ARTICLES

Perth population up 1.8% By Mark Beyer – Business News Perth Perth was one of the fastest growing capital cities in Australia last year, with its population reaching 2.1 million, but the rest of the state lagged well behind. New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Perth’s population increased by 37,600 people, or 1.8 per […]

Perth population up 1.8%

By Mark Beyer – Business News Perth

Perth was one of the fastest growing capital cities in Australia last year, with its population reaching 2.1 million, but the rest of the state lagged well behind.

Alkimos is Perth’s fastest-growing region.

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Perth’s population increased by 37,600 people, or 1.8 per cent, in the year to June 2020.

The only capital city with a higher growth rate was Brisbane, at 1.9 per cent.

In contrast to the strong growth in metropolitan Perth, the number of people in the rest of Western Australia increased by just 2,700, or 0.5 per cent.

The differential between metro and regional growth was wider in WA than for any other state.

In NSW, for instance, Sydney’s population grew by 1.1 per cent while the rest of the state grew by 0.8 per cent.

Nationally, the number of people living in the capital cities increased by 1.4 per cent while the number in regional Australia grew by 1.1 per cent.

Queensland had the fastest non-metro growth, up 1.4 per cent.

South Australia was the only state where regional growth (0.4 per cent) was weaker than for WA.

To put that in context, Adelaide expanded by a modest 1.2 per cent.

The ABS data showed that the areas in Perth with the fastest population growth were widely dispersed.

Alkimos – Eglinton in Perth’s north-west grew by 10 per cent, Hazelmere – Guildford expanded by 7.4 per cent and North Coogee was up 7.1 per cent.

The areas with the largest growth by number were Ellenbrook (up by 2,400 people), Perth City (up 2,200) and Baldivis (up 1,900).

Ellenbrook had the largest natural increase (690 people) and the largest net internal migration gain (1,300 people).

Perth City had the largest net overseas migration gain (1,400 people).

Today’s data on regional growth comes two weeks after the ABS released its quarterly population estimates by state.

That data showed WA’s population grew by 1.24 per cent for the year to September 2020.

The only state with higher growth was Queensland, up 1.33 per cent.

The quarterly data showed that Australia’s population decreased by 4,200 people or 0.02 per cent to 25,693,059 as at September 30 – the first quarterly drop in population in over a century.

This reflected falling population numbers in NSW and Victoria.

Like other states, WA bucked the national trend, with growth of 0.13 per cent in the quarter to 2,667,130.

The Value in your business The value of a business is more than its cash flow. Although many Australian business owners and management teams have been left pondering their future after a turbulent 12 months, it is important for those moving towards a sale to focus on identifying the strength of their underlying or intangible assets and […]

The Value in your business

The value of a business is more than its cash flow. Although many Australian business owners and management teams have been left pondering their future after a turbulent 12 months, it is important for those moving towards a sale to focus on identifying the strength of their underlying or intangible assets and the potential of these assets to drive future value.

Today, intangible assets such as Brand, data, content, software, customer and supplier relationships, regulatory approvals, and confidential information, account for over 90 percent of all company value. These assets are the key drivers of growth and profitability for virtually every business and in particular in areas such as Childcare.

Your Brand in the marketplace is now one of the most critical drivers of a business. Recognition of name/logo, your unique services, community participation at a local level and a social media level.

Understand where the value lies

Some valuers and brokers may claim that you can’t assign value to a company’s data, patents, confidential information, software code, regulatory approvals, relationships, or brand, but this simply isn’t true.

Today, intangible assets are likely to be the most valuable assets a company owns – but it is likely that the majority of these assets will be lying off the balance sheet. When you look at the world’s three most valuable companies (Saudi Aramco, Microsoft, and Apple) they are examples of how this is a fact, with trillions of dollars of value being driven by their intangible assets and almost all of it lying off their balance sheets.

Would you like a business appraisal?

And, if you look at businesses that are thriving, it is primarily those that have greater concentrations of high-value intangible assets. These companies are leveraging their assets to achieve faster growth and stronger earnings and are also demonstrating more resilience to market volatility than those companies that have a greater focus on fixed assets.

To be in this camp, it is important that you start to identify and define those assets that are driving value in your business. By developing a plan to protect and leverage these assets and identifying who these assets are likely to be of most value to.

If you would like a free confidential business appraisal contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers.

CHILDCARE PROCESS FOR BUYING A CHILDCARE CENTRE Step One – Entity Purchase in The first step in purchasing a childcare business is deciding on the entity you wish to purchase the business in. That could be a Company or a Company & Trust. A company can be organised via ASIC or via your accountant. A […]

Step One – Entity Purchase in

The first step in purchasing a childcare business is deciding on the entity you wish to purchase the business in. That could be a Company or a Company & Trust. A company can be organised via ASIC or via your accountant. A company and Trust will require an accountant or a lawyer to establish.

If the Company has 3 Directors all three Directors will be required to go through the interview process. Therefore, if there is a person in the Company who is childcare trained or has Education experience it is best to only have them as a Director. They will then be the only person required to go through the interview process and will have a better chance of being successful. Shareholders are not usually asked to attend interviews.

Step Two – Apply for Provider number

To be able to own and operate a childcare business you must hold a Provider number.

This Provider number is applied for via the Department of Communities – Child Care section in the State you live in or the State you are buying the Childcare business in.

The Provider number is attached to the entity e.g. Company – Company/Trust you have set up that will ultimately own the Childcare business or businesses.

The application – PA01

https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-06/PA01_ApplicationForProviderApproval_0.pdf

must be completed on line and you must attach:

Police Clearance certificate not more than 90 days old. Takes around three weeks to be issued. Should be applied for as soon as contracts have commenced so lodgement of Provider application is not held up
Working with Children card. Approximately three weeks to be issued. It may be possible to lodge your Provider application without this document being attached and forwarding to ECRU as soon as received.

The current price is $231 in March 2021.

The Provider number once obtained does not last forever. If you have not purchased/own a centre within a period of approximately two years from time of issuance the Department may cancel the number.

The application will require credit checks into the Company history and ALL the Directors of the Company.

If a person is considering purchasing a Child Care Centre and is not currently holding a Child Care Provider number, it can be advantageous to secure this number as early as possible. It is not a requirement that a person/company/entity own a childcare centre or have childcare qualifications to apply for or retain a Child Care Provider Number. By securing in advance, it can reduce the settlement process time by three to four months.

Sellers are more willing to accept an offer from a buyer with an existing Child Care Provider number, knowing settlement can occur a lot quicker and the risk of not being approved is not applicable. The time quoted by the Department of Communities for Child Care Provider Number is currently 90 days. Refer section 15 of the Act for more information.

Full details about the Childcare Provider process are in the document below.

http://www.acecqa.gov.au/provider-approvals

Buyers will need to complete the following forms to be approved by the Department of Communities prior to applying for transfer of service of the Centre being purchased. Current forms can be obtained from the Department of Communities WA website

PA01_ApplicationForProviderApproval PA02_DeclarationOfFitnessAndPropriety

Provider Application Assessment/Examination

Effective 1 March 2021, ECRU ( Education and Care Regulatory Unit) is now doing assessments for Provider Approval suitability in an exam format.

All Directors of the Company will be required to attend an examination.

To pass the exam, a thorough understanding of Childcare legislation, policy and procedures will be required.

If you are purchasing a centre and signed a contract, through Advance Business Brokers, we will assist with this process and provide detailed information on the questions and documents you will need to be proficient in.

At this stage the exam will be offered on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the ECRU premises located in Perth. The number of attendees in the exam will be limited, therefore booking a date and time as soon as your application has been lodged is advisable.

Once you have lodged your provider application with ECRU, you are then able to go online and book in for an exam date. The exam is an open book exam but only in regard to ECRU providing the Act and Regulations for childcare. An applicant cannot take in any of their own materials or papers to assist during the exam.

The exam will require an 85% pass rate.

It comprises a written assessment which will last for 90 minutes.

16 multiple choice questions and also scenario-based questions relating to childcare situations.

As you will not be allowed take in documentation relating to other areas where a thorough knowledge is required, an applicant prior to attending the exam will need to be thoroughly versed in the following:

Childcare Act (will be provided for reference)
Childcare Regulations (will be provided for reference)
National Quality Framework (NQF)
Childcare Industry Award for employees
Documentation on the wall/entrance of a Childcare centre and available for viewing in a Childcare centre
Thorough knowledge to the policies and procedures
Ratios in relation to both children and space
Medical/emergency procedures

Upon arrival to the exam at least 15 minutes prior to start time, attendees must present an original ID and a copy of their lodged Provider application. Once the exam has started it is unlikely anyone would be allowed admittance into the room.

If you are based a long way from Perth – eg. North West, then you may apply to ECRU to sit the exam locally. This is not guaranteed.

Business Plan

A business plan is required to be submitted prior to sitting the exam. Where an applicant does not currently own a business or started to build a centre, then they will need to base their plan on what would be their ideal centre that they are hoping/planning to operate.

The business plan needs to incorporate:

Costings
Financial expectations
Budget
KPI’s

There is a business plan template available via the ABB website under resources. There are also advisors on the ABB website that specialize in creating business plans for a fee. I would therefore recommend that all provider applicants commence their business plan as soon as they have lodged their Provider application, to ensure that it is ready to be submitted as soon as requested.

A Business plan will also be required by CCS when a centre has been purchased or about ready to open. The CCS business plan should be an extension of the Provider business plan.

See resources below:

Applications and notifications forms – https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/applications

Childcare Process for Buying a childcare Centre – https://advancebusinessbrokers.com/listed-articles/childcare-purchase-process/

Business Plan Template –

Receipt of Provider Number

Once you have received your Provider number, you can then look for a childcare business and advise the broker/buyer you are already in possession of your Provider number which puts you in a stronger position to purchase.

Or, if you have already signed a contract to Purchase a centre and Provider number is a condition of contract you can move onto lodging the other applications.

Child Care Centres – Existing Child Care Providers

An existing Child Care Provider will already have a Child Care Provider Number. Therefore only a transfer of the Existing license of the Centre being sold is required. This will require the completion of form: 1- SA04_Notification Of Transfer Of Service Approval-CBC. The form should be downloaded from the ECRU website to ensure the current form is completed.

Finance must also be approved in writing by a finance provider prior to lodgement of license transfer.

The transfer of Service is legislated to be 42 days from receipt of correct application with the Department of Communities. ECRU has 14 days under the regs to issue an intervention or advise transfer is unconditional. Any inspections should be undertaken by ECRU within this 14 day period starting from the date of lodgement of application form.

If the buyer is purchasing the Centre in a New company they will need to apply for a NEW provider number for that particular Company and do the full process below.

You will also be required to lodge application forms with CCS for Government CCS payments. These can be lodged at the same time as transfer of license paperwork. CCS applications now require business plans and detailed information for application to be approved. It is important to ensure you lodge at the same time as lodgement of Transfer of Service application. CCS – Government payments received and paid weekly. This application takes around 42 days from lodgement.

Step Three – PRODA/CCS – Funding for parents with children in Childcare

If the buyer has a contract in place to purchase a business, and have applied for and received their Provide number, then as soon as their Provider number is issued, they should also lodge their application for CCS funding. This application can also take 42 days or longer.

CCS/PRODA application requires a business plan and financial information on the applicant. It will also require the Policies & procedures that the Buyer will be implementing in the centre as per regulations. If available from Seller for an existing business the Seller may be able to provide if in electronic format.

If it is recommended this application form be downloaded at the same time as the Provider Application if you are a new childcare buyer, so you can work through and prepare all the information required well in advance. Then you will be able to have all the documentation ready to be lodged with the application as soon as you receive your Provider number.

Links below to PRODA for new applicants buying their first childcare centre to receive CCS funding for parents.

This application can only be lodged once a Buyer is in receipt of a Provider number. It should be lodged immediately upon receipt of the Provider number to ensure in place prior to settlement.

It is a detailed application and will take several weeks to be processed.

https://proda.humanservices.gov.au/pia/pages/public/registration/account/createAccount.jsf

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/business/services/proda-provider-digital-access/how-register-organisation

CCS – Child Care Subsidy from Department of Education – Application information link below.

https://www.education.gov.au/applying-child-care-subsidy-ccs-approval

Applications to CCS and Service Approval are lodged at the same time on different websites.

If you are an existing Childcare operator already holding PRODA approval and operating/receiving CCS funding, then an additional form will need to be completed for the new service and set up by PRODA for funding to be received as soon as settlement has occurred. This form should be lodged at same time as Transfer of Service to ensure there are no delays after settlement.

PRODA Funding application for Existing Childcare Operators

Below is the link for an existing Child Care operator who already is PRODA approved to add their service for CCS funding. Please ensure as the Buyer of a Childcare Service you have this completed in advance of settlement so there is no disruption in CCS payments to parents.

Any questions need to be directed to the relevant Government department.

https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/how_to_submit_an_application_to_add_a_child_care_service_to_a_ccs_approval_0_0.pdf

Step Four – Transfer of Service

Transfer of Service can only be lodged with a Provider number.

The current price is $112 at July 2020

https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/applications

Transfer of Service takes 42 days from the date of lodgment.

http://www.acecqa.gov.au/service-approvals

SA04_NotificationOfTransferOfServiceApproval-Centre Based

PA 09 Notification of Transfer of Service

The form above PA 09 is completed by the SELLER current owner of the Centre. It is then emailed to the Buyer who attaches the document to the on-line SA 04/05 application.

To lodge the SA04/SA05 the Buyer has to log into the NQA log in portal using their provider number via SEQWA website. The SA04/05 forms can only be lodged Online.

At time of lodgement in the application portal, the question relating to landlord approval/lease, Advance Business Brokers will provide documentation to attach to application. For a leasehold business the Buyer must also provide landlord letter as attachment stating the landlord property owner has approved the Buyer as a new leasehold tenant. This must be provided prior to settlement. Or, a signed copy of Assignment of Lease.

If Freehold centre the Buyer must provide Contract of sale of Property as attachment.

These documents are to confirm you have the right to operate the Childcare business in the property it is located.

Three forms need to be completed for Transfer of Service. PA09 (Seller) and SA04 and SA05 Buyer. Any questions contact the Department of Communities ECRU in your home State.

The Department of Communities/Child Care may choose to inspect the centre. This does not happen every time. If they do undertake an inspection, a list of items may be issued to the Seller to complete. All of those items should be completed prior to settlement.

See boxes to be ticked below –

Nominated Supervisor – on SA04 application

The box below should be completed with current nominated supervisors’ details if available and if the supervisor is aware of the sale at this stage.

If not, the Buyer as new owner of the business can nominate themselves as Nominated Supervisor until such time as the business settles. The new owner (Buyer) can then advise ECRU of a change of NS details if necessary and have the new NS sign applicable forms and forward to ECRU after settlement.

Under the Regulations Childcare – the Department has 14 days from receipt of complete documentation to intervene. If the department does not intervene within this time period the centre is deemed to be unconditional.

The 28 days after the 14 days, making up the 42 days is to allow for paperwork/process to take place. It is possible once the 14 days have expired and the Buyer and Seller have received a letter to say the Department has not intervened in the 28 days prior to the proposed settlement date, to request in writing to the Department for settlement to be brought forward if the Buyer and Seller wish to settle earlier.

The legislation is based on the anticipated settlement date entered into the Service Approval application, the 42 days being prior to that date. The settlement date in the application cannot be less than 42 days from the day of lodgement.

If ECRU has chosen to “intervene” then a letter stating the same, will be received by Buyer and Seller within the 14-day period from lodgment. It is then incumbent on the Buyer/Seller to establish why the intervention occurred? Fix the problem/issue and apply to ECRU to lift the intervention. Once lifted the process starts again.

The letter below is the letter sent at the end of the 14 day period referred to above.

Step Five – Settlement

Settlement on a childcare business usually occurs on a Friday (due to Government funding going Monday to Friday) usually one week after Transfer of Service 42 days has expired.

ECRU must be notified after settlement that settlement has occurred.

Step Six – Finding a centre

Please note childcare centres are hard to come by. They are in high demand and to enter the industry will require flexibility on the part of the Buyer in regard to location and price.24 Mar Childcare Process for Buying a childcare

If the centre has been operational and profitable for over two years a Buyer may be able to secure finance at 50% of the business price. Or, 70% of the business & property price if purchasing both property and business at the same time.

The price of childcare centres can range from $100,000 to $4,000,000 + for an individual centre depending on net profit, location, size and age.

Currently centres are selling in the Perth metro area from 3 to 4.5 x net profit on average. Groups can achieve 6 – 7 x net profit. Country locations e.g more than two hours from Perth CBD usually sell for 2 – 3 x net profit.

We hope you have found the above useful.

Click HERE to access the above information as PDF.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

As we bid an appeased farewell to 2020 and look forward to 2021, Western Australia is in better economic status than any other state. The impulse we carry into this year is established on the economic return from the state’s success in managing COVID-19. A steadfast mining sector has paved the way in exports and business […]

A steadfast mining sector has paved the way in exports and business investment which has been a huge help even in the past.

Consumer reliance has driven retail spending that exceeds levels seen before the pandemic hit and a rock-solid labour market has recovered back greatly. Western Australia is the only state to have more than recuperated to its pre-pandemic labour market position in both jobs and hours worked.

The state’s budget last year targets an economic growth of 1.25 per cent and 2.75 per cent over the next two years. This shows expectations of an accelerating recovery over the second half of the year 2021.

But what are the variables that could knock WA off track?

First uncertainty: Apprehension relating to the access to government assistance.

As the economy in Western Australia aspires to continue its recovery in 2021, it will do so without a number of supports that are being gradually withdrawn over the course of the year.

The construction industry has benefited highly from WA’s Building Bonus and the federal government’s HomeBuilder schemes, with eligibility for HomeBuilder extended to new-build contracts signed before the end of March 2021.

The incentive from these two programs brings hope to promote a construction pipeline to cover at least the remainder of the year, but this will depend on the uptake of HomeBuilder grants over the first quarter of 2021.

From January 2021, JobKeeper payments have dropped to $1000 fortnightly for employees working at least 20 hours per week, and $650 for those working less than 20 hours. However, in order to keep the JobKeeper, businesses need to show that turnover during the December 2020 quarter was 30 per cent or more below the corresponding quarter in 2019.

Many businesses though were able to recover quickly where they were no longer qualified for JobKeeper.

For others, the lower grant and its withdrawal after March 2021 will add to the stress they already face. Especially in the case of the tourism, accommodation, and food and hospitality sectors, they have continued to suffer from the pandemic. Many entrepreneurs opted to sell their businesses while others continue to pull through. If you’re looking to buy a business, click here for available businesses for sale. See also tips to Effectively Choose a Franchise.

Second uncertainty: Instability relating to WA’s trading connections with its major export partners.

Western’s Australia’s largest exports are directed towards China, which is the top three destinations for seven of WA’s top eight commodity exports.

China has been significantly successful in containing COVID-19 and prompt measures have strengthened China’s economic recovery. WA benefited from this especially in the high demand for steel. However, agricultural and wine export trading tensions between Australia and China have also created uncertainties.

The risk of continued trade interruptions with China highlights the importance of WA to extend operations not just in production, but in export markets as well.

Third uncertainty: Reservation relating to the stability of the currency.

The Australian dollar value has increased over the past year to US78 cents by January, sustained by a high iron ore price and Australia’s response to COVID-19.

We can expect the Australian dollar to remain above US70 cents within the year 2021, making exports more costly and less competitive.

How Western Australia is handling the COVID-19 situation is one of the main factors supporting our economy. However, it inevitably highlights a second wave as a major threat to the state’s continued recovery.

And here draws the pressure.

Although the “island within an island” strategy has worked for WA up until now, we will need to loosen some restrictions at some point during 2021 to meet progress goals for WA’s economy, and to get the full benefit on domestic and global opportunities.

Source: WA bright spot amid clouds By Alan Duncan | Businessnews.com.au

Community Update Dear Community, UPDATE ON THE LATEST COVID-19 CHALLENGE Thank you for doing the heavy lifting to keep us all safe during this lockdown period. In the fight against COVID-19 there is no politics. We all follow the advice of the Chief Health Officer. The State Government has had the benefit of seeing […]

Community Update

Dear Community,

UPDATE ON THE LATEST COVID-19 CHALLENGE

Thank you for doing the heavy lifting to keep us all safe during this lockdown period.

In the fight against COVID-19 there is no politics. We all follow the advice of the Chief Health Officer.

The State Government has had the benefit of seeing the response in other states, there has been a long time to get ready for this.

It is important to stay up to date with reliable information and advice from official Government sources. I encourage you to regularly visit www.wa.gov.au to find the most up to date information and advice.

I have included helpful information in this email. Please also share this information with your family and friends.

If you require assistance during this period, please get in touch with me and I will work to try to find the support you require.

Together, we’re going through the most unusual times, here and all around the world.

Thank you for playing your part to keep us all safe.

Key Changes from Yesterday

WHAT HAPPENED: The State Government does not really know yet how this broke out. WA Police have been tasked to conduct their own investigation, together with a review by the former Chief Health Officer. Spreading by common aircon has been ruled out.

LOCATIONS VISITED BY CONFIRMED CASE: A new location has been added. If you have been here, please get tested. You can view the locations here: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/Locations-visited-by-confirmed-cases

TESTING LOCATIONS: Anyone who has attended a location visited by a confirmed case needs to be tested and quarantine until the result is known. A list of testing locations is available here: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/covidclinics

COLES & WOOLWORTHS: Are opening an hour earlier to help avoid the rush to get supplies. Please check your local store for more information.

QR CODE CHECK-IN: The check-in that has operated at restaurants and pubs will now also apply from 6am tomorrow at most locations you enter. This helps with contact tracing.

MASKS: Must be worn when outside your home at all times, even during exercise (unless you are swimming). Kids under 12 do not have to wear a mask.

EXERCISE: Max of one hour, up to five kilometres from home.

TRAVEL: Lockdown measures are in place for Perth, Peel and the South West. Perth and Peel have been combined and are considered one region, so you can for essential purposes travel within that region. There are 15 checkpoints across the state.

STRAIN: Confirmed UK variant of concern B117.

KEY LINKS:
WA Government: www.wa.gov.au
Lockdown Map and Information: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/covid-communications/covid-19-coronavirus-lockdown
Mental health support: https://headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support/covid-19-support
Symptoms: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert#symptoms

FURTHER INFORMATION

MASKS
I have been receiving many questions from our community about masks and when they are required.
Masks must now be worn outside of your place of residence, in your vehicle when there are other people with you, or when you leave home for the following reasons:
–           Shopping for essentials, groceries, and medical supplies
–           Medical, health needs or looking after the vulnerable
–           Exercise, within your own neighbourhood, with only one other person for one hour per day
–           Work, where you cannot work from home
A number of locals have contacted me asking how they should get masks if they don’t have them already, given they will have to leave the house.
You can leave the house without a mask if you are on the way to get some – I encourage you to contact our local pharmacies to make sure they have some in stock before you do.
If you have trouble finding masks, or your health puts you at risk, please get in contact with me and we will do our best to assist you.

TESTING AND CLOSE CONTACTS
Overnight, Western Australia has recorded no further local cases of COVID-19.
We’ve also recorded no new overseas cases in hotel quarantine.
Yesterday, 3,171 tests were conducted at our public COVID clinics.
In total, 13 close contacts have now tested negative.
And of those, 11 high risk have been moved into hotel quarantine, as an extra precaution.
To date, 66 close contacts have been identified, all of which have been tested or will be today and will remain in quarantine.

TESTING INFORMATION
If you meet the criteria for testing it is important you get tested as soon as possible.
Anyone in WA can be assessed for a COVID-19 test if they present with ANY of the following:
– a fever of 37.5°C or above
– a documented history of a fever in the last few days
– an acute respiratory infection (e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat)
– acute loss of smell or taste
A list of potential exposure locations can be found by visiting https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/…/Locations-visited-by…

TESTING LOCATIONS
The full list of testing locations is listed below, including several private pathology collection centres which can be accessed free of charge.
If you are attending a private pathology collection centre, ensure you bring your Medicare card with you.
GP referrals are not currently needed to access private pathology testing.

DRIVE THROUGH COVID-19 TESTING LOCATIONS
– Armadale/Forrestdale – Cnr Ranford Rd and Armadale Rd, Forrestdale.
– Booragoon – 4B Shields Crescent Booragoon.
– Claremont Showgrounds – 1 Graylands Rd, Entry via Gate 6.
– Greenfields (Mandurah) – 73 Gordon Rd, Greenfields.
– Hocking – 1/21 East Rd, Hocking.
– Joondalup – Neil Hawkins Park 200 Boas Ave, Joondalup.
– Lathlain – 158 Orrong Rd Lathlain.
– Midland – Midland Sports Complex 45 Paterson Drive, Middle Swan.
– Mount Hawthorn – 391 Oxford St, Mount Hawthorn.
– Myaree – 5 Playle St, Myaree.
– Osborne Park – 310 Selby St North.
– Mandurah – Peel Health Campus, 110 Lakes Rd.
– Airport – 16 Grogan Road.
– Wangara – 66 Prindiville Drive.
– Victoria Park – 458 Albany Highway.
– Inglewood – 969-971 Beaufort Street.
– Busselton – 32A Cook Street.
– Bunbury – 207 Spencer Street (enter from Constitution St, at rear of the car park).
Some drive through COVID-19 testing locations require an appointment prior to attending.
For more information, and to check opening times visit https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/covidclinics.

PRIVATE PATHOLOGY COLLECTION CENTRES
– Duncraig Western Diagnostic Pathology Collection Centres – Unit 11, 209 Warwick Road
– Myaree Western Diagnostic Pathology Collection Centres – 9 Hayden Court
– Rockingham Western Diagnostic Pathology Collection Centres – 11 Council Avenue
– Forrest Lakes (Thornlie) Australian Clinical Labs – 36 Murdoch Road
– Mandurah Australian Clinical Labs – Unit 2G, 11B Smart Street
– Mirrabooka Australian Clinical Labs – Unit 8, 37 Yirrigan Drive
– Ocean Reef Australian Clinical Labs – Unit 2, 4 Prendiville Ave
– Subiaco Australian Clinical Labs – Unit 4, 400 Barker Road
– Booragoon Clinipath Collection Centres – 45 Shields Crescent
– Fremantle Clinipath Collection Centres – 201 High Street (parking at rear)
– Lathlain Clinipath Collection Centres – 158 Orrong Road
– West Leederville Clinipath Collection Centres – Unit 1A, 2 McCourt Street (parking under building)
Some Private pathology collection centres require an appointment prior to attending.
For more information and to check opening times visit the private pathology collection centres external website.

COVID-19 TESTING CLINICS
– Armadale Health Service – Ground Floor, 3056 Albany Highway, Mount Nasura
– Fiona Stanley Hospital – Bedbrook Row, north-eastern end of hospital, Murdoch
– Joondalup Hospital – Car Park P4, Regents Park Road, Joondalup
– Rockingham General Hospital – Elanora Drive, Cooloongup
– Royal Perth Hospital – Ground Floor, Ainslie House, 48 Murray Street, Perth
– Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital – C Block, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands (Car park entry off Winthrop Ave only)
– St John of God Midland Hospital – Yelverton Drive, Midland
– Bunbury Health Campus – 30m left of the main entrance, Bussell Highway (cnr Robertson Drive).
For information on testing locations and to check opening times visit: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/covidclinics.

CONTACT TRACING
WA’s mandatory contact register system, SafeWA, will be expanded.
The expansion includes businesses such as retail venues, certain types of commercial transport, takeaway services, certain outdoor functions and gatherings, and visitors at all WA private and public hospitals.
The expanded SafeWA system will now come into effect from 6am tomorrow.
This will now also include takeaway services.
You must scan in from 6am tomorrow.
Every venue also needs to provide a paper-based contact register system as well, so if you do not have the app, you can leave your name.

SHOPPING CENTRES
People are permitted to visit the shops to pick up groceries.
We urge people to be reasonable and only take what you need.
There will be enough supplies for everyone.
To assist, Coles and Woolworths are permitted to open an hour earlier, from 7am over the course of this week.
This is primarily to help older Western Australians, and to help limit the rush.
Please check if your local store is opening earlier, as that is up to each individual store.
Also, non-essential retail shops are now closed, as part of this five –day lockdown.

REGIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION.
As you know, the Perth metropolitan area, the Peel region and the South West region are now in lockdown.

Anyone in these regions should not leave during the lockdown period.

People can enter Perth, Peel or the South West only to access or deliver essential health and emergency services and other essential requirements, or to return to their home.

WA Police have established 7 checkpoints in the Perth area and another eight in the regions.

Non-residents currently in Perth, Peel and the South West are required to remain until the end of the restriction period, unless you meet an exceptional circumstance.

Police will ask you to simply justify why you need to be out and about during the lockdown.

If you need to travel between regions, please ensure you have supporting evidence, like a letter from your employer or evidence of a medical appointment.

For the purposes of this lockdown, like we did early last year, Perth and Peel are treated as one region, so if people do need to travel for one of the four reasons, they can do so between Perth and Peel.

A G2G Pass system for this regional lockdown is in development and is expected to be rolled out later today.

This is like the system we had in place when we had regional travel restrictions.

ESSENTIAL WORKERS
People are required to stay at home unless they undertake duties as an essential worker who provide either an essential health service or essential goods and services.
Read the latest government definition here: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/covid-communications/covid-19-coronavirus-essential-workers

SUMMARY OF LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS

People are required to stay at home unless they need to:

work because they cannot work from home or remotely;
shop for essentials like groceries, medicine and necessary supplies;
medical or health care needs including compassionate requirements and looking after the vulnerable; and
exercise with only one other person, limited to one hour per day in your neighbourhood and masks must be worn.

Masks are to be worn at all times when outside of your place of residence, this includes at workplaces and on public transport.

Schools will be closed for this week. Term 1, 2021 was due to start from February 1 but that will be postponed by one week.

The following restrictions apply for the lockdown period:

People should not leave Perth, Peel or the South-West during this period;
People can enter Perth, Peel or the South-West only to access or deliver essential health and emergency services and other essential requirements;
Non-residents currently in Perth, Peel and the South-West are required to remain until the end of the restriction period however if you must leave for serious reasons; you are to then return home immediately, stay home and tested if symptoms develop;
Restaurants and cafes to provide takeaway service only;
Elective surgery and procedures for categories 2 and 3 will be suspended from Tuesday, February 2. Category 1 and urgent category 2 surgery will continue;
No visitors will be allowed in homes, unless caring for a vulnerable person or an emergency;
No visitors to hospitals or residential aged care and/or disability facilities, unless there are exceptional circumstances;
No weddings will be permitted;
Funerals are limited to 10 people; and
Travel remains prohibited within remote Aboriginal communities.

The following facilities within the Perth metropolitan, Peel and South-West regions will need to close:

Schools, universities, TAFES and education facilities;
Pubs, bars and clubs;
Gyms and indoor sporting venues;
Playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor recreational facilities;
Cinemas, entertainment venues, and casinos;
Large religious gatherings and places of worship; and
Libraries and cultural institutions.

HELPFUL LINKS FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION:
Directions for the Stay at Home and Closure (Perth, Peel and the South West Regions) can be found at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/stay-home-and-closure-perth-peel-and-the-south-west-regions-directions

Further information about the lockdown can be found at: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/perth-metro-peel-and-south-west-enter-hard-lockdown

The list of potential exposure sites can be found here: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/Locations-visited-by-confirmed-cases

A list of COVID clinics and opening times are here: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/COVID-clinics

The COVID information line is: 13 COVID (13 26843)

Yours sincerely,

Sheldon Ingham
Liberal for Joondalup

There is a wide range of franchise opportunities and there are too many sectors to research them all thoroughly. But you can speed up the process by assessing your skills and your resources. What are your priorities and how deep can your financial resources go? Once you have your criteria it will be easier to […]

Once you have your criteria it will be easier to shortlist your franchise prospects and you’ll be saving time and energy.

Questions to ask yourself

To help you narrow down your search, here are some questions to ask yourself:

Why do you want to get a franchise? Whether it’s making more money or having a passion for your field, it’s important to identify your goal.
Is there a specific industry that you have in mind or are you flexible?
What are your skills and what do you enjoy doing? A retail franchise will likely suit you better than an internet franchise if you’re a people person. You’ll be more motivated to run a business that you are interested in as well.
Would you prefer a fast-food franchise to reduce your risk?
Do you want to operate it personally to lessen cost or will you be hiring staff?
Are you on a budget? How much cash are you willing and able to invest? Do you have backup funds? Internet-based, home-based, and van-based businesses usually have lower costs compared to retail or food service franchises because it requires supply and equipment, other facilities, and staff.
How much time can you commit, and will you be willing to work on evenings and weekends? You should weigh your options especially if for example you have young children.

Once you have made your self-assessment, you’ll be more confident to decide which industry or franchise you would pursue getting. You can browse available businesses here: https://advancebusinessbrokers.com/businesses-for-sale/

Questions for the franchisor

What is the estimated time frame for you to make a profit?
How much working capital is needed in the meantime?
How much income are the existing franchisees generally earning?
Can you contact some of the existing franchisee to ask for feedback directly? Be cautious of those who insist on contacting just a few handpicked franchisees.
Do they provide training and support? If so, what are the details?
To what extent are they willing to provide support in finding your premise and fit out if necessary?
Are there other fees you need to pay?
What are their development or growth plans?
Are they compliant with the Franchise Code of Conduct? The code sets out your rights and obligations as a franchisee and this is regulated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commissions (ACCC).

Due diligence

However, it’s important to do your own independent research. Don’t just rely on the information given to you by the franchisor.

Do a background check on the company. Research how its assets have receded and flowed over the years. Are they still on a good track?

Search the brand name online and check for any media attention about the company. Take note of the positive coverage like sustained growth in profits, new product line, or positive community work. Negative articles might include corporate scandal or poor trading.

You may also go through the customer reviews on their website or social media pages to evaluate public opinion of the brand.

Effectively choosing a franchise that works for you means knowing precisely what you want out of your endeavour, your financial capacity, and the possible risks and rewards.

There are a lot of questions to ask the franchisor and do not move forward until you’re satisfied with the answers given. Don’t rush because it’s your time and money at stake!

Why an Enduring Power of Guardianship is relevant to you Many people fail to consider the need for an Enduring Power of Guardianship (also referred to as an “EPG”). It is important to consider the possibility of losing mental capacity at some stage in your life due to unforeseeable illness or accident. By appointing an […]

Why an Enduring Power of Guardianship is relevant to you

Many people fail to consider the need for an Enduring Power of Guardianship (also referred to as an “EPG”). It is important to consider the possibility of losing mental capacity at some stage in your life due to unforeseeable illness or accident. By appointing an Enduring Guardian, you can have peace of mind knowing that a person you trust is making suitable personal, lifestyle, and healthcare decisions on your behalf.

Many people do not have their wishes upheld when they are incapacitated. The lawyers at Frichot Lawyers can help you avoid this.

What is an EPG?

An Enduring Power of Guardianship is a legal document which allows you to appoint someone who you know and trust to make personal, lifestyle and medical treatment decisions in the event you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself. Through an EPG, you can decide which decisions your Enduring Guardian will be able to make, such as where you live or the type of medical treatment you will receive. The EPG will only come into effect when you lose the mental capacity to make decisions for yourself.

A case example that explains why you need an Enduring Power of Guardianship

Mike is a 52-year-old man. He was fit, healthy and had no known medical conditions. Mike began presenting with fever-like symptoms and headaches. Within days, Mike had been diagnosed with a rare infection of the brain and was induced into a coma in intensive care. The hospital concluded that it was unlikely Mike would come out of the coma and recover. Mike and his wife Susy had spoken to each other about what they would do if one of them ended up on life support. However, they had not executed the authority they wished to provide each other in an EPG. Susy told the hospital that Mike had specifically said to her: “don’t keep me alive on life support just for the sake of it.” Susy was quick to learn that without an EPG providing for specific authority to turn off life support, a doctor will do anything they can to prolong the life or the vegetative state of the person, even if that is contrary to their wishes. As a result of not having Mike’s intentions documented in an EPG, Susy was unable to uphold her husband’s wishes.

What if you don’t have an EPG in place?

If you lose mental capacity, it is unfortunately too late to prepare an Enduring Power of Guardianship. In this instance, a family member or other interested person may apply to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) to appoint a Guardian, including themselves.

The SAT often asks the Public Advocate to prepare a report about whether a Guardian is required and make recommendations about who should be appointed. If they believe no other person is suitable to be a Guardian, the SAT can ask the Public Advocate to take on that role. This can be a long process and can lead to great stress for your loved ones, particularly if, for example, medical treatment decisions need to be made in a short period of time.

If you need assistance navigating through the SAT process, see one of Frichot’s experienced lawyers.

What can you do now to ensure your wishes are upheld?

You should make an Enduring Power of Guardianship as soon as possible. Sadly, any of us can lose capacity to make decisions at any time because of an unforeseeable circumstance such as illness or accident.

The experienced lawyers at Frichot lawyers can:

Provide legal advice on your personal requirements and the benefits or risks of making an Enduring Power of Guardianship;
Help you establish the scope of authority you would like to give to your Enduring Guardian or any authority you may wish to exclude;
Prepare your Enduring Power of Guardianship.

An Enduring Guardian cannot make financial or property decisions. See our related article on Enduring Powers of Attorney.

Article by Jasmine Moran, Lawyer in Wills, Estate Planning and Injury Law

What is Stamp Duty? Stamp duty or transfer duty is a tax required by the state or territory governments on transfers of property such as business or real estate, and usually it’s the purchaser or transferee who is accountable. Stamp duty also varies between states and territories. In 2000, Victoria removed stamp duty for business. […]

What is Stamp Duty?

Stamp duty or transfer duty is a tax required by the state or territory governments on transfers of property such as business or real estate, and usually it’s the purchaser or transferee who is accountable.

Stamp duty also varies between states and territories. In 2000, Victoria removed stamp duty for business. New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, and South Australia all pursued the same decision over the last 20 years. Just three states including Western Australia, continued to collect stamp duty on the purchase of a business.

Government’s Promise

The WA government aims and has committed to reinforce the West Australian jobs and increase investment in our state. One of the key elements should then be promoting and encouraging people to purchase a feasible small business. More businesses mean more jobs!

However, stamp duty on business sales in Western Australia makes it financially more difficult for anyone looking to purchase a business in our state.

A buyer will be obliged to pay $251,415 when a business is sold at $5 million value. Imagine how useful that amount can be! That could cover extra 5 staff members or 10 additional trainees. Challenging enough with the COVID-19 situation, we don’t need this added burden on business Buyers willing to invest in our state.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, businesses operating in WA kept on decreasing in the last five years. Elimination of stamp duty on business sales, will assist business owners in being able to sell their business when the time comes to exit. Being able to sell the business, maintains operations, keeps jobs, and sustains economic productivity.

Our Advocacy

Angela Williams – Chairperson of the REIWA Business Agents Committee, we at REIWA would like to urge the McGowan Government to eliminate the stamp duty for business. We want to help attract more investors and make WA more competitive to our eastern counterparts.

Childcare centres are now Australia’s fastest growing commercial real estate investment. It is one of the highest returns for any business and currently selling for 3.0 – 5x net profit. It is one of the few non-franchise businesses that banks will lend on Centres can receive up to 80% of their fees from Government subsidies. […]

The holiday season is fast approaching and this provides a valuable opportunity for small business owners to set your company up to speed for the year. With the new world we are facing, here are our tips that could take your business to the next level in the new year! Be Open to Change As […]

Be Open to Change

As the saying goes, it’s not the strongest nor the smartest survives, but the one who adapts best to the ever changing environment. The pandemic hit the world really hard, especially the economy. In order to thrive, your business must first survive. Adapt to the new norm and take advantage of online and other resources. Whether it’s your website host, payment gateway, or shipment partner, it’s an excellent time to explore other options and shop around to find the most competitive pricing from suppliers.

Assess Your Business and Reflect

Most small businesses don’t have a large-scale market yet so you might want to attract more people by improving your website, social media pages, and your brand as a whole. With the current physical restrictions being implemented, it’s best to increase your market appeal online. You can invest in other marketing campaigns to grow your customer base.

Make a business review for the year to check what went well and what didn’t, what strategies worked and which decisions were not good choices. Identify and effectively use this information to boost your company’s growth all year round.

Plan and Budget for the Whole Year

This would vary depending on your business. If you are expanding, hiring more staff to cater more customers is a good idea however it’s vital to set proper expectations to your workforce that some may not have as many hours during the holiday season. It is essential to keep your roster organised to keep your staff satisfied.

Talk to your accountant and sort out your business finances for the whole year. This is important so you can evaluate and determine the areas where you overspent and determine the items that can be cut down.

From Advance Business Brokers – Best wishes for a very Prosperous 2021

Cyber security is as important as physical security. With the Notifiable Data Breach Scheme, all Small to Medium Businesses need to declare any cyber breaches by law. So it is imperative to keep your systems secure. However, it can be a big problem without an IT Team dedicated to ensure your technology is up to […]

Cyber security is as important as physical security.

With the Notifiable Data Breach Scheme, all Small to Medium Businesses need to declare any cyber breaches by law. So it is imperative to keep your systems secure. However, it can be a big problem without an IT Team dedicated to ensure your technology is up to date.

Take note of these top three cyber threats and what you can do to safeguard your business against them.

1. Malware

Malware or Malicious Software includes viruses or spyware, intentionally designed to cause damage to your computer system. With today’s technology, there are a lot of experienced hackers creating a variety of attacks. Finding the right tools to block these threats is the answer.

Malware takes up a lot of storage on your computer or machine and affects the programs and daily operations, resulting in your system to run slower-than-usual.

One of the most effective and simplest ways to protect your business against Malware is Patch Software. This is a form of software that updates, improves, and pushes out any potential bugs that could go into your system. Normally, your system will notify you when there are updates available. Accepting these software updates can help strengthen your system’s resistance towards cyber threats.

Using an antivirus software also helps to remove Malware and lowering the risk of your computer to crash following on the attack.

2. Ransomware

Ransomware is also a Malicious Software that locks your screen so you won’t be able to access your system and unable to operate. The cyber criminal will then send you a message asking for a ransom or payment in exchange for your data and get your access back.

Usually the ransomware comes as emails intended to persuade the victim into providing confidential information. The fraudulent email can also include a link that gives the cyber criminal access to the victim’s computer system once it’s clicked.

You can use an Email Scanning Software to help assess the legitimacy of the email. Your email hosting provider will know the right software to use but if you’re in doubt, you may speak to a vendor like Cisco and ask for the best defense solution suited for your business.

3. DDoS

Distributed-denial-of-service or DDoS aims to make your system crash by striking numerous and simultaneous data requests. These attacks are usually done during business periods where warning signs are typical during busy hours of the business. This will put your machine under pressure due to too much traffic resulting in system failure. If your operations are affected, then your income will also be affected.

A great defense for this type of attack is using Cloud Security. It is more effective on your business because it secures cloud computing environments against both external and insider cybersecurity threats. It helps block cyber attacks and identifies risks. Therefore, you will be notified whenever there is a high volume of traffic or suspicious activity and it will be stopped before it can cause damage to your system.

In today’s cyber community, the number of attacks are increasing every year. Australian business owners should continue to improve their system security and stay vigilant to minimise the impact of possible attacks.

Strong growth in WA Resources sales Latest update from the Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety shows that the sales of resources in Western Australia has significantly increased. This paved the rise in jobs as well! Gold sales hit a record of $15.8 billion in the year to June 30th and a resounding $103 […]

Strong growth in WA Resources sales

Latest update from the Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety shows that the sales of resources in Western Australia has significantly increased. This paved the rise in jobs as well!

Gold sales hit a record of $15.8 billion in the year to June 30th and a resounding $103 billion of iron ore sales. These contributed to the $172 billion resources industry.

Despite lower prices across the first half of the financial year, Oil sales also increased 30 per cent to $2.6 billion on higher volumes while LNG has kept dominating the petroleum market with $27 billion worth of sales even though it’s down from $29 billion in FY19.

Also, a huge recovery of the Nickel sales with $3.1 billion (that’s a four-year high!).

Simultaneously, the state’s gold industry accounted for $1.2 billion. It is about 70 per cent of $1.7 billion total expenditure on mineral exploration in FY20. Spent $420 million on copper exploration, $361 million on iron ore and $203 million on nickel and cobalt.

The state’s resources sector invested almost $19 billion in FY19, higher than the $17 billion investment in FY18.

The iron ore sector provided the most royalties to Western Australia, up from about $4.9 billion to $7.8 billion. Followed by gold with $361 million royalties, previously $291 million.

Job Surge

The DMIRS also recorded an average of 135,000 people employed in the state’s resources sector. A good increase from the previous 128,374 employed. The iron ore sector also recorded the most employees, giving 48,000 people jobs. Succeeded by gold with about 26,000.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said,

“Creating jobs is the McGowan Government’s number one priority, so it’s encouraging to see employment continuing to grow in the resources sector.”

“These record results underpin the importance and resilience of the resources sector as WA recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is particularly pleasing to see strong growth in exploration expenditure, which has been achieved despite the difficulties caused by the global pandemic.

“Maintaining our support of the state’s mining and petroleum industries is a key part of the McGowan Government’s Recovery Plan to keep WA in a strong economic position.”

According to the state, it has more than $100 billion worth of projects being developed.

Western Australia mineral exploration activity records a five-year high! July and August figures showed a 63 per cent increase on the 195 monthly average for applications and processing in the last five years. The report also shows 70 per cent of applications received in July and August were gold exploration. In August, the Department of […]

Childcare centre can be a very lucrative business but it shouldn’t be the only reason you are buying one. They are a highly rewarding and profitable business but they require dedication and strong leadership. You will be responsible not only for the physical and emotional welfare of the children attending your centre but also the […]

You will be responsible not only for the physical and emotional welfare of the children attending your centre but also the business as a whole. The job may be filled with fun, games and play but it’s important to keep it professional. The standards are high in this sector.

You need to set an example to your staff. You will need to be punctual, enthusiastic, polite, and rigorous about following the directives set by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. It’s also important to observe discretion and forethoughtness when dealing with parents. Keep a detailed and systematic records of the children’s developments and special requirements.

Do you have respect for authority?

Buying a childcare centre comes with a great deal of responsibility because the business is nationally regulated. ACECQA regulates and inspects daycares or childcare centres.

Visit https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/opening-a-new-service and learn what you need to know to open an educaation and care service in Australia.

ACECQA will be looking at the proficiency of the staff/child ratio, health and safety, space, resources, suitable activities for emotional, physical and social development, special needs, child protection procedures, and record keeping.

Maintaining a positive relationship with your ACECQA inspectors and developing transparency in your dealings with them, will ensure a highly recommended reputation of your business.

Are you sensitive?

Most parents are apprehensive about leaving their children at a DayCare for the first time (usually they are more anxious than their kids after drop-off). It is important that you are amicable and understanding about any worries or special requests.

You will have to listen carefully to how Anna is sensitive to loud noises, that Chris won’t eat cucumbers, and Lenny has to have his Mr. Fluffy all the time.

You also have to remain sensitive at all times to any unusual behaviour. Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are rarely diagnosed before the age of seven and such behaviours may be an early indicator.

Observe and get to know their characters and quirks for you to be able to approach each child accordingly and this will help you run your childcare centre smoothly. This would also reassure parents that their children are safe and in the right place.

Do you know your local area?

Do your research and make sure there aren’t too many other thriving childcare centres in the area. Many may have opened after the centre you are buying was established and the level of competition might be the reason for the sale of the business.

Check also the local demographics. It is vital that a lot of young families are living within a five mile radius – that is where the 80% of clients of the childcare centre come from. It would also be advantageous to be placed near a good transport links so parents can drop and pick-up their kids on their daily commute.

Are you creative?

There are numerous ways to incorporate learning and development to creative play and activities. Encourage your staff to come up with educational yet fun projects to encourage children to participate. Then decorate the room with the children’s masterpieces. Parents and children likewise respond well to a bright, colourful environment. Just change the activities as well as some materials periodically so children won’t get bored of it.

Do you have strong principles?

The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace produced the Educators’ Guide To The Early Years Learning Framework For Australia.

“The aim of the EYLF is to extend and enrich children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transition to school. It assists educators to provide young children with opportunities to maximise their learning potential and to establish the fundamental basis for future success in learning.”

Elements of the EYLF

The EYLF sets children’s learning at the heart and comprises three interconnected elements: principles, practice and learning outcomes. All three elements are essential to early childhood education and program decision-making.

Principles

Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
Partnerships
High expectations and equity
Respect for diversity
Ongoing learning and reflective practice

Practice

Holistic approaches
Responsiveness to children
Learning through play
Intentional teaching
Learning environments
Cultural competence
Continuity of learning and transitions
Assessment for learning

Learning outcomes on children

have a strong sense of identity
connected with and contribute to their world
have a strong sense of well being
confident and involved learners
effective communicators

Physical, cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional development are all given equal terms in this directive. As a childcare centre owner, it is important that you have a solid understanding of how you intend to deliver these core elements of learning.

Can you ‘be present’?

Ensure leadership to your families and staff by being available to them. Build relationships with local businesses whose employees may need your services.

Nurture positive relationships with your community by having open days and organise events, shows, or trips to local museums and parks. You will realise that adding a personal flair will be the key to your childcare centre’s success.

Did you know that one of the reasons that a business for sale takes so long to get sold is because it’s priced too high? Any owner would always want the business sold at the right price or even higher. Not to mention the need to give an allowance in cases that buyers would haggle, […]

Did you know that one of the reasons that a business for sale takes so long to get sold is because it’s priced too high?

Any owner would always want the business sold at the right price or even higher. Not to mention the need to give an allowance in cases that buyers would haggle, sellers tend to price their business really high. This is a common mistake in selling a business. Sellers need to keep in mind that people who are looking to buy your business have looked at other businesses for sale for several months. Keen buyers compare what’s good and what needs improvement to make sure they are weighing their options properly.

Though it’s best to give room for negotiation, one third of the price based on the market value is a remarkable difference.

If we are selling a business worth $650k and we price it at $850k to test it out in the market. The business sits on the market for months with minimal or no interest. They would think that you are not serious about selling the business and that’s why it’s overpriced.

You will lose the buyer’s interest and it’s going to sit there in the market for a long time and you will be forced to lower the price based on the actual market value. By then you have already wasted your time and money or a potential buyer. That’s how vital to effectively price the business right off the bat.

How would you know that your asking price is right?

Here are a few steps to help you:

Work with a bookkeeper or accountant to get your financial statements in order and to show the business to its financial advantage
Consider the value of the tangible assets to have a better evaluation of the business worth
Prepare your owner’s cash flow or statement of seller’s discretionary earnings so that you can see the full earning capacity of your business
When you have done your estimate, check also other recent listings of similar businesses for sale and compare their asking prices.

Then deliberate with your sales advisor and/or broker the pricing information you’ve gathered and see how your pricing estimate coincides with the prices of recent comparable-business sales.

Set the price right and the opportunity to sell your business is just around the corner!

Your business name and trade name can be different. Your business name is the legal name you enter on government forms and applications. It is your full name followed by a word or words that describe the type of business you are running. If your name is Eric Hamilton and you own an insurance agency, […]

Appetite for childcare centre properties is increasing in WA, but some players warn sector maturity won’t come without growing pains. Investors are snapping up childcare centres in Western Australia, drawn by the yield and security offered by national operators holding long-term leases, according to Ray White senior commercial property adviser Michael Milne. WA childcare property sales surged over […]

Appetite for childcare centre properties is increasing in WA, but some players warn sector maturity won’t come without growing pains.

Burgess Rawson sold the new childcare centre in Padbury during the pandemic for $4.6 million. Photo: Burgess Rawson

Investors are snapping up childcare centres in Western Australia, drawn by the yield and security offered by national operators holding long-term leases, according to Ray White senior commercial property adviser Michael Milne.

WA childcare property sales surged over the past 12 months, according to Ray White Commercial’s latest financial year activity review, with the total value of sales transactions more than doubling in 2019-20.

“There’s nothing unattractive about long leases – more recently 20-year leases,” Mr Milne told Business News.

“Most of them have three per cent rental growth year-on-year, (and) have major national covenants and it’s a growth industry.

“There’s also been a swing towards some days in childcare, even if you’re a stay-at-home parent.”

Ray White head of research Vanessa Radar said income derived from childcare facilities was heavily government-subsidised, making it attractive to buyers as a ‘set-and-forget’ asset, backed by strong occupancy levels and, in some locations, waiting lists.

“This was never really considered an asset class, however, more investors have acknowledged it is a stable income stream,” Ms Radar said.

“Also, as new facilities are built, due to growing population over the past few years, this has allowed for more savvy buyers and funds/private syndicates to band together to purchase, making it a far more sophisticated investment option than ever considered before.”

Burgess Rawson director Adam Thomas, who specialises in the healthcare and childcare markets, said WA had experienced exponential growth.

The agency had leased nine early learning centres (792 new places), over the past 12 months.

The recent categorising of childcare as an essential service, he said, had only increased appeal, backed by strong underlying consumer demand.

Centres across the country notched up record attendance numbers in the December 2019 quarter (up 3.6 per cent on the previous year), according to government reports.

As an example, Mr Thomas pointed to the sale of a new Padbury-based childcare centre during COVID to a private Perth investor at auction for $4.6 million on a 6.48 per cent yield.

That centre is anchored by a 20-year lease and two 10-year options to Grassroots Childcare, operated under the NIDO brand by ASX-listed Think Childcare.

“The fact the federal government has bipartisan support for early education and childcare, is quite vital to investors’ confidence,” Mr Thomas told Business News.

The extent of that support was outlined in Burgess Rawson’s Childcare Industry Insights report, released earlier this month.

It highlighted that although occupancy rates fell during the pandemic, childcare centres received 50 per cent of fees based on a February-reference period, plus JobKeeper.

The report predicted overall industry growth over the next five years, increasing 2.2 per cent.

Mr Thomas said investor and service provider appetite had also been underpinned by the WA market experiencing the largest rise in government-approved childcare services in the four years to June 2018.

“The WA market has seen less stock and it was, up until a year or so ago, a less mature market compared with other states, probably as a result of below- average population growth,” he said.

“The resources sector is starting to gain traction again and incomes have risen, it’s got population growth … a lot of those key drivers are helping.”

Growing pains

Perth entrepreneur Rory Vassallo, who heads private investment company Vassallo Corporation, has been involved with the local childcare centre property sector for more than 17 years.

Mr Vassallo, a 40under40 winner, sold his Great Beginnings childcare centre business to ASX-listed G8 Education for $65 million in 2014 but has stayed in the game, developing assets.

Although Mr Vassallo remained tightlipped on the details of his property portfolio, he said he had a steady pipeline of childcare centres, with that asset always front of mind.

“Childcare centres are always first because it’s what I know; I learnt when I sold the childcare businesses that you stick to your knitting,” Mr Vassallo told Business News.

“I like that it can’t be replaced by technology – that was my first attraction when I got into it at the ripe age of 20.

“It’s a high risk – childcare is not easy, it’s hard; you can build the best childcare centre on the wrong street.”

Mr Vassallo said the sector had come a long way since the early 2000s in terms of property quality and regulation funding, but that oversupply was a potential emerging issue.

“In the eastern states, they were for a while there building them next door to each other, which was just madness,” he said.

“We’ve got some pretty sophisticated mechanisms and matrixes that we go by to choose where we put a childcare centre, unfortunately some people don’t use the same methodology.

“Too many in the same area – no one is successful.”

Increasing rental values was seen by Mr Vassallo as another double-edged sword.

“A lot of people are paying a lot more than what the proven metrics are in terms of rent to revenue ratios,” he said.

“For them to be able to pay that there’s a cut somewhere … someone’s missing out and hopefully that’s not on the quality staff or equipment.

“A lot of people are attracted to it … you read too many papers about rental yields, but do due diligence on the operator.

“A childcare business can be no business very quickly with the wrong operator or the wrong staff.

“It’s (still) pretty good, you’ve got to be careful these days – they’re popping up everywhere.”

LJ Hooker Commercial Perth director Brian Neo said while his office had not focused on childcare centres, he acknowledged there was a large appetite for investment-grade assets with secure income.

“This is reflected through low interest rate returns from the big four banks, and also as a result from typical ASX-listed companies cancelling or differing dividend payments,” Mr Neo said.

“Whilst we appreciate the appetite for childcare centres being sold, as well as petrol stations with long-term leases, buyers should also be wary of the underlying land value and improvements they are investing in.

“Although attractive in yield, the investors are typically paying full price for the land and building, leaving very little upside in capital appreciation over the duration of the lease.

“With interest rates sitting where they are, investors need to be wary of any future exit strategy to reclaim any initial capital invested.”

Giving back to the Community Many cafes and restaurants are generous in giving back to the community and COVID support programs. Add sanitation and disinfection equipment, screens, and staff training under the COVID-related expenses to your application for one of the many small business grants offered by the State and Local governments. Charitable activities or donations to sporting […]

Giving back to the Community

Many cafes and restaurants are generous in giving back to the community and COVID support programs. Add sanitation and disinfection equipment, screens, and staff training under the COVID-related expenses to your application for one of the many small business grants offered by the State and Local governments.

Charitable activities or donations to sporting groups and schools are great initiatives but are usually a marketing or advertising expense since they don’t have charitable status. Support these contributions with a receipt from a registered charity.

Vehicles and Equipment

There are various ways to claim for motor vehicle deductions for a car partly used for private and part business use. Identify which method gives you the best tax savings and discuss with your accountant how you can take full advantage of the benefits.

A wise option also for new or used equipment is renting to own or renting to buy. It is a tax deduction and it helps to preserve your capital. The current COVID crisis has taught everyone about the importance of having savings and working capital.

If you are able to invest in new equipment, now is the right time. Instead of depreciating the value over several years, The $150,000 instant asset write-off for equipment allows you to claim the entire deductible business equipment if purchased before 30th of December 2020.

Food and Beverage

Incorporate online food & beverage ordering to your bookkeeping system which is your second largest expense. Most suppliers are also ready to conduct transactions with you online as it has become part of the new normal.

Also, there may be a situation to write down the value to zero for your out-of-date liquor that could no longer be used even for cooking. It’s worth checking but be prepared to justify what you’ve done.

Paperwork and Personal Development

Take online courses. There are many available regarding Business and Time Management and though this can be claimed as a personal expense if it’s not directly work-related but this is now more significant than ever.

Also, invest in online staffing and payroll systems. They cost less compared to those sloppy rosters and untracked hours. And to keep track of your expenses more easily, upgrade your bookkeeping system. There are several popular DIY systems that are easy to use like XERO and MYOB but they need to be set up professionally. Common classification mistakes are common and could mean you pay more tax.

Remember to stay amiable to your accountant. Maintain that good connection and stay connected for lots of money-saving advice!

Business Buyers Appraisal Package Are you about to Buy a business? Have you found a particular business you are thinking of making an offer on? Purchasing a Buyers Appraisal package will provide you with expert advice on the process. A small investment today may save you thousands of dollars and grief later if you have […]

Business Buyers Appraisal Package

Are you about to Buy a business? Have you found a particular business you are thinking of making an offer on?

Purchasing a Buyers Appraisal package will provide you with expert advice on the process. A small investment today may save you thousands of dollars and grief later if you have not taken the right precautions.

An experienced broker will review the financial information and other documents you have been provided with. You will be advised what further documents you should be requesting to see, and what steps you should be taking before and after you make an offer.

The package includes the following:

Analysis of Financial info e.g. Profit & loss statements/Add-backs
Perusal of lease and any recommendations in regard to items that should be addressed in contract e.g. additional lease terms, inclusion of ROE etc.
Review of Schedule of Franchise agreement if applicable
Review of employees – numbers, conditions of contract to be considered
Suggested conditions of contract
A recommended offer price
An Appraisal document with the pros and cons of the business, along with suggested offer price and the market value based on current market conditions and industry knowledge.
A complete series of emails sent every two – three days with detailed information on the process of Buying a business in Australia.
Full version of e-book “Don’t Lose Your Shirt”
Tips and things to look out for when buying any business

The document is an appraisal, it is NOT a valuation. It will provide a suggested offer price based on the opinion of Angela Williams, a Business Broker with 16 years’ experience.

The price does not include the following:

Writing of conditions of contract
Providing Contract of sale
Due diligence of financial accounts

The recommendations will be based solely on the information provided. It is the Buyers responsibility to consider the information in the appraisal document, to evaluate and act on, if they chose to.

The review of any legal documents will focus on whether they include or do not include normal commercial business requirements e.g. ROE. Whether fees/rent are reasonable within normal commercial terms.

Upon receipt of all documentation requested to complete appraisal, the appraisal will be provided within two business days.

To proceed – please email angela@advancebusinessbrokes.com and you will be sent an invoice for payment. 50% due prior to work commencing and balance prior to receipt of final appraisal document.

Mobile: 0416 109 017

Business Broker:

Angela Williams Principal/Licensee

Advance Real Estate & Business Brokers Pty Ltd

Lic No. 63767

Advance Business Brokers accepts no responsibility for the authenticity, accuracy or undisclosed information that is provided or not provided by the Buyer.

Advance Business Brokers (AU) does not make any representations or warranties, expressed or implied as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Nothing in the report that will be provided should be relied upon as a promise or representation to the future. The information will be based on certain assumptions and management analysis of the information provided at the time the report was produced.

The Buyer accepts and agrees that any offer on a business put forward as a result of this appraisal is solely their own decision. Any failure to secure a business as result of the offer being declined or outbid can in no way be attributable to Advance Business Brokers.

It is at the buyer’s discretion to submit offers and negotiate same.

It’s normal for any business to experience some setbacks and learn how to maneuver in order to avoid the same issue again. It’s part of every entrepreneurial journey but how can you save your business if you run into an unexpected loss or breakdown? It can be quite stressful when your business encounters a major […]

Hundreds of startup businesses emerge every year but only a few survive the struggles they face.

Identify the root cause of the problem

It’s important to determine the reason why your business is falling apart. Take time to go through each department and check with your employees for feedback. Getting their direct insight can oftentimes be of great help. Review what’s doing well and what’s been doing wrong.

Adversely, businesses fail because of poor leadership. As the saying goes, “A Fish Rots From the Head”, so it’s important to keep your department heads in check.

Look after your team

Employees can also sense instability whenever things get tough in the company. They will be concerned and pressured about the security of their jobs, so as a leader, it’s important to be as transparent as possible. Keep your employees engaged by showing them that they are part of the team. Develop a culture where everyone’s concerns are heard and create an environment where your employees feel safe and taken care of. Employees who feel appreciated are highly motivated to share your vision.

In addition, provide incentives to your management team to keep them on board. Being able to contribute to the company’s success is a fulfillment itself but it’s more rewarding if they also benefit from it.

Assess and review your goals

Revisit your goals and be realistic on where your company is currently at. Once you have determined the reasons causing the business’s problems, create an action plan before you make the adjustments here and there.

Identify your short-term goals which include reducing overhead costs and restructuring your teams. Medium-term goals should be focused on boosting sales and generating revenues. Your Long-term goals may vary whether maybe acquiring another business or stepping up to become a leader in your field. When your goals are in place, start your strategic plan to achieve them.

Downsize where possible

Conduct a thorough employee audit and understand each role and the responsibilities then look for low revenue generating parts of your company that you can afford to reduce. But avoid cutting your staff to minimise costs in the short term because you will need this manpower to achieve your medium and long term goals.

Maximise your staff’s productivity and encourage them to be more efficient. Look for costs that can be eliminated like downsizing your office space and getting rid of company cars or even as simple as cutting down paper usage or going paperless. Monitoring every little expenditure can already make a difference.

Be open to change

Things that were working before may no longer be cost and time efficient now. Learn to adapt and put your ego aside. Delegate tasks where you can so you can focus your time on other important matters to attend to and accept that some things need to evolve and getting help can be profoundly helpful. For instance, you may bring in a consultant for expert advice and fresh ideas. Sometimes a different perspective might just be what the company needs to get back on track. Be bold to interact with competitors to see if there’s a possibility of merging your business with theirs.

A Goal Is Just A Dream Without A Plan Like any other business, the goal is to be successful but what success is to others may not be for your business. So your goal as a business must be specific. Create a company’s mission and vision to help everyone go in the same direction. And […]

An expected 7,400 qualified small to medium businesses in Western Australia will begin receiving the $17,500 one-off grant from the McGowan Government this week. On Thursday, Finance Minister Ben Wyatt says, “We are very aware of the impact that the pandemic has had on local businesses and jobs, and we thank every business for playing […]

Venturing into business is exciting but can be stressful at the same time. You have all these questions, if you should pursue or not because of a lot of factors. So it’s important to have people you can trust or a team of professionals to guide you through the process. They will help you verify […]

Workers’ Compensation payments are payable to an employee who suffers a psychological or physical injury whilst at work. The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Scheme is a ‘no fault’ system, meaning that there is no requirement to establish that an employer was at fault to make a claim. The legislative framework surrounding the Scheme is to be found in the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981, and the government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating the Scheme is WorkCover WA.

HOW DO I SUBMIT A CLAIM?

If you are injured at work, the first step is to notify your employer of the injury You should ensure that all injuries, no matter how small are reported to your employer and you should request a claim form 2B from your employer or download a copy from the WorkCover WA website You will then need to see your General Practitioner and request a first medical certificate.
You will then need to see your General Practitioner and request a first medical certificate.
Both the completed claim form 2B and the first medical certificate should then be provided to your employer to make the claim.

Tips

Ensure that all injuries are listed on the first medical certificate. This is because injuries that are not identified on the first medical certificate could be rejected as part of the claim at a later date.
An injured employee has the right to choose who their treating general practitioner, physiotherapist, specialists and rehabilitation providers are. You do not have to see your “employer’s doctor”. At the start of a claim, see a general practitioner who you are comfortable with, if possible, as it is likely that this practitioner will be heavily involved in your injury management and rehabilitation throughout the claim.
Keep a copy of the completed claim form 2B and the first medical certificate together with any proof of submitting the claim, for example, emails to your employer.

Upon receiving the claim, your employer has five days to lodge the form with its insurer, and the insurer has a further 14 days to respond to the claim.The Workers’ Compensation insurer, within 14 days, must confirm if the claim is either accepted, declined, or pended (put on hold) for further investigation or medical reports to be obtained.

If the claim is declined, there is an appeals process or conciliation service available through WorkCover WA.

If you do not receive a decision on your claim within the above mentioned time frame, or if your claim is pended or declined, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal advice immediately.

WHAT COMPENSATION AM I ENTITLED TO RECEIVE?

1. Weekly Payments of Compensation (loss of wages)

Loss of wages will be paid pursuant to the scheme where you are totally or partially incapacitated for work.

Calculating your weekly payments depends upon whether you are a worker working under an industrial award or not. Most employees receive a salary similar to their usual salary (including overtime payments) for the first thirteen weeks following injury, and will then step down to a lower amount which excludes any overtime and bonuses.

Often disputes arise in relation to the calculation of weekly payments, and it is recommended in the event of such a dispute, that legal advice is sought.

There is a prescribed amount in relation to weekly payments, which is the maximum amount that an injured worker can receive in terms of weekly payments for loss of wages, during the lifespan of the claim.

Tips

Ensure that you have your wage slips from the 13 week period prior to your injury available for inspection, to help with accurately working out your pre-injury average income in the event of a dispute.

2. Reasonable Treatment, Rehabilitation and Travel Expenses.

The scheme covers reasonable travel expenses together with reasonably required medical expenses associated with general practitioners, specialists, and rehabilitation services.

Again, there is a prescribed amount in relation to these expenses, which is the maximum amount that an injured worker can receive in terms of treatment, rehabilitation and travel expenses, during the lifespan of the claim.

Often disputes arise in relation to payment of treatment expenses, where for example, there is a disagreement as to the reasonable requirement for surgery following an injury. It is recommended in the event of such a dispute, that legal advice is sought.

Tips

Seek out treatment providers of your own choice.
A rehabilitation provider may be appointed by your employer or insurer to assist with your return to work program. Your return to work may be a complicated process, requiring specialist input and a period of readjustment, or even retraining. It is strongly recommended that you exercise your right to appoint a rehabilitation provider of your own choice to support you through the process.

3. Permanent Impairment Lump Sum

In some cases, following an injury at work, you may be left with a permanent impairment or incapacity which you are entitled to receive a lump sum payment for.

In this instance, you will need to attend a permanent impairment assessment with an approved medical specialist.

Assessment of lump sum awards is complicated, and where you have residual impairment following an injury at work, no matter how small, it is recommended that you seek independent legal advice.

WHEN SHOULD I RETURN TO WORK?

Your treatment providers, medical specialists and rehabilitation provider will work with you to facilitate your return to work following injury.

At all visits to your general practitioner or specialists, you should be provided with an updated progress medical certificate. This certificate will indicate your fitness for work, whether you are totally unfit, partially or fully fit for duties. Often, you may be certified as fit for work with modified duties.

Each certificate will be provided to your employer, and if suitable duties are available you are obliged to attend work and undertake those duties. Your rehabilitation provider will assist with your return to work program, and making sure that your duties correspond with the restrictions identified on your medical certificates.

Often disputes arise when an employee or employer are not satisfied with a return to work program. It is recommended in the event of such a dispute, that legal advice is sought.

Tips

Ensure that you are fully compliant with your treatment program and attend all appointments.
Ensure that your medical certificates are always up to date and that you are clear in relation to what duties you are/ are not certified as fit to undertake.
Choose your own rehabilitation provider.

DISPUTES

In the event of any dispute, WorkCover WA as the regulator of the Scheme, offer a dispute resolution and conciliation process.

WHEN IS A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM SETTLED?

A claim cannot be finalised until you have reached maximum medical improvement. That does not mean that you have to be fully recovered, and often employees can be left with a permanent impairment following an injury at work.

What this means is that you have made as good a recovery as you are going to make and there is no prospect of further improvements over time or with further treatment.

In order to settle your claim, you will need to undertake a medical examination to determine any permanent impairment, by an approved medical specialist. Strict guidelines are in place for assessing permanent impairment.

A determination of the value of your claim will involve an assessment of your personal circumstances and includes your capacity for work at the time of settlement, your ongoing need for medical treatment and any permanent impairment.

If you are approaching settlement of your claim, or have received an offer of settlement, it is strongly recommended that you seek independent legal advice.

Tips

Do not settle your claim if you have ongoing medical issues arising from your workplace injury, you will be responsible for any future medical expenses once your claim is settled.
Seek independent legal advice before settling a Workers Compensation claim.

COULD I PURSUE A COMMON LAW CLAIM?

Where the workplace injury has arisen as a result of an incident which was the fault, or partial fault of the employer, and the injury sustained is severe enough to attract a whole person impairment of at least 15%, you may be able to pursue a common law claim against your employer outside of the statutory workers’ compensation scheme.

You must elect to pursue a common law claim within 12 months of lodging a workers’ compensation claim. This is known as your ‘termination’ day, and the workers’ compensation insurer must notify you in writing of your termination date 6 months after you have made the claim.

If you do not elect to make a common law claim by the termination date, you will forfeit the right to make a common law claim.

Once you elect to make a common law damages claim, your entitlement to payments pursuant to the Scheme is affected.

Tips

Do not settle your claim if you have ongoing medical issues arising from your workplace injury, you will be responsible for any future medical expenses once your claim is settled.

CONCLUSION

Workers’ Compensation claims often require specialist knowledge and expertise. Frichot Lawyers offer a free confidential, no obligation appointment to injured workers.

By Dawn Williams, Senior Associate, Frichot Lawyers.

* For a free, no obligation consultation with Dawn, to discuss your claim please call Frichot Lawyers on 08 9335 9877.

Why buy a childcare business? Childcare centres are now Australia’s fastest growing commercial real estate investment. Unprecedented growth in the sector is outpacing all other real estate, creating what The West Australian calls a ‘golden child’ of property investment. The single income household is becoming a rarity, as most couples head to the workplace. These […]

3 Reasons to Buy a Business in Australia (or Anywhere) Have you been thinking about buying a business? Do you regularly have daydreams about owning your own business and making your mark on the world? Owning a business requires hard work, time, money, and endless energy. But the potential rewards can provide you the freedom […]

3 Reasons to Buy a Business in Australia (or Anywhere)

Have you been thinking about buying a business?

Do you regularly have daydreams about owning your own business and making your mark on the world?

Owning a business requires hard work, time, money, and endless energy. But the potential rewards can provide you the freedom to make those daydreams a reality.

There are many reasons why people choose to purchase a business, but we thought it’d be fun to discuss those at the top of the list. Check out our 3 most common reasons to buy a business in Australia (or anywhere for that matter!).

1.Freedom

One of the top reasons people are attracted to buying a business is the freedom that it affords. Modern life has turned most of us into hectic bees, buzzing constantly between work, family, and social obligations. If someone told you you could instantly have more freedom and flexibility in your life, you wouldn’t hesitate to accept.

Buying a business certainly won’t give you instantaneous freedom, but it can open up the flexibility to:

Set your own hours.
Work where you want.
Work with who you want
Take leave when want
Attend school events without asking

This kind of liberty at the workplace is what most people only dream of. But it doesn’t have to remain a dream — buying a business is a great gateway to achieving the freedom and flexibility you crave.

Depending on the business you buy, as a business owner, you will likely be able to work when you want. That’s not to say you will work less, but it will be on your terms. If you don’t want to be as involved in the day-to-day operations of a business, try to find a business for sale that already has a strong management team.

2.Be the Boss

Even the best boss is still just that — your boss.

While working under another person, it may not matter how much you think you could improve things at work. Your hard work and loyalty can only go so far, as long as the business is not yours.

People who seek to improve things, perfectionists, and clever individuals passionate about their business will often look to other avenues when hindered by a boss. They may try for another position at the company, switch companies, or better yet, look into buying their own business.

As a small business owner, the go-getter gets to be in charge of how things are run. They can manage any and all the processes they want, from day-to-day operations to HR, marketing, and more.

If you’re thinking about becoming a small business owner, make sure you have good people skills and that you have the savvy required to succeed in your industry.

3.Buying a business is WAY easier than starting one

We’ve touched on this one before, and the truth remains the same —

BUYING A BUSINESS IS EASIER THAN STARTING ONE!

The list of reasons why goes on and on. If you purchase an established business, you’ll already have a built-in customer base. You’ll have a location that you don’t have to find and employees you won’t have to search for. You’ll have the third-party vendors you need to keep the business running already in place. In short, you’ll be saving yourself a gigantic amount of time, money, and stress!

Plus, financially speaking, buying a business is a less risky endeavor.

You’ll generally see faster returns than if you start your own business. If you need capital, banks are much more willing to grant financing to businesses with a proven track record. Same goes for potential investors.

Are you ready to buy a business?

Be sure you have done your research and are prepared to succeed in your industry. It’s also important to understand that while being a business owner allows you a certain amount of freedom, it will involve a lot of hard work, determination, and dedication.

But if you’re up to the task, it can be one of the best decisions you will ever make.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

How to Get Financing to Buy a Café Two financing options to buy a café If it’s your dream to own your own café, purchasing an existing business is a great way to minimize risk and make sure your company is on solid ground. Buying and running your own business will require hard work, dedication, […]

Two financing options to buy a café

If it’s your dream to own your own café, purchasing an existing business is a great way to minimize risk and make sure your company is on solid ground.

Buying and running your own business will require hard work, dedication, and of course, financing.

For prospective business buyers new to the game, getting finance to buy a café can seem like the most daunting and scary aspect of all. But if you know your options, you’ll be ahead of the game.

The most common finance options when buying a café — or any business, for that matter — are through debt or vendor finance. Debt financing simply means you’ll get a loan from a third party.

Vendor financing is another option for buying a café. We walk you through all three, so you can get a good feel of what’s right for you.

Getting the financing to buy a café is not as scary as it seems. Take a look at our top ways to finance a café purchase. We’ll highlight the three options with the pros and cons of each. Get one step closer to owning a café and securing the financing you need.

Option 1: Debt finance for purchasing a cafe

Debt Financing

Debt financing refers to any money you borrow from a third-party lender, usually a bank, credit union, or other financial company. To purchase a business like a café, you’ll be borrowing a fixed amount. Your interest rate will hinge on several aspects such as your credit, how much you are borrowing, etc.

However, you can also use debt finance to fund the purchase of your new café by getting the loan from a friend or family member. Like we discussed with making friends/family equity partners, seriously take into account if the relationship can withstand the pressures.

If you think debt finance might be a good move for you, be sure to:

Check your credit and improve it if needed.
Thoroughly research all prospective loans and lenders, including the interest rate and time frame.
Set realistic expectations about whether or not you can pay the money back according to your business plan and projected profits.
Approach lenders with your bases covered. The more information you have, the better. This includes your business plan, personal income history, budget forecasts, financial records of the existing business, etc.
Talk to an accountant to make sure you can afford the loan you need without putting yourself in financial jeopardy.
Document the agreement in detail if borrowing from a friend or family member.

Debt Finance Pros

No forfeited equity– You don’t have to give up any ownership in your company. You can retain as much control as you want and will not have to share profits.
No relationship strain– If you go with a lending institution, you won’t have to worry about putting stress on a close relationship with a loved one.
Interest is tax deductible– The interest owed on your small business loan for your café is tax deductible.

Debt Finance Cons

The loan must be repaid– Unlike equity finance, your borrower will come for this money and have every legal entitlement to do so.
Interest– Even though your interest will be tax deductible, you’ll still end up paying more than what you initially borrowed.
Tougher requirements– Unlike an investor, lending institutions will make you jump through more hoops to get your hands on their financing. You will have to make a deposit and even put up assets such as your home as collateral.
Bigger risk– In the event you cannot repay your loan in the set amount of time, the bank can seize your assets lawfully.

Option 2: Vendor finance for purchasing a café

Vendor finance

Vendor financing is often referred to as owner financing or seller financing. The person or people who sell you the café also loans monies to help you get started as part of the purchase price. Vendor finance usually occurs when the buyer cannot quite afford the purchase price, and the seller is intent on selling to said buyer. The seller will basically accept an IOU from you to be paid back in an agreed-upon timeframe.

To secure vendor financing for a cafe, here’s a list of what to expect:

Speak with an accountant about exactly how much you need to buy the business. The accountant will help you figure out how to negotiate a loan that serves your best interests.
Make sure both parties fully understand and agree to the terms of the loan.
Have a lawyer draft a loan agreement, detailing every condition of the financing, like interest rate, financial reporting requirements, etc.

Vendor Finance Pros

Avoid the banks– You won’t need to jump through all the hoops as with debt financing. If your credit isn’t where it should be or you are having a hard time securing a bank loan, vendor finance could be a great option.
Avoid the investors– Retain your equity and the power of the business decision making. With vendor finance, you won’t have to forfeit any equity or power.
Get to work faster– Usually, vendor financing will put you in business substantially faster than going with lenders or investors. You’ll make your own arrangements between the two parties and be able to start making money almost immediately.

Vendor Finance Cons

Can be difficult to secure– Not every seller will want to provide a loan to fill the gap between the price they want and what you can afford. Vendor financing is not uncommon, but it isn’t usually preferred by the seller.
The loan must be repaid– Just like the good old bank, you’ll need to make a deposit and pay interest.
Mid-level risk– Usually, the café you want to purchase will serve as the collateral for a vendor loan. Ipso facto, the seller may take over if you miss any payments.

Next steps

Take each of these financing options into consideration and figure out which one will work for you and your business. You’ll need to take a lot into account, not just your finances. For example, you may have a friend already willing to lend you the money. But perhaps this person wants to be more involved than you’d like in the business.

Money, relationships, and your sanity are on the line, so take your time.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what you can afford and what puts you in a position to succeed. Do your research and fulfill your dream of owning your own café.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

Guide to National Quality Framework for Childcare Centres in Australia Click Here to view the current Guide to National Quality Framework for Childcare Centres in Australia. Are you interested in buying a Childcare Centre? Check out available Childcare businesses for sale here Businesses for Sale – Childcare Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you […]

Bankwest Future of Business: Focus on Childcare The report below was released by Bankwest in regard to the Childcare sector economic performance both now and future projections. https://www.bankwest.com.au/content/dam/bankwest/documents/business/insights/focus-on-childcare-report-2019.pdf It is very interesting reading for all Childcare owners and Childcare buyers. If you are looking to buy your first Childcare business or expanding in Perth this […]

4 tips to choose the right business for you When you go to buy a business, one of the key driving factors is financials. You want to make sure the business you’re buying or starting will be lucrative, that it will be able to generate a profit. But buying a business is a LOT more […]

4 tips to choose the right business for you

When you go to buy a business, one of the key driving factors is financials. You want to make sure the business you’re buying or starting will be lucrative, that it will be able to generate a profit.

But buying a business is a LOT more than just numbers.

Of course, be sure to do the proper due diligence (especially into the financials), but also take something else into account —

Yourself!

A big part —( if not the biggest) — of whether or not your small business will succeed will be determined by you. What are your skills and experience? What are you passionate about?

Self reflection on these questions is important to help you make the right decision.

If you choose a business that is best aligned with your personality, talents, and lifestyle, you’re more apt to succeed. Check out our 4 tips to choosing the best business to buy that’s a good fit for you and your skills.

1. Leverage your strengths and passions

If you choose a business to buy that involves something you have a talent for and/or you are passionate about, your strengths become an asset of the company. Think about what you excel at and what you enjoy doing. Get creative about ways that you can create revenue from what you want to do, i.e. buy or start a business.

If you are passionate about coffee and pastries, you may want to look into owning a cafe. Think also about your experience in various fields — even your personal experiences — that you can leverage to be a good business owner. This can help you determine an environment where you can thrive (and hopefully, your employees with you).

On a final note, don’t neglect practical realities. If you purchase a business, you won’t have to start from the ground-up. Buying a business as a new business owner can often be more advantageous in terms of financing, time, etc.

2. Be real with yourself.

Take an honest look at areas where you lack expertise or need improvement. Know your limits and know when you will have to delegate/outsource. Starting a new business, whether you buy one or begin from the ground-up, and running it successfully is one of the most rewarding experiences there is.

But it can also be highly demanding, so make sure you’re willing to take on a high level of responsibility and accountability.

Maybe you’re passionate about fashion but have no experience in the retail industry; perhaps going the managerial/ownership role is wrong for you. If you prefer not to work on the weekends or early in the morning, buying a cafe probably won’t suit your lifestyle.

It’s important that as a business owner, you can fulfill your lifestyle expectations while still putting in the large amount of work it takes to operate a business.

Your personal and professional qualities are also a big part of what will make things go roughly or smoothly. Be real with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, skills, and experience. Find out where the gaps are and how you can fill them. Often, fine-tuning your skills or investing in learning new ones will pay big dividends as a small business owner.

3. Consider the options and find the right fit.

Depending on your skill set, experience, and personality, it’s possible that many businesses match what you have to offer and what you’re looking for.

Be sure to really consider all the options on an analytical level; you can do this according to income, time spent working, etc. It’s a good idea to layout a simple list of pros and cons with each option, too. You’ll be able to visually see what you’ll be dealing with that’s not ideal for your lifestyle, how much you can handle, etc.

Also, think about what is important to you and how you value your time. Some people are happy to put in 40+ hour work weeks and beyond for the right price; others prefer to work less. Some prefer to work in teams versus solo, etc.

Finally, finding the right fit for you means aligning your professional and personal strengths with a business that will be profitable and fit your lifestyle. Remember, you can’t be good at everything; don’t let a lack of knowledge or experience intimidate you.

For example, you could purchase a franchise business known for their full support in marketing, accounting, branding, etc.

Your skills, your budget, and your strengths will ultimately determine the right fit. When all those come together in a compatible way, you’ll know you’ve found the right business for you.

4. Research! Research! Research!

Once you know the industry that fits you or the business you’re confident will align well with what you have to offer, it’s critical to research as much as you can. You need to use tools like the ATO Small Business Benchmarks to see how your particular sector is doing. This can help you learn about larger market trends, how they may or may not affect your business, or if they’re total deal breakers.

Make sure to:

Clearly identify and research your potential customers, or current customers if purchasing a business.
Learn the ins and outs of your competitors; the more information the better.
Learn more about the industry itself, consumer trends, products, etc.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

Learn about pricing regulations Businesses have certain rights and responsibilities when setting and displaying the prices of their goods and services. When you price your products or services, or advertise a price, you need to comply with a number of regulations. Below are a few terms to become familiar with. Comparative pricing – Comparative pricing is […]

Set yourself up for success If you take the right steps and put your time to good use, you can set yourself up for major success. This means cutting costs, reflecting, and planning. And for small businesses, growth is everything. You need to make sure your processes and people are solid enough to take […]

Set yourself up for success

If you take the right steps and put your time to good use, you can set yourself up for major success.

This means cutting costs, reflecting, and planning.

And for small businesses, growth is everything. You need to make sure your processes and people are solid enough to take on more business the following year, i.e. more revenue.

If you want to grow your business next year, take this time period to tee up what you’ll need for a successful 2021. Here are our tips to drive your business growth to a new level.

1. Reflect

Take time to reflect on the previous year, both alone and with one or a few team members. Think about the highs and the lows, the challenges you overcame (and why), and any challenges that are still there. In terms of products and services, look closely at the numbers. What was the most popular? Which generated the most revenue? What were the losers? You get the point. Afterward, type a document of these notes that you can use year-round when a problem or opportunity presents itself. Reflection is key to innovation and growth, so before you do anything else, take this important step.

2. Review your relationships with your vendors.

Now is a great time to shop around to find the best prices with suppliers. Take a look at your monthly expenditures with vendors, from suppliers to internet service providers, and see where you could save money by switching. If you can get started as early as Black Friday, many web hosting companies and other software providers offer fantastic deals to get you started on their platforms. This may take time to look into the competitors for all your vendors, depending on how many you use. But the money you could potentially save on a yearly basis will be well worth it.

3. Think about growing your business.

How can you increase your brand awareness? Simple things like improving/optimizing your website and having a social media presence can translate into more sales and revenue. Think about how you can put different channels and spheres of influence together to gain more customers and reach more people. If needed, you can use profits from the following year to invest in improving your brand outreach and revenue by hiring professionals in SEO or digital advertising.

4. Put your profits to good use.

Use those extra dollars you may have earned during the holiday season to do as suggested above and hire advertising professionals. Or you might want to invest in new equipment, new personnel, or a new location to help grow your business. At the end of the day, make sure some of your profit is going back into your business to keep it growing and thriving.

5. Budget for the entire year.

We know, it’s tedious. But getting your ducks in a row financially BEFORE the next year starts is critical for small businesses who usually don’t have deep coin purses if revenue slows. Figure out your spending NOW. You’ll be happy you did later.

And hopefully by following our steps, you will be able to plan financially for the year with positive projections from cutting unnecessary costs and growing your brand. Happy holidays!

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

Future-proofing your business No one can predict the future, but you can be prepared for whatever it may throw at you.In business, there are some proven steps, that can help make your future as successful and as stress-free as possible. How can small business owners future-proof their business? The key to success comes from […]

Business Registration Service – start your business in just one place! The Government has launched the Business Registration Service (BRS) , with over 2,000 companies and nearly 11,000 business names registered using the new service to date. BRS has significantly reduced the time needed to apply for business and tax registrations, removing red tape and making it […]

Useful Accounting Information from the ATO for End of Financial Year We found some very useful information on the ATO website to help you with your accounting at the end of the financial year. Take a look: Tips for keeping good records Good record keeping is critical to business success. To help your small business […]

Useful Accounting Information from the ATO for End of Financial Year

We found some very useful information on the ATO website to help you with your accounting at the end of the financial year. Take a look:

Tips for keeping good records

Good record keeping is critical to business success. To help your small business clients keep good records and avoid mistakes, let them know about our tips, tools and services.

Record-keeping tips

Keep all business records including income, expenses, bank and other goods and services tax (GST) records for five years (although some records need to be kept longer).
Records must contain enough information to calculate and support amounts claimed on activity statements and tax returns.
Business records need to include all cash, online, EFTPOS, bank statements, credit and debit card transactions.
Check the tax invoices received for purchases that include GST are valid.
Keep records that show when business purchases were used for private purposes – this will help work out the business portion that can be claimed as a deduction.
Keep business records separate from personal records to avoid confusion.
Take pictures of paper receipts to avoid faded records.
Store a copy of all records electronically and have a backup system in place, where possible.
If changes were made to the record keeping software used during the year, check that all information transferred over correctly.

See also:

Records required by law

Issuing tax invoices – for requirements of a valid tax invoice

Record-keeping tools

Record keeping evaluation tool – helps evaluate your client’s record-keeping practices, to see if they’re still on track.
myDeductions – tool in the ATO app which helps your sole trader clients with simple tax affairs record and track their business income, expenses and car trips. At tax time, they can email you a spreadsheet file (CSV format) or upload their records to us to pre-fill their tax return. If they upload, the data will be available to you through the practitioner lodgment service (PLS).

Record-keeping services

Small business webinars – helps your clients learn about good record-keeping practices and requirements.

Visit www.ato.gov.au for more information.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

5 Reasons to Buy a Business vs Starting from Scratch Are you an aspiring business owner? Do you want to work for yourself and own your own company? The benefits of being a business owner attract all types of people to put in the time, work, and money to make it happen. But perhaps the […]

5 Reasons to Buy a Business vs Starting from Scratch

Are you an aspiring business owner? Do you want to work for yourself and own your own company?

The benefits of being a business owner attract all types of people to put in the time, work, and money to make it happen.

But perhaps the biggest question at the beginning is this —

Should you start a business from scratch? Or buy a business?

Obviously, there are arguments on either side, but for most, buying a pre-existing business is the most advantageous option.

Unless you have millions to blow on a startup or a revolutionary idea with the capital to back it, chances are you will fare better buying a business that’s already up and running.

Check out our 5 Reasons to Buy a Business vs Starting from Scratch.

1. The business is ready to go!

With the exception of some tweaks you may want to put in place, buying a business already in operation means that the engine is already running — you’re just getting the keys to the car!

When buying an operating business, the seller will simply transfer ownership to you. All the equipment, supplies, the website, etc. are ready to go. You can implement the changes you want as you want to make them.

When starting a brand-new business, owners spend a lot of time and money on design, supplies, and expensive equipment. Usually when purchasing a business, equipment is valued lower than the purchasing price, so you get a bargain along with saved time and stress.

2. Branding

To go along with the ready-to-go aspect, a huge headache you save when buying a business versus starting one is the hurdle that is branding. The branding of a business involves everything from website and logo to the colors you use and the tone of voice you employ in your written materials.

People pay top dollar to marketing professionals to execute a branding strategy. It can often be a costly and frustrating endeavor if you don’t find the right people or don’t have a good idea of how you want your brand to ‘feel’.

If you’re buying a business that’s already operating, already successful, then you know the branding works!

You don’t have to go through the exhaustive process of finding out how you want your brand to sound, feel, and look. The work’s been done for you.

That said, sometimes new owners want to take the brand in a new direction and will purposely buy a business with the intention to rebrand. Even doing this will save time and money, since you’ll have a base to go by. You can figure out what works and what doesn’t from there.

3. Market Tested

When you buy a business that’s established, you’ll have a solid sales history to look at. You’ll be able to see how the business has been performing according to the cold, hard numbers. You can figure out what products and services work and which ones you should toss.

You’ll also be able to see what can be improved upon because you’ll have a definitive benchmark, a starting point with a chunk of data to work with.

On the flip side — If you start a business from scratch, it can be difficult to accurately project how your business will perform.

Startups engage in expensive market research and analysis to figure out how they think they will fare in the current market. Or worse, they do minimal research and wing it.

With an established business, the market research has already been completed, and the proof lies in the financial history. No outlandish projections. No overhyping. Just solid data that can give you the assurance you need to make an investment.

4. Established Customer Base

Perhaps one of the biggest hurdles every new business owner faces is getting customers and keeping them. It costs significantly more to obtain a new customer versus retaining an existing one, so customer loyalty cannot be undervalued.

When buying a business that’s up and running, your established customer base is already there. You already have a reputation you can build on. People already know what you do and where to find you. Getting to that place takes countless hours and serious cash, time, and money you’ll be able to apply elsewhere.

5. More Value

At the end of the day, buying a pre-existing business tends to be kinder on the wallet than starting from scratch.

We already touched on this with equipment —

When you buy an established business, let’s say a cafe, the equipment you purchase will not be valued at the buying price. You essentially get to purchase the supplies at a fraction of what they cost in the marketplace.

You can usually see ROI more quickly by buying a business than with a startup.

Also, it’s much easier to get financing when purchasing a business versus starting from scratch. Investors and financial institutions are much more comfortable with solid data from sales history than projections from an untested company.

Next Steps

If you want to be in business for yourself, you need to be sure you’re ready for the time, the investment, and the large amount of work it will require. That said, the freedom of being your own boss is what draws most to business ownership in the first place. You can make your own hours and create your own path.

Now, it’s time to decide whether you want to start a business from scratch or buy a business that’s already up and running. At the end of the day, it’s simply less risky to do the latter.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

Childcare Benefit Information from 01 July 18 The following videos cover the improvements and changes to the Childcare Benefit system effective 01 July 2018. Top 3 ways your child care is about to get cheaper (Please click HERE to view the video) How your child care is about to get cheaper (Please click HERE to […]

Childcare Snatches Star status Why buy a Childcare Centre? Exponential rental growth in childcare assets is outstripping that of all other property sectors, creating a new “golden child” of property investment and prompting a rash of research. It was declared that childcare centres are Australia’s fastest growing commercial real estate investment class, underpinned by the […]

Hiring a Business Broker to Buy or Sell Your Business Selling a business is not a simple and straightforward process. It requires time, money, negotiation, and a high level of savvy to walk away with what you expect, or at least something close to it. If you’re interested in selling your business, hiring a professional […]

Hiring a Business Broker to Buy or Sell Your Business

Selling a business is not a simple and straightforward process. It requires time, money, negotiation, and a high level of savvy to walk away with what you expect, or at least something close to it.

If you’re interested in selling your business, hiring a professional to guide you through the process is one of the best decisions you can make.

Whether you want to sell your business or you are interested in purchasing a business, a business broker is an excellent way to protect your interests and even save money in the long run.

So, what exactly does a business broker do?

A business broker acts as an intermediary between the buyer and seller. Business brokers are experts at selling businesses, and the best ones will have intimate knowledge of the industry sector they specialise in.

Going it alone when selling a business is a cumbersome task. Check out the benefits of hiring a business broker to minimize your risks.

Marketing Expertise

Adept business brokers usually have fantastic marketing and advertising skills. They will know exactly how to present your business, where to present it, and the right people to present it to.

Savvy business brokers will utilize online platforms to market your business, including buy/sell sites and even social media. Plus, they should have long-standing connections within your local market, so they’ll have an idea of the right people to contact.

Your business broker will have intimate knowledge of what buyers are looking for. They will help make the necessary changes as to how your business is presented to buyers to help you get the price you want.

No Emotional Attachment

No matter how business-minded a seller might be, nearly all business owners have some sort of emotional attachment to their businesses.

And rightfully so. For many, the business is like a child, something they have nurtured, grown, and invested heavily in. Getting emotionally attached to your business is not necessarily a bad thing.

However, in the selling process, you need someone on your side who lacks emotional attachment and is able to make steadfast decisions based on cold, hard numbers and facts.

A business broker is the emotionally detached third party that can set you straight and keep the selling process moving forward.

Confidentiality

A business broker can protect your business by only providing information to pre-qualified buyers who have signed a confidentiality agreement.

Since this is their specialty, they’ll be able to save you time and money by screening prospective buyers for you. An experienced broker may know right off the bat if someone isn’t serious, and that kind of intuition will serve you well throughout the selling process.

Reach More Buyers

If you decide to sell your business on your own, you’ll probably have a limited list of prospective buyers to reach out to.

Business brokers have loads of tools, resources, and connections at their disposal to reach a wider base of buyers. Brokers have a database of prospective buyers they will be able to connect with. They may have national or even international contacts you wouldn’t expect.

Mind Your Own Business

By hiring a business broker to handle the selling process, you can focus on your own business. Eliminate the stress and anxiety of multitasking and keep your eyes on your own source of income. More often than not, letting a broker do the work for you will save you money in the long run.

Negotiating Skills

A business broker with killer negotiating skills is worth their weight in gold.

Most experienced brokers will have developed these skills in the course of selling multiple businesses. The result? A deal that supports your best interest.

Sale Price

Each business has anywhere from dozens to hundreds of variables that bare weight on an appropriate sale price. Unlike valuing a home or car, the process of placing a value on a business is much more complicated.

However, like valuing a home or car, the right sale price will maximize your financial outcome. Asking for too little can undermine your business’ value, while aiming too high can turn off buyers and ultimately devalue you.

Business brokers will know the sweet spot, the right price to optimize your profits. They also will utilize business transaction data to use as reference points to issue the best sale price.

Get the Right Buyer

It’s not about getting a buyer. It’s about getting the right buyer.

The right buyer will be the one who satisfies your expectations and values your business appropriately. To find the right buyer, your business broker will know the proper questions and ways to vet prospects, so that your time and money is not wasted, and the right buyer comes calling.

A business broker will find the right buyer that will put you in the best position to negotiate and reach your financial goal without the headaches and stress.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

How to Keep Your New Employees Happy Buying a pre-existing business has many advantages over beginning from scratch. For starters, you can generate income from day one. Another giant benefit is a built-in employee base. If you’re purchasing a thriving business with a solid team, there’s a good chance good employees are the reason behind […]

How to Keep Your New Employees Happy

Buying a pre-existing business has many advantages over beginning from scratch.

For starters, you can generate income from day one.

Another giant benefit is a built-in employee base. If you’re purchasing a thriving business with a solid team, there’s a good chance good employees are the reason behind the company’s success.

You’ll want to keep the employees of your new business happy and foster strong relationships with each of them —

Happy workers are productive ones!

At the onset, a bit of anxiety on both sides is understandable. You’re new to the business and the personal dynamics of the team. Team members may be anxious about changes and possible personality conflicts.

However, if you focus on building relationships with your new employees and engender trust, you can supercharge your business with new energy that revitalizes the staff and increases your profits.

Check out our tips on how to buy a business and keep your new team members happy.

1. Set (reasonable) expectations.

Each employee should clearly know exactly what is expected of them at the workplace.

Attack any vague areas or concerns with open communication and active listening. The more your employees are clear on exactly what you expect, the better they can deliver.

An effective motivating tool is the performance review. You can conduct these every three months, six months, or once per year for long-term employees. If there isn’t a periodic performance review schedule in place, it’s a good idea to add it in to the mix.

Staff can have mixed reactions to these reviews, but it’s a great way to monitor progress and see who stands out.

Many small business owners offer financial incentives to motivate staff and sweeten the deal. For example, you may conduct a performance review once every six months and annually offer the opportunity for a raise.

Performance reviews are also a fantastic method for you as a business owner to monitor your own progress. By encouraging your employees to disclose their thoughts on the company, you can foster a trusting relationship with them and work on how to make the workplace even better.

2. Don’t reinvent the wheel.

When you’re buying a business, it will come with its own pre-existing strengths. While it may be tempting to put your stamp of authenticity in every nook and cranny — after all, the business is now yours — don’t reinvent the wheel.

If the business is thriving in one area, don’t go out of your way to change it. Keep what’s working and assess areas that are not.

By all means, you have every right as the new business owner to shake things up in weak spots. Just try not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

If you try to change everything right out the gate, your employees will probably resent it. Change is a difficult transition for most people; so, make changes when needed and don’t reinvent the wheel.

3. Promote a sense of ownership.

You don’t want your employees to feel like they are simply means to an end.

The more sense of ownership employees feel, the better they will perform and the greater pride they’ll take in their work.

A great way to instill a sense of ownership is to lead by example. Show your new employees the way you want them to perform by doing a great job yourself.

Another way to foster a sense of ownership is to stay actively engaged with your staff.

Ask for their help on how to make things more efficient and the work environment more positive. This lets your new employees know that you are invested in them and value their input. Plus, they will probably have a better understanding of the day-to-day operations of the business, since they’ve been at it longer than you have.

Staying engaged with staff as an owner will alert you to issues before they develop into bigger problems and keep you ensconced in the daily life of your company.

4. Host team-building or social events.

Foot the bill for an office happy hour every other month. Invite the staff to a cooking class. The social possibilities are endless!

Whether you do it a lot or a little, hosting social events is a great way to foster connection between you and your employees and between employees themselves.

Additionally, you can hold team-building events that are designed to promote communication and personal connection among your employees. These can range from boring to challenging and fun, so do your homework and ask your employees for input.

5. Show your appreciation.

Praise is a great motivator and the perfect way to create a positive working environment. If someone is performing at a high level, showing great leadership, etc., point it out and even reward it.

As far as rewards go, there are the obvious financial incentives like raises, bonuses, etc.

But never underestimate the power of verbal praise.

Simply letting someone know that you value them as a team member and appreciate their hard work will go a long way.

Periodic performance reviews are an excellent segway to show appreciation in more ways than one.

Remember to stay positive!

No matter what, as a new business owner, your employees will look to you for direction. Your attitude, work ethic, and mood will be mirrored by those around you. Remember to stay positive and you’ll be on the right track to winning over your new employees.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

How to be a Successful Cafe Owner **This article is based on a chapter titled Attributes of a Successful Cafe Owner from Craig Reid’s book The Complete Guide to Buying a Cafe. You can purchase Craig’s helpful books on his website www.thecafeninja.com Are you thinking about buying a cafe? Cafes can be highly profitable businesses, but […]

How to be a Successful Cafe Owner

**This article is based on a chapter titled Attributes of a Successful Cafe Owner from Craig Reid’s book The Complete Guide to Buying a Cafe. You can purchase Craig’s helpful books on his website www.thecafeninja.com

Are you thinking about buying a cafe?

Cafes can be highly profitable businesses, but many enter into the game with little foresight into what it actually takes to run a successful cafe.

It’s not the light-hearted movie scene.

Running a cafe takes hard work, determination, and high-level people skills. Plus, you have to factor in things like location, market research, etc.

If you’re thinking about buying a cafe, you’ll need to get a good grip on your strengths and weaknesses. Management style is everything, and it will determine how employees, customers, and vendors interact with you and each other.

We love Craig Reid’s book The Complete Guide to Buying a Cafe. So, we’ve taken some snippets from his chapter on what makes a cafe owner successful to help you determine if it’s the right path for you.

Check out the following questions and see how you measure up.

Are you an organised person?

Running any successful food and bev operation requires a high level of organisation. And time management skills are critical in a good cafe business owner.

Why?

You need to make sure your vendors and staff are paid on time. You need to make sure you have sufficient supplies to get you through each week, each day. There are obviously numerous other day-to-day tasks involved like advertising and even resolving employee disputes. All of these require organization and time management skills.

If you don’t necessarily have amazing organizational skills, but you know the right tools to help you stay focused and productive, you are on the right track. As long as you can channel your duties into some sort of organized format, you’ll make it in the cafe business.

Plus, cafe financials are not as simplistic as you might think. In order to cope with the various accounts and monies constantly up in the air, you’ll want to make sure your numeracy skills are superb.

If they’re not, it doesn’t mean you necessarily shouldn’t own a cafe. It just means you’ll have to get your hands on the right tools and perhaps, the right people (hire an accountant, for example) to make sure you have a consistently good grip on the financial state of your business.

Are you a people person?

This one’s a biggie.

Probably the most important facet of your life as a cafe owner is your relationships with your customers and your employees. The people skills of an owner can transform a struggling business into a success or sink a ship. It all depends on you.

It doesn’t matter how amazing your coffee is, how great your sandwiches taste.

If people do not enjoy coming into your space, if they don’t feel welcomed by friendly faces, your business won’t last long.

As a cafe owner, you’ll need to know how to deal with problem customers. You’ll either know (or learn) how to make sure everyone leaves happy, regardless of the issue that has arisen.

Same goes for employees.

Creating a positive environment for your employees will greatly impact your bottom line. When people are happy at work, it shows. That pleasant attitude extends to customers. People can feel it.

Part of being a people person is knowing how to cultivate meaningful relationships with others. If you can do that in a business setting, this just may be the path for you.

Are you a strong person?

We’re referring to both physical and mental strength here.

The food and bev sector requires old-fashioned manual labor. Even though you would technically be in an ownership position, make no mistake — you will be engaging in physical labor.

Customer service in a cafe is physically demanding. You’ll be on your feet for large amounts of time helping customers in the front of the house. And in the back of the house, cleaning and organising heavy boxes of produce, supplies, etc. will require physical strength and endurance.

Of course, you don’t have to be a marathon runner. But you need to be reasonably healthy and physically strong enough to endure the lifestyle of a cafe owner.

On to the mental side of things.

You’ll come across a generous amount of stress as a cafe owner. When things get busy, you’ll be under pressure to perform at lightning speed while still maintaining quality. When things slow down, perhaps seasonally, you’ll need to be able to deal with less revenue and making your money stretch.

If you are reasonably good at dealing with stressful situations, you’ll fare well.

Are you good with IT?

Admittedly, you’re not required to be an IT expert. But in order to run a successful cafe, you’ll need to at the least be IT literate.

Unless your cafe is in the jungles of Costa Rica with limited customers, you and your employees will probably be using software for your transactions.

These software packages simplify and organize your daily transactions for you. But you need to know how to use them proficiently!

The more adept you become at using your software, the more you’ll be able to have a good grasp on the daily financials. No call to the accountant needed.

You’ll also save money.

Wireless communication via the internet is cheap, and if you can get a good social media following, you won’t have to spend as much on marketing.

At the end of the day, you don’t have to be a tech whiz. However, the more you know about technological tools like certain software and social media, the more you’ll be able to leverage them to make running your business easier and more profitable.

Bottom Line- Which role makes the most sense for you?

So, you’ve made it through the questions and feel confident you have what it takes to run a successful cafe.

Congratulations!

Now you can move on to the more fun stuff. But first, try to get a handle on what role(s) will make the most sense for you.

If people skills are your strongest suit, staying at the front of the house and dealing with customers is where you should be.

If you’re really good with tech, be the one who finds the new tools, posts on social media, and trains employees how to use the latest and greatest tech goodies.

In areas where you are weaker, this is where you’ll need to delegate. Get a good group of people around you with various strengths, and you’ll be on your way.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

5 Tools to Help You Increase Your Productivity As business owners, we work for ourselves. There is no one to hold us accountable for the work we have to accomplish everyday — no one except for ourselves. Productivity is the lifeblood of a successful business AND a successful business owner. But with a world full […]

5 Tools to Help You Increase Your Productivity

As business owners, we work for ourselves. There is no one to hold us accountable for the work we have to accomplish everyday — no one except for ourselves.

Productivity is the lifeblood of a successful business AND a successful business owner. But with a world full of digital distractions, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep productivity on track.

In fact, a recent survey of UK office workers found that out of the typical eight-hour workday, the average employee only truly ‘works’ around three hours. That’s a pretty staggering statistic.

Whether you work four hours each day or eight, it isn’t how much you work, but rather how efficiently you manage your time. In other words, it’s all about productivity.

Business owners need all the help they can get to keep productivity high. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our Top 5 Tools to Help Increase Your Productivity.

1. Stop trying to remember all your passwords.

We recommend this #1 brain hack for everyone, even those not running their own business.

These days we need a password for everything, from ultra-secure platforms like online banking to free subscriptions to digital news media.

You can do that thing where you create one password for everything. But of course, there are two major problems with going down this path. One, it’s not secure. AT ALL. And secondly, many financial institutions and other platforms involving currency exchange force you to change your password every so often, anyway.

To be more productive, start by not stressing about your passwords. There are three easy-to-use apps that will keep them all securely stored for you.

Our top pick is LastPass. It’s highly intuitive to use and conveniently will pop up everywhere you need it to. LastPass offers a free desktop option that is well suited for average Joes, but for business owners who have to wear more hats, we recommend the premium option. It’s just $12 a year! Premium has improved security, mobile capabilities, and even more memory for even more passwords. The app has awesome features such as auto-password changing if it detects one of your accounts has been hacked.

At $12 annually, every business owner can certainly afford it. And of course, write it off!

Runners up in the category are KeePass and 1Password. People love these apps too, so feel free to give them a go.

2. Bring in the digital task managers.

Want to make your daily to-do list more efficient?

Bring in the digital task managers.

These are really glorified to-do lists, but what makes them different is their ability to be shared digitally. You can send daily duties to multiple employees, and they can then provide input when tasks are accomplished. Digital task managers are excellent tools to keep you and your team on the same page.

The most basic and easy to use is Wunderlist. It’s totally straightforward: a to-do list everyone can learn to use in a matter of minutes. Share your lists among specific groups and organize everything into files of your choosing. Wunderlist is a favorite of students and families, not just business owners, for its intuitive interface.

For more advanced platforms to manage multiple lists and people, Basecamp and Hitask will be a better bet. These are more in-depth solutions that enable you to assign, organize, and manage people and tasks. In addition to the to-dos, you can exchange files between users, share calendars, and coordinate on projects. These are better solutions for managing bigger teams or more complicated employee structures, like multiple freelancers or contractors.

3. Bring in the digital finance managers.

Perhaps one of the most important productivity tools is one that helps you manage your business finances. Not everything can be left to the accountant. As a business owner, it’s crucial that you have a constant grasp of your financial state.

With these online budgeting tools for business, you can keep your grip on your finances without asking the bookkeeper.

We recommend FreshBooks and Expensify to start. Freshbooks is a comprehensive solution for small businesses (less than 50 employees). It will help you manage your invoices and expenses in an intuitive format that’s easy to use and understand. And their stats are impressive — customers apparently double their revenue within the first two years of using the app. Talk about productivity hack!

Expensify is a more simplistic platform. It has less capabilities but will work great for businesses with just a few employees or less. Expensify will manage all your receipts, invoices, expense reports, etc. so you can waste less time on mind-numbing paperwork.

If you want a totally comprehensive budgeting software, start out at Capterra. The site will help you compare multiple business software products according to your budgets, your needs, and the size and scope of your company. It’s a great place to start, especially if you’re looking to shell out more cash on serious budgeting solutions.

4. Take your CRM digital.

Effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is critical to keeping any business afloat, let alone successful. Keeping up with sales, customer interactions, marketing, and IT is no easy feat.

Don’t try to create a system yourself. And don’t hire someone to do it, either.

Instead, try an efficient CRM software that will organize every level of your sales funnel and keep you and your employees focused on more important things. Minimize miscommunication between employees and customers, and say hello to more productivity every week.

Our top picks are Zoho and Colabo. Neither are free, and no CRM software worth its weight will give away the goods for free. Zoho is more of a broad solution that organizes your sales trends and cycles. It’s easy to use and great for small businesses.

If you already use CRM software but want to up your game, then Colabo is the choice for you. Colabo gives you more targeted solutions and is highly rated among large and small businesses alike.

5. Efficiently store your files. Digitally.

Just because we’re storing everything online doesn’t mean we are any more organized than the days of the file cabinet.

And depending on the way you, your customers, and/or your employees are sharing files with one another, you could be wasting precious time.

You need to be able to share files rapidly and securely. For free.

Hands-down the best option out there is Google Drive. Google Drive offers you an immense amount of storage, intuitive organization, and lets you share files securely, the way you want to share them, (read-only, etc.) in seconds.

Dropbox is another great option, but Google Drive is definitely the one most people are using.

If you want a higher level of security for your team and deal a lot with sensitive information like financial records, we recommend getting your team set up with Huddle. Huddle isn’t free, but it’s affordable. Depending on the nature of your business, it may be the best option.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

WHAT THE HELL IS THE PPSR? Let’s take a hot minute to discuss the PPSR and how you can leverage this tool to protect your business. We’ve top-lined a previous article you can find here. Check out how the PPSR can safeguard your assets and why you should consider it now. Not later… What exactly […]

WHAT THE HELL IS THE PPSR?

Let’s take a hot minute to discuss the PPSR and how you can leverage this tool to protect your business. We’ve top-lined a previous article you can find here. Check out how the PPSR can safeguard your assets and why you should consider it now. Not later…

What exactly is the PPSR?

The PPSR stands for the Personal Property Securities Register. By registering with the PPSR, you can provide your business with comprehensive risk protection. It’s also an effective tool for raising capital. If you ever need to raise funds for your business, it can also help you reach your goals by listing your goods and assets.

How does the PPSR protects your business? • The PPSR protects your business when purchasing goods.
• The PPSR safeguards the process of selling goods on retention of title or consignment.
• The PPSR protests your business when renting, leasing, or hiring out goods or services.

Here’s a tip: don’t rely on your contract’s retention of title clause, or you may be bitterly disappointed.

Purchasing Goods

Eliminate the mystery behind what you’re buying. You can search the data in the PPSR to find out if the particular goods you want to purchase are being used as security for an obligation like a debt. You won’t be able to see the exact value of said debt or obligation. However, the register will tell you to whom the obligation is owed, so you can investigate further.

Here’s an example. Someone wants to sell you used goods, let’s say a valuable piece of machinery you can use for your business. They conveniently fail to mention that they still owe finance on it. It’s not paid in full, even though they tell you otherwise. If this individual stops making payments on their loan, the financing company can come knocking on your door. They can legally take that precious piece of machinery away without reimbursing you. It’s money down the drain, and it happens more often than you might think.

For just $3.40 you can make sure that whatever you are purchasing is completely safe from repossession and free of financed debt. Take the extra five minutes out of your day to protect yourself.

Sell Goods on Retention of Title or Consignment

When you register with the PPSR, it demonstrates to interested buyers that you have an interest in the assets or goods you are selling on retention of title terms. Either that, or you have consigned the goods to a third party to sell on your behalf. This registered interested indicates that the assets or goods secure the obligation owed to you. It safeguards your interest in the assets or goods in case the payment goes into default or the purchaser goes broke.

Let’s say you don’t register those assets or goods. If the purchaser goes broke before paying you in full, your property could in fact be sold to pay the secured creditors upfront. If you do not register, you will be considered an unsecured creditor in the event of an insolvency. The odds are small that you will recover a substantial amount, if any amount, of what you are technically owed.

As you can see, the risks of not registering with the PPSR are considerably high.

The best thing to do is register as early as you can. This will mean that you will have the best chance at getting ahead of the other creditors in line. It will also enable you to protect your interest, regardless if the assets are mixed, sold on, or installed onto other goods.

Renting, Leasing, Hiring out Goods

If you have a hiring arrangement or lease with a term of at least 12 months or longer, or that is for an indefinite period of time, this is the section that applies to you.

By registering your assets with the PPSR, you can safeguard your vested interest when said assets are not technically in your possession. The registry will show that you claim an interest in the assets and/or goods will will be renting, hiring, or leasing out. If you fail to register and your customer becomes insolvent or goes broke, your assets and/or goods will probably be sold to pay creditors. And you’ll have to deal with the loss with no legal avenues for reimbursement.

If You Think You’re Already Covered by Your Contract…

The retention of title clause stipulates that the title will remain with you until the goods are paid for in full. Unfortunately, the retention of title clause in your invoice or contract will not protect you legally on its own. At least not any more. If you fail to register with the PPSR, the clause is highly unlikely to measure up against others, especially those registered.

Ipso facto, anybody who has registered an interest with the PPSR is in front of you in the queue if your customer ends up defaulting or going broke.

For all the business owners out there, registering with PPSR is a no brainer. Protect your business today and find out more here.

Have you considered buying a childcare business in Perth? The childcare business in Australia is booming. With more and more families functioning on dual incomes, the rise of single motherhood, and rising costs for in-home care, childcare centers have become highly profitable businesses. This article here provides all the staggering numbers, with almost one […]

Have you considered buying a childcare business in Perth?

The childcare business in Australia is booming.

With more and more families functioning on dual incomes, the rise of single motherhood, and rising costs for in-home care, childcare centers have become highly profitable businesses.

This article here provides all the staggering numbers, with almost one million children currently enrolled in certified childcare centers throughout Australia.

The stats are based on an official survey conducted by the federal government that found there are around 15,000 childcare centers operating in the country and over 700,000 families utilize some form of childcare or daycare services every month.

The snapshot shows substantial growth in the sector. In 2013, an additional 22,400 children were enrolled in daycare versus the previous year. The trend continues to strengthen.

The government survey showed that a whopping one quarter of all kids in Australia ages 12 and younger are enrolled regularly in childcare. This is a new record for childcare in Australia.

A Growing Trend

Early Childhood and Childcare Minister Kate Ellis had this to say on the popular trend:

“What we’re seeing is more children accessing childcare in more services than ever before in our nation’s history. We’re creating a more flexible, affordable, accessible childcare system with higher quality standards, and families around Australia are rightly taking advantage.”

In fact, Australia is one of the world’s leaders in federal financial support for childcare. Unlike many other nations, we can receive assistance for childcare expenses, which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars per year.

The Australian government just issued a record-breaking $20.6 billion for direct childcare assistance. They upped a 30 percent rebate to 50 percent for families’ out-of-pocket expenses, according to Ellis.

It’s important to note that although the numbers are up, Ellis claimed there are still a lot of obstacles with childcare availability. Although the government incentive is attractive, many have trouble finding a center near their home or office. Or oftentimes, enrollment has already been filled and parents are stuck with more challenging options.

Why you should buy a childcare business

Individual childcare businesses are currently selling for 3.0 – 5 x net profit – one of the highest returns for any business.
Childcare centre groups are selling for 5 to 6 x net profit which is getting close to Public Company sale multiple levels.
Employee wages are relatively low compared to some other industries and usually the industry does not experience problems obtaining staff from Managers to Certificate III workers. Several HR agencies specialise in Childcare.
In Australia over 50% of first time mothers re-enter the work force by the time their child reaches 1 year old, making childcare a necessity for the majority of parents with children under the age of 5 years.
Government subsides – Centre’s can receive up to 80% of their fees direct from the Government. This can depend on location, size of the centre and income of parents.
A 30 year old client, who built up a group of 19 centres (in Perth) over a period of 10 years, sold them in 2014 for $64 million.
There are savings in numbers – once you reach around 5 centres+ – central administration can represent considerable savings in insurance, payroll, staff management, centre management (leases, marketing, advertising, cleaning, repairs & maintenance etc.).
Administration work can also be handled from anywhere and by a team of people not necessarily associated with childcare.
Opportunity to buy nationally outside of Perth and possibly manage from established administration base in Perth or elsewhere.
Freehold centres are also available sometimes. Freehold can represent a saving both from a tax perspective and commercial rent. With interest rates at current record low levels the interest on a commercial loan usually works out cheaper than the equivalent in commercial rent costs. It also means any improvements to the Centre are adding to the commercial value of “your” property and not someone else’s. Opportunity for commercial gain on the property.
Freehold ownership also means that when you want to sell your business you have far more control. You are not in the hands of a Managing Agent or landlord as to whether they will approve your buyer.
Childcare centres are one of the few non-franchise businesses that Banks will lend on. The usual lend is 50% for a leasehold business and up to 70% of the overall cost for a Freehold centre. Links to recommended finance brokers and Bank Childcare specialists are available on my website.
Currently many leasehold centres sell within weeks of coming on the market.
Many other businesses can be linked, associated with Childcare.Sound secure investments.
Finally they are sound secure investments.

Want to find out more about selling or buying a childcare business in Perth?

Contact Angela today at Advance Business Brokers for more information.

Buying a business in Perth? Once you have decided to purchase a business, it is very useful to draw up a list of questions to ask your business transfer broker or directly to the seller that will help you make your decision. The more information you gather, the more you will feel comfortable with making […]

RESOURCES

SETTLEMENT AGENTS/LAWYERS PERTH
(click for information)

FAST SETTLEMENTS
Briar Kirkby
Tel.: (08) 9316 2780 Mobile : 0417 988 212
E-mail: briar@fastsettlements.net

WEST END SETTLEMENTS
Katie Brennan
Shop 6, 7 Scarborough Beach Road
North Perth, WA 6006
Work Tel.: 08 9443 3044 Fax: 08 9201 1392
E-mail: katie@westendsettlements.com.au

WA Property Lawyers
Stephanie Le Roux
Personal Assistant to
Brian McCormack, Corinne Adams, Eden Coad and Sarah Wright
Tel: (08) 9380 3600
Address: 96 Outram St, West Perth WA 6005
Email: info@wapropertylawyers.com.au

Everest Legal
Jessica Anderson
Tel: 0406 822 339
Email: jessica@everestlegal.com.au

Greenstone Legal
Jade Lattimore
Director
Tel.: 0438 303 763
Web: greenstonelegal.com.au

Saint James Conveyancing
Marisa Durante-Maynard / Jill Nelson-Coulon
Tel.: (08) 9240 7525
E-mail: marisa@conveyancerperth.com.au / Jill@conveyancerperth.com.au

FS Legal Perth
Chandhi Hettiarachchi
Principal/ Solicitor
Five Star Legal. Unit 5/365 High Road, Parkwood WA 6147
Tel.: 08 6146 6282
E-mail: chandhi@fslegalperth.com.au
www.fslegalperth.com.au

CHILDCARE PURCHASE PROCESS
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CHILDCARE PROCESS FOR BUYING A CHILDCARE CENTRE

Step One – Entity Purchase in

Step Two – Apply for Provider number

To be able to own and operate a childcare business you must hold a Provider number.

This Provider number is applied for via the Department of Communities – Child Care section in the State you live in or the State you are buying the Childcare business in.

The Provider number is attached to the entity e.g. Company - Company/Trust you have set up that will ultimately own the Childcare business or businesses.

The application – PA01

https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-06/PA01_ApplicationForProviderApproval_0.pdf

must be completed on line and you must attach:

Police Clearance certificate not more than 90 days old. Takes around three weeks to be Should be applied for as soon as contracts have commenced so lodgement of Provider application is not held up
Working with Children card. Approximately three weeks to be issued. It may be possible to lodge your Provider application without this document being attached and forwarding to ECRU as soon as received.

The current price is $231 at July 2020

The Provider number once obtained does not last forever. If you have not purchased/own a centre within a period of approximately two years from time of issuance the Department may cancel the number.

The application will require credit checks into the Company history and ALL the Directors of the Company.

Full details about the Childcare Provider process are in the document below.

http://www.acecqa.gov.au/provider-approvals

PA01_ApplicationForProviderApproval

PA02_DeclarationOfFitnessAndPropriety

Interview for Provider Number

All Directors of the Company will be required to attend an interview. Shareholders are not usually required to attend interviews.

The interview is usually two to three hours and is a panel interview of usually three to four personnel. To pass the interview, a thorough understanding of Childcare legislation, policy and procedures will be required. If you are purchasing a centre and signed a contract, through Advance Business Brokers, we will assist with this process and provide detailed information on the questions and documents you will need to be proficient in.

The interview is usually conducted about 6 – 8 weeks after lodgment of application. If you have been successful, an indication is often provided on the day. Notice of approval or decline is provided in writing around 7 – 10 days after the interview. Nationally around 70% of applicants fail.

Receipt of Provider Number

Or, if you have already signed a contract to Purchase a centre and Provider number is a condition of contract you can move onto lodging the other applications.

Step Three - PRODA/CCS - Funding for parents with children in Childcare

Links below to PRODA for new applicants buying their first childcare centre to receive CCS funding for parents.

This application can only be lodged once a Buyer is in receipt of a Provider number. It should be lodged immediately upon receipt of the Provider number to ensure in place prior to settlement.

It is a detailed application and will take several weeks to be processed.

https://proda.humanservices.gov.au/pia/pages/public/registration/account/createAccount.jsf

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/business/services/proda-provider-digital-access/how-register-organisation

CCS – Child Care Subsidy from Department of Education -

Application information link below.

https://www.education.gov.au/applying-child-care-subsidy-ccs-approval

Applications to CCS and Service Approval are lodged at the same time on different websites.

Step Four - Transfer of Service

Transfer of Service can only be lodged with a Provider number.

The current price is $112 at July 2020

https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/applications

Transfer of Service takes 42 days from the date of lodgment.

http://www.acecqa.gov.au/service-approvals

SA04_NotificationOfTransferOfServiceApproval-Centre Based

PA 09 Notification of Transfer of Service

The form above PA 09 is completed by the SELLER current owner of the Centre. It is then emailed to the Buyer who attaches the document to the on-line SA 04/05 application.

To lodge the SA04/SA05 the Buyer has to log into the NQA log in portal using their provider number via SEQWA website. The SA04/05 forms can only be lodged Online.

For a leasehold business the Buyer must also provide landlord letter as attachment stating the landlord property owner has approved the Buyer as a new leasehold tenant.

If Freehold centre the Buyer must provide Contract of sale of Property as attachment.

These documents are to confirm you have the right to operate the Childcare business in the property it is located.

Three forms need to be completed for Transfer of Service. PA09 (Seller) and SA04 and SA05 Buyer.

Any questions contact the Department of Communities ECRU in your home State.

See boxes to be ticked below -

Nominated Supervisor – on SA04 application

The box below should be completed with current nominated supervisors’ details if available and if the supervisor is aware of the sale at this stage.

The letter below is the letter sent at the end of the 14 day period referred to above.

Step Five – Settlement

Settlement on a childcare business usually occurs on a Friday (due to Government funding going Monday to Friday) usually one week after Transfer of Service 42 days has expired.

ECRU must be notified after settlement that settlement has occurred.

Step Six – Finding a centre

Please note childcare centres are hard to come by. They are in high demand and to enter the industry will require flexibility on the part of the Buyer in regard to location and price.

The price of childcare centres can range from $100,000 to $4,000,000 + for an individual centre depending on net profit, location, size and age.

Click HERE to access the above information as PDF.

Are you buying a business in Perth? Do you have a Perth business for sale? For more information on how you can get the best results, contact Angela at Advance Business Brokers today.

FINANCE BROKERS
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Bendigo Bank
Shaun Rigby - Business Banking Manager
Level 3, 225 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
E: shaun.Rigby@bendigoadelaide.com.au
m: 0427 355 458
Small Business Finance Lender

Liberty
Brett Foster
Tel.: 0438 775 570
E-mail: bfoster@libertynetwork.com.au

Able Finance
Jon Elliott
Tel.: 9328 3600
E-mail: jon@ablefinance.com.au

Southshore Finance
Mr. Steve Greenwood or Michael Coombes
Tel.: (08) 9474 1999
E-mail: steve@southshorefinance.com.au

Crediflex Finance
Adam Barbuzza
Tel.: 0439990946
E-mail: adambarbuzza@crediflex.com

Works with traditional and non-traditional lenders such as Liberty finance.

CHILDCARE INFORMATION
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Management Service for Enrollments/CCS for Childcare owners

Management Service for Enrollments-CCS for Childcare owners

Australian Children Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
http://www.acecqa.gov.au/regulatory-authorities1/contact-your-regulatory-authority

WA Department of Community Services Childcare
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2017-12/PA09_TransferofProviderDeclaration.pdf

(PA09 Transferring provider declaration (service approval))

Tel: 62103333

Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU)
https://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au/LegislationCompliance/Pages/Education-and-Care.aspx

ECRU Introduction to Applications
https://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au/LegislationCompliance/Pages/Education-and-Care.aspx

Provider Application (PA01) Including Police Clearance Provider
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/PA01_ApplicationForProviderApproval.pdf

Approval Declaration of Fitness and Property (PA02)
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-09/PA02_DeclarationOfFitnessAndPropriety.pdf

PRODA-Childcare funding application for Children Providers
https://proda.humanservices.gov.au/pia/pages/public/registration/account/createAccount.jsf

Childcare Subsidies for Childcare Business Owners
https://www.education.gov.au/child-care-subsidy-system

Transfer of Service Application CC
PA09_TransferofProviderDeclaration Feb 20-1

PRODA Funding application for Existing Childcare Operators

PRODA Funding application for Existing Childcare Operators

Designer specialising in Childcare property design for new or refurbishment of centres

SPH architecture + interiors

sph.net.au

143 Cambridge St, West Leederville

08 9284 1888

Valuers/Childcare

OPTEON
Duncan Cameron | FAPI CPV, BSc, BBus (Val & Land Econ)
Director - Specialised & Advisory

D. 08 9488 4802
M. 0413 449 477
E. duncan.cameron@opteonsolutions.com
A. Level 2, 1 Hood Street, Subiaco, WA 6008 Australia
W. OPTEONSOLUTIONS.COM

MIGRATION SERVICES
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Rayford Migration Services
Website: http://www.rayfordmigration.com
Pauline Yong - Email:
Email Address: enquiry@rayfordmigration.com

Rayford Migration Services : MALAYSIA OFFICE

Contact detail:
Contact

Company detail :

About

Service provided :

Australia

188 and 132 information :

Business Visa Australia

Rayford Migration Services : SINGAPORE OFFICE

Contact detail:
Contact

INSURANCE - BUSINESS
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Phil McGuire ANZIIF (Assoc) CIP
Director
Unit 12-64 First Ave Mount Lawley WA 6050
PO Box 429 Mount Lawley WA 6929
Tel.: (08) 6424 8566 / Fax: (08) 9371 5664 M:0448 357392
E-mail: phil@excelinsurance.com.au
Web:
LinkedIn:au.linkedin.com/pub/phil-mcguire/45/630/a72/

ACCOUNTANTS
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Marpik Accountants Pty Ltd
Mat Honner
E-mail: mat@marpik.com.au
Tel. (08) 9447 1003

Kim Ovard - Tax Accountants
Tax Agent 25333735
Unit 3A ,23 Edinburgh Avenue, Kinross,6028
E-mail: kim@kimovardtaxreturns.com.au
Tel. (08) 9305 5515

Josh A. Sacino -Chartered Tax Adviser
Equitas - Accounting Services
T: (08) 9349 9922
F: (08) 9349 9925
E: josh@equitasaccounting.com.au
P: PO Box 155, Northlands PO WA 6905

Foreign resident capital gains withholding clearance certificate application form (NAT 74883).

To access the form, visit ato.gov.au/FRCGW.

https://www.ato.gov.au/FRWT_Certificate.aspx

STOCK TAKERS - PERTH
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Associated Stocktaking
Stephen Moore
Unit 12-64 First Ave Mount Lawley WA 6050
Tel.: 9385 1515

GENERAL INFORMATION
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Stamp Duty-WA
Department of State Revenue http://www.finance.wa.gov.au/cms/content.aspx?id=2055

Small Business Development Corporation
http://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/
Lots of useful information and assistance for small business

Chamber of Commerce WA
http://www.cciwa.com/
Membership required but great resources for small businesses

Police and CV Checks
www.CVcheck.com

The Western Australia Police for National Police Certificate

https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Police%20Direct/National%20Police%20Certificates

Working with Children Check

https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au/

Withholding Tax for Foreign Investors Property Sales over $750,000

https://www.ato.gov.au/general/capital-gains-tax/in-detail/calculating-a-capital-gain-or-loss/capital-gains-withholding---a-guide-for-conveyancers/#Excludedtransactions

https://www.ato.gov.au/FRWT_Certificate.aspx

Above is the link to complete the form for the ATO in regard to the Clearance certificate application for Australian residents. As there is some confusion over whether this form needs to be completed for business sales at this time, all Sellers to please complete in case required for all business & property sales over $750,000 at time of signing contract.

BUSINESS AND COMPANY NAME REGISTRATIONS
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Panther Corp
Kristy Hubbard
Tel.: 9388 0551
E-mail: kristy@panthercorp.com.au

Easy Companies
Easycompanies.com.au

BUSINESS ADVISORS/BUSINESS PLANS
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Nick Hancock
M: 0450 144 139
E-mail: nick@nickhancock.com.au
www.nickhancock.com.au

Taral - Business Plans
Tax Accountant
UNIVERSAL TAXATION SERVICES
Tel : 08 9258 8137
Mob : 0433 930 744
www.universaltaxation.com.au

Business Plan Template

Business Plan Template

BOOK-KEEPING SERVICES
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Centauri Bookkeeping
Lidia Lovric Hrbut - Registered BAS Agent
M: 0408 192 895
T: 9571 8444
E: centauri@iinet.net.au

LEGAL SERVICES
(click for information)

Composite Law
Robert Ross - Director
Suite 4, 28 Outram Street, West Perth WA 6005
T: (08) 6162 2399
F: (08) 6162 2335
E: robert.ross@compositelaw.com.au
P: PO Box 7920, Cloisters Sq, WA 6850
www.compositelaw.com.au

Everest Legal
Jessica Anderson
Tel: 0406 822 339
Email: jessica@everestlegal.com.au

Law Central Legal Pty Ltd
Greg Mohen - Consultant
Level 1, 18 Richardson Street, West Perth WA 6005, Australia
PO Box 443, West Perth WA 6872,
T +61 8 9476 4999
M 0431 992 841
E greg.mohen@lawcentrallegal.com.au

Resources

ARTICLES

Perth population up 1.8%

CHILDCARE PROCESS FOR BUYING A CHILDCARE CENTRE

Step One – Entity Purchase in

Step Two – Apply for Provider number

Step Three – PRODA/CCS – Funding for parents with children in Childcare

Step Four – Transfer of Service

Step Five – Settlement

Step Six – Finding a centre

First uncertainty: Apprehension relating to the access to government assistance.

Second uncertainty: Instability relating to WA’s trading connections with its major export partners.

Third uncertainty: Reservation relating to the stability of the currency.

Community Update

Due diligence

Why an Enduring Power of Guardianship is relevant to you

Many people do not have their wishes upheld when they are incapacitated. The lawyers at Frichot Lawyers can help you avoid this.

What is Stamp Duty?

Government’s Promise

Our Advocacy

Be Open to Change

Assess Your Business and Reflect

Plan and Budget for the Whole Year

From Advance Business Brokers – Best wishes for a very Prosperous 2021

Cyber security is as important as physical security.

1. Malware

2. Ransomware

3. DDoS

Strong growth in WA Resources sales

Job Surge

Do you have respect for authority?

Are you sensitive?

Do you know your local area?

Are you creative?

Do you have strong principles?

Elements of the EYLF

Can you ‘be present’?

Did you know that one of the reasons that a business for sale takes so long to get sold is because it’s priced too high?

How would you know that your asking price is right?

Giving back to the Community

Vehicles and Equipment

Food and Beverage

Paperwork and Personal Development

Business Buyers Appraisal Package

Identify the root cause of the problem

Look after your team

Assess and review your goals

Downsize where possible

Be open to change

A Goal Is Just A Dream Without A Plan

An expected 7,400 qualified small to medium businesses in Western Australia will begin receiving the $17,500 one-off grant from the McGowan Government this week.

A legal practitioner

An accountant

A friend or family

HOW DO I SUBMIT A CLAIM?

WHAT COMPENSATION AM I ENTITLED TO RECEIVE?

WHEN SHOULD I RETURN TO WORK?

WHEN IS A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM SETTLED?

COULD I PURSUE A COMMON LAW CLAIM?

By Dawn Williams, Senior Associate, Frichot Lawyers.

Why buy a childcare business?

Why childcare is a lucrative investment

3 Reasons to Buy a Business in Australia (or Anywhere)

1.Freedom

2.Be the Boss

3.Buying a business is WAY easier than starting one

Are you ready to buy a business?

How to Get Financing to Buy a Café

Two financing options to buy a café

Option 1: Debt finance for purchasing a cafe

Debt Financing

Debt Finance Pros

Debt Finance Cons

Option 2: Vendor finance for purchasing a café

Vendor finance

Vendor Finance Pros

Vendor Finance Cons

Next steps

Guide to National Quality Framework for Childcare Centres in Australia

Bankwest Future of Business: Focus on Childcare