Business Briefs

Forsythes launch new career management division
Forsythes Recruitment has announced the formation of a new division, Forsythes Career Management Services with Rick Robinson, manager of the Life in Balance Career Management practice as part owner.

Forsythes CEO, Paul Hankinson said that the new entity, although relatively new in name, is far from being a new kid on the block when it comes to Career Management experience and knowledge of Newcastle businesses. Mr Hankinson said, “Over the past seven years Rick has developed a strong reputation for helping organisations and individuals throughout Sydney, Newcastle and the Upper Hunter Valley, Central Coast and North Coast Regions to manage and coordinate their career development and outplacement objectives.

Forsythes Recruitment Partner, Geoff Crews said, “The transition of Life in Balance into the Forsythes brand has been a seamless process, mainly due to the strong working relationship we have enjoyed with Rick over the past five years. With the creation of this new division we are now able to offer an even more diverse range of services and products to our clients, further enhancing our reputation as a one stop shop for business solutions.”

Forsythes Career Management Services offer clients four main programs including Career Transition/Outplacement Program, Team Building with Personality, Career Development/Engagement Program and Career Retention Program.

New owner for Sign-A-Rama Gosford
John Chambers has purchased the Sign-A-Rama franchise in Stockyard Place, West Gosford. Mr Chambers has returned to the Coast with his family after living and working in Sydney for some years. The former owner was Seppo Berg who established the franchise some ten years ago.

Sign-A-Rama has an additional Central Coast franchise at Tuggerah, operated by Tim Andersen who established the business last year in Tuggerah Business Park.

New leasing and finance service
Darrell Dempsey has established Darrell Dempsey Financial Services specialising in finance for motor vehicles, trucks and plant and equipment. Mr Dempsey’s career in the finance industry extends back some twenty-five years working with motor car dealers in the Gosford area and more recently with Leasecorp Motor Vehicle & Equipment Finance in Gosford for the past thirteen years.
“My new business has access to a large number of lending institutions offering finance at competitive rates. I will focus in providing a personal service to all clients,” said Mr Dempsey.

Business sold to further humanitarian work
Ian and Jan McKay have sold Harvest Art Australia to enable them to further their humanitarian work in Asia and particularly the Philippines. The McKay’s established Harvest Art Australia two years ago. Today, the company sets a standard for the creation of unique trophies and awards with each being custom made from kiln fired glass to incorporate the customer’s individual style and company branding.

Their product range includes trophies, awards, wall plaques, corporate gifts and architectural plaques. Customers include major corporations and government. The purchaser is Peter Silver who comes from the building industry.

The sale of the business was negotiated by Scott McMullen of Argyle Estates Business Brokers who said there was very strong interest in the business.


Platinum Retirement Solutions established
Peter and Janette Hogg have established Platinum Retirement Solutions, a consultancy that advises and assists retirees to find the most appropriate retirement village to buy into and assist with their financial arrangements. Mr Hogg has an extensive background in retirement village industry and was formerly General Manager of Alloura Retirement Village at Davistown and Village Manager, which lead to General Manager at Orchards Retirement Village.

“We take a personal interest in our client and negotiate with the retirement village operators on their behalf to ensure they get the best deal,” said Mr Hogg. “This is a new concept in retirement services and results from the changes in the retirement village industry since the major publicly listed corporations have bought out most of the privately run villages. Retirement village residents are their greatest asset and resource but these corporations don’t see it that way. Their sole interest is to maximize their bottom line.”

Too many interested buyers for Sports Centre
Tumbi Indoor Sports Centre has been sold. Garry Castles has owned and operated the business for the past twenty-five years and will be looking to retire in the near future. This iconic business is well known for indoor cricket, netball, soccer, volleyball, schools and special sporting interest groups.
New owners Wayne and Bronwyn Harrison have been customers for many years at the Centre and will continue to promote the popular competitions in all activities.

Graham McMullen of Argyle Estates business brokers who negotiated the sale said the business generated a huge amount of interest, with many genuine buyers missing out.

Sharpe Bros wins Gosford City Business of the Year
The strong sense of community spirit that drives the successful Sharpe Bros family business was honoured at this year’s Gosford City Australia Day Community Awards. The Gosford-based road maintenance company, which repairs roads across New South Wales, was named Business of the Year at the special Awards ceremony held at the Central Coast Leagues Club on Friday 23 January.
Joint Managing Directors and brothers, Michael, Richard and Hayden Sharpe were commended for their involvement with various community groups including Apex, Rotary and a number of Chambers of Commerce across the Central Coast. The company was congratulated for its contribution to local business and industry.

Michael Sharpe said as the third generation of Sharpe companies, the brothers continued the philosophy of providing support to community groups through donations, sponsorships and volunteering.

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