Claire Hibbit
The surprising reasons behind fake sick days
We revealed the surprising reasons behind fake sick days, in March. Catch up with the story here.
CBA launches customisable POS system technologies
The Commonwealth Bank has launched a number of new point-of-sale (POS) payment system technologies, designed to improve the POS experience for both consumers and merchants.
Pay optimism strong in Australia and Asia-Pacific, says research
While employees in many European countries hold little hope of seeing their salaries rise to match inflation, research has found Australians and workers in the Asia Pacific are feeling optimistic when it comes to their pay packet.
Not so sweet: Darrell Lea enters administration
Iconic chocolate and confectionary company Darrell Lea has entered administration after 85 years of business, leaving the future of more than 700 workers in doubt.
Credit claims spike, according to new report
More SMBs are looking to secure their cashflow and funding thanks to the tightening credit market, with a report finding a staggering surge in credit insurance claims during May.
Revenue falls cause SMB economic confidence to bottom out
Falling revenue is causing small business economic confidence to dwindle, according to new research. Despite these sales falls, a fifth of SMBs say they’re feeling optimistic that conditions will begin to improve over the next 12 months.
Spending up, but confidence remains fragile
Consumer spending across the country is continuing to rise, but as businesses become more optimistic, experts are warning consumer confidence remains fragile.
A healthy approach to network marketing
Like most 20-year-olds, Nancy On was searching for exactly what she wanted to do with her life and becoming increasingly frustrated when she couldn't figure it out. And now, just six years later, Nancy has achieved staggering success in an unlikely form – network marketing.
Nine things employees want from their employers, now
SMB owners and managers take note: Recognition and improved work/life balance are the keys to employee retention, or so says a new poll which asked employees what they most want from their business – right now.
Employment optimism dwindling in small businesses
Employment optimism is dwindling as are local job prospects, as a new survey reveals a decline in the number of businesses looking to hire employees for the next quarter.
Apple launches next-gen MacBook Pro, Air and OS X
Good news for Apple fans came out of San Francisco over the weekend, with the company unveiling its new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops, as well as the latest version of OS X Mountain Lion, which delivers iCloud integration and built- in social media functionality.
Business confidence slides further, but SMBs remain positive on outlook
Despite business confidence continuing to fall as a result of weak consumer spending, half of SMBs remain optimistic about their ability to ride out the tough times, a new report has found.
SMBs prefer cleaning the office fridge to tax reporting
With June 30 closing in, experts warn thousands of business owners may miss out on tax concessions and run of the risk of paying too much tax as EOFY confusion continues to reign.
GFC has left SMEs ‘once bitten, twice shy’, report finds
Despite a degree of economic stability in Australia compared with elsewhere in the world, a lack of confidence and cost containment issues are threatening to blind local SMEs to future opportunities.
Online SMBs performing better than offline counterparts, report finds
Businesses with a website are seeing higher financials returns and operating more productively compared to those without a site, new research has found. Despite this, the potential benefits appear to be falling on deaf ears with less businesses building their online presences.
Businesses are cutting costs and expanding to the cloud: report
Virtual technology and pay-as-you-go business services are the key to effectively cutting business costs while simultaneously spurring growth, a new survey has revealed.
‘Shock proofing’ causing bosses to neglect staff
Bosses are too busy ‘shock proofing’ their business against sudden impact events to focus on important internal business issues, which is leading high numbers of dissatisfied employees to hunt for new jobs.
New Optus software improving data back-up process
The new Optus OfficeApps Backup Suite is improving small business owners peace of mind about after hours data protection, after a recent survey revealed one fifth of companies aren’t regularly backing up critical company data.
Facebook acquires Instagram start-up in billion dollar deal
Facebook has signed a deal to acquire its biggest potential competitor in free online photo sharing, Instagram, for approximately a billion dollars.
Company culture and rewards key to an engaged workforce
Company culture is the key to creating and maintaining an engaged and productive workforce, according to a new study, with employee engagement most boosted by coaching, buddy programs and company outings.
Social media to become biggest consumer purchasing influencer
Businesses that don’t make the most of their social media presence will see brand recognition and sales falter, as the online trend looks set to become the primary consumer watchdog.
Businesses positive about economy, despite overall confidence slip
Local businesses remain mostly positive about the state of the economy, despite the fact a sentiment survey registered its first decrease in business confidence in six months.
The surprising reasons behind fake sick days
With the long weekend fast approaching business owners are bracing themselves for the dreaded “sickie” phone calls, however a new report has revealed the most common reason for faking a sick day is not what many would assume.
Cashflow shortages threatening SMBs future, report finds
Cashflow shortages, interest rates hikes and increasing global economic concerns are all threatening the livelihood of local SMBs, a new survey has found.