Many SMB owners think that that debt management is frustrating, repetitive and even awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. When approached with professionalism and a clear plan of attack, the right debt strategy could save weeks’ worth of work per year, while also doubling or tripling working capital. So, why isn’t everyone doing a […]
The phrase ‘tax time’ can all too easily translate to feelings of boredom, dread and uncertainty for the small business owner. There’s the income tax return, BAS, payroll tax, super, and more. However, instead of viewing the annual marker as a time-sapping and difficult box-checking exercise, it should be seen as a spring board to […]
By extending payment times to small businesses in the supply chain, large Australian and multinational organisations are effectively using them as ‘a cheap form of finance’, according to a new report by the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO). The report, which responds to the Ombudsman’s inquiry into payment times and practices, highlighted the […]
Australians will feel the impact of the upcoming new credit card interchange regulations — we’re a nation of points junkies with 11 million Qantas Frequent Flyers * alone. But while everyone’s thinking about how the reverberations of these changes affect consumers, it’s easy to forget that new interchange rates raise a number of big questions […]
Coinciding with the anticipated release of the Small Business Ombudsman’s report on its inquiry into payment times and practices, American Express has released research showing mid-sized Australian businesses owe $8 billion in outstanding payments to suppliers, with more than $2 billion currently overdue. According to Martin Seward, VP, Small & Medium Enterprises at American Express Australia, […]
The numbers are in and the news isn’t great for Australian small business owners. Research undertaken for the latest Scottish Pacific SME Growth Index * shows more than half of SMBs cite cash flow as a major barrier to growth (56%). Less than one in ten are content with their cash flow and around three-quarters of growing […]
Australian SMEs and start-ups are increasingly taking advantage of the changing global economy and importing goods that may not be available locally or can be produced at a cheaper price overseas. While importing can be an excellent way to grow your business and keep production costs to a minimum, it is important for SMEs to […]
The vast majority of small business owners in Australia are navigating tough conditions with little or no support. While they know their business better than anyone, often they fail to tend to certain nagging issues because, well, they’re too busy; instead, they choose to reassure themselves their business model is strong and push on. If you are one of […]
The Australian export market is buoyant, having grown by 4.2% in 2016, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This is an excellent example of the hard work and innovation that is making Australian small businesses a global success. Yet small businesses still face a number of challenges before they grow successful […]
Regardless of the successes your business achieved in 2016, a ‘financial detox’ is an invaluable opportunity to take things to the next level this year. Like a personal detox, a business cleanse is focused on boosting energy levels and performance. Specifically, it’s all about understanding your financial vulnerabilities and cash flow pressures and creating a foundation to fund […]
