Logitech has unveiled the MX Master 4, the newest member of the MX Master series, designed to empower creative professionals, developers and business users. With immersive haptic feedback, advanced software and stronger connectivity, the MX Master 4 sets a new standard in control, precision and productivity even for the most demanding workflows.

Tolya Polyanker, General Manager of the MX Business at Logitech, said: “In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, advanced users need tools that help them redefine their workflows to deliver more in less time. We designed MX Master 4 to bring next level immersion and speed to our users thanks to the tactile haptic feedback and instant access to their favourite tools with the Actions Ring software overlay.”

Intuitive Interaction: Haptic Feedback

The MX Master 4 reimagines user control with customisable haptic feedback, delivering subtle vibrations for scrolling, navigation and selection. This tactile precision is ideal for tasks like video editing, design work and data analysis.

Actions Ring

Actions Ring, a digital overlay enabled by Logi Options+, offers app-specific shortcuts and customisable controls to place frequently used tools at your fingertips anywhere on your screen. With features such as assigning commands in Photoshop or automating functions in Excel, professionals can save up to 33% of their time and reduce repetitive mouse movements by 63%. 

Designed for uninterrupted workflows, the MX Master 4 features a high-performance chip and optimised antenna, delivering twice the connectivity strength of previous models. The new USB-C dongle ensures quick and dependable pairing across laptops, desktops and tablets, keeping users connected without delays. 

With enhanced stain-resistant materials and a durable design that is easy to maintain, MX Master 4 is built to handle the daily challenges of professional use while providing long-lasting performance. 

Built for Business

The MX Master 4 for Business makes life easier for both employees and IT teams. It’s easy to deploy across the whole company, and when employees are logged into Logi Tune, IT can monitor the mice remotely through the Logitech Sync management platform, no desk visits needed. For employees using Logi Bolt, it delivers a reliable connection, even in crowded office environments, so they can stay focused and get more done without tech hiccups.

Designed for Sustainability 
MX Master 4 is designed with thoughtful choices to reduce environmental impact, carefully selecting materials like a minimum of 48% certified post-consumer recycled plastic, a low-carbon aluminium thumbwheel and a battery featuring 100% recycled cobalt to minimise resource use and carbon emissions. There is paper packaging that is responsibly sourced from FSC™-certified materials, unpainted plastic parts and a design that is easy to disassemble to simplify recycling.

MX Master 4 Tech specs:

• MagSpeed Scroll Wheel: Scroll up to 1,000 lines per second so you can work faster. 
• 8,000 DPI Sensor: Provides smooth, accurate tracking on virtually any surface, including glass. 
• Quiet clicks: Provides a satisfying tactile feel with 90% less noise (compared to the MX Master 3), perfect for environments like open spaces and shared offices.
• USB-C Quick Charging: A 1-minute charge powers up to 3 hours of use, while a full charge lasts up to 70 days, ensuring you’re ready to work without interruptions (charging cable not included).

Multi-Device Pairing: Connect and switch between up to three devices—laptops, desktops, or tablets—without interruptions. Compatible across operating systems, users can switch using the Actions Ring or Easy-Switch buttons and even transfer files between devices with Logi Options+.

MX Master 4 Pricing and availability

MX Master 4 will be available in Graphite and Pale Grey globally and in Australia, while MX Master 4 for Mac will be available in White Silver. Priced at $199.95 AUD, each purchase includes a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud with apps such as: Photoshop, Lightroom and Premiere Pro. MX Master 4 for Business will be available in Graphite on logitech.com or through authorised resellers at $199.95 AUD.

Logitech has announced the Signature Slim Solar+ K980 and Signature Slim Solar+ K980 for Business, wireless keyboards powered by any light—sunlight or artificial light—with no charging interruptions and no setup stress. Built with Logitech’s proprietary Logi LightCharge technology and designed for modern life, the keyboard features a full-size layout, laptop-style typing, and smart customisations that simplify work and personal tasks.

Wireless devices free us from cables and hassle, but remembering to charge them can create unnecessary friction. Today’s users expect simplicity, reliability, and an intuitive, hassle-free experience that just works. Signature Slim Solar+ delivers just that. It stays charged without interruptions and is built to run for up to four months in complete darkness, so people can stay focused on what truly matters to them. 

“Even the need to think about charging can be a distraction, so we designed Signature Slim Solar+ to take that off your plate completely,” said Art O’Gnimh, General Manager of Core Products Group at Logitech. “It stays powered by light – any light – clearing your desk of cables and eliminating the need to ever physically charge it, while bringing elegance and comfort to your workspace. That’s one less thing to worry about on a busy working day.”

Designed for Sustainability

The plastic parts in the graphite version of Signature Slim Solar+ feature 70% certified post-consumer recycled plastic, and include a specially designed rechargeable battery built to last up to 10 years, eliminating the need for replacement. These choices align with Logitech’s Design for Sustainability principles, aiming to reduce our carbon footprint while ensuring durability, reliability, and long-term performance.

Ready for Business

Signature Slim Solar+ K980 for Business is designed with IT needs in mind, with an always-on charged battery, no cable clutter, and minimal maintenance. It features a Logi Bolt USB-C receiver for secure, reliable connectivity in high-density environments. The keyboard can be monitored through Logitech Sync*, providing IT teams with a central view of individual devices, including product and firmware status. Employees can customise up to 23 shortcut keys, including the AI Launch Key, enhancing productivity without adding IT complexity. With global availability and customer support, it’s built to scale seamlessly across your workforce. 

Signature Slim Solar Key Features

Powered by Logi LightCharge: At the core of Signature Slim Solar+ is the proprietary Logi LightCharge technology, a unique power system that combines a light-absorbing strip, a long-lasting battery built to last up to 10 years, and energy-efficient design for reliable, cable-free use. 

Thoughtfully crafted design: The slim, low-profile form creates a clean, minimalist desk setup that reduces visual clutter and complements modern laptops, monitors, and peripherals, bringing a sense of order and style to any workspace. 

Comfortable, familiar typing experience: The keyboard features a laptop-style feel, Scissor-switch keys, and a full-size layout with a number pad.

Multi-device, multi-OS compatibility: It works seamlessly across operating systems with a multi-OS layout, and allows users to switch typing between up to three devices; your work computer, home laptop, tablet, or phone, using Easy-Switch keys.

Customisable through Logi Options+: With the Logi Options+ App, users can personalise their keyboard experience, assigning Smart Actions to automate common tasks, or using the AI Launch Key to instantly access preferred tools like Copilot, Gemini, or ChatGPT.

Signature Slim Solar Technical Specifications

• Powered by Logi LightCharge 
• Works for up to 4 months in total darkness once fully charged
• Full-size layout with number pad
• Laptop-style typing experience
• Multi-OS printed layout (Windows/ChromeOS)
• Easy-Switch keys (connect and type on up to 3 devices)
• Customisable Action Key
• Customisable AI Launch Key
• Fully customisable row of F-Keys
• Supported by Logi Options+ App on Windows
• Supported by Logi Tune and Logitech Sync for IT management
• Compatible with Logitech Flow when paired with supported mouse
• Durable battery with up to 10-year lifespan
• On/off power switch

Signature Slim Solar Pricing and Availability

Signature Slim Solar+ is available globally starting September 24, 2025, for $179.95 AUD universal compatibility & $189.95 AUD for the B2B variant on logitech.com/en-au and through authorised resellers.

Logitech has introduced Zone Wireless 2 ES and Zone Wired 2 headsets, designed for noisy offices. With AI-powered noise-cancelling mics, hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) that automatically adjusts to minimise background noise, and a gaming-inspired headstrap design for all-day comfort, the headsets turn open office clamour into quiet focus zones.

While open offices cultivate free-flowing face-to-face interaction, they are also notorious for distractions. Studies* cite US$468 billion in productivity losses for companies due to time-sucking distractions that hinder deep, focused work. 

“Uninterrupted focus is the new currency of work. With more employees returning to office, it’s more critical than ever to protect their concentration,” said Hanneke Faber, Chief Executive Officer. “Zone Wireless 2 ES and Zone Wired 2 for Business were engineered to safeguard against those costly distractions.”

In pursuit of an uninterrupted workflow, both headsets offer adaptive hybrid ANC that intelligently adjusts the noise cancellation level in real time to adapt to any environment, enabling workers to move from space to space without manually toggling controls. Two AI-powered noise-cancelling microphones work together to tune out distracting coworker chatter, keyboards clacking, foot traffic, and the hundreds of other environmental diversions that plague employee calls. 

Beyond noise cancellation

Zone Wireless 2 ES eliminates more than just noise – it removes everyday microinterruptions that break concentration. Certified for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, the headset ensures full compatibility across all platforms. For Teams and Meet, native Bluetooth call control certification means it can be used with or without a dongle – freeing up a USB port. If used with a dongle, smart enumeration hides the device from meeting apps when the headset is powered off, so users aren’t left guessing which audio source is active. 

For organisations that prefer wired setups, Zone Wired 2 is a USB plug-and-play version that offers the same advanced features and certifications as its wireless counterpart, without the need to charge the battery or worry about connectivity in high-density environments.

On the backend, IT professionals can remotely push silent firmware updates to either headset through Logitech Sync, allowing employees to stay focused without interruption – no help desk tickets, no update notification pop-ups, and no downtime.

All-day comfort and performance

Inspired by gaming headsets engineered for marathon gaming sessions, the Zone Wireless 2 ES and Zone Wired 2 feature a headset strap designed for even pressure distribution, ideal for equally long workdays. Rotating earcups, a reversible mic boom, and the adjustable headband offer a personalised fit. And with up to 20 hours of talk time and 25 hours of listening time with ANC on, Zone Wireless 2 ES is built to last the longest workdays. 

Personalised experience 

Employees can personalise their own experience with customizable audio, ANC, and charging** settings in Logi Tune. With three colours to choose from – rose, off-white, and graphite – employees can bring their personality to work.

Designed for Sustainability

Zone Wireless 2 ES and Zone Wired 2 are designed for sustainability and product longevity with replaceable earpads, headset strap, and battery**. The plastic parts are made with a minimum of 30%*** post-consumer-recycled plastic, while magnets feature 100% post-consumer recycled rare earth metal; the battery is made with 100% recycled cobalt; and travel bag fabrics are constructed with 100% recycled plastic materials.

Pricing and Availability

Zone Wireless 2 ES for Business will be available globally November here and through authorised resellers, with a suggested price of AUD $299.95 (native Bluetooth version), or AUD $309.95 (version with receiver). Zone Wired 2 for Business will be available December here at the suggested price of AUD $199.95.

Swann, a global leader in do-it-yourself security, has unveiled two new additions to its EVO lineup: the EVO Wireless 2K Security Camera and the EVO Wireless 2K Solar Security Camera. With the convenience of wireless connection, crisp 2K full HD video, two-way audio, and no ongoing fees, the new EVO security cameras deliver superior smart home protection at an affordable price point.

The EVO 2K cameras offer 100% wire-free convenience and can be purchased with either a rechargeable battery or a built-in solar panel. For the EVO Wireless 2K Solar Security Camera, just 45 minutes of direct sunlight generates enough power for daily use, ensuring the camera delivers always-on security. 

Both cameras deliver sharp 2K Quad HD video with a wide 120° viewing angle to maximise coverage and capture more detail. The cameras are equipped with infrared night vision, True Detect™ heat and motion sensing, and two-way audio, which enables homeowners to speak to visitors or deter intruders in real-time through the Swann Security app. The robust design can withstand harsh elements, from rain, snow to extreme heat, and allows for easy placement without the need for a hub or base station.

The EVO 2K cameras come with a  MicroSD card storage included, with no hidden subscription costs. Homeowners can securely store recordings locally and access them on demand via the Swann Security app, ensuring privacy and control over their data. A beginner-friendly DIY setup design makes the cameras ideal for households looking to invest in  professional-grade protection without complicated installations or additional expenses.

Alex Talevski, CEO of Swann, said: “Home security shouldn’t be reserved for the tech-savvy or those willing to pay expensive installation costs or monthly subscriptions. Our EVO 2K  wireless range is about putting smart home protection and peace of mind in everyone’s hands. Whether you’re renting, a first-home buyer, or simply looking for a no-fuss solution, these cameras make connected security achievable without the complexity or cost that usually comes with it.”

Highlighted features for the  EVO Wireless 2K Security Camera include: 

• 2K Quad HD video resolution delivers sharp, detailed footage with infrared night vision up to 10m 
• 100% wire-free design powered by a long-life rechargeable battery for flexible placement indoors or outdoors
• 120° wide-angle viewing helps minimise blind spots and provides broader coverage of your property
• True Detect™ heat and motion sensing ensures reliable alerts by detecting people, vehicles, and movement while reducing false alarms
• Two-way audio capability lets homeowners listen and speak through the camera to greet visitors or deter intruders in real time
• Free local recording stores video on the included 32GB MicroSD card with no ongoing subscription costs
• Weatherproof IP56-rated construction built to withstand rain, heat, and cold for year-round protection
• Available to purchase on the Swann website and local retailers including Bunnings Warehouse, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks and more.

RRP: A$139.95

Highlighted features for the EVO Wireless 2K Solar Security Camera include:

• 2K Quad HD video resolution with advanced image sensors and infrared night vision for crisp, clear footage up to 10m 
• 100% wire-free installation with hub-free setup for simple, flexible placement anywhere within Wi-Fi range
• Built-in solar panel provides maintenance-free, always-on power after just 45  minutes of daily sunlight
• 120° wide viewing angle reduces blind spots and maximises coverage across more of your property
• True Detect™ heat and motion sensing delivers smart alerts by accurately detecting people, vehicles, and movement
• Two-way audio capability allows homeowners to listen and talk back in real time, whether welcoming visitors or deterring intruders
• Free recording stores video securely on the included 16GB MicroSD card with no subscription fees
• Weatherproof IP56-rated design ensures reliable year-round performance in rain, heat, or cold
• Available to purchase on the Swann website and local retailers including Bunnings Warehouse, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and more.

RRP: A$179.95 

For more information on the products, visit swann.com 

If you run a business with fewer than five employees, you already wear every hat. It’s tempting to file “compliance” under “things for big companies”. Don’t. Australia logged more than 87,000 cybercrime reports last year — about one every six minutes — and the average self-reported loss for a small business hit ~$49,600 in FY23–24. Meanwhile, between July 2023 – March 2024, 7,742 Australian businesses entered external administration, a 36.2% increase on the previous corresponding nine-month period. In that environment, compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about staying in business and keeping customer trust.

The new reality: penalties, privacy and reputation

The rules have sharpened. Recent Privacy Act updates introduced tiered penalties and a new statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy (from June 2025), creating fresh legal exposure for businesses of all sizes. Regulators are more assertive, and customers have less patience when data goes astray.

The bigger risk, though, is reputational. Micro-businesses live on referrals and repeat work; one breach can undo years of goodwill. And it’s rarely a sophisticated hacker — it’s usually human error. The OAIC reported human error in around a third of notifications in late 2024, with misdirected emails a standout cause. Small teams are especially exposed because processes are informal and everyone is moving fast.

Bottom line: Compliance now protects your cash, your legal position and your brand.

Make it doable: a micro-scale playbook

Start small, then scale. You don’t need ISO 27001 out of the gate. Use a tiered framework built for SMEs — for example, SMB1001 — to progress from essentials (Bronze) to stronger posture (Silver/Gold) as you grow. It gives you a clear checklist and proof you’re improving.

Automate and consolidate. Manual compliance burns time and introduces mistakes. An integrated stack (patching, backup, MFA, logging) plus a compliance management tool keeps you on top of the basics without hiring. Recent Kaseya research shows a persistent recovery confidence gap: more than 60% of businesses believed they could recover in under a day; however, in reality, only 35% could. Automating backups — and testing restores regularly — brings these numbers much closer together.

Prove it routinely. Swap the once-a-year panic for short monthly rituals:

• Access review: who can see customer data? Remove old access.
• Backup test: restore one file and one system, record the result.
• Updates check: confirm critical patches applied on all devices.

Call in help, smartly. You don’t need a full-time IT team. Many providers offer co-managed services, acting as a virtual IT department to right-size controls and produce the artefacts (policies, logs, test results) that prove compliance. It’s often cheaper than a single day of outage.

Turn compliance into a trust signal

Compliance isn’t just defence — it’s a sales asset. Put your basics on your website and proposals: MFA-enforced, encrypted backups tested monthly, clear data-retention rules, and a named contact for privacy queries. Larger customers increasingly ask for this during onboarding. Showing your work wins deals.

Equally, write down how you handle personal data (what you collect, where it lives, who sees it, how long you keep it) and avoid putting personal information into public AI tools.

Start this week (no extra headcount required)

1. Turn on phishing-resistant MFA (authenticator app or push) for email, accounting and cloud storage; disable SMS where possible.
2. Automate backups and test a restore — one file and one system — and record how long it took.
3. Map your personal-data flows in one page: what you collect, where it’s stored, who has access, how it’s deleted.

For micro-businesses, compliance is less about ticking boxes and more about resilience and reputation. The laws are tightening, the incidents are real, and customers are paying attention. But with a tiered framework, a bit of automation and a steady monthly cadence, you can turn compliance from a fire drill into a habit — one that keeps cash in the bank, doors open and your good name intact.

Contributed by Daniel Garcia, VP & GM APAC at Kaseya

Being a sole trader comes with undeniable freedom, however,  it can also feel like running a marathon with a backpack full of admin. Between chasing invoices, managing customer expectations, juggling compliance and somehow finding time to deliver your core service, it is easy to end up working in the business instead of on it.

The good news? With the right systems and habits, sole traders can create breathing room to focus on growth. Here are five overlooked but essential strategies that can turn a one-person operation into well-oiled business bliss.

1. Turn every client touchpoint into an opportunity

Every email, text or social media message is part of your customer journey.  Many sole traders fall into the habit of handling this ad hoc – replying when there is a pocket of time or letting follow-ups slip through the cracks. Creating a consistent process for enquiries, quotes and feedback not only saves time, it makes clients feel valued and more likely to return.

A simple practice: track all client interactions in one place. Even a basic system that shows you what stage each customer is at – from the initial enquiry, quote sent, invoice issued to the job completed.  This can transform the way you nurture relationships.

2. Protect your cash flow by making payments effortless

Late payments are one of the biggest stressors for sole traders. Instead of relying on manual invoicing and polite reminders, look at how you can automate parts of the process. Sending invoices immediately after a job, making it easy for customers to pay online and setting up automated reminders are all small tweaks that protect your income stream and reduce awkward conversations.

Think of payments as part of the customer experience. If it’s simple and professional, you will get paid faster and build trust at the same time.

3. Make marketing manageable with repeatable systems

Many sole traders fall into the feast-and-famine trap: marketing only when work is quiet. The key to steady demand is consistency. That doesn’t mean running a full-scale campaign; it means building a repeatable rhythm.

Prepare a bank of content, from testimonials, photos of your work to seasonal offers and social media insight or advice posts and set aside regular time (or use scheduling tools) to publish across channels. Even a couple of posts a week, planned in advance, can keep your brand visible without eating into your client hours.

4. Streamline the back office to win back hours

Admin creep is real. A few minutes here and there on scheduling, quoting or chasing receipts can easily add up to hours a week. Sole traders who thrive are the ones who treat their time as the scarce resource it is.

Ask yourself: which repetitive tasks could be templated, automated or consolidated into a single system? The more you reduce double-handling, the more time you gain for revenue-generating work.

5. Plan your growth pathways early

Most sole traders don’t intend to stay ‘solo’ forever. Whether you want to hire, collaborate or even convert to a company structure, the way you set up your systems now will either help or hinder that next step.

If your client data, financial records and workflows are centralised and organised, scaling is far smoother. It also makes you look more professional to potential partners, subcontractors or investors.

For sole traders, growth doesn’t come from adding more to your plate, it comes from designing a business that eventually doesn’t need you in every detail. That doesn’t mean giving up control; it means creating systems that carry the weight of the everyday so you can step into higher-value roles.

The most successful sole traders think of themselves not just as service providers, but as architects of their own time. Each workflow you streamline, each payment process you simplify, and each client interaction you structure is an investment that pays you back in hours, energy and focus.

If you approach your business with the mindset that building it to run smoothly even on the days you can’t, you will unlock the freedom to innovate, to say yes to bigger opportunities, and to grow on your own terms.

By Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand

Employment Hero, the global authority on employment, has released its inaugural Annual Jobs Report, which looks at 12 months of aggregated and anonymised real-time data from over 350,000 businesses and 2.5 million verified employees globally. Alongside a YouGov survey of 3,635 workers, the report reveals the workforce is undergoing significant transformation, shaped by generational shifts, cost-of-living pressures and new expectations around work.

Key Annual Jobs Report findings: 

• Poly-Employment becomes the norm with 1 in 3 Aussies now holding multiple jobs, rising to more than half (56%) of 18-24 year olds.
• Gen Z powers the workforce, entering at record numbers with jobs among 18-24 year olds climbing 16.6%.
• Stability is the goal as Aussies place job security over progress opportunities, with 57% saying stability matters more than progression (jumping to 68% among younger workers). 
• Queensland leads the way as the nation’s job engine, recording consistent 5.8-8% YoY increases in jobs growth. 
• Skills become currency as AI concerns rise, with a quarter (24%) of Aussies believing that AI is already reducing job opportunities, with the concern highest among younger workers (34%). 

Australia’s labour market remains resilient, with jobs up 5.8% year-on-year in July and wages rising 4.6%. Monthly growth has held between 5–7% over the past year, underscoring stability in the face of rising costs.

Australia’s top independent economist, Saul Eslake said, “The latest results from Employment Hero’s database of SMB employers are consistent with overall employment growth stabilising at about 1.5% per annum. That represents a significant slowing from the 2.75% pace recorded during 2023 and 2024, but it is in line with the RBA’s forecast that employment will grow by 1.4% per annum over the next two-and-a-half years.

Poly-Employment: Multiple jobs become the norm

One in three Australians now holds more than one job. This trend cuts across employment types, with full-time and part-time workers equally likely to juggle roles, a trend that rises to 56% among 18–24 year olds, compared to only 20% of those aged 55+. These younger Australians are also putting in longer hours, averaging 23 per week, up 6% on last year. Despite wage growth, cost-of-living pressures are seeing Australians spread themselves thinner than ever, with many leveraging tools like Earned Wage Access (EWA) to withdraw part of their earned pay ahead of payday. Despite their higher earnings, Millennials dominate EWA usage across generations, accessing their pay ‘on demand’ almost 200,000 times in the last year alone.

Employment Hero Co-Founder and CEO, Ben Thompson, said when it comes to the state of the Australian labour market, it’s no longer business as usual: “One in three Australians (34%) now works more than one job; this is big news.  The causes will be multipronged; it’s a signal people are making big personal trade-offs to cope with the cost of living. Also, a result of the trend towards casualisation of the workforce we’ve seen over the past twelve months, with average hours worked slowing as employers adapt to the rising cost of operations.

Playing it safe: Stability is the goal

Australians are placing job security above all else. A majority (57%) say job stability matters more than career progression, rising to 68% among young workers. When asked about their most preferred job, only 1% of respondents showed an appetite to work for a startup, reflecting widespread risk-aversion amid global economic uncertainty.

Gen Z: From classroom to career in a shifting economy

Gen Z is entering employment in record numbers, particularly within SMBs.  More young Aussies are juggling work and study, with jobs in the 18-24 year olds cohort surging 16.6% year on year. Participation among Australians aged 55+ has declined by around 2%. 

“The continued rapid growth in employment of people aged under 25 may owe something to the recent pick-up in employment in the retail, hospitality and tourism sector, which typically employ relatively large numbers of younger workers, and to the rapid increase in the number of people in this age group since the re-opening of Australia’s international borders at the end of the Covid-19 pandemic,” says independent economist, Saul Eslake. 

“SMBs are continuing to employ increasing numbers of younger workers, although growth in the employment of older workers has continued to slow. Indeed, employment of people aged 55 and over has been declining slightly since the beginning of last year. This may partly reflect much slower growth in the 45-65 year-old age groups than in younger age groups (or among over 65s). But it may also indicate that ‘ageism’ constitutes a barrier to the employment of older Australians.” he concluded.

The geography of opportunity

Queensland has cemented its position as the nation’s jobs growth engine, recording year-on-year increases of 5.8–8% over the past 12 months. Western Australia has rebounded after a late-2024 dip, while the metro commerce hubs of NSW and Victoria, have slowed considerably. Wage disparities are clear, with the ACT ($46.20 median hourly) and NSW ($45.10) leading the nation, compared to Tasmania’s $39.90.

Skills are a new currency as AI concerns persist

Despite research showing that AI has the ability to enhance the workforce, our nation’s most digitally literate young workers remained concerned, with a quarter believing that AI has already reduced job availability (34%). While 71% of Australians feel confident adapting to new technologies, confidence is far higher among younger workers and those in larger businesses. Training is also proving decisive for retention: 2 in 3 employees satisfied with upskilling report feeling settled in their roles, compared to less than 1 in 10 (9%) of those without training opportunities.

“It’s crucial for SMB leaders to have access to the right tools and training to stay competitive,” said Ben Thompson. “The pace of change is accelerating and that’s an opportunity for small businesses to get ahead,” said Ben Thompson, Co-Founder and CEO of Employment Hero. “With the right tools, they can move faster and compete more effectively with larger businesses. We’re embedding AI at EH so our customers have access to cutting edge tech and a suite of tools typically reserved for corporates. The rate of change and accessibility of tech can become their competitive advantage.”

MYOB has this week launched MYOB Assist, a brand-new mobile app designed to help small business owners take control of their admin while on-the-go. 

Built into every MYOB Business and AccountRight subscription, the new mobile app fuels browser-based AI smart matching and categorisation, transforming time-consuming admin such as invoicing and expense capturing into simple, effortless tasks so owners can focus on running their business.  

With features initially including ‘snap and track’ for receipts and real-time invoicing in the one place, the app syncs with their browser so they can bill on the fly and capture expenses on the spot – meaning they never miss a dollar.  

In-app data feeds directly into MYOB’s smart reconciliation features, working hand-in-hand with the capabilities of AI-enabled browser-based automation to enable business owners to manage cashflow on the go, categorise easily, match instantly and smart sync receipts on the spot – all while running seamlessly in the background.  

By making admin mobile and manageable, MYOB customers can feel confident that they are top of their admin and well-prepared for tax time. This will no doubt be welcomed by SME owners with data from the latest MYOB Business Monitor showing time spent on meeting tax 
compliance obligations was the biggest challenge to profitability for one in five (17%) respondents.  

The app has been launched in response to feedback that business administration is one of the biggest time-eaters for small business owners. In fact, recent MYOB research shows 56% of SME owners spend more than half their time on managing internal business operations1.  

“Small business owners are often on the move, meaning a constant juggling act when it comes to managing receipts, invoices and payments,” said Dean Chadwick, MYOB’s Chief Customer Officer.  

“MYOB Assist puts powerful, easy-to-use expense capture and invoicing tools in their pocket, helping them feel in control and freeing them up to focus on their customers, not their paperwork. 

“Through smart technology that works quietly in the background, the app can reduce admin stress and help small businesses feel confident, in control, and ready to grow.” 

 MYOB customer Adrian Katz of Katz Studios said the app has helped simplify invoicing and expense capturing, saving him time and reducing admin.  

“As soon as I finish a job, I can send an invoice on the spot – no delays, no extra admin,” he said.  

“The interface is simple, clean and seamless to use, and having an all-in-one expense and invoicing app that I can use on-the-go has really saved me time. 

“Now I can focus my efforts on the core drivers of my business – editing, video production and animation – instead of paperwork.” 

MYOB Assist will transition MYOB’s Capture and Invoice app users to a new, unified experience that will allow them to manage their admin more quickly and efficiently. A suite of new features will be rolled out over time, each designed to optimise cashflow and streamline admin for SMEs and their trusted advisors.  

Please see here for more information on MYOB Assist and to download the mobile app. 

Prospa, Australia’s leading fintech for small businesses, has launched Tap to Pay, making it easier than ever for business owners to get paid, fast. 

With no additional hardware, terminals, or complicated setup required, Tap to Pay transforms any compatible smartphone into a payment terminal. Business owners can easily accept contactless payments from physical cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay or other digital wallets – anytime and anywhere in Australia.

“We are developing tools that simplify business operations. Tap to Pay naturally extends our ecosystem – smart, intuitive, and designed to give our customers greater control over their finances,” said Andrew Malak, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Prospa.

Given that cash flow remains one of the biggest challenges and concerns for small businesses, this feature is particularly timely and advantageous. In fact, according to the April 2025 YouGov SME Sentiment Report from Prospa, 13% of small business owners say they have no cash reserves. And another 20% report having less than a month’s buffer.

“Small businesses should get paid on the spot. With Prospa Tap to Pay, there are no terminals, no waiting, no hassles – after a quick five‑minute initial setup, it’s tap, and the funds will be available in your Prospa Business Account the next business day. We build simple solutions to complex problems, such as not getting paid on time or in full, so small businesses can keep cash flowing and stay focused on their work.”

There are no setup costs or monthly fees – just a flat industry-low 1.4% transaction fee. Payments are deposited into the Prospa Business Account, providing business owners with instant access to funds to spend, repay loans, or save.

Tap to Pay seamlessly integrates with Prospa’s suite of financial tools to support small businesses. It works alongside features like Prospa’s Xero integration for simplified accounting and enhanced cash flow visibility, as well as Bill Pay for easier bill management and payment. Together, these offerings reflect Prospa’s commitment to providing technology-driven solutions that save time and support better financial decision-making.

“Prospa is now part of a growing group of Australian platforms that offer Tap to Pay – aiming to meet the agile demands of modern small business owners. However, within the non-bank SME lending space, Prospa stands alone, making it a differentiator in the market – and a great option for business owners looking to solve day-to-day finance and funding solutions in one platform.”

Tap to Pay enables small businesses to accept payments instantly, whether they are on the go, at a market stall, or in a store, ensuring their cash flow remains strong.

Tap to Pay is now available via the Prospa App. For more information, see here.