Latest News
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Challenges for the retail entrepreneur
Russell Zimmerman | September 25, 2012The retail sector in Australia is facing a number of challenges, and not all of them are related to lax consumer spending. Russell Zimmerman spoke at the GAP Productivity Summit about the Australian Retailers Association’s concerns.
Small and medium enterprises in Australia face a lot of challenges. But there are also many opportunities out there for the brave entrepreneur. I have identified some of my top concerns for the retail sector.
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Have your say: strata discussion paper
Helen Hull | September 18, 2012First 5000 members are invited to have your say on NSW strata and community title laws following the release of discussion paper Making NSW No. 1 Again: Shaping Future Communities released on 15 September 2012.
Submissions close: Thursday, 15 November 2012.
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ATO increases scrutiny on dividend arrangements of private companies
David Pring | September 18, 2012The government should simplify corporate tax and stop focusing on areas where there is a technical argument. David Pring, Deloitte Private Tax Leader says this will act to increase the tax burden on private business.
In July, Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo announced that the ATO will be examining dividend access share arrangements whereby a private company with substantial accumulated profits issues a new class of shares to associates of the private company’s ordinary shareholders for nominal consideration.
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The disruptive power of niche social networks
Darren Moffatt | September 18, 2012When social media was first created few people saw it as a marketing tool, that was until it was embraced by almost everyone with an internet connection. Darren Moffatt says niche social networks are the way of the future, even for traditional businesses.
Social media has changed the world, literally.
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Productivity is in the eye of the beholder
David Byers | September 12, 2012Industrial relations continues to be a divisive topic in Australia, especially when it comes to productivity. David Byers says for our our oil and gas sector to flourish access to skilled labour is essential.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And it seems the same can be said of productivity.
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Working from home can increase productivity
Nancy Parker | September 11, 2012There are many advantages to allowing staff the freedom to work from home. Nancy Parker shares why you should let your staff set their own working conditions.
Lately there’s been a shift in what employees view as the typical office setting, with more and more agreeing that the standard office environment actually makes them less productive than they would be if they were allowed to work from home.
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Have your say: roll-overs to SMSFs
Helen Hull | September 9, 2012The Government has released for public consultation an exposure draft of legislation of legislation relating to roll-overs to self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) and the accompanying explanatory material.
Submissions close: Friday, 14 September 2012.
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Have your say: copyright and the digital economy
Helen Hull | September 4, 2012You are invited to have your say on the on the first consultation paper for the Inquiry about Copyright law, Copyright and the Digital Economy.
Submissions close: Friday, 16 November 2012.
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How can you impact employee engagement?
Sean Conrad | September 4, 2012What can you do to make your employees and workplace one which functions productively? Sean Conrad shares his tips on employee engagement.
Much has been written about the importance of employee engagement to an organisation’s bottom line. The cost of disengaged employees to mid-sized businesses is huge, including the cost of replacing those who leave, the potential loss of intellectual capital and the negative impact of those who stay but are disgruntled or don’t give their best.
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What every mid-sized business should know about The Cloud
Heather Tropman | September 4, 2012
The Cloud is playing an increasing role in everyday business. Heather Tropman shares what she believes are the most important things for First 5000 members to know about The Cloud.
There are three things every mid-sized business should know when it comes to Cloud: (i) what it is; (ii) how it can benefit your business; (iii) potential risks to navigate. Then you’re well on your way to making an informed decision and transforming how your business pays for and uses compute power, storage and software applications. -
Making the most of undergraduate talent – Mid size business and Student Interns
Alice Watkins | August 29, 2012Any business needs to employ good people to be sustainable and to grow, yet recruiting skilled staff is becoming much more of a competitive challenge. Alice Watkins from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) shares her advice to First 5000 members on working with interns.
As the Baby Boomer generation retires, 30% to 40% of today’s workers will leave the workforce. Due to low birthrates, these people will not be replaced by enough new workers to fill their shoes.
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Have your say: refunding excess GST
Helen Hull | August 29, 2012Comments are now being sought on draft legislation intended to clarify the circumstances in which the restriction on GST refunds applies to overpayments of GST.
Submissions close: Friday, 14 September 2012.
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Some big ideas for manufacturing, but will they happen?
Tim Mazzarol | August 27, 2012What does the future of manufacturing in Australia look like? Tim Mazzarol takes an in-depth look at a new report and what it means for First 5000 members.
The recently released Report of the Non-Government Members of the Prime Minister’s Manufacturing Task Force provides a comprehensive and well-considered blueprint for the future of Australia’s manufacturing sector. However, the sheer breadth of its scope may pose some significant challenges in seeing its recommendations fully implemented.
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India focus
NAB - Business View | August 22, 2012For businesses wishing to secure a presence in India, there are various options to explore.
Austrade’s Senior Trade Commissioner, Peter Linford, who has lived and worked in New Delhi for four years – gives an overview.
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Have your say: Personal Liability for Corporate Fault
Helen Hull | August 21, 2012First 5000 members are invited to comment on the third and final tranche of the Commonwealth’s Personal Liability for Corporate Fault Reform Bill 2012. This third tranche consists of amendments to Commonwealth tax legislation.
Submissions close: Monday, 3 September 2012.
