EP#225 ~ Big Tech sometimes plays the smallbiz advocate but do they really represent the small business voice?

By Alexi Boyd | Tuesday March 5

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #225
Broadcast date: 5th March 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Emma Clarke, Chief Operating Officer, Mable

Increasingly, big tech companies are playing the role of advocate on behalf of their small business users. Some even have branches dedicated to governance and ensuring the data is aggregated, safe to share and presented so policymakers can read it as a reflection of what matters most to small businesses.

There are some tech companies who use their data for the power of good. They use it to support advocacy efforts that shape policies to ensure the views of their small business customers are well-represented both directly to the Government and through organisations like COSBOA and industry associations.

However, some tech companies only use data to further their corporate bottom line. Unfortunately, this is a practice that happens worldwide.

So, how do policymakers tell the difference? Should big tech and its data be the advocate for small businesses? Especially when the sector can not produce data themselves. And where do the big four consulting firms fit into this picture?

Today, Emma Clarke, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer for Mable, joins us to discuss how Mable supports small business owners in the care and support sector. We will explore how Mable uses data to ensure that its business decisions and advocacy efforts align with its platform users' needs, wants and preferences.

PEOPLE – Tell us about how this small tech start up and been so successful? When it Why does a company like Mable find itself in this position of being an advocate for contractors? In a practical sense, how do you do this and why?

POLICY – What sort of an influence does big tech have in policy? Were you surprised by this and how did you prepare the organisation to grow in this direction? In which areas of policy do you have the most impact and with which organisations do you collaborate with to improve the landscape for your small business members?

PURPOSE How do you balance profitability and sustainability with the expectation that big tech has a role to play in social licensing and social responsibility these days?

Emma has a Bachelor of Business from Monash University and is Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) qualified. She held executive roles at Redbubble Group, ANZ’s Technology Division and Diners Club Australia.

Emma ensures sound financial management and continuous improvement in all systems, processes and people development at Mable. She’s also responsible for our high-quality customer service.

“It’s very rare to have the opportunity to work in a company that is fast moving and high growth, but also full of purpose-driven people working together to enable everyone in our society to remain in their homes whilst living their best life.”

Mable is where you can live your kind of independence
Since 2014, our online platform has connected Australians looking for disability and aged care support to independent support workers. Mable is where people provide and receive the kind of support they want, enjoying more choice, control and flexibility.