Bruce Billson
Published in The Daily Telegraph and the Courier-Mail
15 October 2024
When a small business has a problem with a Big Tech digital platform - such as having your account shut down after being hacked - solving it can be a nightmare.
These platforms require a time and resource-poor small business to navigate the most elaborate maze of dead-ends.
The number of small business disputes with Big Tech platform providers is 86 per cent higher than the same time last year, according to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.
Mr Billson said over the past two years, the number of small and family businesses who have suffered some sort of disruption to their business at the hands of a digital platform has more than doubled.
Nicole Overall
Unsurprisingly and sadly, more and more small businesses are falling victim to ever more sophisticated cyber-attacks. So, what's to be done? Well, to explore some potential solutions, I have on the line now Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. Good afternoon, Bruce.
Bruce Billson
Nicole, fab to be with you and your listeners.
Nicole Overall
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has released a guide to raise awareness among small businesses selling online about United States’ copyright laws that can shut down their access to customers without warning.
“We have seen Australian-based small businesses have their livelihoods damaged by unfounded allegations being made under these laws and then have their products taken down without warning by the major selling platforms,” Mr Billson said.
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney on Radio 2CC Canberra.
Subject: Inspiring people to start their own business, creating Prime Minister’s Small Business Awards, right-sized regulation for small business, the importance of mentors
Leon Delaney
By Bruce Billson.
Published in the Western Advocate.
More needs to be done to support and recognise small businesses.
A RECENT Westpac study found almost half of the people starting their own business are motivated by the dream to be their own boss. Just over one-third said flexible work hours was the top reason while one in four had spotted a gap in the market.
By Bruce Billson.
Originally published in the West Australian.
Small, family and farming businesses should take urgent action to make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off coming in October.
This change is about far more than upgrading an old 3G phone.
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney on Radio 2CC Canberra.
Subjects: National Family Business Day, small business trading conditions, family business succession issues, government procurement, government definition of Australian business.
Leon Delaney
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with David Wood on Ultra 106five Hobart.
David Wood
Today is National Family Business Day, and to find out a little bit more about it the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Bilson is joining us. Bruce, welcome.
Bruce Billson
David fab to be with you and your listeners. And what a fab day celebrating National Family Business Day.
This week we celebrate National Family Business Day - on Thursday, September 19.
It's a great moment to reflect on the crucial role family-owned businesses play in the economy and throughout our communities.
Think about the many farming, hospitality, convenience, construction and professional services businesses in your community and often it will be family-owned and led.