Financial statements showdown: what each report shows you about your business

Understanding financial statements might sound daunting, but it’s crucial for small business owners to stay on top of their game. Each financial report offers unique insights into different aspects of your company’s health. This listicle will break down the essentials, helping you make informed decisions and ultimately steer your business toward success. 1. Balance sheet What is it? The balance sheet provides a snapshot of your company’s financial position at…  Read more

Business Update – 18 December 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Chalmers skirts budget deficit question Jim Chalmers declined to directly answer whether a total of forecasted $122.1bn in deficits will increase in the mid-year budget update set to be released on Wednesday. Appearing on Sky on Sunday, the Treasurer declined to directly answer whether the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal…  Read more

2024 Christmas Parties & FBT – December 2024

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Year-end (and other) staff parties With the well earned December/January holiday season on the way, many employers will be planning to reward staff with a celebratory party or event. However, there are important issues to consider, including the possible FBT and income tax implications of providing ‘entertainment’ (including Christmas parties) to staff and clients. FBT and ‘entertainment’ Under the FBT Act, employers must choose how they calculate their FBT meal…  Read more

Practice Update – December 2024

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Can staff celebrations attract FBT? With the holiday season coming up, employers may be planning to celebrate with their employees. Before they hire a restaurant or book an event, employers should make sure to work out if the benefits they provide their employees are considered entertainment-related, and therefore subject to fringe benefits tax (‘FBT’).  This will depend on: the amount they spend on each employee; when and where the celebration…  Read more

Business Update – 04 December 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Small-business complaints to AFCA on the rise The number of complaints raised by small businesses to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reached a record high in 2023-24, the agency reported. Small businesses took 4,466 complaints to AFCA in 2023-24, a rise of 17 per cent on the previous…  Read more

Master the Art and Science of Delegation

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Delegation is a skill often discussed but rarely mastered, especially by small business owners who are wearing multiple hats. The balancing act of managing daily operations while pushing for growth can be overwhelming. Imagine if you could free up hours in your day to focus on strategic decisions rather than getting bogged down in every minute detail. This is where the art and science of delegation come into play. By…  Read more

Practice Update – November 2024

Hiring employees for the festive season As the festive season approaches, employers that hire new employees to help with their business should remember the following when it comes to their employer tax and super obligations: Employers should make sure they are withholding the right amount of tax from payments they make to their employees and other payees, especially as this will help their employees meet their end-of-year tax liabilities; Employers…  Read more

Creating a culture of accountability: How to be a High Performance Leader

In any successful operation, accountability is the bedrock upon which trust and performance are built. At the heart of this dynamic are leaders who not only demand accountability from their teams but also embody it in their leadership style. Here’s how they maintain a culture of accountability: 1. Communicate and uphold high expectations Accountability is a framework that helps individuals understand what is expected of them, ensuring they meet expectations…  Read more

The heart of the matter – succession planning for the family business

Succession planning in a family business is a complex and often emotional process that involves more than just passing on company control to the next generation. It requires careful preparation, open communication, and a deep understanding of the emotional dynamics at play. Effectively managing these emotional dynamics is crucial to ensure both family harmony and business continuity. Understanding emotional dynamics Family businesses are a unique blend of personal and professional…  Read more

Unlock Sales Success

A solid sales strategy will help you consistently grow your business. It will give you a framework for generating more leads, closing more deals, and ultimately increasing your revenue. From nurturing existing accounts to thought leadership and effective pricing discussions, here are some actionable steps for a winning sales strategy. Nurture existing accounts:  Schedule regular check-ins with current customers to maintain relationships.  Use social media to engage with customers through…  Read more

Network smarter using some of LinkedIn’s latest features

  For small business owners, leveraging LinkedIn can be a powerful strategy. Unlike platforms that primarily focus on casual interactions, LinkedIn fosters an environment specifically designed for networking, collaboration, and business growth. By using LinkedIn’s latest features small business owners can effectively showcase their expertise, build a robust professional network, and engage with potential clients or partners in a meaningful way. The benefits of using LinkedIn include the opportunity to…  Read more

5 proven techniques to slay procrastination

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

Business Update – 02 October 2024

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

Protect your business: Outsmart fraud before it hits!

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

How to use data to drive growth

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

Business Update – 11 September 2024

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

Business Update – 4 September 2024

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

PRACTICE UPDATE – August 2024

ATO’s tips for correctly claiming deductions for rental properties Taxpayers who have work done on their rental property should consider the following factors in determining claims for expenses. Repairs and general maintenance are expenses for work done to remedy or prevent defects, damage or deterioration from using the property to earn income.  These expenses can be claimed in the year the expense occurred. Initial repairs include any work done to…  Read more

Business Update – 21 August 2024

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Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Conflicting data: Is wage growth cooling down or heating up? While the official ABS data showed the Wage Price Index (WPI) rose 0.8% in June quarter 2024, and 4.1% for the year, the reality on the ground might be over double that, according to payroll platform Employment Hero. E-commerce…  Read more

Business Update – 13 August 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australian shares follow Wall Street’s lead after jobs data calms recession fears A week after US jobs data sent global financial markets into a panic, a strong rally on Wall Street has seen the S&P 500 record its best day since November 2022 — erasing almost all of the losses…  Read more

How a business plan will help you, in more ways than you think!

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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