Vodafone supports small businesses in Sydney’s west
Parramatta the home of Vodafone’s first NSW Business Centre
Vodafone’s first business centre in New South Wales was officially opened today at Parramatta by NSW Minister for Small Business, John Barilaro.
The new centre showcases the company’s extensive range of business plans, mobile devices and machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions.
This is the second business destination the company has officially opened this year after it launched a centre in Adelaide earlier in the year.
With 15 small business mobile specialists, Vodafone’s new outlet is located in the heart of Parramatta at 17 George Street.
Vodafone’s Executive General Manager of Enterprise, Stuart Kelly, said the selection of Parramatta as the company’s first business centre in the state was an obvious move.
“It should be no surprise that we are opening our first NSW centre in Parramatta,” said Mr Kelly. “Western Sydney has a significant small business community and is one of Australia’s fastest growing economies. It not only marks an investment by Vodafone in small business today, but also in the future.
“We have invested heavily in our 4G network, the economy in Sydney’s west and created scores of jobs. We now employ more than 100 people to service customers in Western Sydney, including our 15 business specialists here in Parramatta. We have invested $3 billion dollars since 2012 to ensure our customers benefit from our world class 4G services, and the investment in jobs and network will continue.”
Mobile technology is now an essential part of doing business
Mr Kelly said Vodafone was focused on supporting small business by not only providing quality services, but also educating SMBs on how to best leverage smartphones, tablets and other devices to increase their efficiency and reduce costs.
“We recognise that in this day and age, it’s virtually impossible to run a business without utilising mobile technology. Our aim is to bring small business owners and operators great services while taking the time to educate and support them in how to use them,” said Mr Kelly.
According to company research, 91% of businesses believe that it’s important that IT and communications enable innovation as well as meeting operational needs. However, only 22% believe their current systems deliver the flexibility and responsiveness they need.
Mr Kelly said the company recognised that customers wanted rapid and sound advice on how to take advantage of mobile technology and were concerned about falling behind the digital curve.
“Vodafone has a deep expertise in the SMB area, and services millions of small businesses around the world each and every day,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for us to share the knowledge we have to the benefit of Australian small business. These specialty centres play a huge role in creating the setting for small businesses to get the value and advice they need.”
Vodafone continues to invest in small business
Vodafone will continue its multi-million dollar retail expansion for small business into 2016 and is expected to create around 200 full time jobs nationally.
“By the end of this year, Vodafone will have four business centres in Australia, with more to come next year, creating more jobs for Australians,” said Mr Kelly.
“We’re continuing to invest in small business and the local economies where we’re opening our business centres.”
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Notes to editors:
4G is available with a 4G device and an active prepaid recharge or plan with Vodafone Alerts. See vodafone.com.au/coverage
Photography from today’s store opening can be accessed here.