David Adams, Author at SmartCompany

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Small business requests for insolvency help grow sevenfold

The number of small businesses turning to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman for assistance with insolvencies spiked in the September quarter, revealing how corporate collapses are leaving local traders grasping for help.

Company director hit with $53,000 DPN nearly a year after business deregistration

The Australian Taxation Office should clarify its legacy debt collection strategy, an insolvency practitioner says, after the tax office levelled a director penalty notice against an entrepreneur whose business was liquidated and struck off the company register last year.

Melbourne designer in viral “stolen art” saga says more sites have stocked copycat items

A Melbourne-based illustrator whose concerns over copycat designs went viral on Instagram now says at least two other online platforms have stocked items that mimic her own work.

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SMEs could be forced to turn over utility bills under new mandatory accounting rules

Small businesses will be exempt from Australia's new climate risk disclosure rules, but may still be asked to turn over meter readings, utility bills, and other energy usage figures to their bigger business partners.

SEO, content, and Mr Beast: A day in the life of King Kong’s Sabri Suby

Insights from a day with King Kong founder Sabri Suby, from his forensic analysis of search engine keywords through to deep contemplation of YouTube star Mr Beast.

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COSBOA, Tony Burke face off in campaign to split contentious IR reforms

COSBOA is locked in a staredown with Employment Minister Tony Burke, as the federal government refuses to split off elements of its highly contentious Closing the Loopholes industrial relations reform package.

Employment Hero co-founder and CEO Ben Thompson

Employment Hero secures $263 million raise in 2023’s biggest deal

Australian HR and payroll giant Employment Hero has secured a fresh $263 million capital raise, a figure that prepares the venture for deeper international expansion while defying the downswing in blockbuster funding activity.

Sara Lee falls into administration as challenging conditions melt the freezer aisle icon

Frozen dessert giant Sara Lee has collapsed into voluntary administration, appointing FTI Consulting to keep the mixers churning while pursuing a sale or restructure.

Australian ‘pod’ hotel startup Wander secures investment from ex-Airbnb chief

Upmarket 'pod' hotel startup Wander has secured investment from former Airbnb country manager Sam McDonagh, as the accommodation innovator eyes expansion across regional and rural Australia.

Would you let a robot make your salad? Cult favourite US chain goes all-in on automation

The Wall Street Journal reports a Sweetgreen location in Naperville, Illinois, has been outfitted with what the brand calls an "Infinite Kitchen": an elaborate system which reads a customer's order and assembles ingredients like shredded carrot, kale, and dressing.

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Green shoots are showing in the Australian economy, but retailers are set for further pain in 2024

Australian consumers and workers may benefit from changing economic conditions in 2024, yet retailers can expect hardships to continue, according to Deloitte.

Sock Drawer Heroes

Shark Tank Australia recap: $60,000 social impact investment for Sock Drawer Heroes in season finale

Sydney business Sock Drawer Heroes, which provides Australia's trans and non-binary community with gender-affirming garments and accessories, secured investment from Catriona Wallace.

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