Free Resources

Understanding what business records needs to be kept does not need to be a minefield. A simple guide to Business Record Management. 

Many SME’s use business loans to finance their enterprise. However, business owners should explore other means of raising capital. Issuing shares is a useful way for a company to raise capital without bank financing.

Building a website is a tough gig, especially if you’re new to online marketing. Let’s explore 4 Steps of Consideration in making that next step to online marketing.

Are you prepared should a disaster hit & have continuity for your business, staff and your own family?

It is essential that you consider what legal structure you will adopt in the setting up of your business. The structural form of your business will influence, amongst other things: Your liability for debts, legal procedures for dealing with other people, how you can sell your business, and at what price.

Every business also begins with ideas but often we miss the wood for the trees: we focus on the tangible products and forget about where they all began: the ideas, the intellectual property.

While the law helps in defining and clarifying certain aspects of the contractual relationship between the parties, the starting point will often be “what did the two parties intend and agree at the time the goods and/or services were purchased?” 

Key questions to ask when arranging business insurance. 

It is critical that business owners correctly determine whether the individuals providing services are employees or independent contractors. By not doing so can Businesses can incur the costs they were saving in hiring a contractor.

A key aspect of employing staff is ensuring that the correct employment terms and conditions are recorded and agreed by both the employer and the employee. All employment agreements regardless of the type, must be in writing. The first consideration is whether the employment is to be permanent for a fixed term or casual? What are the differences between each type of agreement? 

Case Study – Hall vs Smith Crane & Construction Limited

Managing Redundancy can be tedious for all concerned. However managed correctly it can provide doors of opportunities for both parties.

A 90 Day Trial Period is for new employees only – where the employee has not previously been employed by the employer or is a trial period is applied for the purposes of assessing an individual’s suitability for the position. 

Understanding what business records needs to be kept does not need to be a minefield. A simple guide to Business Record Management. 

Many SME’s use business loans to finance their enterprise. However, business owners should explore other means of raising capital. Issuing shares is a useful way for a company to raise capital without bank financing.

Debt recovery requires careful consideration with a full understanding of the best options for the debt recovery.  This resource provides the many options available to you but as a rule of thumb consider outsourcing the recovery for a better understanding of its likely recovery and/or recovery.

Selling your business – do you have employment protection provisions? 

A business's cash flow breakeven point is a vital calculation that can help you evaluate the financial health of a company. Learn how to manage your cashflow to foresee any periods where you may have to borrow money or sell assets to cover expenses.

While the law helps in defining and clarifying certain aspects of the contractual relationship between the parties, the starting point will often be “what did the two parties intend and agree at the time the goods and/or services were purchased?” 

Key questions to ask when arranging business insurance. 

It is critical that business owners correctly determine whether the individuals providing services are employees or independent contractors. By not doing so can Businesses can incur the costs they were saving in hiring a contractor.

Selling your business – do you have employment protection provisions? 

A key aspect of employing staff is ensuring that the correct employment terms and conditions are recorded and agreed by both the employer and the employee. All employment agreements regardless of the type, must be in writing. The first consideration is whether the employment is to be permanent for a fixed term or casual? What are the differences between each type of agreement? 

Case Study – Hall vs Smith Crane & Construction Limited

A good employee recruiting strategy is the best way to avoid having recruiting turn into a time-draining, money-losing activity. Execute a Plan.

The cost of hiring can run into the 10’s of thousands.  It is important integration of new staff is managed to avoid high turnover & unnecessary costs to business. 

Regular interaction with employees on performance fosters a positive culture and Employee Engagement.

Maintaining healthy employee relations in an organisation is a pre-requisite for organisational success.  This encompasses exiting employees who may still engage with your business as a supplier, client or recommend your business to others.

To define effective leadership, a leader must employ communication as a primary tool in stimulating and motivating those around him. 

Where carrot-and-stick attempts at motivation fail, this document offers case studies & a proven path to true engagement. 

Managing Redundancy can be tedious for all concerned. However managed correctly it can provide doors of opportunities for both parties.

Exit interviews are a great way to celebrate what your organisation does well, but can also assist in identifying any areas requiring attention, any opportunities for improvement and elicit information on how to retain key people. 

Position descriptions can improve the way your business manages employees by ensuring that performance and productivity is focused on the needs and goals of the business. 

A 90 Day Trial Period is for new employees only – where the employee has not previously been employed by the employer or is a trial period is applied for the purposes of assessing an individual’s suitability for the position. 

Debt recovery requires careful consideration with a full understanding of the best options for the debt recovery.  This resource provides the many options available to you but as a rule of thumb consider outsourcing the recovery for a better understanding of its likely recovery and/or recovery.

Selling your business – do you have employment protection provisions?

It is essential that you consider what legal structure you will adopt in the setting up of your business. The structural form of your business will influence, amongst other things: Your liability for debts, legal procedures for dealing with other people, how you can sell your business, and at what price.

Every business also begins with ideas but often we miss the wood for the trees: we focus on the tangible products and forget about where they all began: the ideas, the intellectual property.

It is essential that you consider what legal structure you will adopt in the setting up of your business. The structural form of your business will influence, amongst other things: Your liability for debts, legal procedures for dealing with other people, how you can sell your business, and at what price.

The important question to ask is – do the prices I am charging cover all the costs associated with the product or service? 

This guide has been compiled as a brief introduction on business planning. It includes the reasons for writing a business plan as well as the topics you should cover.

Whether you’re starting out or well established, government agencies offer a range of support — from mentoring and grants to capability building — to help small businesses succeed.  Most government programmes aim to help not with cash handouts but by boosting your skills and knowledge, or supporting innovative business ventures. Grants are available, but many are co-funded — this means you’ll have to invest at least as much money as you are given.

Your tax bill is calculated on your net profit. You can reduce your tax bill by claiming as many valid business expenses as you can. You’ll need to keep good records, eg receipts and logbooks, and hold onto them for seven years — Inland Revenue (IR) will need to see these records if you’re audited.

It’s common for small businesses to put off filing tax returns to Inland Revenue (IR), resulting in a
last-minute scramble. Avoid stress by following these simple tips on how to prepare for tax time.
Keeping good records — either digital, on paper or in the cloud — is key.

Health and safety (H&S) isn’t about paperwork and ticking boxes. It’s a way of thinking and behaving to keep everyone safe and healthy at work. Every business is different, and you and your workers are the best people to spot risks and promote great H&S practices in your business. Take on an H&S mindset and you’ll be in good shape.

Health & safety (H&S) talks are about the business and workers learning from each other to keep everyone safe and healthy at work. It’s essential to engage with workers and have ways for them to participate in H&S on a regular and ongoing basis. Not only is it good for performance and productivity, it’s the right thing to do. Follow these tips for great H&S conversations.

Hiring an employee is a massive decision. It can take your business to the next level of maturity and also set you up for long-term growth. Unfortunately, it’s also something that’s not always done the right way, so even if you’re desperate for help you should first spend some time figuring out exactly what kind of help is right for you.

Intellectual property (IP) is about protecting the time, money and effort you put into your business.  It's best to identify your IP early, but here are some of the key milestones when every business should think about IP and how to protect it. It's worth reviewing and, if needed, revising your IP plans at these milestones.

When you’re starting a business in New Zealand, there are some things you can do up-front that will safeguard your investment in the future. Follow these steps to success.