5 Business Trends For 2025 - Future Advisory

Ways to stay ahead of the curve in 2025: read this blog, organise a strategy session with us, reap the rewards. Being in business was tough in 2024 with the economy *not* looking the goods and spending on the down. We’re big believers in making lemonade even when the lemons are looking a bit worse for wear… you’ve gotta get more creative with that recipe! Here are five trends not to miss for 2025 – and could be the key to making that lemonade. Okay okay enough with the analogy. Here we go!

1. AI should be your new best work mate

Forget throwing another bandaid over an ongoing issue; it’s time to throw AI into your business strategy. We’ve talked about it before and if you haven’t acted on this one you’re already behind. From automating customer service with (effective) chatbots to crunching data like a pro, artificial intelligence is no longer just for tech giants.

The list of AI benefits for small businesses is endless, whether you’re a cafe using AI to predict stock needs or a tradie scheduling jobs more efficiently. The trick? Use AI to save time and focus on what you do best. Make the tech work *for* you.

2. Green is gold

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life in 2025. Australians are increasingly putting their money where their morals are, choosing eco-friendly businesses over competitors.

Think biodegradable packaging, carbon-neutral operations, or even teaming up with local environmental initiatives. Not only does this help save the planet, but it also gives your brand some serious brownie points. So, ditch the plastic and embrace the greener pastures of profit.

Ready to level up? Carbon Accounting is where your head should be. Working alongside our partner Trace, you can understand exactly where you could be doing better on the carbon front and offset whatever your business creates by supporting truly impactful initiatives.

3. WFH isn’t going anywhere

The “great office return” some predicted? Yeah, not happening. Hybrid work setups are here to stay, which means businesses need to rethink how they manage teams and maintain productivity. If you aren’t offering flexibility on this front, you’re losing great candidates – it’s as simple as that.

Invest in top-notch digital collaboration tools, create flexible policies, and keep team morale high with virtual coffee catch-ups or monthly meet-ups. A happy team is a productive team—even if they’re working in their Ugg boots from their lounge room. You can read more about effective ways to hire and retain great staff here.

4. Social Commerce is booming

Social media isn’t just for scrolling through Moo Deng memes or debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it does, fight me). It’s becoming a serious sales channel. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are integrating seamless shopping features, and customers love it.

If you’re not selling directly through social platforms yet, 2025 is your year to start. Pro tip: Get creative with your content—quirky, authentic videos showcasing your products can go viral faster than a kangaroo on a pogo stick.

5. Cybersecurity: no longer a “she’ll be right” situation

In the digital age, ignoring cybersecurity is like ignoring your superannuation payable— a recipe for expensive disaster. Cyberattacks are on the rise, and small businesses are often the easiest targets.

Invest in solid firewalls, train your staff on spotting phishing attempts, and back up your data. A little precaution now can save you a lot of headaches (and dollars) later. We wrote about why small business owners should care about cybersecurity in detail recently, along with a no-brainer offer from Norton for Future friends and family.