05 Apr, 2017

Local Business Legends Honoured

The City of Adelaide will tonight celebrate its long-term business legends who have been based in the city or North Adelaide for 25 years or more.

Council is holding this event as a “thank you” to the city’s long-standing businesses – recognising their significant contribution to the community and city economy.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said these businesses were part of the City of Adelaide’s fabric, employing hundreds of locals over the years and that many have become household names.

“As a former retailer and General Manager of Rundle Mall, I know just how challenging it is for small businesses to have ongoing success,” said Martin.

“Importantly, many of these businesses are family businesses that face unique challenges. Family businesses typically have a longer term focus and it really is exciting to see so many family businesses continue to contribute so positively to the City of Adelaide.

“Long-term businesses also understand that in order to enjoy longevity, it is important to innovate and reinvent.

“As Lord Mayor, I’m committed to doing all that we can here at Council to support all of these businesses in what is a competitive environment.

Gerard McCabe of Gerard McCabe Jewellers said that they were proud of their longevity and that they looked forward to operating in the city for many years to come.

“The McCabe family is proud of its long association with the city. Originally owning a tailor shop in Hindley Street, our family first turned to jewellery in 1932, opening a shop in Pirie Street,” said Gerard.

“We are incredibly proud to have been part of the City of Adelaide’s history since 1878 when my great, great grandfather Patrick arrived here, and we look forward to our future in the city.”

The City of Adelaide’s recent Census of Land Use and Employment reinforces the fact that small and medium enterprise is the lifeblood of the city economy, accounting for 97 per cent of city businesses. Pleasingly the census shows there has been a 2.8 per cent increase in the number of City of Adelaide businesses and organisations counted in 2014.

Rundle Mall has seen an increase in employment of around 2 per cent since the last census and many city businesses are also exporting goods and services to China, UK/Europe, the USA and New Zealand.

Over 100 business representatives will attend the reception at Town Hall tonight in the recently refurbished Queen Adelaide Room.

Matt Halliwell