Business Research & Insights

NAB senior leaders discuss the economy and why there’s good news ahead for business.

From interest rates to inflation, employment to consumer spending, NAB Chief Economist Alan Oster shares where he sees Australia’s economy heading. Watch now.

While the threat posed to small business by hackers and cyber criminals is growing, there are many opportunities to lower the risk to your business, says NAB Executive Small Business Ana Marinkovic.

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.

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.

The shape of Australian insolvency

The brains behind Airtasker and v2food share a meal – and their thoughts on how changing your perspective can lead to success.

Leave it to chance and you’re putting the future of your legal practice at risk. When it comes to succession planning, this firm of patent attorneys provides a lesson in doing things the right way.

Since last month’s wrap, we have seen further gains in most agricultural commodity prices, tentative signs of a stabilisation in fertiliser prices, combined with a lower AUD and a weakening global growth outlook.

‘Build it and they will come’ – that’s the belief that drove Brisbane businessman Justin Montesalvo to grow his bright idea from blueprint to thriving high-end camper trailer maker.

A new podcast series to help small to medium sized businesses make sense of current market movements.

A new weekly podcast series to help small to medium sized businesses make sense of current market movements.

Calling today’s tech leaders and future disruptors. Nominations are now open for the Deloitte Technology Fast 50.

Uncovering the business impact of the bushfires through the eyes of over 500 Australian SMEs.

Too many Australian business owners have less super than their employees. Watch this video to find out how you can better plan for your future.

Many senior executives thrive in a boardroom setting. Others can find it limiting and dull. We chat to two senior executives to find out why the boardroom might not be right for everyone – and what alternatives might be a better fit.

There’s one factor above all others that can help lift a nation’s productivity growth and boost its prosperity and living standards according to a recent report by CSIRO, NAB and 20 other organisations. That factor is technology adoption.

Big shifts in our buying habits are seeing Australians spend more on experiences – and that’s forcing retailers to think outside the box.

The next wave of digital marketing is voice. Is your business equipped to ride it?

The sharing economy is going gangbusters and entrepreneurial Australians are securing a slice of the action.

Technology is changing the way accounting professionals work and the relationship they have with their clients. Cloud accounting business specialist Lielette Calleja shares the secrets of her own success and suggests ways to make the most of continuing transformation.

No longer a novelty, co-working and co-living spaces are transforming Australians’ housing choices and work arrangements.

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.

Avante Medical founder Scott Crawford outlines the high-tech issues of the moment – and the near future – for Australia’s $137 billion healthcare sector.

Schoolkids are doing it for themselves… when it comes to starting a career, Australia’s current crop of teenagers believe running their own show is the best way to go.

The Propel program helps Australian technology start-ups take on the world. Apply now to spend 10 days in the US building networks, meeting investors and absorbing the ways of Silicon Valley.

Good advice that you just have to take... six entrepreneurs share the words of wisdom that helped them turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

The business conditions index decreased 2pts to +13 in 2018 Q3, but remains well above its long-run average. Business confidence also fell, declining 4pts to +3 index points, a little below its historical average.

When BJ Plummer was handed the reins of acclaimed Tasmanian smoked seafood producer Woodbridge Smokehouse, he was instructed not to ‘mess around’ with the brand. We spoke to Plummer about his strategy, which has seen export revenue grow a whopping 1,300 per cent in just three years.

We shine a light on the ongoing innovation efforts of Australian business.

Passion, history, ambition. There can be many reasons business owners follow their dream. We asked five company heads to explain their ‘why’.

With expansion on the horizon, FRANKiE4’s Financial Controller, Jonathan Cole, is focused on the right markets and the right financial facilities to make the leap into Europe and the US.

Lawyer turned whisky distiller Cameron Syme pioneered the whisky-making industry in Western Australia when he launched his business more than 10 years ago. His goal? To make the best single malt in the whole world.

From the beginning, Alex Tomic and Nik Mirkovic knew they wanted to think big, and to think global.

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.

Hard work and commercial nous acquired on the fly have helped Queenslander Carmel Sales turn a small-time cabinetmaking business into a multimillion-dollar manufacturing powerhouse.

Socially responsible investing has skyrocketed in Australia over the past few years. What does it mean to invest responsibly and what is its impact?

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.

Rising to the challenge of parenting four children with Type 1 diabetes prompted Elissa Renouf to found Diabete-ezy, a rapidly expanding business whose products help other sufferers manage the condition. We spend a day with her in export and expansion mode.

Biometric authentication is being rolled out across various industries – and the possibilities feel endless.

The skills you learn around the board table could have a big impact on the way you run your business. Here are six of the benefits.

Roza’s Gourmet head Jasmin Robertson grew up immersed in her mum Roza’s sauces business. Though she passed away almost 17 years ago, her mum’s passionate food philosophies – and recipes – remain at the heart of the booming business. We spoke to Jasmin about her mother’s enduring business legacy.

Our small and medium businesses are critical to Australia’s prosperity, so it is important that we put in place the right settings that enable our entrepreneurs to have the greatest chance of success.

What is it that drives, creates and sustains great business growth? Four leaders with business growth in common share what lies behind their success.

Their big break: transformative moments for some of history’s best-known products.

Two Australians – a doctor and an engineer – launched the ‘private healthcare in tough conditions’ industry and grew a business that now fights Ebola and runs warzone hospitals.

She set up her business aged just 21 and now runs the largest privately owned uniform company on the east coast of Australia. We meet Pamela Jabbour of Total Image Group.

Gunning it in the gig economy: how Deliveroo Australia boss Levi Aron sets the pace in a business that never sleeps.

Buying into start-ups has long been the holy grail of forward-thinking investors. Equity crowdfunding opportunities are finally opening the doors.

Five years since switching from winemaking to vinegar-making, Ian Henderson has gone from being a one-man start-up to opening a multimillion-dollar world class facility to keep up with international demand.

Fond childhood memories combined with a holiday hitch inspired Justin Hales to create Camplify, the fast-growing caravan-sharing startup proving a winner in Australia and now taking on the UK.

After half a century in business, Geoff Slade has learnt a thing or two. Here he shares seven truths about what it takes to make it in the business world.

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.

Fleur Studd and Jason Scheltus saw a gap in the Melbourne coffee market for a quality speciality coffee product that could be traced back to its producers.

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.

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.

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 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.

Spending growth slows but “experiences” continue to out-perform.

A shopfront to the world: how Amazon’s arrival could spell opportunity for Australian retailers.

How an unemployed single father turned his life from anxiety to a $6 million success story.

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.

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.

Turning IP into profitable products: WA start-up Wangle Technologies has the lucrative network security market in its sights.

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.

In just a few years, Marie Piccone has revived the fortunes of three mango plantations and the once-renowned Manbulloo brand. A careful strategy built on meeting customers’ demands is what got her there.

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.

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.

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.

Global growth lifts in mid-2017, heading back towards trend rate as pace of advanced economy output expansion picks up.

Waiting to see if goals on tax and trade can make up for failure on health reform

Australian fashion house Misha Collection has risen to international status within the space of three years. Fundamental to its success has been the approach of its founder, Michelle Aznavorian, a 27-year-old who has put her personal brand at the core of the company’s strategy.

Transforming your payments system doesn’t have to hurt and can in fact save time and increase efficiency, as Perth’s Wesley College found out.

Life after a business sale? What Antonio Cerqueira, founder of Oporto, did next.

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.

Rosalie Rotolo-Hassan started serving customers in her parents’ food business at Adelaide’s Central Market when she was just 12 years old – and launched her own export business at 18.

Global growth heading back toward trend after soft first quarter.

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.

What was the moment that mattered? Adam Hilton, Managing Director of Noisy Beast, Media Manoeuvres' Sam Elam and Co-Founder of Appster, Mark McDonald tell their story.

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.

Online sales growing over the year, rebound in the month

For Oporto founder Antonio Cerqueira, it was finding the right partner. For entrepreneur Anthony Janssen, it was working on his business, not in it. For Girl Geek Academy co-founder and CEO Sarah Moran, it was backing herself. What was the moment that changed them? Three business owners tell.

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.

With far-reaching changes to super just around the corner, business owners need to understand what they will mean to them – before July 1.

Leanne Faulkner was riding a wave of success building a fast-growing start-up until the business slowed and the stress took its toll on her health. Now she’s helping others learn how to cope with the pressure.

With Australia’s former mining boom on the decline, employees are looking elsewhere for opportunities.

Melanie Perkins, CEO of online graphic design platform Canva, discusses her journey from Australian start-up to global success story.

Business View dips its lid to a family business celebrating its fiftieth anniversary.

Within a decade, Alborz Fallah went from investing $35 in a domain name to selling his business for a reported $35 million. Here he shares some key lessons for other business owners.

Australia will rely on its schools to grow the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. But to what extent do they innovate themselves?

If you want your marketing messages to have stronger impact and engagement, it might be time to consider gamification.

Mornington Peninsula Shire is investing an estimated $9.5 million in emissions reduction projects over the next five years as part of a far-reaching plan to generate a cleaner and greener environment as well as operational savings.

Digital economy opening new opportunities for successful careers.

In just two years, Jamie Davison and business partner Nathan Hood acquired six businesses. Here, Davison explains how they did it – and the rookie mistakes others might want to avoid.

In total, we estimate the Australian online retail market was worth $21.65bn in the 12 months to December 2016.

Australia’s service sector already accounts for 70% of our GDP and shows no sign of slowing its growth. That means it’s never been more important to understand the where, what and how of Australia’s most important economic driver. NAB crunches the numbers for you.

How to make your social media presence work for you in 2017? Edible Blooms founder Kelly Jamieson shares seven ways to a better social media strategy.

Does focusing on staff satisfaction and building a reputation as a great place to work translate into bottom line benefits for companies? Analytics company SAS believes the answer is yes.

How Peter Barile grew his business from a cafe to the creator of a premium coffee roasting company with its eyes on the global market

We estimate that Australian consumers have spent around $21.4 billion over the last 12 months to November 2016

Overall consumer anxiety eases a little more in Q4, but our spending behaviours are still yet to respond.

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.

How did a little maternity wear start-up from Victoria grow into an international business?

Family, our homes and personal safety contribute the most to our feeling of Wellbeing.

Fundamentally the trend slowing in online retail growth continued in October

When she couldn’t find what she wanted for her baby, Mirabai Winford decided to go out and create it herself.

For the seafood division of the Craig Mostyn Group, one of Australia’s leading food and agribusiness firms, the fastest growing pillar is the export of live southern rock lobster and abalone into the Chinese luxury wedding market.

While the 24-hour news cycle may talk down Australia’s transition from a commodity to service economy, the figures tell a different, and very positive, story.

Australian consumers are swamped by promotions and loyalty schemes. Such schemes offer plenty of upside for retailers but the benefits for both those buying from and supplying said retailers are less apparent.

Despite a slight moderation in NAB’s Business Survey conditions in the September quarter, NAB’s commercial property index rose 11 points to +16, with sentiment higher in all sectors.

In the 12 months to September, Australians spent an estimated $20.8 billion on online retail – a level that is equivalent to around 7% of the traditional bricks and mortar retail sector.

The quarterly iteration of the NAB Business Survey provides additional valuable insight into Australian business than the regular NAB Monthly Business Survey. This publication offers a more in-depth probe into the conditions facing Australian business.

The rate of charitable giving in Australia fell in the 12 months to August 2016, following a spike in the previous year, coinciding with the Nepalese Earthquake, and a still cautious consumer, according to new research released by NAB today.

Emma Stallworthy is one half of the entrepreneurial husband and wife team behind growing fitness brand Pinnacle Health Club.

We estimate that Australian consumers have spent around $20.6 billion over the last 12 months to August 2016.

Launched 40 years ago, the now iconic Australian soft serve ice-cream brand Frosty Boy has grown to become a leader in the frozen dessert and beverage market both locally and overseas with exports to 48 countries.

Consumer anxiety eases as concerns over jobs, the cost of living and government policy continue to moderate.

Patricia Ilhan, founder of the Australian Food Allergy Foundation and Kathy Alexander, Chair of Administrators, City of Greater Geelong - discover the key to their success.

Treating the Movember fundraising initiative like a start-up has helped its founders to grow it from a challenge among friends into a global event that has so far raised more than $650 million to help fight prostate cancer.

Listening to their customers’ needs and responding has helped husband and wife team Anoop and Fiona Anchal build a successful business specialising in custom-made corporate uniforms.

The trading partnership between Australia and New Zealand is a strong one. With the earliest trade agreement between the two countries dating back to 1922,

Online sales down by 0.36% in July 2016

Founder and Managing Director of management consultancy Nous Group Tim Orton explains why taking a flexible approach to working hours makes business sense.

NAB, in conjunction with CoreLogic (RP Data), brings you the Australian Housing Market Update for August 2016.

Boundaries are blurring between profit-making enterprises and philanthropic organisations. We profile two businesses that have prioritised giving back to the community – Kookai’s Katalyst Foundation and Thankyou.

Sentiment in the retail commercial property market has risen to its highest level in over six years. However, strong retail market confidence was not enough to offset the lower sentiment recorded across the office, industrial and CBD hotels sectors. Overall, the NAB Commercial Property Index fell 7 points to +5 in the second quarter of this year.

North Sydney Council has turned to some different financial strategies to create a more flexible funding structure that’s helped drive a series of multi-million dollar infrastructure projects.

Business sentiment has shown great resilience to external shocks in the July NAB Monthly Business Survey, with firms choosing to remain focussed on the positive trends within their own business.

Nick Whitehead, Head of Marketing at Viocorp, and Tracey Atkins, Managing Director of Golden Eye Media, explain how SMEs can best leverage video content.

With the call to entry for the 2016 Ethnic Business Awards now open, it’s the perfect time to celebrate some of last year’s finalists, including Sebastian Galipo, founder and Managing Director of Galipo Foods in South Australia.

National Australia Bank’s latest Online Retail Sales Index (NORSI) shows online spending grew by 13.5% in the 12 months to June 2016. While still strong, growth has flattened from the year-on-year growth seen back in 2011 when the index was first established.

Australia’s next phase of growth must be defined by ideas, creativity and execution. By people and businesses that are adaptive, agile, thought leaders and doers.

The NAB SME Survey revealed very strong results across a wide range of indicators in Q2, suggesting that the non-mining recovery is broadening to include smaller businesses.

Attitudes to work are changing, with increasing demands for more flexibility in the way we work and what we do fuelling a rise in personal entrepreneurialism

The NAB Quarterly Business Survey provides valuable insight into Australian business, and offers 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.

Solid growth across the large south-eastern states has become increasingly entrenched over the past year, while difficult conditions in the mining sector are having a more pervasive impact across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and parts of Queensland.

This NAB special report provides a unique insight into Australia’s start up culture. It explores the latent desire of many budding entrepreneurs (both younger and older) to start their own business.

Former refugee Dr Munjed Al Muderis is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip, knee, trauma and osseointegration surgery – a high-tech procedure that has transformed the lives of many amputees, both in Australia and around the world.

Rob Cromb has presided over the evolution of Kookai in Australia, from its early years as a Parisian label imported on consignment to its current incarnation as a local designer, manufacturer and retailer.

The overall narrative of the Survey has not changed this month, even in light of recent disruptions to financial market sentiment.

Welcome to the CoreLogic overview of Australian housing market conditions for July 2016.

CSIRO and Bayer have teamed up to run Sustainable Futures, a free education program that’s been rolled out to about 450 schools so far.

Amaysim’s low-overheads model was initially tested in several European markets, teaching it valuable lessons that enabled it to successfully set up shop in Australia’s highly competitive telco market.

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are probably not the first things that come to mind when you imagine setting up a new school. Principal Ian Hewitt describes how social media is fundamental to building the identity of a new school, and helping to foster a new community.

Online sales increase 2.0% in May 2016

Established as a sideline venture 14 years ago, upmarket Melbourne bicycle accessories range Knog has hit a sweet spot with style-conscious cyclists around the world.

Setting up a new business is inherently risky. Insurance can help a lot – as long as you remember to revisit it as your business grows and changes.

Founded in 1928, the Royal Flying Doctor Service is a not for profit with an annual revenue of $300 million operating 68 aircraft, from 24 bases across the country. Keeping the planes flying necessitates fundraising of $50 million annually.

Alan Oster discusses the influence of the sharing economy and explores how fast it is growing and its impact on the business community.

Hayden Cox heads up Haydenshapes, which shifts thousands of surfboards a year across 70 nations, while chasing the best waves around the world. He shares his tips for working remotely.

Jeremy Meltzer is the founder of i=Change, which gives participating online retailers an easy way to donate money from every sale. He came up with the idea of giving $1 from every sale to a development project while in New York promoting Yellingbo Gold.

NAB, in conjunction with CoreLogic (RP Data), brings you the Australian Housing Market Update for June 2016.

Oscar de Vries is the entrepreneur behind OSCAR RAZOR, a subscription-based model that home delivers German-made razors and shaving products.

Kosmea’s Managing Director Marie Kapetanakis recalls how she sold the family car to start her organic skincare business, and recounts her journey to heading up the global success story it is today.

Automation can help to reduce costs, boost production and make Australian SMEs more globally competitive. Professor Roy Green, Dean of the UTS Business School, and RØDE Microphones founder Peter Freedman discuss the best ways to make the most of emerging opportunities.

Colin Lear buys an $80,000 van for his food truck company every two weeks to ensure strong sales and lower maintenance costs. “If you’ve got a nice, new, shiny van that looks right, you’ll actually have better sales from it,” says the Tasty Trucks boss.

Reliability is crucial to the success of Budd Green’s family quarry business.

Six years ago, James Lillis founded the clothing label Black Milk, using the power of social media to grow a cult following. Now Queensland’s largest clothing manufacturer, with sales of more than 1000 garments a day, it’s now working on cracking the American market.

Online sales increase 0.3% in April 2016

Vision Australia has come up with an innovative approach to fundraising – equipping Ambassador Seeing Eye Dogs with Tap and Pay devices.

Sir Richard Branson lights up the room with stories of innovation and culture at the World Business Forum. From delegation to innovation to the importance of parties, Sir Richard Branson shares his insights into business.

Mauro Porcini, the first ever Chief Design Officer at PepsiCo, shares what he’s learned at the World Business Forum.

John Mattone, leadership consultant and author of Intelligent Leadership, shares what he’s learned at the World Business Forum.

Nicholas Negroponte of MIT Media Lab shares on the future of technology.

Rita McGrath shares what she’s learned at the World Business Forum.

Tamara Erickson of London Business School shares five predictions on the workplace of the future.

Robert S Kaplan, Harvard Professor, shares what he’s learned at the World Business Forum.

Chris Gardner, author of the 2006 autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, shares what he’s learned at the World Business Forum.

Three CEOs share their insights on the process and challenge of transformation.

CEO Seat: Architect Rebekah Hurworth, the powerhouse behind Family Home Experts, a Brisbane practice specialising in new homes, renovations and extensions.

With the call to entry for the 2016 Ethnic Business Awards now open, it’s the perfect time to celebrate some of the 2015 winners, including Joseph Kairouz, CEO of Cedar Meats.

Business View magazine asks three of the speakers at the Sydney World Business Forum 2016 for their views on the biggest challenges facing the business world today.

Vet4Pets has created a community-centric social media strategy, tapping into its strong ties with the local area as well as bringing the brand’s motto, ‘Family Vets for Family Pets’, to life. Vets4Pets Business Manager Carole Benassy shares her top tips for using social media.

Co-working spaces have been springing up in country towns around Australia, providing a welcome boost to Australia’s regional economy.

Buying an established practice can give medical practitioners a head start in business. Medfin’s Nathan Marris and orthodontist Dr Nour Tarraf discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls.

Suzanne left her high-profile position as head of the Buchanan Group Australia/New Zealand in February 2014 to take the online Habitots business she’d started in 2013 to the next level – launching a bricks and mortar version of the brand.

Two cyclists Cameron Harrison and Thomas Treloar are behind The Rolling Fix, a mobile bicycle service company that’s mending bicycles for a growing number of corporate clients.

Wearable technology could improve patients’ quality of life and help medical professionals to provide more tailored care. Associate Professor Vijay Sivaraman discusses the potential benefits, and why widespread adoption could be five years away.

With the call to entry for the 2016 Ethnic Business Awards now open, it’s the perfect time to celebrate some of 2015’s finalists and winners, including Elena Gosse, CEO of Australian Innovative Systems.

At the start of this month we’ve seen another cut to the cash rate, taking official interest rates down to a new historic low of 1.75%.

No, the title is not a summation of Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison’s first Budget handed down last night. Rather it looks to be the most apt description of market price action – in FX at least – apropos the smart overnight session reversal in the fortunes of the Japanese Yen and the Euro.

Business conditions unchanged at +3, slightly below the long-run average. Business confidence eased to the neutral mark in the March quarter.

Australian consumers spent an estimated $19.3 billion online in the past year, primarily on homewares, groceries, media and fashion. According to National Australia Bank’s (NAB) latest Online Retail Sales Index in-depth report, online spending increased 12.4% over the last year.

Sentiment in Australian commercial property markets softened a little, but remains well above long-term average levels. Despite some pull back, CBD hotels and office markets continue leading the way, with NSW still at the forefront by state and WA floundering.

A resilient economy, solid employment growth, strong household consumption and lower levels of consumer anxiety helped support the charity sector and the ongoing generosity of Australians.

The March quarter NAB Business Survey shows both a resilient non-mining recovery and an outlook that has continued to improve. Both business conditions and confidence remained at levels similar to that seen in the previous quarter.

Australian small businesses are owed an average of $13,200 in late invoices. NAB’s Rebecca Warren and Intuit Asia Pacific Vice President & Managing Director Brad Paterson discuss strategies for improving cash flow.

More flexible working hours at all levels of business – for both men and women – and family-friendly workplaces are just some of the changes that need to be widely adopted if parity is to be achieved.

In today’s economy with ever-increasing operational costs and competition, it’s never been more important for businesses to provide the best customer experiences possible. Ryan Townsend’s You Review is a new patented platform giving businesses the tools to do just that by turning instant customer feedback into business intelligence.

In this video Alan Oster talks about Australia’s “Sharing Economy”.

Anna-Lisa Newman, Chair of Women in Farming Enterprises, explains how this social and professional network is helping women to share their knowledge and experience.

Cattle breeder Margo Hayes is the powerhouse behind Vitulus Lowline Stud, an award-winning semen and embryo export business with customers in a string of countries, including the US, the UK, Thailand and Italy. We share a day in her life.

The sharing economy is growing at a rapid rate, as new business models based on ‘access to’ rather than ‘ownership of’ physical and human assets like skills, time and space, continue to emerge.

NAB, in conjunction with CoreLogic (RP Data), brings you the Australian Housing Market Update for April 2016.

Hard work, patience, sound recruitment practices and good advice are behind the growth of Johnson Partners, according to Theo Rigopoulos. These attributes have helped the accountancy firm grow tenfold. Now employing 40 staff, it’s in demand with SMEs and high-net-worth individuals.

Queensland podiatrist and physiotherapist Caroline McCulloch launched FRANKiE4 after spotting a gap in the women’s shoe market for styles that are both comfortable and fashionable.

Consumer anxiety has now fallen for its third quarter in a row as recovery in the non-mining economy supports the labour market.

A lot of small and medium businesses don’t realise they are conducting Research & Development when they improve existing products or develop new ones. They might be eligible for a generous tax incentive, but time to claim is running out.

Richard Mohan and his family run a micro agribusiness called Midyim Eco Produce, which specialises in rare and specialty peppers such as pimientos de padrón – small green peppers unique to the Spanish region of Padrón.

A growing number of SMEs are putting their staff through meditation workshops as a way to improve health and wellbeing and increase productivity. We talk to two meditation teachers about the benefits as well as a business that’s reaping the rewards.

E-commerce consultant Chris Vincent shares his tips for building an effective e-commerce site

Gilmore speaks to Private Word about setting up the restaurant, his goals for its future and some of the secrets of his success.

Fern Mallis is the founder of New York Fashion Week and has variously been described as an industry titan, doyenne, and The Godmother of Fashion. So her words of advice to those who want to work in fashion, with its reputation for attracting egotistical designers and haughty models could be considered surprising: “Be nice.”

Online sales increase 0.8 % in February 2016.

Jodie Fox is revolutionising the footwear industry, but she has a bigger vision for the fashion sector. Custom manufacturing is the way to keep up with evolving customer demands – and one day consumers will be able to 3D print their shoes at home.

Named CEO Magazine’s 2015 Chair of the Year, Monash Health’s Barbara Yeoh says her successful career was shaped by the support and guidance of strong mentors.

Wootten is a leather goods workshop in inner city Melbourne that produces bespoke shoes, bags and aprons using time-honoured methods and tools. What inspired founder Jess Cameron-Wootten to run an old-school business in the 21st century?

Sisters Beth and Tessa MacGraw are riding on a high after winning a prestigious design award at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival. They share their story.

Renzo Rosso outlined his approach to fashion and business at a business forum supported by NAB as part of the recent Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival. He discussed inspiration and especially the importance of originality and innovation.

The first two months of the year have seen the housing market regain some of the losses recorded over the final quarter of 2015, with capital city dwelling values rising by half a percent in February following a 0.9% rise in January to take our hedonic index 1.4% higher over the year to date.

Over the past decade, Ballarat City Council has delivered significant savings by swapping the manual processing of invoices for credit cards. Stephen Bigarelli, Ballarat City Council’s Accounting Services Manager, explains.

Coomera Anglican College in Queensland expects energy savings of 30 per cent or over $70,000 a year from the Energy in Education Program for Schools.

Designer Yeojin Bae never really intended to become a business owner, so when she ended up running her fashion label she had a lot to learn. She shares tips for start-ups.

Fashion supremo Nicola Formichetti has some unusual advice for businesses about marketing. Asked for his top tip, he said “to not think about marketing”.

Melbourne Fashion Festival chief executive Graeme Lewsey reveals all the planning that goes into making sure it’s alright on the night - the models and fashion houses, set builders, sound and lighting, caterers, makeup artists and drivers.

Social media has opened a world of opportunity for businesses – to engage with customers like never before, to publicise their products through a range of channels and to sell online.

When Peter Alexander started his business, he always had a Plan B. Alexander says planning for the worst allowed him to focus on the future of his business, which now turns over $150 million a year, has close to 100 retail outlets and is planning to expand overseas.

A business leader’s state of mind can influence the whole company’s performance. Workplace wellbeing teacher Michelle McQuaid shares her tips for creating a mindset for flourishing.

Cathryn Wills had never really considered herself as a candidate for the top job at handbag, jewellery and shoe label MIMCO. She told at one of a series of ‘Business Events Program supported by NAB’as part of the 2016 Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Sue Ismiel is Chief Executive Officer of Sue Ismiel & Daughters Enterprises, a family-owned company run by Sue and her three daughters, Nadine, Natalie and Naomi. Specialising in natural hair-removal products, its brands include Nad’s Hair Removal, Nad’s Laser Clinics, NitWits and PuraSkin.

Political refugee Luz Restrepo’s struggles settling in Australia led to her setting up the social enterprise SisterWorks that’s helping vulnerable women with an asylum seeker, refugee and migrant background.

After a successful career in the mining industry, Amanda Healy started Maxx Engineering, which she sold in 2015. She’s now focused on her next venture, the social enterprise Kirrikin.

“Success always starts with passion and an unrelenting drive to make it work,” according to leading workplace lawyer Fay Calderone, who is a Partner at DibbsBarker Sydney.

Overall, 2015-16 has been a broadly promising export year for most major Australian agricultural exports.

VIDEO: Georgia Beattie, founder of Beatttie Wines, discusses how she plans to remain innovative over the next five years and who she is partnering with to do so.

VIDEO: Monica Meldrum shares the increasing demand for ‘clean’ food and how her fast-growing business Whole Kids is committed to improving children’s health.

With the mining boom at an end, the dining boom has certainly fuelled the Australian agricultural sector. This sector is 5 percent of the Small Ordinaries and has been a source of great returns over the past few years.

It may traditionally have been known as the Apple Isle, but Australia’s smallest state is earning an ever-growing reputation for its production of fine single malt whisky that’s being hailed as some of the best on the planet.

Guy Biran, Managing Partner of JMp Accountants, a mid-sized accountancy firm that handles complex tax matters for some of Australia’s most dynamic businesses and wealthiest individuals, shares his top five tips for managing growth.

Innovation is a key driver of business success. It’s typically defined by a firm’s knowledge of the market and customers, constant process reviews, learning from failures and passion and drive.

When sisters Nikki Jurcutz and Rachael Waia co-founded the Tiny Hearts Paediatric First Aid course, they became the youngest women to own a registered training organisation in Australia.

This excerpt from the NAB ACRI Australia-China Business Index examines barriers to engagement between Australian and Chinese businesses.

Growth through acquisition has been the approach Spiro Paule has taken to building Findex, spearheading more than 45 acquisitions since 2000.

In this December 2015 quarter edition of the NAB Online Retail Sales Index, we have responded to market changes by including separate data on takeaway food and smaller online retailers.

The United States of America (US) is the economic powerhouse of the world, with its largest and richest consumer market. Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), which came into force in January 2005.

NAB, in conjunction with CoreLogic (RP Data), brings you the Australian Housing Market Update for February 2016.

Intellectual property covers everything from your brand to customer lists. It could be your most valuable asset, so how can you best protect it? Bill Ladas, Special Counsel at King & Wood Mallesons, and Tara Tissott, Legal Counsel at NAB, discuss the options.

In this video, Group Chief Economist, Alan Oster discusses insights from the latest NAB Monthly Business Survey.

The Purbrick family has been managing the Tahbilk winery in Victoria for five generations. It’s now managed by Alister Purbrick and his daughter Hayley, who believe they have a responsibility to leave both a sustainable environmental legacy and a successful business for future generations.

In this video, Group Chief Economist, Alan Oster discusses insights from the latest NAB Quarterly SME Survey.

NAB Business Markets Podcast – February 2016 Video transcript (Word, 26kb)

In this video Cindy Batchelor, NAB Business Executive General Manager, discusses how SMEs can embrace innovation.

Despite an overall improvement in commercial property market sentiment, the survey reveals that fewer developers are planning to start new works in the short-term.

Farmers will soon be able to hold up to $800,000 in Farm Management Deposits. Khan Horne, General Manager of NAB Agribusiness, discusses the benefits of this investment.

Since early November, oil prices have resumed a clear downward trend, punctuated by episodes of sharp declines during early to mid- December and the first half of January.

VIDEO: We talk to Georgia Beattie about how she went from a uni student to a successful business owner who exports her products to Asia.

Taking charge of the family business after the death of his father, Peter Freedman persevered through tough times to grow Freedman Electronics from a single shop in the Sydney suburb of Ashfield to become RØDE Microphones – one of Australia’s great export success stories.

In 2012, after a decade as Chief Executive Officer of the National Rugby League, David Gallop was appointed CEO of Football Federation Australia. He shares his mission to have the most fans and participants of any Australian sport.

In this video Cindy Batchelor, NAB Business Executive General Manager, discusses why innovation is so important for business.

The rotation in economic activity towards the non-mining states is continuing, while conditions in mining states have become more challenging as commodity prices have fallen further.

Run by four families, Flinders Ranges Premium Grain in South Australia has an expanding grain and flour export business that sells itself on the location and soil it’s grown in, in the same way wine does.

The falls in global oil prices over the last year or so are fundamentally a reaction to oversupply in global markets – as US new oil supply comes on board, OPEC puts the squeeze on profitability of new sources of supply by refusing to cut production.

Husband and wife Chelsea and James Ross are the dynamic duo behind Venivici, a company that operates three – soon to be four – women’s boutique retreats in Bali and Japan under the Goddess Retreats brand.

In this video Alan Oster talks about the state of innovation in Australia.

“Hard work pays off” is a philosophy that Rick Hall, the Alice Springs business owner of Alice Motor Sales, off-road motorbike champion and father of five, has always subscribed to.

In this video Alan Oster discusses the opportunities for SMEs in 2016.

Alan Oster talks to the reasons behind his optimistic economic outlook for Australia in 2016 including the benefits in the investment in the mining sector and consumer confidence.

Alan Oster talks to the economic outlook for Australia and whether we are heading for a recession.

NAB’s Dean Pearson shares his economic outlook for small-to-medium business owners in 2016 as Australia prepares for life after the mining boom.

The NAB Quarterly Australian Behaviour Survey (formerly NAB Consumer Anxiety Report) shows consumer anxiety falling again (and to its lowest level since Q4 2014), amid more signs of improvement in the labour market and non-mining segments of the economy.

Chrissy Blackburn, managing partner of brand consultancy West Eighty Second, on why being a purpose-led company is good for business.

Shoes of Prey co-founder Jodie Fox has moved the fashion-tech company stateside. She shares her experience tackling the US market from her Santa Monica base.

There have been some volatile shifts in the global economy recently, prompting pessimists to declare that there’s a 50–50 chance of Australia going into recession. However, a closer look at the numbers behind the forecasts shows there’s plenty of reason for optimism.

The December Housing market updates shows the highest annual growth rates are still being recorded in Sydney and Melbourne.

The right practice manager can improve the profitability and viability of a practice. GP Philip Gribble of the Clare Medical Centre and Gillian Leach, National CEO of the Australian Association of Practice Management, discuss the benefits of employing someone to take care of business.

Alice Mabin re-launched her career from animal health to rural lifestyle photographer, author and entrepreneur with the launch of her self-published book, The Drover capturing an epic cattle drive. She explains how taking a risk helped her build a business doing what she loves.

Takeshi Takada, Alt.vfx co-founder is the winner of the Small Business category at the 2015 Ethnic Business Awards.

With seven facilities in Melbourne and plans to expand interstate in 2016, Kieser Training has successfully adapted a European business model to the local market. Tony Smith, Managing Director of Kieser Training, shares his top tips for bringing a European business to Australia.

From real-time payment processing to seamless reconciliation, the New Payments Platform (NPP) will transform the way we transact and do business. Eric Tsang, Head of Group Payments Development at NAB, discusses the potential of this world-leading Australian initiative.

This report presents our forecasts for Australian agricultural exports for 2015-16 as well as estimates for 2016-17. Overall, 2015-16 looks to be a promising export year for most major Australian agricultural exports in value terms, supported by a lower Australian dollar.

At -0.6% the latest seasonally adjusted NAB online retail sales index shows sales contracted in October, a deterioration on the revised 1.4% recorded in September.

Taking the risk to pitch an Australian segment for Sesame Street has opened doors globally for Wayne Denning, founder of Carbon Media.

Boarding facilities are in hot demand by international parents with schools investing in more sophisticated residences.

Office property re-emerges as the strongest commercial property sector. Overall sentiment in Australian commercial property markets has moderated a little, but it remains at elevated levels and continues to vary widely across sectors and states.

The latest NAB Online Retail Sales Index shows sales experienced relatively strong month-on-month growth of 1.1% in September, seasonally adjusted. This is a considerable improvement on the sales weakness evidence in July (-1.4%).

The latest edition of Business View magazine is now available to download for free on iPad and iPad mini via our app, NAB Think.

Adina clock and watch making company produce 40,000 watches a year, all assembled by hand. Founded by Rob Menzies in 1971, his son Grant Menzies has now taken the reins and plans to make Adina an iconic Australian brand.

The housing market appears to be moving through an inflection point with the rate of capital gain reducing over the past three months.

Money educator Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon and Paul Fog, General Manager of Financial Planning at NAB, explain why teaching younger Australians to be financially literate has never been more important.

Based on incoming information, we have modestly reviewed our GDP forecasts to 2.6% in 2015/16 and 3.0% in 2016/17 (annual average). Overall, NAB Economics remain of the view that the recovery in the non-mining sector is slowly becoming more well entrenched.

Business conditions among Australia’s ASX 300 firms rose to a new survey high of +20 points (up +12 from +8 points in the previous quarter). The gap between very big and small business is now at its widest margin since this survey began.

Professor Yogesan Kanagasingam, Research Director of the CSIRO’s Australian e-Health Research Centre, is using the NBN Satellite to conduct remote eye screening in remote indigenous communities. He’s expanded the reach of the Remote-I platform to China.

Melbourne has overtaken Sydney as the best performing capital city over the past quarter in the latest NAB housing market update.

Ursula Hogben, co-founder and General Counsel of LegalVision ILP, explains what the rise of the on-demand labour market means for those hiring help.

Australia’s agricultural producers, long frustrated by the inaccessibility of neighbouring Asian markets, now find themselves operating on a more level playing field given the signing of free trade agreements with Japan, Korea and China.

Business expenses continue to rise – but are you paying more than you need to? Brett Hay, a consultant with Expense Reduction Analysts, shares seven simple strategies that could help shave 10 percent or more off the everyday running costs of your business.

A denial of service (or DoS) attack is designed to disrupt a website in order to prevent legitimate users from accessing it. The attackers ‘flood’ the website with many connection requests, far too many for the website to handle, and as a result the website is knocked offline.

Innovation is a key driver of business success and a differentiator of high growth-potential segments of the economy. This special report explores business attitudes towards innovation and opportunities.

The digital world offers big opportunities for Australian small businesses, and a few simple tips can help you make the most of your online efforts. Panellists at Xerocon Melbourne 2015, discussed the opportunities in a session called “Defining your digital world”.

At Xerocon Melbourne 2015, David Koch hosted a session on the state of small business in Australia. It looked at the challenges faced by start-ups, the growing pains of small business and the changing role of technology in helping people build their businesses.

Robin Levison, Chairman of ASX-listed Eureka Group Holdings, is running a ‘shared value’ enterprise, providing quality, affordable housing for low-income seniors and giving a return to shareholders at the same time.

In the past 12 months Sydney values have increased by 17.6%, Melbourne values by 10.6% with the next best performing capital city being Brisbane seeing a growth in values of 3.9%. The disparity in the top performing growth rates highlights just how diverse the housing market has become post GFC.

The stronger the team, the more successful the company. Rob Scott from Presence of IT, an HR/payroll and workforce management consultancy, shares his tips for recruiting, retaining and managing the highly-skilled people a growing business needs.

Economic activity is shifting back to the eastern seaboard as the economy transitions towards non-mining sources of growth with domestic demand will be strongest in New South Wales and Victoria.

Australian's are feeling less anxious underpinned by lower stress associated with retirement funding, cost of living, job security and health. And for the first time, NAB’s Consumer Anxiety report sheds light on spending behaviours across states.

Across Australia, some of the country’s leading female chefs are at the helm of thriving city-based restaurants. Here’s a taste of what they have on offer for that next business meeting.

With demand for flavoursome craft beer with personality continuing to boom in Australia, a new brewpub with one of the country’s top brewers at the helm was guaranteed to win plenty of fans. But FogHorn Brewhouse is also gaining attention for its approach to environmental sustainability.

Diverse opportunities in the non-Central Business District (CBD) office sector mean high net worth investors can invest through pooled/syndicated vehicles or directly. Peter Cashmore, NAB Senior Real Estate Equities Analyst, outlines what investors need to know.

Indonesia is Australia’s 11th-largest export market and 12th-largest trading partner. From what to wear to business meetings to how best to manage the decision-making process, we share tips to help Australian businesses prepare for opportunities within the world’s 16th-largest economy.

Amanda Dobbie, CEO of not-for-profit organisation, Women in Banking and Finance (WiBF), reflects on her role promoting gender balance and shares her top tips for small businesses looking for greater gender diversity in their organisations.

Machiavelli’s Caterina Tarchi, Marque’s Mark Best and etiquette expert Anna Musson share their ingredients for hosting a successful and memorable business lunch to build rapport with clients or get a deal over the line.

After bringing the Fitness First chain to Australia and building it into the biggest chain of health clubs in the country, Tony de Leede left in 2008. He now co-owns a range of health and wellness businesses. See what a typical day in his life looks like.

The latest NAB property market updates are now available, take a look at the national or your capital city update.

With today’s school students entering a highly competitive workforce, gaining exposure to businesses throughout their school years is more important than ever.

You might not know the name, but if you’ve driven a car or travelled in a bus, ferry or train lately, you’ll have seen the work of Hi-Vis Group, an innovative Newcastle-based company at the forefront of the Australian signage industry.

There’s no such thing as a typical Australian business. And with over 2.1 million actively trading businesses across the country that’s not surprising.

In recognition that a mentally healthy workplace can start with a single employee – and a conversation – here are some tips to make your workplace mentally healthy.

When the booming online entertainment business threatened the future of film and television production company Cutting Edge, it invested in digital channels to diversify the business and boost the bottom line. The strategy paid off with expected growth of 20 percent in 2016.

As CEO of Pindara Private Hospital for the past seven years, Trish Hogan has steered more than $110 million worth of development, transforming the Ramsay Health Care-owned operation into the largest and most comprehensive private hospital on the Gold Coast.

Business confidence rose sharply for ASX 300 firms in the June quarter (back to levels seen elsewhere in the economy) although conditions were broadly unchanged.

The value of education as an export for Australia is set to boom as the country taps into the soaring growth in demand by international students in Asia and beyond.

A growing number of private company owners are taking lessons from successful business owners with the hope of developing their entrepreneurial skills and ultimately lift their business performance.

The best small business owners are those who know what good service is and are committed to delivering it. For Christian Jackson, owner of the busy Bakers Delight store in Victoria’s seaside town of Torquay, ensuring his customers receive the best personal service possible is paramount.

Managing staff leave effectively is an ongoing challenge for business owners. Martin Nally, Founder of hranywhere, explains how openness and flexibility help keep employees happy and keep any impact on the business to a minimum.

Launching a casual home-style Mexican restaurant in Swan Street, Richmond, in 2011, Fonda now has four restaurants in Melbourne with 160 staff and annual turnover of $15 million.

Nick Cracknell explains how sustainable practices helped increase production, reduce costs and minimise waste without comprising on flavour.

Australia has proven to be particularly fertile territory for British-based Specsavers since it arrived here in 2008, famously opening 100 stores during its first 100 days down under.

Richard Thame, CEO of Fastway Couriers, explains how he tackled a competitive market to carve out new business opportunities and his plans to make Fastway the courier company people think of when it comes to e-commerce and parcel delivery.

The economy expanded by 2.2% in 2Q vs 2.5% in 1Q. High frequency indicators point to modest outcomes, particularly in the near term.

After recording gravity-defying price gains in April and May that are largely denominated by correlation with the USD, oil price movements have turned bearish in June and July-to- date.

Jillamatong’s pastures are lush and weed free yet Martin Royds spends next to nothing on biocide sprays – and has even sold his ploughs. He discusses the role of holistic management in creating a drought-resistant environment for raising healthy cattle

At an outdoor festival in 2009, Georgia Beattie was told that wine was too hard to serve. This experience inspired the then 22-year-old to bring her single serve wine concept to life and start a business that turned over $1 million in its first year. She shares her entrepreneurial tips.

Are you missing out on money that could help you grow your business? Billions of dollars in business grants are available now. GrantReady Chief Executive Officer Adrian Spencer shares his tips on how to make grants part of your business strategy.

Twelve months after launching Doughheads, Newcastle-baker Anna Farthing is selling up to 4000 doughnuts a week. Her decadent doughnuts have hit the sweet spot with the business now employing 14 staff and averaging growth of 20 percent a month.

A convincing pitch helps to win new clients, secure finance and attract investors. Warren Harmer, Chief Business Planner at The Business Plan Company, outlines the importance of preparation, understanding your target audience and perfecting your spiel.

SMEs need to be especially vigilant in taking steps to protect themselves from cyberattacks, particularly considering a Symantec report finding that in 2014, 60 percent of all targeted cyber attacks globally focused on SMEs.

While many owners of small-and-medium-sized businesses won’t hesitate to insure their physical assets, they often overlook the importance of insuring themselves.

Australian companies are leading the world in their use of online freelancers. Kyri Theos, Australian Country Manager of Upwork, and Toby Jenkins, co-founder and CEO of Bluewire Media, discuss how having international access to millions of skilled people could change the way we do business.

Meetings can be an expensive use of your time. Ed Robins, Director and Principal Consultant at ProFocus Business Performance Consulting and Training, discusses the importance of testing the business case, considering alternatives and keeping everyone on track.

It’s half a century since the founders of The Pancake Parlour first wowed Aussie diners with fresh, delicious pancakes but age has not wearied the Melbourne dining institution whose charm and innovative strategies continue to drive its success.

Snowden Group achieved a breakthrough for the Australian service sector by cooperating with one of China’s central technical design institutes for the mining sector. The Australia-China Trade Report highlights the trends in the services sector from 2009 – 2014.

Schools are being encouraged to take practical action on energy efficiency and the use of solar power to reduce their power bills and build a greener, more sustainable future.

Simon Hill is the Co-founder, Director and Investor in a diverse range of e-commerce businesses. He believes in promoting a less stressful work environment by giving his employees more control over how many hours they work and from where.

Lawrence Cusdin and Brett Aldons, the two entrepreneurial friends behind Croc’s Playcentre, have taken a big bite out of the Australian child play centre market. Operating as a franchise model, they plan to have 15 centres operating nationally by the end of 2015.

Over a decade of cultivating relationships and building up the Tangalooma brand, the number of Chinese visitors has increased tenfold.

The past decade has seen remarkable growth in the trading relationship between India and Australia, with two-way trade in goods and services reaching $14.8 billion in financial year 2013-14.

Oil prices rebounded sharply in April and May, benefiting from a confluence of factors: a stall in the USD rally, signs of slowing inventory build-up in the US, as well as unabated geopolitical volatility in the Middle East marked by Yemen civil unrests.

Husband-and-wife partners in film, theatre and entertainment production company Bazmark Inq, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin reveal the secrets to their successful partnership spanning the arts, business and family life.

The Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) was one of the first Australian healthcare organisations to enter China. Executive General Manager Dan Woods discusses its success and ongoing opportunities.

As economic and consumer dynamics change, Australia’s charities are looking for new ways to earn a buck. Andrew Loveridge, Head of Government, Education and Community Business, and Nicole Brasz, Marketing and Fundraising Director at Save the Children, discuss the brave new world of fundraising.

NAB has identified the top five strategies business owners should consider when they’re preparing for End of Financial Year.

NAB recently hosted a breakfast to share insights from the NAB Charitable Giving Index report. Panellists discuss the impact of the economy on giving, giving trends, and how charities are leveraging data and digital channels.

Continuous improvement is fundamental to business success. Training and management consultant Derek Stockley explains how leading by example and creating the right culture can engage and motivate your employees as well as generate new ideas.

If you eat meat and live in Australia you’ve most likely eaten the award-winning fare created by Bertocchi Smallgoods, the nation’s largest continental smallgoods manufacturer.

Dr Ben Bernanke, former Chairman of the US Federal Reserve, discussed his experience of the global financial crisis (GFC), his views on global growth, the stability of the financial system and where critical economies like China are heading.

Many of the great companies in technology were started by partnerships. Wozniak says when you have great ideas you need some other people to ripple it off, and at least one key friend who believes in it.

Deliver humanity to a customer and they will treat you like a friend not a vendor. Don Peppers tells us the four key components to creating a frictionless customer experience.

According to Oliver Stone, the success of a film comes down to the story that is being told, the authenticity of that story and the leadership that follows.

Three successful CEOs talk about the most significant challenges they’ve faced in growing their businesses and managing their own careers. Radek Sali from Swisse, Liz Butcher from ISGM and Nick Abboud from Dick Smith shared their experiences at World Business Forum with facilitator Professor Geoff Martin from Melbourne University.

Lynda Gratton, a Professor at the London Business School, identifies five key ways that our lives will change over the next decade – something that has major ramifications for both individuals and companies.

Australian service exports to China have been increasing for more than ten years. The Australia-China Trade Report highlights the trends in the services sector from 2009 – 2014.

This edition highlights some of Australia’s successful businesses. Our cover story reveals the secrets to Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin’s successful partnership. We also chat to John Bertocchi and Peter Paolino of Bertocchi smallgoods and Fonda co-founders David Youl and Tim McDonald.

Apps are making sophisticated technology available to small businesses for little or no cost. Darnelle O’Brien, Director of The K.I.S.S Marketing Agency, discusses their benefits and shares her top 10 suggestions for places to start.

Incentivising small business to grow is part of creating confidence and that’s good news for the economy. Hear from our panel of experts as they discuss the 2015 Federal Budget and the impact it will have on business and the economy.

Stephen Southon, Chief Tax Officer NAB, provides an overview of the tax changes announced in the 2015 Federal Budget and how they will impact businesses and families.

Alan Oster discusses the impact the budget will have on consumer sentiment and business confidence, benefits for Small Business and key Agribusiness outcomes.

Roads are the major focus within the infrastructure segment taking a 95% share of commonwealth grants over the next five years.

Tom Elliott shares his views on the 2015 Federal Budget.

The Budget proposed some important reforms to business taxation and paid parental leave.

The Government is seeking to lift the level of small business investment, with a view to generating new jobs and greater economic activity in this year’s budget.

We’ve asked some of our Small Business Customers to tell us what they’re looking for in this Federal Budget. From tax cuts to cash flow incentives, hear their thoughts here.

NAB’s David Bannatyne talks about what the small business sector is looking for from Tuesday’s Federal Budget.

As the Federal Budget gets closer, small business owners often ask what they need to know and how they can get prepared.

Self-storage, healthcare and childcare are emerging markets to watch in the commercial property sector, as Peter Cashmore, Senior Real Estate Equities Analyst, NAB reports.

Crown Group CEO Iwan Sunito turned a love of drawing and desire to own his own business into a property development empire spanning Australia, Singapore and Indonesia. The group has $3.5 billion of projects in the development pipeline in Australia and Asia. He talks to Anna Fenech.

Infrastructure failure, cyber-attack, extreme weather – whatever the disruption, you need to get your business up and running as quickly as possible. Matt Henderson, Head of NAB’s Group Business Continuity Management, shares six steps to consider that may help your business recover.

Australian engineering company, Mawson Global offer value chain services to Australian SME clients who otherwise would not be able to access global sourcing. Their approach facilitates the transition from localised to globalised production for clients.

It’s not widely known that China’s a strong buyer of Australian manufactured goods. In fact, manufacturing is now the second largest Australian exporting sector to China behind resources. The Australia-China Trade Report highlights the trends in the manufacturing sector from 2009 - 2014.

Drawing from his experiences in the sporting world, management consultant, Kirk Peterson, is now helping Australian businesses learn from successful sporting teams and reach their premiership status. He shares the five traits of what he’s coined the ‘business athlete’.

Julie Bishop launched the 2014 Australia-China Trade Report. Commissioned by the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), one of Australia’s most respected China engagement forums and sponsored by NAB, the report examines bilateral trade between the two countries.

Vince Frost has built a successful design business by saying ‘yes’ and meaning it. He discusses the benefits of a building a positive culture, the importance of moving outside your comfort zone and why it pays to think twice before saying ‘no’.

Lisa McGuigan’s eponymous wine label really took off when she secured a deal to create wine for Jetstar’s inflight service. Now her wines are stocked by 350 retailers and restaurants across Australia. She shares her story and next big step: selling her wine into overseas markets.

A lease could help you to afford the equipment you need for your business – especially if it’s tailored to your cash flow. NAB Asset Finance specialists Fiona McDowall and Rebecca Warren discuss your choices, potential benefits and the pitfalls to avoid.

Social media can be a great way for community organisations to engage with their supporter base and encourage donations from the wider community. But many don’t know where to start. Todd Copeland, NAB General Manager Digital, shares his top tips.