Remember the days of flipping through a Lonely Planet guide to plan your travel itinerary, then printing out your flight details and writing down your hotel’s address just in case? That was Gen X travel. Fast-forward to 2025 and Millennials armed with smartphones and Simify eSIM international data plans are planning their trips with AI, asking ChatGPT for itinerary ideas, booking flights through travel apps and relying on Google Maps to navigate every step of the journey.

From the old days of relying on dog-eared guidebooks, to the modern age of asking AI for advice on the go, the rise of smartphones and affordable international data from companies like eSIM specialist Simify has forever changed travel across the generations.

Relying on your smartphone as your travel advisor, tour guide, translator and map certainly lightens your load. Going digital also makes it easier to wing it, when you can look things up on the spot and change your plans on the fly.

It’s no surprise that 7% of Millennials are now using AI to plan their holidays, compared to just 2% of Gen X, according to the Association of British Travel Agent’s 2025 Travel Trends Report.

But here’s the twist – while international jet setters have embraced new technology, nostalgia travel is making a huge comeback, says Aidan Butler, co-founder of Australian international roaming provider and eSIM specialist Simify.

While AI is streamlining travel logistics, travellers are still chasing that classic experience: a coffee in a Parisian café, a Vespa ride in Rome, a train journey through the Swiss Alps or a road trip across America.

“What we’re seeing is this interesting mix of tech-driven planning, combined with a real craving for nostalgia,” Butler says. “It’s all about recreating those iconic travel moments.”

“Gen X grew up seeing these places in movies and magazines, while Millennials grew up seeing them on Instagram. Now, people want to experience them for real — but with the ease of modern tech.”

Recently rebranding from SimsDirect, Simify was founded in 2018 by two young Australian entrepreneurs, who were frustrated with expensive and restrictive roaming packages.

Today, Simify offers mobile coverage in more than 150 countries, providing international travellers peace of mind in the form of unlimited data for up to 90 days.

The convenience of eSIM technology lets Simify users instantly switch between mobile networks, without the need to swap out physical SIM cards.

“The way we plan, book, and experience travel has changed dramatically,” Butler says. “Gone are the days of relying on cybercafés for emails, finding change for payphones or buying dodgy SIM cards at airport kiosks.”

“eSIMs let travellers get online the second they land, making it easy to share those nostalgic travel moments in real time.”

Rather than switching phone numbers, using an eSIM for unlimited roaming data from the likes of Simify lets travellers keep their existing mobile number active for receiving important notifications, such as verification codes from their bank.

“At the end of the day, travel is about experiences – whether you’re discovering a place for the first time or revisiting a childhood dream,” Butler says.

“When you’re off on your big adventure, the last thing you want to worry about is whether mobile data is going to leave you in the lurch.”

To explore some of Simify’s global eSIM packages go to: https://simify.com/collections/esim-thailand

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) urges Australian small businesses to review their tax and cash flow strategies ahead of a significant change to tax deductibility rules that could cost them thousands if they have a tax debt.

From 1 July 2025, interest charged by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on late tax payments – currently set at 11.17% and compounding daily – will no longer be tax deductible.

CA ANZ Tax Expert Susan Franks warns this change will substantially increase the real cost of falling behind on tax obligations, particularly for small businesses already operating on tight margins.

“Small businesses currently hold the majority of the ATO’s outstanding tax debt, and this change will make that debt even more expensive,” said Ms Franks.

“We’re encouraging all small business owners to speak with their accountant now to avoid being caught out when the financial year ends.”

With more than $45 billion in tax debt owed by small businesses, the stakes are high.

“The interest on tax debt that’s payable to the ATO compounds daily.

“Previously, small businesses may not have been concerned about accumulating interest on tax debt, as it was deductible at tax time.

“But from 1 July 2025, small businesses could find themselves in a difficult situation and if not managed carefully, interest owed to the ATO could quickly exceed the amount of tax they were originally meant to pay.

“Chartered Accountants can help small businesses with cash flow to ensure that expensive debt, such as tax debt, is minimised.”

CA ANZ also warns that traditional lenders are often reluctant to finance businesses with existing tax debt, making proactive cash flow management more critical than ever.

Five Key Tips from Chartered Accountants to Help Small Businesses Prepare for the upcoming change:

1. Know and monitor your cash flow
   Understand when your tax is due and align it with your incoming payments. Planning ahead is essential.
2. Get paid faster
   Automate invoicing, offer flexible payment options and consider debt factoring to improve cash flow.
3. Cut unnecessary costs
   Review expenses such as energy, insurance, and inventory. Negotiate better terms and eliminate waste.
4. Review your pricing
   Ensure your pricing reflects rising costs and that you’re focusing on profitable, reliable customers.
5. Explore alternative finance
   Interest on bank loans and overdrafts remains deductible and may be cheaper than ATO interest.

“Chartered Accountants are here to help small businesses navigate these changes,” said Ms Franks.

“With the end of the financial year approaching, now is the time to act.”

For more information or to speak with a chartered accountant, visit www.charteredaccountantsanz.com.

Expanding any business internationally can feel like a monumental leap – but it’s a risk that is necessary for brands if they have the desire to transcend into bigger markets and reach different consumers. For leading electrical dental company, Ordo, the journey into the global sphere – particularly their foray into Australia – has been a game-changer. It has led to tangible results; contributing to propelling their growth of 200% year-on-year and reinforced the brand’s mission to make quality oral care accessible to everyone.

As a challenger brand born out of the UK, Ordo naturally disrupted a market that is dominated by a few big players. In order to truly make an impact, Founder and CEO, Barty Walsh knew that they had to think bigger – with Ordo now making a name for itself outside of the UK; spanning across Australia, the US and New Zealand.

Taking Ordo beyond the UK wasn’t just about entering new markets, it was about embracing a global mindset and connecting with people worldwide.

Top tips for any small business dreaming of international success:

• Make naivety your superpower

Use your agility and fresh perspective to your advantage – look at an industry or market with fresh eyes and ideas and be bold in your approach.

• Find the right partners

Ordo works with a distributor in Australia who understands the local market – this has been instrumental to the brand’s success. Building strong relationships with retailers is also key.

• Believe in your product

If you have a great product that resonates with consumers, own this. Do your research when it comes to retailers and hustle hard. Whilst believing in your product is essential, don’t discount the value of thinking commercially – how do your offerings effect the retailer’s bottom line?

• Innovation is key

Embrace a forward-thinking approach. What’s next in the product pipeline? What are the ever-changing needs of the consumer? As a challenger brand in the electric dental care space, innovation is fundamental to Ordo’s success.

There’s no magic formula for international success – it takes hard work, sacrifice and resilience – but with their sleek designs, attractive price point and advanced technology setting them apart, expanding on a global scale has been essential for Ordo’s sustained growth and vision.

Visit https://au.ordolife.com

Contribute by Barty Walsh, Founder and CEO of Ordo

With Epson maintaining its position as the number one large ink tank printer vendor worldwide and with cumulative sales topping over 100 million units, the company has launched four new EcoTank printers in its incredibly popular and more sustainable multi-function EcoTank range.

EcoTank inkjet printers are world leaders in providing improved productivity for homes and small businesses for a number of reasons.

Firstly, they come with up to two years’ worth of ink in the box, so you don’t need to worry about suddenly running out or constantly ordering replacements. This also means less user intervention due to fewer replaceable parts, giving you back time to invest in yourself and your business.

Conversely, laser printers have an imaging drum, fuser unit and transfer belt that are expensive, will need replacing and lead to more downtime for the device. 

There is zero warm-up time and a very fast first page out time with EcoTank printers and this, combined with their unique Heat-Free Technology, saves you time, energy, money and allows you greater flexibility for your home or small business.

EcoTank printers also allow you to print out emails, high-quality photos, and labels all from the one device. 

With an integrated high-capacity ink tank system, the new Epson EcoTank ET-4950, ET-3950, ET-3900 and ET-2950 printers come with enough ink to print up to 6,600 pages in black and 5,500 pages in colour without worrying about ongoing ink replacement and costs. 

Additional low-cost ink can be bought in convenient high-volume bottles that have a drip-free nozzle and resealable cap for easy storage and refilling. Epson ink bottles incorporate a unique key system whereby each bottle is keyed so that it only fits into the corresponding ink tank on the printer, thus preventing mis-filling or spillage. Replacement bottles hold enough ink for a massive 8,500 pages in black and 6,500 pages in colour. 

The EcoTank range is Epson’s most versatile for the home and small office with their 2.4” colour LCD screen (1.44” on the ET-2950) that allows you to print, scan, copy – and fax with the ET-4950 – with ease. And with the convenience of a 30-page automatic document feeder, the ET-4950 and ET-3950 take efficiency to a new level.

Yes, fax is still a thing and you can fax as fast as three seconds per page, save up to 100 pages in memory and store up to 60 speed dialling numbers with the ET-4950. By using its included PC-Fax, you can even send a colour fax right from your computer. It is a great way to save time and paper. 

The Epson EcoTank printers support the latest wireless standard, IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/k/v/r, and connectivity options include Epson Smart Panel, Email Print, Epson ScanSmart, AirPrint, WiFi, and WiFi Direct^®, which means no router is required, providing users with greater coverage and faster speeds.

All four new printers are powered by PrecisionCore^® Heat-Free Technology which uses a revolutionary high-density print chip that can generate up to 40 million precise dots per second with amazing accuracy, producing professional-quality output at fast speeds. 

The new Epson EcoTank ET-4950, ET-3950, ET-3900 and ET-2950 printers come with a 24 month EcoTank Back to Base Warranty (12 month standard express warranty and an bonus additional 12 months upon registration) and are available now from www.epson.com.au/ecotank and all authorised Epson stockists for the following RRPs:

EcoTank ET-4950 – AUD$729.00

EcoTank ET-3950 – AUD$699.00

EcoTank ET-3900 – AUD$559.00

EcoTank ET-2950 – AUD$499.00

Palo Alto Networks, a leading AI cybersecurity company, has released its State of Generative AI 2025 report, which reveals a staggering 890% surge in Generative AI traffic in 2024 driven by the rapid adoption of GenAI tools in enterprise environments. While AI growth offers significant productivity benefits, the report warns that unsanctioned usage, emerging threats, and a lack of governance have rapidly expanded the attack surface for organisations, particularly across the Asia-Pacific and Japan region.

Enterprises have been quick to embrace GenAI for use cases ranging from writing assistants and coding platforms to customer support and enterprise search. However, this widespread adoption is outpacing many organisations’ ability to implement appropriate security controls. On average, organisations are now managing 66 GenAI applications in their environments, with 10% classified as high-risk.

The Asia-Pacific and Japan region is experiencing a significant acceleration in adopting AI and GenAI technologies. According to IDC, AI investments in the region are projected to reach $110 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24%. This growth rate underscores the urgent need for a strong AI governance framework and security measures tailored to the region’s diverse regulatory landscapes and technological advancements.

“AI adoption offers transformative opportunities across both commercial and government sectors in the region. But as this report highlights, we are also seeing an expanding attack surface, particularly with the use of high-risk GenAI applications in critical infrastructure sectors,” said Tom Scully, Director and Principal Architect for Government and Critical Industries, Asia Pacific & Japan, at Palo Alto Networks. “Organisations must balance innovation with strong governance, adopting security architectures that account for AI’s unique risks. From shadow AI and data leakage to the more complex threats posed by agentic AI models. Proactive oversight and adaptive security controls are essential to ensuring that the benefits of AI are fully realised without compromising national security, public trust, or operational integrity.”

The 2025 State of GenAI report, based on traffic analysis from 7,051 global enterprise customers, provides an in-depth look into how enterprises are adopting GenAI and where they remain most vulnerable.

Key findings of the 2025 Generative AI traffic Security Report include:

• Exponential growth in GenAI adoption: GenAI traffic increased more than 890% in 2024. Following the release of DeepSeek-R1 in January 2025, DeepSeek-related traffic alone spiked by 1,800% within two months.
• Rising data loss incidents: GenAI-related data loss prevention (DLP) incidents more than doubled, now accounting for 14% of all data security incidents.
• Shadow AI emerges as a key risk: Unauthorised, unsanctioned GenAI use, termed “Shadow AI”, has created blind spots for IT and security teams, making it difficult to control sensitive data flows.
• Critical infrastructure and government sectors face elevated risks: Many high-risk AI models remain susceptible to jailbreak attacks that produce unsafe content, including offensive material and instructions for illegal activities.
• Industry-specific insights: Technology and manufacturing sectors alone account for 39% of AI coding transactions, creating additional risk for industries that depend on proprietary intellectual property.

The report also offers best practice recommendations for businesses seeking to safely harness the potential of GenAI:

• Establish visibility and control: Gain comprehensive oversight of GenAI app usage, implement conditional access policies, and manage permissions at the user and group level.
• Safeguard sensitive data: Deploy real-time content inspection with centralised policy enforcement to detect and prevent unauthorised data exfiltration.
• Defend against AI-driven threats: Implement Zero Trust security architectures to mitigate modern cyberthreats, malware, and sophisticated AI-powered attacks.

Data for this report was derived from Palo Alto Networks’ analysis of GenAI traffic across a global customer base of 7,051 organisations throughout 2024.

To download the full report, please visit:

https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/state-of-genai-2025

It seems like signage design failures still occur in today’s modern branding era, despite rigorous rounds of approvals behind the scenes. One signage shows “CAUTION – Children Drive Slowly¹” – one would hope they wouldn’t be driving at all! Simple punctuation marks would convey an entirely different message, which one would assume it meant “CAUTION: Children. Drive Slowly.” But somehow, the design was approved, printed and displayed, allowing a passerby to capture the fail and share it online. 

Errors in signages often tend to become viral, especially in today’s era where everyone can upload information online that is accessible to the public. Whether it is funny or not, it may have been a definite yes many years back. But in recent years, it may be more harmless than expected. It is a tricky spectrum to navigate, with lines blurred between clever marketing and unintentional mistakes. As we’re in the prime of information generation and sharing, design has never mattered more. 

The power is within everyone, but so is the responsibility. With AI platforms, upgraded UI/UX experiences, modern editing tools and applications, professional-looking content is within the grasp of more compared to before. It is a great revolution as long as handled carefully. What we ought to understand is that AI is a continuously developing feature and may not immediately capture all sensitivities to aid in landing the message clearly. 

Design fails can be witty, viral and a positive impact to the brand. But with poor execution, customers can be driven away, confusing those passing by. It may misrepresent the values you’ve worked hard on that helped build your business image. In almost all cases, these errors stay online permanently. It is key to advocate for design that’s not only attention grabbing, but also responsible.

Designing responsibly goes beyond checking if the material looks good, has a nice layout and font style. It investigates if the message makes sense and if it aligns with the brand’s values, therefore leaving an impactful positive impression.

At Kwik Kopy, we have made design more accessible and seamless through the Picsart integration in our website. However, we ensure to guide businesses in striking the balance between AI and the human element. Our design experts are readily available to ensure the entire process is strategically executed with purpose. 

AI is a powerful tool but it is not a replacement for creativity, understanding and proper judgment. Brands ought to give proper attention to detail beyond automation.

Signage design fails can be hilarious, but can also serve as a reminder that great designs are products of well-executed strategies with the human touch that no software can ever replicate. Signages speak volumes for businesses. They are a mirror image of the brand. 

Contributed by Sonia Shwabsky, CEO, Kwik Kopy Australia

When someone is looking for your product or service online, where do they go first?
The answer has remained the same for more than two decades –  Google. From florists to furniture makers, mechanics to mortgage brokers, Google serves as the starting point for most Australians searching for something (or someone) new. However, appearing on page one of Google is not about luck. It is about showing up in the right places, in the right way, with the right content to back you up.

Being visible on the first page of Google gives your business a real advantage, but it’s only the beginning. To turn clicks into customers, your online presence needs to follow through with credibility and clarity.

Here is how to get found, and what to do next.

Consumers are still Googling, but only for businesses they don’t already know

While customers still rely on Google to find businesses, it’s important to understand the context. Google often plays a crucial role in the discovery phase – when someone knows what they need, but not yet who to turn to. It connects your business with potential customers who may be exploring their options for the first time.

When someone searches for terms such as ‘emergency plumber in Adelaide’ or ‘best gluten-free bakery near me’, they are usually close to making a decision. They are not casually browsing, they are looking for a solution. In these moments, the way your business appears in search results can significantly influence whether or not they choose to engage.

You need to show up in multiple places, not just one

When most people think of Google, they think of the traditional list of websites in the centre of the screen. But page one is made up of multiple zones and businesses that succeed are present across all of them. These include:

• Paid ads (top of the page)
• Google Business Profile (GBP) listings
• Organic website links (SEO-optimised)
• Directory listings such as Yellow Pages

Let’s say you run a landscaping business. A strong Google presence means your business appears in the listings section, your website is ranking organically with relevant keywords such as ‘backyard design Melbourne’, and you have invested in a local Google Ad for weekend bookings. You have also got an updated listing on Yellow with services, photos and operating hours. Together, this gives your customer multiple points of entry and greater confidence that you are legitimate.

Optimise your presence across all platforms

Each digital asset needs attention. Here is what that looks like in practice:

• Your Google Business Profile should include your business hours, service areas, photos, reviews, FAQs and up-to-date contact details.
• Your website needs to be fast, mobile-friendly and keyword-optimised for search terms people actually use.
• Your directory listings should mirror your website language and provide rich content, not just your phone number.

For example, a dog grooming business might keep their Google profile full of fresh photos and encourage happy customers to leave reviews. At the same time, their website contains location-specific pages (e.g. ‘mobile dog grooming in Geelong’) and their listing highlights their pricing, products and popular add-ons.

Don’t stop at being seen – build trust at first glance

Getting found is step one. But when someone clicks, the real work begins. Your content needs to earn trust quickly. That means showcasing reviews, social proof, credentials, photos and clear next steps.

Take a tiling business. If their listing has 4.9 stars from 86 reviews, their website includes case studies and before-and-after galleries and their site loads fast with a clear ‘Request a Quote’ button, they have won confidence.

Compare that with a competitor doesn’t have any reviews, a site that hasn’t been updated since 2017, and no clear way to contact them. Same visibility, but completely different outcome.

What about SEO? Do I need it?

Yes, but not in the way most people think. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is about making sure your site talks like your customer searches.

A physiotherapist might want to appear for terms such as ‘sports physio Geelong’ or ‘neck pain treatment Bellarine’. Including those keywords in headings, page titles and body text helps search engines understand what the business offers and where it is based.

Simple updates, such as tailoring your homepage content to include suburb-specific services, can help improve your visibility in local search results. Rather than focusing on shortcuts or tricks, the key is to ensure your website communicates clearly, consistently and in a way that aligns with how your customers are searching.

Being on page 1 is only part of the job

Reaching page one on Google is a strong achievement, but it is only part of the customer journey. Today’s consumers are more informed and discerning than ever. Before making a decision, they are likely to review your online presence in full – reading customer feedback, visiting your website and comparing you with other providers. If any part of that experience is inconsistent or unclear, it may discourage them from taking the next step.

For a removalist, that might mean the difference between a booked job and a lost one. If their Google listing includes glowing reviews, their website answers key questions (e.g. how far do you travel? what size trucks do you use?) and their booking process is clear and easy, they are more likely to get the job. If any of that feels too hard, the customer will most likely go elsewhere.

Don’t just get on Google, get chosen

There is no quick fix to reaching the top of Google’s search results. However, a consistent and well-rounded digital strategy can make a significant difference. This means maintaining a presence across multiple channels, keeping your content relevant and up to date, and creating a seamless experience that encourages customers to take the next step.

It’s worth reflecting: when someone searches for a business like yours, are you visible, credible and easy to engage with? If not, it may be time to review not just your keywords, but the overall clarity and consistency of your online presence.

Contrbuted By Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand

Australian small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) are known for their resilience, and the latest MYOB Bi-Annual Business Monitor finds this extends to emotional health, with respondents rating their mental wellbeing at 6.8 out of 10, marking ongoing improvement from 6.7 in January 2023 and 6.5 in January 2022.

The survey of 1087 SME owners and operators finds more than half of respondents (52%) agree running their own business has positively impacted their mental health, primarily through increased flexibility and work-life balance—a major advantage for many entrepreneurs.

However, mental health challenges remain a concern for a considerable proportion of business owners. Stress is the most frequently reported business-related mental health challenge, with 43% of respondents indicating that running a business caused them stress over the last 12 months. Anxiety was reported as a concern by 35% of respondents during the same period.

The top business challenges impacting mental wellbeing remain familiar to many small business owners. Cashflow was identified as the leading cause of mental health struggles, with 41% citing it as a key issue. Other factors included attracting and retaining customers (10%) and not having enough family time (10%).

“The findings of this edition of the MYOB Bi-Annual Business Monitor survey are testament to the fortitude of Australia’s SME community, while also serving as a critical reminder of the challenges many business owners face,” said Sally Elson, Chief People Officer for MYOB.

“While it’s encouraging to see many owners embracing the flexibility and balance being their own boss can offer, stress, anxiety and financial pressures clearly weigh on them. Australian SMEs are a significant part of our economic ecosystem, and it’s vital they have access to resources and initiatives to safeguard both their businesses and their wellbeing.”

The MYOB Bi-Annual Business Monitor has tracked SME wellbeing since 2019, offering valuable insights into the evolving mental health landscape of Australia’s small business community. With small and mid-sized businesses collectively contributing more than half of the national GDP, their wellbeing is crucial to broader economic and societal health.

As a leading not-for-profit at the forefront of mental wellbeing innovation, Smiling Mind supports Australians to build mental fitness through evidence-based tools and programs.

Smiling Mind CEO Sarah La Roche said that “Just like physical fitness, mental fitness is something we can build over time — and is especially essential for business owners coping with stress and uncertainty along with the daily pressures of life.

“At Smiling Mind, we understand these struggles and offer free, accessible tools to help build the mental fitness skills needed to navigate these pressures, anytime, anywhere. Because thriving in business means prioritising both your business’ success alongside your mental wellbeing.”

For more information about Smiling Mind, please visit: https://www.smilingmind.com.au/