AFG announces new referral arrangement with Lifebroker
Australian Finance Group (ASX:AFG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lifebroker to AFG’s life insurance referral program. The new arrangement will make it easier for AFG’s 2850 brokers to offer life insurance referrals to clients, providing them with a wide choice of options for their needs from Lifebroker’s range of comprehensive life insurance products. […]
Small businesses making a big difference
Times may be tough, but Australia’s small businesses are giving back more than ever to support charitable causes. When Brisbane business owner Michelle Cassimatis took time out of the pre-Christmas rush to volunteer at a homeless shelter a few years ago it had an unexpected impact. Despite being confronted by the desperate circumstances of others […]
All eyes on interest rates in 2017
Commodities have surged and business is confident the economy will improve in 2017, but solid growth could see record low-interest rates begin to rise for the first time in six years. The new year had barely begun when the first interest rate rise of 2017 was announced. Brisbane-based lender Suncorp announced in early January it […]
Don’t wait to innovate – how innovation could be driving your business further
Australian firms are striving to do things better despite a lack of time, a recent study concludes. The country’s biggest and smallest companies see themselves as the most innovative, according to the National Australia Bank’s Business Innovation Index. The index, compiled by NAB Labs in partnership with the University of Melbourne, surveyed more than 500 […]
Open for business — small business on the government agenda
Newly appointed small business and family enterprise ombudsman Kate Carnell hopes to put a blow-out in payment times to small business on the agenda. She speaks exclusively to us about her role and how it will benefit SMEs. The independent office of small business and family enterprise ombudsman provides advice to the government and assistance […]
Innovation nation – how the government is helping small business
The Government wants to encourage entrepreneurs to think outside the box with a range of recent changes to remove the stigma – and some penalties – around business failure. The Government’s Innovation Statement has been roundly welcomed by small business, with changes to insolvency and tax laws aimed at encouraging businesses to push the envelope. […]
Industry groups target cash flow killers
Any small business owner knows that one of the most important aspects of operating, yet also the most difficult to manage, is cash flow. A campaign calling on big business to cut their payment terms to 30 days is gaining momentum. Kate Carnell cut to the chase on breakfast radio at the end of last […]
And the award goes to…
The Productivity Commission’s (PC) draft report into Australia’s workplace relations framework does not look set to make major changes to the country’s idiosyncratic system of award wages, much to the chagrin of business. The old saying goes that a good compromise is one that leaves all parties equally unhappy. And by that yardstick the PC […]
Budget Bonanza
The budget gave small business something to smile about, but big business is waiting for more. Are you reading this on a new laptop or tablet? You may already be reaping the benefits of a Budget which promised something special for Australian small businesses and delivered in spades. Council of Small Business Chief Executive Peter […]
Budgeting beyond the boom
As the investment phase of the mining boom ends, we look at what Australian business needs from the budget to carry the economy forward. All eyes will be on Canberra next month for one of the most pivotal budgets of recent times. It comes against a backdrop of economic and political instability as ructions within […]