Another year is fast closing, and as we head towards the festive season, our confidence is higher than this period last year when financial institutions were falling over like nine pins. The financial markets appear to have settled the dust, although they continue to be subject to altering prices. However, there is now a consistency which will see a steady stream of investors returning to the stock... [Read more]

Where has the year gone? It is November already, and we are fast approaching the festive season. The year has had many ups and downs, however. By all reports, most businesses are confident they will have a bumper Christmas trading period. Speaking to retailers large and small, all are confident sales will surpass last year. The early year hiccups of the financial markets have seen many alter their... [Read more]

The annual Manning Valley Chambers of Commerce Business Awards were held in September before a huge crowd, with seventeen awards presented. Nominations were up from the inaugural year (2008), a pleasing result in what have been tough economic times. The mood of businesses who attended was buoyant, with all acknowledging they had experienced a downturn in business. However, most did say they expected... [Read more]

Many are predicting Australia is heading away from recession and showing every indication of recovery, with the country in better shape than its counterparts. The cost of living is heading upwards; however, it is rising at its slowest rate for 10 years, with the big decrease in the cost of fruit and vegetables and overseas travel. These figures saw another interest rate cut put on hold, as the Reserve... [Read more]

Local Business Update with Peter Lyne from the Manning Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Stimulus handouts to the population are over from the Federal Government, but what happens now? Depending on whom you believe, the bonuses were successful – most retailers maintained their sales budgets. However, since the bonus payments have ceased activity, the cash registers has been quieter. Whatever circumstances... [Read more]

Local Business Update with Peter Lyne from the Manning Valley Chamber of Commerce. The 2009 Budget did little for the business community; the bonus tax deduction for investment in new assets such as plant, fittings and equipment and cars has been increased from 30 percent to 50 percent. But there was nothing earth shattering that would see business owners dancing in the street.  The bonus tax deduction... [Read more]

Local Business Update with Peter Lyne from the Manning Valley Chamber of Commerce. Well, reality has finally reached the top bureaucrats. After continual denials, the Federal Government and the Reserve Bank have admitted the country is sliding towards – oh can we use that word … recession. With all the activity or non activity overseas and daily reports of negativity, the ‘penny’ has finally... [Read more]

Local Business Update with Peter Lyne from the Manning Valley Chamber of Commerce. Being a journalist covering many wide and varied stories, no words can paint a picture of tragedy and the devastation of fire. One can try, but many times it is hard to explain the emotions, visions and witnessing the damaged infrastructure, along with the heartbreaking experience of seeing humans and animals die. The... [Read more]

Some days we are fed plenty of doom and gloom by the media about our economy, and the next, well … all we hear is rhetoric, which says we will not be affected in such a severe manner as other countries.  I have a theory; if we are not constantly reminded and bombarded with events of global and domestic financial markets (which have about 100 different angles and predications), then although... [Read more]