Small Business
Based in London and Buenos Aires, Plan South America crafts one-of-a-kind adventures to some of the most remote and spectacular corners of South America and Antarctica. Since inception in 2006, Director Harry Hastings has learnt some important lessons operating in multiple countries across cultures and time zones. Live local I lived in Buenos Aires for […]
If you run a manufacturing plant or industrial operation, your priority will be ensuring that you produce the highest quality products possible. While many factors will go into producing an end result that you can be proud of, one of the biggest deciding factors will be the quality of the parts that you use. It […]
It’s estimated a huge 488 million business trips are taken every year in the US alone. Whilst traveling on business allows you to experience a new place for the sake of work (something not many people get to do!), they can also be hugely stressful if you don’t plan properly or if something unexpected goes […]
Mobile businesses are unique. From taco vans to locksmiths, and dog groomers to plumbers, these businesses gain a competitive edge through their ability to operate from any location. Mobile businesses have needs that are very different from their stationary counterparts. They need different stock, different equipment, and importantly, different insurance. In this article, we explain […]
The Fair Work Commission today delivered its annual wage review. This decision will have a significant impact on all businesses and industries and over 2.3 million employees who are paid at the National Minimum Wage or minimum Modern Award rates. From the first full pay period commencing after 1 July 2017: all Modern Award rates will increase by […]
The 2016-17 Annual Wage Review has been handed down, with the Fair Work Commission determining the national minimum wage (NMW) should be increased by 3.3% from 1 July 2017 to $18.29 per hour or $694.90 per week. The Commission has also resolved to increase modern award minimum wages by 3.3 per cent. In deciding to […]
Sunday penalty rate reductions for employees covered by the Hospitality, Fast Food, Retail, Pharmacy and Restaurant Awards will be phased in over three to four years from 1 July. The Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission issued a decision on 23 February 2017 to reduce Sunday and public holiday penalty rates in the Hospitality, […]
“Regardless of what sector you work in, the only constant for our generation is CHANGE. There will be no slowing down of the technology and innovation boom”. So says Kate Middleton, who has the distinction of being the only female CEO of a major player in the Australian insurance adjusting and engineering industry While sectors such as […]
Amongst Australia’s SME owners, millennials are not only more optimistic about the future, they are also more likely to expand their business in the near future, according to a new whitepaper from NAB. Titled The Moments That Matter: Understanding Australian SMEs, the whitepaper reports on qualitative and quantitative research undertaken by IPSOS on behalf of […]
In a world where social media is (almost) everything, there is no denying the benefits of an engaging online presence for your business. More than 1 in 10 surveyed Australians have now shopped via a social media platform[1]. Successful social media strategies allow small businesses to convert customers to unofficial, yet involved, brand ambassadors who […]
When you’re travelling for work, it’s never ideal to get caught out in a situation that makes you late. Whether it’s travel delays, a public transport strike or anything else that comes up, it can be very frustrating having to postpone a meeting or function because of an unforeseen interruption. In fact, it’s probably up […]
When it comes to acquiring finance for your business either to get started or expand, traditionally banks have been the popular option; however, with more than half of SME loan applications being rejected by banks every year, banks are proving to be yet another hurdle for small businesses. Whether it is to fund start-up costs, […]
Amazon is one of the biggest companies in the world, especially when it comes to retail. You can find nearly anything you could ever want on the website as well as some things you never even knew existed! But did you know that you can also use the mega-site to make money of your own? […]
When you first set up in business the single biggest challenge you face is getting people to notice that you’re out there. You can offer the best products and services in the world, at amazing prices, but nobody will buy them – and if somebody does happen to stumble upon you and make a purchase, […]
You have a dream and create your start-up and work through the night until you almost drop. You think hiring people is really going to help. It starts to feel like a ‘real’ company. Now you have people to delegate to. But then you discover that paradise – as my mother’s favourite saying goes – […]
It is an exciting time in Australia to be doing business! We are in a growth phase, driven by ambitious business leaders and demand from consumers craving innovation and new services. SMBs and start-ups remain the innovation engine of Australia’s economy. They don’t have the same budgets as their giant counterparts but SMBs are achieving […]
Workplaces continue to evolve. The needs of employees are constantly changing. It has never been so pertinent for businesses to adopt innovative strategies, become more flexible and address the emerging needs of their people and the new business environment. Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) introduced an ‘anywhere working’ initiative last year across all five of its […]
Employers seeking staff to grow their business have numerous options available, including recruitment agencies and online employment marketplaces, but many would argue it is still hard to find good help these days. Of course, by basing hiring decisions predominantly on resumes and CVs, employers leave themselves vulnerable to the risk of a bad hire. Why? […]
When was the last time you reviewed your business? Every owner should conduct an extensive review at least once a year to stay on track. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a small firm or a large corporation – every business benefits from a solid plan of attack. Annual reviews allow you to evaluate what […]
It’s been a bumper year for business reputation nosedives… and 2017 isn’t even half over. We’ve had Uber’s Chief Executive admitting he needs to “grow up” following the release of an embarrassing video. In addition, there was United Airlines’ rough-handling of a passenger, also captured on video. Closer to home – and on the public sector side – the Australian Tax Office was […]
