General
About 80 percent of all businesses in Australia are run by families, so the trends that affect them are likely to come your way. They’re facing skill shortages and corporatisation, but with the potent combination of love, power, and money in the mix. A study by RMIT University shows that $1.4 billion will change hands […]
Consumer concerns about the state of the environment have resulted in companies looking for proactive ways to reduce their impact on the environment. However, the greening of a business goes beyond the redesign of products and services to make them more ‘eco-friendly’. It also involves companies making a commitment towards reducing their use of non-renewable […]
This is the first in a regular series by Bill Hovey, who shares his extensive knowledge and expertise with SME owners to help prepare the way for your inevitable departure from the business. Regardless of the size of your business or the industry you operate in, you will ultimately leave the business. A planned departure gives […]
What do you think the change in government means for SMEs? What will be the key impacts and how should small business owners adapt to the new government? Gavan Ord, business policy adviser, CPA Australia It is clear that the Government’s intention is to unwind Work Choices, however the details have yet to be released. […]
The Rudd Government has promised to take on economic instability, but first placed blame for inflation with the previous Liberal government. However, with figures from the Department of Finance presenting real growth in official spending at a 20-year high, it seems the blame isn’t unfairly placed. “We've inherited a major difficulty from the former government,” […]
The new year is a time of change, whether it’s personal or professional. “With increased energy levels, focus and objectivity afforded by time away from the office over Christmas, the New Year is an optimal time to try a radical different approach,” says Anthony Howard, CEO of Merryck & Co Australia. “For CEOs, this may […]
Bindeez beads have been permanently banned in NSW after the state’s Fair Trading Department changed the interim ban they enforced in early November. Bindeez, a popular toy product, contained the chemical 1,4 butendiol, which turned into GHB (the party drug fantasy) when swallowed. The product caused illness in children who ingested the toy. NSW Fair […]
Bindeez beads have been permanently banned in NSW after the state’s Fair Trading Department changed the interim ban they enforced in early November. Bindeez, a popular toy product, contained the chemical 1,4 butendiol, which turned into GHB (the party drug fantasy) when swallowed. The product caused illness in children who ingested the toy. NSW Fair […]
Centro Properties Group, Australia’s second-largest shopping centre property company, has fallen victim to the US subprime credit crisis causing a plunge of more than 70 percent in share prices for the group. Centro's assets in the US Midwest have been in the areas hardest hit by the subprime crisis. The group will need to refinance […]
With almost half of Australians planning to leave their jobs in the new year, it’s not looking good for SMEs. A survey by final5 found 48.5 percent of respondents are planning to quit their jobs, with this number rising to 59.7 percent in the 18 to 35 year age group.More part-timers are also planning their […]
The Queensland University of Technology is seeking emerging businesses for CAUSEE, their Comprehensive Australian Study of Entrepreneurial Emergence research project. The main objective of the project will be to improve understanding of independent entrepreneurship in Australia. The project aims to track a large sample of 800 not-yet-operating businesses from inception to see where they go […]
Independent MP Clover Moore has issued a private member’s bill banning the sale of mammals at NSW pet shops and markets. The bill will allow the sale of pets at shelters and through registered breeders. Pet Industry Association spokesman Colin Bransgrove denied that pet shops encouraged impulse buys. "Puppies, for example, are ranging between $500 […]
Working in a business, and on a business, is difficult. To ease the process, the NSW Department of State and Regional Development is arranging the BREAKthrough program; business mentoring to move SMEs to “the next level”. The Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC) and Dr Ilan Kogus will mentor businesses on growing and finding innovative solutions […]
Give your business a chance to stand out for its excellence, innovation, and leadership. The NSW Department of State and Regional Development announced an extension to submit applications for the 2008 Western Sydney Industry Awards. Applications are now due on Friday 7 December.Receive recognition for your achievements, and promote your business to a greater audience.Application […]
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s election promise to roll out high speed broadband across the country has the telecommunications industry in lobby mode this week. Rudd initiatives included a pledge to construct a high-speed broadband network and to revamp the telco industry. Executive director of the Competitive Carriers Coalition (CCC) David Forman said that Australian services […]
Labor’s spending promises during the election may have to be re-evaluated due to the threat of another interest rate rise. It is predicted that the Reserve Bank will raise the rate beyond three percent early next year, making the cash rate seven percent. "In the short term, the main economic challenge the new government will […]
On the first day of trading following the election, Australian shares gained 2.2 percent, showing that investors were unfazed by the new Rudd government. The surge added almost $34 billion to the value of the domestic share market, and was fuelled by a number of factors including a rumour that a new Chinese stakeholder in […]
NSW Deputy Premier John Watkins has announced the members of the NSW Innovation Council. The creation of an Innovation Council was among the promises made in the NSW Government’s Statement on Innovation.“The Innovation Statement is all about helping Australia’s smartest state work even smarter,” says Watkins. "The council includes respected leaders in business and government […]
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has been quick to distance itself from the anti-union advertising campaign it funded in the lead up to the election, accepting that a Rudd government had the ability to abolish WorkChoices. BCA president Grieg Gailey said the campaign was run on “issues” not politics. “We're entitled to have a […]
Steven Martin reveals what to do when a virus penetrates your network Once a virus has penetrated your security defences it can quickly rip through your computer network, destroying files, corrupting data, rendering applications useless, and in general causing an expensive lull in productivity. Many small and medium businesses are aware of the dangers of […]
