When Melissa Raffan’s career took an unexpected trajectory and she became a small business owner, she was driven by her personal passion for scrapbooking and a desire to do something different. “The previous owner literally made a joke that I should buy the business. That was in May 2021 and by November I had taken over the shop,” Melissa said. “I...
Julia ‘Jools’ Nesbitt is the Co-Director of Masonex Building, a family shop fitting business she runs with her husband Mick. The registered building business, offering retail shop fit-outs, de-fits and store maintenance, was busy and in demand before COVID affected their environment. “Before COVID came around, we always had plenty of work,” said...
Government agencies play an important role in our economy when procuring products and services.
It can be a lonely road when you work from home. Here are our tips on how to beat the isolation for the benefit of your wellbeing and your business.
Pay rates and employer obligations can vary depending on which industrial relations system applies to your business. Find out about four free tools that can help you pay staff correctly.
The port City of Fremantle has bounced back from the disruption of COVID-19 with a number of initiatives to support local and small businesses. The City of Fremantle signed up to the Small Business Friendly initiative in 2019 and since then, has maintained a strong focus on supporting its small business community. The City demonstrates its...
Tax time can be a stressful time for many business owners. It can be confusing keeping on top of deadlines, changing rules and deductions. The best place to start with your taxes is by enlisting the help of a tax professional to make sure you’re on track with your deductions and tax obligations. You don’t want to claim for deductions you later find...
The State Government has approved extended trading hours for general retail shops in the Perth metro area in the lead-up to Christmas. While businesses classed as small or speciality retailers can generally trade across whichever hours they choose, if you’re a small retailer that’s based in a shopping centre (and have to follow standard trading...
It makes a lot of sense to reduce your waste, phase out single-use plastics and choose the most sustainable options for your business - but it’s not always easy. The ban on single use-plastics in Western Australia has given rise to a lot of new product options. When you’re looking for alternatives to single-use plastics, or simply looking for any...
There are indications that a global trend termed ‘The Great Resignation’ will see more workers than usual quit their jobs following the COVID-19 pandemic. What could this mean for you? In 2021, a survey by consulting firm PwC Australia found that 38 per cent of workers wanted to find a new job in the next year, while people management platform...
There’s a fine line between being a business contractor with an Australian Business Number (ABN) and being an employee. If you’re a contractor with your own ABN, read these tips to help make sure you’re being treated fairly and meeting your obligations. In some industries, for example in the construction industry, it’s common for businesses to...
Even during a period of disruption, it’s important to keep your brand alive by letting people know that your business is still around, albeit with a different or reduced offering.