All new businesses start with an idea. Conducting thorough research during the business start-up phase can help you discover if you’re on the right road to success. We know there are a number of costs associated with starting and running a business, so we encourage you to make use of the wide range of free information and resources available to...
Identifying and understanding your potential customer base can help you market your business more effectively by keeping your advertising spend in the right places. Knowing where to find this information can often seem like a challenge, but the good news is that there are free tools you can access to help you find out more about your potential...
Many small business owners are unaware that they may be required to obtain various local government approvals for their new premises, to ensure they are operating in compliance with the relevant planning, building and health legislation. Here’s how to avoid costly and disruptive mistakes. It’s an exciting time for your business. You have a strong...
Have you found yourself in a situation where you’ve finished a job only to discover you’ve only just broken even or perhaps actually lost money due to underquoting? First of all, don’t beat yourself up. Most small business owners discover at some point, particularly when starting out, that they have underquoted. Here are some tips to help you avoid...
Like many businesses in our current environment, you may be expecting a downturn in your turnover for the next financial year. We’ve put together some tips on how to prepare from a tax perspective. From staffing challenges and supplier constraints to customer behaviours and global events, there are many reasons your business might be preparing for...
If you’re expecting a surge in business in the 2023-24 financial year that will boost your taxable income, now is the time to plan ahead to make sure you meet your obligations and maximise your cashflow. Take a look at your expected taxable income for this current financial year (2022-23) - that’s the assessable income for your business minus any...
Planning to give end of year gifts to your clients? Here is a rundown on what you can and can’t claim back as a deduction at tax time.
Every business should be fully aware of the current Sex Discrimination Act 1984, but from 12 December 2023 it will move from being just a complaint-based system to one where businesses will have a pro-active obligation or ‘Positive Duty’ as well. What has changed? The changes will not replace the current legal components under the Act but...
There can often be confusion and disputes when you’re exiting a commercial lease and need to meet a number of ‘make good’ obligations. The make good clause in your lease will outline the condition the building must be in when the lease comes to an end. Here is a summary of the top make good obligations that most often lead to a dispute, and some...
Buying a franchise can be a great pathway to running your own business. Before signing on, make sure you’ve sought advice and considered these seven key areas.
How can you impact your profit as a small business owner? For most small businesses, making a profit is one of the most important goals. Profitability relies on a simple accounting equation: Income – Expenditure = Net Profit In other words, net profit is your business's profit after all business expenses have been deducted from your revenue...
If you supply goods or services for less than $1 million to the WA Government, new guidelines mean you will now receive payment within 20 days. From 1 October 2020, WA State Government agencies must ensure that all payments of less than $1 million for goods or services, excluding construction works, are made within 20 calendar days of: receiving a...