July 2020 | View this in your browser

Welcome to the Business in Cockburn eNewsletter. We will update you every month on what is happening in the City of Cockburn and how it may impact your business. For information on business support and the latest business events please visit the Business in Cockburn website.

City to seek quotes from local suppliers

A more sustainable local business community will be the winner of an overhaul to the City of Cockburn’s Procurement Policy and the establishment of a Cockburn Supplier Register.

Recent Council-endorsed changes to the policy mean it is now a mandated requirement for the City to seek a quote from a local supplier when one is available, for purchases valued above $20,000. The concept of ‘buying local’ continues for lower value quotes where possible.

List your services on our website

The Cockburn Supplier Register enables local and regional businesses to list their services and contact details on the City’s website, making it easier for City staff to connect with them in the process of procuring goods and services.

The City will give higher preference to businesses operating from within its boundaries, but will also give some preference to suppliers from our local neighbouring South West Metropolitan council areas, over those from the wider Perth area where possible. The intention is to balance competition with economic benefits for the Cockburn community while fostering the development of local markets.

How do I register as a supplier with the City for Quotations and Tenders?

1. Create a 360 account
You must have an account to access the City's eProcurement portal. You will receive email notifications of any new opportunities.

Create a 360 Account

2. Become a registered Cockburn Supplier
The City invites local and regional businesses to register on the new Cockburn Supplier Register - this new online supplier database is designed to support local businesses whilst making procurement streamlined for the City.

Become a registered Cockburn supplier

JobKeeper update

Businesses that have enrolled for the JobKeeper Payment and identified their eligible employees will need to make a monthly declaration to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This can be completed from the 1st to the 14th day of each month, to receive reimbursements for the payments made to employees in the previous month.

Recent changes to the JobKeeper payment

JobKeeper will fall from $1,500 a fortnight to $1,200 a fortnight in September and fall again in 2021
People working fewer than 20 hours a week will receive $750 in September and $650 in 2021
The JobSeeker payment will fall from $1,100 to $800 a fortnight in September

Businesses need to be aware that they are still liable for any employee leave accrual, as well as superannuation payments for employees receiving JobKeeper. Learn more about your JobKeeper Payment requirements.

New changes for 2020/21: what does this mean for my business?

The Small Business Development Corporation have provided a handy run down on the changes that come into effect in the 2020/21 financial year, at the SBDC Business Blog. This includes:

Increase to national minimum wages

Visit the Fair Work website to read more about the increase to the national minimum wage.

Changes to penalty rates

Changes to penalty rates will impact retail, hospitality and pharmacy national awards from 1 July 2020. See our penalty rate changes made simple fact sheet for details of the revised penalty rates.

Extension of the instant asset write-off

Due to the COVID-19, the deadline to claim the instant asset write-off for small businesses under the scheme has been extended from 30 June 2020 to 31 December 2020. For more information read the instant asset write-off explained.

Payroll tax threshold increase

In response to COVID-19, the State Government announced it will bring forward the $1 million payroll tax threshold to 1 July 2020. Visit WA.gov.au to find out more.

Company tax rate decrease

The company tax rate for eligible base rate entities will decrease to 26 per cent for the 2020-21 financial year. Visit the Australian Taxation office (ATO) website for more information.

Work-related car expenses

If you’re claiming work-related car expenses using the cents per kilometre rate, this will increase from 68 to 72 cents per kilometre. Visit the ATO website to find out more.

Find out more

Is your business cyber secure?

Register for a FREE Cyber Check.me assessment and online consultation to find out!

What is a Cyber Check.me assessment?
The ‘Cyber Check.Me’ initiative will provide your businesses with a free tailored cyber security assessment, which will then give you the tools and techniques to better protect your business from cyber security threats. These checks will occur in August and September 2020.

Why is cyber security important?
Cyber-crime impacts approximately one-third of small businesses, who are the subject of attempted breach or breach of their systems, accounts, personal information or sensitive business information.

To register email Joanna.Ong @melville.wa.gov.au with your contact details.

The program is funded by the South West Group, a regional organisation of six Local Governments covering South West Metropolitan Perth, and delivered by AustCyber - The Australian Cyber Security Growth Network Ltd who will work with Edith Cowan University on the assessments.

More information

Resources to help you rebuild after COVID-19

We have put together a comprehensive list of resources to help your business rebuild and recover from COVID-19.

Visit the Restart Hub

Connect with businesses in your area

Visit the Open For Business Map to find out which businesses in Cockburn are operating and details of their current offerings, and to connect with local businesses in your area.

If you would like to add your business or a business you love to the map please email details to business@cockburn.wa.gov.au.

Businesses supporting the vulnerable

Visit the Cockburn Community Business Directory to view an up to date list of local Cockburn businesses generously who have been supporting the vulnerable people of Cockburn throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you would like your business and any special offers for local customers to be added to the directory, please send your details to business@cockburn.wa.gov.au.

#ShopLocalCockburn

Business After Hours with the MCCC

Wednesday 18 August 2020

Venue: Duck in Bar & Bistro, 432 Rockingham Road, Spearwood WA 6163
(formerly the Spearwood Tavern)

Cost: FREE for MCCC members & sponsors /
Non-members $29.00

Join the Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce, and Cockburn's Premier Event Caterer's Standing Fork - who are excited to launch the "Duck-Inn Bar & Bistro" located in Spearwood for an evening of drinks, canapés and business networking.

Join us as we help launch Standing Fork's new bistro and enjoy the new menu at the "Duck-Inn Bar & Bistro"

- - -
Business After Hours is a series of events provided by the Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce.

For membership and further opportunities with the Chamber contact Shelley Tamsitt.

FREE Online Workshops from SBDC

Managing and Motivating Staff

3 August 2020
10-11am

This session will provide an insight into getting the best from your people, including step-by-step guidance to ensure your workplace allows people to flourish and do their best work. The session also offers all the information you need on how to align employees with your business goals.

How to Start Marketing with Instagram

4 August 2020
9:30am-12:30pm

This session will help you, even if you don't already have an Instagram account, to learn how to create a great looking account, what to post when you are first starting, plus loads of ideas (with no scary selfies). You will also learn the importance of hashtags and how to gain more followers.

How to Start an Online Business

12 August 2020
9:30am-12:30pm

Selling online is one of the largest growth areas for small business, particularly as the barriers to starting are very low. This workshop will help you to identify what your customers are looking for when buying online, provide key insights into e-commerce fundamentals and which online platforms work best.

Complying with Safety Legislation

18 August 2020
9:30am-12:30pm

A safe workplace has many benefits. This includes reducing accidents, meeting legal and contractual obligations, and avoiding business disruptions and potential fines. This session will help you understand and better manage safety and health matters within your business.

Find out more

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If you have any queries or would like to get in touch with Sarah Kahle, Business Engagement Officer please email business@cockburn.wa.gov.au or call 08 9411 3444.

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