Market-leading job management software provider for the trade contracting industry, simPRO Software, has appointed Glenn Nott as President of simPRO US.
Nott joins the senior management team to enhance the leadership and strategic direction as simPRO ramps up its expansion into the US market.
“simPRO Group’s Board of Directors unanimously selected Glenn Nott as President to lead our US business unit,” simPRO Group CEO Brad Couper said.
“With Glenn’s significant experience in building and leading cross-functional teams in new markets along with his passion for working in competitive, innovative environments, the Board has great confidence in his ability to successfully guide our US operations forward.”
President of simPRO US, Glen Nott.Nott’s background, most recently as Vice President and General Manager of Skillsoft Asia Pacific, strongly positions him to assume the position. He has established operations and expanded businesses in multiple markets including Australia, India, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand.
With significant experience delivering results in dynamic, challenging environments, Nott will guide simPRO’s US strategy and drive the company’s expansion.
“I’m honored and thrilled to be joining simPRO Software Group as President of simPRO US,” Nott said. “It’s an exciting time to take on this position as we are poised to embark on an aggressive growth strategy including a launch in cities throughout the US in 2017.”
In October 2016, simPRO Group received a USD$31 million dollar investment from New York-based growth equity firm Level Equity. This funding will support simPRO’s further growth in the US, expansion of support and customer success teams for improved client focus, and an increase in development and product teams to fine tune the solutions simPRO offers.
The simPRO US office will also be relocating later this year, to accommodate its growth, from Boulder, CO to an 11,000 square foot facility in Broomfield, CO.
simPRO Software was established in 2002 when co-founder Stephen Bradshaw, an electrical contractor, began working on a solution for managing his growing business with co-founder Vaughan McKillop. The technology company is now a leading provider of job management software solutions to trade contractors performing service, project and maintenance work, serving 4,000 businesses and 90,000+ users worldwide.
PROPERTY services group Oliver Hume has been appointed as the exclusive sales and marketing agent for Defence Housing Australia’s (DHA) 1,151-lot Breezes Muirhead development in Darwin, the first time the company has taken on a project in the Northern Territory.
The appointment caps a stellar year for Oliver Hume with the company reporting a record number of sales across its existing operations up and down the east coast and the consolidation of its pipeline with a number of major new appointments.
The award-winning Breezes development is located in the highly sought-after Darwin suburb of Muirhead. This community will feature 1,151 lots, with DHA building 329 properties for Defence members and their families. The remaining land lots will be sold to the public.
Oliver Hume Queensland Joint Managing Director Brinton Keath said the appointment was a significant milestone for the company, marking the first time it had been appointed to a project in the Northern Territory.
“We are delighted DHA has put their faith in us to complete the sales program at Breezes Muirhead and as a business, we are thrilled to be expanding our footprint to a new region,” he said.
Oliver Hume has appointed Darwin local Lenny Holt as Sales Manager at Breezes. Mr Holt will be based in the Breezes Land Sales Centre within the community.
Mr Keath said it was an opportune time to be entering the Darwin market after a period of volatility for the local property market.
“The impact of the resources downturn and a lack of confidence in the government has resulted in a pretty rocky market over the last few years,” he said. “We think with a stable government and the emergence of new economic drivers the local market will continue to stabilise over coming months.”
Breezes Muirhead
Oliver Hume Chief Operating Officer Julian Coppini said the appointment was in line with the company’s goal to expand its geographic footprint while consolidating its dominance of core markets in Melbourne and South East Queensland.
“The appointment caps a strong finish for the year where we achieved numerous records across the business with total sales volume up more than 50% on the year before,” he said.
“We have a built a strong team and a comprehensive service offering to our clients encompassing research, marketing and strategic product planning services which can be applied to just about any project in the country.”
The strong performance this year reflects the expansion of the company’s offering in recent years to include project advisory and consultancy, property fund development, project land and apartment sales, asset management, corporate advisory and development site sales and acquisition.
“The diversification of the Oliver Hume business across all facets of development – communities, apartments, townhouses and house and land – gives us access to unparalleled insights into the market and underpins a strong value proposition for our partners,” Mr Coppini said.
Mr Coppini said the company had built the capacity and expertise to offer partners a comprehensive ‘whole of life’ service for projects commencing from site acquisition through to settlement services.
The company has secured a number of other major new appointments this year including a high profile role with Places Victoria and a major masterplanned community at Walloon in the western growth corridor of Brisbane.
Oliver Hume’s existing clients include some of country’s most established developers including Villawood Properties, Amex Corp, ID LAND, Pask Group and ISPT Super Fund.
Oliver Hume Director Paul Ciprian said the appointments reflected the company’s ability to provide developers with a competitive edge in the development, marketing and sale of new residential communities.
“While some segments of the property market are displaying signs of stress, the outer suburban land and communities market is still experiencing strong demand from a diversified base of first and second home buyers and investors,” he said.
Mr Ciprian said developers competing for market share would ensure prices remained affordable for buyers but not to the extent it would impact developers’ profit margins.
“It is a good market where there is something for everyone,” he said.
Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s owners China Capital Investment Group (CCIG) has announced a more than $50-million-dollar redevelopment which will see significant infrastructure upgrades to the popular Whitsunday tropical island resort.
The works will see the resort closing in early 2018 for a period of time to ensure renovations can occur in the shortest possible time and with minimal disruptions.
Daydream Island Resort and Spa general manager Dawson Tang said the major redevelopment would see accommodation refurbishments as well as renovations to existing attractions and installation of new features which will transform Daydream into an upscale 4½ star world-class resort.
“This is a very exciting development in the history of Daydream Island and for The Whitsundays,” Mr Tang said.
“Our owners have recognised the need to revamp Daydream’s facilities especially as we embark on a greater push into international markets including the lucrative China market.
“Prior to commencing the redevelopment in 2018 it will be very much business as usual this coming year.
“With well-over 100,000 guests staying on Daydream Island each year we recognise the need to continuously improve our product and we will be improving the guest experience based on recent feedback right up until the redevelopment.”
“As Australia’s Famous Reef Island we will continue to deliver a unique connection through our Whitsunday location and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, our fringing coral reef and the Living Reef on-island experience.”
Major works will include redevelopment of the Arrivals pavilion, Reception, main Atrium area, Waterfalls restaurant, Lagoons bar, all room types and Mermaids Restaurant. Additionally, the Lovers Cove function area will be expanded and a new Asian inspired restaurant will be built.
One of Daydream Island’s signature attractions, the Living Reef lagoons, will also be upgraded and receive some brand new features which will enhance interaction with guests.
The resort’s conference facilities will be significantly revamped and expanded.
To ensure minimal disruption to guests, some strategic projects will be implemented in 2017 on the South End of the island. Fish Bowl bistro, Boat House Bakery and Ginger’s Hut will be closed for a period from the first week in February this year. Alternative food and dining facilities will be provided. Access to South End facilities including swimming pools, the outdoor cinema, motorised watersports and the Endeavour Wedding Chapel will not be affected.
CCIG purchased Daydream Island in March 2015 and has since completed many accommodation and facility upgrades and refurbishments plus a renovation to the resort’s main restaurant, Mermaids.
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the 4.5 star Daydream Island Resort and Spa offers 296 beautifully appointed rooms, comprehensive facilities such as the Rejuvenation Spa and Living Reef lagoon, a wide variety of activities, sparkling bays and secluded beaches, which all combine to provide a superior tropical island experience.
AirAsia X has celebrated its 9th birthday with the arrival this morning on the Gold Coast of Flight D7 206 from Kuala Lumpur featuring a special 9th birthday livery dedicated to its guests and staff.
Since its first flight in November 2007, AirAsia X has flown nearly 1.6 million passengers between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast. The airline was the first low cost long haul airline to fly between Malaysia and Australia and introduce innovations such as premium flatbeds and a Quiet Zone, reserved for passengers aged over 10 years of age.
AirAsia is celebrating 9 years in Australia with special one-way fares for two people to Kuala Lumpur from Gold Coast from $369*; from Melbourne and Sydney from $349*; and from Perth from $188*.
The fares are available for booking from now until sold out with the fares valid for travel from now until 5 February 2017. Bookings to www.airasia.com
AirAsia X has 11 frequencies weekly between the Gold Coast and Kuala Lumpur and in March commenced a daily service between the Gold Coast and Auckland, New Zealand.
Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X Berhad said, “We have expanded our operations rapidly since our humble beginning in 2007. We are now covering 23 destinations across four continents and grown our fleet to 30 Airbus A330s with over 19 million guests flown, and we’ve done it all within a decade.
“This is definitely no mean feat and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication of our Allstars and the unwavering support from our loyal guests.
“To top it all off, we’ve even commissioned an aircraft with a special anniversary livery dedicated for our guests and Allstars, as they are both the driving force behind the airline.
“The past nine years have not been without its challenges for AirAsia X, but I believe that we have been through the worst and are now reaping what we have sowed from our on-going turnaround initiatives. “Returning to the black for three consecutive quarters is just a start; with solid hard work by the team and every Allstar we are confident to achieve full-year profit and take the airline to greater heights. “Special thanks go to our business partners, airport authorities, and tourism bodies who believed in us and supported us in our journey, including our AirAsia X Allstars who have made this dream possible,” Mr Ismail added.
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said,” Gold Coast Airport and AirAsia X play an important part in each other’s history. The Kuala Lumpur – Gold Coast route was the airline’s first ever service and AirAsia X was Gold Coast Airport’s first long-haul international carrier to Asia when they commenced in 2007.
“AirAsia X’s entry into the Australian market has proved to be a game-changer in affordability of international air travel, and we are delighted to have played a part in their success. Queensland Airports Limited own and operate Gold Coast Airport. AirAsia X has increased many flight frequencies in 2016. From Australia AirAsia X flies daily to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Perth (14 flights per week) Sydney (11 flights per week), Melbourne (14 flights per week), and Gold Coast (11 flights per week).
AirAsia X started its operation in 2007 with its maiden flight to Gold Coast, Australia on 2 November. Since then the airline has grown exponentially, having carried over 19 million guests in total. With this milestone, 9 guests from 9 countries within the network were invited to share their incredible travel experiences. Check it out here at http://bit.ly/2eRuyAv.
*Terms and conditions apply. Fares include airport taxes and surcharges. Limited availability, until sold out. Selected travel periods apply. Processing Fee of up to AU$10 may apply. Fee may not apply if you use PayPal. Booking valid until 6 November 2016. Available when booking for two people.
Australian music sensation Guy Sebastian has joined leading low-cost airline AirAsia as its ambassador for Australia.
Guy was introduced last night at a VIP event at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, which was attended by music and aviation industry representatives, media, AirAsia trade partners together with AirAsia X Group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun andMalaysia AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail.
Guy played a set of his songs to an enthusiastic crowd and also exhibited a number of his photographs which were sold in a silent auction along with AirAsia flights to raise money for The Sebastian Foundation.
AirAsia X Group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said, “It’s great to be back in Australia promoting artists again. Guy is such a huge talent and we are thrilled to have him onboard. Music and entertainment are a natural fit for AirAsia and he joins other entertainers and celebrities to promote our award-winning service. Beyond that, Guy also embodies AirAsia’s values and ideals with his support of the community through his charity work.”
Guy will promote AirAsia’s brand, help create some engaging content as well as showcase some of his favourite Asian destinations.
Guy’s latest single Candle has been released ahead of a forthcoming album and as he judges another season of the hit talent show “X Factor Australia”.
Guy Sebastian said, “I’m excited to be part of the AirAsia team as the official ambassador of the airline. As a Malaysian-born Australian, who travels a great deal for my music, there are many aspects of AirAsia that I admire. I love the story of how Tony Fernandes (who my Dad often gets mistaken for!) started the company and grew it to where it is today, but most of all I love the heart behind it. Tony and the team do a great deal of charitable acts and the culture within the company is one where philanthropy is of a high priority. I look forward to this partnership and can’t wait to share some of the exciting things we have in store.”
Guy was born in Malaysia before arriving in Australia at the age of six and now calls Sydney home with his wife Jules and children Hudson and Archer.
Over the course of his career, he has received 25 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) nominations including Single of the Year, Highest Selling Album, Best Male Artist and Best Pop Artist. He won the ARIA award for the Highest Selling Single in 2004 for “Angels Brought Me Here”. With 42 platinum and three gold certifications and a combined album and single sales of nearly four million in Australia, Guy is known as one of Australia’s most successful artists.
Last year, Guy represented Australia in the Eurovision contest and was placed fifth.
AirAsia X CEOBenyamin Ismail said, ”Guy is a welcome addition to our team in Australia. We’ve had a great response to the introduction this year of Australian cabin crew and we will continue to innovate to give our guests the best experience possible.”
From Australia, AirAsia X flies daily to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Perth (14 flights per week) Sydney (17 flights per week), Melbourne (18 flights per week), Gold Coast (11 flights per week) and Auckland (7 flights per week).
AirAsia Indonesia flies up to four times daily to Denpasar, Bali from Perth and four times weekly from Darwin.
Australian cloud technology group simPRO Software has secured AUD$40 million in growth capital as part of an aggressive product innovation and expansion strategy that has seen the company enter the United States and the United Kingdom over the last two years. The funding was secured from New York-based growth equity firm Level Equity. simPRO has been self-funded since it was established in Brisbane in 2002 and is currently owned by private shareholders, including current staff. simPRO Software provides leading-edge job management software for the trade service industry. The cloud-based system helps businesses work smarter, provide exceptional service, and maximise their profitability. The software is designed for operators in the electrical, plumbing, HVAC and security industries. At the end of June 2016 simPRO had more than 2,500 clients and 80,000 users around the world, with clients ranging from small contracting operations through to corporate enterprises with thousands of staff. simPRO Software CEO Brad Couper (pictured) said the investment by Level Equity would provide the capital to support a range of initiatives including product enhancements, growing customer support, and marketing. “We have set ambitious goals for our business over the next few years and believed a sophisticated investment partner with deep expertise in vertical market software could meaningfully enhance the velocity with which we achieve those goals,” Mr Couper said. “We have been flattered with a significant amount of interest in our business from investors around the globe and spent time with a range of partners both in Australia and the US before deciding on Level Equity. “Level has a nuanced understanding of our business model and the end markets in which we operate. Their knowledge and capital will be an important asset for simPRO moving forward.” Level Equity Founder Ben Levin said, “We speak with thousands of vertically specific SaaS businesses each year and have been impressed with what Brad and the team at simPRO have built with no external capital. “We engaged with the business over a long period of time and have a shared vision for continuing to build world class business software that serves contractors and other tradesmen, allowing them to be more successful as they grow their businesses.” Mr Couper recently relocated, along with a number of other corporate staff, from Australia to simPRO’s new offices in Boulder, Colorado, as part of a major push into the US market. simPRO has been slowly introducing its software platform to the US market since mid-2015, but plans to embark on a rapid growth strategy, launching in up to four states throughout the US over the next 12 months starting with Colorado. The business already attracts integrations with a range of global leading third-party software providers, such as Intuit, Xero, MYOB and many industry wholesalers. Mr Couper said product development and enhancement remained a core focus for the company and would unpderpin its future success. “Our goal is to be the dominant contractor software platform around the world. To do that we need to continue to lead the way in innovation for our clients, and be adaptable to their changing needs,” he said. “We want to be more than a software solution. We want to help our clients pursue what they are passionate about, whether it’s business growth, personal wealth, or the freedom to pursue life outside of work: we call it the simPRO journey.” The simPRO Story Company co-founder Stephen Bradshaw, an electrical contractor by trade, said the company had come a long way since he and co-founder Vaughan McKillop began working on a solution for managing his growing trade services business in 2002. “We only had three or four staff – any bigger than that and you started to lose control,” he said. “I realised that what electrical and other trade businesses really needed was systemisation and automation. We needed software to help us keep visibility and manageability, and many, many other trade businesses were in the same position.” Around that time, Mr Bradshaw’s cousin introduced him to Mr McKillop, who was studying software engineering at Griffith University. Mr McKillop left his job delivering pizza to work part-time for Mr Bradshaw, doing data entry for the electrical business in his converted garage. One day, Mr Bradshaw asked Mr McKillop to create a website for the business. Mr McKillop explained that his strengths actually lay in writing software. The conversation quickly led to the creation of simPRO. “I didn’t want other people to have to go through the heartache of becoming a slave to their business. I saw an opportunity for Vaughan and I to try to create a solution together,” Mr Bradshaw said. Using the web-based PHP and MySQL languages Mr McKillop was familiar with, they began creating the first, cloud-based iteration of simPRO – starting with job lists, then working on a scheduling tool for allocating time and technicians. As the software grew, they realised they’d created a tool that could indeed help other businesses, and began sharing it with other electrical contractors to test its usefulness, and, eventually, selling it to them.
Queensland radial drilling technology group V2H Australia (V2HA) has appointed highly-regarded and experienced company director Glenn Davis as Chairman following the completion of a multi-million dollar capital raising.
He is a director of a number of public and private companies including as Chairman of ASX-listed Beach Energy Limited (ASX: BPT). He is a principal with DMAW Lawyers a firm he founded, and has for 30 years advised companies in the energy industry.
Glenn has extensive experience in the energy sector and governance.
The appointment follows the completion of a Series A capital raising by V2HA. Approximately 40% of the company’s shares were placed to a range of high net worth individuals and institutions. The raising was managed by Adelaide’s SRG Partners and was undertaken as a co-investment with the company’s deployment partner, the Nitschke Group.
The funds will be used to fund working capital.
Mr Davis welcomed the opportunity to work with current V2HA board and executive team as it embarked on a new phase of growth.
“V2HA’s technology is very exciting and has the potential to be a significant step change in the oil and gas industry,” he said. “I look forward to working with Darren Rice and the team as they move from being a technology company to a commercial operation focused on growth.”
V2HA CEO Darren Rice said Mr Davis would be a valuable asset to the company.
“Glenn has extensive experience and contacts in the oil and gas industry as well as the respect of everyone in the industry,” he said.
V2HA is a subsidiary of V2H International, which was created as a result of a merger between technology group Coal Bed Methane Innovations (a spin-off company of CRCMining) and Texas-based Zero Radius Laterals (ZRL).
V2HA will be the world’s leading radial drilling water jet technology company, and plans to expand internationally through partnerships and licensing agreements.
The patented technology owned by V2H International has been under development for a number of years and has applications in both conventional and unconventional oil & gas wells, specifically the Coal Seam Gas (CSG) industry in Australia.
More than $40 million to date has been spent developing the technology and in Australia, successful field trials have been completed by BHP and Peabody Energy.
The technology, which is environmentally friendly, can increase production and recovery from existing (or new) oil & gas wells. The system deploys a high-pressure water system that rapidly installs extensive patterns of lateral radial boreholes into multiple coal seams from vertical production wells.
The Bachelor Australia’s Richie Strahan has travelled in style to Bali in his quest for love as this season’s finale of the hit Network Ten television production reaches its peak.
The latest instalment of The Bachelor Australia series saw Richie and the final three girls, Olena, Nikki and Alex fly to tropical Bali on finale week, as he chooses one lucky lady in his search for love.
AirAsia X flew the cast and production crew to Bali aboard an Airbus A330 where Richie was able to enjoy the comforts of a premium flatbed seat before they hit Bali for filming at a resort in Nusa Dua, Bali.
Linda Na, head of marketing for AirAsia in Australia, said the airline was delighted to be involved in the finale of the series.
“This has been the highest rating series yet and features one of our most popular destinations in Bali, and hence it was a natural fit for us,” Ms Na said.
“Aussies are still very much in love with Bali and we certainly hope Richie has found his true love.
“The visual integration into the show and the opportunity to host Richie and the girls onboard has been a great alignment for the AirAsia brand in Australia.”
AirAsia X, together with AirAsia, provides Australians with low cost fares and access to over 120 destinations across 24 countries. AirAsia flies to Bali direct from Perth and Darwin, and via Kuala Lumpur from the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney. For bookings or further information visit www.airasia.com.
China Capital Investment Group (CCIG) has announced the acquisition of the perpetual lease of South Molle Island in the Whitsundays on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
South Molle Island is CCIG’s second Australian acquisition following the purchase in early 2015 of nearby Daydream Island Resort and Spa.
The perpetual leasehold interest in South Molle Island features over 12 hectares of developable absolute beachfront land, including a frontage of over 600m to one of the only sheltered north facing white sand beaches in the region, and a secluded 15-hectare tranquil parcel in the middle of the island, surrounded by national park.
Shanghai-based CCIG says the purchase of South Molle Island was a great opportunity to expand its presence in the Whitsunday region.
Daydream Island Resort and Spa chief executive officer Scott Wilkinson said, “The acquisition reflects the confidence we have in Australian tourism assets, Queensland and the tourism industry.
“South Molle has a long history as a tourism destination. As such this was a great opportunity to acquire one of the last large-scale development opportunities in the Great Barrier Reef.
“The investment and tourism potential from both domestic and international visitors is strong and coupled with infrastructure development in the region is an exciting prospect.
“Owning two island resorts like these in the Whitsundays will also provide economies in regards to resources and staffing and ultimately the diversity of guest experiences.
“We look forward to providing local employment opportunities in the region with future development and the creation of more tourism jobs through an ongoing workforce.”
South Molle Island features excellent connectivity to both Airlie Beach and the airports at both Hamilton Island and Proserpine, and is near to famous attractions such as Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef.
Founded in 1995, China Capital Investment Group specialises principally in investment in China’s real estate, mining and infrastructure sectors.
Daydream Island has unveiled a new website to lead their brand refresh as it undergoes a transformation by owners China Capital Investment Group. The resort’s brand direction places even more emphasis on one of Australia’s most unique interactive attractions, the Living Reef — a 1.5-million-litre, free-form coral lagoon system that courses through the resort. A wide variety of Great Barrier Reef experiences also underpin the new direction that focuses on Daydream’s extraordinary position as a pristine jewel in the Whitsunday Passage. Daydream Island Chief Executive Officer, Scott Wilkinson, said that Daydream’s rich natural habitat, with abundant reef activities both on and off the island, was well positioned to provide guests with a unique tropical island and reef experience. “We have advantages in being an island with a high concentration of Australian marine and land wildlife and activities,” Mr Wilkinson said. “The condition of Daydream’s fringing reef is regarded as one of the healthiest and best in the region and we are passionate and committed to sharing all of our natural assets and making it easy for visitors to share in the experience and learn. “Being a small island for guests means that everything is easy to get to, safe, intimate, personal, and provides a welcoming environment.” The Living Reef attraction is constantly evolving, with Daydream Island investing further in its development for the benefit of guests and their interactions with marine life. The Living Reef north and south coral lagoons allow guests learn about — and encounter at close range — the fascinating inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef. Home to more than 140 species of marine fish, 82 species of coral and 15 species of invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs, new varieties of sea life are continually being uncovered here. Daydream Island’s director of sales and marketing, Jane Hermann, said, “We’ve looked to create a brand expression that uniquely positions and differentiates us, especially as we move forward with a greater focus on international markets. “As Australia’s Famous Reef Island we deliver a unique connection through our Whitsunday location and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, our fringing coral reef surrounding Daydream and the Living Reef on-island experience. “We will be utilising all the benefits that new technology can deliver for us in complementing these attractions. “The new website brings all this to life, showcasing the range of Living Reef, fringing coral reef and Great Barrier Reef experiences and tours. “We’re the little island that offers the most potent combination of reef and natural experiences.” Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the 4.5-star Daydream Island Resort and Spa offers 296 luxurious rooms and suites, comprehensive facilities such as the Rejuvenation Spa and Living Reef lagoon, a wide variety of activities, sparkling bays and secluded beaches, which all combine to provide a superior tropical island experience. For more information visit www.daydreamisland.com
