After a very strong employment growth figure in February, employment growth in March 2024 returned to more normal levels. In trend terms, the unemployment rate remained stable at 3.9 per cent for the fifth month in a row, while in seasonally adjusted terms, unemployment increased by 0.1 percentage point to 3.8 per cent, which is where the rate sat in October 2023.
Apr 18, 2024
The March 2024 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that external administrations are now at a record high as Australian businesses continue to battle cost pressures, skilled labour shortages and declining consumer demand.
Apr 17, 2024 The January 2024 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed the average value of B2B invoices is now at a record low, reflecting the continuing contraction of business activity.
Feb 14, 2024 The November 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed the industries with the biggest increases in external administration rates over the past 12 months with some surprising results.
Dec 13, 2023
A successful strike-off action indicates that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has taken the necessary steps to deregister a company formally. This implies that the business name has been struck from the Australian Business Registry (ABR) and all associated parties, be they employees or creditors, have been notified of the winding up of the company.
Nov 17, 2023 The October 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that Australian business activity is now at disturbingly low levels with the average value of invoices at their lowest point since CreditorWatch began recording this metric in January 2015.
Nov 15, 2023
Significant changes to the unfair contracts regime come into law today, with new multi-million penalties for companies and individuals forcing trading partners to sign contracts that are deemed unfair. Are your contracts fair and equitable?
Nov 09, 2023 The September 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that the contraction of Australian business activity may have eased but it remains at a low ebb, with the average value of B2B invoices down 42% year-on-year and well below pre-COVID levels.
Oct 18, 2023 The August 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed Australian businesses activity is at near-record lows with the average value of B2B invoices now down 36% year-on-year - its lowest point since January 2017.
Sep 13, 2023 The July 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed the average value of business invoices has fallen by almost a third over the past 12 months, with a drop of 28% year-on-year.
Aug 23, 2023
The June 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) show business payment defaults surge 52%; On the upside, Western Brisbane the most-improved region in Australia.
Jul 12, 2023
CreditorWatch Chief Economist Anneke Thompson and Head of Content Michael Pollack unpack the CreditorWatch May 2023 Business Risk Index results.
Jun 22, 2023 The May 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) show Australian businesses are coming under increasing pressure.
Jun 20, 2023
The ‘unfair contract terms’ laws (as set out in the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) establish out a regime whereby a term in a consumer or small business contract will be void if the term is unfair and the contract is a standard form contract.Australia’s Unfair Contract Terms regime (UCT) has now been significantly expanded in respect of ‘small businesses’. The changes were passed by Parliament on 28 October 2022 and will come into effect on 9 November 2023.
Jun 16, 2023
In today’s job market, building a strong network and finding a great mentor are critical to achieving your goals. This is especially true now that the job market is more competitive than ever before, with hundreds of qualified candidates vying for the same positions.
May 24, 2023 The April 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that the average value of invoices (trade receivables) remained elevated in April despite other leading indicators showing that businesses are coming under increased pressure.
May 17, 2023
This month’s data revealed the strongest bounce back in trade receivables data on record. This is an 86% increase on the previous month’s trade receivables data, but still 5.6% below trade receivables recorded in March 2021 and March 2020.
Apr 20, 2023 The March 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed, on multiple indicators, that business activity has returned to pre-COVID levels despite continued high inflation and interest rates.
Apr 18, 2023 The February 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) shows that business conditions, particularly around payment times have tightened due to high inflation and interest rates, in combination with falling demand.
Mar 15, 2023 The January 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) reveals that business conditions are turning for Australian businesses, with a number of key metrics continuing to decline after a subdued end to 2022 as the RBA continued to tighten the screws on interest rates.
Feb 16, 2023
Whether you’re seeking a long-term business loan or a small loan to start a business, having a less-than-stellar company credit history can feel like a life sentence. However, there are options available to business owners that could be worth considering, to improve the likelihood of approval for a loan or line of credit and improve your business credit score.
Feb 02, 2023
This month’s data showed some reasonably surprising insights into the state of business activity in Australia. While we usually see a run up in trade receivables as Christmas approaches, this key indicator of business activity has been flat since July and declining since September.
Dec 15, 2022 The November 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) reveals that the usual trade momentum going into December has failed to materialise and businesses should brace for a more subdued Christmas trading period.
Dec 15, 2022
Enterprises within the hiring and rental business historically operate on a critical foundation of trust. Understandably so, as the value and volume of goods loaned are often significant.
Oct 24, 2022
Spanning a broad cross section of Australian businesses, from art galleries to theatres, gyms to sport and recreation clubs - the arts and recreation services industry is a fickle beast.
Aug 17, 2022
Looking at the past can help you determine trends of the future – but sometimes the past can come back to bite you. A company’s credit history can make or break its ability to secure credit and conduct business.
Jul 29, 2022
CreditorWatch has been awarded the ISO 27001 and 27017 certifications, for information security management and cloud security controls respectively. These globally recognised accreditations prove that CreditorWatch has achieved the highest standards of information security management.
Jul 01, 2022
For the vast majority of business owners, debt collection is not something you want to spend too much time dealing with. Whether you’re in it, chasing it, or just trying to stay one step ahead of it, you probably feel that the hours grappling with outstanding payments could be better spent working on your business.
Jun 30, 2022
The unemployment rate for April 2022 remained steady with the revised March 2022 rate of 3.9 per cent. There appears to be very little slack remaining in the employment market, with employed people only increasing by 4,000 people (0.03 per cent) despite a record number of jobs being available.
May 19, 2022
In our latest episode, we present the January Business Risk Index results and analysis. CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan and index creator James O’Donnell from Open Analytics discuss the key insights.
Apr 13, 2022
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After a very strong employment growth figure in February, employment growth in March 2024 returned to more normal levels. In trend terms, the unemployment rate remained stable at 3.9 per cent for the fifth month in a row, while in seasonally adjusted terms, unemployment increased by 0.1 percentage point to 3.8 per cent, which is where the rate sat in October 2023.
Apr 18, 2024 The March 2024 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that external administrations are now at a record high as Australian businesses continue to battle cost pressures, skilled labour shortages and declining consumer demand.
Apr 17, 2024
Let’s just take a moment to stop and smell the economy (after all, roses are yet to bloom). Inflation is still above the RBA’s goal, interest rates are still high (with a cut maybe by October/November 2024 if we are lucky), there are increasing rates of insolvencies, spending is down and the cost of living is up.
Apr 15, 2024
It’s been widely reported that the ATO is increasing its debt collection activity after holding off taking action during the COVID pandemic. Companies running a business will incur certain tax debts that need to be reported and paid to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), including PAYG withholding payments and superannuation guarantee payments on behalf of employees, as well as any GST payable by the company.
Apr 15, 2024
Significant changes to the unfair contracts regime came into law in November 2023, with new multi-million dollar penalties for companies and individuals forcing trading partners to sign contracts deemed unfair. Are your contracts fair and equitable?
Apr 15, 2024
It’s weird isn’t it, how keeping personal information private requires transparency. Who knew? Here’s a fun fact: Privacy Awareness Week (“PAW”) will be held this year from Monday 6 May 2024 until Sunday 12 May 2024. “Is this important?” we hear you ask, and “Why should I care?”
Apr 15, 2024
CreditorWatch is thrilled to announce that it has been honoured with the prestigious HRD 5-Star Employer of Choice award, celebrating its commitment to nurturing an exceptional workplace culture. At CreditorWatch, our people make the difference, and we prioritise their wellbeing and development above all else. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful learning and development programs, we ensure that every team member feels valued and supported.
Apr 09, 2024
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute’s Consumer Sentiment survey revealed a fall in consumer confidence at the April survey of 2.4 per cent. Consumer confidence has now been near record lows for two years, representing one of the longest lengths of time of consumer despondency since the survey began.
Apr 09, 2024
For business owners, smooth and even cash flow is crucial for the growth and success of your operation. However, when faced with challenges like late payments on outstanding invoices, businesses may experience disruptions that ripple through operations, hindering growth opportunities and jeopardising their chances of success.
Apr 05, 2024
The monthly CPI growth figure has remained steady now for three months in a row, rising by 3.4 per cent. However, removing volatile items (fruit & vegetables, automotive fuel and holiday travel and accommodation) the monthly growth rate fell to 3.9 per cent, down from 4.1 per cent the month prior.
Mar 27, 2024 The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped by 0.4 per cent to 3.7 per cent, as many workers who were jobless in January but had employment to move in to have taken up those jobs. There was a very large increase - 116,500 people employed over February in seasonally adjusted terms.
Mar 21, 2024
The latest NAB business confidence survey reported a slight increase in conditions, and a fall in confidence. Mirroring CreditorWatch’s Business Risk Index data, confidence was lowest in the retail, construction, mining and food and beverage sectors.
Mar 12, 2024
When it comes time to access credit or engage with new suppliers and trading partners, your company credit history can be as important as your reputation in the industry. If you’re unaware of your business’s creditworthiness, you may struggle to gain favourable financing terms or establish a foundation of trust with stakeholders.
Mar 08, 2024
Retail trade increased in seasonally adjusted terms by 1.1 per cent in January, but was flat in trend terms. Given that retail trade jumps around quite dramatically between November, December and January, the trend data is important to consider and, as the ABS suggests, indicates there is no underlying growth in retail trade by Australian consumers.
Feb 29, 2024 
The January 2024 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed the average value of B2B invoices is now at a record low, reflecting the continuing contraction of business activity.
Feb 14, 2024 Consumer confidence survey data released by Westpac today showed an unexpected increase in confidence among consumers in February. While sentiment is still in deeply pessimistic territory, this month’s survey recorded the biggest lift in sentiment since April 2023.
Feb 13, 2024 
Today’s release of the December quarter CPI figures will provide great relief to both home and business borrowers, as it all but assures them that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will keep rates on hold at next Tuesday’s Board meeting.
Jan 31, 2024 
Businesses in Australia are currently experiencing challenging economic conditions. When performing customer due diligence, it’s important to note that there are always tell-tale signs that companies display when in financial distress.
Jan 29, 2024 
If you’re looking to safeguard the financial health of a business and improve customer relationships, establishing well-defined credit procedures and credit policy is crucial. A credit policy acts as a blueprint for how your business extends credit to customers.
Jan 17, 2024
If business growth has plateaued, and your business feels like it is just going through the motions, it might be time to give it a new lease on life. For many small businesses, there comes a point in the business life cycle where they feel like progress has stopped.
Jan 11, 2024
With the holiday season in full swing, there's no better time to reset and get reinvigorated with the best insightful and informative business podcasts to provide you with fresh ideas for the year ahead.
Jan 09, 2024
A ‘cross directorship’ refers to when an individual is the director of more than one company. While this is not always a red flag for financial risk, it can become one if that director has a history of poor payment behaviour, fraud or misconduct within that other business and you’re unaware of these transgressions.
Jan 04, 2024
Times have been tough for Australian retailers as cost-of-living pressures force consumers to tighten their belts. In this article, we look at how retailers can set themselves up to start 2024 in the strongest possible condition.
Dec 18, 2023 In a trend that continues on from October labour force data, the unemployment rate rose by 0.1 per cent to 3.9 per cent on a seasonally adjusted basis, despite a good increase in the overall number of employed people by 61,500.
Dec 14, 2023 The November 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed the industries with the biggest increases in external administration rates over the past 12 months with some surprising results.
Dec 13, 2023 Consumer sentiment lifted slightly following Westpac’s November survey, however it still hovers around record low levels. Business confidence is now turning decidedly sluggish, and not surprisingly the retail sector recorded the biggest fall.
Dec 12, 2023
Late payments can be crippling businesses, particularly those operating on tight margins, such as SMEs. This pressure intensifies during the summer holiday season, a period that traditionally sees an increase in late payments and payment defaults as many businesses shut down for the period with unpaid invoices.
Dec 08, 2023
Borrowers today breathed a sigh of relief as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today chose to keep the cash rate steady at 4.35 per cent in its final meeting until February. Stagnating retail sales, slowing inflation and a rising number of unemployed job hunters all combined to convince the RBA that current monetary policy settings are sufficient to slow the economy.
Dec 05, 2023 Consumer confidence plummeted again in October, following the announcement of a further increase to the cash rate following the Melbourne Cup Reserve Bank board meeting. Just two months ago, consumers, and most economists were reasonably confident we’d reached the end of the monetary policy tightening cycle.
Dec 01, 2023 Today’s monthly CPI data showed positive signs that monetary policy is taming the inflation beast. Excluding volatile items (fruit and vegetables and fuel), monthly CPI reduced to 5.1 per cent, down from 5.5 per cent the previous two months.
Nov 29, 2023 Retail sales fell an overall 0.2 per cent over the month of October, after recording rises in spending in both preceding months. For discretionary goods categories, this is to be expected, as many consumers will have chosen to hold off on spending for Black Friday sales, which are currently in progress.
Nov 28, 2023
A strong credit profile is one of the cornerstones of a successful business. As with an individual credit score, having an excellent business credit profile will mean the business is more likely to gain approval for financing, such as a line of credit or business loan, or more favourable terms with suppliers.
Nov 24, 2023
A successful strike-off action indicates that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has taken the necessary steps to deregister a company formally. This implies that the business name has been struck from the Australian Business Registry (ABR) and all associated parties, be they employees or creditors, have been notified of the winding up of the company.
Nov 17, 2023 The October 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that Australian business activity is now at disturbingly low levels with the average value of invoices at their lowest point since CreditorWatch began recording this metric in January 2015.
Nov 15, 2023 Both Business Sentiment and Consumer Confidence measures taken by NAB and Westpac respectively showed increasing pessimism among both groups. Business confidence declined, while conditions improved slightly, which suggests that even though businesses might be doing okay for now, there is an expectation that these reasonable conditions won’t last.
Nov 14, 2023 Significant changes to the unfair contracts regime come into law today, with new multi-million penalties for companies and individuals forcing trading partners to sign contracts that are deemed unfair. Are your contracts fair and equitable?
Nov 09, 2023
Off-the-shelf accounting software has revolutionised the ease with which small businesses can manage their finances. From tracking your finances and making reconciliation smoother to accounts payable and staff payroll, ERPs (enterprise resource planning) and accounting software like Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks makes doing business easier than before.
Oct 31, 2023
Today’s retail trade data revealed a slight increase in the rate of spending in September 2023, partly driven by the release of the new iPhone and a warm start to spring, which boosted spending on hardware, gardening supplies and clothing.
Oct 30, 2023
In good news for the economy, September quarter inflation data released today by the ABS shows that services inflation has moderated since June 2023. While still high, at 5.8%, it is down from the June 2023 peak of 6.3% and is also the first decrease in the rate of services inflation since December 2021.
Oct 25, 2023
Of course it’s important to gather the right information when onboarding a new customer. Without it, you might not be able to set them up properly in your customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Oct 19, 2023 The September 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that the contraction of Australian business activity may have eased but it remains at a low ebb, with the average value of B2B invoices down 42% year-on-year and well below pre-COVID levels.
Oct 18, 2023
In the complex landscape of tax obligations, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) aims to employ a strategic approach to debt management, carefully crafted to cater to the diverse needs of businesses while maintaining fairness and equity.
Oct 11, 2023
The RBA has maintained the cash rate at 4.10% at the October 2023 meeting. Continuing weak retail trade and consumer confidence data is giving the board the clear sign that their efforts to reduce demand in the economy have worked very well.
Oct 03, 2023 September saw the continuance of fuel inflation, with petrol and diesel prices rising substantially due to reduced production by key oil states like Saudi Arabia. The increase in fuel prices, alongside continued price gains in insurance and residential rents, resulted in a small increase in monthly inflation.
Sep 29, 2023 Retail Trade continues to grow very modestly, with a 0.2% seasonally adjusted monthly increase recorded over August. This equates to an increase in spending of 1.5% over the year, and is well below inflation rates.
Sep 28, 2023
The PPSR, the government Personal Properties Securities Register, is akin to home and contents insurance. It should be quick to set up and, once done, will protect you in case of an adverse event (for example insolvency).
Sep 21, 2023
While the August 2023 unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7% on a seasonally adjusted basis, there was a strong gain in employed people overall, at 64,900, or a 0.5 percentage point increase. The very minor increase in the participation rate from 66.9% to 67.0% was the reason this jobs growth wasn’t enough to lower the unemployment rate again.
Sep 14, 2023 The August 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed Australian businesses activity is at near-record lows with the average value of B2B invoices now down 36% year-on-year - its lowest point since January 2017.
Sep 13, 2023
Capturing relevant information when completing customer onboarding smooths the experience across four key areas of the onboarding stage; compliance or due diligence, credit risk, employee experience and customer satisfaction.
Sep 12, 2023
It's an occurrence seen all too frequently within wholesale trade and retail in Australia. A trading partner with high levels of outstanding debt goes insolvent, only then to re-emerge under a new name with the slate somehow miraculously wiped clean.
Sep 07, 2023
Imagine if you could look into a crystal ball, see into the future and know whether your trading partners were going to pay you on time. While it can’t 100% guarantee outcomes, trade payments data is as close to a crystal ball as you can get when it comes to credit control and looking into the health of a business’s bank account.
Sep 06, 2023 Today’s June quarter inflation rate came in at below market expectations at 6%, with particular progress made in the slowing rate of goods inflation, which dropped from 7.6% over the year to March 2023 to 5.8% over the year to June. Goods inflation is far more responsive to monetary policy changes than services inflation, and this shows that consumers have well and truly responded to the RBA’s tightening measures.
Sep 05, 2023
For businesses that trades credit with customers, staying ahead requires more than just ambition – it requires smart decision-making, streamlined processes, and a keen awareness of risk.
Sep 04, 2023 The monthly CPI data continues to show an easing of price rises in most categories in the CPI basket. The exceptions, however, are rents, which rose by 7.6% over the year to July, up from 7.3% in June.
Aug 30, 2023
The July 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed the average value of business invoices has fallen by almost a third over the past 12 months, with a drop of 28% year-on-year.
Aug 23, 2023 On a seasonally adjusted basis, the unemployment rate in Australia climbed by 0.2 percentage points in July, to a still very low 3.7%. The number of unemployed people in Australia climbed by almost 36,000, with almost all of this increase being felt in two states, Queensland and NSW.
Aug 17, 2023
A lot can change across a customer’s lifecycle, whether that’s over a few months or 10 years. Just because a customer was in a strong financial position when you completed due diligence and ran their business credit check, doesn’t mean they’ll be as financially strong five years down the track.
Aug 16, 2023 Consumer confidence continues to bump along at near record low levels, falling by 0.4% in July 2023. Consumers are unlikely to report any improvement in confidence until inflation looks to be firmly in the rearview mirror.
Aug 09, 2023
Whether you’re a long-time credit controller, a new business owner or a seasoned finance manager, a clear, consistent credit risk management process is key to doing more business, with the right customers, and getting paid faster.
Aug 03, 2023
In some positive news this month, June 2023 CPI data showed that inflation in Australia is on a steady downward trajectory, mirroring what is happening in most major economies around the world.
Aug 01, 2023 Retail trade fell 0.8% in June 2023, as consumers showed far less willingness to spend in the mid-year sales compared to previous years. In a sign of just how much pressure consumers are under, retail spending fell in every category except food retailing, which only increased by 0.1 per cent in dollar terms.
Jul 28, 2023 Today’s June quarter inflation rate came in at below market expectations at 6%, with particular progress made in the slowing rate of goods inflation, which dropped from 7.6% over the year to March 2023 to 5.8% over the year to June. Goods inflation is far more responsive to monetary policy changes than services inflation, and this shows that consumers have well and truly responded to the RBA’s tightening measures.
Jul 26, 2023
To empower business owners and credit professionals in navigating insolvent trading partners, we've compiled a comprehensive and data-driven report: 'Safeguard your business from insolvency', enriched with insights from industry experts.
Jul 26, 2023
In the ever-changing realm of finance, where uncertainty looms and economic conditions can shift rapidly, conducting proper due diligence of vendors and customers through financial risk assessments (FRAs) has never been more important.
Jul 24, 2023
Credit card companies pass a large amount of consumer and business data on to credit reporting agencies and bureaus, such as CreditorWatch, to inform their credit scores and debtor risk analysis. Each credit reporting body has independent in-house policies for collecting this data, including the frequency, time points of collection, and sources.
Jul 18, 2023
‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) compliance involves meeting the standards set by regulators for customer verification and identity checking, depending on your type of business, service provided and industry. Enforcing KYC checks allows regulators and authorities to mitigate criminal activity such as money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Jul 17, 2023
Typically in Australia, when a debt collector takes up the collections effort for a creditor (or buys the remainder of the debt), the creditor will provide them with any contact details it has on file. If this is insufficient or the debtor’s details have changed, the collections agency or creditor may use search tools such as CreditorWatch’s business search portal to find missing information. In certain circumstances, a creditor or debt collector can apply to a court for a ‘substituted service’, allowing them to attempt contacting a debtor via less traditional means such as social media.
Jul 14, 2023
When a business, bank, credit union or lender have exhausted their in-house options to recover money owed, they turn to a debt collection service for debt recovery in Australia. These agencies and providers follow up on late or non-paying debtors, either for a fee to the creditor or after buying the remainder of the debt outright.
Jul 13, 2023 The June 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) show business payment defaults surge 52%; On the upside, Western Brisbane the most-improved region in Australia.
Jul 12, 2023
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) made the decision today to hold the cash rate at 4.10 per cent, with data released in June not definitive enough to warrant a further increase at this stage. There is still concern about the very tight labour market and underlying inflation. Looking overseas, inflation in areas that are typically labour intensive is only decreasing very slowly, while price rises for goods are coming down faster. This is the same in Australia, where we recorded a decline of 0.4% in the price of clothing and footwear.
Jul 04, 2023
Even if a debtor changes address or other details, debt collectors can still attempt to serve legal documents via several different means. Remaining uncontactable does not instantly wipe the debt, and you may be liable for further legal action or asset seizure in the future.
Jul 03, 2023 
CreditorWatch Chief Economist Anneke Thompson and Head of Content Michael Pollack unpack the CreditorWatch May 2023 Business Risk Index results.
Jun 22, 2023 Consumer sentiment took another dive this month, following another interest rate rise after the June RBA board meeting. Westpac reported that responses during its monthly survey in June (taken over a few days before, during and after the board meeting) deteriorated dramatically following the RBA’s decision.
Jun 21, 2023 The May 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) show Australian businesses are coming under increasing pressure.
Jun 20, 2023
The ‘unfair contract terms’ laws (as set out in the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) establish out a regime whereby a term in a consumer or small business contract will be void if the term is unfair and the contract is a standard form contract.Australia’s Unfair Contract Terms regime (UCT) has now been significantly expanded in respect of ‘small businesses’. The changes were passed by Parliament on 28 October 2022 and will come into effect on 9 November 2023.
Jun 16, 2023
This year has already thrown up a number of challenges for business and individuals alike. Continued inflation, rising interest rates, supply chain issues, labour shortages and extreme weather have all meant that a large number of companies have and will continue to face various challenges that can lead to financial distress, including insolvency.
Jun 13, 2023 Consumer confidence remains near recessionary levels, with consumers surveyed by Westpac after the rate rise decision on June 6 noticeably more pessimistic than those surveyed the day prior.
Jun 13, 2023
In Australia, an insolvency notices alert is a notification service provided by different companies such as CreditorWatch, to alert subscribers to new insolvency notices related to companies or individuals such as external administrations, winding up applications (voluntary or court mandated), and proposed company deregistrations.
Jun 07, 2023 Despite clear signs that the Australian economy is well and truly into its necessary slowdown, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today increased the cash rate by a further 25 basis points to 4.10%, in an effort to combat services side inflation.
Jun 06, 2023
Dealing with overdue payments is an unfortunate reality for many businesses, particularly in tough economic conditions. When efforts to collect debts internally prove ineffective, enlisting the services of a debt collector becomes a viable option.
Jun 06, 2023
As Australian businesses brace themselves for a challenging FY24, we have launched our comprehensive "End of Financial Year Survival Guide 2023". The report, enriched with insights from our panel of expert contributors, provides valuable tips and tools to help businesses prepare for the next 12 months. We offer an economist's perspective on the outlook for FY24, and industry-leading guidance on optimising cash flow and recognising early indicators of insolvency, empowering businesses for growth in the new financial year. Download the full report here.
Jun 05, 2023 This month’s economic data was dominated by the release of quarterly CPI data. While an increase of 7.0% for the March quarter was promising in that it showed inflation is definitely reducing (down from 7.8% for December quarter), it is still high, and actually increasing in the services sector.
May 31, 2023
Credit checking for Australian businesses is the speciality of the CreditorWatch team. Credit checking due diligence helps creditor companies, lenders, and banks create a clear picture of borrower risk. This analysis helps determine what credit terms to extend to debtors, if any.
May 26, 2023
Running a credit check on a business is essential for proactive risk mitigation strategies. Checking credit scores for businesses is made intuitive with the advanced RiskScore platform from CreditorWatch. You can check the creditworthiness of any existing or prospective company client with a simple ABN or ACN search, and better inform your decisions with sophisticated data. Read on to learn how to do a credit check in our guide below.
May 25, 2023 In today’s job market, building a strong network and finding a great mentor are critical to achieving your goals. This is especially true now that the job market is more competitive than ever before, with hundreds of qualified candidates vying for the same positions.
May 24, 2023
Good debt refers to borrowing that can generate long-term benefits and enhance a business's financial position. In contrast, bad debt refers to borrowing that does not contribute to the growth or profitability of a business and can potentially harm its financial health.
May 22, 2023
The tech industry has long been associated with relentless investment and rapid growth. However, amid rising interest rates and difficult market conditions, the global fintech market is facing increasing challenges. It is crucial for industry players to reassess their strategies and prioritise sustainable growth. In an insightful article for FinTech Australia titled 'How to manage the Fintech margin squeeze’, our Enterprise Account Director, Stirling Streeter, delves into the consequences of the ‘growth at all costs’ mindset and offers valuable guidance on risk mitigation.
May 22, 2023
Afterpay is leading the charge for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service providers in Australia. It offers customers the chance to pay off a purchase in four instalments, paid fortnightly. A credit card, by contrast, gives users access to a continuous active line of credit,
May 21, 2023
As a business or individual consumer, you cannot manipulate someone else’s credit score. However, you can alert reporting bodies, such as CreditorWatch, of negative payment behaviour or adverse events to inform their analysis.
May 20, 2023
Afterpay took the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services market by storm when it was launched in Australia in 2014, appealing to young consumers with the prospect of interest and fee-free payments (if made on time). To make a profit, most of Afterpay’s revenue comes from merchants, with a flat merchant fee of $0.30 and a 4-6% commission based on the value of the sale. Late charges from customers also account for a proportion of its income.
May 19, 2023 
The average salary for a credit controller varies from city to city and state to state. According to the jobs website, Seek, an average annual credit controller salary in Sydney ranges from $75,000 to $85,000.
May 19, 2023 The April 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that the average value of invoices (trade receivables) remained elevated in April despite other leading indicators showing that businesses are coming under increased pressure.
May 17, 2023
A credit reference check, or credit report check, describes accessing a business or individual’s credit file with a reporting body. Australian companies can sign up for a free trial of the credit reporting tools from CreditorWatch to check the creditworthiness of trading partners before extending terms. Conducting this due diligence allows for proactive corporate risk management, avoiding risky debtors before they threaten vital cash flow.
May 17, 2023
Credit reporting agencies in Australia, such as CreditorWatch, analyse enormous datasets to generate credit scores for businesses or individual consumers. Companies, banks, lenders and other creditors use this information to determine the suitability of debtors and applicants for loans.
May 17, 2023
Financial risk is the potential for loss or adverse consequences resulting from inadequate or failed financial decisions, investments, or operations. It encompasses various factors that can impact a company's financial stability and profitability.
May 15, 2023
In today's financial landscape, maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for accessing various opportunities, from securing loans to renting an apartment. Unforeseen circumstances or past financial mistakes can leave individuals burdened with a less-than-ideal credit history. This is where credit repair companies step in, offering their expertise to help individuals repair and restore their creditworthiness. In this article, we will delve into the world of credit repair companies, exploring their purpose, operations, benefits and the signs of reputable service providers in Australia.
May 15, 2023
The term ‘financial risk’ refers to the potential for a loss of earnings or income. The higher the likelihood or severity of that outcome, the greater the financial risk. Businesses and individuals alike must responsibly manage their exposure to these risks to mitigate the prospects of insolvency, default or bankruptcy.
May 13, 2023
A credit report details a potential borrower or debtor’s risk to the lender or creditor. A credit reporting agency, such as CreditorWatch, analyses large subcategories of business data to generate our reports and credit scores for Australian companies.
May 12, 2023
At CreditorWatch, we understand and value the confidence you place in us when you register to use our platform. We know that you rely on us to support your business with credit risk management tools that help you protect and grow your business while ensuring that your data is safeguarded with gold-standard security protocols.
May 11, 2023
At CreditorWatch, we understand the current challenges faced by construction firms in Australia. That's why we are excited to announce the release of our latest report, 'Cracks in the Foundations 2023.' This comprehensive report provides valuable insights and guidance to help businesses navigate the tough trading environment and kickstart growth. Download the free report here: https://creditorwatch.biz/3NCuest
May 11, 2023
The term ‘risk’ refers to the probability of an adverse outcome occurring. The higher that probability, the riskier the activity. ‘Financial risk’ applies that concept to a potential loss of income or revenue for a business or individual.
May 08, 2023
Debt collection describes recovering overdue funds owed to a creditor, administered by a third party for a fee. If a business or individual considers themselves unable to recoup money owed after taking steps to collect it - they may decide to contract the services of a debt collector.
May 04, 2023
A security interest is a debt or obligation secured by personal property (known as collateral) as defined by the Australian Financial Security Authority (ASFA). In the event that a debtor fails to meet their obligations, such as defaulting on payments, the secured creditor can take possession of the collateral.
May 03, 2023
Customer due diligence (CDD) is the process of verifying the identity of a customer, assessing the potential risks associated with their activities, and determining whether their behaviour and transactions are consistent with their known or stated activities.
May 02, 2023 For the first time since the start of this monetary policy tightening cycle, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) was faced with a set of data that gave it no clear indication of which way to move and has left the cash rate on hold at 3.60%.
May 02, 2023
Running a credit check on a prospective new client can help a business mitigate the risk of bad debt. However, some companies may find this exercise intimidating or confusing. Luckily, the credit reporting suite from CreditorWatch takes the hassle out of this essential process.
May 01, 2023
Financial risk represents the likelihood of an unfavourable outcome relating to personal or business decisions. The higher the financial risk exposure, the greater the chance of losing money or becoming indebted.
May 01, 2023
Closing a credit card account may impact an individual or business’s credit scores, depending on the nature of the closure. Any credit account closure can affect credit scores to some degree, as reporting bureaus look favourably on maintaining regular payments on these products, and you will subsequently have less information on file.
May 01, 2023
A business credit card allows a business owner or one of their nominated staff to purchase items on credit. The balance of this credit gets settled at the end of the statement period, which may vary from one credit product to the next.
Apr 29, 2023
This month’s economic data was dominated by the release of quarterly CPI data. While an increase of 7.0% for the March quarter was promising in that it showed inflation is definitely reducing (down from 7.8% for December quarter), it is still high, and actually increasing in the services sector.
Apr 28, 2023
It has become common practice in Australia for landlords (or property managers working on their behalf) to check the financial history of prospective tenants. A credit check for tenants allows landlords to assess their rental payment capacity and track record. Some credit reporting bureaus or property management-specific providers offer services to conduct a landlord credit check for tenants.
Apr 28, 2023
This month’s data revealed the strongest bounce back in trade receivables data on record. This is an 86% increase on the previous month’s trade receivables data, but still 5.6% below trade receivables recorded in March 2021 and March 2020.
Apr 20, 2023 The March 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed, on multiple indicators, that business activity has returned to pre-COVID levels despite continued high inflation and interest rates.
Apr 18, 2023
A common struggle facing small business owners is juggling the need to protect cash flow from risky trading partners, with the lack of time and resources available to manage this risk properly.
Apr 11, 2023
DataX is a data analytics service that Westpac offers to guide large client businesses in Australia. The analysis enables users to inform their operations with reliable insights by leveraging the institutional bank's extensive consumer and corporate data.
Apr 05, 2023
A credit report is a detailed record of a business or individual's credit history, which includes information about their credit accounts, credit inquiries, and payment history. This report is compiled by credit reporting agencies, such as CreditorWatch, based on the data provided by lenders, credit card companies, and other creditors.
Apr 05, 2023 
Getting your head around the ins and outs of credit reports can be challenging, especially the differences between key terms, such as credit report vs credit score. Let’s break down everything individuals and businesses need to know about credit reports.
Mar 31, 2023
Credit management is the process of managing the credit risk associated with extending credit to customers or clients. Its main purpose is to ensure that businesses can collect payments for goods or services provided to customers within a reasonable period of time, while minimising the risk of late payments, defaults and bad debts.
Mar 31, 2023 The Australian economy is in the early throes of its necessary slowdown. The risk of the slowdown getting out of the RBA’s control was heightened this month by news of liquidity issues in some US and European banks.
Mar 31, 2023
A business credit card works like a personal credit card, in that it allows an owner or employee to make company purchases on credit, which should be repaid to the card provider at the end of the statement period.
Mar 30, 2023
Q: What is the difference between a mortgagee and a mortgagor? A: A mortgagee is a lender or financial institution that provides a loan to purchase a property. A mortgagor is a borrower who receives a loan, using their assets as collateral.
Mar 30, 2023
Land surveying definition: Professional land surveyors provide measurement and boundary-marking services for construction projects. Experts recommend contacting a professional surveyor before developing to ensure site accuracy and mitigate potential issues ahead of time.
Mar 29, 2023
According to the latest annual cyber-threat report from the government cyber-security agency, the ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Centre), cybercrime increased 13% over the last financial year with a rise in the sophistication of cyber threats, making crimes like ransomware and fraud easier to replicate at a greater scale.
Mar 29, 2023
When you submit an application for a loan, the lender will conduct a ‘hard enquiry’ of your credit score. This enquiry remains visible to other lenders in your credit history, allowing them to see how recently and frequently you’ve tried to access credit.
Mar 28, 2023
February Retail Trade data indicates that Australian consumers are continuing to reduce their spending on discretionary goods. Spending on household goods was flat over February, while spending on ‘other retail’ declined by 0.4%.
Mar 28, 2023
It’s a clichéd phrase, this “Line in the Sand” stuff isn’t it? It says “Just stop, I’ve had enough”. Whether it’s an over excited puppy, an annoying colleague or even listening to your own internal critic, we all know there comes a time when we need to put a halt to things as they are.
Mar 28, 2023
Do you remember that awkward conversation with your bookkeeper? Yeah, you know the one. They asked you about your accounts receivable and you confidently launched into a rundown of the business expenses you’d recorded for the past month
Mar 27, 2023
When a business applies for funds from a bank, lender or credit union, it is applying for a business loan. Short term loans for business may be ‘secured’ (underwritten by collateral such as property) or unsecured, with interest varying accordingly.
Mar 27, 2023
Data breach. Two words that send shivers down any company exec’s spine. Unfortunately, they’re increasingly common, the effects are widespread across a business’ operations and the financial impact can be massive. At CreditorWatch we’re acutely aware of the trust you place in us when you sign up to use our platform. We’re continually monitoring our information security management to ensure that our platform remains at the highest level of security.
Mar 24, 2023
Working capital efficiency is crucial to your business success but it is being seriously impacted by the macro-environment. We are currently facing a period of economic change unlike we have experienced for many years – rising interest rates, rising cost-push inflation, increased capital costs, rising operating costs, supply chain and labour constraints, increasing costs of living, a looming recession and a lingering COVID-19 pandemic.
Mar 23, 2023
Outsourcing across many roles and industries has become increasingly popular over recent years. And as the popularity of outsourcing has grown, so has the ease of finding and engaging outsourced support. Outsourced credit control services is among those that have grown in popularity.
Mar 22, 2023
Proper credit control is crucial for maintaining smooth and even cash flow within a business. But what is the definition of a credit controller? A credit controller manages credit that is extended to customers. Central to this role is the responsibility for collecting payment on all invoices issued and monitoring payments so that customers who do not pay on time can be followed-up and outstanding payments can be collected.
Mar 21, 2023
Every Australian consumer has a credit file with the three main consumer reporting bureaus: Experian, illion and Equifax. CreditorWatch differs to these bureaus in that it is a specialist B2B credit reporting bureau and doesn’t collect data on consumers.
Mar 20, 2023
The major credit reporting bureaus in Australia have different scales for their credit scores. Your credit score will differ depending on the entity providing the credit file, as each reporting bureau uses different metrics and different rating categories to inform the score.
Mar 16, 2023 The February 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) shows that business conditions, particularly around payment times have tightened due to high inflation and interest rates, in combination with falling demand.
Mar 15, 2023 The outlook for the Australian economy in 2023 is one with much uncertainty. While monetary policy easing appears to be working on flattening the growth in prices of goods, rising services prices continue to be a problem both in Australia and globally.
Mar 10, 2023
This month we were able to get a guide on what listed Australian businesses are anticipating for the year ahead, as reporting season began. While most listed retailers reported strong earnings for the second half of 2022, many downgraded or emphasised caution in their outlook for sales in the year ahead.
Mar 01, 2023
CreditorWatch today launched its automated debt collections solution, CreditorWatch Collect. The latest offering from the commercial credit reporting bureau gives businesses struggling to keep on top of cash flow access to a tool to transform their accounts receivables and collections processes.
Mar 01, 2023
Credit Portfolio Management (CPM) involves the analysis of a business or lender’s credit portfolio to determine an effective balance of net risk and growth. The larger the diversity of borrowers and loan amounts, the more critical this process is.
Feb 27, 2023
A business’ revenue, or credit, can only be used to buy commercial real estate, which has the express purpose of being used for commercial ventures. In instances of a mixed-use block, a commercial loan product may be available to account for a percentage of the purchasing price.
Feb 21, 2023
Bankruptcy has a sinister reputation. It carries the stigma of failure and a perception that someone is incapable of managing their personal finances. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for anyone going through bankruptcy.
Feb 20, 2023
When you file for personal bankruptcy the details are kept on the National Personal Insolvencies Index (NPII). This public register allows any interested party to search for bankruptcy filings in order to inform their decisions and actions.
Feb 16, 2023 The January 2023 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) reveals that business conditions are turning for Australian businesses, with a number of key metrics continuing to decline after a subdued end to 2022 as the RBA continued to tighten the screws on interest rates.
Feb 16, 2023
Invoice discounting, also called invoice finance and cash-flow finance, can be a useful financing tool for businesses looking to take advantage of early access to money that they are owed. So long as they are diligent, they may be able to leverage this revenue to improve the profitability of the enterprise.
Feb 13, 2023
CreditorWatch has become the first credit reporting bureau in Australia to be granted the Digital Service Provider (DSP) certification from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The ATO performed its security due diglience on CreditorWatch, assessing the company’s data security procedures and uptime against the government agency’s DSP Operational Security Framework before granting certification of compliance.
Feb 10, 2023
A ‘charge-off’ describes a debt that is considered by the creditor to be unlikely to be paid. It follows a period of default after the borrower has become delinquent on the repayment of a product, such as a home loan or phone plan.
Feb 08, 2023
Strong cash flow is crucial for business success and longevity. But chasing outstanding invoices can prove difficult. Late payments are a real problem, particularly for small businesses. This is where a best practice overdue invoice reminders workflow comes into play.
Feb 07, 2023
APR and APY describe two sides of the same coin in relation to interest paid and earned. A simple explanation is that the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a measurement of how much you’ll pay in interest and other costs when you borrow money. Conversely, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) reflects how much you will earn on money in interest when you save.
Feb 06, 2023
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and the business landscape returns to normal, the ATO is again ramping up its enforcement of outstanding tax liabilities with more than 50,000 Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) issued last year on directors, which if not dealt within the strict timeframes specified, can lead to personal liability.
Feb 02, 2023
The credit rating bureaus and agencies have different tiers of credit risk that they assign to you within your credit file, according to your credit score. Typically, an individual or company applying for credit would want a score within the ‘average’ tier at a minimum, with a preference to be higher.
Feb 02, 2023 Whether you’re seeking a long-term business loan or a small loan to start a business, having a less-than-stellar company credit history can feel like a life sentence. However, there are options available to business owners that could be worth considering, to improve the likelihood of approval for a loan or line of credit and improve your business credit score.
Feb 02, 2023
If you are unable to meet your debts or liabilities when they are due, you may have to file for personal bankruptcy. Banks, lenders and trading partners all need to be kept informed of this information if enquired, as it can affect their perception of your creditworthiness and suitability for loans. As such, bankruptcy information remains on your personal credit file for five years or longer.
Jan 27, 2023
Automating your accounts receivable is an easy, fast and cost-effective way to stand out from your peers and shift your career up a gear. While automation can be daunting, it’s a forward-thinking, digitisation project to lead.
Jan 20, 2023
Almost 90% of CFOs say that a lack of automation is one of the main roadblocks to an efficient financial close process. Yet most businesses continue to rely on spreadsheets and only the most basic level of automation when it comes to their accounts receivable.
Jan 19, 2023
Know Your Customer (KYC) due diligence means checking customer and partner business identification to protect against criminal activity. Within Australia, certain businesses are required to comply with KYC safeguards and reporting through Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF) legislation, also referred to as the AML/CTF Act.
Jan 19, 2023
Once a company is deregistered within Australia, it ceases to exist as a legal entity and can no longer trade. Should you meet certain criteria, you may be able to reinstate the company – effectively restoring it to its form prior to deregistration.
Jan 04, 2023
The term ‘recession’ has typically described two consecutive quarters of negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, although other metrics may be applied by economists. It is denotes a downturn in economic conditions and activity for a particular region or country.
Dec 28, 2022
If the shareholders of an insolvent company vote in favour of liquidation, or if creditors vote in favour of liquidation this is commonly referred to as creditors’ voluntary liquidation. It is the most common type of insolvent liquidation.
Dec 23, 2022
Gone are the days where businesses had to rely upon paper-based applications when assessing new clients that sometimes took weeks to complete. Things are now much quicker but in this challenging operating environment, performing proper due diligence prior to approval of credit applications is crucial.
Dec 19, 2022
This month’s data showed some reasonably surprising insights into the state of business activity in Australia. While we usually see a run up in trade receivables as Christmas approaches, this key indicator of business activity has been flat since July and declining since September.
Dec 15, 2022 The November 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) reveals that the usual trade momentum going into December has failed to materialise and businesses should brace for a more subdued Christmas trading period.
Dec 15, 2022
A business must rely on more than just a handshake agreement to ensure that invoices are paid on time and bad debt is avoided. However, you’d be surprised how many companies are flying blind, operating without appropriate debt collection tools and templates that ensure payments are made and debts are repaid.
Dec 12, 2022
This month we saw a continuing emergence of signs that interest rate rises are slowly starting to have an impact on the Australian economy. The first hint came in the form of retail trade, released early in the month, that showed a 0.2 per cent month-on-month decline in retail trade.
Dec 02, 2022 DebtorLogic is a debt collection strategy that helps you stay ahead of bad debt by revealing how your customers pay you in comparison to the rest of the market. It helps businesses to get paid faster and improves cash flow by taking a proactive approach to debtor management.
Dec 02, 2022
The Australian economy is struggling with supply chain issues, rising interest rates and ongoing financial uncertainties. While growing debt could potentially cause the demise of your business, collecting outstanding payments is proving to be more difficult than expected.
Nov 30, 2022
The silly season is upon us and chances are your calendar is already beginning to fill up with end of year catchups and Christmas parties. Then there are the many meetings to discuss projects that must be completed before we all head off for a bit of respite and sun.
Nov 28, 2022
Today’s labour force data showed 32,200 people in Australia gained employment in October 2022, dropping the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate to 3.4%, down from 3.5% in September 2022. The labour market remains extremely tight, reflecting the very high levels of capacity utilisation that businesses continue to report.
Nov 17, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic generated economic volatility, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions that impacted the working capital of many businesses and forced them into survival mode and the adoption of more conservative strategies. Aside from the fluctuating business recovery in the post COVID-19 era, there are now legitimate concerns around the forecast of difficult economic conditions in 2023, as highlighted by CreditorWatch in its recent snapshot Economic Update – October 2022.
Nov 17, 2022
It’s a tricky time to be operating in the construction industry. As seen with the recent collapses of multiple Australian construction companies, increased operating costs and a downturn in revenue can quickly result in defaults and insolvency. It sounds simple, and it’s not always easy, but the best way to safeguard your business from the myriad challenges confronting the industry is to ensure that cash flow is regular and protected. If you have the money to pay the bills, then you’re more likely to survive and thrive.
Nov 16, 2022 SYDNEY, Wednesday 16 November 2022 – The October 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that small businesses are feeling the pinch of the current economic pressures while big business is faring much better.
Nov 16, 2022 This month’s results from both CreditorWatch and other important industry data show a clear downward shift in business confidence and more treacherous conditions for businesses ahead. While any deterioration in business conditions can instinctively seem like a negative for the economy, unfortunately high inflation periods can only be ‘cured’ through broad economic slowdowns.
Nov 16, 2022
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online federal government notice board of security interests in personal property. The PPSR is a regulated database of official interests in specific property - including cars, goods, company assets, and other items. When specific types of loan, rental, hire-purchase or other agreements are signed, the property in question (referred to as ‘collateral’) underwrites it. Implemented in January 2012, the security interest register keeps an official log of which parties have a stake in which collateral.
Nov 14, 2022 Your personal credit history can affect your business credit history, including your ability to gain access to credit products, such as a business loan or a business credit card. If you have a poor credit score, it can make it much more challenging to gain approval for credit products, as a lender may review both your personal credit history as well as your business credit history. However, having bad personal credit and poor credit history isn’t a life sentence and it can be possible to boost your chances of credit approval.
Nov 11, 2022 Yesterday’s release of Westpac’s Consumer Confidence and NAB’s Business Conditions survey gave us the clearest signs yet that interest rate rises and inflation are really about to start impacting the performance of Australian economy.
Nov 09, 2022
Of the many pressures currently facing Australian businesses – rising inflation is one of the most pressing. It impacts everything from consumer confidence to the price of the raw materials. However, it can also create an environment for business owners to raise prices. So, why does inflation occur, what are the effects of inflation on business, and is it good or bad? A little of both, depending on factors such as industry and overheads, as we discuss below.
Nov 08, 2022
In Australia, the average credit score varies depending on which reporting bureau or ratings agency you ask as they all have their own system of measurement. For personal credit, an average score may sit anywhere from 300 to 624. For business credit, it may depend on the agency, but at CreditorWatch this may refer to a business with a RiskScore placing it in the C2 or C3 range.
Nov 08, 2022
SYDNEY, Monday 7 November – Australia’s top commercial credit reporting bureau CreditorWatch has acquired Debtor Daddy Limited, an automated receivables management software and collections service provider.
Nov 07, 2022
What made you want to join CreditorWatch? After working in recruitment for 3 years I was excited to sell a product that wasn’t a person and couldn’t change its mind! I was really impressed with the products at CreditorWatch and how they genuinely make an impact on businesses.
Nov 02, 2022 Today’s decision by the RBA to further raise the cash rate will place undeniable financial pressure on Australian households. Combined with the Budget’s forecast rising prices on everyday goods, housing and energy, and lacklustre wages growth, this latest increase in the cash rate all but guarantees consumer confidence will weaken as we enter the busy Christmas retail period.
Nov 01, 2022 Economic news this month was dominated by the release of the Federal Budget 2022/23 and September quarter inflation. Unfortunately, both releases point to far more difficult economic conditions for Australian businesses in 2023.
Oct 31, 2022
Credit reporting is a fundamental component of credit approval, management and risk assessment for businesses and individuals alike. Within Australia, there are three different bureaus providing credit reporting for individuals, each generating a score detailing your creditworthiness and capacity for further borrowings. This is different to the credit reporting on businesses that CreditorWatch does. So, who are these consumer credit reporting bodies and what exactly do they do?
Oct 31, 2022
We sat down with Claire O’Neill, Assistant Commissioner, Integrity at the ATO to find out the options that businesses with outstanding tax debts have, and the steps that the tax office will take to work with businesses before taking extreme action such as publicly declaring tax debts.
Oct 27, 2022 
Risk modelling entails using past behaviour to predict future tendencies. Using a combination of lived experience, machine learning and complex algorithms, the credit risk modelling capabilities available to Australian businesses are being refined with every passing day.
Oct 24, 2022
We are witnessing the proliferation of innovative ‘buy-now-pay-later (BNPL)’ platforms within Australia and globally. Consumers are compelled by flexible, interest-free payment options, allowing them to spread the budget hit of purchases over time.
Oct 24, 2022
Your individual credit score and company credit score are two of the most important indicators of creditworthiness, and showcase your financial responsibility to credit providers, potential new suppliers and trading partners
Oct 24, 2022
For relevant officeholders enquiring how to close a company formally, the process is not as complicated as it may seem. In simplest terms: if your company has asset holdings totalling under $1000 and has not declared insolvency, you may be eligible to apply for voluntary deregistration.
Oct 24, 2022
As profit margins dwindle under rising inflation and operating costs, identifying your high risk customers is paramount. Trading with risky clients jeopardises cash flow, integrity, and exposure to litigation.
Oct 24, 2022
Within the risk-laden world of construction, integrity and reputation are crucial for survival. Risks to cash flow from non-payment are high. Extending credit to late-paying clients may ultimately send both businesses down the insolvency path.
Oct 24, 2022
While many of the movement restrictions and space limitations have eased since COVID-19 first hit Australian shores, businesses in the hospitality sector are still experiencing the impacts of the pandemic.
Oct 24, 2022 Enterprises within the hiring and rental business historically operate on a critical foundation of trust. Understandably so, as the value and volume of goods loaned are often significant.
Oct 24, 2022
The September unemployment rate was steady on a seasonally adjusted basis, at 3.5 per cent. There was very little movement in both employed people and the number of unemployed people, which rose slightly by 8,800, or 1.8 per cent.
Oct 20, 2022
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is the Australian Government’s online noticeboard of security interests in almost anything of value, except for land, buildings and fixtures. It’s important for businesses to know about the PPSR – but what kind of risk protection can it provide?
Oct 20, 2022 
The real estate industry relies upon the regularity and consistency of tenancy payments to drive revenue. Property Management often forms the cash flow base for boutique and franchise shop fronts alike, and any disruption can adversely affect the bottom line quickly.
Oct 14, 2022 Our Business Risk Index (BRI) data for September 2022 was broadly consistent with data trends we have recorded over the preceding months. Trade Receivables continue to increase year on year, indicating that businesses are still feeling relatively confident and that supply and labour bottlenecks are slowly clearing up.
Oct 13, 2022 The September 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed the risk of default over the next 12 months has increased in all regions across Australia with 5000 or more registered businesses with the exception of the Lower Hunter and Wyong regions in New South Wales.
Oct 13, 2022
The process of chasing up unpaid debts can feel like an intimidating task, particularly when you’re dealing with multiple products and transactions along an extensive supply chain. However, for businesses in the wholesale sector, it doesn't have to be.
Oct 12, 2022
Overdue invoices can cause a serious headache for retail and wholesale businesses, especially considering the reliance on steady cash flow to buy more stock and supply your goods. Not only is the impact detrimental to your accounts receivable, but also the time spent chasing up late payments eats into operational hours.
Oct 12, 2022
No matter what your business is manufacturing, the key to the process is cash flow. It’s the vital stream of revenue that allows you to buy your raw goods, pay for the utilities required to produce the product, and maintain the wages for staff. As soon as there is any disruption to cash flow, by virtue of slow creditors, it can spell trouble for your operation.
Oct 11, 2022
Within the often murky world of construction, transparent data gives your team the inside track. Prospective trading partners in the sector have been known to sometimes take steps to obscure or obstruct the discovery of credit risk or instances of malpractice.
Oct 10, 2022
Procurement teams play a vital role that, in many ways, dictates the viability of the operation they represent. Large-scale Australian manufacturing businesses need to source the right goods, at the right price, from the most reputable suppliers in order to have any remote chance of long-term sustainability.
Oct 05, 2022
The construction sector within Australia is notoriously high-risk. Any exposure to the adverse payment behaviour, credit risk, or directorial malpractice of a trading partner can threaten the viability of your operation. Failing to implement an appropriate debtor management strategy, or using incorrect data, may result in default or insolvency implications for your business. It’s essential that all creditors be managed effectively, with collections prioritised, in order to safeguard your cash flow.
Oct 05, 2022
For fintech businesses, the use of open networks is one of the foremost advantages of the sector. It differentiates product offerings from competitors and allows market-leading technology to be leveraged. However, this same system exposes these businesses to a litany of risks in a sector that does not assume the same regulated transparency, compliance, or risk reduction policies that lenders or banks are subject to.
Oct 05, 2022 Global influences continued to have a big impact on the Australian outlook this month. The US Federal Reserve announced a further 0.75% increase to interest rates, while also indicating that they will not deviate from their path of interest rate increases until inflation is under control
Oct 04, 2022
What do you do at CreditorWatch? I am the Senior Product Marketing Manager. I’m here to help the business identify and build solutions to solve customer problems, and then help customers see why they want and need CreditorWatch’s solutions to solve their problems.
Oct 04, 2022
The construction industry is operating amidst an abundance of higher credit risk factors, including ongoing supply chain and materials delays, as well as higher costs for materials. When a construction business takes on a project in the current environment, it’s likely exposing itself to some degree of risk.
Sep 30, 2022
Following up on unpaid invoices and outstanding debts can be a frustrating and awkward process. Any unpaid credit to your business can have a devastating impact on your cash flow and your ability to turn over stock.
Sep 28, 2022
CreditorWatch is an Australian-owned credit reporting bureau that provides credit and financial risk information, digitised financials, credit scoring and modelling and API driven data delivery.
Sep 28, 2022
Company credit checks are an underutilised resource that can offer significant benefits to any business. Not only can performing a credit check on customers, suppliers or potential business partners protect you from credit risk and cash flow issues - you’ll be able to make more informed, data-driven decisions to facilitate business growth.
Sep 26, 2022
One of the best tools at your disposal to reduce business credit risk is accurate, up-to-date data. Unfortunately, dirty data is a common problem that limits the ability of a company to take action to mitigate credit risk. Luckily, there are steps you can follow to be proactive about your data management and data hygiene.
Sep 26, 2022
Within the unprecedented high-cost trading environment across multiple Australian industries, high volume Transport and Logistics companies are broadly exposed to credit risk. Ensuring the creditworthiness of suppliers and clients alike is crucial to securing the future of your cash flow and business.
Sep 26, 2022
At the apex of technology, research, and financial markets - fintech companies are breaking new ground and changing the ways that clients operate. The impacts of smart product offerings, leveraging the latest developments in science and engineering, have been enormous for both individual consumers, and partner businesses.
Sep 23, 2022
Data is king in the world of contemporary business. Operators that are able to accurately collate and analyse data from trading partners, customers, and local areas can leverage that information to elevate performance.
Sep 23, 2022
Getting on the front foot with your debtor management can mean the difference between healthy cash flow and potential insolvency. There are tools and insights available for proactive debtor management, which can alert you to the dangers of customers at risk of default ahead of time.
Sep 23, 2022
When conducting business with a trading partner, any potential unknown conflict of interest can derail your operation and expose you to credit risk. The financial impact can be so severe that your business may enter insolvency territory by virtue of the malpractice, bad faith, and bad debt of partner businesses.
Sep 23, 2022
In a highly time-critical industry, such as the healthcare services sector, the non-payment of invoices, or default/insolvency claims from your clients can adversely impact the ability to provide effective and efficient customer service.
Sep 23, 2022
As a hiring or rental business, the top priority (alongside regular revenue) needs to be the security, and retention of ownership, of any loaned or collateral assets. If your security stake in an asset is unproven, you may never either recover the good or be compensated for it, according to strict compliance guidelines.
Sep 20, 2022
The building and construction industry within Australia is notoriously high-risk. It is quick to be adversely affected by any downturn in the nature of trading conditions, including supply chain delays, steep price hikes on imported goods and raw materials, and rising domestic inflation.
Sep 20, 2022
Bad debt can be fatal to a business. CreditorWatch helps you avoid this by taking a proactive approach to debtor management. Our interactive trade payment program, DebtorLogic, reveals your debtors’ payment trends, enabling you to identify risks and prioritise collections.
Sep 19, 2022
Australian businesses currently in a very fragile state due to the shifting and changing nature of the economy. It is important to focus on the financial health of your business and the steps you can take to improve it.
Sep 16, 2022 CreditorWatch’s Business Risk Index (BRI) data for August 2022 shows a clear trend of rising B2B trade payment defaults as the index has for some time, however, other economic and survey data is more inconsistent.
Sep 14, 2022
The August 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that trade payment defaults have surged to their highest point since October 2020. Payment defaults are now up a massive 53 per cent year-on-year.
Sep 14, 2022
For as long as financial services have existed, unscrupulous entities have found ways to exploit their weak spots for personal gain. Fraud itself is nothing new, but there are concerns that those weak spots are now more plentiful and easy-to-find than ever before.
Sep 07, 2022
Effective Working Capital Management has always been a business fundamental and long-term practice to help guide future business decisions. In many industries, obtaining adequate financing and balancing debt to equity can be incredibly challenging to maintain.
Sep 07, 2022 The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is not shying away from its goal of bringing inflation back inside the target band, and today further increased the cash rate target. Retail trade, labour force and business sentiment data all point to continued ‘heat’ in the economy, even though consumer sentiment and house prices continue to weaken.
Sep 06, 2022
As a creditor, you want to be sure that your debtors can repay their dues and that each customer is reliable with a trustworthy credit history. CreditorWatch is Australia’s leading credit check business. Our business credit reports help you identify risky customers, allowing you to proactively mitigate risks to protect your business.
Sep 05, 2022
As a wholesaler, your investments and trading need to come with a high degree of financial safety and security. Any credit risk should be mitigated from the outset and a key tool for wholesalers is the Australian Government’s Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).
Sep 05, 2022
Employing around 1.16 million people in 2021, the construction industry is significant to Australia’s economy. The industry's value sat at $202 billion in 2021 with $81.84 billion of that coming from the private sector.
Sep 05, 2022
Debt collection is a process of empathy as much as it is strategy. Any company collecting debts from its customers must understand the position each party is in and make it as seamless a process as possible to ensure everyone can focus on running a strong business.
Sep 05, 2022
In Australia, the hiring and rental industry, by its nature, requires a higher degree of asset and cash flow security. On the provision side, this is due to revenue streams depending not only on transactional volume, but also the maintenance, care, payment for and return of the individual goods leased or loaned.
Aug 31, 2022
In a time of increasing insolvencies and bankruptcies, and rising costs of doing business, an intimate knowledge of the directors of current or future potential trading partners can be of great value to your business.
Aug 31, 2022
The manufacturing industry is one of the most vulnerable sectors when it comes to the risk of fraud and corruption. Horror stories involving inferior product quality, false warranty claims, and stock theft and misuse, among many other unfortunate scenarios, have caused significant fraud-based losses to many manufacturing companies and their livelihoods.
Aug 31, 2022 This week’s Jobs and Skills Summit is the talk of the business world at the moment. There is strong hope among all sectors of the economy that some real, immediate actions can be taken to help fill some of the 480,000 jobs that are currently available in Australia.
Aug 31, 2022
Real estate industry performance is intrinsically linked to the trading conditions of the housing market. In times of boom, the sales volume for agents increases - driving a swell in available cash flow for all associated businesses.
Aug 30, 2022
It’s a tale as old as time for too many businesses within Australia. You engage with another company, everything runs smoothly for a few months, and then out of nowhere that company collapses – and you’re left struggling to reclaim debt.
Aug 30, 2022
The trading environment in Australia throughout 2022 has seen some unprecedented challenges. As rates of insolvency have risen across numerous industries, it is more important than ever to ensure appropriate risk mitigation strategies are in place to protect both your business and its assets.
Aug 30, 2022
When making purchases on behalf of your business, it is imperative that your suppliers and contractors are trustworthy, creditworthy and timely in the delivery of their products.
Aug 30, 2022
The current trading environment for the food and beverage services sector is creating significant downward pressure on cash flow, while amplifying credit risk. This can be attributed to low consumer sentiment, higher inflation levels, supply chain issues, and multiple other factors.
Aug 29, 2022
When a business credit application is made, it’s important to dot every i and cross every t before committing to a partnership with the applicant. This should involve a process of thorough due diligence where you research a business’s credit report and make an informed decision around whether they present a risk to your cash flow.
Aug 22, 2022
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an official government register of interests in personal property. Operating as an online noticeboard, you can register with PPSR to show that you have rights over personal property which secure a debt or obligation that someone owes you.
Aug 18, 2022 Today’s labour force data continued to underline just how tight the Australian labour force is. At 3.4 per cent, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at the lowest it has been since 1974. There are now fewer unemployed people than there are jobs available in Australia.
Aug 18, 2022
Within the current business trading environment in Australia, cash flow is king. To adequately protect the balance sheet of your business, it is essential that you determine the creditworthiness and payment tendencies of any partner business.
Aug 18, 2022 Spanning a broad cross section of Australian businesses, from art galleries to theatres, gyms to sport and recreation clubs - the arts and recreation services industry is a fickle beast.
Aug 17, 2022
When you begin trading with a new business, the history of its directors may not be something that you immediately think of as being important. But extending credit to companies that have unscrupulous directors will not only putting your business at risk but can also potentially expose you to criminal activity.
Aug 17, 2022
It’s a challenging time for the construction industry, thanks to ongoing labour shortages, and supply chain issues, in tandem with rising inflation levels increasing local business expenses.
Aug 16, 2022
Since 2020, businesses across all sectors and regions have taken a beating with trading conditions the most challenging they have been in years. With multiple impacts such as rising inflation and interest rates, labour shortages, supply chain disruptions and more, CreditorWatch’s Business Risk Index forecasts business insolvencies to continue rising over the coming months.
Aug 15, 2022
The current business trading environment within Australia is facing unprecedented challenges, as seen with fluctuating revenues and higher inflation. With company insolvencies rising, it’s important to understand the difference between liquidation, voluntary administration and bankruptcy.
Aug 10, 2022 After four consecutive months of increases to the cash rate target, and inflation continuing to rise, it is now clear that a slowdown in demand in many industries is inevitable. The retail sector will feel the brunt of the impact of a reduction in discretionary spending.
Aug 10, 2022 The July 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that external administrations and court actions are on the rise as the era of cheap credit comes to an end and businesses with depleted cash reserves and thinning margins confront yet more challenges.
Aug 10, 2022
In the ups and downs of today’s global economy, wholesalers often bear the brunt of it all when it comes to another supply chain collapse. So, what can you do to make sure your wholesale business steers clear of toppling supply chains and keep your ledger strong?
Aug 03, 2022
CreditorWatch’s latest industry whitepaper - ‘How the manufacturing industry can strengthen the Australian economy’, presents a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-play and outlook for Australia’s manufacturing industry.
Aug 03, 2022
What do you do at CreditorWatch and why do you love it? Head of Operations – I love it as there is never a dull moment. I am learning each and every day.What does your average workday look like? This is hard to pinpoint as I have a lot of enquiries etc from Sales Staff and the Staff in general. No two days are the same which I love.
Aug 02, 2022 Anneke Thompson, Chief Economist at CreditorWatch, comments on today’s cash rate decision. This is in response to last week’s increase in annual inflation seeing it at its highest level since the introduction of the GST in 2001.
Aug 02, 2022
When performing customer due diligence, what are the red flags to look out for? It is likely that five to 15 per cent of your ledger has adverse information you’re unaware about. To mitigate credit risk, it is important to be able to identify risk indicators which highlight entities in financial distress.
Aug 02, 2022
When performing a business credit check, it is important to understand the concept of cross directorships. This is where some directors you work with may own or have previously owned multiple companies, and potentially increasing their credit risk.
Aug 01, 2022
The financial reputation of a business is one of the most fundamental indicators of its reliability to meet payment obligations, and this is showcased in a business credit file. Before you look to engage with a new customer, or a business partnership, it’s crucial that you do your due diligence and perform a credit check.
Aug 01, 2022
In a world where the trading environment is increasingly uncertain and information comes at us at an overwhelming rate, having accurate, reliable, and up-to-date business data can make all the difference in how well your business is protected.
Jul 29, 2022
It’s been a volatile few years for the construction industry, with rising inflation, global supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and fixed price contracts putting increased pressure on clients and businesses alike. However, there are options available for companies to avoid late payments, and potentially get paid faster.
Jul 29, 2022
As we have commenced Financial Year 2023, the rates of insolvency within the financial services industry have risen, illustrating the critical challenges these businesses continue to face. Managing credit risk is essential to maintain the flow of revenue from trusted trading partners, and avoid the prospect of default.
Jul 29, 2022 Looking at the past can help you determine trends of the future – but sometimes the past can come back to bite you. A company’s credit history can make or break its ability to secure credit and conduct business.
Jul 29, 2022
When you first start out, it can be a daunting task to try and pick out which customers have the best chance of working well with your business. Luckily, there’s a simple way to land your goal of building a base of reliable customers – check their credit scores!
Jul 29, 2022
When the COVID-19 pandemic began to reshape business operations globally, the preliminary response of CEOs, CFOs, and treasurers was all about survival of their business: free up cash, liquidity, and resources to keep their business operations afloat.
Jul 29, 2022
High pressure. High prices. High demand. With millions of orders being placed each day, there’s no denying that the pandemic and a need for contactless and immediate deliveries has boosted the demand for logistics services in Australia.
Jul 29, 2022
Not surprisingly, inflation rose by 6.1 per cent over the year to June 2022. This was up from 5.1 per cent over the year to March. The high inflation rate was heavily impacted by supply side factors (war in Ukraine, supply chain bottlenecks and adverse weather events) as well as very strong demand in the housing construction sector.
Jul 28, 2022
Keeping your procurement operations running smoothly is challenging, no matter what stage of business you are in. Both new and established businesses can face an uphill battle in balancing their spending whilst still delivering revenue and profit gains.
Jul 26, 2022
The current economic climate is awash with change and uncertainty. These unstable trading conditions have highlighted the necessity for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to become more aware of who they are working with.
Jul 25, 2022
It takes a multitude of people to work end-to-end on a construction project. If you own or run a construction company of any kind, your employees or contractors need to be paid and you need to be paid by the client to pay these contractors.
Jul 25, 2022
Checking the credit of your customers and clients is a crucial part of running any business. Whether you're providing services, products, or financing, you need a way to ensure that you can trust your customers to make good on what they owe you.
Jul 21, 2022
The current trading environment for Australian business is presenting unique and unforeseen challenges to both ownership and their management teams. In light of this, diligent credit assessment of customers is as necessary as ever before.
Jul 19, 2022
When performing customer due diligence, what are the red flags to look out for? To mitigate credit risk, it is important to be able to identify risk indicators that highlight entities in financial distress.
Jul 13, 2022
CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that business confidence is teetering, with key indicators such as trade receivables and credit enquiries down, while trade payment defaults continue to register at pre-COVID levels.
Jul 12, 2022
Many large Australian retailers have been forced to shut their doors over the past two years. These devastating flow-on effects have been felt by all stakeholders in the supply chain. For wholesalers, who are often operating on narrowing margins to begin with, the volatility of the market since March 2020 has driven home the need to be aware of the credit history of each customer.
Jul 12, 2022
Fintech, short for ‘Financial Technology,’ was only added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 2018. In that short amount of time fintech has streamlined and simplified common financial processes, spreading to countless industries and all corners of the globe.
Jul 05, 2022 In the current economy, filled with uncertainties, businesses are being forced to rapidly change and become more adaptable. And many are not able to manage the transition. CreditorWatch’s Business Risk Index data forecasts insolvencies to steadily rise across the remainder of 2022.
Jul 05, 2022 CreditorWatch has been awarded the ISO 27001 and 27017 certifications, for information security management and cloud security controls respectively. These globally recognised accreditations prove that CreditorWatch has achieved the highest standards of information security management.
Jul 01, 2022
For the vast majority of business owners, debt collection is not something you want to spend too much time dealing with. Whether you’re in it, chasing it, or just trying to stay one step ahead of it, you probably feel that the hours grappling with outstanding payments could be better spent working on your business.
Jun 30, 2022
The pandemic, alongside the rise in technology advancements, has forced SMEs to change the way they operate. This can be anything from altering their business models and plans to keeping up with ever-changing customer trends. The last thing an SME needs is added fraudulent behaviour from trading partners, customers and even employees.
Jun 28, 2022 Extending credit always comes with risk. Nowhere is this truer than in the logistics industry, where the process is complicated due to the many moving parts and different stakeholders that make up a supply chain. You can't always avoid payment defaults, but with the right tools and strategies, you can minimise risk and speed up the debt collection process.
Jun 27, 2022 
Are you making the most out of your CreditorWatch subscription? By now, you already know how CreditorWatch strengthens your credit risk management processes. Here’s a tip to improve this further – integrate your Xero or MYOB accounting package with CreditorWatch.
Jun 20, 2022 
CreditorWatch has released its Industry Synopsis for June. Industry data, coupled with stats from its Business Risk Index (BRI)*, point to an increased probability of default for a number of industries, as the threat of rising interest rates finally eventuates.
Jun 17, 2022
It’s EOFY 2022 and economic uncertainties are looming around every corner. Australia is experiencing inflation, rising interest rates, rising default rates, labour shortages, negative real wage growth and high fuel prices. The business landscape is characterised by increasing risks. Company insolvencies will continue to rise in 2022 and the road to recovery will be an uneven one.
Jun 10, 2022
Today’s increase in the cash rate from 0.35 per cent to 0.85 per cent reflects the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) increasing concern around price escalations across the economy. Senior executives among the grocery, construction and logistics sector have recently been advising their customers to continue to expect prices to rise, as many products have not yet fully repriced.
Jun 07, 2022
Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) is providing the following guidance to agents and intermediaries to assist them in supporting their director clients to apply for their director identification number (director ID).
Jun 03, 2022 CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan and General Manager of People and Culture, Fiona Crawford, share their insights into what makes a great place to work and the importance of authentic and transparent leadership, employee empowerment, inclusion and non-work related personal growth initiatives.
Jun 02, 2022
Whether you’re the owner of a small, medium or large business, a credit score is a vital source of information to help avoid bad debt. A credit score helps lenders understand and assess the creditworthiness and credit risk of potential and existing debtors.
Jun 01, 2022 Anti-phoenix laws were introduced in 2020, however, it wasn’t until early May that a judgment enforced these laws in Court, setting out clear precedent for future cases. In the case of Intellicomms Pty Ltd (in Liquidation) (Intellicomms) & Ors v Technologie Fluenti Pty Ltd (Technologie Fluenti), Associate Justice Gardiner observed that the case had “all the classic hallmarks of a phoenix transaction” before handing down his decision.
May 30, 2022
In Australia, small businesses account for almost 98 per cent of all businesses, contribute to 35 per cent of our GDP, and employ 44 per cent of our workforce. However, more than 60 per cent of small businesses fail within the first three years.
May 23, 2022
Construction is Australia’s third largest industry, accounting for nine per cent of our total GDP. With $360 billion in revenue generated annually, investors rightly view building and construction as a source of highly lucrative opportunities.
May 19, 2022 The unemployment rate for April 2022 remained steady with the revised March 2022 rate of 3.9 per cent. There appears to be very little slack remaining in the employment market, with employed people only increasing by 4,000 people (0.03 per cent) despite a record number of jobs being available.
May 19, 2022 Like the rest of the Australian economy, the construction industry was getting back on its feet after the worst of the pandemic. But the sector has now been hit by a perfect storm of supply chain disruptions, cost blowouts and staff shortages as inflation and interest rates rise.
May 19, 2022 Sole traders make up more than 60 per cent of Australian businesses. It is the simplest and cheapest business structure, with low start-up costs, no registration or annual fees and fewer reporting requirements.
May 16, 2022
In this uncertain trading environment, businesses looking to improve their due diligence and assess the creditworthiness of customers need to thoroughly investigate the assets owned by an individual or company. In this article, we explain the information that creditors can obtain from a land title search, property valuation report, common property, and national property ownership search.
May 12, 2022
To keep up with rapid innovation and emerging disruption, customers and investors alike are now expecting digitalisation of all key aspects of business operations. With increasing demand for analytical and technical capabilities, credit teams need to embrace digital transformation of credit decisioning to remain competitive, save time and money and improve accuracy.
May 11, 2022 
In April we continue to see the impact of inflationary pressures in our Business Risk Index (BRI) data. Those industries that are price setters – i.e., that can adjust their prices quickly to offset their increasing costs – remain the lowest risk sectors. That is, healthcare and social assistance, agriculture, forestry and fishing and manufacturing.
May 10, 2022
The April 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) shows the Australian economy may have reached a turning point, with trade payment defaults and credit enquiries continuing to trend upwards for the quarter.
May 10, 2022 Our latest episode of Business Insights is the third in a three-part series on how SMEs can best prepare themselves for uncertainty using the 3 Ps of preparation: processes, policies and procedures, and protection.
May 05, 2022
In response to the highest recorded inflation rate since the introduction of the GST in 2001, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has chosen to increase the cash rate to 0.35%, prior to receiving data on wage increases.
May 03, 2022
Writing in the latest edition of AICM (Australian Institute of Credit Management) magazine, Credit Management in Australia, CreditorWatch Chief Economist Anneke Thompson discusses the risks of rising inflation to the Australian small business community, particularly sectors that are exposed to discretionary spending such as food and beverage services.
May 02, 2022
Our latest episode of Business Insights is the second in a three-part series on how SMEs can best prepare themselves for uncertainty using the 3 Ps of preparation: processes, policies…
Apr 28, 2022
The ATO is Australia’s largest creditor responsible for the largest number of company windups in 2019. Historically, businesses would take on debtors with undisclosed tax debts and be caught off guard when the first mention on financial instability appearing when the ATO began wind up procedures.
Apr 21, 2022 In this challenging economic climate, it is more crucial than ever that businesses are well prepared for whatever impacts come their way. Our latest episode of Business Insights is the first in a three-part series on how SMEs can best prepare themselves for uncertainty using the 3 Ps of preparation: processes, policies and procedures, and protection.
Apr 20, 2022
As we emerge from the pandemic, many businesses are struggling with cash flow and seeking credit to get going again. Those who are unable to meet the strict lending criteria of major lenders such as banks are increasingly turning to second tier lenders.
Apr 19, 2022 In our latest episode, we present the January Business Risk Index results and analysis. CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan and index creator James O’Donnell from Open Analytics discuss the key insights.
Apr 13, 2022 Reflecting their rising risk profiles due to Australia’s higher inflationary environment, the Food and Beverage Services, Arts and Recreation Services and Transport, Postal and Warehousing Industries all recorded an increase in their probability of default.
Apr 12, 2022 The March 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that Australian business activity may be finally showing some green shoots around recovery, with B2B trade activity increasing for a second month in a row – now up 55 per cent on its January low (but still down 35 percent year-on-year). This was backed up by positive data on credit enquiries, which were up 45 per cent over the last quarter.
Apr 12, 2022 In this episode of Business Insights, we take you through how to improve the strength of your ledger, with CreditorWatch’s Trade Consultant for DebtorLogic, Lucinda Judd. In these times of uncertainty for businesses, ensuring that your customers are reliable and able to pay on time is critically important for your cash flow.
Apr 07, 2022
Anneke Thompson, Chief Economist at CreditorWatch, comments on The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) penultimate cash rate decision before the Federal Election which has determined the Official Cash Rate (OCR) should remain unchanged for at least one more month.
Apr 05, 2022
I am a web developer. I love the amazing culture of the company. CreditorWatch really cares about their people, and everyone is looks after one-another. CreditorWatch looks out for their people and gives their employees a 'Wellness Day' which is one day off each month. I think this definitely helps people wind down and have a break from working.
Mar 31, 2022
Following Australia’s 2022 Federal Budget announcement last night, please find comments below from CreditorWatch CEO, Patrick Coghlan, on the impact this will have on Australian businesses and the wider economy.
Mar 30, 2022 The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an essential facility for all businesses leasing or selling goods or services on credit. But it is also widely misunderstood by small business owners. In this episode of Business Insights, Paul Mead, PPSR Sales Specialist (NSW) and Jason Sutherlin, PPSR Sales Specialist (Victoria) discuss the essential elements to consider when registering assets on the PPSR.
Mar 30, 2022
Director identification numbers (Director IDs) will be a mandatory requirement for new (first-time) directors from 5 April 2022. The Director IDs have been introduced to help prevent the creation of false Director identities and mitigate adverse cross directorships and illegal phoenixing activity.
Mar 27, 2022 In the latest episode of Business Insights we speak to CreditorWatch's Victorian Sales Manager Hilbert Klaster about the practice of supplier hopping - the practice of moving from one supplier to another, leaving a trail of unpaid debts - why it is on the rise and how businesses can avoid being caught up in it.
Mar 23, 2022
The Australian economy is rife with uncertainty due largely to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its multiple variants, such as supply chain disruptions and labour shortages.
Mar 17, 2022
CreditorWatch’s integration with the award-winning InfoTrack search portal gives our customers access to several additional searches and services. InfoTrack is the leading legal tech innovator in Australia, offering more than 4,500 different products. Our seamless integration lets you quickly and easily access all of InfoTrack’s services and resources within your CreditorWatch account.
Mar 14, 2022
The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) has been criticised in several quarters for helping to trigger last month’s collapse of Probuild through its refusal to approve a $300 million takeover of the company by state-owned China State Construction Engineering Corp on national security grounds.
Mar 10, 2022 It has been a rocky start to 2022 for the Australian economy due to the impacts of Omicron, the war in Ukraine and now the floods that have been devastating northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. The latest CreditorWatch Business Risk Index, covering February 2022, highlights the good and the bad of a difficult start to the year for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Mar 08, 2022 he February 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) reveals that the Australian economy is still in a holding pattern as it emerges from the impacts of the Omicron variant.
Mar 08, 2022
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) confronts some key uncertainties in the final month of the March 2022 quarter. Against this backdrop, it’s no surprise that the RBA Board determined not to raise the Official Cash Rate (OCR) in March.
Mar 01, 2022
As the economic environment, post Omicron, stalled recovery momentum continues, the situation has become yet more volatile. The latest update from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for Retail Sales (January 2022) reinforces this point.
Feb 28, 2022
“With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) making it crystal clear that it won’t raise official interest rates until signs of sustainable wage inflation emerge, the quarterly Wage Price Index (WPI) is perhaps the most important economic metric of 2022.
Feb 23, 2022
The flow-on impacts from the spread of the Omicron variant have brought many small businesses to their knees. Supply chain disruptions, skills shortages and rising costs hit SMEs when they were just beginning to recover from the initial outbreak of COVID-19.
Feb 20, 2022 The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) stats on Australia’s Labour Force for January 2022 has revealed: The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2%.The number of people employed increased by 12,900 to 13,255,000.The underemployment rate increased to 6.7%.Monthly hours worked decreased by 159 million hours.
Feb 17, 2022
How is your business managing its finances? If you’re still using folders and spreadsheets, it’s time to revamp your approach.An accounting software package streamlines all your accounting processes, making it easier to stay on top of your finances.
Feb 15, 2022 Well, we are a little bit in ‘no-man’s land’ – over the worst of the adverse impacts of Omicron, but with a tragic loss of life, large political management errors and a long tail to the variant. This all contributes to the greatest fear for SMEs – uncertainty. However, there is still a touch of optimism creeping in as Australia (along with the rest of the world) adjusts to dealing with pandemic to endemic business conditions.
Feb 09, 2022
The latest CreditorWatch Business Risk Index captures circumstances for January 2022, a month when Omicron bit the economy hard and smashed the optimistic expectations of thousands of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Feb 08, 2022
The January 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that the Australian economy has some way to go before it shakes off the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Feb 08, 2022
As the Australian economy continues to suffer the effects of the Omicron variant, business activity remains soft as consumers sit on cash while in self-imposed lockdown and many companies struggle with staff shortages and supply chain disruptions.
Feb 03, 2022 “It comes as no surprise that the RBA Board has made the decision to keep the OCR steady at its record low – a rate that has remained unchanged since November 2020. Conjecture regarding a rate rise will intensify as we move throughout the year but right now, nothing is going to happen to official interest rates.
Feb 01, 2022
One of the biggest challenges for business owners is being able to tell which companies and providers you can reliably trade with, and which you should avoid. No vendor will tell you this on their own, and many will have reasons to indicate the opposite. So, what gives?
Jan 26, 2022 Today’s 1.3% lift in the CPI for the quarter (up 3.5% for the 12 months to the December quarter) shows a substantial rise compared to the September 2021 quarter. This will likely accelerate the upward movement in household and business market interest rates irrespective of when the RBA moves itself to lift the official cash rate.
Jan 25, 2022
For anyone working in financial services, more predictive algorithm credit-risk models mean more informed decision making and therefore fewer losses. So how can data specialists working in fintech enhance the predictability of their models? James O’Donnell, Managing Director of Open Analytics Hand creator of the CreditorWatch Business Risk Index, provides some insights.
Jan 24, 2022
Meet Natalie Ip - People and Culture Officer, SYD. .What do you do at CreditorWatch and why do you love it? I’m a new addition to the P&C team and I am loving my first week so far because everyone has been so welcoming so far! I’m excited for the projects we have coming up in the P&C space and can’t wait to get into it!
Jan 20, 2022 CreditorWatch’s Chief Economist, Harley Dale, comments on today’s ABS Labour Force data. December’s results saw Australia’s unemployment rate fall to 4.2 per cent in December 2021 from 4.6 per cent a month earlier. This was the lowest reading since August 2008 as COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted.
Jan 20, 2022 December 2021 started with such promise for the entire Australian population. Lockdown restrictions were easing or ending, people were getting out and about more and anecdotal evidence was pointing to a strong Christmas period. Then Omicron hit hard and swiftly.
Jan 19, 2022 Santa went missing! The December 2022 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that Australia’s trading activity was at its lowest point since the pandemic began due to the impacts of the Omicron variant.
Jan 19, 2022
The pandemic and climate change have impacted us all in different ways with multiple flow-on effects. Some have endured far tougher times than others but one thing we all have in common is that we’ve had to quickly adapt to these unfolding global events.
Jan 10, 2022
As Australia comes out of COVID pandemic and lockdown restrictions are reduced, uncertainty around trading activity remains. During the holiday period it is vital to stay on top of your customer data.
Dec 28, 2021
In this four-part series, CreditorWatch Software Architect Developer, Juanjo Lainez Reche, takes you through the decision-making and development of the Business Risk Index – one of the most complex and ambitious projects ever undertaken by the company.
Dec 22, 2021
The Mid-year Economic and Financial Outlook (MYEFO) presents a predictably optimistic update for the year ahead for Australia. This time last year bookings for cruise holidays in 2021 were soaring because of the belief that the worst of COVID-19 was behind us
Dec 16, 2021
In this four-part series, CreditorWatch Software Architect Developer, Juanjo Lainez Reche, takes you through the development of the Business Risk Index – one of the most complex and ambitious projects ever undertaken by the company.
Dec 15, 2021 CreditorWatch’s chief economist, Harley Dale, comments on today’s NAB Business Confidence Index. November’s results saw a significant drop to a level of 12, from a downwardly revised 20 in October 2021:The latest NAB business results aren’t that bad
Dec 14, 2021
The November 2021 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that business activity around Australia is currently weaker than expected, indicating that the return to pre-COVID levels is now likely to take longer than many pundits had anticipated.
Dec 07, 2021 
Food wholesalers across Australia are confronting international supply chain disruptions and price rises just as business picks up following the extended lockdowns in Melbourne and Sydney that obliterated profits over the past 18 months.
Dec 07, 2021 In the digital age, data has become a key driver of growth, with insights guiding businesses to success. The financial services sector is heavily reliant on data, with banks, insurance companies and any organisations who deal in risk seeking to bolster their modelling and reduce defaults.
Dec 03, 2021
CreditorWatch, the Australian digital credit reporting agency, has laid out how Australian SMEs can navigate the great supply chain disruption and associated risks as the Omicron variant overshadows confidence in the economy’s reopening, during a data-rich panel discussion with leading supply chain fintech Earlytrade earlier today.
Nov 30, 2021
Events that have caused global supply chains to be pushed to the brink have been well documented by media and commentators. Worldwide timber shortages, fuel and energy scarcity in the UK and China, major issues with semiconductor supplies and of course here in Australia we had the run on toilet paper.
Nov 29, 2021
A personal guarantee is a promise made by a guarantor that they will personally meet the obligations of another person or company if that person or company defaults to the creditor under the original, or primary, agreement.
Nov 22, 2021
If there was ever a time to start your own small or nano business, it’s now. Australian Bureau of Statistics’ figures show there has been a 3.8 per cent rise in the number of businesses formed in the year to 30 June 2021.
Nov 17, 2021
In this four-part series of articles, we take you through the development of the Business Risk Index – one of the most complex projects ever undertaken at CreditorWatch.In my first article I outlined how we built the master datasets and our online transaction processing platform (OLTP), which fuels our data analysis and most of the CreditorWatch’s website and platform.
Nov 16, 2021 The October 2021 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed a tale of two regions for the Victorian economy. Three of the top five regions around Australia with the lowest risk of default are in regional Victoria. This is a stunning result given much of the state has been in lockdown over the previous two years.
Nov 09, 2021 Regional Victoria leads the country with the best performing businesses according the October CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI). The results revealed that the state now boasts three of the top five performing business regions around Australia for risk of default; a stunning result given much of the state has been in lockdown over the previous two years.
Nov 09, 2021
Restrictions are easing across states and businesses are reopening across Australia. As trading resumes under new and evolving conditions, most small and large business owners are eager but also hesitant, remaining cautious that things could change very quickly.
Nov 08, 2021
There are sectors like Retail, together with Accomodation and Food Services who will thrive in the late 2021 and 2022 economic enviroment. Many businesses have clung on through nearly two years now of restrained trading conditions. Many haven’t survived and many who have show ‘staff wanted’ signs in the window as skills shortages bite. Post lockdown certainly isn’t without its challenges.
Nov 05, 2021 
The construction industry has experienced particularly dire conditions since the pandemic took hold in Australia in May 2020 that now continue even as the economy clicks into recovery mode. As NSW and Victoria begin to re-open after months of lockdown, the industry is experiencing a surge in demand for materials but that has coincided with serious supply chain issues.
Oct 29, 2021
Australia’s leading digital commercial credit reporting bureau, CreditorWatch, is pleased to announce the formation of its Board, made up of two existing ATI Group board members and two independent non-executive directors, in addition to CEO Patrick Coghlan. This is an important step in the ongoing development and growth of the technology business.
Oct 21, 2021
Last week CreditorWatch launched a highly valuable, Australian-first economic indicator—the Business Risk Index. Each month the index reveals which regions in Australia are at the highest and lowest risk of insolvency in the future – critical information for businesses and government as we continue to navigate through the downturn from the coronavirus pandemic toward economic recovery.
Oct 17, 2021
The Business Risk Index (BRI) is a ground-breaking new economic indicator that provides unique insights into the health of Australian businesses by region. It draws on a wide range of data points to produce a dynamic measure of future insolvency risk for more than 300 regions across Australia.
Oct 12, 2021 Leading digital commercial credit reporting bureau CreditorWatch is today releasing the results of its inaugural monthly Business Risk Index, a groundbreaking predictive economic indicator to help guide businesses when making future growth plans and inform public policy.
Oct 12, 2021
CreditorWatch’s credit reports contain unique data and insights to help business of all sizes better manager their credit risk and credit score. To help you leverage all the information in our reports, here are seven warning signs you might not know about.
Oct 01, 2021
The future of fintechs is a hot topic and one of the most important trends in the financial service sector in Australia and around the globe. Creditorwatch’s Future of Fintechs 2021 thought leadership paper is a comprehensive overview of the state-of-play across Australia’s vibrant fintech sector.
Sep 26, 2021
Australian digital credit reporting bureau, CreditorWatch, has today announced the appointment of Fiona Crawford, a two-time medal-winning Olympian and HR Director of the Year finalist, as its General Manager for People and Culture.
Sep 24, 2021
At CreditorWatch, our unique data gives our customers a competitive edge. Our exclusive insights enable businesses, specifically small businesses to make smarter and more informed credit decisions and better manage risk, particularly in this COVID-impacted economy.
Sep 17, 2021
What do you do at CreditorWatch and why do you love it? I’m the Office Manager based in Sydney. I love being organised, creating a productive & helpful space, having a lot of variety in my day and feeling like I’m part of everyone’s teams.
Sep 10, 2021
CreditorWatch, Australia’s leading digital credit reporting bureau, has released brand new customer sentiment data on the biggest challenges that Australian businesses faced last financial year, and how they’re feeling as we enter the current financial year.
Aug 20, 2021
The July 2021 CreditorWatch Business Risk Review is a reflection of the ups and downs playing out in the economy through the COVID period. Leading credit risk indicators paint a positive view across Australia with businesses in a good position to face the challenges of the current lockdowns.
Aug 10, 2021
It seems SMEs have been slow to get onboard the online boom, with only a little over a quarter of SME revenue coming from e-business, according to new research by Banjo.
Aug 05, 2021
This is the second year CreditorWatch has published its Economic Insights: the Road Ahead report, which is an opportunity to reflect on the financial year that was and form a view on Australia‘s economic future and the factors that are likely to drive it.
Jul 21, 2021
On a sparkling Sydney day with gun barrel views of the harbour, a room of senior executives were treated to the insights of one of Australia’s most senior and insightful economists, ACCI’s Ross Lambie.
Jun 04, 2021
Quick and skilled at camouflage, supplier hoppers have been plaguing Australian businesses before COVID-19, but their ill effects are more widespread than ever. Hilbert Klaster discusses how to detect supplier hopping behaviour.
Mar 23, 2021
Our final International Women's Day event for 2021 was a Brisbane lunch, led by special guests Hetty Johnston AM (child protection advocate and founder of Bravehearts) and Greg Layton (executive coach and founder of Chief Maker).
Mar 22, 2021
35 guests enjoyed a fine dining experience at our Interntational Women's Day event in Melbourne, but the real showstoppers were the personal experiences shared by successful women in the finance industry, including Caryn Kakas, Head of Housing Strategy at ANZ Bank.
Mar 15, 2021
Your accounts receivables might be an afterthought, but implementing an effective process is the best way to protect your business from risky debtors and create strong working relationships with your customers. Learn how with these four tips.
Feb 25, 2021
How has the Queensland economy fared in 2020? Our QLD Sales Manager George Wolf interviewed renowned Australian economist Dr Marcus Smith for an expert look into the issues, facts and figures that have driven the state this year.
Dec 17, 2020
We're so proud to finally launch CreditorWatch RiskScore - the most accurate credit score and rating in the market. Learn more about RiskScore and how you can use it to make more informed decisions about your customers.
Nov 08, 2020
The numbers in our Business Risk Review for September paint an interesting picture of the shift in the Australian economy. Find out the latest data and how your industry has fared in this blog.
Oct 13, 2020
Major Accounts Director, Gordon Porter, is passionate about reducing the credit risk of Australia's corporates with unique data. Find out how CreditorWatch's trade payment data offers the insights you need to avoid bad debt.
Sep 23, 2020
Matt Jackson, GM of CreditorWatch, discusses why solid business relationships are so important to preserve your bottom line. Read more for his top four tips on how to identify and deal with a risky customer.
Sep 20, 2020
CreditorWatch, AICM and ARITA call upon the Australian government not to extend safe harbour provisions. We released a whitepaper with unique creditor insights, expert commentary and recommendations from Patrick Coghlan, Nick Pilavidis and John Winter.
Aug 31, 2020 
Commercial credit risk management has never looked so good. We have given our downloadable credit report PDFs a makeover: a striking design, clearer analysis and more data options than ever before. Read this how-to guide before downloading yours.
Jun 24, 2020
It's official: Director Identification Numbers (DINs) will now be assigned to all company directors to improve accountability and prevent illegal phoenixing. Learn how CreditorWatch is helping in the fight with our feature Director Due Diligence.
Jun 23, 2020
CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan and the expert panel at Insolve share their tips on how to identify a zombie company and protect your business with credit risk management and due diligence.
Jun 05, 2020
Understand company financials and the benefit of a Financial Risk Assessment to assess the financial health of your customers and suppliers. Watch the webinar or read this overview to gain valuable insights.
May 26, 2020
On June 18, Patrick Coghlan will rough it for the night and sleep in his backyard to experience what it's like to be homeless. Unfortunately, this is a reality for thousands of Australians. Please give what you can and help Vinnies support Australians in need.
May 25, 2020
Keep your business running smoothly, even during social distancing, by using electronic acceptance and ApplyEasy. It's a secure and efficient way of onboarding your customers and growing your business.
May 20, 2020
COVID-19 and the Australian economic downturn has proven how important it is to assess the payment behaviour of your customers. Learn how DebtorLogic can help you find the customers in your ledger that pose the biggest risk to your business.
May 16, 2020
Our quarterly Small Business Risk Review is out, compiled with unique data from more than 26 sources. This edition explores the trading conditions and difficulties small businesses faced during the brink of the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of 2020.
May 05, 2020
COVID-19 might have keen traveller Lucy grounded for now, but she still spends her working week helping our customers achieve new heights with their PPSRLogic and DebtorLogic subscriptions. Find out what makes this Customer Success Manager a true success herself!
Apr 29, 2020
This is Part II in BBW Lawyers' series of COVID-19 legal updates. The requirements of witnessing and executing legal documents during COVID-19 social isolation have changed. Learn more in this blog post.
Apr 24, 2020
The Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program can help stop fraudulent and phoenix activity in the Australian economy. This blog post covers the introduction of Director Identification Numbers (DINs) and the benefits of the new legislation.
Apr 08, 2020 PPSRLogic is CreditorWatch's award-winning PPSR platform, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to create and manage their registrations. Find out more about this powerful product and the free resources to help you get started.
Apr 06, 2020
All businesses are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic and it can be difficult to know what advice you can trust. John Morgan and Ginette Muller share their expert opinion on what directors can do to help preserve their business' value.
Mar 25, 2020 
Ever since being cast in a Filipino Head and Shoulders shampoo commercial in 2013, Luke has been destined for big things. You can now find him in the spotlight as one of Brisbane's Senior Business Development Managers, helping businesses mitigate their credit risk and taking table tennis way too seriously.
Mar 15, 2020 
Perform an annual Portfolio Health Check to validate your information and identify your risky customers. Discover the benefits of data cleansing for your business and how CreditorWatch can help clean up your act.
Mar 05, 2020 Do you have a credit policy? When was the last time you checked it? Ledlin Lawyers are here to spice up credit policies in this guest blog post with a burger analogy that you'll want to sink your teeth into.
Mar 04, 2020 
Read about how the Australian retail industry has fared in our Small Business Risk Review data for Q4 2019. Amidst dozens of shop closures and job losses already in 2020, find out what retailers need to do to avoid the road to external administration.
Feb 16, 2020
Sure, Hilbert Klaster from our Melbourne team would love to be leading the Aussie cricket team to victory at Lords, but being a Senior Business Development Manager at CreditorWatch is where he really shines. Learn more about Hilbert in our first Meet the Crew article.
Feb 12, 2020 Each quarter, CreditorWatch releases a Small Business Risk Review, using data from numerous public sources like ASIC as well as proprietary data from our 55,000+ customers. Discover the findings from Quarter 4, 2019 and what it means for industries around Australia.
Feb 07, 2020 Is it possible to prevent bad business debt? And what are the best debtor management strategies for your small business? Get the answers to these questions and learn how DebtorLogic can help maintain your business' financial health with this blog post.
Feb 03, 2020
The PPSR (Personal Properties Securities Register) isn't as complicated or time-consuming as you might think. Learn how the PPSR can protect SME owners and the benefits CreditorWatch and PPSRLogic can provide to your business.
Jan 20, 2020
Exercise isn't just a New Year's resolution - it should be part of your everyday routine! In this episode of CrewWatch, find out how CreditorWatch stays active during the week and learn more about the fun and energetic culture in the office.
Jan 12, 2020 
It is no surprise that Construction remained the worst industry for court actions in Quarter 3, 2019. However, other industries are showing signs of catching up.
Oct 30, 2019
Looking for data on Quarter 4? Read how the retail industry has fared at the end of 2019. CreditorWatch’s Small Business Risk Review for Quarter 3, 2019 highlights a large…
Oct 30, 2019
Recently, CreditorWatch caught up with Noel Tiufino (Managing Director) and Raj Saini (Partner) from MyAccounts and Angus Capel (Small Business Advocate) from Xero to have a discussion about late payments…
Sep 16, 2019
CreditorWatch would not be where we are at now without the minds, efforts and collaboration of our fantastic dev team. They are the bread and butter behind our products. Hear from two of our senior dev team members and how innovation, data, collaboration and big thinking have made CreditorWatch what it is today.
Aug 28, 2019
This industry-first Business Funding Guide aims to help Australian small businesses tackle the funding crisis The guide is primarily aimed at SME trusted advisors like accounts receivables and financial modelling…
Aug 07, 2019
The second quarter of 2019 saw a continued increase in court actions for New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. Comparing this quarter with Quarter 2, 2018 really highlights the…
Jul 24, 2019
Don't let a debtor break your heart. In this guest post from Ledlin Lawyers, you'll learn the five signs that will help you stay ahead of bad debt and ensure you get paid.
Apr 11, 2019
PPSRLogic makes it easier for customers to register their security interests The PPS Registrar’s roundtable held an interesting discussion about PPSR and where small businesses fit into it. The main…
Mar 15, 2019
Enhance the way you manage credit with CreditorWatch It’s unmistakable that we live in a digital age. So many of our processes are now automated and streamlined through innovative technology.…
Feb 26, 2019
How will this change impact you? Legislation introduced in the House of Representatives on February 13 has the aim of modernising business data and introducing Director Identification Numbers (DINs). Currently,…
Feb 19, 2019
CreditorWatch has recently released a new product: The Ultimate Beneficial Owner’s ReportWhat can you gain from the Ultimate Beneficial Owner's Report (UBO)?CreditorWatch recognises the responsibility that comes with compliance to…
Feb 15, 2019
The final quarter of 2018 for small businesses didn’t present the best outcome Court actions and judgments across Australia (except WA) have increased significantly in the 4th quarter of 2018…
Feb 06, 2019
The AFSA release their PPSR June 2018 quarterly statistics The Personal Property Securities Register recently announced that they have hit 10 million registrations! Along with that news, the seven-year anniversary…
Dec 06, 2018
What is an Unfair Preference? Essentially, an unfair preference is when a creditor, within the six months before a company goes into administration or liquidation, receives payment(s) from that company…
Nov 27, 2018
Detect overdue payments that clients can register against with a single click. Rather than spending valuable time searching your database to determine who is behind on payments, CreditorWatch makes this…
Sep 10, 2018
We all know how important social media and online marketing is, especially in this increasingly competitive business landscape we live in today. It doesn’t help that digital marketing can be…
Sep 09, 2018
Answering one of the most common questions about PPSR The introduction of the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) was meant to make life easier for secured creditors, credit managers, trading…
Aug 08, 2018 
The fundamentals are clear. Small business in Australia needs finance to grow and capture market opportunities. However, there are over 2.1 million small businesses in Australia with a potential $10…
Jul 30, 2018
The second Small Business Risk Review for 2018 highlights relatively stable conditions in comparison to the previous financial year. However, there is still an underlying trend where businesses are facing…
Jul 27, 2018
CreditorWatch recently held it’s 5th annual roundtables in Melbourne and Sydney. The roundtables are not in place to sell CreditorWatch, but rather to provide an opportunity for guests to connect, learn…
May 29, 2018
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will be empowered to report a business’s overdue tax debts to credit reporting bureaus under draft legislation released by Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Kelly O’Dwyer.
Jan 16, 2018
It’s usually at this time of the year when we collectively sigh and ask “Where did that year go?" If life is what happens when you are busy making other plans, then you may have missed some critical happenings in 5 areas that could impact you in 2018.
Dec 13, 2017
It has been an incredible year to say the least. On behalf of the team at CreditorWatch, I would like to say that I am extremely proud of our progress as a company. We are growing and developing a bureau for every Australian business to access.
Dec 13, 2017
It can be difficult, time consuming and stressful to process paper based credit applications on a daily basis. An online credit application can improve your credit management process efficiency to ensure you tick all the right boxes from a credit reporting point of view.
Dec 11, 2017
Recent research by Xero reveals small business owners enjoyed prompt payments in September and the best cash flow in three years. However, a closer look at the findings shows that whilst some businesses manage to get paid on time, certain industries are frequently paid late.
Nov 17, 2017
Every business owner understands that the rewards of running their own company are immeasurable, but the tradeoff is that you also bear the brunt of the consequences if things go wrong. This is why it’s important to have a risk management plan in place. Having a strategy for the common pain points that your business may encounter will reduce the impact should anything go wrong.
Nov 02, 2017
Kmart, Deloitte, Yahoo, Virgin America and the C.I.A. – no doubt these names are familiar to you, but did you also know that these organisations (and others) were all involved in some of the biggest data breaches of 2017?
Oct 25, 2017
Businesses depend on a steady cash flow to succeed just as trains need power to move forward. One of the best ways to manage your receivables is to understand the types of customers that can change the course of payment, for better or for worse.
Oct 19, 2017
Stating that small business subcontractors are vulnerable to delayed payments, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell has announced she is examining payment terms and conditions for “subbies” working on government projects.
Oct 17, 2017
Small to medium-sized businesses will have an opportunity to access crowd-sourced funding to help them begin or grow their business when the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) releases its new crowd-sourced funding (CSF) regime on September 29, 2017.
Sep 23, 2017
The Australian Small Business and Family Ombudsman is urging the Government to simplify small business registration. In a submission to the Government’s consultation on Modernising Business Registers, Ombudsman Kate Carnell has called for the consolidation of registration requirements for small business.
Sep 21, 2017
There are many things a business owner has to do to ensure their business succeeds. Offering a quality product or service to earn a profit is one of the most important aspects however, what’s equally important is making sure your customers can pay for the products or services you provide, and on time.
Sep 12, 2017
It is not uncommon for early stage SME businesses to fall into marketing debt. This commonly occurs when the company, which relies on sales to stay afloat, underfunds its marketing campaign. As a result the health of the corporation starts to fail.
Aug 22, 2017
Australia’s continued economic relationship with China is showing little sign of slowing down[1], with the country – our biggest trading partner – investing in Australia at a level not seen since before the global financial crisis.
Aug 17, 2017 The mantra of many successful entrepreneurs is the idea that you must spend money to make money. It is also one of the biggest reasons that some people fail to act on their business aspirations, because they believe that they don’t have the money required to take their business to the next level.
Aug 01, 2017
Over the years we’ve heard plenty of grandiose plans for businesses that never eventuate and untold numbers of excuses for not hitting the targets that were bragged about at the start of the year. As accountants, we’re not really interested in all of that, what we’re interested in is the numbers because they tell great stories and they don’t lie. They’re good like that.
Aug 01, 2017
Ten Network Holdings Limited (ASX: TEN) (“TEN” or “the Company”) announces that Mr Mark Korda, Ms Jennifer Nettleton and Mr Jarrod Villani of Korda Mentha have been appointed as voluntary administrators of the Company and each of its subsidiaries (together the “Ten Group”) by the Ten Group Directors.
Jun 15, 2017
After the Federal Budget was announced on Tuesday, 9 May, small business owners will be trying to work out what matters most to them. Here are three main things we have been reviewing that may impact how small business do business – and it is mostly for the better.
May 17, 2017
By extending payment times to small businesses in the supply chain, large Australian and multinational organisations are effectively using them as ‘a cheap form of finance’, according to a new report by the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).
Apr 14, 2017 Knowing that a business doesn’t pay their bills is incredibly important for anyone in the position of providing trade credit; it is the sole reason that thousands of businesses access credit bureaus in an effort to mitigate risk and safeguard their cash flow.
Mar 23, 2017
Australian businesses are set to experience an increase in insolvencies this year as a result of another difficult economic year, according to the recently-published Atradius Economic Outlook. The likely 2% increase in insolvencies puts Australia in step with the UK and Canada.
Mar 02, 2017
The number of failed unincorporated entities has significantly increased from the September quarter of 2015. The findings were revealed in CreditorWatch’s latest Small Business Risk Review, which also shows a continuous high in national payment defaults (+67%) during Q4 2016.
Feb 15, 2017
The national intellectual property agency has introduced world-leading trade mark image recognition technology to make it easier for Australia’s small businesses and entrepreneurs to protect their logos and brands.
Feb 15, 2017
A new arrangement will come into effect from 1 July 2017 that will allow the Australian Tax Office to contribute information to credit reporting bureaus (including CreditorWatch) about Australian businesses with unsettled tax debts over $10,000 that are 90 days overdue.
Feb 12, 2017
Seven in ten small businesses want the $20,000 instant asset tax write-off to continue past 30 June, this year, when it is due to expire, according to accounting software provider MYOB.
Jan 24, 2017 
Square has expanded its range of secure payment solutions for Australian business owners, with the launch of two new APIs it says will reduce the complexity of accepting and tracking payments in-store and online.
Jan 18, 2017
Business travel can be the best way for your burgeoning business to network and make the most of opportunities both within and outside of your home market, and it appears that many businesses plan to grow their business through international travel this year.
Jan 11, 2017
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is taking legal action against an online business directory provider, alleging unconscionable conduct that resulted in numerous small businesses paying significant amounts of money for unwanted advertising.
Dec 20, 2016
The bi-annual survey of more than 1000 SME operators found that 26% expect the economy to improve over the next year, while a further 33% expect it to remain the same. The biggest optimists were Queensland operators, with 34% expecting an improvement, and operators whose businesses had grown revenue in 2016 (40%).
Dec 16, 2016 
Two in five SME owners either operate multiple businesses or plan to, according to new research from MYOB with Tim Reed, the cloud accounting provider’s CEO, declaring “the great Australian entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well.”
Dec 03, 2016
If he wasn’t already busy enough heading up three manufacturing start-ups, Queensland’s Dave Biggars has set his sights on leading the $19 billion-dollar caravan industry out of the bygone era of timber into the era of smart design.
Nov 24, 2016
CreditorWatch is excited to announce the relocation of its Sydney headquarters! After spending close to three years in our current office, we decided it was time to move. There were three main factors that influenced the move: company culture, space and team collaboration.
Nov 23, 2016
Commissioned by American Express in support of Shop Small Month, which ends 30 November, The Economy of Shopping Small: Custom Counts report reveals small businesses in Australia source goods and services from 4.4 other small suppliers each month, with an average monthly spend of $8,600 or $104,000 annually.
Nov 22, 2016
When reviewing the financial performance of a business, the primary measure I look at is Return on Capital Employed (ROCE). ROCE not only measures the profitability of a business but also the efficiency with which its capital is employed.
Nov 15, 2016
Businesses must navigate a multitude of risks daily. While large companies tend to have dedicated “risk management” departments, which monitor threats to profitability, among SMBs, risk management often begins and ends with physical risks, including those posed by work health and safety hazards.
Nov 03, 2016
Visibility into working capital is essential to manage cash flow and ensure a business can remain sustainable, yet research shows that companies frequently miss quarterly working capital forecasts by up to 23%.
Oct 27, 2016
By seeking out ‘smart capital’, as distinct from seed funding, early stage SMEs can enhance their business acumen, avoid unnecessary start-up mistakes and increase their appeal to prospective investors, according to Kylie Hammond, founder and CEO of Director Institute.
Oct 25, 2016
Disruption has become ‘business as usual’ in many markets and, as such, it is necessary for entrepreneurs to adopt a disruptive mindset. Disruption is forcing business leaders to act quickly and decisively to remain relevant in their industry or to leverage new market opportunities.
Oct 20, 2016
In May, this year, the Reserve Bank of Australia released a new surcharging standard, which introduced a ban on excessive surcharges. The ban, which is being enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), commenced for large retailers this month but all other merchants have until 1 September 2017 to comply with it.
Sep 22, 2016
The Federal Government’s Public Data Policy Statement, released last December, flagged its commitment to make non-sensitive government data ‘open by default’, with the aim being to stimulate innovation and drive productivity improvements across all sectors of the economy.
Sep 22, 2016
By supporting the local start-up ecosystem, angel investors not only stem brain drain but keep IP in Australia. According to Trevor Folsom, co-founder of Sydney-based start-up generator Investible, problems arise when investors are seduced by opportunities that see them invest ‘too heavily and too early”.
Sep 20, 2016
Not-for-profit health fund HCF has invested $1 million into aged care tech start-up Curo Technologies.Founded by brothers Matt and Tim McDougall, the Melbourne-based company uses sensor technology to monitor the wellbeing of elderly residents in their own home or in an assisted living environment.
Sep 15, 2016
Running a small business can be an empowering experience, but also an unpredictable one. You have to work incredibly hard to make sure new business is walking through the door, but inevitably, you’re going to run into slower periods.
Sep 15, 2016
Entrepreneurialism is its own class of business, even being studied as a distinct subject. It’s no surprise then that entrepreneurialism comes with its own unique challenges, which requires a different mindset and approach than other business areas.
Sep 09, 2016
It’s that time of year again: tax time. When the challenge of filing personal taxes is compounded by the need to sift through work-related travel expenses, it’s no wonder many workers would rather visit the dentist.
Aug 18, 2016
What if we could start putting superannuation to better use? The internet has changed the way we view and treat money. Paypal pioneered the idea of sharing money online, while services like ApplePay allow consumers to ditch their wallets for good.
Aug 16, 2016
Small and microbusinesses too often get the short end of the stick when it comes to getting paid, because they are usually the easiest for big businesses to bully. So how can you ensure that you have a leg to stand on when it comes to chasing payment?
Jul 19, 2016
You’ve sent your invoice. It is now overdue. It’s time to make The Call: “Regarding the invoice I sent a month ago, it’s now overdue. When do you think that will come through? … The cheque’s in the mail you say?” I encourage you to scream along with me.
Jul 12, 2016
Many of Australia’s small businesses might be missing out on potentially valuable tax deductions by not consulting with a financial expert, according to research highlighted by finance and tax software developer Intuit.
Jun 29, 2016
When you start a business, it isn’t just about what you do well that ensures your path to success, but your customers. Don’t fall into the trap of accepting any client because you’re desperate for business: if you are careful and patient at the beginning, it will pay dividends for your business and your reputation in the long run.
Jun 27, 2016
More than 450,000 small businesses have become SuperStream compliant ahead of the 30 June deadline. If your businesses will struggle to adopt the new payment standard in time, don’t worry: the ATO has announced it is extending the deadline by four months.
Jun 24, 2016
Despite federal election promises of greater support for SMEs, businesses owners remain pessimistic about the Australian economy, with two in five expecting it to worsen in the coming year, the latest MYOB Business Monitor revealed.
Jun 23, 2016
When you are starting out in business, you will recognise that it can be a very lonely experience.You may have a couple of key people who are your ‘go to’ resource for advice. It is quite common for business owners to reach out to a former colleague, mentor, maybe a family member or even their accountant.
May 02, 2016
With three business days remaining before the the Federal Budget is announced, small to medium business owners have voiced a united desire for company tax rates to be reduced, according to the latest MYOB Business Monitor.
Apr 29, 2016
Australia’s small business exporters have three things in common: they are optimistic, they are confident and most importantly, they are innovative. When this translates to the international market through exporting, these traits are even more important to success.
Apr 26, 2016
Personal insolvency is a growing market with more and more people declaring bankruptcy or entering into other personal insolvency arrangements to address credit issues arising out of consumer credit, business related debt or over leveraging problems, amongst other things.
Apr 21, 2016 
The story of Atlassian is the perfect tech startup fairy tale; two humble guys from Sydney bootstrap a company with a $10,000 credit card and pull off a successful IPO with a market cap of $4.4 billion (USD).
Mar 09, 2016
A business is established as a “brand” after many success stories. However, what we all don’t hear often are the failures faced by the business. Entrepreneurs who are lucky to see their business venture grow into something big from a small idea will relate to this thought – the one thing that is constant is change.
Mar 03, 2016
The startup world is alive and bustling with entrepreneurs, investors, accelerators and a growing network of support industries. The Startup Economy study undertaken by PwC and commissioned by Google highlights that with the right support and growth, this could contribute over $100 billion to GDP and create over half a million new jobs by 2033.
Mar 03, 2016
Small business failure rates are alarming – or so we are told. Along every avenue of research an enthusiastic entrepreneur will take, their spark, at some point, will be doused by bold assertions:
Feb 25, 2016
We’ve heard the bleak stats time and again: nine out of 10 startups will fail. As if small business owners didn’t have enough to worry about. The trick is to learn from the lessons of the past to ensure success in the future.
Feb 16, 2016
Australia and Canada used to depend a lot on resource extraction for the Australian Government. During the mid – 2000s commodities super – cycle, China absorbed new supplies of metals and energy as quickly as projects could be brought on stream, keeping global prices high.
Feb 16, 2016
Starting a business is all about communicating the benefits of your service or product to the appropriate audience. Although fairly straight forward in principle, the complexities of executing this vary for every business.
Feb 09, 2016
This article will focus on the best internal collection practices for your small business. This article assumes your business already has a credit policy in place and a collection policy in place. Also keep in mind that this article is focused on commercial as opposed to consumer collection matters although there are similarities between the two.
Feb 02, 2016
The end of a calendar year marks a moment in time when we consider the goals we set for ourselves and measure them against what we achieved. We reflect on what went well and what needs improvement and we use those reflections to set our goals for the year ahead.
Jan 14, 2016
The Atradius 2015 Payment Practices Barometer for the Asia Pacific region found that Australia and Indonesia, both of which are heavily dependent on commodity exports to China, were particularly susceptible to the economic slowdown.
Dec 01, 2015
Is it time to outsource your debt collection? Growing debt levels, rising bankruptcy rates and positive industry reform stemming from revised debt collection guidelines issued last year have led many Australian businesses to seek professional help in recovering their customer debts.
Nov 05, 2015
Creating a business is an incredible journey made up of both success and failures, and entrepreneurs who are fortunate enough to watch their venture grow from a simple idea to an established company will understand that it involves constant change and management – From experience, here’s some advice in managing these changes.
Oct 30, 2015
“Universities will want to play a role, industries will want to play a role, start-ups will want to play a role.” These were the words of NSW Premier Mike Baird recently speaking to the ABC about plans to transform Sydney’s inner-west foreshore into a new tech hub.
Oct 28, 2015 There may be times in your business where as a small business owner you may have to look for a new accountant. This could be because you are setting up a new business in itself or in conjunction with your existing businesses, and would like advice on tax planning.
Oct 26, 2015
When you first set up your business, you probably dived in head over heels, researching, forming new relationships, setting up an office space, and organising your daily operations. Your blood, sweat, and tears were most likely sacrificed for the cause, alongside investing your time and money.
Oct 25, 2015
Rarely does anyone step into a new leadership role knowing everything they need to be successful. People naturally celebrate this change (I got this, how hard can it be?) but too often ignore the challenge of the transition (you’re unlikely to be aware of what you don’t know!).
Oct 21, 2015
Today, there are businesses that rely extensively on their websites to create various touch-points with their stakeholders. Consumers can find everything from clothes, accessories, and electronics to even carton boxes for their packaging needs and nannies for their little ones, online.
Oct 21, 2015
As the end of the year draws near, online retailers need to turn their mind to making the most of the spending silly season – you don’t want to find yourself caught out when December rolls around.
Oct 16, 2015
Business owners can be cautious thinkers, looking out for every possible roadblock their business may encounter. It is a both a blessing and a curse, as there are situations when it can serve a business owner well and other times, being ultra conservative can be a hindrance.
Oct 14, 2015
We all love to connect with our friends and family online. Whether it’s the fun of choosing the best angle for your selfie, finding long-lost school friends or talking about the latest trends or news, 11 million Australians make Facebook a daily habit.
Oct 14, 2015
A survey of over 1,200 businesses across Australia has revealed that 45 per cent of businesses are more confident under Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership with only 11 per cent reporting to be less confident.
Oct 13, 2015
When you’re in the market for a new car, you will have to pay compulsory third party insurance (CTP) along with your registration. This might be included with registration or available on the open market. This covers you for accidents in which you inflict injuries on other people. It does not cover you for property damage.
Oct 12, 2015
Small businesses are the heart of the Australian economy, but how do they compete with the big end of town? The big end of town is big businesses that have been successful for a reason and have learnt not only from peers, but also their mistakes.
Oct 08, 2015
Are you looking for the right deal on equipment finance? Equipment finance isn’t as straightforward as something is as car finance is. Equipment finance is tricky depending on what kind of equipment you’re looking to acquire.
Oct 06, 2015
From and early age, Greg Moshal has always been involved in small business. With his beginnings in a family venture to owning his own, the struggles of obtaining finance to start and grow a business became an all too familiar story.
Oct 06, 2015
Have you noticed yourself feeling more anxious, exhausted, susceptible to mood swings, or unable to sleep at night? If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you may be a small business owner on the brink of burnout.
Sep 29, 2015 Building customer loyalty can be a challenge when getting a new business off the ground. The secret is to get to know your customers, find a way to relate to them and exceed their expectations at every turn. This will create positive word-of-mouth, and bring in more business for you. Here are some tips to generate customer loyalty for your business.
Sep 28, 2015
Humans are creatures of habit; we subconsciously drift into routines that provide predictability and a sense of comfort and security. Habits and routines have their place – they get us up in the morning and into work on time but as soon as we stop achieving the desired result, we change them. As individuals, we own them.
Sep 23, 2015
Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, announced yesterday that Victorian MP, Kelly O’Dwyer, will replace Bruce Billson as Small Business Minister in a move that sent “shockwaves” through the small business community.
Sep 21, 2015
Resonating around the business community, these were the words of newly appointed Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, at a press conference late on Monday evening.Mr Turnbull’s move to challenge the leadership was met with predictable critique – it made the Liberal Party just like the Labor Party of June 2010.
Sep 16, 2015
Cloud migration is a growing trend among small to medium sized businesses in Australia. Accounting practices are also embracing cloud technology – The May 2015 Cloud Readiness Survey from Digital First demonstrates that the shift to the cloud is happening. Nearly half of the respondents (43%) see a major shift to cloud software likely to be happening within the next twelve months.
Sep 16, 2015
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said the Labor Party needs to declare its support for the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) in order to deliver certainty to Australian exporters seeking to use the improved trade arrangements to create jobs at home.
Sep 15, 2015
How many complaints does your business get every week or month? Hopefully it’s not very many but even a small number of dissatisfied customers can cause a lot of damage, especially to businesses that rely on word of mouth referrals or who don’t have hundreds of customers buying from them every day.
Sep 09, 2015
250 businesses in Melbourne’s Dandenong region will be audited by the Fair Work Ombudsman as part of a new campaign to check that employers are paying the correct minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, allowances, loadings and providing appropriate meal breaks.
Sep 09, 2015
After declining or remaining stable for 9 months, Australia’s construction industry expanded during the month of August. The Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI) increased by 6.7 points to 53.8. Readings above 50 indicate an expansion in activity.
Sep 07, 2015
When business leaders think about growing their business, there are a variety of options that will roll off the tongue: diversification, strategic partnerships, multiple locations, increased sales – to name a few. But are they really just stating the obvious and are they missing the fundamental subtext to a successful growth strategy?
Sep 03, 2015
The NSW Government’s Dispute Resolution Unit (DRU) has handled over 37,000 enquiries over the last three years according to new data. The number of enquiries from small businesses has increased each year over this period.
Sep 02, 2015
After a joint investigation by Fairfax and Four Corners uncovering widespread underpayment of staff by 7-Eleven franchisees, 7-Eleven has said in a statement that it will pursue franchisees to repay money owed to present and former staff.
Sep 01, 2015 According to the Exit Smart Survey conducted by national chartered accounting and advisory form William Buck, almost 80 per cent of business owners are over 50 years of age with 65 per cent expected to sell in the next five years.
Aug 31, 2015
7-Eleven store owner and operator, Harmandeep Singh Sarkaria will face the Federal Circuit Court over allegations that he underpaid two migrant workers almost $50,000 and created erroneous records for the workers.
Aug 31, 2015
The Commonwealth Bank has introduced a Real-time Alerts feature for their Business Transaction Accounts following a new study that revealed small businesses spend more 10 days a year managing finances.According to the survey of over 500 small business decision makers, 75 per cent of the time spent included tasks such as chasing payments, scheduling payments and forecasting cash flow.
Aug 27, 2015
When the annual financial results come onto the agenda at work, you’ll probably notice everyone’s eyes glazing over. This is incredibly unfortunate, with many not realising the huge opportunity missed to clearly and effectively communicate a company’s value and impact to both their employees and potential investors.
Aug 25, 2015
Three months after the 2015 Budget announced a $20,000 tax break to small businesses, Tim Reed, CEO of MYOB, provider of business management solutions, shares his professional view with Dynamic Business on the effect these budget measures can have on the Australian small business community.
Aug 24, 2015
There are plenty of reasons to start your own business – being your own boss and master of your own destiny, following a passion and fulfilling a dream and vision are just a few of them. Whatever the dream, the reality of running a business is that it requires a lot of hard-work, sacrifice and constant energy and motivation.
Aug 21, 2015
Deciphering good advice from bad and knowing what to take and what to leave is no easy task when looking to ‘maximise efficiency’ and save money. The challenge here lies not only in the credibility of advice but also the relevance to your operations or industry.
Aug 21, 2015
Some of the leading causes of small businesses failures are unrealistic budget, unnecessary costs, overexpansion and ignoring debt payments. Though borrowing makes sense for start-ups, sometimes entrepreneurs are borrowing large amounts of money without sufficient capacity for returning it.
Aug 19, 2015
Bigstone Capital, a start-up Australian loan market dedicated to small business, and The Interface Financial Group (IFG), one of the North America’s largest alternative finance sources for small businesses have signed a deal to deliver a flexible invoice finance product funded by peer-to-peer market platform.
Aug 18, 2015
As the mining boom continues to lose pace, Australia’s trade and investment profile is changing. While the growth of our commodities sector may have diminished, other sectors are performing well as demand for Australian products and services overseas is strong and, in many sectors, growing.
Aug 17, 2015
Access to finance continues to challenge the growth of Australia’s internationally-active businesses according a new survey commissioned by the Export Council of Australia and supported by Efic, the Australian Government’s export finance agency.
Aug 12, 2015
Like many interesting learning experiences, they can arise from the most unorthodox of circumstances. I was on a chairlift with a newly found ski companion in a relatively unknown corner of Hokkaido. It was snowing heavily. I was the spritely age of 27. My ski companion was in his late 50’s (specific age undisclosed).
Aug 06, 2015
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has said that penalty rates must be reduced to support further retail growth. This comes as retail figures for June 2015 have shown further growth while the Productivity Commission has opened discussion on the matter of penalty rates.
Aug 05, 2015 
Further cuts to red tape will save NSW business owners $815 million making owning and growing a business in NSW even easier. The red tape reforms have exceeded the $750 million June target according to the Minister for Small Business, John Barilaro and Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Victor Dominello.
Jul 31, 2015
Entrepreneurs are famous for developing new ways to do old tasks. As surely as a person’s greatest strength will also be their greatest weakness, so too are entrepreneurs often poor at doing old tasks the new way.
Jul 31, 2015
Part of our role as small business accountants is to act as a barrier or intermediary between the tax office and the small businesses of Australia. It’s not that we don’t trust the two different interests to get along but it’s more about using our experience and knowledge to protect the best interests of the client.
Jul 29, 2015 
Today’s customer journey is increasingly fragmented and complex as consumers interact with brands offline and online across multiple channels. We might have a quick browse online during our lunch breaks,…
Jul 28, 2015
Whether you’re taking on a franchise, buying an existing business or establishing a start-up, starting a business comes with a never-ending list of challenges and, while each business is unique, there are a few common mistakes that people make when starting out.
Jul 23, 2015
I was unable to attend this year’s Telstra NSW Business Awards, however two of my key staff were able to experience the evening themselves. Looking back at the previous awards I have attended, they press those who don’t own a business to consider what they can learn from the nominees.
Jul 22, 2015
Capify (formally AUSvance), Australia’s most experienced and leading alternative finance provider powered by proprietary technology and analytics, today announced its global rebrand to become the most diverse, worldwide alternative small and medium sized enterprise (SME) finance platform.
Jul 22, 2015
Commbank’s latest Business Sales Indicator (BSI) report shows Australian businesses are continuing to respond positively to Government stimulus measures. According to the report, June sales are maintaining momentum and growing at a solid pace.
Jul 22, 2015
How many times do we hear the word ‘innovation’ from those discussing business? Whether it’s at seminars, roundtables, or all-out conferences, everyone’s on the innovation bandwagon. Yet, how many of us are actually taking this word on board, putting it into practice, and infusing it into the backbone of our business?
Jul 16, 2015
As your small business expands, you may want to look into new accounting software to keep up with the growing number of invoices, bank transactions and other everyday accounting tasks you are bound to face.
Jul 13, 2015
Many small businesses start as the brainchild of one person or a small group of individuals. It’s the entrepreneurial spirit that drives us to stop dreaming, to get the wheels in motion, and to work our backsides off in the hope of running our own business.
Jul 09, 2015
Business today shouldn’t just be focused on the next sale, the next big social media post, or being the best of the best. For a business to maintain growth and longevity in the current global market, they need to invest resources in creating, maintaining, and building strong, long-lasting relationships.
Jul 09, 2015
Often people who are starting up gain encouragement from well-meaning friends enthusing about how experienced and skilled the start-up candidate is. Ksind words can perhaps unintentionally disarm an entrepreneur into believing that it is obvious they will succeed.
Jul 09, 2015
Working from home is a way of life for many Australians. In fact three-quarters of small business employees, and not to mention the majority of freelancers, maintain an office in their home. But a proper workspace at home doesn’t come cheap.
Jul 01, 2015 
The partnership deal is being marketed as a benefit for small businesses, which will now be able to access and share Dropbox files within Xero. Other features are to be shared throughout the year, including an offer for SMEs to “simplify their accounting workflows”.
Jun 30, 2015
Change is never easy. Changing the structure of a business takes time, effort and introspective thinking to get it right. The last few months, we have been reverse engineering our business, website and services to evolve and the process has been interesting, but challenging.
Jun 29, 2015
A sharp business plan will impress potential investors, but the risk for the investor is not always in the plan but in the people who are going to implement it. Personal character and motivation of the entrepreneur is often the defining issue for an investor.
Jun 25, 2015
Australia’s manufacturers are seeing improving conditions, according to the latest ACCI-Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends. The survey has revealed strengthening conditions for the third consecutive quarter, with a rise in building activity and an improvement in service sector investment cited as positive contributors.
Jun 24, 2015 
In a big move to crack down on piracy, the Senate has passed legislation that will see infringing websites blocked in Australia. Yesterday saw the Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015 passed with 37 votes in favour and 13 against. There was plenty of support for the Bill, with the Government and the Opposition both coming together on the decision.
Jun 22, 2015
Changes to Australia’s annual leave system have today been introduced by the Fair Work Commission (FWC). A review of annual leave award provisions has resulted in a range of changes, including new capabilities for employers to direct employees to take paid annual leave when the worker is accumulating a excessive amount of leave.
Jun 17, 2015
What colour is your leadership style? Shades of beige, or a riot of ideation and colourful innovation? The time of beige leadership values and the self-propagating disaster that shadows them have an ever-shortening life span as innovation, business structure and cultural and societal changes evolve at an increasingly rapid speed. Take these statistics to heart as an example of the need for active change from a lack of colour in the workplace.
Jun 17, 2015
As we move towards the end of this financial year, all businesses are taking steps to get everything in order for July 1st. The recent budget has given small businesses a lot to think about, and it’s no wonder some are struggling to prioritise what needs to be done in the next couple of weeks.
Jun 17, 2015
Keep a tight limit on the amount you want to raise. I’ve seen many startups and small businesses hold one number in mind when eyeing investors: MORE. While it would be great to inject a huge amount of dough across the areas of growth you think your business needs to see, an overly high amount can have detrimental effects.
Jun 10, 2015
The Federal Government’s budget measures delivered a raft of benefits designed to encourage small businesses to ‘have a go’. While the $5.5 billion package has been well received, the questions facing Australia’s two million-plus small business owners are two-fold: what does it mean for me and what to do with the incentive?
Jun 05, 2015
The Australian level of manufacturing exports has seen its first rise since in November 2014, according to the latest readings from the Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®).
Jun 03, 2015
In increasingly competitive domestic and international markets, Australian SMEs have grown accustomed to running lean. Small business owners double up as HR Managers, salespeople or CFOs and as such are applying a do-it-yourself (DIY) attitude to many aspects of their business in search of larger profit margins and competitive advantage.
May 27, 2015
Despite the recent tax amnesties granted to wealthy individuals with monies in offshore tax havens the Australian Tax Office has been militant in its recent debt recovery efforts against SMEs.
May 21, 2015
In a recent conversation a client was telling me how frustrated he is from continually having to remind his staff to do basic things. Then, when he does remind them, he gets push back, which ends up turning a simple reminder into a discussion he can’t be bothered having.
May 21, 2015 
There are always changes and developments occurring in the business sector going overlooked by many. As the CEO of a commercial credit bureau I know all too well the repercussions for businesses being unaware, whether that be unaware of changes to certain services or movements in wide-reaching legislations.
May 13, 2015
The Abbott Government has today released a draft legislation put forward to further protect small businesses from unfair contract terms. Businesses with less than 20 employees undertaking transactions under $100,000,…
Apr 28, 2015
The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (PPSA) was quite the landmark move for Australian business, providing a single national law that replaced separate Commonwealth, State and Territory laws, leading to the establishment of the Personal Properties Securities Register (PPSR).
Mar 06, 2015
Not all bankruptcies have to run their ordinary course, in fact it is possible to end a bankruptcy earlier than expected. Bankrupts may make an offer to settle their bankruptcy through a composition or scheme of arrangement under section 73 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth).
Nov 19, 2014
We all know that cash is king, or rather – cash flow. In today’s volatile economic climate it’s more important than ever to have a good handle on your company finances. Without appropriate systems and processes to maintain positive cash flow, finances can quickly spiral beyond control.
Sep 09, 2014
It sounds simple, right? Pick up the phone, ring your customer and let them know you’re expecting them to settle their overdue account. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy. If you haven’t prepared, the call can quickly take a wrong turn. Or, an emotional reaction from the recipient can easily throw you off your game. Here are a few tips for making a successful debt collection call.
Aug 18, 2014
‘Cynical’, ‘unconscionable’ and ‘clearly unfair’ are words most business owners never want to hear. When a federal court justice uses these very terms to describe your debt collection activity, chances are it’s going to be coupled with a hefty fine that could financially cripple your business and the individuals involved in it.
Aug 04, 2014 The rate of business failures has more then doubled over the last 15 years according to the Jones Partners Insolvency report. The findings of the report conducted by economist Christopher Nadarajah and consultancy IBIS World were published by NewsCorp Australia this week.
Jul 31, 2014 One of the keys to shake-up your business in the new financial year is to keep your records up to date. Doing this increases your business’ value, provides easier access to finance and allows a better insight into how you are performing.
Jun 25, 2014 Despite its ubiquity over the past 15 years the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payments Act 1999 (NSW) (“the Act”) has recently been amended by the New South Wales government in response to the Collins Inquiry.
May 28, 2014
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