ASIC produces business support videos

ASIC commissioner Greg Tanzer said the videos were developed to help “support customers” with common transactions, such as registering and renewing business names.

“In 2013–14, ASIC registered more than 299,000 business names, renewed 350,000 and made 98,000 updates to its register,” Mr Tanzer said.

“Given the demand for these services, our focus is on providing customers with tools that are practical and improve their online experience,” he said.

The regulator said the videos and tutorials build on other resources it has developed to engage and connect with businesses, including an ASIC business checks smartphone app.

“ASIC’s Business Checks app provides some general guidance on the steps small businesses can take to reduce the risk of being swindled by unreliable operators and fly-by-night businesses,” Mr Tanzer said.

“We understand that time and resources are tight for small businesses, which is why we’ve developed a tool which is free and easy to use.

“Small businesses account for 96 per cent of businesses registered with ASIC, so a big focus for us in [2014 to 2015] is providing the sector with information that is not only easily understood, but relevant and accessible,” Mr Tanzer said.