New data released by Statistics Canada has shown that Ontario’s economy is strengthening, particularly in relation to employment. Although some metrics may fluctuate from month to month, contrasts to the same period last year (or even the last 10+ years) show some emerging trends all businesses should be aware of. In April 2017, Ontario’s unemployment…
Sometimes, well-intentioned rules and regulations developed by the government affect business’ ability to act on growth opportunities and efficiently use resources. These laws and regulations are often referred to as government red tape by the general public. They often relate to additional paperwork, hidden costs, and project delays, and make companies less responsive to market…
After a long week, my spouse and I enjoy getting out for some fun on the weekend. We’ll often head to local restaurants to relax and catch up; last week, we went out for dinner. Generally, there are no issues with the service we receive, but this time was a much different outing. Upon sitting…
Canada’s aerospace industry has been strong for decades, but new trends are transforming the industry and requiring aerospace manufacturers to be more proactive in their approach to growth. In 2015, Canada’s aerospace industry generated nearly $30 billion in revenues, of which 70% came from manufacturing – this marks an 11% increase between 2010 and 2015….
Since the notion of an ‘experience economy’ was first written about in 1998, the way businesses operate has changed. Forward-thinking businesses adapted their offering to include the staging of experiences, and in doing so, have driven revenues at an accelerated pace. In today’s economy, a memorable experience is much more valuable than any product or…
On July 13, 2017, Ontario manufacturers are invited to a lunch and learn hosted by the Canadian Association of Mold Makers (CAMM) and Mentor Works. During this event, manufacturers will learn how to accelerate their growth and competitiveness through a variety of projects. Attendees will gain insight into how Canadian government grants can be used…
As spring approaches, business owners and executives should continue looking for growth opportunities in 2017 and beyond. A great way to stay up-to-date on current industry news and network with other thought leaders is by attending Ontario small business events. Industry focused events provide an outlet for professional networking and access to expert knowledge. Throughout…
Canadian manufacturers have reached a critical point where continuous improvements aren’t just an asset; they’re necessary for survival. Failure to improve a business’ value-adding processes will almost always result in competitiveness issues; however, many organizations don’t have a system to measure and improve value-added processes. Without these activities, it’s impossible to understand where value is…
In Ontario, agri-food businesses have an excellent track record for producing safe, high-quality products. Food safety is critical for anyone operating a food-based business, therefore, performing routine training and other food safety programs is essential to success. On April 24, 2017 Mentor Works will participate in a workshop on Food Safety Program Optimization. Event attendees…
Food and beverage processing is Canada’s second largest manufacturing sector, accounting for 17% of the country’s annual manufacturing shipments. With more than 190 countries serving as export destinations for these products, Canadian firms are well positioned for international growth. With foreign demand continuing to increase, businesses should take advantage of new opportunities becoming available. Fortunately…