Business focus for big day out

A KEY event in the Ballarat business calendar took place last Wednesday with Commerce Ballarat’s annual Business Day Out.

Hosted by associate deputy vice-chancellor of Federation University, Professor Gabriele Suder, the event saw panel discussions and presentations by successful businesspeople.

Ms Suder said the day provided a platform for the university to collaborate with other businesses in the region.

“It provides this fantastic opportunity of bringing businesses together pondering topics,” she said.

“Federation University is moving into a co-operative model which is really close to industry, so we are not only speaking of work placements, but we are also talking about co-designing offers that bring the right skills at the right time to people in business.”

The yearly event seeks to foster a collaborative approach between business owners and leaders in regional Victoria.

Commerce Ballarat board member Serena Eldridge said it’s important to have a business event like the Day Out in regional Victoria.

“It’s the rising tide lifts all boats situation,” she said. “You’re not out to see each other not do well, the more that everyone does well the more it creates the great positive energy.

“The event is regional, so it is great to be able to have it in your own backyard and people in others areas are able to come down and it’s not as far as Melbourne.

“It’s really important to know who’s in town or who’s in your region.”

As well as providing access to speakers with significant experience, and networking opportunities, Business Day Out allows operators to take a step back and find out about new ideas.

“It’s such a great opportunity for businesses to come and learn,” said Ms Eldridge.

“It’s really important I think for continuous improvement for operators to come out of the business, take a day and learn some new skills here about the latest trends and what’s happening in the business community.”

Peter Upton, General Manager of Gawk Outdoor, said he decided to come along to strengthen his business and make new connections.

“You always learn one good thing out of these events every time you come,” he said.

“But I also think it’s a really good opportunity for businesses to connect with each other and share with each other and get to know one another.

“The more you know one another the more likely you are to do business.”