SMART Business Advisory and Consulting

HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TE open today

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Showcasing exquisite timepieces from across the globe, Salon de TE will be open to the public for the last two days

Key Points: 
  • Showcasing exquisite timepieces from across the globe, Salon de TE will be open to the public for the last two days
    HONG KONG, Sept 5, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The 42nd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 11th Salon de TE, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, have returned with great acclaim.
  • The 42nd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 11th Salon de TE opened today.
  • The 40th Hong Kong Watch Design Competition, jointly organised by the HKTDC, Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd., features Open Group and Student Group awards with the themes The Beauty of Perspective and Game Code respectively.
  • Export performance of Hong Kong watches and clocks:
    - Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair/en

Worried you'll lodge a late tax return? At least 80,000 Australians can't afford tax advice

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 22, 2023

There are cases of Australians being years, even decades behind in their tax returns.

Key Points: 
  • There are cases of Australians being years, even decades behind in their tax returns.
  • While tax debts and tax stress transcend socioeconomic boundaries, poorer people are more likely to be late on their tax returns – in some cases up to 30 years behind.
  • Our research shows about 37% of people in financial hardship seen by financial counsellors need tax help but are unable to afford it.

Who can get free tax help now?

    • The Australian Tax Office offers a free Tax Help service to those with incomes of less than A$60,000.
    • This leaves a tax advice gap between those eligible for Tax Help and those who can afford professional advice to navigate the tax and transfer system.
    • Read more:
      myTax is fast and free – so why do 2 in 3 Australians still pay to lodge a tax return?

What financial counsellors told us

    • Financial counsellors are different to financial planners or financial advisers.
    • Thanks to the support of Financial Counselling Australia, about 20% of the 890 financial counsellors in Australia responded to our survey.
    • Financial counsellors based in lower socioeconomic communities were more likely to have clients with long-term overdue tax returns.
    • About 75% of financial counsellors observed the unmet need for tax advice was increasing.

Why we need free tax help all year around

    • While financial counsellors reported financial stress across different levels of income, those on low incomes are less likely to be able to afford independent tax help and face the most barriers to accessing free tax advice.
    • Only if you’re wealthy

      As well as the Australian Tax Office’s Tax Help service, the federal government provides funding for the National Tax Clinic Program, in which university students studying tax-related courses and qualified tax experts offer free tax advice and support to people in need.

    • But our research showed the need for free tax advice went well beyond what these tax clinics can support with current funding levels.
    • We recommend federal funding for a nation-wide free tax clinic program so that existing clinics can operate full time, year-round – like that national network of community legal centres.

IT Ally Recognized for Second Consecutive Year on Prestigious Inc. 5000 List

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 15, 2023

CINCINNATI, Aug. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Inc. revealed that IT Ally ranked No. 1705 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

Key Points: 
  • 1705 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
  • The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment—its independent businesses.
  • Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
  • "To be recognized in the second year in a row is truly a remarkable achievement for the IT Ally team, said Michael Fillios, Founder & CEO, IT Ally.

Third Coast Bancshares Appoints David Phelps to Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 27, 2023

HOUSTON, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: TCBX), ("Third Coast"), the holding company of Third Coast Bank, today announced the appointment of David Phelps to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Key Points: 
  • HOUSTON, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: TCBX), ("Third Coast"), the holding company of Third Coast Bank, today announced the appointment of David Phelps to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
  • Mr. Phelps, who has been a Director on the Third Coast Bank Board since June 2022, was formerly the leader of the Business Advisory practice of Briggs & Veselka.
  • "We are pleased to announce the appointment of David to our Board of Directors.
  • Phelps will join ten other members of the Board of Directors, contributing to their collective insight and guidance of the Company.

Hairmax Appoints Ryan F. Zackon as Chief Executive Officer

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 14, 2023

BOCA RATON, Fla., June 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hairmax, the pioneer and global leader in transformative hair regrowth, announced today that it has appointed Ryan F. Zackon as its Chief Executive Officer.

Key Points: 
  • BOCA RATON, Fla., June 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hairmax, the pioneer and global leader in transformative hair regrowth, announced today that it has appointed Ryan F. Zackon as its Chief Executive Officer.
  • Mr. Zackon has demonstrated successes across an impressive range of corporate environments including accelerating growth with multinational brand turnarounds and high value exits.
  • Most recently, as Chief Executive Officer of Smart For Life Inc. (NASDAQ: SMFL), Mr. Zackon developed and executed an ambitious “buy and build” strategy in the health, wellness and functional foods space.
  • “I am very excited to be joining the Hairmax team at this exciting time in its 23-year history,” Mr. Zackon commented.

Secureworks Appoints Alpana Wegner as Chief Financial Officer and Allan Peters as Chief Revenue Officer

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 27, 2023

ATLANTA, April 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Secureworks® (NASDAQ:SCWX), a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced that it has appointed Alpana Wegner as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective June 9, 2023, and Allan Peters as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), effective May 8, 2023. Both Wegner and Peters bring more than 20 years of business experience in their respective fields at public companies in the software and cybersecurity industries. They will report directly to CEO Wendy Thomas.

Key Points: 
  • ATLANTA, April 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Secureworks® (NASDAQ:SCWX), a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced that it has appointed Alpana Wegner as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective June 9, 2023, and Allan Peters as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), effective May 8, 2023.
  • Both Wegner and Peters bring more than 20 years of business experience in their respective fields at public companies in the software and cybersecurity industries.
  • Previously, Wegner served in several leadership positions at Blackbaud, a cloud software company, including CFO, Enterprise Customer Business Unit and VP, Sales Operations.
  • Secureworks Chief Accounting Officer, Christian Grant, will serve as interim CFO until Wegner joins the team in June.

Secureworks Appoints Alpana Wegner as Chief Financial Officer and Allan Peters as Chief Revenue Officer

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 27, 2023

ATLANTA, April 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Secureworks® (NASDAQ:SCWX), a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced that it has appointed Alpana Wegner as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective June 9, 2023, and Allan Peters as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), effective May 8, 2023. Both Wegner and Peters bring more than 20 years of business experience in their respective fields at public companies in the software and cybersecurity industries. They will report directly to CEO Wendy Thomas.

Key Points: 
  • ATLANTA, April 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Secureworks® (NASDAQ:SCWX), a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced that it has appointed Alpana Wegner as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective June 9, 2023, and Allan Peters as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), effective May 8, 2023.
  • Both Wegner and Peters bring more than 20 years of business experience in their respective fields at public companies in the software and cybersecurity industries.
  • Previously, Wegner served in several leadership positions at Blackbaud, a cloud software company, including CFO, Enterprise Customer Business Unit and VP, Sales Operations.
  • Secureworks Chief Accounting Officer, Christian Grant, will serve as interim CFO until Wegner joins the team in June.

Cathy Hughes joins capSpire as Managing Partner for North America, Jeff Hardcastle becomes Global Chief Operating Officer

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 28, 2023

HOUSTON, Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- capSpire is pleased to announce the addition of Cathy Hughes as their new Managing Partner, North America.

Key Points: 
  • HOUSTON, Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- capSpire is pleased to announce the addition of Cathy Hughes as their new Managing Partner, North America.
  • As part of a capSpire global team, Cathy will manage capSpire's Advisory and Consulting practices across North America.
  • "capSpire is so fortunate to be joined by such a well-known industry expert as Cathy Hughes.
  • To further strengthen capSpire's global leadership team, capSpire Founder Jeff Hardcastle will transition into the role of Global Chief Operating Officer and focus on bringing global processes and continuity to our clients.

Boyden Welcomes New Team in Turkey

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 17, 2023

ISTANBUL, Turkey, Jan. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boyden, a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 70 offices in over 45 countries, is delighted to announce the arrival of a new leadership team in Turkey, Murat Ergene and Ibrahim Paksoy.

Key Points: 
  • ISTANBUL, Turkey, Jan. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boyden, a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 70 offices in over 45 countries, is delighted to announce the arrival of a new leadership team in Turkey, Murat Ergene and Ibrahim Paksoy.
  • “We are delighted to join Boyden, a firm we have known very closely,” said Murat Ergene Managing Partner, Country Leader Boyden Turkey.
  • “Our local strength, combined with Boyden’s global synergy and capabilities will provide valuable services to clients in Turkey and worldwide.
  • İbrahim holds a Master’s degree in finance from Koç University, and a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Marmara University.

Toposware Announces Key Additions to Business Advisory Board

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 15, 2022

Ive been fortunate to collaborate with many forward-thinking companies throughout my career, and working with a disruptive, impactful organization like Toposware is an exciting opportunity, said Gorgas.

Key Points: 
  • Ive been fortunate to collaborate with many forward-thinking companies throughout my career, and working with a disruptive, impactful organization like Toposware is an exciting opportunity, said Gorgas.
  • Alongside starting VMware's IoT and Edge business from inception, she has worked with distinguished organizations including Oracle, Business Objects, and SAP, and presents highly sought-after expertise at the intersection of technology and business.
  • Toposware is in the midst of a dynamic growth phase as the team prepares to launch its product, said Spier.
  • Toposware is a remote-first company headquartered in Boston, MA with satellite offices across the USA, Europe, and Asia.