The opening of several new businesses BCF, IGA and Reece Plumbing with several other well-known companies including Dan Murphy’s who is in the process of negotiations plus the establishment of an aviation park is giving the valley a welcome economic stimulus and bright future.

The good news continues as a newly established company are in the process of establishing a new business with the possibility rejuvenating the Manning Valley’s dairy industry by adding a new product range. 

Along with the established business, McGraths Meats recently securing export contracts with Nauru and the Solomon Islands that have seen it significantly expand their growing wholesale business sector of the business.

The long-term future sees the introduction of the NBN network adding further traction for expansion in the next five years that will lead to the Manning Valley becoming a growth centre on the Mid North Coast.

The rapidly growing digital economy is fast becoming another tool for consumers and businesses who are offering a new service and online shop fronts.

The digital economy is poised to launch business into a new era that will see a new client base expanding their turnover and their profiles as they find new customers and growth.

“The NBN network will increase opportunities for business to increase their turnover,” Steve Attkins, economic development manager, said.

“This increases their regional, national and in some cases an international presence.

“The latest data is significant with 50 per cent of consumers now researching online before they go and buy anything off line.

“This is strong evidence for local businesses to be online. 

“Having a web presence is now important for all size businesses, being online is the first critical step toward success.”

Leading Wingham business Bent on Food has again been rewarded for their hard work, marketing and customer service by being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2012 North Coast Tourism Awards. 

This is testament to what can be achieved by consistency and using best business practices, Bent on Food has now received 19 major awards a result that proves local business can be successful particularly in the field of tourism.

Kerry Johnstone, tourism development manager, says tourism spending has an impact on local businesses, even professional services not in the “front line” of the industry. 

“This area is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world and a significant and fast growing industry in the Manning Valley,” she said. 

“In the last financial year the Manning Valley saw a massive $163 million* injection into the local economy via tourism (*Tourism Research Australia). 

“Tourism is big business and benefits far more than the local tourism operator with any increase in overall tourism numbers having a positive impact on the Manning Valley economy overall.”

Leading commercial real estate agents, Shultz Commercial says they have negotiated several large commercial and industrial sales this year.

“The recent sale negotiated at 6 Mill Close, is the new home to BCF, has spurred an increase in enquiry from developers and national tenants considering locations in and around Taree based on this recent activity,” Dan Shultz said.

“Also, the residential real estate market has also been very active with First National Shultz, Taree achieving excellent results.

“Last Saturday’s auctions were evidence of this with two of the four auctions being sold at above reserve prices and offers being received on the other two properties immediately after auction.”

Dan Schultz believes that buyers have been attracted by the region’s infrastructure, lifestyle and affordable house prices with both investors and owner occupiers seeing excellent value in the area. 

Simon Brown, President of the Manning Valley Business Chamber welcomes the growth and the establishment of new businesses.

“These new business are coming to the Manning because they see potential and opportunities in the Manning Valley into the future.

“In turn their investment will create further opportunities and most importantly, employment.”

The Manning Valley Business Chamber’s economic development partnership with the Greater Taree City Council is working hard to assist in the expansion of existing and new business.

The partnership board has a strong vision for the Valley and has several key projects it is targeting and working with current key business sectors that long-term will enhance the area as a leader in expanding growth.