The State’s top independent business body, Business SA, has undergone one of its most significant transformations in its 181-year history.
Business SA’s membership model is being upgraded with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry reinventing itself, like so many of its members have done this year.
The launch of several new member benefits marks the beginning of a new era for the business community in South Australia with Business SA now supporting businesses from start-up to succession. This customer driven partnership-based approach delivers relevance and value for members at every stage of their business journey.
Over the last 12 months, Business SA has consulted with and listened to many business operators and has redefined its products and services, helping more local businesses to grow, save money and navigate the complexities of being an employer.
Business SA’s services have been revised to help businesses survive and thrive not only today but put them on the right path to where they want to be in five, 10, 15 and 20 years.
Business SA Chief Executive Officer Martin Haese is excited for the change saying, “This year has proven to be extremely challenging for many business owners, but opportunities are emerging. Over the past several months, we have been working hard to enhance our membership offering to provide more value and more support for businesses as they address the challenges and opportunities they are facing”.
Mr Haese said the membership model, supporting 3,300 members and growing, and spanning 17 industry sectors across South Australia, was developed following research and feedback from both members and non-members to better understand the needs of South Australian businesses in 2020 and beyond.
“We’ve supported the South Australian business community since 1839. COVID is not the first crisis we’ve dealt with and our expert team will continue to listen to our members and tailor our services to what they require. We are proud to be here for our members every step of the way as their business partner,” Mr Haese said.
“If this year has taught us anything, it’s to adapt and be ready for change. This new model is about respecting our traditional business values and services while adding new ones for the upcoming generation of business owners and operators”.
“Members are the reason we exist. It is because of our members that Business SA can remain the independent and local voice of the SA business community,” Mr Haese said
Coopers Brewery Managing Director and longest serving Business SA member, Dr Tim Cooper, congratulated the organisation on increasing its offering to members at such a critical time for local industry.