The event will include updates on cyber security and protecting your assets while doing business over the internet, presented by CQR client executive manager Greg Starkey, along with training tips on how to engage the media and promote business services and products.
Small Business Commissioner John Chapman will be speaking about regional concerns, along with EML’s Alex Flint, who will talk about regional health.
The South Australian Business Chamber Executive Director Industry and Government Engagement, Anthony Penney, said regional owners and decision makers wanted to discuss the issues affecting their patch.
“Our biennial Regional Voice Survey results released in late August show us that despite confidence skyrocketing, businesses in Port Pirie, Yorke Peninsula and the Lower and Mid North are being hampered by high electricity costs, they lack access to appropriately-skilled workers and they face high labour costs,” Mr Penney said.
“Half viewed either company tax or payroll tax as the most constraining to their business growth. Improving or building roads and ports in the region were also a priority, particularly as the Yorke Peninsula is home to many farmers and surrounded by gulf waters.”
Mr Penney said 75 per cent of the region’s respondents, which was the largest and most comprehensive snapshot of country business opinions across South Australia, thought the state needed a government policy to specifically promote regional growth and a clearer articulation of existing policies was essential.
“The South Australian Business Chamber, Business Port Pirie and the Chamber of Commerce Kadina will be working together at both events to ensure we can give local businesses a boost,” Mr Penney said.
He said businesses had also asked for tips to give their business a competitive advantage across the state, with region-specific information shared in the events’ workshops.
Regional Voice Port Pirie is a free event being held at the Lions Football Club from 5.15pm on Tuesday 25 September.
Regional Voice Kadina will be held at the new Copper Coast and Leisure Centre from 5.15pm on Wednesday 26 September.
To arrange an interview or for further information, please call Verity Edwards on 0412 678 942.
