29 July 2026

Brisbane Business Advisory: 12-Month Scaling Plan for $500K to $2M Owners

Turn Your Next 12 Months Into a Scaling Blueprint

Moving a business from around $500k in revenue to $2m is a big shift. You can feel the momentum, but you can also feel the strain on cash, capacity, and your own time. You are quoting, selling, delivering, chasing payments, and still trying to think about the future.

The next 12 months do not have to be just “another financial year”. You can treat them as a clear scale-up runway, with pricing, cashflow, and hiring all working together instead of fighting each other. When these three pieces are planned as one, growth feels controlled instead of chaotic.

This is where professional business advisory in Brisbane can add real value. With the right support, your numbers turn from a source of stress into a simple, calm plan for getting to $2m in a way that suits both your business and your lifestyle.

Clarify Your $2m Destination and Scaling Levers

Before changing anything, it helps to define what $2m actually means for your business. It is more than a bigger sales number. It is a different shape of business and a different role for you as the owner.

Get clear on a simple picture of your future state, such as:

  • Revenue mix by service or product line  
  • Rough headcount and structure, including who reports to whom  
  • Target profit margins that make the extra effort worthwhile  
  • What you will stop doing day to day as the owner  

Once you know that picture, work backwards. A simple revenue model helps. For example, think in terms of clients x average fee x frequency of work. Check this against:

  • Your current capacity and realistic workload per team member  
  • Busy times like EOFY or seasonal spikes common in Queensland  
  • Slower periods where you might do more project work or improvement work  

From there, pick only 3 or 4 main levers for the year. Common ones include:

  • Pricing improvements and better packaging  
  • Upsells or new offers that suit your existing clients  
  • Operational efficiency so work flows faster and with fewer errors  
  • One or two key hires that unlock more billable capacity or free you up  

Keeping the list tight stops you trying to fix everything at once and burning out.

Reset Your Pricing and Margins for Scale

Many owners at the $500k mark are undercharging in at least one area. Legacy clients are on old rates, quotes run over scope, and some jobs barely cover their own costs. That is a problem when you are trying to grow, because more volume on weak pricing often just means more work for the same money.

A good first step is a simple pricing health check:

  • List your main services and average fees  
  • Mark where you see scope creep or frequent write offs  
  • Flag long term clients still on “mates rates” or very old pricing  
  • Compare your fees and inclusions with current market insight from business advisory in Brisbane  

From there, build a 12 month pricing roadmap instead of a one-off jump. This might include:

  • Staged price reviews by client group or service line  
  • Clear packages with defined inclusions and exclusions  
  • Minimum fees so no job pulls margins down  
  • A plan and scripts for how you will explain changes to clients  

Link every pricing change to margin and capacity. Set simple rules such as:

  • A target gross margin for each service line  
  • A minimum hourly recovery rate that every quote must meet  
  • Clear “walk away” work that no longer fits your scaling plan  

When the team has these rules, quoting becomes quicker and more consistent, and your growth starts to lift profit instead of just revenue.

Design a Cashflow Engine That Funds Growth

Growing from $500k to $2m usually needs upfront cash. You might need to hire ahead of demand, spend on better systems, or support more stock or work in progress. If cashflow is only checked when the bank balance looks low, growth will feel risky and stressful.

Shift from reactive to forecasted cashflow with:

  • A simple weekly forecast for the next 13 weeks  
  • A monthly view for the next 12 months  
  • Clear visibility of BAS, tax instalments, super, and other fixed commitments  

Next, tighten working capital so more of your profit shows up as cash:

  • Shorten debtor days with clear payment terms and deposits  
  • Use direct debit or recurring payment where possible  
  • Review supplier terms and align them with how you get paid  
  • Set aside a “scale fund” that is kept separate for hiring, marketing, and systems  

Then stress test your plan. Model three basic scenarios for the next year:

  • Best case: sales and collections are ahead of plan  
  • Base case: things track roughly as expected  
  • Worst case: slower sales or delayed payments  

For each scenario, decide in advance what will change. That might include the timing of a new hire, the size of discretionary spend, or your own drawings. This way, when conditions shift, you are not forced into rushed decisions.

Hire with Clear KPIs Not Hope

Hiring too late leaves you exhausted. Hiring too early can strain cashflow. The key is to link each hire to both capacity and clear KPIs, so you are not relying on hope.

Start by deciding what type of role makes the biggest difference between $500k and $2m:

  • Revenue generating roles that deliver billable work or sales  
  • Operational support roles that free you from admin or scheduling  
  • Specialist roles that lift quality and reduce rework  

Once you choose the role, build a simple scorecard with 3 to 5 KPIs. These might include:

  • Billable hours or billable percentage  
  • Jobs completed on time  
  • Error rates or rework needed  
  • Client satisfaction or NPS style measures  

Give each hire a 90 day plan that outlines what “good” looks like by the end of Month One, Month Two, and Month Three. Review progress regularly, not just at annual review time.

Finally, link people to profit with a basic capacity model:

  • How much revenue should this role support when fully up to speed?  
  • By when should they be covering their own cost?  
  • What leading indicators will tell you if that is on track?  

Advisers can help you set these expectations and review them in a calm, numbers-based way.

Turn Advisory Insights Into a 12 Month Action Calendar

A scaling plan only works if it turns into clear actions in your diary. Strategy needs a calendar.

Break your year into quarterly themes, for example:

  • Quarter 1: Pricing reset and service packaging  
  • Quarter 2: Cashflow systems and working capital improvements  
  • Quarter 3: First key hire and onboarding  
  • Quarter 4: Efficiency projects and owner role changes  

Then map monthly actions, such as:

  • Specific client groups to review pricing with  
  • Dates to update terms, proposals, and contracts  
  • Timing for cashflow reviews and scenario checks  
  • Hiring milestones, interviews, and 90 day check ins  

This is where ongoing business advisory in Brisbane becomes very practical. Instead of once a year tax chats, you can have regular, board-style reviews. These sessions might include KPI dashboards, margin by service line, cashflow updates, and course corrections based on real numbers.

At HW One in Brisbane, we work with owners who are in this exact $500k to $2m phase and want to grow with control, not chaos. With the right pricing, cashflow, and hiring plan, the next 12 months can become a clear, confident runway to the business and lifestyle you actually want, not just more hours for more revenue.

Take The Next Step Toward Stronger Business Decisions

If you are ready to turn strategic ideas into practical results, our business advisory in Brisbane can help you move forward with confidence. At HW One, we work closely with you to understand your goals and the specific challenges your business faces. Reach out to our team via our contact page so we can explore the best path for your next phase of growth.

15 July 2026

Why Your Small Business Needs a Chartered Accountant

Unlocking the Real Value of a Chartered Accountant

Running a small business in Queensland often means wearing every hat at once. One minute you are sorting BAS and payroll, the next you are worrying about cash flow, overdue invoices and whether your numbers would stand up to ATO scrutiny. It is stressful, and it can be hard to know if you are doing things in the best way or just getting by.

A chartered accountant steps in to bring order, clarity, and strategy to that chaos. What does a chartered accountant do beyond tax returns? We help design the right business structure, keep you compliant, interpret your numbers and give you practical guidance so you can make decisions with confidence instead of guesswork. At HW One, we work with Queensland small and medium businesses, professionals, and not-for-profits, bringing local insight as well as technical knowledge so your finances support your goals, not hold you back.

What Chartered Accountants Actually Do Day-to-Day

Not all accountants are chartered accountants. Chartered accountants have completed additional education and training, and must meet ongoing professional and ethical standards. That extra layer of discipline and accountability is designed to protect you as the client.

Day-to-day, the work is far broader than lodging a tax return. A chartered accountant can help with tasks such as:

  • Overseeing bookkeeping and checking that entries are coded correctly  
  • Making sure payroll, PAYG withholding and superannuation are calculated and reported accurately  
  • Managing GST and BAS obligations so you claim what you should and pay what is required  
  • Preparing income tax returns for you and your business  
  • Preparing financial reports that actually make sense to non-accountants  

The real value comes from interpretation. We do not just record numbers, we read them. That means helping you see:

  • Which products, services or clients are driving your profit  
  • Where money is leaking through unnecessary costs  
  • Why cash feels tight even when your profit looks healthy on paper  

When you understand these drivers, you can adjust pricing, cut waste and plan ahead instead of reacting at the last minute.

Protecting Your Business From Costly Compliance Mistakes

Australian tax and reporting rules for small businesses can be hard to keep on top of, especially when you are also running day-to-day operations. There are ATO lodgements, GST, PAYG withholding, superannuation, Single Touch Payroll and, in some cases, payroll tax and other state-based obligations.

Without specialist support, it is easy to fall into traps such as:

  • Claiming deductions you are not entitled to, or missing ones you are  
  • Applying the wrong GST treatment to mixed supplies or exports  
  • Failing to pay super on time and facing penalties  
  • Leaving director obligations unattended and risking personal exposure  

A chartered accountant helps you build strong foundations. That includes:

  • Keeping your records in order so you are ready if the ATO asks questions  
  • Lodging on time and accurately, reducing late fees and interest  
  • Updating you on law changes that impact how you run your business  
  • Putting in place clear processes and financial controls that give confidence to banks, investors and boards  

This kind of risk management does not just protect you from penalties, it supports your reputation and gives you more freedom to focus on growth.

Turning Numbers Into Smart Growth Decisions

Good accounting support should help you move forward, not just keep you out of trouble. When you are thinking about growing, restructuring or even winding back, the question is not just “can we do it?” but “should we, and what will it mean for our cash and tax position?”

A chartered accountant can play a central role in decisions around:

  • Choosing or reviewing your business structure, such as company, trust or sole trader  
  • Setting pricing that covers your costs and supports profit targets  
  • Deciding when to hire, contract or outsource  
  • Assessing major investments in equipment, technology or premises  

To support this, we use tools such as:

  • Cash flow forecasts that show what your bank balance is likely to look like, not just your profit  
  • Scenario planning that tests best and worst cases before you commit  
  • KPI dashboards that highlight the numbers that really matter for your industry  
  • Profit improvement plans tailored to how Queensland businesses actually operate  

This kind of planning is especially useful when you are managing seasonal cash swings, thinking about expansion into new regions or getting your business into shape for a potential sale or succession.

Tailored Support for Queensland SMEs and Not for Profits

Queensland businesses and not-for-profits face some specific challenges. Funding can be lumpy, grant reporting can be detailed, and boards and committees often expect clear, timely information, in plain English. State-based rules, local industry conditions and regional economic trends all play a part.

A Brisbane-based chartered accountant who works with clients across Queensland brings practical understanding of:

  • Local industry patterns, such as tourism, construction, health and professional services  
  • State taxes and reporting that interact with federal requirements  
  • The expectations of lenders, regulators and community stakeholders in this part of Australia  

At HW One, we see ourselves as advisers as much as accountants. That means regular check-ins, not just once a year. It means taking the time to explain your numbers in straightforward language and working side by side with your other advisers, such as lawyers and finance brokers, so your wider financial strategy is aligned.

How to Choose the Right Chartered Accountant for You

If you are wondering what a chartered accountant does for your specific situation, the answer will depend on the adviser you choose. It is worth taking the time to find a long-term partner rather than a short-term fix.

A simple checklist can help:

  • Confirm they are a qualified chartered accountant  
  • Ask about experience with your type of business or sector  
  • Check that they work with the cloud accounting software you use, or can recommend a suitable option  
  • Look for clear, upfront fee explanations and what is included  

Useful questions to ask include:

  • How do you approach tax planning, not just tax lodgement?  
  • How often will we meet or speak through the year?  
  • Who will actually handle my work day to day?  
  • How do you support business strategy and decision making, not just compliance tasks?  

Think of this relationship as a long-term investment. A good chartered accountant grows with your business, supports you through major life and business events and becomes a trusted sounding board whenever significant financial decisions are on the table.

Take the Next Step to Strengthen Your Business Finances

Bringing a chartered accountant into your team can reduce risk, cut stress and give you much clearer insight into how your business is really performing. Instead of scrambling to keep up with lodgements and hoping you have made the right calls, you can rely on qualified advice, timely information and a strategic view of your finances.

For Queensland business owners, professionals and not-for-profits, shifting from DIY or last-minute accounting to a proactive advisory relationship can be a turning point. With the right support, your numbers become a tool for better decisions, stronger compliance and more confident planning for whatever comes next.

Move Your Finances Forward With Expert Chartered Accounting Support

If you are still wondering, “what does a chartered accountant do?,” we are here to walk you through how professional advice can strengthen your decisions and give you clearer control over your numbers. At HW One, we take the time to understand your goals so we can tailor practical strategies that suit your business or personal situation. If you are ready to talk through your options or have specific questions, simply contact us and we will help you take the next step with confidence.

1 July 2026

Changes to Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering laws: What HW One clients need to know

From 1 July 2026, Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws will extend to certain services provided by accounting firms, including HW One. These changes may mean clients are asked to complete additional identity checks or re-confirm information about business structures, ownership, source of funds or transactions. Learn what is changing, why these checks are being introduced, and how you can help avoid delays.

Read more

28 April 2026

Prepare for Payday Super: Key Readiness Steps for Employers

From 1 July 2026, the way you pay your employees’ super is changing. Instead of making quarterly super payments to your employees’ funds, contributions will essentially need to be paid at the same time as salary and wages.

Payday Super marks a significant change for employers. To make sure your business isn’t caught out, make sure you’ve taken the following readiness steps, in line with ATO guidance.

Understand the New Requirements

Under the new regime, super guarantee payments must reach your employees’ super funds within seven business days of payday, though longer deadlines apply in some cases, such as for new employees. The amount of contribution is calculated as 12% of an employee’s ‘qualifying earnings’ – a new term that incorporates and expands on the previous concept of ordinary time earnings.

If contributions are not made on time, in full and to the correct fund, the super guarantee charge (SGC) may apply.

Plan Your Transition

The ATO recommends that employers do the work now to plan and prepare for Payday Super. This includes:

  • Deciding when, exactly, your business will move to Payday Super (noting early adoption is perfectly fine).
  • Reviewing your cash flow position, to make sure your business can cope with a shift away from quarterly to ‘real-time’ super payments.
  • Checking your current payroll and business processes, such as confirming that super fund details for all eligible employees are up-to-date and complete.

Lock in Plans

Once your business has determined when it will start using Payday Super, the next step is to make sure all relevant systems are ready for the change. That includes the payroll software you use, as well as any clearing houses or super fund portals you may use to make super guarantee contributions.

For any businesses that use the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH), remember that it will close permanently from 1 July 2026 as part of the Payday Super reforms.

Finally, take the time to troubleshoot any potential issues that might arise once Payday Super is live. For example, your business may need to implement a process quickly to correct any errors that might arise when paying employees’ super contributions.

Remember, from 1 July 2026 Payday Super is Mandatory

Any businesses that do not adapt to the new rules and continue to pay super quarterly run the risk of being on the receiving end of compliance action by the ATO.

If your business needs help preparing for Payday Super, feel free to reach out to a member of our team. We can walk you through the requirements of the new legislation and troubleshoot any potential pitfalls well ahead of 1 July 2026.

26 March 2025

Federal Budget 2025-26

On Tuesday evening, the 2025-26 Federal Budget was handed down. The Government’s big moment in the 2025-26 Federal Budget was the personal income tax cuts.

Income tax cuts are a dazzling headline but in reality they deliver a tax saving of up to $268 in the 2026-27 year, with a tax saving of up to $536 from the 2027-28 year.

Two previously announced measures of note that have not passed Parliament but remain in the Budget are below. Both of these measures have stalled in Parliament and, assuming they are not approved in the final days of Parliament, will lapse when an election is called.

  • Tax on super accounts above $3m (a 30% tax on future earnings for superannuation balances above $3 million); and
  • The $20,000 instant asset write-off for small business for 2024-25.

Budget 2025-26 is a budget for voter appeal with over $7bn in additional spending measures in 2025-26 and over $20bn across five years. Most measures extend previously announced and budgeted items for another year.

A detailed guide of all budget announcements for your reference is available for download by clicking here.

Please feel free to give us a call on 07 3360 9600 should you wish to discuss how these changes may impact you and your business.

21 May 2024

Federal Budget 2024-25

On Tuesday evening, the 2024-25 Federal Budget was handed down. The 2024-25 Budget is a pre-election budget for the people with everyone getting a little something to ease cost of living pressures.

Read more

11 December 2023

Changes to Fixed Term Contracts

Commencing December 6 2023, employers are required to provide employees entering into new fixed-term contracts with a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS).

These new regulations come into effect for the engagement of employees on fixed-term contracts. A fixed-term contract terminates at the conclusion of a specified period and encompassing agreements where the employee is engaged for a specific period.

The updated regulations encompass the following:

  • A mandate for employers to provide a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS) to employees entering into new fixed-term contracts.
  • Limitations on the utilisation of fixed-term contracts.
  • There are exceptions to the application of these rules.

The FTCIS will be accessible for download from the Fair Work Australia website from December 6 2023. This information statement must be given to employees before commencement of employment or at the earliest opportunity thereafter.

Limitations on the use of Fixed-Term Contracts

Commencing December 6 2023, specific rules (referred to as limitations) govern the use of fixed-term contracts post this date. Three rules, all of which must be adhered to, pertain to the below:

  • The maximum duration of a fixed-term contract (time limitation).
  • Renewal of a fixed-term contract, including the permissible number of renewals (renewal limitations).
  • Employing an individual on successive contracts (consecutive contract limitations).

Time Limitation

A fixed-term contract cannot exceed a duration of 2 years, encompassing extensions and renewals.

For further details, please visit Fair Work Australia or reach out to us on 07 3360 9600.

19 August 2023

Avoid ATO’S Increased Tax Penalties – Reminders and Updates

With the ATO shifting its focus on taxpayers with outstanding tax lodgements and debts, find out how to avoid being penalised at the increased penalty rates in 2023–24.

Announced as part of the 2023–24 Federal budget, increased funding has been provided to the ATO to scrutinise taxpayers who have high-value outstanding debts of over $100,000 and aged debts older than two years where those taxpayers are:

  • Public and multinational groups with an aggregate turnover of over $10 million, or
  • Privately owned groups or individuals controlling net wealth of over $5 million.
  • Increased penalty rates

After a recent increase in January 2023 from $222 to $275, Commonwealth penalty unit rate has witnessed yet another hike from 1 July 2023 and currently sits at $313 per unit. This means that if you fall behind on your tax lodgements you can expect the financial penalties to increase substantially.

Penalties may be levied on late lodgements of returns and reports that include but are not limited to:

  • Activity statements
  • Income tax returns
  • FBT returns
  • PAYG withholding annual reports
  • Single touch payroll reports
  • Annual GST returns and information reports
  • Taxable payment annual reports.
  • With the increased rates now in effect, a small business can expect to pay base penalties for failure-to-lodge returns ranging anywhere between $313 (1 penalty units) to $1,565 (5 penalty units), one unit for every 28 days the lodgement is overdue.

Small business lodgement penalty amnesty

The ATO is encouraging small businesses that have overdue income tax returns, fringe benefits tax returns or business activity statements etc. to take advantage of a lodgement amnesty that will run until 31 December 2023.

Announced in the 2023–24 Budget, the amnesty applies to tax obligations that were originally due between 1 December 2019 and 28 February 2022 and has been available since 1 June 2023.

To be eligible for the amnesty, the small business must be an entity with an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million at the time the original lodgement was due.

Next steps

To avoid being penalised at the revised higher rates for failing to lodge returns and reports, ensure you collate and send us all necessary information well before the lodgement due date so we can complete your lodgements on time.

If you anticipate delays, best practice is to engage with the ATO and tell them your situation. We can assist you with requesting an extension in lodgement due date, applying for remissions or if necessary, taking out a payment plan to pay off your tax debts.

Small businesses can avail the lodgement penalty amnesty and lodge eligible overdue forms before 31 December 2023 and the ATO will automatically remit any associated failure-to-lodge penalties.

Should you have any queries in relation to this matter, please feel free to contact our office.

2 August 2023

Plain English Guide to Cashflow

Positive cashflow is the beating heart of your business. Dive into our Plain English guide to cashflow and find out how to get in complete control of your cash position.

Why is cashflow so central to good financial management? Here's our plain English guide.

What is cashflow?

Cashflow refers to the movement of money into and out of your business over a specific period.

In the most basic terms, cashflow is the process of cash moving out of the business (cash outflows), and cash coming into the business (cash inflows). The ideal scenario is to be in a ‘positive cashflow position’. This means that your inflows outweigh your outflows – i.e. that more cash is coming into the business than is going out.

When you’re cashflow positive, the main benefit is that you have the liquid cash available to fund your daily operations and debt payments etc.

On the flip side, if you’re in a negative cashflow position, this can be a red flag that the business is facing some financial challenges – and that some serious cost-cutting and/or revenue generation is needed.

How does cashflow affect your business?

Not having enough liquid cash is one of the biggest reasons for companies failing. So it’s absolutely vital that you keep on top of your company’s cashflow position.

Five key cashflow areas to focus on will include:

  1. Monitoring your cash inflows and outflows – this means regularly tracking your cash inflows from sales, loans and investments, as well as managing your cash outflows from expenses, purchases and debt repayments.
  2. Managing your account receivables and payables – efficiently managing your customer receipts and supplier payments helps smooth out your inflows and outflows – and delivers stable cashflow that’s easier to predict and manage.
  3. Getting proactive with your budgeting and forecasting – creating realistic cashflow budgets and forecasts helps you predict your future cash position. By anticipating your future cash needs, you can actively plan for potential shortfalls or surpluses.
  4. Being in control of your stock inventory – having excess stock in your warehouse ties up cash. So, it’s a good idea to optimise your inventory levels and to only manufacture/order the items you need on a day-to-day basis.
  5. Investing in your cash reserves – with emergency cash reserves in the bank, you know you have the funds to handle unforeseen cashflow issues or sustain your operations during lean periods. This makes your whole cashflow position more stable.

How can our firm help you with cashflow management?

Positive cashflow is the beating heart of your business. Working with a good adviser helps you keep that cashflow healthy, stable and driving your key goals as a company.

We’ll help you keep accurate records, track your inflows and outflows and deliver the best possible cashflow position for the business.

Get in touch to chat about improving your cashflow.

22 July 2023

Have you got a plan for Growth in your Business?

As a business owner, you can get bogged down in the demands of day-to-day business. We can help build your business plan and identify the steps you’ll need to achieve it.

Growth doesn’t need to mean more risk, more hours and more headaches.

It may be as simple as identifying where the opportunities for growth are in your business and industry. Once you've done this you can establish what you and your team are going to have to do in order to maximise these opportunities, and how you will navigate the likely obstacles.

Here are a couple of tips to get you thinking about growth:

  1. Do an audit to document your growth over time. Analyse all the information you have to understand how you got to where you are right now. This will help you to plan for future growth.
  2. Next, put a one page plan together with the big objectives and what you’ll realistically need to do in order to achieve them. (identify the tasks and people)
  3. Establish some key performance indicators to keep the momentum up and visit these regularly to ensure you’re on track.

As a business owner, you can get bogged down in the demands of day-to-day business. Taking time out of the business can give you some much needed perspective. We can help build your business plan and identify the steps you’ll need to achieve it.

Business growth can be perceived as something scary, but when you have a plan and it’s done right, it can be very motivating and rewarding.

With a bit of planning, the right systems, people and resources, there is tremendous opportunity to grow and scale your business to the next level to hit your growth targets.

We can help you get started.

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