Posts by theo.foukkare@bigpond.com

Viva Energy has agreed to develop a network of 30 EV charging stations across its Shell-branded network in NSW. The co-funding agreement with the NSW Government will see Viva Energy roll out the project progressively over the next few years. One of the objectives of the project is to ensure greater connectivity between metropolitan and regional areas and to help address range anxiety for drivers in NSW. In a statement issued today Viva Energy describes the planned network as a future-proofed premium charging option, delivering fast charging speeds and an improved customer experience through the significant retail network upgrade proposed under the roll-out of the On The Run offer. The project incorporates the installation of solar panels and batteries, with a minimum of four ultra-fast charge points at each site to minimise wait times for drivers and ensure maximum charger availability. Power from the solar panels will be supplemented by…

In response to the mounting cyber threats faced by small and medium businesses, the National Retail Association welcomes the Australian Cyber Security Strategy introduced by the Albanese Government. Under the leadership of Minister for Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil, this comprehensive strategy, offers support for businesses vulnerable to cyber incidents, and is a crucial step in fortifying our national cybersecurity defences.  What is cyber security and why is it important?  Cyber Security is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. The attacks are commonly targeted at accessing, changing or destroying sensitive information. Cybercrime is on the rise in 2023, with over 25,000 calls to the Cyber Security Hotline, which is an average of 69 calls per day resulting in 15% increase from the previous financial year. Each cybercrime costs small business $40,000 on average and the number of attacks leapt 13% last year to the equivalent of…

Utilising employees on a fixed term basis is an important tool for many businesses to undertake projects, cover long-term absences, and manage their workforce. However, as of 6 December 2023, new restrictions on the operation and duration of fixed term contracts have commenced, after being introduced as part of last years’ Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 (Cth). These alterations carry profound implications for employers, including civil penalties for attempting to avoid these restrictions, so it’s important to understand them and take proactive measures to ensure your business’ compliance. So, what do employers need to know about the imminent changes? Understanding the changes The amendments provide for three new restrictions the length and use of fixed term contracts for full-time and part-time employees, unless they fall under specific exemptions. The rules are as follows: Employers will also need to provide a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement to all…

With the number of people in need growing rapidly, 7-Eleven and The Salvation Army Australia are working together to rescue food and redirect it to people in need. Since 2021, approximately $1.26 million in product has been donated from warehouse excess, event stock, coffee connection locations. In 2022, the food rescue expanded to local level food rescue through the new 7-Eleven Store to Corps program. The Store to Corps program rescues stock from individual stores and redirects it to frontline Salvation Army Corps.  Drinks, milk, treats, meals and bakery items from 16 pilot stores have been donated to Salvation Army Corps in Melbourne, Townsville, Gympie, Cairns, Nowra and Maryborough. Major Brendan Nottle, The Salvation Army Project 614 Commanding Officer and 7-Eleven Australia CEO and Managing Director celebrated the food rescue milestone and the extension of the Store to Corps program in 2024 at an event in Melbourne. According to Major…

Asda is opening its first set of new convenience stores in London this week, adding to its eight existing sites in the capital. The move comes as the grocery giant looks to almost treble its number of small stores in London before the end of March 2024. Asda confirmed it will open shops in West Ealing, Willesden and Greenford during the coming days, while a further twelve express stores will launch over the next few months, across areas including Romford and Harringay. The 15 stores on the way will be a combination of new standalone sites and through converting petrol forecourts bought from EG Group and the Co-op, The Evening Standard reports.  Asda managing director of convenience Andy Perry said: “We identified London as a focus area for our growth in convenience, not only due to the size of the population, but also because of the higher propensity of convenience store usage amongst Londoners. “In…