In The Trenches

Australia is entering one of the largest defence and shipbuilding booms in its history. And most business owners have no idea what it means for them. In this episode of In The Trenches, Hanif Ibrahim sits down with Fred Bkamdin — National Business Growth Manager at Energy Power Systems Australia and President of the Australian Industry & Defence Network WA — to unpack one of the most significant economic stories unfolding in Australia right now. This isn't a conversation about military strategy. It's a conversation about economic opportunity, capability building, and how Australian businesses can position themselves to participate in a once-in-a-generation infrastructure and manufacturing investment. What Fred covers: - The scale of Australia's defence investment and how long the pipeline runs - Why this is a sustained economic shift, not a short-term government contract cycle - The urgent demand for skilled workers and specialist suppliers across the supply chain - How small and mid-sized businesses can enter the defence supply chain - The role of collaboration, trust, and quality certifications in winning defence contracts - What Australian businesses stand to gain from the shipbuilding program - Why the stakes in this industry create different commercial dynamics If you're a business owner in manufacturing, engineering, logistics, or professional services — this episode could open a door you didn't know existed. This episode is powered by The Finance Agency — salary-paid finance brokers helping businesses access the finance needed to pursue big opportunities. financeagency.com.au #AustraliaDefence #DefenceIndustry #ShipbuildingAustralia #BusinessOpportunity #BusinessPodcast #InTheTrenches #ManufacturingAustralia #AUKUS #Entrepreneurship

What is In The Trenches?

Running a business isn't easy. The late nights, tough decisions, and constant pressure to grow, adapt, and succeed — it's all part of the journey. In the Trenches is a business podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and operators who know what it's like to be in the thick of it.

Each episode dives into real stories from business owners, industry leaders, and experts who have faced challenges head-on, found opportunities in unexpected places, and made the decisions that shaped their success. We're not here for vague theories or feel-good advice. We focus on tangible insights — practical strategies, financial realities, and the lessons that actually make a difference in running a business.

Brought to you by The Finance Agency, In the Trenches is about more than just storytelling. It's about equipping business owners with the knowledge, inspiration, and commercial insights they need to navigate their own path. Whether you're scaling up, managing cash flow, or tackling industry shifts, we bring you the voices and experiences that matter — helping you make smarter decisions and move forward with confidence.

If you're building something great, if you're making tough calls every day, if you're in the trenches — this is the podcast for you.