ING

ING is the biggest financial company in the world yet it decreed that, unless its innovative Icehouse project received half its financing from local Australian capital it would not be built. Traditional firms were loathe to attempt to value the project because it was so innovative in the Australian context that it had no precedents. MENTREG Principal Consultant, Kevin Hindle was retained and worked hands-on with ING’s team on the ground to develop an entrepreneurial business plan that went far beyond any mere project valuation exercise. Chris Quinlan, ING’s Construction Manager on the project said: ‘Working with Kevin was like doing an MBA in innovation at 200 kilometers per hour. Not only did we come up with a highly detailed plan for profitable operation that secured the funding we needed, but the skills and insights gained in the process of developing the plan will serve me well for the rest of my business life.’ Now home of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia and sponsored by Medibank, the Icehouse houses premium facilities for athletes, provides fun for casual skaters and its spaces can be deployed for a wide range of events and activities not associated with skating. Medibank Icehouse is Australia’s largest ice sports and entertainment venue: the opportunity has become the reality.