ICB News Channel

Small Business here in Australia is without dispute, the backbone of the nations economy. In this episode of the Podcast, we examine Small Business right now here in Australia through the eyes and responses of the community itself and attempt to answer and do a deep dive into critical understandings such as, how optimistic are small businesses about the economy currently and into 2026, how are revenues tracking and is there signs of recovery in certain sectors, challenges holding small business back and how small business is innovating and adopting new tech, to help drive growth, just to name a few. MYOB has recently polled 1000 small business owners across and multitude of sectors and industries and through it's bi-annual Business Monitor which MYOB has been tracking now for over two decades, we can hear these insights from the most trusted of sources, the respondents themselves. Collette Betts has for the past 7 years, led MYOB's Corporate Affairs division specialising in SME advocacy programs of work in Australia including the bringing together of the twice annual survey. It is a fascinating listen with so many lessons and understandings for Bookkeepers and Small Business owners to tap into. The mindset of Australian Small Business at this time, is there for all to take in and benefit from, in this episode.

In October 2025, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers hit the road around Australia to speak to audiences in 9 various Cities for the annual Roadshow and Summit. At each of these events, one topic was a dominant theme ... how should Artificial Intelligence (AI) to be viewed, approached and utilized by Bookkeepers, BAS Agents and those working with Small Business here in Australia. At each of the locations the ICB visited throughout that month, a Podcast episode was recorded of a panel of ICB's leadership, Executive Director Matthew Addison, CEO Amanda Linton and General Manager Rob Marshall, held a fireside chat about AI and its impacts on and to Bookkeepers. This episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, reveals which of those fireside chats in which one of the 9 cities, was chosen to go live. You will have to tune in to hear which City in Australia got the nod. But more importantly, whether you were there or not, this is either an opportunity to revisit this important conversation or hear for the first time, exactly what was said and explained at that event. It is a great listen with plenty of takeaways.

This very special episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast captures the recent sounds of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Roadshow and Summit 2025 that has rolled around Australia in the month of October, covering 9 cities and speaking to in excess of 1000 Bookkeepers in that time. Regardless of whether you attended the events or not, this is a fabulous opportunity to either engage or reengage with some of the content, excitement and community that unfolded during the month. Included is the golden moment of the crowning of this years Certified Professional Bookkeeper of the Year at a glittering evening in Melbourne at the Annual ICB Luca Awards. However, you will also hear from many of those who attended and why they found this years events and content to be some of the best ever as well as to inspire you to consider putting next years event in your diary right now, as a "must attend". Fun, laughter, support and wonderful reflections (and even a rare moment of singing from a familiar regular host on this Podcast), are all captured in this episode for you to enjoy. And make sure you listen out for part 2 of the "sounds of Roadshow & Summit 2025", dropping very soon.

October in Australia is Cyber Awareness Month and this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, puts a strong focus on why this is so critical for all Bookkeepers and Small Business owners across Australia. There is a Cyber incident affecting Australians every 6 to 7 minutes and Bookkeepers and the Small Business community are not immune to this sad fact. Cyber specialist, Rutland Smith from Harvey Norman Technology for Business joins Rob in this episode to tackle things such as - what are the common mistakes when it comes to cyber and how can they be avoided, what are the things to be on high alert for currently in this ever changing world of cyber, how can bookkeepers understand their obligations when it comes to cyber and what is the difference between a hacker and a scammer ... are just a few of the things discussed in this episode. Cyber can become one of those "I have heard it all before" type topics, however it is critical that we do not take our eye off the ball with what is happening on a day by day basis and Cyber Awareness Month calls out for you to take a listen to this episode and reevaluate your approach to the ever looming threat of Cyber.

We celebrate our 50th episode of the ICB News Channel but lifting the lid on some pretty big issues confronting not only Bookkeepers across Australia right now, but also Businesses and Communities in every corner of the nation. Dealing with regulations and approvals in local communities and in business, the ever growing rise and rise of AI and the challenges confronting communities with this, a tax system that needs constant reform as well as simply the impacts of the economic reforms that individuals and organisations are craving at the moment. All of these topics plus much more including key articles from the recent ICB monthly newsletter are examined by News Channel host Rob Marshall and ICB Executive Director Matthew Addison in this episode and in particular off the back of the recent Economic Reform Roundtable sessions in Canberra, attended exclusively by Matthew Addison. Some wonderful insights into what this was actually all about and what are the potential flow on affects for Bookkeepers and Small Businesses here in Australia. A bumper edition to celebrate a special milestone for the Podcast.

If you are in Small Business or knows someone who is in Small Business ... or you are a Professional Bookkeeper or in fact anyone who engages with Business owners on a regular basis, then if you only listen to one Podcast episode this year of the ICB News Channel, then this is the one. This episode could well be a Business saver. Our guest today on the Podcast is Kimberley Roberts Salee, the Head of Marketing and Communications at Cyber Wardens. In this episode we will hear, what exactly is Cyber Wardens and why it is so critical that every small business in Australia should be aware of it and have an action plan in place to engage with the Cyber Wardens program. We also discuss how Bookkeepers play a crucial role with this pressing need, what are the habits that inadvertently make Small Businesses vulnerable to cyber attacks, what are some simple wins that Small Businesses can take to help protect themselves online, plus much, much more. Make this one a "must do" to listen to.