Media

Newcastle promotes Rugby World Cup

Media Release 2 July 2003


Newcastle was proudly represented at a Rugby World Cup investment promotion forum held at Australia House in London on June 26.

Local organisation, HRworkbench Pty Ltd, was chosen as one of only twelve Australian Technology Showcase businesses to attend the forum, which aimed to encourage global attendance at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and to convert the event into business opportunities for local companies.

Over 120 eminent guests from the UK corporate world attended the forum, including the Chairman of the Sports Council for Wales and former rugby international, Gareth Davies, the guest of honour and keynote speaker.

The NSW Department of State and Regional Development's Director General, Loftus Harris, then addressed the forum; encouraging international businesses to gain a greater appreciation of the many strategic and competitive advantages Sydney and NSW have to offer.

Alan Rands, CEO of "the Bench", commented, "HRworkbench was chosen as one of the participants because of its unique contribution to technology both globally and nationally. We are establishing ourselves as 'the Global Marketplace for Human Resource Professionals'."

"Innovation, targeted market segmentation, and a passion for our Customers has placed HRworkbench in an enviable position in the Global market," he said. "And all delivered from our International Development and Support Centre right here in Newcastle."

"The Bench" has also exhibited at the prestigious CeBIT Australia technology fair, an offshoot of the world's largest exhibition of Information and Communications Technology. Another opportunity provided by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development, CeBIT hosted 78 international exhibitors from 14 countries.

Mr Rands said, "It is comforting to know that a small, but rapidly globalising Newcastle Company, is gaining this level of support from the Government. The NSW Department of State and Regional Development is providing us practical, and very valuable opportunities through their Australian Technology Showcase initiative."

"Once opportunities like these are presented, you just need to put a strong effort in to make the most of it - even if it means catching the next plane to Europe!" Mr Rands added.