October 30th, 2012

Fostering Australian Manufacturing and Design

Since the beginning of the GFC, the media has painted a bleak picture for the Australian design and manufacturing industries. Indeed, with many major Australian brands taking their manufacturing business elsewhere (mainly China) in recent times, many jobs have been lost, and new competitive pricing has forced many businesses to follow suit.

What is left of the Australian design and manufacturing industry, however, still has an amazing capacity to develop and grow into something more promising with the help of local businesses and consumers. The following are a few things your business can do to help support the Australian manufacturing and design industries.

Local design and development of your products

Whether you are in the business of selling commercial furniture, electronics or clothing, there is an Australian designer or manufacturer that can do the job just as well (if not better) as anyone from overseas. And so, if you want to support Australian industries with your business, then it’s time to start looking into which of your products can be made locally.

Many other businesses in Australia have taken this approach, and have begun selling 100% Australian-made items with a tremendous amount of success. While staying competitive with your prices will be more difficult, you will reach out to an entire market filled with consumers who are committed to buying locally made products.

Offer scholarships

If you have the capital to do so, your business can become a pioneer in supporting local designers and manufacturers by investing in the future of the industry. Scholarships are a fantastic way to support the up-and-coming leaders of the design and manufacturing industries by ensuring students get the help they need for success. This not only shapes the future of these industries, but it also brings a lot of positive attention to your business and brand.

Create strong partnerships

If you run a relatively small business or are just starting up, creating a partnership with a local designer or manufacturer may be a good option. This way, you can split many of the costs associated with doing business, you would have access to a larger customer base, and the cost of your products could become more competitive. This also helps an Australian designer or manufacturer get more access to the markets, and a steadier stream of work.

Inform your customers

If you are dedicated to selling Australian-made products and have a strong customer base, then you are in a tremendous position to bring attention to the importance of buying locally. Using online social networks — such as your blog, website, or social media presence — you can educate the greater consumer base of the benefits of supporting Australian industries. This will not only support the industries themselves, but will showcase your business as a leader in Australian brand loyalty.

Buy Australian

If you’re a starter business and you don’t have the capital to source expensive Australian-made products yet, then you can still support them through your own consumer habits. For example, when you’re setting up your office you can get custom furniture made from Australian furniture designers to show your support, or buy only Australian-made company vehicles, and so forth.

Through your support and dedication to Australian designers and manufacturers, you can contribute to their growth and development. This growth has vast implications not only for the Australian economy in general, but also for Australian culture.