Meeting of Russell Bedford Australian member firms takes place in Adelaide

March 2020

Russell Bedford’s Australian member firms gathered in Adelaide, Australia on Monday, 2 March 2020 for the first ever meeting as a national group.

Hosted by Russell Bedford’s Adelaide member firm, Lee Green & Co., all Australian members firms were represented including Lee Green & Co. (Adelaide), HMW Group (Brisbane), Saward Dawson (Melbourne), Stantons International (Perth), and Camphin Boston (Sydney).

Prior to the meeting the group joined for a welcome gathering, enjoying a modern Asian Banquet on the evening of Sunday, 1 March.

Topics for discussion at the meeting itself included the varying specialities between the firms and different systems and software used by each.

A significant priority for all firms, and can be particularly challenging, is the recruitment of top talent. The group discussed maintaining engagement among employees and providing adequate training, as well as shared strategies for supporting the retention and development of key staff.

The group completed a benchmarking exercise to understand their collective strengths, including service lines and specialisms, while identifying areas where the other firms could provide support. They also shared successfully implemented strategies to be rolled out in the other firms with the potential of providing a similar benefit.

The meeting concluded with a roundtable on how to progress the national group through collaboration in support of their mutual business objectives, while leveraging the Russell Bedford brand and supporting its exposure throughout Australia.

Michael Sweeney, director at Lee Green, Russell Bedford’s Adelaide member firm, said: “I was extremely pleased with the turnout at our first ever meeting of Australian member firms in Adelaide; and equally so to see each of our Australia firms represented. It’s a demonstration of just how committed our members are. Engagement is very high. Members are eager to work with each other – they see the value through their experience of network membership in developing and deepening connections with their counterparts. After all, you’re much stronger with the support of others around you.”

Bruce Saward, managing partner of Saward Dawson and chair of the Russell Bedford international board of directors said: “The meeting was a great success. We managed to get into some meaty topics, I think everyone gained from our discussions and I’m already looking forward to not only planning our next physical meeting, but also to working with our Australian colleagues in between meetings, and maintaining those important relationships in support of our mutual business goals. A big thanks to Michael Sweeney, partner of our host firm Lee Green, for so graciously hosting the group and facilitating a very successful first meeting. Thanks Mike!”