The recent unveiling of the 2024-25 Federal Budget has ushered in a wave of measures aimed at bolstering small businesses, relieving cost of living pressure, and fostering economic resilience.

We’re proud to introduce Synergy Mortgage Brokers, the newest brand of the Synergy Consolidated family.

Synergy Consolidated is proud to announce its partnership with Beef Australia 2024 , the premier event in the beef industry calendar, held in Rockhampton. As a not-for-profit organisation, Beef Australia relies on the support of partners to bring the significant event to life and showcase the best of Australia's beef industry. With a long-standing history in the agricultural sector, Synergy Consolidated has been serving clients in the beef industry for over 20 years, providing expert financial and advisory services. This partnership with Beef Australia highlights Synergy's commitment to supporting and advancing the beef industry. Beef Australia represents a unique opportunity every 3 years to connect with industry stakeholders, trading partners, and beef producers from Australia and around the globe. By partnering with Beef Australia, Synergy Consolidated reaffirms its dedication to the agricultural sector and its role in driving industry innovation and growth. "We are thrilled to be part of such a prestigious event that brings together key players in the beef industry. Beef Australia provides an invaluable platform for networking, learning, and showcasing our commitment to the industry” Managing Director of Synergy Consolidated Angie Barnard said. "Beef Australia presents an excellent opportunity for us to connect with our clients and suppliers, deepen relationships, and explore new opportunities within the industry. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders and contributing to the success of this event” Managing Director of Synergy Business Finance Marcus Barnard added. Throughout the week-long event, Synergy Consolidated will be engaged in various activities, including attending dining and tasting events of Australia’s best Beef products, networking with industry leaders, and participating in seminars. One of which will be hosted by the Synergy Consolidated team on Wednesday the 8 th of May, focusing on Succession Planning. The session will feature special guests from De Groots , a renowned Australian wills and estates law firm and discuss how families in the Beef industry can navigate the intricate landscape of estates with confidence. For more information about Beef Australia and accessing ticketing to events across the week from May 5 th -11 th 2024 please visit their website, here.

Embarking on the economic journey of 2024, we find ourselves navigating turbulent waters, where the ripples of inflation cast a shadow on households and mortgage holders across Australia. Brendan Philp, Director of Synergy Mortgage Brokers, lends his insights on how inflation and rate rises are affecting Australian’s moving into the new year.

As we embark on the journey into 2024, the Synergy team believes it's crucial to share our insights on the small business industry and provide our perspective on what the market may hold in the coming year. Anticipating a challenging year ahead, small business owners are bracing for the impact of constrained consumer spending, concerns over interest rates, and overall economic fatigue in 2024. Following a tumultuous 2023 marked by soaring inflation and a surge in business insolvencies, a recent report by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) and Square points to a slowdown in consumer spending as the new year unfolds. Data reveals that median spending across all sectors in January 2024 is trailing behind the figures from January 2023. Consumers seem to be tightening their purse strings after the holiday splurges of Christmas and Black Friday. Furthermore, the report predicts a continued decline in consumer spending throughout 2024, attributing it to 69% of survey respondents reporting reductions in their discretionary spending during the final months of 2023. One of our Directors, Dan Chappel shares his insights to the current issues, “This deceleration in consumer activity seems to be spilling over into the labour market, which, despite remaining tight, exhibited signs of easing in December". Interestingly, industries related to travel, hospitality, and entertainment may fare relatively better than other consumer goods categories in 2024. This is in line with consumer research conducted in November 2023, which highlighted that individuals were likely to increase their spending on food and drink, entertainment, travel, and experiences in the coming year. However, the small business sector faces mounting challenges, including rising operational costs like insurance premiums, interest rates, and lease expenses. Experts and leaders in the sector fear that these factors could push many businesses to the brink in 2024. "Continued discussion about the increased cost pressures, potential interest rate rises and how the economy responds will continue to be a hot topic for business as they move into 2024" Director, Dan Chappel notes. "However, we have seen inflation now starting to ease which will hopefully see costs smooth out and supply chain pressures ease." In addition to external insolvencies, the number of business exits has already been on the rise over the past 18 months, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Looking ahead, significant policy changes are poised to impact business operations in 2024. The federal government is implementing various competition policy reforms, from the prohibition of unfair contract terms to injecting $8 million in funding to support prompt small business payments. Last year's unexpected passage of industrial relations reforms will also have implications for the small business sector, including the 'same job, same pay' rules, which come into effect from November 2024 (with an exemption for small business employers with under 15 employees). Additionally, small businesses have until January 2025 to familiarise themselves with the federal criminalisation of wage theft and a formal code of conduct designed to shield small employers from criminal prosecution in cases of accidental underpayment. "While the government presents these changes as common-sense reforms to enhance employee rights and fair compensation, helping small businesses adapt to these evolving regulations will be a challenge in 2024, adding to the operational complexities faced by entrepreneurs," Chappel adds. Amid this economic upheaval, COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat emphasises a crucial decision for Australia: Will they leave their small business community to the mercy of the storm, or will they guide them to safer waters? This question resonates in a landscape marked by uncertainty. As the second tranche of reforms looms, set to dominate Parliament in early 2024, entrepreneurs brace for more obligations and adjustments throughout the year and beyond. The small business community finds itself at a critical juncture, navigating a rapidly changing economic and regulatory landscape. If you are someone who owns a small business or want to discuss the small business projection you can contact your Synergy Consolidated Accountant or Client services advisor directly.

Please register your golf team for our Annual Synergy Golf Day. We cant' wait to see you out on the course.

At Synergy Consolidated, we're not just about balancing the books; we're also about nurturing dreams and supporting our team members in their personal endeavours. Today, we're proud to share the story of one such remarkable journey that embodies the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and triumph. Meet Dakota, the daughter of our very own Lana, a Client Manager at Synergy Consolidated. Dakota's passion for Futsal has taken her on an incredible journey, one that recently led to her being selected to represent Australia in the 2024 14-year-old girls' Australian representative team. Dakota's journey to this remarkable achievement began at the 2023 School Nationals competition in Brisbane. It was there that she showcased her exceptional talent and dedication, earning her a spot on the 2023 13-year-old Girls Australian All-Stars team. This prestigious recognition is awarded based on votes from rival coaches, placing her among the top ten players in Australia for her age group. But Dakota's journey didn't stop there. She received the news that she had been selected for the 2024 14-year-old girls' Australian representative team to compete in the UK next April. It's a dream come true for this young athlete and a testament to her hard work, determination, and unwavering spirit. The Synergy Consolidated Family's Support At Synergy Consolidated, we believe in the power of teamwork, both in the office and outside it. We see our colleagues not just as co-workers but as an extended family. When Lana shared Dakota's achievements and upcoming sporting expeditions, it was only natural for us to rally behind her. Angie Barnard, Managing Director of Synergy Consolidated, expressed her pride and support, saying, "Dakota's journey is an inspiration to us all. It's a reminder that dedication and passion can take you to incredible heights. We're thrilled to support Lana and Dakota on this adventure and will be cheering for Dakota all the way from the sidelines." Lana, Dakota's mother and a valued member of the Synergy Consolidated team, shared her thoughts on the journey: "I'm incredibly proud of Dakota's achievements. She's worked hard and shown immense dedication to her sport. It's heart-warming to see the support from my Synergy Consolidated family. We're grateful for their encouragement and help in making this journey a reality." Join Us on Dakota's Journey As Dakota prepares to represent Australia on the international stage, we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. We'll be sharing updates and insights into Dakota's sporting adventures, showcasing the talent and determination that make her a rising star in the world of futsal. At Synergy Consolidated, we understand the importance of supporting our team members' passions and dreams, and we're excited to see Dakota shine on the global stage. Stay tuned for more updates on Dakota's journey – we'll be cheering her on every step of the way!

We are thrilled to announce that Synergy Consolidated Sunshine Coast has thrown its hat into the ring for the prestigious Sunshine Coast Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2023, after being nominated by a client who took out the Creative Industries – Large Business category in last year’s awards. This exciting step reflects our commitment to excellence and our passion for serving the community. Our journey in the professional services sector has been one of growth, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Being a part of this category allows us to highlight our commitment to excellence and the impact we make in the business landscape. These awards not only acknowledge excellence but also foster a sense of community among businesses from diverse industries across the region. Director Ross Grieve expresses, "Participating in these awards gives us an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, learn from their journeys, and celebrate the collective growth of our region." Curating the award application itself has been a rewarding experience. It provided us with a chance to reflect on our achievements over the past year and recognise the strides we've taken. "The application process was a valuable exercise, allowing us to celebrate our accomplishments while also setting our sights on new goals" Ross added. The Sunshine Coast Chamber of Commerce Business Awards is not just a platform for recognition; it's a celebration of excellence and a showcase of the incredible work happening in our community. We extend our gratitude to all our clients, partners, and team members who have contributed to Synergy Consolidated's journey. Your support fuels our commitment to raising the bar and continually striving for excellence. Stay tuned for updates as we eagerly anticipate the awards event and the opportunity to share this exciting journey with all of you!