Building with Purpose: Starting Strong During Rapid Growth When father and son team Marty and Conal Brennan founded Marcon Consultancy, they had a clear vision: deliver trusted, independent construction project and development management services across the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland. With booming demand and strong early growth, the challenge wasn’t winning work — it was keeping pace with a solid internal structure that could sustain momentum and deliver stability. “We’re about to turn three,” said Marty. “We have long-standing relationships which is what drove us to establish this business.” “Our growth has been strong, so having the corporate structure to enable stability and keep up has been our biggest challenge.” Like many high-performing startups, they needed more than just compliance support. They needed a team who could help them think, plan and grow with clarity and confidence from day one. Enter Collins Hume: A Trusted Partner for Sustainable Success “We sought out Collins Hume because we wanted to set up correctly from the outset with a trusted partner who would challenge and guide us.” From initial structuring and business planning through to boardroom presence and long-term growth strategy, Collins Hume has partnered with Marcon to provide proactive, tailored advice. Chris Atkinson, Partner and Collins Hume lead to Marcon said, “Marty and Conal are a real delight to work with — they have bottomless and boundless positive energy, which fits my style to perfection! They’re insightful and natural business people who genuinely seek and absorb advice.” Beyond tax and compliance, the Collins Hume team supports Marcon with bookkeeping, tax planning, asset protection, risk analysis and business growth strategy — serving as a sounding board at every stage of their journey. The Outcome: Award-Winning Impact and Inspiring Momentum Thanks to this robust foundation and collaborative mindset, Marcon is not only growing — they’re being recognised for it. In 2024, they were awarded Outstanding New Business at the Ballina Business Awards  — a testament to their clarity, capability and community impact. Chris added, “The internal team Marty and Conal have built mirrors their own energy — positive, capable, can-do people. Our whole team enjoys working with them. It’s a true partnership.” Marcon’s advice to others starting a business? “Be brave. Don’t try and be everything. Focus on your strengths.” About Marcon Consultancy Marcon Consultancy Pty Ltd is a locally based, independent construction project and development management consultancy. Operating across the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland, their team is dedicated to delivering professional, grounded solutions to support clients and their projects from idea to implementation. 🔗  marconconsultancy.com.au  🔗 LinkedIn

Running a business in Australia today takes grit, vision and more than a little elbow grease. Yet despite the ambition and hustle, most small and medium businesses eventually hit a wall. The stats say it all: 98% of Australian businesses are SMEs — and most of them struggle to scale beyond a certain point. So what’s holding them back? It turns out, it’s not just one thing. It’s a cluster of common challenges that can quietly cap growth potential. But the good news? These challenges are fixable. Here are the six biggest culprits and what you can do to outsmart them: 1. Chasing Revenue Without the Right Systems Early wins and cash flow can create a false sense of stability. But if you're still using spreadsheets to run projects and your finances live in your head (or worse, a shoebox), sustainable growth will stay out of reach. Scalable systems like cloud-based reporting, workflow tools and project dashboards are the foundation for growth. If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. 2. Treating Finance Like a Fire Drill Too many SMEs only call in financial help when something’s broken. That’s like waiting until the car’s on fire to service it. Financial performance planning, cash flow forecasting and access to capital are critical for long-term success. Treat finance like a growth lever, not a band-aid. 3. Owner Reliance Wearing all the hats might work in the startup phase, but it becomes a handbrake during scale-up. If every decision still comes back to you, your business will bottleneck. Delegating and building a leadership team is essential, not optional. Don’t just work in  your business – work on it. 4. Saying Yes to Everything Over-servicing customers, undercharging and chasing work outside your core offer might keep the lights on short term, but long term it’s a fast track to burnout and blurred direction. The strongest businesses know what they do best, and say ‘no’ to the rest. 5. Undervaluing Team and Culture Can’t compete on salary? You’re not alone. But culture, career development and flexibility are increasingly valued just as much as pay. SMEs that build strong teams, formalise roles and create growth pathways gain a major edge in attracting (and keeping) great talent. 6. Compliance Fatigue Let’s face it: regulatory red tape can strangle progress. From tax to workplace laws to data protection, the list never ends. Larger companies have compliance teams; SMEs don’t. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the solution is simple: automate what you can and outsource the rest. You didn’t start a business to become a part-time bookkeeper. Most businesses don’t fail because the idea wasn’t good or the market wasn’t right. They stall because they don’t shift gears at the right time. If your business is bumping up against a ceiling, it’s time to stop and reassess. The growth you want is absolutely possible if you build the right systems, empower your people and shift your mindset from doing to leading . Ready to grow without breaking your business? Start by getting clarity on what’s really holding you back. Let’s talk strategy, systems and support that make scaling possible on your terms. Congratulations to Nathan McGrath, named 2025 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees & Over! A well-deserved recognition for exceptional leadership and commitment to business excellence. Read more » Original article: “Why 98% of Australian businesses hit a growth wall” by Harry Cheema, published via Dynamic Business – Read at the source

Experts urge high-balance super members to act or risk unintended tax outcomes With the proposed Division 296 tax on superannuation balances exceeding $3 million set to take effect, self-managed super fund (SMSF) members retaining high balances are being urged to revisit their estate and succession plans without delay. According to Australia’s  SMS Magazine , the impact of the new tax won’t just be felt during life — it may also significantly affect the distribution of super benefits upon death. Members who opt to retain large balances inside super despite the new tax measures must prepare for a wide range of estate planning and succession scenarios. Key points: SMSF members with high balances need timely estate and trustee succession planning, including binding death benefit nominations, enduring powers of attorney and successor director appointments. With Division 296 potentially affecting death benefits, it’s essential to ensure super funds can be accessed in a timely, tax-effective manner before a member’s death. Particular care is required in couples with large individual super balances to avoid triggering Division 296 liabilities when benefits pass to a surviving spouse. Mistakes in how income streams are created post-death may lead to tainting issues that compromise the tax-free treatment of superannuation benefits. The article  notes the importance of having all documentation — wills, powers of attorney, SMSF deeds and nominations — current and accessible. Without these, delays in accessing super post-death could result in unnecessary taxation that may otherwise have been avoided. Holding a large super balance? Review your estate planning now to avoid future tax headaches. Ask to speak with Collins Hume's knowledgeable superannuation advisers to prepare for Division 296.

Purpose-led approach underpins Sustainability, Leadership and Professional Excellence Collins Hume has been recognised as multiple award winners at the 2025 Ballina Business Excellence Awards, capping off a milestone year of innovation, leadership and impact for the accounting and advisory firm: Excellence in Business & Professional Services Excellence in Sustainability Outstanding Trainee/Apprentice of the Year   – Kirra Connell Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees & Over   – Nathan McGrath These combined achievements led to Collins Hume also being named 2025’s Business of the Year , recognising a consistent approach to client excellence, business best practices and contribution to the local business community. Practice Manager Naomi Monk  was also awarded Highly Commended in the Outstanding Employee  category, placing second from a competitive field of ten finalists and receiving a framed award in recognition of her contribution and excellence. Christopher Atkinson, Partner and CEO of Collins Hume said, “These awards are a wonderful testament to the passion and commitment our team brings to work every day.” “We're honoured and humbled by the recognition and proud to contribute to such a vibrant local business community.” “Special congratulations to Kirra, Nathan and Naomi — your dedication and leadership help make us better every day. And to our clients Dr Moose  and Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary , well done on your wins — we love seeing you succeed.” About the awards Ballina’s annual Business Excellence Awards is a program that recognises the passion, resilience and ingenuity of local enterprises across the Ballina Shire. The Excellence in Sustainability  award reflects Collins Hume’s deepening commitment to reducing environmental impact through thoughtful and measurable business practices. Nathan McGrath’s recognition as Outstanding Business Leader  acknowledges his role as a mentor and innovator in our Business Advisory Division Strategy360 , while Kirra Connell’s Outstanding Trainee  award signals a strong future for emerging talent through youth development and training. Ballina Chamber Executive Andy Vidler closed the evening with heartfelt thanks, “These awards give us a chance to pause and appreciate the work being done across this amazing region. Congratulations to Collins Hume and all the finalists.” With strong community roots and a forward-thinking mindset, Collins Hume continues to support clients, develop our people and contribute to the Northern Rivers with purpose and pride. “Thank you to the Ballina Chamber of Commerce for delivering another fantastic program and to the sponsors for making the celebration possible, especially to our client Marcon Consultancy, who generously sponsored and presented the award for Professional Services. It’s rewarding to see so many local businesses supporting and celebrating each other,” Chris added. Read more on this story Ballina Chamber of Commerce https://www.ballinachamber.com.au/business-awards-2025/   Photo credit: Ballina News Daily feature story https://ballinanewsdaily.com.au/2025/08/03/ballinas-business-of-the-year-chamber-celebrates-local-excellence/

5 Trends Making an Impact How high-performing businesses are navigating change and setting the pace. Small businesses across the Asia-Pacific region had a standout year in 2024, rebounding strongly from pandemic pressures. While the economic environment remains challenging, a select group of high-growth businesses are charting a confident course into 2025. Based on insights from CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey 2024–25 , here are five powerful strategies separating high-growth businesses from the pack. 1. Digital-First, Customer-Centric Top performers are deeply invested in ecommerce, driving more than 10% of sales online. They embrace modern payment options like Apple Pay and “buy now, pay later”, and use social media not only for promotion but to also monitor competitors, engage with customers and attract talent. 2. Relentless Innovation Over half of high-growth businesses plan to launch new products or services in 2025. Innovation also means refining existing systems and processes. A review of operations often reveals opportunities for meaningful change. 3. Tech Investment and Risk Management High-growth businesses are more likely to adopt AI, cloud platforms and mobile apps significantly boosting productivity. But they also acknowledge the risks, investing in cybersecurity and proactively seeking IT advice to protect operations. 4. Looking Beyond Borders Export ambitions are back. Nearly 30% of high-growth businesses say entering new overseas markets positively influenced performance. Digital platforms are proving key to expansion. 5. Seeking the Right Advice Growth businesses don’t go it alone. They turn to financial accountants, business consultants and IT specialists to guide strategy. Just 5% of high-growth businesses had not sought any external advice in the last year compared with much higher figures among lower-growth peers. Want to explore how your business measures up? Contact our Strategy360 Team for a business strategy session focused on digital innovation, operational improvements and sustainable growth. View full article: CPA Australia Small Business Resources

TIP: Self-running businesses aren’t just possible — they’re built on purpose! Many business owners fall into the same trap: becoming the linchpin holding everything together. They often think: “Customers won’t see the same value without me” “My team isn’t ready to take the reins” “The business will fall apart if I’m not involved daily” One business owner we know once believed all of that, too. Convinced that nothing would function without constant oversight, they felt indispensable. But the truth soon became clear: a business that can’t operate without its owner isn’t a business — it’s a high-stress job in disguise. So, they made a radical decision. They fired themselves! How stepping back made a better business The process didn’t happen overnight. Instead, they committed to systematically removing themselves from the day-to-day. That meant training the team, documenting processes and building systems that would support others to succeed. The results? The business didn’t just survive, it thrived Decisions turned around faster Customers remained happy The team stepped up with confidence. Without the owner acting as the bottleneck, the business unlocked new potential. Leadership was shared. Innovation happened organically. The business became more agile and resilient. From Job to Asset: the true value of a self-sufficient business The shift wasn’t just operational, it was transformational. What once felt like a demanding job became a genuine asset. The business could now grow in value and function without its founder’s daily involvement. A business that runs without the owner is more attractive to investors, successors or potential buyers. It becomes a self-sustaining engine — not just a source of income but a vehicle for long-term wealth and impact. And personally? Life improved dramatically. With more time and headspace, the owner reconnected with family, hobbies and health — priorities that had long been sidelined. A challenge to business owners: make yourself redundant There’s one question every business owner should ask themselves: “If I disappeared from my business for three months, what would happen?” If the answer is unsettling, it’s a signal to start making changes: Delegate more Document every repeatable task Build a team that doesn’t depend on one person. Because when the owner is no longer essential, the business becomes truly exceptional. Want a business that doesn’t rely on you? Building a self-running business doesn’t happen by accident — it’s a choice. Start small. Take action. And when you’re ready for support to create the systems that set you free, get in touch. It’s time to build something that thrives without you.

From air fryers to swimwear: tax deductions to avoid With the 2025 tax season fast in full swing the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is reminding taxpayers to be careful when claiming work related expenses. This is in reaction to a spate of claims that didn’t quite pass the ‘pub test’. To give you a few examples of what didn’t get through… A mechanic attempting to claim an air fryer, microwave, two vacuum cleaners, TV, gaming console and gaming accessories as work related expenses A truck driver seeking to deduct swimwear purchased during transit due to hot weather A fashion industry manager attempting to claim over $10 000 in luxury branded clothing and accessories for work related events These claims were deemed personal in nature and lacked a sufficient connection to income earning activities. The advice here would be - if in doubt leave it out or run it by us. 2025 priorities The ATO is focusing on areas where frequent errors occur including: Work related expenses: as above, claims must have a clear connection to income earning activities and be substantiated with records including receipts or invoices. Even if an expense seems to relate to income earning activities, it can’t normally be claimed if it is a private expense. There are a wide range of common expenses that normally don’t qualify for a deduction. Working from home deductions: taxpayers must prove they incurred additional expenses due to working from home. The ATO offers two methods for calculating these deductions: the fixed rate method and the actual cost method (more detail below). Multiple income sources: all sources of income, including side hustles or gig economy work must be declared. Each source may have different deductions available.   Working from home deductions For those working from home there are two methods to calculate deductions: Fixed rate method: claim 70 cents per hour for additional running expenses such as electricity, internet and phone usage even if you don’t have a dedicated home office. This method can only be used if you have recorded the actual number of hours you worked from home across the income year. A reasonable estimate isn’t enough. Actual cost method: claim the actual expenses incurred, with records to substantiate the claims. This method potentially enables a larger deduction to be claimed, but the record keeping obligations are more onerous. It's important to note that double dipping is not allowed. For instance, if you claim deductions using the fixed rate method you can’t separately claim a deduction for your mobile phone costs. As always, if you’re unsure or need help with your tax return please reach out to the Collins Hume team on 02 6686 3000. Also peruse our Fact Sheets for more useful resources at tax time »

Here's the real reason things can slip through the cracks: Do you ever feel like your team isn’t fully owning their responsibilities? Or that you’re constantly following up to make sure things get done? You're not alone. Many business owners experience the same frustration: tasks slipping through the cracks, deadlines missed and nobody stepping up. The root cause? A lack of real accountability. Why it's so hard to keep people accountable As a business owner, you wear a lot of hats. You lead the business, manage the team and probably jump in to help customers too. That’s a tough balancing act — and it’s easy to let things slide, especially difficult conversations. But when there’s neither a clear structure for who’s responsible for what (nor a process to follow up) things fall apart. What accountability actually looks like True accountability starts with setting expectations people can actually control . For example: Your staff can’t always control how profitable a job is, but they can make sure it’s finished  on time They may not control the amount of incoming work, but they can keep you updated  if they’re hitting a bottleneck. It’s about shifting the focus to what’s actionable. When team members are responsible for meeting job timelines or alerting you when they can’t, you’ll spend less time chasing and more time leading. Remember your senior team Even your senior staff need clarity and follow-up, especially when it comes to things like: Unbilled work Outstanding payments Delays in quoting or delivering jobs   These issues have a direct impact on your cash flow and customer relationships. But unless you check in regularly (monthly is ideal), they’re often pushed aside for “more urgent” tasks. Consequences matter One of the biggest gaps in small businesses? No real consequences when things don’t happen. Not everything needs to be financial — sometimes just knowing someone will follow up is enough. But without a clear line of responsibility, nothing changes. Three questions to ask yourself today Are your team goals based on things they can control ? Do you have a process to check progress and follow up? Are there consequences — or is it all talk? Want to build a culture of accountability? If you’re tired of chasing your team and want a simple, effective accountability process that actually gets results, without micromanaging, we can help. Book a free discovery call with Nathan McGrath on 02 6686 3000 to explore how we can help you set clearer expectations, improve team performance and give you back your time.

Unpacking the promises and priorities of Labor's victory As the Labor party settle back into their seats having secured a majority in the House of Representatives, we look at the campaign promises and the unfinished business from the last term. Individuals Personal income tax cuts: the 2025-26 federal budget introduced a modest income tax cut for all taxpayers from 1 July 2026 and again from 1 July 2027. The tax rate for the $18,201-$45,000 tax bracket will reduce from its current rate of 16%, to 15% from 1 July 2026, then to 14% from 2027-28. The saving from the tax cut represents a maximum of $268 in the 2026-27 year and $536 from the 2027-28 year. Legislation enabling  the tax cut passed Parliament on 26 March 2025. $1,000 instant work related expenses tax deduction The Government has committed to providing taxpayers who earn labour income with a $1,000 shortcut work related deduction claim  on their tax return. Taxpayers who are likely to have claims higher than $1000 can claim in the usual way. The simplified tax deduction is only available to those earning labour income. Those earning business or investment income only will not be able to claim this shortcut deduction. Taxpayers will be able to claim other non-work related deductions in addition to the instant work related deduction. Energy rebate extended The 2025-26 federal budget extended energy rebates . From 1 July 2025, households and small business will be eligible for a further $150 energy rebate until the end of the 2025 calendar year. The rebates will automatically apply to electricity bills in quarterly instalments. Cheaper home batteries The Government has committed to reducing the cost of home batteries from 1 July 2025 . Through the scheme, households will be able to purchase a typical battery with a 30% discount on installed costs – saving around $4,000 on a typical battery. The initiative extends the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme . 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers The Government has committed to a 5% deposit scheme for all Australian first home buyers . Under the scheme the Government will underwrite eligible first home buyers, enabling them to purchase a property with a 5% deposit without the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Expanding the existing first home buyer scheme, the media release says, “there will be higher property price limits and no caps on places or income, in a major expansion of the existing scheme.” The existing Home Guarantee Scheme  is limited in places and subject to income tests. The scheme is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents who have never owned property or land in Australia, or have not owned property or land in Australia in the last 10 years, and available to owner occupiers only. Superannuation Legislation enabling the proposed Division 296 tax on superannuation balances above $3m lapsed when Parliament dissolved. The question now is whether the Government will seek to push this reform through the Senate with the support of The Greens. Greens Senator Nick McKim has previously advocated for the Division 296 threshold to be lowered to $2m  and indexed to inflation. In addition, the Senator tied his support for the tax to a “prohibition for super funds to borrow to finance investments.” Originally intended to apply from 1 July 2025, if enacted, Division 296 will increase the headline tax rate to 30% for earnings on total superannuation balances (TSB) above $3m. The proposed calculation captures growth in TSB over the financial year allowing for contributions and withdrawals. This method captures both realised and unrealised gains, enabling negative earnings to be carried forward and offset against future years. Small business Extending the instant asset write-off for small business: An increase to the $1,000 instant asset write-off threshold has been a consistent feature of federal budgets by various governments as an incentive for small business investment. The extension of the increased instant asset write-off threshold to $20,000 for the 2024-25 financial was passed by Parliament  on 26 March 2025. The Government has committed to extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off threshold to 30 June 2026 . National small business strategy The Government has released its National small business strategy  for consultation. The strategy primarily addresses how different government jurisdictions work with small business and how to relieve some of the friction when dealing across government systems and requirements. Energy Green Aluminium Production Credit: The Government has $2bn set aside for a new Green Aluminium Production Credit to support Australian aluminium smelters switching to renewable electricity before 2036 (there are four of them). If you are wondering why the aluminium industry has been singled out, the reason is two-fold; aluminium is the second most used metal in the world and according to the Institute of Energy Economics and Financial Analysis , represents about 10% of Australia’s electricity demand - Tomago Aluminium just north of Newcastle in NSW, is the largest single user of electricity in the country with electricity making up about 40% of its costs. Transition from brown to green energy is not just a consumption issue for the industry, it’s a recreation of the value chain. Under the initiative, smelters will be able to negotiate an emissions linked credit contract payable per tonne of green aluminium produced for up to 10 years. The final credit rates will be based on individual facility circumstances and be dependent on reducing Scope 2 emissions. Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat or cooling. They account for around 85% of emissions from aluminium smelting. As always, if you’re unsure or need help with your tax return please reach out to the Collins Hume team on 02 6686 3000. Also peruse our Fact Sheets for more useful resources at tax time » See:  Aluminium to forge Australia's manufacturing future  and Department of Industry, Science and Resources. New Green Aluminium Production Credit will support the transition to green metals .

Case Study: Blushed Salon + Collins Hume When Melissa Edwards, founder of Blushed salon in Ballina, lost three staff members in a single week, she feared her business might not survive. “I lost many clients due to their departure and I felt that my professional reputation had taken a hit,” Melissa recalls. “I had to rethink my strategy and reassess what it was that I wanted in my business and life.” Like many creative entrepreneurs, Melissa knew her strengths lay in vision, service and style (not bookkeeping). What she needed was guidance, support and the financial clarity to rebuild stronger than ever. That’s where Collins Hume came in. Building Confidence Beyond the Salon Mirror Blushed is more than a beauty destination. With its signature blend of blonde perfection, hairstyling, makeup and lash and brow services, the Tamar Street salon is a sanctuary for self-care and confidence. But running a thriving personal service business comes with financial complexity and cash flow doesn’t style itself. Melissa knew she needed financial advisers who not only understood numbers but could help her understand them too. “ Peter and Kim  of Collins Hume are literal angels,” says Melissa. “I was not a numbers gal; I am a creative that knows hair! I have been very supported to learn the basics of Xero, BAS and GST, and have learnt how to do bookkeeping practices under the guidance of my CH team.” Structuring for the Future With Collins Hume’s support, Melissa found her rhythm. Our team worked closely with Melissa to build her knowledge of compliance, cash flow principles and digital systems like Xero – empowering her to make confident business decisions and stay aligned with ATO requirements. “Melissa’s resilience and passion are undeniable,” says Peter Fowler , Partner at Collins Hume. “She came to us at a point where many business owners might have walked away, but instead she leaned into learning and took control of her financials. It’s been a privilege to support that transformation.” A Beautiful Business Built on Purpose Melissa attributes her longevity to “understanding our WHY, and having like-minded business people in your corner.” Her advice to other business owners? “Understand your numbers. Business can be expensive and you must understand cash flow principles. Outsource elements to free up your time. Ensure you have a business mentor that understands business.” With a renewed sense of purpose, a growing team and solid financial systems in place, Blushed continues to be a source of inspiration – not just for the community it beautifies, but for business owners determined to bounce back. Need financial clarity in your business? Get in touch with Collins Hume to help turn your business challenges into defining moments. Explore Blushed: www.blushedandbeautiful.com.au Instagram: @blushed_salon_ballina Facebook: facebook.com/blushedsalonballina

The Organiser Everyone Needs in Their Life! For Collins Hume Executive Assistant Lani Winston, a typical day involves more than just making diary appointments and keeping clients compliant — it’s about bringing order, optimism and a spark to her role. Growing up in the hills of Nimbin and later relocating to Lismore, Lani now calls Caniaba home. Her journey to Collins Hume is rich in community spirit and experience, shaped by diverse roles in local business, fuel wholesaling and retirement financial planning. These taught her everything from corporate speak to the value of perseverance and connection — all before landing at Collins Hume in 2024. Lani joined Jamie Doyle’s team as Executive Assistant, and quickly found herself becoming a go-to organiser, compliance anchor and all-round social glue. With a Certificate III in Business Administration and an unstoppable “say yes” attitude, Lani thrives on variety bringing structure and energy to every task. Her work includes managing schedules, implementing client requests, establishing corporate structures and driving post-meeting action plans. The boys do the tax,” she laughs, “and I make sure everything else gets done.” But it’s not just about process — it’s about people. Lani is energised by others, often describing herself as the type of friend who organises everything — from flights to dinner bookings to dress codes and even your pantry! That flair has proven invaluable, especially as she plays a key role supporting Collins Hume’s Strategy360  rollout and leading database clean-up projects. It’s also why she’s the unofficial social secretary, organising EOFY and Christmas events that bring the team together. “I came from a small firm and missed the daily interaction with colleagues. When I met Naomi and Jamie , I asked about the social side of Collins Hume and soon was organising team events — now there’s always something fun in the pipeline,” she says. When Lani’s not streamlining systems or boosting morale at work, she’s embracing every moment of life. A sunrise-lover and morning person, she balances her dedication with downtime — whether that’s picnics with friends, exploring local wineries with her partner, reading classic literature, or caring for the “big dogs” (aka: donkeys) on their property. “I work to live, not live to work,” she says. “And I work hard so we can really enjoy life.”

How to Boost Your Business Value Before You Exit Succession planning tips for business owners who want a profitable future Australia is on the verge of the biggest intergenerational transfer of business wealth in its history. As thousands of Baby Boomer business owners prepare for retirement over the next decade, a wave of businesses will hit the market, creating both opportunity and risk. But here’s the catch: more businesses for sale doesn’t mean more buyers. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Unless your business is in top shape, there’s a very real chance it will struggle to sell or, worse, not sell at all! That’s why now is the time to take a serious look at how your business is positioned and what will drive its appeal to future buyers or successors. Why Succession Planning Can’t Wait At Collins Hume, we work closely with business owners to help them prepare for sale or succession, and one truth stands out: businesses that plan ahead get better results. With more businesses on the market, buyers will gravitate toward high-performing, low-risk opportunities. Those without strong fundamentals may be left behind. Here’s how to make sure you’re not in that boat. Four Key Drivers of Business Value If you want to make your business more attractive and profitable – no matter whether you’re selling in five or 15 years – these are the areas that count most: 1. Sustainable Growth Buyers are looking for revenue they can rely on and scale. Businesses with a clear growth trajectory command higher prices. Demonstrating year-on-year growth or recurring revenue streams shows resilience and future earning potential, making your business a safer bet. 2. Capacity for Scale Does your business have the systems, people and infrastructure in place to keep growing? Buyers want to see that your business isn’t overly reliant on you or a few key people. Strong leadership teams, documented processes and scalable systems signal a well-run operation, and give confidence that performance will continue post-sale. 3. Profitability and ROI The numbers matter. Profit margins, strong cash flow and a high Return on Investment (ROI) are critical to valuation. Compare your business against top performers in your industry. Those in the top 25% consistently achieve better valuations. Ideally, your ROI should exceed 25% to make your business stand out. 4. Risk Management Perceived risk lowers value. Buyers don’t want surprises. They want certainty. The more your business has its legal, financial and operational risks covered, the more desirable it becomes. This includes solid governance, compliance, up-to-date contracts and documented policies. The Bottom Line: Why It Pays to Start Early Preparing your business for sale or succession isn’t just about exiting It’s about increasing your return The difference between a sale that maximises your life’s work and one that underdelivers often comes down to preparation. In a crowded market, high-quality businesses will always win. If you’re not where you want to be today, that’s okay – but now is the time to make changes that shift the needle. At Collins Hume, we help business owners like you understand your business’s value, identify improvement opportunities and put strategies in place to boost both performance and market appeal. Want to maximise your business value before you exit? Start the conversation today. Contact Collins Hume’s Strategy360 Business Advisory team to map out your strategy and secure the future you’ve worked so hard to build.