One for the family
Dr Ayu Abdullah and her husband Tarmidi Ibrahim are well on their way to building a bright, successful future for their family of five.
As the couple's dental surgery celebrates its first anniversary this October, office manager Tarmidi and dentist Ayu say that a desire to provide the very best for their children has seen the business grow beyond expectation in just the first 10 months of operation.
After several years of research into the possibility of establishing their own dental practice, Tarmidi and Ayu were introduced to the government's New Enterprise Incentive Scheme - a program which they say has made a significant contribution to the way their business functions. Delivered through Kangan Institute's Business Enterprise Centre, the couple's NEIS studies consolidated an already impressive list of skills and qualifications.
"Before we started our business, we believed that our training background, skill and experience gained over 15 years overseas and in Australia would help us successfully establish a business," Tarmidi says.
"When we enrolled in the NEIS program, we were even more confident of our joint ability to succeed. The program was very valuable in teaching us business issues and offering mentoring while providing financial support while we were getting started."
Ayu's extensive list of qualifications includes a Bachelor in Dental Surgery and specialist studies in Community Dentistry (oral health). Tarmidi brings a sound numbers mind to the business with a Bachelor in Economics (Accounting), a Graduate Diploma in Accounting and a Master of Arts in Accounting.
With a strong focus on family values and a belief that a well-nurtured business helps create a supportive, financially secure family environment, Ayu concentrated on gaining local experience prior to opening the business in 2007.
She worked with various public dental services including placement in a hospital and with community health services.
While continuing to care for the three children and attending to family matter, Tarmidi undertook extensive research into the viability of establishing the business, approaching financial institutions and searching for a suitable office location.
"We have a life principle that having our own business also means we can provide a better future for our family life, and a great opportunity to help others who are in need, including providing job opportunities and improving the quality of our staff members," Ayu says.
"We also believe that to some extent running our own business would give us more creativity to explore and develop our own business style and culture, including acquiring more sophisticated techniques and equipment, and seeking other alternatives to advance and develop the business."
This forward-thinking approach to business has seen Meadow Heights Dentist establish links with leading industry organisations, providing access to state-of-the-art products and training facilities. The business is listed as one of the international distributors in Australia of oral care company Dr Harold Katz's Formula.
Ayu is also a fellow of Progressive Orthodontic Seminars as part of the practice's commitment to professional development.
"Investing capital back into the business is a really important part of our business plan," Tarmidi says.
"We have to make sure we use the latest and most sophisticated technology to facilitate our dental treatment and surgery procedures. The surgery is currently features the latest in dental equipment including a computer controlled anaesthetic delivery System, intraoral camera and digital X-ray."
Meadow Heights Dentist currently employs three other casual employees and is exploring the possibility of linking with Apprenticeships Victoria to provide valuable work experience for dental assistant students.
"We're very happy with our success, but it hasn't always been easy. You need a lot of patience and have to put a lot of hard work in, but running our own business also allows us independence, flexibility and the opportunity to be creative," Tarmidi says.
"For anyone else thinking about starting their own business, I'd recommend that you choose the right spot, work hard, do not waste your resources for unnecessary activities, and if you have family look after them as you look after your business. If you ruin your family life, you may ruin your business."
