Australia is rolling out major changes to its merger laws starting 1 July 2025, with mandatory notification rules applying from 1 January 2026.

If you're a business considering selling, acquiring, merging, or expanding, even at the $3 million to $15 million level, you still need to understand these reforms. While the new rules are aimed at larger deals, some smaller transactions may still be caught, especially if you're growing quickly, involved in repeat deals, or working with larger buyers.

Franchising Can Be a Powerful Way to Grow, But Only With the Right Foundations

Many business owners in Australia reach a stage where their business is profitable, their brand is growing, and the next question becomes: “How do I scale?” One of the most attractive, and misunderstood, options is franchising.

Franchising allows business owners to expand through others (franchisees), who invest in and operate new locations under the same brand and systems. This model can create rapid growth, new revenue streams, and stronger brand visibility. But it also introduces new layers of legal and operational complexity.

In this article, we explore what makes a business truly ready to franchise, the common risks that can derail even the best concepts, and how working with experienced legal and business advisors can help you build a franchise model that actually works.

Many businesses rely on a “standard” contract template—one that’s been reused for years with only minor tweaks. While it may feel efficient and familiar, that old template could quietly be exposing your business to serious legal and financial risks.

In the past 18 months alone, Australian business laws have undergone major shifts—including sweeping unfair contract term (UCT) reforms in November 2023, and significant Franchising Code changes from 1 April 2025. If your contract hasn't been updated to reflect these changes, it might already be out of step—and working against your best interests.

In business, it’s easy to get caught up in what other people think, say, or do. Whether it’s difficult clients, team dynamics, or industry competition, we often waste energy trying to control things outside our influence. Enter Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory—a powerful mindset shift that encourages us to let people be who they are without letting it derail our own focus. There’s a reason this book and idea are going gangbusters right now – it works.

The core idea? Instead of trying to change, convince, or control others, let them react, think, and behave as they choose while you stay committed to your goals. This approach can reduce stress, improve decision-making, and create healthier business relationships. Here are four ways you can apply this theory to your business today.

As many Queensland and New South Wales businesses (or national with outlets, customers or suppliers in these areas) still grapple with the fallout of the recent unexpected cyclonic weather, many realise the importance of having well-drafted “force majeure” clauses in their contracts.

Everyone impacted, if they haven’t already, should be getting out their contracts and checking for this and paying careful attention to the specific wording.

For those caught unprepared, this serves as a critical lesson on why these clauses should be a standard feature in agreements with suppliers and customers.

For start-ups to established national brands, this is crucial, as the right contractual protections can safeguard your business’s future when disruptions occur.

From 1 April 2025, the Franchising Code of Conduct will introduce reforms to franchise agreements, disclosure protocols, and compliance requirements. Here are the key changes you should be aware of.

When customers purchase products or services in Australia, they have rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). These rights ensure they receive products and services that meet certain standards. If these guarantees aren’t met, businesses must offer a repair, replacement, or refund, depending on whether the failure is major or minor. Here’s what businesses need to know to stay compliant.

Today in Queensland, Term One begins for most students. Whether you have kids or not, you might want to think about applying the four-term system to your business for a structured approach to success. You can do this by:

·         Setting quarterly Goals – Break your year into manageable terms. Focus on key milestones for each quarter.

·         Reviewing and reflecting - Use each term to assess progress and adjust strategies.

·         Focusing on Key Projects – Prioritise your business initiatives, one term at a time.

·         Staying Agile – The four-term system allows you to adapt quickly to changes and new opportunities.

Start Term 1 strong, and build momentum for the year ahead!

It’s already November, and Christmas—and the end of 2024—will be here before you know it! To help you navigate the year-end rush and enter 2025 with confidence, here are 12 ways to ensure a smooth transition:

The Australian Government has released a draft of the new Franchising Code of Conduct, with a limited consultation period closing on October 29. The updated Code, set to replace the current version on April 1 next year, incorporates changes in response to the 2023 Schaper Review.

As we celebrate the 2024 Paris Olympics, we are reflecting back on how some of our own Aussie stars have branched out to start their own businesses. Many Australian Olympians have shown that the skills and mindset cultivated through sports can translate into successful business ventures. Here are some lessons we can learn from their journeys.

In a recent and deeply concerning legal case, Narellan Pools Pty Ltd was fined $1.5 million after pleading guilty to industrial manslaughter. This case, decided in the District Court at Brisbane on 14 June 2024, highlights the critical importance of workplace safety and the severe legal consequences of neglecting safety protocols.

We will now seek to dissect the details of this case, its implications, and the essential takeaways for businesses.

As of 1 July 2024, a number of significant legal changes have come into effect in Australia, impacting various aspects of business operations. As experts in business and commercial law, specialising in franchising, we provide an overview of some of these changes, their implications, and actionable advice for businesses to ensure compliance and leverage new opportunities.

In January 2024 the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a groundbreaking ban on non-compete clauses in a move designed they believe to increase employment market competition and worker mobility. This significant policy shift could have a ripple effect internationally, potentially influencing employment practices and legal frameworks in other countries, including Australia.

Given the current Albanese government’s views on this area, there is a strong possibility that similar reforms could be considered in Australia.

In the landscape of business ownership and corporate governance, a shareholder agreement stands out as a crucial document that outlines the rights, obligations, and protections of shareholders within a company. Whether you're a startup founder, an investor, or part of a multi-shareholder enterprise, having a well-crafted shareholder agreement can be instrumental in navigating various scenarios and safeguarding interests. Let's delve into why a shareholder's agreement is essential for businesses.

In the dynamic world of branding and intellectual property, securing the right trademark is paramount for businesses seeking to distinguish themselves in the marketplace. However, navigating the fine line between distinctiveness and descriptiveness can be a daunting challenge, and getting it wrong can prove to be a costly mistake.

In today's fast-paced world, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in our children is more crucial than ever. As school holidays approach, it's an opportune time for parents to ignite that spark of innovation and business acumen within their kids. By incorporating hands-on activities, imparting financial literacy, and encouraging problem-solving and creativity, parents can set their children on the path to entrepreneurial success from an early age.

In the world of artistic vision meeting commercial prowess, few have orchestrated their ascent to stardom as masterfully as Taylor Swift. Beyond the catchy tunes and glittering stage persona lies a fascinating narrative of legal strategies that have not only shielded her artistry but also propelled her to the upper echelons of the music industry - even helping her become the first billionaire solely from music and music-related earnings.