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Australia’s low-tax economy highlights a “double-edged sword”, expert says
6:05PM | Monday, 25 June 2012 | Michelle HammondA new study shows Australia is a relatively low taxing country compared to other countries, but an expert says this highlights a “double-edged sword” in maximising the benefits of lower taxes.
No joy for retailers as consumers set to cling onto tax refunds
6:37PM | Wednesday, 20 June 2012 | Michelle HammondRetailers relying on consumers’ tax refunds to boost sales could be in for a shock, with a Bankwest report revealing 31% of Australians expecting to receive a tax refund intend to save it.
ACCC launches hotline for carbon price claims
6:18PM | Monday, 18 June 2012 | Michelle HammondSmall businesses unsure about carbon price claims can now access a dedicated hotline, designed to make it easier for consumers and business to complain if they suspect a price claim is false.
RBA governor urges businesses to prioritise productivity
6:24PM | Wednesday, 13 June 2012 | Michelle HammondAustralia should stop “pretending” it can compete against the low-wage economies of Asia and instead focus on productivity, Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens has told the Prime Minister’s Economic Forum.
Mag Nation to close poor-performing Auckland store
6:16PM | Wednesday, 13 June 2012 | Michelle HammondSpecialist magazine retailer Mag Nation has announced the closure of its foundation store in Auckland, but hasn’t ruled out the possibility of setting up shop elsewhere in the New Zealand city’s CBD.
Consumer sentiment increases but rate cut still on the cards
6:09PM | Wednesday, 13 June 2012 | Michelle HammondThe Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment increased by 0.3% in June, but Westpac chief economist Bill Evans has dismissed the increase as another “disappointing” result.
Business conditions hit three-year low: Survey
6:03PM | Tuesday, 12 June 2012 | Michelle HammondBusiness conditions are at their weakest level in three years, according to the NAB Monthly Business Survey, with pressure mounting on the Federal Government to offer some relief.
Strong GDP figures hide mixed fortunes for different sectors
6:01PM | Thursday, 7 June 2012 | Michelle HammondGross domestic product grew by a surprising 1.3% in the March quarter, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, but not all sectors are contributing to the growth.
Unemployment data throws further rate cuts into doubt
6:15PM | Thursday, 7 June 2012 | Michelle HammondThe unemployment rate increased by 0.2% in May, new statistics show, with the data potentially dampening the probability of an interest rate cut in August.
Gloomy sales outlook dampening investment plans: Report
6:00AM | Tuesday, 5 June 2012 | Michelle HammondBusiness angst looks set to continue, with the latest Dun & Bradstreet report showing 27% of local businesses anticipate declined sales in the coming months, while 30% expect lower profits.
Fitness First runs out of puff as consumers prioritise price and flexibility
6:32PM | Monday, 4 June 2012 | Michelle HammondThe future of the fitness industry has been put under a cloud after Fitness First announced it is selling a quarter of its Australian gyms, suggesting gym operators need to up the ante in order to survive.
Business groups voice dismay over minimum wage increase
6:00AM | Monday, 4 June 2012 | Michelle HammondIndustry groups have slammed the decision by Fair Work Australia to increase the national minimum wage by $17.10 a week, warning it will impose a major burden on small businesses.
The Cheesecake Shop flags shift from shopping centres to reduce rents
5:50PM | Tuesday, 29 May 2012 | Michelle HammondThe Cheesecake Shop says its avoidance of major shopping centres is enabling it to improve rental agreements for franchisees, who typically operate in regional areas or on suburban strips.
Australia Post price hikes set to prompt logistics partnerships
5:05PM | Friday, 25 May 2012 | Michelle HammondPartnering with a large logistics company could shield online retailers from parcel price increases, an expert says, after Australia Post revealed it is being forced to hike up its prices.
SMEs warned to invest during mining boom or miss out
5:00AM | Tuesday, 22 May 2012 | Michelle HammondAustralian small businesses that fail to invest in their operations will struggle to capitalise on the expanded opportunities generated by the mining boom, according to a new report by PKF.
Seven in 10 retailers deferring business decisions to stay afloat: Report
5:07PM | Wednesday, 16 May 2012 | Michelle HammondAlmost 70% of Australian retailers were more likely to defer business decisions within the past 12 months as a result of recent economic issues, according to the latest Sage Business Index.
Six in 10 Aussies feel they’ve been hit by GFC: Report
5:43PM | Tuesday, 15 May 2012 | Michelle HammondAlmost 60% of Australians feel they have been personally affected by the global downturn, a new survey shows, but a retail expert says it’s important to put such surveys into context.
Fears raised over cloud privacy restrictions
5:39PM | Tuesday, 15 May 2012 | Michelle HammondNew proposed laws that restrict the shift of data overseas could reduce the benefits of moving to the cloud, an expert has warned, despite research showing local firms view IT cloud applications as a key cost-saving measure.
Business groups call for “modest” approach to minimum wage increase
5:20PM | Monday, 14 May 2012 | Michelle HammondBusiness and industry groups are urging Fair Work Australia to reject a claim for the minimum wage to be lifted by $26 a week, calling for a more “modest” approach to award wages.
Five little-known costs that can sting your start-up
5:06PM | Wednesday, 9 May 2012 | Michelle HammondHidden fees and charges can destroy your small business. Here are the five big bills that are about to hit your mailbox. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
