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1. RSS Feeds

  What is RSS? RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication" and is an easy and free way to track updates to the SmartCompany website. You can subscribe free to one or more "feeds" which send you the headline and a short summary of articles that have been recently added or updated on the website. To subscribe to an RSS feed, you will need a News Reader or...

2. 25 corporate collapses – and the lessons learnt

There have been some high-profile corporate failures over the past year, and the evidence suggests that the bloodbath isn’t over. We take a look at 25 more prominent cases to draw salient lessons for every business. It’s getting ugly out there. Credit agency Dun & Bradstreet believes one in nine compa...

3. Internet pioneer on new web trends

Lloyd Ernst had an early start on the web, and has learnt how to achieve growth the hard way. He talks to AMANDA GOME about future web directions and what’s in the pipeline. By Amanda Gome

4. South Australian MP considers bill to weed out franchising r

South Australian Labor MP Tony Piccolo says he will consider introducing a private members' bill into South Australian Parliament if Federal Labor Small Business Minister fails to reform the Franchising Code. Late last week, the South Australian parliament unanimously voted in favour of Piccolo's private members' motion, calling on the Government to respond to an inquiry into the Franchising Code conducted last year by a joint Federal Parliamentary committee. The Joint Sta...

5. First impressions count in retaining SME staff... Servant-CE

First impressions count even more for new SME employees New employees decide to leave an SME in a much shorter time frame compared to those at larger organisations, with more than half deciding in the first month, according to new research by consulting firm Chandler Macleod. In fact, 8% of SME employees decide on the first day of their new job, compared to just 1% of employees from larger organ...

6. Australia’s top 20 online retailers

What a year it’s been in online retail. This time last year the retail industry was up in arms over the “unlevel playing field” supposedly caused by the GST-free import threshold. Now, that argument has been diluted by concerns over wages, penalty rates, and workplace relations. And online sales have continued to climb. According t...

7. SmartCompany Smart50 Awards 2010

8. SmartCompany Awards 2009

9. 20 sales and marketing problems solved

The recession has thrown the sales and marketing strategies of entrepreneurs into disarray. Customers have become more hesitant to buy, sales teams are struggling to get deals over the line, and the marketing budget isn't looking as healthy as it used to.   

10. Our top female entrepreneurs

Meet Australia's top female entrepreneurs – they are smart, focused and generate more than $3.6 billion in sales. In a special feature to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, SmartCompany has compiled a comprehensive list of 48 of Australia's best business women (see ...

11. Gap to enter Australia, first store in Melbourne by end of J

American retailer Gap has signed an agreement to bring its brand to Australian shores following years of speculation, in the latest sign US companies are flocking to the local market attracted by the strength of the franchising sector. But while there should be enough demand for the company's product, one retail expert wonders whether it will struggle to compete against Australia's fashion-conscious market. It comes as a number of other American retailers, including the NexCen bra...

12. 30 hot entrepreneurs aged 30 and under

They are young, smart and come from industries as diverse as IT, fashion and agriculture. BRAD HOWARTH profiles 30 hot young entrepreneurs aged 30 years and under. By Brad Howarth    

13. Make-up keeps looking good

Cosmetics and toiletries are based on a solid foundation, and the segment's trend looks set to stay in fashion. By JASON BAKER of IBISWorld. Cosmetics and toiletries are based on a solid foundation, and the segment's trend looks ...

14. SmartCompany Smart50 Awards 2011

15. Boost Juice founder Janine Allis sells 70% stake

The founders of juice bar chain Boost Juice, Janine and Jeff Allis, have sold a 70% stake in the company for between $65-70 million to a US private equity firm. The firm, The Riverside Company, only opened its first office in Australia in late April but appears to have wasted little time in picking up one of Australia's biggest food franchises. Boost Juice has 180 outlets in Australia and 50 overseas (mainly in Britain, Singapore and South Africa) and is expected to post revenue o...

16. SmartCompany Smart50 Awards 2012

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17. The reluctant entrepreneur

Simon Wright is the 28-year-old founder of the very successful website Whirlpool.net.au. Whirlpool makes almost no revenue, has no employees and isn't even a company, Wright says. Instead it will remain his hobby.  He explains to Amanda Gome how he built the ...

18. Sumo Salad finds a healthy model

These are tough times for food retailers, with rising unemployment and falling consumer sentiment leading to a sharp drop in customers.  But Luke Baylis and James Miller, founders of health fast-food franchise Sumo Salad, claim the main challenges for their business haven't come from the e...

19. National retailers headache over Easter hours

The Australian Retailers Association has urged the Federal Government to take the lead in deregulating Easter trading hours across the nation. The retail body claims that ambiguous and inconsistent state laws are hurting national chains, franchises and consumers. ARA executive director Richard Evans has praised the deregulated trading laws in the ACT and Tasmania as giving choice to traders and shoppers alike.He argues the chaos of the current laws is adding to the cost o...

20. Clark Rubber bounces back fast

By keeping an eye open to developments overseas, Clark Rubber chief Chris Malcolm was able to take early remedial action to better position the business to weather the downturn. Well before the effects of the global financial crisis were being felt in Australia, Chris Malcolm, the managing director of swimming pool, rubber and furniture retailer Clark Rubber, had a strong sense of what was comin...

21. Grill'd on the front burner

We'd never actually suggest that booze is a good way for an entrepreneur to get through this downturn, but for Simon Crowe, founder of healthy burger chain Grill'd, it has become an important part of his recession-busting strategy.   While fast-food...

22. Borders Australia and Angus & Robertson chains collapse

The owner of the Australian book selling chains Borders and Angus & Robertson has been placed in the hands of administrators, less than 24 hours after Borders in the US filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Ferrier Hodgson was appointed as the company’s administrator late on Thursday afternoon. Partner Steve Sherman is handling the matter. RedGroup Retail were contacted but a spokesperson declined to comment. The first creditor’s meeting will take place...

23. Fast food franchise Souvlaki Hut collapses into administrati

Poor retail sales, threats of litigation and disgruntled franchisees are being blamed for the collapse of fast food franchise Souvlaki Hut. However, administrator Laurie Fitzgerald of BDO says he is confident of finding a buyer and finalising an agreement within the next few weeks. "We have found a buyer, and hopefully over the course of the next two or three weeks we will be able to finalise an agreement and get contracts signed and so on," Fitzgerald told SmartCompany...

24. Kleenmaid directors face insolvent trading and fraud charges

The directors of failed whitegoods company Kleenmaid have appeared in court over charges the business traded while insolvent, in one of the first major insolvency cases for a business that collapsed in the aftermath of the GFC. The case comes after years of controversy surrounding the company’s failure, which affected thousands of creditors and placed the future of franchisees up in the air. Directors Andrew Young, Bradley Young and Gary Armstrong have been accused of 20 c...

25. Can I get the 30% rebate off on my work car?

I have a lawn mowing franchise and recently bought a second hand work vehicle. I just found out about the 30% tax rebate but can't get a straight answer as to whether I can claim on this. I also want to put the ute on LPG, and since it is for work and I can't claim the $2000 rebate, can I get the 30% rebate on this instead? Dan  

26. 2012's Hot 30 Under 30

They are young, smart and hungry for success. Meet SmartCompany's Hot 30 Under 30 class of 2012 – a group of entrepreneurs aged 30 years and younger, drawn from 30 of Australia's fastest-growing SMEs. These 30 young people are well on their way to becoming Australia’s next generation of top entrepreneurs.

27. Pinkberry craze next franchise hit?... Australia's cities ge

Next hot franchise trend?A tart-yet-sweet swirled yoghurt called Pinkberry is being touted as the next new hot franchise trend. Launched in Los Angeles two years ago, the 20th store just opened in Beverley Hills. And there are plans for 50 in Los Angeles and New York by the end of the year.The brand has been linked with celebrity names Salma Hayek, Jerry Seinfield and Paris Hilton. The foun...

28. Australia's top female entrepreneurs for 2011

There’s a strong argument that the past year has been a landmark one for Australia’s female leaders.  There’s a woman (Julia Gillard) in the Prime Minister’s office. A woman (Gina Rinehart) has become Australia’s richest person. Two women (Kristina Keneally and Lara Giddings) have become State Premiers, a ...

29. The secrets to Specsavers' super growth

The recently released Sunday Times Rich List of Britain's wealthiest 1000 people contained the usual group of Australian money-management stars, led by Michael Hintze (valued at $837 million on the list), Greg Coffey ($383 million) and Hilton Nathanson ($280 million). But there were also some surprises. Co...

30. Pizza Capers gets a bigger slice of the action

While other retailers are discounting to get cash in the door, Pizza Capers founders Scott Geiszler and Anthony Russo are standing firm with their premium product. They tell PATRICK STAFFORD about the challenges of managing their fast-growing empire. By Patrick Stafford  

31. Australia's top 30 female entrepreneurs 2012

First she took on Australia, then she took on the world. Mining and media magnate Gina Rinehart is already Australia’s richest person, and word is spreading that she will become the world’s wealthiest individual within years. So it’s no surprise that Rinehart tops SmartCompany’s third annual top female entrepreneur list and drags its...

32. Jim’s Mowing is a growing concern

Jim’s Group founder Jim Penman says the secret to successful franchising is good recruiting, tough leadership, developing a strong brand and keeping franchisees happy. He tells JACQUI WALKER how he does it.By Jacqui Walker

33. Four more US franchises heading to Australia

Four new US franchises are set to enter Australia, including burger chain Carl's Jr and restaurant group The Melting Pot, lured by the strength of the local franchising sector. It comes just days after clothing chain Gap announced it would be opening an Australian store following years of speculation, with its first Melbourne location set to open its doors before June. Burger chain Carl's Jr, restaurant The Melting Pot, the sports store Golf Etc and elderly assistance group Righ...

34. Smart50 2008

Congratulations to the winners of the Smart...

35. I’m a small Real Estate Agent. How do I get my listings on

So you've probably all heard that Google's moving into property listings, potentially trying to out-muscle realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. Already this week they've also announced a new computer operating system to take on the might of Microsoft and Apple. Be afraid. Pretty soon Google will be everywhere. But let's talk property and have a look under the hood of this new property listing system for real estate agents, buyers and renters.This is such a boon for those ...

36. 2011's Hot 30 Under 30

Meet SmartCompany's Hot 30 Under 30 class of 2011 – a group of entrepreneurs aged up to 30 years, drawn from 30 of Australia's fastest-growing SMEs. While many of the entrepreneurs here have leveraged technology to grow their businesses, this group of business owners prove that IT isn't the only avenue to q...

37. Luxottica keeps its clear vision

Business owners always have a soft spot for those rascally entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, who come into a market, aggressively attack the incumbent's position, and grab news headlines along the way.   But what about when you're in the position of the m...

38. SmartCompany Awards 2009 Categories

CATEGORIES The Smart50:

39. Crust Gourmet Pizza founder’s winning recipe

Costa Anastasiadis evolved his business from a single pizza shop into a 17 store franchise chain, with plans for 40, in just seven years. He shares his secret ingredient with JAMES THOMSON By James Thomson

40. Dymocks and its digital turnaround

Don Grover is the chief executive of the franchise chain of book sellers Dymocks, which has emerged from the doldrums of this early decade with a new business model that embraces online strategies.   He talks to Amanda Gome about how he has changed the model and...

41. Aussie Farmers Direct

Smart50 rank: 3Revenue: $64,984,745Growth: 205.87%Founders: Shane Hodskiss, 33; Jordan Muir, 29; William Scott, 30Based: VictoriaEmployees: 80

42. Harvey Norman launches deal-a-day site in surprise move

Gerry Harvey has finally made his long-awaited move into online retailing – but it's not what most consumers would have been expecting. Instead of launching an online store for the Harvey Norman chain, the retail giant has launched a deal-a-day site that will see it compete with established players such as DealsDirect, Catch of the Day and the army of group buying sites that have sprung up in the last 12 months. But the site is taking Harvey Norman into a very different space,...

43. Noodling nous

The fast-service restaurant chain Wagamama opened in Australia only five years ago, but now boasts 13 outlets and a turnover close to $20 million. Founder Luke Fryer talks to Jacqui Walker.   Luke Fryer brought the British Japanese food concept Wag...

44. Coffee collapse: Tax debt brings coffee franchisor down but

The company behind the Bean Bar coffee shop franchise has entered into liquidation after being pursued through the courts for outstanding tax debts, but the franchisor has now sold the business and is planning an expansion. Basset Holdings, the franchisor of the South Australian Bean Bar chain, has been embroiled in legal proceeding brought by the Australian Taxation Office. Last...

45. Café society

The sluggish cafes and restaurant sector is about to turn a corner - the growth prospects are now good. By Jason Baker of IBISWorld.Over the past five years, growth in the cafes and restaurants industry has been slow, rising only 2.1% in the past five...

46. Cleaning up

Enjo's founder Barb De Corti tells AMANDA GOME how the plan to expand her $100 million cleaning products business to the US lost her a lot of money, how her marriage broke up and what she plans to do next. Austrian-born Barb de Corti moved to Australia when sh...

47. Inside the Retravision collapse: Six things the retailer fai

The tough retail environment was the obvious catalyst for the appointment of administrators yesterday to Retravision Southern, but there were other factors at work in the collapse of the electrical retailer’s buying arm, according to retail experts. Retravision Southern acted as the buying and marketing licensor for 104 privately-owned Retravision stores in Victoria, southern New South Wales and Tasmania. Administrators KordaMentha blamed the fragile retail environment for...

48. Building online traffic with Vroom

The founders of fast growth online car hire business Vroom Vroom Vroom, Peter Thornhill and Richard Eastes, tell JACQUI WALKER how they built traffic with search engine marketing, created an innovative culture, and are planning global expansion. By Jacqui Walker

49. Retail empire of Young Rich members Richard and Christina Ma

The discount perfume chain Perfume Empire has been placed in the hands of receivers, just six months after its owners, Richard and Christine Matta, appeared on the BRW Young Rich list with a fortune of $58 million. The chain, which has 34 stores around Australia, with the majority in New South Wales, was placed in the hands of administrator Giles Woodgate of accounting firm Woodgate & Co on March 28. However, Woodgate told SmartCompany that receiver Quentin Olde of i...

50. Abigail Forsyth

Melbourne-based business KeepCup, founded by brother and sister team Abigail Forsyth and Jamie Forsyth launched its re-usable coffee cup just over 12 months ago and has already sold more than 300,000 units, which retail from $12. The pair, who also own a chain of trendy inner city take-away food stores called BlueBag, took the bold step into the world of design and manu...