ABOUT – Adelaide Business Collective

ADELAIDE BUSINESS COLLECTIVE

Adelaide Business Collective is a not-for-profit body that works on behalf of its business members in the City and North Adelaide to create a vibrant and prosperous business environment.

The 'BUSINESS VOICE' for ADELAIDE CITY

WHO ARE WE?

The Adelaide Business Collective represents and harnesses the collective strength of nearly 300 businesses based in the City of Adelaide and North Adelaide. Since forming as an incorporated body in 2018 the group has advocated for a Feasibility Study into the positive impacts that a Citywide Business Model could have. The Study was completed by Council in 2019 with input from our ABC Member survey that highlighted your business needs and priorities. The ABC Committee presented the findings of our Member survey to Council to help shape the next stage in the development of a Citywide Model. In 2020 we worked alongside Council on behalf of businesses to ensure their business voice was heard. Following additional consultation the new Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) was launched in 2021 and the ABC provides a valuable link between the Agency and CBD and North Adelaide businesses.

WHY ARE WE HERE?

The Adelaide Business Collective was created initially with the sole purpose of investigating the feasibility of creating a best practice Citywide Business Model to represent City businesses and support them as they faced challenges from suburban centres and online retail (and now issues arising from COVID 19). More than 3000 Cities and Towns overseas including Auckland, Dublin and London are reaping the benefits of business partnerships that bring businesses together making them more resilient. The consistent focus of the ABC has been to work with all City business stakeholders to develop a City-wide business group that is inclusive, transparent, accountable, collaborative and effective. We have worked constructively with the City of Adelaide’s former economic development group, elected members and key precincts to assist in highlighting our Members views in the shaping of a new Citywide Business Model.

WHAT ARE OUR AIMS?

Ensure the voice of all retail, hospitality and service businesses in the City is heard
Define the business priorities from the broader business community and ensure they are being addressed
Represent the views of our Members City-wide to Council and State Government
Engage with our City business Members through surveys and communications to understand and meet their needs
Leverage promotional activity and marketing campaigns to ensure the optimal benefits for businesses
Develop a collaborative working arrangement with the Adelaide Economic Development Agency and Council
Work closely with Rundle Mall, Adelaide Central Market, Precincts, mainstreet businesses and independents
Consider opportunities that may reduce business costs for ABC Members
Engage with property owners to attract new businesses and reduce vacancies
Partner with key agencies and the State Government to drive economic growth in the City
Develop a Terms of Reference with AEDA as a key partner

WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED SO FAR?

Established an Incorporated Association called the Adelaide Business Collective (2018)
Developed a business and retail sector skills-based Committee representative of the various business sectors and geographical locations of the City and North Adelaide (2018)
Sought funding from the City of Adelaide (Council) to conduct a Feasibility Study of a Citywide business partnership consistent with overseas models of Business Improvement Districts (Council provided funding for the Study in 2019)
Ensured that our ABC Members including traders in Rundle Mall, Central Market and Precinct Groups were engaged in the Feasibility Study (online consultation, Members survey)
Shared outcomes with Foundation Members and stakeholders, to progress with Council to a 3-year pilot period. The ABC welcomes the new ADELAIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY that commenced operating in January 2021
Currently we are working with Council & the new Agency Board to establish an Advisory Committee to represent the business sector right across the City

THE ABC COMMITTEE

ANDREW WALLACE – CHAIR

Andrew Wallace is the president of the Adelaide West End Association and an advocate for improving business conditions in this part of Adelaide for the last 14 years. He sits on the West End Reference Group and the Lord Mayor’s Hindley St Roundtable.

Andrew has been part of the foundation group of the ABC for the last 5 years and has been Chair since 2020. Andrew is program director of Interior Architecture and Creative Industries at UniSA and a recipient of Mainstreet SA’s most valuable contribution to a main street award. As an interior Designer he has delivered projects in Adelaide, Sydney, London, for major corporates, furniture manufactures, property developers and major infrastructure organisations. He is a past president of the Design Institute of Australia (SA).

JAIMEE CHARLTON – DEPUTY CHAIR

Jaimee Charlton is a career retailer with experience in global retail innovation and operations. Jaimee’s experience covers brand management, PR and advertising, internal and external CX, leasing, innovation leadership and digital innovation across a diverse range of ventures and projects. Jaimee is currently General Manager, Operations (GMO) at Spendless Shoes, the largest footwear chain in Australia, proudly based out of Adelaide with a store in the city in James Place.

Previous notable experience includes a global role for retailer The Cotton On Group, and an advisory role for the Art Gallery of South Australia. Jaimee joined the Adelaide Business Collective because she is passionate about providing, building, and shaping platforms for success for businesses in Adelaide to thrive. Outside of her work, Jaimee is busy with her young family keeping her on her toes.

DAVID WEST – SECRETARY

Experienced Westfield shopping centre manager (10 years), Rundle Mall Manager (6 years) and a retail consultant for 18 years. Instrumental in forming the Rundle Mall Management Authority in 2008. David is a founding member of the Adelaide Business Collective because of his passion for the City.

Developed and implemented the 2015-2020 Experience Adelaide City Retail Strategy working for Council. Has written Retail Strategies for Christchurch NZ, Queanbeyan, Fremantle, Parramatta and Fed Square Melbourne. Author of Mainstreet Management – Successful Retail Strategies 2017.

MICHAEL GRAY – TREASURER

Michael Gray is Managing Partner of DFK GRAY PERRY a CBD based Chartered Accountancy practice.

Michael provides leadership to the firm and as a business owner is well placed to deliver valuable advice to a wide variety of business combining good communication style and technical skill with a business approach. His passion for SME has seen his career span educator, publisher and community involvement.

Michael was Chair of the City South Precent in the CBD for many years and he also sat on the board of The Fringe.

FIONA KRAWCZYK – COMMITTEE MEMBER

Fiona is a senior manager and head of marketing at Haigh’s Chocolates. Fiona’s key responsibilities include the company’s marketing strategy, leadership, online store, digital presence, customer experiences, pricing, product development, brand and communications functions. Fiona leads the development of strategic marketing plans and their implementation, the management of marketing operations and activity including PR, customer experiences, events, digital, print, radio & sponsorship.

Fiona is a strategic thinker, capable leader, dedicated, efficient, loyal and hardworking. She thrives on fast paced environments and can manage several projects at a time. I’m engaging and approachable and have an inherent understanding of consumers, the customer experience and the marketplace. Fiona is a member of TEC (The Executive Connection) and have been involved with, and led, community committees and boards, including a board position at the Rundle Mall Management Authority (RMMA) in 2020.

MARIA FAVARO – COMMITTEE MEMBER

Maria is an inaugural Member of the Adelaide Business Collective since its formation in 2018. Maria and her husband Frank are the proud owners of the iconic Chianti Restaurant in Hutt Street in the South East corner of the City where they serve their loyal customer base. Nick and Jessica Favaro (Maria & Frank’s son and daughter) established the sophisticated Mediterranean inspired Bar Torino next door to Chianti.

Maria has contributed to the monthly ABC meetings using her business knowledge in the hospitality industry and she promotes a collaborative approach for City businesses. Maria provides valuable support to the Committee, Hutt Street and the City overall.

DAVID BUENFELD – COMMITTEE MEMBER

David Buenfeld is a former president of the Grote Business Precinct Association and a strong advocate for local business in all parts of Adelaide City. David is particularly focused on improving business conditions in the wider Market Precinct since first moving to the precinct with work in 2005. He remains an active member of the Grote Business Precinct Association and several other business groups. David is one of the ABC foundation members.

David is a Director at Belle Property Commercial Adelaide operating out of a premise in Grote Street. His expertise spans across all facets of commercial property in particular development and investment sales, multi-million dollar residential built form projects and major master planned sub-divisions.

SCOTT MOSEN – COMMITTEE MEMBER

Scott is passionate about purpose-led organisations and building better communities. He has broad experience in retail management and the NFP sector. During his tenure as National Director Business Development and Innovation, Scott led changes to the National Heart Foundation’s call centre that significantly increased its awareness and use – supporting health professionals, people living with heart disease, their families and carers across Australia.

Scott is currently the Business Development Manager for the Cancer Council. He is a Fellow of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation, Board Member of the Leader’s Institute of South Australia and a Founding Committee Member Adelaide Business Collective.”

JAMES ECONOMOS – COMMITTEE MEMBER

James Economos is a registered Architect and Director of Econ Property Group, a well-established privately owned property development and investment group with a predominate focus in the city of Adelaide. James is passionate about the improvement of our cities retailers and businesses and strives to activate main streets and laneways with all the projects he works on .

He is committed to help make Adelaide a vibrant , unique, world class city. James also sits as committee member for the Adelaide West End Association which he has done so for the past 8 years.

DANNY LEVERINK – COMMITTEE MEMBER

Danny is the Managing Director of his own custom-made furniture manufacturing business for the past 10 years. Projects included Parliament House, Southern Ocean Lodge, Adelaide Casino, Hospitals and many Hotels & food outlets. Danny also worked with a number of interior Decorators to furnish residential properties. Before the furniture industry Danny qualified as a baker & pastry cook and he owns Bici Espresso e Pasticceria in Hutt Street Adelaide with his partner Toni.

Danny also enjoyed delivering a 2-year contract working with Enhanced Training Services as a Business Development Manager in Government Funded Courses. Danny has trained a number of apprentices over his career. Danny joined the Adelaide Business Collective because he could see the value in collaboration and positive action.

SIMONE DOUGLAS – COMMITTEE MEMBER

Simone Douglas is the Publican & Licensee of the Duke of Brunswick Hotel, Executive Director for BNI Adelaide North, the driving force behind South Australia’s leading digital marketing agency, Social Media AOK and a best-selling author with her books “Seriously Social – turning your online game into real-world gain” and “The Confident Networker”.

She is also a branch council member for the Australian Hotels Association SA branch, co-founder of the Hospo Owners Collective and serves on the franchise advisory council and marketing advisory group for BNI Australia.

JOSHUA HILLARY – COMMITTEE MEMBER

Joshua is the General Manager of Business Development and Operations for the BSGM Hospitality Group. He is based in Melbourne Street North Adelaide and is responsible for the Lion Hotel as part of the portfolio. Joshua returned to Adelaide and joined the Adelaide Business Collective earlier this year as a key representative of the North Adelaide Quarter.

Previously Joshua was working with the Melbourne based Rockpool Group that is responsible for a range of premium restaurants and casual restaurants including the Rockpool Bar & Grill, Rosetta Ristorante, Spice Temple and Saké Restaurant & Bar, Fratelli Fresh, Bar Patrón, El Camino Cantina, The Bavarian, Munich Brauhaus, WingHAÜS, Beerhaüs and The Argyle.