iscoverA partner at Accendo Financial has discussed the role of brokers and accountants in helping SMEs navigate uncertainty ahead of the free-to-attend SME Bootcamp 2025.
Future-proof your business: How to succeed in any economic cycle
23 July 2025
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9 minute read
Ahead of his appearance at SME Bootcamp 2025, Trent Carter, partner at Accendo Financial, said brokers play a strategic role in supporting SME clients amid current market uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rising operational costs.
Carter will join John Sgambelluri, partner at Accendo Financial, for a jam-packed day of insights at the upcoming event held across September. Alongside fireside chats, Carter will deliver a session outlining how brokers and accountants can cycle-proof their business.
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Identifying growth opportunities in a challenging market
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly relying on commercial brokers to navigate trade uncertainty, cash flow pressure, and succession planning, according to a new report from NAB.
Cash flow, profitability, and inflationary costs are reported as the biggest challenges facing Australia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to NAB’s SME Business Insights report.
The data, which surveyed 600 Australian SME owners, reported cash flow as the highest concern for 38 per cent of SMEs during the 2024 September quarter, with profitability (36 per cent) and the cost of doing business due to inflation (33 per cent) rounding up the top three challenges.
The Accendo Financial partner said brokers play a crucial role in supporting SME clients to identify growth opportunities despite these challenges.
As a first step, Carter suggests “start by listening closely to your SME clients – they’ll often reveal unmet needs or inefficiencies worth exploring.”
Next, he recommends a review of the client’s financials.
"Dive into their financials to spot margin improvements or underutilised assets."
"Proactively review clients’ funding structures, looking for opportunities to reduce costs or increase flexibility.
"Look for industries showing resilience or early signs of recovery, and help clients reposition accordingly."
Tried-and-tested approaches typically fall short in challenging economic conditions, with professionals required to adopt a more tailored strategy to drive meaningful growth for SME clients.
“In a tight market, value is found through insight, not instinct,” Carter said.
How to succeed in any economic cycle
With a global pandemic, fluctuating inflation, and cost-of-living pressures creating economic uncertainty in recent years, small businesses are faced with slowed growth in demand while input costs remain high.
Despite turbulent market conditions, profit margins remain around pre-pandemic averages for the majority of small businesses, demonstrating the potential for resilience in any economic cycle.
For Carter, “curiosity and communication” are the key characteristics of those best equipped to succeed in these conditions.
“The best professionals consistently ask the right questions and turn complex financial data into clear, actionable advice.”
Additionally, maintaining strong relationships with lenders and suppliers is key, according to Carter.
Education is also a critical component of success.
“Most importantly, focus on educating clients – those who understand their numbers make better decisions under pressure,” he said.
“A strong understanding of cash flow, lending options, and market dynamics, combined with a collaborative mindset, means you’re always relevant, whether conditions are booming or tightening,” he concluded.
To hear Trent Carter speak further on success in every economic cycle, come along to the SME Bootcamp 2025.
Run in partnership with Principal Partner, Maxiron Capital, the event will be held in the following locations:
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Thursday, 11 September at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins in Melbourne.
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Tuesday, 16 September at Mantra on View, Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.
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Thursday, 18 September at Le Montage, Lilyfield in Sydney.
Click here to register for the free event and don’t miss out.
To learn more about SME Bootcamp, click here.
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