By Michael Derin

The December to February period when many businesses slow down is normally the most challenging time for many small businesses and their cash flow. You can quickly find yourself at a loose end if don’t keep an eye on your cash position.

Here are some cash flow tips to help you manage this difficult period.

By Michael Derin­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

While it seems most small businesses are struggling, there are some which are flourishing. The secret to getting ahead in today’s tough market is being able to unlock your business’ working capital and leverage it to create stronger cash flow, more growth and bigger profits.

Results of our recent survey on how Australian small and medium sized enterprises are managing their finances show despite moderate growth from the previous financial year, 50 per cent are disappointed with the profitability of their business.

By Michael Derin

Last night was the second installment for 2011 of the CFO Network seminar events, held in conjunction with the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Azure Group has grown its team of virtual CFOs to eight with the appointment of commercial CFO, Rachel White.

By Michael Derin

I was perusing my company’s (Azure_Group) Twitter feed the other day and I came across a thought provoking Tweet:

A CFO asks CEO, “What happens if we invest in developing our people and they leave us?” CEO says, “What if we don’t and they stay?”

By Michael Derin

As seen on Dynamic Business

The recent news that the Government is pushing the National Tax Summit to October and will not be covering key tax issues such as GST, the proposed carbon tax and the mining tax is worrying.

No doubt the Henry Review will be high on the agenda with its 138 recommendations to improve Australia’s tax system. Although with only an initial four recommendations given the green light when it was released last year, it leaves me in doubt as to what will be the actual outcomes of the Summit and how serious the Government is about tax reform.

By Michael Derin

As seen on Dynamic Business

The 15^th of March is the ‘Ides of March’, best known for being the date Julius Caesar was assassinated by a band of fellow senators as they feared his ambition would bring down the senate.  Many of these senators were people he trusted.

This auspicious date brings with it a strong theme of loyalty and leadership. As a budding entrepreneur it’s the perfect time to think about what these themes mean to you, especially in your business relationships.

By Michael Derin

As seen on Dynamic Business

Have you ever wondered why it takes so long to have your tax return completed each year? Do you confidently know how your business is performing and what its financial position is? Do you suffer from not having accurate and financial information on hand to make important business decisions?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then your business may be suffering from a financial disconnect.

By Michael Derin

2011 has begun with the same uncertainty we saw in the last quarter of 2010. Market reports on business performance continue to contradict each other, the economy persists to operate at two distinct speeds and consumer spending remains tepid.

Now is the time for businesses to remain focused and ensure they are operating efficiently, delivering value to their clients and utilising their working capital in order to keep the business on track.