In this episode, recorded live at the Royal Exchange Club in Sydney, experts from the transport and finance industries come together to address the significant financial challenges currently faced by the Australian transport sector. The panel explores key issues such as the decline in asset prices, difficulties in capital raising due to aging equipment, increasing ATO debt, and tighter profit margins caused by stricter payment terms from suppliers. The panel includes industry leaders: Nicholas Samios (Hermes Capital)Ben Gibson - (Pickles)Luke Andrews - (BDO)Roman Tepes - (Balance My Books) Topics discussed range from asset valuations, equipment maintenance, and cash flow management to debt restructuring and stakeholder management. The seminar provides actionable advice on how businesses can navigate financial distress and make informed decisions in the current climate. If you’re in the finance or transport sector, this seminar offers valuable insights into the unique challenges facing the industry, as well as practical strategies for overcoming them. Key Topics Covered: Impact of COVID-19 on asset values and equipment availabilityThe role of maintenance and fleet management in asset value retentionCommon financial pitfalls in the transport industryStrategies for restructuring and refinancing to maintain business viabilityNavigating ATO debt and managing stakeholder relationships effectively Tune in to gain expert insights and practical advice on how to tackle the evolving financial landscape in the transport industry.

What is Small Business Restructuring? What do finance brokers, accountants and other business advisors need to know about it? It’s now over two years ago when small businesses really started implementing Restructuring as an insolvency alternative - what can we learn from its brief history thus far? In this #LunchMoney Episode, Nick speaks with Louisa Sijabat. Louisa is a thought leader in SBR and corporate restructuring, it was great to have the opportunity of putting your questions to her! Lunch Money is produced by Hermes Capital Partners https://hermescapital.com.au/

This podcast episode was recorded live at our Breakfast seminar in Brisbane. The seminar, titled "Breaking Ground: Debt Capital Challenges and Opportunities in Construction and Mining Services," featured a distinguished panel of experts who discussed a range of issues and opportunities within the construction and mining industries. The seminar emphasized the capital-intensive nature of these sectors, underscoring the importance of securing quality contracts and addressing supply chain issues, which were particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists Nicholas Samios: Fund Manager and Director at Hermes Capital, discussed the private credit market and asset-based lending, particularly in contracting.Ian Hyman OAM: Founder of Hymans, shared insights on business valuations, project management, and the challenges faced due to government regulations and indigenous land issues. Mark Rainbird: Chairman and Founder of BlueMount Capital, addressed the impact of commodity price fluctuations, labour shortages, and cash flow management on capital raising and business operations.Harry Mostert: Independent consultant with extensive experience in mining, construction, and infrastructure, discussed operational challenges and market entry strategies. The seminar highlighted several current challenges. Persistent supply chain disruptions have created a bullwhip effect, leading to overstocking and subsequent price drops. Increasingly complex government regulations are causing delays in project approvals, particularly in construction. Indigenous land issues, involving competing claims and legal battles, are contributing to significant project delays and increased costs. Additionally, labour shortages and inflation are straining budgets, while rising interest rates and economic uncertainties are impacting asset values and business operations. Despite these challenges, the seminar also identified several opportunities. There is ongoing merger and acquisition activity driven by strategic growth needs and capital requirements. Positive developments in certain sectors, such as gas, where government support is facilitating growth, were noted. Opportunities for capital raising exist for businesses with strong management and strategic planning. Expert Insights Ian Hyman highlighted the deteriorating business conditions due to governmental indecision and indigenous disputes.Mark Rainbird discussed the effects of commodity cycles and market volatility, using nickel as an example of market disruption.Harry Mostert shared his experiences with multinational and private companies, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiency and strategic market entry. The seminar concluded with a focus on the importance of understanding market dynamics, managing cash flow effectively, and leveraging strategic opportunities to navigate the challenges in the construction and mining services sectors. Lunch Money is produced by Hermes Capital.

This episode of Lunch Money was recorded live at our Sydney breakfast seminar.  Welcome to our in-depth seminar on mastering business acquisitions! In this video, we bring together industry experts Nicholas Samios, Ian Hyman, Andrew Casson, and Malcolm Campbell to share their expertise and experiences in the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). We cover a wide range of topics essential for finance professionals, business owners, and anyone involved in the acquisition process. Key Highlights: Economic and Situational Impacts: Understand how major events like GST and COVID-19 have influenced business owners' decisions to sell and the current state of the market.Growth Strategies: Learn about the benefits and challenges of growing your business through acquisitions versus organic growth.Legal and Regulatory Insights: Discover the legal bear traps in business acquisitions and how to navigate them effectively.Valuation and Sale Preparation: Get tips on how to prepare a business for sale, including realistic valuations and addressing potential red flags.Buyer's Perspective: Hear about common mistakes buyers make, such as overpaying and strategic misalignment, and how to avoid them.Financing Acquisitions: Explore different ways to structure the financing of acquisitions, leveraging assets and ensuring adequate working capital. Expert Panel: Nicholas Samios: Director of Hermes Capital, specialist provider of cashflow financeIan Hyman: Principal of Hymans, specialising in property and equipment valuation.Andrew Casson: Founder of Castle Advisory, with over 20 years of experience in M&A, focusing on the sell side.Malcolm Campbell: Principal lawyer at Carmen and Greg, with extensive experience in business transactions and commercial law. This seminar is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples, making it a must-watch for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of business acquisitions. Listen now and gain the knowledge you need to succeed in your next acquisition!

This episode was recorded live at our Sydney breakfast seminar. The ATO was generous during Covid, allowing Australian small businesses to add $15B to its pre-Covid undisputed arrears, bringing the total to $30B. However, playtime is over, and the ATO now wants to collect. In taking measures ranging from credit agency default listings to the initiation of winding-up proceedings, the ATO poses a significant threat to individual SMEs facing cash flow issues and trying to raise capital. This, however, presents an unprecedented opportunity for finance professionals. In this seminar, we will delve into the intricacies of this financial landscape, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate ATO arrears when raising capital. This episode featured guest expert panel: Michael MoonShannon CavanaghSule Arnautovic In this episode, we covered: ATO's Approach and Stats: ATO has become more active post-COVID, with a significant increase in tax debt.Key tools include credit reporting and Director Penalty Notices (DPNs).Tax debt has substantially increased, affecting small businesses the most. Client Evaluation and Financing: Evaluating clients' overall financial picture beyond short-term debt.Blended rates and diverse financing options are essential for managing debt effectively. Corporate Restructuring: Formal restructuring options to manage ATO and other debts.Corporate restructuring primarily addresses unsecured debt, with equipment finance companies often being cooperative. Negotiation Strategies with ATO: Early engagement and proper engagement with the ATO are crucial.Compliance with ATO's legal practice statements is essential for favourable outcomes. Interested in future breakfast seminars by Hermes Capital? Check out our upcoming events here.

In this episode of Lunch Money, we interview the CEO of Spartan Race Australia, Russell Nelms. If you haven’t yet experienced the adrenaline rush of tackling a Spartan obstacle course, you’re missing out on a transformative journey that extends far beyond the finish line. In this blog, we dive into the heart-pounding world of Spartan racing, exploring its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Lunch Money is produced by Hermes Capital Partners https://hermescapital.com.au

Lunch Money in March will feature Andrew Cassin, a seasoned expert in M&A, specialising in the transition of ownership for privately held businesses in the lower mid-market. Andrew has over 20 years of front-line experience, helping business owners with thorough preparation for business exits, and offering invaluable insights for business owners aiming for successful and profitable transitions. We will ask Andrew about the challenges of making businesses saleable in 2024, positioning companies for strategic buyers, and the importance of preparation for a successful exit. Finance brokers, accountants, lawyers, and capital advisors keen on the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions within the lower mid-market will gain valuable, actionable insights. Don't miss this conversation - tune in to Lunch Money Podcast.

The key barriers to effective corporate restructuring are often said to be directors' delayed action (“head in the sand”), the stigma of insolvency, and overly complex laws. Especially for SMEs. 'Safe Harbour' and 'Small Business Restructuring' laws aim to address these issues. How are these recent additions to Australian restructuring laws faring in practice? Are they improving outcomes for business leaders in financial distress? Discover more on 'Lunch Money' this Friday at 12PM AEST with Blair Pleash (Restructuring Partner at Hall Chadwick) and Professor Jason Harris (Professor of Corporate Law at the University of Sydney). Join us for an insightful and practical session ideal for both finance professionals and company directors keen on understanding these legal solutions.

Join us for our final Lunch Money of 2023, we are joined by two expert guests Angelina Kozary, Partner at Holman Webb and Louisa Sijabat, Principal at Merchands Advisory. We will be discussing the issue of what you do when you receive final demands from the ATO, your suppliers or your bank. These are very tricky situations to navigate and often businesses are left with very little time and large sums of money to pay. Our experts uncover how you can move beyond these situations and save your business from financial collapse. Tune in live to get your questions answered.

Join us on the next episode of Lunch Money with special guest Arabella Macpherson from Resonate Communications. Arabella is a communications specialist and she will be sharing with us how we can tweak our communications to be more influential. As we approach the end of the year, it’s a time for us to reflect and see what we can do differently in 2024. The core of communication starts with YOU. Arabella will share some strategies you can implement around self-management and creating habits. You don’t want to miss this one.

In this episode we dive into the collapse of Greensill Capital with Duncan Mavin - Author of The Pyramid of Lies. In the world of finance, many people invest without thoroughly reading complex documents. They trust established players, assuming due diligence has been done. This trust can lead to issues when promises don't align with reality. Greensill Capital's rise and fall is a story of complex finance, layered with personalities. Lex Greensill's journey from a farming background to financial prominence is fascinating. His charisma and visionary image drew people in, blinding them to potential red flags. Lex's actions and the recurring financial scams in the industry raise questions about the underlying motivations and mindset of individuals like him. The pursuit of high society and credibility in the financial world drove Lex to build an image of success, utilising relationships with prominent figures like David Cameron. He played a pivotal role in opening doors for Lex and Greensill, leveraging his political connections to secure funding and access to influential leaders, such as Muhammad bin Salman. The problem with supply chain finance, as exemplified by Greensill, is that it has been applied in ways that harm small businesses. Big buyers can coerce small suppliers into unfavourable deals, essentially holding their finances hostage. Although there's a move to make accounting more transparent, predatory practices still persist. The story of Greensill is part of a larger pattern where financial schemes are portrayed as benevolent efforts to democratise finance. However, in reality, they often serve personal interests or attract investments based on inflated promises. Lex Greensill's focus on branding and credibility-building using other people's money underscores the disconnection between the public image and the actual economic impact of such ventures.

Don't miss this episode of Lunch Money with Australia’s leading economist Warren Hogan.  In this discussion, we’ll delve into the challenge of deciphering conflicting economic data. Warren is the Managing Director and Founder of EQ Economics, a consultancy specialising in economic, market, and industry analysis. He is also an economic advisor to Judo Bank, a specialist SME-focused lender. His insights into the Australian economy and its impact on small businesses are not to be missed. Tune in for a deep dive into the complexities of navigating through contradictory economic data and gaining valuable insights in the process.  Lunch Money is produced by Hermes Capital Partners https://hermescapital.com.au/

What does it take to be on an advisory board? It takes more than just experience to be on a board these days. Louise Broekman from The Advisory Board Centre joins us in the next episode of Lunch Money. We explore best practice for board selection, such as what skills and knowledge is needed to become an advisory member. Plus the support available to both businesses and individuals to develop successful advisory boards. If you are looking to join a board, establish a board or improve your existing board, you don't want to miss this one.   Lunch Money is produced by Hermes Capital Partners https://hermescapital.com.au/

In this edition of Lunch Money, we are joined by our expert small business guests. David Gandolfo OAM (Board Member of COSBOA, Chair of Advocacy at CAFBA, and Partner at Quantum Business Finance) who will take us through the highlights of COSBOA's recently published report, "Small Business Perspectives 2023." We explore the emerging vulnerabilities and opportunities that are facing small businesses today. Throughout the episode, we'll explore the latest developments in their professional fields - commercial finance and corporate restructuring. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and gain valuable insights from these industry experts. Tune in to Lunch Money and get ready to level up your understanding of the business world! Lunch Money is produced by Hermes Capital Partners   RESOURCES COSBOA Small Business Perspective 2023 https://www.cosboa.org.au/post/the-small-business-perspective-report-2023

In this episode of Lunch Money, we were joined by special guests Daniella Mancuso from Nationwise Financial Solutions and Ian Hyman from Hymans Valuers & Auctioneers. We discussed the challenges of diversifying and growing professional services firms, with our commercial finance broker audience in mind.

In this interview, we were joined by special guest Nicolas Pilavidis from the Australian Institute of Credit Management. We discussed the critical role that credit professionals play in managing risk and ensuring their businesses receive payment for the sales and services delivered. Plus their unique information sources, that enables them to track how economic conditions impact their customers and provide insights into future developments by analysing these trends. So what do the risks look like for 2023? We dived into some insights from the recently published AICM Risk Report for 2023 including: The 'big squeeze' of rising costs and falling demand,Managing trade credit in an increasing interest rate environment,How credit managers are identifying and managing emerging industry, technological and legal or regulatory risks, and much more... Episode Resources AICM Risk Report for 2023

Checking out the business advisor you choose in a crisis is like checking out the parachute you choose before jumping from a plane. You need one that is going to get you to the ground safely – and that won’t always be the first one that comes to hand.   In this episode we are joined by guest Neil Cussen from Cor Cordis, to discuss how we choose the right advisor.   A great advisor can provide valuable guidance, experience, and the right connections that can help you navigate the tricky terrain of fundraising and business strategy in special situations. However, with so many advisors to choose from, it can be challenging to know how to pick the right one.

In this episode, were are joined by guest Mark Robinson, Senior Advisor at dVT Group. We discussed the challenges of rising interest rates, inflation, labour market constraints, supply chain issues and how they influence the approach the experts are taking to making sure businesses stay in the game.

Host, Nicholas Samios and guest, Andy Way (executive director and founder at Semper Securities) rummage through the latest RBA charts - interest rates, inflations, asset prices, business lending growth and more. Semper Securities is an asset back mortgage fund which gives Andy valuable insights you won't get in the financial press.

What are the fundamental survival instincts hard wired into humans and how can they contribute to success in business? This week’s Lunch Money special guests are Mike House and Michael Ford to talk about how small and medium businesses can go beyond surviving to instead thrive in these times of economic turbulence and upheaval. Mike House is the author of “(Un)shakeable: more than resilience” a business mentor and a survival expert having survived several life-threatening survival situations. These days he assists leaders to raise their capacity to deal with uncertainty. Michael Ford is founder and CEO of Castaway Forecasting and Chief Growth Architect of entrepreneur advisory firm Growth by Design. Michael's experience spans from mining through to manufacturing and professional services and he is the champion of the “Value Driver Tree”.