June is strange time – the shortest day on the 23^rd for many means starting and finishing work in the dark. The beginning of winter in earnest is the final push into warm clothes and comfort foods which we’ve resisted for much of autumn. And the end of the financial year looms large with stress around tax and paperwork and deadlines. Winter is a great time though, for living on our stores – the fruits of our labours over the warmer months. So traditionally winter is also an opportunity to take time to ponder, plan and percolate. I’m planning to ring around to gather your thoughts for the coming year I am able to offer the most engaging events with the most useful information in the most appropriate format. I’m looking forward to connecting with you and having a chat.

I hope you also find the time to think deeply about your own plans and dreams for your business. The time spent over winter plotting and devising and discussing will never be wasted and it makes Spring extra productive.

Federal Budget

On 12 May 2015, the Treasurer of Australia Mr Hockey handed down the 2015–16 Federal Budget. Although some of the often debated tax reform measures remain open for consideration in the Tax Reform White Paper and future election campaigns and mandates, the Budget does contain some important tax changes.

Important issues that may impact your business are examined in more detail in our Federal Budget Tax Alert:

Taxation of small business with an annual turnover of less than $2m

• Superannuation taxes
• GST
• Motor vehicle expenses for individuals
• Meal entertainment for medical professionals
• International taxation

Want to know more?

Call Richard van der Merwe or Peter Carroll at Fordham on 03 9611 6611 or visit their website. Peter and Richard are FBA Accredited Advisers.

And don’t forget the Accredited Advisers group is a tremendous wealth of information and advice for members keen to capitalise on the budget measures or simply interested in an informed discussion with a knowledgeable specialist. Check our website for the full list of accredited advisers.

The Victorian Small Business Commissioner
Due to the success of the webinars held in April, the Victorian Small Business Commissioner will be holding another two in June aimed to assist small and family businesses in developing good business practices and avoid commercial disputes.
Wednesday 3 June, Time 3:00 – 3:40pm
Wednesday 6 July, Time 10:00 – 10:40am

Click here for more information.

Leadenhall Advisory

Getting to know the right people can make the difference between frustrating dead-ends on processes and questions, and having the right information when you need it to move forward. Leadenhall Advisory continue their introductions with another lunchtime seminar with the ATO – this time focussing on SMEs and public groups.

Very limited numbers so click here and book online. Alternatively, drop me and email and I will register you.

Bounce Books

Any family baby news is always wonderful! Bounce Books congratulates Rairu. Rairu Rebolledo, lead designer at Bounce Books, recently went on maternity leave and we’re excited to announce the arrival of baby Amanda. We can’t wait to meet her in person!

Alicia Grady has already been working with Bounce for three months now and is ably filling Rairu’s shoes. Alicia had previously worked with Bounce as an outsourced book designer and Bounce belatedly welcome her into her new full time role. You’re a gun!

Our Members Support…

Maurizio and Loui Marcocci from University Foods support My Room: the children’s cancer centre at the Royal Children’s Hospital. The My Room Ball is in August – a fantastic opportunity to shake out those glad rags, dust off your glamour and support an excellent cause. Details and bookings via the links.