July 2014 Issue 95

Poland offers an attractive blue sky opportunity for ACT businesses to diversify and leverage because of its geographic location and strategic position within the European Union (EU), an economic zone that generates approximately one quarter of the world's GDP. Poland is the sixth largest economy of the EU. Since joining NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004, Poland is...

On June 11 an overwhelming majority of eligible members of the ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Chamber) voted in favour of creating a single organisation to represent the interests of business in Canberra and the region in conjunction with the Canberra Business Council (Council). The Boards of the Chamber and the Council have for some time been...

In the wake of a tough Federal Budget, the 2014-15 ACT Budget recognised two fundamental realities. This is not the time for the ACT Government to add to the economic pressures by also cutting its spending. Rather it is the time to support our economy by investing in infrastructure and stimulating economic activity to create jobs. Second, the private sector...

To me, the introduction by most Lenders of a 100% linked mortgage offset account offering was the best thing since sliced bread in providing the opportunity to reduce mortgage interest charges. Other than the mortgage holder using the account nothing more need be done to gain the benefit of reduced interest charges. What could be easier? And yet, I am...

Do you manage your own Google AdWords account? Have you thought of getting a second opinion on your account to make sure that things are running as well as they should? If this sounds like you, then you really need to give our office a call. We specialise in assisting local businesses reach and reward local, national, and international customers...

With the start of a new financial year, now is the time to start planning for the upcoming year. A key area often overlooked by businesses is the protection of intellectual property (IP). Nearly every business has IP of some kind. It can be embedded in things as commonplace as a list of customers or an advertising pamphlet. Businesses are...

With a healthy tourism market and affordable air travel, Australians are finding it more and more appealing to take the kids on an international vacation. For separated families, travelling internationally with their children isn't as simple as nabbing a cheap flight and resort package deal online. Parents need to be aware of the issues which arise in relation to international...

I was reading the Australian's Women's Weekly the other day (as you do) when I came across an article about the estate of Peter Brock. It is a salutary lesson in being prepared for one of the two certainties in life- death. First, a little background. Peter had prepared his first will in 1983. The will was professionally drafted and...

This column has often discussed the benefits of a board and appropriate governance structures to assist organisations achieve their outcomes. Having a board of skilled directors can provide the strategic guidance to help steer organisations in the right direction and ensure that appropriate risk controls are in place. In the for profit environment, the outcomes being sought can be measured...

Are you looking to make business investment decisions, such as refinancing, acquisitions, internal investments, project investments or capex spend decisions and pricing services, products or tenders? If so, you will be considering how to ensure you have the strongest possible plan for your transaction or business case idea. You will also be keen to show your decision is financially rigorous...

The current tax treatment of employee share schemes in Australia puts our local start-ups at a significant commercial disadvantage to their overseas competitors. Employee share schemes should allow early stage start-ups to attract and retain talented and skilled employees without having to pay them large initial salaries (which the start-ups generally can't afford) by allowing the employees to instead benefit...

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher said "Change is the only constant in life." As with people, businesses must embrace change. So, this financial year, consider making some changes in your business. 1. Improve your accessibility Technological advancement has accelerated the pace of doing business, hence it is not surprising that business owners find themselves having to multi-task most of the time....

The recent further tightening of fiscal policy may see the ATO increase its activity level in the pursuit of business taxation debts. Where a company is the debtor, the ATO may issue a statutory demand, under the Corporations Act 2001, in seeking to recover the outstanding amount. In addition, the ATO may also issue a Director Penalty Notice ("DPN"). Unless...