That’s a wrap on ‘From Office to Asset’, our event hosted at SWIFT, 653 Hunter Street, Newcastle. A heartfelt thank you to our expert speakers Graham Burns Andrew Terrell, Paul Franks and Luke Finlay – and to all who joined us bright and early for an insightful session on commercial ownership.
The event brought together small business owners, professionals, and investors to explore how owning your office space can transform a business from the inside out. Held in our newly completed SWIFT building, the morning was a deep dive into turning offices into strategic, wealth-building assets.
Here are just a few highlights from the morning’s discussions:
The Case for Office Ownership: Graham Burns from Altim Property & Hunter Land shared the long-term financial and operational benefits of owning vs leasing for SMEs, including how ownership can support business growth, offer greater control, and play a key role in succession or exit planning.
Strata Ownership Demystified: Andrew Terrell from Bright & Duggan broke down commercial strata structures – covering everything from fees, voting rights, and special levies, to how well-managed strata plans can protect and grow your investment.
SMSFs and Commercial Property: Paul Franks from Lambourne Partners guided attendees through the process of using self-managed super funds to purchase business premises, including compliance tips, lending options, and the unique tax advantages available to business owners.
Fit-Outs That Work for You: Luke Finlay from Insight Building Services offered real-world advice on timelines, budgets, and how to approach an office fit-out that reflects your brand while staying practical and adaptable for the future.
We’re proud to host conversations like these and we’re excited for what’s next. Stay tuned for future events, and if you’re curious about owning your office space in Newcastle’s thriving West End, don’t hesitate to reach out.