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Value over time: Has hourly billing had its day?

Value over time: Has hourly billing had its day?

29 June 2023

Could the end be nigh for the hourly billing model favoured by many professional services firms? As technology turns the dial towards value-based pricing, we examine the advantages in measuring outcomes rather than hours.

Value over time: Has hourly billing had its day?

Article

Fired up for success

Fired up for success

31 May 2023

Hospitality business founders Bill Drakopoulos and Dave Henderson shared their experiences over a meal for NAB’s Business Founders Talk series. Hear what they had to say about the passion and drive required to build up their respective businesses.

Fired up for success

Insight

The Great Rethink: What it means for professional services

The Great Rethink: What it means for professional services

28 June 2022

The Great Rethink has employees reconsidering what they want from an employer – and whether a job fits with their lifestyle and values. Here’s how professional services firms can factor this into the value proposition they offer staff.

The Great Rethink: What it means for professional services

Article

Key elements of a successful M&A strategy

Key elements of a successful M&A strategy

26 May 2022

Watch as our experts discuss the elements of a successful merger or acquisition, from building a solid strategy to understanding the importance of cultural fit to balancing pricing considerations.

Key elements of a successful M&A strategy

Insight

State Economic Handbook: April 2019

State Economic Handbook: April 2019

18 April 2019

Deterioration in conditions in most states, with current momentum negative. Household sector weakness evident, investment still ok (outside mining), while agri. facing easing prices and needs rain. Housing sector downturn, population growth centred on the eastern states, agricultural prices easing.

State Economic Handbook: April 2019
Changing the funding game

Changing the funding game

27 February 2019

Growth capital is more important than ever. But while we’re seeing new and innovative forms of funding stepping up to meet this need, it’s clear small and medium-sized businesses must step up too.

Changing the funding game
NAB SME Business Survey: Quarter 3 2018

NAB SME Business Survey: Quarter 3 2018

25 October 2018

Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) business conditions edged lower in Q3 2018 to +11, while SME business confidence fell to +2pts. While conditions have eased over the past two quarters, they remain well above average, though confidence has declined to below average levels.

NAB SME Business Survey: Quarter 3 2018
NAB Monthly Business Survey: August 2018

NAB Monthly Business Survey: August 2018

11 September 2018

The business conditions index rose by 2pts to +15 index points in August, recovering some of the ground lost in recent months. Business confidence fell 3pts to +4 index points and is now below average.

NAB Monthly Business Survey: August 2018
Fundamentals are good for Australian Agriculture

Fundamentals are good for Australian Agriculture

27 August 2018

The nation’s thoughts are with drought-afflicted farmers. As distressing as their current circumstances are, the encouraging news is that underlying economic conditions remain positive and will help them bounce back once the drought breaks.

Fundamentals are good for Australian Agriculture
NAB Consumer Behaviour Survey Q2 2018

NAB Consumer Behaviour Survey Q2 2018

23 August 2018

Consumer anxiety up steeply in Q2. Overall spending tightens as concerns about the economy and our household financial positions grow. Spending on utilities a key expense, and growing.

NAB Consumer Behaviour Survey Q2 2018
NAB Monthly Business Survey: July 2018

NAB Monthly Business Survey: July 2018

14 August 2018

The business conditions index fell by 2pts to +12 index points in July, continuing its run of declines since April. Business confidence ticked up 1pt to +7 index points, an around average level.

NAB Monthly Business Survey: July 2018
NAB Monthly Business Survey: June 2018

NAB Monthly Business Survey: June 2018

10 July 2018

The business conditions index ticked up by 1pt to +15 index points in June, after easing in the previous month. The business confidence edged down 1pts to +6 index points, to be around its long-run average level.

NAB Monthly Business Survey: June 2018
NAB Rural Commodities Wrap July 2018

NAB Rural Commodities Wrap July 2018

10 July 2018

The NAB Rural Commodities Index gained 1.4% month on month in June, following a 3.1% gain in May. On a year on year basis, the index was down 2.9% in June. The monthly gain reflects strong lamb, wool and cotton prices.

NAB Rural Commodities Wrap July 2018
Get the community on side – sponsor a local team

Get the community on side – sponsor a local team

5 July 2018

Helping out a local sports team with sponsorship can build strong relationships with potential customers – pharmacist Silvana Gittani bet her marketing budget on it. Her success proves how many business, regardless of size, can use strategic marketing to engage with their community and forge lasting business ties.

Get the community on side – sponsor a local team
NAB Monthly Business Survey: May 2018

NAB Monthly Business Survey: May 2018

12 June 2018

The business conditions index decreased by 6pts to +15 index points, easing back from the historical highs seen in April. The business confidence index fell by 5pts to +6 index points, to be around its long-run average level.

NAB Monthly Business Survey: May 2018
Are we an entrepreneurial nation?

Are we an entrepreneurial nation?

30 May 2018

Australia is a high performer in academic research – yet when it comes to commercialising that research, we rank last in the industrialised world. It’s time for change, says the Chairman of NAB.

Are we an entrepreneurial nation?
Keeping my ‘why’ front and centre

Keeping my ‘why’ front and centre

29 May 2018

My ‘whys’ haven’t changed over 25 years at NAB. I’m still driven by the impact economics has on our lives and the importance of delivering independent analysis that helps people and institutions make better decisions.

Keeping my ‘why’ front and centre
Using trade finance to grow

Using trade finance to grow

24 May 2018

Do you own a small business that’s selling overseas or importing products and equipment into Australia? Trade finance can help you make the most of opportunities without tying up your valuable working capital.

Using trade finance to grow
Spikes in demand: preparing

Spikes in demand: preparing

10 May 2018

A big order could completely transform your business but there’s a limit to how much anyone (or any small business) can handle. BDO partner Dr Mark Pizzacalla and Total Image Group CEO Pamela Jabbour discuss preparation, parameters and being strong enough to say ‘no’.

Spikes in demand: preparing
Alipay has landed

Alipay has landed

7 May 2018

With 1.2 million visitors injecting $10 billion into the Australian economy each year, and almost one third of our international students now coming from China, Chinese custom is big business. Alibaba Australia’s MD explains Alipay.

Alipay has landed
Healing power of sweet design

Healing power of sweet design

4 May 2018

Daylight, a sense of space, a natural outlook… architecture professor Julie Willis on how Australia is taking up the ethos of beautiful hospital design.

Healing power of sweet design
Five ways to grow locally

Five ways to grow locally

3 May 2018

Heading overseas isn’t the only way to grow your business. Here are five ways to consider pumping up your revenue on home ground.

Five ways to grow locally
Essential tips for hiring staff

Essential tips for hiring staff

3 May 2018

Do you own an expanding small business? Here are some tips to get more talent on board without sending your direct costs soaring.

Essential tips for hiring staff
NAB Quarterly Consumer Behaviour Survey Q1 2018

NAB Quarterly Consumer Behaviour Survey Q1 2018

26 April 2018

Insights into the mindset of Australian consumers – anxieties around future spending and savings plans, household finances, the economy, financial concerns & how these are impacting spending behaviours and levels of financial hardship.

NAB Quarterly Consumer Behaviour Survey Q1 2018
The secrets of successful goal-setting

The secrets of successful goal-setting

20 April 2018

Setting goals can drive business success – but it doesn’t come naturally to many small business owners. Consultant and author Stephen Barnes shares tips on how to get started, how to set effective goals and how to motivate your staff to reach their targets.

The secrets of successful goal-setting
What to expect on NAB’s 2018 Agribusiness Japan Tour

What to expect on NAB’s 2018 Agribusiness Japan Tour

20 April 2018

From June 14 to June 25, I’ll be leading NAB’s 2018 Agribusiness Japan Tour. If your business involves cattle farming, sheep farming or horticulture and you’re interested in the connections, insight and strategies being used to succeed in Asian markets, I encourage you to join me.

What to expect on NAB’s 2018 Agribusiness Japan Tour
NAB Rural Commodities Wrap March 2018

NAB Rural Commodities Wrap March 2018

6 March 2018

The NAB Rural Commodities Index gained 1.2% month on month in February, following a drop of 1.8% in January. On a year on year basis, the index was down 2.9% in February. The gain was driven by higher grain, fruit and dairy prices, offsetting falls in beef, lamb and sugar.

NAB Rural Commodities Wrap March 2018
What do SMEs really think about their accountants?

What do SMEs really think about their accountants?

26 February 2018

Accountants should be reassured that most SMEs view them as trustworthy. Yet, at the same time, they may wish to reconsider how they can better help their business clients. NAB’s inaugural Australian Accounting Industry Survey offers telling insights into what accountants are doing well – and where they could better respond to what their customers need and value.

What do SMEs really think about their accountants?
NAB Quarterly Business Survey: December Quarter 2017

NAB Quarterly Business Survey: December Quarter 2017

8 February 2018

The quarterly NAB Business Survey gives a more in-depth probe into the conditions facing Australian business than the monthly survey, and also provides extra information about how firms perceive the outlook for their respective industries.

NAB Quarterly Business Survey: December Quarter 2017
NAB Quarterly Consumer Behaviour Survey: Q4 2017

NAB Quarterly Consumer Behaviour Survey: Q4 2017

7 February 2018

NAB’s Consumer Anxiety Index* was basically unchanged in Q4 2017 at near survey lows with job security causing Australians the least stress, consistent with a strongly improving labour market.

NAB Quarterly Consumer Behaviour Survey: Q4 2017
Japan: a trustworthy and valuable trading partner

Japan: a trustworthy and valuable trading partner

16 January 2018

Japan is arguably Australia’s most important Asian ally, and its large market of wealthy consumers is a natural target for Australian businesses selling high-quality goods and services. Here are some tips to help you establish successful business relationships.

Japan: a trustworthy and valuable trading partner
League brings extraordinary women together to build businesses

League brings extraordinary women together to build businesses

16 January 2018

In 2009, Sheryl Thai had just started a business and was like any other fledgling entrepreneur: hard-working, idealistic, passionate. Yet she felt alone. What she did next became the basis of a movement that’s helped thousands of women across Australia find their business voice: the League of Extraordinary Women.

League brings extraordinary women together to build businesses
Health professionals, are you making the most of your accountant?

Health professionals, are you making the most of your accountant?

12 January 2018

Could you get more value from your financial services provider? If you only ever talk tax, you could be missing out. Stannards’ Marino Angelini explains changes in the health practice and accountant relationship and why wealth building, cost cutting and asset protection should all be part of the service.

Health professionals, are you making the most of your accountant?
Consider all the options when buying new equipment

Consider all the options when buying new equipment

7 January 2018

While there are many things to consider when buying new equipment to make your business more productive, one of the most important is finding the best way to finance the purchase. NAB Agribusiness General Manager Khan Horne is urging customers to carefully consider all available options.

Consider all the options when buying new equipment
Australia’s rising tide of craft beer

Australia’s rising tide of craft beer

11 December 2017

The craft beer industry has exploded in Australia. Four brewers explain what’s driving demand, where the sector is headed and what others entering the industry might consider.

Australia’s rising tide of craft beer
Expanding understanding through wider and deeper data capture

Expanding understanding through wider and deeper data capture

5 December 2017

Australia’s GDP continues to grow in spite of subdued wages growth and consumer spending. Gaining a greater understanding of how these contradictory trends break down across regional and metropolitan areas, as well as consumer spending categories, is behind NAB’s expansion of its Consumer Spending and Cashless Retail analyses.

Expanding understanding through wider and deeper data capture
Small town, big potential: City folks’ tree change

Small town, big potential: City folks’ tree change

14 November 2017

Moving to a regional town might seem a career-limiting step but for entrepreneurial Australians with an eye for untapped market opportunities the opposite can apply. Business View meets two former city-slickers achieving success in country Australia.

Small town, big potential: City folks’ tree change
Don’t let your business data be held to ransom

Don’t let your business data be held to ransom

23 October 2017

Threats like the recent global WannaCry and Petya ransomware attacks are a good reminder of why it’s important to ensure your business data is safe, by confirming your computer’s security updates and patches are up to date, and backing-up your business data regularly.

Don’t let your business data be held to ransom
Tree change? The pros and cons of running a rural pharmacy

Tree change? The pros and cons of running a rural pharmacy

20 October 2017

What does it take to run a successful rural pharmacy? Two business owners – including the winner of this year’s Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Pharmacy of the Year Award – discuss the challenges and rewards of working in a small town.

Tree change? The pros and cons of running a rural pharmacy
State Economic Handbook: October 2017

State Economic Handbook: October 2017

17 October 2017

Economic growth in most states is expected to strengthen somewhat in 2017-18 before moderating a little in 2018-19 as dwelling investment and LNG exports peak.

State Economic Handbook: October 2017
Sunny Queen sells happiness in an eggshell

Sunny Queen sells happiness in an eggshell

13 October 2017

It’s not just nutritional benefits and old-fashioned happiness behind the Sunny Queen egg story – the company’s embrace of digital marketing includes giving an egg its very own blog. The strategy is working.

Sunny Queen sells happiness in an eggshell
Six pack: Barossa winemakers find strength in numbers

Six pack: Barossa winemakers find strength in numbers

10 October 2017

Artisans of Barossa, a collaboration of six winemaker mates, was born following a business growth decision to band together under the one umbrella brand. The result has been a host of benefits for both the individual business owners and their beloved wine region.

Six pack: Barossa winemakers find strength in numbers
NAB Consumer Behaviour Survey: Q2 2017

NAB Consumer Behaviour Survey: Q2 2017

27 September 2017

Insights into the mindset of Australian consumers – their anxieties around future spending and savings plans, what drives these concerns and how they are impacting actual spending behaviours and financial hardship.

NAB Consumer Behaviour Survey: Q2 2017
Farm Management Deposits crack  billion

Farm Management Deposits crack $6 billion

25 September 2017

For the first time since their introduction in 1999, Farm Management Deposits have topped $6 billion. Khan Horne, General Manager of NAB Agribusiness, explains which sectors and states have fuelled this incredible growth, and what the result means for the Australian agricultural sector. Khan Horne, General Manager, NAB Agribusiness

Farm Management Deposits crack  billion
Industry leader on how professional services firms must change

Industry leader on how professional services firms must change

22 September 2017

Traditional law and accounting firms need to take a hard look at their business models and ways of pricing, or they risk getting left behind. The man who brought the term NewLaw to the world and has researched and written extensively on the subject gives five pieces of advice.

Industry leader on how professional services firms must change
NAB Labs Innovation Index 2017

NAB Labs Innovation Index 2017

20 September 2017

Australia’s next phase of growth must be defined by ideas, creativity and execution. Our future lies in our ability to foster a culture of innovation. But how do we measure innovation across all sizes and types of business?

NAB Labs Innovation Index 2017
Pets are big business

Pets are big business

15 September 2017

At last count, the Australian pet industry was estimated at $8 billion. Business View looks at the changing nature of pet ownership and talks to three businesses tapping into the trend.

Pets are big business
More than chemicals: Titan Ag connects with farmers

More than chemicals: Titan Ag connects with farmers

4 September 2017

After 10 years in business, Titan Ag is now a formidable strength in holistic agricultural chemical supply, respected for competitive products, relationship building – and now for being grain producers themselves.

More than chemicals: Titan Ag connects with farmers
Spotlight on China: Our biggest buyer

Spotlight on China: Our biggest buyer

18 August 2017

As Australia’s most important trading partner, China is one country your business probably shouldn’t ignore. We share tips to help you get started.

Spotlight on China: Our biggest buyer
Digital expense claims no longer a daydream for mid-market

Digital expense claims no longer a daydream for mid-market

8 August 2017

Cutting the amount of time workers spend on administrative tasks can mean big benefits for a business’ bottom line. Yet for SMEs, honing processes like expense claims often have to take a back seat to building the business. Or do they?

Digital expense claims no longer a daydream for mid-market
Millennials a generation of entrepreneurs

Millennials a generation of entrepreneurs

1 August 2017

Millennial SME owners are far more focused on growth and digital platforms than other generations, according to a new report released by NAB. But can they handle the ongoing pressure of entrepreneurship?

Millennials a generation of entrepreneurs
Cracking the global market: How Yumbah Aquaculture did it

Cracking the global market: How Yumbah Aquaculture did it

13 July 2017

Fifteen years ago, two separate groups of enthusiastic investors and abalone farmers set out to secure a footing on the global stage. It wasn’t until they joined forces in 2008 that everything changed and the farms, within the space of nine years, went from individual 70-tonne entities to being the biggest producer of abalone in the southern hemisphere.

Cracking the global market: How Yumbah Aquaculture did it
From MasterChef to meal-kit king: How HelloFresh is shaking up food delivery

From MasterChef to meal-kit king: How HelloFresh is shaking up food delivery

5 July 2017

HelloFresh doesn’t just deliver food, its very ethos is about bringing people together to cook and eat. So when the global franchise was looking to set up in Australia, management needed a particular set of skills to run the ship. Tom Rutledge, business graduate and former MasterChef contestant, was just the man for the job.

From MasterChef to meal-kit king: How HelloFresh is shaking up food delivery
NAB Rural Commodities Wrap: July 2017

NAB Rural Commodities Wrap: July 2017

3 July 2017

The NAB Rural Commodities Index is an index of 28 agricultural commodities weighted by the relative size of each commodity in the Australian agricultural sector.

NAB Rural Commodities Wrap: July 2017
Turning small tasks into big money

Turning small tasks into big money

19 June 2017

The gruelling task that moving house can be was the inspiration for the online marketplace startup that’s now grown to be a household name and is attracting big investment. Business View spoke to the co-founders of Airtasker, Tim Fung and Jonathan Lui, about their journey.

Turning small tasks into big money
At your service

At your service

14 June 2017

As Australia embraces digital, the business services sector is booming. Nimble and tech-savvy service providers are helping businesses reach their customers by bridging the gaps.

At your service
Insights from Mohanbir Sawhney at the World Business Forum

Insights from Mohanbir Sawhney at the World Business Forum

31 May 2017

“It’s not called failing any more, it’s called learning”: Mohanbir Sawhney, Professor at the Kellogg School of Management, details the concept of agile innovation and shares three ways in which businesses can transform to become agile innovators themselves.

Insights from Mohanbir Sawhney at the World Business Forum
SproutX boosts agtech innovation with start-up support

SproutX boosts agtech innovation with start-up support

19 May 2017

Australia has the talent and the willing investors, so what’s holding our agtech sector back? SproutX General Manager Sam Trethewey discusses a new accelerator program and national co-working space network that could put us on a par with the world’s great innovators.

SproutX boosts agtech innovation with start-up support
Fast moving Fastucas

Fast moving Fastucas

5 May 2017

Hard work and hustle have helped Melbourne cousins Ross and David Fastuca secure a string of corporate customers and win multi-million dollar backing for Travelport Locomote, their travel platform.

Fast moving Fastucas
Strategic alliances and partnering in Asia

Strategic alliances and partnering in Asia

15 March 2017

You may have reached a point where you’ve decided to explore alternatives to exporting alone to Asian markets. Forming a strategic alliance with another business of similar size and market presence can often be mutually beneficial. It’s important to understand how these kinds of partnerships work – and what the benefits are for your business.

Strategic alliances and partnering in Asia
Making international payments quickly and easily

Making international payments quickly and easily

24 February 2017

More Australian businesses are doing business overseas and with advances in technology and the strength of the Australian dollar, more and more small businesses are choosing to import goods from overseas suppliers.

Making international payments quickly and easily
Free trade agreements and what they mean for your business

Free trade agreements and what they mean for your business

15 February 2017

As an exporter, you’ll want to take advantage of any reduced costs that come your way. Free trade agreements (FTAs) do just that – and will make certain markets more attractive than others because of the greater opportunities for your business.

Free trade agreements and what they mean for your business
What Free Trade Agreements mean for importers

What Free Trade Agreements mean for importers

29 January 2017

Australia’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can have a significant impact on businesses sourcing materials from Asia, or elsewhere around the globe. It can make it easier, cheaper and faster for both you and the business you’re buying from.

What Free Trade Agreements mean for importers
Simplify your China transactions with Renminbi

Simplify your China transactions with Renminbi

23 January 2017

If you’ve been thinking about improving the efficiency of your importing or exporting business with Australia’s largest trading partner, here’s a more efficient way to settle trade transactions in China.

Simplify your China transactions with Renminbi
Daring to break with the past

Daring to break with the past

16 January 2017

In 2015, Ian Pratt led major changes to his family company, South Haven Group. He discusses its new branding, the decision to establish an independent board – and the all-importance of culture.

Daring to break with the past
Sweet taste of export success

Sweet taste of export success

13 December 2016

Cultivating fruit that’s sweet in taste, colour and consistency has positioned 2PH as a citrus market leader that can set its export price.

Sweet taste of export success
Business leaders help each other excel

Business leaders help each other excel

8 December 2016

Business leaders can feel isolated with nowhere to turn for advice or support – which is what inspired Jason Tunbridge to co-found the Leadership Think Tank. He and three members discuss the benefits of speaking out.

Business leaders help each other excel
Making hay while the sun shines

Making hay while the sun shines

24 November 2016

In 2015, JT Johnson & Sons, a fourth generation family business selling ruminant animal pellet feed and hay, celebrated its 20th anniversary with Japanese joint venture partner Asahi.

Making hay while the sun shines
Chooks run the farm in Caravan Egg business

Chooks run the farm in Caravan Egg business

22 November 2016

With an eye to adding more diversity to their beef, lamb and cropping operation, the Warner family hatched a plan to use their 1,700-hectare property to house a true free range egg enterprise. Caravan Eggs is the fast-growing result.

Chooks run the farm in Caravan Egg business
7 tips to survive and thrive as a start-up

7 tips to survive and thrive as a start-up

22 November 2016

After four years at the helm of a firm in turbo-growth phase, Podpac co-founder Toby Strong shares seven ways start-ups can manage rapid growth and live to tell the tale.

7 tips to survive and thrive as a start-up
The ultimate textile

The ultimate textile

10 November 2016

Sixth-generation farmer Charles Downie has managed Glenelg Estate through a period of drought and active stock reduction, to a flourishing flock producing some of the world’s finest fleece.

The ultimate textile
Taking advantage of government support, subsidies and grants

Taking advantage of government support, subsidies and grants

3 November 2016

Whether you’re currently exporting to Asia or merely thinking about it, a wealth of Australian Government and state support, subsidies, and grants are up for grabs. Taking advantage of any grants, subsidies, support or assistance on offer can help your business expand into overseas markets.

Taking advantage of government support, subsidies and grants
CEO Seat: Western Health’s Associate Professor Alex Cockram

CEO Seat: Western Health’s Associate Professor Alex Cockram

11 October 2016

An early love of horses almost led Western Health CEO Alex Cockram to become a veterinarian but her great interest in people’s lives, motivations and their resilience inspired her into psychiatry. It’s what’s still inspiring her today.

CEO Seat: Western Health’s Associate Professor Alex Cockram
Five simple cyber security tips for farmers

Five simple cyber security tips for farmers

6 October 2016

Technology has been a boon for farmers but it can also make them vulnerable to a cyber attack. NAB’s Chief Information Security Officer Andrew Dell and Beyond Technology’s Greg Spencer reveal the best strategies for cyber security.