Playground innovator highlights how the Business Acceleration Program helped him plan for growth and step up to the next level.
Robert 'Bob' Fleming gained an enormous amount from the Northern Territory (NT) Government-sponsored Business Acceleration Program.
He said it helped improve his business more than he could have imagined.
Robert, who owns the Darwin-based NT Sports and Playgrounds, is thankful he took the time to attend the three 3-day growth modules.
“It taught me lots of valuable lessons, particularly how to step away from the day-to-day running of my company so that I had the time to plan for growth.”
“It’s hard to do. My business is my baby, but stepping back is the only way we’re going to grow.
“I now find the time to go to important meetings.”
The Business Acceleration Program, which is managed by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, also taught him crucial lessons on staffing.
Experts from the University of Adelaide, Australian Centre for Business Growth showed chief executives and managing directors who attended the sessions how to decide whether to keep people on or let them go.
Robert encourages other Territory business leaders to sign up for the course.
“It will help take your business to the next level. Some businesses could see great growth immediately by attending. It’s that good.”
Robert, whose company has built 170 playgrounds, laid 8,400 metres of synthetic grass and put up more than 60 shade structures since it started 10 years ago, moved to the Territory from Western Australia because he knew it was the land of opportunity.
“I’ve been here for 10 happy years,” he said. “And I wish I had come 10 years earlier.”
The Business Acceleration Program is an initiative of the Northern Territory Government, hosted by the Darwin Innovation Hub and delivered by the Australian Centre for Business Growth.
It is recognised as a high-value, world-class program that enables chief executive officers and managing directors to identify opportunities, overcome business challenges and drive competitive advantage.
It is based on a comprehensive and integrated knowledge framework for growth developed by Dr Jana Matthews.
To find out more on the Business Acceleration Program, go to the Australian Centre for Business Growth website.
