In our first episode we find out all about Restaurant & Catering Queensland. Transcript below.

Charlie:
Hey guys, today we're here with John Johnston from Restaurant & Catering Queensland, as part of our new 'Know your industry' series.

So, John what exactly is Restaurant & Catering Queensland all about?

John:
Restaurant & Catering Queensland is about creating a viable and profitable industry, to providing that specialist assistance and advice.

A report recently showed that some 9 out of 10 cafes and restaurants here in Australia will fail within their first 2 years of operation, so we're here to make sure that their businesses are a success.

Charlie:
So, who would be a member of your association?

John:
Well quite simply all food service operators should be a member of the peak body for the food service industry.  Whether you're a retail takeaway outlet, a cafe, a restaurant, caterer or functions centre, your business will benefit from membership.

Charlie:
What are some of the benefits for joining Restaurant and Catering Queensland?

John:
Membership doesn't cost, it pays.

We provide a wide range of services to benefit our member businesses.  Services and information such as industrial relations and human resources, for all your staffing and wage rate issues.  Merchant rates and group purchasing deals, providing exclusive discounts and financial benefits to RCQ members only. 

We have our own in-house training and professional development department which provides a lot of training for the unemployed to come into the industry and also providing that staff and resource for the operators.

We run a lot of marketing and promotional events on behalf of our member businesses, whether that's through our Restaurant and Catering online guides, whether is through our awards of excellence, or through other means.

Charlie:
Why is it important for employees and students alike to have an understanding of industry organisations or associations such as Restaurant and Catering Queensland?

John:
It's important for both employees and students to have an understanding of the role that industry associations have in the community.  Because in some years to come these employees and also the students may well be the manager or even an owner of these same businesses.  So hopefully the industry associations will be their first point of call when they need help.

Charlie:
John, what support do you offer for new businesses starting in the industry?

John:
We provide a wealth of information, support and guidance across almost every aspect of the business you can think of.  Through our specialist expertise on staff and within a number of other resources and networks available.

Restaurant and Catering Association is well positioned to welcome new comers to the industry and therefore reducing the likely-hood of their failure.

Charlie:
What advice do you have for young people that are already in business or people looking to start their own business that have not as yet become a member of your association?

John:
My advice to those people is to get in touch with our office and find out more about how the peak industry association can make their business a success.  Start off by visiting our website:  www.rcq.org.au

Charlie:
Thank you very much for your time today John.  And if anybody would like more information about Restaurant and Catering Queensland or about anything else we've talked about today, you can go right below the vodcast and it will all be there.
Thank you.