Australian Made Awards 2025 Scootboot Pty Ltd: Best Hoof Boot Brand 2025 & eCommerce Innovation Excellence Award 2025 Featuring: Elite Blends: Best Private-Label Hair & Beauty Products Manufacturer 2025
Australian Made Awards 2025 Welcome to the Australian Made Awards 2025, a prestigious opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements within Australia’s manufacturing industry! Hosted by APAC Insider, these awards showcase the innovation, resilience, and growth of manufacturers who are making a significant impact across the nation. As we step into our fourth year, the Australian Made Awards 2025 continues to honour businesses of all sizes, from thriving start-ups to established leaders – who are driving the future of manufacturing. The industry’s projected value of AU$88 billion highlights the exciting growth potential, and these awards are your chance to be part of that momentum. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: https://apacinsider.digital/ AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. Scootboot Pty Ltd: Best Hoof Boot Brand 2025 & eCommerce Innovation Excellence Award 2025 5. Australian Pet Nutrition: Best Pet Health & Nutrition Company 2025 6. Elite Blends: Best Private-Label Hair & Beauty Products Manufacturer 2025 7. Carioca: Excellence Award in Creative Film Production 2025 - Queensland 8. 4 Critical Business Continuity Trends Reshaping Strategy in 2026 9. The Financial Blind Spot Holding Back Australian Businesses 10. Five Financial Strategies Top- Performing APAC Companies Are Using to Outmaneuver Competitors Contents
Australian Made Awards 2025 | 4 One of the best things about our Australian Made Awards 2025 programme is that it gives us the opportunity to celebrate diverse, highly niche brands that the majority of the public would otherwise not hear about, including industry leaders like Scootboot. Based in Hobart, Scootboot Pty Ltd has been supplying premium hoof boots for horses across more than 100 countries for over a decade, complementing its boots with a range of vibrant and unique accessories. For more on both the products themselves and the processes behind them, we caught up with Scootboot’s very own Cheryl Gray. The premium hoof boots for horses provided by Scootboot to countries around the world come in three different varieties: Classic (for all-round riding and well-kept hooves), Adjusts (for hooves which are more challenging to fit), and TheraRides (designed specifically for horses with hoof pathologies of those in the process of switching from shod to barefoot). Just some of the accessories available across this line include different coloured straps, studs and gaiters for better grip and protection, and even specific pads for TheraRides boots. Scootboot has positioned itself as a market leader in this niche across several European countries (including Germany, France, and the Netherlands) as well as the US. Of course, it also sells strongly in both Australia and New Zealand, with its sales in these territories being supported by an advertising partnership with Outback Magazine and a threeyear deal with Pony Club Australia, a major sponsorship for the company. As a result of all this, around 500 wholesale customers stock and sell Scootboot’s products on an international scale. A common theme across Scootboot is its desire to innovate, seen through its range of stockist initiatives and world-first hoofsizer app, which allows customers to submit photos of their horse’s hooves and receive expert sizing advice from its experts based in Hobart. The size is then confirmed for the customer to order. Around 70% of all the sizing submissions received by Scootboot (out of a total of around 1000 from all over the world) are now carried out through the app, demonstrating the added convenience this solution has brought. “We also are the only hoof boot company with an app for sizing, a loyalty programme for stockists which gives paid marketing support, and an enormous focus on service excellence.” Behind this and every other initiative carried out by Scootboot is its small but mighty team of 20, all of whom work out of its warehouse near Hobart Airport. This year, these individuals will benefit from their share of a performance-based bonus of $100k. Joining the team in an equally important capacity are 300 affiliates whose job it is to promote the brand and help sell its products, as well as 15 content creators who work on social channels to showcase both the Scootboots experience and all of the benefits that come from using its products. Primarily, the benefit of Scootboots are that they help as many horses as possible go barefoot, which tends to lead to a better a quality of life and fewer hoof pathologies. As Cheryl told us: “No other hoof boot company has a brand based on care and passion for the horse – our whole service ethos is based around this.” Another crucial element for the brand is delivering the high standards associated with Australian service, and with both its app and its world-class information hub stemming from Tasmania, this high quality comes as standard. The same can also be said of these worldleading hoof boots themselves, which are made from a single injection of TPU to offer long-lasting strength and durability without making them too difficult to remove. This durability is seen through the 1,000km of wear they offer, backed by a warranty and a low return rate of only around 3%, (even then due mainly to sizing issues which can easily be sorted). Other distinguishing factors across these boots including offering ventilation and drainage and being suitable for all riding styles. Thanks to Scootboot offering what continue to be the top-ranked hoof boots on the market today, 2026 is set to be a year of expansion and new product development for the company, reflecting a dedication to continue to offer the best hoof boots for horses. In closing, Cheryl added: “We are serious about building our Australian customer base and this recognition greatly helps with our marketing and exposure. It’s also wonderful for our team members, all of whom work hard to bring their best to help riders and horses all over the world.” Contact: Cheryl Gray Company: Scootboot Pty Ltd Web Address: https://scootboots.com Best Hoof Boot Brand 2025 & eCommerce Innovation Excellence Award 2025
Australian Made Awards 2025 | 5 The global pet industry is oversaturated with misinformation and ‘nutritional’ products that are packed with unhealthy fillers and lacking real scientific support. One Australian-made company is setting out to change that, with clean ingredients, comprehensive education, and a genuine love for animals. Led by a Registered Veterinary Nurse, Australian Pet Nutrition is a pet health and nutrition company dedicated to raising the bar across the pet industry. We spoke with Founder and Director Dr. Roz Rowen below, as Australian Pet Nutrition is named in the Australian Made Awards 2025. 15 years ago, Australian Pet Nutrition was founded with a clear but powerful mission: to disrupt the pet industry, which has traditionally ignored the real health needs of dogs and cats. To achieve this mission, it operates as a complete and balanced pet food and nutraceuticals company, while also offering education, training, and online pet health consultations. Every aspect of the products and services it delivers is focused on cutting through the noise and empowering pet owners to understand how they can better support their pets, naturally. At the heart of this mission is Dr. Roz Rowen, a Registered Veterinary Nurse, certified dog trainer, animal naturopath, and homeopath. She intends to help modern pet owners build a solid foundation of physical health, mental enrichment, and emotional fulfilment for their pets, and first began creating her food recipes and supplements decades ago throughout her clinic work with vets. Now, Dr. Roz delivers her innovations to hundreds of pets across the country, providing owners with comprehensive health education and tangible results. Driven by the core values of openness, honesty, transparency, Australian Pet Nutrition does not buy into paid endorsements or false claims in advertising, nor will it ever shame other brands in its mission to remain ahead. “Our mission is clear, and we are steadfast on it: to bring raw truth and real health to pets and their families,” Dr. Roz stated. “This means science-backed education and products, transparency in our labelling, and authentic content across our platforms. We are open and honest, and we have decades of experience working across the veterinary industry to understand pet health.” This science-led approach is complemented by Australian Pet Nutrition’s status as an Australian-made company. Its team is dedicated to sourcing locally and ethically in Australia, contributing to the establishment of an ecosystem of local businesses working together to achieve excellence. It also drives the company to employ Darwin locals, giving them opportunities to grow and evolve within the pet health and manufacturing industry. When it comes to expanding its team, Australian Pet Nutrition does not follow the traditional regime. Alongside prioritising local hires, the company focuses on initiative, the ability to communicate effectively, and work ethic. Once onboard, Australian Pet Nutrition places a great emphasis on treating each member of the team like family, investing in ongoing upskilling and training, as well as offering them incentives that reflect the value it places on their hard work and dedication. “We like to know what makes our staff tick: what is important to them, what pets they have. We then like to reward them based on things that matter to them, not us,” Dr. Roz shared. “We are a passionate family business, and we like to ensure that our staff see how their hard work helps countless pets and their owners each year. We also value their opinion on how we can do things better in our manufacturing processes.” Having earned recognition as the Best Pet Health and Nutrition Company 2025, the Australian Pet Nutrition team is well-prepared to continue providing the products, education, and support necessary for owners to confidently manage their pet’s health. Looking to the future, the team intends to up the ante on forging connections between owners and their pets, with a number of new groundbreaking products in the pipeline that promise to educate and empower pet owners across Australia. Above all else, Dr. Roz told us: “We plan to be the same family-owned brand that is passionate about improving pet health.” Contact: Dr. Roz Rowen Company: Australian Pet Nutrition Web Address: www.australianpetnutrition.com.au Best Pet Health & Nutrition Company 2025
Australian Made Awards 2025 | 6 Contract manufacturing has long been big business in Australia, and it perfectly reflects the Australianmade ethos celebrated in this awards programme. In the realm of private-label hair, skin, pet, and body care – which comprises a major part of contract manufacturing across the country – Elite Blends stands head and shoulders above the rest, this as a result of its combination of a comprehensive service suite and the effectiveness of its delivery right across it. For more on this award-winning brand, we caught up with Jody Eade, who started this family business alongside her partner. Best Private-Label Hair & Beauty Products Manufacturer 2025 Elite Blends is proud to be an Australian-owned contract manufacturer, with its teams specialising in contract manufacturing across skin, hair, and beauty products for companies working in the cosmetics industry, both at home in Australia and overseas. Services provided by the company include developing the formula and the product, as well as filling and packing. All of its work is done according to the latest GMP and ISO guidelines, with the ongoing search for new ingredients helping its clients’ products stand out in the market. Regardless of whether a client requests a small or a much larger batch of their chosen product, the top-of-the-line factory operated by Elite Blends in New South Wales can cater for their needs. Likewise, an equally robust inhouse laboratory specialising in research and development sees new formulations created or tweaks made to existing ones with accuracy and ease. This laboratory is also used to test production batches, something carried out according to the strictest parameters to make sure the quality of its products is consistent. As for what these products look like, Elite Blends covers all bases across the areas of skin, hair, beauty, and pet products, offering everything from shampoos and conditioners through to hair waxes, beard oils, children’s bubble bath, anti-bacterial hand sanitisers, pet wash, and more. Distinguishing the company across every one of these provisions – something important to note given that manufacturing costs keep rising – is its quality. Countries abroad may offer cheaper manufacturing, but – as they say – you get what you pay for. Something else separating Elite Blends from the competition is the honest, reliable, and moral environment it continuously nurtures for its clients and its staff members alike. With Jody and her partner Anita having built the company on trust and confidence from day one, ensuring that these same values are embodied across its operation is something that remains incredibly important to them. Jody commented: “My partner and I are personally proud to show our children what can be achieved if you follow your dreams and put the work in.” Beginning in the spare room of their house, Elite Blends was built around family life, as Jody and Anita had young children to look after in between all of the hard work it takes to get a business off the ground. Today, over ten years later, the brand has grown significantly, but the family ethos it was built around continues to govern its entire operation. As Jody explained: “We are flexible with our staff working hours ensuring balance between work and family life.” The health and wellbeing of all the staff here is also prioritised. All of this feeds into what Jody believes it means to be a true Australian-made business – that is, an enterprise renowned for highquality products, creating local jobs, and providing futures for the families of its employees. As these words demonstrate, this is about something much bigger than just Elite Blends itself, it is about a team of people doing their best to make sure that manufacturing in Australia is something that can continue well into the future, despite the odds being against it in a world where profit is often chosen above ethics. “We create products that we believe are better for the customer and the environment. We try and use plant-based materials as much as possible and we always look for better ways to operate, making sure we consider both the consumer and the planet.” 2026 is set to see more of the same from this multi-award-winning Australian contract manufacturer, which is currently working on some exciting projects for brands that will likely launch later in the year. Beyond this, Jody remains passionate about advocating for local manufacturing, ensuring her children, grandchildren, and so forth can have a future. She believes more must be done by those in charge to support this. Until then, Elite Blends is doing all it can to see that quality beats out cost in contract manufacturing. Contact: Jody Eade Company: Elite Blends Web Address: www.eliteblends.com.au/
Australian Made Awards 2025 | 7 With a new era of storytelling on the horizon, one where the stories that are emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, and craft-driven are those that will thrive, Carioca has established itself as the leading independent creative house to guide brands, artists, agencies, and institutions alike through the next iteration of creative production and purpose-led storytelling in Australia. From its home in Queensland, Carioca works across film, advertising, branded content, and more. On hand to tell us about all of this was the founder and executive producer of Carioca, Carolina Gesser. Carioca exists to develop and deliver work that not only looks good, but which truly means something for both its clients and their audiences. Be it an integrated campaign, a social-first platform, a music video, or long/short films, this independent film production agency in Australia thrives by bringing storytelling that resonates deeply to life through purpose-led ideas. Driving this is the shared interest in culture, behaviour, and emotion that dictates how Carioca operates – and which ensures it builds genuine human connections. As its recognition in our Australian Made Awards 2025 suggests, behind Carioca is also a series of values spanning fairness, resilience, straight-talking, and the belief that effort should be rewarded. Carolina has surrounded herself with Australians who embody these principles as she builds Carioca, and the blend of friendship, strong ethics, humour, and grit which defines the culture here has not just shaped how this creative house works, but also how it thinks. In this way, Carioca embodies what it means to be Australian made. Diving deeper into this concept, Carolina told us: “At Carioca, we don’t care about surnames, backgrounds, or traditional hierarchies. We care about people who chase excellence, who want to grow, and who believe storytelling can shape culture for the better.” Ideas are therefore shared freely across the team; everyone has a voice and that voice is heard. Transparency is another cornerstone of this work, present in everything from how team members interact with clients and investors through to their co-collaborators. To ensure that it always has the best people on hand for a specific project – with these varying greatly in terms of content, look, feel, etc. – Carioca hires team members on a project-by-project basis. Attitude, potential, and creative instinct are all favoured massively over qualifications and prior experience, and a big part of what Carioca does is support the next generation of emerging creative talent, those looking for a career change, or parents returning to work. This helps to keep the industry alive, diverse, and evolving. And this is all needed now more than ever, given the wider creative industry is under real pressure due to factors such as creative labour being devalued, budgets shrinking, and the increasing difficulty of making a long-term career out of this sector. Carolina has experienced this first-hand, and it is exacerbated by the fact she is an immigrant, which she believes adds a an extra layer of resistance. More recently, of course, has been the rise – and misuse – of AI, which is threatening the creative sector. However, it is far from all doom and gloom for Carioca, which excels not in spite of these challenges, but because of the novel approach it has in responding to them. Carolina explained: “Instead of chasing broken models, we’re building our own – using storytelling, social platforms, and community-building to grow audiences first, before scaling projects.” Such diversification means that Carioca’s work benefits everyone involved, not just the profit margins of this creative house. Building this further is its main aim for 2026. The new year marks the beginning of a new era for Carioca, which is launching a number of original projects off its own back as part of its refined approach to storytelling. One notable example is Locker Room, a social-first platform giving young people (especially boys) a healthier way to understand emotions, relationships, and identity. The goal for this project is to be the antithesis of the harmful rhetoric dominating many of the online spaces appealing to men, the unsettling themes of which have been in the limelight as of late. Another exciting venture is seeing Carioca partner with Sports in Motion to develop and launch a project based around this idea of elevating the visibility of elite adaptive sport through the power of storytelling, branding, and live experiences that only this independent creative house can pull off. By reframing disability sport as not only aspirational but also powerful and relevant, the team here are tapping into their ultimate aim of creating work that truly belongs to both the people who make it and the communities it serves. As all of this shows, if there is one take away from Carioca’s journey, it is that shortcuts are not an option. The path of slow, sustainable growth built it is walking on the back of its collaboration, ownership, and creative integrity is what makes its work timeless, a distinction we hope we have adequately reflected through its place in this programme. Contact: Carolina Gesser Company: Carioca Web Address: carioca.au Excellence Award in Creative Film Production 2025 - Queensland
Australian Made Awards 2025 | 8 Have you considered the strategies you will use to create or adjust your business continuity plan so it is ready for 2026? Several emerging trends may influence relevant decisions and affect your focus during the year ahead. 1. Heightened Awareness of Weather Extremes More areas of the world are experiencing unusually severe weather. It manifests in numerous ways. Sometimes, storms are more severe or frequent. In other cases, countries or regions regularly see conditions that were relatively rare in the past. Although today’s executives cannot predict with certainty how extreme weather may affect their businesses, most realize it is essential to plan for the most likely outcomes and mitigate adverse effects. Besides increasing organizational stability and shortening the recovery from incidents, research also suggests extreme weather preparedness raises stakeholder confidence. A group analyzed five years of data from approximately 2,100 Japaneselisted companies. Businesses with higher greenhouse gas emissions were more likely to experience climate risks, including extreme weather-related ones. Additionally, these entities faced higher costs when borrowing and raising money. However, executives who transparently offered information about climate risks had lower capital costs. Investors can also make more informed decisions about an organization’s risk profile with those details. 2. Increased Reliance on Artificial Intelligence Could artificial intelligence help you develop a business continuity plan? Numerous potential applications exist. Your company may have an AI-based tool that can use historical data to predict the likelihood of future operational disruptions. Alternatively, use generative AI prompts to brainstorm potential threats or create a plan outline. Another possibility is using AI to bounce back faster once something interrupts your normal business operations. One study of small and medium-sized London businesses highlighted why that avenue may be worthwhile. It found that risks linked to the COVID-19 pandemic were 3.1% lower when those companies used AI apps. The researchers identified 10 specific ways the enterprises applied AI to reduce threats. They ranged from using the technology for predictions to relying on it to find fake reviews. Another interesting detail was that 26% of small businesses used AI tools, as did more than 70% of medium-sized companies. However, the researchers clarified that risk reduction benefits persisted regardless of an enterprise’s size, founding date or turnover. 3. Supplemented Resources Through Equipment Rentals The industrial equipment needed to prevent or recover from emergencies can come with high upfront costs. That reality may initially discourage you from analyzing your asset-related gaps while making a business continuity plan. However, a more practical and increasingly accessible alternative is to partner with service providers that can use their resource networks to source temporary rentals promptly. Those are typically much more cost-effective during urgent situations, enabling your company to efficiently get the required resources at affordable prices. For example, a power outage occurred at a Florida automotive plant due to a transformer failure. The client initially requested a generator from an equipment service provider. However, a closer investigation from a partner organization revealed a temporary transformer would more sustainably and cost-effectively address the situation. The service provider and its partner sourced and installed one, along with nearly 300 combined feet of two cables necessary for its operation. That quick, collaborative action reduced the overall disruption to the affected location. Now is an excellent time to identify and begin relationships with local service providers. Speak to representatives about your needs, and mention that you would like to include the company’s expertise and resources in your business continuity plan. 4. Expanded Work-From-Home Frameworks Many executives have recently realized that increasing work-from-home opportunities for team members can result in more resilient businesses. A university business professor and his team analyzed aggregated job listing data to determine companies’ labor demands and how easily businesses could pivot their operations to occur entirely remotely if needed. The initial results concerned entities that displayed that agility during the COVID-19 pandemic. They showed how remote-ready, publicly traded companies performed better during unexpected circumstances, confirmed by several metrics. The researchers also expanded their scope to compare the effects of natural disasters and extreme weather on companies that could shift to remote operations versus those that could not. Those outcomes confirmed that a company’s ability to function remotely when needed was universally beneficial, regardless of the event affecting it. However, organizations saw better results when their leaders provided the necessities for online working during productive times rather than crises. Think about how effectively your business could allow people in some or all roles to work online. Which gaps prevent such arrangements from happening soon? Examine how you could tackle them now to improve the likelihood that your workforce could eventually work remotely and stay productive. Assess Your Business Continuity Plan The transition from 2025 into 2026 gives you a compelling reason to reflect on what went well this year and what you want to improve during the next. Your business continuity plan is only part of that process, but treat it as a crucial aspect. Enhancing your preparedness now is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe ramifications later. 4 Critical Business Continuity Trends Reshaping Strategy in 2026 Feb22369
Australian Made Awards 2025 | 9 Feb22539 By Lachlan Grant, CEO of Vital Addition Small businesses are the engine room of the Australian economy. They’re where ideas are tested, risks are taken, and jobs are created. But according to our recent survey of business leaders and founders, many businesses are growing without a plan. According to the results of our outreach: • Only 54% of respondents said they review their business strategy regularly. • Of that group, just 42% conduct quarterly reviews. The rest are either checking in ‘as needed’ or not at all; and while that may seem like a minor operational choice, it’s a blind spot that carries real consequences. When conditions shift fast (as they have over the past few years) that kind of approach leaves businesses on the back foot. A passive plan doesn’t just cost opportunities, it leads to missed signals, slower pivots, and weaker decisions. Leaders and teams end up reacting to problems, instead of steering toward opportunities. Strategic planning, that is real, grounded and honest, is how you line up your internal capacity with your external goals. Quarterly planning can give you that edge; you can see what’s working, adapt quickly and act with more confidents Without that discipline, businesses risk chasing growth without the structure to support it. If your internal systems can’t keep up, your business will start to feel the strain in all the wrong places. And that includes cash flow forecasting, financial oversight, and strategic reviews. ‘As needed’ isn’t a plan Founders are busy, lean teams are stretched, and when the cash is flowing, it’s tempting to push business planning down the list. But there’s a difference between being agile and being unstructured. And if we are being honest, ‘as needed’ usually means “after something goes wrong.” Without regular check-ins, small issues grow unnoticed, and things can get costly. A new competitor gains ground, a margin slowly erodes, staff gets burned out, or a tech system no longer fits. By the time these things show up clearly, the options to respond are fewer. Businesses that commit to structured, quarterly planning are often the ones that identify opportunity early. They spot shifts in customer behaviour. They course-correct before a budget blowout. They have enough lead time to make meaningful changes without disrupting operations. In that sense, strategy isn’t just a leadership tool – it’s a practical advantage. Finance can’t lead if it’s running to keep up Despite ambitious expansion plans, the survey clearly identified that only 41.7% of respondents plan to grow their finance team in the next 12 months. They expect more from their finance function, but aren’t resourcing it properly. The risk? Disconnect puts pressure on internal teams to deliver deeper insight, faster forecasting, and tighter controls without the time or headcount to do it well. Finance, then becomes reactive too; instead of enabling strategy, it’s stuck chasing the numbers. One solution is not just more people, but better systems and discipline. A consistent strategy review rhythm helps finance leaders focus on the right metrics. It creates alignment between commercial goals and financial reality. And it encourages forward-looking analysis, not just historical reporting. What gets measured, gets managed At Vital Addition, we recommend businesses build a quarterly strategy review into their operating rhythm. It doesn’t have to be complex, but it should cover a few core areas: • Revisit your goals. Are your strategic objectives still relevant? What’s changed in the market, or in your own operations, that might shift your focus? Check that your current goals reflect reality, not just what you set last quarter. • Review financial performance. How did you perform financially compared to your targets? Are you on track against your revenue, margin and cash flow targets? Which areas are underperforming? Focus on the 2–3 key numbers that give you the clearest view of whether your plan is working. • Assess operational health. Where are the pressure points across service, delivery or internal systems? Are your people and processes keeping up with expectations? Use both performance data and on-the-ground feedback to spot early cracks. • Look for risk and opportunity. What’s changed in your competitive or regulatory environment? Are there risks building up unnoticed, or opportunities you’ve been too slow to act on? • Set the next priorities. What needs to shift before the next quarter? Narrow in on 2–3 clear actions, assign responsibility, and make sure the right resources are in place to follow through. These check-ins aren’t about reporting for the sake of it. They’re about sharpening focus, correcting course early, and keeping the business aligned. Ambition isn’t enough Too often, we see businesses with strong products, great people, and a clear vision fall short, because they weren’t watching the right indicators. Growth takes more than ambition. It takes structure, financial clarity, and a team that knows how to turn numbers into action. For any business looking to grow in 2025 and beyond, that starts with shifting strategy from a once-a-year exercise to a regular, purposeful discipline. Systems enable businesses to plan with more confidence, manage risk with clarity and be proactive, rather than reactive. The cost of waiting isn’t just missed opportunity, it’s momentum you might not get back. The Financial Blind Spot Holding Back Australian Businesses
Australian Made Awards 2025 | 10 In the Asia-Pacific market, financial agility and innovation are key drivers of competitive advantage. Implementing actionable financial strategies gives leading businesses a significant edge. These approaches highlight a clear trend: integrating technology and strategic financial planning is no longer optional but essential for business resilience and dominance. The core concepts of these strategies include leveraging data and AI to maximise revenue, shifting to subscription-based models for stable cash flow, automating financial processes for operational efficiency, unlocking working capital from existing assets for enhanced liquidity, and utilising advanced financial instruments for risk mitigation and growth. The APAC Financial Playbook To better understand how these strategies are being implemented, we analysed the financial operations of companies actively shaping the APAC market. Their approaches highlight a clear trend: integrating technology and strategic financial planning is essential for survival and dominance. 1. Adopt Data-Driven Dynamic Pricing Static pricing models are becoming a relic of the past. Top companies now use advanced analytics and AI to implement dynamic pricing, allowing them to adjust to real-time market conditions and maximise revenue. This strategy involves analysing vast datasets to understand customer behavior, competitor actions, and demand fluctuations, giving businesses a distinct advantage in competitive sectors. DBS Bank, a leader in this space, applies data analytics for advanced treasury management and dynamic pricing. Similarly, SG Analytics offers AI-powered solutions to maximise client revenue and market positioning through predictive analytics and business intelligence. 2. Build Recurring Revenue with Subscription Models Predictable cash flow forms the bedrock of a stable business. Instead of relying on oneoff sales, forward-thinking APAC companies are building recurring revenue streams through subscription services. This model fosters stronger customer relationships, increases lifetime value, and provides the financial stability needed for long-term planning. Maybank, Malaysia’s largest bank, helps its clients build recurring revenue streams by developing personalised subscription models for banking services. This initiative creates predictable income and deepens engagement with the bank’s digital ecosystem. Maybank’s digital banking solutions offer subscriptionbased packages and automated payments that provide cash flow stability for businesses of all sizes. 3. Implement Fintech for Process Automation Manual financial processes are inefficient, prone to error, and costly. Leading companies aggressively adopt fintech solutions to automate everything from expense management to regulatory compliance. This trend is accelerating, with many financial firms now investing in AI. This technological shift allows finance teams to focus on strategic analysis rather than repetitive tasks. Automation reduces operational costs, improves data accuracy by minimising human error, and enhances compliance through automated monitoring. Tech leader Infosys is at the forefront, delivering advanced process automation and tech solutions that help global clients optimise their financial operations. The expansion of companies like AppZen into the APAC region highlights the importance of this trend. Infosys provides the tools for large-scale digital transformation with its platform, Infosys Topaz, an AI-first suite of services using generative AI technologies to streamline complex financial workflows. 4. Unlock Working Capital from Existing Assets Growth often requires capital, but traditional loans can be slow and restrictive. An increasingly popular strategy is to unlock working capital from a company’s balance sheet by using assets like accounts receivable or inventory as business collateral for flexible financing. This provides immediate liquidity to fund operations or expansion. Invoice financing is one of the most effective methods, converting unpaid invoices into instant cash, which is a vital lifeblood for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling with long payment cycles. Australian finance company Royce Stone Capital specialises in helping businesses manage cash flow challenges by providing bespoke financial solutions with a strong focus on small business invoice financing. The service is designed to bridge the gap caused by delayed customer payments, offering a streamlined online application and competitive rates that provide a flexible alternative to traditional bank loans. By offering access to up to 90% of the value of unpaid invoices within hours, Royce Stone Capital helps Australian SMEs unlock their working capital to ensure stability and fuel growth. 5. Implement Sophisticated Treasury Management Operating across the diverse APAC region presents unique challenges, including currency volatility and varying regulatory landscapes. Top-performing companies address this with sophisticated treasury management, a strategy focused on optimising cash reserves, managing liquidity, and mitigating financial risks. This actively manages funds for maximum return and security, turning the treasury function into a strategic asset. Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) is a prime example with its corporate transaction banking solutions. These tools allow businesses to centralise cash management, consolidate regional balances in real time, hedge against currency fluctuations, and maximise returns on idle funds across the region. By applying fintech and data analytics, institutions like OCBC and DBS Bank provide the sophisticated tools necessary for businesses to navigate the financial complexities of Asian markets and protect their bottom line. Future-Proof Your Financial Strategy Financial innovation is as crucial as product innovation in today’s APAC business environment. The five strategies—from dynamic pricing and recurring revenue models to fintech automation, working capital management, and sophisticated treasury—are not isolated tactics but interconnected components of a modern, data-driven financial ecosystem. They represent a fundamental shift from reactive financial management to a proactive, strategic function that anticipates market changes, mitigates risks, and unlocks new avenues for growth. By integrating these approaches, leading companies are improving efficiency and building a resilient and agile foundation that can withstand economic shocks and capitalise on new opportunities. Five Financial Strategies TopPerforming APAC Companies Are Using to Outmaneuver Competitors
Receive the latest news, updates, and insights about the Asia-Pacific region directly to your inbox. Subscribe Today
apacinsider.digitalRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==