June 2013 Issue 83

The Centenary is a great time to reflection just how far Canberra has come in its first 100 years. The Territory economy has grown to around 2 per cent of the Australian economy. Our community is, on average, the best paid, best educated and healthiest in the country. We have the opportunity to further increase economic growth through a focus...

Most issues or events that impact on an organisation's objectives occur due to the absence of, or ineffectiveness of controls - so it follows that ensuring the current controls that are in place are effective is fundamental to reducing an organisation's risk exposure. The bottom line - if controls are not being measured it is impossible to determine whether or...

When you introduce a new member to your team, more often than not there is an initial training and learning period. To make the most of this time, both for the employer and new employee, it is important that Learning Styles are determined and understood. The Learning Style of the Trainer may be very different to the Learning Style of...

With so many businesses now being run from home, the ATO is eager to ensure that those claiming tax deductions do so correctly. Understanding the rules. A home-based business may use the home as the principal place of business (such as a hairdresser, a doctor or a dentist), with clients coming to the home. Alternatively, the business can comprise of...

The input of small and medium business into the Australian economy can no longer be ignored by government. The ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACT Chamber) is therefore supporting the national "Small Business. Too Big to Ignore" campaign led by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). There are 2 million small businesses in Australia, employing...

Recently 16 ACT companies and education providers returned from a Trade Mission to Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesia is geographically close to Australia and provides a wealth of opportunities. Importantly there is a large and growing consumer middle class. In the Asia Pacific the middle class is currently 525M people, and this is forecast to grow to 3228M by the year 2030....

Does anyone else regard it as strangely incongruent that the Federal Government and Opposition recently rushed (quite rightly) to provide structural adjustment funding and transition support to the communities in Victoria that will lose1200 jobs when Ford closes its manufacturing plants in Victoria in 2016 but are silent when it comes to supporting the ACT community and private sector as...

The way we did business 25 years ago is very different to today, and to what it will be in the next 25 years. The world and the economic landscapes are changing fast. Many of the traditional ways are no longer applicable. To put it simply, digital economy is based on the online trades and consumption of goods and services...

At present the health and fitness industry is in a position to take advantage of the rise in obesity. As our social and physical environment moves towards a habitat of convenience, habitual everyday health practices such as walking to the corner shops or cooking a home meal are getting closer and closer to the brink of extinction. Once you've decided...

With tax time approaching, many executives are putting their business through the wringer to find ways of cutting costs. Good news is that there is at least one easy way to cut hidden costs- while boosting productivity and even your environmental credentials- sitting right under your coffee cup. That is, examining the broader costs - beyond the price of hardware,...

A fascinating interview with Jac Nasser in this month's Company Director magazine explored the world of succession planning. A quote that stood out was on how they approach succession planning for the board and senior executive team "we look out 10 years and project the skills and experiences the board will need and identify the gaps". For many small businesses,...

Is your business relocating or downsizing? Do you have excess furniture and equipment? Allied Pickfords has a solution for you- Safe and Secure offsite storage. Storage is an integral part of Allied Pickfords service offering. We are able to store items for your business on a long term, seasonal or short term basis, providing you with a cost effective and...

Since 30 January 2012 if goods are supplied to a business (grantor)on credit, or financed, the supplier/financier must register their interest on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). A common form of registration on the PPSR is a Purchase Money Security Interest (PMSI). A supplier can register a PMSI on the PPSR when a supplier: * finances the acquisition of...