Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose.

EP#243 ~ What are the key areas of policy affecting regional Australia right now and who's fighting to make it right?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #243
Broadcast date: 30 July 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: Liz Ritchie, CEO at Regional Australia Institute

The latest Regional Australia Institute report Regional Movers Index (created in partnership with CommBank Business and Institutional) highlights fascinating trends in our nation's population movements. Metro to regional relocations are now 20% above pre-Covid levels with 24% more people moving from capital cities regions compared with the opposite direction. That’s a net migration out of our cities into our regional towns!

With such a large change population and the unique circumstances that brings, what’s required is relationship building, placed based approach to policy and connectivity into community. Luckily there’s a think tank doing exactly that, and it’s run but the policy  powerhouse and regional expert, Liz Richie. 

The Regional Australia Institute captures the unique skills of their team, as well as their passion for regional Australia. In fact, the majority of them live in the towns which they represent! Researchers, policy experts, and influential relations experts who come together to make regional Australia better. 

There are few people as interconnected into regional cities, understanding population growth, the need for skills and how their small businesses flourish and when they need support. This is going to be an excellent discussion from an expert in the field and a true female leader in Australian policy.

PEOPLE –  Who does RAI represent? How do you work so successfully as a regionally located team, focussed on regional issues? Tell us about the upcoming Regions Rising Summit in Canberra in August and what you're hoping to achieve and what you'd like to highlight to decision makers at the conference?

POLICY - Which policy areas are you currently focussed on? Which departments do you work with and how do you work as an advocacy organisation with politicians and departments to ensure the voice of regional, rural and remote Australia is heard?

PURPOSE Tell us about your recently published reports and what you’re trying to achieve in the policy space for each of these?

The daughter of a farmer who grew up amongst the rice crops and river redgums around Deniliquin in south-western New South Wales, Liz Ritchie’s had a lifelong affiliation with regional Australia. As CEO of the Regional Australia Institute her purpose is to empower regions to thrive through leadership, activation, and impact. Liz firmly believes that by replacing myth and stereotype with facts and knowledge, the RAI can help build a bridge between city and country Australians. She spearheaded the development of the Regionalisation Ambition – a framework to ‘rebalance the nation’ by driving a parity of population between the regions and cities. Prior to joining the RAI, Liz worked for Westpac and the Committee for Economic Development of Australia.

Independent and informed by both research and ongoing dialogue with the community. The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) develops policy solutions and advocates for change to build a stronger economy and better quality of life in regional Australia – for the benefit of all Australians.

To find out more about Regional Australia Institute, check it out HERE

 

EP#242 ~ Today's inspiring guest is young, driven and a sustainability innovator

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #242
Broadcast date: 23 July 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: Alexandra Cannizzaro, Founder of Platform Zero

With so much going on in the world, it’s time to be inspired on Small Biz Matters. Our guest is a founder, has spent most of her working life since 2014 in the industry and a changemaker. She’s the sort of person that sees a problem and knows that she’s the right person to fix it. As the old adage goes, if you want something done right do it yourself.

We all know that sustainability and the responsibility of business go hand-in-hand and Alex is one of those young, inspiring people, who have really taken the bull by the horns, and made it their mission to implement change. She is the Founder of Platform Zero; an expert in redirecting and repurposing food waste and passionate about tackling climate change and rising prices. She knows the problem and has lived experience in the fresh food, wholesale and the premium quality produce industry. Now made it her life’s mission to create a successful sustainability business, tackling climate change, and rising prices called Platform Zero.

She'll join us to inspire, and offer some tips on how we can do better in our homes and businesses and get involved with great organisations like Platform Zero.

PEOPLE –  Tell us about your small business journey and how you came up with the concept for your startup. As a young person trying to start a business in Australia, what has been your biggest hurdle?  You mentioned during your appearance at the COSBOA summit this year how a lack of competition in the grocery sector impacts small business like yours. If you could talk directly to the CEOs of the giant businesses out there, what would you say to them to encourage them to make a Farah for young people and young business is trying to get started in the industry?

POLICY -   If there was one thing, the government could do to reduce the red tape in your industry what would you suggest to them?  You are involved in the supply chain in the grocery sector. Clearly there are major problems with how this is streamlined, despite big business being in control of those processes for so long. What small business attributes could big businesses learn from to improve the process

PURPOSE we all know how difficult it is to start and grow a business here. What keeps you going? What drives you to succeed and where would you like to be in 10 years time? How would you like to influence the industry

Alex Cannizzaro is Founder of Platform Zero; and expert in redirecting and repurposing food waste and passionate about tackling climate change and rising prices.

At Platform Zero, I have developed technology solutions that cover the whole supply chain ecosystem to redirect waste from landfills and re-purpose them for a wider range of purposes. At Platform Zero we hit all your ESG targets and we do it fast.

Where it all started? The fruit and veg industry. My family has been involved in the fruit and vegetable industry for over 70 years, covering the entire ecosystem both nationally and globally. I am the third generation within the family business, and I am responsible for steering this industry in a more sustainable, digitally advanced, and environmentally friendly direction in order to contribute to a more sustainable future.

To find out more about Platform Zero, check it out HERE

EP#241 ~ What can we do to save Australian restaurants and cafes from disaster?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #241
Broadcast date: 16^th July 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Wes Lambert CPA, FGIA, CAE, MAICD and CEO Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association

Wes Lambert describes himself as passionate about advancing the interests of the hospitality industry through advocacy, education, and leadership. He has over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, as well as the skills and tools to deliver solutions that meet the needs of businesses.

But more than that he’s a passionate advocate. He lives and breathes the sector as a leader who has dedicated decades to bringing the industry to great heights and more than once, ensuring its survival.

But right now, the industry he loves so dearly and has made his life’s mission to see succeed, is on its knees. So, why is it now, even after the ravages of COVID and massive downturns in the economy like the GFC are thought leaders like Wes Lambert talking about devastation of an entire sector like never before? And what can Wes, with his deep knowledge of the policy space push for, to ensure survival of the industry – not just of the fittest?

This isn’t just about $8 lattes anymore. This is about jobs, high streets filled with empty shop windows and the very survival of communities and our way of life. And Wes Lambert is just the leader, advocate and experienced passionate policy influencer who cafes and restaurants need fighting in their corner.

PEOPLE - Tell us about the business owners you represent. Why is it critical for Australian communities and the economy that cafes and hospitality businesses get support right now? Do they need a hand out or a help up? And what does that look like?

POLICY - In a perfect world, in which department would you want to start to improve policy to make it easier to run a hospitality business in Australia? Which areas need the most work? Do you think the Australian Govt is really listening to the needs of small business?

PURPOSE - There's been a lot in the media recently about the dire state of the industry. Is it as a result of inflation, the lag from COVID closures, restaurant input costs or all of the above? What do policy makers need to do urgently to save hospitality small businesses on the brink?

As the CEO of the Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association, Wes Lambert is passionate about advancing the interests of the hospitality industry through advocacy, education, and leadership. With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, as well as the skills and tools to deliver solutions that meet the needs of businesses.

Wes Lambert is the former CEO of the 2020 Association of the Year Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA), winner of the AuSAE 2020 Influencer Award, and a board member of several industry bodies, including the Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body, the Council of Small Business Organizations Australia, and the Children's Tumour Foundation. He holds a CPA, a FGIA, and a CAE, and am a Member of AICD. He is also a US Army veteran, an author, and a father of three. 

The Restaurant & Cafe segment of the Hospitality Industry has been under constant threat & pressure as Taxes, Inflation, Wage rises, Migration  & Staffing Challenges, and Relentless Rent Increases decimate business after business  throughout Australia.

Our purpose is to Drive Change and be the voice of Restaurants & Cafes by uniting industry leaders, fostering collaboration, and driving impactful legislative and policy shifts to benefit Restaurants & Cafes.

By amplifying the voices of our Members and advocating for their interests, we aim to shape policies and regulations that foster a thriving and sustainable Hospitality Industry.

Join us as we embark on this journey to redefine the future of Restaurant & Cafe advocacy in Australia, one Member and one change at a time.

Together, we can make a real and lasting difference. To find out more go to: www.arca.org.au

EP#240 ~ Unlocking the Consumer Data Rights Future for Small Business Consumers

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #240
Broadcast date: 9^th July 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Live from the Fintech Australia 2024 CDR Summit

This week we were live from Fintech Australia’s CDR Summit for a very interesting discussion on why small biz mattes and why does Consumer Data Rights matter to our community – the advisors, the small businesses and the Fintech industry. Panellists were

Eric Tsang, CEO and Co-founder Skript

Grant Augustin, Managing Director SISS Data Services

Simeon Duncan, Senior Manager of International Corporate Affairs, Intuit

It’s been a hard fought regulatory battle to get us to this point and as you’ll learn in today’s discussion there’s still a long way to go.

So, what can we learn from other CDR and open banking from the rest of the world, where are the opportunities to collaborate? How can the Fintech industry make the most of this change to adapt and evolve to meet growing data needs of business? What are the missed opportunities to the Aust economy if we ignore CDR’s power and the potential to unlock the digital economy?

We need to ensure small businesses and their accountants and bookkeepers can effectively engage with the system and make data valuable and meaningful.  Today’s discussion from our experts is about empowerment, enablement and overcoming the barriers.

Let’s here from the experts as they introduce themselves and their expertise when it comes to Consumer Data Rights.

PEOPLE - What is the difference between CDR and bank feed in terms of a small business’ access and right to data?   What’s been the advocacy journey to get to this point and who has been involved and why? What do these changes to CDR mean for small businesses and the Fintech industry in the future?

POLICY - What’s the difference between bank feed and, open banking and screen scraping and why does it matter? Does the “perfect scenario” exist anywhere else in the world? Why is data quality integral to small business, government and policy making?  How important are bank feeds to cash flow and accurate / informed decision making?

PURPOSE – What is Consumer Data Rights and how did we get here? Who has lobbied to ensure small businesses, advisors and Fintech to ensure there was minimal disruption to bank feeds and the digitisation of all small businesses?

The 2024 Fintech Australia Consumer Data Rights Conference’s aim was to build awareness about the Consumer Data Right reform so more organisations across sectors can be involved in future proofing its success. It also aimed to achieve a high level of technical education for stakeholders on how Open Innovation can evolve the emerging Consumer Data Right ecosystem towards economy wide Open Data reality. It successfully showcased CDR opportunities, current and potential use-cases and connecting the established ecosystem with a broader commercial audience. full day of plenary and breakout sessions to explore the vast potential of the Consumer Data Right and highlight potential use-cases and commercial opportunities. It captured a broad audience spanning the digital economy, including fintechs and large financial institutions which are interested in but not yet fully harnessing the CDR. The event provided opportunities for players from across this burgeoning ecosystem to connect and discuss the vast opportunities CDR provides for the future digital economy.

Featuring local and international experts, policy makers, founders and builders will take to the stage to discuss the future of the CDR and showcase the most exciting emerging use cases.

The Major sponsor was Intuit.

EP#239 ~ Understanding the lifecycle and mindset of Queensland small businesses. What makes the sunshine state unique?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #239
Broadcast date: 2^nd July 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Dominique Lamb, the QLD Small Business Commissioner

Queensland is a unique part of the world, not only for its natural beauty, incredible tourism industry, but it’s people. And it’s Queensland’s people that are at the heart of small business. From agriculture to retail to tourism to metro and regional areas they are as diverse as any other part of Australia.

Unique to Queensland is their passionate, experienced small business commissioner, Dominique Lamb. Formally the CEO to the National Retailers Association. She’s brought with her a wealth of experience and passion for her state to deliver some incredible achievements after only a couple of years in office. Cheers tenacious, empathetic and loves her state and the diversity of small businesses within it.

She joins us on Small Biz Matters today to talk about those achievements in two short years, and the difficulties facing small businesses in Queensland now and into the future. Plus we unpack the recently published report and first of its kind study: Understanding the lifecycle and mindset of Queensland small businesses. Its been nominated for an international award! We will ask what did the agency learn about small business in QLD and why was it so important to inform through this publication?

PEOPLE Can you tell the audience why you’re so passionate about small business and what you’ve done over the years to support? The reality is governments have a lot of impact on small business is through regulation. So realistically, is there anything that can be done, any thought leadership thinking to improve this situation?

POLICY - What are your key policy priorities for businesses in QLD? In your opinion, is there a good place to start for small businesses who want to be more involved in reducing red tape and improving policy in QLD? What successes have you recently had?  QLD seems to be at the mercy of the impacts of climate change. What are the key policy priorities here of your office to support small businesses who experience its impacts?

PURPOSE - Tell us about your recently published report First of its kind study: Understanding the lifecycle and mindset of Queensland small businesses, I’ve heard it’s nominated for an international award! What did you learn about small business in QLD and why was it so important to inform through this publication? Can you tell the audience about the role of the commissioner, how it is independent and how you influence policy in the federal Govt? Who are the main advocates who support your work and how does your office engage with them?

Dominique Lamb assumed the role of Small Business Commissioner in December 2022. With a robust background in industrial relations and employment law, she brings a unique blend of legal expertise and advocacy skills to her position.

Dominique's primary objective is to enhance the operating environment for small businesses in Queensland and to reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes involving small business. In her capacity as Commissioner, Dominique has embarked on a proactive engagement strategy, collaborating closely with governmental bodies, industry organisations, and regional stakeholders. One of Dominique's notable achievements has been the significant expansion of the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program, which now boasts participation from 49 Councils. Additionally, she has taken proactive steps to establish three new roundtables, providing platforms for industry representatives and regional stakeholders to voice their concerns and contribute to policy discussions.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Dominique is deeply committed to social causes, particularly those addressing domestic and family violence.

To find out more go to: https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/

EP#238 ~ An update from ASBFEO – procurement plans, social media bullies and the impact of policy

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #238
Broadcast date: 25^th June 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Hon Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

I get cross when people say there’s no one representing small businesses. Not only do we have great business leaders and industry associations speaking up (often as volunteers or with relatively low funding or pay) but we have business peaks like COSBOA standing up for ONLY the concerns and needs of small business. By far the most empowered and collaborative of our representatives is the tenacious, independent and laser focused Ombudsman, Bruce Billson. With fewer resources than is needed the ASBFEO team works across activities like research, policy submissions, constant engagement with small businesses, outreaches into community, all in order to effectively advocate for all of us.

In today’s show, we get our Small Biz Matters exclusive update from the Ombudsman on recent activities and research, plus we get Bruce’s take on the recent May 2024 federal budget.

In the world of digital marketing and social media ASBFEO has been busy. Complaints from small businesses about social media platforms and marketing companies targeting the small end of town have been increasing dramatically. Thanks to shockingly poor processes to protect their clients (the small businesses), its relatively easy to hack a social media business account. This can be incredibly damaging. And Marketing companies looking after websites aren’t doing any better: often offering  poor customer service and then threatening small businesses if they try to leave.

On the issue of procurement: Government spends billions and a very small proportion of that goes to small business. Shouldn’t small businesses have a bigger piece of the pie? Why is it so difficult to get the Government as a client? Because the rules are complicated and as Bruce describes “it’s in-crowdy”. Plus, agencies tend to favour the usual suspects (the Big 4). The focus of ASBFEO’s report was all about not just saying we should do better but invest in, create policies and monitor the procurement process so the “doing better” actually happens. Now that the Buy Australian Plan is in place ASBFEO is working to put more profits back into Australian communities, and that means small businesses.

ASBFEO has also been advertising the Flinders University independent statutory review of the family and domestic violence leave entitlement and how small businesses can get involved and have their voices heard. He makes a good point that the impact on small businesses is disproportionate given all the double handling of work, costs and those wanting to do the right thing navigating a complex system.

Plus, we also have a good chat about the May 2024 Budget.

Bruce’s thoughts about backing small business are inspiring; let’s amplify his work and back this great business advocate.

PEOPLE -   you’ve recently released the ASBFEO report into Government Procurement in which you make 11 recommendations. What are they and why are you critical of the equity of procurement for small businesses? What exactly do small businesses have to do in order to gain access to the billions of dollars of government spending? Is the process to prohibitive? And which given the recent federal budget, which dept has the biggest opportunities for small businesses?

POLICY - Flinders University is conducting an independent statutory review of the family and domestic violence leave entitlement. How can small businesses get involved and why is it important to hear from them at this point in the process?

PURPOSE - What did you think of the May 2024 Federal Budget for small businesses? With the economy at such a low, did they go far enough to support small businesses in their hour of need and what could be done to improve their lives and make it easier to run a small business in Australia right now?

Bruce Billson commenced his role as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) in March 2021. The Ombudsman is an independent advocate for small and family businesses.
Bruce brings three decades of experience, knowledge, commitment and an understanding of the issues facing small business. Bruce was the Australian Government Cabinet Minister for Small Business from 2013-2015, a founding Director of Judo Bank and has held various board appointments, including the Franchise Council of Australia, Deakin University Business School and Australian Property Institute. He has also owned and operated a number of small businesses, and knows first-hand the joys and challenges this involves.

To find out more go to: https://www.asbfeo.gov.au

 

EP#237 ~ How does the ATO work with associations and industry groups to support small businesses to meet their tax obligations?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #237
Broadcast date: 18^th June 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Will Day, Deputy Commissioner Small Business at Australian Taxation Office

We are pleased to be joined on Small Biz Matters by those in government who are really at the coalface of supporting small business. Today we welcome Will Day, Assistant Commissioner in charge of small business at the Australian Tax Office. So why did we ask the ATO on the program you may ask?

Well, as difficult as it may be, whilst small businesses struggle to keep their doors open in the current economic climate, it’s also important that they continue to work on meeting their obligations. We all know that tax and compliance is difficult and unnecessary burden on small business but it is also critical ensuring that small businesses a vital role in the economy. But whilst we all struggle with compliance and making sure everything is in order there is a group of businesses who do the wrong thing; making it unfair and inequitable for the rest of us.

The ATO takes a considered and careful approach when dealing with small businesses, doing their best to really understanding what they’re going through. Critical to this is their relationship with the advisor community and associations who speak openly and frankly about what their small businesses; and how the policy burden can be better administered by the ATO to make the process as simple as possible.

So let’s have a listen to what Will Day has to say about the way they support, work with advisors, the latest digital developments on the ATO website and what they’re doing to stamp out software that gives some small businesses and unfair advantage.

PEOPLE - How does the tax office engage with the small business industry groups and associations to understand the needs of small businesses and the best way to support their members to meet their tax obligations? How important is it to engage with advisors, and is that a different conversation?  POLICY - What are your current priorities which the ATO developing with these groups to refine and make fit for purpose for small business? "The new Commissioner mentioned at the COSBOA summit the amount of collectable debt is now at over $50 billion. 65% of all collectable debt owed relates to small business and 74% of that relates to activity statements. What's your message to small businesses listening today who have a debt with the ATO and are not sure what they should do?"

PURPOSE - How does the ATO work with other government departments and regulators to streamline processes and make it easier and lessen the reporting burden on small businesses? Are there any new tech developments in the pipeline?

With over 25 years’ experience in the Australian Taxation Office, Will Day has performed many senior roles leading its support to client experiences.

As ATO Deputy Commissioner for Small Business, Will is focused on helping small business owners get things right from the start by making it easier to comply with their tax and superannuation obligations as well as helping to improve overall business literacy and skills through education. 

Will has responsibility for delivering a program of work that is focused on collaborating with partners to design a digital-first approach to make it easier for small businesses meet their obligations.

Will is also focused on making sure there is a level playing field for the vast majority of small businesses that do pay their fair share by looking closely at activities in the shadow economy.  

Prior to his current role, Will had senior roles focused on improving the quality of the ATO’s technical public advice and guidance as well as roles supporting the integrity of the tax and superannuation systems.

To find out more go to: ATO Small Business Newsroom

EP#236 ~ Unravelling the future of AccountTech with experts in the accounting and AI fields

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #236
Broadcast date: 4 June 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: Roger Gregg, Sabby Gill, Aly Garrett

We all know that data, in the wrong hands can be destructive. But we also know the power of data to make us more efficient, save us time and the potential to make us better advisors and business owners.

There’s a tug of war going on right now. As small businesses, advisors and Fintech companies, how do we work together to simultaneously embrace data’s potential and control its misuse? How do we take into account the needs of businesses and consumers and the advisors in the middle? And who owns the data anyway?

In today’s panel we unpacked all this and more including AI's impact on small businesses and software development and what Australian policy makers can learn from the rest of the world to resolve the issues around data privacy.

We’re lucky to have such an esteemed group of guests. Our expert panel consists of leaders in the fields of accounting and small business, Fintech Founders and renowned international software, data and AI policy experts.

Roger Gregg - Hospitality leader and founder of software companies like LightYear

Sabby Gill - CEO of Dext and Chair of the international Digital Leaders professional network, Aly Garrett FCA - All In Advisory Architect and Accounting Adventures Podcast host.

This podcast was recorded back in 2023 at the Xero Mastermind Community Precon and co-hosted in collaboration with Heather Smith, Host of Accounting Apps podcast and international speaker on AccountTech.

PEOPLE –  - How should or could advisors embrace AI to make their practices run more efficiently (yes we do include some good practical examples). What is the reality and do small businesses in different industries even have the time to implement AI and what happens to them if they get left behind?

POLICY -   Potentially, we could be looking at more regulations placed on accountants and bookkeepers as government knee-jerk-reacts to community concerns. What will be the impact on advisors and clients if regulations tighten in data privacy with the number and severity of cyber attacks?

PURPOSE -   The impact of CDR consumer data rights could have been disastrous for advisors and their clients; luckily we dodged a bullet here in Australia but it’s a great example of how too much restriction can strangle innovation. From the perspective of those who rely heavily on data to function (the advisors and their clients) what would happen?

Roger Gregg is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in management accounting, manufacturing, retail, fintech and hospitality.

Born in Northern Ireland, prior to moving to Australia, Roger was involved in the manufacturing sector in Belfast, and was Chairman of the Northern Ireland Furniture Group.

Then when he moved to Australia in 2007, Roger was recruited to be Director of Operations for Keystone Hospitality Group, taking the group to win the prestigious Australian Group Operator of the Year award in 2008, 2009 and 2010.  It was there that he saw (and felt) the need for Accounts Payable automation and in 2011 he co-founded the Accounts Payable tech start-up invitbox with his brother Chris.  Despite neither of them having any tech experience, invitbox was awarded Xero’s Emerging App of the Year for Australia in 2013, just prior to being acquired by Intuit in 2014. 

Building upon their previous success they founded Lightyear in 2018 to continue their mission of solving Accounts Payable headaches for SMEs. The company operates both domestically and internationally, with a staff of 60 offices in Belfast and Sydney, servicing 6,000 businesses across 22 countries.

In addition to Lightyear, Roger is involved in a number of hospitality businesses as a partner in House Made Hospitality, as well as helping Bondi Brewing Company take it to the big guys.

Aly Garrett FCA is a multi-award winning fellow chartered accountant, tax agent and podcast host (check out Aly & Andrew’s All Aussie Accounting Adventures) who founded All In Advisory Pty Ltd in 2018.

All In has won Boutique Firm and Start up Firm of the Year at Accountants Daily and are Xero Cloud Champions of the Year.

Aly has worked in the accounting industry for 30 years, with big, small, traditional and innovative firms and everything in between and has helped many of them work through their digital journeys.  She knows the challenges and opportunities this can present and likes to use her experience to bring positive change in our accounting and bookkeeping communities.

Sabby Gill was appointed CEO of Dext in October 2022 and brings more than 35years’ experience in the technology sector, spanning sales, operations, development, support and customer service.  He has spent his career supporting businesses of all sizes with technology that looks to unlock their potential—both at home and in international markets. Prior to Dext, Sabby was CEO of Thomas International, which is a leading talent assessment and psychometric provider.  Other past roles also included UK & Ireland Managing Director of Sage, in addition to senior executive leadership roles at Epicor, IGT, HP, CA Technologies, Oracle, PeopleSoft and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC).Sabby currently is a member of the UK’s Digital Economy Council with Secretary of State, and the Chair of Digital Leaders Advisory Board, which has over 180,000 members across the UK.

To find out more about the best Accounting podcast out there, check it out HERE

EP#235 ~ Budget Special Part 2! Plus, how do Australian small businesses compare with their international counterparts

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #235
Broadcast date: 28 May 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: Gavan Ord, Policy Adviser CPA Australia

What could be better than one Budget Special?? Two!! That’s right, we are the only dedicated small business policy and advocacy analysis radio program so its important we bring you the budget experts to really help you understand what the Budget means for you.

If you missed last week’s episode, we had a jam-packed show filled with experts on budget night for their immediate reactions and a great unpacking of the budget from David Harding from Business NSW.

So, to recap, there’s not a lot of small businesses that wait with bated breath each budget night for what’s in it for them, but there is a handful of experts looking out for the needs of small businesses in every single budget. They include Peak business groups, community organisations, industry groups and advocates from all over the country.

Making it more difficult for small business advocates, is the fact that small businesses are affected by spending decisions every single policy area and every single government department.

This week, we take the advisors’ perspective; Gavan Ord from CPA Australia gives us an analysis from what it means in terms of small business investment, planning and the future of small business policy for advocates.

Gavan is one of those experts who has been in many lock-ups, and understands how to read the papers with an added bonus capability – he’s an accountant!

Plus, we unpack a great piece of research from CPA Australia - their 2023-24 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey. The research found that businesses owned by under 40s are more likely to invest in new technologies, are more likely to innovative, are less risk averse, and ultimately, are more likely to grow. Getting more young people into business – and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit – can only be a good thing for the economy in the long-run. Problem is, we have an aging population of small business people in this country; so what are the policy settings the Government needs to consider to support them and enable them to handover the mantle to a new generation of entrepreneurs? Let’s find out on Small Biz Matters this week.

PEOPLE –  Can you tell us about the recent survey conducted by CPA Australia, annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey and what the key findings were? What does the Govt think of when they think of innovation? What impact do accountants have on the everyday lives of small businesses and why are they so important in the co-design of policy?

POLICY - Why should policy makers pay attention to this data, and what should it mean for the emphasis for self employment assistance programs? How does an organisation like CPA Australia consult to Government and what other key areas are you working on right now? Does it go beyond Tax & Super?

PURPOSE -  What are the positives from this research about the future of small businesses in Australia? Or, should we be worried about growth and innovation? There is clearly a strong link between migration and small business success. This data proves it.

Gavan is an expert on business and the economy, with a special interest in small and medium enterprises in Australia and Asia. Gavan meets frequently with governments to give CPA Australia’s perspective of the impact of policy changes on the business sector. He also makes regular appearances in media commenting on business conditions and the economy.

CPA Australia’s 2023-24 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey found that businesses owned by under 40s are more likely to invest in new technologies, are more likely to innovative, are less risk averse, and ultimately, are more likely to grow. Getting more young people into business – and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit – can only be a good thing for the economy in the long-run.

A link to the full survey results, the Australian summary and infographic, and the characteristics on high-growth small businesses can be found here

EP#234 ~ The Small Business May 2024 Budget Special

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #234
Broadcast date: 21 May 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: David Harding, Executive Director BusinessNSW and expert guests from the Budget Lockup

There’s not a lot of small businesses that wait with bated breath each budget night for what’s in it for them, but there is a handful of experts looking out for the needs of small businesses in every single budget. They include Peak business groups, community organisations, industry groups and advocates from all over the country.

Each budget night, they are locked with without their devices, crammed into a room which is never big enough, fed with food that isn’t eaten, and handed a stackof budget papers, and then asked to dissect and unpack them in only two hours. It’s a remarkable feat and takes the best minds in the country. Making it more difficult for small business advocates, is the fact that small businesses are affected by spending decisions every single policy area and every single government department.

On Budget Night 14^th of May 2024 Small Biz Matters was lucky to be in the media lock up, unpacking the budget from a small business perspective, surrounded by policy experts from the Community Radio Network, The Wire and leading educational institutions.

After the lock up, I spoke to a number of leading economic experts in the country, unpacking the budget from a small business perspective. 

Then this week I was lucky enough to unpack the budget with David Harding, Executive Director from BusinessNSW, who dissected it from all angles and all policy areas.

We start the show with the small business segment on The Wire, live from the studios of the Press Gallery in Parliament House.

PEOPLE –  Why does the Federal budget mean so much to small businesses? Do you think they listen in, or do they rely on organisations like BusinessNSW to unpack and make the budget info relatable?

POLICY - Tell us about the Federal Budget and what small businesses need to know. Were there any nice surprises or was most of the information generally inconsequential? What are the major areas where the Government has offered support?

PURPOSE -  Do you think it will  it encourage innovation, growth and survival? What does the budget mean for BusinessNSW? How will the announcements make you change direction in your policy and advocacy work representing small businesses?

Chris Richardson, Australia’s leading independent Economist

Bran Black CEO of Business Council Australia

John Grimes CEO of Smart Energy Council

Georgie Dent CEO of Parenthood

David Harding, Executive Director from BusinessNSW

As Executive Director at Business NSW, David leads a number of diverse and capable teams ranging right across NSW's cities and regions, and also sits on the national business Executive Leadership Team.

He is dedicated to ensuring a strong economic and social future for all NSW communities. He is also co-Chair of the Committee for Sydney Commission into the Future of the Sydney CBD, represents customer’s interests at the Australian Energy Regulator and sits on a wide range of other trade and industry groups, policy teams and government boards and taskforces.

A supporter of good social investment, he is a Director of Engineering Aid Australia and works with many other sporting and community charities and foundations in NSW.

Business NSW is focused on the well-being and sustainable growth of our business community. Our purpose is to provide a strong, clear leadership voice for businesses on important economic and financial issues. Working closely with our members and government, we identify key challenges and develop practical policy solutions to ensure that businesses across NSW prosper and grow.

To find out more about their budget coverage go HERE