http:// 2013-05-23T00:44:49Z 2013-05-23T00:44:49Z gimrs-launches-exclusive-premium-corporate-advertising-promotion

MAY 22, 2013 GIMRS launches exclusive corporate promotion to win one month's premium advertising worth $4,000 (AUD). This promotion presents an excellent opportunity to expand market visibility by show casing corporate brands and services to over 350 publicly listed companies and their key decision makers. Entries commence from the 16 May 2013 and close the 2 June 2013. In order to enter please email GIMRS your contact details and outline the reason why our executive members would benefit from your brand or service and what places your brand or service in front of market competitors. Prize details can be located here. The winning entry will be drawn Monday 3 June 2013 and the winner will be notified by email. Entries can be submitted via this link.      

2013-05-22T03:08:11Z wheatgrass-saves-boys-life-as-told-by-tony-hodge-from-oscar-juicers-1

This month Tony Hodge of Wheatgrass New Zealand wants to tell the world about the wonders of wheatgrass by relating the amazing story of how wheatgrass spray saved a little boy’s life, as told to him by Dr Chris Reynolds, M.B., B.S. who has been working in India. Here is what happened. Picture a tiny hovel on the outskirts of a dusty provincial town in Madhya Pradesh State in India, home to an impoverished family of six. It has dirt floors, no sanitation, no beds (they sleep on the floor) and no electricity. There is a lighted kerosene cooker in the centre of the room. Five year old Pawan runs into the room and knocks over the cooker which explodes and drenches him in flames. He suffers severe burns to 40% of his body. He is taken to a Burns Unit in a large private hospital that philanthropically admits a limited number of impoverished burns victims for free treatment. However, there is a catch. The burn must be healed within a week (an impossible task in most cases), after which the patient will be sent home. As he is from a poor family, follow up treatment is highly unlikely. The unhygienic surroundings and high risk of infection will threaten his survival. Many of these children (and adults)usually don’t even make it to a hospital, and die at home from their infected, untreated wounds. Visiting Pawan’s bedside on day four, the hospital surgeon told Dr Reynolds, “His only chance (of survival) “is for me to put a skin graft over the burn. But the wound is infected, so the graft won’t take. Also, I won’t have enough donor skin even if I could do it. Do you think the wheatgrass spray would help? He must be discharged in three days”. Having seen wheatgrass heal many kinds of wounds, including some very bad burns, Dr Reynolds said he was sure it would. At the surgeon’s request, Dr Reynolds sprayed a small area at one corner of the infected area of full thickness skin loss. The following day, the surgeon called to say that overnight the infection had cleared up, the wound surface was no longer losing fluid and a graft would not be necessary. Two days later his burns had recovered so well that he was discharged to return to the Outpatient Department for dressing changes. It would be fair to say that the wheatgrass spray saved this little boy’s life. Dr Reynolds will soon return to India to continue sharing his knowledge of wheatgrass healing with clinical staff at the hospital and reports that the surgeon is about to run a clinical trial using the wheatgrass spray for serious burns. For more information on wheatgrass please visit the website at http://www.wheatgrass.co.nz. 

2013-05-22T03:04:17Z wheatgrass-saves-boys-life-as-told-by-tony-hodge-from-oscar-juicers

This month Tony Hodge of Wheatgrass New Zealand wants to tell the world about the wonders of wheatgrass by relating the amazing story of how wheatgrass spray saved a little boy’s life, as told to him by Dr Chris Reynolds, M.B., B.S. who has been working in India. Here is what happened. Picture a tiny hovel on the outskirts of a dusty provincial town in Madhya Pradesh State in India, home to an impoverished family of six. It has dirt floors, no sanitation, no beds (they sleep on the floor) and no electricity. There is a lighted kerosene cooker in the centre of the room. Five year old Pawan runs into the room and knocks over the cooker which explodes and drenches him in flames. He suffers severe burns to 40% of his body. He is taken to a Burns Unit in a large private hospital that philanthropically admits a limited number of impoverished burns victims for free treatment. However, there is a catch. The burn must be healed within a week (an impossible task in most cases), after which the patient will be sent home. As he is from a poor family, follow up treatment is highly unlikely. The unhygienic surroundings and high risk of infection will threaten his survival. Many of these children (and adults)usually don’t even make it to a hospital, and die at home from their infected, untreated wounds. Visiting Pawan’s bedside on day four, the hospital surgeon told Dr Reynolds, “His only chance (of survival) “is for me to put a skin graft over the burn. But the wound is infected, so the graft won’t take. Also, I won’t have enough donor skin even if I could do it. Do you think the wheatgrass spray would help? He must be discharged in three days”. Having seen wheatgrass heal many kinds of wounds, including some very bad burns, Dr Reynolds said he was sure it would. At the surgeon’s request, Dr Reynolds sprayed a small area at one corner of the infected area of full thickness skin loss. The following day, the surgeon called to say that overnight the infection had cleared up, the wound surface was no longer losing fluid and a graft would not be necessary. Two days later his burns had recovered so well that he was discharged to return to the Outpatient Department for dressing changes. It would be fair to say that the wheatgrass spray saved this little boy’s life. Dr Reynolds will soon return to India to continue sharing his knowledge of wheatgrass healing with clinical staff at the hospital and reports that the surgeon is about to run a clinical trial using the wheatgrass spray for serious burns. For more information on wheatgrass please visit the website at http://www.wheatgrass.co.nz. 

2013-05-15T11:16:04Z training-choice-opens-its-new-european-headquarters-in-london-united-kingdom

Given Training Choice's constant development and their success in providing training facilities in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and America, the company now offers their over 14 years’ experience and expertise to European clients. As a start, Training Choice will provide training facilities and related services in over 40 locations in the UK, 10 in Germany and will soon supply all equipped training and conference rooms in France, Italy, Spain and beyond.                                                             Training Choices’ headquarters will be located in the Marble Arch Tower, London; benefits of this European business central location are competition, proximity and accessibility. The opening of this first European office marks an important step in Training Choice's continued international growth. The London office will enable Training Choice to better serve existing clients and expand the company's roster of international clients. Training outsourcing offers professional industries and organisations a fantastic platform to showcase their training expertise in an effective manner; to achieve their training and development objectives. Training Choices’ aim is to deliver service excellence to maximise results; follow and respond to markets needs and remain close to customers.   Supporting rapid growth   Training Choice’s new headquarters will act as a central hub for the company’s facilities supplying offering across the European market. Salah BANNA, EMEA Director, will lead the London operation office. Salah comments: “We committed to our clients and partners to become the largest worldwide network of training facilities and the inaugural of the London headquarters is a testament to our customer centric focus to continually ensure we meet the needs of the market”.  Training Choice's clients now have access to over 250 locations worldwide providing state of the art facilities for training, conferences and meetings. Training Choice will be looking to provide more services to their clients and expand their presence in areas where it will benefit their customers, partners and the community at large. About Training Choice: Training Choice is an International company, specialising in the providing of training outsourcing solutions to multinational clients all over the world. In addition to rooms and facilities, Training Choice provide a full range of training outsourcing services including instructors, training sales, training administration, logistical support, catering... For further information visit: www.training-choice.com  Contact: Sofia DA SILVA - Europe Marketing Executive Tel: +44 20 7859 8355 Email: sofia@training-choice.com

2013-05-14T00:46:33Z it-s-all-in-the-wrist

The growing trend in low-cost, on-demand guest or patient identification has seen technology distributor Comworth launch a purpose-built wristband printer into the New Zealand market.The compact Zebra HC100 makes the professional production of wristbands simple, fast and convenient for any size organisation.According to Comworth’s Zebra product manager Paul Francois, the printer is designed for use in a range of industries, where anything from quick and simple identification to barcoded access is required. “This includes applications in government, healthcare, hospitality, event management, retail and security where personal ID is needed,” he says.Shoebox-sized and comfortable on any counter, the robust 1.4kg printer easily fits into a retail environment, business workspace or at entry points to attractions and events. Optional wireless connectivity simplifies implementation and makes it easy to position the printers where required.The HC100 is designed to maximise ease of use, with simple-to-load ‘Z-Band’ wristband cartridges, and a Windows software application to guide users through the process of creating and printing wristbands.The Z-Band wristbands are available in a wide range of colours and styles, suitable for anything from identifying patients in hospital, to guests at events. The range includes latex-free, UV-coated and waterproof bands resistant to alcohol, solvents, and mild soaps, covering uses from water or theme parks to medical environments. Thermally-printed information won’t smudge or peel off.Unlike laser printers, which are not designed to process large quantities of adhesive-backed wristbands and labels, the Zebra HC100 was developed to accommodate a high volume of wristbands, says Francois. As a result, users experience fewer jams and ongoing maintenance needs are minimised.“The HC100 automatically detects the wristband type and size and calibrates itself for optimal print quality and reduced waste. As a result, minimal training is required to get the HC100 operational; when it needs additional consumables, loading or switching the cartridge is a quick and simple task, even for ‘technophobes’,” Francois adds.“This device makes the production of wristbands fast, professional and easy. It’s as simple as print, secure around the wrist and move on to the next person,” says Francois.“As both a specialised device and suitable for general use at schools or events, it is expected to be popular in a range of industries where wristbands are an effective way to track people or assets.”www.wristbandprinter.co.nz

2013-05-14T00:38:12Z comworth-announces-fully-rugged-windows-8-tablet

Mobile computing is taking a leap forward with local Panasonic Toughbook distributor Comworth announcing availability of the Toughpad FZ-G1. A 10.1-inch device, this tablet does something no other can: it packs the power of Windows 8 Pro and an Intel Core i5 processor in a fully-rugged package.Comworth Toughbook & Mobility Manager Darryn Smith says this Toughpad is built for the outdoors. “The all-weather design is dust and water resistant with MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certification, while it is capable of absorbing a drop from over a metre. But probably the most surprising feature of all is that this is an all in one  complete Windows 8 computer packed into just over one kilo,” he says.Headline specifications include a 128GB solid state hard drive,4GB of RAM and Intel vPro Core i5 processors. Connectivity in the Toughpad FZ-G1 is handled via 3G mobile broadband and WiFi with an HDMI-out and a USB 3.0 port and Bluetooth v4.0. Options include an RJ45 network connector, a legacy 9-pin serial port (useful for many field devices) and bar code reader.A massive 8 hour battery life with the option to extend to 16 hours provides users with even greater mobility and reach.As tablet computers increasingly make their way into the workplace, delivering ease-of-use and rapid access to information impossible with traditional laptops or desktops, Smith says the availability of fully-rugged devices is a boon to outdoor workers.The Windows 8 Toughpad provides the ability to replace the office laptop and tablet with a single all in one device.“Running a full Windows 64-bit operating system means existing applications, such as Microsoft Office and any one of a number of ERP solutions, can easily be extended to this tablet. The Windows stack means complete manageability and corporate policies linked to Active Directory can be implemented, equipping workers in even demanding environments to access and use information more easily than ever before.”A central feature of the rugged Toughpad is its 10.1-inch, high-definition daylight-readable, ten-point multi touch screen. Smith says the ability to clearly view a tablet outdoors is a major limiting factor for standard devices. “Where most tablets look a little like a mirror in the sunshine, the Panasonic Toughpad IPS display employs WUXGA technology at a resolution of 1920 x 1200. LED backlighting and 800 nit luminosity combines with anti-reflective and anti-glare treatments to ensure field workers can consistently use the device outdoors.”The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 is engineered to withstand the hard knocks of life on the road and operate flawlessly in every environment. “Whether it is intense heat and sunlight, to pouring rain and freezing temperatures, this is a computer that can go wherever you can go,” Smith concludes.www.toughpad.co.nz

2013-05-14T00:32:39Z stop-your-technology-getting-beaten-up

Worried that your laptop or tablet is getting beat up on the move? Ruggedise it with a range of accessories which makes your technology tougher and ready to go further with you every day.Rugged technology has evolved significantly in the last few years and with water, drop, and dust proofing accessories from the likes of Havis and Infocase. These are designed specifically to add a protective layer for personal computing devices, improving their odds against the elements. “With technology becoming such an integral part of our lives, it is no longer uncommon for backpackers, campers and other outdoorsy people to take their computers with them on the road,” says Rugged mobility manager Darryn Smith.These ‘road warriors’ join the many thousands of professionals who are required to take their computers into unusual settings to do their jobs effectively. “Whether for work or play, rugged accessories give your technology a better chance of surviving the inevitable knocks, drops, splashes and spills associated with travel,” he notes.Targeted at the business user, Havis provides a range of mounting hardware for vehicles, allowing convenient positioning of Panasonic Toughbook devices in cars, boats or trucks. “These docking stations provide the safest, most reliable mounts to keep computers in place when on the move, and being pushed to the limits by Emergency services around the world. The marine docking stations are designed to withstand jets of water from every direction - forces similar to those of heavy seas,” Smith explains.Meanwhile, Infocase provides a range of cases, harnesses, and other protective solutions for mobile devices, including iPads and other tablet computers. These solutions are ideal for any use: business or personal. “With the addition of an Infocase accessory, many ‘non-rugged’ devices gain a level of protection which elevates them to ‘semi-rugged’ status,” says Smith. “This allows the user to take their technology with them into environments which might ordinarily be ruled out.”He says the high failure rates of notebooks used in demanding circumstances are compelling users to look for better options. “A Panasonic-sponsored IDC study has shown that standard notebooks fail at a rate of about one in five [22%], with the top reasons for failure being drops, spills and falling objects. These threats to notebooks can be found in any office, let alone in more demanding outdoors workplaces,” Smith notes.By comparison, Panasonic Toughbook ruggedised computers have a failure rate of just 1.5%.“Not everyone can afford or needs rugged devices every day. However, with the addition of the accessories available through Comworth’s nationwide network of resellers, mobile computing receives a reliability boost,” he concludes.Rugged technology specialist Comworth imports and distributes Havis and Infocase products. These add a protective layer for personal computing devices, improving their odds against the elements. Comworth is also New Zealand’s exclusive distributor of Panasonic Toughbook ruggedised laptops and tablets.

2013-05-14T00:05:54Z comworth-announces-availability-of-panasonic-toughbook-cf-ax2-the-worlds-lightest-rugged-ultrabook

Think rugged means heavy? Think again with the Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2, a new Ultrabook which weighs in at just over 1.1 kilograms yet delivers the reliable performance associated with a business rugged machine. It’s a world-first, too: no other convertible business rugged machine is as light.Available exclusively from New Zealand Toughbook distributor Comworth, the CF-AX2’s convertible format takes advantage of Windows 8’s touch-driven interface when you want mobility, while switching back to the familiar laptop design for working at the desk. Its 360-degree flip-over hinge design allows the CF-AX2 to go from ultrabook to tablet and back in seconds.According to Darryn Smith, Toughbook & Mobility Manager at Comworth, this device combines flexibility, ease of use and ultraportability in a single device. “For many executives, the introduction of tablets – and their wild popularity – has meant more devices to take with them when they travel, not fewer.  With this ultrabook, it goes back to two devices, smartphone and convertible, delivering the best of both worlds.”As a ‘business rugged’ device, Smith explains that the Toughbook CF-AX2 is designed to withstand knocks and drops that come with the demands of busy executives, without compromising on performance or design.Built around a 11.6-inch capacitive multi-touch screen, the machine – which is just 18mm thick - features Intel’s ULV (ultra-low voltage) i5 processor and SSD (solid state drive) storage. These combine to deliver battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge; as a hot-swappable unit, a spare battery can be snapped into place with zero disruption to outlast even the longest plane flights. Standard memory is 4GB of internal RAM, while connectivity in the convertible business laptop includes 3G mobile broadband, WiFi, Bluetooth and two USB 3.0 ports.Connecting the Intel HD 4000 graphics adapter to external screens is handled by an HDMI interface with a legacy VGA output for easy access to projectors; an SDXC card reader provides the ability to simply transfer files from external devices such as digital cameras or smartphones. Smith says demand for the Toughbook CF-AX2 is expected to be strong. “This device delivers new levels of freedom and reliability for business users in a stylish and lightweight design. Ideal for the mobile sales force, merchandisers and executives, it is equally good as a tablet or a notebook and it is built for reliability and performance.”

2013-05-07T05:30:34Z long-life-battery-protects-assets

Perth based GPS Tracking Company, Myionu (pronounced ‘my eye on you’), have introduced a range of intelligent battery powered GPS Tracking devices which remotely monitor location and movement of a range of assets and plant equipment. Unlike many tracking solutions, Myionu AssetTrack does not rely on external power. Using the very latest battery technology coupled together with intelligent GPS Myionu AssetTrack can last up to massive 7 years. The fit and forget devices are IP67 rated and can work in extreme temperatures  Temperature -30º to +75º C (operating) -40º to +85º C (storage). Using the Telstra Next G network to send data, coverage is excellent. Paul Delaney, Myionu GM says “the Myionu AssetTrack now gives customers a cost effective solution to track and manage a range of assets including trailers, containers and plant equipment” Measuring just 55 x 55 x 260mm the device is completely self-contained and can be deployed in minutes without specialist installation.   The Myionu AssetTrack is a battery operated, non-rechargeable trailer tracking product designed for reliable, multi-year deployments. The AssetTrack is an ideal solution for managing assets that will be deployed for long periods without maintenance needs. The AssetTrack can be configured over the air to change the way the unit reports. Regardless of the number of updates the AssetTrack produces, the monthly service fees remain the same at just $30 per unit per month. As with all Myionu™ products, AssetTrack comes with a life time warranty† and the choice of a no contract option. Location and management information can be viewed at anytime, anywhere in the world from any device that has an internet connection using a standard web based browser. 

2013-05-07T03:49:09Z rimtech-software-rebrands-to-foresiight-following-mcommerce-development

Brisbane, Australia, 7 May 2013 – Rimtech Software, a leading provider of retail software, today announced it has rebranded to ‘Foresiight’ to better reflect its broader offering and strategic direction, as a result of its move into the development of ground-breaking mCommerce technology, Sniip. “Foresiight is a software development company focused on the needs of Australia’s ever-changing retail sector,” said Manny Gill, CEO, Foresiight. “We have always been focused on developing state-of-the-art solutions that truly improve business process management, and aim to create a unique customer experience, utilising all of the advances in technology as they become available. “Our evolution as a business over more than 20 years has culminated in our development of the Sniip technology, as our traditional bricks and mortar retail clients are now embracing an omni-channel strategy. “Sniip is the first true ‘clicks and mortar’ experience – where traditional mediums meet the online world, creating ‘reach’ both in-store and out-of-store.” The most recent advancement in technology complements Foresiight’s existing retail-specific software, and follows the consumer trend that 90 percent of mobile phone users are forecast to own a smartphone as their primary device by 2015. “We have recognised the need to meet the rapidly growing consumer appetite for using mobile devices to do almost everything – from basic web browsing and social media to retail shopping and paying bills,” said Mr Gill. “We have developed this technology so that retailers can now engage their customers anywhere, anytime through their mobile device.” Development of the Sniip mobile application is in its final stages and is on schedule to be launched in August. “Foresiight, along with the names of its core product line, is spelled with two ‘i’s. This is not a mistake – the ‘i’s represent the theme that runs through our entire business – information innovation. We are not just committed to the pursuit of developing robust, fit-for-purpose business software, but to the innovation needed to make the application of information technology truly relevant and adaptive to the modern world,” explained Mr Gill. Foresiight has three separate parts to its business – mCommerce, general retail solutions and business software for pharmacy. Head Office Relocation in Brisbane The new Forsiight office is now located at: 31 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011 Ph: 1800 061 670

2013-04-30T04:07:40Z coveraustralia-offers-obligation-free-advice

April 30, 2013-CoverAustralia, the top online life insurance brokerage firm in Australia, recently accounted their plans to offer their clients obligation free advice. This announcement was made as part of CoverAustralia’s overall plan to provide their clients with unparalleled service and support.  Spokesperson for CoverAustralia stated “Cover Australia offers a full advice service, unlike many competitors, which enables us to provide you with an insurance solution catered to your needs. We understand that not everyone is the same and that your financial goals are going to be unique.”Clients of CoverAustralia spoke highly of this online life insurance brokerage firm. Many Aussies claimed that they were pleased with the level of service and support they received. The introduction of the obligation free advice was just one of the numerous benefits that this online firm offers to their clients. The brokerage firm has over 27 years of experience in the industry and over 70 years of combined life insurance experience. Clients know that they are receiving the best service, the best support and the best life insurance options that are available.  The Coveraustralia advisors are the first line of communication for clients and that is why the online life insurance brokerage firm has taken great care in ensuring that they have only the most qualified people in this position. The advice may be free but it is not worthless. Clients of CoverAustralia have saved money, received sound advice, and walked away more knowledgeable about their life insurance options after discussing their life insurance needs with one of the CoverAustralia advisors.The clients that choose to work with this firm choose one of the insurance companies within the network. The options all include a no penalty, no obligation cover. What this means is that the policy holder can cancel their policy at any time and for any reason with no penalty or further obligation. This provides policy holders with a peace of mind that is difficult to find in some of the other online life insurance brokerage firms available. Clients of CoverAustralia come to them for the security and satisfaction of knowing that they are receiving more value for their money. Combine that with free no obligation advice and it is easy to see why this firm is considered one of the top online life insurance brokerage firms in the country. For more information or to reach one of CoverAustralia’s highly skilled advisors, they can be reached directly via telephone at 1300-366-817. When you call you will be directed with one of CoverAustralia leading insurance advisors. CoverAustralia can also be found by visiting their website directly. The company offers a free live chat feature or email option available at: http://www.coveraustralia.com.au

2013-04-26T01:25:20Z leading-cough-medicine-company-for-children-releasing-new-flavour

Australia’s leading company specialising in cough medicine for children has announced plans for a new flavour of medicine to be released. Little Coughs have created a cough medicine specifically designed for children that uses all natural ingredients including ivy leaf. For centuries ivy leaf has been used as a remedy for cough medicine and thanks to its healing properties it works to encourage the thinning of mucus in the chest and throat whilst allowing air to flow to the lungs. Because little coughs works hard to ensure all their medicines are completely healthy and all natural, parents can feel rest assured when it comes to using Little Coughs. Little Coughs cough medicine for children already come in a tasty flavour that encourages children to take their medicine without pulling a face. Now the experts at little coughs are considering bringing out another delicious flavour. Little Cough Medicine For Children works with parents and their children in mind which is why they don’t use any additives or artificial colourings or sweeteners in their medicine. They understand that parents like to know what they are putting into their children’s bodies which is why little coughs uses only the healthiest happiest, natural ingredients. Little Coughs medicine works so it doesn’t hinder or suppress your child’s cough but encourages it in a healthy and productive way. The active ingredient is ivy leaf which not only thins mucus but soothes a sore throat and encourages a good night’s sleep. All in all this is good for children and great for parents. For a natural cough medicine that understands children it seems Little Coughs stands head and shoulders above the rest. If a child’s cough persists you should always seek medical health and be sure to read the label on Little Coughs medicine carefully.

2013-04-25T05:26:11Z dr-jane-paterson-helps-women-reclaim-confidence-with-labiaplasty

Labiaplasty Surgery can be used to create a more subtle appearance of the female private area which can in turn invigorate confidence, seduction and attraction. The labiaplasty procedure involves rejuvenating the labium by sculpting and forming a desired female silhouette. Studies have shown that there has been a major increase in the number of Medicare-funded labiaplasty surgeries. The results of this study show that this surgical beautification treatment is booming in popularity with even more increase expected. This comes as no surprise to Dr Jane Paterson who has been performing the FHD approved procedure for a number of years with great success and admiration from her patients and surgical community alike. Dr Jane Paterson consults with her patients about their desired labia look Dr Jane Paterson utilises her gentle and steady hand to enhance the female form, and speaks on the subject: “Many women are concerned about the appearance of their most private and feminine area, and as a female myself I can understand their needs more intrinsically and use this to give them optimal results.” Dr Paterson will sit down with her patients and consult with them in detail at her Melbourne surgery about their concerns as well as explain the treatment in a sensitive but detailed nature to ensure a full understanding. She will describe the intricacy of the labia truthfully and explain that, like an erotic fingerprint, no two labia look the same. Dr Jane Paterson speaks about the various benefits of the labiaplasty procedure “I have seen many happy patients whose personal, professional and intimate lives are transformed by this procedure. The appearance of the labia does have the power to evoke confidence and improve quality of life.” As a cosmetic plastic surgeon it is Dr Jane Paterson’s passion to heighten her patient’s confidence and improve the aesthetic appearance of the body by sculpting the most intimate area of the female form. She has a special interest in plastic surgery designed torestore confidence to women to help them reclaim their quality of life. Dr Jane Paterson operates from her practice in Melbourne and provides understanding and comprehensive consultations and surgeries to all of her patients. If you have any further enquiries please contact Dr Jane Paterson on (03) 903 88 227 or visit her Melbourne Practice at Suite 8.4, Epworth Hospital, 89 Bridge Road, Richmond. 

2013-04-23T09:40:30Z epi-use-appoints-judith-carelsen-to-head-up-operations

Judith brings with her a wealth of experience in SAP HCM service delivery and operational service line management.  Her experience through previous principle consultant and service line leadership roles will provide EPI-USE the bandwidth to ensure successful growth in Australia and to cement our current offerings and customer engagement. Judith’s appointment will allow Richard Potash (CEO EPI-USE APJ) to focus on the APJ expansion and Australian Customer Engagement functions.

2013-04-17T00:41:46Z msi-global-alliance-survey-identifies-australia-s-most-visible-brands-by-category

 In the most recent quarterly survey by legal and accounting group MSI Global Alliance, more than 800 participants nominated a series of businesses across 18 categories – to identify Australia’s ‘Most Visible Brands’. Participants were asked to select the ‘most visible’ and ‘least visible’ brands from a named group of well-known businesses across the 18 categories. They were asked to base their selection on gut feel as to which brands had been more visible to them personally over the past 12 month period.Clear winnersClear winners nominated as the ‘most visible’ brands over the past 12 months in their categories included Myer in the Department Stores category (60 per cent of nominations vs. David Jones:38 per cent), Specsavers in the optical retail category (72 per cent of nominations vs. OPSM:21 per cent), Qantas in Airlines (63 per cent vs. Virgin Australia: 35 per cent), Commonwealth Bank (55 per cent vs. ANZ: 15 per cent) and eBay easily taking out the Online Retail category (64 per cent vs. Amazon: 18 per cent). It was perhaps no surprise to see Coke (89 per cent) a very clear winner over Pepsi (5 per cent).Narrow winnersOther categories were more closely contested with Coles (53 per cent) more narrowly beating Woolworths (42 per cent) in the Grocery category, Target (46 per cent) ahead of Kmart (28 per cent) and Big W (22 per cent) in Big Box Retail and BUPA (51 per cent) leading Medibank Private (37 per cent) in Health Funds.The most visible insurance brand is AAMI (45 per cent) over Allianz (37 per cent) while Panadol (48 per cent) narrowly held off Nurofen (44 per cent) with both easily ahead of home grown Herron (3 per cent).Similarly, Wotif and Webjet appear to be head to head in consumers’ minds with 45 per cent and 37 per cent of the nominations respectively for most visible brand in the Online Hotel and Airlines Booking category. Broader spreadThe Auto category saw a much broader spread of nominations: while overall Toyota (34 per cent) was nominated as most visible auto brand, Holden (15 per cent), Mazda (15 per cent), Hyundai (13 per cent) also made it into double-figures. Ford was only nominated by 7 per cent of participants.Similarly, pharmacy is currently a business segment seeing a great deal of competition among category players with the result being a strong spread of nominations across Chemists Warehouse (37 per cent), Priceline (18 per cent), Amcal (17 per cent), Terry White (14 per cent) and Chemmart (10 per cent).This was mirrored in the Car Rentals category with Budget (31 per cent) and Avis (30 per cent) running neck and neck, with Europcar (14 per cent) and Hertz (12 per cent) each collecting more than 10 per cent of nominations in their category.And finally…With plain packaging laws now in place for cigarette manufacturers, the question still remains over which brands are strong enough in the minds of consumers to retain a public profile. While more than 25 per cent did not nominate any brand, in total Marlboro (27 per cent), Winfield (21 per cent) and Benson & Hedges (20 per cent) scored significant nominations.MSI Global Alliance Chairman for Australia and New Zealand Alec Blacklaw commented that: “Clearly consumers in Australia have a strong connection with brands that appeal to all demographics. Brand visibility, however, is on one level all about the connection between significant marketing budgets and memorable advertising. On another level, some brands have become so omni-present that almost nothing can dislodge their visibility, even when it is hard to put a finger on their advertising campaigns – Coca Cola is a great example of this.”“What is perhaps most interesting about the results of this survey is that the businesses which appear to have strong public momentum have come out on top in what is intentionally simply a survey based on immediate ‘gut feel’. VB trending against XXXX Gold since it reverted to its original strength seems to have done wonders for its visibility, for example.”For the full survey results, click here- ENDS -For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:Maree SchneidersM: 0411 446 484E: maree@strategyco.netW: www.strategyco.net MSI Global Alliance: International association of accountancy and law firmsMSI Global Alliance (MSI) is a top ranked, international association of independent accountancy and law firms. Since 1990, growing entrepreneurial companies have benefited from seamless access to the interrelated expertise of accountants, auditors, lawyers, tax advisors and other specialist professionals within over 250 member firms across 105 countries worldwide. In Australia and New Zealand, MSI consists of 15 independent legal and accounting firms that provide specialist services to local and overseas businesses.We provide our clients with access to local knowledge and broad professional experience of over 8,000 professional experts worldwide. We have a unique multidisciplinary approach to serving clients that makes MSI different from the large firms and networks.In addition, every one of MSI's member firms is independently owned and managed by principals who are committed to involvement in their client's business challenges. Along with a rigorous member firm selection process, this ensures high standards of service and unrivalled knowledge of local markets. Member firms work together on behalf of clients who face cross border issues, ensuring sophisticated local expertise is supported by global professional relationships, and that clients enjoy positive business outcomes. For further information about MSI visit www.msiglobal.org or to go direct to the Australian and New Zealand pages www.anz.msiglobal.org