NSW Enterprise Workshop
2011 AWARDS PRESENTATION DINNER

Tuesday, 29 November – Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Email succeed@enterpriseworkshop.com.au for an invitation

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Workshop Alumni Report
Workshop Alumnus Awarded 2011 ANSTO Eureka Prize
for ‘Innovative Use of Technology’

Dr John Arkwright from CSIRO and Dr Phil Dinning from UNSW/St George Hospital and Flinders University have jointly won the 2011 ANSTO Eureka Prize for the Innovative Use of Technology for a catheter device that uses optical fibre pressure sensing technology developed by CSIRO to gain clinical access to regions deep in the human ‘gut’.
These catheters are providing clinical researchers with unprecedented detail of the muscular activity associated with peristalsis that goes on deep inside the human body. The information is so dramatic that one senior researcher has described the technology as ‘the Hubble telescope’ of gastroenterology because it enables clinicians to ‘see details they have never seen before’.

The fibre optic pressure sensors involve wavelength selective reflectors known as fibre Bragg gratings (fbg’s) that are commonly used in long distance telecommunications systems. John Arkwright is an expert in this technology. He successfully created long catheters involving a series of fbg’s that can be used to measure pressure at 10mm intervals along the gastrointestinal tract. Dr Phil Dinning and his fellow researchers are using the catheters to develop clinical applications.

John Arkwright participated in the Workshop where he examined the opportunities to develop a medical devices business to develop and sell the new fibre optic catheter device. His evaluation of the potential market for this technology led him to decide not to form a spin-off a company because the market was not large enough to support a start-up business. "realistic insights into the size of the potential market and the commercialisation process"
Instead, he concentrated on finding a licensing partner already well-established in the medical diagnostics field. With assistance from colleagues from CSIRO’s commercialisation group the technology has now been licensed successfully to Unisensor AG; a Swiss company specialising in custom-made catheters for gastroenterology, urology and other medical applications.

John says that taking part in the Enterprise Workshop was an essential part of making the decision not to start a spin-off company. It gave him realistic insights into the size of the potential market and the commercialisation process. John said, “I realised that although the technology is a dramatic improvement on existing diagnostic devices, the accessible market was simply not large enough. Opting for the licensing route was a hard decision but the right one. It has ensured the technology will reach the market place much more quickly and be of benefit sufferers of disorders such as constipation and incontinence. It also saved me from making a very unwise decision!”

John is now working on further applications of the technology.

It's Been Some Time Since...
Past Participant - Michael Shur

About 20 years ago, our printing and document production company, Dashing Printing heard about a very new concept of ‘outsourcing’ or ‘managing internal print and copying facilities’ for major accounting firms, law firms and corporates. We decided to enter a team of three in the Workshop to examine this new opportunity and develop a business plan of action.
It was a fabulous learning experience – took several months including a final tense presentation to a high level Judging panel. To our delight we were announced as the winner of the Best Business Plan Award that year. We also (almost simultaneously) won the Print Outsourcing contract for Price Waterhouse.

As a result of our enthusiasm for the rigorous Workshop process we entered another team two years later with a Law Discovery business called Law Copy. We didn’t win but we learned a huge amount on how to set up another exciting new aspect of our business, which we did!

I can recommend the Workshop Program to any would-be entrepreneur with a great idea or business seeking to widen their business range. My enthusiasm for the Workshop extended over to my becoming a director and committed supporter for several years. I’m delighted to know the Workshop – and the management team - is still going strong.

Michael Shur, AFG Venture Group


Divvy on Channel 10

Life is accelerating for Stuart Guthrie since last year’s Winter Program. The speed picked up when he won the Awards for the Best Business Plan and the Best Financial his project A2B. Stuart has been joined by partner Nick Austin who has a finance industry background and has worked with organisations such as Colonial First State and CBA.
They have re examined the A2B business plan with additional research and analysis and have created a new business called Divvy. Divvy’s aim is to make parking simple and smart by linking owners of car spaces with ‘parkers’ eager to use their space and on days when it is free.

Divvy went in August, and already has a growing number of members. It has been written up in the Manly Daily and the Sunday Telegraph, was featured on Channel Ten News and Radio 2UE. Initial transactions have been successful and are proving the model. Divvy anticipates returning car space owners up to $2,000 per annum.

Go to www.divvy.com.au to see a great video that explains what Divvy is doing – it’s happening now in Sydney and will move across the country. The Channel Ten news clip is here.

Stuart Guthrie, Divvy
Workshop Mentors Appointed for Winter Program
Projects Underway
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Axonis: Paul Buckingham
Project: This project is concerned with innovative hardware and software supporting a new environment of ‘upgradable hardware’, IP and software.

Mentor: Terry Sayer graduated with a Commerce degree from the University of New South Wales. Terry holds post graduate qualifications in Business and Corporate Management. In 1997 he completed a Masters in Applied Finance at Macquarie University. His career covers all aspects of accounting, administration and financial management, gained mainly within large Australian and US multi-nationals. It covers broad and diverse manufacturing segments.
ecoXchange: Kelvin Montagu
Project: ecoXchange is examining the feasibility of establishing a virtual organisation to facilitate collaboration between people living in urban areas with rural landowners for the purpose of conserving and protecting particular ‘at risk’ natural environments on landowners’ properties. The ecoXchange concept involves ‘matchmaking’ to connect urban people concerned about and willing to donate funds to address a particular environmental issue, with the owner of a property where that issue needs to be addressed . The ‘connection’ would include visits to the property to see the area they are supporting and the progress that is being made.

Mentor: Robert Middendorp has worked in accounting and finance roles with companies such as NAB, ACI, Fluor, Pirelli Cables, FH Faulding and Repco. Following the 1987 share market crash he held interim CEO roles in turnaround situations in the automotive, commuter airline and boat building industries.
Entertainment Personnel: Patricia Powell-Hughes & Stratton Powell-Hughes
Project: Entertainment Personnel is a dynamic, successful business with a 12 year track record in recruiting and headhunting staff for the creative industries (film, television, media and entertainment). Our project is about positioning our small business for growth and attracting investment through strategic planning. By analysing past performance (financials, operations, marketing, customers and competitors) we will realistically forecast growth and identify opportunities for presentation to potential investors.

Mentor: Jorge Albinagorta is a business development, marketing and technology professional with twelve years experience in selling, project managing and operating web-based products and service platforms. For the past five years he has run LatinOcean, a digital marketing consulting practice for the recruitment industry. Latin Ocean currently represents Skillstream, a global supplier of contingent workforce management software.
Organic Farm Gate: Nick Miall
Project: Organic Farm Gate is an established business that markets and sells organically-produced fruit and vegetables on behalf of growers. The team is preparing a business plan to increase the company’s access to potential buyers of organically produced fruit and vegetables, and increase its profitability.

Mentor: Robert Middendorp.
RedArk Marketing: Liz Rowell
Project: After five yours of establishing and stabilising its business, Red Ark Marketing, an independent, integrated advertising agency, is preparing a plan to take it to the next level. Participating in the Workshop has enabled Red Ark to objectively review its value proposition for clients and prospects, and work on a structured program to build its brand and reputation; and establish new relationships with marketing and business managers.

Mentor: Arnie Selvarajah has more than 25 years experience covering the financial services and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors. He is currently CEO of Bell Direct, Australia’s fastest growing online stock broker. Previously he held senior positions with the Commonwealth Bank, CommSec (as Executive Manager of retail share broking operations) and Food Services Associates (CEO). Food Services Associates provided outsourced sales and marketing services to food manufacturers.
Remedica: Lisa Phipps
Project: REMEDICA Australia P/L is an Australian manufacturer of innovative luxury skin care products using natural and organic formulations. The range includes facial skin care, body, bath, spa and personal care products. In addition to the specialised product line, REMEDICA has developed an innovative solution to the potentially toxic, skin irritating and photo sensitising aspects of applying personal insect repellent. The business plan will examine the market for the existing product range and the new insect repellent.

Mentor: Business owner, mentor, leader and innovator, Gillian Corban has a vested interest in making ideas reality. Her 30-year career has spanned the fields of art and education, government policy, curriculum development, affirmative action and business. Gillian is Managing Director of Corban & Blair Pty Ltd, a design firm specialising in stationery and lifestyle related products. Since its establishment in 1988, Corban & Blair has seen local and international success with its retail lines and cleverly translated marketing concepts for corporate clients. Clients that include banks, insurance, fashion, advertising and hospitality.

Co-Mentor: Carl Runde Director Finance, Global Research & Development – ResMed Ltd. Carl has been with ResMed since February, 2001 and holds his current position since early 2010. Previously, Carl held the position of Regional Financial Controller, ResMed Asia Pacific and Director Group Financial Planning (ResMed Inc).
ResMed: Ken Taylor, Kirrily Haskard, Micheal Collins & Stephen Klar
Project: The ResMed team is developing a the SleepGuardian™ Program for managing workplace fatigue using existing ResMed products and Sleep Minder technology recently acquired from BiancaMed. The Program will enable OH & S professionals to manage the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and prevent workplace accidents. The initial focus will be on the mining industry where many of the employees who work in safety-critical situations have lifestyle factors strongly associated with sleeping disorders: long working hours, smoking and being overweight.

Mentor: Dr Deirdre Stewart is a leader in the field of sleep medicine following 26 years experience in both clinical settings and her research on the effects of sleep apnea on the control of breathing. Her company, SleepSmart Australia, provides seminars and workshops on sleep health to employees of companies and other organisations.
Wizzy Board: Nimrod Klayman
Project: WizzyBoard™ has a proprietary, patentable technology for modifying objects so they can be recognised by touchscreens such as iPads. WizzyBoard is applying this technology to develop commercial edutainment activities for young children. Toy – computer interactions enabled by the WizzyBoard platform can provide children with rich, learn-while-you-play experiences. A business plan is being prepared to raise capital.

Mentor: Alastair McArthur has more than 20 years experience in executive management roles in high tech companies, including commercialising intellectual property. From being a design engineer he moved to business development and CEO roles. He was CEO & MD of ISD, a radio frequency identification (RFID) company, and is a co-founder and currently CTO of TAGSYS, a global wireless technology company.
About The EW and The University of Adelaide

The quality of the Workshop program is recognised by the University of Adelaide Education Centre for Innovation & Commercialisation. ECIC (Sydney campus) offers Workshop graduates credit for Masters Degree programs in Entrepreneurship; Project Management; and Science & Commercialisation.

Plan now for success!

Go to www.enterpriseworkshop.com.au - 2012 information available soon.

The Workshop has helped create and develop businesses since 1982. In the Program a wide range of experienced speakers will share their business expertise with you. You will receive advice from a senior business person assigned to your project as your mentor. You will learn how to identify and assess commercial opportunities and prepare a realistic business plan as your ‘roadmap’ for success!

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The NSW Enterprise Workshop, established in 1982, is a voluntary not-for-profit organisation run by senior business people. Many successful small and medium size businesses have started up and others have been expanded in the Workshop.

NSW Entrepreneurship Centre Limited. ABN 57 003 749 trading as NSW Enterprise Workshop.
Suite 601, 20 Loftus Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | P: 02 9241 6245 | F: 02 9247 2495

www.enterpriseworkshop.com.au