News
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 […]
When the Apple iPhone becomes available on July 11, Australians will have a third mobile carrier to choose from—Telstra. For $30 a month and an upfront cost of $279, on a two year plan, Telstra users can get their hands on their very own 8GB iPhone. Alternatively, for a 16GB model, the upfront cost is […]
Automotive parts supplier Repco has renewed its commitment to running the majority of its vehicle fleet on LPG Autogas after rejecting diesel as a financially viable alternative. Repco has begun rolling out a fleet of 70 Mitsubishi Triton, single and dual cab utilities, all fitted with a state-of-the-art Impco BRC vapour injection system. A further […]
The 185,000 extra people expected in the Sydney CBD during July 17—18, for World Youth Day celebrations, will cause numerous road closures and changes to public transport. As a result, businesses are predicting a drop in sales. “Basically they, [associate members] are concerned that the city is going to be deserted and people are being […]
eBay’s controversial plans to use PayPal as a single payment method have been scrapped, after losing an uphill battle with the ACCC. All existing payment methods will remain available, but sellers are required to at least accept PayPal. “We have decided to withdraw the notification to stop any further confusion and disruption among the eBay […]
The iPhone 3G is almost here and now Optus has released pricing plans. Twice as fast as the first generation iPhone and with built-in GPS, iPhone 3G will be available to pre-paid and post-paid customers on the Cap and ‘yes’ mobile plans. Post-paid customers can get their hands on the 8GB iPhone 3G for $0 […]
More than 20 percent of small businesses pay an interest rate above 10 percent on their debts, according to the Fujitsu/JPMorgan Small and Medium Enterprise Report. Subsequently, an increase in costs, paired with slow consumer demand, could lead to higher unemployment. JP Morgan spokesperson Brian Johnson says that logically, higher debt means less money to […]
Office and retail space that once attracted top dollar have suffered from plummeting buyer interest, with sales down 60 percent for the first half of the year, according to figures released by commercial real estate agents CBRE. Listed property trusts own more than 80 percent of prime real estate, including office towers, shopping centres and […]
Employees or students between the ages of 18 to 25 in the agricultural, fisheries, forestry, food or natural resource industries have the chance to secure up to $50,000 in the 2008 Australian Agricultural Industries Young Innovators and Scientists Awards. Award winners will receive up to $20,000 funding to research an emerging scientific issue or innovative […]
