From the Editor

Content Welcome Message: From the Editor News items: MSI Economic Business Snapshot 2009 - survey results MSI Member News 2009 Federal Budget Update Client Case Study - OSD Pipelines Firm Profile - MSI Marsdens (Perth) Budget Changes to Australian Superannuation Small Business Company Audit Requirements Data-Matching - Big Brother (the ATO) is watching you! MSI Global Alliance Update MSI Australia & New Zealand Members

Despite reports of a slowing economy, I am pleased to say that the members of MSI ANZ Group as well as our clients seem to be experiencing growth and busy times. This was the very pleasing news to come out of our recent research study into the experiences of both clients and firms alike. All members completed one questionnaire and we thank clients for completing a parallel questionnaire.

Interestingly, the results from both the surveys indicated a positive outlook. A total of 40% of the clients who responded showed an increased annual turnover over the past 12 months; 16% have increased their staff numbers while 50% believe either that the recession will be avoided (42%) or that the economy will see a significant upswing (8%). Somewhat surprisingly, while one might have expected salary levels to fall, many businesses have found new recruits commanding higher salary levels in the past year.

Looking at the 11 MSI legal and accounting member firms in our Australia / New Zealand grouping, the majority are also experiencing better-than-expected times. Indeed there are a number of positive signs – 9 out of 11 saw an increase in business and only 2 firms reduced their headcount. Thankfully, after years of real problems in recruiting the right people, 8 out of 11 said that it had (at last!) become easier to recruit over the past year.

Be it client company or professional service-provider, there certainly appears to be a common theme in all our responses – there was a strong sense that while the current economic climate is tough there are plenty of opportunities for consolidation and growth.

It is often said that it is in times of economic downturn that tomorrow’s star performers are fashioned. As members, we all have great examples of clients who are building and growing substantially in the current climate – and just as importantly, as MSI members, we are pleased to be able to demonstrate that we are faring well and are ready, willing and able to look after our clients as we emerge from tough times.

Rod Commins
Patterson Houen & Commins
August 2009

42% of Australian SMEs believe recession will be avoided in 2009/10
	Our most recent survey shows that Australian SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) may be weathering the current Global Financial Crisis better than some media reports suggest....... Click here for the full story
MSI Member News
	Check out the latest in new from MSI member firm from Australia. Click here for MSI Member News
2009 Federal Budget Update
	As several months have now passed since the Federal Budget was released, the impact on small business will take sometime to take real effect. There were some significant changes introduced for small business.... Click here for the full story
Client Case Study - OSD Pipelines
	In this issue we feature OSD Pipelines, a client of MSI’s Brisbane accounting member firm, MSI Taylor. Click here for full story
Firm Profile - MSI Marsdens
	MSI Marsdens build on the past and planning for the future. The proof that MSI Marsdens can do this successfully lies in the growth and stability of the group over the past decade. Click here for full story
Budget Changes to Australian Superannuation
	The Government has been unable to resist tinkering with the superannuation system in the budget introduced to the Federal Parliament in May 2009. The principal change...... Click here for full story
Small Business Company Audit Requirements
	Many small businesses owned and operated by the same proprietors operating as Companies do not require a statutory audit under Company Law. Those businesses may believe that there is no reason for an audit, however, they may not be aware that an audit can be required where the Company has grown.... Click here for full story
Data-Matching - Big Brother (the ATO) is watching you!
	Before you even lodge your tax return the tax office has already collected a lot of information about you......... Click here for full story
MSI Global Alliance Upddate
	MSI Global Alliance continues to grow in strength and size as it consistently ranks among the top 20 international accounting and legal networks and associations............ Click here for full story
MSI Australia & New Zealand Members – 12 offices in 8 cities
	As part of MSI Global Alliance, there are 12 independent legal and accounting firms within the MSI Australia and New Zealand region. For information, practice specialisations and contact details about each Australia & New Zealand member firm, please click here .