News

OHKI has entered into an exclusive Heads of Agreement to purchase Stax Electrical, an acquisition likely to net OHKI a combined annual revenue of over $7 million and healthy profits.

Manufacturing, Professional Services, the Digital Economy, International Education as well as Research, Tourism and Events are the first five sectors to be targeted by the NSW Government Industry Action Plans, designed to strengthen the state economy for the future.

Symantec’s Sean Kopelke blogs about the impact social media is having on productivity and information security.

“While it’s not hard to see why social media is so popular, with the ability to interact online like never before, the impact on small business is not so clear”

Lady Danielle Di-Masi looks at minding your manners in emails.

“I know we’ve all been there, you’re about to rush off to a meeting when you notice an email from a colleague, staff member or client just asking a question that you know only needs a quick response and you can delete that email… So you quickly type a “yes” or “no” and delete and rush off to your meeting.”

Gerald Chait blogs about the difference giving a customer a hands-on experience can make.

“While it’s not uncommon to take a car for a test drive, it is rare to have the opportunity to race a car backwards through an obstacle course. You can always hold a golf club in a sporting store, but where’s the room to take a swing?”

The winners of the 2011 City of Sydney Business Awards were revealed earlier this week, with retro boutique Oobi Baby and Kids taking out the top award – Business of the Year.

Sales at Myer fell 3.8 percent in the year to 30 July, with CEO Bernie Brooks warning that if trading conditions don’t improve sales will continue to be flat and profit could fall by 10 percent in FY2012.

The Crust franchise has opened an ‘al Taglio’ (pizza by the slice) Gourmet Pizza Bar in the Sydney International Airport food court, as the company embarks on an aggressive expansion plan.

Catriona Pollard blogs about standing out from the crowd on Twitter.

“Getting re-tweeted is a great way to establish credibility and expand the reach of your Twitter handle to a broader audience.”

Snap Franchising Linited (SFL) has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer, with current COO Stephen Edwards to take up the post from 1 November. The company also detailed a transition of its corporate team from Perth to Sydney.

Maria Pantalone blogs about keeping on track when presenting something to a client, either verbally or via email.

“Whether your document is a report, proposal or an email you want your reader to actually read it. You wouldn’t be writing it if it wasn’t important, would you?”

The Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment has risen 8.1 per cent in September, spelling good news for consumer-facing businesses.

Cenk Baban looks at the benefits to business of using Foursquare and Facebook Check-in deals.

“Nearly half of us have a smartphone or are about to buy one. Smarthphones have features such as built-in GPS, which offer new marketing opportunities based on the location of their owners. These new opportunities are especially tangible to businesses in the retail and hospitality industries.”

Business confidence dropped in August, thanks largely to increased global uncertainty, major falls in equity markets and a widespread fear of European debt.

The Greater Building Society has moved into the digital age, updating its iPhone app to facilitate improved mobile banking for its customers.

Mothercare has broken the record for sales on LivingSocial, with over 21,643 vouchers sold in seven days at a total pre-discount retail value of $2.9 million.

Julian Smith blogs about how vital it is for a business to have money in the bank.

“While Aussie businesses are definitely starting to get the right attitude, we’ve got a lot of ground to make up. Post GFC, the average small business owner is saving $1.27 for every dollar spent – but there are still many who don’t have any savings to fall back on at all.”

Business failures around the world are at an all time low, but it seems local businesses aren’t enjoying this global trend.

With the Federal Government’s October Tax Forum kicking off soon, a new study by MYOB found 71 percent of local business owners want the Business Activity Statement (BAS) simplified and 76 percent want GST rules reviewed. In light of this, MYOB has released an online petition for business owners to send a clear message to the government to introduce legislation that makes life easier for SMEs.

Online entrepreneur Ruslan Kogan has announced he’s expanded the range of electronics on his online store and is now selling Apple, Canon, Nikon and Samsung products at significantly discounted prices, by sourcing the products higher up in the supply chain.