Scopic Group assists organisations and individuals develop by offering services including Recruitment, Training & Coaching, Human Resources support and Operational consulting.

Their services and expertise will complement the Careers in Sport website and provide ASGA members with the highest quality service and support in these key areas.

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At Scopic Group our mission is straight forward. We help organisations and individuals develop to improve performance. We achieve this by ensuring the right staff are recruited, staff are developed through training/coaching, and are supported by robust organisational frameworks.

Our team appreciates organisational challenges and successes, all having been in the shoes of senior executives and line managers before. Furthermore, our team has industry specific experience within the sporting goods industry making us well placed to partner with you & your organisation.

Together we are able to offer tailored solutions to improve organisational and individual performance and work collaboratively with clients to identify practical and strategic solutions to suit the needs of organisations, their “people managers” and their teams.

Scopic Group provides support in the following core areas:

• Recruitment
• Training & Coaching
• Human Resource Support
• Operational Consulting

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION

Scopic Group We offer an end-to-end recruitment process or work with clients’ in-house managers and teams in an outsourced, staged approach supporting specific steps of the process.

Our team possesses extensive recruitment & selection experience gained from within recruitment agency environments, assessment centres, in-house recruitment & human resources roles and senior line management experience within industry.

• End to End solutions.
• Stage by Stage solutions.
• Individual career/job searching coaching.
• Individual resume/cover letter writing.

TRAINING & COACHING

Our Training and Coaching solutions are designed to optimise individual and team performance and include:

• Individual & management coaching.
• New Manager/Supervisor training.
• Communication (Myers Briggs)/Team Development.
• Recruitment, selection & interviewing training.
• Individual & executive coaching.

HUMAN RESOURCE SUPPORT

In addition to strong consulting capabilities in the areas of Human Resource Management, Scopic Group also offers an ideal solution for organisations that do not employ a full-time Human Resource Manager or Human Resource Assistant, who may be looking for additional support, advice and coaching at a strategic and/or operational level.

Services include;

• “Virtual HR Manager or Assistant” support packages.
• Performance appraisal frameworks.
• Organisational design & development.
• Change management.

OPERATIONAL CONSULTING

Scopic Group provides consulting expertise in core areas such as business transformation, continuous and process improvement and KPI/dashboard formulation.

We also offer an ideal solution for organisations that do not employ a full-time Operation Manager who may be looking for additional support, advice and coaching at a strategic and/or operational level.

Scopic Group offers solutions and advice in core areas including:

• “Virtual Operations Manager” support packages.
• Business transformation.
• Continuous & process improvement.
• KPI & dashboard formulation.

Contact Scott Pickering or Jenny Carmuciano on
03 9925 5444 or on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to discuss how Scopic Group can help you.
To find out more about what we do, what our clients say and our team visit www.scopicgroup.com.au

Economic Structure and Performance of the Australian Retail Industry

The Fair Imports Alliance is working toward preparing a submission to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into the future of retail.
The Fair Imports Alliance will prepare a joint submission on behalf of its member organizations and their respective industry members about the issues associated with the low value importation threshold.  Individual associations will prepare submissions on other issues, but the Fair Imports Alliance will ensure a joint submission is prepared dealing with the importation issue.
The Productivity Commission will provide the Government its report by November of this year. An issues paper will be released in March and submissions to the Inquiry are due by 20 May. A draft report will be released in August of this year, followed by public hearings in September and a final report in November. Information about the Productivity Commission Inquiry can be found at http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/retail-industry
There are five Terms of Reference that the Productivity Commission Inquiry will address;
The current structure, performance and efficiency of the retail sector and impediments to its contribution to the Australian economy
The drivers of structural change in the retail industry, including globalization, increasing household and business access to the digital economy, cost structures of the domestic retail industry, employment structure, the exchange rate and structural change driven by the resources boom
The broader issues which are contributing to an increase in online purchasing by Australian consumers and the role of online purchasing in providing consumers with greater choice, access and convenience
The sustainability and appropriateness of the current indirect tax arrangements in this environment, including the impact on Commonwealth and State and Territory budgets, and the extent to which technology could reduce the administrative costs of collecting indirect taxes and duty on imported goods
Any other regulatory or policy issues which impact on structural change in the sector.
If you would like to provide feedback to the Fair Imports Alliance to help us ensure that industry views are reflected in the submission to the Productivity Commission you can do so by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please place the words ‘PC INQUIRY SUBMISSION FEEDBACK’ in the subject heading of the email

For further information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact your Association Here

Amsterdam gets ASICS Running LAB

The new ASICS Flagship Store Amsterdam is more than just a retail outlet as it offers runners several exclusive services and is the first European site to offer the ASICS Running LAB concept to consumers. Developed by the ASICS Institute of Sport Science in Kobe (Japan), this service has, so far, only been available to professional athletes. The store is now partially open but will be fully operational, with all departments open to the public, at the beginning of March. Olympic marathon champion Constantina Dita enjoyed an exclusive tour around the store.

Visitors to the store have been able to benefit from the ASICS FOOT ID system and the ASICS retail area since December 2010. The ASICS Running LAB and Running Club will be up and running as of March 2011.

The location of this unique performance store on the Stadhouderskade – next to the city’s running centre, the Vondelpark – is by no means coincidental. In addition to showcasing ASICS’ entire running collection and selected products from ASICS’ other sports performance categories, this 600m2 store is equipped with the most advanced biomechanical and running analysis systems. It also offers runners various exclusive facilities such as the ASICS Running LAB, FOOT ID and Running Club.

In the ultra-modern ASICS Running LAB, runners can benefit from numerous extensive body analyses that will lead to advice on how to help improve one’s running ability and gait. These analyses include foot shape, leg alignment, running technique, muscle strength, and endurance (aerobic fitness).

ASICS FOOT ID is a high-tech system that combines static and dynamic measurements to ensure customers select the correct shoes for their individual biomechanical profile.

To support runners further, an ASICS Running Club offers members Running Clinics and exclusive changing room facilities that include lockers, showers and a towel service.

Overall, the store represents ASICS’ ‘sound mind, sound body’ philosophy. A unique concept in its own right, the store’s unparalleled retail experience will be further enhanced by its spectacular interior design. The FOOT ID and Running LAB form a two-storey structure in the centre of the store. Echoing the brand's DNA, this futuristic, metal frame and glass construction connects the store's different areas around a technological ‘heart’.

ASICS is the world leader in performance running, and this new store underlines our position as the market leader. With this unique concept, we are now able to bring the cutting-edge facilities of our renowned Institute of Sport Science in Kobe to our customers in Amsterdam, transforming them into a consumer experience that will further strengthen our unique customer loyalty. This is exactly what ASICS stands for: innovation, science and true sport. Alistair Cameron, President and CEO of ASICS Europe B.V.

The ASICS Flagship Store in Amsterdam is more than a store. The services we are offering here, such as the professional Running LAB or the Running Club, are unique. It will offer the full ASICS running experience and help us build a strong relationship with our customers. We believe that the success of this store will lead to more ASICS stores opening in major European capitals.”- Fernando Pina Mulas, Head of Retail at ASICS Europe B.V.

Breath Thermo (heating fabric) wins Runner's World ispo-Award

Mizuno´s new ‘Breath Thermo’ collection has won a renowned Runner's World ispo-Award 2011 - in the ‘Running Apparel’ category.

The award of the world´s biggest running magazine has three categories ‘Hardware’, ‘Electronic’ and ‘Textile’. Runner’s World will distribute the award during German trade show winter_ispo 2011, to HIROSHI SAKO - Mizuno’s European Apparel Business Manager.

The expert jury screens all innovations, concepts and new products which will be presented during ispo. Central criteria for the 2011 awards were outstanding innovation, suitability for daily use and its selling potential. Furthermore, the product should descend from a successful product line, have a good price/performance ratio, a non-standard design, innovative materials and an innovative production, be durable and of high quality. 'Breath Thermo' fulfilled all these criteria.

The Japanese sporting goods company with more than 100 years history has established itself with numerous innovations, convincing concepts and a clear strategy as one of the leading running brands in Europe. 'Breath Thermo' is the first sports fabric that generates heat. It absorbs moisture and turns it into heat energy. It does not only keep you warm but warms you actively. Moreover it keeps the body dry, acts as a deodorant, neutralizes acid and alkaline, controls the pH value and is gentle to the skin.

Nike opens logistics centre in China

Nike, Inc., world’s one of the most popular sportswear manufacturer, has launched its China Logistics Center in Taicang city located in the Jiangsu province. The center has also started its operations.

According to the US-based company, CNY 1 billion has been invested in the center and it has a floor space of 460 mu (1 mu = 666 square meters) and occupies an area of 200,000 square meters. This is the sixth center that Nike has established in the world and is also the second largest among all other centers.

The center will handle all sorts of Nike products to be distributed in mainland China. Besides, once the center becomes fully operational, it is likely to open several avenues for the company which will enable the company to increase its revenue by two times within China by 2015.

The apparel storage and delivery base of the company in the logistic center handles around 220,000 suits per day and is also expected to begin its accessories as well as shoes storage and delivery base in April, 2011.

Following the devastating floods which have left a trail of destruction in Queensland, the Golf Industry will be rallying around to support those affected via the Golf Industry Flood Disaster Relief Fund.

The fund will be coordinated by Golf Australia and has been set up in conjunction with and through the support of a range of industry bodies including Golf Queensland, the PGA of Australia, Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG), Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, Golf Management Australia, Australian Sporting Goods Association and the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects.

Golf organisations and clubs are asked to assist where possible in any way they can whether that be making a direct donation, asking for a donation from players at your club, donating competition fees during a day or week or running special fundraising days.

There is no doubt every little bit will count towards the enormous recovery work that lies ahead.  In 2009 the Australian golf industry raised $675,000 for the victims of the Victorian Bushfires.

At this point in time, at least 12 golf clubs have been affected by the surging floodwaters which now extend into northern New South Wales.  Golf Queensland is currently conducting an audit of the damage sustained by clubs and hopes to have some detailed data within a few days.  Based on initial advice we do believe there will be a number of clubs that face an immense financial burden in the coming months.

Donations to the Golf Industry Flood Disaster Relief Fund will be distributed in two important areas based on instructions:

The Premier's Flood Relief Appeal to assist affected families and communities

Golf Club Fund Relief Appeal to assist clubs to rebuild and repair the damage caused by the floods.

To ensure that contributions made to the Golf Industry Flood Disaster Relief Fund effort are identified and acknowledged, it is requested that donations be direct deposited via the account details below or forwarded to Golf Australia (lev 3, 95 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205).  A form is also attached for your convenience.

Golf Industry Flood Disaster Relief Fund:  BSB 083 155  Account No. 188884628  


Golf Link is offering to provide (at no cost) to Golf clubs an ability to conduct their Qld Flood relief charity day online through the Golf Link website.
This allows all of the proceeds go to the fund.
Clubs just need to forward the details of the charity day to Golf Link to Jon Perkins -    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it who will place it on the GL site for people to book and pay online.

In December we reported on the formation of the Fair Imports Alliance, an industry coalition formed to campaign for reform of the Low Value Importation Threshold of $1000.

ASGA is a founding member and co-secretariat of the Alliance and has been working hard over many months to address the need for reform with the Commonwealth Government.
As reported in December, the Commonwealth Government has asked the productivity to undertake a review, titled The Future of Retail.
ASGA, through the Fair Imports Alliance will be making a submission to the review covering the various concerns of industry around the importation threshold.

The ‘Future of Retail’ review however is broader in scope than just the issue of low value imports, and ASGA will be working over the coming months to ensure that other issues such as the rising costs of retail tenancies are addressed through this review.
If you would like more information about the Fair Imports Alliance please go here
www.fairimportsalliance.org.au

Our thoughts go out to those people in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria whose homes and businesses have been affected by the floods.
For a full list of services and assistance available to flood effected businesses you will find a consolidated list here http://www.business.gov.au/Newsandfeatures/2011/Jan/Pages/Emergencyrelieffordisasteraffectedbusinesses.aspx

New Balance as Title Sponsor of Boston Indoor Games
Global athletic leader New Balance is pleased to announce the signing of an official multi-year title sponsorship of the Boston Indoor Games, to be renamed the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. A world-class event, the meet will bring together the best elite track and field athletes from across the globe for an evening of intense competition.

“New Balance is excited to become title sponsor of the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix,” says Josh Rowe, running marketing manager at New Balance. “This event is one of the best indoor meets in the world and it is right in our backyard, here in Boston. Serving as the title sponsor of this event is an effective way for us to showcase our Team New Balance athletes and further support the sport of track and field both locally and globally.”

New Balance has a rich history with the meet, serving as the first title sponsor of the event back in 1996 when it was named the New Balance Invitational. New Balance provided the initial support to begin the growth of the event from a small local meet to the well-known global event it is today. Since its inception, more than 100 Olympic and World Championship medalists have competed in the event, which has also played host to six World Records, nine American Records and 19 other national records. Team New Balance athletes Jenny Barringer Simpson, Maggie Vessey, and Andy Baddeley, among others will all be participating in this year’s meet.

“Over the last 15 years, the Boston Indoor Games have become known for world-class achievement by the local, national and international athletes who frequent the Reggie Lewis Center” said meet director Mark Wetmore. “We are excited about the relationship with New Balance and our new Indoor Grand Prix. You can count on the 2011 event delivering the same athlete performance and excitement to Boston- area track fans.”

The 16th-annual New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, the second stop in the USA Track & Field’s Visa Championship Series, will take place at the Reggie Lewis Center at Roxbury Community College on Saturday, February 5 beginning at 5PM.

Nike introduces new French Football Kit
Nike announced its partnership with the French Football Federation at the Espace Cambon, unveiling the new team kits with French players Abou Diaby, Alou Diarra, Florent Malouda and Yann MVila, France Coach Laurent Blanc and NIKE, Inc. President and CEO, Mark Parker.

The elegantly designed kits combine French style and tradition with Nike product innovation to deliver a distinctive kit engineered to maximize performance and minimize environmental impact.

"France is one of the most successful and well known teams in the world and we look forward to delivering innovative products to help them perform on the pitch," said Mark Parker, NIKE, Inc. President and CEO. "This is a significant moment for Nike Football and we are proud to be the official partner of the French Federation and to be part of the future of French football."

The kit design adheres to the tradition and standards of French style and design excellence while enabling players to perform at their best every time they pull on the famous French shirt.

France Coach Laurent Blanc commented: "This jersey represents the spirit of French elegance, something recognized all over the world. The true collar, the new blue, the addition of the red really enhance the new kit. It goes well with the philosophy I want to create: creativity, humbleness and ambition."

The innovative, lightweight, technical design and features Nike Dri-FIT technology and engineered ventilation systems to help keep players cool, coupled with ergonomic fit and soft cotton feel for player comfort.

The kit embraces Nike's considered design approach and is Nike's most environmentally sustainable kit to date, with shirt and shorts made from a microfibre polyester that is derived entirely from recycled plastic bottles. For the shirt, this material is combined with organic cotton (96% recycled polyester, 4% organic cotton)

In addition to the on-pitch kit, Nike also unveiled a broader range of FFF-branded Nike Sportswear products designed for fans off the field of play.

One detail of the new France kit is the message 'Nos Differences Nous Unissent' (our differences unite us) printed behind the FFF badge over the players' hearts. Nike has a history of using sport to play a positive role in breaking down prejudice and helping people reach their full potential. Nike and the FFF are jointly committed to supporting the work of the Fondation du Football in using football as a vehicle to promote the positive aspects of diversity in society.

The new France kit will be worn for the first time in the game against Brasil at Stade de France on 9th February. The new kit and the Nike Sportswear FFF product will be available at retail from 5th February.

Prior to that, Nike will reveal a new campaign around the kit and the partnership with the FFF, entitled 'Vive Le Football Libre', capturing the spirit of the new era of French Football. This will include a digital and print advertising campaign, as well as a dramatic TV spot.
The dramatic voiceover to the TV spot is the poem from the famous 'Duel' scene in the play Cyrano de Bergerac, narrated by French hip-hop artist Oxmo Puccino. The spot draws a parallel between the duel scene, in which Cyrano confronts a prince who dared threaten him, and French footballers at different levels competing against their opponents.

Through the verse, the audacity, creativity and freedom of French football is expressed. Those talents are expressing themselves in various places, Clairefontaine for the French team, but also the playgrounds of Belleville, Marseille and La Courneuve for the amateur players.

Canterbury's Teamwear business has just launched their new website www.cccteam.com it now allows Schools, Clubs and Organisations to use the DIY design functionality to create their teamwear.  It is state of the art and is an exciting move forward for us and our customers.