News

In order to help businesses survive the economic downturn, the Queensland Government has launched a new website that enables small businesses to assess different areas of their business through a series of quizzes.

The economic downturn is the time when the right technology is crucially important for a small business’ survival and continued growth, according to Andrew Gorecki, managing director of retail information technology firm, Retail Directions.

3 Mobile has launched a new business plan entitled ‘The Works’ designed to offer small and medium businesses greater choice, flexibility and value.

A survey conducted by accounting firm Pitcher Partners has found that the majority of Australian small and medium businesses would like to see a more simplified tax system.

HTC has unveiled it’s latest Google Android phone in London in a bid to rival Apple’s iPhone.

Retail bodies Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) and the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) have welcomed the Government’s decision to exempt retailers from aspects of the national consumer credit laws.

I had the pleasure of listening to Chris Richardson, leading BRW economist last week – who commented on our ugly year. Reflecting general opinion – he said that Australia remained relatively unscathed because of the solid health of our banks and the strict governance systems we have in place.

The Government’s controversial emissions trading scheme (ETS) will hurt Australian small and medium businesses according to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

The OECD’s latest Economic Outlook has revealed that Australia is outperforming every other advanced economy, with lower debt and lower deficits that any other country.

Business owners must prepare themselves for the new financial year, says Tim Reed, CEO of MYOB.

A new free online legal service is proving to be a great drawcard for small business, driving down legal costs by introducing greater transparency and competition in the industry.

Attracting and retaining staff can be a difficult task for any small business. However for Citrine Solutions Pty Ltd it was a case of simply retraining a semi-retired worker and they didn’t have to look very far to find one.

The latest World Bank forecast has revised its economic forecast to a 2.9 percent global contraction, more than the 1.7 percent initially predicted.

NSW Premier Nathan Rees has welcomed the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announcement of location and category specific domain names.

The Australian Tax Office is encouraging small businesses to take advantage of their latest initiative to help business owners manage their tax debt in the financial crisis.

The new Industrial Relations Laws, namely Fair Work Australia kicks in next week on 1 July 2009. Labor has brought about a raft of changes that will require employers of all sizes to be more flexible in their working arrangements. The intention of the flexible work arrangements and generous parental leave provisions are to assist and support working parents, (particularly mothers) to balance work and family responsibilities.

Individuum, a web-based superannuation business for younger investors has received the Australian Business Award for Product Innovation for its product, Individuum Super.

Low cost car insurance provider Budget Direct has been named as the winner of the Best Value category at the Australian Business Awards, proving consumers are placing an increased emphasis on “value for money” when it comes to their car insurance.

The Government’s increase to the Investment Allowance for small business in May’s budget has created a boost in the sales of commercial vehicles.

Optus has officially become the first carrier in Australia to release pricing details for the new iPhone 3G S, launching in Australia on Friday.