Synology has revealed upcoming solutions that help businesses achieve more, become more resilient, and better resolve IT challenges through the power and flexibility of hybrid cloud architectures and an expanding ecosystem of tightly integrated solutions.

Significant innovations across all products, spanning data management, data protection, and IT infrastructure security, set an even higher bar for reliability, security, and scalability. 

Data management

An even more secure foundation

DSM 7.2, expected in early 2023, will introduce full-volume encryption, offering greater peace of mind while boosting storage performance by 48% over shared folder-based encryption. DSM 7.2 will also introduce “write once, read many” (WORM) folders. These tamper-proof folders prevent modification or deletion of data during a set period of time. And just like new immutable backups in Hyper Backup, which bar any changes after creation, they help protect data against ransomware and cyberthreats.

Share and collaborate with ease

Updates to Synology’s private cloud solution, Synology Drive, help keep files safer during sharing between teams with watermarks and download policies. Remote wipe capabilities help minimize security risks by removing synced folders from stolen Windows and macOS clients. Automatic login with AD credentials following mass deployment, as well as the provisioning of backup and syncing tasks, make mass deployment simpler.

Sharing data over SMB will be safer and more efficient in DSM 7.2. Cross-protocol file locking between SMB file shares and Synology Drive ensures that in-use files are not edited or overwritten. And SMB multichannel transfer support makes use of all network connections available between servers and clients to greatly boost SMB file transfer performance.

Next-generation storage servers

Also launching in 2023 are new scale-out systems designed for file and object storage. Scale-out clusters will be considerably faster than Synology’s current largest solutions, with near linear scaling of performance and capabilities as more units are added.

The first generation of scale-out systems will support clusters of up to 60 servers for more than 12 PB of effective storage, over 60 GB/s sequential write performance, and more than 80,000 concurrent connections. The clusters will offer upwards of 99.99% availability and support Synology’s Hyper Backup and Active Backup data protection suites.

Data protection

Worldwide backup management

A new management platform for Active Backup and C2 Backup aims to enable seamless management, deployment, and monitoring of backup tasks across an organization’s IT infrastructure, regardless of location or scale. The new platform brings together Synology on-premises and cloud-based solutions, providing IT admins and MSPs with the most efficient tools to protect and ensure timely recovery of any device or service.

Video surveillance

AI-powered cameras

Launching in early 2023, Synology 500 Series IP cameras will offer superior performance, security, and integration, with all camera settings managed directly from Surveillance Station. Edge AI capabilities, such as guarding intrusion detection zones, free up recording server resources to allow larger AI-powered deployments, while dedicated processing speeds up people and vehicle searches anywhere in the video frame.

Coming in two form factors, Synology 500 Series cameras feature 5 MP sensors for wide-angle 16:9, 3K (2880×1620) recording at 30 FPS. The cameras support PoE and are weatherproof (IP67), enabling flexible placement indoors or outdoors. Synology 500-series cameras are US NDAA/TAA compliant and are designed for security, introducing similar security innovations and hardening methods found on Synology enterprise products.

Hybrid-cloud services

Automated breach and misuse detection

Active Insight is evolving to automatically prevent user activities in breach of data protection rules. The new data loss prevention feature monitors user activities such as logins, file access, sharing task creation, while comparing checksums of files that are uploaded or shared. When thresholds or rules are triggered, the system can either send alerts or take actions, such as disconnecting clients suspected of being infected by ransomware.

Securing devices and credentials

The Synology C2 Identity platform continues to grow, with a heavy emphasis on blending good security practices with convenience. In 2023, C2 Identity will receive several improvements to enable passwordless logins to both online and local services and devices. Integration with Windows Hello and Apple’s Face ID/Touch ID facilitates easy authentication on endpoints managed by C2 Identity.

And combined with an upcoming C2 Identity user portal, employees using managed endpoints can be automatically signed in to web services supporting SAML, with the option to enable 2FA for more sensitive services such as a company’s ERP or CRM systems.

Networking

A new Wi-Fi 6 router with advanced networking features

Building on the SRM 1.3 platform, the new WRX560 brings the same high-end network management features from the RT6600ax into a more affordable price point. With powerful internal dual-band radios and a 2.5GbE LAN/WAN port, WRX560 can easily be added as a mesh node to any RT6600ax router or utilized as a standalone solution for homes and offices. WRX560 is launching globally on 2 November at US$209.

American Express’ Working Capital Research ¹ explores the impact cash flow uncertainty has on the mental health and wellbeing of Australian small business owners² (SBOs). 

The report found that 49% of SBOs say managing cash flow is the most stressful part of running their business, with 31% losing sleep over the issue. 21% claim their physical wellbeing has been affected by cash flow tension and 22% report it has put a strain on or broke down personal relationships. What’s more, 17% of owners have considered ceasing operations due to cash flow challenges impacting their wellbeing. 

The research examined the factors Australian SBOs say are contributing most significantly towards their stress levels. Alongside customers not paying on time, inflation and the rising costs of living, a lack of knowledge about how to best optimise their working capital strategy were amongst the reported stressors. This is despite 79% of owners stating that managing their businesses’ working capital cycle is an important part of running their business. 

Additional Working Capital Research findings include: 

• 54% of small business owners say the stress caused by managing their business cash flow has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic 

• 53% say that they rely on their customers to pay on time, otherwise they struggle to pay their own bills or suppliers 

• 28% say their business is still being affected by an emergency they experienced in the last 12 months  

• 49% use personal funds to pay for outgoing expenses  

• 35% agree that they don’t know where to start when it comes to managing their working capital cycle 

• 51% say having access to capital without interest for a longer period would help them pay off suppliers in time and give them more opportunity to invest in their business 

• 76% would use a business credit or charge card to help manage their small business cash flow 

With Australian SBOs naming repayment cycles and cash flow as one of the biggest barriers to sustaining their business and maintaining personal wellbeing, American Express has today announced enhancements to the American Express Business Card. The Card is designed to support small business owners and extend their working capital cycles with a market-leading³ extended cashflow benefit of up to 110 days to pay for purchases⁴ and no pre-set spending limit⁵.  

Emily Roberts, Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Sales and Account Development at American Express says: “Running a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but the day-to-day stress of paying suppliers and staff, and finding new opportunities to grow, can take a huge toll on mental health, especially when the unexpected happens. There are things however that owners can do to help alleviate the stress of running a business. Getting cash flow in check is one of these. Optimising cash flow puts business owners in a better position to navigate unforeseen circumstances, reinvest in their business, their people, and just as importantly, themselves. Tools such as business charge cards help to increase funds that are available for day-to-day operations and provide extra breathing space to repay.” 

Another tool American Express offers to help businesses with their funding needs, is American Express Business Loans, which offer unsecured working capital of up to $300,000 and repayment terms that range from 6 to 36 months.   

To manage the impact of inflation, SBOs are seeking savvier ways to ensure their money goes further. The research reveals 33% of small business owners agree that due to inflation and the fluctuating Australian dollar, locking in exchange rates for overseas transactions would help them minimise spend uncertainties and help protect their profit margins.  

American Express is assisting through its Foreign Exchange Services, where SBOs can make international payments even if they aren’t a Card Member. American Express AccessLine also enables enrolled Card Members to pay virtually any supplier anywhere in the world, even if they don’t accept American Express card payments plus American Express Membership Rewards points can be earned in the process.  
 

Jennifer Mekhaeil, Accountant and Founder of skincare company Go Bare, said “I’m an accountant by trade and still my working cash flow for Go Bare is a constant source of worry. Being in the midst of an international expansion, the stress has definitely flowed into my everyday life, prompting me to lose sleep and negatively impact my mental health. For me, negotiating different payment cycles with my various suppliers and necessary business services has been instrumental in maintaining my available working capital. Having the right partner in American Express has also been critical. Simple yet meaningful services across foreign exchange and AccessLine have helped to keep Go Bare running as we navigate this exciting new phase of growth.” 

With SBOs admitting they don’t have the knowledge they need to best optimise their working capital strategy, many are looking to the government and financial service providers for more support. 

Alexi Boyd, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) said: “Small business owners are some of the most resilient people in Australia, but economic headwinds have created an environment where they are exhausted, mentally and financially. One of the most underutilised and least understood aspects of running a resilient business is managing working capital. This latest research makes one thing clear: small business owners are acutely aware of the challenges they face and are calling out for support to take back control of their business today and into the future. There is such an important role for the wider business community and government to play in providing small businesses with the tools they need to excel.”  

Despite the significant mental health toll that working capital – or a lack thereof – is having on Australian SBOs, 72% remain optimistic about their business’s future. In fact, 23% agree that if they had access to more working capital, they would invest in themselves and their family. 

Sarah Davidson Holloway, start-up entrepreneur and media personality said: “The topic of money for any business owner can often be a stressful one, but there are ways that owners can set themselves up for success and ease some of the burden they carry home with them. For example:  

1. Seek financial advice from an expert who can share savvy ways to make money go further 

• Take breaks away from the business to reset and gain a fresh perspective  

• Invest in the right cash flow tools that exist to help small businesses succeed.” 

Leanne Faulkner, Founder of Fortitude at Work and small business mental health advocate said, “It’s important to understand the nuances of small business and the way this affects our mental health at work. We live and breathe our businesses and don’t shut off from everything. We know lots about creating a healthy workplace in large organisations, but it’s a mistake to think small business is simply a smaller version of a big company.  

How SBOs work, how we make decisions and how we thrive is different. Through these findings, SBOs say we do not work in a bubble, we rely on others in our business ecosystem to help support our ability to work well every day. Any support from big businesses to help empower our daily operations and potentially relieve some working capital stress is welcome, so we can be at our best and focus on growth.  

There is now more community support available for the small business sector and I’d encourage all SBOs to reach out and talk to someone if they’re feeling overwhelmed, regardless of the situation. There are many who want to help us.” 

For access to mental health support and resources for SBOs in particular, head to: 

• Beyond Blue New Access For Small Business Owners: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess/newaccess-for-small-business-owners 
• Small Business Debt Helpline: https://sbdh.org.au/ 
• Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 
• Ahead For Business: https://aheadforbusiness.org.au/ 

Poly, a global provider of pro-grade audio and video solutions, today announced that its award-winning line of Poly Studio X family of video bars will be the first Android-based, single codec video appliances for Google Meet. The Studio X Family joins Poly’s growing list of devices certified for Google Meet, Google Voice, and Chrome OS, so users can look and sound their best on every call.

The entire Poly Studio X family, including: Poly Studio X30, Studio X50, Studio X70, and the TC8 controller (an intuitive 8” high-resolution touch display that lets Google Meet customers access meetings with ease) will be the first Android-based appliances to offer a native Google Meet experience and deliver a streamlined, purpose-built experience for any meeting room. 

Each video bar in the Poly Studio X family features smart, broadcast quality video for meeting rooms of all sizes with innovative capabilities, including:

• Poly DirectorAI – Smart camera technology that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver real-time automatic transitions, framing and tracking
• Audio innovations such as NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technologies that block-out unwanted background noise. 
• People framing – A Poly DirectorAI feature that gives an up-close view of each meeting participant, Poly is the only partner that delivers people framing with advanced AI capabilities for Google Meet (available on the Studio X70)

“Poly’s innovation across its pro-grade audio and video solutions are the ultimate equalisers for a consistently great meeting experience, which is why we chose to partner with Poly as the first Android-based video appliances certified for Google Meet,” said David Citron Director Google Meet and Voice. “Together, we are committed to equipping today’s hybrid workforce with the technology that takes meetings to the next level.”

“Poly and Google Workspace are celebrating this milestone of providing an intuitive and powerful enterprise-gradevideo conferencing solution for Google Meet customers,” said Bill Zeng, Senior Director, APAC, Poly. “We share a common vision of providing an immersive and equitable meeting experience for all participants by reimagining the future of meetings and the hybrid collaboration experience.” 

The Poly Studio X family provides a first of its kind comprehensive room solution for Google Meet rooms of all sizes (Studio X30 for small rooms, Studio X50 for medium rooms, Studio X70 for large rooms), featuring:

• Full HD video with Poly DirectorAI smart camera experiences
• Room-filling audio and crystal-clear microphone pickup
• Poly USB Device Mode for multi-platform flexibility
• Dual display (X50/X70) to see both people and content full screen
• One-touch click to join via TC8 controller
• Managed by Poly Lens and Google Workspace
• Highly secure with a hardened operating system, secure update distribution, and third-party testing for security vulnerabilities  

According to a recent report issued by Frost & Sullivan^[i], the top concerns related to the future of hybrid work are lack of meeting equity, lack of proper technology, and distractions at home. Poly’s suite of pro-grade audio and video gear is designed to eliminate distracting background noise and deliver total meeting equity. 

Poly offers a wide range of Google Cloud certified solutions that provide users with flexibility and choice, regardless of location or workstyle, including:

• Google Meet: Poly Studio USB video bar, and Poly Studio P5 personal webcam, as well as Voyager headsets and Poly Sync speakerphones are part of our list of collaboration devices certified for Google Meet.
• Google Voice: Poly offers a long list of devices certified for Google Voice, and is proud to be the exclusive desk phone manufacturer certified to Work with Google Voice. Our Google Voice portfolio also includes headsets, speakerphones, and the Poly Studio P5 webcam.  
• Chrome OS: Poly’s portfolio devices certified to work with Chromebook includes headsets from the Blackwire, Encore Pro, and Savi headset families, and also includes video conferencing gear like the Poly Studio P15 for focus rooms and personal spaces. 

All Poly devices certified for Google Meet and Google Voice are supported by the Poly Lens App on PC and Mac, which allows IT managers to troubleshoot, push software updates, and remotely manage devices. Poly Lens App support will be available for ChromeOS devices in Q2 2023.

Poly Studio X family certified for Google Meet will be available worldwide in January 2023. All other certified devices listed above are currently available.

For more information on Poly certified devices for Google Meet, Google Voice, and Chromebooks, please visit: Poly Solutions for Google.

Jabra, a leader in personal sound and office solutions, launches the Jabra Evolve2 Buds, the newest product in Jabra’s Evolve series. In an age where hybrid working is standard for most professionals, having the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere is important. The top-of-the-range, new Evolve2 Buds are designed to boost concentration and improve collaboration for professionals working on the go. Evolve2 Buds are certified for leading virtual meeting platforms, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and use the latest technology to reduce disruptive background noise and enable clearer calls.

Minimised distractions

When working from home, the office or in a public space, we are often wrought with distractions everywhere: from the sounds of our washing machine churning to the sound of a barista working the coffee machine to colleagues chattering in the background. For this reason, the Evolve2 Buds come with an Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology which hybrid-working professionals can use to personalise the ANC to their listening preferences, blocking out any external sounds and minimising distractions. The Evolve2 Buds also come with a sealing test feature called MyFit, as well as SafeTone™ with PeakStop, which ensures enhanced hearing protection and the most optimal seal for the best, personalised ANC experience.

Greater call quality and crystal-clear conversations

It’s more important than ever for employees to be heard on calls and to be able to talk freely with their co-workers without being interrupted, especially as virtual meetings become the norm. With many of us now used to the true wireless earbud form factor, Jabra developed the Evolve2 Buds to enable users to have high-quality conversations with Jabra MultiSensor Voice™. It uses a unique combination of four microphones, bone conduction sensors, and advanced algorithms to block out as much of the surrounding noise as possible so the user can be heard clearly by those on the call, contributing to more focused conversation experiences.

Extensive range and connectivity for flexibility

For those seeking stable connectivity and increased mobility, the Evolve2 Buds feature a long wireless range, owing to the unique, in-case dongle that can be plugged into your PC. With a wireless range of up to 20 meters/65 feet, the Evolve2 Buds give employees the ability to move around their home or hybrid/remote work environments without compromising call quality.

Certified for leading virtual meeting platforms including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, the earbuds come with 5 hours of talk time and a total of 33 hours of battery including the charging case, avoiding the inconvenience of your earbuds running out of charge mid-meeting.

“The world we live in today has made us crave freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere. At the same time, we also learnt from our Hybrid Ways of Working 2022 research about the role that technology plays in increasing employee inclusion in hybrid work. With all that in mind, we sought to create a product with our new Jabra Evolve2 Buds to empower professionals to look, sound and be professional on the go,” says Holger Reisinger, SVP at Jabra.

Key features of the Evolve2 Buds:

• Certified for Microsoft Teams and leading UC platforms – for enhanced collaboration experience
• MultiSensor Voice technology – ensures professional call performance by using multiple mics and Jabra algorithms to block out noise
• Plug-and-play USB adapter for enhanced connectivity – 20 metre/65 feet rangeallows users the freedom to move around their work environment
• Advanced Multipoint connection – connect to two devices at one time
• Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation – filters out background noise allowing for increased focus
• HearThrough and single earbud use – allows the user to hear surrounding sounds through the earbuds whilst wearing them
• Increased battery life – with 33 hours of battery, including the case and wireless charging
• Ultra-discreet design – for ultimate comfort and a professional look

The Jabra Evolve2 Buds are available for $399 RRP

FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company, is enhancing its services with delivery notifications and personalised options now available on WhatsApp.

The integration of one of the world’s most popular instant messaging apps into the FedEx® Delivery Manager International (FDMi) e-commerce solution is being launched in FedEx Express’ Australia.

FDMi is an interactive e-commerce delivery solution that provides customisable delivery options and alerts. E-tailers using the solution can offer their residential customers the ability to pick the timing and location of their deliveries to fit their schedule – and change the delivery address when the shipment is in transit – giving them extra flexibility at no extra cost.

The WhatsApp instant messaging social media platform currently has over 2 billion active users globally^[1]. In Australia and New Zealand, the WhatsApp platform is used by around 40% of the population as people are spending more time online than ever before.  Over 80% of the population over the age of 16 in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the UAE are WhatsApp users, while more than one in four Filipinosuse WhatsApp, making it the most favoured social media platform in those countries.With such high penetration in each market, the integration of WhatsApp into FDMi makes it an effective solution for shoppers.

Recipients expecting inbound deliveries receive a WhatsApp notification from FedEx Express upon shipment pickup. FedEx uses a Meta verified WhatsApp business account to help mitigate the risk of recipients responding to scams perpetrated on WhatsApp using the FedEx brands. Recipients can access tracking status and re-direct options with the click of a button directly in the WhatsApp chat window.

“We continuously strive to enhance our services to make our solutions more accessible and useful while adding value and supporting the growth of local businesses”, said Peter Langley, Vice President of FedEx Express Australasia. “The integration is another important step in continuous augmentation of our service suites to better support making business easier and deliveries more manageable for customers within this dynamic region.”

“We know that consumers have an increasing preference for personalized delivery services. Integrating social platforms of choice like WhatsApp into our digital solutions gives an added boost to the convenience we can offer to e-commerce customers”, said Salil Chari, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Customer Experience of FedEx Express’ AMEA Region. “This service enhancement is another example of how we are working at the intersection of our digital and physical networks to create differentiated, customer-centric service experiences”. 

The integration of WhatsApp into FDMi is a win-win for all participants in the e-commerce ecosystem. In an increasingly competitive online marketplace, FDMi helps e-tailers, especially SMEs, provide a differentiated service offer. Customers get more peace of mind through the traceability of their package on their mobile device as well as an enhanced online shopping experience. It also helps FedEx Express minimise delivery attempts to recipients who may not be at home.

Cloud content and digital workflow platform Dropbox has announced updates to a number of its most essential workflow and video communication tools—Dropbox Capture, HelloSign, and DocSend. The updates are designed to power modern work and allow users to complete more types of workflows directly from the platform.  

Dropbox Capture  

Leading the announcement is the launch of Dropbox Capture, a new video messaging tool that lets users record their messages with screenshots, GIFs, and presentations right from their screen. Capture allows users to clearly communicate, record, send and scale their messages asynchronously through engaging video content.  

Starting today, Capture is available across all Dropbox plans.* With Professional, Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise plans, users can record videos in 4K up to their storage limit and edit videos of any length. With Basic, Plus, and Family plans, users get up to two hours of recording time at 1080p and editing for videos under five minutes. 

Dropbox Sign  

Today, Dropbox is reintroducing its suite of eSignature products as Dropbox Sign (previously known as HelloSign).   

All Dropbox Sign plans, including the free plan, will offer unlimited self-signing, so users can sign as many documents as needed. Dropbox Forms will also be included in Dropbox Sign plans (Standard and Premium) and offer 50 free Forms transactions per month.  

Dropbox DocSend  

Advanced video analytics has been one of the most requested features among DocSend customers, and Dropbox is making it available today. DocSend users can now share videos and access backend analytics, like playback completion rate, time watched, and geo-tagging information.  

Advanced video analytics, such as an engagement graph, performance graph, and video engagement settings, are now available to DocSend users on Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise plans.  

In addition, Capture will be incorporated into DocSend before the end of the year, allowing users to stay within the Dropbox platform to record, send and analyse their video messages. 

Pia Broadley, Head of Dropbox APAC said: “The shift to remote and hybrid work has surfaced challenges around fragmented workflows — many organisations are looking for better ways to move work forward with teams, colleagues and stakeholders who aren’t in the same room. Today, we’re proud to launch Dropbox Capture and provide important updates to Dropbox Sign and Dropbox DocSend – tools that power modern work and allow users to complete more types of workflows directly from our platform.” 

Learn more about the suite of new and updated tools available on Dropbox

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pleased to see many of our recommendations included in the Federal Government’s 2022-2023 Budget.

The following highlights align with the Victorian Chamber’s Federal Budget Submission:

Skills and workforce

• Expanding the Permanent Migration Program to accelerate visa processing, reduce the visa backlog and raise awareness of opportunities for high-skilled migrants;
• Relaxing work restrictions for student and secondary training visa holders to enable them to work additional hours in any sector until 30 June 2023;
• 480,000 fee-free TAFE and community-based vocational education places over four years and providing 20,000 more university places to under-represented groups to study in areas of in-demand skills;
• $100 million for New Energy Apprenticeships and New Energy Skills and
• Encouraging higher workforce participation through cheaper childcare and expanding paid parental leave to 26 weeks for working parents.

Industry development

• Establishing a National Reconstruction Fund to provide $15 billion of capital to grow our industrial base, diversify our economy and boost regional development;
• Modernising the electric grid to help put downward pressure on power prices and support the transformation to a clean energy future;
• Additional investment in renewables generation and storage;
• Delivering the Better Deal for Small Business which will include investing in energy efficiency, workplace relations support and well-being programs and
• Retaining the 20 per cent tax deduction boost for small businesses to upskill employees and embrace new technology, as well as the instant asset write off for small and medium businesses.

Infrastructure

• Delivering a $10 billion investment into the Housing Australia Future Fund, which will provide 50,000 affordable and social homes via this fund and the national Housing Accord;
• $2.2 billion funding for the Suburban Rail Loop;
• $500 million to reduce transport emissions, including electric vehicle charging stations and government fleet purchases of 75 per cent electric vehicles;
• Rewiring the Nation with $20 billion in low-cost finance to make upgrades to the electricity grid, including the Marinus Link between Tasmania and Victoria and
• $2.4 billion expansion of the NBN over the next four years to boost to digital capability.

• Budget 2022 for small business gets tentative thumbs up from CPA Australia
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivers “no surprises” budget but future vision unclear

The Federal Government has taken a “steady as she goes” approach to Budget 2022 but is yet to deliver a holistic plan to overcome the nation’s economic challenges, according to Australia’s leading professional accounting body.

“Overall, we give the budget a thumbs up. It is broadly what we expected, but leaves open the question, ‘where to next’,” said CPA Australia Senior Manager Business Policy, Gavan Ord.

“The government made it clear this is a two-part budget. That said, we were hoping they would provide us with a North Star to light the way forward. 

“This steady, no surprises approach is a good option during these turbulent times. We agree this isn’t the right time to entirely change course.

“The government delivered a bleak economic outlook, highlighting major challenges, but failed to provide certainty about its future reform priorities.

“We want the Federal Government to provide a broader vision about how the nation will navigate this difficult economic territory.

“Tonight’s budget was part one. There needs to be a long-term view of how to tackle major challenges in part two next year.”

Budget 2022 for Small business

• $15.1 million for tailored business mental health and financial counselling

“Not enough was done in this budget to help small business. Support for mental health is welcome but we need to do more to assist businesses before they reach breaking point.

“Rising inflation, higher interest rates and global disruption are challenging households and businesses. While budget concerns have constrained the Federal Government’s willingness to spend, not all support needs to be financial.

“Reducing red tape and reviewing poorly performing policies, for example, are opportunities that don’t require a pot of gold. Encouraging businesses and charities to get advice from trusted professionals is a quick and proven way to improve productivity and resilience.”

Workforce challenges

• $42.2 million to speed up visa processing and attract international talent
• Parental leave extension to 26 weeks, increasing childcare subsidies
• 20,000 additional university places

“We’re pleased to see the government maintain the momentum from the Skills and Jobs Summit in the budget.

“A campaign to attract skilled migrants is a great step to ensure Australia is the destination of choice in a highly competitive global market for talent.

“We still need a multi-pronged approach to managing skills shortages in the long-term.”

Environment

• $275 million to support the Department of Climate Change, Energy and Water

“Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing Australia. Measuring the impact of budget decisions on the environment is critical.

“Investing in the public service to improve the nation’s understanding of the impacts of climate change is helpful. We hope this leads to a comprehensive Climate Change Budget Impact Statement in the next Federal Budget.”


CPA Australia’s 2022-2023 Federal Budget analysis is available here.

Retailers should prepare for Christmas gift shopping at their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. New research reveals 1 in 2 Aussies use sales events, especially these, to stock up on Christmas gifts.

The findings were derived from a survey of an independent panel of 1007 Australian online shoppers, commissioned by leading parcel delivery company CouriersPlease. The full survey results, including breakdowns across age and State, can be found here couriersplease.com.au/Shopping-Events-Study-2022.pdf

CouriersPlease found that 52 per cent of respondents use sales events – such as Black Friday and mid-season sales – to do their Christmas shopping. The highest proportion was among under-50s (65 per cent of all under-50s) and women (56 per cent of all women).

CouriersPlease also asked respondents at which of the following sales events they spend the most:

• End of financial year (EOFY) sales – 30 June 
• Amazon Prime Day – 12 July 
• Click Frenzy – 8-10 November
• Singles’ Day – 11 November
• Black Friday – 25 November
• Cyber Monday – 28 November
• Boxing Day – 26 December
• End-of-season sales
• Mid-season sales

Last year, Aussies spent $8 billion during the Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales period, a significant increase on previous years, suggesting it continues to be the shopping event Aussies gravitate towards to snap up a bargain. This is confirmed by the survey, which found the largest proportion of consumers (26 per cent) shop at the Black Friday sales.

A relatively high proportion of respondents also revealed they spend big during seasonal sales events. Specifically, an equal 19 per cent said they spend the most during end-of-season and end-of-financial year sales, and 7 per cent spend the most at mid-season sales. Just 17 per cent said they spend the most at Boxing Day sales – traditionally the biggest sales event of the year.

CouriersPlease also asked respondents which sales event offers the deepest discounts. Black Friday topped the list, with 30 per cent saying the event offers the best bang for their buck. One fifth (21 per cent) of respondents think the best discounts can be found at the Boxing Day sales, while 18 per cent stand by EOFY sales, and 14 per cent believe end-of-season sales get them the best discounts.

CouriersPlease CEO Richard Thame says: “An increasing number of savvy retailers are recognising that Black Friday is the sales event of the year, motivating many to start their sales event earlier and end it later to nab a share of the shopper market.” 

While October to Christmas is traditionally the peak period for parcel volumes, CouriersPlease expects its largest spike in volumes to be in the second half of November, off the back of the Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales. 

Richard says: “Our research shows that shoppers spend more at sales events that offer the deepest discounts. Despite cost-of-living pressures, consumer spending is on the rise: August this year marked the 18^th consecutive month of steady growth in household spending, with significant increases occurring across discretionary goods such as clothing and footwear. Aussies may be prepared to continue spending strongly this Black Friday sales period, even in a climate of high inflation and increasing interest rates.

“While retailers have been preparing for a spike in Black Friday orders, it could be a good idea to roll out different offers in the lead-up to the event or start the event early to create an even flow of customers and keep up with orders. Consider providing additional support and training to customer service to combat any potential customer issues. Partner with a parcel delivery provider that has a Black Friday sales strategy and a strong track record of efficient, on-time deliveries. CouriersPlease, for instance, has planned for the event months in advance, onboarding additional delivery drivers, opening a new depot in the Gold Coast this month, and further streamlining its processes and technologies.”

To support millions of Aussies with the cost of living and help them manage their essential and ongoing expenses, Commonwealth Bank and its partner, local telecom provider More, are now offering retail and business customers discounted 4G and 5G CBA mobile SIM plans.

From today, all CBA retail customers who sign up to More using a CBA credit or debit card as their online bill payment method are eligible to receive 30 per cent off More mobile SIM plans for the first 12 months, and a 10 per cent ongoing discount off their mobile plan if they choose to stay with More. With the CBA discount applied, the plans are among the cheapest in market including a 60GB 5G plan for $42.00 per month for the first 12 months (RRP $60 p/month).

Eligible Australian businesses will also be able to receive 30 per cent off More mobile SIM plans for the first 12 months.

It comes as new research commissioned by CBA revealed Aussies are on the lookout for a better deal, with almost three in four (71 per cent) feeling that their mobile plan is an unavoidable expense. It also found almost half (45 per cent) are looking to save money on their mobile plan to help with cost of living, and almost two thirds (60 per cent) would change their plan if they found a cheaper offer.

CBA General Manager Strategy and Sustainability, Ben Morgan, said: “We know people are looking more carefully at their bills and expenses, and the bank is constantly looking beyond traditional banking services to help both retail and business customers manage their finances and give them access to quality products and services that put money back in their pockets.”