Renae Smith
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Articles by Renae Smith
Starting FY26 strong: A strategic playbook for construction leaders
The pressure never really lets up in construction, but the start of a new financial year is one of the few chances leaders get to take a breath, zoom out, and ask: are we set up for what’s coming? FY26 is already shaping up to be another challenging year. Costs remain unpredictable, compliance demands are growing, and winning the right work has never been more competitive.
What’s new in the 2025 MYOB Acumatica autumn release
MYOB Acumatica’s Autumn Release 2025 delivers more power and precision across your workflows. Whether you’re managing projects, reconciling accounts, onboarding staff, or scaling manufacturing — this update is all about reducing friction, improving visibility, and enabling smarter, faster decisions. With industry-specific tools, smarter workflows, and a future-ready platform, you’ll be set up for greater efficiency and long-term success.
EOFY insurance checklist for small business owners
Get your business insurance in shape before tax time with this practical guide brought to you by NRMA Small Business Insurance. They’ve outlined key steps to help you review your coverage, maximise deductions, and stay protected as the financial year wraps up. Key steps to prepare for EOFY with business insurance Review your insurance policies Take the time to review all your current insurance policies. Ensure that your coverage is up to date and aligns with your business needs.
EOFY 2025: A construction business guide to staying ahead
As we approach the end of the 2024–25 financial year, the Australian construction sector finds itself at a crossroads. Industry-wide challenges like material price hikes, regulatory change, and labour shortages continue to mount — but so too do the opportunities. For construction business leaders, EOFY is more than just a tax deadline. It’s a chance to take stock, forecast smarter, and set the foundation for a resilient and profitable year ahead.
6 manufacturing tech trends shaping the future
The manufacturing industry has always thrived on innovation, and it’s apparent that this innovation is accelerating. With labour shortages, rising operational costs, and global supply chain instability still front of mind, manufacturers are turning to technology not just to stay competitive, but to build long-term resilience. From intelligent automation to greener operations, a wave of tech-led transformation is reshaping how manufacturers operate.
How to navigate the construction workforce evolution
The construction industry is at a critical inflection point. With project pipelines surging, compliance pressures intensifying, and experienced workers retiring, the skills shortage is a daily operational reality. For many construction leaders, it’s not just a question of growth; it’s a matter of business continuity. In our recent survey of over 500 mid-sized business leaders and decision-makers across Australia, we discovered that the majority are struggling to find skilled staff.
How to leverage ERP to simplify mergers and acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions can be one of the most exciting signs of business momentum — but they can also be a stress test for your systems. Whether you’re acquiring a new entity, merging with a competitor, or being acquired yourself, this moment introduces more than just strategic opportunity. It brings risk, urgency, and complexity. And for many mid-sized businesses, it’s the exact moment their existing software starts showing cracks.
Wholesale distribution in 2025: The trends defining the year ahead
From rising costs to evolving customer expectations, the wholesale distribution (WD) industry in Australia and New Zealand is under pressure to adapt fast. Businesses that can streamline operations, embrace automation and align with changing market dynamics will find themselves in a strong position for growth. Here are the three big trends shaping the sector in 2025 and what they mean for business leaders in wholesale distribution. 1.
Bridging the skills gap: Strategies for manufacturing resilience and growth
Australia’s manufacturing industry is at a turning point. With the sector contributing over $124 billion annually to the economy and employing nearly 875,000 people, its importance cannot be overstated. However, a growing skills gap is placing significant pressure on businesses, threatening productivity, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.
5 signs you’ve outgrown your accounting software
Running a business is complex. For some, it feels like every day presents a new challenge — but the right tools can make a big difference. Imagine having seamless workflows, real-time insights, and systems that grow with you — rather than holding you back. If your current software feels limiting, upgrading to an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system could be the key to unlocking new efficiencies and setting your business up for long-term success.
6 signs you’ve outgrown your systems (and what to do about it)
A growing business is a good thing to have — but growth often brings its own set of challenges. One of the most common? Operational inefficiencies that start quietly and quickly snowball. What once felt like a small workaround suddenly becomes a daily time sink. What used to be a manageable process starts holding back your team. For mid-sized and enterprise businesses, these inefficiencies can go unnoticed until they start affecting margins, team morale, and the ability to make timely decisions.
Your competitive advantage is at risk: Is it time for an ERP?
Success in today’s business world comes down to more than what you offer. How well you operate can make or break a business. Rising costs, market disruptions, and evolving customer expectations mean businesses must work smarter, streamline operations, and make faster, data-driven decisions to stay ahead. Competitive pressure is heating up. More businesses are investing in digital transformation, adopting cloud-based solutions and automation to boost efficiency and profitability.
Product News for Accountants: Productivity gains, compliance changes
Whether we’re adding new features, simplifying workflows, or building a whole new module, MYOB is always changing and adapting to better serve our customers. This quarter, we’ve introduced several significant changes to the MYOB Practice platform (formerly MYOB Practice), including Fringe Benefits Tax returns in the cloud, auto-filling depreciation data and a redesign of tax return PDFs in response to customer requests.
2025 federal budget: What it means for mid-sized businesses
The 2025-26 federal budget has landed, marking the Albanese Government’s final pitch before the upcoming election. While framed around cost-of-living support and social investment, mid-sized-level businesses should pay close attention to a number of strategic funding allocations, policy shifts and economic signals with the potential to shape decision-making over the year ahead.
What the 2025 federal budget means for you
What the 2025 federal budget means for you Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down the fourth federal budget of his time in government, paving the way for an election campaign that could be announced in the coming days. In a surprise move, the government announced a new round of tax cuts. The first marginal tax rate will be reduced from 16 to 14 per cent over two years, starting from 1 July 2026.
Mid-sized, mighty, and moving fast: Businesses leading the charge on innovation
Mid-sized businesses are powerhouses of progress, driving Australia’s economy forward with a rare mix of agility and scale. They move faster than big corporations and have a stronger ripple effect than small businesses — leading the way in innovation, productivity, and industry transformation.
7 ways MYOB Acumatica helps manufacturers thrive
The challenges and opportunities for manufacturers in 2025 Manufacturers are constantly navigating an evolving environment. Escalating costs, labour shortages, disrupted supply chains, and the increasing complexity of technology and production processes mean that businesses need to be able to adapt and pivot in order to stay ahead. At the same time, those same advancements in technology present numerous opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation.
The state of warehouse automation in 2025
Key insights Warehouse automation is rapidly evolving, with AI, robotics, and data-driven insights driving efficiencies. Micro-fulfillment centres and ERP software like MYOB Acumatica are helping businesses scale and automate while reducing errors. Wholesale distributors adopting automation are seeing improvements in inventory visibility, order fulfillment, and cost savings. Implementing automation requires a strategic approach — learn how to future-proof your warehouse.
BIM for Construction: Driving efficiency and growth
When different teams involved in a construction project work off different source information or in separate systems, mistakes often pile up. This can mean rework, missed deadlines, and unhappy clients, all of which eat into your bottom line. But there’s a better way to work. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is changing how projects come together, giving construction teams a smarter, more efficient way to plan, design, and manage builds.
Construction tech trends in 2025 and beyond
The construction industry is a powerhouse for Australia and New Zealand, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and building the infrastructure we all rely on. But running a construction business today isn’t without its challenges. Rising material costs, labour shortages, and the pressure to adopt sustainable practices are just some of the hurdles many construction business owners face daily. In today’s challenging business landscape, finding ways to stay competitive and efficient is crucial.
Common Job Advertisement Mistakes to Avoid
In today’s competitive job market, especially with the big staff shortages many industries face, attracting top talent to your organisation is often no walk in the park. Crafting a compelling job advertisement is the first step in the hiring process, but all too often, employers make avoidable mistakes that deter potential candidates. Now’s the time to grab your metaphorical red pen and ensure your job ads are the right attraction tools for prospective hires.
Cybersecurity for Manufacturing Companies
In the age of digital transformation, the manufacturing industry has seen a significant shift towards automation, interconnected devices, and data-driven decision-making. While these advancements have improved efficiency and productivity, they’ve also made manufacturing companies increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Cybersecurity is no longer an optional consideration for manufacturers; it’s a critical necessity.
MYOB Advanced Construction: Navigating the digital frontier
The global architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, a $12 trillion market, is undergoing a substantial digital transformation. A key report by PlanRadar indicates that 77% of construction firms plan to increase their ConTech investment within the next three years. As a result, this points to a growing emphasis on technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation.
Holiday hiring: Five top tips for seasonal staffing
5 ways to find and onboard holiday employees The holiday hiring season is a whirlwind for business owners. Retailers deal with a huge spike in demand. Hospitality hits a high, manufacturers and logistics companies have orders streaming in — and that’s on top of normal end-of-year processes, employees being out on leave and other seasonal stresses. Short-term holiday hiring is a good way to take the pressure off and ensure your customers get the expected experience.
Hate AI? Me too!
By Renae Smith Alright, brace yourselves, because I've got a bone to pick with AI chatbots. Seriously, these digital critters and I? We're like oil and water, and I've become quite the expert at dodging any "live chat" option that even remotely hints at a chatbot encounter. These chatbots seem to think you've got the IQ of a goldfish.
How to implement digital transformation for growing startups
Navigating a startup company is no easy feat, but learning how to implement digital transformation could be the key that unlocks long-term business success for you. In fact, research conducted by the MIT Center for Digital Business found that “digitally mature” firms who adopted digital transformation are 26% more profitable than their competitors, while also enjoying a 12% higher market valuation. This highlights just how crucial digital transformation is for businesses today.
The dangers of unexpected business growth
The dangers of unexpected business growth and how to manage it Research shows that instant-success companies that experience unexpected business growth have a much higher chance of failing than their slow-growing counterparts. According to a study by Inc. Magazine, approximately two-thirds of the fastest-growing organisations fail. This happens because they miss the opportunity to do one essential thing: become self-sustainable.
Vanguard overhauls retail team
Vanguard Australia has outlined a new structure for its two retail direct businesses leading to two new executive hires and a promotion. Renae Smith joins the business and the Australian executive team from AIA as chief of personal investor. Smith will lead a new division responsible for Vanguard's retail strategy, client growth, member and investor experience, and operations.
Federal Budget 2023: What can you expect?
Federal Budget 2023: What can you expect? Tomorrow night, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers will hand down the government’s 2023 Federal Budget. This will be the second such Federal Budget announced since the Labor Party assumed power last year but is the first time they’ve been able to announce their funding packages in the usual May timeslot.
Seven ways you can improve the employee experience
Seven ways you can improve the employee experience in a larger business Improving the employee experience in big businesses is big business. It isn’t just about morale (although morale is important), but rather, successful business owners understand that . It enhances productivity, promotes engagement, and increases employee retention; all things that drive revenue.
Cost of living, small business support are key concerns, research shows
Cost of living, small business support are key concerns, research shows Cost of living a top concern as 8 in 10 Australians say small business support is key lever to mitigate recession, MYOB Federal Budget research shows. Eighty-four per cent of Australians agree that supporting small business in the upcoming Federal Budget will be key to help drive economic recovery and stop a recession, according to a new survey commissioned by MYOB.
Allow your customers to pay you easier, from anywhere
Here’s why enabling mobile payments will make it easier for your customers to pay you securely and on time. It’s been some time since the invoice went digital — no longer constrained to physical delivery methods, the email has become the main way for people to share invoices. And as mobile technologies have evolved, consumers and business operators have become more confident in using their devices for these activities, too.
5 business trends to watch in 2023
A new report from the Ai Group recently revealed90 percent of CEOs surveyed expect to be impacted by staff shortages in 2023. Meanwhile, a survey of over 1000 small and medium business decision makers by MYOB foundover half expect Australia’s economy to be in recessionby the end of the year. Regardless of what the year ahead brings, those that are able to find opportunity in challenge will set themselves apart from their competition.
What to think about when you're a boss hiring Gen Z workers
Many leaders and employers might still consider Generation Z (or ‘Gen Z’ as they’re colloquially known) as the youth of Australia. But with a birth range generally set at 1996 to 2010, many are now entering the workforce. In fact, recent McCrindle data shows that Gen Z will make up 27% of the workforce by 2025. With that in mind, employers need to start understanding what it is that defines this generation. What makes them unique and different?
Traditional marketing claims to be up 19% - but let’s remember that this time last year, no one was leaving their homes
Sam Gormley of Osaka Labs, Shoreditch - London CITY ROAD, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, August 8, 2022 / EINPresswire.com/ -- With Meta announcing its first ever quarterly decline (Source: Meta), the changes at IOS14 making it harder to understand the point of conversation with consumers and Snap Inc.
THE MATCHA GRADE SCALE - IS MORE EXPENSIVE ALWAYS BETTER?
Yureeka Yasuda and SAYURI Matcha Latte Making a Matcha Latte with Sayuri SAYURI branded Matcha products The UK’s first female tea sensei and SAYURI founder, Yureeka Yasuda, takes us through her top 5 tips for choosing the perfect matcha.
What to do when work relationships turn sour - Dynamic Business
Thu 12 December 2019 - 11:33 am Partner Content By Renae Smith As in other areas of life, work relationships aren’t always a smooth ride. But rather than avoiding problems before, during and after they occur, here’s how to proactive turn things around for the betterment of your business. Most people have had to, at some point, work with people that they find frustrating.
What's all the fuss about?
11th November, 2019 Franchise groups have copped a blast from the media and regulatory watchdogs in the past couple of years. Here’s how to protect yourself if you operate a franchise, or are considering buying one. It might be one of the fastest growing industry sectors in Australia, but franchises have come under intense scrutiny in the past couple of years. It’s a big change for the books.
Paying yourself superannuation? Here's what you should know
If you’re running a business, you’re responsible for paying your own superannuation as well as your employees’. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to paying yourself superannuation, writes Nina Hendy. If you’re a small business with employees, it’s important you clearly understand the rules around superannuation payments. The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) applies to employees aged 18 and over who earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month.
Get familiar with small business budgeting to guarantee success
Budgeting can be the difference between success and failure for a small business. Here, Nina Hendy speaks with local business owners and advisors for their tips and tricks. Setting a budget has been an important part of the success for Parcelpoint. In fact, budgeting has allowed the small business to pick key projects that will have the biggest impact, finance manager, David Agius says.
Key interactions you'll have as a business owner
If you’re running a business in Australia, you’re no doubt going to need to have an interaction with a bank at some stage. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect, writes Nina Hendy. All business owners need a financial leg up at some stage, particularly during periods of growth. But dealing with Australian banks and other lenders needs to be handled diplomatically. We’ve listed some of the key interactions you’re likely to have with your bank or lender below so you can be fully prepared.
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