The Business Centre is undergoing major change to better support local business.
After recently announcing a new leader, Pierre Malou, and moving headquarters to 6 Dick Street, Newcastle West, The Business Centre has reinvented its approach to service delivery to be more customer-focused and further tailored to individual needs.
Pierre said the new premises and three-tiered approach to business advisory services have allowed local businesses to benefit from a suite of specialisations and packages focused on the business’ unique industry, goals and ideas.
“We have new premises, a growing footprint and a fresh approach to doing business and each of these shifts have come about to improve our customer experience and really tailor the services we provide,” Pierre said.
“In the past, The Business Centre offered a dual approach to service delivery that was funded by the government. With our new open-plan premises that is all about embracing unique skill sets and sharing ideas, we’ve also reworked the way we operate so we can pass those benefits on to businesses that use our services.”
The new three-tiered strategy focuses on harnessing innovation in businesses.
“The first tier offers eight hours of subsidised face-to-face advisory services with an experienced Business Advisor,” Pierre said.
“The second tier incorporates three months of mentoring and small business education workshops offered by the centre.
“The third tier can be up to a year-long arrangement and involves creating a mini board focused on the client’s business. Board members are chosen experts from within The Business Centre and respective industry who meet monthly to provide guidance on the business.”
With more than 13 years spent working in the Hunter Valley and getting to know local businesses and their needs, Pierre said the feedback for the new headquarters, service delivery and focus on innovation has been very positive.
“When you want to improve your customer experience throughout, you need to start with your people. Our new office is conducive to the atmosphere of innovation and ideas sharing that we want for our staff and for our clients,” Pierre said.
With the move comes a growing footprint for the centre, with services now operating from Gosford to Taree, and Newcastle to Scone inland.
IMAGE | The Business Centre’s Board Member Sandra Gilshenan, Chief Operations Officer Steve Wait, Chief Executive Officer Pierre Malou, and Board Member Damien Harvey.
Photo: Simone De Peak/Fairfax Syndication.
