Are you Superstream ready?

There are only a few weeks remaining before small businesses must change the way they make their super contributions. Employers with 19 staff or less will need to be “Superstream” ready by the 30 June 2016 deadline. In order for employers to be compliant with Superstream standards, they will need to make their super contributions […]

Locking penalty rates into law will lock out small business

Locking penalty rates into legislation will lock out small business from Sunday trading, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said today. James Pearson, CEO of the Australian Chamber, said: “If the unions have their way, we will soon have a situation where small cafes, restaurants and bars will find it too expensive to open […]

3 common retail myths debunked

Many retailers believe that digital and smartphones are hindering bricks and mortar. While smartphones and tablets are significantly impacting traditional B2C retail experiences, businesses that embrace the technology are coming out on top. Digital is no longer exclusive to large companies with big marketing budgets. Retailers of all sizes can adapt to technology without reaching […]

Think big small talk

The Office of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has opened a consultation period to find out from small businesses, family enterprises and representative associations what the key issues are when running a business, and what they should focus on as a business advocate. If you have some suggestions, please register your ideas […]

International Labour Organisation illustrates workplace stress impacts

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has released a detailed report which illustrates the impact of workplace stress on the mental health and the wellbeing of workers. ILO’s Workplace Stress: A collective challenge report found that psychosocial risks are related to “health-related behavioural risk, including heavy alcohol consumption, overweight, less frequent exercise, increased cigarette smoking, and […]

Federal Budget lends helping hand to SME’s

On May 3, 2016, Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison MP handed down the Federal Government’s 2016/17 Budget. This is the third budget for the current Coalition Liberal-National Government and the first for Scott Morrison. This budget is critical to the formation of the economic plan that will be taken to the upcoming election, to be held […]

Tax concessions for small business

Are you the owner of a small business? Did you know you could be eligible for tax concessions benefits? Concessions for small business include: • Instant tax write-off for each asset costing less than $20,000 for small businesses.• Accelerated depreciation for primary producers.• Immediate deduction of professional expenses for small business start-ups.• Tax offset of […]

2016-2017 Federal Budget in depth

Last Tuesday the Federal Government handed down the 2016-2017 budget. With a strong focus on the future and providing help for small and medium enterprises, the government has committed to reducing the company tax rate over the next decade. The small business threshold will be raised from $2 million to $10 million turnover and increasing […]

BDO’s GST webinar wrap up

Thank you to the National Retail Association members who attended the recent BDO webinar. The retail sector is an engine room of tax generation when it comes to existing taxes such GST, land tax and payroll tax. Small businesses have fought long and hard for the government to remove the $1000 threshold, arguing independent retailers […]

New Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman office now open

The National Retail Association congratulates Kate Carnell on her appointment to the position of Australian Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO). The ASBFEO will work closely with industry associations, small business and family enterprise and will be a: concierge for dispute resolution and mediation services for businesses, including franchises; contributor to the development of […]

Change to misuse of market power law

As a result of the Harper Review into competition policy, the Federal Government announced that it will legislate to amend Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act – the misuse of market power provision. The Harper Review found that Australia’s current misuse of market power provision is not reliably enforceable and permits anti-competitive conduct. […]

Big Insight #5 – Use digital to compete with the big guys

According to a recent survey conducted by American Express, there has never been a better time to grow your business. With the combination of accessible technologies, more options for funding and easier access to resources, the world is now a small businesses oyster. Nikki Baird, industry analyst at RSR Research spoke at the 2016 NRF Big […]

Big Insight #3 – Authentic Influencer Marketing

Propel your business by implementing an influencer marketing strategy with authentic real people. With more and more companies opting for customer lead storytelling, consumers are no longer solely swayed by big celebrity endorsements. Carefully selected individuals that align with your company’s values and beliefs can draw huge awareness and raise revenue for your brand.  Start small. […]

Extending unfair contract term protections to small businesses

A new law recently passed by the Federal Government will protect small businesses from unfair contact terms in standard form contracts. The new law will come into force on 12 November 2016 following a 12 month transition period. A small business is defined as employing less than 20 people, including casual employees employed on a […]

Fire safety workshops for Queensland small businesses

The Office of Industrial Relations, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are running free workshops to cover a range of work health and safety topics, including:• Basic safety management system• Risk management• Safe work procedures• Safe work method statements (for high risk construction work)• Basic risk management for manual tasks• Incident and emergency response• Hazardous chemicals• Health and wellbeing• Injury management and return to work• Monitor […]

Harper Review: pharmacies, trading hours and small business protection

This week the federal government announced its response to the Harper Competition Policy Review foreshadowing some of the most significant business reforms in two decades. The final report made 56 recommendations for reforms across three key themes: competition policy, laws and institutions with 44 of those recommendations being supported whole or in part by the […]

Small businesses protected from unfair contract terms

Following a 12 month transition period, from 12 November 2016, a new law will protect small businesses from unfair terms in standard form contracts. The law will apply where the contract: is for the supply of goods or services or the sale or grant of an interest in land; at least one of the parties […]