On May 3, 2016, Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison MP handed down the Federal Government’s 2016/17 Budget. This is the third budget for the current Coalition Liberal-National Government and the first for Scott Morrison. This budget is critical to the formation of the economic plan that will be taken to the upcoming election, to be held […]
The National Retail Association’s (NRA) Rewards for Excellence nominations are closing in just under 4 weeks’ time. Do you have between 20 to 199 employees? If yes, nominate today and your business could be crowned the NRA 2016 Rewards for Excellence Medium Retailer of the Year. This awards program, and in particular the Medium Retailer […]
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) declined a former crane driver’s application for unfair dismissal as it found that he had drawn inappropriate images on documents and shipping containers as well as displayed threatening behavior towards his superiors. An investigation was conducted by the employer into allegations that the employee had drawn a two-metre-tall male genital […]
One rule of business is that you need to be where your audience is looking for you and these days that’s on their mobile on Google Maps. We are a generation of convenience too, so if your audience can’t find you easily they’ll just go elsewhere. Recently this hit home when I decided for my […]
On May 3, 2016, Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison MP handed down the Federal Government’s 2016/17 Budget. This is the third budget for the current Coalition Liberal-National Government and the first for Scott Morrison. This budget is critical to the formation of the economic plan that will be taken to the upcoming election, to be held […]
The National Retail Association has this week downgraded its annual forecast for actual retail sales in 2015/16, following sustained, flat growth across the third quarter. Between January and March, retail sales have been soft, with only minimal growth in trend terms. For this reason, the NRA now forecasts that the Australian retail industry will generate […]
Last week, we commended Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison for recognising the important role small to medium businesses play when it comes to creating jobs for Australians into the future. Given the high proportion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the retail sector, the proposed business tax cuts outlined in the budget provide a more […]
Franchises have come under increased scrutiny as law firm Maurice Blackburn calls for tighter regulation and tougher laws to force franchisors to account for franchisees that underpay workers. Maurice Blackburn Employment Principal, Josh Bornstein has said that regulators must do more to prevent “franchisors turning a blind eye to systematic wage fraud undertaken across their […]
Many businesses implement basic training for new employees, however incorporating training and professional development for employees at each stage of their career have been proven to save companies money. Addressing weaknesses and upskilling employees not only reduces the risk of time wasting mistakes and lost customers, it also encourages higher job satisfaction and improved retention […]
The Australian retail industry continues to be a key employer of women, providing a variety of opportunities in both sales, and non-sales roles, according to a recent report prepared by the National Retail Association (NRA). The report highlights the significant contribution made by women across the industry and gives particular attention to the wide variety of […]
The minimum wage for award covered employees is due to increase in July 2016. The Fair Work Commission will outline the new award pay rates in a determination to be delivered in June 2016 and we will provide our members with updated Wage Summaries shortly after. Employers must make sure they are paying employees in […]
Many of you have already shown your support by purchasing a 2016 | 2017 Entertainment™ Book or Digital Membership. However, with over $20,000 worth of valuable offers, have you thought about buying a Membership for your Mum, other family members or friends this Mother’s Day? Purchase your Entertainment™ Book now to ensure you receive it […]
Digital is defining retail. Customers have more access than ever with online stores in the palm of their hand wherever and whenever they want to shop. Digital influences over 40% of bricks and mortar store visits and it has been shown that the use digital devices increase shoppers order sizes by 21% on average. So […]
Our partner, Retail Doctor Group, hosts CEO events which are a unique series of exclusive invite-only events for the retail sector’s leading CEO’s and executives to network and participate in thought leadership discussions around the industry’s current and emerging trends. This month, as Retail Doctor Group celebrate the release of Retail Innovations 11, they are […]
Are you the owner of a small business? Did you know you could be eligible for tax concessions benefits? Concessions for small business include: • Instant tax write-off for each asset costing less than $20,000 for small businesses.• Accelerated depreciation for primary producers.• Immediate deduction of professional expenses for small business start-ups.• Tax offset of […]
Last Tuesday the Federal Government handed down the 2016-2017 budget. With a strong focus on the future and providing help for small and medium enterprises, the government has committed to reducing the company tax rate over the next decade. The small business threshold will be raised from $2 million to $10 million turnover and increasing […]
The Fair Work Ombudsman has handed down a record fine of over $200,000 to the owner of a Sydney 7-Eleven after they found he had short-changed two migrant employees and falsified records. The penalties were the largest delivered as a warning to others who may be tempted or engaging in similar conduct. In late 2015 […]
It’s estimated that WHS incidents cost businesses around $31.4million in compensation payments each year in Queensland alone with an average of 25 days off work. Creating a safe working environment is a responsibility of all businesses, however companies who go above and beyond empower their employees with a feeling of security, helping to retain staff […]
Tonight, we will know the details of the 2016 Federal Budget, as Treasurer Scott Morrison hands down his first budget. Given the current mixed retail environment, we have been urging the Federal Government, in the lead up to the delivery of its third budget, to provide as much certainty and clarity as possible. The Australian […]
Late last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Innovation and Investment Summit, part of the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland Initiative. Throughout the summit, some of the world’s best visionaries in technology and innovation came together to share their insights and empower delegates to harness innovation. Each of the visionaries I had the pleasure […]