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Northside commercial hub has lots to explore

In this sponsored post “CityNews” meets some of the businesses operating out of the northside’s commercial hub.

THE suburb of Mitchell has long had a light-industrial focus. But now, weaving in between the industrial experts of the region are other businesses such as cafes, accounting firms, gyms, clothing stores and physiotherapists. 

The suburb was named after Maj. Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, surveyor-general and explorer of NSW, and all its streets are named after Australian industrialists.

This week “CityNews” meets some of the top businesses operating out of the northside’s commercial hub.

Top service has customers coming back

BROTHER and sister team Mat Scifleet and Sam Vrins run JAX Tyres as an efficient business where they do their best to look after every customer, according to Sam. 

Sam says their father, Pat, started and managed the business in the early days and the business has now run successfully for 26 years. 

“We pride ourselves on customer service and aim to give our customers the best deals possible,” says Sam.

“We get repeat customers through being renowned for our one-on-one customer service approach.”

JAX specialises in tyres, wheels and mechanical services such as brakes and suspension, Sam says. 

Customers who purchase four new tyres from a range of respected brands, and a wheel alignment, qualify for the “myjax” platinum tyre maintenance plan, which includes more than $500 worth of savings for each qualifying vehicle.

“It also allows customers to access and track their tyre maintenance on our website,” Sam says. 

By following the recommended servicing, using the periodical reminders within the programme, Sam says customers receive significant discounts and bonuses while prolonging the life and performance of the tyres.

She says JAX also sells high-performance passenger car, light truck and four-wheel drive brands such as BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin and Pirelli, as well as value-for-money brand options.

JAX Tyres, 10-12 Winchcombe Court. Call 6241 8586 or visit jaxtyres.com.au

Tim’s team tackles any household issue

Oldmate ACT co-owners Tim and Bec Drage.

SAVING people’s time and money, Oldmate ACT provides a range of services such as plumbing, gas fitting, heating, air-conditioning, hot water and minor electrical work.

It’s a “one-stop-shop” says director Tim Drage, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.

“When people have various issues within their household, they can just come to the one company,” he says. 

“We can help them out with a majority of their appliances and different fixtures within the house.”

And that also goes for businesses, as Oldmate ACT works commercially, too. 

As for the quality of work, Tim says it’s the highest because they work hard to get it right so they’re only at a job once. 

“Our qualified staff are always on hand to answer any questions and give the best possible advice. We will always provide you with quality service at a competitive price,” he says. 

“We have multiple vehicles servicing Canberra and surrounds, offering a quick turn-around.

“An emergency service is always offered, so if someone has a burst water pipe flooding the house or no hot water, we can come fix it.”

 Oldmate ACT. Call 6254 6576, email office@oldmateact.com.au or visit oldmateact.com.au

Innovative software that’s the future for business

THE professional team of business technology experts at OmniIT are helping businesses work from home with the innovative, user-friendly software, Microsoft Teams, says OmniIT partner Michael Warnock.

Michael started OmniIT 23 years ago and, now, he and his wife Cheryl manage a passionate team of nine business technology experts, who provide managed IT services, which include helping clients move to Microsoft Teams software. 

Accredited by Microsoft as a “silver partner”, Michael says that Microsoft Teams is the future for business. 

“Microsoft Teams allows you to take the office with you, wherever you go and lets you connect with everyone in a collaborative way,” he says. 

He says it also allows people to store all their documents in the cloud and it has integrated video conferencing through Skype, as well as the ability for multiple people to work on the same document together. 

With more people working from home than ever before, Michael says OmniIT has had a lot of experience in setting businesses up to allow staff to work successfully from home and Microsoft Teams provides an easy way for business to operate with people working outside the office environment. 

“We are moving all our clients to Microsoft Teams as it makes working so much easier for them and is user friendly,” says Michael.

OmniIT also provides managed IT services and support to businesses, with services including cloud computing, data backup, security, IT infrastructure and planning, and project management. 

OmniIT, unit 8, 12 Sandford Street. Call 6230 3839, email support@omniit.com.au or visit omniit.com.au

Motorcycle training has a focus on safety

MOTORCYCLISTS are among the most vulnerable road users, says Revolution Rider Training CEO Steve Lake, so all its training programs have a focus on safety.

“We’re teaching the physical skills of motorcycle riding, but our goal has always been to push the safety side,” says Steve.

“We believe the rider must take responsibility for themselves, actively identifying anything on the roads that may present a safety issue, without assuming that cars will give way to bikes. 

“I want to train those who have chosen to ride a motorcycle to be safe.” 

In Canberra, Steve says most people like to ride their motorcycles in the summertime, which is why it’s timely to start training now. 

“If you are planning to get your motorcycle licence, now is the time to get started so you can get the training you need to get your ‘L’ and ‘P’ plates and enjoy the best weather for riding,” he says. 

Weekend training is held weekly at both Merici College in Braddon and Sutton Road at Majura and occasionally on Fridays.

Revolution Rider Training, 54 Hoskins Street. Call 6109 0154 or visit revolutionridertraining.com.au

Why servicing feather and down is essential

THERMA Quilts has been specialising in making and servicing feather and down products such as quilts, pillows and cushions since the 1980s, according to a Therma Quilts spokeswoman. 

Using quality textiles, she says the seamstresses hand-make every item suited to the customer’s needs and provide a top-up service when quilts and pillows show signs of wear or loss of warmth and fluffiness.

“Servicing of feather and down products is essential for keeping them in optimal condition for comfort,” she says. 

“With time and usage, body proteins and lipids (natural oils and perspiration) are absorbed onto quilt casings and into the feather and down inside.

“Over time, this build-up dampens the down, which causes it to lose its thermal resistance. However, regular servicing of your quilts would ensure that your down is fresh and fluffy.

“With time and usage, the fabrics on quilts wear out and get thin, but once holes appear there is no need to throw away your quilt.

“Therma Quilts is able to re-case your quilts in addition to other services such as extending them into a larger size or reducing them to a smaller size according to your needs.”

With its eco-friendly cleaning process, Therma Quilts services feather and down products including sleeping bags and down clothing as well as other textiles such as silk, polyester, cotton and wool quilt underlays.

“Whether you’re wanting to rejuvenate your quilt, customise it or buy a new custom-made one we can look after you,” she says. 

Therma Quilts, 10-12 Kemble Court. Call 6241 6859 or visit thermaquilts.com.au

Eddy’s got the best fine art supplies around

Framing Pieces owner Eddy Tillotson.

A PICTURE framer by trade, Eddy Tillotson, the owner of Framing Pieces, not only offers framing services, but also sells the most comprehensive selection of fine art supplies in the area.

“We moved into art supplies in 2012 and now we’re a niche market in Canberra, selling strictly high-end fine art supplies and serving professional or semi-professional artists,” he says. 

“We have an exclusive range of watercolours, soft pastels, oil paints, acrylics and media inks, pencils and sketchbooks. The items are available online, but artists are tactile and often prefer to visit the store to feel the paper, rather than read about GSM paper numbers online.”

Eddy started the business in 2004 and says he has a good knowledge of the industry and how things are made. 

“My skill is in how to solve problems in framing an item in the best way possible – even unusual shaped items, to make them look good, while also mounting and attaching the item with care,” he says.

“The items we frame are often incredibly valuable to the client.”

And he says, they can frame pretty much anything. 

“We’ve done anything from photos of kids at the beach to a helicopter control panel, and a big pair of leather aprons from a timber mill,” he says. 

Eddy says Framing Pieces can also work with local artists to frame a series of works for exhibitions. 

Framing Pieces, 44-46 Grimwade Street. Call 6255 7033 or visit framingpieces.com.au

Growing business offers plumbing services

Clark Electrical & Air Conditioning owner Aaron Clark.

AFTER providing the Canberra region with quality and reliable electrical services for about three years, Clark Electrical and Air Conditioning has expanded, and now offers plumbing services too. 

Owner Aaron Clark, who has been an electrician for almost 30 years, says the business is now a “one-stop-shop”.

Aaron, and his team of nine experienced tradespeople, service the whole Canberra region, helping with problems such as toilets, drains, gutter work, LED lighting, or switchboard upgrades. 

“Our air conditioning department can meet all your heating and cooling needs, especially if you are looking to upgrade your gas system to electric, which is cheaper to run and can incorporate with solar,” says Aaron.

He says the showroom in Mitchell is open for people to visit and see products on display such as wifi air conditioning systems, which allow users to operate them remotely. 

“It’s a great feature for people wanting to turn on their air conditioning before they get home, or switch it off if they forget to,” says Aaron.   

Clark Electrical & Air Conditioning, 5/12 Sandford Street. Call 1300 230462 or email aaronclarkelectrical@gmail.com

 

 

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