As international travel roars back to life, data-hungry Australian travellers are demanding the freedom of unlimited travel eSIM plans, after years of overpaying for outdated roaming deals. This freedom in the form of unlimited roaming data overseas without fees is finally now here and readily available from Australian international roaming provider Simify.

You can find Simify’s unlimited roaming data plans here: https://simify.com/en-au

International travel has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with Australians taking 11.6 million overseas trips in 2024, according to ABS figures. They’re also using more data than ever while overseas, according to Simify.

At the same time, Australian travellers are embracing the flexibility and convenience of digital eSIMs, supported by most new smartphones.

Eliminating the need to purchase and insert a physical SIM card upon arrival, eSIMs make it quick and easy for travellers to access high-speed mobile data wherever they need it, says Simify co-founder Aidan Butler.

Simify co-founder Aidan Butler

“eSIMs are a game-changer for travellers, offering the best of both worlds,” Butler says.

“Rather than switching phone numbers, you can use a travel eSIM for unlimited roaming data from the likes of Simify, all while keeping your home number active for things like receiving verification codes from your bank.”

Traditionally, international travellers faced the stress of juggling SIM cards, switching phone numbers, rationing data and hunting for potentially insecure free Wi-Fi.

As travel habits change and expectations grow, Australian travellers expect to make the most of their smartphone to stay connected at all times while abroad, Butler says.

“Whether they’re sharing their travel experiences in real time, or catching up on live sport from back home, mobile data has become as essential to modern travellers as their passport,” he says

“You shouldn’t have to use your smartphone like a dumbphone when you’re overseas, just because you’re terrified of chewing through your measly data cap.”

Recently rebranding from SimsDirect, Simify has seen a surge in demand for unlimited travel eSIM plans from Australians reigniting their passion for travel.

Simify was founded in 2018 by two young Australian entrepreneurs, who were frustrated at the expensive and restrictive roaming packages offered by the major telcos. Tapping into pent-up demand for a better deal, the business has quickly grown to more than 300,000 customers.

Today, Simify offers mobile coverage in more than 150 countries, providing Australian travellers peace of mind in the form of unlimited data for up to 90 days, with no need to worry about top-ups or extra roaming fees.

While the major telcos tout the convenience of their daily roaming deals, the fact they’re not unlimited means that it’s easy for modern travellers to hit their data cap by lunchtime if they’re taking advantage of Google Maps, social media, video calls and streaming services.

“The big telcos will tell you, ‘It’s easier to just stay on our plans when travelling’, but easier for who?” Butler says.

“Travellers shouldn’t have to stress about data limits when they’re overseas, they should be able to relax and use their phone just like they do at home.”

For details on all of Simify’s unlimited roaming data plans go to: https://simify.com/en-au

Qantas’s rollout of fast and free international Wi-Fi directly answers the top request from business travellers, according to Flight Centre Corporate Traveller’s Global MD Tom Walley. A recent internal survey of the company’s Travel Managers found inflight Wi-Fi was the most in-demand improvement for 2025 and beyond, with 35% citing it as the number one priority for its travellers.

Corporate Traveller commentary on the recent Qantas’s announcement of its rollout of fast and free international Wi-Fi

A recent Corporate Traveller survey asked its Travel Managers[1] what they believed would be the biggest inflight improvements, based on their own knowledge and business customer requests. The research found that inflight Wi-Fi was the most in-demand service that airlines could offer, with 35 per cent of its team identifying it as the most significant upgrade needed for travellers in 2025 and beyond.
 
Tom Walley, Australia-based Global Managing Director at Corporate Traveller, says this highlights the strong appetite for connectivity among business travellers.
 
“Reliable and complimentary inflight Wi-Fi has consistently been at the top of our clients’ wish lists,” Mr Walley said.
 
“The data from our experts tells us that connectivity is key, and it’s a must-have for corporate travellers needing to make the most of idle time in the air.
 
“Seamless connectivity – whether it be for business or to kick back with a movie – is a must, so it’s of little surprise that when we asked about an in-flight digital detox with no Wi-Fi or screens, 61 per cent of our experts gave a resounding ‘no’.
 
“As we see airlines improve their offering in this space, it means that travellers can effectively stay connected, manage their workload, and maximise productivity during flights.” 

The Corporate Traveller research also revealed other improvements requested by business travellers, such as increased personal space and privacy partitions, ergonomic seating with adjustable features and fully flat beds in business class, which continues to reinforce the importance of comfort and rest during travel for corporates. Dedicated workspaces with power outlets and more personalised entertainment options were also identified as desirable enhancements, though noted as less critical than connectivity and space for customers.

Expanding a business can be a challenging and capital-intensive endeavor. However, franchising has emerged as one of the most effective ways to scale a business with minimal financial risk. By allowing independent entrepreneurs to operate under an established brand, franchising enables rapid expansion while maintaining consistency and quality. Here are some key reasons why franchising is one of the best ways to grow your business.

Faster Expansion with Less Capital Investment

One of the biggest advantages of franchising is that it enables businesses to expand without the need for large amounts of capital. Unlike traditional expansion models that require significant investment in new locations, hiring staff, and managing operations, franchising shifts much of the financial burden to franchisees. Since franchisees invest their own money to open new outlets, the franchisor can grow its brand without incurring heavy costs.

Motivated and Committed Franchisees

Franchisees have a vested interest in the success of their businesses because they have personally invested in them. Unlike hired managers who may not be as deeply committed, franchisees are motivated to ensure their franchise unit thrives. This results in better customer service, improved efficiency, and stronger brand loyalty. Franchisees take ownership of their success, leading to a higher likelihood of profitability and growth.

Consistent Brand Expansion

Maintaining brand consistency is crucial for business growth, and franchising helps achieve this by providing a structured system for operations, marketing, and customer service. Franchisees are required to follow a proven business model, ensuring that customers receive the same high-quality experience regardless of location. This consistency strengthens brand reputation and fosters customer trust, leading to increased brand recognition and market dominance.

Shared Marketing and Advertising Benefits

Franchise networks often pool resources for marketing and advertising efforts, which allows for large-scale campaigns that individual franchisees might not be able to afford on their own. National and regional advertising initiatives create strong brand awareness, attracting more customers and increasing sales. Franchisors also provide franchisees with marketing support, including digital campaigns, promotional materials, and social media strategies, which further contribute to business growth.

Lower Operational Risk and Overhead Costs

Operating multiple company-owned locations can be risky and expensive. Franchising helps reduce these risks by transferring daily operational responsibilities to franchisees. As a result, franchisors do not have to manage staffing, inventory, and logistics for each location. This significantly lowers overhead costs and administrative burdens, allowing the franchisor to focus on strategic growth, brand development, and innovation.

Conclusion – grow your business

Franchising is a powerful business expansion strategy that allows entrepreneurs to scale their brands quickly and efficiently while minimizing financial risk. With motivated franchisees, shared marketing benefits, brand consistency, and lower operational risks, franchising provides a strong foundation for long-term success. If you’re looking to grow your business, exploring the franchise model could be the key to achieving sustainable expansion and market leadership.

The way we work has undergone a seismic shift. The traditional office-based model is giving way to more flexible arrangements, driven by the rise of hybrid work, heightened security concerns, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are finding themselves at a crossroads, needing to adapt to the evolving workplace changes while ensuring productivity and efficiency remain high.

At ASUS, we are at the forefront of these transformations, designing solutions that empower businesses and workers alike. The ASUS ExpertBook P5 is one such innovation, offering a combination of performance, security, and adaptability to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

The New Workforce Expectations

Employees today expect seamless transitions between home, office, and remote locations. Hybrid work is no longer an experiment – it’s the norm. Recent research from Swinburne University of Technology highlights that over 72% of workers are now in hybrid roles, a significant increase from just a few years ago. This shift requires technology that is portable and powerful enough to support a fluid work experience.

For professionals who need performance without compromise, devices like the ASUS ExpertBook P5 are designed with mobility and security in mind, ensuring that employees can work efficiently from anywhere. Reliable connectivity and collaboration tools have become essential, offering professionals the flexibility they need without compromising on protection.

Security in an Evolving Digital Landscape

With increased flexibility comes an expanded attack surface for cyber threats. The Australian Cyber Security Centre’s 2024 report warns that cybercrime is rising, making it imperative for businesses to adopt more sophisticated security measures. Employees working from various locations need devices that safeguard sensitive data while maintaining ease of use.

From fingerprint authentication to encrypted backups and AI-driven threat detection, proactive security features are key features that will become standard in workplace technology. Companies investing in secure hardware solutions can provide their teams with peace of mind, knowing that their data is protected even in remote environments.

The Role of AI in Workplace Efficiency

Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, automating routine tasks, enhancing collaboration, and optimising performance. AI-powered noise cancellation makes virtual meetings more effective, while smart power management ensures seamless multitasking. 

Beyond efficiency, AI-driven tools are enabling professionals to focus on strategic, high-value work while reducing administrative burdens.

Laptops equipped with AI-assisted meeting tools, such as the Expertbook P5, are streamlining workflows by automating note-taking and providing real-time translation – innovations that are proving invaluable for teams navigating an increasingly digital-first work environment.

Sustainability as a Business Imperative

Sustainability is no longer a secondary concern – it’s a core business priority. Increasingly, employees and consumers are demanding environmentally responsible practices from the companies they engage with. Monash University research shows that nearly half of Australian shoppers consider sustainability an important factor in purchasing decisions, a sentiment that extends to workplace technology.

More and more, we will begin to see businesses responding by adopting energy-efficient devices, integrating recycled materials into their products, and prioritising circularity in hardware design. The shift towards greener technology is not just about meeting regulatory requirements – it’s about aligning with the values of a more environmentally conscious workforce.

Preparing for the Future of Work

As businesses navigate these evolving demands, investing in the right technology is crucial. Future-proofing the workplace requires a strategic approach, one that prioritises adaptability, security, and efficiency.

By embracing smart, forward-thinking solutions like the ASUS ExpertBook P5, companies can stay ahead of the curve and ensure their teams remain productive, engaged, and secure now and into the future.For more information on the ExpertBook P5 (P5405) visit the ASUS Eshop and select retailers.

VistaPrint and Australia’s largest online art gallery, Bluethumb, have partnered to launch Print On Demand, a new service which enables small arts businesses, and independent artists to sell and print high-quality stretch canvases of their art, earn a passive income and capitalise on the growing market of young Australian consumers with a passion for the arts wanting to purchase unique artwork online.

The partnership gives artists the opportunity to expand their reach by selling prints of their work in a premium, easily accessible format. With ultra-fast, high-quality printing from VistaPrint, the Print On Demand service offers four different size options and multiple frame choices.

This adds considerable value to the benefits artists already get through being on the Bluethumb platform, such as its reputation and reach. It boasts over 20,000 active artists and over 20 of Australia’s most remote Indigenous Art Centres, giving customers access to more Australian artists and their art than anywhere else in the world.  

VistaPrint’s CEO Marcus Marchant says the partnership taps into a growing demand for more accessible and affordable ways for consumers to decorate their space. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Bluethumb to bring high-quality art prints to a wider audience. By combining Bluethumb’s extensive collection of artwork with our industry-leading printing expertise, we’re making it easier than ever for people to transform and elevate their homes and workspaces with stunning gallery-quality prints. Here at VistaPrint, we are passionate about supporting small businesses. This partnership will also open new doors for artists, offering them a sustainable path to success through passive income,” says Marchant.  

Hobart artist Greta Hounslow, who was commissioned by Bluethumb to paint a scene at local favourite Farm Gate Market to help mark the launch of Print On Demand, says it’s exciting more collectors will now be able to access her artwork through the print service.

“I’m regularly approached by would-be buyers who have missed out on a painting I’ve sold to another collector. It’s fantastic to be able to give them the option to purchase that painting in a high-quality stretch canvas print form, and it also provides me with another revenue stream. As an independent artist, that is no small thing!” says Hounslow.

Bluethumb’s co-founder and co-CEO George Hartley, added, “Our mission is to make art more accessible to all Australians. Our artworks have been ‘favourited’ more than 3 million times. For those who’ve missed out on their favourite works because they’ve sold or were otherwise out of their budget, our new Print On Demand service gives those customers a new option to bring those artworks into their homes.”

The Print On Demand service provides customers with four size options, allowing home decorators to choose an art print that perfectly fits their space. To celebrate the launch, buyers can shop an exclusive ‘Market Print’ series celebrating Australia’s most iconic local food and flower markets.  

Print On Demand will offer customers a choice of four sizes: 

30x40cm (Small) 

40x60cm (Medium) 

50x70cm (Large) 

60x90cm (Extra Large). 

Pricing will be set by Bluethumb’s artists, but customers can expect to pay between $299 for a small print, up to $650 for an extra-large print. The prices include framing and delivery. 

A clear majority of business owners around Australia feel the government’s industrial relations (IR) reforms have burdened their companies and have made it more difficult for them, new research reveals. From the 2022 minimum wage increase of 5.2 per cent to limiting the use of fixed-term contracts among other changes, Australian businesses of all sizes are grappling with the impact of these changes in an economy that is continuing to face many headwinds.
 
Amid the uncertainty created by at least 20 amendments to the Fair Work Act since December 2022¹. business loan comparison platform Small Business Loans Australia commissioned a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 200 business owners and decision-makers to ascertain the impact of the government’s suite of IR reforms.
 
Respondents were presented with a sample of the federal government’s IR changes – including the landmark minimum wage increase after the most recent federal election², encouraging multi-employer bargaining, placing limitations on the use of fixed-term contracts, prohibiting pay secrecy clauses to address the gender pay gap, legislating the right of employees to request flexible working conditions, providing employees with the entitlement to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave each year and mandating a duty for employers to prevent sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and victimisation in the workplace.  
 
Only one in three respondents (36%) said none of these changes had become a burden on their business, and that at least one of these changes had not created a more difficult operating environment.   

2022 minimum wage hike and fixed-term contract limitations represent biggest business burdens

Of the listed reforms, businesses felt the single most burdensome was the 2022 lift in minimum wages of 5.2%. More than a quarter (28%) of businesses identified this reform as burdensome.  
 
The placing of limitations on the use of fixed-term contracts to ensure workers have the opportunity to become permanent employees has impacted 25 per cent of businesses. From 6 December 2023 employers in Australia have not been able have an employee on a fixed-term contract for more than two years.  
One fifth (21%) have been adversely impacted by multi-employer bargaining. Enacted from 2 December 2022, this law allowed for employers or workers at multiple companies that share a common interest and location to bargain with each other.
 
Other reforms such as employees being granted 10 days of annual family and domestic violence leave, as well as a duty for employers to prevent sexual harassment, sex discrimination and victimisation in the workplace were also considered burdensome by more than one in 10 respondents – 15 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively.  
 
Small Business Loans Australia asked respondents in what ways the IR laws have specifically made it more difficult to run their businesses. One quarter (24%) said the reforms have made it harder for their company to grow, and a similar proportion (23%) felt that the changes have made it harder to remove toxic or underperforming employees.  
 
One in five respondents said the IR changes have made it harder for the business to downsize during difficult times (21%), adapt to change in the marketplace or economy (20%), and to afford employees altogether (20%). Seventeen (17) per cent said the changes make it more difficult to let go of employees when the business can no longer afford them.  
 
Alon Rajic, Founder and Managing Director of Small Business Loans Australia, says the data shows how the pressure of multiple industrial reforms changes are bearing down on Australia’s business landscape – and have the potential to add to the national unemployment rate.  
 
“People are the lifeblood of any business, yet at a broad level these responses show companies are struggling to afford new staff or indeed be able to let go of workers who are hampering productivity and profitability.” 

Large, medium and small businesses all burdened by IR changes

Segmenting the responses across business sizes, Small Business Loans Australia found that a staggering 92 per cent of large businesses – those consisting of more than 200 employees – felt that at least one of the listed IR reforms had been a burden on their business, particularly multiemployer bargaining (chosen by 50%).   

States show different levels of IR burden  

Across the mainland states, results were more mixed. While NSW businesses are most likely (at 69%) to feel burdened by at least one of these reforms, WA businesses are most likely (at 75%) to find it harder to operate due to these reforms.  
 
Business owners in South Australia are twice as likely to say that the changes have made it harder for them to adapt to change in the marketplace (42%, compared with the nationwide average of 20%) and downsize when things get more difficult (42%, compared with the national average of 21%).  
 
Alon says these results should set off alarm bells for the government: “With the next Federal election not far away, our data shows businesses around the country are feeling burdened with the pace and scale of industrial relations reform. No matter who has a seat in the next parliament, we want to see more opportunities for businesses to take stock of the regulatory landscape.”
 
The full industrial relations study can be found here: https://smallbusinessloansaustralia.com/how-are-the-most-recent-changes-to-australias-industrial-relations-laws-impacting-business/ 
 

If you are not using a customer referral program to promote your business, you are missing out on one of the easiest ways to grow your customer base. Whether it’s encouraging customers to like and share content on Instagram or offering a discount for referrals, word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most powerful tools for small businesses.

A customer referral program is a cost-effective way to generate highly qualified leads and boost sales without relying solely on paid advertising. People trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other form of advertising, so tapping into that trust can be a game-changer. Research from Nielsen shows that 88% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know over any other channel, making referrals one of the most credible ways to attract new customers.

Ask for customer referral when customers are happiest

There is no universal rule for when to request a referral, but the key is to time it when a customer is completely satisfied with their experience.

Customers are most likely to feel positive and willing to refer one to three days after making a purchase. This is because dopamine, often referred to as the “happy hormone,” is released from the moment they anticipate making a purchase through to when they receive it. Asking for a referral while they are still feeling positive increases the likelihood of them following through.

A positive review is a strong indication that a customer is already an advocate for the brand. If a customer takes the time to leave a glowing review, it is the perfect opportunity to ask them to refer a friend while their positive experience is fresh in their mind. Australians are highly engaged in online reviews, with 98 per cent of consumers reading reviews before making a purchase, making this a powerful moment to request a referral.

Mapping the customer journey reveals the best referral timing

Every business is unique, so the key to a strong referral strategy is understanding how customers interact with the brand.

Creating a customer journey map can help pinpoint the most effective time to ask for a referral. This involves documenting key touchpoints, from how customers first discover the business through to their post-purchase experience. By analysing these interactions, businesses can identify patterns and find the best moments to ask for referrals while avoiding times when customers may be uncertain or dissatisfied.

A strategic referral request boosts success

Once the most engaged customers have been identified, the next step is to determine the best way to reach out.

Automated emails are one of the most effective ways to request referrals, with businesses using CRM software to send personalised referral requests at optimal moments. This ensures businesses never miss an opportunity and reduces the manual effort involved.

A personal phone call can add a human touch and make the referral request feel more authentic. Having a simple script can make the conversation more natural and comfortable. If the customer is right in front of you and visibly happy with their experience, taking the opportunity to ask in person can be highly effective. Australians respond well to personalised service, with 79 per cent of consumers of Australian consumers report that personalised experiences increase their loyalty to brands.

Making the referral process easy for customers increases the likelihood of participation. Providing a simple referral link, discount code, or flyer with clear instructions ensures the customer can pass on the business details effortlessly.

A successful referral program should be tailored to your business and customers

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to referral programs, so it’s important to tailor yours to your business.

Some businesses succeed simply by asking for referrals with no incentive, while others find that offering a reward increases participation. Offering mutual rewards, such as a discount for both the referrer and the new customer, is a common and effective strategy. Providing loyalty-based incentives, where the reward increases for each referral, encourages customers to continue referring new business. Some companies find success in offering exclusive perks, such as early access, special offers, or bonus gifts.

Tracking referrals is crucial for measuring success and improving your program

A referral program is only as effective as the tracking system behind it. Without proper tracking, it is difficult to know what is working and where improvements can be made.

Asking new customers how they found the business and recording responses is one way to track referrals, but it can be time-consuming and inaccurate. Generating unique referral codes allows businesses to track where referrals are coming from, linking new sales to specific customers. Some businesses choose to automate the process entirely using referral software that integrates into their e-commerce or booking system.

Another effective tracking method is using UTM parameters, which add tracking tags to referral links and allow businesses to measure referral traffic through platforms like Google Analytics.

A simple and scalable referral program is the best approach

Keeping the referral program simple makes it easier to implement and scale over time.

Businesses can start with a simple email campaign, a verbal request, or a small discount for referrals. If customers are already leaving great reviews or telling you how much they love your business, asking them to spread the word is a natural next step.

Every successful referral program starts small and evolves based on what works best for the business and its customers. The key is to test, learn and refine the approach. With the right strategy, happy customers can become the most powerful marketing tool – at a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising.

Contributed by Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv, Australia and New Zealand

As AI continues to reshape the way we work, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush to adopt the latest tech. But for small businesses, the real competitive edge lies not just in automation but in the uniquely human capabilities that technology can’t replicate: soft skills.

In fact, in an increasingly AI-driven business landscape, soft skills are becoming the superpower of small teams. When you can’t rely on large departments or endless resources, strong communication, empathy, and adaptability can be the glue that holds your business together. Here are the top five soft skills every small business should encourage within their teams.

1. Emotional intelligence (EQ)

AI can analyse data and predict trends, pick up on tone, context and underlying concerns. However, it is not as adaptable in reading the nuances of a changing situation and can easily misinterpret, if its logic model is flawed. In other words, it can’t read the room. Emotional intelligence (the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while empathising with others) is crucial for building strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

Why it matters: In a small team, tensions can rise quickly when workloads increase or priorities shift. Leaders and employees with high EQ can navigate these moments with empathy, ensuring that challenges don’t turn into conflicts.

How to build it: Regular check-ins, open communication, and even simple practices like active listening can help your team develop emotional intelligence.

2. Adaptability

AI is transforming industries at lightning speed. For small businesses, being able to pivot quickly is essential.

Why it matters: Small teams often wear multiple hats. The more adaptable your team is, the easier it becomes to embrace change rather than resist it.

How to build it: Encourage a growth mindset by celebrating problem-solving efforts, even when they don’t lead to immediate success. Flexibility training and scenario-based workshops can also sharpen this critical skill.

3. Communication

Good communication ensures that everyone stays aligned. It’s a non-negotiable for small businesses where miscommunication can derail projects.

Why it matters: AI can draft emails, but it can’t pick up on tone, context, or underlying concerns. Clear, concise, and empathetic communication ensures smooth collaboration and stronger client relationships.

How to build it: Consider short, focused training sessions on active listening, non-verbal communication, and getting better at building feedback loops into your daily operations.

4. Collaboration and teamwork

AI might streamline workflows, but it can’t build trust. Effective teamwork means understanding each other’s strengths, respecting differences, and working toward shared goals.

Why it matters: In a small business, teamwork is the foundation of daily operations. The stronger your team’s collaboration, the more resilient your business becomes.

How to build it: Regular team-building activities, clear role definitions, and project debriefs can strengthen collaborative bonds.

5. Critical thinking and problem-solving

While AI can suggest solutions based on patterns, it can’t navigate the nuances of real-world challenges, especially those that involve people.

Why it matters: Small businesses often face resource constraints, making creative problem-solving an essential skill for overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities.

How to build it: Encourage brainstorming sessions, ‘what if’ scenarios, and constructive debates to flex your team’s critical thinking muscles.

In short, don’t let the distractions of AI derail you from investing in your people. The businesses that will thrive in the AI era aren’t just the most tech-savvy: they’re the ones that know how to balance technology with humanity.

Contributed by Karlie Cremin, co-founder and managing director of DLPA

New research from AMP Bank reveals just how much Australia’s 2.4 million ‘small’ small business owners – our solopreneurs, side hustlers and those with less than four employees – struggle to keep up with their financial admin.

It’s one of the most time-consuming admin tasks Aussie small business owners have on their to-do list, with 1 in 3 saying financial admin is their most difficult admin task, followed by marketing and sales (22%), and thirdly, legal and compliance (20.3%).

More than 1 in 3 (35%) Australian small business owners also feel they could be working more efficiently.

Close to 90 per cent– or approximately 2.4 million – of Australian businesses are either self-employed or employ 1-4 people, while the majority of businesses in Australia have an annual turnover of less than $200k. A quarter of all businesses in Australia – approximately 640,000 – have an annual turnover of less than $50k^[1].

Integration with Xero to simplify financial admin:

AMP’s new digital bank – designed specifically for small business – has integrated with Xero, the global small business platform, to make financial admin easier.

Through just a couple of clicks, customers can securely connect their AMP Bank accounts with their existing Xero account. If not a customer of Xero, they’ll be invited to follow a step-by-step guide to create a Xero account and link it to their AMP Bank accounts.

The integration means that when a small business owner makes a payment through the AMP Bank app, for example to a supplier, a record of the payment will automatically sync in real time with Xero’s accounting software, removing the need for manual data entry.

AMP Bank customers can categorise payments in the same way they are categorised within Xero including for past, present and future transactions. 

This seamless integration simplifies the process of reconciling accounts, tracking income and expenses, and maintaining accurate financial records. It provides business owners with greater visibility and control over their business, while making tax reporting more straightforward. 

John Arnott, Director Small Business and Personal Banking, AMP Bank said:

“We want small business owners – those that don’t necessarily have the luxury of bookkeepers and accounting support – to rest assured knowing their finances are in good order and that tax time will be simpler.

“The ability to automatically import bank transactions into Xero’s accounting software using our new fully mobile AMP Bank app will help achieve this.

“This is the first of a range of new features and tech we’ll be adding to the mobile app over the coming months as AMP Bank redefines the banking experience for Australia’s small business owners.”

Ian Boyd, General Manager of Partnerships, Xero said:

“Small business owners juggle multiple responsibilities, especially those running solo or with a smaller team. We know that managing the books often brings added stress and time spent away from building the business.

“We’re happy to have a new integration with AMP Bank, particularly given their focus to support some of the country’s smallest operators to better manage their business.”  

Other innovative features of the new AMP Bank app include:

• The very latest in fraud and identify theft protection, including Australia’s first numberless-facing debit cards for small business and selfie-style video identity verification by two customer service reps for added security
• Seamless connectivity – yet clear distinction – between personal and business banking, making it a one-stop-shop to manage both through a single banking app
• Market-leading UK banking tech ‘Spaces’, allowing for the creation of virtual ‘sub-accounts’ and making it easier to manage tax payments, payroll and other financial obligations
• Customers can hide and reveal their on-screen account balance at the touch of a button, providing instant privacy while on the go
• 24/7 human contact centre support via both phone and live chat, recognising that many Australians and small business owners often work outside the 9 to 5 working day
• Smart self-serve features which provide insights and give customers control, like spending breakdowns across merchants and suppliers

Customers pay no monthly account keeping or international currency conversion fees across both business and personal accounts.

The new AMP Bank app is available to both business banking and personal retail customers and can be downloaded from the Apple App or Google Play stores, with a simple and fully mobile onboarding process designed to maximise customer security.  

Visit AMP’s website to learn more.