Welcome to Lincolns

Edition 163

A Family Charter isn't a legal document or a list of rules. It's a structured way for family owned businesses to talk about decision-making, fairness and succession before pressure forces the conversation.

Edition 162

Each year, Brendan Taylor takes a moment to reflect on the trends he's seeing across the businesses and industries Lincolns works with every day. This year's message is one of cautious optimism.

Edition 161

From 1 July 2026, new superannuation rules known as Payday Super will come into effect. These changes are designed to make sure employees receive their super more regularly and on time, but they will also mean some important adjustments for businesses. 

Edition 160

With any investment decision you make, whether it is starting or buying a business, buying an investment property or shares, just to name a few, there are twists and turns that you can’t control.  This can include pandemics, wars a downturn in the economy or the rules can be changed.  The 2026/27 Federal Budget proved the last point beyond doubt.  The goalposts have been moved. 

Edition 159

Last month, we explored what a business is worth and why understanding value matters. This month, we take it a step further, looking at how that value is actually calculated and what you can do to improve it.

Business valuations are not based on a simple formula. While profit plays a key role, valuers also consider factors such as risk, industry conditions, growth potential and how the business operates day to day .

Edition 158

When you’re considering buying or selling a business, regardless of whether it’s your first time or you’ve been through this process before, understanding what a business is really worth is essential. Professional & experienced advice on a business valuation will help you to make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes.

Edition 157

The ATO has stepped up its compliance activity over the past year, with more reviews, data matching and formal audits targeting small and medium businesses.

Edition 156

Our first feature of the year explores how early planning can give you more control over your finances, improve cash flow, and set your business up for success. It’s not about avoiding tax; it’s about being proactive, strategic and prepared.

Whether you’re making major purchases, forecasting income or reviewing your business structure, having the right conversations early with your accountant can help you make better decisions and avoid last-minute surprises.

Edition 155

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year filled with progress, milestones, and plenty of proud moments for our team and our clients.

This year, we welcomed new team members, celebrated internal promotions and role changes, and supported countless clients through tax time, planning sessions, and strategy conversations. From professional wins to personal achievements, the Lincolns team continued to show up with dedication, care, and commitment.

Edition 154

Great ideas are powerful, but only when they turn into action. Many small business owners have no shortage of inspiration, yet the day-to-day workload often gets in the way of bringing those ideas to life. Research shows that only a small percentage of projects actually succeed, often due to unclear goals and a lack of structure.

In this month’s feature article, we explore how a simple One Page Plan can clarify your thinking, sharpen your goals, and help you move from a “good idea” to real‑world results.

Edition 153

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and there's never been a more important time to stay alert. Scams targeting businesses are becoming more sophisticated, and we’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to get caught out. We are sharing real-world examples of the most common scams we see affecting business owners, including invoice redirection, fake renewal notices, and phishing attempts.

Edition 152

Culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through clarity, values, and consistent everyday actions. In this month’s feature, Lincolns partner Carryn Hills and HR specialist Jenni Leonard explore what it means to lead a team with purpose, and why strong workplace culture isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s essential for performance, retention, and long-term success.

Edition 151

We speak with Bill O’Keeffe, WAMMCO’s Chairman, about the co-op’s beginnings, how it has evolved through industry change, and the importance of keeping producers at the centre of decision-making.

From the challenges of live export restrictions to major investments in the Katanning plant, this story offers real insight into how strong governance, community ownership, and long-term thinking continue to drive WAMMCO forward.

Edition 150

The new financial year is officially underway, and with it comes a series of important tax and superannuation changes that could impact you or your business in more ways than one.

In this edition, you see what the start of the 2026 financial year means for business owners. From the Superannuation Guarantee increase to 12%, to the ATO’s tougher stance on debt collection and payment plans.

Edition 149

As we move into the final month of the financial year, now is the perfect time to check in with your systems and ask the big question: Are they really working for you?

This month, we’re shining a light on two areas that can make or break how smoothly your business runs: bookkeeping and payroll systems.

Edition 148

As May draws to a close and we look toward the final stretch of the financial year, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect. How well do you really understand the numbers that drive your business?

In this edition, we’re turning our attention to something small but powerful: understanding the basic financial concepts that can transform the way you manage and grow your business.

Edition 147

Welcome to part two of our Co-operative series. This focuses on the Dumbleyung Co-operative, which would be described as a service-based Co-operative.

When the only general store in Dumbleyung faced closure, locals acted. With guidance from experienced advisors, including our own team at Lincolns, the town launched a service-based Co-op, reopening the store and restoring a vital hub for the community.

Edition 146

As we move forward into the year, we're focusing on a vital aspect of business management that impacts every industry: retaining your top talent.

From creating a positive workplace culture to implementing flexible work policies, our article unpacks the essentials of employee retention.

Edition 145

In this issue, we explore the dynamic world of co-operatives, a business model that champions mutual assistance and community empowerment. It is part 1 of a 4-part series.

Co-operatives operate on principles of collective ownership and democratic decision-making, offering members control and direct benefits.

Edition 144

Throughout the past year, we’ve explored critical milestones in the journey of running and growing a business, highlighting key strategies and practical steps to support your goals. This summary brings all those insights together, offering a roadmap for business owners at every stage of their journey.

Find on this article the timeline of your business needs.

Edition 143

Life has a way of moving in phases, each with its own milestones and accomplishments. We start by growing up, going through school, and learning the skills we need to navigate the world. Then comes the work—a lot of work. As we settle into our careers, we devote years, often decades, to building not just a livelihood, but a foundation for our future. Along the way, we accumulate assets, achieve goals, and, with a little luck, build wealth.

Edition 142

Originally crafted for manufacturing settings, the 5S methodology has broadened its reach, proving invaluable across various industries. This straightforward system encompasses five key principles—Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, and Sustain—each designed to improve productivity, boost morale, and enhance safety.

Edition 141

Owning a successful business is an incredible journey, yet securing your future through an effective business exit planning is just as crucial. At Lincolns, we often see business owners postpone this strategy, which can lead to diminished business value and increased stress.

Edition 140

Embarking on the journey of starting your own business is an exhilarating ride. Whether you're dreaming of launching a new product, opening a storefront or offering services, getting everything right from the get-go is key. Let’s break down the essential steps in a friendly, easy-to-digest format to ensure you're on the right path!

Edition 139

As advances in technology and medicine continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, living a longer and healthier life is becoming more than just a dream of the past. But longevity doesn't just happen; it requires thoughtful, proactive planning.

In this issue, we explore essential strategies to ensure that you are not only prepared for a longer life but are also able to enjoy it with quality and purpose.

Edition 138

Business risk is an inevitable part of running a company but understanding and mitigating these risks can make all the difference. From employee injuries and customer disputes to cyber threats and financial downturns, the potential hazards are numerous. Our latest article explores how having the right business structure and adequate insurance can safeguard against these risks.

Edition 137

Last week the Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, handed down the government’s annual budget. As a viewing spectacle it’s not exactly riveting telly (trust me, I watched it) but it is very informative. Each year the government sets out its economic agenda and forecasts. We have summarised the items in this Budget which are the most relevant for our clients.

Edition 136

So now that you have improved your business’s profitability and you are running a positive bottom line (Newsletter - Edition 134), let’s talk about cashflow and funding.

Did you know that you can run a highly profitable business but have no spare cash OR you could run a low profit business yet have lots of spare cash. As always life is about balance, so let’s start with the basics…

Edition 135

With the new financial year screaming towards us much quicker than we expected, so does a number of changes to superannuation contribution amounts and the individual tax rates. Below we have outlined these changes and how you may be able to leverage them to your advantage.

Edition 134

Do you currently run a business or are you looking to buy or establish a business? If so, one of the most important skill you need to have is to understand your businesses drivers and know what levers to pull to increase your businesses profitability.