Business Owner

Franchise reform poor

AMENDMENTS to the Franchising Code of Conduct are "significantly inadequate" and will not stop state-based laws being introduced, says Labor MP Tony Piccolo.

Dreams come true for The Fairies

JUST over two years ago, The Fairies founder Jen Watts dreamed of franchising her business, but had just two staff members and was unsure how to proceed.

Younger workers driving recovery

YOUNG business owners are the driving force behind the economic recovery, a new survey shows.

The 10 rules of cheaper travel

THE golden rules to help businesses make the most of their corporate travel budgets.

Mortgage pain before Christmas

THE Reserve Bank today proved it was not afraid to act as a Christmas Grinch, lifting official interest rates for the third successive month to 3.75 per cent.

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• Poll: Should bank interest rate changes mirror those of the RBA?

Patisserie trio taste national success

A PROSPECT patisserie has done more than take the cake - it was one of three South Australian companies to secure an accolade at the 2009 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

How to make guilt-free decisions

WHEN confronted with difficult choices, it can feel like you have two bad options. So what should you do?

Risk of failure rises in recovery

SMALL businesses are more likely to fail during an economic recovery than they are during a downturn, research reveals.

Firm outgrew its home

FOUR years ago, Investa Solutions consisted of Nathaniel Flack and his father, John, in a simple home office.

Full GFC impact yet to hit

SMALL and medium-sized companies are yet to feel the full effects of economic upheaval, insolvency practitioners warn.

Population boom helps avoid bust

BUSINESS owners should be take advantage of changing demographics, specifically the huge rise in immigration.

Businesses escape economic blow

MOST family businesses felt little or no effect from the tougher credit conditions during the economic slowdown, research has found.

Fish shop battered by ruling

A SMALL family fish and chip shop has been driven to the brink by an order to pay $4000 to an employee.

Fold-up thong a tonic for tortured tootsies

A BAD night out on the town has inspired two mates to revolutionise the traditional Australian thong.

Lighten the load with GST refunds

FOR many small business owners, GST is just another tax to be paid.

Don't let late payers ruin you

LATE payments have the potential to cripple small businesses but Suncorp has some advice on how to keep the cash flowing.

Women not being given a fair go

TWELVE Australian companies have been named and shamed for not giving women a fair go.

Tell new candidates where they stand

FAILURE to warn potential staff of your company's prospects could result in severe legal action, experts warn.

Skilled staff becoming top concern

SMEs are becoming less worried about the financial crisis and more concerned about attracting skilled staff, a survey shows.

Businesses get massive debts cleared

ABOUT 3000 small businesses have been relieved of debts of up to $30,000 each after a major court action by the ACCC.

Cyclists racked their brains

IDEAS for bike racks sketched on napkins in bars have turned into a free-wheeling business for two university graduates.

Business confidence at two-year high

BUSINESS confidence among small-to-medium sized companies (SMEs) has surged to levels not seen since just before the onset of the global credit crunch, a survey says.

Firms must push to be paid

BUSINESS owners should make chasing debts their top priority as payments usually take almost double the standard 30-day term, a debtor finance provider says.

Franchise owners beat fear on downturn

FRANCHISES are outperforming the general economic trend and owners are optimistic about prospects, a new survey reveals.

SMEs losing from extended payment terms

SMALL businesses are facing cash flow pressure as large customers extend payment terms then seek a discount for early settlement, says an industry finance body.

Bakery chain's talent rises

YOUNG people have the chance to be fast-tracked to business ownership with Bakers Delight's latest recruitment program.

Save money and work with Skype

USING Skype in the business environment could help you save up to 40 per cent on phone bills and other business costs.

Bakers Delight to help new businesses

BAKERS Delight is set to launch a recruiting program designed to help 50 "young" franchisees own their own business in 12 months.

Tupperware mum cops $10,000 fine

A GOLD Coast Tupperware mum has been slugged more than $10,000 by the council to operate from her Robina home.

Stress less, get your busyness right

BEING busy isn't necessarily a sign of success, eliminate the non-essential parts of your day and watch your business grow.

More grants to push online training

INTERNET training providers can apply for government grants of $50,000 to $500,000 to help them become internet savvy.

Business confidence at near six-year high

FEDERAL Government measures to support the economy, stock market rallies and encouraging signs from abroad have helped lift business confidence to the highest level in almost six years, a report shows.

Got a dream but no cash? Use the web

CHRIS Waddell wants to climb Mt Kilimanjaro in a wheelchair; George Del Barrio wants to make a film in Cambodia; Jeff Edwards wants to write a book...

Small business wants say on broadband

TELECOMMUNICATIONS specialist Comscentre has called on Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy to engage further with small and medium-sized business over the national broadband network.

Bosses face new orders on stress

NEW legislation requires employers to prove they have modified their workplaces to accommodate any form of disability, including conditions caused by stress, workplace law specialists warn.

Couple in perfect health partnership

HUSBAND-AND-WIFE team Rob Hutchings and Tansy Boggon never thought they would work together because their career paths were so different.

10 things you need for brand building

I SPEAK to groups of business owners weekly about what you need for strong brand building. The first thing I emphasise is brands are earned ... not bought.

Florists see profit snipped

FLORISTS' profits have wilted in the economic downturn due to competition from larger retailers and internet-based businesses.

Need business help? Just dial

SMALL businesses needing advice will now have access to a new telephone support line launched yesterday.

Chasing debts could keep you afloat

TIME-POOR small businesses have been urged to make time to chase their debts, and it just might save you.

Riding high with a job built on love

AFTER watching the 2003 bushfires ravage Canberra, Darren Stewart took to making money out of building bike trails.

Motivation can take you all the way

HAVING the right attitude may be all you need when it comes to maximising marketing and building your customer base.

Target the market and win the game

WHEN times are tough, low-cost marketing strategies look better than ever, but get it wrong and you're likely to lose.

HSE Australia expands interstate

HILTON-based environmental compliance company HSE Australia is establishing offices in Western Australia and Queensland to meet growing demand.

Think globally to grow business

WITH economic green shoots beginning to sprout, survival and growth for small businesses means looking beyond our shores.