December 2014 Issue 100

Dear Customer, At Ainslie Cellars we are passionate about our industry. We are now in our 3rd year and starting to really find our groove. The liquor industry is star ting to flourish with a younger set of consumers becoming aware of the amaz ing small, artisan producers coming up the ranks. We are very engaged in the Local Wine...

On 13 November, a new organisation called Canberra Business Chamber launched at Hotel Realm at their Inaugural Gala Dinner. Canberra Business Chamber resulted from the coming together of Canberra Business Council and the ACT and Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The new organisation has launched with a bang, they released a new brand, a new board and a new...

There has been significant public scrutiny about the cost of advice. Much concern has centred on the charging of commission which is often not aligned with the hours of service provided. Such concern raises the question for many Australians - how much am I paying for advice and what do I get for that? The government's introduction of the Future...

Earlier this month, the ACT Government provided matched-funding to seven, innovative Canberra based businesses and entrepreneurs to develop their exciting new products or services through the Innovation Connect program. The program is the government's flagship innovation initiative which provides grants up to $50,000 to assist early stage Canberra business and entrepreneurs. The program has delivered more than $3.5 Million to...

With the outlook uncertain for permanent positions in the public sector, the use of temporary assignments is increasing as employers move towards hiring contractors to fill immediate needs. However, a flexible workforce is about a lot more than just fulfilling short-term project requirements. It's certainly true that a significant advantage of hiring contractors is that they can be engaged and...

Just because someone visits your website doesn't mean they are ready to buy. Your sales life cycle will vary depending upon the nature of your business. However, one thing is evident in the recent times; the old style of advertising is just not working anymore. Customers now-a-days do their research before they buy. It is no longer about 'bombarding people...

It is fascinating how many investors are drawn into the "lifestyle promises and the potential investment returns" made by agents and marketers. Buying an investment property is a high dollar, long term commitment, with serious consequences if you get it wrong. Sales and marketing agents have a very clear interest in you buying what they have to offer. They are...

It is common for people or companies in the ICT industry to "team" up for various reasons. There are a wide range of examples such as: a. a software / app developer subcontracting some development of code; b. an incorporated or an unincorporated joint venture being formed for an ICT project; c. software / hardware or other ICT products being...

For clients looking to accumulate funds in a growth portfolio using a regular savings plan, many Financial Planners will recommend they use a strategy commonly known as dollar cost averaging. How does Dollar Cost Averaging work? Share markets, as an example, exhibit volatility. That is, the value of particular share, or the market in general, may increase, or decrease in...

BOQ Canberra City sets the pace in service and style " BECAUSE WE RUN OUR OWN BUSINESS WE CAN SOMETIMES UNDERSTAND WHERE OTHERS MIGHT NOT IF YOU DON'T TICK ALL THEIR BOXES " BOQ Canberra City recently moved into a modern new fit-out, located on the corner of Bunda and Akuna streets, having outgrown their previous office. "We didn't want...

As family lawyers we often hear from clients at the outset that "they know what to expect (in their situation) because a friend/colleague/ family member went through a divorce or separation". More often than not, the "advice" that they have been given is incorrect or misleading. Every family law matter is different and it is important to seek specialist advice...

In early November The Australian Institute of Company Directors' released its Director Sentiment Index (DSI) which is the only indicator measuring the opinions and future intentions of directors. The key findings were that directors were very pessimistic on a range of issues and their overall sentiment was back to a level in 2013 when the then Labor Government was in...

Local Company continuing to provide innovative 3PL solutions for industry and government In recent years, National Mailing and Marketing (NMM) has established itself as a leading supplier to government in the provision of warehousing, order processing and distribution services, together with digital printing, bulk mail fulfilment, kitting and related services. NMM also offers the same diverse range of quality services...

For most businesses their intellectual property (IP) make up a significant proportion of their goodwill and ultimate value. It is therefore imperative that proper safeguards are in place to allow you to identify what IP is yours and to protect it. Every business should have an IP management system to ensure that any (relevant) IP relating to / created in...

People power comes to RSM Bird Cameron Canberra RSM Bird Cameron is delighted to announce the appointment of Kim Kirsten to its Canberra Advisory team. Kim has an outstanding track record in helping clients transform their workforces into high performing teams and highly productive workplaces. An experienced management consultant, Kim brings a specific focus on Human Resources, People Management, Organisational...

It is that time of year again, when retail fervour increases along with spending expectations in what has become euphemistically known as the 'silly season'. Shoppers abound and the retail environment seems awash with cash. The pre-Christmas and traditional Boxing Day sales bring about the long-awaited cash 'rains' for retailers, big and small. But this visage hides what is all...