The team at Donovan Oates Hannaford Lawyers have reminded us of the Federal Government review of the taxation of trusts.  A consultation process is now underway and submissions are required by 10 February 2012. The consultation paper released on 21 November 2011 has identified significant areas requiring reform and modernisation. Options for reform have been outlined, but they do not include taxing trusts as companies.  The government says that would be a major departure from the current policy framework. To read more or contact Donovan, Oates, Hannaford team click here.  

Down to Business                                                                                                                  

Regional Digital Strategy for the Mid North Coast

"Making Connections, Filling the Gaps - Towards a Digital Region", Australia's first regional digital strategy was launched at the Strategic Regional Leadership Conference recently. The aim of the strategy is to exploit three key linked opportunities in the region
that comprise;

- the advent of high speed broadband

- the fast-growing shift to online public services and engagement with citizens at local government, federal and state level

- the emergence of a digital economy and clusters of manufacturing, creative, health and knowledge based industries in the region.

The strategy is open for comment until Fri 16 Dec. Read more...

What worries Edward deBono

Meaningful and structured change and innovation can be achieved by organisations willing to install a 'Chief Ideas Officer' to listen and follow through to ensure that ideas are harnessed and turned into actions, according to the master of creative thinking Edward de Bono. De Bono spoke to My Business last week at the Creative Innovation 2011 event where his key message emphasises systemizing creative processes. Read more...

Your input sought on new business blog.

NSW Trade & Investment is broadening its digital engagement with a new blog and we want your views on the kind of content you want to see there. Please take a moment now to complete this short survey.

Last chance for input to women in business survey

The Australian Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI) has launched Australia's first national women in business research project. Read more...

Bricks and mortar shopping here to stay - the Retail Doctor

Research by our Retail Doctor Group's consumer insights division shows that the physical environment is still very much a part of the Australian shopping experience. Read more...

The Business Calendar

From the Port Macquarie Community College:

14-28 Jan: Introduction to MYOB (3 sessions 9am - 4pm), $275

3 Dec: Stress Free Speaking (9am - 4pm) $95

18 & 20 Jan: Producing a Professional Resumé (2 sessions 10am-1pm) $120

17 & 24 Jan: Declutter your space Glenda Hamilton (2 sessions 6:30-8:30pm) $58

What's On

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The Hastings Business Enterprise Network (HBEN) is a business unit of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, established by the community to assist free enterprise