Last updated: September 02, 2010

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Top stories

ANZ best value bank for small firms

ANZ

ANZ awarded 'best value banking service' for small business but came last of big four banks in customer satisfaction.

Tutors to fill overseas 'education gap'

School tutoring

AN award-winning tutoring duo is planning to expand their business to fill the learning gap in the British education system.

Rent hikes cripple small retailers

till

SMALL retailers are being held to ransom by their landlords, the nation's peak retail body claims.

9 comments on this story

Working together can be a challenge

Wedding cake

IF you thought marriage had its challenges, try running a business with your other half.

6 comments on this story

Fallen King 'sorry' for $2.5bn collapse

Co-Founder and former MFS CEO Michael King outside Darlinghurst Court

FALLEN Gold Coast businessman Michael King has apologised to investors stung by collapse of his finance and tourism empire.

Kate Moss ends Topshop deal

Kate Moss

KATE Moss ends her four-year partnership with Topshop, despite having earned more than $5.2 million from the venture.

Business 'owes ATO more than 12bn'

cash

FINANCIAL pressure and lenient repayment terms help small business tax debts balloon to over $12 billion, says reports.

29 comments on this story

Online entrepreneurs in web of success

computer

STARTING an online business has delivered more than just financial benefits for several successful Australian entrepreneurs.

Beach sculptures hit national stage

Sculptures By The Sea

SCULPTURE by the Sea's founder hatched his plan for the art show in his lounge room and is nominated for entrepreneur of the year.

Internet stores lure shoppers online

westfield shopping centres

RETAILERS are tackling low online sales by meeting their customers in person to convert them into internet shoppers.

4 comments on this story

Employers want older workers - survey

business smarts

EMPLOYERS are now ready and willing to hire older workers after decades of ageism, says a survey.

Galleries

Branch out

biz owner eyelash

Sick of your job? Quirky franchise options can help you strike out on your own and start a small business.

Small Business Tips

Build your brand in everything you do

Telephone woman

BUILDING a memorable brand that sets you apart from your competitors starts when you answer your customers' calls.

Build Your Business

Five ways to boost staff morale at work

Desk

A POSITIVE, productive working environment is essential to making sure your staff remain committed to the success of your business.

AMEX Business Card Form - business owner index

Limited time offer: get 20,000 Membership Rewards Bonus points when you make your first purchase on an American Express Business Card* To find out how an American Express Business Card could help your business, fill in your details below and a Small Business specialist will be in contact with you.
I am a small Business Owner with a registered ABN

Important Dates for Business Owners

26 July 2010

Government business events

The Government hosts seminars, training courses and other events for business owners all around the country. See business.gov.au for more details.

29 July 2010

Australian business and IT expo

A gathering of business owners and entrepreneurs seeking products, services and education to further business growth.

3 August 2010

What's your business really worth?

The City of Sydney's first 'Smart Business' seminar will be held at Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay, Sydney.

6 August 2010

2010 Excellence in Franchising Awards

The Victorian awards ceremony will be held at the River Room of Crown Casino at 8 Whiteman St, Southbank.

12 August 2010

2010 Excellence in Franchising Awards

The New South Wales awards ceremony will be held at the Doltone House, 26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont.

20 August 2010

Franchising & business opportunities expo - Melbourne

The Expo will be held 20-22 August at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.

20 August 2010

National Telstra business awards ceremony

The national presentation dinner will be held at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Hotel, 1 Martin Place, Sydney.

21 August 2010

2010 Excellence in Franchising Awards

The South Australian awards ceremony will be held at the Lounge Bar of Sebel Playford at 120 North Tce, Adelaide.

27 August 2010

2010 Excellence in Franchising Awards

The Western Australian awards ceremony will be held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood.

31 August 2010

Measure your marketing

The City of Sydney's second 'Smart Business' seminar will be held at Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay, Sydney.

2 September 2010

Family Business Australia conference

Keynote sessions and workshops for family businesses will be held 2-4 September at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, Queensland.

10 September 2010

2010 Excellence in Franchising Awards

The Queensland awards ceremony will be held at the Novotel Brisbane on Creek St, Brisbane.

11 September 2010

Franchising & business opportunities expo - Brisbane

The Expo will be held 11-12 September at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre.

15 September 2010

Franchising & business opportunities expo - Brisbane

The Expo will be held 11-12 September at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre.

23 September 2010

My Business BizExpo

The Expo will be held 23-24 September at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

1 October 2010

October Business Month

October is the Northern Territory's 'Business Month'.  Check out NT website for more details of forums and events.

10 October 2010

National Franchise Convention

The Franchise Council of Australia will host the convention 10-12 October at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa in Queensland.

11 November 2010

Telstra business women awards

The national awards ceremony for inspirational businesswomen will be held in Melbourne.

1 December 2010

Income tax payment due

Medium business clients must pay their income tax by 1 December. Check the ATO website for more details.

Small Business Advice

ATO's quick guide to tax and accounting issues that affect new small businesses.

Help with workplace issues, forms for hiring staff and best practise workplaces.

Compare interest rates, fees and find the right business loan and bank account.

Checklists, step-by-step guides and business planning to help launch your idea.

Helpful links to a range of resources for business owners and industry.

Helps business owners learn about basic intellectual property issues to protect their ideas.

Training, advice and support for jobseekers looking to start a business.

Funding, mentors and support for inventors and entrepreneurs to turn ideas into a business.

Business Enterprise Centres nationwide help entrepreneurs start and grow a business.

Government-run advice and support for small business owners in each state or territory.

Twelve centres that help small and medium sized businesses.

Government support for hiring apprentices, especially in industries with skills shortages.

Step by step guide to how to export, including sales leads, networking and FAQs.

Request a free mentoring session with a business coach for Victoria businesses.

Find an accountant to help manage the books and provide strategic advice.

Information on activity statements including GST, PAYG withholding and fringe benefits tax.

Videos, case studies and advice on managing, supply chains, marketing and finance.

Rules on how to create a safe and healthy workplace for employees and customers.

Small Business Advisory Services helps businesses weather the global financial crisis.

Business Owner Poll

What are the hottest areas for web businesses right now?

Market Charts at 12:00AM

Switch to Chart Points Change Percent
Hang Seng 20623.83 -113.39 -0.55
Hang Seng daily chart
ASX200 4495.7 +91.5 +2.08
ASX200 daily chart
All Ords 4526.8 +88.0 +1.98
All Ords daily chart
Nikkei 8927.02 +102.96 +1.17
Nikkei daily chart
Switch to Chart Points Change Percent
DJIA 10269.47 +254.75 +2.54
DJIA daily chart
S&P; 500 1080.29 +30.96 +2.95
S&P 500 daily chart
S&P; 100 489.04 +13.31 +2.8
S&P 100 daily chart
NASDAQ 1820.05 +52.62 +2.98
NASDAQ daily chart
Switch to Chart Points Change Percent
CAC 40 3623.84 +133.05 +3.81
CAC 40 daily chart
DAX 30 6083.9 +158.68 +2.68
DAX 30 daily chart
FTSE 5366.41 +141.19 +2.7
FTSE daily chart
Euro Top100 2221.36 +62.15 +2.88
Euro Top100 daily chart
Switch to Chart Points Change Percent
AUD/USD 0.9111 -0.05 -4.98
AUD/USD daily chart
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Oil 71.91 -2.76 -3.7
Oil daily chart

ASX200 - Top Gainers & Losers at 04:10PM

CodeNamePricePercent
VBA Virgin Blue 0.385 11.59%
SBM St Barbara 0.36 10.76%
GNS Gunns Limited 0.68 7.93%
NUF Nufarm 3.59 -6.76%
ISF iSOFT 0.135 -3.58%
PPT Perpetual Limit.. 30.21 -2.93%