Join Now

BEAR Report

Background

In response to concerns about the number of businesses closing and shop fronts remaining untenanted in Evans St, a small number of traders invited Peter Kenyon to attend an informal think tank in Sunbury. The Sunbury Business Association invited him to be a guest speaker at their annual dinner in May 2017.

Peter is the Founder and Director of 'Bank of I.D.E.A.S.' who has been described as a social capitalist and community enthusiast. His focus is on seeking to facilitate fresh and creative ways that stimulate community and local economic renewal.

During this conversation Peter presented the Business Expansion And Retention (B.E.A.R.) Program. Representatives of the Sunbury Business Association (SBA), Sunbury Community Health (SCH), Hume City Council (HCC) and a number of individual traders established the B.E.A.R. Taskforce to discuss the revitalisation and reactivation of Evans Street, a major shopping strip located in the centre of Sunbury. It was agreed that the B.E.A.R. program would be a suitable way of engaging our local businesses and finding a way to move forward.

What is the B.E.A.R. Program?

The B.E.A.R. program is an action-oriented and community-based approach to economic development. It is a community-sponsored initiative involving the formation of a local taskforce and a structured interview process conducted by community volunteers to understand the needs, concerns, and ideas of local businesses.

The B.E.A.R. Program is a planning process for setting priorities and implementing community economic development action plans. It engages both the community and the local business sector to improve the economic environment long into the future.

"Sustainable community, economic and employment development does not result from a quick fix. The B.E.A.R Program is based on the simple premise that each community has within itself, or within its grasp, capacity and opportunities to influence its social, economic and employment future." - B.E.A.R. Program Manual 2014

Methodology

The findings of this report are informed by the structured B.E.A.R. Survey Questionnaire and a mystery shopper report. The Taskforce initially focused on Evans Street but expanded the scope to include businesses in the central trading area of Sunbury, including the Target precinct, Sunbury Square, O'Shanassy Street, and Brook Street.

Roles and Responsibilities

The local B.E.A.R. Taskforce included representatives from SBA/SWiB, SCH, and HCC. Sunbury Community Health provided administrative support. Peter Kenyon provided advisory and training roles. Hume City Council commissioned a Mystery Shopper program.

Community and Business Engagement

  • Launch event with Peter Kenyon and 25+ business representatives.
  • Flyers and mail-outs to businesses inviting participation.
  • Recruitment and training of volunteer interviewers.

The Survey

Originally scheduled for Sept-Oct 2017, interviews extended into early 2018 due to low response rates. The survey included 38 questions with a mix of formats. Out of 91 identified businesses, 60 were allocated interviewers. Eighteen completed interviews were obtained.

  • 17 locally owned businesses, 1 national branch.
  • Sectors included retail, food, health, real estate, and banking.

Limitations

Response rate was below 20%, affecting statistical significance.

The Retail Dilemma

"The customer is increasingly looking for experience not just stuff..." – Mystery Shopper Report, HCC 2017

Survey Respondents - A Brief Profile

  • Majority positive about business outlook.
  • 180 employees total; majority not planning to hire.
  • Strong SBA/SWiB membership support.

Findings and Recommendations

Theme 1: Business Growth Strategies

Key constraints: small market, high rent, lack of marketing strategy.

  • 72.2% lack written marketing strategy.
  • 55.5% sell online, many want help with digital strategy.
  • Support needed: social media, marketing, cash flow, staff hiring.

Recommendations 1–3

  • Facilitate dialogue on local rent conditions.
  • Offer workshops: digital marketing, merchandising, customer service.
  • Recognize collaborative business practices.

Conclusion

The B.E.A.R. program fosters discussion and partnership within the Sunbury business community. While challenges remain, locally driven collaboration and targeted support can significantly strengthen Sunbury’s economic outlook

Connect, Collaborate and Create