Chris Zappone

Small business losing faith in economy, says survey

Chris Zappone Confidence among smaller businesses has tumbled to levels not seen since the global financial crisis, with worries about fuel costs, cash flow and interest rates weighing on sentiment.

$17 pay rise for country's lowest paid

Clay Lucas The national minimum wage for Australia's 1.4 million lowest paid workers should be raised by $17.10 a week, Fair Work Australia has said.

Banks must pass on rate cut: ACCI

A leading business group has urged the big banks to pass on a cut in the official interest rate to their borrowers in full.

FINANCE

Dealing with banks in times of crisis

Tony Featherstone Picture this: a family-owned retailer has a $40-million bank loan. The founder has had a good relationship with his banker for years, watched footy with him, and met the bank’s CEO at functions.

Buying a bargain could be risky business

Christopher Niesche Many small businesses are going cheap right now, but potential buyers shouldn't be seduced by low prices and the chance to be their own boss.

Minimum wage rises from Sunday

With the new financial year fast approaching, the federal government is reminding low-paid workers they will get a pay rise from July 1.

Spending slide spreads: Westpac

Danny John Key parts of Australia's services sector are being hit by the slowdown in consumer spending.

Pass rate cuts on to SMEs: retail body

Larissa Ham A peak retail body has urged banks to pass on yesterday's interest rate cut to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Retail likes rate cut

Clancy Yeates and Eli Greenblat Business leaders in the slow lane have applauded the Reserve Bank's interest rate cut.

Can't pay the ATO? Don't do a runner

Max Newnham Often the first financial commitments that cash-strapped businesses ignore are payments due to the tax office.

Business demand for credit at four-year low

Peter Martin Latest NAB business survey shows two-thirds of businesses reported no need for finance in January.

ATO issues? Just ask small business

Henrietta Cook Small businesses welcomed a review of the Australian Taxation Office's cash-economy benchmarks.

More small companies fear damage from high dollar

Clancy Yeates More than on third of small companies in survey cite strong Australian dollar as a concern.

BUSINESS MAXIMS

Hey Max, what about my tax?

Max Newnham Q. I know I need to obtain an ABN from any supplier but do I need to get one for the people I do work for?

Tax cut a boon as work dries up

Rachel Wells James Anderson, who runs a small landscaping business, says the government's plan to reduce company tax by one percentage point would help offset the slowdown his business is already beginning to see.

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Smart owners always ready to sell

Christopher Niesche SMALL BUSINESS owners who want to get the best price when they sell should start preparing for the sale years in advance, experts say.

Lead time crucial for selling business

Christopher Niesche Small-business owners who want to get the best price when they sell out should start preparing for the sale years in advance, experts say.

Fail to plan, plan to fail

Christopher Niesche Succession is a vital, often overlooked, part of self-employment.

Mark Bouris

Small and non-bank lenders worth a look

Mark Bouris The truth is that you can't influence a rate cut, but you can look for a better deal.

RBA slashes interest rates to 3.75 per cent

Chris Zappone RBA slashes rates by the most since the GFC in a bid to reignite growth in the sagging economy.