Cybersecurity for SMEs: Stay Ahead in the Flux of Change!
Cybersecurity has become a necessity no matter your business size.
Cybersecurity has become a necessity no matter your business size.
Money laundering is a growing concern in Australia, and professional services firms are often caught in the crossfire.
The White Island (Whakaari) volcano eruption across the Tasman Sea from Australia does still have fallout for Australian adventure tourism businesses.
As spring arrives, Australians are eager to embark on their travel adventures, both domestically and abroad; for business, leisure or both – often known as ‘bleisure’.
An insurance underwriter plays a key role in the insurance world, especially for businesses.
In the dynamic landscape of Australian small businesses, ensuring your operations are protected from unforeseen risks is always on your radar.
Home builders are doing it tough. According to Master Builders Australia, they’ve borne the biggest risk of the recent economic downturn and construction costs ballooning 40%.
The hospitality sector is regaining lost ground after the pandemic, with businesses having re-opened, some pivoting and travellers eager to explore.
Farm equipment is the lifeblood of Australia’s agricultural industry. From tractors and combines to irrigation systems, these machines are essential for ensuring productivity and efficiency on the farm.
When you're in the thick of an IT project, the last thing you want is for things to go pear-shaped because you didn't foresee the risks.
Thinking of joining the 2.24 million Australian taxpayers who are property investors?
Just a quarter of Australian small-to-medium-sized (SME) businesses now use artificial intelligence (AI), according to a brokerage survey. However, fast forward to 2026 and six in 10 SMEs expect to be doing so
As a small business owner, you might be overwhelmed working out what your risks are, how to deal with them, and which need insurance coverage.
As a sole trader charting your course through insurance options, separating fact from fiction is paramount. Common misconceptions often shroud why sole traders need insurance – a nice-to-have or must have?
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly dominant in Australia and globally as a form of rechargeable battery technology. They are used across various industries from light to heavy.
Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is no longer just an ideal, it’s a necessity.
Running a small business is tough enough without worrying about getting scammed.
Australian businesses are getting smarter about managing cyber risks.
Australia has embraced solar power, with one in three households and businesses now sporting rooftop panels, according to the Clean Energy Council.
Is the housing shortfall good or bad news for small-to-medium-sized (SME) businesses in Australia?
Asbestos-laden mulch has been found in NSW, the ACT and Victoria so far this year, but could be a wider problem.
Business travel is expected to remain strong in 2024, with research indicating a boost from sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, mining, oil and gas, professional services and construction.
It’s official: Australian governments will stop using cheques by the end of 2028, with the financial system banning them by no later than 2030, says the Federal Treasury.
NSW is looking to make latent defects insurance (LDI) compulsory for high-rise residential buildings by 2028.
Managing the shift from summer to autumn is just one aspect of seasonality for hospitality businesses - a key risk for SMEs in this sector.
Here are the top five insurance claims Australian SMEs make, according to insurers.
A swathe of retail job vacancies, cost of living crisis, and advance of self-serve checkouts are creating a perfect storm of a surge in shoplifting, according to The Australian Financial Review.
Globally, a cyber breach to professional services businesses cost an average AU$6.77 M per company in 2023, according to IBM’s most recent data breach report. For businesses with fewer than 500 staff, the average cost was marginally lower at about $5M.
Since the mid-1950s, the Australian economy has moved from focusing on manufacturing and agriculture to services, says the Productivity Commission. Nine out of 10 of us now work in services and that sector accounts for about 80% of production.
Professional indemnity (PI) insurance is not limited to traditional professions. This article is your guide into how PI works for SMEs and why you should consider taking out a policy.
A survey of Australian CEOs has spotlighted what they believe is their top business risk for the next three to five years: cyber security issues.
How can you determine the essential insurance you need for your unique business?
Australia has about 60,000 registered not-for-profit organisations, according to the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).
It's easy to assume all coverage is equal when it comes to finding your best-fit insurance. But choosing opting for a low level of cover may end up costing you more in the long run.
The term ‘metaverse’ was coined in 1992, as an online space combining virtual and physical worlds. And, the metaverse-like online multimedia platform, Second Life, which began in 2003, is still going, with almost 65 million active users.
Many areas of Australia have increased vegetative growth at the tail end of the third La Niña wet-weather pattern in a row. This has raised the risk of bushfires.
Australia has about 60,000 registered not-for-profit organisations, according to the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).
Australians think of medical providers as their front-line defence for health issues, but who’s helping those healthcare practices to stay ‘healthy’?
No matter how much experience or how stellar the reputation of your professional services firm, you may still face an insurance claim.
An estimated eight in 10 Australian homeowners are underinsured, according to insurance websites that cite the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
For business owners, Mother Nature’s risks can feel like a looming threat always on your horizon. Natural events are a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’. Most can be expected and planned for.
Myths abound among small-to-medium-sized businesses about the need for product liability insurance and its coverage.
In the fast-paced world of commercial transportation, ensuring that your insurance premium and policy are as hardworking as your road operations is crucial.
Planning for your business staff Christmas party may be well underway. However, one area of paramount importance, yet often overlooked, is managing the risks involved.
As a hospitality business with a licence to sell alcohol in Australia, you face quite a few legal issues in your operations. This article updates you on the risks and advises on how to manage them, particularly over the summer.
According to global research, Australia’s bushfire season is 130 days per year. Due to climate change, the number of extreme fire weather days has jumped 56% in the past four decades, but there’s plenty you can do to minimise your risks as we enter another season.
Disclaimer: The following article provides general business advice and is not intended to serve as legal advice. Each business situation is unique, and laws vary by location. Consult with a qualified solicitor for advice tailored to your specific circumstances and jurisdiction.
The CEO of Master Builders Australia (MBA) has likened the sector to the canary in the economic coal mine as volatility remains high in the construction industry.
Each year, almost 800 Australians die due to using items that were unsafe due to their production or the way they were sold.
While supply chains have always been prone to disruption, they have become even less predictable in the wake of the pandemic.
Australia’s skills shortage and high manufacturing costs mean importing products and parts from overseas can make good business sense.
The recent PwC scandal doesn’t only affect the top end of town. There are also plenty of lessons for SMEs about how not to do business.
The transport and logistics sector is the lifeblood of Australia. According to the Federal Government’s Australian aggregate freight forecasts, the nation’s ‘freight task’ grew over four-fold in the five decades to 2020.
Supply chain fraud is in the spotlight. A report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) showed a 1,174% increase in false invoices led to $8.6 million in losses last year.
Last month, the Bureau of Meteorology announced the start of an El Niño weather pattern. Our country can, therefore, expect warmer and drier conditions for the next three months at least. What does that mean for you, your assets, and insurance?
Did you only focus on individual risk factors when you last undertook a risk management matrix for your SME?
How does your business feel about artificial intelligence (AI)? Is it a friend, foe, or both, particularly when it comes to cybersecurity? A recent Australian conference heard SMEs need to embrace AI or be left behind.
It’s less than a year since OpenAI released its (general) artificial intelligence (AI) app, ChatGPT. Since then, it and its alternatives, have transformed how we do business.
High-value physical assets may be essential to your small-to-medium-sized business.
Bush fire hotspots are relevant year-round, not just during the fire season. Factors that come into play include vegetative growth, humidity, wind, rainfall, lighting, and temperature inversions
Drone use is gaining in popularity among Australian businesses, with almost 33,355 commercial drones registered with the Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (CASA).
The frequency and complexity of cyber hacks are rising. And it’s not just financial services at risk, one in five Australian businesses overall experienced a cyber breach in 2021-22.
As part of the decarbonisation push, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced a global regulation in 2020 to limit sulphur in ships’ fuel oil to just 0.5%. By 1 May next year, it must drop to just 0.1% in the Mediterranean region.
In a perfect world, your work vehicles would always be available when needed. However, business owners know that’s never the case.
With spring around the corner, it’s a great opportunity to start spring cleaning for your business.
The options for buying pre-loved equipment for your business can be plentiful.
As a service-based business operator, you typically enjoy lower running costs than those selling products. Instead, you offer intangibles, such as skills, expertise and time.
It’s important to keep the environmental risks of your building projects to a minimum. Here’s a checklist to help you manage these factors.
As a business owner, you know how important it is to maintain the safety of your work fleet and have clear policies for staff using them.
Two-thirds of Australian small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SME) go out of business after a cyber attack or data breach. That’s according to the latest figures from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. Often, small business owners think they’re too small to be targeted, but they face the same threats as larger organisations.
Businesses keen to invest in insurance as part of their risk management approach may notice insurers are pickier about offering cover and premiums are rising.
Shutdowns and supply chain disruptions, such as we saw during the pandemic, highlight the crucial role the transport and logistics sector plays in keeping Australia moving.
As a commercial property owner, it is important to understand your responsibilities and ensure that you have the right insurance coverage to protect your property against potential damages.
While fewer severe storms, such as cyclones and floods, are predicted for Australia’s east coast, according to global research published recently, those storms will be more intense. They may also head south along our coasts on both sides of the country, says CoastAdapt. While building codes, such as the wind-loading standards, are currently very effective in reducing losses and injuries, that won’t always be the case. You need to know what else your business can do for protection.
Two-thirds of Australian small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SME) go out of business after a cyber attack or data breach. That’s according to the latest figures from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. Often, small business owners think they’re too small to be targeted, but they face the same threats as larger organisations.
Is your small business among the one in four that say they’ll go under if faced with a liability claim? That’s the alarming statistic from one insurer’s survey.
Cyber crime is the #1 risk for the nation’s businesses, with an incident reported every seven minutes on average to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). To quantify those risks, a University of NSW book, Cybercrime in Australia: 20 years of inaction, estimates it cost the Australian economy $42 billion in 2021.
Trucking safety has improved over the past decade, but there’s still a need to protect truck drivers at work better
Supply chain disruptions – shipping issues and computer chip shortages - mean there can be up to year-long delays in accessing new vehicles. It’s, therefore, important to keep your existing fleet well-maintained in the interim.
Last year’s wetter and warmer weather than average could be a sign of things to come. And that trend is not just because Australian agriculture has endured three La Niña weather patterns in a row. Uncertainty and extremes are the themes for our country’s future climate and globally. Last month, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its six-yearly report, which synthesised 14,000 scientific papers. Since the pre-industrial age, global temperatures have risen 1.1oC due to burning fossil fuels.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in those industries with the highest rates of injuries, 43% are small business workers. They include construction, agriculture, mining, transport, manufacturing, and warehousing.
A major cause of the failure of small-to-medium-sized businesses’ (SME) is not managing their risks, research shows. The first step to boosting your approach is to assess risks regularly.
About two-thirds of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are underinsured or have the wrong kind of insurance (or no insurance at all), according to insurance industry reports. The pitfalls of not having the right cover mean your business could be out of pocket when disaster hits.
Owning a construction business means you have your hands full. Whether you’re a builder or a sub-contractor there’s a lot to oversee, do and manage. And then there’s the risk of a third-party being injured or their property damaged due to your work.
The past three years have been a whirlwind for hospitality businesses. While the pandemic seems to be on the wane, your business should still do everything reasonably practicable to reduce the risks of COVID-19’s spread, like keeping up to date on employers’ responsibilities via this Safe Work Australia website.
Cyber security is a top risk management concern for Australian businesses, with eight in 10 organisations hit by ransomware. And research shows small businesses are likely to have poor security practices due to common misconceptions about the threat.
It's easy to assume all coverage is equal when it comes to finding your best-fit insurance. But choosing opting for a low level of cover may end up costing you more in the long run. It's also important to consider: Is the insurance cover aligned to the unique risks of your business? How quickly will you be able to resume trading following loss or damage, and will your insurance cover assist you to resume trading in a timely manner? What natural disasters is your business exposed to and will your cover adequately respond?
The 2022 Trevor Patrick Commitment to Industry Award was awarded to Richard Luscombe, our National Business Development Manager.
A cyber attack happened once every eight minutes in Australia in 2020-21, compared with once every 10 minutes in the previous financial year
Directors’ and officers’ liability (D&O) insurance is a robust way of bolstering your risk management. It will help to cover the costs and damages of defending wrongful action allegations and lawsuits.
Cyber crimes against individuals, such as online banking and shopping compromise, were among the most common reports made in 2021-22 to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). That’s according to its annual Cyber Threat Report, released in November 2022.
It’s worth paying attention to the issues between China and Taiwan, particularly if you operate a business in Australia.
If you’re among the one in seven Australians who own a residential investment property, it’s useful to know the most common claims landlords make on their insurance.
Chances are your business is organising an event for the upcoming festivities. As an employer, your duty of care remains the same even at work Christmas parties.
It’s official. The disruptive La Niña weather pattern has returned on the tail of two others, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (the BoM). It tends to bring cooler, wetter weather and often floods.
About eight in 10 Australian homes are underinsured, according to (ASIC) Australian Securities and Investments Commission. As well, 11% of householders have no building insurance, and 23% have neither building nor contents insurance.
Deepfakes can wreak havoc on your business reputation and expose you to fraud, identity theft, hoaxes, ridicule, harassment, and more, according to the eSafety Commissioner.
According to Safe Work Australia, Australia’s manufacturing sector records 9.1 serious accident claims per million hours worked in 2019-20.
According to global research, Australia’s bushfire season is 130 days per year. Due to climate change, the number of extreme fire weather days has jumped 56% in the past four decades, but there’s plenty you can do to minimise your risks as we enter another season.
Since the start of the Russian-Ukraine War on February 24, Australia has felt the ripple effect on global shipping.
Professional services consultancy Deloitte has just issued its report on the top 10 risks shaping the future of mining across the world. The findings are similar to another report from its competitor KPMG.
Running a business can be stressful because it can feel like your work is never done. But the act of spring cleaning - tidying and organising your digital and physical environment - can offer a timely reprieve.
If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of buying property in 2022, then be sure to do your due diligence in risk analysis. We note that your circumstances are unique, and we don’t offer financial investment advice - that’s not our line of business as your insurance broker. Below we offer some research from various sources to factor in as you look at your risks of buying property.
As a business, you may have obligations under the Privacy Act regarding how you handle your customers’ and employees’ information.
Signing a contract for a new home build can be nerve-wracking, and there are solid numbers of Australians on this journey.
No business wants nasty surprises. So, when an adverse incident means you need to claim on your insurance policy, we will manage the process on your behalf.
Employment practices’ liabilities can be expensive, disruptive, and time-hungry to businesses. Claims are also rising.
If some of the more popular buzzwords of the past two years were "flexible work" and "hybrid business", 2022's might be more along the lines of consistency and continuity.
There's much more to professional indemnity insurance (PI) than meets the eye. This type of insurance helps cover the cost of legal action for losses others experience resulting from your services including professional advice.
The end of each financial year (EOFY) can provoke mixed feelings in small and medium sized business owners. Completing a few key steps before the 30 June cut off will help make life easier for the whole year, and guarantee that your business’s bottom line will continue to thrive.
Landlords' offers of rent reductions, rent-free periods, or fit-out contributions are handy sweeteners for SMEs looking to sign commercial leases. But these may be waning, with SMEs looking to lease 300sqm the lease most in demand across many sectors.
Understanding the difference between an independent contractor and an employee is a problematic area of employment and related laws.
Leasing your commercial property can deliver higher yields, but comes with a range of responsibilities, including regulatory and legal ones.
Disaster brings out the good and bad in most people, but for fraudsters, it’s an opportunity to deceive others and cause harm.
Get into the habit of reviewing your insurance before you renew them, and adapting it throughout the year.
It can be confusing to work out the differences between commercial and personal vehicle insurance, but there’s plenty to distinguish them.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is set to have severe repercussions in Australia.
A cyber attack happened once every eight minutes in Australia in 2020-21, compared with once every 10 minutes in the previous financial year.
When a flood hits, staying safe and finding headspace to claim on your insurance for damage can be stressful.
The average person might be surprised by how many risks confront construction businesses.
Australia's real estate services industry is expected to turn over $33 billion this year, including a healthy 1.8% growth from 2021, according to IBIS World.
If some of the more popular buzzwords of the past two years were “flexible work” and “hybrid business”, 2022’s might be more along the lines of consistency and continuity.
While the pandemic has spotlighted supply chain disruption, other factors are coming into play.
Logistics has become a hot term given the protracted supply chain chaos and recent shortage of the crucial diesel engine additive AdBlue.
Every 10 minutes on average, another Australian small business reports a cyber crime, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
With such a hardening market for premiums, how can you minimise the anticipated premium rise this financial year?
Businesses that don’t review their insurance cover annually when they make internal changes risk being underinsured and out of pocket when it comes time to claim.
It’s now two years since the COVID-19 virus appeared and we’ve now got some solid trend data about its impact on accidents and insurance claims.
Leaving your commercial property unattended during the upcoming summer holidays poses many risks. But these can be managed with some forethought.
Australia has had more than its usual share of natural disasters in 2021.
With commercial property landlords enjoying returns of up to 12%, it makes sense there would be more risks and work involved.
Your business is undoubtedly familiar with the nuts and bolts of your disaster recovery plan due to the current pandemic. It's a much-changed landscape for risk.
Comparison insurance websites are useful. But how satisfied are you with their advice and service?
It might not be until 2023 before the global microchip shortage is over.
An indemnity is a promise or guarantee to compensate someone for loss or damage suffered.
In this article, we’ll explore construction works, product and public liability, business vehicles, material damage, and workers’ compensation.
While the promise of warmer weather spells days at the beach and backyard BBQs, spring and summer can sadly also bring bushfires.
How to prepare your business for a natural disaster
Ecommerce continues to thrive, with Australia now being among the most attractive consumer markets on the globe.
One of the biggest banes of agriculture isn't unpredictable weather patterns of droughts and flooding rains. It's cyber threats.
While public liability insurance isn’t compulsory for some business types and sectors, these actual cases may prompt you to consider this cover.
How can road transport companies reduce their risks when it comes to safety on site, on the road, or in the office?
Most people are aware inflation has been on the rise in recent months due to COVID-19 impacts. However, many are not aware of how significant the impact has been on the construction sector and what that means for their property insurance.
Who would have thought finding a decomposing snail in a ginger beer bottle would open up a new principle – duty of care – which is the basis for product liability?
Find out what’s happening with regulations in your state or territory.
On average, one in five Australian small businesses have been party to a dispute, with most of them experiencing financial loss.
The insurance market is a ‘hard’ or sellers’ market right now. So, what does that mean, and what’s the likely impact on your business?
Business owners can save a lot of money by making adjustments to the way they operate. Discover three steps you can take to reduce your expenses, regardless of the sector in which you’re engaged.
No business wants nasty surprises. So, when an adverse incident means you need to claim on your insurance policy, we will manage the process on your behalf
Unreliable equipment can be the death knell for a business, with the costs of equipment failure and downtime tricky to accurately predict and calculate.
With 2021 now in full swing, how can you build higher productivity in your office?
Will today’s bargain be tomorrow’s burden? With used business, farming, and construction equipment in high demand, it’s worth assessing the benefits and risks of buying secondhand.
Underinsurance is more common than you think. Industry figures show up to 62% of small-to-medium-sized businesses don’t have correct-value insurance.
Wouldn't it be simpler and easier if you could insure your whole business with a single policy? There are two types of insurance that can do just that. This article will demystify industrial special risks insurance (known as ISR) and Business Pack Insurance, so you can consider which umbrella protection suits you best.
Disruption has been a constant theme for hotel owners thanks to online booking platforms, home-sharing, Airbnb, and, more recently, the pandemic. So, how can you bolster your business against the risks of potential losses?
We're all aware of the dangers of workers contracting the coronavirus. What then is the fallout for employers' role across the country in keeping staff COVID-19 safe?
As technology advances, the landscape of business risk is changing. Companies are more exposed to crime than ever, which can lead to serious financial and social repercussions. Here’s how you can mitigate your risks with an effective crime insurance policy.
With about 60% of targeted attacks on small-to-medium businesses, cyber security should be a top priority. This year, we expect to see many Australian businesses tackle the following top four cyber threats, as part of best practice data protection.
In an unpredictable business environment, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult planning to eliminate, minimise or control risks to your operations. This article offers four types of insurance that can help you deal with uncertainty.
In hospitality? Your business faces a range of industry-specific risks including food contamination or spoilage, burns from hot surfaces, and equipment breakdown. Here's why tailored insurance is a recipe for success.
The right business asset protection strategies can help safeguard your personal and professional wealth against unexpected claims and liabilities. As your brokers/advisors we can help keep you covered.
Sole traders enjoy the "simplest and cheapest business structure", according to the Australian Government Business Register. You're in full control. You make the business decisions. But there are also a range of risks you need to be aware of.
Heavy commercial transport helps keep our economy running smoothly, but there’s a lot that can go wrong if you’re running a transportation business. Are you up on the risks of heavy commercial transport?
Has COVID-19 made you unsure about managing the risks of owning an investment property? This article will update you on what landlord insurance will and won’t cover now that the COVID-19 pandemic has arrived.
What will the next storm bring to your business? Stop the guesswork & start your plan with this checklist.
What’s best for your business - buying your insurance cover directly or through a broker/advisor? These are the surprising differences and the pros/cons of both.
Goods lost or damaged in marine transit is something no business wants to experience. So, whether you’re looking to protect your risks with your goods moving within Australia, or cover exports or imports, marine transit (also called cargo) insurance could make sense.
As a business owner or manager, paying attention to legal and regulatory basics can save you a big headache down the track.
Smart manufacturing businesses have protected themselves for these risks - are you one of them?
Bushfires can wreak havoc and cause damage and devastation. Defend your business by getting prepared, having a plan and ensuring you have the right coverage to financially protect your assets.
Economic uncertainty may have prompted you to reduce, change or cancel your business interruption insurance. That’s a natural reaction in these uncertain times. However, it's important to know how that could impact your business and possibly come back to bite you.
While it isn't a compulsory insurance, fleet motor insurance is designed specifically for commercial vehicles - which is how it is different to regular run-of-the-mill motor insurance and also how it might be relevant to your business.
With many businesses currently vacated, what are the risks of unoccupied buildings and how can you manage them?
Cybersecurity, Mother Nature, rules, political mayhem and business interruptions: how’s your business covering these global risks?
Aussie SMBs must ask these key questions before choosing insurance to protect themselves from ransomware and other cyberattacks.
As a time-poor business owner, shortcuts can be tempting when looking for insurance cover but this could cost you in the long run. Find out how having a broker on your side could help you make savvy insurance decisions
Do you know the difference between public liability and professional indemnity insurance? Your business might need both - here's what you need to know.
Managing the insurance needs of company vehicles can be time-consuming. It’s time to think about fleet insurance.
Insurance is a key concern when extreme weather strikes. That’s why business owners should regularly review insurance cover. Here’s what you need to know.
2020 is certainly not the year we were expecting. COVID-19 has affected family, friends and businesses in different ways across Australia, and the world.
Phishing scams have increased dramatically as COVID-19 has forced large numbers of Australians to work from home.
Even insurance experts aren’t immune to the damage that a property fire can create. Managing Director at LMI Group and leading risk and loan assessor, Dr Allan Manning, narrowly avoided disaster after his home caught on fire in 2018.
As Australia emerges from lockdown, businesses are now facing the next hurdle.
Cash flow is the lifeblood of business. So if a disaster like a fire, burst waterpipe, or legal proceedings against you halts your operations, your business could fail.
We live in a litigious age, with even the most careful business owners at risk. Even when you’re not at fault, you may still have to shoulder hefty legal costs.
Every small business owner faces unique set of risks – so a one-size-fits all approach to insurance may not give you the cover you need.
With so much business activity taking place online, does your business have a robust risk management strategy?
Everyone’s on social media – and for good reason. It’s the best way to reach a wide audience, especially for new or growing businesses.
Every business likes to keep its costs low. And, the more insurance you need, the higher your premiums will be.
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