Free entry — register now Collins Hume's NRL Footy Tipping Competition kicks off for 2025 Footy season starts 3 March and Collins Hume would like to invite you to participate in our annual NRL Tipping Comp. Prize Information First prize $300 Second prize $100 Third prize $50 Knockout Comp Winner $100 5 quick steps to join: Go to  https://www.iTipFooty.com.au Click the 'REGISTER' button if you don't already have an account with iTipFooty.com.au Once you have successfully registered login and, click the JOIN COMP button Enter Comp #103098 and Comp Password CH1234 Click join comp... DONE! Check-in for results each week. Prizewinners will be announced at the end of the season. Good luck! Collins Hume NRL Footy Tipping Comp 2025

The Government has announced a transition plan to phase out the use of cheques. Under the plan, cheques will stop being issued by 30 June 2028 and stop being accepted on 30 September 2029.  The use of cheques has declined dramatically over the last 10 years, declining by around 90%. In response, banks have stopped issuing chequebooks to new customers. However, financial institutions have a legislated requirement to accept cheques until the Government no longer requires them to do so.  Danish banks stopped accepting cheques in 2017 and New Zealand's banks in 2021.   Cheques out but cash remains king  While Australians have moved to digital payment methods, the Government has been careful to maintain cash as a payment method.  Around 1.5 million Australians use cash to make more than 80% of their in‑person payments. Cash also provides an easily accessible back‑up to digital payments in times of natural disaster or digital outage.  According to the most recent data, up to 94% of businesses continue to accept cash.  The Government has stated that they will mandate that businesses must accept cash when selling essential items, with appropriate exemptions for small businesses.  Currently, businesses don’t have to accept cash – business can specify the terms and conditions that they will supply goods and services.   The issue of card surcharges often comes up when a business adds a surcharge rather than recognising this cost of doing business in their pricing. A business can charge a surcharge for paying by card, but the surcharge must not be more than what it costs the business to use that payment type. How to contact us We’re available to assist you with business accounting and tax planning. Contact  Collins Hume Accountants & Business Advisers in Ballina on 02 6686 3000. Read more business topics here »

At Collins Hume, we take pride in welcoming talented professionals who bring fresh perspectives and expertise to our team. One of our newest additions, Brodie Cook, is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with a keen eye for technology, client relationships and innovative tax solutions. Originally from Portland, Dorset — a place famed for its pirate history — Brodie’s journey to Collins Hume has been anything but conventional. After eight years working at a UK accounting firm, she took on a brief secondment in Sydney followed by a planned return to the UK. However, fate intervened when she met her partner and decided to make the move permanent in 2024. “I initially planned to take a break, but my passion for accounting led me to explore new opportunities. I took the initiative to reach out directly to accountants in the area,” says Brodie. “I got a very good vibe after my first meeting with Peter and Kelly .” From Trainee to Experienced Problem-Solver Brodie’s career in accounting started early. Keen on maths and problem-solving, she approached accountants in her UK hometown and secured a role despite her young age and lack of formal qualifications at the time. Over the years, she worked her way up, discovering a passion for tax planning, automation and using tech to streamline client solutions. “I love tax because every client scenario is different — there are always multiple solutions. It’s about keeping clients organised, saving them tax and finding ways to help them succeed.” At Collins Hume, Brodie is part of Kelly’s team, where she works across a variety of areas, including BAS, accounts preparation, payroll and tax. She also reviews the work of junior team members, Kaleb and Kirra , and is actively building relationships with business and personal clients. A Xero Champion and Tech Enthusiast One of Brodie’s standout strengths is her extensive expertise in Xero. Having used the platform for almost a decade, she has been a Xero Champion and troubleshooter, leading multiple tech rollouts and working alongside Shannon and Nerida as part of Collins Hume’s “Xero Dream Team.” Her tech-savvy approach extends beyond software — Brodie understands the importance of adapting to automation and ensuring that accountants focus on what technology can’t do: strategic thinking, client engagement and complex problem-solving. Life Beyond the Numbers Outside of work, Brodie enjoys baking, BBQs and exploring her new home in Australia. She has also been trying her hand at crocheting — after an initially patchy start, she’s made progress with the help of a new crocheting friend. Despite the distance, she keeps strong connections with friends and family in the UK and is excited about her upcoming trip back in May. With her wealth of experience, tech expertise and passion for helping clients, Brodie is a fantastic addition to Collins Hume’s forward-thinking accounting team. We’re thrilled to have her on board and can’t wait to see how she helps drive success for our clients. About Brodie Cook Brodie Cook is a Chartered Accountant (CAANZ & ICAEW) and Business Financial Professional (BFP, UK) with extensive experience in tax, accounting and technology-driven solutions. She has worked in both the UK and Australia, holding key positions at firms including Albert Goodman, William Buck and now Collins Hume. Passionate about helping clients optimise their financial position, Brodie specialises in business services, Xero implementation and tax planning. She is a former Treasurer of the Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce and has also been a podcast speaker on accounting and technology topics.

Creating a culture of accountability in your business can be a game-changer, but it’s no small feat. Many business owners find it challenging to implement a system that truly holds everyone accountable. One of the biggest obstacles is maintaining accountability during meetings with your management team. It's tough to hold others to their commitments when you haven't met your own. These meetings should focus on critical issues that need attention,  not just routine updates.  Another challenge comes when responsibility is spread across committees or teams. It's easy for accountability to get lost when everyone assumes someone else is taking care of it. Instead, appoint a single person responsible for overseeing each task or project. Even if they delegate, they must ensure the job gets done.  4 Steps to Create Accountability  1. Define Clear Outcomes   Start by setting specific outcomes with clear actions and deadlines. Whether it's individual performance, team goals, or broader business objectives, clarity is key. Set short-term goals—monthly or even weekly—that are easy to track.  2. Regular Reporting   Establish a routine for reporting progress. This should include:  What’s been achieved  What hasn’t been met and why, along with corrective actions  Plans for the next period  Any concerns or potential obstacles.  3. Review Meetings   If things aren’t on track, schedule a review meeting with the relevant team members. Use this time to agree on corrective actions and set up follow-up meetings to ensure progress.  4. Escalation Process   If someone consistently misses deadlines or fails to deliver, it’s time to escalate. Involve senior management to address the issue. Often, the pressure of being held accountable by peers is enough to drive improvement. If not, additional meetings might be necessary to discuss their performance and next steps.  Maintaining Accountability  Your goal is to ensure that no one can dodge responsibility. By setting clear expectations and consistently monitoring progress, you can build a strong culture of accountability. If someone repeatedly ignores the process, it’s crucial that senior management addresses the behaviour head-on, regardless of their position in the company. Continued failure to comply may lead to serious reconsideration of their role.  This process isn’t about making threats. It’s about being transparent. Everyone should understand why escalation is happening and what is expected of them.  Consistency is Key  Many businesses struggle to maintain accountability because they lack consistency. To build a lasting culture, you need to stick to your framework, even when it’s tough.   Start by defining clear outcomes, setting actions, and establishing deadlines. Implement a solid reporting process and engage in regular follow-up discussions. You might be surprised at how much this can boost your business’s performance.  Elevate your business to new heights. Contact Nathan McGrath  on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you tailor a business advisory program to suit your specific requirements.

In today’s constantly evolving business landscape, leaders must pursue ongoing excellence and innovation.  Business mentoring offers a powerful avenue to:  Strengthen your leadership skills  Tackle complex challenges  Enhance personal growth  Drive a culture of innovation  Build resilience and adaptability.  By embracing these benefits, you not only elevate your leadership capability but also contribute to sustainable success for your organisation in the years ahead.  In our fast-paced business world, effective leadership is more critical than ever.   Leaders are confronted with uncertainties, market shifts and rapidly changing consumer expectations. One of the most impactful strategies for leaders seeking to refine their skills and drive organisational growth is business mentoring.  Key Areas Where Mentoring Can Help  Gone are the days of the “know-it-all” leader. Today, successful leaders recognise the importance of continuous learning and seek wisdom from experienced external mentors. A mentor provides valuable insights and a fresh perspective on leadership strategies, industry trends and decision-making.  With business mentoring, leaders gain the ability to stay agile, adapt to new challenges and lead with confidence.  Navigating Complex Challenges  Leaders face a broad array of challenges, from technological advances to geopolitical shifts. A trusted business mentor acts as a valuable sounding board, helping to navigate obstacles, brainstorm solutions and make well-informed decisions. Whether it’s growth strategy, organisational change or personnel issues, a mentor offers critical support and guidance every step of the way.  Fostering Personal Growth  Great leadership starts with self-awareness. A business mentor facilitates personal development by offering constructive feedback and encouraging self-reflection. This process helps leaders recognise their strengths, identify areas for improvement and, ultimately, inspire their team enhancing organisational outcomes.  Driving Innovation  Innovation is essential for any thriving organisation, and leadership is key to fostering a culture that encourages it. Mentors help leaders explore new ideas, challenge conventions and embrace transformative change, ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of its industry.  Building Resilience and Adaptability  Resilience and adaptability have become essential in today’s uncertain environment. Business mentors can guide leaders in developing these qualities, sharing valuable lessons learned from navigating past crises. Mentorship helps leaders remain composed under pressure and adapt effectively to new challenges.  Mentoring with Collins Hume Strategy360  At Collins Hume, our experienced mentors are committed to supporting and challenging leaders to excel in today’s complex business environment. Reach out today to start your journey to greater leadership success and organisational performance.  Contact us now to secure a mentoring partnership and start the Year ahead of the curve!

Developing the best diversified income model for your business  Are you looking to accelerate business growth by diversifying income channels? Many organisations find that traditional offerings can only take them so far, often with stagnant revenue growth and slim profit margins.   Successful diversification into high-value services can be transformative, enabling sustainable and accelerated growth. With increasing competition and pricing pressure on standard offerings, now is the time to act rather than wait for change.  Our article outlines how to build a strong diversified income model that fuels growth, aligns with customer needs, and future-proofs your business. By focusing on the right structure, infrastructure, engagement and delivery models, you can create a resilient income model that sets your business apart.  1. Assess Your Current Business Model  Before jumping into diversification, take a close look at your existing business model. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your current services and pinpoint gaps and opportunities. This foundational assessment will help you create a diversified income strategy that enhances and complements your core offerings.  2. Define Your Value  Developing a diversified income model means defining the products and services that will set your business apart. Consider high-impact services that provide tangible value. By focusing on these areas, your business can deliver value that goes beyond your core offerings, making a lasting impact on customer success.  3. Build the Right Infrastructure  Having the right tools and infrastructure enable you to deliver high-quality consistently, enhancing both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Invest in tools that support your diversification efforts, such as:  Data Analytics Tools  to generate in-depth insights and reporting for customers  Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems  that streamline communication and engagement  Collaborative Software  to facilitate teamwork and enhance efficiency.  4. Develop a Skilled Team  To excel in diversified service offerings, you need a team with the appropriate expertise. Invest in training and development to build a knowledgeable, skilled workforce. Hiring specialists can further strengthen your team’s capabilities and reinforce your offerings.  5. Engage and Educate Customers  Customer engagement is a cornerstone of a successful diversified income model. Educate yours on the value of your expanded services and how they can benefit. Use case studies, testimonials and real-life examples to illustrate the positive impact on others.  Regular communication with customers helps you stay in tune with their needs and challenges, allowing you to tailor services that genuinely support their goals. This strong relationship positions your business as a trusted partner in their growth journey.  6. Implement a Scalable Delivery Model  For sustainable growth, your new services need to be scalable. Develop a delivery model that allows you to serve an increasing number of customers efficiently. This might involve standardising processes, using automation for routine tasks, or creating templates for deliverables. A scalable model will allow your business to handle greater demand for your new services while maintaining high-quality delivery standards.  7. Measure and Monitor Performance  Finally, regularly measure and monitor the performance of your diversified income model. Set clear goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for each offering and review progress frequently. Use customer feedback and financial metrics to assess your effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. Continuous improvement and monitoring ensure that your diversified income model remains effective and aligns with your growth objectives.  Now is the time to take action. Begin building a diversified income model that positions your business for sustainable growth, enhanced customer satisfaction, and a prosperous future.  Contact Nathan McGrath  on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you achieve a better performing business and lifestyle.

Businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet they continue to face mounting challenges—rising interest rates, inflationary pressures and an unpredictable business landscape. At Collins Hume, we understand that traditional tax and compliance services alone won’t help businesses stay resilient. That’s why Strategy360° takes a proactive, holistic approach to business advice and support, empowering business owners and managers to navigate uncertainty and drive long-term success. Beyond Compliance: the need for strategic business advice While most businesses rely on accountants for tax compliance, financial reporting alone does little to does not support real-time decision-making. Business owners need ongoing, strategic advisory support that provides insights, planning, and financial forecasting to keep their operations on track. At Collins Hume Strategy360°, we go beyond the numbers to help business owners to strengthen their financial health, optimise their operations, and plan for future growth. Building a resilient business Through our Strategy360° methodology, we provide structured, forward-thinking advisory services tailored to business owners. Here’s how: 1. Business Due Diligence: Strengthening Internal Processes business practices A business health check isn’t just about compliance—it’s about uncovering inefficiencies, identifying risks, and ensuring financial controls are robust. Regular due diligence reviews help answer key questions:  Is cash flow  being managed effectively?  Are pricing models sustainable in a changing market? Are sales strategies aligned with business goals ?  By conducting an in-depth assessment, businesses can proactively address weaknesses before they become critical issues. 2. Strategic Business Planning: A Roadmap for Growth A business without a strategic plan is like a ship without a rudder. Collaborative planning sessions help owners and leadership teams set clear goals, define responsibilities and establish key performance indicators (KPIs). At Collins Hume, we facilitate and work with leadership teams to:  Set clear revenue, profitability, and expansion targets  Develop strategies to navigate financial pressures  Align budgets and forecasts with long-term business objectives. By taking ownership of the plan, business leaders gain clarity and confidence in their direction. 3. Predictive Accounting: Seeing the Future Before It Happens Traditional accounting is backward-looking—it tells you where you’ve been, not where you’re going. That’s why our Strategy360° approach includes predictive financial insights, allowing business owners to anticipate trends, avoid cash shortfalls and plan for investment.  We equip business owners with:  Financial forecasts and scenario planning to prepare for market fluctuations  Unit-specific budgets to optimise cost structures  Real-time cash flow analysis to keep operations running smoothly. Having access to these insights ensures businesses make informed, data-driven decisions. 4. Fiscal Management: Controlling Costs and Maximising Cash Flow Managing cash flow is one of the biggest challenges businesses face. Without a proactive approach, late payments, unexpected expenses, and inefficient financial management can put businesses at risk.  Our services focus on:  Improving debtor management systems to accelerate cash inflows  Negotiating better supplier terms to control expenses  Reviewing pricing strategies to maximise profitability. Taking control of financial levers allows business owners to stay ahead of economic pressures. 5. Innovation and Capital Raising: Unlocking Growth Opportunities For business owners looking to scale, funding and innovation play a crucial role. Many businesses miss out on government incentives, R&D tax benefits and alternative funding sources simply because they’re unaware of them.    Through Strategy360°, we guide businesses on:  Accessing Research & Development (R&D) tax incentives Exploring Funding Equity Raising opportunities Preparing investor-ready business plans and financial reports. By capitalising on available opportunities, businesses can fuel innovation, attract investors and scale their operations with confidence. Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level? With an unpredictable business environment ahead, business owners need more than just compliance support—they need strategic guidance to navigate challenges and capitalise on opportunities. At Collins Hume Strategy360° we’re committed to helping business owners like you strengthen financial resilience, optimise operations, and drive sustainable growth. Contact Nathan McGrath  on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how we can help you achieve a better performing business and lifestyle.  Visit https://www.collinshume.com/360 to learn more about how Collins Hume can help.

In today's unpredictable business environment, cash flow management has become more critical than ever.   As a business owner, one of the most important strategies you can implement is a comprehensive "Cash Flow Strategy." This should include detailed budgets for all business activities and key drivers for essential accounts like debtors, creditors, capital expenditure, inventory, work in progress, and research and development. Your plan should also incorporate cash flow forecasts and projected balance sheets.  These financial documents need to be updated and monitored (minimum) monthly, allowing for adjustments as necessary to maintain realistic and up-to-date forecasts for your business.  Effective Cash Flow Management Involves Monitoring:  Financial performance  Debtors  Work in progress  Inventory  Capital expenditure.  Why Cash Flow is King  Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. In the current economy, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your cash flow strategy. This means paying particular attention to your debtors, stock investments, work in progress and capital expenditure.   A critical metric to track is Debtor Days Outstanding  — the average time it takes to collect payments from customers — and Australia has one of the longest debtor collection periods in the world. Many business owners assume that invoices will be paid within 30 days, but this is often not the case, leading to significant cash flow difficulties.  3 Key Areas to Monitor  Debtor Management: Ensuring you have an effective system to manage and collect debts is crucial. Without it, you risk cash flow issues that could threaten the survival of your business. Don’t assume that all customers will pay on time.  Creditor Management: It's equally important to manage your payment terms with suppliers. New businesses may find that suppliers require cash in advance or on delivery, and assuming 30-day payment terms could create immediate cash flow issues.  Inventory and Capital Expenditure: Balancing the right level of inventory and planning capital expenditures carefully will prevent cash from being tied up unnecessarily.  Regular Monitoring is Essential  Cash flow management isn’t a once-a-year task. At a minimum, it should be reviewed monthly. By comparing your actual performance to your budget, you can quickly identify emerging problems that could impact your cash flow. Regular monitoring allows you to adjust your strategy and secure additional funding if needed, whether that’s through loans, raising capital or other financial resources.  By staying proactive and keeping a close eye on your cash flow, you can navigate uncertainty with confidence and keep your business on a solid financial footing.  Elevate your business to new heights. Contact Nathan McGrath  on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you tailor a cash flow strategy to suit your specific requirements.

Running a business today is filled with challenges that go beyond tax deadlines. While accountants and bookkeepers are essential allies, business leaders need to be supported all year — not just during year-end tax meetings.   Financial strategy, cash flow and budgeting are key to staying resilient and thriving in today’s competitive landscape. Here’s why continuous support from specialists can make all the difference.  Year-Round Accounting Support is Crucial  Many business leaders wait until the end of the financial year to engage their accountants, primarily to determine their tax liability. However, waiting until then limits the opportunity for proactive planning. Business leaders need actionable insights throughout the year to navigate ongoing financial demands and strategic planning. Let’s delve into the top challenges businesses face and how continuous support can address them.  Key Challenges and How Collins Hume Can Help  1. Managing Debtors  Effective debtor management is essential for cash flow. Businesses benefit from guidance on setting up robust debtor systems that align with their revenue cycles and business needs.  2. Understanding Supplier Terms  Before launching a business, it’s wise to negotiate and understand supplier terms. While some suppliers offer credit terms, others may demand cash on delivery, which can strain cash flow. Accountants can assist in understanding these terms and incorporating them into the business’s financial strategy.  3. Preparing for Tax Payments  It’s not uncommon for some businesses to take a cursory view of their tax obligations, often finding themselves caught off guard by tax liabilities they haven't budgeted for. Planning for these payments through regular cash flow forecasts can help avoid financial stress.  4. Building Budgets and Cash Flow Forecasts  A strong financial plan includes budgets and cash flow forecasts — essentially the “Financial Interpretation of the Business Plan.” These tools can predict potential financial bottlenecks, enabling businesses to take pre-emptive action.  Utilising a Year-Round Business Enhancement System to Optimise Management  For ongoing success, business leaders need a reliable framework that keeps financial insights at their fingertips. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to incorporate a structured reporting system:  Regular Reports  A one-page snapshot of sales, outstanding debtors, upcoming payables, cash on hand and gross profit percentage helps businesses stay on top of their daily financial health. This visibility aids in making quick adjustments and staying agile.  Performance Metrics  A weekly report showcasing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and profitability metrics for each business segment can highlight emerging issues. Addressing these weekly prevents minor issues from snowballing into major problems.  Financial Analysis  Monthly reports provide a comprehensive overview, including KPIs, business metrics and budget comparisons. These summaries enable a deeper understanding of the business’s financial standing and highlight areas for improvement before the year-end.  The Bottom Line  By adopting a year-round approach to accounting and financial management, build resilience and stay prepared for whatever comes your way. Collins Hume are more than tax accountants — we’re strategic partners who help businesses forecast cash flow, navigate supplier terms and even have a specialist team of bookkeepers to manage debtor accounts. For business owners and managers, embracing continuous financial support isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential for long-term success.  Collins Hume can help you take the first step toward a stronger, more resilient business with Strategy360. Contact Nathan McGrath on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how we can help you achieve a better performing business and lifestyle.

‘Payday super’ will overhaul the way in which superannuation guarantee is administered. We look at the first details and the impending obligations on employers.  From 1 July 2026, employers will be obligated to pay superannuation guarantee (SG) on behalf of their employees on the same day as salary and wages instead of the current quarterly payment sequence.  The rationale is that speeding up the payment sequence for SG will not only help reduce the estimated $3.4 billion gap between what is owed to employees and what has been paid, but will also improve outcomes for employees – the Government estimates that a 25‑year‑old median income earner currently receiving super quarterly and wages fortnightly could be around 1.5% better off at retirement.  Announced in the 2023-24 Federal Budget, payday super is not yet law. However, given the structural changes required to administer the new law, Treasury has released a fact sheet to help employers better understand the implications of the impending change.  How will payday super work?  Under payday super, the due date for SG payments will be seven days from when an ordinary times earning* payment is made. That is, employers have seven days from an employee’s payday for their SG to be received by their super fund. The only exceptions are for new employees whose due date will be after their first two weeks of employment, and for small and irregular payments that occur outside the employee’s ordinary pay cycle.  Over the last few years, employers have moved to single touch payroll (STP) reporting for employee salary and wages. It is expected that payday super will fold into the existing electronic systems and some changes will be made to STP to collect ordinary times earning data.  The impact for some employers however will not be the compliance cost of administering the regular SG payments, but the cashflow. Employers will not be holding what will be 12% of their payroll until 28 days after the end of the quarter, but instead paying this amount out on the employee’s payday. The upside is that where an employer has either fallen behind or not paying SG, particularly when the business is insolvent, the damage is contained.   What happens if SG is paid late?  The penalties for underpaying or not paying SG are deliberately punitive and this approach will continue under payday super.  Currently, a super guarantee charge (SGC) applies to late SG payments - comprised of the employee’s superannuation guarantee shortfall amount, interest of 10% per annum from the start of the quarter the SG payment was due, and an administration fee of $20 for each employee with a shortfall per quarter. And, unlike normal superannuation guarantee contributions, SGC amounts are not deductible to the employer, even when the liability has been satisfied.  Under payday super, employees are fully compensated for delays in receiving SG amounts and larger penalties apply for employers that repeatedly fail to comply with their obligations. If you make a payment late, the SGC is made up of:  Outstanding SG shortfall   Calculated based on OTE, rather than total salaries and wages as it is currently.  Notional earnings   Daily interest on the shortfall amount from the day after the due date, calculated at the general interest charge rate on a compounding basis.  Administrative uplift   An additional charge levied to reflect the cost of enforcement and calculated as an uplift of the SG shortfall component of up to 60%, subject to reduction where employers voluntarily disclose their failure to comply.  General interest charge  Interest will accrue on any outstanding SG shortfall and notional earnings amounts, as well as any outstanding administrative uplift penalty.  SG charge penalty   Additional penalties of up to 50% of the outstanding unpaid SG charge, that apply where amounts are not paid in full within 28 days of the notice of assessment.  As you can see, if the proposed SGC becomes law, late SG payments can spiral out of control quickly. This will be a particular issue for employers that pay employees less than their entitlements over time, or have misclassified employees as contractors and have an outstanding SG obligation.  But, unlike the current SGC, the new SGC will be tax deductible (excluding penalties and interest that accrue if the SG charge amount is not paid within 28 days).  Payday super is not yet law. We will keep you up to date as change occurs and work with you to get it right once the details have been confirmed.   *Ordinary time earnings are the gross amount your employees earn for their ordinary hours of work including over-award payments, commissions, shift loading, annual leave loading and some allowances and bonuses.

Investment NSW exporting programs NSW Export Capability Building Program The NSW Export Capability Building Program empowers businesses with essential knowledge and the skills required to pursue opportunities in international markets. Through a series of online and in-person workshops, the program offers foundational sessions that cover the basics of exporting, as well as specialised workshops focused on specific sectors or markets. These targeted workshops are designed to help businesses enhance their performance or successfully enter new export markets, ensuring that NSW businesses are well-equipped to compete and grow on the global stage.  Going Global Export Program The NSW Going Global Export Program is designed to help businesses expand into international markets with confidence and ease. Whether you're new to exporting or looking to deepen your global presence, the program provides the essential tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in the international marketplace.  Over the course of 4-6 months, participants will engage in online workshops, market intelligence briefings and cultural training, ensuring they’re well-prepared for the complexities of global trade. The program also includes potential partner introductions and business matching services, as well as market visit programs, in-market assistance, and logistical support to help you establish a foothold in your target markets.  Applicants need to meet eligibility criteria and be selected to participate in their nominated stream. Selected participants need to agree to the terms and conditions of program participation.    More Austrade information, tools and support to grow your business globally: Contact Nathan McGrath on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you tailor a program to suit your requirements.

Future-proof your business  Mentorship isn’t just a perk; it’s a strategic investment in your team’s growth and your company’s future.   An effective mentoring program signals that your business is committed to developing and retaining talent rather than leaving their success to chance.   By fostering mentorship, you’re actively equipping your team with tools to excel and contribute more meaningfully to your organisation.  A good mentor provides a neutral space where team members can navigate workplace challenges and gain insights into the company’s operations. While not a direct supervisor, a mentor helps mentees understand the broader picture—offering advice on career advancement, navigating office dynamics, and achieving personal growth. Effective mentorship builds trust and offers support beyond day-to-day tasks, cultivating stronger leaders and more engaged employees.  Gone are the days of expecting staff to “figure it out” on their own.  In today’s competitive market, mentorship is essential for retaining talent. High-performing employees now have more career options, and companies can’t afford a passive, wait-and-see approach. By guiding them through meaningful work, offering growth opportunities, and showing them the rewarding aspects of their roles, mentors help make your organisation a place they want to stay.  A successful mentoring program relies on intentional planning and accountability.   The best mentors are experienced, credible, and genuinely invested in their mentees’ success. To create a lasting impact, ensure that mentors and mentees meet regularly and set clear, measurable goals. The program should be flexible yet structured, with evaluations to assess its effectiveness and room for adjustments based on feedback.  For business owners and executives, this investment in mentorship goes beyond individual growth. As your employees become more effective through mentorship, they’re better equipped to deliver exceptional service to customers and collaborate effectively with peers, ultimately enhancing your business performance.   If you’re looking to future-proof your business with a culture that promotes growth, start with a dedicated mentorship initiative. Assign a program champion, select credible mentors, and nurture a collaborative environment where your team feels supported. The return on this investment is a workforce that’s committed, capable, and inspired to help drive your business forward.  Elevate your business to new heights. Contact Nathan McGrath  on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you tailor a mentoring program to suit your specific requirements.