Business Life in the Cloud “The Cloud” or “Cloud Computing” or things being “in the Cloud” seem to be buzz words more frequently used these days yet the Cloud still remains a mystery to many business owners not sure what it all means. For those who use internet banking, email, hotmail, twitter, linked in or facebook that is “cloud” technology. The cloud is a platform to make data and software accessible online anytime, anywhere, from any device. Your hard drive is no longer the central hub.
One hot area of cloud computing is accounting software for small business. The team at Smart Business Solutions see a lot of clients moving to cloud based accounting software such as Xero, MYOB live accounts and Reckon One. Cloud accounting provides real time accounting data that enables businesses to make informed decisions in a timely manner so as not to miss market opportunities. It also significantly reduces the administration burden of ‘doing your books’ with the smart technology that recalls and automates many transactions. The cloud based ‘file’ for lack of a better word, also
eliminates version control, back-ups and ‘accountant’s copies’ of the file as it is always live. You can use cloud-based software from any device with an internet connection. Thinking of moving your accounting to the cloud, or just curious to learn more? SMART Business Solutions will be offering classroom Xero accounting training sessions. Contact Smart Business Solutions on xero@ smartbusinesssolutions.com.au for a detailed timetable and registrations. SMART Business Solutions moves to the new office building at 328 Main Street Mornington this month.
THE LOCALS CLEAN UP AT RACV TOURISM AWARDS Once again the high standard of Mornington Peninsula tourism businesses has shined through at this years Victorian Tourism Awards, proving that we have so many fabulous tourism experiences right at our own doorstep.
Congratulations to our fabulous winners, The Enchanted Maze Garden for winning the Adventure Tourism award, Peninsula Hot Springs for Tourist Attraction, Sea Road Ferries for Major Tour and/or Transport Operators, and of course Moonraker Dolphin Swims for two awards, Eco Tourism and Hall of Fame. The awards pay tribute to those tourism businesses who undertake the tourism award process in a bid to embrace best-practice business principles and strive for tourism excellence. The 2014 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards were held in November. Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher and the tourism industry celebrated the achievements of the 2013 RACV Victorian Tourism Award winners, where
( 42 The peninsula’s favourite funky SQUARE magazine
the Mornington Peninsula scooped the pool with 13 winners in total. Key highlights from the award ceremony included three businesses being inducted into the Hall of Fame, including our very own Moonraker Dolphin Swims. Executive Chair of Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board, Tracey Cooper said the Tourism Awards are instrumental in demonstrating tourism excellence. “These awards recognise and reward the best experiences across our state and it is truly an honour to see our region’s tourism product awarded as the finest in their field”. Alva Hemming, Executive Tourism Officer of Mornington Peninsula Tourism, says the awards presentation was the highlight of the year for MPT members.
“It was a simply spectacular win for the Mornington Peninsula,” Ms Hemming says. “Our operators were competing against Victoria’s best, and we have now proved that this region has attractions and experiences which are second to none.”
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