A survey of 1280 SME operators has found that nearly half (49.6%) had relied on unfair contract terms legislation, implemented last year, to negotiate fairer terms with big businesses during the past six months. Conducted by East & Partners, the SME Transaction Banking survey also showed that nearly four in five respondents (78.2%) were aware […]
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) says its only at the ‘tip of the iceberg’ in terms of its efforts to ensure small businesses are not subject to unfair contract terms. Since 12 November last year, when unfair contract terms laws were extended to small business contracts, the ACCC has taken successful court action […]
Despite talk of hardening insurance rates over the last few months, the latest BizCover Small Business Insurance Index indicates that premiums for small businesses remains steady at 80 points. Although there have been industry predictions of stricter underwriting criteria and higher prices, BizCover found that excess capacity and good levels of profitability have resulted in […]
Every business owner understands that the rewards of running their own company are immeasurable, but the tradeoff is that you also bear the brunt of the consequences if things go wrong. This is why it’s important to have a risk management plan in place. Having a strategy for the common pain points that your business […]
Rising electricity costs over the past decade are a “drain on business productivity,” according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s inquiry into the national electricity market. The commission’s preliminary report into retail electricity pricing highlights concerns about the operation of the National Electricity Market, which pose an “electricity affordability problem” for consumers and businesses. […]
Nearly 300,000 small businesses have taken advantage of the Federal Government’s $20,000 instant asset tax write-off scheme, according to 2015-16 tax office data. The data was revealed by Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack, who described the instant asset write-off program as a “shot in the arm” for small businesses. “The instant asset write-off is […]
The current design and rollout of the National Broadband Network is likely to maintain – and perhaps even increase – Australia’s ‘digital divide’, according to the parliamentary committee tasked with inquiring into the NBN rollout. In a report handed down, last week, the Joint Standing Committee on the NBN noted the network’s rollout presents many […]
An inter-governmental partnership to help reduce red tape for new small businesses has been announced today. The announcement follows the test launch, in April 2017, of a new business registration service to make the process simpler for small businesses, with the aim being to save new business starters $40 million each year. The Federal Government […]
Four years ago, Sydney’s Frank Andrews began to transition away from a nearly 20-year career in the banking sector, where he was earning a six-figure sum, to pursue his passion for coffee roasting as a legitimate business. With limited hospitality experience, he faced an uphill battle – especially considering the fiercely competitive nature of the local café […]
Would your business survive if a recession hit? While I don’t believe Australia is facing an impending recession in the immediate future, it’s not a question of “if” but “when” and there’s no better time to start planning than right now. Small business owners are often too busy to think about contingency planning, but to […]
