate Community Affairs Legislative Committee has supported them. Public submissions to the senate consistently argue for the right to know using clear labeling.

“It is unmistakable that Australians want to make informed choices about products containing palm oil. The Australian Orangutan Project calls on the government to heed public support for the bill when it is introduced to parliament this coming Thursday,” says Stephen Leonard, Legal Advisor of the Australian Orangutan Project.

“I find it deeply concerning that the Australian Government seems more interested in doing what the Malaysian palm oil lobby would like, rather than listening to the Australian people."

The orangutan exists as a flagship specifies for many other critically endangered species that live in the same habitat, therefore protecting orangutans means protecting the whole ecosystem of flora and fauna.

“The destruction of rainforest for palm oil plantations is not only the major cause of orangutan decline, but all biodiversity, including Sumatran tigers & elephants and gibbons, as well as the cause of the displacement of vulnerable indigenous communities,” says Troy Kenah, Vice President of the Australian Orangutan Project.

The Australian Orangutan Project urges the public to speak out in favour of the Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling - Palm Oil) Bill 2010, and contact their local MP http://www.aph.gov.au.

Toyota One Hit Wonder, 'The Show'. Coming 24th July to Channel Nine.

2011-06-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

The Show. Coming 24th July to Channel Nine. from One Hit Wonder Event on Vimeo.

Australian company harnesses the power of real-time audience feedback via Mobile Web technology for key US television programs

2011-06-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

Australian company harnesses the power of real-time audience feedback via Mobile Web technology for key US television programs

Interactive Australian media company, iPowow Ltd, is positioned at the forefront of one of the biggest consumer waves to sweep the global industries of media, technology and communications – the Mobile Web.

Via its three key products, iPowow Business, iPowow Live and iPowow Social, the Company is able to provide the use of its platform to businesses, media corporations and global celebrities seeking to connect instantly with their audience via smartphone technology.

Live TV broadcasters, celebrity followers on social networks, businesses and advertisers are all able to use the iPowow platform to interact with their target audience and networks, in a fashion that basically monetizes those interactions.

Around the world, television broadcasters, advertisers and content producers have been waiting decades for the ‘holy grail’ to emerge from the digital revolution - the power to interact with viewers instantaneously.

Via iPowow technology, broadcasters can ask an audience a question, and television audiences, online viewers or even a stadium crowd can use their 3G mobile phones or laptops to respond instantly.

iPowow’s global, cloud-hosted platform collects and combines the audiences responses and then delivers the digital results directly, second by second, which is displayed onscreen, in real-time, as a moving graphic – similar to ‘the worm’ used in political campaigns.

The company has already signed major deals with global programs brands such as UFC, Cirque Du Soleil, The American Music Awards, ABC Australia, Top Rank, and has also recently announced the integration of its iPowow Live platform for the television broadcast of ‘The 2011 MISS USA® Pageant’.

“We are thrilled to be involved with The 2011 Miss USA® Pageant, a joint venture by The Miss Universe Organisation, Donald Trump and NBC Universal”, says iPowow CEO, Ettienne Fourie.

“In a world first, the 2011 Miss USA® Pageant will be using iPowow to give their viewing audience the ability to score every contestant during the show, instantly,” he says.

iPowow products are Twitter and Facebook connected, engaging millions of viewers outside of a TV show’s normal audience. The iPowow scoring screens also gives viewers the ability to send Tweets and Facebook posts during the event, showing scores and the current leader board places.

“This integration of participation television and social media is set to change everything for broadcasters”, says Ettienne.

The patented technology that sits at the heart of iPowow, is on the leading edge of a global shift towards participation television and second-screen content. iPowow gives broadcasters, television producers and advertisers the power to create a new breed of participation television.

iPowow Social also brings real-time audience feedback to social networking. The company has recently launched a campaign for basketball legend, Shaquille O’Neal.
“The product gives sports stars and celebrities the power to ask all of their Twitter followers and Facebook friends a question and receive the answer, instantly,” says iPowow CEO, Ettienne Fourie.

“Every day Shaquille will ask his fans to help him out with questions and they pay a monthly subscription to play.”

iPowow Business enables Compliance & Training organizations to train staff via online video anywhere, anytime. In order to pass a course, users must answer questions correctly on the screen, second by second. At the end of the training video the user receives their score. All of these training records are electronically tracked, collected and available for both the user and the administrators.

The iPowow system is bank secure, proven across global TV audiences, and inexpensive to install. Best of all, it generates significant advertising and sponsorship revenue streams from mobile browsers.

The Company has raised over $3 million in investment capital to date and has successfully built an award-winning team and delivered three ‘Mobile Web’ global software products
in a staged process.

iPowow has created a unique multi-region, patent pending technology platform, and has established offices in New York, Los Angeles and Sydney. The innovative company is now seeking to drive its products into key overseas markets, particularly the US, creating a global network of Mobile Web products.

The company will be holding an information session & product demonstration for media and interested parties on Tuesday July 5th, at 6pm at iPowow Floor 1/328 Bronte Road, Waverley, NSW, 2024. To rsvp please visithttp://ipowow.eventbrite.com/

For more information visit: http://www.assob.com.au/wow or http://www.ipowow.com

About iPowow Ltd

iPowow is an interactive media platform that gives you the power to directly ask your audience what they think… and they will answer. You discover their emotional responses to what you are saying… instantly.

Contact:

Brianna Power
Ph: 02 8006 5035
URL: http://www.ipowow.com
Email: brianna@affinitymarketing.com.au

Announcing the Nine Network’s Feature Presentation of the Toyota One Hit Wonder Down Under

2011-06-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Announcing the Nine Network’s Feature Presentation of the Toyota One Hit Wonder Down Under

Adopt an orangutan this Mothers Day!

2011-05-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

This Mothers Day, instead of giving Mum a box of chocolates or some flowers, why not adopt an orangutan infant through the Australian Orangutan Project. They are in desperate need of funds to buy medicines, nappies, food and the basics of life and each orangutan infant requires one-on-one attention for the first eight years of their lives as that’s the time it takes for an orangutan mother to teach her infant how to survive in the rainforest.

There are over 2,000 orphan orangutans in care who would struggle to remember what it was like to have a mother as they were either killed or died as a result of the logging and deforestation in Kalimantan and Borneo and then snatched to be sold as illegal pets.

The Australian Orangutan Project not only looks after orphans but also those who were born in captivity such the new infant twins Ganteng and Ginting, who were born on January 21^st at the Batu Mbelin orangutan quarantine centre near Medan in North Sumatra. Twins are not unheard of amongst orangutans and the other great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas and bonobos) butthey very rare, and relatively few zoos around the world have experience of them.

This birth is also particularly notable in that BOTH parents are BLIND. The mother, Gober, is an elderly female, probably well over 40 years old, who is blind in both eyes due to cataracts. The Father, named Leuser, was found in 2006 having been shot by local villagers 62 times with an air rifle. Three of the rifle pellets lodged in his eyes, two in the left and one in the right, and he is now totally blind as a result.

Mother and father and the two new twins are all housed at the Batu Mbelin orangutan quarantine centre, near Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia which is the only such centre in the world for Sumatran orangutans. The twins are available to ‘foster’ for the annually for just $110, helping to care for all their food, shelter and care needs.

OR for the small sum of just $55 a year, families and individuals can adopt an orphan orangutan and make a real difference to this unique and special species. Care of these infants is costly and requires round the clock veterinary and nurse care to ensure they are in a healthy condition, have fresh food, are jungle trained and given the best chance to survive and return to the wild. Each family and/or individual adopting an orphaned orangutan receives an adoption pack.

“Adoption is an opportunity to make a real difference to orangutans’ lives by improving their survival chances, offering them a safe, secure and stable future and habitat. From what our adoptive families tell us it is an enormously rewarding experience for them too,” says Leif Cocks, President and Founder of the Australian Orangutan Project.

So to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, please help the orphans and our new twin orangutans to celebrate too by giving them a future. You can donate by visiting www.orangutan.org.au and following the prompts. Or why not adopt an orphan in the name of your mother or your family!

Successful debut of BDR’s Anticay at International Dental Show in Cologne

2011-04-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

Biodental Remin received enormous interest in its Anticay tooth remineralising products when it exhibited them for the first time at the International Dental Show held in Cologne between 22^nd and 26^th March.

BDR’s aim for the exhibition was to arouse interest from some prospective manufacturing partners in the dental industry. That objective was easily surpassed as a result of the overwhelming interest in the technology and the products from a large number of global and major regional companies.

Managing Director Tim Erskine-Smith said, “apart from the hundreds of individual dentists that you always speak to at such shows, we had hugely enthusiastic responses from dozens of potential manufacturing and distribution partners from every corner of the globe. Everyone we spoke to quickly recognised the enormous opportunities for products that take advantage of the unique properties of Anticay. Requests for samples and follow up discussions on co-operation were the order of the show.“

Among the new potential partners are:

A north-Asian pharmaceutical company with annual revenues greater than $1.5 billion.
A global dental company which has manufacturing plants in North & South America and which is widely recognized as being a leading source of high quality, innovative dental products.
A large manufacturer of dental and oral care products that has a global market presence and is especially strong in the USA and Japan.
Two separate major European-based manufacturers and global distributors of dental and oral care products.
A southern European specialist oral care company with a turnover of more than $125M in its home country
A pan-European distributor of oral care products to pharmacies and supermarkets.
A pan-European distributor of products specifically for children’s dentistry.
A major South-American manufacturer and distributor of dental & oral hygiene products.

Ian McIntosh, Director of Business Development said, “it’s very exciting to have so many solid enquiries from major companies in the dental industry. We are busy doing non-disclosure and evaluation agreements with the best of them. The typical evaluation period will be 1-2 months and a subsequent supply agreement with just one of these major companies will ensure the success of Biodental Remin.”

According to Tim Erskine-Smith, “of particular interest to the market was the fact that our Anticay professional products work so quickly, and for the first time remineralisation can be a chair-side procedure. This opens up the possibility of additional revenue streams for the dentist and delivers improved dental care to the patient.“

Tim and Ian agree that the Anticay technology will find many applications beyond dentistry and oral hygiene. However endorsement by the dental community and recommendations by dentists to their patients is our first step towards achieving large sales of the products in pharmacies and supermarkets.

To view the Biodental share offer www.assob.com.au/bdr

For more information about the company or share offer contact Kate Ingham

P: +1 300 308882 or 61 2 99948976

M: +61 414 321 641

E: kingham@alchemyequities.com.au

W: www.alchemyequities.com.au

Help At Hand For Startups and SME Owners Baffled By Business Plans

2011-04-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

For many business owners, the process of writing a business plan can seem overwhelming - so much so it’s often one of the vital elements of commercial success that’s ignored altogether! However, thanks to a new Australian innovation and the following easy ‘how-to’ guide, SME owners can rest easy knowing much of the angst around business plans can be easily resolved.

Whether you’re looking to secure finance or investment, or simply get more clarity around where your business is heading, there’s no substitute for a well-conceived business plan. With so much material available on the topic, from internet guides to using templates, as well as books on creating the perfect plan and expensive consultants touting their services, it’s not surprising business owners experience information overload.

This exact consumer frustration was well-known by Marcus Tarrant, business planning consultant for over two decades and creator of the Business Planning HQ Toolkit, who decided to create a solution that would give business owners the plans they desperately needed, without costing them the earth.

The first step was to address some misconceptions in the minds of business owners. "The process of business planning should start with a process and end with a document. Many clients get this the wrong way around by starting with a document, and ending with a compromised result," says Marcus.

“Instead of creating another ‘one-size-fits-all’ template, we realized a complete planning ‘process’ was necessary, but that it had to be as simple and relevant as possible,” he continues. While consultants have typically filled this role in the past, conducting meetings with clients, asking them questions and then going away to formulate a plan, the high costs involved in engaging a consultant can be prohibitive for many start-ups or smaller, growing businesses.

"Throughout my 20 years assisting hundreds of clients with their business planning process, we found that clients that most needed our services, were those least able to afford the 20-40K we would usually charge to prepare an investment grade business plan.”, says Marcus.

"Business Planning HQ was developed to provide a cost and time effective solution to the process of business planning by reducing the cost by as much as 90%, without reducing the quality. Now a business plan can be created in as little as 4-6 hours and you only need enter simple financial information - all the complex valuation and scenario analysis is performed for you. No expensive consultant required. No information overload. Just one simple process. And at a price point of just $450, the product is very accessible for all business owners.”

If you’re keen on getting more structure and clarity of direction in your operations, Marcus suggests taking 30 minutes with a coffee somewhere quiet, before you even embark on your plan, to jot down notes around the following:

· Commit to the process of creating a plan. Many SME owners put their business plan off because they are waiting for more certainty about current partnerships, sales or events. Your plan should guide your activity, not the other way around. Without a plan your business is like a ship without a rudder, you’ll be unable to gauge success and determine what you should do first, second or not at all. This is one task you can’t do half-heartedly. Success is about focus.

· Get clear about your business vision (your plan will then take this vision and translate it into a strategy). Your vision should outline where you want to see your business going in the medium to long term and can be expressed as a series of objectives.

· Consider who your primary customers are, what’s important to them and where they are both geographically and in life. Get into their headspace for a while and it will help you determine what’s possible for your business’s future. After all, your business should exist to solve a consumer’s problem.

· Consider the different types of business models that could work for your business. Just because you’re a franchise now, doesn’t mean that’s the best model moving forward – think creatively and without restriction. The creation of your plan will help you determine which is the best option for you.

· Consider what kind of financial outcomes you’d like in your business. Be specific and realistic. Have a timeframe in mind. Without knowing your ultimate financial goals you’ll lack a key driver for your plan.

A good business plan should align your strategy, business model, proposed actions and financial implications, as well as consider the questions and problems that are top of mind with your target audience. Ultimately, a business plan should be bespoke for your operations, rather than trying to fit your business into a predetermined template.

Business Planning HQ combines two decades of experience in business planning into a series of consultant style questions. These questions have been packaged into an Excel-based Business Planning Toolkit. The toolkit is downloadable from the internet for maximum convenience and within hours, you’ll have the basis of an investor quality business plan that no template or software alone could deliver.

For more information on Business Planning HQ, visit: http://www.businessplanninghq.com

For further information or to interview Marcus Tarrant, Business Planning HQ founder contact:

marcus.tarrant@businessplanninghq.com or info@affinitymarketing.com

Spoiling Mum has never been simpler!

2011-04-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Plus go in the draw to win a unique escape for mum OR a luxury Sundown picnic hamper!

Mums around the world know that the simple things in life are often the best – that’s why Simply Gifts has made organising the perfect, indulgent gift for Mum even easier, with its one-stop, online boutique gift shop. Now you can show your Mum just how much you care, with a speedy, online ordering system plus you can go in the draw to win mum a unique escapes from a selection of 70 fabulous destinations across NSW, VIC and QLD or a luxury Sundown picnic hamper!

Sundown Picnic competition

Spoil Mum with a luxury Sundown Picnic, valued at $225.00, this Mothers Day. Watch the sun go down and celebrate with Veuve champagne, James Squire Sundown beer and this exquisite picnic set for two. Including ceramic plates, glasses, fabric napkins and wooden handled cutlery with a large insulated compartment for all her favourite treats. This gold star picnic is perfect for your gold star Mum. Simply send an email to info@simplygifts.com.au explaining in 100 words or less, why your Mum deserves to win and check the website on Tuesday May 3rd* 2011, from 10am to see if your Mum has won! Don't forget to include your name and phone number, and your Mum's name. The winners Mums name will be posted on the Simply Gifts site from 10.00am 3/5/11 - 10.00 am 4/5/11.

Unique Escapes competition

If your Mum deserves a weekend away somewhere special why not enter this fabulous Mothers Day competition from Simply Gifts. Two weekends away up for grabs, your Mum can choose from a selection of 70 fabulously unique destinations across NSW, VIC and QLD. Valid until August 2012, she can select the perfect time and place to enjoy a well deserved break. Simply send an email to info@simplygifts.com.au explaining in 100 words or less, why your Mum deserves to win and check the website on Tuesday May 3rd* 2011, from 10am to see if your Mum has won! Don't forget to include your name and phone number, and your Mum's name, which will be posted on the Simply Gifts site from 10.00 am 3/5/11 - 10.00 am 4/5/11.

Organise your Mother’s Day shopping in just minutes at www.simplygifts.com.au, where you’ll find a host of exclusive gifts for Funky Mums, House Proud Mums, New Mums, Sweet Toothed Mums, Bubbly Mums and Mums who love a little pampering (who doesn’t!?).

Think Pink RRP $70.00

This rosé is the perfect wine for an Australian summer. Made to be shared, the 2008 Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir Rosé is a refreshing and versatile wine that can be paired with a wide variety of meals. Romantic warm evenings shared, rose petals on the table and on the bed and beautiful rose confetti soaps, with petals that can be sprinkled into the bath. Make her feel loved, spoilt and utterly pampered, just as she ought to be. Gift set includes; Pariya raahat rose Turkish delight 250gm 250gm, NV Chandon Rose 750ml, Rose Confetti.

Favourite Tea and Biccies RRP $75.00.

This lovely gift typifies all the comfort of home and enjoying a special cuppa with Mum. Includes an elegant cup set, perfect for lattes, or herbal teas and delicious Mother Meg's cookies. A great way to let someone know that you are thinking of them, to say get well, or enjoy your day. Encased in a hand crafted open wooden box and presented as in picture. Gift set includes; Latte Glass Set (2), Mother Megs chocolate chip cookies 150gm, Mother Megs almond bread 125gm, Calendula, lemon balm, rose petals, peppermint & aniseed tea blend in a hand crafted wooden box.

Duck a la Orange RRP $70.00.

This Jim Barry Riesling is classic Watervale—lemons, limes and a wonderfully clean, crisp finish. Just like a deliciously fresh party in your mouth. The wine has been created to be enjoyed now but has the character to be cellared into the next decade to increase the complexity already apparent. Kennedy & Wilson is among the most highly respected chocolatiers in Australia. These gorgeous chocolate ducks are a perfect example of the delightful design that is brought to the luxury chocolate produced by Kennedy & Wilson. Last but not least is the divine taste sensation of these juicy dark chocolate coated oranges. Real, juicy and absolutely delicious, these hand-dipped oranges are a taste sensation that everyone will love. Gift set includes JimBarry Watervale Riesling 750ml, Delicaseys Orange Bliss 140gm, Kennedy & Wilson orange after dinner chocolate ducks 90gm.

4 x PLUMM Vintage Red or White Wine Glass RRP $100.00.

Proving that decent glassware doesn’t need to cost a fortune, the Plumm Vintage range provides a slice of everyday luxury for those who love drinking great wine minus the pomp and ceremony. Machine made from premium European crystal, this dishwasher friendly range is designed to be used every single day. This glass set makes a great corporate gift. It can be used for red or white wine, so you know it will be a gift that they can use and enjoy. Gift set includes 4 x PLUMM Vintage red or white wine glasses. Material: Machine Made European Crystal, Dishwasher Safe. Height: 200mm. Vol: 463ml. Designed For: Any Wine, Red or White and comes complete in a beautiful PLUMM presentation gift box.

With an exclusive range of premium quality gifts for Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Babies, Brothers, Sisters, Sweethearts corporate events and couples, Simplygifts.com.au has every occasion covered and a unique, personalised gift option that is sure to delight every time.

Visit www.simplygifts.com.au or contact Simply Gifts on 1300 66 11 24 and spoil your Mum this Mother’s Day!

Biodental Remin's joint venture with Red Seal Natural Health

2011-04-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Australian-based technology start-up company Biodental Remin Ltd today announced it is entering into a Joint Venture partnership with Red Seal Natural Health of New Zealand, to manufacture and distribute dental and oral hygiene products using Biodental’s tooth remineralising technology in Australia and New Zealand.

Red Seal was the recipient of an early sample of the remineralising powder which was used to make a trial batch of 5 % active toothpaste. The reaction to the trial material from their dental and consumer evaluation panels was extremely positive.

“Our trial results were very positive, so much so that some evaluators were even asking for more material after the trials, because they found it so effective. This is one of the most exciting developments in dentistry and oral hygiene that we have ever encountered. We are very happy indeed to be forming a partnership with Biodental Remin as we see oral healthcare products as a focus for our future growth” Mr Rolf Hilke, Managing Director, Red Seal

As well as taking an equity position in Biodental Remin, Red Seal will be making a major investment to ensure the success of the Joint Venture. They will fund the manufacturing and packaging of dental & oral hygiene products using Biodental Remin’s technology and then profit-share with Biodental in a way that is heavily weighted in favour of BDR in the early stages. The Directors of Biodental Remin believe that Red Seal’s commitment to the joint program underpins BDR’s goals and is worth an estimated $100,000 to BDR over the short term.

The joint venture agreement provides BDR with a means for early stage low cost manufacturing and sales which will expand as BDR’s production of anticay increases. An increase in production will allow entry to Red Seal’s established markets for broad market consumables.

The first products to emerge from the joint venture will be targeted to the dental professionals and will be on sale within 2-3 months. Entry to Red Seal’s established distribution network for broad market consumables will follow as BDR’s production of Anticay is expanded.

For further information contact Biodental Remin Ltd:

Tim Erskine Smith,

info@biodentalremin.com

+61 2 6568 4420

Hop Onto www.simplygifts.com.au For The Perfect Gift This Easter!

2011-03-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

Forget last minute chocolate eggs this year, Simply Gifts has a range of Easter gifts to suit everyone – from plush toys for the little ones to gourmet hampers for those wanting a little bit of luxury! Simply Gifts has made organising the perfect Easter gift even easier, with its one-stop, online boutique gift shop and speedy ordering system.

Cookie Monster RRP $39.00.

Even the cookie monster would be satisfied with this bumper selection of delicious Fiona Wall cookies! Includes a Fiona Wall Gingerbread family 150gm, Fiona Wall Chocolate chip family 150gm and Fiona Wall Cranberry & Vanilla cookies 150gm.

French Bull Gourmet Getaway RRP $55.00.

A bright and beautiful way to keep your lunch fresh every day. You'll be the envy of the office with this funky neoprene gourmet getaway bag, designed to carry all of life's essentials. The Gourmet Getaway is perfect as a lunch bag, insulating picnic addition or as an everyday handbag. Because of the unique design and wetsuit material it protects and insulates from temperature and impact for electronics, to makeup and food. An additional interior pocket is perfect for holding life’s smaller necessities. The Gourmet Getaway lays flat when not in use.

Odd One Out RRP $40.00

An adorable trio of Easter treats to give them something to smile about this Easter. From the Sevi sweet collection this soft little rooster is the odd one out, sandwiched between 2 Kennedy and Wilson delcious chocolate fish, one dark chocolate, one white chocolate. Despite their differences they are still excellent Easter friends.

Trudi Chick RRP $35.00

From the classic Trudino collection, this little chick is simply adorable. Trudi is a designer of products that stand out for their quality and safety, their design and the emotions they evoke in whomever buys them as a gift and uses them.

Basket Full of Eggs RRP $75.00

Full of colour and fun this bumper Easter basket is enough to go around! Filled with 24 milk chocolate eggs and a cute Sevi, extra soft Easter hen. Beautifully presented in a seagrass basket with lid.

Easter Hen Family RRP $49.00

Seriously delicious, this milk chocolate Mother hen with her white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate babies, by Kennedy & Wilson, are simply delightful. What a fabulous Easter gift - great to share, or to gorge!

First prize RRP $235.00

If someone in your life is an absolute star they deserve this fabulous 'First Prize' gift box. Spoil them with the luxury contained within this superior gourmet hamper, filled with award winning Max Brenner chocolate, French champagne and an assortment of decadent chocolates. These are just a few of the melt-in–your-mouth products within. Beautifully presented in a hand crafted open wooden box. Gift set includes; Mother Megs almond bread 125gm, Max Brenner Chockies – milk chocolate praline cream rolled in roasted almonds 80gm, Max Brenner milk chocolate cubes filled with orange peel praline and caramelised pecans 80gm, Lindt - assorted lindor chocolates 150gm, Delicaseys Orange Bliss 140gm, Butlers gift wrapped café collection chocolates 90gm, NV Moet & Chandon 750ml.

For a fully customised gift simply call the customer service centre on 1300 66 11 24.

Visit www.simplygifts.com.au or contact Simply Gifts on 1300 66 11 24 and spoil someone this Easter!

How to Grow Your Business Through Innovation - Armidale

2011-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

Free Seminar for Businesses in Armidale:
Capturing Innovation in the Workplace

Do you have great ideas for your business but no idea how to put them into action?

Do you feel like you have unexplored potential in your business that could be capitalised upon?

In order to remain competitive and survive in today’s world, businesses must know how to generate new ideas and explore new markets. Gone are the days when a business could do what it has always done before. Businesses need to be able to launch new ideas and new products in order to thrive.

Research indicates that most new ideas in business come from three sources: the staff, company networks and customers.

Yet as all business owners know, amongst the busy day-to-day operations, ideas get lost, customer feedback is inconsistently managed and not all the best ideas from staff are explored. Management does not always know how to assess which ideas they should invest in to be commercialised.

A seminar and workshop will be presented in Armidale in April that will outline ways to cost-effectively harness, assess and commercialise ideas within your business. Called Capturing Innovation in the Workplace, the seminar and workshop is presented by Alchemy Equities and supported by the Australian Government through Enterprise Connect.

Dan Liszka, presenter and Managing Director of Alchemy Equities says, “The seminar and workshop will provide companies with a way to manage the pipeline of good ideas that come from its staff, customers and business networks. We will use case studies covering common mistakes, and will focus on practical ways a company can build its innovation pipeline and potential.”

Alchemy Equities is a corporate advisory firm that has specialist expertise in the delivery of in-house innovation commercialisation services for large and small to medium enterprises as well as equity capital raising. Since inception in 2005, Alchemy has consulted on over 184 commercialisation contracts, 26 of those involving capital-raising across a broad range of industries.

Presenter: Dan Liszka

As CEO and majority shareholder of Alchemy, Dan has a science background and significant business experience with innovative enterprises. Alchemy is currently contracted by the NSW government to deliver the NSW Innovation Advisory Service.

See www.alchemyequities.com.au and www.ausinvent.com.

Co-Presenter: Kate Ingham, Senior Client Manager, Alchemy Equities

______________________________________________________

The seminar will be a general introduction and will be held on Thursday 7 April from 4pm to 6pm at the Duval Conference Centre, UNE, Armidale NSW.

The workshop is a more intensive session to be held on Friday 8th April from 10am to 4pm at the same venue.

Events are free to applicable participants

To RSVP call 1300 308 882 or email: admin@alchemyequities.com.au. To register directly go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/org/895036705

_______________________________________________________

For further information or to organise an interview please contact:

Brianna Power, Affinity Marketing, on 02 8006 5035

info@affinitymarketing.com.au

How to Grow Your Business Through Innovation

2011-03-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

Free Seminar for Businesses: Capturing Innovation In the Workplace

Do you have great ideas for your business but no idea how to put them into action?

Do you feel like you have unexplored potential in your business that could be capitalised upon?

In order to remain competitive and survive in today’s world, businesses must know how to generate new ideas and explore new markets. Gone are the days when a business could do what it has always done before. Businesses need to be able to launch new ideas and new products in order to thrive.

Research indicates that most new ideas in business come from three sources: the staff, company networks and customers.

Yet as all business owners know, amongst the busy day-to-day operations, ideas get lost, customer feedback is inconsistently managed and not all the best ideas from staff are explored. Management does not always know how to assess which ideas they should invest in to be commercialised.

A seminar and workshop will be presented in Wagga Wagga later this month that will outline ways to cost-effectively harness, assess and commercialise ideas within your business.

Called Capturing Innovation in the Workplace, the seminar and workshop is presented by Alchemy Equities and supported by the Australian Government through Enterprise Connect.

Dan Liszka, presenter and Managing Director of Alchemy Equities says, “the seminar and workshop will provide companies with a way to manage the pipeline of good ideas that come from its staff, customers and business networks. We will use case studies covering common mistakes, and will focus on practical ways a company can build its innovation pipeline and potential.”

Alchemy Equities, is a corporate advisory firm that has specialist expertise in the delivery of in-house innovation commercialisation services for large and small to medium enterprises as well as equity capital raising.

The seminar will be a general introduction and will be held on Thursday March 24 from 2-4pm at the Country Comfort Wagga Wagga. The workshop is a more intensive session to be held on Friday 25th from 10am to 4pm at the same venue.
Events are free to participants who meet the criteria. To RSVP call 1300 308 882 or email: admin@alchemyequities.com.au. To register directly go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/org/895036705

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Presenter’s information:

The Presenter: Dan Liszka
Since inception in 2005, Alchemy has consulted on over 184 commercialisation contracts, 26 of those involving capital-raising across a broad range of industries. Dan Liszka will present Capturing Innovation in the Workplace.
As CEO and majority shareholder of Alchemy, Dan has a science background and significant business experience with innovative enterprises. Alchemy is currently contracted by the NSW government to deliver the NSW Innovation Advisory Service. See alchemyequities.com.au and www.ausinvent.com/

Co- Presenter: Kate Ingham,
Senior Client Manager, Alchemy Equities will co-present.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information or to setup an interview contact:
Brianna Power, Affinity Marketing on 0403904912
info@affinitymarketing.com.au

Affinity Marketing is a boutique marketing and PR agency based in Sydney, Australia.
Cost effective, nimble and meticulously well targeted, we help clients to raise their profile locally or nationally, target new markets and media, draw attention to their online presence and make their business’s presentation shine (through website, print or communications material). Contact us for more information on how we can help your business or not-for-profit find the x-factor!
www.affinitymarketing.com.au

Live a cold sore free life the natural way

2011-02-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

According to a national survey conducted by the University of Sydney in 2006, three out of four adults have been exposed to the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and may develop cold sore symptoms at some point in their life. Contributing causes including stress, poor diet and exposure to sunlight can trigger a breakout, which can last up to two weeks without treatment. But what is you were able to ward them off before a breakout and be able to treat them naturally and fast if a breakout occurs?

Australian sufferers’ of cold sores now have access to a cutting edge new product with the release of Dynamiclear Rapid into the Australian market. Dynamiclear Rapid is manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practise (GMP) certified laboratory to Australian and International Safety Standards, with natural products containing no preservatives, no testing conducted on animals and in a world first, it only requires one application, so no need to reapply.

Miriam Spurge, Holistic Viral Consultant, Global Herbal Supplies, believes that lifestyle is a major factor when it comes to cold sores. “By educating people about Cold Sores, and the tools and knowledge that can be used to keep them away, it not only helps to ease the pain and embarrassment but can also help to reduce the incidence of cold sore infections”, she says.

“If a breakout does occur, Dynamiclear Rapid is a natural product made from moisturising plant extracts alongside vitamin E which helps sooth and nourish the skin”, she says.

Before that cold sore gets a chance, learn about the various tools available for you to utilise to help minimise the ugly and sometimes painful effects of cold sores.

Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Cold Sores:

• Avoid supplements or protein shakes that contain added Arginine (an amino acid)
• Reduce Arginine rich foods such as chocolate, oats, nuts and beer
• Eat a diet rich in natural foods; cut down on white and refined sugars, white flour, dairy, processed meat products, alcohol, caffeine, saturated animal fats and foods with additives
• Increase the amounts and variety of raw fruits and vegetables in the diet
• Avoid artificial sweeteners
• Drink lots of quality water every day (at least 6 to 8 glasses). Choose filtered, alkaline water where possible
• Avoid steroid based medications if possible, such as cortisone
• Address hormonal imbalances or underlying health issues
• Reduce alcohol and recreational drug consumption
• Meditation – try to clear the mind and let go of negative emotions and attachments
• Try to avoid getting sunburnt or chaffed lips; use an SPF 15+ sunscreen or lip balm, wear a hat while in the sun and limit excessive UV exposure
• Moisturise your lips regularly to help prevent cracking and dryness
• Topically attack each breakout to help reduce viral population
• Take beneficial supplements to help prevent a cold sore recurrence when needed

Natural Remedies to help ward off a Cold Sore:

Andrographis – this wonder herb can inhibit cold sore virus activity in vitro and improve the level of killer T-helper cells (cells in your immune system that are essential to control cold sores).  Combine with the herbs Echinacea and Olive Leaf for best results.

Lysine – this is an amino acid that is shown in studies to reduce the frequency of cold sore breakouts and accelerate healing. It does this by naturally restricting another amino acid called Arginine, which the cold sore virus needs to become active.

Broccoli, Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts – these vegetables are naturally high in a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which clinical studies show may have the potential to interfere with the way the cold sore virus reproduces, so eat plenty of these veges to help keep breakouts away.

Dynamiclear Rapid® – an all natural plant and mineral formulation that is applied externally onto the skin, demonstrated in clinical trials to give fast relief from cold sore symptoms in just one application. Dynamiclear works by penetrating and destroying the DNA of the cold sore virus, thus ‘inactivating’ the virus on contact. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Dynamiclear may also help to reduce the frequency and intensity of recurring symptoms.

Engystol® – this is a homeopathic remedy made by a reputable German brand named Heel. Engystol can be beneficial in strengthening an immune response against the cold sore virus, and may be particularly helpful in persistent cases.

Panax ginseng – if needed can help to counteract the effects of stress, past or present illness, alcohol and other strains on the immune system. This in turn can help to prevent a cold sore.

Miriam Spurge is available for interview and can speak on a range of cold sore topics such as;
• Top tips for living a cold sore free life.
• What food to avoid and what foods to eat.
• What to do if a breakout occurs.
• The cold sore free diet.
• Plus cold sore free recipes!

For further information or to organise an interview with Miriam Spurge please contact;

Kate Richards, Affinity Marketing on 0404 892 782

www.dynamiclear-rapid.com

Race Rally Road for Valentines Day

2011-01-17T15:14:00.000-08:00

Finding the perfect Valentines gift is never easy. Does that special man in your life really want another bunch of roses or a box of chocolates this Valentines Day? Instead, surprise him with a thoughtful gift that you know he will love from Race Rally Road.

Race Rally Road is the one stop online gift shop catering for all motor sport enthusiasts. With an extensive range of motor racing clothing, automotive books, motorsport art and diecast cars and bikes, Race Rally Road has got your Valentines Day shopping covered.

If your husband could do with a wardrobe overhaul, why not buy him stylish car racing tshirts this Valentines Day. Not only will he love them, he will look great in them too.

The Forza Gilles tshirt is a tribute to the iconic Ferrari (Number 27) F1 driver, Gilles Villeneuve. Known for his exciting and courageous driving style in grand prix racing, he would wave banners displaying “Forza Gilles” meaning “faster” or “with force”.

Ford Fans will treasure the Ford GT40 tshirt. It is one of Race Rally Road’s bestselling car racing tshirts. It commemorates the legendary motorsport moments when the GT40 won the 24 hours of Le Mans four times in a row, from 1966 to 1969.

For the Mustang enthusiasts, Race Rally Road recommends the Mustang Pony Express tshirt available from the online store. The ‘Pony Car’ was the first generation American Ford Mustang. It won the Australian Touring Car Championship 5 successive years from 1965 to 1969.

All of Race Rally Road’s car clothing is premium quality 100 per cent cotton for comfort with double stitched seams for durability. The car racing tshirts come in a range of colours and sizes from small to XX large. The screen processes incorporate the use of the latest equipment and technology and the inks used for printing are the best commercial grade available. This ensures the highest quality and longevity of the apparel design.

For more information on Race Rally Road motor racing clothing or more great Valentines Day gift ideas visit www.racerallyroad.com or ‘Like’ the Race Rally Road Facebook Page.

Simply Romantic Gifts for Valentines Day

2011-01-17T15:05:00.000-08:00

It’s that romantic time of year again. February 14th is Valentines Day – a time to show that special person in your life how much you care about them.

Whether your Valentine is your life long partner, or a special someone you secretly admire, Simply Gifts has everything to make this Valentines Day extra special.

Simply Gifts has an exquisite selection of Valentines gifts to suit any budget. Simply customise your orders with optional extras to suit your shopping requirements. Visit Simply Gifts this Valentines Day and find the perfect gift for your Valentine.

Spoil your lovely lady with a Sweet Love Gift Pack. This exquisite gift comes with three varieties of delicious Max Brenner chocolate, French Champaign and milk chocolate hearts.

For a romantic surprise that is sure to bring a smile to her face, give her with a Sweet Romance. The gift pack includes Bimbadgen Estate botrytis semillion, a Pink Lady Milk chocolate heart and Le Chef assorted Swiss praline truffles all beautifully presented in a Simply Gifts box.

Instead of giving a bunch of red roses this Valentines Day, surprise the man in your life with an 8 Piece Stainless Steel BBQ Set. It contains a spatula, tongs, a BBQ fork, 4 skewers and a bottle opener in a compact and portable red aluminium storage case.

For a simply thoughtful gift that you can both enjoy together, why not buy your Valentine a Siesta Brazilian Double Hammock and maybe a Champagne Interlude – Chocolate Gourmet Hamper to complement it. The hamper comes with a bottle of NV Chandon, Butlers chocolate caramel and praline truffles and Lindt – assorted lindor chocolates all in a hand crafted wooden box. Now you can enjoy the luxury of the best in the best company.

Simply Gifts offers a selection of stylish gift-wrapping options and cards at no additional cost. Ordering is quick and easy and Simply Gifts delivers to any place in Australia. And to ensure that you don’t get caught out on Valentines Day without a gift, Simply Gifts offers next working day gift delivery Australia wide.

Searching a Valentines Day gift with an added personal touch? Create your own gift by calling the customer service centre on 1300 66 11 24 or 00612 9913 4000, if calling from outside Australia.

For more information and great gift ideas visit www.simplygifts.com.au

Diecast Cars, Bikes and Racing Books - For All Motorsport Enthusiasts!

2010-12-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

Race Rally Road are the motorsport experts, dedicated to supplying a diverse range of diecast cars, car books and diecast bikes. With access to literally thousands of diecast bikes and diecast cars and a huge selection of racing books, motorsport enthusiasts will almost certainly find their desired collectable or automotive book.

Matthew Dagg, the founder of Race Rally Road is a performance car driver and motorsport enthusiast himself, and ensures the R3 products are of the highest quality. Motorsport experts and devoted fans will be truly amazed with the detail involved in the diescast cars and bikes. The collectables have been carefully designed to accurately replicate the life-sized models and all at a favourable price.

Take a peak at minichamps diecast cars. The Mercedes Benz W196, winner of GP Italy 1954 and the BMW M3 GTR, winner of Le Mans 2001, are just two of minichamps exquisite diecast cars.

Race Rally Road also has access to many other collectables by Autoart, Kyosho, Biante, Classic Carlectables and Exoto to name a few. The diecast cars and bikes are primarily in the scales of 1/18, 1/43 and 1/64 and commemorate significant motorsport moments that will forever be recognised.

The Alfa Romeo 8C by IXO is one of the classics, as the winner of the Le Mans 1932. The modern Aston Martin DBR9, winner of Le Mans Class 2007 honors a race that devoted fans will never forget.

For the automotive book worm, Race Rally Road supplies a large selection of books by renowned publishers from around the world; including Graham Robson, Anthony Pritchard and Ewan Kennedy. R3’s racing books, automotive books and motor sport history books enable readers to relive meaningful motorsport moments where legends were made.

Aston Martin enthusiasts will be absorbed in Anthony Pritchard’s ‘Aston Martin – A Racing History’ and Ferrari fans will adore Leonardo Acerbi’s automotive book ‘Ferrari – All the Cars’, which contains every Ferrari every made described and illustrated.

As new titles are released, R3 endeavors to include them on the website. If there is a title you are searching for email Race Rally Road at sales@racerallyroad.com. Likewise if there is a particular collector car or a limited release model that you are seeking make an enquiry to info@racerallyroad.com.

For further information about Race Rally Road’s diecast cars, car books and diecast bikes, visit www.racerallyroad.com.

SMSF’s –the Missing Link in the Innovation Puzzle

2010-11-29T18:05:00.000-08:00

Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF) may be a missing piece to the innovation puzzle in Australia.

One of the problems facing many Australian start-ups and early stage companies is a lack of access to the funds they need to commercialise their technologies. If sufficient funds cannot be raised locally, these companies have two choices: go overseas (typically the USA) or manage with the very limited resources available to them – and accept a greatly increased likelihood of failure. Either result is a lost opportunity for Australia to capitalise on its educated and innovative workforce and to generate new jobs.

Start-ups and early stage companies struggle to raise debt finance and are too small to warrant the attention of large equity investors, such as fund managers and other institutional investors. That leaves Venture Capital firms, Business Angels and the three Fs – Friends, Families and Fans – as the main source of funds for these companies. Whilst these funding sources are invaluable, they are not sufficient to adequately capitalize the many innovative companies established by Australian entrepreneurs. This is particularly true in the post-GFC environment, in which VC activity is greatly diminished.

Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF) may, however, be well-placed to take advantage of the investment opportunity offered by start-ups and early stage companies and to bridge this ‘funding gap’.

“Whilst there are significant risks involved in investing in start-ups and early stage companies, the upside potential is substantial and may provide a better exposure to high-risk, high-return assets than alternatives such as derivatives, art, fine wine and fast cars,” says James Claridge at Alchemy Equities.

Claridge goes on to outline the scenario where, for example, an SMSF with over $5M in assets allocates 2% of its investment portfolio to start-ups and early stage companies - a total exposure of $100,000. An SMSF of this size would qualify as a ‘sophisticated investor’ and might be able to invest, say, $10,000 in each of 10 companies without compromising the ability of those companies to raise additional funds from retail investors under the 20/12 rule (without a prospectus, companies are not allowed to raise funds from more than 20 retail investors in any 12 month period).

By co-investing with VCs, Angels, Governments (e.g. through Commercialisation Australia grants) or other investors, for example through the Australian Small Scale Offerings Board (ASSOB), SMSFs might be able to outsource their due diligence to some extent, and at the same time reduce their exposure to companies that are not well structured or that do not have compelling business propositions or high growth potential.

The worst case scenario would be if all 10 companies failed, in which case the SMSF would have lost about 0.2% p.a. from its annual rate of return, assuming a ten year investment period and that all other assets earned 10% p.a. over that period.

However, a more likely outcome is that at least one of the companies goes on to become a success story and a few others put in solid performances. In this scenario, the investment in start-ups and early stage companies has the potential to significantly enhance the investment performance of the SMSF, perhaps by as much as an additional 0.5% p.a. return over the ten year investment period. Further, where the members of the SMSF can bring additional benefits to the investee companies through their knowledge and contacts, there may be an opportunity for them to ‘nurture their investments’, thus increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes and further enhancing their investment returns. Of course, Trustees would need to make sure that such investments are compatible with the SMSF’s liabilities, cashflow requirements and risk appetite.

According to data provided by the ATO, as of March 2010 there were over 400,000 SMSFs, with total assets of over $400 Billion. Of these, approximately 6,000 SMSFs (1.5% of the total) have assets in excess of $5M each. If each one of these SMSFs were to invest $10,000 in each of 10 start-ups and early stage companies, for a total of $100,000, that would represent approximately $600M of investment in Australian innovation – a welcome boost to an important sector of the economy that is currently underfunded.

“If the Government were genuinely interested in fully capitalizing on the benefits of Australian innovation, it could offer some tax relief for SMSFs that invest in start-ups and early stage companies – this would make the proposition even more attractive,” says Liszka.

SMSFs – are they the missing piece to the innovation puzzle?

************************************

Writer – James Claridge is a Capital Raising Consultant with Alchemy Equities – a company which facilitites equity capital raising for business development and expansion. Please contact http://www.alchemyequities.com.au/ for further information and contact details or phone 1300 308 882 or +61 2 9994 8976

Race Rally Road – Thoughtful and Unique Christmas Gifts

2010-11-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a motorsport enthusiast is their life and while a Ferrari might be a little out of the price range this Christmas, a diecast Ferrari 500F2 is the next best thing.

Race Rally Road is the perfect solution for thoughtful and unique Christmas gifts. R3 offers a wide range of motor racing apparel, automotive books, motorsport art and collector diecast cars and bikes, catering for all motorsport enthusiasts.

With an extensive online store, you can do your Christmas shopping at the click of a mouse, no more waiting in queues at busy shopping malls! Click here to visit the online store now!

Matthew Dagg, the founder of the brand R3 is a performance car enthusiast with a background in design, so you can be sure that R3 delivers high quality products with innovative designs. Designs include the Porsche 956/962, Mustang and Bentley at Le Mans to name a few.

This Christmas give the latest and greatest in motorsport apparel. Race Rally Road has launched three brand new t-shirt designs, just in time for Christmas.

• Race: The Le Mans winning Aston Martin DBR1 from 1959
• Rally: Escort Service celebrating the great MK 1 & MK 2 Ford Escort rally cars
• Road: 1966 gave the world the first road supercar, the Lamborghini Miura.

During November and December, R3 are also offering a whopping 25% off the second R3 t-shirt purchased. Simply buy one full priced t-shirt for $45 and receive a 25% discount on a second t-shirt when purchased in the same transaction!

This special offer is not available with any other offer. To process your discount call (07) 5528 9825. The order and payment will be processed manually. Orders cannot be placed through the online store.

For a Christmas gift that will be enjoyed all year round why not give a subscription to Wheels Magazine? Race Rally Road is offering a subscription special in the November issue of Wheels Magazine so grab a copy today!

Wheels magazine will keep motorsport enthusiasts up to date with R3 product features and industry news. Also, look out for the international magazine Vintage Racecar, which will showcase Race Rally Road products in November and December.

For more information on Race Rally Road Christmas Gifts and Gift Vouchers visit www.racerallyroad.com or ‘Like’ the Race Rally Road Facebook Page for your chance to win two R3 t-shirts of your choice (RRP $100) in November!

An exquisite cooking experience in provincial France

2010-11-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

An exquisite cooking experience in provincial France

How Can You Protect Your Child Against Cold Sores?

2010-11-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

Cold sores are generally harmless for most children, and whilst your little one getting a cold sore is nothing to joke around about, there are some practical tips you can employ to ensure the discomfort is a little easier for them.

The following tips from experienced naturopath and cold sore expert, Dr John Spurge, will help you to manage your young ones experiencing cold sores and better protect everyone in your family.

So what actually causes cold sores in children?

Despite the name, cold sores are not caused by a cold or flu virus, they are caused by a member of the herpes virus family called Herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of this virus and it is normally the type 1 strand that is responsible for cold sores.

It is very common for young children to catch cold sores, an infection which is passed on from close personal contact. This could include sharing a cup, utensil, toy or face towel with someone who has a cold sore, or receiving a kiss from them.

Studies show that more than half of all young children who experience cold sores catch them in their infancy. This means that your little one is more likely to catch a cold sore from a parent, sibling or close family friend than from other kids at school.

Symptoms of a cold sore ‐ what to look for

The symptoms normally take about 2 to 14 days to show up when first infected. Your child might complain of their lip being itchy, red or tingly for a couple of days before you are able to see anything.

Usually a cold sore will look like one or more little blisters on their lips or face, which eventually break,weep fluid and then crust over and heal.

How to make your child feel better about cold sores

Cold sores can sometimes be really painful, especially for a child. The good news is that there are remedies that will help your child get past them and relieve their discomfort as soon as possible.

Some medications are specially designed to combat cold sore symptoms, such as Dynamiclear Rapid. You may also give your child a general paracetamol to help with pain relief. Ask your pharmacist for their recommendation taking into consideration your child’s weight and age, and be mindful to avoid Ibuprofen if your child is vomiting or has been diagnosed with asthma.

Dynamiclear Rapid is many parents’ product of choice when dealing with cold sore symptoms because of its ease of application and fast mode of action. Other cold sore creams require repeat applications(usually 5 times per day for 5 days), whereas Dynamiclear Rapid is one application only. This medication is much more practical for busy parents and a lot more convenient for children.

Once a child contracts the cold sore virus it will remain in their body for life, just like all viruses do. What this does mean is that they may be prone to having another cold sore breakout later on, possibly if their body becomes run down or their immune system is challenged.

Some children will never have another cold sore. If they do, maintaining a balanced diet, getting sufficient rest and exercising regularly will help keep future cold sores away. Applying a lip balm to protect against sun and wind, and taking an immune tonic to help avoid colds and flu, may also be effective in reducing recurrences. For more information obtain a free copy of the comprehensive Cold Sore Diet & Lifestyle
Guide at www.coldsorefacts.com.au.

5 rules of thumb to protect your family from cold sores

1. If you have any sign of a cold sore always wash your hands thoroughly before having any contact with a child and do not kiss them. Make sure your friends and family are educated too.

2. Cold sores can spread from the first sign of symptoms until the skin has completely healed. They can spread even when there is only itching and tingling, as well as when a sore is active or healing.

3. Discourage sharing of any utensils that may have come into contact with a person’s cold sore, including drinking cups, spoons and toys. If contact with a cold sore is suspected, wash the toys and utensils thoroughly before and after use.

4. Avoid breastfeeding if you have a cold sore or HSV lesion present on your breast.

5. If a child is prone to touching their cold sores it is a good idea to get them to wear gloves while they are sleeping and place a protective, non‐stick bandaid over the cold sore until it has healed.

This is because the cold sore virus can spread to the fingers and eyes through touch, especially if it is the child’s first cold sore. This will also help protect against scarring which may happen if the scab is picked off before it heals.

When should I see a Doctor?

If your child is showing signs of dehydration, such as a loss of energy or appetite, it is important to consult your Doctor as soon as possible. The cold sore virus often causes flu like symptoms, including a fever, but if this does not subside or is unreasonably high it is important to seek medical attention.

Lastly, if you suspect that your child’s infection has spread to another area, or, if they have had a special condition that affects their immune system (such as HIV or an organ transplant), professional guidance is recommended.

Dynamiclear Rapid® is a world first one application formula for symptomatic relief of cold sores. The actives in Dynamiclear work by penetrating the DNA of the cold sore virus, thereby inactivating and eliminating the virus on direct contact. Unlike existing cold sore products, results are seen rapidly from just one application, and there are no inconvenient repeat applications.

For more information visit http://www.dynamiclear‐rapid.com or phone 1800 646 921

Make Your Christmas Shopping Simple!

2010-10-27T23:16:00.000-07:00

So much to do and so little time? With Christmas just around the corner, why not simplify your Christmas shopping with Simply Gifts.

Finding the perfect Christmas present for friends and family is never easy and tackling the crowds of hurried shoppers at your local shopping mall can be a nightmare.

Simply Gifts is the one-stop online boutique gift shop for all your Christmas needs. You can shop for all of your loved ones at the click of a button, no more waiting in queues and no more shopping centre parking dilemmas.

Simply Gifts offers a wide selection of simply the most stunning Christmas gifts for friends, family and colleagues. Click here to have a look for yourself.

Shop for the little person in your life with adorable children’s gifts and baby gifts. Spoil them with the Fire Engine Speedster, a vibrant pop up book or cuddly soft toys.

For mum and dad, you can’t go past Simply Gifts gourmet hampers. Mum will love indulging in Max Brenner chocolates, Byron Bay cookies, Moet and Chandon with the Golden Glow Hamper and for Dad, the Princely Port Hamper is always a winner.

Shopping for the friend who already has everything? The Champaign Interlude – Chocolate Gourmet Hamper is the perfect gift. With Lindt chocolates, caramel pralines and a bottle of Chandon you can’t go wrong.

From luxurious hampers to a scrumptious Gingerbread House Kit, Simply Gifts has an exquisite selection of Christmas gifts to suit any budget. Simply customise your orders to suit your shopping needs.

Simply Gifts offers a range of gorgeous, stylish gift wrapping option and cards at no additional cost. Ordering only takes minutes and with delivery to anywhere in Australia why wouldn’t you shop this Christmas at Simplygifts.com.au? Simply Gifts even offers next working day gift delivery Australia wide for those in a hurry.

Looking for a Christmas gift with a twist? Create your own gift by calling the customer service centre on 1300 66 11 24 or 00612 9913 4000, if calling from outside Australia.

Visit www.simplygifts.com.au

Tastes of Burgundy - An exquisite cooking experience in provincial France

2010-10-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

Tastes of Burgundy is an experience set to delight the senses of cooking enthusiasts with a penchant for French cuisine and a drop of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Commencing in May 2011, Tastes of Burgundy will be running cooking schools in the iconic gourmet region of eastern France, La Bourgogne (Burgundy).

Each Tastes of Burgundy experience will be individually led by the crème de la crème of the industry; Frenchman Manu Feildel from the one hat L’Etoile in Sydney and television co-host of My Kitchen Rules; Christine Manfield of the famed two hat, Universal in Darlinghurst, Sydney and Annie Smithers from her eponymous bistro in the regional Victorian town of Kyneton.

Each of the renowned foodies have signed up to teach two one-week schools in May, June and July 2011. Each week will include three “cooking days”, involving market visits (Dijon, Beaune and Chalon or Autun), menu design and afternoon cooking classes, culminating in an exquisite dinner each evening.

Fine food and wine aficionados will delight in eight days of sumptuous local food and wine in Burgundy with their chosen chef, whilst cooking and residing at a stunning 18th century chateau just outside the village of Meursault. The chateau is set in 6-hectare parklands, complimented by traditional antique décor, a sunny outside terrace and in-ground swimming pool.

Each week will incorporate three “cooking days”, involving market visits, (Dijon, Beaune and Chalon or Autun), menu design and an afternoon cooking class in the chateau kitchen, culminating in a delectable dinner each evening.

The non-cooking days will be packed full of trips and experiences including; barrel tastings in a stunning 14th century cellar; a visit to local artisan farm – one of France’s finest produces of cherve, and the must see Hospice of Beaune.

Participants will also dine in restaurants ranging from small bistros to the stunning Abbaye de la Bussiere, a former monastery, now Relais & Chateaux accommodation and Michelin-star gastronomic restaurant and bistro. A farewell degustation dinner created by the talented hands of Chef de Cuisine, Eric Pras, and his team at the famous three-star Michelin restaurant, Lameloise in Chagny, will conclude the week savoring the Tastes Of Burgundy.

The week is all-inclusive, from first arrival and pick-up in Le Creusot, seven nights accommodation in a beautiful chateau, cooking classes, cultural visits, transport for the week, all meals, wine, spirits, champagne and the return transfer to Le Creusot for onward travel.
Participants must make their own travel arrangements to and from Le Creusot (which is serviced from Paris by the TGV high speed train).
Tastes of Burgundy is an opportunity to travel with one of three of Australia’s acclaimed chefs to a region of the world that is eponymous for its produce, food and wine. A complete culinary experience from the beginning to the end.

For further information please contact;

Brianna Power, Affinity Marketing on 0403 904 912 / 02 8006 5035
Visit www.tastesofburgundy.com

Race Rally Road – Wear the Legend!

2010-10-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

Race Rally Road is a leading online supplier of motor racing clothing and apparel, automotive books, motorsport art and diecast cars and bikes, catering for all motor sports enthusiasts. The company aims to promote the history of motorsport and preserve the classic races where legends were made. The apparel is designed and produced in Australia and commemorates significant motorsport moments that will forever be remembered by motorsport experts and devoted fans.

The brand R3, referencing the three words Race Rally and Road, was founded in 2005 by performance car enthusiast Matthew Dagg. At this time the market for motorsport and motor racing clothing and apparel was underdeveloped and offered untapped opportunities for innovative motorsport products and designs for historic, vintage and collector car enthusiasts. Matthew, a lifelong motorsport enthusiast with a background in design saw this as a perfect platform to launch R3.

Matthew, launched R3 to the Australian public at The Festival of Speed on Tweed. Since then R3 products have sold in every state in Australia and offshore locations including New Zealand, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, German, Italy, Spain, Japan and the UK.

R3 is dedicated to designing and producing a diverse range of motorsport and motor racing clothing to suit everyone interested in vintage and collector cars. The company offers premium quality apparel with a variety of prints, a wide range of colours and sizes from small to XX large. R3 t-shirts are the perfect Birthday or Christmas gift idea for friends and family. These stylish t-shirts are made from 100 per cent cotton for comfort with double stitched seams for durability. The screen processes incorporate the use of the latest equipment and technology and the inks used for printing are the best commercial grade available. This ensures the highest quality and longevity of the apparel design.

For the motorsport enthusiasts who wish to own a piece of motorsport art, Race Rally Road also sells racing car art prints from the world’s leading automotive artists including Michael and Graham Turner. R3’s finest collection of open edition and signed limited edition automotive prints are thoughtful gifts for any motorsport follower. The artists have conducted extensive research to develop a style of art that is realistic and depicts an actual event with considerable historical significance.

For a detailed historic account of a particular motorsport events, R3 also source a range of general automotive and racing car books by leading publishers. With access to a large selection of books, automotive enthusiasts will find a book on almost any historical event at a very attractive price.

R3 also has an extensive range of race, rally and road collector diecast cars and bikes, primarily in the scales of 1/18 and 1/43.. R3 offers collectors access to thousands of motor sport diecast cars and bikes from all major manufacturers including Minichamps, Autoart, Kyosho, Biante and Classic Carlectables to name a few.

R3 prides itself on being very competitive on price and deliver to almost anywhere. For enquires regarding collector car and vintage race car models, visit http://www.racerallyroad.com/ or join R3 on Twitter http://twitter.com/racerallyroad

Defending Your IP

2010-10-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Defending Your IP

Wednesday 27 October from 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Venue: Davies Collison Cave – Level 14, 255 Elizabeth Street Sydney

Creating business value through innovation is a key factor in the success of many businesses. But what happens when your idea or product has been stolen?

Defending Your IP presents the steps you should consider to both legally and commercially protect your intellectual property.

“Rapid path to market is essential once you’ve secured your IP – there is a commercial window that needs to be exploited and many patent filers don’t realise this dynamic”, says Dan Liszka, CEO NSW Innovation Advisory Service.

Defending Your IP will be presented by Chris Carter, Partner, Davies Collison Cave (DCC). Chris has particular expertise in patent and design law. DCC provide commercially focused advice relating to obtaining and enforcing intellectual property rights. Also speaking will be Dan Liszka, Managing Director Alchemy Equities and NSW Innovation Advisory Service.

Defending Your IP is a NSW Innovation Advisory Service event. The NSW IAS is supported by the NSW State Government to assist innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs and small business to turn new ideas into viable products and new businesses.

To attend email: info@ausinvent.com or call on 1300 411 417

**************

For further information or interview opportunities please contact:

Brianna Power

Affinity Marketing

P: 02 8006 5035| M: 0403 904 912| E: brianna@affinitymarketing.com.au

Tips to Stop the Top Self Esteem Destroyer - Cold Sores

2010-10-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

Tips to Stop the Top Self Esteem Destroyer – Cold Sores

Even if you’ve never had a cold sore you probably know someone close to you who has. A cold sore is rarely an enjoyable experience and can easily lower a person’s self-esteem.

Here we list some practical actions and tips to put a person’s cold sore fears to rest.

Remember: cold sores are completely normal
If you ever get a cold sore try to remember that you are not being singled out and are far from being alone. It may not feel like it when you experience one, but more people are affected by cold sores than are not! Over 70% of Australian adults are infected with the cold sore virus and of these, more than a third will experience a cold sore that comes back. Talk to your friends and family and ask them if they’ve ever had a cold sore, you might be surprised at how common they actually are.

Don’t be embarrassed about something that’s not your fault
If you had tonsillitis or a cold would you feel embarrassed? Cold sores are an infection too and there is no special type of person who gets them. There is certainly no need to be ashamed by a cold sore, no more than you would be ashamed by having any other infection or virus. Remember though to take precautions to protect the people around you from catching one too. You can do this by doing things like not sharing drinks, food, make-up, cutlery, or any objects that may have touched the active cold sore infection whenever you notice signs or symptoms of a cold sore.

Cold sores are spread by direct contact with the infection while it is on the skin’s surface. This could include skin-to-skin contact such as kissing or occasionally it could include contact with an object that has touched the cold sore - such as a drinking glass or lip-gloss. If an object happens to make contact with a cold sore, be mindful not to let anyone use the item until it has been cleaned.

Help the cold sore go away quickly
Usually the biggest problem with a cold sore is how it looks and feels. If you can remedy the visible blisters and make them go away in a minimum amount of time you will be well on your way to looking and feeling your best again. To make a big problem a much smaller one, try applying the new cold sore product Dynamiclear Rapid® which helps to heal the symptoms rapidly in just one application (saving you from having to constantly reapply a treatment)and is now available in leading pharmacies.

Take advantage of the time-out
If nothing you have gets rid of that cold sore in a flash and you still feel like hiding from the world then sometimes a day indoors can be the best course of action. If you decide to lay low try to use the space wisely and spend it doing things that will make you feel better or rewarded. You could catch up on tasks you’ve been putting off, write an email to a friend or get creative in a craft or project that you’ve wanted to do for ages. Sometimes a good old-fashioned DVD with popcorn is equally as effective. It is not every day that we get time to ourselves away from friends and strangers, so enjoy it if you can!

Chat with other people who understand what you’re going through
It can be refreshing to talk with someone who knows exactly what a cold sore feels like or to get advice from someone who has been there before, and an online chat room is one way to do this. There are all kinds of support groups and chat sites, including ones that specifically cater for people with cold sores.

Take steps to help prevent the cold sore from coming back
The last thing you need is a cold sore that comes back again and again. If this is happening to you have a look at your diet and lifestyle to see if you can make any improvements that will help your body better fight the infection. For a free copy of the comprehensive diet and lifestyle guide Cold Sore Free Diet Guide visit www.coldsorefacts.com.au

Stress, UV sun exposure, hormones and some medications can also affect cold sore recurrences, so it is important to address these issues where you can. Changing how you react to stressful situations, using sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen and following a healthy diet are all practical ways to reduce cold sores.

Spread the word, not the cold sore...
Most people know very little about cold sores and sometimes they have pre-existing beliefs that are not always correct. The truth is, cold sores are extremely common, rarely pose any health problem and are easy not to spread with a little sense and sensibility.

Try to educate your friends and family if you have the opportunity. Let them know that cold sores are completely normal and, as long as you are responsible, there really is no need to be ashamed or fearful of something as minor as the common cold sore.

Dynamiclear Rapid® is a world first one application formula for symptomatic relief of cold sores. The actives in Dynamiclear work by penetrating the DNA of the cold sore virus, thereby inactivating and eliminating the virus on direct contact. Unlike existing cold sore products, results are seen rapidly from just one application, and there are no inconvenient repeat applications. One breakout = One application.

For more information visit http://www.dynamiclear-rapid.com or phone 1800 646 921

New Pump Technology to Save Water Australia Wide

2010-09-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE 31/08/2010

New Pump Technology to Save Water Australia Wide

Every year, Australians lose huge amounts of water due to burst water pipes/valves and faulty pumps and equipment. As world water shortages continue to escalate, preservation of our water resources is a key necessity in Australia’s national population and agricultural polices.

The statistics, both nationally and worldwide, paint a very dim picture toward our overall water supply. Australia is a nation that is constantly threatened with drought. In other countries, such as the USA, 50% of metropolitan cities are running out of water. Singapore is estimated to run out of water by 2030. On another scale, up to 30% of fresh water supplies are lost due to leakage in developed countries, and in some major cities losses can run as high as 40% to 70%.

The H20 Pressure Pump Controller has recently launched in Australia. Developed locally by Director, Robert Porter-Coote, the compact and clever water control and monitoring device has many applications and far-reaching environmental and cost-saving implications. It has the potential to save households and commercial premises up to 180 million litres of water a year, nationwide.

The intelligent device monitors the flow of electricity, rather than the flow of water to a pump – enabling the H20 to intuitively sense when a pump is running unnecessarily and effectively shut off the water supply if a tap is burst or left on.

Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, safe, robust and durable, the H20 Water Pressure Controller is adaptable to all applications - domestic, commercial and rural .

Robert Porter-Coote said that the H20 Water Pressure Controller would ensure that only minimal amounts of water would be lost. “It provides a continual flow of water for a preset period of time from when the tap is turned on and then when that time limit is reached it stops pumping”, he says.

“It is the first product of its kind and has massive implication for our ongoing water shortage issues. It provides security and peace of mind for farmers who can rest assured their entire water reserve will not be lost due to accident or fault.”

The H20 Organiser device can also protect schools (who have massive water wastage out of school hours) and households.

Due to its solid marketability, strong interest in the product has been received from overseas customers and distributors, and recent distribution MOU’s have been signed for Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore and Indonesia.

The H20 Pressure Pump Controller is currently available by individual order and is due to go into commercial production in October 2010.

For more information:
 Visit http://www.h2organiser.com.au for more company information.

Cold Sore Myths Exposed

2010-08-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

Cold Sore Myths Exposed

Even though cold sores affect over a third of all Australian adults, there is still much confusion and various myths amongst sufferers and non-sufferers alike about what causes them. Here are five of the most common myths when it comes to cold sores:

Myth # 1 – Cold Sores are caused by poor diet
A poor diet can make a cold sore reoccurrence more likely but cold sores are not actually caused by what you eat or drink. Instead cold sores are caused by a tiny virus called Herpes simplex virus or HSV.
Once you catch the cold sore virus it remains in the body until it is “activated” and causes symptoms, such as a little cluster of blisters on the lip. Things like poor diet, stress, hormones, extreme changes in the temperature and being sick can sometimes contribute to the cold sore virus becoming active.

Tip: If you are already prone to having a cold sore then what you eat can make a difference. In addition to eating as healthily as possible, try avoiding or reducing foods such as chocolate and nuts which are both high in the amino acid Arginine and low in the amino acid Lysine. Arginine is an amino acid which can aggravate the cold sore virus for some people, especially if it is not balanced by a proportional amount of Lysine in the diet.

Myth #.2 – Cold Sores ‘pop up’ in winter after a cold or flu
Also called fever blisters, cold sores have earned their nickname because they can appear after a person has been ill or had a fever. Since we are more likely to catch a cold or flu during winter these colder months are often referred to as the “cold sore season”.

However, cold sores can strike at any time of the year and are common in summer months too. This is because UV sun exposure can irritate the delicate skin on the lips which can sometimes trigger a cold sore.

Tip: Taking an immune boosting product during winter and using a moisturising lip balm with SPF 15+ sun block during summer can help to prevent a cold sore attack.

Myth #.3 – Cold sores take several days to heal
Not necessarily so, it really depends on how your body naturally responds to the cold sore virus, your particular symptoms and what treatment you use - if any. Some people prefer to just ‘ride it out’ or use a home remedy to try and prevent or clear the blisters such as applying cold tea bags, ice, honey or dabbing alcohol.
A typical cold sore will go away in 1 to 2 weeks if no treatment is used. However, there are now clinically trialled cold sore products which can help to speed healing, so it may not always be necessary to hide the days away waiting for a cold sore to clear.

Tip: In October 2009 a world first “once only” cold sore application was released in Australian pharmacies under the name Dynamiclear Rapid®. This offers sufferers a new way to manage cold sore symptoms without the need for daily or repeat applications. Also obtainable are Acyclovir based creams which have been available since the 1980s. These creams are recommended to be applied 5 times per day for 5 days and need to be started at the first sign of symptoms.

Myth #.4 – If someone in your family gets cold sores you will get them too
No, not necessarily true. Cold sores are not a genetic condition, meaning they are not passed on from a parent to a child in the DNA or genes. Cold sores are spread by direct contact with the virus while it is active on the skin’s surface.

For example, if you kiss someone while you have an active cold sore this could spread the infection to the person who you kissed.

Tip: To prevent spreading a cold sore, do not kiss another person whenever you notice symptoms or feel one coming on. This includes from the first moment you feel symptoms until the skin has completely healed.

Myth #.5 – Cold sores can be spread via a person’s saliva
This is a misconception. Cold sores are not spread via body fluids such as saliva or blood. Cold sores can however be spread via an object if it has come into direct contact with the active cold sore virus and then touches healthy skin shortly after, such as through sharing the same drinking glass, lip gloss or cigarette while a person has a cold sore.

Tip: Do not share drinks, make-up, food, utensils, cigarettes or other inanimate objects that come into contact with your mouth whenever you see or feel cold sore symptoms.

Dynamiclear Rapid® is a world first one application formula for symptomatic relief of cold sores. The actives in Dynamiclear work by penetrating the DNA of the cold sore virus, thereby inactivating and eliminating the virus on direct contact. Unlike existing cold sore products, results are seen rapidly from just one application, and there are no inconvenient repeat applications. One breakout = One application.

For more information visit http://www.dynamiclear-rapid.com or phone 1800 646 921

Concept to Reality – The Design Journey | Free seminar for NSW businesses

2010-07-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE
28th July 2010

Concept to Reality – The Design Journey
Sydney Powerhouse Museum

Free seminar for NSW businesses

Tuesday 10th August from 2:00pm - 4.00pm

Innovation through design is one of many competitive weapons used in business today. Bringing these design ideas to market however, needs a solid, systemised approach in order to ensure that they are fully realised on a commercial level.

Presented by the NSW Innovation Advisory Service (IAS), the seminar Concept to Reality – The Design Journey outlines how to turn ideas and inventions into viable, marketable products. This seminar will provide a step-by-step guide on how to avoid the pitfalls of developing an idea and will cover the critical elements needed to turn a sketch on paper into a commercially viable product. Using local case studies we will observe practical pathways to commercial success that will help inventors and designers turn that product into reality.

Concept to Reality – The Design Journey will be presented by Andrew Dowe, Senior Client Manager with the NSW Innovation Advisory Service, with the case studies presented by Tim Phillips from Sydney Design Firm Kennovations, who will cover topics such as how to design for a market, manufacturing (including sourcing manufacturers overseas), rapid prototyping, and assessing the viability of a design. They will be joined by Chris Carter of Davies Collison Cave, Australia’s leading Intellectual Property (IP) firm to discuss the relevant intellectual property matters such as brand management, trade marks and patents that will help you understand how you can protect your ideas and designs.

A free consultation service will be available with the NSW Innovation Advisory Service, Davies Collison Cave and Kennovations the following day on Wednesday 11th August.

To book appointments call 1300 411 417 or info@ausinvent.com or visit http://www.ausinvent.com

The NSW Innovation Advisory Service is supported by the NSW State Government to support innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs and small to medium enterprises to turn new ideas into viable products and new businesses.

**************

For further information or interview opportunities please contact:

Brianna Power
Affinity Marketing
P: 02 8006 5035
M: 0403 904 912
E: brianna@affinitymarketing.com.au

Kate Ingham
Alchemy Equities
M: +61 414 321 641
E: kingham@alchemyequities.com.au

PM PUTS THE FOCUS ON OUR RANGA RELATIVES

2010-07-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PM PUTS THE FOCUS ON OUR RANGA RELATIVES

Julia draws attention to the plight of our endangered friends

Adopt an infant orangutan and help save this magnificent species

Feel like following the red-head revolution? Why not add a new member to your family? Get involved by inviting a critically endangered, cuddly member into your family by adopting an infant orangutan through the Australian Orangutan Project (AOP). Share the joy with your entire family and help to bring awareness to the plight of this species in trouble.

Did you know that orangutans are great apes, as opposed to monkeys, and are closely related to humans, having 97% of DNA in common? For the small sum of just $55 a year, families and individuals can adopt an orangutan and make a real difference to this unique and special species.

14 year old Daniel Clarke, Australian Orangutan Project’s ‘Children’s Ambassador’ calls on all Australians to help save the endangered species. “There are so many orphan orangutans that need our help now. Palm Oil plantations and forest clearing are rapidly destroying remaining habitat and soon there will be too little forest for rehabilitated orangutans to return to. It is my goal this year as Children’s Ambassador is to help raise $100,000 toward the protection of the orangutans.”

Only one out of six orangutan orphans are lucky enough to be rescued from the sides of roads or confiscated from families keeping them as illegal pets, with nearly 1500 orphaned orangutans living in rescue and rehabilitation centres throughout Indonesia and Malaysia.

“Adoption is an opportunity to make a real difference to orangutans’ lives by improving their survival chances, offering them a safe, secure and stable future and habitat. From what our adoptive families tell us it is an enormously rewarding experience for them too,” says Leif Cocks, President and Founder of the Australian Orangutan Project.

The Australian Orangutan Project is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting orangutan conservation, rainforest protection and reintroduction of orphans in order to save the species from extinction. Australian Orangutan Project collaborates with several orangutan conservation projects, as well as providing habitat protection through its own Safeguard project – guard patrols that deter wildlife poaching, illegal logging and land clearing in Borneo and Sumatra.

Further information, adoption details and gift ideas can be found at the Australian Orangutan Project’s website, www.orangutan.org.au

For further information, or to arrange an interview with AOP please contact:

Affinity Marketing Ph: 02 8006 5035 Brianna Power
0403 904 912 / brianna@affinitymarketing.com.au

Turning Opportunity Into Commercial Reality

2010-07-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

Media Release
July 2010

Turning Opportunity Into Commercial Reality
Free Innovation Information Seminar for Businesses in Griffith

Date: Tuesday, 27th of July
Venue: Griffith Leagues Club

INNOVATION IN BUSINESS
Innovation is the competitive weapon of this century. Bringing ideas to market however, needs a solid systemised approach to the commercialisation process, for the idea to be fully realised.

Turning opportunity into Commercial Reality will outline the steps to consider when commercialising your idea or service It will cover what elements are required to build value into your company, manage your intellectual property and strategies to effectively grow your business or build value into the business and getting it ready to sell. With state and federal sources now opening up to support innovation and early stage commercialisation, there are new avenues to consider for SME’s. This presentation will cover how this support could work for your company.

And with debt equity harder to come by these days for small business, many companies are looking at private equity.

Turning opportunity into Commercial Reality will be presented by Dan Liszka, Sharon Adams, Peter Steer, Leon Skaliotis, Duncan Farquhar, Matthew Warnken, William Hird & Marion Heathcote.

The presentation will focus on how to:
Reduce the need to take on excessive levels of debt.
Eliminate the need to sell off your business’s controlling interest.
Establish a legally compliant capital raising vehicle.
Companies wishing to explore their ﬁnancing options in the short or long term should attend.

A free consultation service will be available with both the NSW Innovation Advisory Service or the Visiting Patent Attorney on the following day, Wednesday, 28th of July from 9am to 4pm. To book appointments call 1300 411 417 or info@ausinvent.com.

The NSW Innovation Advisory Service is supported by the NSW Government to provide practical support and assistance to start-up companies, inventors, innovators and small to medium enterprises through all stages of commercialisation.

**************
For further information or interview opportunities please contact:
Brianna Power
Affinity Marketing
P: 02 8006 5035
M: 0403 904 912
E: info@affinitymarketing.com.au

Presented by:

Dan Liszka - NSW Innovation Advisory Service - Provide practical support and assistance to start-up companies, inventors, innovators and small to medium enterprises through all stages of commercialisation.

Sharon Adams - De Bortoli Wines - Sharon has spent the last 10 years at De Bortoli Wines as the Quality Manager, developing and implementing the Integrated Risk Management System ensuring that all legal and ethical obligations along with quality and food safety requirements are being met.

Peter Steer - FlexTank - Design, produce and market oxygen-permeable, polymer wine-maturation and storage tanks.

Leon Skaliotis - FT Technologies - Is an Australian company that developed the Spinning Cone Column for the recovery and management of aroma and ﬂavour. They are also the owners and manufacturer of the Centritherm® evaporator.

Duncan Farquhar - National Wine & Grape Industry Centre - Has mapped Pathways to Innovation Outcomes for all research being conducted at the Centre.

Matthew Warnken - Crucible Carbon - Has been leading consulting teams around start-up projects in resource recovery and renewable energy for the last decade.

William Hird & Marion Heathcote - Davies Collison Cave - Australia's leading Intellectual Property (IP) ﬁrm, specialising in the protection and enforcement of Patent, Trade Mark and Design Registrations.

Top tips for avoiding cold sores during the frosty season

2010-07-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

It‘s the time of year when the weather is cooling and the sniffles are sneaking up on us that the cold sore virus likes to play havoc, raising its not so attractive head for all the world to see.

Before that cold sore gets a chance, learn about the various tools available for you to utilise to help minimise the ugly and sometimes painful effects of cold sores.

Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Cold Sores: 
• Avoid supplements or protein shakes that contain added Arginine (an amino acid)
• Reduce Arginine rich foods such as chocolate, oats, nuts and beer
• Eat a diet rich in natural foods; cut down on white and refined sugars, white flour, dairy, processed meat products, alcohol, caffeine, saturated animal fats and foods with additives
• Increase the amounts and variety of raw fruits and vegetables in the diet
• Avoid artificial sweeteners
• Drink lots of quality water every day (at least 6 to 8 glasses). Choose filtered, alkaline water where possible
• Avoid steroid based medications if possible, such as cortisone
• Address hormonal imbalances or underlying health issues
• Reduce alcohol and recreational drug consumption
• Meditation – try to clear the mind and let go of negative emotions and attachments
• Try to avoid getting sunburnt or chaffed lips; use an SPF 15+ sunscreen or lip balm, wear a hat while in the sun and limit excessive UV exposure
• Moisturise your lips regularly to help prevent cracking and dryness
• Topically attack each breakout to help reduce viral population
• Take beneficial supplements to help prevent a cold sore recurrence when needed

Natural Remedies to help ward off a Cold Sore:

Andrographis – this wonder herb can inhibit cold sore virus activity in vitro and improve the level of killer T-helper cells (cells in your immune system that are essential to control cold sores).  Combine with the herbs Echinacea and Olive Leaf for best results.

Lysine – this is an amino acid that is shown in studies to reduce the frequency of cold sore breakouts and accelerate healing. It does this by naturally restricting another amino acid called Arginine, which the cold sore virus needs to become active.

 Broccoli, Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts – these vegetables are naturally high in a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which clinical studies show may have the potential to interfere with the way the cold sore virus reproduces, so eat plenty of these veges to help keep breakouts away.

Dynamiclear Rapid® – an all natural plant and mineral formulation that is applied externally onto the skin, demonstrated in clinical trials to give fast relief from cold sore symptoms in just one application. Dynamiclear works by penetrating and destroying the DNA of the cold sore virus, thus ‘inactivating’ the virus on contact. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Dynamiclear may also help to reduce the frequency and intensity of recurring symptoms.

Engystol® – this is a homeopathic remedy made by a reputable German brand named Heel. Engystol can be beneficial in strengthening an immune response against the cold sore virus, and may be particularly helpful in persistent cases.

Panax ginseng – if needed can help to counteract the effects of stress, past or present illness, alcohol and other strains on the immune system. This in turn can help to prevent a cold sore.
 By educating people about Cold Sores, and the tools and knowledge that can be used to keep them away, it not only helps to ease the pain and embarrassment but can also help to reduce the incidence of cold sore infections.

Here’s to a happy, clear and peaceful winter.

Miriam Spurge
Holistic Viral Consultant, Global Herbal Supplies

For further product information please visit :

Website: http://www.dynamiclear-rapid.com
Phone: 1800 646 921

Local Innovation To Save Australia Millions Of Litres Of Water A Year

2010-07-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

A revolutionary, locally designed, water saving innovation, the H20 Organiser, has recently launched in Australia. This compact, clever device has many uses and far-reaching environmental and cost-saving implications, with the potential to save households and commercial premises up to 180 million litres of water a year, nationwide.

Every year, Australians lose huge amounts of water due to burst water pipes/vales and faulty equipment - hence the H20 Organiser, which has been 14 years in the making, represents a unique opportunity for interested parties to get in at the ground level and be part of the company’s growth, as it expands its production and sales processes to distribute what is being considered a first for Australia and potentially the world. Further, due its initial success in local markets, significant interest has already been expressed in the H20 Organiser from overseas customers and distributors, and recent distribution MOU’s have been signed for Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore and Indonesia.

The H20 Organiser presents an easy, convenient and cost effective solution to the ongoing problem of water wastage. This intelligent device monitors the flow of electricity, rather than the flow of water to a pump – enabling the H20 to intuitively sense when a pump is running unnecessarily and avoid what can potentially be disastrous losses of water (sometimes up to tens of thousands of litres).

H20 Organiser Co-Director, Robert Porter-Coote said that the H20 Organiser was yet another example of necessity being the mother of invention, “I was the owner of a piggery during the drought, and I was constantly being faced with flooding, at a time when I could ill afford it. Often I’d have burst pipes during the night, caused by the livestock”.

This resulted in Mr. Porter-Coote having to turn off his pipes each and every night to avoid any water wastage, a necessary inconvenience. However, when he spoke with other farmers, he found the problem wasn’t unique to his estate.

“Everyone I spoke to said it was impossible to measure the electricity flow. Pressure controls worked once all the water had been pumped out, which didn’t help. If you could measure electricity flow instead, you’d be able to stop the water after a certain period of time and not have it running out all night.”

The H20 Organiser solves this problem by monitoring the operational time of your water and stopping the pump should it pump for longer than a specified period of time, saving up to tens of thousands of litres of water in the cases of burst pipes or leaking valves.

The reality of the kind of water loss at stake from faulty or broken water conduits is considerable, with Mr. Porter-Coote detailing the full extent of the problem, “The smallest pump can empty 10,000 litres in 3 hours. However, the H20 Organiser recognizes that the system has been running for more than say 15 minutes and automatically switches off, so you only lose about 1,000 litres in 15 minutes. You can predetermine your average time and then set the H2O”.

Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, safe, robust and durable, the H20 Organiser is adaptable to all applications - domestic, commercial or rural - with added flexibility features, “15 minutes is the default on the cut-off timer, but settings can be changed to suit individual needs,” says Mr. Porter-Coote.

When it comes to diverse needs, the H20 Organiser has everyone covered from schools (who have massive water wastage out of school hours), and householders. “Aussie householders can benefit from the H20 Organiser too”, says Mr. Porter-Coote. “It can even save a lake from forming under a house, if a toilet’s water pipes burst and overflow”. Originally devised for use by people who store water, such as in dams and tanks, the H20 Organiser can be retrofitted to any pump or water system, offering broad water saving applications in residential, rural, industrial and commercial settings.

The H2O Organiser is currently working with Alchemy Equities, a member of the Australian Small Scale Offerings board, and specialist in equity capital raisings for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

For more information:
 Preview the H2O Organiser listing at www.assob.com.au/H2O or visit http://www.h2organiser.com.au for more company information.

For further information, product images or to arrange an interview, please contact Brianna Power at Affinity Marketing on 02 8006 035 or 0403 904 912.

Commercialising Ideas Online via Webinar

2010-06-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE
June 2010

Commercialising Ideas
Online via Webinar

Thursday 10th June from 4:00pm-5.00pm

Business needs innovation. Bringing ideas to market however, needs a solid, systemized approach. Growing a business to build value or for sale can present challenges for companies with debt finance options greatly reduced.

Presented by the NSW Innovation Advisory Service (IAS), the seminar Commercialising Ideas will explore options for business to consider when commercialising their innovation and building their company for growth.

“Companies wishing to explore their financing options and have innovations that they wish to bring to the market place should attend” says Dan Liszka, CEO NSW Innovation Advisory Service. “Smart companies are always looking for ways to leverage innovation into growth,” he says.

Commercialising Ideas will be presented by Dan Liszka and Maryam Khajeh of Davies Collison Cave, Australia’s leading patent attorney firm.

The NSW Innovation Advisory Service is supported by the NSW State Government to provide assistance to innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs and small to medium enterprises to turn new ideas into viable products and new businesses.

To register for the webinar call 1300 411 417 or email info@ausinvent.com.

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For further information or interview opportunities please contact:
Brianna Power
Affinity Marketing
P: 02 8006 5035
M: 0403 904 912
E: info@affinitymarketing.com.au

NSW Innovation Advisory Service
AusInvent is the online service for the NSW Innovation Advisory Service.
The NSW Government http://www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au is committed to advancing innovation and facilitating the promotion and adoption of innovation in business. It supports the NSW Innovation Advisory Service to provide a range of professional services for innovators who are ready to take their ideas to the next stage. These activities are available for free as well as on a fee for service basis.

Industry &Investment NSW
Industry & Investment NSW has been established to assist in building a diversified state economy that creates jobs. We aim to attract investment to NSW and support innovative, sustainable and globally competitive industries through our strong technical knowledge and scientific capabilities. We do this through effective partnerships with our industry sectors and by linking them to our state's knowledge and skills capacity.

Davies Collison Cave
Davies Collison Cave is recognised locally and internationally as Australia's leading Intellectual Property (IP) firm, specialising in the protection and enforcement of Patent, Trade Mark and Design rights. Davies Collison Cave continues to be Australia's largest filer of Patents and Trade Marks and has been awarded the Australian Intellectual Property Firm of the Year for 2008 by UK Journal "Managing Intellectual Property", IP Specialist Firm of the Year 2009 by Australasian Legal Business and WORLDLeaders International IP Award 2009 for Excellence in Trade Mark Practice/Litigation in Private Practice (Asia Pacific)

Biodental Remin Announces Indian Group Pharmaceuticals Partnership

2010-05-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE

25 May, 2010

Biodental Remin Announces Indian Group Pharmaceuticals Partnership

Biodental Remin Limited announces it has agreed to the first stages of a partnership with Group Pharmaceuticals Ltd of Bangalore, India.

Group Pharma is a medium-sized Indian pharmaceutical company that specialises in the manufacture and distribution of products for dental and oral care. They currently have more than 250 sales representatives directly meeting more than 60,000 dentists each month; their oral hygiene products are sold through some 85,000 retail outlets. They already manufacture products for some well-known dental and oral hygiene companies.

Biodental Remin has the technical know how to manufacture Enamelguard - a material that is tasteless and water soluble, with wide application in oral hygiene, confectionary, beverage, nutraceutical and pet care industries. Biodental also intend using Enamelguard in their own line of dental professional and oral health care products.

Group Pharma intends using Enamelguard in the manufacture and sale within India of professional dental and consumer-level oral-hygiene products for remineralising teeth.

Group Pharma can also assist in facilitating low cost clinical studies and research.

Biodental Remin will also be able to exclusively access Group Pharma’s low-cost production centres for the manufacture of BDR’s mass-market products to be sold elsewhere.

Tim Erskine-Smith, Managing Director of Biodental Remin, said that he welcomed the partnership with Group Pharma and that he was delighted to have such strong support from a large and influential pharmaceutical company at this early stage of the company’s development.

For more information contact:
Kate Ingham
Alchemy Equities
Ph. +1300 308 882
Fx. +61 2 9994 8008
www.biodentalremin.com
www.assob.com.au/bdr

HELP SAVE OUR FUZZY ORANGE FRIENDS WHILST HAVING HEAPS OF FUN AT YOUR SCHOOL!

2010-04-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

Orangutan, in Indonesian, means ‘person of the forest’. Orangutans are gentle and smart apes who need your help! Their population is becoming smaller and smaller as well their habitat is destroyed to harvest palm oil, timber and paper.

Their home and their play area, the Indonesian & Malaysia rainforest, is chopped away at a whopping 300 hundred football fields an hour! Can you imagine how many trees, orangutans and other animals we are losing in the world?

Orangutans can’t fight back and they are gravely endangered; Sumatran orangutans may no longer be with us at the end of this decade. That is just too soon!

The good news is that helping our fuzzy friends is easy, fun and there’s lots of ways to do it! We call it, Colour It Orange.

You can talk to your mum and dad about Colour It Orange and how you can help orangutans together. You can learn more about orangutans at http://www.education.orangutan.org.au, and even adopt a orphan baby orangutans in Indonesia or Malaysia, so that they can eat lots of food and grow up in a safe environment with other orangutans and hopefully go back to the wild.

Or you can ask your teachers and school to be involved in helping the orangutans. The Colour It Orange website has lots of cool fundraising ideas for your school so that you and all of your friends can help the orangutans together.

Some kids have already organised a fundraising day for their school. They had lots of fun, got to wear casual clothes to school and the best thing is that they are all helping to save the orangutans in the wild!

So what are you waiting for? Just hop on to http://www.education.orangutan.org.au and tell your friends, family and school about them too!

National Children’s Ambassador – Daniel Clarke

Over the past two years of passionately raising money to save the orangutan Daniel has raised over $15,500 and has brought awareness to the plight of the orangutan to all Australians.

The Australian Orangutan Project proudly made Daniel their National Children’s Ambassador in 2007, 2008 & 2009 and is continuing to support Daniel in his quest to educate all of the children in Australia by establishing the national education program called “Colour it Orange”.

For high-resolution images, further information or to arrange an interview with AOP please contact:

Affinity Marketing Ph: 02 8006 5035 Brianna Power 0403 904 912 / brianna@affinitymarketing.com.au

It's Never Too Early to Save the World

2010-03-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Calling all Mums, Dads, Teachers and Schools!

Do you want to educate your students on a topic that excites and entertains them? Do you want to let your students or children feel that they can make a difference? Do you want them to understand the current social issue such as global warming and conservation?

Not-for-profit and national organisation, the Australian Orangutan Project (AOP) is launching a comprehensive educational program, Colour It Orange that provides all the essential resources for you to make it all happen.

The purpose of AOP is to conserve and preserve orangutan habitat in Indonesia and Malaysia, and to assist in the rehabilitation and care of orangutans in care centres.

With a desire to encourage the young children to become an environmentally conscious generation, Colour It Orange is specifically designed for early childhood and primary students aged between 5 and 11. A program aimed at secondary school students plans to be developed in the near future.

Whether your class is a group of kindergarten or a group of grade 6’s, AOP provides various fundraising activity ideas such as dress up in orange clothes day, writing, drawing and/or painting competitions as well as a comprehensive pack of worksheets and classroom activities.

All the worksheets and activity packs for this program have been produced by teachers who have closely worked with AOP to ensure the accuracy of the content and relevancy to the educational system, as well as to the age group.

A diverse range of subjects such as habitat destruction, climate change, conservation, animal extinction and indigenous cultures of Indonesia are also covered through the worksheets and activities. By not only focusing on the orangutans but also on related issues, your students will learn that by helping the orangutans they are also involved in preserving our remaining natural rainforests, which in turn will stagnate the effect of global warming throughout the world.

To be involved in the program, you simply register on the AOP website http://education.orangutan.org.au. Once the registration is processed, you can download the educational packs that suit your students. Furthermore, a welcome pack including a DVD, poster, flyer, fundraising ideas, parent letters and all necessary forms will be sent out to you. There is no cost to register or participate.

The education website is designed specifically for students, it contains factual and relevant information to assist with school projects as well as competitions, photos of orangutans and blogs for them to enjoy and learn more about orangutans.

To register your class with Colour it Orange program or for further information, please contact Vicki Carter on 1300 RED APE (1300 733 273), email info@education.orangutan.org.au and/or visit http://education.orangutan.org.au.

For high-resolution images, further information or to arrange an interview with AOP President, Leif Cocks, or Education Program Manager Vicki Carter, please contact:

Affinity Marketing Ph: 02 8006 5035 Brianna Power 0403 904 912 /

Simply, spoil your special someone

2010-01-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

These simply stunning Valentine’s Day selections from Simply Gifts will guarantee to help you express your affection to your special someone in the most spectacular, yet simple way.

Simplygifts.com.au is the easiest way to organise the perfect gift with a range of striking, stylish gift options that can be customised to your needs and wrapped to your specifications. Gifts can be delivered anywhere in Australia and ordering only takes minutes – giving you more quality time with your valentine!

Totally indulge your hard working girlfriend, wife or partner, with a Serenity Experience. With over 100 diverse and exquisite beauty and wellness packages across NSW and Victoria, she’ll have a hard time choosing which location to be pampered, rejuvenated and refreshed.
After the ultimate pamper experience, why not sweep her away for a romantic and magical night away? From charming cottages to an adventure in a cavehouse, the Unique Escape experience across NSW and Victoria gives both you and your loved one a unique experience to share. With one night accommodation and breakfast for two included in the package, all you have to do is to choose which escape to go for.

For your suave boyfriend, husband or your partner, the Cool Cat gift set is the perfect choice. He’ll feel million dollars after tasting Grant Burge’s old vine Filsell Shiraz, the famous Kennedy & Wilson’s European delight - cats tongues and a Cuban cigar shaped luxurious Italian chocolate.

The Siesta Brazilian double hammock is a perfect gift for couples. This vibrant 100% cotton hammock lets you and your loved one unwind and simply enjoy each other’s company. Just sway with the wind and take pleasure in getaway at your own home.

If you can’t be with your other half this Valentine’s Day, Simply Gifts can ensure that they will receive the very next best thing – a thoughtful, original, quality gift, delivered to their door - anywhere in Australia.

Simply Gifts delivers your gift at local delivery rate so you save freight costs for your present to your loved ones in Australia! What’s more, it can be delivered on the same day within Sydney, so your luxurious gift will arrive on time for Valentine’s Day.

Looking for a Valentine’s Day that perfectly encapsulates you and your loved one? Create your own gift by calling the customer service centre on 1300 66 11 24 or 00612 9913 4000, if calling from outside Australia.

Visit www.simplygifts.com.au
-ENDS-

Unique new cold sore formula relieves symptoms in one application

2010-01-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

Australian sufferers’ of cold sores now have access to a cutting edge new product with the release of Dynamiclear Rapid into the Australian market.

According to a national survey conducted by the University of Sydney in 2006, three out of four adults have been exposed to the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and may develop cold sore symptoms at some point in their life. Contributing causes including stress, poor diet and exposure to sunlight can trigger a breakout, which can last up to 2 weeks without treatment.

The revolutionary product has been developed by Naturopath, Iridologist and Homeopath, Dr John Spurge N.D. After working in the industry for over a decade, Dr Spurge was frustrated by the lack of effective products available for the Cold Sore and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) sufferer, from both conventional and traditional therapies.

In June 2006, a multi-centre and comparator-controlled phase III clinical study was conducted on 150 subjects suffering from active and clinically diagnosed HSV lesions, aged between 18 to 55 years.

The remarkable results demonstrated 62% of Dynamiclear users experienced a complete disappearance of cold sore blisters within 48 hours after one application (compared with 13% of users in the comparator group).

In addition, 33% of users’ cold sore symptoms completely vanished within 24 hours of one application, with 90% of users’ blisters disappearing completely at the end of the 7-day trial period.

One user, Michelle from Clark County commented, “I started Dynamiclear and by day 3 the cold sore was gone. This is absolutely amazing as I always suffered for at least 7 to 15 days in the past.”

Another user stated, “Dynamiclear is the best solution and fastest acting product that I have ever used. Thank you.”

The launch of Dynamiclear Rapid heralds a breakthrough for sufferers who now have a fast-acting, effective solution to significantly reduce the ongoing embarrassment and pain associated with cold sores.

“The application of Dynamiclear lead to earlier crusting and healing of the lesions, erythema and pain. There were no reported clinically significant adverse events.”

Expert report by Professor John W Quin Director Clinical Immunology, Sexual Health and HIV Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, NSW.

Dynamiclear Rapid is manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practise (GMP) certified laboratory to Australian and International Safety Standards, with natural products containing no preservatives and no testing conducted on animals. The product is listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods for management and relief of cold sore symptoms.

It is currently being distributed via pharmacies and leading health care providers.

Dynamiclear Rapid retails for $29.80 and is packaged in multiple single sterile applications. Its odourless formula is designed to dramatically improve symptoms within just 24 hours. Unlike existing cold sore products, results are seen rapidly from just one application, and there is no need for messy repeat applications and lengthy healing periods.

For further product information please visit:

Website: http://www.dynamiclear-rapid.com
Phone: 1800 646 921 Email: support@dynamiclear-rapid.com

Help Save the Orangutans this Christmas

2009-12-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

Adopt an infant orangutan or become a tree hugger with the Australian Orangutan Project.

Christmas is the time for giving, so why not invite a new member into your family by adopting, for the small sum of $55 a year, an infant orangutan through the Australian Orangutan Project (AOP). Each adoption comes with an adoption certificate, infant biography with colour photo, the most recent AOP newsletter, a sticker, fridge magnet and infant updates on how your orangutan is going at jungle school, in health and life.

All funds from the purchases made on the Australian Orangutan Project’s website go directly to helping the infant Orangutans. All products are available at www.orangutan.org.au.

Only one out of six orangutan orphans are lucky enough to be rescued from the sides of the roads or confiscated from families keeping them as illegal pets, with over 1000 orphaned orangutans living in rescue and rehabilitation centres throughout Indonesia.

A not-for-profit organisation, the Australian Orangutan Project also provides habitat protection through its own Safeguard program - several Wildlife Protection Units responsible for patrolling rainforest in Borneo and Sumatra. Over 100 orangutans alone have been released through rehabilitation programs in the Bukit Tigapuluh National Park ecosystem in Sumatra. Safeguard patrols work to protect these orangutans and deter illegal activities around the National Park including wildlife poaching, logging and land clearing.

Share the joy with your entire family and friends this festive season, and bring awareness to the plight of these endangered species and help secure their futures.
For hi-res images, prices and further information, please feel free to contact us at anytime.

For further information please contact
Brianna Power 0403 904 912 or 07 5520 7615 / brianna@affinitymarketing.com.au

UN talks set back forest negotiations, threatens protection of natural forests and reduced emissions

2009-11-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

Orangutan experts tour Australia to discuss worldwide protection agreements and wildlife impact

United Nationals climate change negotiations in Barcelona this week hang in the balance regarding reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation in developing countries (REDD), as delegates from 190 countries decide on the fate of the forest component of the proposed Copenhagen climate treaty.

After recent talks in Bangkok three weeks ago, an outcry from global environmental and forest protection organisations has highlighted a critical missing provision for safeguards against the conversion of natural forests to forest plantations, omitted from negotiating text in one of the final sessions. Vital concerns regarding the protection of forest must now be addressed in Copenhagen, including legal frameworks to enforce compliance.

Impending forestry protection agreements will have dramatic impacts on remaining wildflife and The Australian Orangutan Project (AOP) are excited to welcome Dr Ian Singleton, Director of Conservation for the PanEco Foundation and head of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) to Australia to talk about the current situation of wild orangutan conservation, rehabilitation and the work of SOCP in ensuring the survival of this critically endangered species in Indonesia.

Dr Singleton will share his knowledge on rainforest conservation and on the rehabilitation and reintroduction process of orangutans into the wild at a series of events held Australia wide by the Australian Orangutan Project. AOP helps support the protection of wild orangutan populations and Ian’s work to get these rescued baby orangutans back into the forest and help the growth of this species population.

Kylie Bullo, AOP Vice President , Project Coordinator & Senior Orangutan Keeper at Perth Zoo, has worked with Sumatran orangutans for ten years and will also present at each event. Kylie oversees the behavioural, diet, enrichment, health and breeding management of the colony. Three infants have been born at Perth Zoo since Kylie has worked there and Perth Zoo houses one of the best orangutan breeding colonies in the world.

Kylie was the keeper in charge of the release of the first-ever Zoo-bred orangutan back into the rainforest of Sumatra in 2006 and regularly visits the site to check on 'Temara'.

NSW - Stories from the Forest 14th Nov - Enjoy a lovely dinner and hear some fabulous stories from the forest. Special guests on the night are Kylie Bullo, AOP Vice President and Senior Orangutan Keeper from Perth Zoo, and Dr Ian Singleton of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP), both giving a rare insight into world of orangutans and the story of Australian orangutan, Temara - the world's first captive born orangutan released back into the wild!

SA - Annual Fundraising Dinner 18th Nov - Enjoy tasty Indonesian food at Pondok Bali restaurant and share in our achievements so far as well as help raise much needed funds to assist in the ongoing work of AOP. Special guests on the night are Kylie Bullo, AOP Vice President and Senior Orangutan Keeper from Perth Zoo, and Dr Ian Singleton of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP).

VIC - Bid for the Orangutans 13th Nov - Enjoy an intimate cocktail function at Hotel Nest whilst bidding on some fabulous prizes through the auction. A BORNEO TOUR TO SEE THE ORANGUTANS IN THE WILD IS UP FOR GRABS. Special guests on the night are Kylie Bullo, AOP Vice President and Senior Orangutan Keeper from Perth Zoo, and Dr Ian Singleton of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP).

Other Australian Orangutan Project fundraising events happening around Australia include:

NSW - Help the Orphans of Borneo 15th Nov - Picton RSL Park - 11am-3pm. Gold coin donation and Devonshire Tea, Face Painting, Jumping Castle, Salsa Dancing - Fun for all the family.

QLD - Orangutans at the BAR 17th Nov - an intimate dinner at Barchino's at Nobby's beach with a 3 course meal includes a drink on arrival.

QLD - Sit Down Comedy Night 19th Nov - PADDO TAVERN at Paddington with comedians Jimmy Poulos (Headliner), and Matt Marr and Damien Power supporting.

WA - An Orangutan Christmas Karaoke Celebration 20th Nov - A fun night for all at Manilla House, Cannington includes tasty food and drinks.

Experts estimate there are only 6300 wild Sumatran orangutans left in Sumatra and it is predicted they will be the first great ape species to become extinct in as little as ten years.

Orangutans are highly endangered by the activities of man: the population of Indonesia is growing steadily, along with use of the tropical rainforest. Tropical wood and palm oil are in great demand on the world market and young orangutans remain, as before, a popular pet. By far the greatest threat is posed by massive destruction of habitat. Large timber and palm oil companies cut down valuable trees and burn the forest surface to make way for palm oil plantations. Each year, one million hectares of forest falls victim to this exploitation. Scientists fear that there will be no viable population of wild orangutans left in only ten years time, as a result of rainforest destruction.

AOP supports the protection of vital orangutan habitat and both the Quarantine Centre for orangutans in North Sumatra and the reintroduction site at Bukit Tigapuluh National Park in Jambi.

For further event information please visit the Australian Orangutan Project’s website www.orangutan.org.au.
About Australian Orangutan Project

The Australian Orangutan Project (AOP) is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting orangutan conservation, habitat protection and orphan care in order to save the species from extinction. http://www.orangutan.org.au

Simply put the fun back to Christmas shopping!

2009-10-29T17:51:00.001-07:00

Quite simply the most stunning range of Christmas gifts online, you will be thrilled you found Simply Gifts.

Finding that one of a kind, memorable Christmas present for your loved ones can be like a treasure hunt. Who wants to be the fifth person to walk through the door with a bottle of wine to a friend’s Christmas party? Simply Gifts is the one-stop, online boutique gift shop; the perfect solution for the often stressful merry season.

Simplygifts.com.au is the easiest way to organise the perfect gift with a range of spectacular, stylish gift options that you can customise to your needs and gorgeously wrapped to your specification.

Best of all, if you can’t be with your family or friends this Christmas, you know that they will be receiving a gift that not only looks fabulous, but that is guaranteed to be of exceptional quality. So you can thoroughly spoil them from wherever you are in Australia – or the world!

Christmas shopping lists can be crossed off in a flash with Simply Gifts while you pick and choose adorable baby gifts, gourmet hampers and gifts for the whole family, something for Mum or Dad as well as a huge range of corporate gifts. Need to send gifts to loved ones in Australia? Simply Gifts has all your bases covered.

Vibrant soft toys are the perfect play mate for the baby, the Golden Glow Hamper filled with Max Brenner chocolates, Byron Bay cookies and Moet & Chandon will indulge Mum, while the Traditional Port Hamper for Dad is always a winner!

Our Champagne Interlude - Chocolate Gourmet Hamper includes Lindt chocolates, caramel pralines and a bottle of Chandon - a sure way to treat your colleagues with an elegant end of year celebration.

From lavish hampers to a simple seasonal Mint Candy Set, Simply Gifts offers an exquisite range of products to suit any budget this Christmas.

Gifts are delivered anywhere in Australia and ordering only takes minutes, so you can spend more time deciding what to wear to your next Christmas party!

Looking for a Christmas gift with a twist? Create your own gift by calling the customer service centre on 1300 66 11 24 or 00612 9913 4000, if calling from outside Australia.

Visit www.simplygifts.com.au

DESTRUCTION OF ORANGUTAN SANCTUARY HIGHLIGHTS RISKS OF REDD

2009-09-29T18:05:00.001-07:00

DESTRUCTION OF ORANGUTAN SANCTUARY HIGHLIGHTS RISKS OF REDD

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Want to Invest in Early Stage Ventures?

2009-09-27T20:40:00.001-07:00

Top Ten Points to Consider by James Claridge

For investors considering a foray into the speculative but potentially lucrative and personally rewarding start-up/early stage sector, here are some key points to consider, steps to take and key questions to ask.

James Claridge serves as a sponsoring member with Alchemy Equities, assisting SMEs to raise equity capital. James has over 20 years experience in risk management, business valuation and actuarial activity.
These points come from personal experience as an investor in a number of early ventures and should not be construed as financial advice.

1) Does the product really offer customers what is claimed by the company? If the Share Offer document does not provide sufficient evidence of product effectiveness, then ask the company for more evidence.

2) Assess the demand for the product. Is it reasonable to assume that the product will generate significant, long-term revenue growth? Or will it be a fad, with demand drying-up before adequate returns on investment have been made?

3) Check out the Executive and Board. Do they have the collective experience and expertise to deliver the product to market and to handle the operational constraints that early stage companies face? A board that has a director with relevant expertise in product commercialisation can greatly improve the company’s likelihood of success.

4) Review the business model, including branding, marketing, supply chain, distribution, customers and pricing. Make sure that the company is clear about how it intends to distribute its product and who its customers are.

5) Identify the key risks facing the company. Does the company exhibit basic corporate governance, compliance and risk management awareness? Where possible, have the key risks been addressed?

6) Review the competitive advantage of the company, the competitor analysis and barriers to entry. Is Intellectual Property protected? Is the company focused on building-up its brand so that it can fully exploit its first-mover advantage? Will the company be able to maintain its gross operating margin into the future (given that all successful products are ultimately copied)?

7) Is the company continuing with product development? This is important as it allows the company to leverage of its initial product and to create an ongoing, diversified revenue stream.

8) Review the balance sheet, P&L accounts and forecasts (if any). Start-ups should not be carrying debt, should not be excessively remunerating directors or founders with cash and should not be spending money extravagantly (e.g. business class travel, plush offices).

9) Talk to the founders and directors (as many as you can). Ask them tough questions, based on the outcomes of your assessment of the company’s Share Offer. Assess their dedication and ability to successfully implement the business plan. Lack of cooperation may indicate an unhealthy attitude to shareholders generally.

10) Review the financial forecasts and the valuation of the company implied by the number and price of shares on offer. Calculate the return on investment over the period to exit – is it reasonable given the risk? If possible, produce your own, simple, projection model and test profitability using more conservative assumptions. If you don’t have the expertise to do this yourself, get some help.
About Alchemy Equities
Alchemy Equities Is mounting a Becoming Investor Ready program with the NSW Department of Industry and Investment aimed at NSW-based SMEs – the application deadline for the program is 14 September.

Interested companies and business owners should apply at http://www.alchemyequities.com.au

Welcome a Beautiful Newborn with a Gorgeous Gift

2009-09-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

One of the most breathtaking moments is when we welcome a new life into this world. And what better way to celebrate such a special event than with a gorgeously unique gift from one-stop, online boutique gift shop, Simply Gifts Ltd.

Simplygifts.com.au provides you with spectacular, stylish gift options that can be customised to your needs and wrapped to your specifications. Gifts can be delivered anywhere in Australia and ordering only takes minutes!

A special present for baby showers, newborns, toddlers and for new mums, Simply Gifts offers a diverse and unique range of gifts to choose from.

Wrap up your warmest wishes with a Pamper New Mum and Baby Gift set, containing delicious Organic Tonic lotions, baby milk and shampoo to pamper both newborn and mum. After a bath wrap up your little bundle with a warm cotton knitted patch blanket and let Mum relax with a heat pillow and a comprehensive guide book about babies, “Baby Love”. A truly beautiful present, wrapped in a gorgeous gift box.

Memories are priceless and with the adorable All About Baby journal, preserving the special baby’s first moments and mementoes will be effortless. This thoughtful gift comes with cute stickers to record development and plenty of space to add photos.

Want a stylish yet practical gift? Garden of Dreams looks just like a fresh bouquet but it’s more than a bunch of pretty flowers; each flower is an essential baby item such as a jumpsuit, bib and singlet that new parents can’t get enough of!

Skip Hop Duo Delux Bag is a versatile bag that will come in handy when baby junior starts to play in the park. Made out of durable canvas with plenty of waterproof pockets and a strap that can convert a shoulder bag into an attachable bag to any stroller, this bag is a must for parents who will run around with their little one!

Would you like to add a bit of this and a bit of that from a few different hamper sets? No worries!

Simply call the Simply Gifts customer service centre on 1300 66 11 24, or 00612 9913 4000, if calling from outside Australia to fully customise a gift for your special little ones.

Visit the Baby Gifts section at www.simplygifts.com.au or contact Simply Gifts on 1300 66 11 24 for the whole range of exquisite gift options.

For more information, contact Brianna Power - Affinity Marketing.

0403 904 912 - 07 5520 7615 - brianna@affinitymarketing.com.au

Want to Invest in Early Stage Ventures?

2009-09-09T18:13:00.001-07:00

Want to Invest in Early Stage Ventures?

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APPLICATION EXTENDED - $990 GOVERNMENT GRANT TO HELP GET YOUR BUSINESS INVESTOR READY

2009-08-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

Sydney, Monday 24 August For Immediate Release

APPLICATION EXTENDED

$990 GOVERNMENT GRANT TO HELP GET YOUR BUSINESS INVESTOR READY

Want to raise equity capital?

Don’t know what your company needs to get that happening?

Apply to the Becoming Investor Ready - Stepping Up Preparation for An Equity Capital Raising program presented by Alchemy Innovation Development, in association with the NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD).

It’s aimed at NSW-based SMEs. That’s businesses that are high growth and in need of expansion capital.

The program gives companies assistance and all the resources required to mount a private equity capital raising through the Australian Small Scale Offerings Board (http://www.assob.com.au).

Applications can be downloaded from www.alchemyequities.com.au

Deadline is Monday September 14

- ENDS –

For further information contact:

Kate Ingham

Alchemy Innovation Development

P: 02 82336170

M: 0414 321641

E: kingham@alchemyequities.com.au

TOP 10 TIPS FOR SME EQUITY CAPITAL RAISING IN AUSTRALIA

2009-08-17T22:52:00.001-07:00

TOP 10 TIPS FOR SME EQUITY CAPITAL RAISING IN AUSTRALIA

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GOURMET GIFTS UNWRAP EXPAT MARKET

2009-08-02T21:29:00.001-07:00

GOURMET GIFTS UNWRAP EXPAT MARKET

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Homeowner assistance provider scales up for substantial growth

2009-08-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been locked out of your house and had no idea who to call first? Ever experienced a plumbing emergency, requiring immediate attention but haven’t the time to source a reliable contractor that will turn up on time? Even if you’ve been lucky and this hasn’t happened to you yet – as our homes get older the likelihood that it will increases.

HomeSource Ltd is an innovative, first-to-market Australian company, providing 8 million homeowners and 1 million small businesses with annual, membership-based home assistance and advisory services.

Its key product, Home Assist, provides nationwide emergency home assistance (plumbers, electricians etc) - similar to a roadside assistance service.

HomeSource Access enables members to gain access to phone-based legal and business advisory services and recommendations for pre-vetted, licensed trades people.

Subsidiary mycontractor.com.au offers “compliance management made easy”. Assisting head contractors with compliance obligations, mycontractor.com.au is an effective online solution, saving time and reducing lengthy paperwork.

HomeSource Managing Director, Pia Vogel likens the Home Assist service to the home emergency cover that is now used by an estimated 30% of homes in the UK. “There are many similarities within the UK and Australian markets, yet a huge gap remains here in available emergency and advisory services for home owners. HomeSource meets such needs to provide a trustworthy, reliable, on-call service offering.”

“Our growing list of clients - including banks, insurance companies, real estate agents - are testament to the growing need for a ‘one stop homeowner shop’.”

HomeSource products are delivered directly or via channel partners as an adjunct product for their customers. Widespread distribution is currently in negotiation through key financial service providers, reward programs, insurance and utility providers.

International distribution is imminent with agreements already signed for both North America and the Middle East.

HomeSource has developed a strong business model, utilising scalable technology and systems. Having already invested $1million in developing its business since November 2005, HomeSource Ltd is now strategically positioned to become the leading provider of emergency home services in Australia.

The complete HomeSource product range is fully developed and poised for high growth. Through a highly experienced executive and board of directors, HomeSource will now continue to finalise channel partners and drive the product out to market.

HomeSource has completed the 2009, Stepping Up Advanced Capital Raising program - a NSW government initiative to develop small business owners through mentoring and capital raising assistance.

“Through the Stepping Up program we have been able to fast track the growth of HomeSource and address our expansion plans in short-term timeframe,” says Pia Vogel.

HomeSource has already completed its first capital raising round of $250,000 since opening in June. For more information on HomeSource, please visit http://www.assob.com.au/hms

ENDS

For more information or interviews please contact:

Brianna Power
Ph: 07 5520 7615
Mob: 0403 904 912
URL: http://www.assob.com.au/hms
Email: brianna@affinitymarketing.com.au