Don’t be Afraid to Make a Move

How do you respond to change? Is it something you enjoy, for example moving house or changing workplaces? Some of us love change, but others find it unsettling. I’ve been pondering this as I prepare for a big change that involves relocating more than 100 people from their existing workplace to a brand new building in the city of Newcastle. The reason might surprise you.

When you’re in business, you can’t ignore the pace of change. Your clients or customers are changing, and so is technology. If you can’t move with the times, you’re going to be left behind. But it’s not only your customers you should be thinking about, it’s also your team. The people who make your business successful.

This was a big factor in our decision to move DFK Crosbie out of the Warabrook office we’ve occupied for more than 20 years. Our new home is an impressive building at 12 Stewart Avenue in Newcastle West.

But we’re not moving to the west end because it’s ‘the place to be’. When you’re in business, a buzz isn’t enough to warrant a change. It has to be founded in strategy. Having an excellent business strategy is absolutely your recipe for success.

It’s also what gives you peace of mind as you juggle your business and busy-ness.

In our case, we needed a welcoming, professional environment for our clients so they can have a good experience with us. As a home-grown Hunter firm, we’ve come a long way and have outgrown our current building.

From humble beginnings more than 50 years ago, DFK Crosbie has become successful medium-tier Australian business advisers and accountants, and proud local employers. We're a multi-award-winning business that includes Crosbie Wealth, Crosbie Finance and a specialist Superannuation Team for SMSF (self-managed super funds). We needed a high-quality workplace for our team that takes into account their health and wellbeing. We want to make their work-life more enjoyable.

I believe happy; engaged employees are what makes a business successful. Our new workplace will have desks where you can choose to sit or stand. There’s proper space for dual-screen computers, nothing cramped. Rooms are filled with natural light. We’ll be close to the harbour, childcare centres and coffee shops. Our people can go for walks and take in some fresh air away from the office. There’s bicycle parking and public transport directly across the road, which will become more and more important into the future as our region continues to grow. We’ll also have user-friendly bathrooms with showers. All too often, work bathrooms are not very nice.

Is it time for you to make some sort of change? As long as your decision is grounded in good strategy that puts people and your clients first, there’s no need to be afraid of taking that next step.

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Maureen Jack is General Manager of leading accountants and business advisers DFK Crosbie, which is proudly based in Newcastle.