Free advice to lift profits

LOCAL businesses can learn how to future-proof against rising energy costs at a free information and networking event.

Mildura Rural City Council, Better Building Finance and Mildura Regional Development are partnering for the May event.

It will help firms learn how to improve their profitability and sustainability in the face of ongoing energy cost increases and market volatility.

Organisations who are providing speakers include:

Mildura Rural City Council – supports available to local businesses and their sustainability goals.

Mildura Regional Development – challenges and opportunities facing local businesses.

Sustainable Australia Fund – information on how businesses can finance their building upgrades without affecting their business cashflow.

There will also be a panel discussion of sustainability experts discussing different technologies that can power profits, including No.1 Solar, Thermoshield and Glaciem Heating and Cooling.

Another panel of local businesses will examine the challenges in their respective industries and their sustainability journey so far, including AVL Wines and Cann Group.

Councillor Jodi Reynolds encouraged local businesses to take up the opportunity to learn more about how they can operate more sustainability and profitably given the challenges posed by rising energy costs.

“We know that many businesses are looking for sustainability initiatives that not only appeal to a market that increasingly demands better environmental performance, but importantly saves thousands, or in some cases millions of dollars in operational costs,” Cr Reynolds said.

“This is a great opportunity to hear and speak directly to a host of experts in this field as well as ask any questions.

“It’s also a valuable opportunity for local business owners to network and share their knowledge and experiences with each other and local service providers.”

Mildura Regional Development chief executive officer Brett Millington echoed Cr Reynolds’ comments, highlighting the opportunity for local business operators to pick up information that could make a real difference to their operations.

“With energy costs on the rise, exploring ways in which businesses can become more efficient, or use alternative sources, is becoming increasingly important,” Mr Millington said.

“Sessions like these are so valuable in identifying the opportunities and initiatives that exist, such as Environmental Upgrade Finance.”

Better Building finance executive manager Ed Cotter described the event as a “must” for local businesses.

“If you’re a business who is concerned about the impact rising energy costs are having, then this event is a must,” Mr Cotter said.

“Attendees will walk away with an understanding of what they can do, where they can start and how they can fund a range of upgrades that will not only save them money, but also do something good for the environment.”

The event is facilitated by Better Building Finance, which has helped enable and run Building Upgrade Finance programs in 73 council areas across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

Register for Future-proof your business against rising energy at the Eventbrite website.

Light refreshments will be provided.

The event is at Fossey’s Distillery from 3-5pm on Thursday, May 18.

For more information, contact Energy and Water innovation officer Jay Smith on 5018 8100.