After tailoring our range of memberships to suit wherever you are in business – today and well into the future – over the past 12 months more than 700 new members have benefited from the Victorian Chamber’s programs, information and support to our community of:

• Professionals
• Sole traders
• Entrepreneurs
• Employers.

As Victoria’s peak business body, the Chamber helps members gain access to relevant services, tools and growth opportunities to help propel their business.

Now, new and existing members can take their business to the next level through the Chamber’s referral program, with a sign-up discount for those joining and a credit for the referrer. More details below.

How members have benefited

Excellence first – then expanding your network

When Matt Jones launched Four Pillars Gin Distillery with co-founders Stuart Gregor and Cameron Mackenzie, it was largely a passion project. To use his own words, they “weren’t betting the farm on being big” back in 2012. But the trio shared a hunch that Australia could produce some of the best gin in the world, and that discerning Melbourne palates would lap up a spirit made from premium local ingredients.

The co-founders started with a manifesto, agreeing that excellence had to come before everything else. It’s created a culture that has permeated every aspect of the business, from the product to the experience.

“We had two thought processes,” Mr Jones explains. “First, we’ve got to get the quality right and then growth will come. We don’t have to be apologetic about growing, but we need to hold our commitment to our quality above everything else. Second, we really recognised the importance of growing a brand.”

The company has just significantly expanded its home in the Yarra Ranges, doubling its footprint and “just about trebling” its capacity.

When asked about the secret to growth, he pauses to reflect. The principles should never change, he says, but you constantly need to reflect on strategy. What contribution is your brand going to make? What experiences will you create? What stories will you tell? What feelings will you inspire? What will drive you forward?

That’s where external input can be incredibly valuable. The three Four Pillars Gin Distillery co-founders bring very different strengths to the table, but Mr Jones says joining organisations such as the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry can also provide new ways of thinking and excellent sounding boards.

“When you’re running a small business, it can be hard to get your head out of your day-to-day, but at the same time you don’t have a lot of time and you’re wearing a lot of hats,” he says. “It’s important not to get stuck in an echo chamber. You want clear action points that you can take and apply to your business.”

Business culture – best practices for your workforce

Selecting the right people is a constant challenge, especially in the particularly tight post-COVID labour market. Frances Makris-Baker is the General Manager People and Culture at Millar Merrigan, a multi-disciplinary land development consultancy based in Croydon South. The company has been growing and Ms Makris-Baker says cultural fit is its top priority.

“We pick people we think will be a good fit for the team rather than just for their skills,” she says. “We prefer people who have done work in our key areas before, because it’s quite specific, and that helps them get up and running as quickly as possible, but culture is always our number one criterion.”

Ms Makris-Baker is also a member of the Victorian Chamber and she says she frequently checks in to ensure her knowledge stays current, particularly managing so many different workers in different fields. With more clients coming through the door, it’s essential to staying on top of the demand curve for years to come.

How to refer a business

Refer a business and you’ll receive $100 workplace support and training credit. ​

Simply tell us the business name and if they join before 5:00pm (AEST) Sunday 30th April 2023, we’ll reward you with the $100 workplace support credit. ​

The Referred Member will also receive a 10 per cent discount code to be applied to their membership for the first year upon joining.

Since you can refer as many businesses as you like, your credit earning potential is limitless. ​

1. Simply enter their business name details via the online referral form. ​
2. You’ll be sent a personalised email to forward on to the contact you are referring.​
3. They sign up as a member before 5:00pm (AEST) Sunday 30th April 2023 and receive 10 per cent discount.​
4. Once they sign up, your Member Partner will be in contact to let you know and you will have $100 workplace support credit added to your account.​

What can I redeem?​

You can redeem your credits towards any of the following services – the choice is yours!

• ​Training courses​
• Workplace Relations and HR support ​
• Mental Health & Wellbeing support ​
• Occupational Health & Safety support ​
• Workers’ Compensation support ​

Stephen Levickis, Victorian Chamber General Manager, Membership said: “The Referral Program has the triple advantage of helping your business, your referred business, and the Chamber grow and benefit from being a part of something bigger – delivering the best outcomes for business in the state.

“If you know a business that needs assistance with workplace relations matters, health and safety management, or are ready to take the business global, the Victorian Chamber has practical, tailored solutions to help businesses prosper at every stage.”

More information is available via the referral page.