Cashflow
Remember the promise that computers were going to release us from drudgery? It’s happening at last, in the form of automating crucial but not exactly thrilling business tasks. And, another promise, it’s going to get better! In any business there are some jobs that are simply not interesting, but are essential. Order entry, invoice processing, […]
Rob Lamers explains smart business practices in times of high inflation and rising interest rates. It’s clear, from the Reserve Bank’s recent blunt statement on the need to rein in inflation, that monetary policy will be tighter in the period ahead, leading to further rate rises and a leaner cash economy. In this environment, smarter […]
ANZ Small Business Specialists now available through any ANZ branch At ANZ, we support small business and understand that people who work for themselves need banking arrangements that are flexible enough to keep pace with their changing needs. That’s why we now have dedicated Small Business Specialists available through any branch. Better still, we’re opening […]
The recent share market downturn is likely to force many SME owners who are approaching retirement age to seek higher prices when selling their businesses to compensate for the reduced value of their superannuation investments. With the share market still uncertain and super funds likely to achieve only single digit growth in the year ahead, […]
There is a lot of hype in the market now about Web 2.0, the use of Wikis, Facebook and blogs and how they can help businesses gain a significant competitive advantage. While all these are great from a knowledge sharing perspective, they can add to the information overload that many business owners face today. As […]
A huge export order that could transform your business, comes in. Are you ready for the financial and other radical challenges? Here’s some advice on how to find and manage finance to meet significant export opportunities. If you’re a small to medium-size enterprise with innovative products and services, you could win an export order that […]
Any business owner involved in sending/receiving products relies on an intricate chain of supply. The good news is, some solid programs are in place to improve efficiency and reliability. If you’ve been shopping online lately, you may have been using a computer assembled in Taiwan with Irish-built processors and running software developed in the US, […]
Do you know your payroll tax rights and obligations? We take a look at crucial clauses. Payroll tax is a state and territory tax levied on wages paid by employers to their employees unless a relevant exemption or exclusion is applicable, although these and other features of the tax can vary across the different jurisdictions. […]
There are still a number of ways that people can reduce their taxable income before the end of the financial year. For instance, if your spouse is on a lower tax rate, they should hold income-producing investments. Other tips include: Salary sacrifice A salary sacrifice arrangement can help reduce taxable income but must be put […]
Managing a fleet of cars goes beyond just the car itself. We sift through some of the tools needed to build an efficient fleet, and save on the price. Fleet management is not easy for small and medium businesses, especially when competing with the big end of town. But tools such as electronic logbooks, driver […]
Federal Government departments and agencies will be required to pay small business suppliers within 30 days, according to AAP reports. This is nearly half the current payment period. Small Business Minister, Craig Emerson, said penalties and interest will apply to late payers. “We will legislate for this in due course,” he says. The move aims […]
Peter Quinn raises some key points to do with timing and tax when it comes to selling shares. Over the last three years sharemarket returns have been above the long-term average. This performance prompts people to consider selling some of their share investments now with a view to buying back during a period of volatility […]
Proof that Australian home buyers are finally seeing through the major banks’ grab for cash was revealed today with a leading internet based home loan lender recording a 300 percent increase in daily inquiry volumes in just one week. It was the same week that Australia’s big banks hit consumers with higher interest rates, independent […]
With interest rate increases, fluctuating petrol prices, drought, lagging trade payments, and the credit crunch, SMEs faced tough challenges in 2007. Nukte Ogun talks to experts to find out what difficulties are on the horizon for 2008. Blow after blow was dealt to SMEs in 2007. Everything from a strengthening Aussie dollar to the climate […]
For many businesses, taking the step to become a public company is the best way to maintain growth, but it’s not or the faint-hearted. Tony Fittler considers the issues for SMEs in becoming an IPO There are a number of alternatives for owners of privately owned companies to raise capital, and in recent years an […]
Suspicious transactions will now be monitored in line with new anti-money laundering laws in place today. All businesses that deal in financial transactions, especially banks, casinos and other gaming agencies, will need to implement programs to stop illegal activities such as identity fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing. The new laws include strict identity checks […]
The equipment finance market is becoming increasingly competitive, and whether you choose to go through your bank or a specialised broker, it pays to shop around. Zoran Knezevic takes a look at the market and what the competition means for small to medium business One of the biggest issues facing SMEs and middle market companies […]
These days, picking the right bank is not just a matter of comparing products and facilities. It’s also about choosing the right partner for your business. Stephen Preen offers suggestions on what you need to consider, from start-up to expansion, to get the most from your relationship with your bank. The relationship between a business […]
All businesses are constantly making purchasing decisions. Whether it is new computers or office equipment, machinery for a factory or a fitting out a retail outlet, there are many buying decisions that need to be made. Many business owners do not realise that many items could actually be leased instead of bought. Did you know […]
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) describes software that integrates departments and functions across your business onto a single computer system. The intended outcome is a system that improves operational visibility, streamlines decision-making, reduces costs, and generally allows you to manage your business to better profitability. While there has been considerable hype (and some horror stories) about […]
