Cronulla builder Matthew Lennox was working for a company in the middle of Sydney’s seasonal storms and became frustrated seeing homeowners left exposed by frail and failing tarpaulins.
He knew that more could be done to protect Australian homeowners.
Mr Lennox put his frustration to work, and spent five years working with academics at the University of Melbourne to create a product durable enough to protect a roof until it was permanently repaired.
Mr Lennox has developed a unique, polymer technology Stormseal that's been invented, developed and manufactured in Australia.
Stormseal is being rolled out nationwide with the help of $450,000 Accelerating Commercialisation funding through the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme to replace tarpaulins in disaster struck areas.
Tarpaulins often fail, flap or fly off in poor conditions leading to further damage.
“After the Blacktown hail storms in 2007 I watched as damaged houses became ruined waiting for repairs,” Mr Lennox said
“I have been working on the business for ten years,developing the plastic film and the process of applying it,and the 2015 Kurnell storm was a perfect example of why it's needed.”
After receiving an Accelerating Commercialisation grant, as part of the Australian Government’s small business initiatives, Mr Lennox is determined to create a more storm resilient Australia and wants to help affected communities throughout the world with his unique product.
The federal government is currently running an information campaign to better inform small businesses on the support the Australian Government provides – this can be anything from taking advantage of tax cuts, instant deductions for assets and simpler GST reporting, to name a few.
As part of this, the government has launched a new website, https://www.business.gov.au/smallbusiness that enables small business owners to jump online and see what government support is available to them.
“Being a small business you might need assistance but don't know where to look-this website changes that,its all in the one spot “ Matthew said.
Federal Member for Cook and Treasurer Scott Morrison welcomed the “Giving Small Business A Big Future” government information campaign.
“The Turnbull Government is delivering support for hard working small businesses because we know strong small business means more jobs, better opportunities for Australians and a growing economy” Mr Morrison said.
“Whether it’s through tax cuts, tax breaks, less red tape or easier access to advice and support, we are delivering to help drive a thriving small business sector.”
