Employment Hero, the global authority on employment, has today released modelling that shows businesses will need an extra $124,000* in working capital on average to meet the government’s new Payday Super rules; a seismic shift in payroll and compliance requirements due to take effect in less than 12 months.

Employment Hero owns a deep vault of real-time payroll data, trusted to run payroll for more than 300,000 businesses, with 2 million verified payslips each month and AU $120 billion flowing through the platform annually. Employment Hero is urging Australian businesses to start preparing for Payday Super now, with less than 12 months to meet the raft of proposed requirements, and little detail on how infrastructure will be modernised or how businesses will be supported through this milestone change. 

Employment Hero supports the intent of Payday Super – to improve and protect retirement outcomes for Australians – but advocates for legislation to account for how businesses actually operate today, and not overload SMBs with unfair risk or cost that could work against the policy objective. 

In an Employment Hero survey of its business customers, 65% of SMBs said Payday Super will have a moderate to huge impact on the day to day running of their businesses and 32.5% said they would have to build larger cash reserves to prepare for the change. 15% of SMBs were not aware of Payday Super at all. 

Employment Hero is working to iterate on and build new solutions as part of its industry-leading Employment Operating System, designed to remove the compliance burden for Australian SMBs. Automated superannuation payments, seamless, digital employee onboarding, Single Touch Payroll integration and ATO compliance and employee pay features will all be available to help businesses start to prepare and ensure accuracy, ease and transparency of their super and payroll payments. 

Employment Hero is working closely with the government, as well as clearing houses, the ATO and super funds to develop a dedicated new suite of Payday Super solutions, as well as advocating for changes that will remove the disproportionate risk for SMBs and reduce significant unintended consequences. 

Employment Hero CEO, Ben Thompson, says Payday Super presents a huge opportunity for all Australians, but currently presents an untenable risk for small and medium businesses. 

“Payday Super could be the biggest positive change to super since its introduction, but it must be done in a way that doesn’t break small businesses or cost Australians their jobs. Without changes to SuperStream, payments infrastructure and proposed penalties, we risk a system where small businesses are punished for delays outside their control, and that’s simply unfair,” said Thompson.

“That’s why we’re doing everything we can to support SMBs through this change, including advocating for changes that will reduce the risk of insolvency for SMBs and in tandem, building solutions that are going to make it easier for employers to be compliant, regardless of where the legislation or infrastructure change lands,” added Thompson.

As part of the proposed reform, employers will have a seven-calendar-day deadline from the payment of wages to pay the Superannuation Guarantee (SG), which is a 75% decrease in leeway to make payments. If the compressed deadline is not met for any reason – including an error or delay from any external party – the employer is liable for the updated SG charge, which includes the shortfall, daily interest and an administrative uplift of 60% of the shortfall. 

Almost 20% of Employment Hero customers stated they do not feel very or at all prepared to meet the seven-day deadline, with an additional 50% stating they only feel ‘somewhat prepared’. Respondents also shared their concerns on clearing houses or super funds causing delays and putting businesses at risk of penalties. Some open-ended commentary showed many businesses are not aware that liability would, in fact, fall to them. 

Shaun Sullivan, Director at Elite Bookkeeping Enterprises said “The industry needs certainty and clarity on who is responsible and accountable when delays and/or errors happen. We’re very concerned that currently, only the business is responsible for the payment landing within the new seven day deadline but there are so many edge cases – such as public holidays or other events outside of our control – which could see this deadline miss. We need concessions for delays and more information on how any corrections or adjustments can be done in what is currently an unreasonable time frame.”

Employment Hero is asking for legislate required modernisation of the super system infrastructure to combat this, along with a staggered implementation to give SMBs more time to prepare, to extend the payment window to 10 business days until faster, real-time payments and messaging infrastructure is in place and to make penalties fairer for SMBs and providing more transitional support. 

Thompson said: “Most business owners didn’t go into business because they wanted to manage employment; they want to use their time to do what they love and what they’re passionate about. Employment Hero exists to make employment easier and more valuable, which is why we are passionately working to help make Payday Super a positive change for all.

“12 months may seem like a long time, but the impact on SMBs and required infrastructure upgrade imposed should not be underestimated. We’re encouraging all businesses to turn their attention to Payday Super and making sure you have the right systems and processes in place to manage the admin and cashflow impacts,” added Thompson. 

Notably, 20% of Employment Hero customers said they would have to or were unsure whether they would change the frequency of their pay cycle to meet these requirements, but 84% stating their employees would be somewhat or very concerned if their pay cycle had to change. 

* Employment Hero Modelling has been calculated based on the average employer size and the average employee salary on the Employment Hero platform and looks at the current average payroll cycle versus the increase in SG events per year under the proposed Payday Super Reform, using anonymised and aggregated data. Based on these calculations, the increase in SG events per year will require $124,615 in order to meet the proposed timing requirements. 

In a move into banking services that signals a significant step-change in the evolution of the 34-year-old ANZ technology leader, MYOB has launched an embedded finance feature, Solo Money, a business transaction account in Solo by MYOB, the all-in-one admin app for Australia’s 1.6 million sole operators.

With around three-quarters (76%) of non-employing Australian businesses running without a dedicated business bank account*, Solo by MYOB is uniquely designed to help Australia’s smallest businesses. Using personal bank accounts for business purposes risks confusion and increases admin load by intermingling personal and business transactions.

MYOB CEO Paul Robson says Solo Money will provide an all-in-one mobile solution for sole operators from day one, incorporating a transactional bank account with market-leading accounting software so they can stay on top of their finances.

“Sole operators take a leap of faith when they start their own business. Finding ways to reduce complexity and provide cashflow transparency is critical in helping Australian startups start, survive and succeed.

“MYOB is leveraging 34 years of product expertise and leadership in Solo by MYOB. Solo by MYOB is the result of MYOB’s extensive experience, providing market-leading innovation for the next generation of entrepreneurs and business owners.”

With the launch of Solo Money, Solo by MYOB can become the single source of truth for near real time cashflow reporting, with transactions made visible and reconciled in the accounting software through AI smart matching. Combining accounting, business admin management and now banking in a single app can minimise the double handling of data entry through automation and integration.

Solo by MYOB will be the only admin app in Australia to offer a bank account with the flexibility to link other existing bank accounts with its connected accounts feature, powered by MYOB’s first Open Banking deployment.

Solo Money joins other features that include AI-powered transaction matching and auto reconciliation, along with invoicing capabilities. Solo by MYOB was the first accounting software in Australia to offer Tap to Pay capability for both Apple and Android devices, enabling instant payments for completed jobs.

Sole operators can apply in as little as three minutes for Solo Money, which will initially launch as a business transaction account and business debit card. Solo Money will be available in Australia in July 2025. To sign up for the app, visit Solo Money.

Australian small businesses are undergoing a significant transformation in branding. No longer is it content with merely functional designs, they are embracing premium, personalised, and innovative branding strategies to stand out in a competitive market. This shift is not just aesthetic; it’s a strategic response to the evolving business landscape.

According to the Wunderkind 2025 Australia Consumer Insights Report, Australian consumers are prioritising quality, authenticity, and value in their purchases. The report highlights that brands are responding by offering personalised experiences and premium products to meet these expectations. An example can be seen within the coffee industry in Australia.

The Australian Coffee Market Overview indicates that the coffee industry is experiencing steady growth, with consumers increasingly demanding premium and ethically sourced products, highlighting an obvious shift within the Australian market.

For marketers, this shift unlocks new opportunities to support small businesses in their branding journey. As a result, there’s a growing demand for suppliers and marketers to go beyond functionality. Small business owners are looking for ways to express brand personality through design-forward, custom-crafted, and high-quality materials that reflect their values.

So, how can a small business begin to build, elevate, and ‘premiumise’ its brand?

Define Your Target Audience

Defining your target audience isn’t just about demographics like age, income or geography, it’s about uncovering what your ideal customer values. Are they time-poor professionals looking for convenience and efficiency? Are they experience-driven consumers seeking individuality and story? Once you’ve identified who your ideal customer is, the next step is understanding what “premium” means to them.

For some, it may be cutting-edge design or for others, it might be handcrafted details in products. This strategic alignment between audience insight and brand expression ensures that every detail from packaging to pricing reinforces your premium positioning and resonates authentically with your target market.

Offer Limited Editions or Bespoke Options

One of the most effective ways to elevate your offering is through scarcity and personalisation. Limited-edition products or bespoke services add a layer of exclusivity that turns everyday purchases into sought-after experiences. According to a report by Insight Led, 75% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that offer personalised experiences.

This trend is pushing small businesses to tailor their products and services to individual customer preferences, further enhancing brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. When something is only available in small quantities or can be tailored to the individual, it inherently feels more special, and more valuable.

Monitor market trends

Staying ahead in the premium space requires constant awareness of shifts in design, culture, technology, and consumer behaviour. Small businesses should invest time in regularly scanning and monitoring trend reports, industry publications, social media, and even customer feedback to identify emerging expectations.

By keeping a finger on the pulse, businesses can adapt their offerings to align with what consumers now define as “premium.” This might mean investing in eco-friendly packaging, integrating smart technology, or responding to demand for ethical sourcing. It also means paying attention to what’s resonating on social media, in design, and in lifestyle shifts.

The next era of small business branding isn’t about looking big; it’s about looking you. Authenticity, consistency, and design excellence are no longer nice-to-haves. They’re foundational tools for growth. And as the ecosystem of creators, designers, printers, and marketers, it’s our job to meet this moment with bold ideas and better tools.

Because when small businesses win on first impressions, everyone wins.

Looking ahead to FY26, this premium shift in branding is more than just an aesthetic decision, it’s a strategic advantage. As consumer expectations continue to rise and competition intensifies across industries, businesses that invest in quality, differentiation, and personalisation will be better positioned to capture attention, build trust, and earn loyalty.

Premium branding not only elevates perception but also enables higher pricing power, longer customer lifetime value, and greater resilience in market fluctuations. In short, premium isn’t just better looking, it’s better business.

Contributed by James McPhie, Product Director at VistaPrint Australia

Optus has launched more affordable Business nbn plans designed to lower cost barriers for small businesses that move fast, work-hard and can’t afford to be offline. The new pricing structure maintains all premium features including business-grade speeds, 4G backup via Wi-Fi 6 modems, and prioritised service levels with rapid fault restoration, while reducing monthly costs on select plans to better support cash-conscious business owners.

Optus is continuing to offer its Bundle Bonus program, delivering value to both business and consumer customers through $15 monthly discounts for 12-months when additional eligible services are added. This initiative reflects Optus’ strategy to reward customers while simplifying billing across multiple services with savings accessible to both new subscribers who add multiple services and eligible existing customers. 

“At Optus, we’re all in for small businesses,” said Emma Jensen, Vice President of Small Business at Optus. “We understand that connectivity is the backbone of every business, and that’s why we’re proud to offer Business nbn plans that deliver business-grade speeds, nbn prioritised fault restoration and built-in 4G backup for further resiliency. Whether you’re running a café, managing a retail store or working from home, our new plans are built to help keep your business connected when it matters most.”

Additional Consumer Service Enhancements

• Simplified nbn Portfolio:  Optus has streamlined its Consumer nbn offerings from nine plans to four core options, each including powerful Wi-Fi modems.
• Connected Device Expansion: Monthly data allowances for tablets and mobile broadband plans increase to 30GB at $25/month, with our Bundle Bonus offer available when you add other eligible Optus services.
• Monthly content credit: On our Consumer Promo and Ultrafast nbn plans, we’re introducing a monthly content credit, so you can get $20 per month towards your favourite streaming subscriptions via SubHub.
• Consumer nbn Speed Upgrades: Optus will automatically enable speed upgrades across eligible plans at no extra cost to our customers on HFC and FTTP connections beginning from September.

Business nbn Key Features:

• Business-grade nbn speeds and reliability with faster upload speeds on select plans.
• 4G backup connectivity via Wi-Fi 6 modem
• 24/7 dedicated business support team
• Service level agreements ensuring 4-hour or 12-hour fault restoration

The new Business nbn plans are available immediately, with Bundle Bonus discounts applied to qualifying existing customer accounts from the first billing cycle.

Square has announced the launch of Square Handheld, giving Australian businesses, from fine-dining venues to fashion retailers, a new way to serve on the move. Combining a sleek, durable design with versatile, all-in-one software, Square Handheld empowers sellers to manage everything from payments to back-of-house operations, all from a device that fits in their pocket.

Power that fits in your pocket

Built for fast-moving environments like bustling cafés, busy restaurants, and dynamic retail floors, Square Handheld delivers peak performance in a palm-sized package. Weighing just over 300 grams and under an inch thick, it’s IP54-rated to withstand splashes and dust – ready for the rigours of a full shift, no matter the conditions. With a 6.2ʺ Gorilla Glass touchscreen and a robust battery that powers through even the busiest days, Square Handheld goes beyond card payments. It’s equipped with advanced features including:

• Built-in barcode scanning for speedy checkouts, gift cards, and inventory updates
• A 16 MP camera for capturing product photos and updating item libraries
• Seamless integration with Square’s full software ecosystem, making it easy to manage operations on the go

Whether it’s taking orders tableside, scanning stock in the storeroom, or finalising a sale on the retail floor, Square Handheld gives Australian businesses the freedom, flexibility, and reliability they need to serve customers better.

Adaptable software for every type of business

Square Handheld is powered by the next-generation Square Point of Sale software, bringing years of commerce innovation and technology leadership into a single, powerful hub for running any size or type of business. With customisable Modes – including Full Service, Quick Service, Bar, and Retail – sellers can tailor their Handheld experience to suit their specific needs. 

Device-specific features like fast-access settings and real-time push notifications make it easy to adapt to any workflow. Restaurants and retailers – which together represent around half of Square’s global gross payment volume – are especially well-positioned to benefit from the new functionality.

Aussie hospo businesses in particular are set to see immediate impact. The large, bright display allows staff to view their full section at a glance, streamlining management across indoor and outdoor tables. The interface follows natural service flow – from specials to sides to order modifications – and the slim, pocket-friendly design ensures it stays out of the way between tables. With an all-day battery and rugged build, it’s ready to go from morning rush to evening service.

One of the first businesses in Australia to use Square Handheld was Canberra-based restaurant, Lunetta, who has praised the design and ingenuity behind the hardware.

“Square has been integral to how we run our business from the very beginning, and Square Handheld has elevated that even further,” says Matt Keeley, Manager at Lunetta. “It blends beautifully into our space, both visually and operationally. The design is so clean and discreet, it doesn’t interrupt the atmosphere we’ve worked hard to create. Instead, it enables our team to take payments and orders right at the table with ease and elegance. That kind of fluid, unobtrusive service helps us maintain the warm, personal experience our guests remember, and return for.”

Continued innovation for Aussie businesses

Square Handheld builds on more than a decade of hardware innovation, from the original Square Reader to Square Register and Square Terminal. With its slim, durable design and the latest commerce software built in, Square Handheld reaffirms Square’s commitment to creating tools that meet the evolving needs of modern businesses in Australia.

“Running a restaurant or retail shop today requires speed, efficiency, and flexibility. Square Handheld was designed to help sellers deliver great service anywhere their customers are – whether that’s taking orders at the table, completing a sale on the shop floor, or checking stock on the go,” said Colin Birney, Head of Business Development at Square. “With Square Handheld, we’re helping businesses across Australia be more productive, and thrive in an increasingly dynamic market.”

Starting today, Australian businesses can purchase Square Handheld online via Square Shop, for $349. To complement the device, Square has partnered with leading accessories brand Belkin to offer premium protective cases in a range of colours, for $59. These cases help protect Square Handheld from accidental drops and scratches, while keeping its sleek, pocket-friendly profile.

Square also upgrading software offering

Square’s product innovation is in full swing. Alongside Square Handheld, Square is also unveiling a whole suite of software solutions to make running a business simpler. No matter the size, structure or sector.

Square has reimagined its Point of Sale experience with a powerful new app designed to meet the needs of every type of business, all in one place. Whether running a fast-paced bar, a growing retail store, or operating solo as a service provider, the new Square Point of Sale app is built to flex around how businesses operate, not the other way around.

By unifying the best of Square for Restaurants, Square for Retail, and Square Appointments into a single, streamlined platform, Square is giving sellers more control, more clarity, and less clutter. Customisable layouts, intuitive workflows, and industry-specific tools make it easy to manage everything from complex menus and in-store stock to customer appointments. The result is a simpler way to run operations and a better experience for customers, and allows businesses to more easily open new revenue streams.

“Simplifying our Square Point of Sale app enables businesses to spend less time on admin and more time on their craft and delivering great experiences for their customers,” says Birney. “For Australian sellers, having a single, unified app to manage payments, inventory, online orders, and customer relationships means they can operate more efficiently and scale with confidence, no matter their size or industry.”

Other new software highlights coming to the Square ecosystem include direct online ordering for restaurants (removing costly third-party commission fees for takeout orders), the addition of combos for restaurant sellers, a revamped inventory dashboard for retailers, custom booking forms for health and beauty professionals, and high-value invoice support for service businesses. Together, these updates reflect Square’s continued commitment to building flexible tools that help local businesses thrive, however they operate.

“One thing that Australian hospitality businesses have been clear about is a delivery solution that protects their margins while maintaining quality service,” said Birney. “With Square’s On-Demand Delivery, we’re eliminating the pain of high commission fees while giving restaurants complete control over their delivery operations. Sellers can now offer professional delivery through their own Square Online ordering page, integrate it seamlessly with their POS and kitchen systems, and keep more money in their pocket. It’s about giving Australian restaurants the freedom to grow their delivery business on their own terms.”

These improvements are part of Square’s broader seasonal product rollout – Square Releases – which delivers biannual software updates based on feedback from Australian sellers. The next batch of product updates will happen later in 2025. 

To learn more about Square Handheld and Square’s ecosystem of business solutions, visit the Square Handheld product page.

Why The Bridge International is different and were appointed lead advisor on RAA’s game changing strategic partnership with Allianz

According to the RAA CEO, Nick Reade and former RAA chairman Peter Siebels, the role of their trusted lead advisor, The Bridge International, was critical in ensuring the success of their recent strategic partnership agreement with insurance giant Allianz.

Reade explained “We engaged The Bridge to help us understand what our strategic options were and to help us through a process to get to a board decision on which direction we wanted to take. Critically, we could have used a big tier one investment bank, but what we really wanted were advisers who had a very deep understanding of the Insurance industry and our Insurance business as well as member owned organisations. The Bridge brought all their diverse experience to the table and quite frankly, I think that choosing The Bridge as our lead advisor was a smart decision and one that’s played out very well for us.”

Siebels added, “Some time ago RAA, like many others in our industry, found itself on a burning platform as the financial pressures on regional insurers had become too much to bear and thus something had to change. With several catastrophic weather events in one year, it was clear we had to do things differently and find an alternative and better way forward for the members and our organisation. That’s when we engaged The Bridge to see what our options could be.”

RAA is a long-term client of The Bridge, with a relationship built on trust, expertise, and a track record of delivering results.

As Siebels and Reade highlighted, The Bridge was tasked early in the strategic discussions to present a clear picture of developments and trends in the industry so they could get agreement on a clear pathway forward.

Siebels continued, “The Bridge are an excellent cultural fit and as such there is a strong alignment with RAA. They spent a fair amount of time doing a strategic assessment and analysis into how we could secure a positive outcome for RAA members in the long term. Their goal was to provide us with a recommendation that met our key strategic criteria including de-risking RAA’s financial future, securing ongoing investment and incentive to keep growing RAA’s insurance portfolio and ensuring member and employee experience would be protected. When all options were considered, their recommendation was that we explored a strategic partnership. Finding that strategic partner became their next task.”

The Bridge were instrumental in building the case for why RAA should enter a strategic partnership, the pathway forward, what kind of financial return the company would expect and the criteria for long term success.

Reade added, “The really important parts of the strategic partnership centred around protecting the RAA brand and negotiating the best distribution agreement possible as this is key to how you’re going to govern the partnership. The Bridge advised us on the best way to protect critical issues such as the member experience and pricing. We’d also seen and heard where things have gone wrong in the past, so as The Bridge’s team have seen these partnerships from both the buy and sell side before, we were keen to make sure that they played a key role in every area of our new strategic partnership negotiation.”

A big part of The Bridge’s role came because of the trusted relationships they have built in business over many decades. These relationships became critical in the exploration and negotiation process.

Siebels continued, “Stuart Blake and The Bridge have outstanding relationships in the industry. It’s as a result of these relationships that we were able to fast track the process with The Bridge. Whilst there was a perceived risk in using The Bridge, when we looked at their integrated process and the value their deep level of understanding and experience brought, they clearly were the right choice for RAA.”

The Bridge MD Stuart Blake said, “I co-founded the Bridge 8 years ago to provide a differentiated approach to management consultancy. We have now worked with over 60 leading brands here in Australia and built long term trusted relationships. Nick Reade and the team at RAA had a vision for transformational change and strategy to future proof their member proposition for decades to come. We were delighted to work with the number one brand in South Australia and help establish the 20-year partnership with Allianz, the number one insurance brand globally. At The Bridge we pride ourselves on being different and truly care for our partners. It is this difference that helped us achieve the best possible result and outcome for RAA, their members, and Allianz.

A big part of RAA choosing The Bridge as their lead adviser on the Allianz strategic partnership was the way the advisory engages and consults with their clients on a day-to-day basis.

Reade explained, “The Bridge were very much an extension of our team in the sense that they were in all our meetings. They were in the board updates every week and were really partnering with us in all true senses of the word. It was very collaborative. They were well respected in the role that they played and as such it was like I had another two or three team members. It was very much a seamless partnership as we didn’t have to meet, educate and then bring in advisors, which would make the process disjointed. The Bridge were always very much all in with my team and the board and this commitment was a major help. The way they integrate and operate is very different to other advisors and consultants. I mean when you’re looking at something like this, there’s only a couple of pathways, and one is to go to a big investment bank. Thanks to The Bridge being able to tap into their unique experiences, really understanding where the deals are made or broken and how to structure the best distribution agreement.

This theme about The Bridge being different and having different values to other advisors is a common one and certainly one that played out through the entire RAA and Allianz strategic partnership process.

Siebels explained, “The Bridge are different to other advisors and consultants in many ways. Firstly, they always bring their A team. You always get the best and never get palmed off with anything less. Then they really take the time to truly understand your business, the people and the culture. This is very rare, particularly the cultural understanding element. They have a unique approach and structure, both of which never falter. They also have a genuine empathy for RAA and they really cared for our members and our business. It was never about The Bridge and always about RAA – again, a very rare attribute. Their values really shine through when you work with them.

As the RAA and Allianz strategic partnership moves through regulatory approval stage Siebels and Reade reflected on how The Bridge helped both organisations achieve such a “remarkable result”.

Peter Siebels concluded, “The Bridge helped us secure an outstanding result for a very good business. Their negotiation of the different elements between parties was very clever and professional. They co-designed an excellent strategy, were a part of all key discussions and through their knowledge of the industry and players and their unwavering approach helped us secure a very good outcome. This result protects and futureproofs the RAA brand for 20 years, produces an increasingly positive experience for RAA members and a better and brighter future for RAA.”

Nick Reade concluded, “The Bridge is a great team to work with. They have deep insurance expertise, which is extremely valuable when entertaining these types of new strategic partnerships. Being able to pick up the phone and call the team any time, including the MD Stuart Blake, and know he’d worked, and has experience with almost anyone who was part of the discussions, was on another level. The Bridge were motivated to get a deal done. They had more credibility and integrity around what they were saying because of their relationships and real-world experience, which to me was extremely valuable. Ultimately, they advised us on the key areas that you really wanted to get right in a distribution agreement, and we never deviated from that. With that we set our criteria, communicated those criteria and The Bridge ensured that we got exactly what we wanted – a truly great deal for Allianz, RAA, our members and South Australia.”

https://www.thebridgeinternational.com

With household budgets tightening and retail confidence dipping, Australia’s End of Financial Year (EOFY) sales season is shaping up to be more competitive than ever. For small businesses, especially those with physical stores, standing out has never been more important.

While traditional tactics like window posters and email blasts still have a place, one tool is quickly becoming essential: digital signage. Whether you’re running a boutique retail store or a bustling café, digital displays can drive foot traffic and significantly boost sales. 

Mandoe Media’s data shows that businesses using digital signage for EOFY can see in-store sales lift by 5–20%, foot traffic increase by up to 25%, and dwell time rise by as much as 30%.

So, what makes digital signage so effective during EOFY, and how can small businesses harness it?

1. Create urgency that converts

EOFY is all about deadlines, tax-time incentives, and ‘last chance’ offers. Digital signage lets you tap into that urgency with real-time updates, animated price drops, and live countdowns. A static poster can’t change once it’s printed, but digital signage can be updated in minutes to reflect inventory changes, new deals, or even customer demand throughout the day.

You can also integrate QR codes that link to exclusive offers, loyalty programs, or online payment options – bridging the gap between in-store engagement and digital conversion.

2. Stand out without slashing prices

In a market where many retailers are reluctant to discount too deeply, digital signage offers another way to capture attention, without compromising margins. Bright, dynamic screens near your entrance or checkout can elevate the perceived value of your products and help customers discover items they might have overlooked.

You don’t need a big marketing team to make this work. Next-gen digital signage offerings will let you drag-and-drop your way to professional, branded content in minutes, even using AI to generate EOFY-specific graphics and copy. 

3. Drive impulse buys where it counts

EOFY sales are a perfect storm for spontaneous shopping. Shoppers are actively hunting for bargains, and digital signage placed near POS areas can prompt last-minute add-ons or bundled deals. Think: ‘Buy one, get one 50% off’ or ‘Add a tax-deductible purchase for your business before June 30.’

4. Save time and stay nimble

Printing new signs for every promo is both slow and environmentally wasteful. Digital signage eliminates the need for constant reprints and allows you to schedule or update content in real-time. Need to switch your lunchtime offer or highlight a new best-seller? Done in seconds.

This flexibility also means you can test different messages and product pairings and use the data to optimise future campaigns. For small businesses, this kind of agile marketing approach can offer a real competitive edge.

5. Level the playing field

You don’t need a national footprint to act like a big brand. With the right tools, small businesses can run sophisticated campaigns that rival the majors. Digital signage empowers smaller operators to schedule promotions, personalise content by store or location, and tailor messaging based on time of day or even the weather.

And because most shoppers (around 82%, according to PayPal) are still planning to shop EOFY sales in-store, now’s the time to ensure your physical presence is as sharp and engaging as your online one.

Digital signage is no longer a luxury reserved for the big end of town. It’s accessible, affordable, and incredibly effective for small businesses wanting to stand out when it matters most. If you’re not yet using digital signage, EOFY is the perfect time to start.

Contributed by Jay Parkinson, Group Sales Director at Mandoe Media

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