8
BUSINESS Business Finance
FRIDAY, MAY 4 2012
Business of the week Best of Blooms
Lower turnovers
But there is some good news Uncertainty over interest rates and a stubbornly-strong Australian dollar are weighing on SMEs, a new Dun & Bradstreet survey shows. As a result, one-in-four businesses are factoring in a lower turnover for the September quarter. Since the onset of the global financial crisis Australia has remained largely immune to global downturn, but this is only because of the resource sector. But there was some good news this week in the shape of a 50 basis point rate cut announced by the Reserve Bank, bringing the cash rate to just 3.75 per cent. But the question still remains – will the banks pass on rate cuts to SME customers? Th e last few years have seen rates for small business loans drift relatively higher. But most SME customers are either using residential property as security, or have a home loan of their own, so rates on home loans really matter. The reality is that you can’t infl uence the major banks’ decision to pass on a rate cut (unless enough customers leave). But what you can do is look for a better deal. And if the banks follow suit? Take advantage of the situation. If you’re not struggling, take the savings from your rate cut and put it straight back into your loan.
Damian Smith CEO of Rate City
THE INNER CITY WEEKENDER
Nothing is more important than the right professional advice
When it comes to good health, nothing is more important than getting the right professional advice. Blooms the Chemist Marrickville has a reputation for providing the best advice and offering great prices on their products, without compromising on quality. The highly-trained pharmacists and experienced assistants strive to deliver the best health care services and products to their valued customers. Blooms has five pharmacists on duty at any one time to ensure there’s always someone to help you. Customer loyalty is rewarded with a VIP club rewards program that provides customers with unique offers and special gifts at great prices. Blooms Marrickville aims to exceed their customers’ expectations with professional, caring customer service and best possible healthcare advice. They offer free blood pressure and blood glucose level tests and hold a baby clinic on Mondays from 10.30am-2pm to help parents. Th ey also give back to the community, participating in recent Seniors Week events and the PCYC fundraiser.
Putting real value back into beauty
SPECIAL FREE OFFER Simply present this coupon for your FREE
$5 GIFT VOUCHER can be used on
Not to be used with any other offer Must present voucher.Valid to 30/5/2012
ALL Vitamins & Cosmetics
Open 7 days & nights | Free Delivery | Guaranteed Low Prices | "Service With A Smile"
A fresh approach to good health - Award Winning Pharmacy - We Care! Marrickville Prop: Andrew Ioannou, Ken Nguyen & Paul Markos
251 Marrickville Road MARRICKVILLE 9560 2350
TRADING HOURS: Mon-Fri 8am-9pm Sat 8.30am-8pm Sun 9am-8pm 086ICD1718
www.blooms.net.au