"Ajen is an accountant who is down to earth and genuinely interested in their clients prospering."
"As a trusted advisor you guided our business back on course when the outlook was far from positive and we look forward to your continued assistance into the future"
"His attitude towards his work and my portfolio has been exemplary. He always finds time for me at short notice and is a benefit to all."
"Ajen always has a high standard of professional manner. He continued to give me good advice and is a reliable person, helpful in sorting out problems and finding solutions easily."
"Ajendra has made himself available sometimes even after normal business hours, to assist us with any questions we have, even when sometimes they may have seemed silly or simple, he has answered in full and easy to understand terminology, at no point has he ever made me feel silly for asking."
"He is always accessible to speak with and even calls me to ask if I need help with anything."
"Ajendra's willingness to dedicate "caring time" to his clients sets him apart from others."
"I am confident to refer friends and family to his team because I know they are in the most capable hands. Ajendra’s honest, caring and upbeat nature has been an absolute godsend and I am so thankful that our paths crossed"
"Ajendra’s speaks with you in a language that you can understand and comprehend easily which assists in equity and partnership with your tax agent."
"We find you have a personal approach to your accounting practice, which makes everyone feel like number 1. This is a rare and special trait, and leaves us knowing we are in good hands."
"He is very astute, and at the same time down to earth and really interested in his clients prospering. For people like us who are new to small business this is an absolute god sent."
"He shows a genuine interest and I never feel rushed. He has created a warm and friendly environement."

Businesses feeling ‘adverse’ impacts of COVID-safe measures: ABS

While less than two out of 10 businesses are recording a dip in revenue, nearly two-thirds of them are still feeling the impact of COVID-safe controls, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

     

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Friday released the results of its latest Business Conditions and Sentiments Survey which showed that, while reported revenue decreases have fallen to just 18 per cent, many businesses remain challenged by COVID-safe controls and supply chain disruption. 

Nearly 64 per cent of businesses are being “adversely impacted” by COVID-safe provisions like stringent cleaning requirements and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among their staff. 

Of the businesses surveyed, 21 per cent of businesses said they had felt the impacts of at least one of these provisions to “a great extent”.

CreditorWatch chief economist Harley Dale said that while sparse reports of falling revenue emerge as a positive, the fact that such a large proportion of businesses are still feeling the impacts of COVID measures shows that “we are not out of the woods”.

“That is the best result since the ABS began this series in July 2020,” Mr Dale said. “It also represents the first time since December 2020 that an increase in revenue has outweighed a decrease in revenue.

“However, there is always a sting in the tail. Sixty-four per cent of businesses report COVID-related controls are still having an adverse impact on business conditions, which should be seen as a prescient warning that we are not out of the woods.”

John Shepherd, head of industry statistics at the ABS, said businesses have pivoted to adapt to changing conditions in various ways. 

Some 62 per cent of business leaders said they’ve changed their ordering processes, while 41 per cent said they’d changed the way they deliver products and services to customers, and another 39 per cent said they have changed suppliers. 

“Three in 10 (30 per cent) businesses are experiencing supply chain disruptions, with 37 per cent of these businesses affected to a great extent,” Mr Shepherd said.

“Another response from businesses has been to increased teleworking.

“Before COVID-19, one in five (20 per cent) businesses had staff teleworking. Currently, 30 per cent of businesses have staff teleworking, with 45 per cent of these experiencing improved staff wellbeing as a benefit.”

Pointing to the March CreditorWatch Business Risk Review, Mr Dale said that manufacturing, while still experiencing slowed productivity, could be turning a corner. He said supply disruptions highlight the risk of recoveries in these sectors slowing. 

“Growth in credit is being driven by housing, according to the latest RBA stats, which is hardly surprising given government support programs,” Mr Dale said, “with owner -occupier housing credit driving the race on a three-month annualised basis.

“Contrary to some speculation, credit extended to housing investors is still not on the front grid. We need to see evidence of stronger outcomes for personal and business credit, and the CreditorWatch BRR reinforces this point.”

 

 

John Buckley 
03 May 2021 
accountantsdaily.com.au

 

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