Q3 2025
Q3 2025 Welcome to the Q3 issue of our APAC Insider Magazine, your quarterly source for all of the latest news and updates from across the Asia Pacific region. Showcasing award-winning creative services to financial services making a huge impact on their regions, alongside the news features we are proud to highlight, this quarter we are delighted to bring another interesting instalment of our APAC Insider Magazine. We’re here to deliver cutting-edge updates of those keeping their fingers on the pulse of their industries and the regions around them, especially as they grow and operate with precision for a rich future ahead. We sincerely look forward to sharing our Q4 issue with you in a few months from now. Have an excellent quarter ahead. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.apac-insider.com 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. News - GUESS JEANS Opens New Flagship Store in The Heart of Tokyo, with a Takeover of Events Highlighting Community, Authenticity and Culture -India, China & Japan rank amongst world’s top 10 tech markets in 2025: Colliers 6. Meta Fusion: Most Innovative Creative Agency 2025 & Best Interactive Design Firm 2025 7. Reventon: Financial Services CEO of the Year 2025 – Victoria 8. How Businesses Can Cut Carbon and Save Money at the Same Time 10. The Financial Blind Spot Holding Back Australian Businesses Contents
News GUESS JEANS officially landed in Tokyo, opening a four-story Flagship store, the brand’s first in Asia. Spearheading the expansion and driving cultural momentum in Japan is Chief New Business Development Officer, Nicolai Marciano. Located in the lively Jingūmae Neighbourhood, the building which was designed by Hiroshi Fujiwara of Fragment Design is positioned steps away from Omotesando Hills, through the back lane of the world famous Cat street. The GUESS JEANS Tokyo flagship design concept is a harmony between Japanese and Californian craftsmanship and architecture. Under the creative direction of Nicolai Marciano, the project was conceptualized and designed by ASA Architecture Firm. To celebrate the next phase in the brands global expansion, Marciano orchestrated a series of in-market activations, including ‘The Next 40 Years of Denim’ Exhibition, a flagship store opening event, VERDY’s exclusively curated and limited edition ‘Gift Shop with Friends’ and a large community driven public party at ZEROTOKYO with special guests and performances. “The launch of GUESS JEANS in Tokyo marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of our brand. Japan has always been a hub of cultural influence and creative energy that aligns with our vision for the future. We’re excited to build something meaningful here that reflects both the spirit of Tokyo and the future of GUESS JEANS.” - Nicolai Marciano, Chief New Business Development Officer The VERDY partnership, announced in March 2025, has been pivotal in amplifying GUESS JEANS’ artistic narrative on a global scale while celebrating and influencing Japanese culture. To celebrate the launch, VERDY curated the ‘Gift Shop with Friends’, an exclusive pop-up within the basement of the flagship store, offering limited products designed by himself alongside renowned local brands; Whimsy Socks, Secret Base Hiddy, BoTT, Car Service, See You Yesterday, TTTMSW, The FLWRS, Blackmeans and MASU. Entrance to the ‘Gift Shop with Friends’ is exclusive. The entry key, a gift shop flyer available only to visitors attending the GUESS JEANS ‘The Next 40 Years of Denim’ Exhibition. “When I heard that GUESS JEANS was opening a store in Tokyo, it naturally led to a conversation about doing something together. The new store is located in the building that used to house BOOKMARC, which had a gallery space in the basement — a space I’ve used before. Since GUESS JEANS plans to host pop-ups in this space going forward, I wanted to launch one that brings together people who symbolize today’s Harajuku and street culture. I reached out to the community around me, and many groups agreed to participate. I asked everyone to create items inspired by GUESS JEANS, and this will also be the first time my own collaboration pieces with them are available. GUESS JEANS Opens New Flagship Store in The Heart of Tokyo, with a Takeover of Events Highlighting Community, Authenticity and Culture I’m excited to see what each brand brings to the table — I’m sure the line-up will reflect their distinct personalities. We’re also carefully crafting the interior to make the space immersive and enjoyable. I hope visitors will come not just to shop, but to enjoy the entire experience of the venue itself.” – VERDY To support the opening of the Flagship Store, Marciano has brought ‘The Next 40 Years of Denim’ exhibition to Tokyo. The first iteration of ‘The Next 40 Years of Denim’ exhibition debuted in January 2024 at Pitti Uomo in Florence. In 2025, the exhibition lands in Tokyo—another milestone in GUESS JEANS’ global expansion. It is hosted at the Yodobashi J6 Building, just off Harajuku Station, and is open to the public from Friday 4th - Monday 12th July. The two-story location will house the GUESS JEANS Exhibition, which, like its predecessors, promises an immersive journey through the brand’s disruptive denim legacy—past, present, and future. The brand kicked off the opening of The Exhibition with private tours hosted for Press, Media and an influx of local and global talent. Key attendees included Korean Actor, Park Seo Jun, Rapper Zico and Japanese dancer and actor Reo Sano amongst many others. To celebrate the inaugural Tokyo Flagship Opening GUESS JEANS also hosted a Store Opening Event on July 3rd which welcomed friends and family to gather at the new space, followed by a large-scale public party at ZEROTOKYO with special guests and performances from Loco, Coogie, Monyhorse, Larry June and others. Furthering the brands commitment to supporting the local community, the party was open to the public with free entry. Part of the Global expansion included tapping South-Korean rapper, singer, producer and record label CEO; Zico to front the latest campaign. Marciano cements the partnership between the denim pioneer and South Korean rapper - a monumental phase in the brands Global expansion. “It’s an honor to team up with GUESS JEANS and the legendary VERDY. I’ve always thought it’s cool how a heritage brand like GUESS JEANS keeps evolving without losing its identity. That’s something I try to do with my music too—staying true to the core while always pushing forward.” – Zico Since opening its first store in Amsterdam in May 2024, GUESS JEANS has expanded to become a global-conquering denim lifestyle brand, with flagships in Tokyo, Amsterdam, Berlin and Los Angeles by 2025, a large-scale distribution partnership in India and stores across Italy, Poland, Spain, Greece, France, Turkey and Dubai. The GUESS JEANS Tokyo Flagship opening marks the brand’s next era. In 2024, Nicolai Marciano launched GUESS JEANS, in 2025, he solidifies its legacy as the leading denim pioneer.
News • 6 Indian markets feature in the top 10 list for tech talent acquisition across the APAC region • Tech sector continues to dominate office leasing across top markets in India • Bengaluru & Hyderabad continue to drive ~50% of Tech leasing in India The Asia Pacific region is gaining momentum as a global tech talent hub, being home to three of the world’s top 10 locations – Beijing in China, Bengaluru in India and Tokyo in Japan. A new report from Colliers, Global Tech Markets: Top Talent Locations 2025, examines more than 200 global markets based on their talent acquisition, venture capital (VC) funding, labour index, talent pipeline and sector composition. India and China continue to dominate the global technology talent landscape, with India ranking among the top destinations for tech talent both in the Asia Pacific as well as globally. India particularly stands out in terms of talent availability, with its top six cities making the top 10 list for tech talent acquisition in the APAC region. Occupiers in the technology sector remain a cornerstone of office space demand across India’s top seven cities, driving Grade A space uptake in both conventional and flex spaces over the past years. During H1 2025, Tech occupiers leased over 10 million sq ft of office space across the top 7 cities, driving 40% of the conventional space demand. Within flex spaces too, nearly half of the demand came from Technology firms. The Tech sector dominance is driven by India’s deep talent ecosystem, established IT infrastructure, and lower operational & talent costs, making it an ideal hub for global technology firms. Bengaluru and Hyderabad continue to remain preferred tech destinations in India, followed closely by other major markets, all of which attract global tech companies with skilled talent availability and a mature tech ecosystem. “India is a powerhouse of tech talent and a key player in the global innovation ecosystem, supported by availability of skilled talent and employment opportunities across Tier I as well as emerging cities of the country. Leading tech cities in India account for 69% of the total tech talent in the Asia Pacific region. Bengaluru and Hyderabad, which host the region’s largest talent clusters, continue to lead tech leasing activity, together driving nearly 50% of the conventional office space uptake in H1 2025. With the availability of high-quality office space, robust IT infrastructure, and cost competitiveness, India’s office markets will continue to feature prominently among the top destinations for technology-led global economic expansion,” said Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services, India, Colliers. Trends in leasing by Technology sector during 2021-H1 2025 Source: Colliers Data pertains to Grade A buildings only. Data pertains to top 7 cities – Bengaluru, Chennai, India, China & Japan rank amongst world’s top 10 tech markets in 2025: Colliers Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. | Kolkata data not available for 2021-23 period Gross absorption does not include lease renewals, precommitments and deals where only a letter of Intent has been signed. Global Capability Centers (GCCs)—particularly those in the technology space—continue to drive India’s commercial real estate momentum. With a strong focus on innovation, scalability, and cost efficiency, India has firmly established itself as a global hub for GCC expansion, especially across its top office markets. “India remains a preferred destination for global companies, particularly in the Technology sector, with GCCs steadily evolving from traditional back-office functions to strategic innovation hubs. In H1 2025, tech occupiers accounted for 41% of total GCC leasing at 5.2 million sq ft. Interestingly, Bengaluru, DelhiNCR, and Hyderabad collectively contributed over 85% of this demand. As global firms continue to scale-up and evolve, tech GCCs are poised to drive office space demand in India, led by cost arbitrage as compared to global counterparts,” said Vimal Nadar, National Director and Head of Research, Colliers India. Other key findings of the report include: • As a global leader in venture capital deal growth, Asia Pacific accounts for all the world’s top 10 markets, with China driving the surge in funding. • India dominates talent acquisition, comprising six of the region’s top 10 cities for tech hiring. Singapore is the only non-Indian market in the top five. Other notable markets are Taipei, Sydney and Melbourne for talent density. • Tokyo, Seoul and Australia are rising powerhouses. Tokyo ranks third regionally for sector composition and venture capital funding, with Seoul coming in fourth. Sydney, followed by Melbourne, leads the region’s overall productivity. “Asia Pacific is drawing significant global attention for its unmatched tech talent density and strong venture capital momentum, particularly in India and China. Bengaluru boasts the world’s largest pool of data scientists, while Beijing leads the region in tech sector productivity. Meanwhile, cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney and Singapore are emerging as worldclass innovation hubs. These markets aren’t just supporting global tech expansion – they’re leading it,” said Mike Davis, Managing Director, Office services, Asia Pacific, Colliers. Globally, the number of new job postings that require expertise in AI has skyrocketed while traditional IT job listings have fallen. Data scientists and cybersecurity professionals are particularly in hot demand, making cities like Bengaluru, which has a high concentration of that talent, especially attractive to talent seekers. The report also reveals that the technology workforce is getting younger. In fact, between 2014 and 2022, workers under 25 years of age increased by 9% across the sector – a growth rate of more than 20 times the all-industry average. This is driving focus towards cities with younger talent pools like Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Jakarta.
APAC - Q3 2025 | 6 Established in 2000, Meta Fusion is a multi-award-winning design agency that is passionate about developing impactful creative solutions for its valued clients. With a combination of creativity and strategic thinking, Meta Fusion continues to cultivate an extensive portfolio of clients from different sectors encompassing property, banking, hospitality and retail. From annual and sustainability reports and advertisements to corporate branding and commemorative books, Meta Fusion endeavours to create impactful & innovative designs that showcase their clients’ brand and key messaging effectively. Meta Fusion delivers designs with a difference, creating targeted artwork that demonstrates its dedication to quality. Francis Chua says, “Excellence, integrity, honesty, and mutual trust are values that we continue to inculcate in the company. These values guide us in our dealings with clients, colleagues and suppliers. We believe each individual deserves to be treated with dignity, whether it be an important client or a courier making deliveries. I am very grateful that so many talented and dedicated people have invested their efforts and energies into building up the Meta Fusion brand.” In Singapore, creative agencies are highly competitive, making the hiring and retention of skilled staff essential. Meta Fusion strives to maintain a balance of experience and youth - nurturing dynamic young talent who contribute fresh ideas while engaging innovative older staff who offer value with their accrued knowledge and experience. With the dynamic collaboration of designers trained in the United States, Canada, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, Meta Fusion provides a melting pot for creative talent where “iron sharpens iron”. This blend of backgrounds creates a rich corporate culture that is fuelled by diverse perspectives and propelled by a shared vision. Beyond print, Meta Fusion grew its interactive arm to cater to the growing requirements of clients in the area of digital media such as the creation of websites, microsites, motion graphics and other online services. One website created for a prominent client garnered two top awards globally – Best Interactive Report (Asia-Pacific) as well as Best of Singapore at the prestigious ARC Awards International based in New York. Meta Fusion is a 5-time recipient of the Best of Singapore accolade as well as the Best of International prize for design excellence in the print and digital media. To date, Meta Fusion has garnered over an impressive 300 Creative Awards from a number of International Design Competitions. Robert Meyer, CEO at Halcyon Agri Corporation Ltd., shares, “Meta Fusion has impressed us from the very start, with their exceptionally polite and courteous way of dealing with us as a client and delivery of great work on time and at budget. Congratulations to Francis Chua and his team for developing a strong brand, and for remaining true to their core values as Meta Fusion grows from strength to strength.” “We really enjoy collaborating with a team that radiates positive energy! Meta Fusion’s work has repeatedly won Best Annual Report at the Singapore Corporate Awards. We are happy to have found a like-minded creative agency that breathes excellence in every way – design, layout and copy are top-notch. We ask a lot from them and they deliver much more!”, says Ignacio Carmelo Sison, COO at Del Monte Pacific Ltd. With the volatility of the global economy, remaining agile has been the key to the agency’s evolution as Meta Fusion strives to meet the demands of an everchanging industry. Francis says, “Businesses have to be alert and agile in this age of relentless, rapid and uncertain change. The ability to adapt is critical to any company, big or small.” Looking to the future, Meta Fusion will continue to provide clients with an array of meaningful and innovative design offerings to meet their respective industry’s evolving needs. With its fusion of creative expression and strategic vision, the agency is well-positioned to provide outstanding design services that seek to create greater value for its clients. We were proud to award Meta Fusion with Most Innovative Interactive Design Firm last year, and we’re delighted to announce its win of Most Innovative Creative Agency 2025 & Best Interactive Design Firm 2025 in this year’s Singapore Business Awards 2025. Contact Details: francis@ metafusion.com.sg Contact: Francis Chua Company: Meta Fusion Website: https://metafusion. com.sg/ Most Innovative Creative Agency 2025 & Best Interactive Design Firm 2025 Mar25003
APAC - Q3 2025 | 7 The story of Reventon, Victoria’s premier full-service residential real estate investment financial services firm, dates back to 2005, when CEO Chris Christofi established the business at the age of 25 from his parents’ house. Fuelled both by a desire to get himself out of debt and the dream of helping as many as possible across Australia to make smart investment decisions, Chris never looked back. Now, 20 years later, his track record speaks volumes. We had the pleasure of catching up with Chris on the back of this win. For many, starting a business in their mid-20s would likely be their first foray into the world of business. This was far from the case for Chris Christofi, who had already gained and lost millions of dollars by the time he started Reventon almost 20 years ago to the day. The wealth Chris had built came from owning investment properties, with Chris possessing a portfolio of eight homes prior to the company he was working with going into receivership, meaning he was left with nothing but almost $350,000 worth of debt. Having started his first job at just ten years old, the entrepreneurial spirit has been with Chris for as long as he can remember, and this set back was not about to put him down. Leveraging all he had learnt to ensure the mistakes which befell his previous employer did not happen to him again, Chris combined his insights and transferable skills with an innate drive to see that others succeed. Chris’ resilience is reflected in Reventon’s logo, a bull, as well as in its trust-based, relationship-driven approach. In the two decades since Chris first set up Reventon, it has become increasingly difficult for individuals and families across Australia to secure their financial futures. Using the power of strategic property investment, Chris seeks to ease the burden on his clients, making holistic wealth planning attainable for them through a series of wealth building strategies. This is where Reventon comes in, as a fully integrated financial services offering a comprehensive suite of financial services all under the one roof. “Unlike many in the industry who focus solely on transactions, we guide our clients through the entire wealth-building process, providing tailored solutions that align with their financial goals.” With Chris at the helm, Reventon is able to effortlessly blend innovation with integrity and an unwavering focus on client success stories, setting the firm apart. Chris himself explained: “I consistently showcase my expertise by staying ahead of market trends, leveraging datadriven strategies, and maintaining a relentless focus on delivering exceptional client experiences.” Given that he is also a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and best-selling author, Chris’ multifaceted skillset distinguishes him from other leaders. As a result of the distinction present right across Reventon, the firm today boasts some truly incredible numbers to back up its claims. From the more than 10,000 total clients it has seen to the over 3,500 people it has helped invest in property, this is clearly a client-first operation at every turn. This ethos has served the firm well, with it having achieved in excess of $3.4 billion in sales and today being responsible for more than $1 billion in assets under management. Not one to rest on its laurels however, Reventon recognises the importance of remaining adaptable. Guided by a series of core values comprising the likes of integrity, innovation, and caring, the firm uses these cornerstones as a foundation from which to empower clients and afford them all of the knowledge, tools, and strategies they need to secure true financial freedom through such methods as investing in property in Australia. Chris then told us: “We continuously work towards this by adapting to market changes, investing in new technology, and fostering a culture of continuous learning within our team.” These elements perfectly complement Chris’ leadership style, which is based on the culture of clarity, accountability, and empowerment he has carefully crafted over the two decades. “I do not micromanage”, Chris told us, “instead, I foster an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and inspired to do their best work.” This vision is further realised through the likes of regular check-ins and active listening, with both of these elements having proven vital in creating a team capable of seeing the firm through challenges. Even as Australia’s financial services and real estate landscapes continue to change at a rapid rate, Reventon remains more committed than ever to delivering holistic wealth planning and wealth building strategies. For his pivotal role in the business, it is our pleasure to recognise financial services CEO Chris Christofi with this award. Contact: Chris Christofi Company: Reventon Web Address: https:// reventon.com.au/ Financial Services CEO of the Year 2025 – Victoria Mar25245
How Businesses Can Cut Carbon and Save Money at the Same Time By Debbie Elliott, Director of Operations at Bare Energy Rising energy costs, changing regulations, and pressure from consumers mean that sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have. For Australian businesses, cutting your carbon footprint isn’t just good ethics; it’s smart business. Reducing emissions doesn’t have to mean expensive overhauls or long-winded plans. It’s about making practical changes that lower your impact and improve your bottom line. Here are five ways to start. 1. Switch to solar and cut emissions at the source Generating your own electricity is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. For every kilowatt-hour of solar energy you produce, you avoid roughly 0.82 kg of CO₂. That adds up quickly. A 30kW solar system, for example, can reduce emissions by up to 35 tonnes per year (the same as taking around 13 cars off the road). Beyond emissions, solar also shields your business from rising grid prices. You generate what you use and sell the rest back. That gives you both energy independence and cost control. 2. Electrify and move away from gas Gas appliances and equipment are often overlooked when it comes to emissions, but they contribute heavily to a business’s carbon footprint. Replacing gas-powered systems with electric alternatives (like heat pumps, induction cooktops, and electric forklifts) reduces direct emissions and allows you to use more of your own solar power. It’s also a smart way to avoid future risks if gas becomes more expensive or heavily regulated. 3. Use smart monitoring to find hidden waste It’s hard to reduce what you can’t see. Real-time energy monitoring gives you visibility over where and when power is being used across your operations. This data helps identify waste, reduce inefficiencies, and track the actual impact of any changes you make. Businesses using monitoring often find savings in unexpected places, such as equipment left running, overuse during peak hours, or systems that aren’t operating efficiently. 4. Optimise operations around low-carbon habits Not every improvement needs to involve new technology. Sometimes it’s about changing behaviours. Running machinery during solar hours makes better use of selfgenerated power. Reducing standby loads, installing motion sensors, and choosing energyefficient equipment can all cut emissions without disrupting day-to-day operations. These adjustments may seem minor, but across an entire business they can add up to significant gains. 5. Keep your solar system performing at its best Solar systems aren’t a set-andforget investment. Like any other asset, they need upkeep. Jan22686 Regular servicing keeps panels clean and in good condition, while performance monitoring helps you catch issues early. A well-maintained system ensures you’re getting the full benefit, both in terms of emissions reduction and return on investment. Why carbon reduction makes business sense Beyond the environmental benefits, reducing your carbon footprint is just good business. It: • Lowers exposure to future carbon pricing and regulation • Improves eligibility for grants, green loans, and environmentally conscious clients • Builds a stronger reputation with customers, staff, and partners • Helps manage long-term energy costs and volatility It also shows leadership. More customers are supporting businesses that align with their values. When you take sustainability seriously, people notice. Final word There’s no single fix and you don’t need to do everything at once. But starting with the changes that reduce emissions and save money makes sense. At Bare Energy, we work with businesses across the greater Sydney region, and NSW to deliver clean energy solutions that drive both environmental and financial impact. If you’re ready to take action, the first step is simpler than you think.
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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 onthe-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
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