In an example of how businesses can work together, cabinetmakers are taking to a new approach to highlight the quality work undertaken by Geelong’s cabinetmaking industry.

We all do our best to support local manufacturing.

A group of cabinetmakers and related suppliers from the Geelong, Surf Coast & Bellarine region have banded together to form Independent Cabinetmakers Geelong (ICM Geelong) to highlight the skills and quality product manufactured by Geelong’s cabinet making industry.

Project managed by our Marketing & Social Media consultant, Belinda Lyle, B well connected, what started out as an idea has now developed into a collaboration benefitting cabinetmakers, suppliers, DIY’ers and home renovators.

ICM Geelong is a great example of small businesses working together to ensure jobs are secure and to keep work local.

As well as showcasing what’s on offer, ICM Geelong allows cabinetmakers and suppliers to work together and pool resources to win contracts for larger domestic and commercial projects. Two local cabinetmakers recently banded together to provide the cabinetry for a large apartment complex – working together allowed them to take on the magnitude of the job.

As accountants, we see the challenges for the many family based businesses as well as young cabinetmakers starting out. Acquiring the latest equipment and machinery is an expensive outlay. Now days, many cabinetmakers are choosing to specialise in a particular area. For example, there are cabinetmakers now specialising in just providing cut-to-size board to their installation colleagues, who often opt to source products from suppliers who have the latest cutting equipment. ICM Geelong is forward thinking, it’s not just about the present but taking the industry into the future.

The potential of the ICM Geelong collaboration has brought on board supporters including Laminex Australia, Polytec, Lincoln Sentry and Home Appliances. Local industry suppliers Sandman Stone, Newstone Australia, Newgrove Benchtops and Cabinetmakers Choice are also supporting the initiative.

The Gordon TAFE is also supporting ICM Geelong by encouraging school leavers to consider cabinetmaking and to see the opportunities an apprenticeship provides.

Brand ambassadors are Dani Wales & Dan Reilly, contestants from the TV series, The Block 2012 and The Block All Stars 2013. Dan and Dani are firm believers that you get what you pay for in the building industry and always try to support local and respected qualified trades.

As part of the launch, ICM Geelong cabinetmakers and suppliers recently gave away a home kitchen improvement to the value of $15,000. You can follow the progress of the kitchen at their blog.

People looking for cabinetry can now visit www.ICMGeelong.com.au and see the outstanding work local cabinetmakers have on offer. The website and related social media also shows ideas for home improvement projects from kitchens, bathrooms, al fresco areas, office fit outs through to wardrobes and entertainment units.

We look forward to seeing the further impact ICM Geelong has on the Geelong cabinet making industry.

Details of upcoming ICM Geelong event: 

ICM Geelong along with Bay FM and Laminex Australia is hosting an Ideas & Design Trends Breakfast with guest presenters, Dan & Dani and the Group Design Director for Laminex Australia & NZ, Neil Sookee.

The Geelong event is on July 12, 2016 at the Eastern Hub.

$40 includes breakfast, workshop and a “handy” show bag.

For more information visit www.ICMGeelong.com.au or purchase tickets directly at www.trybooking.com/LNVG

See you there!