Super job by WCG

WEST Coast Group Corporate Super has achieved a five-fold increase in funds under advice over the past three years and today has a healthy slice of the $1 billion a week Australian superannuation industry.

The company, set up in 2002, has grown the number of employees it services from 3,000 to 12,000 since 2004-5, while growing its own staff from four to 13.

WCG Corporate Super is an adviser to predominantly Western Australian-based companies.

It turns the 9 per cent superannuation guarantee into a valuable employee benefit, positioning its clients as employers of choice.

As online and do-it-yourself investing becomes more popular, WCG believes technology will be a company's competitive edge.

Last year, it implemented a Business Card CD, which turned a simple contact tool into a format where prospective clients could be offered a wealth of information on what the company did and how it did it.

It is now introducing a New Employee CD, which has all the forms and information needed to make superannuation decisions.

In order to improve its game, WCG has arranged for staff to take part in courses as varied as diplomas in financial planning to presentation skills, letter writing and time management training.

Corporate manager Adrienne Heal has also completed a leadership and negotiation skills course at Columbia University.

There are about 2,500 financial planners in Australia, but only 12 superannuation advisory groups.

WCG, one of the 12, tries to set itself apart through its dedicated education and communication program at both the employer and employee level.

This program takes its service beyond just the setup and maintenance of a company default fund.

In 2007, it presented more than 80 employee education sessions at client sites all over Australia, in addition to one-on-one appointments and policy committee meetings.

Each WCG client has a service agreement outlining all of the company's services to employers and employees, including a full disclosure on fees.

It also provides education and assistance to employees "in plain English", gives individuals the tools and knowledge to make beneficial decisions about their super and, at a corporate level, sets up and streamlines the administration of superannuation and simplifies and explains technical issues.

WCG is also implementing a fee for service, allowing companies to use its services for a one-off, flat fee if required.