Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. ‘Every chance’: Massive rates prediction A number of telltale signs have emerged indicating the Reserve Bank is planning a major, surprising pivot within a few short weeks. Global payment processors issue warning to RBA over card fee restrictions Global payment processors Mastercard and Visa have threatened to stop refunds…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Hiring new employees for the festive season? As the festive season approaches, you may be thinking of hiring new employees to help with your business. Here are some key things to remember when it comes to your tax and super obligations. Reserve Bank ‘having a bet each way’ on…  Read more

Procrastination can be a formidable foe for small business owners. With endless responsibilities, it’s easy to fall into the trap of putting off important tasks for later. But fear not! Here are some practical solutions that can help you slay procrastination once and for all.  1. Eat the frog first Ever heard of the saying “Eat the frog first”? It’s a productivity hack inspired by Mark Twain’s advice to tackle…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Survey reveals Australian CEOs confident of economic improvement KPMG CEO Andrew Yates has revealed some of the big economic pressures that chief executives are currently feeling at the moment. Mr Yates joined Sky News Business Reporter Ed Boyd to discuss KPMG’s annual CEO survey that revealed one in two…  Read more

Working hard can only make you more money but does not grow your money or keep it safe. And that’s where investing comes into the picture: it fights inflation, grows money multiple times, and can help secure your future. Here we have curated a list of eight factors that you need to consider before investing: Understand your investment objective This is the first step. Decide what your main investment focus…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Leading Australian economists tip interest cut rate in February Leading Australian economists say the RBA will deliver a gift to cash-strapped households in February, but one key player is holding firm on a rate cut this year. Polling of 34 keen Australian economic minds shows 15 of the experts…  Read more

In the wake of the pandemic, many small business owners have become increasingly concerned about fraud. According to SAP Concur, a staggering 85% of businesses surveyed expect the risk of fraud to continue even after the pandemic. Making matters worse, many fraudulent acts originate from within businesses themselves. Below you will find some essential internal controls that you can implement to safeguard your business and mitigate the risk of financial…  Read more

Data is more accessible than ever. But how can small businesses leverage it effectively to drive growth? Let’s explore data-driven strategies that can help you make informed decisions, improve customer experiences, and ultimately, boost your bottom line. Why data-driven strategies matter Data-driven strategies are essential for businesses seeking to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth. These strategies enable businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time insights rather than relying…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Roy Morgan Business Confidence jumps due to increased confidence about the economy In August 2024, Roy Morgan Business Confidence was 101.3 (up 6.2pts since July 2024) due to increasing confidence from businesses about the performance of the Australian economy. The boost to Business Confidence came after the Stage 3…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Despite all the doom and gloom on Australia’s economy, could the worst be behind us? We hear about the ‘weakest growth in decades’ and being ‘smashed’ by the RBA, but positive tidings abound – if you want to look for them. Economists think a rate cut is coming. Michele…  Read more

Taxpayers can start lodging their tax returns With millions of pieces of information now pre-filled (including information from most banks, employers, government agencies and private health insurers), the ATO is giving taxpayers with simple affairs the ‘green light’ to lodge their tax returns. Taxpayers who plan to claim deductions this year should make sure they have the correct records, and, in most cases, “a bank or credit card statement (on…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. How Australian spending habits are weathering the high cost of living Many Australian businesses are feeling the pinch as customers can no longer afford the armchairs, gadgets, clothing brands and new bathrooms they could before the cost of living shot up. But spending patterns remain uneven, and at times counterintuitive,…  Read more

  Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Business confidence nudges up across Australia The Roy Morgan Business Confidence index was 95.1 in July 2024, up 3.6 points from a month ago and up 7.6 points from the same month last year. It comes after Stage 3 income tax cuts to consumers boosted the spending power…  Read more

Starting a business without a plan is like setting sail without a compass. While you might eventually reach your destination, the journey will likely be longer and more challenging. A well-constructed business plan is essential for guiding your business towards success.  Here’s why: It Clarifies Your Vision A business plan helps you articulate the vision for your enterprise. It forces you to think through every aspect of your business, including…  Read more

Running a business is hard enough without having to wrestle with out-of-date accounting records. That’s where cloud accounting comes in—a modern solution that can make your life a whole lot easier. This article explores why small businesses should embrace cloud accounting and how it can drive your success. What is Cloud Accounting? Cloud accounting involves using online software to manage your financial records. Unlike traditional desktop accounting software, cloud-based solutions…  Read more

When you run your small business, you have a lot on your plate. That makes it tempting to let some tasks slide, especially tasks that are related to finances, which can be challenging and often outside your preferred skill set or experience. Here are some financial best practices for managing your business, so you can have the best chances of success. Pay yourself As a small business owner you may…  Read more

Leadership styles significantly impact team dynamics, productivity, and overall business success. While a passive leadership style may seem non-confrontational and agreeable, it often leads to unresolved issues, lack of direction, and decreased morale. Transforming from a passive to an assertive leadership style can be a game-changer for your business. Understanding Passive vs. Assertive Leadership Passive leaders usually: Avoid conflict at all costs Hesitate to express opinions or make decisions Allow…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Latest NAB survey shows growing concerns among businesses about Australia’s economy Australian businesses are becoming more concerned about the outlook for the economy as forward-looking indicators in National Australia Bank’s fresh survey revealed a softening. The bank’s latest quarterly business survey on Thursday revealed expected business conditions fell at…  Read more

Ever felt like the term “current ratio” sounds like something straight out of a high school mathematics class that you’d rather forget? You’re not alone. But here’s the thing – understanding the current ratio can be a game-changer for managing your business’s financial health. Here’s a simple breakdown. What is the Current Ratio? In the simplest terms, the current ratio measures your business’s ability to pay off its short-term obligations…  Read more

If you’re a contractor, it can be challenging to manage a hectic schedule and complex projects, all while ensuring your paperwork, documents, and contracts are in order. It’s important to keep a paper trail of your work and practice due diligence. Keeping all your working documents in order shows that you treat your business, customers, and subcontractors responsibly. This is not only a mark of professionalism but can also help…  Read more

In the world of small businesses, positive cash flow is king. It’s the driving force that keeps your business engine running smoothly, covering all your liabilities. But what happens when outflow exceeds inflow? Cash flow problems ensue, threatening the survival and growth of your business. These cash flow problems can originate from a variety of sources including macroeconomic issues like recessions, natural disasters, and wars, as well as microeconomic issues…  Read more