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.
Epson Australia has expanded its A4 workforce business print portfolio with two new A4 colour devices, the EM-C800 multi-function printer (MFP) and the EP-C800 single-function printer (SFP). Both models are powered by PrecisionCore® technology providing a smart, reliable, and more sustainable solution designed for high productivity and minimal waste.
These compact network printers are built for speed, efficiency and low energy use making them ideal for busy workgroups.
The A4 WorkForce® Pro EM-C800 and EP-C800 offer print speeds of up to 25 ISO ppm (mono/colour)¹, fast first-page output and feature a replaceable ink pack system (RIPS).
This RIPS system provides extra high-capacity ink packs that can print up to 50,000 ISO pages in mono or 20,000 ISO pages in colour² before needing replacement.
Both models support PCL3 and Adobe® PostScript®3 allowing for seamless shared network printing, while their open platform integrates easily with leading third-party solutions and enterprise applications.
They are also fully compatible with the Epson Solutions Suite which streamlines printer installation, device configuration and workflow management while offering remote diagnostics and operation. In addition, a range of advanced security features helps control user access.
Key features of the A4 WorkForce Pro EM-C800 and EP-C800
Reliability: designed for monthly print volumes of up to 5,000 pages.
Energy efficiency: low power consumption.
Minimal user intervention: replaceable ink pack system and paper capacity up to 1,830 pages with optional trays.
Productivity: the EM-C800 includes a 50-page automatic document feeder (ADF), auto 2-sided printing, copying, duplex scanning (up to 60 ipm) and faxing. It also supports scan-to-email and more.
Compact design: ideal for efficient and streamlined workstations.
Superior image quality: use DURABrite® Ultra, which is fast drying, water resistant pigment ink for vibrant colour and crisp text.
Epson’s business printing solutions are designed to reinvent office printing with minimal intervention, affordability and low energy consumption. Powered by PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology, Epson’s portfolio ranges from desktop printers for hybrid work environments to high-performance WorkForce Enterprise solutions, all built with fewer moving parts to meet market demands.
To learn more, visit Epson business inkjet and Epson PrecisionCore.
ASUS has announced that ExpertBook P5 (P5405), a groundbreaking Copilot+ PC designed to empower modern professionals, is now available in Australia and New Zealand through ASUS E-shop and selected resellers.
With reports finding that Australian businesses are set to boost AI investment by 67% this year and three-quarters of Australian business leaders (75%) believe their organisations will be at a competitive disadvantage if they do not invest in AI. ASUS has worked to deliver a product that delivers speed, battery life and security to empower modern businesses to capitalise on AI software as it becomes more and more ubiquitous in the workplace, providing competitive advantages with productivity and efficiency for employees.
Powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processor (Series 2) with up to 47 NPU TOPS, delivering an up to 3X AI performance boost over the prior generation and featuring ASUS AI ExpertMeet, this AI-driven powerhouse streamlines workflows and enhances collaboration. Its sleek, durable aluminium chassis houses a stunning 2.5K 144 Hz display, delivering exceptional visuals. With a 1.29 kg feather-light design, robust security features, and a focus on sustainability, ExpertBook P5 is the perfect companion for on-the-go professionals seeking peak performance and efficiency.
Emma Ou, Commercial Regional Head for Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Malaysia, SYS BG at ASUS, said “The ExpertBook P5 introduces our new P series, targeting the SMB sector. This Copilot+ PC is designed for work and has ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an on-device AI assistant ensuring your data stays on your laptop. With a battery life of up to 28 hours*, the ExpertBook P5 is a great choice for professionals and everyday users who need a reliable and efficient laptop. We’re thrilled to bring this model to Australia and New Zealand.”
Experience the power of AI in meetings
ASUS ExpertBook P5 benefits from the all-new ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an on-device AI assistant that ensures your data stays on your laptop, exactly where it belongs. ASUS AI ExpertMeet transforms meetings into productive and engaging experiences, and leverages advanced AI capabilities to enhance audio, video, and collaboration features, ensuring seamless communication and capturing every important detail.
AI ExpertMeet offers:
AI Meeting Minutes – records the meeting in real-time, providing transcripts, translations and AI summary to capture key points
AI Translation – seamless multi-language communications in real-time with subtitle generation from both audio sources
Business Watermark – for secure on-screen sharing, protecting proprietary data, better-trusted relations and partnerships
AI Audio – for ultimate clarity offering general, single-presenter and multi-presenter mode for optimal experience
AI Camera – provides seamless visual experience with lighting correction, auto framing, appearance filters, gaze correction and background blur.
ASUS ExpertGuardian: the ultimate guardian of confidential data
ASUS ExpertBook P5’s robust security arsenal safeguards critical data. Engineered with a business-grade and NIST SP 800-155-compliant BIOS, it provides a foundational layer of protection against firmware attacks. Coupled with Windows 11 Secured-core PC technologies (TPM, DMA, DRTM), the ExpertBook P5 creates a fortified defence against software vulnerabilities. To ensure long-term security, ASUS offers comprehensive five-year support for BIOS and driver updates, safeguarding the system against emerging threats. The ExpertBook P5 also comes with integrated biometric login with FIDO2 authentication, ensuring the utmost security of your data.
Complementing this robust hardware-based security, ExpertBook P5 includes a complimentary one-year McAfee+ Premium membership for free. This comprehensive security suite leverages McAfee Smart AI™ for advanced threat detection, including AI-powered deepfake detection to protect against sophisticated social engineering attacks. Additionally, email scam protection provides an extra layer of defence against phishing attempts.
In addition to all this, ExpertBook P5 also comes with Adaptive Lock that detects your presence and uses an integrated infrared camera to recognise your face and log you in without lifting a finger. The moment you step away, ExpertBook P5 automatically locks to protect both your AI laptop and your data.
The future of work
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ExpertBook P5 boasts a premium aluminium design that seamlessly blends aesthetics and ergonomics. Despite its lightweight construction, at just 1.29 kg, P5 offers exceptional durability — meeting US MIL-STD 810H military grade standard to ensure resilience to environmental extremes, including wide temperature fluctuations, sudden shocks and jarring vibrations. It also undergoes the rigorous in-house ASUS Superior Durability Test, including 120 cm drop tests, extensive hinge cycles, 78cc spill-resistant test and keyboard durability tests, ensuring it can withstand the rigours of daily use.
ExpertBook P5 is a thoughtfully designed workspace featuring conveniently placed function keys and a spacious mouse area created by relocating I/O ports to the left, optimising productivity and comfort during video conferences and multitasking.
Engineered with the ASUS ExpertCool thermal structure and a newly enhanced cooling design, the ExpertBook P5 ensures consistent, optimal cooling whether the lid is open or closed, guaranteeing peak performance even during extended usage. It is a productivity powerhouse designed to elevate professional performance, empowering users to achieve their full potential.
Continuing with the ASUS commitment to sustainability, ExpertBook P5 also represents a significant advancement in sustainable technology. This intelligent product has significantly enhanced its circularity by 10% to 50%, utilising Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) for performance measurement. By incorporating recycled materials and a modular design, ExpertBook P5 directly addresses the pressing issue of e-waste, making it a preferred choice for businesses holding sustainable values as a core purpose.
All-day battery life and fast charge support
The ExpertBook P5405 features all-day battery providing up to 28 hrs of battery life. In addition, it has fast charging technology that charges the battery from 5% to 60% in under 49 minutes.
ExpertCare Guarantee
Our commitment to quality is further supported by the ExpertCare Guarantee for our entire P series. This offers AUD $500 in compensation for manufacturer’s hardware fault needing repair within the first year, giving you complete peace of mind in your investment.
ASUS Service Guarantee
Understanding the critical needs of modern professionals, ASUS Service Guarantee includes a comprehensive service network, dedicated support teams, and a commitment to minimising downtime for our customers. We offer hassle-free onsite warranty repairs and extended commercial service options to give our customers peace of mind.
Easy to service design – ExpertBook P5 has an easy-to-service design that helps maximise system uptime by enabling system administrators to perform maintenance and upgrade system components easily with just one tool required to open the chassis.
ExpertBook P1
Adding to the P series lineup, ASUS also launched a compact and elegant ASUS ExpertBook P1 that weighs a mere 1.42 kg. Empowered by the all-new ASUS AI ExpertMeet tool it is engineered to deliver superb performance powered by an up to 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor with dual RAM up to 64GB and packs up to 1TB capacity. ASUS ExpertBook P1 is engineered to protect your privacy and business data via a built-in fingerprint sensor and integrated TPM 2.0 chip — your reliable, trusted travelling companion, ready to complete every task on time.
Officeworks, Australia’s leading retailer for technology, office supplies, furniture, stationery and learning and development resources, has rolled out a Same Day Printing service enabling customers to get high quality brochures, business cards, menus and more printed when they need it – today.
Currently available at 45 key stores across the country, the service means customers who order online or in store by 2pm can pick up their printing that day at their nearest Same Day-enabled Officeworks store. The Same Day Printing range includes flyers, business cards, brochures, menus and greeting cards as well as event stationery like invitations and RSVP cards, table numbers, place cards and thank you cards.
The new service reflects Officeworks’ long-standing commitment to helping customers make bigger things happen, making it easier to bring a new idea to life, evolve their brand, or meet a crucial deadline. It expands Officeworks’ extensive existing Print+Create offering that has been providing high quality and affordable printing on a wide range of products for three decades.
Officeworks’ Head of Print+Create Michael Salt said: “At Officeworks, we understand that life and work are faster paced than ever and sometimes the deadline is today. With our Same Day Printing service, we’re better equipped than ever to help our customers stay ahead in business, work and life, without compromising on quality, convenience or price.
“We’ve been heartened by the customer response to the service so far. Whether it’s making a last-minute change to tonight’s menu, creating flyers for a sale that starts tomorrow, or printing family Christmas cards so you can get them in the post on time, our Same Day Printing service helps us support our customers in a way no one else can.”
In a further enhancement of its Print+Create offering, Officeworks also recently launched a Save Your Work function which allows customers to save design projects in progress. Customers can save up to 200 projects and return to their drafts to edit, or update saved designs before printing, or to reprint an existing project without the need to re-upload.
This Save Your Work function is available across Officeworks’ full suite of Print+Copy services including personalised gifts, packaging and promotional materials, documents, and the Same Day Printing range.
The Same Day Printing service is powered by state-of-the-art Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C4080 printers which were installed at 45 Officeworks stores across Australia.
Andrew Cocker, General Manager Konica Minolta Australia, said: “Konica Minolta is committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and delivering exceptional value to partners and customers. It has been highly rewarding partnering with Officeworks to make this innovative, customer-first service possible.”
Learn more about Same Day Printing at Officeworks and explore the full range here, and explore Save Your Work here.
A damning new report from Localsearch – the marketing solution for small businesses – reveals 69% of Australian small business owners do not believe there are sufficient mental health resources available. A further 72% do not feel supported as a small business owner.
The news forms the first iteration of Localsearch’s annual State of Small Business Report for 2024, shedding light on small business owners’ mental health and wellbeing, the wider mental health landscape in the SMB space and challenges impacting people working in a small business.
However, small business owners are taking their employees’ mental health seriously by introducing supportive measures. Two in five (39%) have implemented mental health leave days; 39% have created on-site break rooms; 11% have developed mental health action plans and 9% provide access to a mental health support partner.
Ed Ross, co-founder of TradeMutt, knows this harsh reality all too well and created his business with the aim of improving blue collar mental health and promoting the benefits of being vulnerable.
“This report paints a tough picture for small business owners, and it’s clear many people feel there aren’t enough mental health resources out there. The truth is, there are countell resources available, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start and navigating these resources can be time consuming.
“Ideally, no one should reach a point of burnout before they find the right support. On top of that, getting smart about prioritisation, using technology, or bringing in some extra hands can go a long way in easing the load and stopping that feeling of overwhelm before it hits.”
Heartbreakingly, the report also found more than two thirds (67%) of small business owners have considered walking away from their business suggesting that sometimes it feels all too much.
Adam Hargraves, CEO of Localsearch, said: “Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, but they’re facing immense challenges that go beyond just balancing the books. The mental health strain on these individuals is clear, and it’s a problem that demands immediate attention.
“At Localsearch, we’re committed to not only providing practical tools to help businesses thrive but also advocating for stronger support systems to ensure the wellbeing of the people behind those businesses. No business should have to sacrifice mental health to stay afloat.”
Localsearch handles all of the details so that small business owners don’t have to. Easing some of the pressures and stress points that they encounter day to day so that they can focus on their business.
– Intuit Inc. , the global financial technology platform that makes Intuit TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, today shares its latest report, “The Revenue Blueprint: Strategies for Performance-Obsessed Marketers.” Based on a global survey of more than 2,000 marketing leaders, this report explores how brands can foster growth in a rapidly-evolving digital environment, with a particular emphasis on the potent combination of data-driven strategy, creative spark, and AI-powered efficiencies.
The Revenue Blueprint categorises respondents into three groups: Baseline Marketers, who achieve consistent results using widely accepted marketing practices; Performance-Obsessed Marketers, who deliver results across key metrics through innovative tactics and cutting-edge technology; and Revenue Leaders, a subset of Performance-Obsessed Marketers who use optimal resources, tools, and investments to drive significant growth within high-revenue organisations. By observing the differences across these groups, the report shares how industry leaders can elevate their strategies in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
“Marketers today are expected to not only deliver immediate results, but also build meaningful, long-term connections with customers. That balance requires a deep understanding of customer needs and the ability to engage with them at the right moments,” said Mark Lodwick, Director of Brand Experience at Intuit Mailchimp. “Your tools and how you deploy them can make all the difference. And marketers that lean on AI to power personalization, optimize customer journeys, and offload basic tasks are seeing strong results.”
Revenue Pillarson how brands can foster growth
Email’s enduring relevance: Almost two-thirds of marketers name email as the foundation of their marketing strategy, with 59% acknowledging the decline of search. Top marketers differentiate themselves by using email throughout the entire funnel, applying advanced tactics and integrating email with SMS to reach customers effectively. 87% of Performance-Obsessed Marketers report that email is their top channel for generating awareness.
Automation and the customer journey: While nearly all marketers use automation to manage email, 89% of Revenue Leaders automate nearly the entire customer journey—from initial contact to post-purchase engagement. This approach appears to be part of a winning strategy: Revenue Leaders also reported greater customer satisfaction, stronger brand awareness, and a higher return on investment in comparison to their peers.
Data-powered personalisation: There’s a technology knowledge gap driving sizable differences in data utilisation between Baseline Marketers and top-performing marketers. Only 39% of Baseline Marketers use customer data platforms, compared to 57% of Performance-Obsessed Marketers and 64% of Revenue Leaders. And almost half of Revenue Leaders leverage data platforms for hyper-personalised interactions and predictive analytics, which may explain their higher engagement, loyalty, and conversion rates compared to other marketers.
Investing in AI to drive business outcomes: Although 74% of total respondents use AI, findings show that Revenue Leaders leverage AI more effectively than other marketer groups by using it as a strategic assistant, combining generative and analytical AI to maximise outcomes. While Baseline and Performance-Obsessed Marketers primarily see efficiency and brand awareness gains, Revenue Leaders say AI has unlocked additional benefits like higher order values and increased customer lifetime value.
The Revenue Blueprint provides actionable insights for building smarter campaigns. By adopting the strategies of today’s leaders, marketers can better anticipate customer needs, build loyalty, and drive future growth.
Unlock how these four pillars can help you become a performance-obsessed marketer and download the full report.
D-Link, a global leader in networking solutions, has launched its groundbreaking DBG-X800 Nuclias Cloud Branch Router. This innovative device redefines branch office connectivity, offering unparalleled performance, security and ease of management.
The DBG-X800 is a powerful SD-WAN security gateway specifically designed for branch offices, seamlessly integrating advanced networking capabilities with robust security features. At its core, the DBG-X800 leverages D-Link’s Nuclias Cloud platform, enabling centralised cloud-based management and zero-touch deployment, dramatically simplifying network setup and maintenance.
Graeme Reardon, MD at D-Link Australia, said, “The DBG-X800 represents a significant leap forward in branch office networking. By combining SD-WAN capabilities with our Nuclias Cloud platform, we’re offering businesses a powerful, secure and easy-to-manage solution that can scale with their needs.”
The DBG-X800 is ideal for organisations with multiple sites, providing a unified management experience across all locations. Its zero-touch deployment feature allows for swift plug-and-play installation, eliminating the need for on-site IT personnel during setup.
“With the DBG-X800, we’re not just launching a new product; we’re introducing a new standard in branch office networking,” added Reardon. “It’s powerful combination of advanced features, robust security and cloud-based management makes it an indispensable tool for businesses looking to optimise their branch operations.”
Key features of the DBG-X800 include:
High-Performance Connectivity
The DBG-X800 boasts impressive networking capabilities:
– 4 Gigabit LAN ports for fast wired connections
– 1 Gigabit WAN port ensuring high-speed internet connectivity
– Integrated Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, providing lightning-fast wireless connectivity, supporting more devices and improving overall network efficiency
Comprehensive Security
The router incorporates multiple layers of protection:
– Robust network firewall to filter and block unauthorised traffic
– Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) actively shielding against modern threats like DDoS attacks
– Content filtering and application control for managing network usage and access
– Support for up to 999 firewall policies
Cloud-Managed Simplicity
Leveraging the Nuclias Cloud platform, the DBG-X800 offers:
– Centralised cloud-based management through an intuitive dashboard
– Easy deployment and configuration of network policies across multiple sites
– Real-time monitoring and alerts for network status and security events
Advanced VPN Capabilities
The DBG-X800 supports a wide range of VPN options:
– Multiple VPN protocols including IPSec, PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN
– Support for up to 50 VPN tunnels, allowing numerous secure connections simultaneously
– QuickVPN enabled for rapid setup
SD-WAN Functionality
As an SD-WAN security gateway, the DBG-X800 delivers:
– Improved network performance and reliability
– Efficient traffic routing and bandwidth optimisation
– Seamless integration of branch offices into the corporate network
Scalability and Performance
Designed to meet the demands of growing businesses, the router offers:
– Firewall throughput of 900Mbps
– Ability to handle up to 50,000 concurrent sessions
Flexible Deployment
The DBG-X800 is engineered for easy integration:
– Compact desktop design (192 x 120 x 38 mm)
– Zero-touch deployment capabilities for quick setup without on-site IT personnel
Availability and pricing
The new DBG-X800 Nuclias Cloud-Managed SD-WAN Security Gateway for Branch Office
is available from all Nuclias Cloud Certified Partners in Australia for AUD$899.95 (RRP).
CyberPower has launched its Advanced PFC Sine Wave Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Series for small business in Australia. The unique UPS Series helps users safeguard their gaming PCs, consoles and peripherals from sudden power loss and fluctuations that can severely cause equipment failure, data loss and game interruption.
CyberPower Systems Retail Sales & Marketing Manager ANZ Shannon Dowden explained, “Australian consumers and gamers in particular, have a major requirement for high performing UPS with Pure Sine Wave Output and Network Capability. The new CyberPower Advanced PFC Series delivers both, provides an ideal power source for high performance devices and is specifically geared towards gaming.”
The new active UPS with tiltable colour LCD panel provides intuitive power information. Designed for home, office and back-office applications, the PFC Sinewave Series adopts line-interactive topology with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) function to offer a stabilised Pure Sine Wave output. The products are also compatible with equipment requiring active PFC power supply.
Other features include RJ45 ports to provide data line protection and PowerPanel management software enabling real-time remote monitoring and configuration via the USB port or optional RMCARD slot.
Dowden continued, “With the ever-increasing cost of living, the retail market was also looking for a slim design, high performing UPS that would safeguard equipment and systems efficiently. To meet that need the new Advanced PFC Sine Wave UPS Series has been designed with GreenPower UPS™ Technology to improve UPS operating efficiency and to minimise its energy consumption. In short, these UPS are cost-effective and also deliver significant energy cost savings over conventional UPS systems.”
Such is the quality and reliability of the new PFC Series that they come with a Two-year Advanced Replacement Warranty and a $75,000 Connected Equipment Guarantee. The PFC Series also boasts continuous power and surge protection so there is no down time when power quality is poor.
When summarising why the new CyberPower Advanced PFC Sine Wave Series is ideal for home consumers, gamers, SMB and point of sale environments Shannon Dowden concluded, “These new UPS will protect and extend the life of your most valuable equipment, provide additional runtime in a power outage, save important data, prevent game interruption and safely shutdown computers and consoles when required. They also offer consumers proper peace of mind, are particularly cost effective for Pure Sine Wave Output devices and with the $75,000 Connected Equipment Guarantee plus a world class two-year advanced replacement warranty you know you are well covered in the case of any unforeseen power emergencies.”
The new CyberPower Advanced PFC Sine Wave UPS Series consists of two models, the 1000-Watt CP1600EPFCLCD and the 810-Watt CP1350EPFCLCD.
CyberPower Advanced PFC Sine Wave UPS Series key features
• Line-interactive UPS Topology • Energy Saving Technology • Active PFC Compatible • Pure Sine Wave Output • Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) • Colour LCD Panel • LED Status Indicator
• SNMP/HTTP Remote Management Capability (Optional) • PowerPanel Management Software • Surge and Spike Protection • USB Charging Port(s) • High-speed Ethernet Data Transmission • Tower Form Factor
Small and medium businesses (SMBs) that adopt online retail channels earn 2.2 times more revenue and are 45 per cent more productive than their offline retail peers, according to new research by Mandala.
But despite the established benefits, just 12 per cent of all Australians SMBs currently use online retail channels such as third-party websites, apps or online marketplaces.
The new report, which will be launched in Canberra today, finds that if SMBs were to increase their adoption rate of online retail channels from 12 per cent to 15 per cent, Australia’s GDP would increase by $1.6 billion, equivalent to $154 per household each year.
The Online retail report also finds:
Online retail channels boost productivity, with SMBs utilising online channels 45 percent more productive than those that don’t, and generating approximately $86,000 more revenue per worker.
Online retail channels help more SMBs to sell to customers overseas. Only 2 per cent of those not using online channels exported overseas compared with 37 per cent for those that do use online channels.
The average Australian SMB that does not use online retail channels generates $1.7 million in revenue, a stark contrast with SMBs that do use online retail channels which generate 2.2 times more revenue ($3.6 million).
“Online retail channels have revolutionised the way small business can compete, but the exciting thing we see in this research is just how much potential we still have left,” said Mandala Partner Dr Adam Triggs.
“SMBs represent 66 per cent of GDP, so even a small improvement in their productivity has big effects. Only 12 per cent of SMBs use online retail channels, such as third-party websites, apps or online marketplaces. If this increased to just 15 per cent, we would see a permanent $1.6 billion increase in Australian GDP, equivalent to $154 per household each year.
“SMBs that use online retail channels are up to 45 per cent more productive than those that do not. They have twice the revenues and are much more likely to export. We know Australian consumers are now well and truly primed to make purchases online so we could achieve economy-wide productivity gains through the implementation of policy settings that encourage SMBs to adopt online retail channels.
“A lack of awareness is a big barrier. Too many businesses don’t know how these online channels work and what they can deliver for them. The same is true for other digital technologies where the biggest barriers are more often than not a lack of awareness and understanding.”
When 29-year-old Brisbane tech entrepreneur Alexa Stathakis launched her new healthy drinks business, she had an important decision to make. Employ an expensive sales, marketing and admin team, or use AI and social media influencers to scale operations fast. She chose the latter, and the results have been staggering.
Within one week, Alexa’s virtual AI sales representative, nicknamed Sarah, called eight thousand schools across Australia, offering free sample packs of the company’s products. By the end of the week, more than one thousand schools had placed orders across metropolitan, regional and rural parts of Australia.
Alexa hacked her way to sales growth by creating a virtual assistant to handle all inbound and outbound calls. After training the AI to converse with canteen staff, answer questions, and send follow up emails, the orders started to pile in. Taking that a step further, Alexa turned Sarah’s attention to the supermarkets and petrol stations of Australia. Within three days, the product was on its way to IGA shelves nationwide.
Driven by a surge in demand, Tea Industries is actively seeking investors to fuel its expansion. With eyes set on international markets, Alexa has hinted at a future collaboration with multiple high profile influencers and has had preliminary discussions with multi-national retailers in the US.
Created in Queensland, Tea Industries’ journey started with a quest for a delicious and nutritious beverage compatible with a healthy diet. The lineup of flavoured tea drinks offers a healthy alternative to conventional hydration choices, featuring flavours like coconut and aloe vera. Each bottle sells for $4.
Founder and CEO Alexa Stathakis said the response to her new take on startup strategy has been overwhelming.
“When I launched the business, I had a difficult decision. Hire a sales force or use technology. I turned to AI, and the results have been beyond belief,” she said.
“36% of Queensland schools who received a sample went on to place an order, and we are now fulfilling orders from schools across the country,” Ms Stathakis said.
“Sarah is a massive reason the business is as far advanced as it is. I’m pretty much a one-person outfit, so there was no way I could have called all those schools and run the business.
“Sarah now manages even more aspects of the business beyond sales; she processes wholesale orders, automates logistics, and provides customer support. Essentially, she functions as the very backbone of the company, streamlining our entire process.
“When you’re in start-up mode, you always look for ways to work lean and preserve cash. You need to prioritise spendingon product development and branding, so Sarah has been and continues to be a great help.”
Annie Marie Andrew, Canteen Manager at Westfield Sports High in Sydney, was among the unsuspecting customers.
“I didn’t realise Sarah was an AI until Alexa called me to put the order through and told me about it,” Annie shared.
Alexa Stathakis said the Tea Industries range was born from personal experience.
“Disappointed by the absence of sugar-free and artificial sweetener-free options in mainstream stores, and driven by a belief that hydration should enhance health, not hinder it, Tea Industries emerged,” Ms Stathakis said.
“Our lineup of healthy drinks, from fresh raspberry to calming aloe vera, offers a refreshing alternative to conventional hydration choices, catering to both personal wellness and the collective health of humanity.
“After just a few months on the market, our drinks are available nationwide in convenience stores, supermarkets and schools.”
Seeking to finance faster growth and scale, Ms Stathakis has begun the capital raising process and is actively seeking an investment partner to help the brand meet the overwhelming demand.
Tea Industries products are available in select IGAs, BP, Ampol, Shell service stations, and schools across Australia.
The global small business platform Xero has released its latest Xero Small Business Insights (XSBI) update, highlighting that Australian small businesses are persevering amid challenging macroeconomic conditions and still outperforming small businesses in other countries.
September quarter XSBI at a glance:
● Sales growth averaged 3.7% year-on-year (y/y) for the September quarter (5.0% y/y for the June quarter)
● Wages growth averaged 2.9% y/y for the September quarter (2.8% y/y for the June quarter)
● Jobs growth averaged 4.8% y/y for the September quarter (4.3% y/y for the June quarter) ● Small businesses waited 22.1 days to be paid in the September quarter (21.7 days to be paid in the June quarter)
Jobs growth remains strong
Small business hiring continued in the three months to September, with jobs growth particularly strong in August (+5.0% y/y) and September (+5.8% y/y) — the September result is the largest increase in two years. There was a noticeable variation in jobs growth across the industries and regions. Job gains were led by public administration (+9.0% y/y) and healthcare (+8.6% y/y), two sectors that are underpinned by public sector spending. Hospitality continued its trend of declining jobs (-0.2% y/y), and was the only industry employing fewer staff than a year ago — the fih consecutive quarter where this has been the case. Western Australia continues to show the strongest jobs growth (+6.7% y/y), followed by Queensland (+6.0%) and South Australia (+5.1% y/y), whereas Tasmania (+2.3% y/y) had the weakest.
Australian sales growth slowing but still ahead globally
The 3.7% y/y rise in sales in the September quarter is only about half the long term average growth rate for this series, highlighting the challenging environment faced by small businesses. Nevertheless, Australian small businesses continue to outperform all countries tracked in this XSBI series on sales, with the US (-0.9% y/y, June), New Zealand (-2.7% y/y, September) and Canada (-3.7% y/y, June) recording negative sales growth within the latest quarter. Australia also recorded the highest proportion of small businesses creating jobs and the shortest payment times, and is one of the most effective at managing wage cost pressures.
At an industry and regional level, public administration (+12.0% y/y), healthcare (+10.2 y/y) and Queensland (+5.8% y/y) led on sales growth, while hospitality (+0.3% y/y), agriculture (+1.1% y/y) and Tasmania (-0.6% y/y) recorded the weakest results.
“Small businesses are showing continued adaptability despite the economic headwinds. Sales improved in July aer experiencing negative growth in June, but this could have been an immediate response to the income tax cuts that started on 1 July, where Australians had more
disposable income to spend with small businesses. Itʼs also an encouraging sign that small businesses still have the means to hire more staff. However, the smaller rise in sales this quarter raises questions around how long small businesses can sustain this while managing cash flow pressures,” said Louise Southall, Xero Economist.
Wages growth shows little change
Wages growth remained steady at 2.9% y/y, a slight uptick on the 2.8% y/y rise in the three months to June. This suggests small businesses continue to pay smaller wage increases than the national average (as measured by the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Wage Price Index), which for the year to June was 4.1%.
Small business payment times up slightly
Payment times showed a small increase in the September quarter. Payments were made an average of 6.1 days late, compared to 6.0 days in the June quarter, and small businesses waited an average of 22.1 days to be paid, up from a 21.7 day wait in the June quarter. This result was largely due to an abnormally low June quarter result with businesses settling their accounts ahead of the end of the financial year.
Theo Konstantas, Sales Director Australia, Xero, said: “Itʼs encouraging to see Australian small businesses continue to weather challenging conditions, and fare reasonably well compared to other markets. The slight increase in how long small businesses are waiting to be paid serves as a good reminder for small businesses to think about cash flow and consider offering more ways for their customers to pay. This might include bolstering digital payment methods or using automated invoice reminders. Getting on top of this is crucial for many industries as we come into the end-of-year period and holiday season.”
