FAST TALKING- THE BRW FAST 100 EXPERIENCE

Dr Matthew Steen from the Australian Business Foundation, along with four past and present members of the BRW's Fast 100 companies list, participated in a BRW roundtable about what it takes to get into - and stay in - the fast lane of business growth and success.

Looking at a range of big issues affecting small and medium business today, including business habits built up over such a long period of growth, it was clear that business needs to ask government about future proofing industry and the economy from the inevitable downturn.

But business also needs to do its part by building resilient capabilities and innovative business models, which includes looking at everything from market strategies to HR issues.

In response to a key question about attracting and retaining valuable staff, Dr Steen pointed out that business is now at the point "where job applicants are asking, "What's your sustainability policy? What's your corporate social responsibility policy? In short - are you good enough to have me as your emplyee?"