As the owner and founder of Productivity Matters, and operating in Victoria for 12 years now, I have recently been faced with a difficult decision. Once, which I have really grappled with. My husband was offered a career opportunity in Brisbane, one which he really wanted to take. But what does that mean for my business here, I asked?
I desperately want to support him (after all he has followed my career moves and has agreed to move interstate for me twice), but I was very reluctant. There were so many questions I had about how this would impact Productivity Matters:
- How will this be received by our clients?
- What impact will this have on the PM team?
- How much will this impact our stable base in Victoria?
- What is the best operating model to ensure our success?
- Will we have enough time to focus on Handled (our new app)?
- Will the Brisbane market welcome Productivity Matters?
- Will I be stretching myself too much as the business owner?
- Do I have the energy to do yet another start-up?
So many questions. Some can’t be answered yet, and there is no use worrying about the hypothetical. But there are some questions that can be answered.
I have told a few clients of our plans, and their response has been nothing but supportive. The team have been impacted but have been absolute professionals about it. I have met with clients in Brisbane, and they are excited about us being there. What I was most surprised to hear most of them say was, I don’t blame you for looking to expand elsewhere. I asked why? One said: “doing business in Victoria is just too hard” – “it’s becoming impossible”. I heard this four times over. And, it made me feel relieved. I too have been finding it harder meet running costs in Melbourne. I thought, is it harder to run a business in Melbourne today? Is Brisbane going to be any easier? I did some research, and here are some comparisons:
| Business Cost | Melbourne | Brisbane |
| Wage Costs | Higher | Lower |
| Commercial Rent | Higher | Lower |
| Land Tax | Significantly increased
Tax free threshold $50, 000 Max rate: 2.65% |
More stable
Tax free threshold $350, 000 for companies, max rate 2.75% |
| Utilities | Lower | Higher |
| Cost of Living | Higher | 8% Lower than Melbourne |
| Business Environment | More regulatory burdens | More business-friendly |
| Staffing | Same, Challenging | Same, Challenging |
| Payroll tax (annual threshold and rate) | $1,000,000, 4.85% | $1,300, 000, 4.75% |
Overall, there are pro’s and cons, but the one that I keep reading about and hearing from our national clients, is that there is a buzz in Brisbane right now, a great sense of optimism. The Olympics are coming to town. Of course, Brisbane is experiencing the highest levels of migration of any other state in Australia at the moment. Having moved interstate twice before I fully expect not everyone will welcome us with open arms. I know there are Queenslanders who begrudge the sudden and massive influx from the southern states of the Eastern Seaboard. To be expected.
But what I have noticed in my visits so far: people are more relaxed, the sun shines, a lot. There are some groovy little cafes and restaurants. The clients I have met with were able to gift me their time and were so helpful with info on where to live and where to hang out.
And there is a sense of ‘freedom’. I don’t know how to explain this feeling I got when I was there. People seem more carefree, more confident. I will let you know how this observation transpires.
So, the more research I do, the more optimistic I have become. I still have a love of Melbourne, it has kept me here for 23 years, and I have been gifted the support of our incredible clients, (thank you, thank you, thank you).
So, is Brissie the right next choice for Productivity Matters? I say ‘yes’. It absolutely is. Queensland here we come!
