Business Know How

Protecting Your Business: Managing Confidential Information and Trade Secrets Post-Employment In this comprehensive episode of Business Know How, hosted by Melissa Bush, discover how to safeguard your business against the risk posed by departing employees. The episode covers the legal duties that extend beyond employment, essential contractual tools like confidentiality clauses, non-solicitation,...

The Crucial Role of Accurate Company Records: Lessons from WCXM v. Vanguard In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush explores the importance of keeping company records up to date with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Using the WCXM v. Vanguard court case as a primary example, Melissa emphasizes the significant consequences of administrative neglect and sh...

Understanding Copyright Ownership in Australian Businesses: This episode of Business Know How with Melissa Bush provides practical legal insights into copyright ownership within Australian businesses. It covers how copyright arises automatically under the Copyright Act of 1968 and the nuances of ownership between employers and employees or contractors. The episode delves into notable court cases t...

Navigating Commercial Property Purchases for Australian Businesses In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush offers practical legal guidance on buying commercial property in Australia. Covering topics such as different property types, due diligence steps, essential legal frameworks, and future planning, Melissa aims to equip business owners with the knowledge to make informed and str...

Future-Proofing Your Cafe: Legal Insights for Australian Business Owners In this episode of 'Business Know How - Practical Legal Insights for Australian Businesses,' host Melissa Bush delves into the critical foundations every cafe owner needs to establish to ensure a legally sound and successful business. Starting with the selection of the right business structure, registration requirements, and...

Managing Supplier Failures and Debt Recovery - Simple Steps for Small Businesses This episode is part of a four-part webinar series for New South Wales Small Business Month, focusing on strategies to handle supplier shortcomings and stress-free debt recovery. Additionally, there are updates on the Cafe Kickstart course with enrollments opening soon, closing on Halloween. 00:00 Introduction to Supp...

Staffing Your Cafe: Legal Insights for Australian Business Owners In this episode of Business Know How, Practical Legal Insights for Australian Businesses, host Melissa Bush, a lawyer with over 30 years of experience, explores the intricate details of staffing a cafe. As part of the New South Wales Government's small business month, this episode features audio from a webinar focused on engaging wo...

In this episode, we delve into the intricate nuances of leasing for cafe owners, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding and negotiating lease terms. Building on insights from the recent webinar 'The Cafe Lease: Your Biggest Business Risk,' we explore key protections under the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW) and highlight the potential pitfalls and risky clauses often found in cafe lease...

In this episode of Business Knowhow, host Melissa Bush provides practical legal guidance tailored for cafe owners, aligning with the New South Wales Small Business Month. She introduces her series of four webinars covering critical topics such as leasing, staffing, supplier contracts, and future-proofing your cafe. Melissa emphasizes the importance of understanding leases, managing staff legally,...

Unlocking the Benefits of New South Wales Small Business Month Join Melissa Bush in this week's episode of Business Know How, Practical Legal Insights for Australian Businesses. This episode is dedicated to New South Wales Small Business Month, an annual October event that offers free business education, networking opportunities, and practical advice for small business owners. Melissa shares steps...

Understanding Retail Leases: Essential Legal Insights for Australian Business Owners In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush provides valuable insights into the complexities of retail leasing in Australia. Listeners will learn the key differences between retail and general commercial leases, the protections offered under the Retail Leases Act in New South Wales, and crucial compone...

In this episode, we delve into the world of franchising in Australia. We explore what franchising is, why it's attractive to business owners, and the different types of franchises available in Australia. The episode also covers the legal aspects, such as the Franchising Code of Conduct, and offers practical advice on buying a new or existing franchise. We'll discuss everything from initial franchi...

Navigating the Small Business Simplified Debt Restructuring Scheme: In this episode of Business Know How, Practical Legal Insights for Australian Businesses, host Melissa Bush delves into the Small Business Simplified Debt Restructuring Scheme (SBR). Introduced in 2021 as a response to COVID-19 era insolvencies, the SBR provides a new approach to business survival for those experiencing financial...

Navigating Corporate Disputes: Lessons from the Yin vs. Maalouf Case In this episode of Business Know How, Practical Legal Insights for Australian Businesses, host Melissa Bush delves into a recent Supreme Court case involving a corporate dispute between Mrs. Yin and Mr. Roy Maalouf. The episode covers the case's background, the legal questions raised, and the court's decisions. Key takeaways...

Unlocking the Power of Mediation for Small Business Disputes In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush, delves into the intricacies of mediation—a crucial alternative dispute resolution method for small business owners. She explains the mediation process, its benefits over litigation, and the specifics under the new Australian Mediation and Dispute Resolution accreditation standards....

Understanding Insolvency: Key Insights for Australian Business Owners In this episode of Business Know How, Melissa Bush, a seasoned lawyer with over 30 years of experience, breaks down the complex topic of insolvency and its critical relevance to business owners in Australia. The episode covers what insolvency is, how to recognise warning signs, and the legal ramifications of insolvency as define...

Understanding Small Business Definitions in Australia: Legal and Practical Insights In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the varied definitions of small business in Australian law. From the Fair Work Act Australian Taxation Office, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commiss...

Avoiding Misleading and Deceptive Conduct in Australian Business Practices In this episode of Business Know How, Practical Legal Insights for Australian Businesses, host Melissa Bush, a seasoned lawyer with over 30 years of experience, delves into Australian consumer law, focusing on how businesses can avoid misleading and deceptive conduct. Melissa explains the importance of honest advertising an...

Valuing Partnership Exits: Lessons from Major Court Cases In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush delves into the legal intricacies of valuing a partner's interest upon their exit from a business. The discussion is anchored around the Trident OST Wide Proprietary Limited v. Bag Corp Proprietary Limited case, exploring how partnership agreements and independent valuations play criti...

In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush provides practical legal guidance on handling unfair dismissal for Australian small businesses. Melissa explains the concept of unfair dismissal under the Fair Work Act of 2009, detailing who is protected and the conditions under which an unfair dismissal claim can be made. The episode includes a real-life case study involving a barista and a...

Navigating Retail Lease Assignments: Key Legal Insights for Australian Businesses In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush delves into the complexities of transferring retail leases in Australia. The discussion is centered around the legal requirements and potential pitfalls involved in lease assignments, using the case of Harborside Catering Proprietary Limited against TMG Developm...

Mastering Legal Essentials: Insights from Southern Sydney Entrepreneurs In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush shares crucial legal insights inspired by a conversation with Paul Rigg, a Southern Sydney business owner. Paul and his wife, Mel, run the Starting Block Swim School and Scarborough Fair Escape Rooms. Topics covered include zoning laws, insurance, tax implications, commer...

Navigating Dual Business Ventures: From Swim School Beginnings to Escape Room Success In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush interviews Paul Rigg, a multi-talented entrepreneur who runs both Starting Blocks Swim School and Scarborough Fair Escape Rooms in Southern Sydney. Paul discusses the inception and growth of his businesses, starting with a swim school inspired by a personal...

Estate Planning for Business Owners In this episode of Business Know How, Practical Legal Insights for Australian Businesses, host Melissa Bush, a seasoned lawyer, delves into the critical topic of estate planning for business owners. Melissa emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan to minimize risks, ensure business continuity, and protect assets. The episode covers key com...

The Critical Importance of Business Succession Planning In this episode of Business Know How, Practical Legal Insights for Australian Businesses, host Melissa Bush delves into the vital topic of business succession planning. Melissa explains the importance of having a clear succession plan, highlighting scenarios like the sudden death, illness, retirement, or fallout among business partners that c...