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-
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Unique new cold sore formula relieves symptoms in one application
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
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
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Help Save the Orangutans this Christmas
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
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
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
UN talks set back forest negotiations, threatens protection of natural forests and reduced emissions
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
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
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Simply put the fun back to Christmas shopping!
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
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
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Want to Invest in Early Stage Ventures?
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
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
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