Leaders

New study finds that 1/4 businesses have no plans to reach net zero by 2050

Published

12 months ago

August 5, 2024

Nathan Langridge

Schneider Electric’s new ‘Sustainability Index’ finds 40% of firms not reducing carbon emissions, and 25% have no plans for net zero by 2050.

The findings indicate a significant gap in corporate action towards reducing carbon footprints, despite increasing pressure from governments, stakeholders, and the public.

Some companies cited financial constraints and lack of technical expertise as barriers to implementing decarbonisation strategies.

However, environmental advocates argue that the long-term benefits of sustainable practices far outweigh the initial costs.

Lisa Zembrodt, Principal and Senior Director, Energy Transition, Sustainability of Schneider Electric joins to discuss. #featured

Leaders

AI platforms boost online visibility for small businesses

AI platforms boost visibility and sales for small businesses, addressing challenges in online transition and customer engagement

Published

2 days ago

July 17, 2025

ticker NEWS

AI platforms boost visibility and sales for small businesses, addressing challenges in online transition and customer engagement

In Short:
– AI platforms help small retailers improve online visibility and sales after challenging years for physical stores.
– Any.market offers tools to easily create online stores and streamline local e-commerce for small businesses.

After challenging years for physical retailers, AI-powered platforms are enabling small businesses to enhance visibility and increase sales online. According to Andrey Korchagin of Any.market, many brick-and-mortar stores face significant obstacles when transitioning to digital. Though local searches constitute nearly half of all Google searches, many businesses lack the websites needed to capitalise on this traffic.

AI Solutions

Any.market utilises AI automation to simplify the online setup process. With just one click, small retailers can transform their Google business profiles into fully functional online stores. This includes pulling images, reviews, and important business information to create a professional catalogue. The ultimate goal is to turn local searches into potential sales effortlessly.

Furthermore, Any.market is introducing a feature that allows sellers to snap product photos, which the AI then converts into informative item cards, streamlining the sales process. By facilitating hyper-local e-commerce, Anymarket aims to equip small businesses with the tools necessary to compete effectively, ultimately reshaping the landscape of local commerce for the better. Business owners can register now on their website to get started with their free AI-generated store.

Leaders

SMEs face “time leakage” challenges managing tools and remote teams

Published

2 weeks ago

July 8, 2025

ticker NEWS

Cassandra Cadorin discusses SMEs’ challenges with tool overload and the importance of efficient project and team management.

Businesses are increasingly seeking ways to reduce costs without laying off staff, shifting attention to operational efficiency and the impact of excessive tools.

Cassandra Cadorin, director of CanTicket, and with nearly 20 years in media and marketing, has faced significant challenges in managing remote work.

Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are under pressure due to factors like rising interest rates, post-COVID dynamics, and the complexities of hybrid work arrangements. Cadorin highlights that managing clients, projects, and teams are key concerns rather than productivity alone.

Many businesses adopt numerous tools without realising it can lead to profit loss. The term “time leakage” describes the inefficiencies caused by switching between tools and the efforts to integrate various systems.

Cadorin advises small business owners to review their software expenses and seek team input about tool usage, emphasising the importance of tracking time to ensure project profitability.

The real cost of using too many tools:

Leaders

Promoting a culture of psychological safety at work

Published

2 weeks ago

July 8, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Workplace silence stifles innovation; fostering a speak-up culture enhances safety, engagement, and productivity.

Karen Maher, founder of Smart Culture, highlighted the importance of fostering a speak-up culture.

She explained that creating a safe environment for employees to express concerns—whether related to behaviour, ideas, or safety—is essential for organisational health.

Good relationships between employees and managers can significantly influence this dynamic.

When employees feel safe to speak up, they are more engaged, creative, and willing to contribute to the workplace, resulting in greater productivity and a more positive environment.

Conversely, failing to allow open communication can lead to serious risks, such as to safety or workplace morale, and can result in financial and reputational damage to a business.

With the shift to remote work, maintaining communication and connection has become more challenging, complicating the employee-manager relationship.

For more information about Smart Culture and its offerings, interested parties can visit smartculture.com.au