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For the love of cars: CarExpert co-founders Paul Maric and Alborz Fallah with their Porsches.

Car sales disruptor widens choice for Australian new car buyers

Until recently, the online automotive sales space in Australia had been dominated by the same few players – and for decades. Their focus has been used car sales.

Sponsored 

by CarExpert

Pixii supplies 800 sites with organic cotton tampons and pads, made freely available via wall dispensers.

Making period products free a ‘workplace, societal issue’

Nina Tavener had a light-bulb moment at a women’s conference. A speaker asked whether anyone had ever faced not having period products at hand when they needed them most.

Sponsored 

by Pixii

MTA Energy identified a gap in the energy market to work with multi-site businesses with complex energy requirements.

Meeting big energy needs through bespoke design and data

Australia’s energy market is in a state of transition as retailers integrate renewable energy generation, battery storage and smart devices into their offering to consumers. They have also had to deal with destabilising political and economic events, such as the war in Ukraine.

Sponsored 

by MTA Energy

Informatech’s growth aligns with the federal government’s increasing emphasis on engaging Australian SMEs ahead of the local subsidiaries of multinational corporations.

The push for ‘true’ sovereign capability in Australia’s tech sector

In a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, investing in truly “sovereign” capability in the Australian tech sector – rather than simply “domestic” capability – is critical for protecting the nation’s long-term defence interests.

Sponsored 

by Informatech

Cocoon SDA Care operates in every state, with 200 properties across Australia.

Improved wellbeing is a key impetus for ‘exceptional’ care and more disability housing

In the midst of an acute housing shortage, some of Australia’s most vulnerable people are feeling the impact, prompting private companies to step up to the challenge of providing specialist disability accommodation (SDA) with financial support from the government.

Sponsored 

by Cocoon SDA Care

Premium Partners

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December 2024

Designing roads for efficient movement and safety is becoming increasingly challenging as vehicles evolve and extreme weather events test engineering knowhow.

Making roads worthy gets tougher amid changing needs, extreme weather

Dan Talevski’s primary focus in his civil design business, D-TAL Engineering, is to provide solutions that align with the environments our roads inhabit and the needs of the people who use them. And, of course, that they are as safe and as forgiving as possible.

Sponsored 

by D-TAL Engineering

F9 Project Services directors (left to right): Vamsi Gollapinni, Aaron Fennell and David Salmeri.

Avoiding specialists to manage mega projects a likely ‘false economy’

During uncertain economic periods, the necessity to better manage risk is fostering a renewed collaboration with engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) specialists. This approach ensures that construction and engineering mega projects are delivered on time, within budget and according to specifications.

Sponsored 

by F9 Project Services

Developing true partnerships with clients, rather than simply being a supplier of talent, is a key to the success of Acquisitive Advisory.

Unlocking growth through an ‘integrated talent strategy’

In today’s fiercely competitive market, where securing the right talent is as critical as capital itself, forward-thinking firms are beginning to view talent acquisition not simply as a human resources (HR) function but as a foundation of growth.

Sponsored 

by Acquisitive Advisory

November 2024

Superloop’s overall market share has more than doubled in the last two years, with revenues growing 30 per cent year on year.

Challenger brands biting off more of the broadband market

As cost-of-living pressures bite, Australia’s telecommunication challenger brands continue to grow market share at the expense of industry incumbents by focusing on delivering value.

Sponsored 

by Superloop

Xrecruiter provides recruitment companies with a range of supports to help them succeed.

Thriving amid recruitment’s ‘champagne and razor blades’

Even as recruitment has been on a roller coaster of ups and downs over the past five years, entrepreneurs Blake Thompson and Declan Kluver saw the opportunity to create a new business they wished had been there to support their earlier forays into the industry.

Sponsored 

by Xrecruiter

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Since launching three years ago, Value Dental Centres claims it has saved patients more than $19 million (based on comparisons with standard industry pricing).

Finding an affordable and safe local alternative to dental tourism

Getting an improved smile and an overseas holiday for less than the price of the dental treatment alone seems like a dream come true for many patients.

Sponsored 

by Value Dental

Panorama Radiology Specialists founding radiologist and principal Dr Angus Watts (left) with chief technical officer Sam Bradshaw.

Boutique radiology practices help meet surging demand of ageing population

A worldwide shortage of radiologists and Australia’s ageing population underpin the rapid growth of healthcare company Panorama Radiology Specialists on the Gold Coast.

Sponsored 

by Panorama Radiology

Australian brands are adopting data-driven strategies to target local markets and key segments.

Local marketing and niche audiences boost revenue in a data-driven world

Australian brands have become skilled at using major platforms such as Google and Meta to reach their audiences. But, with so many enterprises flocking to these spaces, their impact is starting to wane. Which is why more firms are going back to a local approach to media.

Sponsored 

by TFM Digital

RoomingKos founders Julian, standing, and Nathan Djung.

Purpose-built accommodation rising to meet student housing demand

While the introduction of a cap on the number of international students in Australia is not due to take effect until 2025, evidence is emerging that some potential students are already choosing other destinations.

Sponsored 

by RoomingKos

Sustainability principles lie at the core of innovative collision repair group CARe Auto, which is cutting emissions and waste across its 14 repair centres.

Digitisation drives more sustainable and efficient car repair practices

Integrating circular economy principles alongside digital technologies in the auto repair industry is transforming efforts to reduce waste and cut emissions, setting a new standard for environmental efficiency.

Sponsored 

by CARe Auto

hiring

Trust is the key for this mining recruiter

Launched in the depths of the pandemic, recruitment firm Mergent has grown by 348 per cent to make the Fast Starters List.

  • Sian Powell
Among the nation’s fastest growing companies: Qure cofounder Kristina Orlic and XRecruiter cofounders Declan Kluver and Blake Thompson.

The fast movers’ secret to beating their rivals

The best of the nation’s small companies love their customers and know them well.

  • Victoria Thieberger
Ed Butcher and Ed Godfrey, the founders of online review removalists, RepSpert.

Google reviews ruined Ed’s company. Now he’s making $15m fighting back

Ed Butcher and Ed Godfrey set up a no win, no fee online review removal company called RepSpert in 2020. It’s grown by 300 per cent each year.

  • Sam Buckingham-Jones
Fast 100 founders: Outcast cofounder Paris Marchant, MCo Beauty founder Shelley Sullivan, and Medevac Flights founder William Cassidy.

Revealed: Australia’s fastest-growing companies in 2024

In a tough consumer environment, this year’s Fast 100 and Fast Starters finalists have managed to find their niche.

  • Victoria Thieberger
Declan Kluver and Blake Thompson, the co-founders of XRecruiter.

This start-up grew by 2300pc in a year

Blake Thompson, who says he was once a little “off the rails”, and his business partner pulled in revenue growth over 2300 per cent.

  • Primrose Riordan
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Why this entrepreneur does tech differently

From food to climate, innovators saw problems in the tech sector and took action to make things right.

  • Christopher Niesche
 Australian Power Equipment founders Abby Crawford and Andrew Cockbain: A reputation for problem solving

The ‘bad habit’ that turned into a $7.5m business opportunity

Using refurbished components to overcome supply shortages for renewables projects turned into a lucrative business.

  • Agnes King

How this music tech start-up attracted Sony as anchor investor

An online portal of ready-made music lessons that any primary school teacher can use has won a major investor.

  • Alexandra Cain

Meet the lawyer who set up his own cannabis company

A potential career crisis sparked the founder of this medicinal cannabis company, which comes in at No9 on The Australian Financial Review Fast Starters List.

  • Richard Pullin

Is the IPO route right for your business?

While sharemarket floats can access deep capital for growing businesses, it’s essential to explore all available options to determine the right investment path.

  • Gavan Carroll

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/lists-and-awards/fast-starters