BUSINESS ownership, leadership and community involvement were key themes explored at the Swan Chamber of Commerce’s May Hour of Power with Mundaring councillor Ben Heptinstall and former Swan mayor Kevin Bailey.

Mr Heptinstall reflected on his progression from supermarket employee to owner of four IGA stores and a bottle shop while discussing his first year in local government.

“I’m sort of more of a doer than sort of standing up in the public spotlight,” he said.

“But more recently, getting involved in politics, I’ve realised to be in the public realm, you really do need to be able to stand up and say, ‘Hey, this is me, this is what we’re doing, this is what needs to happen in our community.’”

Mr Heptinstall said his interest in business began early while attending swap meets with his parents in Mundaring.

“I’d go around and I’d buy stuff at the swap meet,” he said.

“I’d take it back to my stall and I’d sell it for a profit at my stall.”

After leaving school, he spent a decade working at Coles before purchasing his first IGA store in Gosnells with his wife in 2010.

Mr Heptinstall said learning the operational side of business was easier than adapting to the administrative responsibilities of ownership.

“I had to learn all that, how to use MYOB,” he said.

“I learned it all myself.”

As his businesses expanded, he said building stronger management teams allowed him to spend more time focusing on broader strategy and community involvement.

“You don’t want to be working in your businesses,” he said.

“You want your business to be working for you.”

Mr Heptinstall said supporting local organisations had become a major focus, with his stores now backing 17 community groups.

“It’s very important when you’re in business to be giving back to your local community,” he said.

“Because after all, they’re the ones that are supporting you.”

Cost-of-living pressures and affordable groceries were also discussed extensively during the session.

“One of my big focus points is trying to reduce the cost of groceries to our local community,” Mr Heptinstall said.

Reflecting on his transition into local government, Mr Heptinstall said the pace of council processes had been one of the biggest adjustments from private business.

“My biggest shock was how long it takes to do anything,” he said.

“And I understand dealing with public funds requires a different process compared to your own money.

“It’s definitely been a bit of a learning curve.”

Despite the adjustment, he said the role had broadened his understanding of differing community perspectives.

“You’re never going to please everyone,” he said.

“But it’s important that you can openly discuss what you think the right pathway is.”

Mr Bailey also reflected on his unconventional career path spanning transport management, horse training, business ownership and more than 16 years in local government.

Raised in Wheatbelt towns before moving to the Northern Territory as a child, Mr Bailey described an adventurous upbringing before later attending boarding school in Perth.

“I had to learn to defend myself,” he said.

“I had to learn to negotiate my way out of situations because I was born with a smart mouth, slow feet, and a brain that often didn’t keep up.”

Mr Bailey later established his own transport business while serving in local government before becoming mayor of the City of Swan in 2017.

During the discussion, he said modern leadership styles was concerning and encouraged attendees to make decisions confidently.

“There is no such thing as a wrong decision,” he said.

“At the time you make it, it’s the right decision based on the information you have had.

“A big problem today is too many leaders tell you what you want to hear and not what you need to hear.

“You need to tell people what they need to hear.”

Mr Bailey also said community contribution was important.

“If you’re successful and your business is going well, give back,” he said.

“It doesn’t cost you a lot to make the world we live in and the community we live in a better place.

“A part of local government that’s different from state is how close we are to the people.

“We live among them, work among them and see them out in the community.”

Mr Bailey said that was the strength of local government and the key to building key connections and keeping communication open.

During a question-and-answer session, both speakers discussed communication, leadership and staying connected to community concerns.

“My biggest piece of advice to everyone in this room is don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” Mr Heptinstall said.

“Try new things, meet new people and build new relationships because today’s conversations and connections become tomorrow’s opportunity.”