Latest News
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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.
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Quick decisions help medium sized businesses
David Brown | August 21, 2012Gut instinct, timing and action are critical for developing a business. David Brown, First 5000 member and founder of e-commerce company, Trixan, shares his thoughts on why making quick decisions has helped his company.
There’s no doubt that the best decision I have ever made was to go into the pet supply market in the US when we did, in 2002.
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How to unlock passion in your business
Shivani Gupta | August 15, 2012Is your passion for your business waning? Shivani Gupta tells us how to regain the drive you once had.
A lot of managers and leaders start a career in an area in which they are passionate. After a number of years it is easy to lose that passion. But it is vital that you get that passion back if you are to make your career and your organisation as successful and rewarding as possible.
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Have your say: excise equivalent goods administration
Helen Hull | August 15, 2012You are invited to have your say onimproving the efficiency and effectiveness of the excise equivalent goods administrative framework.
Submissions close: Friday, 31 August 2012.
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No shame in admitting you are wrong
Jeremy Liddle | August 14, 2012How do you feel when you make a mistake or are wrong about something? Entrepreneur Jeremy Liddle believes it’s important to admit when you are wrong and try to correct your actions immediately.
Many people think that committing mistakes is shameful and because of that they never have the courage to move towards their goal. They don’t have the courage to face the setbacks and failures that may come with achieving what they want.
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The erosion of privacy for jobseekers
Carolyn Smith | August 9, 2012It’s a fine line between private and public these days and some jobseekers have found that out the hard way. Carolyn Smith says that while many may lament the widespread Googling of candidates it’s the reality of the modern jobs market.
Picture the typical scenario playing out across offices in Australia. The recruiter or HR Officer makes a shortlist of resumes and then Google’s the job candidate.
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Have your say: tax relief for merging superannuation funds
Helen Hull | August 8, 2012We invite you to have your say on the exposure draft legislation related to the income tax relief for merging superannuation funds.
Submissions on the exposure draft close: Friday 24 August 2012.
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Threat of real distortions in the EFTPOS market
Jost Stollmann | August 7, 2012Australia’s four major banks and Woolworths and Coles will potentially be the big beneficiaries if a new regulation of the EFTPOS payments system is allowed to proceed.
Under the proposals, the major banks and retailers will be allowed to negotiate special deals for themselves, while charging small and medium sized retailers higher fees if they wish.
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Have your say: Work health and safety Codes of Practice
Helen Hull | August 1, 2012To support the Model Work Health and Safety Act, Safe Work Australia have released the fourth set of draft model Codes of Practice. You are invited to have your say.
Submissions close: Friday 24 August 2012.
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How to win customers overseas
NAB - Business View | August 1, 2012Are you looking to win customers overseas? David Thomas, CEO of Think Global Consulting, shares his expertise in facilitating business and investment between developed and emerging countries.
My top pieces for advice for entering overseas markets are: follow business etiquette to the letter, research copiously and don’t even think about going offshore till you’ve raised enough capital.
