29 March 2022 – Corporate Traveller, Flight Centre Travel Group’s specialist SME division, has today welcomed the Federal Budget that offers multiple benefits to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced tailored support for small businesses with a $5.6 million investment into a dedicated small business unit in the Fair Work Commission that will provide tailored support to small businesses and reduce time, cost, and stress
The Government is also providing $8 million to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman to work with service providers to offer business planning, capacity building and financial literacy.
These are also supported by reducing the burden of red tape, lower taxes, a technology investment boost, and a skills and training boost.
Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director, Tom Walley, said the benefits and incentives would be another shot in the arm for SMEs looking to thrive having survived during pandemic lockdowns.
“SMEs are the backbone of the Australian economy and there’s no doubt this sector will play a vital role in leading this country’s economic fightback going forward,” Mr Walley said.
“We’ve been the biggest supporters of SMEs for more than 25 years and we’re proud to be able to facilitate travel for those who want to get back to face-to-face – the chocks are off and we can fully focus on returning to a form of normalcy now the fear of lockdowns and restrictions have subsided.”
Corporate Traveller recently revealed the medical industry has flown to the top of the charts and now leads the way as the profession driving the SME business travel bounceback across Australia.
“With international borders now open and testing requirements essentially dropped across the nation, corporates are once again boarding planes because they know it’s the best way for them to survive and thrive going forward,” Mr Walley said.
“Our recent research on the travel habits of Australia’s SMEs also revealed good news for the events industry: businesses value face-to-face interactions, with conference attendance the key reason for their travel.
“The data also revealed the factors SMEs are placing a high value on and the areas their travel management industry has been excelling in, from an easy booking process to a high duty of care.
“We know the way we fly has changed in a big way and that’s why it’s more critical than ever to have a travel management company on your side.”