Lord mayoral candidate Arron Wood with Miguel Ramirez from Kirks Wine Bar in Hardware Lane. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
Lord Mayoral candidate Arron Wood, and Deputy Lord Mayoral candidate Erin Deering, both seasoned business owners, have revealed their comprehensive plan to make it more achievable for businesses to start and grow within the City of Melbourne. This initiative is a cornerstone of Team Wood’s vision to reestablish Melbourne as a global business hub and a city that supports local businesses and fosters innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
"As the City of Melbourne’s own census data shows, all industries and businesses are doing it tough right now. Over 85% of the city’s most common industries experienced a decline in business count between 2019 and 2022 ,” Wood stated. “Businesses need help now more than ever and our policy is designed to provide that support by cutting red tape, abolishing unnecessary paperwork and fees and making it easier for businesses to operate and grow in Melbourne.”
Wood emphasised that the City of Melbourne’s data – publicly available in their Campaign Report – clearly shows that local businesses are facing significant challenges, and many businesses have not survived the last few years. “I truly believe that small business is the backbone of our economy, and I continually hear that they need help. This data shows us exactly how dire the situation is, and Town Hall needs to act now.”
Their strategy will have three areas of focus:
Support the sustainability of existing businesses which characterise what makes Melbourne such an attractive and enjoyable city.
Enable growth, creativity and competitiveness in domestic and global markets.
Encourage new businesses to Melbourne and create an environment for businesses to ‘get on with it’.
If elected in October, Team Wood commits a $25 million package:
Reducing council and permit fees by at least 5% for businesses
Expanding the Business Concierge service to include a staffed business hub at Town Hall, in partnership with Victorian Chamber and Small Business Association of Australia, to help people navigate the complex processes involved in starting up and running a business
Creating a working group of industry and business leaders dedicated to identifying and dismantling unnecessary barriers to success for existing businesses and establishing new businesses in the City of Melbourne
Offering small businesses access to free advertising across the City’s social media channels, with a reach of over 900,000 people
Creating a mentoring program to connect existing and upcoming business owners with successful local entrepreneurs
Going to work on making the city attractive to local, interstate and international visitors through a year-round calendar of events
Making Melbourne one of the world’s safest and cleanest cities
Working hard to reclaim the lost Capital City Crowns – the Capital of Retail, the Fashion Capital and the Culinary Capital
Having a dedicated tourism portfolio with a head office and anchor brand location strategy that, in conjunction with businesses, develops marketing campaigns promoting the City of Melbourne to the world
Leading by example with Town Hall returning to minimum four days per week in the office.
Reduce fees on Parklets across the city to zero
“We will encourage knowledge sharing within the business community and leverage the expertise of those who have excelled in their fields to help others succeed,” said Wood.
Wood’s Deputy candidate, co-founder of iconic Australia swimsuit brand Triangl, Erin Deering, is also passionate about supporting businesses. "Currently, it's tough for a small business or an entrepreneur to get a foothold in the city," Deering explained. "There are so many council fees and bureaucratic hoops to jump through. Our policy will lower these barriers and make Melbourne a fertile ground for great ideas and innovative businesses."
Melbourne Business Network President Wendi Dawson expressed support for Team Wood’s policy stating that “trying to set up a business in Melbourne comes with many risks, and while some risks you take on personally, others need someone – like a bank or a real estate agent – to take a risk with you. Removing some of the risks from going into business will definitely see more people acting on their great ideas and make the City of Melbourne welcoming of businesses and entrepreneurs again.”
The Chief Executive of Vic Chamber Paul Guerra also stated that “This package, which is directly focused on the needs of business, will help to provide confidence and support for business growth. The Victorian Chamber maintains that if we want the CBD to thrive again, we need better access, increased safety, improved amenity and a reduction in the cost and complexity of doing business.”
Both Arron Wood and Erin Deering bring a wealth of experience and success in business to their candidacy. Wood has been a local business owner for over 20 years, while Deering grew Triangl to a $200 million USD valuation in just two years, making it the fastest-growing fashion brand ever to emerge from Australia.
"We understand the challenges and opportunities in business," said Wood. "Our goal is to ensure that Melbourne is not just recovering but thriving, with a vibrant, diverse economy that supports all businesses and fosters innovation."
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