Record attendance at the ACWA State Meeting held recently in Perth saw almost 40 car wash operators and suppliers get together to exchange ideas, expand networks and create business opportunities.
ACWA President and Titanium Car and Dog Wash owner Neil Fox is a devotee to the State Meeting concept. “When I joined ACWA I thought the State Meeting concept was a ripper. I could see how valuable it could be to my business, to get like-minded people together and learn something new”
Just 12 months ago Fox ran his first a WA State meeting and managed to get just a few members together. “I have to admit the response was a bit disappointing at first, but the first meeting went well, and it is pleasing that interest has steadily grown”, said Fox. “To be here a year later with nearly 40 people, and all of them showing strong interest in our next meeting is fantastic”
State Meetings differ from state to state but Perth’s meeting included an informative visit of one of Magic Hand’s newest sites, in the Perth suburb of Bentley. Magic Hand is clearly one of Australia’s leading car wash brands and company CEO, Claude Roda, was there to conduct the tour and share his knowledge of the industry and Magic Hand’s approach to business.
The Bentley wash site boasts side-by-side conveyors in the wash tunnel which is located within the primary prep area. This is a setup adopted by Magic Hand to provide a quick and efficient car wash process.
Of course, an important element of the success of any car wash is the chemicals used and in theme with the site visit, valued ACWA Supplier member, AutoKlene Solutions, suppliers of the chemicals used in the wash, were also on site to discuss their product range.
With the site visit completed, the group headed to the Bentley Hotel where Graham Lilleyman, ACWA’s Industrial Relations Expert, provided an update on the recent National and State Wage Case, which will see the minimum wage rise by 3%. Graham also discussed the issues surrounding minimum hours payable for casual staff (i.e. 2 hrs).
Those at the meeting were reminded that all ACWA members can contact Graham Lillyman via the IR Helpline in the members’ only section of the ACWA website.
Acoustic expert, Rebecca Ireland also addressed the group and spoke on the positive impact good design can have on the management of noise.
Another interesting titbit picked up during the day was the announcement by long-time ACWA supplier member Chris Read, of the sale of Carwash Spares and Repairs to Lovegrove Group. Ramon Gregory from Lovegrove outlined their plans to put on additional technical support to manage operations in WA. Chris will remain during an extended hand over period.
Information about ACWA’s State Meetings can be found in the Events Section of the new ACWA website.
