Loyalty programs should encourage competition. The reality may be the opposite
Loyalty programs enable firms to offer significantly lower prices to some of their customers. You’d think this would encourage strong competition. But that isn’t always what actually happens.
Why cash advocates are furious at Queensland holiday hotspot Hamilton Island
It has a reputation for relaxed getaways, but online debate over Hamilton Island is anything but laidback, after some people discovered the holiday hotspot has gone without cash for years.
ATO issues new false invoice warning to businesses scamming the tax system
The Australian Taxation Office has dodgy invoicing in its crosshairs, warning businesses that the Serious Financial Crimes Taskforce is ready and able to take action.
Money transportation is becoming uneconomic. Is this the end for cash?
Moving cash around by companies like Armaguard was already expensive. But the dramatic fall in cash usage has further increased the unit cost of this process.
NSW government procurement practices ‘killing’ small businesses
A $367 billion infrastructure pipeline is at risk due to government practices that are "killing" small to medium businesses, civil contractors representing 40,000 workers say.
‘Won’t pretend to have all the answers’: New ATO chief pledges to listen to SMEs
New Commissioner of Taxation Rob Heferen has introduced himself to the small business community with humility, using a conference to admit he has much to learn about life in the private sector.
Insolvencies are sky-high, but the NSW Small Business Commissioner fears policymakers aren’t taking note
NSW Small Business Commissioner says despite sky-high insolvencies, he fears “the voice of small business” is often overlooked or ignored.
COSBOA: Cap minimum wage increase at 3% in “cost of doing business” crisis
The minimum wage should not rise any more than 3% as small businesses slog through a “cost of doing business crisis”, says the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia.
L’Occitane sells Melbourne-founded Grown Alchemist in $46 million deal
Melbourne-founded skincare brand Grown Alchemist will return to private ownership in a deal worth $46 million, two years after it was acquired by global beauty giant L'Occitane Group.
Money mover Armaguard rejects $26 million bailout amid collapse fears
Retailers and banks are preparing contingency measures in case Armaguard collapses after the money transporter rejected a $26 million bailout from the nation's biggest cash users.
CSIRO invests $20 million to help SMEs and startups unlock R&D potential
The CSIRO plans to invest $20 million in its SME Connect portfolio to help 750 SMEs and startups accelerate their businesses.
Constantinople’s “bank in a box” platform attracts $50 million in Series A funding
Australian fintech startup Constantinople has successfully raised $50 million in Series A, just two years after launching.
