Episode 3: Bruce Billson

Small & medium businesses – Australia’s engine room

Welcome to episode 3 where we sit down with The Hon Bruce Billson, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman to discuss all things SMB.

Bruce’s work in Cabinet and stint in retail as an arts and crafts store owner have primed him for his current role. His genuine commitment to seeing the sector thrive stems from his vision that small business truly is the engine room of the economy and Bruce, we’ve discovered, is their biggest champion.  

Paul and Bruce discuss: 

  • His career from retail to cabinet minister to now 

  • Behind the scenes as the champion for small and family business 

  • Issues Bruce and his team tackle on the daily 

  • Bruce’s approach to the sector’s challenges, pre and post Covid 

  • Why the ‘family’ part of small business in Australia is so special 

  • Supporting mental health

  • Sage advice to business owners as we embrace the new normal 

  • Exciting times on the horizon – what’s in store?

Season 2: Trailer

We are thrilled to announce that Season two of the ARA’s Retail Therapy podcast is launching next week. This season, we’re looking at small business. Small business is big business. 95% of our members are small to medium businesses – the backbone of the Australian economy – and we are proud to represent the interests of these businesses.

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Episode 1: Steve Plarre

We’re kicking off Season two of the Retail Therapy podcast with this fantastic chat with Steve Plarre,  CEO of Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses, an award-winning family business with a proud history dating back over 110 years. Ferguson Plarre is an iconic business, famous for its cakes, pasties and pies and a great case study for small business success.

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Episode 2: Amanda Rose

Did you know that about 38% of small businesses in Australia are owned by women?  

In this episode of Retail Therapy ARA CEO Paul Zahra speaks with Amanda Rose, a powerful advocate for women in business. Amanda is the Founding Director of Western Sydney Women and Founder & CEO of Small Business Women Australia. 

Listen now

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