Samuel Wooff

Portfolio update – here's an update from a few of our portfolio companies: Visionary Machines – Visionary Machines recently partnered with the Australian Robotic Inspection and Management Research Hub (ARIAM Research Hub) to further develop research for their next generation systems. As well as releasing their latest quarterly report and hosting a visit from Former Prime Minister and the Chair of Robotics Australia. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gcNRDBx7 Crypto Tax Calculator – A big congratulations to the team on their SOC 2 Certification. The team is hiring for a range of roles, including a Content Manager.   Shane Brunette, CEO and Co-Founder, recently spoke with Folklore on their expansion through partnerships, as well as their 3.7x global customer growth YTD. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gJZ2qj9x Forever Network – Congratulations on the recent successful Basketball Forever campaign, drawing ~250 million actions. As well as Forever Network's inclusion in the list of '13 sports startups poised to shake up the industry, according to VCs and other top investors' by Business Insider. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gVdjTmqH. Strong Compute – Strong Compute have been busy expanding their team across Sydney and San Francisco, hiring for engineers in both locations.  As well as hosting a range of Hackathons across the two cities, with their latest GPU Chess Hackathon in Sydney taking place last weekend. Ben Sand, CEO and Founder, recently spoke with Folklore on how they're optimising AI cloud solutions for the Fortune 2000 via Hackathons, AI research grants and more. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gZi3Zn_p Wonde – The South African-based Wonde team have just finished a tour of schools across Pretoria, Durban and Pietermaritsburg. The UK team has enjoyed sharing insights at the latest British Educational Suppliers Associate (BESA) Summer Insights Day. As well as hosting two webinars around their SSO launch. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gSvAzPtR Auror – Auror recently participated at #NRFConnect, where Phil Thomson, CEO and Co-Founder, spoke to the importance of security and public safety. As well as participating at Marks and Spencer's 'Security Live' conference. The team plans to take 'Auror Connect', their leadership conference for Retail Crime Intelligence, on the road, with locations to be announced soon. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gXf33tSR

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Can you guess why these batteries are kept outside the service centre? All of these batteries have come for servicing and repair. How can we solve this problem? #batteryok #electricvehicles #batteries

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⛽ Real-world data shows figures for ICE and PHEVs much higher than claims under WLTP, prompting calls for reform. Read on below for more. #fueleconomy #wltp #efficiency #wearecarsales

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Growing our footprint with Sustainability and Environment at the forefront.

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In today's rapidly evolving market, it's no secret that predicting future residual values has become an increasingly complex task for automotive experts. 🧑‍💻 🔋This is due to the growing catalogue of vehicles, from electric (EVs) to hybrid and internal combustion engine vehicles. This, combined with the growing development of vehicle technology, has added new layers to residual value calculation models. 🏛️ These forecasts are further complicated by external factors, like consumer preferences, economic conditions, and government regulations that influence the demand for EVs. Staying ahead of the curve with access to advanced data and market trends is integral to your business's success. Our expert-tailored future RV data is available through Glass's Forecast - allowing you to accurately forecast residual values up to six years ahead of time. 🖱️ To learn more about how Glass's Forecast can help, follow the link below. ➡️ https://ow.ly/SNNV50TcyYv

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The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) VFACTS figures for July 2024 show a substantial uptick in sales, as 99,486 vehicles were registered, marking the strongest July result on record. Key takeaways: - Buyer appetite for hybrids is showing no signs of waning - Reported EV sales down 40% as Tesla and Polestar sales figures no longer officially included - Sales in the business and government segments were up MoM 13.7% and 37.5% respectively, while private sales were down 4.2%. Read on below for more. https://lnkd.in/gxuHiv5m #vfacts #hybrid #tesla #polestar #wearecarsales #drivingbuyerstoyou

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September is Manufacturing month and while it was aimed at the $20 billion manufacturing sector in Queensland, there are lessons for the country. Manufacturing has dropped to less than 6% of Australian GDP – down from 25% in the 1960s – as we have increasingly relied on cheap imported goods. This approach of low-cost imports suits the argument about ‘comparative advantage’, the idea that every country should stick to what it is ‘good’ at and leave the rest to others. But allowing the decline of manufacturing fails to tell the bigger story of how manufacturing adds value when it comes to innovation, decarbonisation, exports and a growing, relevant knowledgebase for the economy.   Manufacturing businesses have to reinvest in R&D, they have to develop supply chains around their operations, they must hire skilled and educated people and they have to stay relevant to their markets. Our modern economy is also required to aim for net-zero targets, which are tough to attain if you import manufactured goods which typically have embedded carbon and carbon miles attached to them. Queensland should be congratulated for its Manufacturing month – the rest of Australia could take notice.

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Business for Sale | Queensland Established Trailer Manufacturing $400,000 + SAV After 20 successful years in the trailer manufacturing industry, the business offered is a unique opportunity to acquire a well-established Brisbane northern suburb business that specialises in high-quality, custom-built trailers. This operation is known for its robust designs and innovative features, catering primarily to motorhome enthusiasts and race car owners. With a strong track record of sales, primarily interstate, this business can be relocated anywhere in Australia. In a Nut Shell *Proven financial history: 2024 sales ~ over $1.3m *Profitability: Consistent profitability. Please complete an NDA for full financials *Reason for sale: Owner wants more time to travel, enjoy his hobbies such as Jet skiing, his Mustang cars, perhaps consider other projects, there will be lots to do to keep him busy Key Features *Diverse Product Range: Specialising in single axle trailers and tandem trailers, our products are designed for durability and ease of use. The unique airbag system allows for simple loading and unloading, making these trailers stand out in the market. *In-House Production: All manufacturing processes are completed in-house, from cutting and welding to painting and assembly. This ensures quality control and consistency across all products. *Established Brand: Over the years, the business has developed a reputation for reliability and excellence, having sold over 7,500 tandem trailers and 4,500 single axle models. The brand recognition is a significant asset that will benefit the new owner. *Scalable Operations: The streamlined production process allows for easy scalability. With templates and jigs in place, staff can quickly learn to produce trailers without extensive training. *Flexible Location: While currently based in North Brisbane, the business has a majority of its sales occurring interstate, providing the flexibility to relocate operations anywhere in Australia. Ideal Buyer This opportunity is perfect for engineers, mechanical professionals, welders, boilermakers, entrepreneurs and existing manufacturing businesses looking to (expand) invest in a stable, profitable business. Whether you're interested in hands-on manufacturing or prefer a more managerial role, this business allows for both approaches. You have the freedom to decide how involved you want to be—whether as a hands-on operator or as an overseer managing daily operations. You can choose your level of involvement—from hands-on production to administrative management—as the operation allows flexibility in how much you want to work View more details: https://lnkd.in/gVy9pWZS #businessforsale #businessopportunity #buyasmallbusiness #smallbusinessqueensland #sellingabusiness #businessbrokers

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Exciting news for car buyers! As of July 1st, 2024, the Australian Taxation Office increased the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) thresholds: 📈 $80,567 for non-fuel-efficient vehicles 📈 $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles This means you can now purchase higher-spec vehicles without the additional LCT cost. 🌿🚘 Plus, with the redefined fuel efficiency standards, now set at 3.5L/100km, greener vehicles like BEVs and PHEVs get even more incentives! 🌱🔋 Fleetcare specialises in novated leasing, helping you make the most of these changes. Save on taxes and running costs with our expert guidance. Contact us today to find out how! 📞✨ #Fleetcare #LuxuryCarTax #NovatedLease #GreenerVehicles #CarBuyingTips

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Tuesday news briefs - sparc TECHNOLOGIES (ASX:SPN) has received firm commitments from sophisticated and other professional investors to raise $2.25 million through a share placement. - As part of the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial underway for the Royal Australian Navy, shipbuilder Austal completed Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT’s) of the vessel Sentinel, off the coast of Western Australia in March and April 2024. - Wellnex Life has appointed UK advisors to dual list the company’s shares on the London Stock Exchange in addition to the ASX in 2024. - Aurora Labs (A3D:ASX)) has raised $2.04 million through a placement to new investors and existing shareholders. - Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS) is currently hiring for a project manager. - Visy Board has been fined $375,000 in the NSW District Court related to crush injuries sustained to a worker's left ankle at Smithfield in 2020. - AusBiotech has announced that Rebekah Cassidy GAICD is its incoming Chief Executive Officer, commencing May 20. - LoomTex has hosted Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, at its Geelong, Victoria weaving mill and dyehouse. - The nation's first degree combining software engineering with an apprenticeship was officially launched today, with 13 University of South Australia students now combining study with work at three Adelaide defence employers – BAE Systems Australia, ASC Pty Ltd and Consunet Pty Ltd. #manufacturing #australianmanufacturing #defence #manufacturingnews #defenceindustry #ASX #softwareengineering #auspol

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Australia's automotive industry is a significant economic force, generating about $174 billion in 2022 –23 and expected to grow to over $185 billion annually within 5 years. With over 320,200 workers (as of May 2023 to February 2024), the industry is moving towards electric vehicles (EVs) and new technologies to meet global sustainability goals and consumer demand. Due to this increasing demand, the workforce is expected to grow by over 31,000 by 2033. Our 2024 Workforce Plan provides a focused insight into individual sub-divisions within the automotive industry, including: 🚗 Automotive Retail and Wholesale 🚛 Automotive Repair and Maintenance 🚍 Automotive Manufacturing The new opportunities for growth in EV and hydrogen technology have led to industry challenges like continual technological adaptation and skill shortages. Matching workforce skills with the latest automotive advancements is one of the key areas of focus for the automotive industry. Learn more about the automotive industry insights in our 2024 Workforce Plan. Access the full report here. https://buff.ly/4dHAXLg

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Absolutely insane cost’s savings and productivity increase! CADDS Group Based in Western Australia needed to produce these durable, strong housings. The housing needed to protect a camera from the harsh, dusty conditions encountered within the Aussie Mining Industry. Unfortunately the cost for injection molding tooling was going to be over $55,000. If they went down this route, making design changes would be out of the question. What if the housing didnt work the way it was supposed to? For the volume of housings required per year, it simply was not feasible to have expensive tooling manufactured. With the help of Markforged Industrial printers, they could quickly print & test several housings for under $800 each overnight. The 3D Printed housings are being used in the field today and CADDS group 3D prints new housings at the point of need within just a few hours. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eZ4jUhZe Finally NZ manufacturing/engineering companies have the ability to print, Strong, Functional End-Use Part without costly labor, and expensive materials overnight. Eliminate Machining costs, No Waiting for spare parts or materials from your Suppliers. Slash your Inventory costs using digital inventory versus physical inventory. How many parts could you replace by 3D printing versus casting, machining, laser cutting, forming, bending, molding? If you're interested in exploring how Markforged could be your strategic partner to help elevate your current manufacturing capabilities please feel free to reach out to me directly. https://lnkd.in/eE8FP4UZ #markforged #cnc

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Did you know we've worked with Tesla?! 🚗 With a new auto shop in the works, Tesla New Zealand required the services of Industrial Air Systems to install their air reticulation piping. Discover the challenges we faced and the solutions we produced in this article. Tesla Autobody | IAS https://hubs.ly/Q02JwvQZ0

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Isuzu D-Max electric ute confirmed for Australia - but when will it be released? ⚡ Australia gears up for a sustainable shift in the automotive landscape as Isuzu confirms the arrival of its electric D-MAX ute. Even as the release date is still to be announced, get ready to embrace eco-friendly power and performance like never before. Check out the details in the article below and join the conversation about the future of driving Down Under. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gMgt7JQ5

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How To Sell A Powder Coating Business Brisbane Business Broker Brendan Morgan has sold a number of Powder Coating businesses. We recently caught up with him to discuss the ins and outs of selling one of these operations.  https://lnkd.in/gpzS4BbQ #morganbusinesssales #powdercoating #powdercoatingbusiness #brisbanebusinessbroker #mergersandacquisitions #buyabusiness #sellabusiness #businessbroker #businessbrokers

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It was an honor to host the first Australian remanufacturing industry roundtable in Melbourne organized by WorkbenchX. Darren Caldwell from Partswise proposed an idea to bring the industry together to share learnings and collaborate to solve some of the industry's challenges. With a week's notice, Colin Doherty from Original Engines Co. and Sam T from Innovative Mechatronics Group were happy to jump on board to discuss the challenges faced by automotive remanufacturers in Australia. Cameron Kaufman from Coreo kicked off with an intriguing session on the #circular economy, followed by discussions on 1. How to attract and retain talent to support this critical industrial sector. 2. How to engage the local and national government bodies, including funding organizations like the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, to build manufacturing/remanufacturing capabilities in Australia. 3. How to influence large industry players and academia to support technology development and commercialization to support the evolving needs of the remanufacturing industry in Australia. 4. Collaborate on core collection and logistics to reduce the cost of operations to scale reman in Australia. A detailed report is in the works and will be published in the next few weeks. Apologies to all those who missed out because of the very short notice. We are planning a much bigger version to bring the industrial and automotive circular economy sectors together. #staytuned

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