Bentleys the voice full report 19 sep2016

The Voice
Report on Bentleys’ The Voice survey – Wave 5
September 2016
PREPARED FOR:

2
Background
Bentleys has a long history of providing accounting services to
small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Australia. As well as
accounting services, Bentleys provides audit and assurance,
business advisory, financial planning, taxation consulting, and
corporate recovery services. Seeking to position the firm as a
thought leader for the SME market, Bentleys commissioned The
Voice in 2014, a long-term research project to follow and explore
the mindset, needs, expectations, and concerns of its client base.
Working with Empirica Research, the first wave of The Voice in
early 2014 surveyed 1,510 SMEs Australia-wide, providing insight
into the different perspectives of Bentleys key client industry
sectors – agribusiness, health and ageing, education, and
professional services. The survey covered business sentiment
relating to confidence and employment, uptake of technology,
and foreign investment. The second wave of The Voice, in late
2014, surveyed 328 micro, small, and medium enterprises in all
industry sectors across Australia. The survey retained lines of
questioning around confidence and employment, technology
uptake, and foreign investment, and added an extensive section
on tax, including GST. The third wave explored the taxation
environment, responses to the 2015 Federal Budget, and future
planning. The fourth wave covered expectations of the 2016
Federal Budget, risk management, digital disruption, and
international trade.
This report covers the results of the fifth wave of The Voice, in
which we look at:
• Business confidence and intentions for the coming months
• Attitudes towards and use of technology
• Interest in foreign investment
• Superannuation
2
Methodology
• Online survey with 314 Australian SMEs conducted between Monday, 29
August 2016 and Monday, 12 September 2016, recruited via the Lightspeed
GMI’s online research panel
• Online survey with 14 Australian SMEs conducted between Monday, 29
August 2016 and Monday, 12 September 2016, recruited via direct invitation
from Bentleys Australia
• To qualify, respondents had to be a decision maker in the SME
• Survey length approximately 10-12 minutes
5% (16)
1% (4)
11% (36)
26% (84)
28% (91)
25% (83)
ACT:
1% (3)
3% (11)

3
The Voice – Feb-Mar 2016
• 314 businesses surveyed through a panel of businesses registered to Lightspeed GMI’s online research panel
• 14 surveys obtained through invitations to participate in the survey emailed to Bentleys clients
• Fieldwork for the survey lasted from Monday, 29 August 2016 and Monday, 12 September 2016
Number of
businesses
• Employing micro, small, and medium businesses were the main focus of the survey
• Non-employing businesses (i.e., sole traders) and those employing more than 200 people were not included in the survey
Business size
micro: 1-4 employees small: 5-19 employees medium: 20-200 employees
• Businesses surveyed in all states and territories; with the majority located in
New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland
• 49% of businesses located in a capital city or surrounding suburbs (classified
as ‘metropolitan’); 51% located outside of state capitals (in large cities or
regional or rural areas, classified as ‘non-metropolitan’)
• Professional, scientific, and technical services (11%) and retail trade (11%)
were the most highly represented industries
Business
characteristics
51% 27% 23%
5%
(16)
1% (4)
11% (36)
26% (84)
28% (91)
25% (83)
ACT:
1% (3)
3% (11)

Executive Summary – The current SME environment
Larger SMEs are maintaining greater confidence than their smaller counterparts
Medium businesses continue to display greater levels of confidence in their short and longer term prospects than micro businesses, with small businesses
demonstrating increased confidence in this wave of The Voice. Of note is that both micro and small businesses appear to have undergone a slight recovery in
confidence after reaching a low point in February this year.
Growth is the goal for the coming year for small and medium businesses
As in earlier waves of The Voice, the most common goals held by surveyed businesses for the coming year were to improve profits and cash flow. Medium and
small business respondents were more likely than micro to be planning for growth, indicating an expectation to hire new staff, introduce initiatives to attract new
staff, and invest in new premises, equipment, and products and services. In comparison, a higher proportion of micro than small or medium businesses said that
they were anticipating an exit from the industry in the next twelve months.
At present, the most common barriers that SMEs of all sizes are anticipating to their growth and success are the combination of the Australian economy, lack of
consumer demand, and domestic competition, with red tape also a top three concern for small businesses.
Willingness to lean on external advice and guidance greater for larger businesses
Overall, regardless of business size or location, SMEs are relying primarily on their own financial data and accountants to inform and influence their business
decision making. Consistent with findings in previous waves, medium businesses are more strongly influenced by additional sources (market forecasts, external
consultants, financers) than are small and micro businesses, and are more inclined to seek out external sources of insight and information to assist their business.
Outsourcing is occurring most commonly for accounting and IT support
Among a selection of key business tasks (administration, bookkeeping, accounting, HR, marketing, accounting, and IT support), the majority of respondents
indicated that these activities were taken care of in house – either by the respondent themselves (in the case of micro business respondents) or by a dedicated
person or department (small and medium business respondents) – with only a small proportion of respondents reporting that the activity was outsourced. The
exceptions to this pattern were accounting and IT support: accounting was reported to be outsourced by 36% of micro, 26% of small, and 21% of medium
business respondents; IT support by 24% of micro, 49% of small, and 31% of medium business respondents.
5

Executive Summary – Technology
SMEs will generally apply technology once they feel it is needed, rather than proactively implement
Overall, responding SMEs most commonly identified their organisations as being attentive to the existence of relevant technologies, without its implementation
being a priority for its own sake – a specific need should arrive first:
• “We keep abreast of new technologies relevant to us, but it’s not a core focus of our growth” (40%)
• “We don’t take much interest in new technology and wouldn’t describe ourselves as innovative” (20%)
• “When we need a new technology solution, we will research and adopt” (17%)
• “We are very tech savvy and we proactively look for new and innovative technology to apply to our business practices” (13%)
• “We want to integrate new technologies into our business, but don’t have the resources to do so” (10%)
Mixed reception to the NBN
Almost a third of surveyed SMEs reported having access to the National Broadband Network (NBN), with a higher proportion reporting access in non-metro areas.
Many of those without access were not particularly worried about their lack of access – 43% said they were not at all concerned, and only 11% were very or
extremely concerned. For those with access, estimations of its benefits to their business were a little lukewarm: 26% said it had been very or extremely beneficial,
45% said it was slightly or moderately beneficial, and 14% said it was too early to say. Fourteen percent claimed no benefit at all.
6

Impact of domestic events vs international
Considering a range of recent and upcoming domestic and international events, it was most common for responding SMEs to claim no impact of these events on
their businesses.
In the domestic arena, respondents were most hopeful for a positive impact from interest rate cuts (particularly small and medium respondents compared to
micro) and the Federal Government re-prioritisation of the small business portfolio, were divided as to the positive or negative impacts of the falling Australian
dollar, and were more inclined to expect negative than positive impacts as a result of the May 2016 Budget, the ‘slim majority’ election, and the threat of a
downgrade to Australia’s credit rating.
There was little anticipation of positive impacts resulting from the suggested international events, but market volatility was the area of greatest concern, with 43%
of respondents saying this would have a negative impact on their business. China’s slowdown and terrorist activity were also anticipated to have negative impacts
on businesses.
Foreign investment continues to be of most interest to the larger, metropolitan businesses
Those few responding businesses who were actively looking for foreign investment for their business were mostly interested in the US and China, with the most
common goal of expanding their current business.
Expectations on Turnbull doing right by SMEs are generally low
In terms of expectations of the Turnbull Federal Government acting on issues that matter for SMEs, responding SMEs were not particularly hopeful: 45% said they
had low or very low expectations in this area, compared to only 16% with high or very high expectations.
The lack of expectation appears to have been driven by a range of factors, including lack of confidence for the Government to achieve action in any area due to
the close election result, lack of confidence in the Government to take any action of value to the respondent at all, and perceptions of the Government being
concerned only with the interests of big business (at the expense of SMEs).
Superannuation
Awareness of the detail of the proposed changes to superannuation was low – most respondents were aware that changes were being discussed, but little
knowledge of the specifics.
With respect to how they felt they might be personally impacted by some of the specific changes, few anticipated any extreme impact from the increase in tax on
concessional contributions for those with contributions over $250,000 (14% high or extreme impact, 56% no impact) or the $1.6 million superannuation transfer
balance cap (12% high or extreme impact, 55% no impact). There was slightly greater concern about the lowering of the superannuation concessional
contributions cap to $25,000 pa (16% high or extreme impact, 40% no impact), and the introduction of the $500,000 lifetime cap on non-concessional
contributions (16% high or extreme impact, 47% no impact). At the time of writing, the proposal to introduce the lifetime cap has been recently scrapped.
Executive Summary – Domestic and international
influences
7

Overall, more than half of SMEs are somewhat or extremely
confident in their prospects over the coming 12 months;
up from a dip in confidence seen six months ago. This
improvement is mostly driven by the improved outlook of
small businesses (micro and medium appear to be
reasonably consistent).
Confidence is beginning to recover…
21%
14%
25%
16%
18%
40%
40%
34%
44%
41%
23%
25%
25%
24%
22%
13%
18%
15%
14%
16%
3%
3%
2%
3%
3%
Wave 5 (n=328)
Wave 4 (n=349)
Wave 3 (n=370)
Wave 2 (n=328)
Wave 1 (n=635)
Confidence in business prospects over next 12 months
Extremely confident Somewhat confident Neither confident nor worried Somewhat worried Extremely worried
3.47 3.45
3.32
3.54
4.11
3.71
3.3
3.76
4.45
3.94
3.79
3.68
Wave 2 Wave 3 Wave 4 Wave 5
Micro Small Medium
Extremely confident (5)
Somewhat confident (4)
Neither confident
nor worried (3)
Somewhat worried (2)
Extremely worried (1)
Average confidence over next 12 months by time and business size
9

Greater expectations for larger businesses
Small and medium businesses display greater confidence in their immediate and longer term prospects than micro businesses.
…but larger SMEs retain an edge on their smaller counterparts
10
19%
23% 23% 22% 20%
37%
45%
41%
40%
41%
25%
21%
23%
21%
26%
17%
8%
8%
13%
12%
2% 3% 5% 4%
2%
Micro
(n=166)
Small (n=87) Medium
(n=75)
Metro
(n=161)
Non-metro
(n=167)
Confidence in prospects over next 12 months
Extremely worried
Somewhat worried
Neither confident nor worried
Somewhat confident
Extremely confident
17%
20% 19% 17% 19%
38%
46% 47%
46%
38%
30%
24% 24%
22%
32%
14% 6%
9%
12%
10%
1%
5%
1% 2% 2%
Micro (n=166) Small (n=87) Medium
(n=75)
Metro (n=161) Non-metro
(n=167)
Confidence in prospects over October/November 2016
Extremely worried
Somewhat worried
Neither confident nor worried
Somewhat confident
Extremely confident

11
Start-ups, founders, and failures
Business history
The average age of all responding businesses was around 20
years, and was inclined to be greater for larger sized businesses.
A quarter of all businesses were happy to describe themselves as
a ‘start-up’, with the tendency to do so greatest among young
businesses. Interestingly, 13% of businesses more than 10 years
old still considered themselves ‘start-ups’.
It was more likely for the survey respondent to be the sole or
joint founder of the business if the organisation in question was a
micro business – for small businesses it was less common, and for
medium businesses only a small fraction of surveys were
answered by a business founder. The average age of founding
the business was 38 years.
Over half of respondents reported having been involved in
another business in a owner/managerial capacity in the past – of
these, only 16% indicated that a previous venture had ‘failed’.
These respondents gave a variety of reasons for the failure of
their previous enterprises (see below).
25%
63%
25%
13%
75%
37%
75%
87%
Total (n=328)
0-4 year old business (n=57)
11+ year old business (n=172)
Would you describe your business as a ‘start-up’?
Yes No
19%
27%
16%
4%
28%
37%
22%
13%
54%
36%
62%
83%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Are you the founder of your business?
Sole founder Joint founder Neither
11
Over extended in technology. Micro, other
Queensland
Not financially viable. Medium, Brisbane
We moved out of the city area and postal rates
were too high. Micro, other Queensland
We did not anticipate market change quick
enough and demand dropped too quickly.
Micro, other NSW
Economic downturn. Medium, Hobart
Government contracts that were tendered for
not being renewed. Medium, Sydney
Lack of clients. Micro, other NSW
Lack of trade. Micro, other NSW
Lack of customers. Medium, Darwin
Competition. Small, other Queensland
Slow economy. Medium, Perth
Poor management. Micro, Canberra
Change in market prices and currencies. Micro,
other Queensland
Foreign imports. Micro, Melbourne
Fruit fly. Small, other NSW
Withdrawal of vital contracts, product not
sufficiently developed. Small, Sydney

12
Plans and barriers for the next 12 months
Acquiring new customers was the most commonly held intention for the next 12 months
overall (49% of all businesses surveyed), followed by growing revenue (34%) and growing
profits (32%). Overall, the main goals for businesses for the next 12 months (and consistent
with the previous wave of research) were to improve profits (41%), and to improve cash flow
(23%).
Larger SMEs planning for growth
• 57% of medium businesses and 39% of small businesses indicated that hiring new staff
was something they anticipate doing in the next 12 months (compared to 10% of micro
businesses)
• 11% of small and medium businesses (compared to 3% of micro businesses) expect to
introduce new initiatives to attract staff
• 13% of medium businesses are planning to invest in new premises; 31% to invest in new
products or services; 25% in new plant or equipment
• 17% of medium businesses and 10% of small businesses nominated upskilling existing
staff as being the main focus for their business in 2017/18
But some micro SMEs are anticipating an exit
• 13% of micro businesses said that exiting the industry was something they thought their
business would do over the next 12 months
Barriers to growth
The Australian economy is the most commonly perceived barrier to growth and success
among SMEs, followed by domestic competition and low consumer demand. For medium
and small businesses, staffing issues are also a concern – recruitment, retention, and skills
shortages.
48%
28%
30%
10%
20%
16%
14%
10%
13%
3%
3%
3%
4%
1%
2%
17%
52%
39%
32%
39%
21%
24%
14%
16%
2%
11%
5%
3%
3%
5%
3%
9%
48%
39%
37%
57%
31%
28%
25%
15%
3%
11%
13%
8%
5%
4%
0%
8%
Acquire new customers
Grow revenue
Grow profits
Hire new staff
Introduce new products or services
Invest in new technology
Invest in new plant or equipment
Invest in marketing/advertising
Exit the industry (e.g., orderly closure or sale)
Introduce new initiatives to support your
employee value proposition (e.g., flexible
working; staff bonus scheme)
Invest in new premises
Obtain/seek specialised turnaround or
restructuring advice
Re-finance
Acquire a new business
Make formal appointment over business (e.g.,
Administrator/ Liquidator)
None of the above
Micro (n=166) Small (n=87) Medium (n=75)
Micro
1. The Australian
economy (34%)
2. Lack of consumer
demand (22%)
3. Domestic competition
(19%)
Top 3 barriers to growth and success by business size
Small
1. The Australian economy
(26%)
2. Red tape & Domestic
competition (both 20%)
Medium
1. The Australian
economy (27%)
2. Domestic competition
(20%)
3. Lack of consumer
demand (19%)

13
Among our survey respondents, it was most likely that those from micro businesses were responsible for undertaking a range of business activities compared to
small and medium enterprises, where it was more likely that there was a person or department in the organisation dedicated to admin, bookkeeping and
accounting, HR, marketing/PR, or IT support. Medium businesses in particular were most likely to have dedicated personnel for key business tasks.
Over all sizes of business, outsourcing was most common for accounting and IT support.
Respondents most commonly nominated daily business management as the most challenging and most time consuming aspect for which they were responsible.
There was generally a close correspondence between the proportion of respondents nominating an activity as the most challenging and those nominating it as the
most time consuming. The exception to this was for accounting and marketing, which were called the most challenging activity by a higher proportion of
respondents than for whom it was their most time consuming activity.
Day to day demands on SMEs
72%
71%
55%
49%
50%
41%
42%
54%
44%
31%
41%
34%
26%
21%
27%
35%
19%
19%
20%
16%
13%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
The active daily management of the business
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Do it myself
72%
71%
55%
49%
50%
41%
42%
54%
44%
31%
41%
34%
26%
21%
27%
35%
19%
19%
20%
16%
13%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The active daily
management of the
business
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Do it myself
28%
28%
33%
27%
32%
26%
25%
55%
62%
57%
52%
45%
53%
28%
69%
63%
65%
68%
65%
65%
60%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The active daily
management of the
business
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Someone else in the organisation is
responsible
2%
2%
13%
3%
3%
36%
24%
6%
3%
16%
7%
11%
26%
49%
5%
7%
13%
11%
8%
21%
31%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The active daily
management of the
business
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Outsourced

14
Impacts of domestic and international events
3%
3%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
27%
22%
16%
10%
9%
5%
5%
7%
4%
7%
5%
6%
56%
61%
54%
62%
62%
70%
49%
64%
73%
77%
82%
81%
9%
10%
21%
22%
19%
18%
38%
25%
17%
13%
10%
9%
4%
4%
8%
4%
9%
6%
5%
3%
6%
2%
2%
2%
Recent interest rate cuts
The re-prioritisation of the small business portfolio by the Federal Government
The falling Australian dollar
The Federal Budget announced in May this year
The election of the ‘slim majority’ Turnbull Government
The threat of Australia’s AAA credit rating being downgraded
General market volatility
The slowdown of China’s economy
Terrorist activity
The upcoming US elections
Humanitarian issues (e.g., refugee crisis in Europe)
Brexit (UK exit from the European Union)
Impacts of domestic events on business
A significant positive impact A positive impact No impact A negative impact A significant negative impact
Impacts of international events on business
Interest rate cuts were the domestic events most commonly viewed by SMEs as likely to positively impact their businesses, followed by the re-prioritisation of the
small business portfolio by the Federal Government. Small and medium businesses were more enthused than micro businesses about the interest rate cuts.
Negative impacts were more commonly expected than positive from the outcome of the July election, and the downgrade threat to Australia’s AAA rating.
SMEs tended to be more blasé when it came to the anticipated impacts of international events. They held strong views on the impacts of general market volatility
(44% believing it would have a negative impact on their business), China’s economic slowdown (28% negative impact), and terrorist activity (23% negative impact) –
but more than three-quarters indicated anticipating no impact at all of the upcoming US election, Brexit, or humanitarian and refugee issues, on their business.

15
The Turnbull Government 2.0
2%
1%
1%
3%
1%
2%
15%
14%
17%
15%
12%
17%
38%
37%
39%
40%
43%
33%
27%
26%
28%
27%
27%
26%
19%
22%
15%
16%
16%
22%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Expectations of the Turnbull government to address issues affecting SMEs
Very high High Neither high nor low Low Very low
The balance of expectations of the
recently elected Turnbull
Government are weighted towards
the low end when it comes to
addressing the issues that affect
SMEs – 45% of SMEs have low or
very low expectations, compared to
only 16% who have high or very high
expectations (and 38% who are
withholding judgment).
I have confidence in our Prime Minister - looking at continued investment
innovation, FTA’s with our high growth neighbours and support for small
business owners via tax offsets and incentives.
Small, other Queensland
I'm expecting Malcolm Turnbull to have made some decisions on
reducing the national debt while making sure we don't lose our AXA
credit rating.
Medium, other NSW
Not sure, but Turnbull is a business man with an optimistic outlook, so
whatever ensues will be for the better good of all Australians.
Medium, other Queensland
Would like to see stable government with positive ideas to help the
economy and without dramas that cause the general public to feel
unsure of the economy and tighten their spending. We always see a
downturn in trade leading up to an election due to the public feeling
uncertain and unwilling to commit to spending.
Micro, other NSW
I expect him to stick to his promises of what he made to the Small
Business Community. They keep Australia going and they are doing it
tough right now.
Small, Brisbane
Not a great deal with a minority government this will
be the excuse for any positive actions not followed
through, I have no faith in the government any more
AT ALL.
Micro, other SA
Nothing much as he has not got any majority in the
senate and has his hands tied by some members of
his own party.
Small, Sydney
I wish him all the best for his success because of the
non-supportive government. We are having hard
times because of what we are in - with high
government deficit, high spending with low revenue.
We have to tighten our belts. Australians do not
believe that we have to face the reality. We have
had no hard times before and we are facing one
now. We just do not know when. And that is the
sure fact.
Micro, Brisbane
I'm afraid not much. The lack of a Senate majority is
going to be a significant issue in terms of moving
forwards.
Medium, other Victoria
Little - no decisions made as majority is too slim.
Small, Brisbane
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING... Malcolm Turnbull is no more interested in helping
small business than he is in taxing the largest non tax paying companies in
Australia.
Micro, other Queensland
As usual small business will be ignored and big business will get all the tax
breaks.
Micro, other SA
I don't think I will see anything from this. I'm no big business or executive.
Micro, Brisbane
I am expecting to see very little. Budget cuts dominating everything,
government not able to take a stand, no courage to address important issues,
SME business actions will be too less too late.
Micro, other NSW
I have little faith in the Turnbull government supporting small businesses.
Medium, Brisbane
Nothing, there is never any interest in small business, only think about big
companies in finance and tech. Nothing new for us.
Micro, Melbourne
What are you expecting to see in the first 100 days of the Turnbull Government with respect to actions impacting the SME business community?

16
Use of and attitudes towards technology
We are very tech
savvy and we
proactively look for
new and innovative
technology to apply
to our business
practices
13%
We keep abreast of
new technologies
relevant to us, but it’s
not a core focus of
our growth
40%
We want to integrate
new technologies
into our business, but
don’t have the
resources to do so
10%
When we need a new
technology solution,
we will research and
adopt
17%
We don’t take much
interest in new
technology and
wouldn’t describe
ourselves as
innovative
20%
How would you describe your organisation’s attitude towards technology? National Broadband Network (NBN)
Thirty-two percent of SMEs responding to the survey reported having access to
the NBN. Among those without NBN access, 26% anticipated gaining access
within the next year, while 31% thought that it would be more than a year (38%
had no idea). Overall, however, there appeared to be little concern about the
lack of access – 43% indicated they were not at all concerned, and only 11%
were very or extremely concerned by their lack of access.
Interestingly, the proportion of SMEs reporting access to the NBN was lower in
metro than non-metro areas (24% vs. 40%). Those without access in metro areas
were more commonly uncertain as to when they would get access compared to
those in non-metro areas (45% vs. 30%).
The most common way for SMEs to describe themselves when it
comes to technology is that ‘We keep abreast of new technologies
relevant to us, but it’s not a core focus of our growth’. Only 13%
describe themselves as being proactive in looking for new ways to
apply technology innovations to their business, and 20% don’t take
much interest.
Around a third of SMEs (32%) report currently using cloud services in
their business. Of these, around a quarter (26%) are planning to
introduce more cloud services in the coming 12 months – 41% are
not. Those intending to introduce new services in the next year most
commonly anticipate the cost to be 3-5% of the business’ revenue.
http://www.nbnco.com.au/learn-about-the-nbn/rollout-map.html
NBN Network rollout map
The NBN network has had a negative effect on our business. The internet
connection is slow, our EFTPOS had to be changed to a mobile service in order
to work and when we have a blackout we lose our phones. On the old copper
network our phones worked whenever there was a blackout and the phone rental
was less than what we have to pay now on the NBN. It is a big step backwards as
far as we are concerned and we are hearing the same story from other local
businesses. – Micro, other NSW

17
Decisions, decisions
6%
4%
3%
3%
2%
2%
2%
25%
18%
14%
11%
12%
9%
8%
27%
34%
23%
22%
25%
21%
20%
24%
25%
19%
25%
26%
21%
21%
18%
19%
41%
39%
35%
47%
49%
The business’ financial data
Accountant(s)
Their financer(s)
Advisor(s)
Market forecasts
External consultants
Friends/ family
Influences on the business decision making process (n=328)
Completely Very much Moderately Somewhat Not at all
Overall, regardless of business size or location, the business’ own financial
data and accountants had the strongest influence on business decision
making.
Consistent with previous waves of The Voice, medium businesses were
influenced to a greater extent than small or micro businesses by financial
data, market forecasts, external consultants, and financers.
Medium businesses are also more inclined than smaller businesses to
actively look for business insights – 77% do so in some way compared to
only 61% of micro businesses. As businesses grow larger, reliance on
friends and family declines and more formal sources of advice become
more common.
39%
36%
23%
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
I don’t look for insights to help with my business

18
Foreign investment
There was little interest in foreign investment among surveyed businesses – what interest there was came from larger, metropolitan businesses.
Among those looking for foreign investment in their business, their interest was characterised by the following:
• Most commonly interested in the USA or Asia
• Most commonly looking for an investment amount in the vicinity of $1-$10 million
• Equally likely to be interested in a complete acquisition or merger
• The main goal generally to expand the current business
• If seeking advice, from an external consultant or financial advisor
• Have already taken steps to prepare the business
6%
4%
3%
15%
8%
4%
5%
3%
11%
4%
8%
3%
88%
93%
85%
81%
84%
93%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Currently seeking foreign investment
Yes I'm not sure No
Specific countries where investment is
being sought:
60%
30%
25%
25%
10%
5%
Expand the existing business
Invest in technology
Pay off debt
Invest in upskilling staff
Something else
I’m not sure
Plans for for utilising foreign investment (n=20)

19
Superannuation and retirement
Most surveyed respondents were aware in a general sense that changes to superannuation were being discussed, but few considered themselves well informed
about the detail of the proposed changes. Asked to consider the impacts of some of the specific changes, few anticipated any extreme impact.
5%
3%
5%
3%
11%
13%
9%
9%
15%
13%
10%
13%
11%
19%
9%
10%
47%
40%
56%
55%
11%
12%
10%
10%
Introducing a $500,000 lifetime cap for non-concessional contributions
Lowering the superannuation concessional contributions cap to $25,000 per annum
Requiring those with combined incomes and superannuation contributions greater than $250,000 to pay 30 per cent
tax on their concessional contributions, up from 15 per cent
Introducing a $1.6 million superannuation transfer balance cap on the total amount of superannuation that an
individual can transfer into retirement phase accounts
Personal impact of proposed changes to superannuation
Extreme impact on me High impact on me Moderate impact on me Some impact on me No impact on me I'm not sure
Surviving retirement
Fifty-seven percent of respondents reported having a ‘strategy’ for their
retirement – most commonly involving reliance on savings (38% of those with a
plan), income from rent or other investments (35%), and their age pension (28%).
Almost a quarter (24%) had a self-managed superannuation fund. Of these, 34%
involve a financial advisor in running it, with 67% taking some involvement
themselves (with our without the financial advisor).

20
Superannuation – in the news last week (15th September 2016)
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/the-pulse-live/politics-live-as-samesex-marriage-and-
super-haunt-malcolm-turnbull-20160914-grgmbm.html?sortOrder=LATEST&p=2

21
Superannuation – in the news last week (15th September 2016)
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-
news/live/2016/sep/15/pauline-
hansons-speech-draws-cross-party-
criticism-politics-live?page=with:block-
57d9f07de4b067ad30087d32#liveblog-
navigation

22
General population SMEs
Overall, awareness of Bentleys among surveyed SMEs in this wave of
The Voice is in the second tier of accounting firms, sitting with Moore
Stephens, and HLB Mann Judd.
Awareness of Bentleys in the financial services marketplace
16%
16%
17%
14%
15%
13%
10%
44%
19%
18%
16%
13%
11%
10%
10%
53%
13%
13%
12%
13%
9%
8%
5%
64%
RSM Bird Cameron
Grant Thornton
Pitcher Partners
PKF
Bentleys Australia
Moore Stephens
HLB Mann Judd
None of these
Which of the following accounting firms have you heard of?
Wave 3 (n=302) Wave 4 (n=302) Wave 5 (n=314)
22

23
APPENDIX
FULL SURVEY
RESULTS

24
49%
20%
31%
A capital city or its
surrounding suburbs
A large city but not a state
or territory capital
A regional or remote area
Location
49%
20%
31%
A capital city or its
surrounding suburbs
A large city but not a state
or territory capital
A regional or remote area
Location
328 Australian SMEs
micro: 1-4
employees
51%
small: 5-19
employees
27%
medium: 20-200
employees
23%
24
11%
11%
7%
6%
6%
6%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
4%
3%
2%
2%
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
8%
Professional, scientific, and technical services
Retail trade
Construction
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
Wholesale trade
Education and training
Other services
Administrative and support services
Health care and social assistance (but not…
Manufacturing
Accommodation and food services
Transport, postal and warehousing
Financial and insurance services
Rental, hiring and real estate services
Arts and recreation services
Information media and telecommunications
Mining
Personal services
Public administration and safety
Electricity, gas, water and waste services
Aged care
Other industries
Industry
5% (16)
1% (4)
11% (36)
26% (84)
28% (91)
25% (83)
ACT:
1% (3)
3% (11)
State

25
Demographics
Sep 2016 Feb 2016 Jul 2015 Nov 2014
STATE N % N % N % N %
NSW 91 28% 111 32% 122 33% 119 36%
VIC 83 25% 91 26% 94 25% 88 27%
QLD 84 26% 76 22% 81 22% 69 21%
SA 36 11% 39 11% 29 8% 20 6%
WA 16 5% 14 4% 24 6% 18 5%
TAS 11 3% 7 2% 6 2% 11 3%
ACT 3 1% 11 3% 11 3% 2 1%
NT 4 1% 1 <1% 6 2% 1 0%
Total 328 100% 350 100% 373 100% 328 100%
Sep 2016 Feb 2016 Jul 2015 Nov 2014
INDUSTRY N % N % N % N %
Professional, scientific, and technical services 37 11% 42 12% 43 12% 48 15%
Retail trade 36 11% 32 9% 35 9% 41 13%
Education and training 19 6% 25 7% 25 7% 13 4%
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing 21 6% 23 7% 31 8% 17 5%
Construction 24 7% 20 6% 25 7% 16 5%
Administrative and support services 17 5% 20 6% 13 3% 9 3%
Rental, hiring and real estate services 9 3% 19 5% 14 4% 14 4%
Health care and social assistance (not aged care) 16 5% 17 5% 17 5% 12 4%
Accommodation and food services 15 5% 16 5% 16 4% 13 4%
Arts and recreation services 8 2% 15 4% 13 3% 12 4%
Financial and insurance services 13 4% 14 4% 18 5% 14 4%
Personal services 4 1% 14 4% 17 5% 12 4%
Manufacturing 16 5% 13 4% 24 6% 25 8%
Wholesale trade 20 6% 9 3% 21 6% 9 3%
Information media and telecommunications 5 2% 9 3% 10 3% 14 4%
Transport, postal and warehousing 15 5% 8 2% 12 3% 7 2%
Mining 5 2% 6 2% 3 1% 5 2%
Public administration and safety 2 1% 4 1% 3 1% 6 2%
Electricity, gas, water and waste services 2 1% 4 1% 1 0% 2 1%
Aged care 1 0% 1 0% 4 1% 3 1%
Other services 18 5% 14 4% 19 5% 19 6%
Another industry 25 8% 25 7% 9 2% 17 5%
Total 328 100% 350 100% 373 100% 328 100%
Sep 2016 Feb 2016 Jul 2015 Nov 2014
EMPLOYEES N % N % N % N %
1-4 166 51% 171 49% 167 45% 151 46%
5-19 87 27% 92 26% 109 29% 97 30%
20-49 39 12% 38 11% 41 11% 24 7%
50-99 22 7% 32 9% 35 9% 31 9%
100-200 14 4% 17 5% 21 6% 25 8%
Total 328 100% 350 100% 373 100% 328 100%
Sep 2016 Feb 2016 Jul 2015 Nov 2014
REGION N % N % N % N %
A capital city or surrounding suburbs 161 49% 192 55% 199 53% 188 57%
A large city but not a state capital 65 20% 65 19% 76 20% 66 20%
A regional or rural area 102 31% 93 27% 98 26% 74 23%
Total 328 100% 350 100% 373 100% 328 100%
Sep 2016 Feb 2016 Jul 2015 Nov 2014
POSITION N % N % N % N %
Owner 86 26% 160 46% 165 44% 149 45%
Partner 57 17% 69 20% 71 19% 68 21%
Director, and also shareholder 19 6% 32 9% 28 8% 27 8%
Director, but not shareholder 7 2% 12 3% 10 3% 3 1%
HR Director/ HR Manager 5 2% 6 2% 5 1% 7 2%
Senior Position (e.g., Management/
Executive role)
63 19% 50 14% 68 18% 57 17%
Other - management 42 13% 11 3% 14 4% 14 4%
Other – non-management (with at least
some influence on day-to-day business
decisions)
49 15% 10 3% 12 3% 3 1%
Total 328 100% 350 100% 373 100% 328 100%

26
Business operates outside of Australia
Q1.6. Does your organisation operate outside of Australia?
12%
12%
10%
15%
18%
7%
88%
88%
90%
85%
82%
93%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Yes No

27
Age of business
Q1.7. How old is your business?
17%
23%
13%
11%
14%
21%
30%
27%
37%
31%
35%
26%
52%
51%
51%
59%
52%
53%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
0-4 years 5-10 years 11+ years

28
Describes their business as a start-up
25%
27%
26%
21%
30%
20%
63%
25%
13%
75%
73%
74%
79%
70%
80%
37%
75%
87%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
11+ year old business (n=172)
Yes No
Q1.8 Would you describe your business as a start-up?

29
38
41
33
30
38
38
Total (n=150)
Micro (n=106)
Small (n=32)
Medium (n=12)
Metro (n=71)
Non-metro (n=79)
Business founders
19%
27%
16%
4%
21%
16%
28%
37%
22%
13%
24%
31%
54%
36%
62%
83%
55%
53%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Is the founder of their business
Sole founder Joint founder Neither
Q1.8. Are you the founder of this organisation?
Q1.9. How old were you when you started your business? (free response)
Average age at which they founded their business
(sole founders only)

30
Previous involvement in other businesses
2%2%
11%
43%
42%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
10 or more6-94-52-31 only
The number of businesses previously involved in on a
senior/decision-making level
(all respondents, n=328)
Q1.10. How many businesses have you been involved in over your lifetime in a senior/ decision-making capacity?
Q1.11. [If Q1.11=Yes] Have any of these other businesses failed?
84%
5%
8%
2%
2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
No
Yes, after less than 1 year
Yes, after 1-5 years
Yes, after 5-10 years
Yes, after more than 10 years
If that business failed
(previously involved in more than one business, n=191)

31
Factors influencing failure of previous business
Q1.12. What were the main reasons behind the failure of your other business? (involved in failed businesses)
Business industry is down so can't continue with a loss.
Small, Brisbane
Change.
Change in market prices and currencies.
Competition.
Director of the company taking money out of business and not
replacing.
Medium, Melbourne
Disinterest of bankers.
Micro, other SA
Economic downturn.
Medium, Hobart
Economy.
Medium, other WA
Foreign imports.
Micro, Melbourne
Fruit fly.
Small, other NSW
Government contracts that were tendered for not being
renewed.
Medium, Sydney
GOVERNMENT tariff changes.
Micro, Brisbane
Increased government charges and taxes.
Micro, Melbourne
Inflation.
It went bankrupt and we lost all of our money.
Medium, other NSW
Lack of clients.
Micro, other NSW
Lack of customers.
Medium, Darwin
Lack of trade.
Micro, other NSW
Moved to another city.
No money.
Micro, Melbourne
Not financially viable.
Medium, Brisbane
Over extended in technology.
Poor management.
Micro, Canberra
Resource limitation.
Micro, Brisbane
Slow economy.
Medium, Perth
Underfunded.
Micro, Sydney
We did not anticipate market change quick enough and faced
demand dropped too quickly.
Micro, other NSW
We moved out of the city area and postal rates were too high.
Withdrawal of vital contracts, product not sufficiently
developed.
Small, Sydney
Wrong place wrong time.
Micro, other NSW

32
Business confidence in the short-term
18%
17%
20%
19%
17%
19%
42%
38%
46%
47%
46%
38%
27%
30%
24%
24%
22%
32%
11%
14%
6%
9%
12%
10%
2%
1%
5%
1%
2%
2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Confidence in immediate business prospects (October and November 2016)
Q2.0. To what extent do you feel confident or worried about your immediate business prospects (October and November 2016)?

33
Business confidence in the long-term
21%
19%
23%
23%
22%
20%
40%
37%
45%
41%
40%
41%
23%
25%
21%
23%
21%
26%
13%
17%
8%
8%
13%
12%
3%
2%
3%
5%
4%
2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Confidence in business prospects over next 12 months
Q2.2. To what extent do you feel confident or worried about your business prospects over the next twelve months?

34
Confidence in business prospects in the next 12 months – over time
Q2.1 To what extent do you feel confident or worried about your business prospects over the next twelve months? (All respondents)
21%
14%
25%
16%18%
40%
40%
34%
44%41%
23%
25%
25%24%22%
13%
18%
15%14%16%
3%3%2%3%3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Wave 5 (n=328)Wave 4 (n=349)Wave 3 (n=370)Wave 2 (n=328)Wave 1 (n=635)

35
Average confidence in business prospects in the next 12 months – over time
3.63
3.43
3.65
3.543.55
1
2
3
4
5
Wave 5 (n=328)Wave 4 (n=349)Wave 3 (n=370)Wave 2 (n=328)Wave 1 (n=635)
Average level of confidence
Neither confident
nor worried (3)

36
Average confidence in business prospects in the next 12 months – over time
3.47 3.45
3.32
3.54
4.11
3.71
3.3
3.76
4.45
3.94
3.79
3.68
1
2
3
4
5
Micro
Small
Medium
Neither confident
nor worried (3)
4.13
3.76
3.51 3.61
3.59 3.53
3.34
3.65
1
2
3
4
5
Metro
Non-metro
Neither confident
nor worried (3)

37
Likely business actions over the next 12 months
49%
34%
32%
28%
23%
21%
16%
13%
8%
7%
6%
4%
4%
2%
2%
13%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Grow revenue
Grow profits
Hire new staff
Introduce new initiatives to support your employee value proposition (e.g., flexible
working; staff bonus scheme)
Obtain/seek specialised turnaround or restructuring advice
Re-finance
Make formal appointment over business (e.g., Administrator/ Liquidator)
None of the above
Q2.2. Do you think your business will do any of the following over the next twelve months? (multiple responses permitted; all respondents, n=328)

38
Likely business actions over the next 12 months – by size
48%
28%
30%
10%
20%
16%
14%
10%
13%
3%
3%
3%
4%
1%
2%
17%
52%
39%
32%
39%
21%
24%
14%
16%
2%
11%
5%
3%
3%
5%
3%
9%
48%
39%
37%
57%
31%
28%
25%
15%
3%
11%
13%
8%
5%
4%
0%
8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Grow revenue
Grow profits
Hire new staff
Introduce new initiatives to support your employee value proposition (e.g.,
flexible working; staff bonus scheme)
Re-finance
None of the above
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Q2.2. Do you think your business will do any of the following over the next twelve months? (multiple responses permitted)

39
Likely business actions over the next 12 months – by location
48%
36%
34%
25%
25%
23%
11%
16%
7%
7%
7%
6%
4%
5%
2%
14%
50%
31%
31%
32%
21%
19%
22%
10%
9%
7%
5%
3%
4%
0%
1%
11%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Grow revenue
Grow profits
Hire new staff
Introduce new initiatives to support your employee value proposition
(e.g., flexible working; staff bonus scheme)
Re-finance
None of the above
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Q2.2. Do you think your business will do any of the following over the next twelve months? (multiple responses permitted)

40
Main business focus in 2017/2018
41%
23%
13%
8%
6%
2%
7%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%
Improve profits
Improve cash flow
Improve business value
Upskilling employees
Improve technology/ IT infrastructure
Improve solvency
Another area
Q2.3. What is the main focus for your business in 2017/2018? (single response; all respondents, n=328)

41
Main business focus in 2017/2018
46%
19%
14%
6%
8%
2%
5%
36%
28%
11%
10%
5%
1%
9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Improve profits
Improve cash flow
Improve solvency
Another area
Main business focus in 2017/2018 – by location
Metro (n=161) Non-metro (n=167)
41%
24%
14%
2%
5%
2%
11%
43%
29%
9%
10%
7%
0%
2%
39%
16%
13%
17%
9%
3%
3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Improve profits
Improve cash flow
Improve solvency
Another area
Main business focus in 2017/2018 – by size
Q2.3. What is the main focus for your business in 2017/2018? (single response)

42
Biggest concerns around business prospects over the next 12 months
23%
17%
16%
16%
8%
7%
5%
30%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
Cash flow
Growing revenue
Government regulations and compliance
Competition
Finding staff
Retaining staff
Something else
Nothing
Q2.5. In the context of your business’ prospects over the next twelve months, which of the following keep you up at night (i.e., your biggest worries)? (multiple responses permitted)

43
Biggest concerns around business prospects over the next 12 months
29%
23%
15%
17%
11%
6%
6%
25%
18%
11%
17%
15%
6%
9%
5%
35%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Cash flow
Growing revenue
Government regulations and
compliance
Competition
Finding staff
Retaining staff
Something else
Nothing
Biggest concerns around business prospects over the
next 12 months – by location
23%
14%
14%
15%
4%
2%
8%
36%
21%
20%
16%
21%
11%
13%
2%
23%
27%
20%
20%
13%
13%
12%
3%
27%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Cash flow
Growing revenue
Government regulations and
compliance
Competition
Finding staff
Retaining staff
Something else
Nothing
Biggest concerns around business prospects over the
next 12 months – by size
Q2.5. In the context of your business’ prospects over the next twelve months, which of the following keep you up at night (i.e., your biggest worries)? (multiple responses permitted)

44
Attitudes to the impact of Australian political and economic events on business - overall
3%
3%
2%
2%
2%
2%
27%
22%
16%
10%
9%
5%
56%
61%
54%
62%
62%
70%
9%
10%
21%
22%
19%
18%
4%
4%
8%
4%
9%
6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Attitudes to the impact of Australian political and economic events on business - overall
Q3.1a. How much of an impact do you think each of the following Australian political or economic events is going to have on your business (operations or confidence) in the near future?

45
Attitudes to the impact of Australian political and economic events on business –
recent interest rate cuts
3%
4%
1%
5%
3%
4%
27%
19%
38%
35%
31%
24%
56%
61%
52%
52%
58%
55%
9%
11%
8%
5%
6%
12%
4%
6%
1%
3%
2%
5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

46
the re-prioritisation of the small business portfolio by the Federal Government
3%
2%
2%
5%
3%
2%
22%
21%
26%
19%
22%
22%
61%
61%
60%
64%
60%
62%
10%
11%
10%
7%
12%
8%
4%
5%
1%
5%
2%
6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

47
the falling Australian dollar
2%
2%
0%
3%
1%
2%
16%
13%
22%
13%
13%
18%
54%
55%
56%
48%
58%
50%
21%
19%
17%
29%
21%
21%
8%
10%
5%
7%
7%
9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

48
the Federal Budget announced in May this year
2%
2%
0%
3%
2%
2%
10%
6%
15%
15%
12%
8%
62%
64%
61%
57%
63%
60%
22%
23%
22%
20%
20%
24%
4%
5%
2%
5%
3%
5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

49
the election of the ‘slim majority’ Turnbull Government
2%
0%
2%
4%
1%
2%
9%
7%
10%
13%
9%
10%
62%
63%
61%
59%
63%
60%
19%
16%
25%
17%
21%
17%
9%
13%
1%
7%
6%
11%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

50
the threat of Australia’s AAA credit rating being downgraded
2%
0%
2%
4%
1%
2%
5%
4%
6%
7%
7%
3%
70%
73%
71%
61%
70%
71%
18%
14%
18%
24%
18%
17%
6%
8%
2%
4%
5%
7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

51
Attitudes to the impact of international political and economic events on business - overall
2%
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
5%
7%
4%
7%
5%
6%
49%
64%
73%
77%
82%
81%
38%
25%
17%
13%
10%
9%
5%
3%
6%
2%
2%
2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Terrorist activity
Attitudes to the impact of international political and economic events on business - overall
Q3.1b. How much of an impact do you think each of the following international political or economic events is going to have on your business (operations or confidence) in the near future?

52
Attitudes to the impact of international political and economic events on business –
general market volatility
2%
2%
0%
4%
3%
1%
5%
3%
6%
11%
3%
8%
49%
52%
48%
44%
46%
52%
38%
40%
39%
35%
43%
34%
5%
4%
7%
7%
5%
5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

53
the slowdown of China’s economy
2%
1%
1%
3%
2%
1%
7%
6%
8%
8%
9%
5%
64%
66%
59%
65%
63%
65%
25%
23%
31%
23%
25%
25%
3%
4%
1%
1%
1%
4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

54
terrorist activity
1%
1%
0%
3%
1%
1%
4%
3%
3%
5%
4%
4%
73%
73%
74%
69%
74%
71%
17%
17%
17%
16%
16%
17%
6%
5%
6%
7%
5%
7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Terrorist activity

55
the upcoming US elections
1%
1%
0%
3%
1%
1%
7%
7%
5%
9%
9%
5%
77%
77%
78%
75%
77%
77%
13%
13%
15%
12%
12%
14%
2%
2%
2%
1%
1%
3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

56
humanitarian issues (e.g., refugee crisis in Europe)
1%
0%
0%
3%
1%
1%
5%
4%
5%
8%
6%
4%
82%
87%
85%
69%
82%
83%
10%
7%
8%
17%
10%
10%
2%
2%
2%
3%
1%
3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

57
1%
2%
0%
1%
2%
1%
6%
4%
5%
12%
6%
7%
81%
85%
80%
73%
81%
81%
9%
7%
13%
11%
11%
7%
2%
2%
2%
3%
1%
4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

58
2%
1%
1%
3%
1%
2%
15%
14%
17%
15%
12%
17%
38%
37%
39%
40%
43%
33%
27%
26%
28%
27%
27%
26%
19%
22%
15%
16%
16%
22%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Very high expectations High expectations Neither high nor low expectations Low expectations Very low expectations
Q3.2. What are your expectations of the Turnbull Government in terms of successfully addressing the issues and concerns affecting the SME business community?

59
Expectations of the new Turnbull government’s first 100 days – some ideas
Q3.3 Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was sworn in for his second term on the 19th of July this year. The 100th day of this term will fall on the 26th of October. What are you expecting to see in the first 100
days of the Turnbull Government with respect to actions impacting the SME business community?
A easier business process and lower tax.
Micro, other NSW
A growth and confidence in the market.
Micro, other NSW
A positive swing in favour of the SME with more aid being
given to the small businesses.
Medium, Melbourne
A ruling on penalty rates. Very few budget measures passed.
Medium, Hobart
Better interest rates.
Micro, other Victoria
Better investment into smaller businesses, incentives for staff
hiring.
Small, Melbourne
Business & job growth.
Micro, Sydney
Continued assistance for small business and encouragement of
the business sector.
Medium, other Tasmania
Cut tax rates.
Micro, other NSW
Decrease interest rates for small to medium sized businesses.
Engineering good ideas to help business thrive.
Small, Brisbane
Growth funding to support innovation and reduce crowding
out the market due to higher government spending not
delivered by the market.
Medium, Melbourne
Growth stimulus.
Micro, other Tasmania
I have confidence in our Prime Minister - looking at continued
investment innovation, FTA’s with our high growth neighbours
and support for small business owners via tax offsets and
incentives.
I'm expecting Malcolm Turnbull to have made some decisions
on reducing the national debt while making sure we don't lose
our AXA credit rating.
Medium, other NSW
Improve business environment and national security.
Micro, Brisbane
Improved economy... more jobs.
Improved tax position for small business.
Micro, other NSW
Improvement in the economy.
Micro, other SA
Improvement in the whole of the country.
Small, Adelaide
Increased Consumer confidence. Recession proof economy.
Small, Adelaide
It is alright and will grow in employees.
Medium, other NSW
Job growth.
Medium, Adelaide
Less red tape for small businesses, more tax breaks.
Less red tape to enable SME's to get on with the job! Too
many regulations and tax compliances. A falling-out between
the treasurer and the prime minister for sure. The removal of
Barnaby Joyce - the worst senator ever with uncaring policies
and blind eyes to the dreadful practices in live trade exports.
Small, Hobart
Make big business pay outstanding tax debts to repair our
economy. This would allow him to give small business a break.
Micro, other NSW
More competitive tax system and incentives to grow
workforce.
Small, Adelaide
More help I hope.
Micro, other NSW
More job opportunities, good money market value.
Medium, other WA
More opportunity for business to grow.
Small, Adelaide
Not sure, but Turnbull is a business man with an optimistic
outlook, so whatever ensues will be for the better good of all
Australians.

60
Expectations of the new Turnbull government’s first 100 days – some ideas
Oh that's my birthday lol! I expect to see more tax relief for
small businesses.
Medium, Melbourne
Reduce company taxes.
Small, Melbourne
Reduced corporate tax.
Medium, other SA
Reduced government costs, closer to balanced budget.
Micro, Brisbane
Some improvement in developing strategies for cutting down
on welfare payments.
Some innovative ideas & decisions.
Small, other NSW
Start to work for the better Australian economy and stop
mucking around pull your party into line and get on with the
job.
Micro, other NT
Tax concessions.
Tax cut legislated.
Medium, Adelaide
Tax cuts.
Tax cuts!
Micro, Melbourne
The economy improving, unemployment falling as more jobs
are created.
Small, Melbourne
To give everybody confidence to spend their cash.
To keep the promises he made.
Micro, Brisbane
To support links between businesses and researchers to
increase productivity and develop new products.
Micro, Canberra
Would like to see stable government with positive ideas to
help the economy and without dramas that cause the general
public to feel unsure of the economy and tighten their
spending. We always see a downturn in trade leading up to an
election due to the public feeling uncertain and unwilling to
commit to spending.
Micro, other NSW

61
Expectations of the new Turnbull government’s first 100 days – not a lot
A lot of talk little action.
Absolutely nothing of value. Government policy has been
delegated to children with no practical business experience
whose only focus is on securing a place in federal parliament.
There is no capacity to think beyond the present and no
capacity to consider the likely second and third order effects of
policy decisions. this government and the one preceding it
(and for that matter the current opposition) are totally without
a coherent and inclusive vision for the future of Australia.
PATHETIC.
Micro, Melbourne
Absolutely nothing. He has failed to implement anything of
significance to date.
Micro, Melbourne
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING... Malcolm Turnbull is no more
interested in helping small business than he is in taxing the
largest non tax paying companies in Australia. Malcolm
Turnball could be in office for 10000 days and he'd still do
NOTHING for those that most need assistance.
All talk no action and increasing red tape and taxes, costs.
As usual small business will be ignored and big business will
get all the tax breaks.
Micro, other SA
Continuing lack of policy and lack of leadership.
Micro, other SA
Dodging of issues. Bluster.... Mostly inaction.
Micro, other SA
Expecting nothing except broken promises and a harder time
for the average Australian.
Micro, Melbourne
Focus on the tax levels. Seems to also be focussing milk prices
which seems a negative thing to do.
Micro, Melbourne
I am expecting to see very little. Budget cuts dominating
everything, government not able to take a stand, no courage
to address important issues, SME business actions will be too
less too late.
Micro, other NSW
I do not expect change or improvement.
Micro, Adelaide
I don't expect anything.
Micro, other NSW
I don't know and not expecting anything. However, SME is the
backbone for the Australian economy, the government should
encourage the SME to sustain in the trade during the economic
downturn by giving some tax cut or relevant incentives.
Micro, Melbourne
I don't think i will see anything from this. I'm no big business or
executive.
Micro, Brisbane
I expect him to stick to his promises of what he made to the
Small Business Community. They keep Australia going and
they are doing it tough right now.
Small, Brisbane
I expect to see absolutely no action on anything except same
sex marriage.
I expect very little as the Turnbull government is completely
out of touch with very small businesses like mine. It is also
completely out of touch from the real health industry, but
supports the illness industry (big pharma, etc.).
I have little faith in the Turnbull government supporting small
businesses.
Medium, Brisbane
Little or no assistance just extra heartache that the politicians
will place upon us.
Small, other SA
Lower business incentives with no growth in the local sector
compounded by higher unemployment and general
uncertainty regarding spending.
Medium, Adelaide
Mainly negative impact and very little focus on SME business
needs.
Micro, other NSW
Mostly excuses.
Micro, other NSW
None, really. It will be business as usual.
Micro, other NSW
Not a great deal - will be lots of problems with such slim
majority.
Medium, other Tasmania
Not a great deal frankly.
Not a great deal to short a timeframe.
Micro, Melbourne

62
Expectations of the new Turnbull government’s first 100 days – not a lot
Not a great deal with a minority government this will be the
excuse for any positive actions not followed through, I have no
faith in the government any more AT ALL.
Micro, other SA
Not a lot to be honest. he is probably just going to go along
slowly and not make any rash decisions just yet.
Small, Melbourne
Not much, his focus is generally on big business i.e. where he
can line his own pockets with money.
Micro, Melbourne
Not one thing - as usual the government do nothing but line
their own pockets and absolutely nothing else!!!!
Medium, Adelaide
Not very much as his venture so far seem to be old budget
ides that have not worked before !
Micro, Melbourne
Nothing - I had very high expectations for him as PM when he
was elected but he has just been screwing everything up since
he's been in and is looking worse and worse.
Small, other SA
Nothing as he is a talker but nothing gets done.
Medium, Adelaide
Nothing but whinging and bitching.
Small, Brisbane
Nothing much as he has not got any majority in the senate and
has his hands tied by some members of his own party.
Small, Sydney
Nothing much. Holding the status quo and really looking at
the states and the negative impact they are having on the
party, e.g. NSW Greyhound industry and the impact on many
SMEs.
Micro, Sydney
Nothing substantial, expecting another 3 years of the same
rubbish as the last 6 years.
Medium, Adelaide
Nothing, there is never any interest in small business, only think
about big companies in finance and tech. Nothing new for us.
Micro, Melbourne
Total confusion, [they live in a different world, and have no
idea about living a business life, except about making money
and unfortunately not for Australia.]
Micro, Perth
Unfortunately not much, we are the forgotten industry.
Micro, other NSW
Very little as he is a very indecisive and untrustworthy person.
He only thinks about the big end of town.
Very little as nothing happened in the last 100 days.
Micro, Brisbane
Very little change.
Medium, Melbourne
Very little. It will take more time than 100 days to impact on
the SME business community.

63
Expectations of the new Turnbull government’s first 100 days – Other comments
Chaos.
Micro, Brisbane
Confusion.
Small, other WA
Constant bickering between the parties over non-significant
issues, and not much real action on anything.
Ditching the obsession with same sex marriage and getting on
with reducing burdens on small business.
I expect the Coalition to get on with the job, and hope the ALP
will grow up and respond to the party who has the guts to
bring about a return to our financial prosperity.
Small, other NSW
I wish him all the best for his success because of the non-
supportive government. We are having hard times because of
what we are in - with high government deficit, high spending
with low revenue. We have to tighten our belts. Australians do
not believe tat we have to face the reality. We have had no
hard times before and we are facing one now. We just do not
know when. And that is the sure fact.
Micro, Brisbane
I'm afraid not much. The lack of a Senate majority is going to
be a significant issue in terms of moving forwards.
Little - no decisions made as majority is too slim.
Small, Brisbane
Our biggest concern is uber and the impact of rideshare on the
taxi industry. We can't believe that a company such as uber,
who are outlawed in many countries, can come into Australia,
not pay taxes, not comply with Australian laws then have the
audacity to continue on with their operations to the detriment
of the taxi industry. The taxi industry are paying their fair share
but uber aren't. They are forcing the state and federal
governments to lower the standards of the taxi industry so the
rideshare industry can get a foot in the door. It is the taxi
industry that has serviced the Australian communities for over
100 years and this interloper called uber are now reaping the
rewards that quite rightly belong to the taxi industry.
The leader of the country needs to have courage and to have
some people not like them for the good governing of this
country... turning over leaders and not letting them complete
term is a great distraction for polls and ratings only… these
people need to be in term for the whole 9 yards to make any
small improvement to this country. BTW it is in such disarray it
need stability which we have not had the past ten (10) years
and I feel we are a laughing stock and not taken seriously on
the world stage.
Micro, Melbourne
The senate not being an obstruction to the government in
getting the budget under control. The Senate to do its job with
the Australian economy and what is good for Australia as its
focus and get rid of stupid political self interest. Back the
Government and scrutinise based on the good for Australia
and stop putting stupid arguments up in lieu of smart scrutiny.
The government to do what they said that they would do
during the election campaign.
Micro, other NSW
They move very little really, every change costs us more for
services and goods, then there is more rules and changes to try
to keep up with.
Micro, other NSW
To follow through with the promises. he needs to go back to
the parties conservation roots this will encourage small
business. Try and get the company tax cuts through the
senate and to push the building regulation policy through.

64
Describing technology use in the organisation
13%
40%
10%
17%
20%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
We are very tech savvy and we proactively look for new and innovative technology to
apply to our business practices
We keep abreast of new technologies relevant to us, but it’s not a core focus of our
growth
We want to integrate new techonologies into our business, but don’t have the
resources to do so
When we need a new technology solution, we will research and adopt
We don’t take much intereset in new technology and wouldn’t describe ourselves as
innovative
Q4.1 Which of the following do you think best describes your organisation?

65
Describing technology use in the organisation
11%
36%
10%
20%
23%
10%
46%
9%
16%
18%
19%
43%
11%
13%
15%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
We are very tech savvy and we
proactively look for new and
innovative technology to apply to our
business practices
We keep abreast of new technologies
relevant to us, but it’s not a core focus
of our growth
We want to integrate new
techonologies into our business, but
don’t have the resources to do so
When we need a new technology
solution, we will research and adopt
We don’t take much intereset in new
technology and wouldn’t describe
ourselves as innovative
Describing technology use - by size
Q4.1 Which of the following do you think best describes your organisation?
16%
45%
9%
12%
18%
10%
35%
10%
22%
22%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
We are very tech savvy and we
proactively look for new and
innovative technology to apply to our
business practices
We keep abreast of new technologies
relevant to us, but it’s not a core focus
of our growth
We want to integrate new
techonologies into our business, but
don’t have the resources to do so
When we need a new technology
solution, we will research and adopt
We don’t take much intereset in new
technology and wouldn’t describe
ourselves as innovative
Describing technology use - by location

66
Has introduced cloud services over the last 12 months
21%
17%
17%
33%
22%
20%
8%
4%
8%
16%
8%
7%
72%
80%
75%
51%
70%
73%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Has introduced cloud services over the last 12 months
Yes I'm not sure No
Q4.2c. Did you organisation introduce any cloud services over the last 12 months?

67
Currently utilises cloud services
32%
29%
32%
39%
37%
27%
94%
15%
9%
4%
8%
21%
7%
11%
4%
59%
67%
60%
40%
55%
62%
6%
80%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Introduced new services in last 12 months (n=68)
Did not introduce services in last 12 months (n=235)
Currently utilises cloud services
Yes I'm not sure No
Q4.2a. Does your organisation currently utilise any cloud services?

68
Has plans to introduce new cloud services in the next 12 months
13%
13%
10%
17%
18%
8%
34%
8%
26%
7%
27%
17%
34%
40%
24%
31%
34%
20%
33%
16%
60%
70%
55%
43%
58%
61%
32%
72%
41%
77%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Introduced new services in last 12 months (n=68)
Did not introduce services in last 12 months (n=235)
Currently use cloud services (n=105)
Do not currently use cloud services (n=193)
Has plans to introduce new cloud services in the next 12 months
Yes I'm not sure No
Q4.2b. Does your organisation have any plans to introduce any new cloud services to the business in the next twelve months?

69
Planned proportion of revenue to be invested in new cloud services in next 12 months
7%
47%
21%
7%
2%
16%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
1-2% 3-5% 6-10% 11-25% 26% or more I'm not sure
Planned proportion of revenue to be invested in new cloud service in next 12 months
Q4.3a. What proportion of your revenue is your organisation planning on investing in the introduction of these new cloud services in the next 12 months? (has plans to introduce new cloud services to the
business in the next 12 months, n=43)

70
Able to access the National Broadband Network (NBN)
32%
28%
30%
43%
24%
40%
7%
5%
7%
12%
11%
4%
61%
66%
63%
45%
65%
56%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Able to access the National Broadband Network (NBN)
Yes I'm not sure No
Q4.4. Is your organisation able to access the National Broadband Network (NBN)?

71
Expecting to be able to access the NBN
6%
6%
5%
6%
3%
10%
9%
9%
5%
12%
7%
11%
12%
11%
15%
9%
13%
10%
31%
28%
29%
41%
26%
36%
6%
8%
4%
0%
7%
4%
38%
37%
42%
32%
45%
30%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=199)
Micro (n=110)
Small (n=55)
Medium (n=34)
Metro (n=105)
Non-metro (n=94)
Expecting to be able to access the NBN
(respondents currently unable to access the NBN)
Within the next three months Within the next three to six months Within the next six months to a year More than a year away Never I'm not sure
Q4.5. When do expect that you will be able to access the NBN?

72
Impact of NBN on organisation
10%
13%
4%
13%
11%
10%
16%
11%
19%
22%
18%
15%
21%
11%
31%
28%
24%
19%
24%
28%
15%
25%
26%
22%
14%
21%
15%
3%
11%
16%
14%
17%
15%
9%
11%
16%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=105)
Micro (n=47)
Small (n=26)
Medium (n=32)
Metro (n=38)
Non-metro (n=94)
Impact of NBN on organisation
(respondents currently accessing the NBN)
Extremely beneficial Very beneficial Moderately beneficial Slightly beneficial Not at all beneficial Too early to say
Q4.6. Thinking about your organisation’s access to the NBN, has its impact on your organisation been…?

73
Extent of concern about not being able to access the NBN
4%
5%
0%
6%
6%
1%
8%
8%
9%
3%
7%
9%
19%
17%
16%
29%
21%
17%
28%
26%
31%
29%
28%
29%
42%
44%
44%
32%
39%
45%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=199)
Micro (n=110)
Small (n=55)
Medium (n=34)
Metro (n=105)
Non-metro (n=94)
Extent of concern about not being able to access the NBN
(respondents currently unable to access the NBN)
Extremely concerned Very concerned Moderately concerned Slightly concerned Not at all concerned
Q4.6. To what extent are you concerned about your organisation not being able to access the NBN?

74
Barriers to growth and success
30%
19%
19%
17%
16%
15%
15%
13%
12%
10%
8%
8%
7%
7%
6%
6%
6%
5%
5%
5%
4%
2%
3%
10%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
The Australian economy
Domestic competition
Lack of consumer demand
Cash flow
Red tape
Taxes
Government policy
Cost of equipment/ tools/ machinery (including computers)
Staff wages
Cost of physical premises (e.g., rent)
The global economy
Lack of stable, long
Interest rates
Skills shortages
Access to funding
Retention of staff
Recruitment of staff
Exchange rates
Overseas competition
Keeping up with changing technology
Lack of succession planning
Lack of advice/ guidance
Another factor (please tell us what)
No barriers
Barriers to growth and success
(percentages reflect an item selected in top 3 barriers)
Q6.1. Below is a list of a range of factors that might be barriers to an SME’s growth and success. Please select the three barriers that have the most significant impact on your organisation’s ability to succeed
and/or grow.

75
Areas of responsibility - overall
57%
55%
41%
40%
39%
31%
30%
45%
45%
47%
43%
43%
42%
34%
4%
4%
14%
6%
6%
30%
32%
4%
2%
4%
16%
16%
3%
10%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Areas of responsibility - overall
I do it myself A person or department within the organisation looks after it This is outsourced to someone outside of the organisation Not applicable
Q6.2. Who looks after the following areas for your organisation? (multiple responses permitted for each area of the organisation; all respondents, n=328)

76
Areas of responsibility – by size
72%
71%
55%
49%
50%
41%
42%
54%
44%
31%
41%
34%
26%
21%
27%
35%
19%
19%
20%
16%
13%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Do it myself
72%
71%
55%
49%
50%
41%
42%
54%
44%
31%
41%
34%
26%
21%
27%
35%
19%
19%
20%
16%
13%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The active daily
management of the
business
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Do it myself
28%
28%
33%
27%
32%
26%
25%
55%
62%
57%
52%
45%
53%
28%
69%
63%
65%
68%
65%
65%
60%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The active daily
management of the
business
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
responsible
2%
2%
13%
3%
3%
36%
24%
6%
3%
16%
7%
11%
26%
49%
5%
7%
13%
11%
8%
21%
31%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The active daily
management of the
business
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Outsourced

77
Areas of responsibility – by location
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Do it myself
58%
58%
39%
39%
40%
32%
30%
56%
53%
42%
42%
38%
31%
29%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The active daily
management of the
business
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Do it myself
40%
42%
46%
39%
39%
41%
34%
49%
48%
48%
46%
47%
43%
33%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The active daily
management of the
business
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
responsible
5%
4%
14%
8%
9%
31%
37%
2%
3%
13%
4%
4%
29%
28%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The active daily
management of the
business
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Outsourced

78
Extent to which each area of the organisation is challenging and time consuming
Q6.3. You said that you are directly involved in looking after these areas for your organisation. Please rank them in order from most to least challenging (1 is the most challenging area).
Q6.4. You said that you are directly involved in looking after these areas for your organisation. Please rank them in order from most to least time consuming (1 is the most time consuming area).
48%
35%
23%
21%
18%
17%
16%
51%
22%
14%
26%
21%
19%
8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
The active daily management of the business (n=187)
Accounting (n=103)
Marketing/PR (n=128)
Bookkeeping (n=133)
Administration (n=182)
IT support (n=98)
Human resources (n=132)
Most challenging and time consuming areas

79
Most challenging and time consuming areas for those who handle directly – by size
Q6.3. You said that you are directly involved in looking after these areas for your organisation. Please rank them in order from most to least challenging (1 is the most challenging area).
Q6.4. You said that you are directly involved in looking after these areas for your organisation. Please rank them in order from most to least time consuming (1 is the most time consuming area).
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Administration
Bookkeeping
Human resources
Marketing/PR
Accounting
IT support
Do it myself
Most challenging Most time consuming
43%
38%
29%
17%
14%
14%
7%
48%
22%
16%
26%
14%
14%
4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100%
(n=120)
Accounting (n=68)
Marketing/PR (n=83)
Bookkeeping (n=92)
IT support (n=70)
Micro
60%
26%
7%
33%
21%
17%
25%
57%
17%
7%
30%
32%
17%
14%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100%
(n=47)
Accounting (n=23)
Marketing/PR (n=30)
Bookkeeping (n=27)
IT support (n=18)
Small

80
Extent to which external sources inform business decision making processes - overall
6%
4%
3%
3%
2%
2%
2%
25%
18%
14%
11%
12%
9%
8%
27%
34%
23%
22%
25%
21%
20%
24%
25%
19%
25%
26%
21%
21%
18%
19%
41%
39%
35%
47%
49%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
The business’ financial data
Accountant(s)
Their financer(s)
Advisor(s)
Market forecasts
External consultants
Friends/ family
Extent to which external sources inform business decision making processes - overall
Q6.5. To what extent do each of the following inform your business decision making process? (all respondents, n=328)

81
Extent to which external sources inform business decision making processes –
the business’ financial data
Q6.5. To what extent do each of the following inform your business decision making process?
6%
4%
5%
11%
4%
7%
25%
23%
25%
28%
26%
24%
27%
23%
24%
39%
30%
24%
24%
28%
28%
12%
20%
28%
18%
20%
18%
11%
19%
17%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Extent to which external sources inform business decision making processes

82
accountants
4%
3%
3%
5%
2%
5%
18%
13%
24%
23%
19%
18%
34%
31%
31%
44%
40%
29%
25%
28%
23%
19%
22%
28%
19%
24%
18%
9%
17%
21%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

83
financer
3%
3%
1%
5%
2%
4%
14%
12%
11%
21%
14%
14%
23%
16%
29%
33%
24%
22%
19%
22%
20%
13%
20%
19%
41%
48%
39%
27%
40%
41%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

84
advisors
3%
3%
5%
2%
4%
11%
7%
15%
16%
10%
13%
22%
13%
29%
33%
25%
19%
25%
25%
25%
25%
27%
23%
39%
52%
31%
20%
36%
42%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

85
market forecasts
2%
2%
1%
4%
2%
2%
12%
7%
10%
24%
10%
14%
25%
22%
26%
31%
34%
17%
26%
30%
25%
19%
20%
31%
35%
39%
37%
23%
34%
35%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

86
external consultants
2%
1%
1%
3%
3%
9%
6%
7%
16%
7%
10%
21%
12%
30%
32%
27%
16%
21%
20%
20%
25%
22%
20%
47%
60%
43%
24%
43%
51%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

87
friends/family
2%
2%
1%
4%
2%
2%
8%
7%
6%
13%
5%
11%
20%
16%
24%
21%
24%
15%
21%
23%
23%
16%
20%
22%
49%
52%
46%
45%
48%
50%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)

88
Sources of insight to help with their business
27%
20%
19%
19%
13%
9%
6%
8%
34%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Advisors
Friend / family
Online media
Social networks
Newspapers
SME association
‘How to’ videos
Somewhere else
I don’t look for insights to help with my business
Sources of insight to help with their business
Q6.6. Where do you find insights to help with your business? (multiple responses permitted, all respondents, n=328)

89
Interest in attracting foreign investment
2%
2%
1%
1%
3%
5%
2%
3%
11%
6%
3%
9%
5%
11%
16%
13%
6%
13%
10%
16%
13%
14%
11%
72%
80%
68%
59%
63%
80%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Interest in attracting foreign investment
Extremely interested Very interested Moderately interested Somewhat interested Not at all interested
Q7.1. To what extent would you be interested in attracting foreign investment to your business?

90
6%
4%
3%
15%
8%
4%
5%
3%
11%
4%
8%
3%
88%
93%
85%
81%
84%
93%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Yes I'm not sure No
Q7.2. Is your organisation currently seeking foreign investment for your business?

91
Targeted markets
50%
15%
45%
10%
15%
10%
30%
45%
5%
10%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
USA
Europe
Asia
Middle East
I’m not sure
Interest in foreign markets
(respondents currently seeking foreign investment, n=20)
Market currently seeking investment in Market seen as having the most opportunity for foreign investment
Q7.3a. Which market or markets are you seeking investment from?
Q7.3a. And in which market do you see the most opportunity for foreign investment?
Specific countries where investment is
being sought:

92
Interested value of investment
10%
45%
30%
5% 5%
0%
5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Less than $1 million $1 million to less than 10
million
$10 million to less than $20
million
$20 million to less than $50
million
$50 million to less than
$100 million
$100 million or more I'm not sure
Interested value of investment
Q7.4. Approximately what value of investment is your organisation looking for? (respondents currently seeking foreign investment, n=20)

93
External sources of advice for foreign investment
50%
40%
20%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Financial advisor
External consultant
Friends or family
Other businesses
SME networks
Other
I’m not sure
Have not sought advice
External sources of advice for foreign investment
Q7.6. Where have you sought advice from in relation to your organisation’s search for foreign investment? (multiple responses permitted; respondents currently seeking foreign investment, n=20)

94
Utilising funds from foreign investment
60%
30%
25%
25%
10%
5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Expand the existing business
Invest in technology
Pay off debt
Invest in upskilling staff
Something else
I’m not sure
Utilising funds from foreign investment
Q7.7 If your organisation is successful in securing foreign investment, how do you plan to utilise the funds? (respondents currently seeking foreign investment, n=20)

95
Has taken steps to prepare for foreign investment
Q7.8. Has your organisation taken any steps to prepare the business for foreign investment? (respondents currently seeking foreign investment, n=20)
Q7.9. What steps have been taken? (has taken steps to prepare for foreign investment, n=20)
75%
15%
10%
Taken steps to prepare for foreign investment
(all respondents pursuing foreign investment, n=20)
Yes No I'm not sure
Additional classes and activities.
Medium, Sydney
Contacted businesses.
Medium, other NSW
Contacting investors.
Find out migration rules.
Medium, other WA
Package up relevant part of business.
Small, Darwin
Promoting the business, marketing.
Small, Melbourne
Talking.
Medium, Melbourne
To improve the profits.
Medium, other WA
Visits to China, Vietnam, Bangkok, and Israel.
Micro, Melbourne

96
Opinion of the extent of support for Australian SMEs by Australia’s current foreign
investment policy
3%
3%
2%
4%
3%
3%
16%
14%
7%
28%
16%
16%
36%
33%
43%
35%
37%
35%
13%
14%
16%
8%
14%
13%
7%
10%
3%
3%
7%
7%
25%
25%
29%
23%
24%
27%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=795)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=140)
Opinion of the extent of support for Australian SMEs by Australia’s current foreign investment policy
Very supportive Supportive Neither supportive or unsupportive Unsupportive Very unsupportive I'm not sure
Q7.10. In your opinion, is Australia’s current foreign investment policy supportive or unsupportive of Australian SMEs? (all respondents)

97
Level of awareness of the proposed changes to Australia’s superannuation system in the
2016-17 Federal Budget
9%
8%
8%
11%
12%
6%
41%
38%
41%
45%
42%
39%
33%
39%
30%
25%
30%
37%
17%
15%
21%
19%
16%
19%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Level of awareness of the proposed changes to Australia’s superannuation system in the 2016-17 Federal Budget
I have been following this issue closely and know a lot about the proposed changes
I am aware that changes are being discussed, and have a rough idea of what they are
I have heard that changes are being discussed, but I don’t know much about what they are
I didn’t know that there were any proposed changes
Q9.1. In the 2016-17 Federal Budget, the Government proposed a number of changes to Australia’s superannuation system. Which of the following best describes your level of awareness and knowledge of the
proposed changes?

98
Opinion of the proposed superannuation changes - overall
5%
3%
5%
3%
11%
13%
9%
9%
15%
13%
10%
13%
11%
19%
9%
10%
47%
40%
56%
55%
11%
12%
10%
10%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Lowering the superannuation concessional contributions cap to $25,000 per annum
Requiring those with combined incomes and superannuation contributions greater
than $250,000 to pay 30 per cent tax on their concessional contributions, up from 15
per cent
Introducing a $1.6 million superannuation transfer balance cap on the total amount of
superannuation that an individual can transfer into retirement phase accounts
Opinions on proposed changes to superannuation system - overall
Q9.2. Below is a list of some of the proposed changes to superannuation laws. How much of an impact do you expect each of these changes to have on you personally? (all respondents, n=328)

99
Opinion of the proposed superannuation changes –
5%
5%
6%
4%
6%
4%
11%
11%
5%
20%
15%
8%
15%
8%
20%
24%
17%
13%
11%
10%
14%
11%
12%
10%
47%
57%
40%
32%
35%
58%
11%
9%
16%
9%
14%
8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Total (n=328)
Micro (n=166)
Small (n=87)
Medium (n=75)
Metro (n=161)
Non-metro (n=167)
Q9.2. Below is a list of some of the proposed changes to superannuation laws. How much of an impact do you expect each of these changes to have on you personally?

Bentleys the voice full report 19 sep2016

Bentleys the voice full report 19 sep2016

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Bentleys the voice full report 19 sep2016