Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose‪.‬ Alexi Boyd

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #236Broadcast date: 4 June 2024Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy AdvisorGuests: Roger Gregg, Sabby Gill, Aly Garrett
We all know that data, in the wrong hands can be destructive. But we also know the power of data to make us more efficient, save us time and the potential to make us better advisors and business owners.
There’s a tug of war going on right now. As small businesses, advisors and Fintech companies, how do we work together to simultaneously embrace data’s potential and control its misuse? How do we take into account the needs of businesses and consumers and the advisors in the middle? And who owns the data anyway?
In today’s panel we unpacked all this and more including AI's impact on small businesses and software development and what Australian policy makers can learn from the rest of the world to resolve the issues around data privacy.
We’re lucky to have such an esteemed group of guests. Our expert panel consists of leaders in the fields of accounting and small business, Fintech Founders and renowned international software, data and AI policy experts.
Roger Gregg - Hospitality leader and founder of software companies like LightYear
Sabby Gill - CEO of Dext and Chair of the international Digital Leaders professional network, Aly Garrett FCA - All In Advisory Architect and Accounting Adventures Podcast host.
This podcast was recorded back in 2023 at the Xero Mastermind Community Precon and co-hosted in collaboration with Heather Smith, Host of Accounting Apps podcast and international speaker on AccountTech.
PEOPLE –  - How should or could advisors embrace AI to make their practices run more efficiently (yes we do include some good practical examples). What is the reality and do small businesses in different industries even have the time to implement AI and what happens to them if they get left behind?
POLICY -   Potentially, we could be looking at more regulations placed on accountants and bookkeepers as government knee-jerk-reacts to community concerns. What will be the impact on advisors and clients if regulations tighten in data privacy with the number and severity of cyber attacks?
PURPOSE -   The impact of CDR consumer data rights could have been disastrous for advisors and their clients; luckily we dodged a bullet here in Australia but it’s a great example of how too much restriction can strangle innovation. From the perspective of those who rely heavily on data to function (the advisors and their clients) what would happen?
Roger Gregg is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in management accounting, manufacturing, retail, fintech and hospitality.
Born in Northern Ireland, prior to moving to Australia, Roger was involved in the manufacturing sector in Belfast, and was Chairman of the Northern Ireland Furniture Group.
Then when he moved to Australia in 2007, Roger was recruited to be Director of Operations for Keystone Hospitality Group, taking the group to win the prestigious Australian Group Operator of the Year award in 2008, 2009 and 2010.  It was there that he saw (and felt) the need for Accounts Payable automation and in 2011 he co-founded the Accounts Payable tech start-up invitbox with his brother Chris.  Despite neither of them having any tech experience, invitbox was awarded Xero’s Emerging App of the Year for Australia in 2013, just prior to being acquired by Intuit in 2014. 
Building upon their previous success they founded Lightyear in 2018 to continue their mission of solving Accounts Payable headaches for SMEs. The company operates both domestically and internationally, with a staff of 60 offices in Belfast and Sydney, servicing 6,000 businesses across 22 countries.
In addition to Lightyear, Roger is involved in a number of hospitality businesses as a partner in House Made Hospitality, as well as helping Bondi Brewing Company take it to the big guys.
Aly Garrett FCA is a multi-award winn

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #235Broadcast date: 28 May 2024Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy AdvisorGuests: Gavan Ord, Policy Adviser CPA Australia
What could be better than one Budget Special?? Two!! That’s right, we are the only dedicated small business policy and advocacy analysis radio program so its important we bring you the budget experts to really help you understand what the Budget means for you.
If you missed last week’s episode, we had a jam-packed show filled with experts on budget night for their immediate reactions and a great unpacking of the budget from David Harding from Business NSW.
So, to recap, there’s not a lot of small businesses that wait with bated breath each budget night for what’s in it for them, but there is a handful of experts looking out for the needs of small businesses in every single budget. They include Peak business groups, community organisations, industry groups and advocates from all over the country.
Making it more difficult for small business advocates, is the fact that small businesses are affected by spending decisions every single policy area and every single government department.
This week, we take the advisors’ perspective; Gavan Ord from CPA Australia gives us an analysis from what it means in terms of small business investment, planning and the future of small business policy for advocates.
Gavan is one of those experts who has been in many lock-ups, and understands how to read the papers with an added bonus capability – he’s an accountant!
Plus, we unpack a great piece of research from CPA Australia - their 2023-24 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey. The research found that businesses owned by under 40s are more likely to invest in new technologies, are more likely to innovative, are less risk averse, and ultimately, are more likely to grow. Getting more young people into business – and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit – can only be a good thing for the economy in the long-run. Problem is, we have an aging population of small business people in this country; so what are the policy settings the Government needs to consider to support them and enable them to handover the mantle to a new generation of entrepreneurs? Let’s find out on Small Biz Matters this week.
PEOPLE –  Can you tell us about the recent survey conducted by CPA Australia, annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey and what the key findings were? What does the Govt think of when they think of innovation? What impact do accountants have on the everyday lives of small businesses and why are they so important in the co-design of policy?
POLICY - Why should policy makers pay attention to this data, and what should it mean for the emphasis for self employment assistance programs? How does an organisation like CPA Australia consult to Government and what other key areas are you working on right now? Does it go beyond Tax & Super?
PURPOSE -  What are the positives from this research about the future of small businesses in Australia? Or, should we be worried about growth and innovation? There is clearly a strong link between migration and small business success. This data proves it.
Gavan is an expert on business and the economy, with a special interest in small and medium enterprises in Australia and Asia. Gavan meets frequently with governments to give CPA Australia’s perspective of the impact of policy changes on the business sector. He also makes regular appearances in media commenting on business conditions and the economy.
CPA Australia’s 2023-24 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey found that businesses owned by under 40s are more likely to invest in new technologies, are more likely to innovative, are less risk averse, and ultimately, are more likely to grow. Getting more young people into business – and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit – can only be a good thing for the economy in the long-run.
A link to the full survey results,

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #234Broadcast date: 21 May 2024Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy AdvisorGuests: David Harding, Executive Director BusinessNSW and expert guests from the Budget Lockup
There’s not a lot of small businesses that wait with bated breath each budget night for what’s in it for them, but there is a handful of experts looking out for the needs of small businesses in every single budget. They include Peak business groups, community organisations, industry groups and advocates from all over the country.
Each budget night, they are locked with without their devices, crammed into a room which is never big enough, fed with food that isn’t eaten, and handed a stackof budget papers, and then asked to dissect and unpack them in only two hours. It’s a remarkable feat and takes the best minds in the country. Making it more difficult for small business advocates, is the fact that small businesses are affected by spending decisions every single policy area and every single government department.
On Budget Night 14th of May 2024 Small Biz Matters was lucky to be in the media lock up, unpacking the budget from a small business perspective, surrounded by policy experts from the Community Radio Network, The Wire and leading educational institutions.
After the lock up, I spoke to a number of leading economic experts in the country, unpacking the budget from a small business perspective. 
Then this week I was lucky enough to unpack the budget with David Harding, Executive Director from BusinessNSW, who dissected it from all angles and all policy areas.
We start the show with the small business segment on The Wire, live from the studios of the Press Gallery in Parliament House.
PEOPLE –  Why does the Federal budget mean so much to small businesses? Do you think they listen in, or do they rely on organisations like BusinessNSW to unpack and make the budget info relatable?
POLICY - Tell us about the Federal Budget and what small businesses need to know. Were there any nice surprises or was most of the information generally inconsequential? What are the major areas where the Government has offered support?
PURPOSE -  Do you think it will  it encourage innovation, growth and survival? What does the budget mean for BusinessNSW? How will the announcements make you change direction in your policy and advocacy work representing small businesses?
Chris Richardson, Australia’s leading independent Economist
Bran Black CEO of Business Council Australia
John Grimes CEO of Smart Energy Council
Georgie Dent CEO of Parenthood
David Harding, Executive Director from BusinessNSW
As Executive Director at Business NSW, David leads a number of diverse and capable teams ranging right across NSW's cities and regions, and also sits on the national business Executive Leadership Team.He is dedicated to ensuring a strong economic and social future for all NSW communities. He is also co-Chair of the Committee for Sydney Commission into the Future of the Sydney CBD, represents customer’s interests at the Australian Energy Regulator and sits on a wide range of other trade and industry groups, policy teams and government boards and taskforces.A supporter of good social investment, he is a Director of Engineering Aid Australia and works with many other sporting and community charities and foundations in NSW.
Business NSW is focused on the well-being and sustainable growth of our business community. Our purpose is to provide a strong, clear leadership voice for businesses on important economic and financial issues. Working closely with our members and government, we identify key challenges and develop practical policy solutions to ensure that businesses across NSW prosper and grow.
To find out more about their budget coverage go HERE

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #233Broadcast date: 14 May 2024Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor Guest: Dr Brendan French, CEO of Energy Consumers Australia
There are some big changes coming down the pipeline for small business; and it involves an input every business needs: Energy. Whether you’re located in a small country town or the middle of a major shopping centre in the middle of the CBD, the energy transition is marching towards net zero with or without you. And the changes will affect many aspects of your business; from the equipment you use to make stuff, to how and where you get your energy from. And once again policy makers are grappling with how to include small businesses in the energy transition.
So what is the transition and how has it already affected your business? What’s in store in the future? Are costs only going to go up? And what about the businesses who have no power over their power?
Luckily there is an organisation which represents small businesses when it comes to the cost of energy, changing to renewables and navigating the maze of unrelatable information for small businesses. Today we welcome Dr Brendan French, the CEO of Energy Consumers Australia to answer all those questions about Energy and small business and explain how ECA is advocating for small businesses in the energy policy space.
PEOPLE –  Tell the audience about how ECA works to advocate for small businesses in the energy system? How does it influence decision makers in Government and what is its relationship with regulators to make the energy system fair and equitable for small business? How do small businesses think about energy and how does the Government think about small businesses? Is there a disconnect?
POLICY - what are the key considerations for small business and energy policy? What do policy makers need to consider as the priorities?
PURPOSE -  The clean energy transition is upon us but many small businesses don’t know what their role is or what deadlines they have to meet. Is there anything the Government can do to keep them informed?
Dr Brendan French is a leading consumer protection and dispute resolution expert, with extensive executive experience across corporate, academic, public, and community spheres.
Prior to joining Energy Consumers Australia as CEO, Brendan championed consumer interests as the Commonwealth Bank’s Executive General Manager Customer and Community Advocacy and before that as Deputy Ombudsman at the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON). He also taught in the Law School at Western Sydney University, was a Board director for a number of consumer and charitable organisations, and is a published author of academic and popular texts. Brendan holds a doctorate in the History of Ideas and has been awarded for his innovative work on fostering trust between community, corporates and government.
To find out more go to: https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #231Broadcast date: 30 April 2024Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy AdvisorGuest: Hon Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Back in April 2024, Small Biz Matters was lucky enough to attend the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia’s National small business summit. COSBOA is the peak body representing the entire small business community in policy, advocacy and media on the national stage.
 
It speaks directly to ministers and departments and policy makers everywhere. So you can imagine the importance placed on its national summit – which each year the opportunity to set the national policy agenda for small business; which as our regular listeners will know, is EVERY area of policy. And this year they listened with leaders including the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in their speeches speaking of the importance of small business to our economy and our nation.
 
The closing remarks from the Summit were presented by Hon Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. He spoke about the policy areas covered by the conference but also highlighted the desperate need for well thought out policy measures by Government to secure the future of small business in the economy, our communities and in our lives.
PEOPLE –  Who did we hear from at the Summit - the politicians, the regulators and the advocates.
POLICY - What new policy suggestions were made? What are the policy priorities for small businesses (NOT the Government) right now?
PURPOSE -  Who REALLY has the finger on the pulse of small businesses? What SHOULD policy settings be trying to achieve for Australia's 2.2million small businesses... And what about the self employed?
Bruce Billson commenced his role as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) in March 2021. The Ombudsman is an independent advocate for small and family businesses.Bruce brings three decades of experience, knowledge, commitment and an understanding of the issues facing small business. Bruce was the Australian Government Cabinet Minister for Small Business from 2013-2015, a founding Director of Judo Bank and has held various board appointments, including the Franchise Council of Australia, Deakin University Business School and Australian Property Institute. He has also owned and operated a number of small businesses, and knows first-hand the joys and challenges this involves.
To find out more go to: https://www.asbfeo.gov.au
 

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #231Broadcast date: 30 April 2024Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy AdvisorGuest: Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Chair, Australian Competition Consumer Commission
Competition is a major part of law reform which affects all small businesses. Whether it’s a small grocer in a regional town or a newsagent in a major city’s shopping centre, having a level playing field is paramount to small business community survival.
And without it, there is a serious impact on communities themselves.
A reduction in foot traffic as a new shopping mall is built nearby, changes to infrastructure which bypasses a regional town’s city centre in an effort to improve traffic, a big box retailer moving into the middle of town... these changes not only affect small businesses but their ability to grow, hire more people and continue to support their community.
So, who’s thinking of small businesses when these laws are being designed? It’s the ACCC. The Australian Competition Consumer Commission’s role has unique powers to administer and enforce the 2010 Competition and Consumer Act and other legislation promoting competition.
Whether it’s a big giant company gobbling up the competition with view for a bigger market share or a multinational company buying land to lock out their smaller competitors, or a large shareholder led conglomerate sidestepping competition laws by moving into a different segment the ACCC is keeping an eye on them to level the playing field.
Today we welcome Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Chair of the ACCC to tell us about the important work they are conducting to ensure small business voice and perspective is heard in these complex negotiations.  
PEOPLE –  Can you explain the unique powers of the ACCC? What are the benefits to small business to have a strong, vigorous competition in their sector?
POLICY - Often the public reads about multiple enquiries into aspects of competition (in this instance the grocery sector); ACCC, Treasury, sometimes ACTU. Is it necessary? Isn’t this a duplication? How do ACCC enquiries differ? the franchising code of conduct is administered by the accc and was recently reviewed by a former deputy chair of the ACCC, Dr Michael Schaper. It’s endorsed the ACCC’s suggestion to move to a licensing system. Where are we up to with that proposal?
PURPOSE -  The law regarding unfair contract terms has recently been amended to improve protections for SB. How’s that working out? Should small businesses fear the ACCC? After all, many see the sale of the business as succession planning and don’t want any limitations placed on this as a possibility for their business. Can you explain the merger reform and this will benefit small business? How will increased regulation not mean more red tape?
Gina Cass-Gottlieb commenced her 5-year appointment as Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on 21 March 2022. Before she joined the ACCC Gina was a senior and founding partner of Gilbert and Tobin’s competition and regulation team. Gina has over 25 years' experience advising on a large number of merger, competition and regulatory matters in Australia and New Zealand. She is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading competition and regulatory experts.
Gina was appointed by the Commonwealth Treasurer to the RBA’s Payments System Board in 2013 and again inin 2018. Gina was appointed to the Financial Regulator Assessment Authority in September 2021 and for 10 years Gina was a director on the board of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
Gina chairs the Digital Platforms Board and Financials Service Inquiry Board, and is a member of the Consumer Data Right Committee, Enforcement Committee, Infrastructure Committee and Communication Committee, Mergers Review Committee and the East Coast Gas Market Board, Electricity Markets Inquiry Board and Supermarkets Inquiry Board. Gina is also a member of the Bureau of th