“We have designed our website to be a living, breathing sales piece, constantly changing and evolving.” – Ciaran Cryan, Owner.

Bellevue Bed & Breakfast hosts Ciaran Cryan and Jenny McGrath suggest guests set aside one to two hours for the “event” that is breakfast. The McLaren Vale B&B’s three-course start to the day is one of the treats that lure repeat guests – a key growth strategy identified by the business in recent years. The B&B stays in touch with visitors through regular e-newsletters, promoting specials, menus and upcoming McLaren Vale events. The owners redesigned the web site to better showcase the home-style accommodation, invested in an online booking engine and increased green measures, such as solar power and fair trade ingredients, to appeal to eco-travellers. Internet bookings now make up 75 per cent of sales, up more than 20 per cent in the past two years, while occupancy rates have risen from 31 to 43 per cent. More than 10 per cent of Bellevue guests are repeat visitors.

“We want to bring the latest fashion and technologies to all Australians.” – Lucimar Nielsen, Director.

Brazcom Imports supplies Biocosmetic clothing that is designed to look good and do good. The clothing incorporates science and technology to deliver cosmetic benefits, such as body sculpting. Brazcom Imports was founded in 2008 by Lucimar and Tim Nielsen five years after they had visited Lucimar’s home country, Brazil, and discovered fashionable, high-quality clothing with cosmetic benefits. Lucimar had to learn English before she had the confidence to go store-to-store in Adelaide with a handful of items, while Tim, then a PhD student, delivered orders from a borrowed van. The business secured 100 Australian retail clients in its first year, and continued to grow turnover by 25 per cent last financial year. The Edwardstown business distributes three lines of cosmetic apparel, the biggest seller being Scala BioPromise shapewear, designed with heat-emitting micro-fibre to help women lose cellulite and reduce measurements. The business also sells online and over the telephone direct to consumers.

“Our mission is to assist our clients in achieving their goals by providing effective and efficient business solutions.” – Dianne van Eck, Director.

Founded in 2007 by Dianne van Eck after 10 years managing projects in the higher education sector, DVE Business Solutions provides customised and innovative, technology-based solutions for businesses to assess productivity and develop a collaborative approach to improve processes, workflow and data management. Dianne says DVE Business Solutions offers a comprehensive approach to clients’ information management needs. The Mount Barker business initially consulted to clients in higher education, where Dianne noticed a demand for project management skills. It broadened into the not-for-profit and health sectors in 2008 with the strategic appointment of an engineer who introduced business process analysis and mapping, customised databases and integrated web sites to DVE’s suite of solutions. Dianne says this capability, combined with its on-site engagement as part of a client’s team, has allowed the team of four at DVE, to win larger, higher-value projects, which helped drive 100 per cent revenue growth in 2009-10.

“Our point of difference is that we offer quality customer service, advice and support that aren’t available online – something most decision-makers value.” Nadine Zanol, Owner.

Whether customers are buying a lamp for a table or a lighting system for an entire house, the Lights at 133 team aims to equip them with tips and product information before making a sale. A self-confessed lights aficionado, Nadine Zanol opened the Mount Gambier store in 2007 to offer more choice in the local marketplace. Nadine says Light at 133’s commitment to ensuring consumers make an informed decision has built customer relationships and credibility, and helped it compete with online traders. Lights at 133’s two full-time and one casual employee are trained on all products, energy efficiency and new trends, including what’s appearing in magazines. The business has used its focus on education to become the preferred lighting provider for a growing number of local builders and commercial contractors. Revenue increased more than 50 per cent in 2008-09, prompting Lights at 133 to move to larger premises in 2010 and to introduce an “in-house” electrician to add value and build customer spend.

“We adapt each tour according to the tastes of the clients on the day. We’ll run with just one person on board.” – Kym Brown, Director.

Kym and Steve Brown started Tour Barossa 25 years ago as a drive service for clients staying at their bed-and-breakfast accommodation. In 2008, having accumulated 14 self-catering B&Bs and running a reservation service, they spotted a market for budget, bus-style tours of the Barossa Valley wine region for individuals and small groups. The tour division started with a 12-seat mini-bus and quickly thrived on a reputation for friendly, flexible and reliable service, with sales growing more than 400 per cent in the first two years. Tour Barossa now offers a variety of winery tours and vehicles, including the region’s only limousine tour. It’s the only operator to loop around major accommodation providers, picking up visitors on request every day, except Christmas. Kym says it was initially difficult to find qualified drivers with a passion to host tours, so the business instead recruits people with the right attitude first and skills them where necessary.

“We look for challenges that emerge from changes in the health care environment and provide well-tested ideas and tools to overcome them.” – David Dahm, CEO.

A work-related car accident in 1985 and a long recovery prompted accountant David Dahm to start a consultancy to empower health carers to become better finance managers and patient advocates. Health and Life advises on all financial aspects of practice management for hospital, medical, dental, allied health and elite sports professionals and encourages them, in turn, to become advocates for financial literacy in the community. With 11 employees, the Adelaide business has more than doubled revenue over the past three years through the continual development of software tools so clients can better manage the fiscal health of their practices. In addition to taxation, financial and succession planning advice, Health and Life provides monthly monitoring for clients and produces a number of industry kits and reports, including The Good, Bad and Ugly Report, which helps healthcare providers better manage finite resources. David also speaks publicly and runs regular webinars, sharing his insights on running sustainable and socially responsible health practices.

“Accountants are often viewed as boring bean counters. Our success has come from thinking outside the square.” – Brian Hern, Partner.

Accountant Brian Hern started Hern Financial Services in 1994 and employed a “fresh-faced” accounting graduate, Matthew Carberry, as an assistant. Today, Brian and Matthew are business partners, heading up a team of 10, which offers public accounting, taxation, financial planning and audit services to businesses, individuals and families. Brian says the business has worked hard to shift the view that accountancy is a grudge service – used only because one has to lodge a tax return. It does this by providing more than just compliance work and looking for total financial solutions for clients, regardless of their circumstances or wealth. Based in Eastwood, Hern Financial Services offers advice on investments, retirement and business, wealth protection solutions, home loans, leasing and estate planning. It has more than doubled revenue in the past five years through client referrals, seminars and business breakfasts and, more recently, by building its profile through social media and a monthly e-newsletter on business issues.

“Our clients see us as a trusted advisor and will contact us to brainstorm alternative project solutions.” – Kylie Bishop, CEO.

LBW Environment began in 2007 to provide “nimble and pragmatic” consulting services to help clients understand and mitigate their environmental risks and progress their environmental projects. Run by Kylie and Jarrod Bishop, the Norwood business specialises in contaminated land and water assessment, remediation and monitoring projects across a range of sectors, including oil and gas, land development, mining and government. With clients across Adelaide, in regional SA, Queensland and the Northern Territory, LBW Environment now has eight employees and, in the past two years, more than doubled both its turn-over and office space. Kylie says the company offers a “team-like approach” and a passion to understand clients’ objectives, drivers and stressors to best mitigate environmental risks for either existing operations or new project s. This philosophy has helped drive innovation and cost reductions, with LBW Environment developing a solution for one client to re-use waste soil at a saving of $3 million.

“Our Wellness System has helped us target baby boomers, the largest growing market in our industry.” – Maria Albanese, Manager.

North Adelaide Fitness Centre offers a more personal alternative to big gyms for people who want to tone up, lose weight and get fit. Peter Conroy bought the Ovingham business in 1999, having managed it for the previous owners, with a passion to improve customer care. Membership has since grown from 450 to 1600, largely due to the centre’s personalised programs that help clients stay motivated as they transition to an active lifestyle. Members can take advantage of personal training, massage, nutrition and weight loss programs, naturopathy, boot camps and 55 group fitness classes. A Wellness System offers clients a completely tailored, measurable and holistic approach to weight loss and fitness, while senior members can participate in special strengthening classes. The centre is also taking its health approach to the community, partnering with local high schools to provide fitness classes and offering Year 12 students free passes during their study vacation to help ease stress.

“We believe customers like to buy from real people, which is why we take the personal approach and have a photo of our family on each jar of Beerenberg produce.” – Anthony Paech, Managing Director.

Starting with a batch of strawberry jam in the 1970s, family-owned Beerenberg Farm has diversified and grown into an international brand with 54 employees, and products in supermarkets, aircraft and five-star hotels. The Hahndorf business still grows strawberries and sells from the farm, but has spent the past 25 years building a gourmet range of retail and hospitality sector-sized jams and condiments, including chutneys, sauces and dressings, which are exported to 25 countries. Managing Director Anthony Paech says Beerenberg Farm pioneered portion serves for its products in the mid 1980s, enabling it to secure its first hotel contract. Since then, the company has been tailoring products to customer requirements and market trends, introducing state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to meet increased demand. Over the last five years, Beerenberg has increased turnover by one third and expanded the range from 42 to 60 products through regular and personal conversations with distributors and end-consumers.

“We recruit people for their attitude. It takes special people to work in isolated areas, under adverse conditions, and cope with all the issues that arise.” – Sue Chase, Managing Director.

In 2001, Sue Chase, with the support of Ken Lamb and Mal Starr, salvaged Cowell Electric Supply from liquidation to save local jobs and breathe new life into a company and a township they were passionate about. The Eyre Peninsula business designs and constructs overhead and underground HV powerlines and provides ongoing maintenance services for mining, defence and land subdivision projects, mostly in remote and regional areas of Australia. Since the trio took over, Cowell Electric has grown from 10 to 40 employees and increased turnover 13 fold, building a reputation for delivering quality projects safely, on time and on budget. Sue says the business has grown largely on its employees’ resilience, dedication and high regard for safety, plus a willingness among the company’s leaders to learn from mistakes. Regular project reviews ensure Cowell Electric continues to learn from experience and give staff an opportunity to contribute ideas for improvements.

“We focus on helping our customers achieve their key life events.” – James McGill, General Manager Business Services.

KeyInvest began as a Friendly Society in 1886, providing sickness and funeral benefits . In 2006, its board approved a new strategic plan to offer "whole of life" financial and retirement services. The business has grown to become one of the largest, independent retirement village owner-operators in South Australia, a top-10 Australia mortgage broker and a provider of various investment products. The radical diversification has seen KeyInvest develop seven villages in South Australia and Victoria, buy existing broker businesses, develop new financial products from scratch and retire old ones. Revenue has increased over the past two years, despite the Global Financial Crisis and a sluggish housing market. General Manager Business Services James McGill says growth continues by tailoring products and advisory services to customers’ needs and thinking outside the square on sales and marketing activities, such as hosting community meetings and presentations for seniors at villages with new homes for sale.

“Our success is built on being pioneering, industry leaders who understand clients' transport, storage and accommodation requirements.” – Noon McNamara, General Manager Strategy.

SCF Group is a leading supplier of containers to the transport and logistics industry. Established 20 years ago to lease second-hand containers to furniture removalists and transport companies, the Adelaide-headquartered company now manages a fleet of 10,000 rental containers and sells containers, tanks and portable sites throughout Australia and overseas. SCF Group has 50 employees based in Adelaide, Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and operates four distinct divisions: Rail Containers; Tank Containers; Simply Containers; and Container Rooms. It is the only transport company in Australia that supplies the complete range of container services, including design, relocation, pooling, shipping, repairs and maintenance and technical advice, plus value-adds, such as desalination and filtration systems. The business has led several innovations in the logistics industry, including lightweight polymer side-door containers, ventilated transport containers, more durable portable housing and office sites for cyclone-impacted areas and an online tracking system for customers.

“We value our employees’ innovative contributions and link KPIs for improved efficiencies to additional pay rises.” – Sue Chase, Managing Director.

All 40 employees at Cowell Electric Supply are actively encouraged to talk about difficulties they face on the job to constantly drive innovation. Rescued from liquidation by three employees in 2001, the company designs, constructs and services overhead and underground HV powerlines for mining, defence and land subdivision projects. Employee feedback on projects has led to the development of a stronger cross-arm that is easier to install on poles and the design and development of a power pole that Cowell Electric Supply can manufacture itself, saving time for clients with urgent projects. The business has also introduced Sureline Steel Poles, a lighter, longer-life pole that is cheaper to transport and erect, creating significant savings for clients and boosting Cowell Electric Supply’s ability to compete. In the office, the company has switched from spreadsheets to new estimating software, reducing the time taken to prepare tenders and improving their accuracy.

“The greatest challenge we face as an industry is encouraging consumers to make changes in their lifestyle.” – Maria Albanese, Manager.

There’s no cheating on workouts for clients signed up to the Wellness System at North Adelaide Fitness Centre, thanks to an electronic key that stores all the vital statistics. The TGS key allows trainers to design, monitor and tweak the Wellness personal training program and helps members keep tabs on their progress. An individual’s training program is stored on the key, which is plugged into gym equipment to record the frequency, duration and intensity of the workout. Trainers can also set equipment limits so members with physical difficulties don’t over exert. Manager Maria Albanese says the 225 Wellness program members who are using keys find they stay motivated because they get instant feedback on their efforts. The centre also ensures members can participate in the latest fitness techniques from around the world, offering 55group classes, including the Orbit that incorporates fitness balls and the Bosu Circuit, which builds strength and core stability with balance trainers.

“Innovation comes from teamwork and understanding customer needs. Weekly project meetings allow all employees nationally to get an update on product developments, discuss progress on major projects and table new product ideas.” – Noon McNamara, General Manager Strategy.

Established in 1991, SCF Group supplies containers to the Australian transport and logistics industry. The Adelaide business manages assets worth more than $70 million and is made up of four divisions: Rail Containers, Tank Containers, Simply Containers and Container Rooms. In March 2010, SCF Group launched a lightweight 40 foot polymer side-door transport container. The creation was a world-first for the industry weighing just 28 kilograms in comparison with 140 kilograms in steel and resulted in fuel savings and reduced operating costs. Prototypes of 48 foot polymer side-door transport containers for domestic rail use are currently being trialled by clients and have attracted interest from some of Australia’s biggest logistics companies. The business also introduced an online GPS tracking system for customers after successful trials. SCF Group is the only Australian transport company that supplies the complete range of container services, including design, relocation, pooling, shipping, repairs, maintenance and technical advice.

“Technology isn't the direct cause of environmental damage, but the pursuit of progress via technology is the mechanism causing the damage.” - Samuel Gilbert, Director.

Caramel uses its expertise to help offset some of the negative impacts caused by technological advances, according to Director Samuel Gilbert. Seeing an opportunity to support businesses too small to run their own IT departments, Caramel shifted direction to manage technology services for organisations with five to 200 computers. The business developed a new web site and content management system for the Trees for Life charity, which revegetates and protects threatened bushland, and provides hosting and IT infrastructure support, at no cost. Caramel also practices what it preaches, running its Nuriootpa office 100 per cent on wind and hydro power and offsetting emissions for all business cars in a bid to operate with zero environmental impact. Its 16 employees are actively involved in the community, each year helping local primary students plant trees for a wildlife corridor, recycling old computers to raise funds for people living with motor neurone disease and walking to raise funds for accommodation for local, homeless youth.

“We firmly believe a business must contribute to its local community to make it a better place for employees to live, work and play.” – Sue Chase, Managing Director.

Cowell Electric Supply contributes to organisations that are working to enhance the lives of people in regional and remote areas of Australia. Managing Director Sue Chase says the provider of overhead and underground high-voltage powerlines relies on resilient and thriving regional communities to sustain its operations and projects in the mining, defence and land subdivision sectors. Based on Eyre Peninsula, the business provides financial support to sporting and other groups in the communities in which it works. The company is passionate about improving access to quality health care in the outback and donates to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Angel Flight. Sue even pilots her own plane for Angel Flight to transport non-emergency regional patients to population centres for treatment. Cowell Electric Supply also enhances regional access to the arts, sponsoring young Adelaide concert percussionist Nicholas Parnell to perform in remote areas.

“I want to empower patients and health providers beyond their clinical interests to then allow patients to take better care of themselves.” – David Dahm, CEO.

Health and Life CEO and founder David Dahm says the Adelaide business reflects his primary life ambition to break the cycle of ill health and poverty among lower socio-economic groups. Having seen abject poverty when visiting India as a young boy and experiencing the trauma of a severe car crash in 1985, David uses his health practice management consultancy to encourage medical professionals to be advocates for health and finance education in their communities. Health and Life has set up the One Moment Foundation to foster positive relationships between health professionals and disadvantaged teenagers, believing that medical practitioners are respected and credible influencers in the community. The business leverages netball sponsorships and pro bono time to spread its positive messages, targeting young women as future nurturers. David is national chair and a volunteer with the Australian Association of Practice Managers and working to develop a social responsibility program for the health care industry.

“With a history of looking after members of the community that dates back more than 130 years, we have the responsibility and desire to leave the business and the community in a stronger, healthier place than before.” – James McGill, General Manager Business Services.

KeyInvest has a strong commitment to supporting community members with key life events – from saving for a child’s education or buying a home to retirement living and wealth transfer. Since its beginnings as a Friendly Society in 1886, the business has grown into one of SA’s largest, independent retirement village owner-operators. In 2006 KeyInvest diversified by introducing "whole of life" financial and retirement services. This resulted in the business becoming a top-10 Australian mortgage broker and a provider of various investment products. It has developed seven retirement villages in SA and Victoria – five of which have been fitted with solar powered systems over the past 12 months in a bid to improve sustainability. A sixth is currently under construction. KeyInvest also volunteers for and provides financial support to charities including the Morialta Trust. In 2010 the business raised more than $6,000 for the Julian Burton Burns Trust through its participation in the City-Bay Fun Run.

“Our staff are proud that the business contributes to the community in a positive and respected way, which helps them confidently reach their sales targets.” – Nadine Zanol, Owner.

As a small retailer competing against global, online shopping, Lights at 133 owner Nadine Zanol says the business invests in the Mount Gambier community at every opportunity as a “thank you” for its ongoing support. The store donates lights to local sports groups and charities, actively encouraging community groups to request products, and volunteers’ time and information to support Business Studies students at nearby Grant High School. Nadine and her team also make it a priority to be local ambassadors for energy efficiency. Employees are trained on new products and their benefits to encourage all customers to switch to greener lighting and habits, and Nadine speaks at community environment events. Nadine says sales of energy-efficient products have increased 10 per cent on the back of the store’s education. Lights at 133 is also an Eco Globe Recycling Point, supporting the local council’s recycling program, collecting 500 to 600 used globes a year.

“The quest to combine good design and sustainable, environmentally-compliant products pushes our design and sales teams to be more creative.” – Noon McNamara, General Manager Strategy.

SCF Group works hard to “contain” its impact on the environment. A leader in the transport and logistics industry, the container manufacturer and supplier works with its customers, sales team and designers to create more sustainable products to build sales and customer loyalty, improve customer service and provide stronger return to shareholders. Developed with a Federal Government Re-tooling for Climate Change grant, SCF’s polymer side-door container is not only recyclable, it has improved efficiency in the transport industry as an alternative to traditional, “troublesome” curtain-side containers. The Adelaide company has also helped transporters of perishable goods cut energy use and costs with the development of a completely watertight and weatherproof, ventilated container, which uses louvres to create airflow and reduce internal temperature. SCF is now developing containerised mobile medical clinics Maranatha Health, a not-for-profit health organisation in Africa, can operate in a sterile environment in remote locations.