In financial distress? What business owners need to know about Small Business Restructuring
When you’re facing mounting debts, overdue tax, or pressure from creditors, it’s easy to feel like the walls are closing in. For many small business owners, the fear of losing everything—your business, your reputation, your ability to keep trading—is paralysing.
However, you may have more options than you realise.
Family business: what directors need to know
In Australia, family business directors are legally bound by the same duties and risks as directors of public companies. You can be personally liable for decisions made on your watch.
Don’t get stuck in the cold: negotiating maintenance in your retail lease
Your guide to navigating the often-tricky terrain of landlord responsibilities for maintaining essential services and the fabric of your retail premises. We’ll highlight potential dispute areas and, more importantly, how you can address these in your lease agreement with our help.
Family business: is your structure helping, or hurting your future?
Budget Update Notice: The 2026/27 Federal Budget contains proposals that may affect the information in this article. As at the date of this notice, these are proposed measures and have not yet passed into law. We are reviewing and updating our content as the legislative process progresses. If you are making a decision based on […]
A guide to crowdfunding for businesses
Crowdsourced funding (CSF) has transformed the way businesses raise capital. Whether you are a startup, an established business, or a social enterprise, crowdfunding provides a way to secure funding directly from the public while building community support. However, CSF comes with legal and regulatory requirements, and businesses must carefully navigate these obligations to ensure compliance and protect investors.
What franchisees need to know about the new franchising code of conduct
Learn about the franchise agreement reforms set for April 2025, designed to balance power between franchisors and franchisees.
Protect your business when selling: a step-by-step guide to safe due diligence
You’ve built something valuable, a business that’s your pride and joy. Now, you’re ready to hand it over to the right buyer and move on to your next chapter. You’re excited about the possibilities: a lucrative sale, a smooth transition, a well-earned reward. But as you picture potential buyers poking around in your books, a knot forms in your stomach.
Words are cheap: why bother paying for a contract?
You’ve just wrapped up a deal. You sit there staring at a stack of papers—your contract. You wonder, “Did I really need all this? Was this worth the time, money, and hassle?” If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you’re not alone. Plenty of people see contracts as expensive, unnecessary paperwork. But let’s talk about what you’re actually paying for and why it matters.
What legal issues do you need to look out for in 2025?
With the coming of a new year come new ideas, plans and goals. Sometimes these may come about because of a change in circumstances and needs. In other cases, these may be a necessary undertaking due to a change in law, regulation or requirements. Here are some legal issues that we think will be hot issues in 2025 and our tips to help you navigate them.
Your asset protection could be compromised: The hidden risks of shadow and de facto directorships
Do you provide advice or influence decisions in a company without a formal director title? You could be a ‘shadow’ or ‘de facto’ director, exposing yourself to significant personal liability that could jeopardise your asset protection strategies.