- My Business
Yellow Brick Road Small Business Fightback
Small business is under pressure in Australia. Yellow
Brick Road believes it is time for small business to stand up and be
counted by sharing our views and stories, to help change the way things
work.
Tell us how your small business is faring and what the barriers are to your enterprise developing and growing. Follow Mark on Twitter and keep track of the hash tag #YBRFightBack
We will share this information. Yellow Brick Road cares about small
business and will share your views and stories with Federal and State
Governments, the Reserve Bank of Australia and other relevant parties.
Have you got a story to tell? Shortage of skilled staff? Trouble getting finance?Tell us now
Tales from the Small Business front line
angelographyIndustry: Other
03-May-2012
03-May-2012
my family (parents and younger brother) own
and run a garden Centre in Gol Gol NSW (just outside of Mildura) the
drought hit the nursery industry pretty hard and slowed up sales quite a
bit, we hung in there as the family business has been up and running
for 32 years now and the last thing we want to see is the business go
belly up.
We are one of two garden centres left in the rural city of Mildura, many have been forced out of business due to the climate and with the introduction of bunnings to Mildura.
Being a family business does make somethings easier as wages are kept down as my parents don't actually work for a wage. Though when things are really slow none of us get paid which is a killer in this climate at the moment.
We have had some suppliers tell us that we as a small business can't stock some lines of products as "they are bunnings lines" this is unfair trade and unfortunately seems to only be going to get worse as the council have just approved the development of the woolworths "bunnings" outlet to be built in Mildura.
The big wigs of our small town are killing off small business and with our lowering cash flow and the inability to be approved for loans to make any improvements to our garden centre things are not looking good.
it's about time the government took a stronger stance on the development of large corporations when they kill off our small business which has been around for three generations and might not make a fourth one if things keep up the way they are.
We are one of two garden centres left in the rural city of Mildura, many have been forced out of business due to the climate and with the introduction of bunnings to Mildura.
Being a family business does make somethings easier as wages are kept down as my parents don't actually work for a wage. Though when things are really slow none of us get paid which is a killer in this climate at the moment.
We have had some suppliers tell us that we as a small business can't stock some lines of products as "they are bunnings lines" this is unfair trade and unfortunately seems to only be going to get worse as the council have just approved the development of the woolworths "bunnings" outlet to be built in Mildura.
The big wigs of our small town are killing off small business and with our lowering cash flow and the inability to be approved for loans to make any improvements to our garden centre things are not looking good.
it's about time the government took a stronger stance on the development of large corporations when they kill off our small business which has been around for three generations and might not make a fourth one if things keep up the way they are.
ScottoIndustry: Manufacturing/Operations
02-May-2012
02-May-2012
Taxation is too high and there is no incentive to retain employees during difficult times.
If turnover is down and you retain all of your employees, the Governement still takes the PAYG. Some BAS situations like this has almost destroyed my business as we try to keep everyone employed.
If the governement was serious about employment retention then PAYG should have a direct link with turnover just like GST. Business owners may then be prepared to ride the slower times, knowing that they are supported by Governement by offsetting PAYG costs against turnover, reducing the Quarterly BAS payment.
If turnover is down and you retain all of your employees, the Governement still takes the PAYG. Some BAS situations like this has almost destroyed my business as we try to keep everyone employed.
If the governement was serious about employment retention then PAYG should have a direct link with turnover just like GST. Business owners may then be prepared to ride the slower times, knowing that they are supported by Governement by offsetting PAYG costs against turnover, reducing the Quarterly BAS payment.
RebateIndustry: Real Estate & Property
30-Apr-2012
30-Apr-2012
For the past year I have been getting my
business off the ground on a part time basis while working full time to
support myself and my two children. My greatest barrier is achieving
awareness to my service as it is new, with no cost, in fact the vendor
receives money back from my company as we charge the Real Estate Agency.
My service is a win win for three entities, the vendor, the real estate
agent and our company. People think it is too good to be true and for
me to really get the message and my business "out there" will take
marketing, advertising - all media, and this takes money that the banks
will not lend for. I know I have an awesome business idea, but I need
the funds to show Australia! Any ideas??
JSDIndustry: Advertising/Media/Entertainment
27-Apr-2012
27-Apr-2012
I'm in the Graphic/Web Design business and
it seem there are a lot of people in this business that will do jobs for
clients almost nothing, and it makes it hard to attract customers when
there are others that can afford to offer such low prices. Also being
an internet based business it is hard to collect payment when most of
the time my clients are interstate and all I have is an email address
and phone number to contact them on. I have had to change the way I
work and ask for payment before I start on the work and there are a lot
of people who do not like that.
woman4hireIndustry: Advertising/Media/Entertainment
26-Apr-2012
26-Apr-2012
One woman company, making $100 websites for
small to medium businesses. Just me, my computer, and my desire to work
and help others grow. My main barrier is getting noticed by the small
business community. I'm here and ready to help!
slasherIndustry: Trades & Services
18-Apr-2012
18-Apr-2012
I have a tractor slashing/clearing business
in North Queensland, after the cyclone and rain we had up here early
last year was unable to work for 5 months due to sodden ground etc. I am
now looking to purchase a used truck for $25K, approuched my bank which
has never helped me in the 14 years I have been in business (banking
with them), only looked at last years figures and turned me down (really
bad year), in the past I have had to rely on non banking loans at a
higher % rate to obtain equipment. Its not that I am new to this bank I
have been a customer for 29 years with home loans, all my insurances and
all my saving and business accounts are with them but they will not
back me with business finance.
sudsIndustry: Healthcare & Medical
08-Apr-2012
08-Apr-2012
7 months into setting up new clinic someone
ran into my building and caused damage. although the landlord was
responsible for repairs I had to endure 7 weeks with temporary fencing
and despite clear signage to say we were open, we dropped 33% of our
gross profit during that time due to contractors delaying repairs.
Income protection insurance didn't cover loses as business wasn't
closed, no other risk insurance would have covered it. solicitors told
me i couldn't sue the driver as any win would just cover the costs. so
all the contractors make a fortune on the repairs and I just have to go
without earnings. surely we should be able to protect ourselves better
from other people damaging our business
StillkickingIndustry: Banking & Financial Services
28-Mar-2012
28-Mar-2012
Bought a small Financial Planning business,
wasn't as advertised...clients had been disadvantaged by previous
owner/"adviser", financials misrepresented, somehow passed audits.
Spent my time repairing the business, helping the clients at an
advantage to reputation (not just for me, but the industry) but at a
financial disadvantage, banks couldn't get out quick enough, no
financing options, couldn't afford lawyers to pursue my legal rights
when struggling to save the business, couldn't afford to keep good staff
while repairing the damage, and when concentrating on saving a
business, couldn't grow it (plus, tough market conditions anyway,
everyone seems to be hurting). Live and learn. 3 years of hard slog,
still fighting, clients are happy (and mostly financially recompensed),
business is off life support, new startup business launched (...time
will tell) to help disadvantaged clients (not going to get rich doing
it, but will save some clients some heartache). Meanwhile, have to put
up with politicians telling me how they're going to save the financial
planning industry with FOFA, when the laws are already in place and
simply need to be policed. Instead, more paperwork for me. So many
laws to protect rights of the small business owners but only for the
cashed up and clued up. Go figure. We'll keep fighting on...
BAHIndustry: Construction
26-Mar-2012
26-Mar-2012
A few issues with SME these days, is the
fact we have no one representing us in government federal or state,
politics today is a joke, its all for one and one for one. its time that
any company that can't pay its bill with in 14 days should be charged
with theft , theft of services and fraud, if you can't pay for the job
don't get it done, most SME businesses go broke because the client
stretches them out and or doesn't pay their bill at all, only servicing
the SME with a fantasy excuse. as we all know in the building industry
unless your the biggest you sit about 2 rungs down the social ladder
from a prostitute, at least thats how we are treated. its time the
industry as a whole stands up for the fact that to become a tradesman
you actually study more than a GP doctor, to become a builder you study
longer than a brain surgeon so why don't we charge accordingly then
maybe the general public will take trades a bit more seriously, i could
go on for hours. we simply need a SME political party, count me in.
EasyWayOutIndustry: Other
26-Mar-2012
26-Mar-2012
I did it the easy way. I got sick of
dealing with ongoing government fees and expenses, compulsory industry
fees and expenses, the very long hours spent trying to keep uptodate
with all the requirements - so quit, now it's someone else's problem and
I get a pay cheque without the headache.
DCWIndustry: Manufacturing/Operations
24-Mar-2012
24-Mar-2012
We employ 11 people and wish to expand,
quoted 26k for power upgrade, all passed by relevant authorities etc,
start work on project, and now told by energy Australia, sorry another
upgrade required 100k now for power alone, this makes the project too
expensive and not worthwhile, we kave lost 40k getting this far and
would have looked at other options, too many people with no regard for
other people doing jobs they don't care about (energy Australia). Btw my
husband and I are sole owners and work so hard to be successful and
keep our guys going at work :(
akagrpIndustry: Accounting
23-Mar-2012
23-Mar-2012
Easier to conduct overseas branches then
interstate, with different regulations e.g Workers Comp, Payroll Tax,
Licensing, Govt Grants
DarylConnellyIndustry: Consulting & Corporate Strategy
23-Mar-2012
23-Mar-2012
Late last year, I was finding that the
biggest issue facing small business was confidence. Due to the the
relentless negativity and lack of vision in economic and regional
development commentary, many small business owners were feeling down and
out. A group of us decided to address this by deciding to proactively
"bust the doom and gloom", using social media to celebrate great
Tasmanian ideas, businesses and people. Twitter followers can catch a
glimpse of what we're all about by following @positivelytas.
We can get through the tough times, however we mustn't wait for government or anybody else to lead the way. We simply need to get on with it and inspire those around us to do the same.
We can get through the tough times, however we mustn't wait for government or anybody else to lead the way. We simply need to get on with it and inspire those around us to do the same.
ghppconveyancinIndustry: Legal
23-Mar-2012
23-Mar-2012
I've started my conveyancing business from
ground up approximately 2 years ago. Business is good, but I want it to
be great. Upon starting my business I was relying on friends and family
in the industry to reach out and lend a helping hand, but only to be
dissapionted with false promises. In retrospect it probably worked out
for the better. I want to take my business to another level. Aside from
word of mouth, what would be the best way to increase leads and in turn
profitability? And which doesn't cost an arm and leg due to limited
funds. Any input or recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
in advance.
StevenHowardIndustry: Consulting & Corporate Strategy
23-Mar-2012
23-Mar-2012
I run a one-person marketing consulting/SEO
firm from home. No clients visit me. But because my business is a Pty
Ltd I have to pay over $500/year to WorkSafe. For what? In case I staple
my finger or fall down while going to the kettle to make coffee? All my
$500+ per annum does is help WorkSafe run more TV commercials or pay
their senior execs 6-figure salaries.
jenbishopsydneyIndustry: Advertising/Media/Entertainment
23-Mar-2012
23-Mar-2012
the toughest things for small businesses are
payroll tax, lack of decent education on relevant topics, lack of a
decent lobby group to advocate, bad service from banks
rdscott10Industry: Manufacturing/Operations
23-Mar-2012
23-Mar-2012
The additional 3% super for staff is a huge impact across payroll. Profits aren't there to cover it
NextMobileIndustry: Retail & Consumer Prods
22-Mar-2012
22-Mar-2012
The cost of goods in Australia would seem to
be far higher than other parts of the world, as grey importers are
dominating the mobile phone arena especially in the online space, making
trading extremely difficult at present. What makes our wholesale cost
so much more expensive than the "equivalent" handset that comes out of
Hong Kong for example is, I guess, the great unknown for the humble
retailer struggling to compete.
The power of the internet, coupled with greatly improved logisitics worldwide means ordering from overseas is no longer a difficult, costly or time consuming exercise. Talked about changes to GST threshold limits may be an option, but possibly impossible to implement, although this area does need to be investigated. Maybe the newly appointed Small Business Minister should have this on his agenda?
The power of the internet, coupled with greatly improved logisitics worldwide means ordering from overseas is no longer a difficult, costly or time consuming exercise. Talked about changes to GST threshold limits may be an option, but possibly impossible to implement, although this area does need to be investigated. Maybe the newly appointed Small Business Minister should have this on his agenda?
champozIndustry: Consulting & Corporate Strategy
22-Mar-2012
22-Mar-2012
we are a small recruitment agency with a large number of temp workers. Banks could help by credit on invoices.
hrhamandaIndustry: Trades & Services
22-Mar-2012
22-Mar-2012
I find that what's really hard for small
businesses like my own is the ability to borrow funds to purchase
equipment that will enable growth
ms_annienortonIndustry: Trades & Services
22-Mar-2012
22-Mar-2012
restrictive legislation re: commercial
tenancies and industrial relations. Also, insurance costs are very high.
Building ins, business ins, work cover, etc. $$$ each year going out
for?
takeu2thesummitIndustry: Consulting & Corporate Strategy
22-Mar-2012
22-Mar-2012
The toughest thing for small businesses
these days is having a clear vision, an effective plan, effective
systems, clear role defined for staff and accountability to action plan.
rdscott10Industry: Retail & Consumer Prods
22-Mar-2012
22-Mar-2012
My business is printing & publishing
based in QLD. I think the most difficult thing about being an small
business in this economy is access to funding to develop new revenue
streams & opportunities.
NancyGeorgesIndustry: Trades & Services
22-Mar-2012
22-Mar-2012
toughest things 4 SMBs to control> keeping up 2 date with technology, thinking like a business & how 2 market
conveyancerIndustry: Legal
21-Mar-2012
21-Mar-2012
I have been in the industry for over 15
years but opened my own business 3 years ago, i have learnt a lot and am
proud of what i have achived from nothing but the three biggest
problems we have is cashflow, marketing (where to start) and access to
funding of any kind. Banks appear to go out of their way to make my
life as hard as possible you would think i was asking them to gift money
they way i am treated! The banks spend so much money on adver but
really have no intentions of looking after the little people.
hallcamIndustry: Trades & Services
21-Mar-2012
21-Mar-2012
we employ 120. Inflexible IR is the problem. Worse since FWA started. No productivity gains tied to wage increases.
c70b4rIndustry: IT & Telecommunications
20-Mar-2012
20-Mar-2012
We have plenty of work on but can't find
enough skilled and experienced developers... when we do advertise we get
bombarded with offers of "help" from recruiters that fail to run basic
checks against candidates.
lucaswhiffinIndustry: Banking & Financial Services
20-Mar-2012
20-Mar-2012
Finance. Eastern suburbs Melbourne. Rising costs and smaller margins. Needless additional compliance.
bennyw82Industry: Retail & Consumer Prods
20-Mar-2012
20-Mar-2012
The hardest thing about being a growing
business in this economy is transport and Supply chain- The lowest price
wining out over service Lvl. everyone wants top quality for $0. wont
work long term
willo_gloIndustry: Retail & Consumer Prods
20-Mar-2012
20-Mar-2012
Small family run furniture store in Bendigo. Hardest thing, being competitive with large chain store with huge buying power.
tgmillarIndustry: Trades & Services
20-Mar-2012
20-Mar-2012
Plumber Revesby getting paid from clients on time. And feeding your family. Taxes are killing small business
DamienBean5Industry: Retail & Consumer Prods
20-Mar-2012
20-Mar-2012
In the newsagency biz, it's hard to spend the little money we have to experiment with new stock, to try and make more money.
Views and opinions
expressed as part of this campaign are not necessarily the views or
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