Ai Group Confectionery Sector

Announcing the CMA and Ai Group partnership:
the Ai Group Confectionery Sector established 1 October 2009


The Ai Group Confectionery Sector started on 1 October 2009. Ai Group welcomes Confectionery Manufacturers of Australasia members who are transitioning into the new Ai Group Confectionery Sector.

For several months Ai Group and the CMA have worked together on developing a range of confectionery specific services that build on those currently offered by CMA.

Ai Group Confectionery Sector members now have the added benefit of stronger industry representation, broader resources and the full range of Ai Group services.

With over 300 specialist staff and offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and regional locations, Ai Group provides assistance in a number of key business areas. The Ai Group Confectionery Sector delivers confectionery advocacy, news and information and help with technical confectionery matters; along with Ai Group’s core services in training, legal services, workplace relations, sustainability, trade and export, OHS, and business development.

Membership with the Ai Group Confectionery Sector makes good business sense.

• A strong industry voice
  Ai Group is a leading industry organisation delivering services to more than 10,000 companies across Australia. This strong national presence, together with the Ai Group Confectionery Sector’s in-house expertise, means continued strong representation for members.
  
  This strong national voice and industry specific advocacy will benefit confectionery business. 
   
• Your industry sector
  The Ai Group Confectionery Sector will have a Confectionery Committee made up of industry representatives to provide input and guidance on policy issues. The Technical and Regulatory Committee will continue to play a vital role in the industry’s development. 
   
• Confectionery news
  Just like the CMA, the Ai Group Confectionery Sector will keep you informed on technical and regulatory updates, market developments and industry news through MediaScan, eNews, web-based information and briefings. 
   
• Members will also receive
  Ai Group’s BIZassistUpdates, providing alerts on changes to awards, pay scales and allowances, rulings by Fair Work Australia and other business related issues. 
   
• Practical advice and assistance
  Members receive Ai Group’s BIZassistManual full of practical information on legislative changes; tips on managing staff; OHS; training and skills development; and environment and energy. 
   
• The Industry Directory
  The online and print directory guiding customers and confectionery buyers to those in the industry will continue to be published. 
   
• Technical Support
  The Ai Group Confectionery Sector offers technical and regulatory support, including assistance with labelling compliance. 
   
• Workplace Relations
  Ai Group members have unlimited access to BIZassistInfoline, our national telephone advisory service for workplace related questions. Call BIZassistInfoline 1300 78 38 44, during business hours, Monday to Friday. 
   
• Export and Trade
  Covering everything from Certificates of Origin to market visits and trade missions, the Ai Group trade and export team includes dedicated TradeStart staff with information on overseas markets. 
   
• Environment and Energy
  Ai Group provides members with expert advice on environment management and energy issues including negotiations, tariffs, compliance, cleaner production strategies and identifying funding opportunities. You will also have access to the Sustainable Business Help Desk. 
   
• OHS and Workplace Safety
  Ai Group has a representative on Safe Work Australia and provides practical tools to help you identify risks in your workplace to create a safe working environment for your business. A full range of accredited training courses are available. 
   
• Expanding member networks
  ConTechPlus, the confectionery industry’s premier event will continue within the Ai Group Confectionery Sector, along with a range of other Ai Group member networking opportunities.
  
  BIZassistBriefings are free two-hour member briefings run across the country providing members with the latest information on current and emerging issues affecting your business. They are a great opportunity to network with members from a range of sectors. 
   
• Training and Apprentices
  You can benefit from the large and diverse pool of apprentices and trainees available under Ai Group Training Services (AiGTS), a registered training organisation delivering Australian accredited on-the-job training for traineeships, and fee for service courses across a range of sectors including food and retail.