BUSINESS PLAN 2010 / 2011 PaddleNSW Inc P.O. Box 6971 Silverwater NSW 2128 PREPARED BY: PADDLENSW MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Business Plan 1. BUSINESS SUMMARY 1.1 Business Overview PaddleNSW is the State Sports Organisation representing Paddlesports in NSW. It is: Recognised by Communities NSW (via NSW DSR) Funded largely by Membership contributions and DSR grants Affiliated (interim) with Australian Canoeing It represents all paddlesports in whatever capacity is appropriate. Its dual purposes are to promote and facilitate all paddling activities to as wide a demographic as possible and to facilitate the development of competitive components of the sport. 1.2 Product/Service Features PNSW provides organisational structure for paddlers in NSW. This includes: Sports specific information services Including day to day information provided through the website newsletters guidelines for the initiation and conduct of events assistance for individual members and clubs education and training Insurance Personal accident insurance for individual members Association Liability, Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance for member clubs. Facilitation of events Paddle NSW engages individuals, member clubs to run sporting and recreationalevents to the benefit of both the members and clubs. It identifies the strengths and abilities of various individuals and groups and enlists their services where appropriate. Pathways for elite paddlers PaddleNSW assists in the creation of pathways to national competition, training and team selection for those wishing to pursue elite levels of performance in the many paddlesports represented by PaddleNSW. Education PaddleNSW provides the complete range of ACAS accreditation courses as a cornerstone of paddler skill acquisition in NSW. In addition, the new Start Paddling scheme being created will assist those totally new to the sport to paddle in a safe, enjoyable way. PNSW Business Plan 23 August 2011.../1
1.3 Market Analysis PaddleNSW considers its market to be all potential participants in paddle related activities in NSW. This includes the current participants in paddlesports, those who have a positive response following an introduction to paddling, and those industries and commercial operations relying on paddlesport participation as part of their business strategy. There are various means of assessing the market for paddlesports. PaddleNSW is conducting an extensive research process into the recreational sector, using comprehensive data provided by the Bureau of Statistics and other Government departments, combined with member surveys. In addition, data collected on an ad- hoc basis from suppliers and organisations provides invaluable information on the direction recreational and competitive paddling is taking. 1.4 Market Strategy PaddleNSW is in a unique position to represent all NSW paddlers as the official State Organisation. It is how we use this unique position that will determine our success at expanding the potential membership base. We intend to use our information services, such as those provided via the internet and direct presence at events, to inform the public of our role in paddlesports administration. We will add to this a media presence via press releases, good news stories and advertising. A presence at community events can also increase awareness of the role of the organisation. 1.5 Key Financial Objectives PaddleNSW is a non- profit organisation. It is currently not registered for GST. It has no stakeholders besides its members, who all contribute the major income stream, being individual membership fees. It has as its objective the intention to remain financially viable, and to effectively use its financial reserves to promote the aims of the organisation. To achieve this, it will pursue commercial relationships. In addition, one- off grants for special programmes will assist in the development of resources for specific identified areas of need. To this end, PaddleNSW has introduced the following initiatives: Advertising space at commercial rates has been offered on the PaddleNSW website. A two- tier membership fee structure provides access for some members to undertake qualification courses and national competition without compromising the level of membership fees required of other members. An expanded total membership will provide additional funds for the pursuit of these objectives. A substantial portion of accumulated funds is invested in interest- bearing accounts. 2. DETAILED PLAN 2.1 Business Structure PaddleNSW currently operates a financially efficient business due to the large amount of volunteer work provided by the Management Committee and various Technical committees, amongst others. The amount of administrative work currently undertaken by the management committee is unsustainable in the long term, so a re- structure of administrative tasks is being considered. This will bring PaddleNSW in to line with other SSOs, where much of the day- to- day administration is conducted by paid staff. PNSW Business Plan 23 August 2011.../2
Besides membership management and education services, the primary business activities of PNSW involve Paddlesport Technical Committees. They are financially autonomous, though they do conduct their financial affairs within the PaddleNSW accounting system. They are responsible for the conduct of statebased events, the disbursement of funds to co- host clubs where applicable, and the development of competitive or recreational sporting activities. 2.2 Management The PaddleNSW Management Committee Is currently 7 members, being President, Vice- President (and Public Officer), Secretary, and 4 ordinary members. The Management Committee is voluntary, and meets regularly as is deemed necessary, currently once every fortnight. In addition, many individual hours are spent conducting PaddleNSW business in the office. Except for the chairperson, each member of the committee has a management role in an area of paddlesports judged to be their area of expertise. They act as the conduit for information and co- ordination for their paddlesport technical committee that usually comprises around three elected persons. The paddlesport committee organises the day- to- day operation of the paddlesport, including State series and championship events, technical revisions etc. On a regular basis (anticipated to be every 8 weeks) the paddlesport committee is invited to present the current state of their paddlesport to the Management Committee, in order for a broad understanding of the current state of play, and future directions, to be outlined. Any issues being faced by the paddlesport technical committee can be easily dealt with, and general direction provided in areas of need. The committee is elected every year at the AGM, according to the PaddleNSW constitution. All full members have one vote each. This includes single individual members and clubs. Each attendee may only carry 5 proxy votes to the AGM. 2.3 Key Objectives Provide services and support for all member paddlers engaged in paddle- related activities in NSW and the ACT Co- operate with and support any association, organisation, society or individual whose activities are similar to those of Paddle NSW, and which will advance, promote or publicise canoeing and paddling related activities. Provide for the collection and dissemination of knowledge relevant to canoeing, training, safety equipment and practices, and personal fitness. Support the conservation of our waterways, bushland, native flora and fauna, and ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account in all paddling related activities conducted by Paddle NSW. Conduct, promote and assist in the organisation of safe paddling events and safe conduct in paddling. Arrange insurance for the benefit of Paddle NSW and all its members. Promote and provide opportunities for people with a disability to participate in paddling activities Formulate and maintain the rules of competitive paddling events, including the classification of paddle craft. Foster, regulate, organise and manage competitions, displays and other activities, and issue certificates and award trophies where deemed appropriate, to members (and others) Conduct State Paddlesports championships and select representative state teams for national or international competitions. Formulate, adopt, and implement bylaws and regulations for the conduct of paddling. Enter into commercial arrangements, sponsorship and marketing and fund raising opportunities as are deemed appropriate to further the objectives of Paddle NSW. PNSW Business Plan 23 August 2011.../3
Communicate and co- operate with Australian Canoeing to establish an affiliation fee structure to allow Paddle NSW and its members to become and remain theprinciple New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory affiliated members of Australian Canoeing Liaise with the peak national governing body, Australian Canoeing, and the International governing body, The International Canoe Federation, or any other strategically aligned bodies in the pursuit of these objectives. 2.4 Market Analysis Market analysis is performed by the PaddleNSW committee, assisted by its administration staff. This amounts to research into statistics provided by the Bureau of Statistics, together with information from the PaddleNSW on- line registration process, paddler surveys and face to face discussion. The flexibility of the registration process will ensure even more accurate data is possible to be collected in the next membership year through a new survey. 2.5 The Competitor There are two main areas of business competition for PaddleNSW: Competition for Events In the traditional paddlesports of slalom, canoe polo, marathon etc, very little competition exists from other sources. However modern competition in the form of adventure racing, as well as the newer growth sector of open water racing, are both seeing major growth from private promoters, as they have considerable appeal for the modern athlete. Education and information services Many alternative sources for paddlesports information exist on both the Internet and hard copy. PaddleNSW has a responsibility to use its unique position to as an SSO (state sporting organisation) to provide unique and specialized paddlesports information service for its membership and the broader padding community. By failing to deliver the necessary services, PaddleNSW would provide relinquish many opportunities to expand its membership and sports development opportunities. Direct competition for PaddleNSW education services exists in the VET system, where similar qualifications to the ACAS can be obtained. However, the ACAS is a very well respected, sports specific training system tailored to the needs of individual persons as well as clubs, and it is essential that PaddleNSW represent it effectively in NSW lest the scheme is retired or modified. 2.6 Product/Service PaddleNSW will offer the following key services for its members: A comprehensive policy covering personal accident insurance, plus public liability and professional indemnity and associations liability insurance for clubs. An up- to- date information service via the PaddleNSW and regular emailed and hard- copy newsletters, and a paddlers forum. A regular series of events in every paddlesport, including State Series and State Championships. An comprehensive event management process which ensures paddler safety and enjoyment. An increased emphasis on the recreational aspects of paddling, including well- managed recreational paddles guided by PaddleNSW club guides. PNSW Business Plan 23 August 2011.../4
Facilities for training and certification of instructors and officials to broaden the skills base of participants and administrators of the sport. 2.7 SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS Energetic volunteer structure Inexpensive membership WEAKNESSES Possible Volunteer burn- out Membership fee structure potentially unsustainable Large membership potential OPPORTUNITIES New areas of paddlesports can increase membership, eg: Ocean racing Aggressive advertising and Sponsorship THREATS Increasing legislation could make participation more difficult Other similar sports could become more appealing. Online marketing 3. FINANCIAL PLAN 3.1 Key Objectives and Financial Review PaddleNSW must remain financially viable in the long term. A minimum membership of 1200 is the minimum required to sustain the organisation in its current form. PaddleNSW must remain solvent. It must balance its major expenditure (AC Affiliation fees and wages) against its known income stream (membership fees), taking into account the possible income fluctuations caused by changes in membership levels. Additional income generated by the various Paddlesport Series and Championship events is offset to a large degree by costs and prizemoney awarded to competitors. Current sponsorship has little effect on income revenue, being predominantly in the form of prizes for competitions. The DASR grant of $20,000, though not guaranteed, does rely on the implementation of elite pathways to national and international competition, and failure to achieve these pathways will jeopardise half the potential grant for paddlesports in NSW. A bulk Insurance package for paddlers equipment may provide limited additional income, but is likely to be offset to a large degree by administration costs. Education, while seen as an integral part of the development of paddlesports in NSW, cannot be seen as a potential revenue stream. It is one of the primary aims of PaddleNSW to further the training opportunities for new and junior paddlers, and every attempt will be made to provide this opportunity to the widest range of participants at an at- cost basis in order to firstly broaden the skills base of the general paddling population, and secondly to increase the membership base of PaddleNSW. PNSW Business Plan 23 August 2011.../5
IT and administration services personnel are to be employed on an ongoing, annual basis, pending the forecast funds available. A primary focus of attention will be securing funding for development programmes, sourced outside normal revenue streams. Major sponsorship must be an integral part of this process. Growth in PaddleNSW membership will bring further benefits to members through efficiencies in scale, while not detracting from the very personal service PNSW offers members at present. PROJECTED FINANCIAL FORECAST FOR 2010 / 2011 FINANCIAL YEAR: INCOME Memberships 1500 (Individual, Standard) $70,000 Memberships 300 (Individual, Premium) $24,000 Memberships (Club) $3,000 Memberships (Single Event) $1500 Paddlesports event contributions $15,000 DASR operating $20,000 DSR education and travel grants $15,000 Interest $1,500 Boat Insurance income $1,000 TOTAL INCOME $164,500 EXPENDITURE Advertising $2,000 AC affiliation Fees $40,000 Paddlesports event expenditure $15,000 Administration officer, part time $17,500 Administration (office expenses) $1,500 Stationery, Office expenses etc $8,000 PNSW Business Plan 23 August 2011.../6
Clothing/uniforms (state reps) $2,000 Newsletter $4,800 Staff development/training $2,000 Webmaster, part time (Sarah) $20,000 Travel & Entertainment $2,000 DSR education grant expenditure $15,000 PNSW additional education funding $8,000 Accountancy Services / Bookkeeping $6,500 Additional Education Funding if required $5,500 ** Committee administrative expenses $2,000 TOTAL EXPENDITURE $151,800 BALANCE $12,700 SURPLUS ($7.00/MEMBER) AC AFFILIATION FEES Subject to the results of the affiliation fee committee, it is expected that AC fees will remain in the vicinity of $40,000 for the year 2011-2012. The fees have been agreed to as $40,000 incl GST for the 2010-2011 financial year. It is expected that PNSW will register for GST on or before the 1st July 2010. Adopted by the PaddleNSW Management Committee on 17 May 2010 Paddle NSW Inc. ABN 46 043 881 042 PO Box 6971 Silverwater NSW 2128 P 02 8116 9730 F 02 8732 1611 E admin@paddlensw.org.au W www.paddlensw.org.au