About Angus Jones

Angus started his first small business in 1989 and has since gone on to have a successful career in marketing. He realised although there were many websites for small business none was addressing the question of how to. Angus has a passion to articulate benefits that add value to customers/readers.

Xero now offers Tap to Pay on iPhone

Xero, the global small business platform, has launched Tap To Pay on iPhone, enabling Xero customers in Australia with a Stripe account to seamlessly and securely accept in-person contactless payments with their iPhone and the Xero Accounting app — no additional hardware or payment terminal needed. Tap to Pay on iPhone enables businesses to accept all forms of contactless payments, including contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets.

Using Tap to Pay on iPhone is easy, secure and private. With Tap to Pay on iPhone, at checkout, the merchant can simply prompt the customer to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch with their contactless credit or debit card, Apple Pay or other digital wallet to pay with their contactless credit or debit card near the merchant’s iPhone. The payment will be securely completed using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Tap to Pay on iPhone also supports PIN entry, which includes accessibility options.

Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology uses the built-in features of iPhone to keep the business’ and customers’ data private and secure. When a payment is processed, Apple doesn’t store card numbers or transaction information on Apple servers, so merchants and customers can rest assured that their data stays theirs¹.

Empowering businesses with more ways to pay

Managing cash flow is more important than ever for small businesses, and receiving timely payments from customers is a fundamental piece of the puzzle.

Xero research shows two in five (41%) consumers say they are frustrated when their preferred payment option isn’t available and one in four (28%) would shop elsewhere if a business didn’t offer one of their preferred ways to pay. The research also showed that 86% of Australian consumers say they use credit and debit cards.

Bharathi Ramavarjula, SVP, Payments & Ecosystem at Xero said, “Managing payments plays a vital part of the cash flow equation, but small businesses continue to face challenges, including chasing late payments. With so much on their plate already, keeping pace with shifting consumer expectations and market trends can feel overwhelming.

That’s why payments is such a core part of Xero’s business strategy. With the launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone, we’re excited to support small businesses to streamline payment processes, enabling them to accept payments on the spot, and maintain a healthy cash flow.”

Tap to Pay on iPhone enables Xero customers in Australia with a Stripe account to use a contactless payment acceptance solution that is easy to set up and use. Businesses will be able to unlock contactless payment acceptance through theXero Accounting app on an iPhone XS or later running the latest version of iOS, and can simply download the Xero Accountingapp from the Apple App Store to start accepting contactless payments within minutes.

For more information on Xero, please visit xero.com

How to transforming side hustles into a powerful microbusiness

Australia is in the midst of a microbusiness boom. As traditional nine-to-five jobs continue to evolve, I have seen more Australians get creative by turning their passions, skills and hobbies into successful microbusinesses. Whether it’s a home-based dog grooming service, a mobile coffee cart or a handcrafted jewellery business, microbusinesses are reshaping the future of work.

Today, nearly 2.7 million businesses are actively trading in Australia, and microbusinesses make up a significant portion. These small operations often start with a simple idea, but I know firsthand that they require careful planning and strategic decision-making to grow.

Turning a side hustle into a microbusiness is incredibly rewarding, but it is so much more than having a great idea. It is also about planning, being smart with your resources and using the right technology to support your growth.

Top tips for turning your side hustle into a successful microbusiness

1. Start with a clear vision and plan
Define your business goals, target market and unique selling points. Your plan doesn’t need to be complex, but it should be clear and actionable, outlining the steps you’ll take to grow.

2. Use the right tools
Smart tools streamline your operations and free up your time and also help with scheduling, payments, customer communication and social media.  This way, you can stay focused on the heart of your business.

3. Understand your finances
Keep a close eye on cash flow and use budgeting tools to manage expenses. Financial oversight is crucial to long-term sustainability.

4. Embrace digital marketing
Build an online presence with a professional website and active social channels. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way to expand your reach.

5. Prioritise customer relationships
Personalised service is where microbusinesses shine. Prompt communication and exceptional service go a long way in building loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

Mistakes to avoid when growing your microbusiness

1. Ignoring market research
Without truly understanding your audience, their needs and market trends, your offering may fall flat. It’s one of the most common and costly mistakes I see.

2. Neglecting proper bookkeeping and accounting
Good habits start from day one. Don’t wait until tax time aspoor financial management can lead to missed deductions, penalties or cash flow issues.

3. Trying to do everything yourself
I get it – it’s tempting to wear all the hats. But burnout is real. Delegating or outsourcing tasks such as bookkeeping or marketing means you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.

4. Ignoring data insights
One of the best decisions I ever made was leaning into data. Customer behaviour, sales patterns, marketing ROI—these insights help you fine-tune your strategy and avoid costly guesswork.

5. Overlooking scalability from the outset
Think beyond today. Plan for future growth, whether that’s expanding operations, hiring or introducing better tech. Too many microbusinesses stall when they hit early success because they weren’t ready to scale.

Microbusinesses are reshaping Australia’s economic landscape. By combining your passion with strategy and the right tools, I believe your side hustle can absolutely evolve into a flourishing microbusiness and ready to make a real impact.

Contributed by By Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand

VistaPrint unveils findings from its 2025 SMB Report

VistaPrint has released the findings from its 2025 SMB Report revealing that over 2-in-3 (65%) SMB owners have struggled in the first quarter of 2025, but the outlook looks positive with half of SMBs (50%) describing their current feeling as optimistic, positive, excited, or uplifted.  

There are plenty of political, economic and technological shifts happening that SMBs are having to navigate.  SMB owners are particularly worried about inflation (43%) and a potential recession (38%), and as many as 2-in-5 (39%) say AI has made it significantly (9%) or somewhat (30%) harder to stand out.   

SMBs are tackling headwinds with optimism and pragmatism 

As always seems to be the case, Australian SMBs are tackling headwinds with optimism, stoicism and pragmatism. 

2025 is an election year in Australia and roughly 2-in-5 (38%) SMBs expect the upcoming election will impact their business positively while over a quarter (27%) expect things will remain the same.  

Furthermore, the global political landscape doesn’t appear to be impacting Australian SMBs’ confidence either, with just under half (48%) either very prepared (13%) or somewhat prepared (35%) to navigate the political shifts happening both locally and overseas, versus just 11% who are unprepared. 

With regards to technological shifts and the rapid proliferation of AI, despite some concerns,  almost 2-in-5 (37%) Aussie SMBs are very optimistic (10%) or somewhat optimistic (27%) about the role of AI in business.  

Crowded, murkier waters making it difficult to stand out  

Social media and artificial intelligence do however appear to me crowding and muddying the waters. In addition to the SMB sentiment that AI makes it harder to stand out as a brand, slightly more SMB owners (44%) believe social media does the same.  

Of those concerned about AI, lack of human touch (26%), data privacy and security risks (21%) and accuracy of the information and data reported (21%) ranked highest for the reasons for concern. 

SMBs overwhelmingly believe (62%) that AI generated content is, or has the potential to, dominate the content we see on social media and other media channels, and almost half (48%) say AI generated content makes it difficult to compete for share of voice.  

Branding and personalisation a silver bullet  

Customer engagement, personalisation and authenticity appear to be the perfect antidote to the murky waters of increased social and AI content. 

Two thirds of SMBs (66%) say customer engagement and personalisation is the main way they differentiate their brand in an environment where social media and AI generated content is gaining popularity. Prioritising authentic storytelling (35%) ranked the second most popular way to differentiate their brand.

In addition, physical marketing materials made the top three branding and marketing methods that SMBs say they are going to invest in most this year, along with digital marketing and social media.

Marcus Marchant, CEO of VistaPrint, commented on the resilience of SMBs, stating: “Despite the challenges facing small businesses in 2025, it’s encouraging to see that optimism remains strong. SMB owners are resourceful, and they recognise that strong branding, personalised engagement – particularly the use of physical marketing materials that leave a lasting impression – and authenticity, are key to standing out in today’s evolving landscape. At a time of rapid change, businesses that embrace adaptability and innovation will continue to thrive.”


SMB owners certainly appreciate the value of branding and marketing, with almost 2-in-5 (38%) putting extreme (9%) or high (29%) emphasis on it as a driver of business success in the current landscape.  

Providing great customer service, being transparent about your practices, and delivering an incredible product and service every time are the most effective ways to build brand trust according to SMB owners. Partnering with influencers ranked the least. 

To find more about VistaPrint’s range of physical marketing and branding materials [see here].

HP ZBook Ultra G1a for Professionals and Creatives

HP Australia has launched its ZBook Ultra G1a laptop, HP’s most powerful 14” mobile workstation. With up to 50 TOPS NPU, it is available with Microsoft Copilot AI experiences and this next gen AI PC enables professionals, businesses, and creatives to achieve elevated performance, productivity, and creativity.

HP is transforming high-performance computers with innovations that deliver cutting-edge hardware and solutions for today’s workforce. 75% of product designers believe that the current computing technology is not able to meet their multi-software requirements[i] while workstation users desire smaller and lighter devices[ii].

“At HP, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to meet the evolving needs of today’s professionals and the future of work”, said Aman Sangar, HP ANZ Category Manager. “I believe that the launch of the ZBook Ultra G1a marks a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile workstations, offering an unrivaled combination of power, performance, and portability”.

Powered by an AMD Ryzen ™ AI Max PRO processor which boasts up to 16 “Zen 5” CPU cores, up to 40 AMD RDNA™ 3.5 graphics compute units, and an AMD XDNA™ 2 NPU with up to 50 TOPS of AI processing ability, the ZBook Ultra G1a delivers leading-class performance for creators and power users to redefine their workflows. Featuring up to 128GB of unified memory across the chipset with up to 96GB available for graphics, the laptop empowers users to achieve seamless and reliable multitasking – including simultaneously engage in 3D design, render graphics-intensive projects, and work locally with LLMs.

Unleashing the power of LLM

One of the ZBook Ultra G1a’s latest features is its ability to work locally with Large Language Models (LLM). Thanks to the AMD unified memory architecture with next generation compute performance, developers are now able to run LLM software like Meta’s Llama 70B and Mistral AI’s Mixtral 8x7B, all on a thin and light 14” mobile workstation. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO Series processors also include powerful ISV-certified graphics, support AMD PRO Technologies security and reliability features, and leverage the intrinsic advantages of integration to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a mobile, compact workstation.

Tailored for those working in sectors such as architecture, engineering, construction, product development and entertainment, the HP ZBook Ultra G1a features the best possible way to tackle workflows to visualise and iterate with Generative AI:

  • The HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a, equipped with the AMD XDNA[PB1] ™ 2 NPU as part of the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO processor, advanced computational power, and a highly efficient integrated GPU, provides creators with the tools needed to harness the latest AI features in their software—no matter where their work takes them.
  • AI-enhanced New Onlooker Detection with Screen Blur means the PC will notify users when an onlooker is detected and automatically blurs the screen if needed.
  • Improving the way you work on-the-go, with all-day uncompromised performance, as well as tools like Windows Copilot+, PC recall intelligence, real-time conference call translations and studio effects, all running locally
  • Part of HP’s most sustainable PC portfolio, the ZBook Ultra 14 G1a is made of 50% recycled copper used in the heat plate, with the covers being made of 80% recycled Aluminum.

HP ZBook Ultra G1a Pricing and Availability

The HP ZBook Ultra G1a is expected to be available on HP.com on 1st April 2025, with an RRP starting from $3,000 AUD.


How Payment Preferences are Shaping Food Delivery

New research has revealed food delivery payment flexibility could be the factor that makes or breaks your business in the increasingly competitive hospitality landscape.

In today’s competitive business landscape, consumers have more choices than ever. The rise of third-party delivery apps and the growing demand for convenience are putting pressure on hospitality businesses, especially small restaurants grappling with the cost of doing business. For these businesses to remain competitive and thrive, they must fully understand their customers’ purchasing behaviour and decision-making criteria.

A new report, the 2025 Ecommerce Payments Experience Report, from Power Retail in partnership with Payments Consulting Network (PCN), supported by Stripe and Zip, has revealed that payment options can have a significant impact on conversion rates and could be the factor that determines whether a potential customer converts and becomes a loyal customer, or turns to competitors for more convenience.

According to the research, payment flexibility may just be the deciding factor for many customers as they seek options that work with their financial circumstances.

What does this mean for small hospitality businesses and restaurants?

As these services have become more widely accepted, their role in shaping purchasing behaviour is more apparent than ever. Forty percent of consumers have used BNPL options in the past six months alone. This suggests that the trend is not only growing, but is becoming a preferred choice for a significant portion of the population, particularly for discretionary purchases like food delivery.

For small restaurants, adopting BNPL could significantly impact their food delivery business. If a consumer can pay for a meal in installments, they may be more inclined to place an order, even when faced with higher-than-usual prices or larger orders. This can result in more frequent and larger orders, especially during peak periods like weekends or holidays, where spending can be higher.

The younger generations are leading the charge on this, with a strong preference for BNPL services. Among consumers aged 25-34, 58 percent are now using Flexible Payment Options, with 18-24-year-olds not far behind at 53 percent. The 35-44 age group comes in third at 49 percent. These younger consumers are driven by their desire for greater control over their finances, especially in the face of economic uncertainty.

Mangala Martinus, Managing Director of Payments Consulting Network comments, “In today’s competitive landscape, consumers have a wide range of businesses to choose from. So, it is crucial for businesses to understand consumer purchasing behaviour and decision-making criteria and adapt accordingly to succeed.”

It is essential to get ahead of the competition before it is too late. By understanding and actively addressing the needs for payment choices and convenience, businesses can strengthen relationships and give their customers more reasons to become loyal, repeat shoppers.

What is a flexible payment option, or Buy Now, Pay Later?

There are a lot of payment options out there, many having emerged in the past decade. Traditional payment methods like debit and credit have evolved to include digital wallets and BNPL, and are rivalled by bank transfers and flexible payment options. By familiarising themselves with these options, and prioritising the most popular and widely used methods among their consumer base, businesses can ensure they don’t lose out on sales.

Among the payment methods gaining traction, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services have emerged as a key driver of consumer purchasing decisions. While debit cards remain the most commonly used payment method, the research found that nearly 29 percent of customers use Flexible Payment Options almost as often as more traditional options like BPay, Bank Transfers, and Gift Cards/Vouchers. This shift in payment preferences reveals a growing demand for alternatives that align better with consumers’ budgeting preferences.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that the national savings-to-income ratio is currently at just 3.8 percent as of March 2025. While this is an improvement from the worrying 0.9 percent ratio seen in March 2024, it still pales in comparison to the pre-pandemic figure of 7.6 percent in September 2019. This low savings rate, combined with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, has prompted many consumers to turn to BNPL and other flexible payment solutions as a way to better manage their finances.

What can small businesses do to strengthen their position in a crowded food delivery market?

BNPL’s impact on food delivery is particularly notable. With the cost of living continuing to impact consumers in 2025, many are looking for ways to manage their spending while still enjoying their favourite foods and supporting local businesses. By offering BNPL services and flexible payment options, small businesses can tap into a large consumer base that is looking for flexibility in their spending, especially for discretionary items like dining out or ordering food delivery.

Contributed by By Rosalea Catterson

Simify offers travellers Unlimited roaming data

As international travel roars back to life, data-hungry Australian travellers are demanding the freedom of unlimited travel eSIM plans, after years of overpaying for outdated roaming deals. This freedom in the form of unlimited roaming data overseas without fees is finally now here and readily available from Australian international roaming provider Simify.

You can find Simify’s unlimited roaming data plans here: https://simify.com/en-au

International travel has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with Australians taking 11.6 million overseas trips in 2024, according to ABS figures. They’re also using more data than ever while overseas, according to Simify.

At the same time, Australian travellers are embracing the flexibility and convenience of digital eSIMs, supported by most new smartphones.

Eliminating the need to purchase and insert a physical SIM card upon arrival, eSIMs make it quick and easy for travellers to access high-speed mobile data wherever they need it, says Simify co-founder Aidan Butler.

Simify co-founder Aidan Butler

“eSIMs are a game-changer for travellers, offering the best of both worlds,” Butler says.

“Rather than switching phone numbers, you can use a travel eSIM for unlimited roaming data from the likes of Simify, all while keeping your home number active for things like receiving verification codes from your bank.”

Traditionally, international travellers faced the stress of juggling SIM cards, switching phone numbers, rationing data and hunting for potentially insecure free Wi-Fi.

As travel habits change and expectations grow, Australian travellers expect to make the most of their smartphone to stay connected at all times while abroad, Butler says.

“Whether they’re sharing their travel experiences in real time, or catching up on live sport from back home, mobile data has become as essential to modern travellers as their passport,” he says

“You shouldn’t have to use your smartphone like a dumbphone when you’re overseas, just because you’re terrified of chewing through your measly data cap.”

Recently rebranding from SimsDirect, Simify has seen a surge in demand for unlimited travel eSIM plans from Australians reigniting their passion for travel.

Simify was founded in 2018 by two young Australian entrepreneurs, who were frustrated at the expensive and restrictive roaming packages offered by the major telcos. Tapping into pent-up demand for a better deal, the business has quickly grown to more than 300,000 customers.

Today, Simify offers mobile coverage in more than 150 countries, providing Australian travellers peace of mind in the form of unlimited data for up to 90 days, with no need to worry about top-ups or extra roaming fees.

While the major telcos tout the convenience of their daily roaming deals, the fact they’re not unlimited means that it’s easy for modern travellers to hit their data cap by lunchtime if they’re taking advantage of Google Maps, social media, video calls and streaming services.

“The big telcos will tell you, ‘It’s easier to just stay on our plans when travelling’, but easier for who?” Butler says.

“Travellers shouldn’t have to stress about data limits when they’re overseas, they should be able to relax and use their phone just like they do at home.”

For details on all of Simify’s unlimited roaming data plans go to: https://simify.com/en-au

Build an Internet Store

In 2019, online shopping represented around 10% of total sales, and this figure is continuing to explode. Watch your local suburban street and see the stream of delivery vans parading past. In this guide, we will look at your various options and what you should consider when building an internet store.

Selling and buying online is known as e-commerce, online trading or online shopping. As a small business, you could offer e-commerce on your own website, someone else’s website, or social media. The good news is that building an internet store has never been easier, with various internet providers providing templates and tools for novices to be up and running quickly.

WHY should I build an internet store?

Setting up a brick-and-mortar store in a good location to attract customers is expensive and has a lot of risks; however, selling online is the opposite.  Alternatively, expanding the sales of your existing business online can bring many advantages.  These include:

  • Allows you to sell to a much wider audience than those who could visit your place of business
  • Your business is always open, and information is available to hopefully help customers make a buying decision
  • Fewer sales staff will be needed
  • Helps promote your brand, your products and services
  • Increases customer engagement

WHAT are the online store options?

Most of us have bought or sold something personally on eBay, and that is e-commerce.  As a business,s you have three potential e-commerce channels which could be used individually or together:

  1. Online marketplace (eBay, Amazon, Gumtree)
    • Easy to set up and process payments, but at the cost of paying commissions
  2. Website (e-commerce on your website)
    • Can use a template/store builder or build from scratch
    • More flexibility and no commissions to 3rd party
  3. Social media (Facebook marketplace)
    • Similar to the online marketplace, but not as advanced

Before you select an e-commerce optio,n be sure you can answer the following questions:

  • What products and services do you want to sell online, and is there a market?
  • What is your competitive advantage?
  • By what methods will you accept payment? (credit card, PayPal, etc)
  • Do you need to collect personal data? What steps will you take to protect consumers’ privacy? (see our guide on Privacy and Protecting Personal Data)
  • What level of customer service will you offer, and how can you be contacted?

HOW to choose the right e-commerce platform?

Your choice can make or break your business. So take the time to compare your options.

From our three e-commerce options, you need to decide if you will sell simultaneously on a website and marketplaces.  If you decide to have your own website, it is far easier, faster, and cheaper to use a template/website builder than to custom-design/build.  For a small business starting of,f we recommend the website builder option available from various hosting and specialist companies (Google search – online store).  When comparing, consider these factors against your needs:

  • Cost- How much per month compared to the features you get? (Bundled with hosting, it can be less than $20 a month)
  • Templates/store builder options?  Do the available themes and structures suit?  Consider how you will integrate graphics, colour schemes, and content (words).
  • If a template is not suitable, can you afford a custom build? (A custom build can easily exceed $10,000)
  • Shipping—How does the shipping/delivery process make your life and the customers’ lives as easy as possible? Also, see our essential guide on freight solutions.
  • Security? It is unlikely that a hosted e-commerce store will not be properly secured by a vendor, but always keep this in mind.
  • Uptime and service guarantees—This refers to the provider’s unexpected downtime. Do they provide any guarantees, and what compensation, if any, will they provide if you lose a day of trading?
  • Marketing your store – Does your hosting vendor offer marketing tools and services to assist you?
  • Discounts and promotions – If you plan to offer these, how does the solution align with your plans?
  • Smartphone management of site – Can you administer the site if required from the football game on a Saturday?
  • Marketplace integration – Is there an automated selling option across online marketplaces, like eBay?
  • Do they offer a payment gateway? How much do they charge as a percentage to accept credit card payments?
  • Seamless integration – Can other software applications like CRM or your Accounting Package seamlessly connect to your e-commerce store?
Be sure to take the solution for a test drive by:
  • Trialing the platform—Most offer free trials and demos, which will enable you to understand what you need to do to make it happen, but, more importantly, see the experience from a customer perspective. You should upload a few products, see what themes are available, and then buy something as if you were a customer.
  • Consider calling the company’s sales and support desks and asking them a few questions. This will give you a good indication of the experience you will have if you proceed.
  • Check out any online reviews, and if possible, talk to someone already using the solution.

HINTS on running your e-commerce store

  • If you sell to other stores or end customers today, will the way you sell in this new e-commerce store upset your existing customers?
  • Ensure you manage your inventory well.  You cannot sell something that is out of stock.
  • Offer specials on the slow-moving stock to reduce or clear inventory.
  • Some products may not make sense to sell online, such as heavy or very large items, as the shipping cost may be too high.
  • Make sure your freight partner is reliable, otherwise you wear the blame.
  • Existing customers are your most valuable. New customers are the hardest to get.
  • Carefully consider how your website looks.  Is it professional? Is it easy for customers to find what they want?
  • Ensure your site doesn’t feature anything controversial, such as a seductive man or lady (unless you are in that business).
  • Set up your products or services in categories and have descriptions that are easy to read and appealing.
  • Ensure pages are not too cluttered and distracting.
  • Consider including customer reviews.
  • Technical
    • Fast page load speed keeps customers on your site.
    • Comparisons of products are useful to customers.
    • The enlarged view option lets a customer see your product better.
    • Responsive design enables the site to present well on a smartphone.

Your internet store is now built and published on the internet, but do not expect people to swamp it on its first day.  It will take some time before search engines like Google find it, and as nobody knows your new domain name, they will not yet find it organically.  In a separate guide, we will cover SEO, Search Engine Optimisation and SEM, Search Engine Marketing. Put simply these are ways to make your business found more easily on the web and tactics you can use to promote your business online.

SUMMARY – Build an internet store to grow sales

Building an internet store can put you in business faster and cheaper than a traditional brick-and-mortar store. If you are already in business, it can grow your sales, making your offering available to a much larger audience.

In conclusion, keep the customer experience at the top of mind—from the ease of use to how it looks—and set yourself up to succeed from the start.

Qantas announces free inflight Wi-Fi

Qantas’s rollout of fast and free international Wi-Fi directly answers the top request from business travellers, according to Flight Centre Corporate Traveller’s Global MD Tom Walley. A recent internal survey of the company’s Travel Managers found inflight Wi-Fi was the most in-demand improvement for 2025 and beyond, with 35% citing it as the number one priority for its travellers.

Corporate Traveller commentary on the recent Qantas’s announcement of its rollout of fast and free international Wi-Fi

A recent Corporate Traveller survey asked its Travel Managers[1] what they believed would be the biggest inflight improvements, based on their own knowledge and business customer requests. The research found that inflight Wi-Fi was the most in-demand service that airlines could offer, with 35 per cent of its team identifying it as the most significant upgrade needed for travellers in 2025 and beyond.
 
Tom Walley, Australia-based Global Managing Director at Corporate Traveller, says this highlights the strong appetite for connectivity among business travellers.
 
“Reliable and complimentary inflight Wi-Fi has consistently been at the top of our clients’ wish lists,” Mr Walley said.
 
“The data from our experts tells us that connectivity is key, and it’s a must-have for corporate travellers needing to make the most of idle time in the air.
 
“Seamless connectivity – whether it be for business or to kick back with a movie – is a must, so it’s of little surprise that when we asked about an in-flight digital detox with no Wi-Fi or screens, 61 per cent of our experts gave a resounding ‘no’.
 
“As we see airlines improve their offering in this space, it means that travellers can effectively stay connected, manage their workload, and maximise productivity during flights.” 

The Corporate Traveller research also revealed other improvements requested by business travellers, such as increased personal space and privacy partitions, ergonomic seating with adjustable features and fully flat beds in business class, which continues to reinforce the importance of comfort and rest during travel for corporates. Dedicated workspaces with power outlets and more personalised entertainment options were also identified as desirable enhancements, though noted as less critical than connectivity and space for customers.

Why Franchising Is One of the Best Ways to Grow Your Business

Expanding a business can be a challenging and capital-intensive endeavor. However, franchising has emerged as one of the most effective ways to scale a business with minimal financial risk. By allowing independent entrepreneurs to operate under an established brand, franchising enables rapid expansion while maintaining consistency and quality. Here are some key reasons why franchising is one of the best ways to grow your business.

Faster Expansion with Less Capital Investment

One of the biggest advantages of franchising is that it enables businesses to expand without the need for large amounts of capital. Unlike traditional expansion models that require significant investment in new locations, hiring staff, and managing operations, franchising shifts much of the financial burden to franchisees. Since franchisees invest their own money to open new outlets, the franchisor can grow its brand without incurring heavy costs.

Motivated and Committed Franchisees

Franchisees have a vested interest in the success of their businesses because they have personally invested in them. Unlike hired managers who may not be as deeply committed, franchisees are motivated to ensure their franchise unit thrives. This results in better customer service, improved efficiency, and stronger brand loyalty. Franchisees take ownership of their success, leading to a higher likelihood of profitability and growth.

Consistent Brand Expansion

Maintaining brand consistency is crucial for business growth, and franchising helps achieve this by providing a structured system for operations, marketing, and customer service. Franchisees are required to follow a proven business model, ensuring that customers receive the same high-quality experience regardless of location. This consistency strengthens brand reputation and fosters customer trust, leading to increased brand recognition and market dominance.

Shared Marketing and Advertising Benefits

Franchise networks often pool resources for marketing and advertising efforts, which allows for large-scale campaigns that individual franchisees might not be able to afford on their own. National and regional advertising initiatives create strong brand awareness, attracting more customers and increasing sales. Franchisors also provide franchisees with marketing support, including digital campaigns, promotional materials, and social media strategies, which further contribute to business growth.

Lower Operational Risk and Overhead Costs

Operating multiple company-owned locations can be risky and expensive. Franchising helps reduce these risks by transferring daily operational responsibilities to franchisees. As a result, franchisors do not have to manage staffing, inventory, and logistics for each location. This significantly lowers overhead costs and administrative burdens, allowing the franchisor to focus on strategic growth, brand development, and innovation.

Conclusion – grow your business

Franchising is a powerful business expansion strategy that allows entrepreneurs to scale their brands quickly and efficiently while minimizing financial risk. With motivated franchisees, shared marketing benefits, brand consistency, and lower operational risks, franchising provides a strong foundation for long-term success. If you’re looking to grow your business, exploring the franchise model could be the key to achieving sustainable expansion and market leadership.

How to keep up with the evolving workplace

The way we work has undergone a seismic shift. The traditional office-based model is giving way to more flexible arrangements, driven by the rise of hybrid work, heightened security concerns, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are finding themselves at a crossroads, needing to adapt to the evolving workplace changes while ensuring productivity and efficiency remain high.

At ASUS, we are at the forefront of these transformations, designing solutions that empower businesses and workers alike. The ASUS ExpertBook P5 is one such innovation, offering a combination of performance, security, and adaptability to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

The New Workforce Expectations

Employees today expect seamless transitions between home, office, and remote locations. Hybrid work is no longer an experiment – it’s the norm. Recent research from Swinburne University of Technology highlights that over 72% of workers are now in hybrid roles, a significant increase from just a few years ago. This shift requires technology that is portable and powerful enough to support a fluid work experience.

For professionals who need performance without compromise, devices like the ASUS ExpertBook P5 are designed with mobility and security in mind, ensuring that employees can work efficiently from anywhere. Reliable connectivity and collaboration tools have become essential, offering professionals the flexibility they need without compromising on protection.

Security in an Evolving Digital Landscape

With increased flexibility comes an expanded attack surface for cyber threats. The Australian Cyber Security Centre’s 2024 report warns that cybercrime is rising, making it imperative for businesses to adopt more sophisticated security measures. Employees working from various locations need devices that safeguard sensitive data while maintaining ease of use.

From fingerprint authentication to encrypted backups and AI-driven threat detection, proactive security features are key features that will become standard in workplace technology. Companies investing in secure hardware solutions can provide their teams with peace of mind, knowing that their data is protected even in remote environments.

The Role of AI in Workplace Efficiency

Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, automating routine tasks, enhancing collaboration, and optimising performance. AI-powered noise cancellation makes virtual meetings more effective, while smart power management ensures seamless multitasking. 

Beyond efficiency, AI-driven tools are enabling professionals to focus on strategic, high-value work while reducing administrative burdens.

Laptops equipped with AI-assisted meeting tools, such as the Expertbook P5, are streamlining workflows by automating note-taking and providing real-time translation – innovations that are proving invaluable for teams navigating an increasingly digital-first work environment.

Sustainability as a Business Imperative

Sustainability is no longer a secondary concern – it’s a core business priority. Increasingly, employees and consumers are demanding environmentally responsible practices from the companies they engage with. Monash University research shows that nearly half of Australian shoppers consider sustainability an important factor in purchasing decisions, a sentiment that extends to workplace technology.

More and more, we will begin to see businesses responding by adopting energy-efficient devices, integrating recycled materials into their products, and prioritising circularity in hardware design. The shift towards greener technology is not just about meeting regulatory requirements – it’s about aligning with the values of a more environmentally conscious workforce.

Preparing for the Future of Work

As businesses navigate these evolving demands, investing in the right technology is crucial. Future-proofing the workplace requires a strategic approach, one that prioritises adaptability, security, and efficiency.

By embracing smart, forward-thinking solutions like the ASUS ExpertBook P5, companies can stay ahead of the curve and ensure their teams remain productive, engaged, and secure now and into the future.For more information on the ExpertBook P5 (P5405) visit the ASUS Eshop and select retailers.