B2B magazine issue 105 June 2015

105 JUNE 2015

B2BMAGAZINE.COM.AU

IS COWORKING FOR YOU? SERVCORP SERVICED & VIRTUAL OFFICES

FISH & THE MAGIC OF CASHFLOW NEW BOOKKEEPING COLUMN BY TAILORED ACCOUNTS

RE-THINKING ADVANCED HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES DOBINSON DAVEY CLIFFORD SIMPSON LAWYERS

T S E B S ' A R R E CANB ORKERS NETW

AMBASS

ADOR

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833-82

ISSN 1

c. GST

in $4.95 33 9 7718

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FINANCE PROFESSIONALS SEMINAR CONVEY. PREPARE. ADAPT. STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

RSM Bird Cameron invites you to hear an overview of new financial reporting requirements which will apply for the 30 June 2015 financial year and beyond.

Practical examples will be provided as well as the opportunity to interact and ask questions. This is a must attend technical session for all who share the ultimate financial responsibility for their company or organisation.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Top-level financial executives, including CFOs and finance managers, vice presidents and directors of finance, controllers, treasurers and board members.

WHAT WE WILL COVER

• Changes for 30 June 2015 financial reports • Hot tips for implementing the new Revenue standard AASB 15 • Proposals for accounting for revenue of NFP organisations • Update on the International project to issue a new Leases standard

DETAILS WHEN: TIME: WHERE: COST:

Tuesday, 16 June 2015 12:00 for a 12.30 start National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit Barton NIL

For more information, please contact Emma Molloy on emma.molloy@rsmi.com.au or 02 6217 0350.

With RSM Bird Cameron, connected to the finance industry.

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

GOVERNMENTS NEED TO SPEND UP BIG TIME Governments don't go broke

(not even Greece ...).

Governments are not businesses (they are supposed to be democratic). They are more than about the bottom line and profitability. Governments do things that no business would ever consider doing ... for example giving billions of dollars away and expecting nothing in return. So why do we get hung up about governments running deficits in lean economic times.

Spend up I say, spend up big time. Pump money into the economy - grow the public sector, build infrastructure - grease the invisible hand - keep the engine room (small business) of the economy running and growing. I read somewhere recently that the best thing you can do for someone living in poverty is to give them money and lots of it. For example if we gave everyone living in abject poverty a lump sum of say $250,000 and said 'off you go, do whatever you want with this', many people would do constructive things like move away from poor areas, build a house, pay off debt, open a business, go to school, buy a flat screen TV, go on a holiday, go out to dinner - spend, spend, spend - and yes some would piss it up against the wall ... but even this money makes its way into the economy and washes its way around the system. This would be better that consigning people to generations of poverty and building up industries to support them.

TIM BENSON Publisher

This brings me to the recent ACT Budget and the announcement of a $408 million budget deficit in a nearly $6 billion dollar economy. Not nearly enough in my book. The Australian Capital has been hit hard with nearly 10,000 job cuts to the Commonwealth Public Service and a $1 billion Mr Fluffy liability.

Business needs a shot in the arm - so next year think big and invest even more.

13 COVER STORY BNI AMBASSADOR CANBERRA'S BEST NETWORKERS

Send all comments to: editorial@b2bmagazine.com.au

Likeajob.com.au Canberra's Job Matching Network Employers post ads & review matches for FREE

CONTENTS

FEATURE 10 Insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Australian SMEs RSM Bird Cameron Chartered Accountants 12 Re-thinking Advanced Health Care Directives Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson Lawyers

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UPFRONT

29 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Unfair Contract Terms: proposed additional protections to Small Business

by Arete Group

06 Do good this tax season Communities@Work

30 RECRUITMENT How much more will be in your wallet? Hays salary guide released

by Hays Recruiting experts worldwide

08 Is coworking for you?

Servcorp Serviced & Virtual Offices COVER STORY

30 SPORT Women, business and sport – the emerging trifecta

by Yabba.guru

13 Canberra's Best Networkers BNI Ambassador

G2B: GOVERNMENT TO BUSINESS

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS 25 ACCOUNTING Small business CGT concessions – worth aiming for

by RSM Bird Cameron Chartered Accountants 25 WEALTH CREATION Steps to help plan your ideal retirement lifestyle

by Dixon Advisory

10 think

2015

BIG

Insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Australian SMEs

ISSN 1833-8232 LEGAL NOTICE

26 BOOKKEEPING Small fish, big fish & the magic of cash flow

by Tailored Accounts

32 CHIEF MINISTER'S MESSAGE Region embraces CBR A2B: ASSOCIATIONS TO BUSINESS 34 CANBERRA BUSINESS CHAMBER Investment in business development will boost confidence BUSINESS NETWORKING

26 BUSINESS ADVISORY A practical approach to minimising the risk from idenity crime

by Vincents Chartered Accountants 27 BANKING Roguish renters vs. terrific tenants

by ANZ Mobile Lending

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28 DISTRIBUTION LOGISTICS Advantages of a multi-user distrbution centre

by National Mailing & Marketing 29 FAMILY LAW Business entities: being informed

by Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson Lawyers

06 Upgrade your career Mantra Training & Development

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28 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Directors call for tax reform

by Australian Institute of Comapny Directors

36 B2B @ BNI AMBASSADOR BIG BREAKFAST 38 B2B @ CANBERRA BUSINESS CHAMBER FEDERAL BUDGET 38 B2B @ SNEDDEN HALL & GALLOP LAWYERS 55 YEARS OF PRACTICE

27 BUSINESS LAW The risks of using images off the internet: Copy and paste, right?

by Bradley Allen Love Lawyers

EDITOR / PUBLISHER

PUBLISHED BY

Tim Benson editorial@b2bmagazine.com.au 0402 900 402 02 6161 2751

Man Bites Dog Public Relations ABN 30 932 483 322 PO Box 4106 Ainslie ACT 2602 b2bmagazine.com.au

ADVERTISING

advertising@b2bmagazine.com.au 0402 900 402 02 6161 2751

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY

Amber Gale amber.gale@manbitesdog.com.au 0400 402 960

Manuel Galaktidis evendots.com.au

Andrew Sikorski art-atelier.com.au

Man Bites Dog Public Relations (‘MBD’) owns the copyright in this publication. Except for any fair dealing as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwth), no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of MBD. MBD has been careful in preparing this publication, however: it is not able to, and does not warrant that the publication is free from errors and omissions; and it is not able to verify, and has not verified the accuracy of the information and opinions contained or expressed in, or which may be conveyed to readers by any advertisement or other publication content. MBD advises that it accepts all contributed material and advertisements contained in this publication in good faith, and relies on various warranties and permissions provided to it by the persons who contribute material and/or place advertisements. Those warranties and permissions include that neither the material and/or advertisements are misleading, deceptive or defamatory, and that their use, adaptation or publication does not infringe the rights of any third party, or any relevant laws. Further, MBD notifies readers that it does not, nor should it be understood to endorse, adopt, approve or otherwise associate MBD with any representations made in contributions and/or advertisements contained in the publication. MBD makes no representation or warranty as to the qualifications of any contributor or advertiser or persons associated with them, and advises readers that they must rely solely on their own enquiries in relation to such qualifications, and be satisfied from those enquiries that persons with whom they deal as a result of reading any material or advertisement have the necessary licences and professional qualifications relating to the goods and services offered. To the maximum extent permitted by law, MBD excludes all liabilities in contract, tort (including negligence) and/or statute for loss, damage, costs and expenses of any kind to any person arising directly or indirectly from any material or advertisement contained in this publication, whether arising from an error, omission, misrepresentation or any other cause.

SCHOOL LUNCH SPREADS & SNACKS

PASTA / RICE & QUICK MEALS

TINNED FOOD

UHT MILK & BREAKFAST FOOD

TOILETRIES

NAPPIES & BABY NEEDS

Do Good this tax season & Boost your tax return

With the end of the financial year approaching, please consider a sustainable charitable donation to Communities@Work - it could boost your tax return while supporting those most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the local Canberra community.

Phone: (02) 6293 6500

Donate Volunteer Participate Together we can do so much good www.commsatwork.org/DoGood

UPFRONT

Do GOOD this tax season

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ommunities@Work, a local Canberra organisation that understands local needs, is calling for support this tax season. “By deciding to boost your tax return and donating to Communities@ Work, you will help us provide a holistic continuum of care to those in need.” said CEO, Lynne Harwood.

“With your donation, you will help fund a variety of programs serving the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the local community and support low income families and individuals, people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, women and children fleeing domestic violence and at-risk young people.”

Communities@Work’s innovative and progressive culture seeks to respond to changing community needs in a thoughtful and constructive manner and its mission is to deliver quality community services of social value and practical benefit.

Communities@Work aims to provide a continuum of care for clients and deliver services that empower them to create better

futures. We contribute positively to the health and vitality of our community by: • Providing quality education and care for all children • Helping vulnerable and at-risk youth overcome challenges and realise their full potential • Providing support to families and individuals experiencing difficulties or hardship • Assisting the frail aged and people with disabilities to lead independent and fruitful lives • Enhancing the social inclusion of people disconnected from the community • Managing community facilities and providing a range of recreational and social activities • Offering nationally accredited training and professional learning for children’s services staff • Providing a diverse range of rewarding employment and volunteering opportunities

• Providing food and essential services, including a Community Pantry stocking healthy food and essential items, as well as cooking and nutritional support • Offering budgeting and mentoring support and good quality clothing to ease the transition back into the workforce Communities@Work balances sound business acumen with empathy for those in need.

“We value productive partnerships with other organisations and individuals to undertake community projects, strengthen connections between people and ensure a sustainable future.

Our ‘surplus for purpose’ philosophy ensures that all funds are expended on worthwhile purposes for the benefit of the community. Together, we can do so much GOOD,” concluded Lynne Harwood.

For more information on how to support Communities@Work please visit www.commsatwork.org/DoGood

Upgrade your career: Mantra

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onstantly updating your professional skills and training is crucial if you want to stay competitive in the job market. Equally, if you’re thinking of moving into a new career, returning to the workforce, or starting a small business, then careful planning and skills development is needed.

CEO of Mantra Training & Development, Donna Moulds, acknowledges that the employment market in Canberra has gone through tough times with the massive public sector cuts over the last two years.

Her advice to potential clients is to seek the skills they need from a registered training organisation that can help them learn, reposition or upgrade their skills for a brighter future and increased financial stability.

Founded in 2008 by Donna Moulds, Mantra Training & Development is a registered training organisation that delivers quality-training 6

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Tips for choosing a course or training provider • What kind of learner am I? (Ask the training provider to help you identify this) • What learning environments are available?

• Is the training provider supportive and flexible?

• Will the training be tailored to suit your needs? programs in a traditional supportive environment. Training delivery methods include face-to face, distance based, flexible learning and E-learning to cater for a variety of learning preferences.

Mantra Training & Development’s great range of courses to choose from include

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Business Management, Project Management, Frontline Management, Getting Started with MYOB, Certificate IV in Bookkeeping, through to Diploma level Courses in Management, as well as Corporate Training, Team building, Change Management and Personal Development.

Mantra Training & Development is located in the tranquil setting of Federation Square in Nicholls. Experience their supportive and inspirational learning environment.

For more information: T: 1300 898 872 E: bookings@mantratraining.com.au or www.mantratraining.edu.au to view their suite of courses.

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F E AT U R E

Is coworking for you?

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ervcorp coworking provides Canberra based business workers the flexibility to work from their local area, instead of spending time traveling to other locations. Select from the exclusive Parliamentary Triangle at Barton and in Canberra’s newest A grade commercial building, the award winning1 ‘Nishi’ at NewActon.

Coworking, the concept that office space is shared among businesses in order to keep costs low and productivity high, is fast becoming a popular choice for mobile business communities across the world. In fact, the number of co-working individuals is expected to reach one million globally by 20182 . Australia also has both the highest density of coworkers per capita, and one of the highest growth rates3 .

The benefit of coworking in a professional space, in addition to the economic incentive, is that workers are able to remain productive as they work alongside other professionals

without the distractions that come with a home office. Servcorp’s Coworking solutions take advantage of this trend, giving professionals the opportunity to work in a local Canberra office, either in a private office or shared space, from as little as $22.50 per day, which means you only pay for the space you need when you need it.

Marcus Moufarrige, Servcorp’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “Australians are looking for the flexibility to work however, whenever and wherever they like. Whether you’re looking for a professional work environment to help clear your head of home clutter, or simply want to avoid the daily commute, adopting a co-working model will give you both the freedom you want and the structure you need to be productive”.

Servcorp’s Coworking combines a number of benefits to help clients remain productive, including: • Lightning fast internet • Part time or full time memberships

• Access to corporate grade printing facilities • Five star professional environment • Kitchen facilities with complimentary coffee, tea and spring water • Access to 5 star meeting rooms, boardrooms and private offices as you need them • Pay-as-you-go onsite administration support and IT staff on hand

Call 02 6171 0637 to experience the benefits of co-working and redeem your complimentary 1 day trial. Find out more by visiting www.servcorp.com.au/coworking 1

2 3

International Project of the Year, 2015 Building Awards, London http://newportnet.com.au/growth-coworking/ http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2013/11/whycoworking-can-be-better-than-cubicles/

To inquire about advertising in these features please contact:

Tim Benson | advertising@b2bmagazine.com.au | 0402 900 402 | 02B6154 9310 B2B M AGA Z I N E.CO M . AU 2 B I S S U E 10 5

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F E AT U R E

think think think Insights into the challenges and

BIGBIGBIG

opportunities facing Australian SMEs

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2015

10

2015

2015

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he thinkBIG study is in its 10th year as conducted by RSM Bird Cameron.

The purpose of the study is to identify the impact of financial conditions on business sentiment, assess current issues and trends that small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) are facing, report on business outlook and provide insights into what challenges and opportunities the sector may face over the next 12 months.

The report shows that SMEs continue to face a myriad of challenges in the current

business environment and this is unlikely to change in the near future. Disruptive technologies and innovation are accelerating the need for change and are having a profound impact on many traditional business models and their revenue streams.

To compete effectively, businesses must adapt and evolve quickly to respond to what is becoming the new “norm”.

Operationally this is being made easier by digital technologies such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems and other business intelligence (BI) systems

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that let businesses get a clearer view of who their customers are and how to target them.

However, culturally, this requires a significant shift in thinking.

Competition for customers and share of wallet is intensifying and now, more than ever, business owners need to be better connected to customers with a real focus on sales planning as part of their overall business strategy.

Despite official interest rates hitting a historical low, consumer sentiment and spending remain subdued. Business owners

F E AT U R E

are also feeling the pinch from a tightened cash cycle.

RSM Bird Cameron’s latest thinkBIG report found that 74% of SMEs consider their business to be successful. Many SMEs also stated that they expect their business to grow in the next 12 months. However, owners are cautiously optimistic about the mediumterm prospects for their business. The red flag here is the readiness and capability of business owners to reposition their business to handle the challenges and take advantage of future opportunities.

The report has been structured around five areas: business growth and profitability, business planning, exit planning, superannuation planning and future trends.

Some of the key findings for these areas are as follows.

Business growth and profitability Business growth continues to improve for SMEs and this is reflected in the responses to questions about barriers to growth.

More SMEs say finding skilled workers and management time are the biggest barriers to growth, instead of searching for opportunities. This is an indicator that businesses are indeed growing.

Business owners also appear to be aware of the need to evolve and embrace new business practices in order to achieve the kind of growth that contributes to profits.

In 2014 the focus was on recovery from negative economic conditions. In 2015 the focus seems to be more on growth and how to achieve sustainable, profitable growth given barriers such as skills shortages and market disruption.

SMEs that are ready for change and have strong, strategic plans in place are likely to succeed. RSM Bird Cameron anticipates that the current trend of more SMEs reporting growth will continue.

TOP strategies for growth 1 Marketing & advertising 38% 2 Target other markets 35% 3 Develop a new product 25% 4 Increase staff numbers 20% 5 Acquisitions 12% Business planning Business planning has always been important but it has never been more so than now. Markets are intensely competitive and businesses must have a plan in place to avoid being left behind.

While it is vital to have a business plan and update it regularly, there are no hard and fast

rules regarding what needs to be included.

They can include action plans, financial and business goals, marketing, operating and management plans. Some financial institutions may require particular reporting or planning elements to be in place before lending.

Rather than seeing planning as a chore, business owners should see it as updating an essential roadmap that sets the direction of the business. The time spent on planning will help business owners clarify their own vision for the company, addressing questions around capacity, capability and how to close the gaps.

RSM Bird Cameron’s experience suggests that businesses that do have a plan outperform those that do not plan.

Of the 66% of companies surveyed that completed a business plan, 56% achieved growth and just 13% experienced a decline in revenue.

Exit planning Exit planning is just as important as business planning since exiting the business is inevitable. Ideally the exit will incur as little stress as possible with a clear line of succession or transition in place.

The most successful business owners are planning for their exit even as they plan for growth or expansion. Developing business strategies around the exit plan is a good way to keep the business on track and minimise risk.

An effective exit plan addresses questions such as family succession, employee equity, tax considerations, timing and more.

Most likely exit strategies include 1. Passing to a family member 29% 2. Sell to outside investor 27% 3. Trade sale 19% 4. Sell shares to other directors 15% 5. Sell to employees 7% Superannuation planning Superannuation rules continue to be in flux in Australia and this is causing some dissatisfaction with the system.

The return from investment funds has been generally quite positive. However, there still remains a fear that the government is interfering with superannuation, which some people perceive may negatively affect their retirement plans.

As a result, self-managed super funds (SMSF) continue to grow in popularity with 53% of respondents using an SMSF compared with 48% last year and 45% in 2013. Businesses will also need to keep a close eye on potential

changes to the superannuation system.

The goal for most of RSM Bird Cameron’s clients is not to use superannuation for the business but to use it to manage wealth as part of the whole business lifecycle.

SME owners would consider using super to: • Buy real estate 26% • Fund business growth 9% • Would NOT consider using super for their business 65% Future trends Businesses are undergoing significant structural change. Technology is driving what is termed the ‘digital disruption’, which is the change that occurs when new digital technologies and business models affect the value proposition of existing goods and services.

Digital disruption or transformation and innovation can deliver competitive advantages through the ability to deliver better services faster, regardless of what size the company is.

Social media and mobile are the major areas of investment, with businesses predominantly investing in website or e-marketing tools and content, social media, and web or mobile applications. The increased spending in this area reflects a growing understanding of the value of technology to achieve business growth as well as a reduction in the costs and complexity of implementing technology.

Business owners understand that, in order to stay ahead of the competition, they need to transform their business to embrace technology.

50% of respondents said they increased financial investment in the digital space over the last 12 months For a full copy of the report which includes recommendations and tips for businesses as well as many useful case studies, head to rsmi.com.au/thinkBIG2015.

RSM Bird Cameron has provided advice and support to Australian SMEs for more than 90 years. As trusted advisors they work with business owners through all phases of the business from start-up and expansion to wealth management and succession or exit planning.

Bird Cameron

Chartered Accountants

Should you wish to discuss your business, please contact Andrew Sykes, Director of RSM Bird Cameron, on andrew.sykes@rsmi.com.au or 02 6217 0300

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F E AT U R E

Re-thinking Advanced Health Care Directives

By Phillip Davey

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n her recently published Quarterly Essay, “Dear Life – On caring for the Elderly” doctor and writer Karen Hitchcock writes in a moving, compelling and at times controversial way about the manner in which we treat and deal with the elderly, including: “The elderly, the frail are our society. They are our parents and grandparents, our carers and neighbours, and they are every one of us in the not-too distant future...They are not a growing cost to be managed or a burden to be shifted or a horror to be hidden away, but people whose needs require us to change”.

We elders have learned a thing or two, including invisibility...Yes we’re invisible. Honoured, respected, even loved, but not quite worth listening to anymore The article provides a timely wakeup call to all of us. Whether that is because we have aging parents or grandparents; or because we work in the aged care space; or whether we are just growing old ourselves. The fact that there is a moral dimension to aged care seems to have been forgotten in the desire to resolve the concerns - so often stated by politicians and journalists, about the increasing financial “burden” of caring for the aged.

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In her essay, Doctor Hitchcock includes a quote from Roger Ansell, aged 93. “We elders have learned a thing or two, including invisibility...Yes we’re invisible. Honoured, respected, even loved, but not quite worth listening to anymore.” As a consequence of the manner in which we treat the aged, it is hardly surprising that many of them perceive themselves as being a burden or a nuisance.

They apologise for being a pain and a drain on resources.

Viewed against this background, the increasing and almost invariable use of Advanced Health Care Directives for the elderly requires serious examination and re-thinking. They are promoted as supporting the elderly to control their health care and to enhance patient autonomy. However, there are real questions as to who really benefits from such directives. In many cases it will not be for the benefit of the elderly patient but for those charged with their care, whether that be the family, the aged care facility or those providing medical treatment.

That is not to say that Advanced Health Care Directives do not have a place, where people have a strong and sustained wish to avoid particular treatments. However, requiring the whole aged population to have such documents in place cannot be in their best interests.

Elder law is a growing area of the law that will affect us all in our old age and is now seen by many as a discrete and specialised

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area of the law. It covers a multitude of legal issues, including: • making a will; • appointing an Attorney; • making an Advanced Health Care Directive; • choosing a retirement village; • “granny flat” arrangements; and • a range of matters constituting elder abuse.

DDCS Lawyers provides specialist advice and legal services in this expanding area of law. When providing advice and services, we are mindful of the social context of our clients and their particular needs.

Phillip Davey is a Partner of the firm.

18 Kendall Lane, New Acton, Canberra phone (02) 6212 7600 mail@ddcslawyers.com.au, www.ddcslawyers.com.au

T S E B S ' A R R E B CAN S R E K R NETWO

AMBASS

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i, I am the current President of the BNI Ambassador Chapter that meets every Tuesday morning 7 am to 8.30 at the EQ Café in Deakin. We meet every week to network, develop a solid understanding of everyone’s business and most importantly pass referrals to our fellow members. We believe in the BNI key principal – Givers Gain – if you give business to others then they in turn will give business to you.

The Ambassador Chapter has a diverse membership – from lawyers to painters and plenty in between. The categories in BNI Chapters are exclusive – once you claim your category it is locked in – so we have 1 Real Estate Agent; 1 Financial Planner; 1 Electrician and so on.

The Ambassador team is in a very proactive growth phase at present as we know that a strong diverse Chapter means good return on investment for all members.

We have members who belong to large corporate entities right through to many who are Sole Traders and work from a home office. I am one a Sole Trader and I occupy the Health / Wellness Category

– one of the main reasons I joined BNI was to join a team of business people who get the importance of building relationships, word-of mouth referrals and the value of combining all of the networks of all of the members in the Chapter.

So, do you have the capacity for more business? If you do then BNI may be for you. Our team generated over $1 million worth of completed business last year and we are on track to exceed that this year.

Jump on our Chapter’s website http://www. bniambassador.com/ and check out the team. If you rely on business referrals for new business, chances are that you could build your sales revenues substantially by joining a BNI chapter.

If you’d like to experience how BNI works and get a feel for the people and dynamics of the meeting - come along to one of our breakfast meetings and meet us – just click on the Book Now tab on the website or call me 0404 729 522 for more information.

Our meetings are lots of fun and a great way to start the day but most of all the model makes perfect business sense. Join us for a delicious breakfast and see for yourself!

ADOR

Des Linehan – President, BNI Ambassador

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B A K E R D E A N E & N U T T L AW Y E R S

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ith more than 150 years of history, Baker Deane & Nutt (BDN) is one of the oldest law firms in Australia; every year in business, we’ve seen change and progress in our community.

BDN’s success relies on our ties to the community as well as the expertise of our practitioners to form enduring relationships with our clients.

We maintain relationships with businesses and charities in the Queanbeyan and Canberra region, performed pro bono work, sponsored local events and radio, supported the Red Cross and Salvation Army, and helped high school students to realise their potential.

At BDN, we believe in trust and in providing a complete service. Each of our practitioners is accomplished in their field and has a unique practice focus.

Collectively, we practise in property and conveyancing, commercial law, personal injury and workers compensation, criminal law, family law, migration law, wills and estates and superannuation, to name just a selection of areas.

Unlike many other firms, we are experienced in both ACT and NSW law, and can appreciate the unique risks that arise where jurisdictions intersect.

With such variety in our practice, we are well placed to act in complex and multifaceted matters.

The result is that our advice is tailed not only to individual need, but also to our understanding of our clients’ long-term personal or commercial aims.

At BDN, we want to get to know you so that we can work together to obtain the best possible outcomes for you. With our enthusiasm and experience, we are proud to continue forming relationships that will last the test of time.

Whether you need advice or representation, we’re ready to hear from you.

Level 4, 1-13 University Avenue (GPO Box 2196) Canberra City, ACT 2601 Phone: (02) 6230 1999 Email: canb@bdn.com.au 14

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CHOOSE PROPERTIES

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hoosing the right property to invest in is a difficult decision. It is easy to make expensive mistakes that could have been avoided with correct guidance and information.

At Choose Properties we believe in empowering people with proper education to help them make the right investment decisions.

Our guidance does not end once you’ve made your first investment. We’re here to help you at every stage of your investment portfolio, from educating those new to property investment, to guiding those with an extensive existing portfolio.

With a combined 25 years experience in property investment, let our experiences educate you.

At Choose Properties, our team is made up of women. We understand and empathise with other women and working families, and we ensure that we understand your goals, needs and situation before developing an investment strategy that’s right for you.

Our strong network of professionals guarantee you’re always talking to the right people, and we provide advice and investment strategies specifically tailored to you.

We perform all our own research, additional to any research provided by the developer, certifying that our advice is comprehensive.

At Choose Properties, we don’t want to do the work for you.

Instead we hold comprehensive educational workshops, where we teach you how to enter the market with the confidence to conduct your own research, make informed decisions and negotiate like the professionals.

To become a successful property investor, you need the right tools and skills to get there.

If you choose to enter the investment market, you should choose to be well informed to help you make the right decisions.

Give us a call at Choose Properties and arrange a time for a chat with one of our property experts.

1300 393 321 abby@chooseproperties.com.au chooseproperties.com.au

CONCRETE BENCHES

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he world is changing. People want things now. People want things cheap. However, these are not always the things that we should strive for.

Tony Woods, owner of Concrete Benches, is an artisan driven by quality and sustainability. Tony wants to bring back the value in handcrafted items that will last for years to come.

While a diesel fitter by trade, Tony found his calling when creating a concrete top for a pizza oven to sit in a mate’s outdoor kitchen.

Two years of training and testing followed before Concrete Benches was born. It is now a successful small business making concrete bench tops and vanities, mainly for high-end residences.

“Concrete… but isn’t that what my driveway is made of? If only I had a dollar for every time I heard that,” Tony says.

However, this outdated concept of what concrete is could not be further from the truth.

Modern additives can create concrete that is able to be manipulated into previously unthinkable designs and using various techniques we can achieve some unique finishes.

When designers and architects understand how versatile the material is, it opens up a whole new avenue. The possibilities start rolling in.

“This is how items like the cantilevered kitchen bench came into existence,” explains Tony.

Tony recently participated in a collaboration with a Melbourne based furniture designer to produce a bespoke table, featuring a walnut base with a concrete top.

The table was offered as first prize for one of the competitions at the recent DEN Furniture Design Fair in Melbourne.

Concrete Benches has also recently branched out to include making pizza ovens in your outdoor entertaining area.

Tony will come out to you to discuss your expectations, colours and to get a real feel for the space.

This helps to give him a good understanding of your requirements and make sure that the concrete you choose is the best choice for you.

DIZZY OFFICE FURNITURE

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t’s an office furniture emergency. What do you do? Brian Hunter and the team at Dizzy Office Furniture treat every call as though it’s an emergency.

Working with businesses and watching them grow is very rewarding, says Brian Hunter, managing director of Dizzy Office Furniture. You need a quick response to what ails you whether it’s a reception desk to look the part, a new ergonomic chair to ease your back pain or some warehouse pallet racking to solve your storage problems.

Dizzy Office Furniture sells everything from the warehouse through to whiteboards. We have the philosophy to always say ‘’yes, we can do that!” Dizzy has a range of quick-ship furniture of over 100 products that can be delivered at a week’s notice, including task chairs right through to 200-kilogram ‘Big Boy’ steel-framed beauties.

Brian is a master chair fitter and can find the correct chair to suit your size, shape and correct suitability for the job at hand.

If it’s not chairs you’re after, maybe a new compactus unit could free up some office space, saving you the hassle of relocating or reworking the layout of your office.

Dizzy Office Furniture is the “champion” of small to medium size businesses. We understand that you need a friend when it comes to all things office. Just as we are for so many other business and government departments, let us work with you to be your “go-to” supplier for all your office furniture and storage needs.

Don’t buy your office furniture where you buy your coffee, talk to the specialists. We don’t sell coffee and biscuits: we sell office furniture, made to suit the requirements of the modern office. Pick our brains and solve your furniture and storage problems. Collectively, we have over 40 years of experience. Call over to the showroom on 34 Yass Road, Queanbeyan where we showcase two floors of innovative office and storage solutions.

From the warehouse to whiteboards, whatever your emergency or requirement may be, there is only one name in office furniture.

“only one thing to do“ “GET BUSY and CALL DIZZY” Dizzy Office Furniture T: 1300 349 999 E: sales@dizzyoffice.com.au Tony Woods, Artisan, Concrete Benches M: 0424 167 772 W: www.concretebenches.com.au E: info@concretebenches.com.au F: www.facebook.com/concretebenches

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F U S I O N PA I N T I N G

K E Y R E A L E S TAT E

F

usion Painting is not your typical painting company. As our clients will tell you time and time again, we work really hard to give them a great experience. What sets us apart is our strong commitment to delivering high quality professional painting and decorating, coupled with excellent customer service.

We strive to transform living and work spaces through the use of innovative preparation techniques and the best paints and materials. We honestly believe that paint, textures and colour can change the way we live and work in our spaces.

Established by Rob Vuckovic and his wife Leanne Mundy 12 years ago with a focus on residential repaints and light commercial work, Fusion Painting is now a multi-award-winning business.

We provide the full range of painting and decorating services, from interior and exterior re-painting, wallpapering and special effects, to texturing, Cool Roof application, wood finishing and heritage restoration.

Fusion Painting works with a professional colour consultant, who provides a complimentary service to our clients that ensures the colours and finishes for each project are just right. The Fusion team are a dedicated and talented crew, and share the Fusion vision for excellent customer service, quality workmanship and total professionalism.

We focus heavily on surface preparation. Good preparation should be the number one priority in a great paint job, often taking up over half the job time. We have invested in the most innovative tools and machinery to prepare surfaces, including the Festool range of dust-free sanding equipment and odour extraction devices.

As a professional painting company we believe it’s important to align ourselves with other professionals in the industry. We receive the latest information on best business practices and keep abreast of industry trends.

We are members of the Master Painters’ Association (MPA) and the Master Builders’ Association (MBA). We are Dulux Accredited, having met criteria indicative of a high standard of performance including reliability, high skill levels and the use of proper quality assurance practices.

We understand that having tradespeople around can be disruptive and we work hard to make sure it’s as painless as possible. We also provide a written guarantee on our workmanship once the project is completed. This provides our clients with the added assurance that they are dealing with professionals.

Fusion Painting Services P: 0417 685 211 E: info@fusionpainting.com.au W: www.fusionpainting.com.au PO Box 5653 Latham ACT 2615 16

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G

ay Spooner is the joint owner and joint managing director of Key Real Estate ACT Pty Limited.

With over 12 years of local market experience and over $200 million in completed sales, Gay has established herself as one of the top go-to people in the ACT real estate industry.

This status has been further enhanced in recent years by her ever-growing property management portfolio, which she personally manages.

Against this background, B2B magazine asked Gay about the challenges she most often faces in the real estate environment, and her take on the current state of the Canberra and Queanbeyan market.

Without hesitation, Gay says that managing client price expectations is at the top of the list.

“In sales, it is human nature for a vendor to feel that their property is better than others and that their place is worth more than others.

“Consequently, unless these aspects are managed, unrealistic expectations are locked in to the commencing sale asking price – be it by private treaty or auction,” Gay says.

Gay further explains that the market invariably ‘educates’ the vendors – but by that time, effort and emotion have all taken a hit and potential buyers have gone elsewhere.

“My approach? Be frank and honest when providing a sales appraisal. Most times, this is accepted and I receive the listing.

“Sometimes they go elsewhere. But it saddens me that more often than not, the property does sell in the range I initially appraised - only much later than it should have,” Gay says.

In relation to pricing a property for rent, Gay explains that human nature does play a part in establishing the asking rate, but the key is to understand what the current market is willing to pay.

“When meeting with new and existing landlords to discuss appropriate rent rates, I take the time to objectively compare properties and to refer to research to confirm current market conditions.

“I often apply the $10 per week test. How long will it take to recover one week’s lost rent if the rate is reduced by $10?”

Gay also discusses the Canberra/Queanbeyan property market.

“By and large, the market has returned to the pre-boom cycle where a well-priced, well presented property will sell regardless.

Gay explains that similarly, a well-priced, well-located and well-presented property would also attract good tenants.

If you feel that your property has been on the market for too long, or it has not been receiving acceptable offers, it is probably time that you gave Gay a call.

Gay Spooner, Director Licensed Agent ACT/NSW M: 0400-281-395 gspooner@keyact.com.au

MEZZANINE FINANCIAL

A

rranging insurance for a business can be a daunting task.

With so many products and providers to choose from and so much at stake if you get it wrong, it’s no wonder many business owners find themselves overwhelmed.

At Mezzanine Financial we take the pain out of the process by offering our clients a single source for all of their insurance requirements and providing professional advice when they need it the most.

Our brokerage services small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in industries including construction trades, retail and hospitality, motor trades, professional services and not-for-profits. Whether you’re a new start-up venture or an established business, Mezzanine Financial can assist you to understand your statutory obligations and to identify the risk exposures in your business before putting in place an insurance program tailored to meet your requirements.

Mezzanine Financial is an Australian Financial Services Licensee and member of Insight Australia Group Ltd which gives us access to market leading product comparison tools and a number of tailored policy wordings from a wide range of Australia’s leading insurers.

Our team of qualified insurance brokers is led by Shannon Greenaway who has been working in Canberra as a broker for more than 14 years.

The industry has seen an influx of direct insurers and a strong focus on price as a means to attract new customers in recent years but there will always be a place in the market for brokers who provide personal attention and professional advice to their clients.

An insured’s business can change markedly from one year to the next and it’s important that insurance policies are updated when this occurs. This is why it’s important to stay in close contact with your insurance provider. Our clients appreciate the extra steps we take to ensure their insurance program is up to date and competitively priced. We regularly meet with them at their place of business and keep them informed of new products that may better meet their requirements. Most importantly we make ourselves available to them in the event of a claim.

Contact: Shannon Greenaway ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP Representative, Mezzanine Financial M Centre Level 1 Palmerston Lane, Manuka ACT 2603 (02) 6257 7606 shannon@mezzaninefinancial.com.au www.mezzaninefinancial.com.au

INDUSTRY COMPLIANCE

W

e understand the complex world in which business owners operate in terms of compliance with multiple work health and safety laws, the legal requirement to deliver staff training to ensure safe and healthy workplaces, while at the same time running a successful business.

With 35 years’ experience specialising in work health and safety (WHS) consulting and training, our safety and compliance consultants can assist your business to achieve a safer working environment for your employees and contractors.

Our trainers and consultants are former professionals in the general building and construction industry and the electricity distribution sector and industry experts in height safety and fall protection systems.

We provide a full suite of training, testing and specialist consultancy services to the highest national standards to help businesses meet their legislative requirements.

With our partner Lemke Timber Training (RTO 91379), we deliver the following nationally recognised and accredited WHS courses.

• Work Safely at Heights (Height Safety) • Work Safely around Power Sources Services and Assets (Electrical Awareness) • Construction Induction Training (White Card) • Handle Construction Materials (Manual Handling) • Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Training.

Your staff will receive a Statement of Attainment after successfully completing these courses.

With national and international certification, we undertake professional inspections of height safety equipment and devices along with a consultancy service that will assist building owners, companies, and employees comply with statutory and regulatory requirements.

We conduct in-service safety testing and tagging of electrical cord-connected equipment and cord assemblies to ensure compliance as well as portable, hand-held and stationary electrical appliances. We also test power tools, plug-in air conditioners, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, computers, power boards, extension leads and residual current devices.

We put the interests and needs of our clients first in everything we do. Our staff will travel around Australia where required to meet the needs of our clients. Please contact us to discuss your work health and safety needs.

To find out how we can help your business, please contact: Rod Hart Director 11 B Yallourn Street Fyshwick ACT 2609 rod@industrycomplianceact.com.au 0417 675 926 B2B M AGA Z I N E.CO M . AU

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JOURNEY HOME

RSM BIRD CAMERON

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ood design should couple aesthetics with function.”

Nadine Neilson, Founder Journey Home Interior Design, a Canberra-based Interior design firm, employs this philosophy in every single project, be it a single room or entire building.

All work conducted by Journey Home staff, suppliers and contractors is supervised by the director Nadine Neilson. Nadine launched Journey Home Interior Design in Canberra, after spending the past decade honing her interior and furniture design skills in Madrid, Spain and Brisbane, Australia. Nadine is a graduate member of the Design Institute of Australia and her work has featured in Australian House and Garden magazine, Capital magazine and Canberra Weekly.

Whether traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between, our consultative approach results in interiors that reflect your style and the character of the space. For businesses let us not forget how important your interior is to conveying your brand message. We create practical surroundings that stand the test of time.

What you need to know: We don’t offer short consultations, when you need interior decorating or design services you can engage Journey Home to work on a project basis and this will save you time, money and give you superior results.

When it comes to decorating, we design, source and supply furnishings, window treatments and accent pieces to stylishly complete your room, right down to the placement of candles and packaging removal. We work to an agreed install date for your convenience.

For new builds and renovations so many decisions about colours and surfaces etc can be daunting and time consuming. Our designers will provide you with cohesive selections for your interior fit out, interior architecture and joinery drawings, all fully documented ready for tender or construction. This includes your detailed kitchen and bathroom designs. Our experience, leg work and helpful approach provides you with an enjoyable journey when building your dream home or business. For best results engage Journey Home as early as possible.

P

eople behind the numbers: Mateusz has worked with RSM Bird Cameron for over Four years as a manager in their Business Solutions Team. Previously he worked for five years in a financial planning firm providing advice and administering self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs).

Mateusz’ family owns their own business, which ignited his passion for helping small business people navigate business structures and taxation requirements.

RSM Bird Cameron’s business solutions team delivers accounting services to small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in regional and metropolitan Australia across a wide range of industries. Whether your business is a city-based manufacturing operation, a family-owned farm or a regional business, RSM Bird Cameron will help you achieve your goals through sound advice and planning.

RSM Bird Cameron’s team of business solutions practitioners has the right mix of skills and experience to help SME owners achieve their long-term and short-term goals, whether it is tax advice, strategic advice for improving your business performance and realising wealth in the future, or hands-on help to meet an immediate need.

While recognising the critical importance of compliance in areas such as tax, RSM Bird Cameron also help SME owners take the next step to long-term wealth creation through sound business planning.

This could take the form of succession planning, exit planning, retirement planning or self-managed superannuation funds.

Professionally, Mateusz’ goal is to work with his clients to help them grow their business and achieve their goals. Providing fast and efficient service and tailored solutions to his clients, Mateusz is able to get his clients results.

Bird Cameron

Chartered Accountants

To find out more ask for a copy of our menu of services or drop us a line at hello@journey-home.com.au or call 02 6156 2379 18

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Mateusz Jakubaszek CA Manager, Business Solutions, RSM Bird Cameron 1st Floor, 103-105 Northbourne Avenue Canberra ACT 2601 T: (02) 6247 0300 | F: (02) 6247 3703 | W:www.rsmi.com.au

S A L E S M O T I VAT I O N

T H E F I T O U T FA C T O RY

W

T

hose job is it to motivate staff?

Do you remember being little and constantly being asked to clean your room by your parents?

They would hassle you, punish you, bribe you, ground you, threaten you and for the most part, you wouldn’t move. And then one day, a family friend or an aunty would come to visit, ask to see your room and within minutes it would be clean.

Why is that? As a manager or business owner, managing staff can often feel as though you’re a parent.

You are constantly trying to motivate them to bring in revenue.

But no matter how much training you offer, how great your rewards or how big your punishments, having them work with some level of consistency is next to impossible.

Is it time to call in the aunty? As a manager, you need to ensure that staff have enough work to keep them busy.

In reality, managers will stop doing what they’re doing – often working on projects to bring in revenue – to come up with an ingenious plan to get staff moving.

The result is an elaborate rewards and punishment scheme that has to continually evolved in order to produce bigger and better rewards. It can become a battleground between management and staff, and at the end of the day everyone is going home grumpy and confused.

I am the aunty! My job is to instill self-motivation in your staff, leaving you to focus on your own work and get on with the job.

Your staff will become more confident in their ability to make decisions; they will become independent and efficient communicators, and will have the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Your work environment will be a productive and enjoyable setting. Most importantly, sales will increase: not because they have to, but because they want them to.

So if you’re getting to the end of the day and wishing you could inject some creativity into your team, maybe it’s time for you to step back and call in the aunty.

he Fitout Factory has been operating since 1991 and has been engaged in commercial office fitout and maintenance for 24 years.

The company was formed in response to “the recession we had to have” (1990) when construction companies were falling into liquidation at an alarming rate in the ACT, and has endured the subsequent 1995 recession, to be well placed to navigate the current construction industry downturn. With possibly a whole generation that has not witnessed a decline in economic conditions, few managers and employees understand the depth of impact on cash flow and income generation, generally adopting an aggressive pricing strategy that can lead to both commercial suicide and poor quality results for the client.

Our approach has been to innovate our project delivery through precutting/fabrication and diversifying our in house skill sets to enable us to be more flexible, and to selectively engage in projects that present unique problems that can attract a higher profit margin (or at the least – eliminate competition).

The complex nature of compliance with the Building Code of Australia, Australian Standards, Work Safety and Industrial Relations Employment within the construction industry, presents a client with a difficult task in assessment of tenders. Particularly on smaller projects without the appointment of an architect. In these circumstances we adopt an open book policy to present quality information to potential clients enabling project decisions to have correct due diligence applied and affording the client greater confidence in the construction program, quality, and cost plan.

While currently experiencing moderate growth while others are facing sharp decline, we consider our strategy a success and look forward to serving this industry with cautious optimism.

Martin Renner Managing Director The Fitout Factory P: 6242 1182 E: cityscape@bigpond.com

Misty Henkel Sales Motivation M: 0414849253 E: mistyhenkel@gmail.com B2B M AGA Z I N E.CO M . AU

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B2B MAGAZINE

SYNAPSE

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esults driven digital strategies Direction is so much more important than speed – many people are going nowhere fast. Many business owners fail to really look at the strategic direction of their business on a regular basis. With time and pressure of running a small business, goals often become blurry. Thinking strategically, takes time and patience – which is often the last thing a business owner has. In no time, business starts heading in the not-so-right direction.

Sam Gupta, Managing Director of Synapse Worldwide says “Many established businesses approach me saying, ‘I just don’t get any work from my website, I just want something that looks better, or ‘We just want to rank top 5 on Google’ or ‘We have plenty of traffic, we just want to convert more leads’. Any of these things can fix one problem, but it may not provide a long term sustainable solution.”

Synapse Worldwide, a local Canberra business has been providing digital solutions to small businesses from past 10 years. From websites to ecommerce, SEO, marketing automation and lead conversion strategies, they do it all. Many of their websites enjoy sustainable high ranking on the search engines. They focus on end-users and justify every aspect of the solution to ensure that it is truly designed to serve that business.

Sam Gupta says “One of the first things I do before starting a project is, hold a strategy workshop of 2 to 3 hours to get a full understanding of the business, its product/services and its customers.

To help businesses succeed online, I need to know all about the business before I can recommend or implement solutions.”

Last month, one of their customers reported an increase in monthly revenue of over 60% growth since their involvement. He adds “At Synapse, we believe in challenging the status-quo and implementing solutions that are strategically focused and results oriented.”

So, if you are looking to grow your business online, call Sam Gupta on his mobile 0407 019 091. You can take advantage of his free one-hour consultation, where you can discuss your business and ideas with him and explore the ideas on improving your business’s digital presence.

Synapse Worldwide Tel: 1300 785 230 Email: admin@synapseworldwide.com Web: www.synapseworldwide.com

B

2B magazine’s philosophy is to work with businesses to promote them and celebrate their successes.

B2B magazine is the regions only business publication. Not many people know that B2B is distributed to all businesses with a physical address in the Canberra region each month through Australia Post. In addition to this B2B is also distributed to 130 cafes in government buildings throughout the ACT. B2B magazine is also available online at www.b2bmagazine.com. au and shared on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.

And B2B magazine is available in all of the Qantas Clubs, Chairman’s Lounges, Qantas International Lounges throughout Australia - and Qantas lounges in Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore. This is a great achievement for B2B magazine and a great opportunity for businesses to be seen by a national and international audience.

B2B magazine is owned a published by Tim Benson through his company Man Bites Dog Public Relations Pty Ltd. Tim says that he owes the success of B2B magazine to his great team, including Liz Lang, Kasra Yousefi, Mook Clifford (Wicked Bookkeeping), Manny Galaktidis (Evendots Design), Andrew Sikorski (Art Atelier) and Chris Bugden (Focus Print Group).

Tim Benson, B2B magazine’s publisher, came the long way round to business and publishing.

After studying journalism he worked as a political adviser for 10 years at both the federal and territory levels. Most of the time Tim worked as a media adviser but also dabbled in policy and electorate work.

After getting married and having a daughter, Tim got out of politics and did a couple of contracts in the public service. These included a stint as Executive Officer to the ACT Emergency Services Commissioner after the 2003 Canberra bushfires.

“I have a great passion for B2B magazine, my team, business and the Canberra community – I look forward to working with business to make B2B magazine even better in coming years,” Tim said.

Tim Benson editorial@b2bmagazine.com.au M: 0402 900 402 | T: 02 6154 9352 | www.b2bmagazine.com.au 20

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TRILOGY

DRAGONFLY FINANCIAL SERVICES

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W

rilogy Funding are residential mortgage brokers specializing in all forms of residential property finance. Trilogy where named in the top 25 brokerages nationally for 2012.

When someone asks what we do at Trilogy, it’s tempting to just say we help them on their journey to independent wealth and ultimately, financial freedom. But it is a lot more than that! It is the way we do it that makes us different – we first help clients decide where they want to go and how to get there and then we partner with them on the journey – every step of the way.

We leverage our knowledge, experience, perspectives and buying power for their benefit.

Investing in property, be it your primary place of residence or an investment property is one of the safest routes to wealth creation, but it is important to have a good team around you. Trilogy Investment Property Funding has been operating since 2003. Led by Ed Nixon and David Thomas who have personally written in excess of 5,000 loans bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team and clients.

No matter where you live in Australia, we can secure finance for you. Our national office is in Canberra. However, we have clients across Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and many other cities and towns in between.

So whether you’re purchasing or financing in Personal Names, Trusts or Super Funds we can help you. We specialise in the finance of all residential property from new a off the plan unit and house and land packages thought to construction of a small development. We also can help clients obtain the right finance for all forms of existing property from small apartments thought to small apartment blocks and rural acreage.

e actively listen to you, identify a safe pathway to achieve both your financial and life goals and partner you on that path. Many promise, but we do.”

Dragonfly Financial Services (DFS) is a boutique financial services practice, with a strong track record in partnering their clients to achieve financial security and peace of mind.

Luke Smith, partner & advisor at DFS states that the business has been practicing for almost 8 years, and together with Malcolm Phillips, they have over 35 years of collective experience in the industry.

The unique approach DFS provides to clients is to focus on what is important to the client, not just numbers and rates of return. Luke comments,” It’s not just about money, it’s about how a client uses it to meet their life desires.”

The key attributes of DFS are as follows: • Provide the means by which clients will derive sufficient income to maintain their lifestyle • Provide comfort that their financial affairs are in good order • Actively listen and then partner their efforts to help clients achieve their life goals • Be accessible and keep clients informed of the issues that are important to them.

The key issues for many investors today are cash rates and property purchases within Self Managed Superannuation Funds.

With interest rates falling and many investors worrying about interest rates and deriving an income from investments to meet living costs, Luke says “There are low risk strategies to generate good income. Unfortunately the average investor in term deposits or in managed funds misses out on the opportunities”. He adds, “unfortunately, for many it is a case of you don’t know, what you don’t know”. As a consequence many investors are caught up in dollar cost ravaging, whereby they eat into their capital as their cashflow is insufficient.

Self Managed Superannuation Funds are proving very popular, as investors look to take control of their investments and are attracted to investing in property via superannuation. Luke’s advice is you need to be wary of the advice you receive. ‘DFS is accredited to provide specialist Self Managed Superannuation fund advice and can bullet proof your strategies from start to finish”.

DRAGONFLY F I N A N C I A L

David Thomas Managing Director, Trilogy Funding Equinox, Building 1, Level 1, 70 Kent Street, Deakin ACT T:1300 657 132 W:www.trilogyfunding.com.au

S E RV I C E S

Luke Smith: DRAGONFLY Financial Services Unit 10 / 3 Sydney Avenue, Barton, ACT T: 02 6273 3118 | F: 02 6273 1118 E: info@dragonflyfs.com.au W: www.dragonflyfs.com.au B2B M AGA Z I N E.CO M . AU

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P L AT I N U M

ELECTRICIANS

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t’s our job to make our clients lives easier!

From its humble beginnings as a single ‘man in a van’ business, Platinum Electricians is now a national company with electricians Australia wide.

Platinum Electricians have locally owned offices in Canberra and throughout Australia allowing Platinum to service local small business and Business’s with National service requirements.

Our vision is to be the world’s greatest customer focused electricians.

Our mission is to deliver a WOW experience to customers that creates smiles and is unforgettable.

Commercially, Platinum Electricians is a truly modern electrical business and provides a broad range of customer options including online account access and exclusive VIP membership. Platinum’s very effective operational model has been ultra-competitive in the marketplace.

This strongly service-oriented approach has generated a lot of new business for the company, and progressively expanded its client base across the sector at all levels of business.

Platinum Electricians is a true story of business success in a tough, very demanding and highly competitive environment. A combination of hard work, good market positioning, high quality service values, and strong business sense have turned the “man in a van” operation into a national service company.

Platinum Electricians is a triple certified company. This high standard of endorsement guarantees our commitment to consistent delivery of quality, safety and environmentally friendly solutions To receive certification, Platinum Electricians is audited regularly to ensure it complies with the strict, intensive requirements of ISO 9001 Quality Management, AS 4801 Occupational Health & Safety and ISO 14001 Environmental Management systems.

In partnership with World Vision, Platinum Electricians has initiated the One Van One Child program. The vision is to see one child sponsored for every Platinum Electricians van on the road Australia wide. Currently we have over 100 children sponsored. The One Van One Child program is focusing its support to a dedicated community in Zambia, Africa. This concentrated effort enables the Platinum team to visit the community it is transforming to build relationships and offer further support. What has started as child sponsorship will develop into new and exciting opportunities to impact the community in Zambia in the future.

Rostyn Heffernan Plantinum Electricians Belconnen P: 1800 752 846 rheffernan@platinumelectricians.com.au 22

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D D C S L AW Y E R S

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DCS Lawyers is a Canberra based law practice, located in the unique heritage precinct of New Acton, specializing in family law, estate planning and business succession services.

The firm commenced operations on the 1st of August 2007.

Together, Partners Julie Dobinson, Phillip Davey, Lois Clifford, Di Simpson and Sally McGuiness – have brought a unique blend of combined expertise to the firm. The firm’s reputation is based upon the provision of client service excellence.

Recently, DDCS was recognized by Law Australasia (an independent group of 18 esteemed law firms) for their outstanding achievement and commitment to excellence in all areas of practice management.

For their efforts, they received the prestigious Law Australasia Outstanding Achievement in Practice Award.

In March 2012 and again in 2014, DDCS were listed as the Leading ACT Family Law Firm in the prestigious Doyle’s Guide, an independent guide to the Australian Legal Profession. Doyle’s Guide also listed DDCS’ Di Simpson as Market Leader, Julie Dobinson and Lois Clifford as Preeminent and Phillip Davey as Leading family lawyers.

DDCS provides a unique private client advisory service to our clients. Our focus is on relationships, whether they are personal or business. We are “Lawyers for Life”, assisting our clients at the outset, during and at the end of their most significant relationships. We provide advice on structuring arrangements between parties to both business and personal relationships to ensure that all of the relevant risks are taken into account and that the objectives and aspirations of the parties can be achieved. In the commercial space this means working with business owners to develop tailored solutions to their business establishment, operational and succession requirements, including taxation, asset protection and corporate governance advice. In the personal sphere this means assisting individuals with Binding Financial Agreements, Estate Planning and Business Succession plans and arrangements.

DDCS also provides our clients with a wide range of dispute resolution services. These services include representation in contested Court proceedings together with a range of alternate dispute resolution services.

Two of our partners, Phillip Davey and Julie Dobinson are nationally accredited mediators.

Focused on client service excellence, the DDCS Partners and their team of experienced lawyers assist clients in achieving the best possible outcomes.

Phillip Davey Partner of the firm.

18 Kendall Lane, New Acton, phone (02) 6212 7600 mail@ddcslawyers.com.au www.ddcslawyers.com.au

H AY S

B N I A M B A S S A D O R F E AT U R E

H

ays is the leading global specialist recruiting group in Australia & New Zealand. We are the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, and are also the market leader in Asia Pacific and the UK, and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe and Latin America. We operate across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments.

Hays employs 8,748 staff operating from 244 offices in 33 countries across 20 specialisms. For the year ended 30 June 2014, Hays reported net fees of £724.9 million and operating profit (pre-exceptional items) of £140.3 million. Hays placed around 57,000 candidates into permanent jobs and around 212,000 people into temporary assignments. 24% of Group net fees were generated in Asia Pacific.

In Australia, we operate from 33 offices, with 1,108 staff. At Hays we find permanent jobs for over 15,000 people a year and temporary and contract assignments for over 25,000 people a year. At any one time we employ over 12,000 temporaries and contractors.

We recruit in the following specialisms: Accountancy & Finance, Architecture, Banking, Construction, Contact Centres, Education, Energy, Engineering, Executive, Facilities Management, Healthcare, Human Resources, Information Technology, Insurance, Legal, Logistics, Manufacturing & Operations, Office Support, Oil & Gas, Life Sciences, Policy & Strategy, Procurement, Property, Resources & Mining, Retail, Sales & Marketing, Superannuation, Trades & Labour.

Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, the UK and the USA.

ON ON I T A M R O DOR A S S FOR INF A B NI AM B G N I N JOI PRESIDE – N A H E DES LIN R ASSADO B M A I N B 9 522 0404 72

N T,

AMBASS

ADOR

Jim Roy, Regional Director 5th Floor, 54 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra T 02 6112 7663 | F 02 6257 6377 E canberra@hays.com.au

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ADVICE ACCOUNTING

25

Small business CGT concessions – worth aiming for

WEALTH CREATION

25

Steps to help plan your ideal retirement lifestyle

BOOKKEEPING

26

Small fish, big fish & the magic of cash flow

BUSINESS ADVISORY

26

A practical approach to minimising the risk from identity crime

BANKING

27

Roguish renters vs. terrific tenants

27

The risks of using images off the internet: Copy and paste, right?

BUSINESS LAW

24

by Johann Theron, RSM Bird Cameron Chartered Accountants

by Robert Turner, Dixon Advisory

by Harry Hoang, Tailored Accounts

by Stephen Hipkin, Vincents chartered accountants

by Paul Lanzon, ANZ Mobile Lending

by Mark Love, Bradley Allen Love Lawyers

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 28

Directors call for tax reform

DISTRIBUTION LOGISTICS 28

Advantages of a multi-user distribution centre

FAMILY LAW

Business entities: being informed

29

by Phil Butler, Australian Institute of Company Directors

by Matthew Jones-Angel, National Mailing & Marketing

by Alison Osmand, Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson Lawyers

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 29

Unfair Contract Terms: proposed additional protections to Small Business

RECRUITMENT

30

How much more will be in your wallet?

Hays salary guide released

SPORT

30

Women, business and sport – the emerging trifecta

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by Shaun Creighton, Arete Group

by Jim Roy, Hays Recruitment experts worldwide

by Abul Rizvi, YABBA.guru

ACCOUNTING

WEALTH CREATION

by Johann Theron

by Robert Turner

2Small linebusiness HeadingCGT ONLY concessions – worth aiming for

Steps help plan your 2 line toHeading ONLYretirement lifestyle ideal

If you are the owner of a small business it is essential that you plan your exit strategy around one of the four capital gains tax (CGT) concessions available on the sale of small business assets.

These concessions can be extremely effective in reducing your tax liability, especially when the sale of the business or asset is connected with your retirement.

To qualify for the small business CGT concessions you must satisfy the following key conditions: • Your annual turnover must be under $2m, or the net value of your CGT assets must be under $6m • The asset sold must be an ‘active asset’ (active assets are assets used in day to day business and generally exclude assets that derive interest, rent etc.)

The concessions apply regardless of your structure (i.e. partnership, company) but there are additional considerations when a company or trust is involved.

15 year exemption A capital gain arising from disposal of your business asset(s) can be disregarded if: • You have owned the business or relevant capital asset continuously for 15 years prior to the disposal date • You are over 55 and are retiring or permanently incapacitated.

You have the choice to contribute the proceeds to your super fund, where income is taxed at lower rates. You can elect to have this contribution subject only to your lifetime CGT cap, without affecting your concessional or non-concessional caps.

50% active asset reduction You can choose to reduce the capital gain on disposal of an active asset by 50%. This reduction is available in addition to the general CGT 50% discount, so potentially you can be assessed on only 25% of the capital gain.

Where eligible, the remaining capital gain can be reduced further by another CGT concession below.

Retirement exemption If you are over 55, you can choose to be exempt from capital gains from the disposal of a business asset, subject to a lifetime limit of $500,000.

However, if you are under 55 the money must be paid into a super fund to be eligible for this exemption. Again, this does not count towards your concessional or non-concessional caps.

Rollover Relief This allows you to defer your capital gain on an asset for up to a year.

The capital gain may be deferred for two years or longer if you plan to acquire a replacement asset.

Tip: If you are considering selling, restructuring or even setting up your business, the timing & treatment of your transactions could affect your tax position materially. Be sure to get the right advice and plan around these concessions before you transact. They are well worth aiming for.

Are you making the most of all the benefits and strategies at your disposal to build your retirement savings?

Will you have enough to retire on?

Are your other assets working hard enough? Not sure?

SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP CREATE YOUR IDEAL RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE 1. Are you taking advantage of super rules to boost your retirement savings?

Australian super rules may allow you to grow your retirement savings tax effectively. Being proactive and strategic in your approach to retirement planning can have a big impact on the end results in terms of when you retire and the lifestyle you want.

2. Are you eligible for government benefits?

Make sure you’re aware of tax offsets and benefits that can help supplement your income and boost your retirement savings. These may include the Age Pension, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and Senior Australians and Pensioner Tax Offset.

3. Are your investments keeping up with you?

Be aware of what you want your portfolio to deliver at each life stage, a well constructed portfolio should have an asset allocation that is tailored for you and should be regularly reviewed.

4. Do you have a strategy to manage volatility?

As people move closer to retirement the amount of their wealth exposed to investment markets is at its highest. We refer to this as the “Retirement Risk Zone”. It is important to adjust your portfolio in the right direction at the right times leading up to and into retirement.

5. Are you confident you have the right support in place?

Professional advice can help you improve your financial position now and for retirement. Engaging a qualified specialist to provide you with quality advice can help generate the best retirement outcome for you and give you confidence in your finances.

6. Are you regularly reviewing and adjusting your plans?

Set-and-forget strategies can be costly. Pursuing regular and meaningful discussion helps keep your plan aligned to your situation, and takes advantage of regulatory changes and new investment opportunities. It’s about keeping your finances in the best position possible to achieve the lifestyle you want to live in retirement.

Planning for your retirement doesn’t need to be hard work. We believe the journey to a self-funded retirement should be enjoyed while you’re saving for it, as much as when you’re living it.

Let us help you explore your choices today.

Bird Cameron

Chartered Accountants

For more information, please contact Johann Theron, Accountant at RSM Bird Cameron, on johann.theron@rsmi.com.au or 02 6217 0300.

If you would like to find out more information, contact Robert Turner on 1300 264 485.

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BOOKKEEPING

BUSINESS ADVISORY

By Harry Hoang

By Stephen Hipkin

Small fish, big fish & the magic of cash flow

A practical approach to minimising the risk from identity crime

One day, I was watching the Discovery Channel with my four-year-old son Charlie when he asked, “Why does the big fish eat the small one?”

Having gone through so many life experiences compared to my son, it seemed like a natural phenomenon because that’s just the way things are in business too.

Big companies are able to yield more power than smaller ones due to the availability of resources; it comes as no surprise then that 90% of small business failures are caused by poor cash flow.

“Revenue is vanity, cash flow is sanity, but cash is king” is an age-old saying that is often used to explain the failure of both businesses and consumers to manage their cash on hand. How much cash is enough?

How long will your $100, 000 balance last? What if you don’t have enough cash to pay your bills and your staff salaries? If you have a large invoice payment of $250,000 within the next eight weeks, how will that impact your business?

At Tailored Accounts, we constantly make sure that our customers are up-to-date with their cash flow. The cash flow model that we use is a working document which incorporates budgeting and forecasting, debtor management, creditor management, sales forecasting and cash projection.

Our accountants start off each week by updating our customers’ accounts.

After which, they run through the “budget vs. actual” report to adjust for incoming budget forecasts, and go through debtors, creditors and sale forecasts so as to give our clients a complete picture of their cash position.

Tailored Accounts’ cash flow management system is designed to give you full control of your finances, ensuring you don’t run into problems with ATO since cash flow can be affected by your tax and super obligations.

Additionally, with the availability of cloud technology, our accountants can obtain real-time data which assists our clients with their daily cash flow management. We also recommend the use of softwares such as Fiverr (free), Float and Spotlight Reporting, all of which complement well with Xero and Intuit QuickBooks Online.

If you are interested to improve or implement a cash flow management system, please don’t hesitate to contact Tailored Accounts at (02) 6169 5196 or info@tailoredaccounts.com.au.

We serve over 140 small and medium business across Canberra and the region, hence our accountants are highly experienced in managing cash flow!

Harry Hoang is Tailored Accounts Executive Director Glebe Park Apartment, Ground Floor - 186/15 Coranderrk St, Canberra T: 02 6169 6763 | M: 0434 196 607 E: info@tailoredaccounts.com.au | www.tailoredaccounts.com.au

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With rapidly advancing technological change, increasing business reliance on personal identity details and the growth in transient population movement, theft of personal information is becoming increasingly prevalent. As a direct result, over the past few years there has been an increased incidence of identity crime.

Identity crime generates significant profits for offenders and causes considerable financial losses to the Australian Government, private industry and individuals.

“Identity crime” covers a number areas and events. Standard definitions include: • Identity - the identity of natural persons and/or bodies corporate; • Identity fabrication - the creation of a “fictitious” identity; • Identity manipulation - the alteration of one’s own identity; • Identity theft - the theft or assumption of a pre-existing identity (with or without consent); and • Identity crime - activities in which a perpetrator uses a fabricated identity; a manipulated identity; or a stolen/assumed identity to facilitate the commission of crime.

Recent estimates by the federal Attorney-General’s Department indicate that identity crime costs Australia upwards of $1.6 billion per annum, with the majority (around $900m) lost by individuals through credit card fraud, identity theft and scams, and identified that: • Approximately 5% (920,500) of all Australians over the previous 12 months had experienced some form of identity theft and misuse resulting in a financial cost; • 18 hours on average, was spent by each victim in response to identity theft; and • Average losses per incident of identity theft were $5,741.82.

The business impacts of identity crime can be far reaching. Not only is there an obvious financial cost, but indirect costs from disruption of day-today trading, onerous time commitments in resolving the matter, along with increased risk from adverse customer perception and potential damage to reputation add to the loss.

So what can be done? Alongside reporting a suspected identity theft incident to the police, there is an additional point of support - iDcare. iDcare - Identity Care Australia & New Zealand Ltd - is a joint publicprivate partnership and membership based organisation that supports the victims of identity theft and misuse, offering personalised support to individuals that are concerned about their personal information. iDcare works with government and industry to independently assess capacity to respond to contemporary and emerging identity theft and misuse risks – whether physical or online.

Whilst identity crime can have a devastating effect, help is at hand. iDcare can be contacted on 1300 432 273.

Stephen is a Director at Vincents Chartered Accountants and provides specialist advice in the areas of corporate and government fraud investigation, anti-bribery and corruption compliance and remedial fraud risk assessment. For more information, contact Vincents, Level 7, AMP Tower, 1 Hobart Pl, Canberra City.

T: 6274 3400 F: 6274 3499 E: shipkin@vincents.com.au W: www.vincents.com.au

BANKING

BUSINESS LAW Brought to you by Paul Lanzon

by Mark Love

Roguish renters vs. terrific tenants

The risks of using images off the internet: Copy and paste, right?

If you own an investment property, there’s every chance you may have had to deal with a rogue tenant – they might not pay their rent on time, they might damage your property, and perhaps worst of all, they could be difficult to evict. How do you deal with these tenants? Here are a few simple tips that could help: Prevention is the best defence The best protection against bad tenants is ensuring you don’t get one in the first place1, says property reporter, Sarah Mills. Try to do as many background checks as the law allows and check their history carefully. Their employment record could also be a good indicator of whether or not they’ll be able to pay their rent1.

Get to know the law It’s important to understand the tenancy laws to ensure that you’re aware of your rights. The laws are different in each state or territory, however, they’ll normally include details such as rules for notifying tenants that they’ve breeched the agreement; timeframes available to remedy the agreement; rules for issuing a notice of termination and the grounds upon which a tenant may appeal2.

Keep calm In the event that something does go wrong with your tenants, keep calm and review your lease – this is often your ultimate defence and could help you resolve problems amicably. If you feel the problem is irreparable, you could talk to the offending tenant about the situation and advise them that they have violated their lease and you wish them to vacate your premises,2.

If a tenant still refuses to leave, consumer affairs in your state or territory could help, or consult a lawyer about your best course of action.

Make the good last longer Rewarding tenants could be a great way to show them that they’re not simply a rental cheque. Even something as simple as a movie ticket or a hamper at Christmas could encourage tenants to treat your property better and stay longer1. Remember the adage “Better the devil you know” – having a good tenant for longer could be better than going through the difficult process of finding a new, worthwhile tenant.

Disclaimer: The information is in summary form and does not purport to be complete. It is intended as a general guide only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The information does not take into account your personal needs and financial circumstances and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you.

The internet has become one of the primary means by which businesses can connect with their customers; but when creating or updating your website, the law of copyright should always be a primary consideration if you want to avoid the risk of unexpected liability.

Photographs, for example, can very easily be searched and viewed online.

However by law, the exclusive right to reproduce an image resides with the owner of the copyright in the image (usually the photographer or their employer). “Reproduction” includes making a digital copy of the image, and so by copying an image found on the internet and using it on your website without any authorisation, you are very likely to be in breach of the owner’s copyright.

The right to reproduce images is often licensed for a fee. In the prevailing system, the copyright holder submits their images to a “stock image supplier” or “copyright agency”, who act on their behalf in licensing the images for use, collecting the fees and remitting them back to the respective owner.

But if a stock image supplier finds that you have been using “their” images without a proper licence, they can also enforce the copyright holder’s rights against you, including the ability to recover any revenue lost as a result of your conduct. As was emphatically demonstrated in the recent Dallas Buyers case, copyright enforcement is a very real risk.

That case also raised awareness in Australia of a method of copyright enforcement employed by film studios overseas known as “speculative invoicing”, which involves sending threatening letters to the person allegedly in breach, asserting that they are liable for a significant amount, but offering to settle for a much smaller amount.

In Australia, stock image suppliers are now following suit, with the amounts they “invoice” tending to be inflated multiples of the licence fee that would ordinarily have been payable. Ignorance of the existence of copyright is no defence and the sums claimed are not insignificant, especially if it is a cost that otherwise would have been avoided by taking your own photograph, or not using an image at all.

If you have received such an “invoice”, there may be bases on which you can dispute the sum or a defence available under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth); but the best way to avoid the situation entirely is to take down any potentially infringing content or ensure that you always have the appropriate licences in place.

Sources: 1. “Dealing with bad tenants”, finance.ninemsn.com.au Accessed 9 September

2014 2. “How to get rid of bad tenants”, yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au Accessed 9 September 2014

ANZ Mobile Lending For more information, contact Paul Lanzon, ANZ Mobile Lender, M: 0422 007 005 F: 02 8456 6021 E: lanzonp@anzmortgagesolutions.com This Mobile Lender operates as ANZ Mortgage Solutions Canberra Inner South & Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra, ABN 74 122 012 720 an independently operated franchise of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522.

Australian Credit Licence Number 234527. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. Terms and Conditions, fees and charges apply. All applications for credit are subject to ANZ’s normal credit approval criteria.

Mark Love, Legal Director, Business Law 9th Floor, Canberra House, 40 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT 2601 E: mark.love@bradleyallenlove.com.au T: 02 6274 0810 | www.bradleyallenlove.com.au

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

by Phil Butler

by Matthew Jones-Angel

Directors call for tax reform

Advantages of a multi-user distribution centre

Directors have indicated their overwhelming support for the need for broad tax reform, and expressed concern that public policy debate in Australia is “poor quality”, according to a new survey.

The bi-annual Director Sentiment Index compiled by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) found that GST reform was the top priority for any comprehensive review of the taxation system and that 78 per cent of directors believe the GST should be increased and/ or broadened.

The Director Sentiment Index is the only indicator measuring the sentiment and future intentions of directors of Australian companies, notfor-profit organisations and public sector bodies. The latest survey shows that the overall sentiment of directors has slipped 2.4 points so far in 2015.

The need for broad tax reform was a dominant theme in the latest survey, with 35 percent of respondents indicating that the government’s priority for next week’s Federal budget should be increasing long-term revenue by restructuring the tax system. Thirty seven per cent of directors believe that the government should aim to achieve a budget surplus within the next five years.

One-third of respondents ranked the balance of power in the Senate as among the top three economic issues facing business, behind low productivity growth and low consumer confidence.

Commenting on the results of the survey, AICD’s Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer John Brogden, noted that “The results are a telling indication of the desire for change as our members come from all parts of the community, not just business. However, the survey also highlights a widespread fear that hostile Senates are a barrier to significant reform of any kind,” “This unexpected outcome is indicative of the degree to which the Federal Government’s efforts to implement policies are hamstrung by the Senate make-up. It is operating in an environment in which it is almost impossible to govern effectively,” Mr Brogden said.

“It is a problem now faced by successive governments and is an impediment to sensible policy-making. Directors are looking for quality public debate on a range of issues impacting the economy - including budgetary policy, tax reform, industrial relations and infrastructure.”

“A remarkable 85 per cent of respondents to our survey rated the quality of current public policy debate as ‘poor’”, Mr Brogden said.

Almost 90 per cent of directors believe that government spending on infrastructure is too low and over 70 per cent believe the government should pursue significant industrial relations reform.

Directors were more pessimistic about the health of the Australian economy compared to the second half of 2014. Almost 70 per cent expect the domestic economy to be weak over the next 12 months and almost 40 per cent are pessimistic about the general business outlook.

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Have you ever wondered how a parcel makes it to your door, where it came from, who packed it and why it was delivered so quickly (or not!)?

Imagine the seller processing and sending hundreds if not thousands of similar orders each day, across vast distances, in the shortest time frame, at the best possible price, using multiple freight carriers. How do they do it?

This is where a professional and fully functional third party Distribution Centre (DC) can enhance and add value.

For some major manufacturers and wholesalers, who often deal with large volumes of a small product range, a dedicated warehouse can often be the better choice. But for the majority of retailers and government agencies, with fluctuating demand and relatively small volumes of a large range of products, the flexibility and personalised services offered by a multi-user DC is far more practical, efficient and cost effective.

The desired outcome in all situations is for the DC to provide a complete end-to-end supply chain service, while offering support and communication from the point of manufacture through to end delivery, at a fair and transparent price.

In my view, an efficient DC should, as a minimum, be able to deliver & mainstream the following services: • Collection of goods from your manufacturer/supplier (local, national and international freight); • Receipt, verification & quality control processing on receipt at the warehouse; • Safe and secure storage of variable pallet quantities to meet seasonal fluctuations; • Provide integrated & accurate online order management and reporting systems (in real time) to assist with effective business decision making; • Establish flexible bulk storage/pick location layouts appropriate to the product; • Ability to receive orders in all formats and using a range of technologies; • Efficient order picking and packing processes with certified & professional staff who are skilled in handling all product types; • Offer diverse distribution solutions across all available mail and freight carriers; • Propose supporting services that complement your business (direct mail, digital print-on-demand, destruction of obsolete stock, strategic sourcing for corporate collateral & promotional products, distribution campaign management, etc); • Service diversity and flexibility, with a proven capacity and a genuine desire to help you grow your business; and • Defined and easily understood cost structures, paying only for those services that you use and inclusive of all tasks and functions.

In any multi-user warehouse environment, it is important that the provider values your business, can accommodate your unique requirements, and offers flexible and innovative solutions to assist with managing all phases of the supply chain on your behalf. Look for a can-do culture and an approach to delivering quality services, at a value-for-money price.

National Mailing & Marketing

Phil Butler is Manager - NFP, Public Sector & ACT at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Level 3 54 Marcus Clarke Street Canberra T: 02 6132 3200 | www.companydirectors.com.au

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DISTRIBUTION LOGISTICS

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Your independent warehouse, mail house and distribution specialists...

P: (02) 6269 1000 www.nationalmailing.com.au

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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

FAMILY LAW

by Alison Osmand

by Shaun Creighton

Business entities: being informed

Unfair Contract Terms: proposed additional protections to Small Business

It is not uncommon in small business arrangements for spouses or de facto partners to be directors and/or shareholders of companies through which the business is operated. Other entities may be established, including discretionary family trusts and Unit Trusts.

Commonly one of the spouses or de facto partners does not have an active involvement in the business. This is despite the fact that decisions made within the entities through which the business is conducted can have significant implications for everyone associated with them. This is the case even for beneficiaries of a discretionary trust who may receive distributions resulting in tax liabilities without realising this has occurred, or who may have loan accounts of which they are unaware. Importantly, directors of companies, whether they are actively involved in the business or not, have obligations at law, and a failure properly to discharge those obligations can have significant ramifications.

In the event of a breakdown in the relationship, the existence of complex business structures and, in particular, a spouse’s or de facto partner’s lack of knowledge about how they operate, creates complexity and cost in reaching a property settlement.

We recommend that parties who are being asked by their spouse or de facto partner to be a director, other officeholder, or shareholder of a company and/or to have a role in a discretionary family trust or Unit Trust, ensure that they understand at the outset what this may mean for them, and obtain legal advice along the way. Importantly, parties should ensure that they are provided with the documents which enable them (with advice) to assess and participate in the decisions that are being made, including Trust Deeds, Financial Statements, Tax returns and Distribution Schedules.

We also recommend that parties seek independent legal advice about the implications in the event of a breakdown of the relationship of the decisions that are being made.

It is absolutely vital that legal advice is sought as early as possible after a separation, and that your lawyer is provided with whatever documents in relation to the business structures that you have. If you do not have all the documents, your lawyer can assist you to obtain them through the disclosure process: you are entitled to financial documents in respect of any trust in which either of the parties is an appointor or trustee and any trust in which either of the parties or the children is a beneficiary, and any partnership, trust or company (except a public company) in which either of you has an interest. Nonetheless, there is no substitute for being properly informed along the way.

If you would like to make an appointment with one of our specialist lawyers for advice, please call us on (02) 6212 7600.

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Small Businesses (less than 20 employees) may soon have protection against the imposition of unfair terms within new standard form contracts if proposed legislation is adopted.

Protection against an unfair contract term within a standard form contract has been in existence for certain consumer contracts since the Australian Consumer Laws (ACL) were introduced in 2010.

Small Businesses does already have some protections against unfair or unconscionable under the provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), however, these new provisions will provide an extra layer of protection.

New Amendments The proposed new amendments simplify part of the process by providing a clear path to have unfair terms removed from a contract. Here, protections that are currently available to consumers in relation to unfair contract terms will also become available to Small Business.

If passed, Small Business will be protected from unfair contract terms in new standard form contracts such as those which: a. permit unilateral avoidance or limitation of the performance of the contract; b. permit unilateral penalisation of one party but not another for breach or termination; or c. permit unilateral termination, variation, renewal or refusal to renew, or otherwise limiting the rights of one party, but not the other (among other unfair terms).

Application of laws The proposed amendments relate to two pieces of business related legislation, the Australian Securities Investment Commission Act 2001 (ASIC Act) for financial services, and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Competition and Consumer Act) for the supply of goods and services under the ACL. Changes to the ASIC Act apply only to standard form contracts for financial products, or for the supply, or possible supply of services that are financial services. Requests for the removal of unfair terms under the ASIC Act may be brought by a Small Business which is a party to the contract, or

by ASIC. Changes to the ACL apply to standard form contracts for the supply of goods or services, or a sale or grant of an interest in land. Requests for the removal of unfair terms under the ACL may be brought by a Small Business which is party to the contract, or by the ACCC. These protections will only apply to standard form contracts entered into after the laws take effect. They are not intended to apply retrospectively, however where a contract is renewed or the potentially unfair term is varied after that laws come into effect, the laws would then apply.

The protections are aimed to apply where, at the time of entering into the contract, at least one party falls within the definition of a small business being where either:

Alison Osmand is a Senior Associate of the firm 18 Kendall Lane, New Acton Canberra City ACT 2601 T: (02) 6212 7600 E: mail@ddcslawyers.com.au www.ddcslawyers.com.au

To find out more about Start Me Up! Visit or contact us at W: www.aretegroup.com.au or www.atrademarks.com.au E: shaun.creighton@aretegroup.com.au T: 02 6162 1639 or 1800 705 680

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RECRUITMENT

SPORT

by Jim Roy

by Abul Rizvi

How much more will be in your wallet? Hays salary guide released

Women, business and sport – the emerging trifecta

Employers will transition away from higher levels of temporary and contract roles back to more permanent positions in the year ahead, but Canberrans should not expect big salary increases during this period.

According to our 2015 Hays Salary Guide, released early June, 22 per cent of employees can expect a salary increase of three per cent or more in their next review. However the vast majority of workers (65 per cent) will receive an increase of less than three per cent.

Our Hays Salary Guide includes salary and recruiting trends for over 1,000 roles in 14 locations in Australia and New Zealand. It is based on a survey of 2,610 organisations, representing almost 2.9 million (2,891,747) employees.

As a group these employers have a positive outlook, with 36 per cent expecting to increase permanent headcount and 68 per cent expecting business activity to rise.

27 per cent also reported increased staff turnover. The willingness of candidates to change jobs and of employers to expand permanent headcount helps to explain why 45 per cent will scale back their use of temporary and contract roles in the year ahead. This is a significant shift from last year (when just 13 per cent said their use of temporary and contract staff would decline) and it reflects employer confidence.

Salaries will remain stable during this transition period, although longterm we will start to see a broader pickup in salaries.

Salaries Unsurprisingly then, the Hays Salary Guide found that 17 per cent of employers did not increase salaries in their last review. Like the previous financial year (2013-14), those who did receive a salary increase in 2014-15 found that their wallet was not that much heavier. 56 per cent of employers increased salaries by less than 3 per cent, while 22 per cent gave increases between 3 and 6 per cent. Just 5 per cent of employers gave increases of 6 per cent or more.

Looking ahead, 65 per cent of employers intend to increase salaries in their next review by less than 3 per cent. A further 19 per cent will boost salaries between 3 and 6 per cent, while just 3 per cent will increase by 6 per cent or more. Employers in the professional services, advertising & media, financial services and IT & telecommunications industries are at the front of the small pack offering these increases.

However of the total employer group, 13 per cent have no plans to raise salaries when they next review.

68 per cent expect business activity to increase in the next 12 months, while 62 per cent have already seen an increase in business activity over the 12 months prior to the survey.

Get your copy of the 2015 Hays Salary Guide by visiting www.hays.com.au/salary-guide, contacting your local Hays office or downloading The Hays Salary Guide 2015 iPhone app from iTunes.

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

The relationship between business and sport is entrenched from the highest levels (eg the Toyota AFL Premiership; the Emirates Melbourne Cup; the VB Ashes Series) through to small businesses sponsoring local junior teams.

Business sponsorship is crucial to modern sport. At the same time, an association with sport is an ideal means for businesses to increase brand recognition. Businesses use the association to appropriate for themselves the positive values of sport.

A 2011 Neilsen study found that “when it comes to spending decisions, women are in control.” And it would be a mistake for men to imagine this control is confined to day to day household spending.

But if women are increasingly in control of spending decisions, why do women’s sports find it so much harder to attract business sponsorship? Surely businesses would recognize the need to influence women and want to sponsor women’s sport accordingly?

Sports consulting firm Repucom finds that globally, 69% of men report an interest in watching sport compared to only 46% of women. The gap is wider in Australia at 73% for men compared to 39% for women (similar to the USA). Perhaps surprisingly, the gap is narrower in Brazil, the UAE, India and Indonesia – the World’s largest Muslim country.

While this gap remains, media will be reluctant to increase coverage of women’s sport and businesses will be reluctant to sponsor women’s sport.

Will this change in the future? I say it is an inevitable consequence of the changes that are taking place in society as well as the needs of traditionally male sports to engage more women if they are to grow .

Traditionally male sports such as Cricket, AFL, Rugby and Soccer are making it a priority to encourage participation by women. They are doing all they can to encourage a family atmosphere at their matches.

Scheduling men’s and women’s double headers is now common.

In addition, it cannot be long before more businesses recognize the value of being associated with traditionally female sports such as Netball as well as sports with near equal male and female participation such as Hockey and Basketball. Businesses have already recognized the value of being associated with a sport such as Tennis where men and women are treated more equally in the media.

These trends will change the types of advertisements that are scheduled with sports events. They will no longer be dominated by beer and betting advertisements? More feminine products and services will be advertised with sport. It is one reason why we here at http://www.yabba.guru are keen to ensure equal coverage of men’s and women’s sports.

Is your business on board with these trends?

Jim Roy, Regional Director 5th Floor, 54 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra T 02 6112 7663 | F 02 6257 6377 E canberra@hays.com.au

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For more information, contact Abul Rizvi Managing Director Yabba.guru on 0413 990 439 or go to www.yabba.guru

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CHIEF MINISTER’S MESSAGE

Region embraces CBR ANDREW BARR

CHIEF MINISTER TREASURER MINISTER FOR URBAN A N DRENEWAL REW MINISTER B A R R FOR TOURISM AND EVENTS CHIEF MINISTER TREASURER MINISTER FOR URBAN RENEWAL MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND EVENTS

Region embraces CBR

C C

anberra and South East New South Wales have a unique relationship due to our geographic proximity and shared vision for our region. Together we want to build a strong regional economy by creating local jobs, building a world class and accessible tertiary education sector, attracting tourists and encouraging business development and investment.

That is anberra why theand South EastEast Regional Organisation South New South of CouncilsWales (SEROC) the ACT recently decided haveand a unique relationship due to cementto our unique partnership under a common our geographic proximity and shared brand for our area theregion.

Canberra Regionwe brand. vision for–our Together wantThe new brand will leverage the economic development to build a strong regional economy by creating and advantages of the region, localtourism jobs, building a world classwider and accessible which takes in the South Coast, Alpine, Southern tertiary education sector, attracting tourists and Tablelands and Canberra. encouraging business development and investment.

The Canberra Region hasOrganisation been Thatnew is why the South Eastbrand Regional developed provideand a strong, contemporary and of Councilsto (SEROC) the ACT recently decided consistent way for the broader region to tell its to cement our unique partnership under a common story. development a single Region brand for the The brandThe for our area – the of Canberra brand. region will provide a strong platform upon which new brand will leverage the economic development we promote our competitive strengths andcan tourism advantages of the wider region,to potential visitors, investors, students, residents and which takes in the South Coast, Alpine, Southern businesses.

Canberra sits at the heart of a region Tablelands and Canberra. of 650,000 offering a dynamic and diverse The newpeople, Canberra Region brand has been range of industries running fromcontemporary the Alpine region developed to provide a strong, and to the Coast which contributes to an increasingly consistent way for the broader region to tell its influential regional economy. story. The development of a single brand for the Canberra is a major hub platform to South upon East New region will provide a strong which South and our is intrinsically linked to thetoregion we canWales promote competitive strengths through education, our hospitals, shops, potentialtransport, visitors, investors, students, residents and research and knowledge-based institutions.

South businesses. Canberra sits at the heart of a region East NSW ispeople, important for the sustainable of 650,000 offering a dynamic and provisions diverse and of services, providing a diversity rangegrowth of industries running from the Alpine region of and opportunities the to experiences the Coast which contributes tobeyond an increasingly Canberra’s city limits. influential regional economy.

The Tablelands is anhub agriculturally rich area Canberra is a major to South East Newthat supports the and traditional and alternate farming and South Wales is intrinsically linked to the region through transport, education, our hospitals, shops, research and knowledge-based institutions. South East NSW is important for the sustainable provisions and growth of services, providing a diversity of experiences and opportunities beyond the Canberra’s city limits.

The Tablelands is an agriculturally rich area that supports the traditional and alternate farming and

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B2B M AGA Z I N E.CO M . AU

horticulture industries of the Canberra Region.

The Tablelands also leads the Canberra Region’s investment in renewable energy. The natural resources of the Alpine underpin the economic activity in the area, greatly contributing to the Canberra Region’s tourism offering. The Coast has a strong focus on tourism, agriculture and fisheries and the Port of Eden’s growth will support the advancement of other of keythe transport centres in the horticulture industries Canberra Region.

Canberra Regionalso including theCanberra CanberraRegion’s Airport.

The Tablelands leads the The Canberra Region Brand an initiative investment in renewable energy.isThe natural of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CBRJO) and resources of the Alpine underpin the economic builds on the ACT Government’s Brand Canberra activity in the area, greatly contributing to the initiative.

Canberra born out the city’s Canberra Brand Region’s tourismwas offering.

The of Coast has centenary as a way to harness the pride we all felt a strong focus on tourism, agriculture and fisheries in A of powerful brand for andour thecity.

Port Eden’s growth willCanberra support helps the us celebrate everything that is special about our advancement of other key transport centres incity theas we look forward our nextthe 100 years. Airport.

Canberra Region to including Canberra As Canberra Region grows weinitiative have a shared Thethe Canberra Region Brand is an of the story to be told to potential visitors, investors, Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CBRJO) and students, residents and businesses. Put builds on the ACT Government’s Brandsimply, Canberra having a strong brand makes initiative.

Brand Canberra wasgood born business out of thesense. city’s Ifcentenary we can attract more people the andpride morewe money as a way to harness all felt to Canberra means more more jobs, more in our city. Aitpowerful brandskills, for Canberra helps us services, more prosperity and a better way of life for celebrate everything that is special about our city as our region. we look forward to our next 100 years.

As the Canberra Region grows we have a shared story to be told to potential visitors, investors, students, residents and businesses. Put simply, For information having a strong brand makes good business sense. phone: (02) 6205 0011 If we can attract more people and more money (02) 6205 0157 more skills, more jobs, more to fax: Canberra it means email: barr@act.gov.au services, more prosperity and a better way of life for GPO Box 1020 CANBERRA ACT 2601 ourpost: region. www.parliament.act.gov.au For information phone: (02) 6205 0011 fax: (02) 6205 0157 email: barr@act.gov.au post: GPO Box 1020 CANBERRA ACT 2601 www.parliament.act.gov.au

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Capital Arts Patrons Organisation is a registered DGR and uses your money to produce a magnificent full colour fine Art catalogue for its annual gala fine art auction $ 250 will put your logo or company name on a selected artist page in the catalogue, plus you are listed as a business sponsor for CAPO arts in the catalogue as well. $ 1000 will get all the above plus a complimentary ticket to a superb evening of art, entertainment, gourmet food and drinks at the annual auction night in November, valued at $110, hosted by the CAPO patron Mr Paul McDermott.

For donation details, go to www.capo.org.au or contact Marilyn Gray, Executive Officer, 0407 512 296.

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A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S

Investment in business development will boost confidence ROBYN HENDRY

CEO CANBERRA BUSINESS CHAMBER

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T

he Canberra Business Chamber commends the ACT Government for providing strategic funding in this year’s Budget to stimulate economic activity in the region.

It is important the ACT continues to diversify its economy. The $11.75 million for a new business development strategy, Confident and Business Ready, is designed to drive investment, create jobs and encourage innovation. It will build on previous business development strategies.

The Business Chamber supports the fact that investment in the innovation sector will be through the CBR Innovation Network. The ACT has already demonstrated it is a hotbed of innovation and this move should see even more cutting-edge, local businesses emerge and grow.

We recognise the significant contribution of the higher education and research sectors to the ACT region economy and the need to increase capacity and further develop Canberra as a centre of excellence in these areas.

We are pleased to see additional resources for tourism and events and look forward to working with the Government in the ongoing development of Brand Canberra.

The Business Chamber is also supportive of the stated intention to advocate for local business in government procurement processes and to increase the payroll tax threshold to $2 million in 2016-17.

We do however; encourage the ACT Government to continue to invest in providing support and services to the broader business community outside the innovation sector, particularly SMEs. The vast majority of business in the Canberra region that make up the engine room of the economy sit outside the innovation sector and for these business to survive and thrive the Government needs to take an active role, in partnership with the Chamber, to build capacity in trade, skills and business advice.

The Chamber strongly supports a regional approach to economic development, working in partnership with regional local governments and the NSW Government.

The Business Chamber is concerned about the forecast size of the budget deficit. However, in the context of the contraction in Federal Government expenditure and employment downsizing, B2B M AGA Z I N E.CO M . AU

the Chamber believes the ACT Government’s expansionary approach is reasonable in the present circumstances. Key capital investment projects such as the City to Lake, planning for light rail, refurbishment of the National Convention Centre, development of the Australia Forum convention centre, and expansion of hospital and sporting facilities will stimulate the ACT economy, create employment and lay the foundation for future economic and social development Having said that, it will be increasingly important that forecasts are not overly optimistic and there is a clear and robust plan to bring the budget back into surplus. Investment in productive infrastructure and asset recycling in this period of historic low interest rates is prudent, but without a clear plan to address the budget deficit business confidence will diminish and the task of addressing the budget shortfall will become increasingly difficult – providing a very poor outlook for the future.

The Business Chamber will continue to advocate for reform of private sector workers’ compensation. Significant improvements can be made to the scheme and the Chamber calls on the Government to remove inefficiencies that impact on the rehabilitation and return to work of injured employees.

Business indicators point to an improvement in business confidence in the Canberra region, following early signs that the Federal Government reforms are nearing completion. While still below the national average, indicators are moving in the right direction and we are cautiously optimistic they will continue to do so.

EVENTS Business Breakfast with the Hon Tony Abbott MP DATE: Monday 22 June 2015 TIME: 7.00am VENUE: Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards Launch DATE: Thursday 18 June 2015 TIME: 10am – 11 am VENUE: Departures, Upper Level, Canberra International Airport

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Put $250 - or multiples of it - to a very useful advertising end, sponsor the arts, and gain a valuable tax deduction at the same time.

Capital Arts Patrons Organisation is a registered DGR and uses your money to produce a magnificent full colour fine Art catalogue for its annual gala fine art auction $ 250 will put your logo or company name on a selected artist page in the catalogue, plus you are listed as a business sponsor for CAPO arts in the catalogue as well. $ 1000 will get all the above plus a complimentary ticket to a superb evening of art, entertainment, gourmet food and drinks at the annual auction night in November, valued at $110, hosted by the CAPO patron Mr Paul McDermott.

For donation details, go to www.capo.org.au or contact Marilyn Gray, Executive Officer, 0407 512 296.

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