News
Rising petrol prices have seen consumer sentiment hit a 16 year low. Consumer sentiment, in July, is at 79 points; a drop of 6.7 percent from June, according to the monthly Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey. “The most probable explanation for the sharp fall in the index is likely to be petrol and oil prices,” says Bill […]
Walk confidently into the room; plug your USB key into your mobile professional projector and your presentation lights up for your waiting audience. Whether it’s sales, training, a conference, or a new business pitch, delivering high quality presentations has never been easier than with the new generation of mobile professional projectors. No need for road […]
Almost 50 percent of employees are afraid of losing their jobs, as a result of building recessions concerns, found a Talent2 survey. “Over half of the respondents were in the workforce during the last major recession in Australia during the early 1990s,” says John Banks of Talent2. “So it is understandable that the prospect of […]
BP chief economist Christof Ruehl has endorsed the Federal Government’s support for a carbon emissions trading scheme over a carbon tax. Having examined data from world energy markets, Ruehl says the scheme can later integrate with other financial markets. “If you have these trading markets they’re much easier for them to link up with each […]
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has issued a reminder to businesses that June quarterly statements and super contributions are due by July 28. The easiest and securest way to lodge activity statements is through the online business portal, says Geoff Robinson, deputy commissioner. “Businesses may be eligible for a two week extension on their activity […]
The Federal Government admits their Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, which includes a target of a 60 percent reduction in current carbon emissions by 2050, will increase inflation, but the cost of not acting would be greater. “It is about taking responsibility and preparing for the future,” said Climate Change Minister Penny Wong. “We cannot continue […]
When it comes to shopping online, Australian and New Zealand consumers are twice as likely to proceed to checkout, in comparison to their international counterparts. Findings from a Coremetrics study show Australian consumers place 4.4 orders every 100 sessions, while this number drops to 3.3 in the US and 1.7 in the UK. “The question […]
The Geek In High Heels GeekIT Group With more than 15 years in sales and marketing, Mary Henderson is an expert in business development and implementing marketing strategies in the IT and digital media spheres. As CEO and founder of web development company, GeekIT Group, Mary has a passion for technology and the way it […]
Ten finalists have been chosen for the 2008 Dell Small Business Excellence Award, by Dell and EXCOM Education. “The No. 1 reason small businesses use technology is to better serve customers, and no one is doing that better than this year’s 10 finalists,” said Joe Kremer, vice president and managing director of Dell Australia and […]
The Business Software Alliance (BSA) has cracked down on unlicensed software use, with five Victorian organisations currently under investigation, including manufacturing businesses and a scientific research group. According to BSA Australia vice chair Clare Wharrier, half of BSA’s settlements last year were Victorian businesses. “Organisations will go to great efforts to protect their own copyrights […]
Last night, the Australian dollar broke the US$0.98 barrier for the first time in 25 years, posting at a peak of US$0.9849 before settling back into the high $US0.97 range. Currency surges occurred following remarks made by US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke about the “uncertain” outlook of the US economy. “The possibility of higher […]
Users have already downloaded more than 10 million applications, since the launch of the iPhone last week, says Apple. There are 800 applications available, including everything from games and location-based social networking to medical applications. Better yet, of these, around 200 are available for free. Any other purchases will be charged to the user’s iTunes […]
The Franchisee Association of Australia (FAA) wants the Australia Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) to take a greater role in scrutinising franchise operations. The association says ASIC should cover investment in a franchise as they cover investment in other businesses. Lobby group spokesperson David Beddall, a former small business minister, pointed out disparities between clauses […]
Only three days after being launched, the one millionth iPhone 3G was sold. “iPhone 3G had a stunning opening weekend,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “It took 74 days to sell the first one million original iPhones, so the new iPhone 3G is clearly off to a great start around the world.” The iPhone 3G […]
In just a few hours, the Apple iPhone gave the economy a much needed boost of around $20 million, according to IBISWorld. While the initial 80,000 units are expected to sell quickly, it is the extra sales staff, security and transport required to stock and restock shelves that will make the difference. Despite it only […]
Bank battles have begun following the collapse of electronic payments company Bill Express last week, leaving 14,000 EFTPOS terminals open for new machine installations. ANZ’s agreement with the failed business allowed them to install 2,600 EFTPOS machines at the most profitable locations, so merchants could continue processing electronic payments. However, merchants are now free to […]
After talking to so many business people over the years, it is rather interesting that they all seem to have the one thing in common – they all hate the taxman. But why do you hate the taxman? After all, the ATO does not set the taxation rules, they simply administer them. It is the […]
Keeping the doors open in your business just got a whole lot more difficult in this tight labour market. The signs are, quite literally, everywhere. Just last week my local bakery was closed with a note on the door that said “Shop Closed- Can’t Find Staff”. Don’t laugh, it could happen to you. Just think […]
Employees on the minimum wage will now receive an extra $21.66 a week, but the rise allowed by the Fair Pay Commission, slightly less than the 4.3 percent requested by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, may be too much for SMEs already struggling with rising interest rates and a downturn in business. Richard Evans, […]
The Apple iPhone is on sale from today. Together with it, Apple has also made available 500 native applications, of which 125 are free for iPhone customers. Customers at the App Store, which works on a Wi-Fi system, can download and start using immediately. A range of topics, including games, business, news, sports, health and […]
