In this compelling episode, Peter Towers, Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, explores how offering Research & Development (R&D) advisory services can transform your firm into a strategic partner for innovative SMEs. Discover why R&D is not just a tax incentive – it’s a powerful differentiation tool for accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors.

Peter outlines:

· Why R&D services are critical in a post-compliance world

· How to guide clients from idea to incentive and beyond

· Key requirements: company structure, $20K minimum spend, documentation

· The ripple effect: mentoring, commercialisation, and capital raising

· How ESS BIZTOOLS supports your journey with 46 R&D tools and templates

With looming changes in compliance workflows and increasing SME demand for innovation support, now is the time to diversify your service offerings.

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In this powerful episode Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, Founder and Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, urges accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors to reflect on a vital question: Are you really helping your clients grow, or just lodging their tax returns?

Peter shares compelling insights from his journey—ranging from CFO of a public company to advisor on innovation and capital raising—highlighting how traditional compliance work is rapidly losing value in today’s tech-driven world. With AI, value-based pricing, and government-backed funding options reshaping the landscape, firms that fail to diversify will be left behind.

Tune in to learn:

✅ Why most SMEs don’t see their accountants as advisors

✅ How to break free from the “compliance-only” trap

✅ The real-world benefits of offering services like R&D support, cash flow forecasting, and capital raising

✅ What you can learn from corporate finance that applies to SME clients

✅ How ESS BIZTOOLS packages are built to help you stand out—and scale up

If you want your firm to thrive, not just survive, this episode is your wake-up call. It's time to differentiate—or disappear.

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In this episode, Peter Towers, Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, shares a compelling roadmap for accountants, bookkeepers and business advisors ready to transition from tax-focused work to delivering high-impact advisory services for SME clients.

Discover how to implement a structured business planning process, identify key client concerns with the SME Needs Analysis, and coordinate meaningful leadership team discussions. Peter outlines the critical steps in developing business plans that don’t just sit in drawers – but actively drive performance. From predictive financial reports and budgeting per business unit to real-time performance tracking and KPI management, this episode is a practical guide to becoming your client's trusted advisor.

If you're ready to help clients survive and thrive with a systemised advisory approach, this episode is your blueprint. Don’t miss Peter’s insights into the ESS BIZTOOLS Financial Forecasting Package, including the training and tools that can elevate your firm’s services in 2025 and beyond.

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In this edition of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, founder and Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, dives deep into the essential – but often overlooked – topic of corporate governance for SMEs. This episode is a must-listen for accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors who want to provide stronger leadership and risk management guidance to their clients.

From understanding directors' duties under the Corporations Act to improving board meeting practices, internal controls, and financial literacy, Peter outlines practical steps professionals can take to help SME clients strengthen their governance frameworks. Whether your clients are companies, not-for-profits, sporting clubs, or churches, this episode shows how Corporate Governance can boost confidence, prevent costly mistakes, and build stakeholder trust.

Learn how to position yourself as the trusted advisor your clients need to navigate their legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Plus, discover how ESS BIZTOOLS' Corporate Governance and Advisory Packages can support your advisory journey.

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In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers challenges accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors to step into the role of true strategic partners for SMEs. Discover how financial forecasting, real-time reporting, and predictive accounting can transform your client relationships and your practice.

From cash flow management to capital raising through crowdsource funding, Peter outlines the practical tools and advisory opportunities waiting for firms ready to move beyond compliance. If you're looking to deliver deeper value, build recurring advisory revenue, and help clients scale with confidence

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In this episode of the Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers explores why family businesses are the cornerstone of the Australian SME sector—and what that means for accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors.

With 70% of SMEs being family-run, understanding the unique dynamics, challenges, and opportunities of these businesses is essential. Peter dives into real-world advisory questions—from employing family members and paying fair wages to succession planning and funding options like crowd-sourced equity and early-stage innovation.

Discover how ESS BIZTOOLS can equip you with ready-to-use tools, resources, and communication strategies to confidently advise your family business clients and grow your own firm in the process.

Whether you're already working with family businesses or just getting started in advisory, this episode will inspire you to think bigger, ask better questions, and deliver real value.

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In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, founder of ESS BIZTOOLS, challenges accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors to rethink their role with SME clients. It's time to move beyond tax returns and embrace the full potential of business advisory services.

Peter explores how tools like the SME Needs Analysis, Business Plus+ newsletters, and Predictive Accounting Reports can empower accountants to deliver real impact – helping clients manage cash flow, reduce debtors days outstanding, plan for succession and raise capital. He also reflects on why many SMEs are missing out on critical advice and how accountants can step into the gap as trusted business advisors.

If you’re ready to broaden your services, deepen client relationships, and future-proof your firm, this episode is essential listening.

👉 Tune in and discover why the future of accounting is advisory.

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In this episode of the Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers dives into why so many Australian businesses struggle to scale—and how accountants and advisors play a pivotal role in building the right foundations. From strengthening internal systems and cash flow forecasting to debtors management, supplier negotiations, and business planning, Peter unpacks practical ways professionals can guide SME clients toward sustainable growth.

Tune in to discover how you can help your clients avoid costly pitfalls and position your firm as a trusted advisor on their scaling journey.

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