Hello and Welcome to Interior Plantscape Association (IPA) monthly newsletter.

It’s the beginning of winter and in Melbourne it is the time of year when you leave for work in the dark and get home in the dark and the most important item in your plantscaping kit is a warm, waterproof coat, followed by a hot coffee!!

A few items for your consideration;

• End of financial year is approaching so look at the Government write-off allowances for any new equipment or new vehicles etc… Good time to update if you are able.
• Time to look at pricing and price increases. Despite low inflation, costs have increased especially given Covid, limited supplies, increased shipping costs plus high demand, I personally have absorbed some price increases but to maintain profitability pricing has to be reviewed and any increases explained to our clients.
• Look at stock levels of your business essentials, everything from imported components to items like decorative pots and even potting mix. We have experienced longer lead times for many such items so planning and forward ordering may be appropriate.
• On a lighter note your IPA Management Committee is looking to promote a social coffee get together, kicking off with Melbourne during winter. It will be an opportunity to meet fellow Interior Plantscapers and to chat over a fantastic Melbourne coffee. Look out for the details and date in an upcoming e-bite.

Finally, another issue being discussed by your Management Committee is horticultural education and how to achieve some basic indoor plant maintenance component within existing horticultural training.

The aim is to assist with qualified and interested staff to help grow our interior plantscaping businesses. Our workforce is our greatest asset and many industries are suffering due to their reliance on student and international visitors at a time when unemployment rates are historically low.

IPA is looking at what indoor plant and plantscaping training is needed in conjunction current broad horticultural training plus what role IPA can play in formulating and even conducting some of this training. Already many industries provide on the job training that leads to industry qualifications, maybe there is a role in this space for IPA.

We certainly welcome any input from members, especially those of you who have contacts within the educational system.

For now stay warm and keep working!

Cheers

IPA 2021 – President Cameron Iddles

info@interiorplantscape.asn.au

(M) 0418 543 312