Since Federation, Australian agriculture has received less Federal Government support than manufacturing

Since Federation, the level of Federal Government assistance given to the agriculture industry has been far less than the manufacturing sector, according to a study by two University of Melbourne economists.

Via: Business Regulation RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

All government boards to be abolished by South Australian Government

All government boards and committees in South Australia are to be abolished and only those which can prove their worth will be reinstated. The SA Government has put 440 boards on notice, with the axe will swing at the end of October. Parole and economic development boards will survive the chop and be reinstated, but some agricultural, health and other advisory committees could be gone.

Via: Business Regulation RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

Cost burden on business leads to suspension of new building safety codes

Three health-and-safety codes of practice are being suspended in South Australia because of the cost burden on business.

Via: Business Regulation RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

Consumer office defends planned trade licence changes

Acting commissioner for Consumer and Business Services Dini Soulio said his office can take submissions from trade associations if they have worries about proposed licence changes.

Via: Business Regulation RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

News Ltd boss ready for regulation fight

News Limited chief executive Kim Williams has threatened a High Court challenge if the Federal Government pushes ahead with recommendations from the Finklestein inquiry.

Via: Business Regulation RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

Bizot and Croser - a marriage made in the vineyard

Xavier Bizot knew enough about corporate law that he wanted to become a vigneron so he and his family packed their bags, bid Paris a fond adieu and headed for the Adelaide Hills Down Under.

Via: News Articles - Primary Industries

Pacific Brands' Sheridan leaving South Australia for Queensland distribution base

Homewares company Sheridan is shifting operations to from SA to Queensland, with the promise of improved efficiency and customer service, but dozens of Adelaide jobs are going.

Via: Economic Trends RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

Homebuyers 'unprotected' from bankrupt real estate agent Shane Snellgrove, commissioner warns

Homebuyers and sellers are being warned not to deal with a bankrupt real estate agent operating in South Australia.

Via: Small Business RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

Will we see then end of waiters and people serving behind counters in convenience stores etc?

Substituting technology for real-life waiters is not as far-off and futuristic as one may think. For all the skeptics out there, read the cleverly-headlined and profusely-shared “Hi, I’m a Tablet. I’ll Be Your Waiter Tonight.” article published in The New York Times recently. The piece asserts that “restaurants have been late to the tech party, and many are now scrambling to incorporate tablets, apps, computerized kitchen equipment and data analysis capabilities.” In other words, restaurants are being transformed by technology, and not just when it comes to waiting tables.Diners are definitely on board with this. Granted, some bemoan the loss of the human connection—one Reddit user commented, “If a restaurant I go to got rid of waiters, I’d stop going.” However, a survey by the National Restaurant Association found that more than 50% of consumers said that “they would use tableside electronic payment options,” and 44% indicated they would use tablet menus.

The customer is always…happy?

Several platforms have sprung up to provide this new technology, including Revel, Ziosk, and Tanjarine, the last of which links tableside ordering, entertainment, and pay-at-the-table service with server handheld devices. Restaurants that use these platforms report increased profits, more inventory turnover, and heightened levels of customer satisfaction.

We suspect that this is just the beginning: Consumer demand for instant, friction-free service in all aspects of their lives is only increasing. And now that apps like Uber are already providing that kind of service the second diners step out of a restaurant, they’ll surely want it inside as well. Besides, restaurants will probably realize the value in forming an association between themselves and these popular new tech platforms.

It’s the restaurant revolution

With waitering service covered and taking off, the next logical step would be integrating technology into more aspects of the dining experience. As a mobile app-creation platform that currently enables thousands of restaurants to connect and engage with their customers via customized mobile apps, that next step is something we at Como have been thinking about a lot.

As things stand now, these customized apps let restaurants post daily updated menus to reflect daily specials. Users can make reservations through OpenTable and Urbanspoon. App users on both ends can integrate with GrubHub, Seamless, and Eat24. But with the anticipated development of technology in the restaurant realm, we expect a lot more things to improve for the customer before, during, and after the dining experience.

Before:
We expect that customers will soon be able to use a restaurant’s app on their phone to send their order to their table’s tablet before they even get to the restaurant. Diners may even be able to order their favorite dish to show up at their table precisely at 8:15 p.m.

During:
Alternatively, diners could change their order, confirm it, and send it to the kitchen once they sit down. Consider the efficiency this would bring to the restaurant, and more importantly, the high levels of satisfaction it would bring to customers. We all know how frustrating it can be to try and find a waiter when a restaurant gets really busy.

After:
Restaurant owners could track and monitor data such as individual customer behavior, menu choices, time spent at each table, and more. After the diners leave, a restaurant’s app could keep a record of what they enjoyed. That data would let restaurant owners offer them a discount on that dish the next time, recommend suggestions based on their culinary preferences, offer a coupon, or survey them on potential new menu items.

Puttanesca with a side of data

The development of customized apps has always meant that restaurants are as much in the data business as they are in the food business. Now more than ever before, restaurants need to think about the many ways they can “serve” this data that’s available to them back to their customers.

For example, those counting calories could be notified about the calories they consumed during their meals. In turn, this data can be integrated into fitness and wellness services within an app—like Nutrisystem’s recent Numi launch. Taking this a step further, users can be told how many calories they need to burn based on what they just ate, and how long different workouts will take to achieve that.

We’ve come a long way from the time when restaurant owners—and other small business owners—wondered why they would ever need a mobile app. Of course, there will always be skeptics. New technology always provokes that reaction; there’s probably still some people out there grumbling about the birth of the Internet. But—while there’s obviously no guarantees— this particular change looks like it could be beneficial for everyone involved.

Mobile Business Is Booming—Miss it and Miss Out! - POSTED BY INNA KUBOVSKI IN SMALL BUSINESS MATTERS

For anyone still dubious about mixing mobile with business, it’s time to get used to the new reality: Mobile is no longer the future. It’s the present. Everywhere you look, the signs point to more and more growth for mobile—and we haven’t even seen the wearable device movement take off yet. The numbers speak for themselves:

• According to The New York Times, the mobile industry is now valued at more than $1.6 trillion. It’s expected to spike to a multi-trillion dollar industry in the next ten years.

• Almost a billion smartphones were shipped in 2013, according to Business Insider.

• On average, we spend one hour each day on our smartphones.

• Perhaps most important of all, mobile devices are the only media devices growing with regards to how much time we spend using them. Time spent on mobiles increased another 8% in 2013, while time spent on desktop, radio, and print all decreased. Amazingly, over a fifth of all Internet traffic is now happening via mobile devices.

And we’re not just using mobiles for fun and games anymore. Mobile devices now account for about 25% of e-commerce traffic and 13% of e-commerce sales. PayPal witnessed $30 billion in mobile transactions in 2013, while Starbucks saw a billion dollars. Apple, meanwhile, earned $10 billion in app revenue last year.

Let’s also remember that the great mobile boom is changing small businesses just as much as big ones—if not more so. A recent survey commissioned by AT&T and the Small Business & Entrepreneurship (SBE) Council found that small business owners save some $67.5 billion a year by using mobile apps, tablets, and smartphones in their day-to-day business activities. “Apps offer small businesses a means to increase revenues and visibility, as well as enhance the customer experience,” Marla Tabaka explains in Inc. “Whether you own a restaurant, offer a service, write a blog, run events, or manage a DIY platform, you can grow your business just by adding an app.”

The revenue is expected to just keep coming. In her recent State of the Internet talk, Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers partner Mary Meeker predicted use of mobiles will keep growing. Meeker sees a $30 billion opportunity in U.S. mobile advertising alone, as consumers spend more and more time on the channel.

Those in the marketing industry take note: Mobile app revenue now accounts for 68% of mobile monetization, making it the biggest opportunity for marketers. What’s more, Gartner predicts that global revenue from app stores will further increase 62% this year to $25 billion.

One vertical that will especially benefit from the mobile boom is the travel industry, with PhoCusWright estimating that by 2015 mobile will make up a quarter of U.S. online travel sales and a fifth of bookings in Europe. This is up from 2% of U.S. online bookings in 2011.

With this kind of growth, it’s no wonder that the Mobile World Congress trade show is such a huge event—this February there were a record 72,000 attendees. As the Times puts it, the event has “evolved from a networking event for industry insiders to a convention where companies from all corners gather to introduce new gear, services, and partnerships to gain attention in an increasingly crowded market.”

It comes down to this: Mobile has become a key channel for reaching customers and sparking sales, whether or not those sales actually occur on a phone. If you’re running a business—big or small—and mobile is not a central part of your strategy, you’re missing out. Big time.

Do you agree? How do you see mobile impacting your business? Share your thoughts!

 - POSTED BY INNA KUBOVSKI IN SMALL BUSINESS MATTERS

Australia the land of Broke Retirees

Retirement and  why property may help 

Research shows that only one in 10 Australians currently invest in residential property as a vehicle for wealth creation. With statistics showing that less than 10% of Australians are retiring in a similar or better financial position than before retirement. Do we need to ask the Question ? Is property the best investment vehicle to achieve a self-funded retirement? And if so, what is stopping the other 90% from investing in Australian property.?

Broke at 40 - Wait until your income drops by 60%

According to the Commonwealth Bank on their website Commbank.com.au when it comes to wealth creation for Australians’ residential property remains the number one asset, accounting for $4.4 trillion of our wealth”.

In comparison to other asset classes the bank states that superannuation accounts for $1.5 trillion, Australian listed stocks $1.3 trillion and commercial real estate $0.7 trillion.

Based on the above there are strong indicators that Australians feel safe in bricks and mortar. After conducting research there were three repeating reasons that appeared when questioned non investors on what was stopping them.

1) A Fear of Investing - this could be as simple as not wanting to lose money or a deep seated fear or phobia.

2) Don't know how to do it or where to start - some people are financially inept and for whatever reason can't put a plan in place to make it happen.

3) Could not be bothered with the headache - Unfortunately this is where most Australian's are placed. Most people do not see the URGENT need to create wealth at this very moment.

Unfortunately it seems the majority also underestimate the amount they will require to fund their retirement and overestimate how much their Superannuation will provide.

Data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics from their Census results indicate these people are in for a rude shock. Unless they make fundamental changes to their financial structures chances are without a lottery win or recieving a substantial inheritance they will end up either Dead, Dead Broke or Still Working though their twilight years.

Not much reward for a life time of sweat and toil !

If you grew up in Australia with Baby Boomers as parents, keeping in mind they were raised by parents who lived through a depression, you were most likely told that debt is bad and should be avoided at all costs.. The safest way to secure your future was to save a large deposit then buy a home. Once you had a family you would work as hard as you can to pay your mortgage off and when you retire you will always have a roof over your head and a back yard to grow vegetables.

Now fast forward to 2013 and according to the Melbourne Institute you will need at least $38,000 per year as a household just to live above the poverty line in retirement. The website then advises that as of March 2013 the maximum age pension a couple can receive in Australia is $31,688.

Realistically, a comfortable lifestyle Retirement goal in 2014 should provide at least $60,000 p/a for a couple.

To achieve this you would require approximately $1.200,000 invested in an income producing asset, this figure should not including the value or equity in the family home.

This scenario would provide an annual income of around $60,000 p/a with a 5% return.

As you can imagine saving your way to Retirement seems a futile exercise. This is where you need to take advantage of leveraging and using debt to your advantage. There have been very few wealthy people who have saved their way to wealth. You need to use debt to leverage your exposure and therefore multiply your returns.

Also as important is the need to protect and preserve your most important asset - your family home. There is clear anecdotal evidence that more and more Australians are relying on using the equity in their home to help fund retirement. They are effectively reducing the amount available for future generations

To highlight the problem, the investment management firm Challenger provide data from APRA that show that the average superannuation fund for couple aged 60 plus is currently between $120,000 - $200, 000. These figures are a far cry from the amount required and you don't need to be a mathematician to work out there is very little that could be done to fix the problem. In reality,these people are heading for a meager existence unless they remain employable.

Missing the mark with your finances - your not alone

So back to Property & how to avoid the above scenario? It really comes down the old adage "Just Do Something".

The longer you leave it the harder it is going to be - Already the Federal Government has began making changes to reduce the Age Pension entitlements and reduce Social Service payments.

The Government can see the writing on the wall and need to take decisive action and implement policies and tax incentives to encourage mum and dad investors. If we want Australia to remain the Lucky Country then who is going to pay for increasing costs' associated with a large increasing number of an aging population?.

Another key difference in our modern society is the increasing expense involved to provide essential services and we live in a much more disposable society, 'things aren't made like they used to be"

this makes for interesting times for the Generation X crowd who will be heading in to their last quarter of their working lives very soon.

So what can you do?

First - Make an appointment to see a good Advisor who understands and works with Direct Property,Property Funds, Superannuation, Tax Planning & Debt Reduction is a good place to start.

Just like your Doctor, don't worry they've heard it and seen it all before. so don't feel embarrassed about your current situation. no matter how Grim the future may look.

OK, you've found your Adviser - Now what?

The 6 Important Questions to ask

1) How can I reduce my debt in the shortest time frame by utilising cash flow management?

2) How can I save paying so much tax & how can I use this improve my cash flow & reduce debt?.

3) How much am I risking in equity or cash and how long is this risk expected to last?

4) What will your strategy achieve for me in xyz years?

5) What will happen if this or that happens?

6) What are the risks associated with my family home?

If your Adviser cannot answer these 6 Basics questions then find another. Other professionals that can assist are your Accountant, Your Mortgage Broker or your Asset Managers & Strategists.

Good luck and we would love to hear your experiences and comments.

Remember - Sharing is Caring

We truly believe property is the best vehicle for the average Australian to create wealth

Author - Antonio Sawlwin - Santolo

Contact - antoniosaw@gmail.com

Copyright 2014 -

RASA

References

<http://www.commbank.com.au/about-us/news/media-releases/2013/introducing-property-mywealth-brings-world-first-do-it-yourself-investors.html>

<http://melbourneinstitute.com/downloads/publications/Poverty%20Lines/Poverty-lines-Australia-June2012.pdf>

<http://www.superguide.com.au/how-super-works/age-pension-rates>

<http://www.challenger.com.au/funds/TechnicalUpdates/CRIR_How_much_super_do_Aussies_have_Apr12.pdf>

Private Landlords

Landlords Go It Alone

It’s no secret that the majority of landlords are often less than satisfied with the level of service and support that they receive from their property management team.

In 2012, overall satisfaction levels for landlords dealing with the property management industry were lower than ever, and it’s easy to see why; with rental arrears seldom followed up, inspections completed rarely, if at all,  questionable paperwork practices and non-compliance with notice requirements among the list of the most common complaints.

In most cases, it may come down to a simple lack of commitment; for the overwhelming majority of property investment companies, more than 80% of total profits come from property sales, which means that rental management is low on the list of their overall priorities. It stands to reason that sales jobs within a property management company are the most coveted, leaving the most junior staff members responsible for the rental management obligations.

Unless the property management company was chosen based solely on their commitment to the rental market, or they have specialized and experienced rental experts on the team, it’s likely that the property manager in charge of your investment is an entry level staff member, on an entry level wage, with more properties to manage than is possible to take care of adequately, and no financial incentive to do a better job.

Having an inattentive property manager can be a frustrating prospect, but beyond the frustration of a company that doesn’t offer a timely response to enquiries, or doesn’t provide the right kind of support, is the risk of getting caught out financially because the agency isn’t paying sufficient attention to the tenants.

It’s well documented that the further behind a tenant falls in rental fees, the more difficult it will be for them to get back on top of the payments. The fewer inspections taking the place, the more likely it is that damage or cleanliness issues will go unnoticed. Additionally, it’s a safe bet that if the landlord isn’t feeling supported by the property management company, it’s more than likely that the tenant won’t be either, which could result in higher tenant turnover and could even be damaging to your personal or business reputation.

What is The Answer?

With trust among landlords and property management companies at all-time low, and the number of landlord complaints at an all-time high, the Real Estate Institute of South Australia recently called for more regulation and licensing of property managers; but with government departments already struggling to balance their limited resources, and current laws often unable to be satisfactorily enforced because of limits on staff, it raises some questions as to how the new regulations will be adequately policed.

With no fundamental changes to the property management structure in sight, and with so much at stake, savvy investors are taking matters into their own hands. More and more property investors are learning that it’s better to outsource some of the property management responsibilities while retaining overall control of their investments.

According to Mark Woschnak, CEO of rent.com.au, 40% of current rental properties are listed by non-agents, compared with only 5% of homes for sale; and that number is increasing all the time.

More people are renting than ever before, and that level of demand allows private landlords to make the most of market conditions, while enjoying freedom from dealing with a less than stellar property management company. Specific tasks like screening prospective tenants, inspections and rent collection can be easily outsourced to professional personnel on market-competitive terms, and can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year, not to mention your sanity.