Building relationships with the self employed

Two of our illustrious founders and directors, Pedro Fric and Johnathan Knowles, gave a presentation at the recent Independent Contractors Summit, on building strong relationships with the self-employed.

You can view videos of the presentation here.

Thank you to the ICA for providing these videos.

Learn more about the self employed

Get some excellent insight into the self employed by watching this presentation given by Michele Levine, from Roy Morgan Research, at the recent Independent Contractors Summit.

Thank you to the ICA for providing the video.

National Executive Monitor Survey

Six Figures, an Entity Solutions alliance partner, is currently sponsoring an important survey of Australian executives earning more than 100k per annum.

In recognition of  the lack of substantive research in this area,  the survey’s objective is to provide the market with a better understanding of this group.

The report will focus particularly on “the nexus between education, the job market and remuneration trends”.

Survey participants will go into the draw to win a luxury accommodation gift worth $3,000.

Interested parties can also register to receive a copy of the report once it is launched.

To participate or register, click here.

New DIAC requirements for Health Cover for all Sponsored applicants

Several Entity Solutions’ employees attended a breakfast seminar last week in regard to the recent 457 visa changes, with a particular focus on the new health insurance requirement (hence our preferred supplier HBA hosting the event).

In simple terms, the new minimum requirement for all 457 Visa Holders effective as of 14^th of September 2009 is:

• Employers no longer being liable for health care costs for temporary overseas workers;
• An obligation on the temporary overseas worker (457 visa holder) to maintain adequate health insurance arrangements for themselves and all dependants;
• Condition 8501 – “to Maintain Adequate Health Insurance” on the visa label;
• Failure to have and maintain Health Insurance can result in a possible fine, visa cancellation and/or refusal to grant future extensions of visa.

This will only apply to those with new 457 visas granted post 14 September 2009, for those on current 457 visas, the obligation remains with the Sponsor company.

DIAC have also stated that they will be conducting random checks to ensure that the prospective visa applicant obtains and maintains adequate health insurance.

Do you think this is a good change for Sponsor companies and/or 457 visa holders?

Read our latest newsletter…

We’ve put together a great collection of articles in our latest newsletter…

Go here.

One in four Independent Professionals take pay cut during Global Financial Crisis, but remain resilient, enthusiastic and committed to contracting work

The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has resulted in one in four of Australia’s Contractors, referred to as Independent Professionals (IPros) by Entity Solutions, taking a cut in pay rates. Just under half have had to be more flexible in their earnings expectations and thirty-eight percent report an increase in competition for work.

At the same time, Australia’s 1 million  Independent Contractors who represent approximately 10 percent of Australia’s workforce are a happy, enthusiastic and inspired group of individuals who enjoy the freedom, variety and perceived earnings ability of self-employment. They see their roles as best suited to an Indiana Jones-type of character (mature, educated and conquers all obstacles) and the majority of IPros typify their client/consultant relationships as being akin to “Paris Hilton and whoever – a temporary alliance of mutual benefit.”

The findings were released today in the Independent Professional (IPro) Index 2009, a study of the attitudes, issues and trends of Australia’s professional contracting market.  The research was conducted by Monash University and sponsored by Entity Solutions and involved an attitudinal survey of 256 white-collar contract professionals across Australia.

To download the full IPro Index 2009 for free visit our website.

Independent Contractors Australia: Leave PSI alone…

The Independent Contractors Australia (ICA) have recently published their Submission to the Board of Taxation Review of Alienation of Personal Service Income (PSI) Tax laws.

We recommend it as useful reading for anyone affected by these laws; be it individuals or administrators and managers.

Are you getting the best advice?

The Independent Contractors of Australia (ICA) highlights an interesting issue potentially affecting the quality of the advice being given to Indpendent Professionals (Ipros) by recruitment agencies.

We refer you to an article posted today on the ICA website by ICA director, Ken Phillips:

Go to article

Disclosure: Please note I am a Director of the ICA

Matthew Franceschini

CEO – Entity Solutions

Better times ahead for IT contractors…

We refer you to today’s article in ITnews.com.au in which Ry Crozier suggests an improving outlook for IT contractors.

Disclosure: the article also quotes our CEO Matthew Franceschini and refers to how this trend is impacting our company.

We are very proud…

The Australian Business Awards have been announced for 2009. The Awards recognise organisations that demonstrate the core values of business excellence, product excellence, sustainability and commercial success in their respective industries.

Entity Solutions has been announced as a winner for Service Excellence in its industry category of the 2009 Awards.

Matthew Franceschini, CEO of Entity Solutions said, “We’re absolutely thrilled with this recognition and to be in the company of a prestigious group of winners for the second time. Entity Solutions was founded for the very purpose of providing a superior level of service to IPros and the organizations engaging them. This award is testament to our team’s commitment to this aim. We are very proud.”

A spokesperson for the Australian Business Awards said, “The 2009 Awards attracted a very high standard of entries from the Australian business community in times of great change. This year’s winners displayed exceptional performance and leadership in their respective industries, and are role models for any organisation striving for business and product excellence.”