Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024

October is Small Business Month! And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the great small businesses we have throughout the region.

Today we have three businesses you probably had no idea existed: a supplier of video equipment for heavy and agricultural machinery, the largest family owned and operated record company in the world, and a manufacturer of firefighting units specifically made for on farm use.

Chipatronic AV Solutions 🖥️

Chipatronic imports video recording systems and components for the heavy vehicle industry.

We also supply a range of caravan/RV cameras, monitors and related hardware to Auto electricians, caravan and specialists AV installers.

Our main business is customised video systems for towing, heavy vehicles and agricultural machinery.

Moving to Tenterfield 6 months ago from the Sunshine Coast, Stephen & Sue Walsh have made the transition to rural living and work life balance. Working from our home base allows us flexibility to run a business and enjoy the wonderful lifestyle Tenterfield has to offer.

Stephen with an industrial electrical background looks after the technical aspects of the business with Sue looking after the marketing and warehouse operation. Together we look after sales and support. Our dogs Chopper & Ollie are our constant companions in the warehouse!

Our technical knowledge, service and ability to customise systems to suit our clients’ needs. We provide ongoing support to clients with lots of repeat and referred business.


LBS Music Group 🖥️

For 30 years, Lindsay Butler Studios has proudly called Tamworth home, growing into the world’s largest family-owned and operated record company. From humble beginnings, it has evolved into a powerhouse in the music industry, delivering timeless albums that capture the heart of Australian country music.

In January, we’re excited to release our 200th album, each one meticulously recorded right here in Tamworth. Behind this remarkable milestone are proprietors Lindsay Butler OAM and Shaza Leigh OWB, whose passion and vision have shaped the business into what it is today.

Together with their son Lachlan Butler and trusted business partner Peggy Gilchrist, the company has expanded to include not just record labels, but also state-of-the-art studios, radio stations, and the international distribution company, STAR CENTRAL.

Our unique production sound and one-stop career service centre make us a hub for aspiring and established artists alike, offering everything from recording to worldwide distribution.


Farm Fire Fighting Units/Fire Trailers 🖥️

In a bid to safeguard rural properties from the increasing threat of fires, a Kingstown-based company has developed state-of-the-art firefighting units, uniquely designed to meet the challenges of Australia’s harsh rural environment.

These Patent Pending firefighting units, the result of extensive collaboration between volunteer firefighters and landholders, offer a practical solution for those facing the devastating risks that fire poses to rural communities.

Jeff Condren, the mastermind behind the design, relocated from Brisbane to his family’s property in Kingstown, southwest of Armidale, in 2015. Before this move, he owned Australia’s largest independent 3D printing and design company. With his background as a toolmaker and a passion for Australian manufacturing, Condren has worked with thousands of SMEs, government bodies, universities, and startups to bring innovative ideas to life through 3D printing technology.

By offering practical, affordable solutions, Condren’s company is making a significant impact on fire safety, empowering landholders to defend against the constant threat of fire.

Driven by a desire to create a robust, reliable, and affordable fire unit, Condren spent months perfecting the design with input from experienced volunteer firefighters. The result was a high-quality, easy-to-use fire unit that exceeded expectations for functionality.

“The greater the technical and engineering challenge, the greater the personal satisfaction when it is overcome,” Condren said.

The units, available in 1000-litre and 2000-litre versions, come in kit form, reducing shipping costs for rural buyers. The same technology has also been incorporated into Fire Trailers, providing versatility for various landholder needs.

With fire season now becoming a year-round concern, these innovative units are designed to provide peace of mind and protection to rural businesses and properties.


Throughout October, we’ll run stories highlighting the great local businesses we have right here in our communities. This is a free service – the businesses highlighted have not paid for this story.

Please share this story to help support New England businesses! See all our Small Business Month profiles here.