Singleton Council has launched its Industry Growth Series, hosting a capacity audience of local business owners and operators at Singleton TAFE for its inaugural workshop, Defence Opportunities for Local Business. The initiative connects regional commercial enterprises with defense industry advisors, prime contractors and procurement networks to assist local businesses in entering defense supply chains.
The workshop featured presentations from Chair of Hunter Defence, Tim Owen; Defence Industry Advisor with HunterNet and Deputy Chair of Hunter Defence, Bret Barton; and Principal Advisor of Strategy and Transformation at PKF, Derrek Lush. Panel discussions focused on defense security clearances, quality compliance standards, tendering prerequisites and pre-qualification networking.
The event marks the start of a 12-month series delivered by Singleton Council to support regional economic diversification. Future forums across the next year will target additional growth sectors identified by the Australian Government, including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, transport, agriculture and healthcare.
Director of Corporate and Community Services at Singleton Council, Dwight Graham stated that early preparation is essential for regional businesses seeking defense contracts.
“We could not have asked for a better launch for our Industry Growth series both with the level of expertise from our presenters and the level of interest from our local businesses,” Dwight said.
“Our aim was for businesses to take away practical and valuable information about the steps they can take to move into the defence sector, and the workshop presented a wide range of considerations from understanding security and quality requirements of defence businesses through to creating networks before opportunities become available. We’re incredibly thankful to all three of our presenters for being so generous with their time and knowledge, and I have no doubt there have been some valuable connections made that will assist many of the businesses in the room to grow and prosper.”
Mayor of Singleton, Sue Moore added that council’s role is to facilitate direct commercial connections between local operators and industry leaders.
“The Industry Growth Series will cover opportunities across emerging and growing sectors including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, transport, agriculture and health over the next 12 months,” Sue said.
“The overwhelming success of the first event is fantastic reinforcement that we’re on the right track and meeting what our local businesses are looking for. While it isn’t Council’s role to deliver opportunities directly, we’re taking a lead to connect local businesses, industry leaders, government agencies and support organisations to build relationships and be aware and prepared for what may arise.”
IMAGE | Singleton Council launches Industry Growth Series with defense sector business workshop
