Uncovering the business impact of the bushfires through the eyes of over 500 Australian SMEs.
Manufacturing
Featured stories
Boosting Australia’s gas supply
As electricity prices continue to rise and domestic gas supply across eastern Australia tightens, Cooper Energy is one company that’s thinking big so it can be a significant part of the solution.
Amazon – raising the retail bar Down Under?
A shopfront to the world: how Amazon’s arrival could spell opportunity for Australian retailers.
Insights, Trends & Case Studies
More than chemicals: Titan Ag connects with farmers
After 10 years in business, Titan Ag is now a formidable strength in holistic agricultural chemical supply, respected for competitive products, relationship building – and now for being grain producers themselves.
Reinventing the 200-year-old ballet shoe
The ballet shoe has remained relatively unchanged for centuries – since it went from having a heel to being a flat. Enter former ballet dancer Tim Heathcote who is taking on the establishment to revolutionise its design once more.
China Economic Update: March 2017
Rise of the machines: could automation help sustain China’s long term growth momentum.
Australian Markets Weekly: 23 January 2017
Apartment construction which has risen strongly over the past few years was reported by the Statistician to have declined in the September quarter.
A maternity wear company turns 20
How did a little maternity wear start-up from Victoria grow into an international business?
How an Aussie mum built a babywear empire
When she couldn’t find what she wanted for her baby, Mirabai Winford decided to go out and create it herself.
Service economy blooming
While the 24-hour news cycle may talk down Australia’s transition from a commodity to service economy, the figures tell a different, and very positive, story.
The nuts and bolts of becoming a global supplier
From one product line on Australian shelves many years ago, Stahmann Farms now has an abundant 40 nut products in some of the world’s biggest supermarkets chains as well as delivering branded products into its own online store in China.
Long-time Aussie ice-cream favourite finds global success through innovation
Launched 40 years ago, the now iconic Australian soft serve ice-cream brand Frosty Boy has grown to become a leader in the frozen dessert and beverage market both locally and overseas with exports to 48 countries.
Rise of the Machines: Aussie innovators use robots to be globally competitive
Automation can help to reduce costs, boost production and make Australian SMEs more globally competitive. Professor Roy Green, Dean of the UTS Business School, and RØDE Microphones founder Peter Freedman discuss the best ways to make the most of emerging opportunities.
The NAB ACRI Australia-China Business Index: Barriers to business engagement.
This excerpt from the NAB ACRI Australia-China Business Index examines barriers to engagement between Australian and Chinese businesses.
Impacts of the Free Trade Agreement with China.
This excerpt from the report synopsis examines how Australian and Chinese businesses believe the Australia China Free Trade Agreement will impact bilateral engagement.
NAB ACRI Australia-China Business Index: Bilateral engagement
The first-ever report comparing attitudes of Chinese and Australian business leaders towards bilateral engagement was conducted by NAB and the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) at the University of Technology Sydney. This excerpt examines how bilateral engagement is expected in increase.
What does it take for innovation to flourish?
In this video Cindy Batchelor, NAB Business Executive General Manager, discusses why innovation is so important for business.
A diverse family business built on sustainable practices
Mara Seeds is a diverse family company selling everything from organic soil treatments to cattle. Managing Director Stuart Larsson discusses his sustainable approach to business.
A visionary approach to business
Australia has proven to be particularly fertile territory for British-based Specsavers since it arrived here in 2008, famously opening 100 stores during its first 100 days down under.
Australia-China Trade Report: Manufacturing Case Study
Australian engineering company, Mawson Global offer value chain services to Australian SME clients who otherwise would not be able to access global sourcing. Their approach facilitates the transition from localised to globalised production for clients.
The 2014 Australia-China Trade Report
Julie Bishop launched the 2014 Australia-China Trade Report. Commissioned by the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), one of Australia’s most respected China engagement forums and sponsored by NAB, the report examines bilateral trade between the two countries.
2015: Opportunities for SMEs in the year ahead
2015 could be a good year for smaller businesses. Dean Pearson, NAB’s Head of Industry Analysis, looks at opportunities sector by sector, suggests ways to make the most of them and explains how technology is helping to level the playing field for SMEs.
The vision to make a difference
With a skilled workforce of blind and vision-impaired employees, the Royal Society for the Blind Industrial Services in South Australia has carved out a reputation for providing efficient, cost effective and high quality packaging and assembly services to a range of businesses.
Ethnic Business Award Champion: ABC Tissue
Starting ABC Tissue soon after arriving from Hong Kong, Henry Ngai now manufactures some of Australia’s most popular brands of tissue products. He discusses his business, his strategy for success and being named Champion of Champions at the 2013 Ethnic Business Awards.
Business View magazine – Summer 2014
The latest issue of Business View magazine celebrates successful Australian business women. In our cover story we talk to top horse trainer Gai Waterhouse about overcoming barriers and what underpins the success of her business. We also chat to Collette Dinnigan and Lisa McGuigan.
China Economic Update – 15 September 2014
Weaker than expected industrial production data is likely to generate headlines this month. However these results are not as negative as they may seem – reflecting in part the impact of stimulus in Q3 2013.
Developing a meaty supply chain across Asia
One of the largest vertically integrated supply chain organisations in the world, Australian Country Choice (ACC) is looking to expand its supply of high quality meat into Asia. CEO David Foote discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Aussie Exporters and their Eastern Odyssey
Australian businesses are increasingly exporting to Asia. Business View talks to Thermal Electric Elements (TEE), a manufacturer of custom-made heating units and elements, about their journey east and the impact it’s had on their business so far.
Aussie Importers and their Eastern Odyssey
Australians are increasingly importing from Asia. Business View talks to designer, Christina Re about her journey east, the impact it’s had on her Aussie-based business, and how she believes Asia provides scope for growth and the opportunity to create beautiful products.
Blending family and business
From deep within the Victorian Mallee, the de Pieri and Carrazza clans are as renowned for blending family and business as they are for blending a great beer. Mildura’s popular brewers and restaurateurs, Stefano and Donata, talk to Business View about achieving the right mix.
Business View magazine – Winter 2014
In this edition, Business View magazine highlights the success of businesses working with, inspired and supported by family. Our cover story features how Mildura Brewery owners Stefano de Pieri and wife Donata Carrazza successfully blend family and business.
Robots at your service
Robots are on the march. Most of them work on assembly lines, building cars, making electronic devices and processing food, drugs and chemicals. But robots are spreading beyond the factory - a trend that will accelerate in 2014.
The talk of the town: NAB business wrap
There’s been a lot for Aussie businesses to talk about recently, from shoes to defence contracts - Australian and global markets appear to be bursting with opportunities. Here's a selection of business insights to help you uncover the opportunities across all business sectors in 2014
NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q4, 2013
The Manufacturing Activity Index continued with its slow improvement in Q4, supported by strong business confidence and falling labour costs. The index implies activity in the manufacturing industry expanded by 0.5% in Q4.
The talk of the town: NAB business wrap
There’s been a lot for Aussie businesses to talk about so far in 2014 - from weather predictions to our reading habits. Here’s a selection of recent business insights to help you uncover the opportunities across all business sectors in 2014.
Australia installs 2M small-scale renewable energy systems
Australians have now installed more than two million small-scale renewable energy systems, the Clean Energy Regulator has confirmed, providing a strong indication that investment in small-scale renewable energy continues to flourish in Australia.
Ready for more in 2014?
This year in business there's more to talk about.
NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q3, 2013
The Manufacturing Activity Index was largely unchanged in Q3 – with positive trends for business confidence offset by negative ones for labour and purchase costs and final product prices. The index implies a slight increase quarterly manufacturing activity - at around +0.4%.
Business View Magazine – Winter 2013
In this edition, we delve into the experiences of finance commentator turned business builder Alan Kohler, detail bringing an invention to life and explore running a business in an extreme climate. We also cover retaining staff, handling tax in your SMSF and negotiating contracts in China.
A smarter way to trade in China
If you’ve been thinking about improving the efficiency of your importing or exporting business with Australia’s largest trading partner, there’s now a more efficient way to settle trade transactions in China. Hear the latest insights from NAB’s team of experts.
More value for less effort – the secret of Lean
Being Lean worked for Toyota - could it work for you? Chris Foster, KPMG Director, National LEAN Service Line Leader, explains the five basic principles of the Lean system and how doing less work can create more customer value.
Key considerations for your business strategy into China
Considering doing business with China? Australia China Business Week, the most significant Sino-Australian business events of the year, kicked off in Shanghai last month ahead of upcoming events in Melbourne and Sydney. We reveal the insights shared by the Shanghai delegates.
NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q1, 2013
The Manufacturing Activity Index improved in Q1, up to neutral levels – driven largely by less negative levels for business confidence. The index implies no growth in quarterly manufacturing activity – which would represent a slowdown according to recent official data.
2013 Economic outlook for SMEs
SME confidence is expected to increase as financial markets show some improvement and consumers continue to spend strongly in certain sectors. While the dollar is expected to remain high, the cash rate could fall as low as 2.25 percent this year, reveals NAB’s Head of Australian Economics.
ASX 300 Quarterly Business Survey – September 2012
The ASX 300 Quarterly Business Survey captures the views of the ASX 300 business community and is a key peer comparator for companies. It aims to share business insights and an understanding of economic confidence for the quarter.
Quarterly SME Survey – September 2012
SME confidence and conditions better in Q3 but still below average; sentiment of SMEs now in line with their larger counterparts but activity, capacity utilisation and new orders continue to under perform. Strength in recreation & personal services and transport a consistent theme
Manufacturing Sector Insights – October 2012
This edition explores key topics and issues which have real potential for impact on manufacturers and the concept of optimisation in the context of business models, capital structure, funding profiles, working capital efficiency, approach to risk management and cost base.
Manufacturing Activity Index – Q3 2012
The Manufacturing Activity Index was unchanged in Q3 – despite diverging trends in the index components – remaining at negative levels. The index indicates further falls in Manufacturing growth in the quarter, which remains burdened by global economic trends and the strength of the dollar
Quarterly Business Survey – September quarter 2012
Business conditions improve in the quarter but still soft. However, Monthly survey results suggest conditions weakened towards the end of the quarter. Forward indicators remain very weak. Confidence up a touch but still at downbeat levels – especially mining
NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q2 2012
The NAB Manufacturing Activity Index provides detailed analysis of activity in Australia’s manufacturing sector and has been constructed to replicate quarterly movements in activity within the sector. The Manufacturing Activity Index* eased further in Q2, remaining in negative territory – despite some divergent trends in individual sub-sectors. The index implies declines in quarter-on-quarter growth in […]
2012 best industries
Which Australian industries are peaking this year? IBISWorld General Manager, Karen Dobie, dissects the research.
Helpline for small-medium manufacturers
A Gillard-chaired manufacturing taskforce aims to reignite Australia’s struggling manufacturing industry by helping local firms compete more effectively to harness opportunities emerging from the ‘Asian century’.
Foundations of business success
What’s the key to long-term business growth? Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory explain how they’ve adapted to keep going strong for over 120 years.