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Big companies - including MYER, David Jones, Just Group, Sussan Group, Carlton United Brewery and CIMIC - are using the coronavirus as an excuse for slow payments and forcing many small businesses to close their doors, says Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Kate Carnell. 

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The Minuteman Press franchise group has launched a new COVID-19 resource, the 'Bounce Back Australia' initiative to support local businesses to ' Bounce Back' from the crisis. Amongst other benefits, it provides free local business listings and COVID-19 Safety Posters. Started by a caring Nashville, USA Minuteman franchisee, it's now going global.

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EasyCut, a leading global developer of sign-making software programs, has released the new EasyCut Pro 5.1.02, the 32-bit and 64-bit vinyl cutting software for Windows and macOS, with a range of new features. 

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“It will be good to have our industry back in business,” says PrintNZ general manager Ruth Cobb. "An announcement will be made on Monday about whether we move to Level 3...and If it goes ahead businesses that can re-open will have 48 hours to have the right protocols in place for safe operation.”

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ASGA has issued a free 5-page Q&A surrounding the Federal Government's JobKeeper programme, compiled by legal advisors Hicksons. It is free to members and membership for new subscribers is free until end of 2020.

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The Print & Visual Communication Association (PVCA) has launched an industry petition calling on federal, state and local government agencies to stop buying printed matter in China. “At this time of disruption to our economy from Covid-19…it seems incongruous for government to be spending tax dollars overseas on print that is readily available in Australia.”

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GSP Print, the company responsible for printing many of Australia’s most famous billboard ads for leading Out-Of-Home advertising company JCDecaux, is marking 50 years of operation in 2020. "Static billboards have an important place in the advertising landscape," said JCDecaux.

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Electronics For Imaging will host its first-ever EFI Ignite Virtual Experience event this month - three days of sessions featuring its full line of display graphics solutions, including latest wide- and super-wide format inkjet printing technologies livestreaming from EFI customer experience centres. 

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Len Lauer, CEO of Memjet, passed away unexpectedly at his home in La Jolla, California on April 13th. He was 62 years old. Lauer was named the CEO of Memjet in 2010 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2012. A regular visitor to Australia where Memjet's R&D is headquartered, he was always approachable and  affable, with an obvious passion for Memjet technology.

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The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has amended 99 awards, including the Graphic Arts, Printing & Publishing Award, to allow employees to take two weeks of unpaid pandemic leave as well as twice as much annual leave at half their normal pay - if their employer agrees.

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A survey conducted before the outbreak of the coronavirus and the postponement of drupa shows a global print industry that remained positive but reflected more challenging global economic conditions. "Printers are recognising the need to innovate – by launching new products and services in their existing markets or by entering new markets."

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“These people represent the best in their respective sectors and will go on to contend for the overall Print Apprentice of the Year title,” says Print NZ chief executive Ruth Cobb. “They had some tough competition.”

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PostNet Broadway in Sydney has transitioned into MBE Broadway, becoming the first PostNet store to join print & mail franchise competitor Mail Boxes Etc (MBE) since parent PostNet Australia went into administration last year. MBE also says it’s been officially labeled an ‘essential business’ during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Outgoing Konica Minolta Australia chairman/MD Dr David Cooke has agreed to continue in his current role until Australia's borders are reopened and new MD Yohei Konaka can travel to Australia from Japan. 

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As trade events around the world are postponed, a raft of ‘virtual’ trade fair organisers has cropped up in the expectation that budgets will transfer from steel-and-cement halls, to computer and mobile screens.

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Inkjet printheads for industial-commercial use have been around for about three decades and have progressively improved - along with onboard cleaning and maintenance systems - but they can still clog. In times of intermittent use or shutdown. With some piezo printheads costing as much as $6,000 each, it's worth looking after them.

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In an effort to assist employers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) is offering free membership to all companies until 31 December 2020. For current members, 2020 membership will be extended from 30 June 2020 until 31 December 2020.  

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Onyx Graphics is offering a new series of educational webinars to help its customers optimise workflow and maximize their ONYX investment. The interactive online training programs are delivered live from ONYX experts across the globe.

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“Small businesses are under enormous pressure right now, with many forced to close their doors and others unsure how they will survive the coming months,” says Australian Small Business Ombudsman Kate Carnell.

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A mandatory Commercial Tenancy Code announced by the Federal Government paves the way for small businesses to negotiate some rent relief with their landlords, according to Australian Small Business Ombudsman Kate Carnel. Eligible small businesses who have seen a reduction in trade will be able to negotiate a rent reduction with their landlord.

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Epson has established Epson X Investment Corporation (EXI), a new corporate venture capital (CVC) subsidiary aimed at accelerating collaboration and innovation, growing existing businesses and creating new ones. A multi-million dollar fund will be set up for venture investment.