Category: Uncategorized

Sydney, Australia – February 13, 2020 – ORIX Australia Corporation Limited (ORIX) is excited to kick off 2020 with being awarded for its innovation on the HRD Innovative HR Team 2020 list.

The annual list, published by The Human Resources Director Publication, shines a spotlight on organisations leading the way in HR innovation. ORIX was recognised for its Diversity and Inclusion Network Group designed to provide Macquarie Park / North Ryde Businesses with an opportunity to engage and share learnings to improve its ability to attract and retain diverse talent. It also aims to increase the potential for adding value for their clients through lateral thinking and developing ideas from within the organisation.

General Manager – People and Culture at ORIX Australia, Jill Edwards said, “We are proud to be recognised for our innovation as it continues to reinforce our commitment to building an innovative and inclusive culture. Our Diversity and Inclusion Network Group enables employees to work with Macquarie Park / North Ryde businesses to share best practice as well as practical ideas and solutions which we can use in our organisation.”

“This award is a testament to our delivery on our new core values which are centred around shaping our culture and supporting our vision”, says Jill.  To deliver on this vision, ORIX deployed a new parental leave program enabling women and men to have the same opportunities to spend time with their family. The business also reshaped their employee development planning program, where career aspirations can be realised through consistent performance and demonstration of ORIX’s core values.

“We are very pleased with the result and believe it is important to be at the forefront of driving change within the community in which we operate, as well as aiming to lead by example”, says Jill.

The Human Resources Director Publication named ORIX Australia on the 2020 List from a pool of Australian businesses.

For the full list and information, visit HRD Innovative HR Team 2020 winner list.

ORIX has won international honours for conducting a digital transformation to automate the management of vehicles, allowing it to launch new digital services – an Australian first – to help customers save time and money.

ORIX received the Innovation Award from Boomi, a Dell Technologies business, for using the Boomi platform to link up its vast application environment so that business-critical data is centralised, accurate and secure. In doing so, Boomi serves as ORIX’s core engine for all data exchanges between the company, third-party payment gateways, credit organisations and customers.

With a comprehensive data framework in place, ORIX could develop and launch an end-to-end, online vehicle financing portal specifically targeting small businesses across Australia – an industry first. The service, VOOM, uses data synchronised by Boomi from various sources within an easy-to-use environment to provide a low-touch online platform that guides Australian small businesses through the car buying journey.

VOOM offers the ability to quickly access and compare vehicle prices so that small businesses do not need to visit multiple dealerships, nor become bogged down by paperwork. Since its April 2019 launch, VOOM has saved customers an average of 17 per cent when compared with recommended retail prices. VOOM also accepts monthly payments to simplify cash flow and free up capital to be invested in other parts of the business.

“The fleet industry is amid a whirlwind evolution, with organisations – both suppliers and customers – looking at strategies to modernise their operations; customers are eager for digital services, and it’s our job to create them,” said Richard Hilliard, General Manager – Technology and Innovation at ORIX Australia. “When we looked at how to deliver innovative solutions, we knew integration was key in establishing a strong framework to deliver our services.”

“Underpinning this initiative with the Boomi platform helped create new revenue opportunities by giving us the framework to launch comprehensive services into what is a highly-competitive vehicle financing market,” said Hilliard. “We are thrilled that our digital initiatives – including VOOM – have earned us the Boomi Innovation Award. As we seek to change the way our customers acquire and manage their vehicles, this award validates our vision to innovate and leverage vendors like Boomi to help accelerate our success.”

Ajit Melarkode, Managing Director APJ at Boomi, said, “ORIX Australia continues to launch new, modern services and implement advanced technology projects using the Boomi platform for its data model. Innovations like its VOOM portal demonstrate digital transformations done right; by implementing a strategy to not only unify its operations but make use of invaluable data, the organisation has enabled greater insights for its own business and that of Australia’s vast small business community.”

Boomi named ORIX Australia the winner of the Innovator Award from a pool of international participants at Boomi World 2019. Submissions were evaluated by a team of Boomi executives based on the judging criteria, including transformational impact, creativity and innovation, scope and complexity, and environmental or social impact.

Key Trends for Employers and Employees

According to the Melbourne Institute’s recently released Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, 84.1 per cent of those surveyed do not engage in salary sacrificing activity of any kind. But with flat wage growth grabbing the headlines, should more organisations be using salary sacrificing as a way to provide their employees more, without impacting cash flow? Download ORIX’s analysis of Key Salary Sacrifice Trends for Employers and Employees.

If you feel like commercial transport is doing it tough, you’re not alone.

The recent NAB Monthly Business Survey in Australia, suggests transport has one of the weakest levels of confidence anywhere in the Australian economy. This is in sharp contrast to the optimism of 2018 which saw a record number of new commercial vehicle sales. The hangover of this optimism – more trucks chasing every deal. So while we are definitely seeing green shoots of recovery in some sectors, you’re not alone if you’re feeling the pinch.

You can’t control the market, but you can take steps to better position your business. Below are some common sense tips that could help, as you respond to these current challenges:

1. Don’t commit capital until you know the customer will stick: You know that feeling. You’ve delivered a couple of loads for a promising customer and you’d love to do more. You want to demonstrate capability and reliability, but you don’t have a contract or any other formal commitment. You can demonstrate this without capital outlay, by increasing your capacity flexibly – not permanently – to meet this new demand. Commit capital only when the client commits long term.
2. Understand what makes your ideal client and then target them: Don’t chase clients that end up costing you time and money. Instead figure out your sweet spot and go after that. Start by considering:
   • Do you want to target brokers or shippers?
   • Do they pay well and pay quickly?
   • How frequently do they need your services?
   • Do you want to target specific high volume routes or specialist low volume routes?
   • Is the shipper reasonable to do business with?
   • Is the contract more trouble than it’s worth?
   • Do you want to pursue high value/fragile cargo?
   • Can you add value to your customers’ clients?  
3. Utilise, but don’t rely on load boards: Load boards can be a helpful way to secure occasional work, but they are no substitute for relationship development. Competition on these boards can also be fierce, reducing both your chances of securing a load and your margin. If you do secure a load via a board, always look for ways to secure a second load, outside of the board i.e. develop a relationship with the vendor. Stickers, promotional pens or other leave behinds are a way of keeping your firm top of mind for those clients with only occasional needs.
4. Groups can you join to increase your profile: Chambers of commerce, industry groups, charity and volunteer groups. Get that spare capacity out there building your profile and brand.
5. Keep your current clients happy: Getting new clients is hard, keeping existing clients happy is paramount. There are a lot of trucks chasing every load – you don’t want to be caught in a bidding war. Do the small things that make the customer happy, and less likely to be tempted by a lower rate from your competitor.
6. When a formal Tender response is required remember:
   • Be selective – don’t waste time on bids you’ll never win
   • Be prepared – understand what is happening with the customer, and where transport fits into their objectives – then position yourself as the answer
   • Assess the client’s needs – how do you add value beyond the basic transport component
   • Answer the questions –  a simple step, making sure you’re not eliminated at the first stage of evaluation.

---

It’s not all up to you!

Contact us today to discuss how we can help your business move forward. Your success is our success.

Sydney, Australia – AUGUST 9, 2019 Global fleet services provider ORIX Australia Corporation Limited (ORIX) was honoured to be recognised again as one of Australia and New Zealand’s Most Innovative Companies.

The prestigious annual list, published by The Australian Financial Review and Boss Magazine, is based on a rigorous assessment process managed by Australia’s leading innovation consultancy, Inventium, in conjunction with a panel of industry expert judges. For the first time in 2019, organisations were ranked directly against their peers across ten industry lists. The full Top 100 list can be viewed here.

ORIX Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Reggie Cabal said “Being awarded Best Innovation in the Property, Construction & Transport Industry category for our online platform VOOM validates our vision to take innovation and apply it to solve real problems for Small to Medium size businesses (SMBs).”

VOOM is an automated, easy to use online platform that guides small business owners through the car buying journey allowing them to select and finance a vehicle.

“But the real value of VOOM is its ability to give time back to SMBs,” says Reggie. “Instead of spending hours on unnecessary admin, VOOM consolidates all runnings costs into one monthly payment that puts business owners in control. We are committed to giving time back to business owners so they can spend less time running their business and more time with their families.”

“We are especially proud to have been included on the 2019 Most Innovative Companies List for the third consecutive year.  We have worked hard to create an innovative mindset that is genuinely ingrained into our culture and this successive recognition tells us we have got that right,” says Reggie.

Inventium assessed over 800 nominated organisations across Australia and New Zealand. “We are thrilled to announce the first ever industry specific Most Innovative Companies List. What separated the most innovative organisations from the least , was the involvement of the customer the entire way through the innovation process. Leading innovators also had strong mechanisms in place to recognise the innovation efforts of their staff.” Dr Amantha Imber, Founder, Inventium.

Continue reading “ORIX Australia has been named on the 2019 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies List for the third consecutive year and was awarded Best Innovation in the Property, Construction & Transport Industry category.”

Wow… that escalated fast. Who would have thought Electric Vehicles (EVs) would be front page news? Now, it feels like the discussion of EVs is everywhere. Naturally, this is prompting many people to consider their own future driving needs. And this may include you. Maybe you want to do more to help the environment? Maybe it’s the appeal of the new technology? Maybe it’s just time for a change.  But where do you start?

Here’s a quick guide to get you going:

Can I purchase/lease an EV through ORIX?

Yes.

How many models are on the market now?

It’s currently a small number. But you can look forward to more model choices arriving over the next few years. In the US alone, manufacturers are planning 75 new all-electric models over the next five years. Expect many of these to start showing up in Australian showrooms soon. Additionally, Toyota has announced that every model in its range will have hybrid or pure EV option by 2025, and yes this includes the Hilux.

Ok, but what’s the range like?

Regardless of the model you choose, you can expect your EV to easily meet several days of metro commuting, with a few runs to the shops thrown in, between charges. Bottom line, if you’re travelling less than 100km per day don’t let range hold you back from purchasing an EV.  And as battery technology develops, and recharging stations becomes more accessible, range will become even less of an issue.

How long do they take to charge?

Charging times vary. Absolute best practice is around 20¹ min today, but that can extend to several hours if you’re charging at home using a standard three prong electric plug. If you are on the road and need to recharge, there are over 360 charging station available nationally².

Ok but…are they fun to drive?

Yes. The current generation of EVs have torque on tap and are ready to run.

Do the environmental benefits stack up?

If the best environmental outcome is your key consideration, you’ll need to consider the whole vehicle lifecycle from manufacturing to recycling. An EV with zero emissions at the exhaust, definitely sounds positive. But… you should also consider the emissions incurred during the manufacture of the EV itself, how the electricity you use is generated and the material used in the production of batteries. The most environmentally friendly choice on the market today is most likely a fuel efficient used car, which you can also be acquire through ORIX³.

Any Government incentives?

Not at the moment. There is a reduction in the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) for vehicles that use less than 7.0L / 100km, but that’s not exclusive to EVs

As time goes by, it’s going to be easier to find an EV that seamlessly fits your lifestyle. And it’s going to do so with significantly improved environmental performance.

If you’d like to learn more about acquiring an EV, contact ORIX today.

 

1. www.auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/vehicles/electric-car-charging-goes-super-fast.htm
2. www.plugshare.com/
3. www.scientificamerican.com/article/when-used-cars-are-more-ecofriendly/?redirect=1

As sponsors of the Venture Cafe Sydney, ORIX hosted its first panel event entitled ‘Automotive Futures – What’s really ahead for us?’. Our very own Mary Moran – General Manager Business Solutions at ORIX Australia, lead the panel discussion with Geoff Mewing – Head of Partnerships at JET Charge, Michael Sullivan – Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright and Scott Thorpe – General Manager Fleet Business Development at ORIX Australia. Members of the panel shared their observations on the future of automotive in Australia. The discussion was thought-provoking, and it was great to hear their valuable insights on the adoption of electric vehicles and challenges around policy, infrastructure, pricing and technology as we shift towards autonomous vehicles.