Business News Releases

AIM's 2017 Leadership Excellence nominations open

THE Australian Institute of Management has launched the 28th year of its highly regarded AIM Leadership Excellence Awards (ALEAs).

Nominations and applications for 2017 are now open until 17:00 on 21st July to recognise the extraordinary work of leaders across the nation.

Last year, AIM reported a 46 percent increase in nominations ahead of 2015, with over 1,000 exceptional leaders nominated for an award nationwide. The 2017 ALEAs are expected to be the biggest and most competitive yet, as outstanding Australian leaders are provided an opportunity to highlight their contribution to a community or workplace.

The prestigious awards acknowledge leaders across the following categories:

  • Leader / Manager
  • Owner / Entrepreneur
  • Emerging Leader
  • Not for Profit
  • Student
  • Community Leader
  

                                                                   

AIM’s Chief Executive, David Pich was thrilled that the awards provided a platform to celebrate not only management and leadership excellence, but a genuine contribution to local communities and the nation as a whole.

“The ALEAs provide the recognition for hard work that leaders across the nation have contributed. AIM is committed to helping professionals develop into becoming great leaders, and the ALEAs give us an opportunity to highlight those efforts,” Pich said.

2016 Emerging Leader of the Year, Sports Consultant Paul Mead, highlighted the positive impact of the award on his career progression and business.

“The process from nomination through to the National Final was an amazing experience. It provided me time to reflect on what I had achieved in my business and leadership journey, from my own strengths and weaknesses to highlighting my business’ unique value proposition,” Mead said.

“The award confirmed what my value as a leader is, why I do what I do, how I do it and what I achieve. It has provided further credibility to my personal brand as a leader in my industry and given me an extended network to enable further success,” he continued.

Nominations are now open to recognise a friend or colleague, who has gone above and beyond in their leadership, in a bid for the rest of the country to get behind them too.

To nominate an inspirational leader or manager, visit:

aim.com.au/ALEAs2017

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'WannaCry' ransomware spreads like wildfire, attacks 74 countries says McAfee

By McAfee's   >>

TODAY (May 12, 2017), a ransomware attack has emerged that is worthy of tears.

WannaCry ransomware has hit the scene, spreading like wildfire across 74 countries and conducting more than 45,000 attacks, including a massive takedown of 16 UK NHS medical centres in just one day.

Other major countries impacted include Spain, Russia, Ukraine, India, China, Italy, and Egypt.

Now, how is this massive attack possible?

Our experts say the ransomware attack exploits the Server Message Block (SMB) critical vulnerability – also known as the Equation Group’s ETERNALBLUE exploit, part of the FuzzBunch toolkit released by Shadow Brokers a couple of weeks ago.

Basically, the attacker can use just one exploit to gain remote access into a system. Once access is gained, the cybercriminal then encrypts data with a file extension “.WCRY.” Not to mention, the decypter tool used can hit users in multiple countries at once, and translate its ransom note to the appropriate language for that country.

The ransom is said to demand $300 to decrypt the files.

The good news is, consumers don’t have to worry about this attack affecting their personal data, as it leverages a flaw within the way organizations’ networks allow devices to talk to each other.

However, this attack does act a reminder for consumers to prepare for a personal ransomware attack. In order to stay prepared and keep your personal data secure, follow these tips:

Back up your files. Always make sure your files are backed up. That way, if they become compromised in a ransomware attack, you can wipe your disk drive clean and restore the data from the backup.

Update your devices. There are a few lessons to take away from WannaCry, but making sure your operating system is up-to-date needs to be near the top of the list. The reason is simple: nearly every software update contains security improvements that help secure your computer and removes the means for ransomware variants to infect a device.

And, of course, stay on top of the latest consumer and mobile security threats by following me and @McAfee_Home on Twitter, and ‘Like’ us on Facebook.

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Retailers ready to spoil mum this Mothers Day

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said retailers across Australia are preparing for large crowds this weekend as shoppers enter their doors in search for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the ARA said Mother’s Day is one of the biggest trading events of the year, with Australians spending close to $2 billion dollars on this special occasion in 2016.

In light of the mediocre retail trade figures for March, ARA is hoping the boost in consumer confidence following the Federal Budget announcement will lead to increased spending on gifts and experiences this Mother’s Day.

“For many Australians, Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate the special women in their lives, whether that be their own mother, grandmother or the mother of their children,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Mother’s Day is a gift giving celebration as many shoppers enjoy spoiling their mums on this day with flowers, jewellery and a lavish night out.”

With many Australians feeling especially generous in the lead up to Mother’s Day, the ARA believe specific retail categories will receive a significant boost in sales this weekend.

“Florists, fashion retailers, jewellery stores, confectionary merchants, restaurants, cafés, online gifts and experience retailers will receive the most engagement this weekend,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“In fact, restaurants and cafés are often booked out well in advance for Mother’s Day as we continue to see consumer experience gain more traction during these family focused celebrations.”

With a significant increase in customers choosing to buy experiences over tangible products, ARA expects to see the continuation of the customer behavior trend over the Mother’s Day trading period.

“As consumer values continue to evolve, we will see shoppers increasingly opt for non-traditional gifts and packages to spoil their mums this Mother’s Day.” Mr Zimmerman said.

About the Australian Retailers Association

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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Instant asset write-off saved in the nick of time - IPA

THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has welcomed the Government’s decision to extend the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses for the next 12 months. 

The definition of small business has gone from a turnover of $2 million to $10 million effective from 1 July 2016 so these entities will also benefit from the initiative.

“The IPA has long advocated for the write-off initiative and we are relieved that common sense has prevailed to extend the time period,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“If the decision had been to revert the limit to $1,000, it would have been a huge disincentive for many small businesses.

“The increase in the accelerated depreciation write-off threshold to $20,000 has been of great assistance to small business cash flow.

“This initiative is bringing forward the tax deduction that would have been deductible over a number of years.

“The reversion to $1,000 would have had a negative impact on the broader economy as the incentive for small businesses to reinvest in their future would be taken away; restricting potential growth, employment and prosperity.

“A higher instant asset write-off should be a permanent feature of our tax system going forward.  The Henry Review into Australia’s tax system recommended that a higher threshold should apply.

“Small businesses Australia-wide should be very pleased with this outcome; it brings an injection of economic growth, giving small businesses the confidence to buy new equipment, reinvest in their operations and grow,” said Mr Conway.

publicaccountants.org.au

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RQ and Sky Racing launch live on-line coverage of Brisbane Racing Carnival

RACING QUEENSLAND (RQ) and Sky Racing have announced a trial of live digital coverage of every Group 1 race day of the Brisbane Racing Carnival in a major showcase of racing in Queensland.

The deal means that full coverage of each Saturday Carnival race day (13 May to 10 June) will be produced and streamed live and free on Racing Queensland’s website and UBET’s digital platforms. The Sky Racing Tatts Tiara meeting on 24 June is also part of the digital coverage.

RQ CEO Dr Eliot Forbes said the coverage provides added accessibility of the Queensland racing product and allows people from around Australia to view a premium production of the race meetings from anywhere on a mobile device.

“This is a significant development for racing in Queensland. Viewers have been able to watch the races live on television but this coverage will be high-quality, with dedicated television presenters and content aimed at informing and entertaining the viewer.”

Tabcorp General Manager of Media, Brad Higgins, said the decision to trial extended digital coverage was in recognition of the importance of the Brisbane’s Racing Carnival.  It enables Sky to distribute more extensive showcasing of the Brisbane Racing Carnival on digital platforms in line with other jurisdictions.

“Sky Racing will produce top quality content specifically for Brisbane’s premier race days. This is in line with our intention to continue to innovate and enhance our coverage.”

Included in the daily coverage will be:

•           Post-race interviews with trainers and jockeys

•           Replays and analysis

•           Presentation and speeches

•           Colour interviews from out and about on the track

•           Full mounting yard coverage

•           Race caller cam in the box for his tips and assessment of the race

•           Tips and late mail from experts and market updates

•           Pick of the yard

•           Behind the barrier interviews

The content will be available free and online on the Racing Queensland website: www.racingqueensland.com.au as well as the digital platforms of UBET.

Full coverage of the Brisbane Winter Carnival can also be seen on Sky1 and Sky Thoroughbred Central. 

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