July 2013 Issue 84

We are all living longer. However, it is a sad fact that a longer life will see an increase in the inability to make decisions for ourselves. It is not uncommon to unexpectedly find yourself in the situation where someone else has to make important life decisions for you. This can be because of an accident, illness or aged related...

Ricoh Australia Pty Ltd have developed a carbon neutral printing service which will offset the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced from the printing for qualified customers. Yes, it's true: Ricoh will offset the GHG emissions from your printer for the term of its finance agreement. Recently Ricoh Australia announced that we have achieved an important milestone: to be a carboNZeroCertTM...

As part of our commitment to the NFP Sector and its directors the Australian Institute of Company Directors has developed the Good Governance Principles and Guidelines for Not for Profit Organisations. The Principles are designed to assist boards in determining what constitutes good governance practice for their particular organisation and to achieve better outcomes through good governance. It was recognised...

Is your business relocating? Allied Pickford's is synonymous with business relocations management and corporate relocation services. We understand the wider issues, the need for careful planning, detailed project management and clear communication with your staff. Our experienced team takes total responsibility for your office or business relocations leaving you to concentrate on the day to day tasks of running your...

The Personal Property and Securities Act 2009 (PPSA) came into effect on 30 January 2012 and has changed the way in which security interests in personal property are dealt with in Australia. Now all security interests, including contracts for the supply of goods, commercial equipment leasing agreements, hire purchase or lease finance arrangements and bailment agreements can be registered on...

Some good news coming out of the 2013 Federal Budget is some extra red tape for Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF) has been removed providing opportunities for those with tight cash-flows to continue making contributions via off market share transfers. SMSF Share Transfers The Government had previously announced that from 1 July 2013 you would not be able to contribute...

We understand the Canberra business market and realise that there are thousands of very successful businesses operating from homes and coffee shops in the ACT and across the nation. But there is another cost effective alternative that can provide you with the same flexibility and give you an alternative to holding your meetings at home or in public places -...

This is a topic that never goes away - it just varies in terms of degrees. Now, more than ever, employers are up against huge competition to retain and motivate their good staff. Losing staff is costly to any organisation; in dollar costs, lost productivity, loss of corporate knowledge and general workplace disruption. Retention strategies are not one off actions...

Prevention is the best cure and forming a healthy identity... will ensure you spend more time doing things you like doing. We've all been guilty of using the cold as an excuse to sit on the couch. The funny thing is once we've set camp under three or four blankets, an apple while we watch our second movie for the...

No matter how effective the risk management program within an organisation, things still go wrong. They may be events that we have anticipated or they may be incidents that we have completely come out of the blue (unknown unknowns to quote Donald Rumsfeld). What we need to make sure of when these incidents do happen is that we minimise the...

We understand the Canberra business market and realise that there are thousands of very successful businesses operating from homes and coffee shops in the ACT and across the nation. But there is another cost effective alternative that can provide you with the same flexibility and give you an alternative to holding your meetings at home or in public places -...

Many Australian businesses are struggling with the rising costs of inputs such as fuel and electricity. These challenges are making it harder for businesses to compete. RSM Bird Cameron, one of the largest mid-tier accounting firms in Australia, offers advice on how a better pricing strategy can help organisations stay ahead of rising business costs. Andrew Sykes, director of business...

As Canberra celebrates 100 years, elringtons is one of the few local law firms that can lay claim to have travelled alongside Canberra in its 100 year journey towards the vibrant and exciting city that it is today. In various iterations it has helped the communities of Queanbeyan, Yass and now Canberra since 1897. "This history and longevity is a...