With interest rate increases, fluctuating petrol prices, drought, lagging trade payments, and the credit crunch, SMEs faced tough challenges in 2007. Nukte Ogun talks to experts to find out what difficulties are on the horizon for 2008. Blow after blow was dealt to SMEs in 2007. Everything from a strengthening Aussie dollar to the climate […]
For many businesses, taking the step to become a public company is the best way to maintain growth, but it’s not or the faint-hearted. Tony Fittler considers the issues for SMEs in becoming an IPO There are a number of alternatives for owners of privately owned companies to raise capital, and in recent years an […]
Suspicious transactions will now be monitored in line with new anti-money laundering laws in place today. All businesses that deal in financial transactions, especially banks, casinos and other gaming agencies, will need to implement programs to stop illegal activities such as identity fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing. The new laws include strict identity checks […]
The equipment finance market is becoming increasingly competitive, and whether you choose to go through your bank or a specialised broker, it pays to shop around. Zoran Knezevic takes a look at the market and what the competition means for small to medium business One of the biggest issues facing SMEs and middle market companies […]
These days, picking the right bank is not just a matter of comparing products and facilities. It’s also about choosing the right partner for your business. Stephen Preen offers suggestions on what you need to consider, from start-up to expansion, to get the most from your relationship with your bank. The relationship between a business […]
All businesses are constantly making purchasing decisions. Whether it is new computers or office equipment, machinery for a factory or a fitting out a retail outlet, there are many buying decisions that need to be made. Many business owners do not realise that many items could actually be leased instead of bought. Did you know […]
In the export business – as in business more broadly – maintaining a healthy cash flow is a critical element for success. Cash flow weighs heavily in the equation that determines whether your business can run its purchasing and manufacturing processes at their peak levels, and having a steady cash flow can greatly control your […]
Payment gaps in the export process can cause havoc with cash flow. Peter Mace examines solutions to help you better manage your export finances. There are many challenges for exporters, from finding a buyer and finalising a contract, through to organising a shipment and getting paid for it. Many of these steps involve costs and […]
In theory, it’s simple. Enough money must come into a business in time to pay bills and fund development of more products or services. But many business owners allow a chink to develop in their cash flow, and if the chink becomes a gulf it can be fatal. Rob Dalton offers a guide to creating […]
If you don’t plan and budget, how will you know what sort of funding your business needs, how much and when? Dennis Mattiske looks at ways of integrating planning, reporting, analysis and adjustment to smooth the way from start-up to expanding your business. As all of our young guns can tell you, starting up a […]
