Business adviser

Autumn 2013 – Issue 52

In this issue we look at a recent Grant Thornton survey of more than 3,400 businesses in 44 economies that found New Zealand businesses were the most reluctant to relocate overseas for a lower tax rate. We examine what the Government could be doing to build a more productive and competitive economy.  We also discuss the concerning findings from the latest Grant Thornton New Zealand International Business Report survey (IBR) about the percentage of women in senior management positions in New Zealand. Download your issue for these stories and more.

Summer 2013 – Issue 51

The first edition of Business Adviser for 2013 reveals findings from the latest Grant Thornton New Zealand International Business Report survey (IBR). These results show that New Zealand businesses prefer a pragmatic approach to stimulating the economy rather than interventionist policies from the Government; and they also demonstrate that New Zealand companies are failing to focus on global expansion. We also explore the findings of another piece of research conducted by Grant Thornton New Zealand and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Australasia which shows that supply side procurement risks are putting New Zealand jobs and profits in jeopardy.  Download your issue for these stories and more.

Spring 2012 – Issue 50

In this issue we look at cloud computing and why businesses need to consider the tax issues when utilising this kind of technology. After our successful medal haul at this year’s Olympic Games we also delve into tax implications for New Zealand’s professional athletes. The food and beverage industry is booming so this edition explores why it’s vital to support this sector. Download your issue for these stories and more.

Winter 2012 – Issue 49

We take a look at the findings from the latest Grant Thornton International Business Report which shows that New Zealand businesses are displaying signs of optimism. We also reveal missed opportunities in this year’s zero Budget and you can discover why the recruitment market is tightening in Christchurch. This edition also contains another health and aged care update. Download your issue for these stories and more.

Autumn 2012 – Issue 48

The Autumn edition of Business Adviser reveals why SMEs should take notice of new financial reporting changes, we ask what New Zealand businesses should be doing about the situation in Europe and we look at the opportunities that emerging economies can offer. We explore the looming new dawn of property development; the tough times reflected in declining profit margins and tax changes that affect super payments and the compliance issue this is causing for employers. We also cover the declining number of women in New Zealand senior management roles. Find out why retirement villages with onsite residential care are gaining popularity and discover how to hit the bulls eye with your strategic business plan. We also reveal an exciting new development at Grant Thornton New Zealand. If you want to connect with great independent directors – this issue will tell you how. Click here for your copy.

Summer 2012 – Issue 47

In this issue we reveal why business owners planning to sell in the next two years will benefit from taking action now. We revisit the election and discuss why New Zealand has a difficult three years ahead. And it’s not all doom and gloom in the wake of the GFC – this edition explains why kiwi businesses can expect a brighter outlook for 2012. We also continue to track progress on the rebuild in Christchurch and we take a look at the latest report from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research which offers some hope for the New Zealand economy. If you’re looking to buy a franchised business, find out how to structure and finance your investment inside this issue. Click here for your copy.

Spring 2011 – Issue 46

We discuss why small business needs to be an election issue, how franchises can improve profitability and we provide some tips on starting a business. We re-visit the recovery effort in Christchurch and we reveal how to stay on the right side of Inland Revenue’s compliance focus. You can also find out why New Zealand will be a big winner during and following the World Cup. This issue also covers the latest developments arising from the Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and China and what Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) legislation means for New Zealand residents with a UK pension scheme. We also examine the Penny and Hooper case and reveal what the Supreme Court decision means for many business owners. Click here for your copy.

Winter 2011 – Issue 45

In our Winter 2011 edition, you’ll find two post-Budget articles which focus on how the recovery effort in Christchurch has fared so far and how Budget 2011 has fallen short of what’s really needed in New Zealand. We discuss why ‘saving the planet’ ranks near the bottom of the priority list for a lot of New Zealand business and we roll out the international tax hit parade by summarising the top 10 misunderstood tax facts. You can also discover why New Zealand business optimism has surged past Australia and we have outlined some approaches to take when working with in-house accountants. We reveal insurance lessons from Christchurch and our industry focus articles in this issue center around the transport sector as well as health and aged care. Click here for your copy.

Autumn 2011 – Issue 44

The 2011 Budget announcement is nearly upon us, so in this edition we take a look at challenges that the government faces and we outline the value of a good disaster recovery plan. You can also find out how women worldwide fare in senior management positions. We also shed some light on why the term "tax simplification" is generating scepticism from many tax professionals and we review strategies you can utilise to extract the profit from your business. In this issue we also reveal why Integrated Family Health Centres will not be an "instant cure" for the health sector. Click here for your copy.

Summer 2011 – Issue 43

The first edition for 2011 explores what the new economic climate has in store for businesses this year. It also looks at productivity in the workplace, the repeal of gift duty and the death of the LAQC. We shed some light on what the key implications of the new GST regime are and you’ll find some useful information on the benefits of succession planning. Click here for your copy.

Spring 2010 – Issue 42

Headlining the spring 2010 edition of Business Adviser is a story on the predicted growth by acquisition of almost 40% of New Zealand’s privately held businesses – well ahead of the global average. Tax also gets a thorough workout, with timely stories on GST and double tax agreements with Australia and the US. Companies legislation, succession planning, leasing rules and client service also feature; along with much more. Click here for your copy.

Winter 2010 – Issue 41

The latest issue of Business Adviser provides business owners and management of privately owned businesses a budget overview, insight into business stress and the impacts on family life, what you should consider before purchasing an SME and much more. Click here for your copy.

Autumn 2010 – Issue 40

The latest issue investigates the myth of property’s tax advantages, considers proactive tax management for improving cashflow and highlights the recent key findings in Grant Thornton’s International Business Report survey of over 7,000 privately owned businesses around the world.

Summer 2009 - Issue 39

Looking at buying into a franchise? Make sure you do your homework and ask the right questions. This edition also considers the impact of capital gains tax on housing rents, an update for the restaurant trade and some tips on tax savings during the festive season.

Spring 2009 - Issue 38

Compares the current recession to the 1987 sharemarket crash, outlines the Trans-Tasman double tax agreement, examines transfer pricing pitfalls and recent survey findings on succession planning for Kiwi businesses.

Winter 2009 - Issue 37

Highlights of the Budget 2009, the importance of innovation to NZ businesses, why Kiwi businesses need to grow and cost effective freight solutions.

Autumn 2009 - Issue 36

Take steps to recession proof your business; Government looks to improve the business environment; Capital gains tax by stealth? End-of-year tax considerations.

Summer 2008 - Issue 35

Our latest Business Adviser includes new legislation affecting income tax rates, the 90 day probation period, advisory articles on entertainment tax, exiting your business, and smart practice in managing the family business.

Spring 2008 - Issue 34

Love your bank manager; The new taxation bill: “controversial”; Mind the gap; Recruitment and retention.

Winter 2008 - Issue 33

Cash is king; Is your shareholder agreement a ticking time bomb?; Inland Revenue crackdown; Changes to provisional tax regime.

Taxation budget summary

The most eagerly anticipated part of this Budget was the predicted tax cuts with the Minister of Finance teasing taxpayers over several months. So what has been delivered and or promised?

Autumn 2008

New look for Grant Thornton – ongoing commitment to your business; End of year tax considerations; KiwiSaver – Changes from 1 April 2008; Research & development tax credits now available.

Summer 2007

The importance of quality and timely advice; outlook for 2008 ; changes to the way you pay provisional tax; Tiz the season for giving (and taking); Research and Development Tax Credits.

Spring 2007

KiwiSaver for the non-employee; Changes to partnership rules; The risk of not managing currency risk; Survey shows likelihood of high business ownership churn; New PIE rules for investors.

Winter 2007

Windfarms: Catching the breeze; New Zealand businesses lagging behind in energy conservation; Quick Budget summary; Are you ready for KiwiSaver?; Property transactions; Government seeks views on SME tax compliance costs.

Autumn 2007

Managing your tax payments; Tax update for investors; How would your organisation stand up to the Inland Revenue scrutiny? Personal Property Securities Act 1999.

Summer 2006

GST offset arrangements; Promoting your web address; Holiday Act 2003 - Reality bites; Penalty regime review; Charities & Charitable donations.

Spring 2006

Workforce incentives - the mutual benefits; Paid Parental Leave changes; Family Assistance Changes - are you eligible? KiwiSaver - Have you heard about it? What does it mean for you?

Winter 2006

Succession or Exit - are you ready?; Increase in annual holidays; Grooming for sale - a makeover for your business; IRD v the Property Investor.

Autumn 2006

End of year tax considerations; New Zealand business owners among the more stressed; Holiday leave changes; May 2005 Tax Bill - tax changes on their way; Treasury Briefing; Recent appointments in Auckland.

Summer 2005

"Batten down the hatches" - cashflow planning in an economic slowdown; Are you treating your employees as contractors?; Shareholders' Agreements; Entertainment Tax - How should you reward staff and clients?

Spring 2005

How does the tax system affect you?; Making tax easier for business; Relationship changes; Getting rid of a company; Travel Insurance.

Winter 2005

May 2005 Taxation Bill - tax changes on their way; IBOS update; Which accounting software is best for you?; Duties of a Trustee; Quick roundup of recent employment law changes.

Budget Special 2005

The election lolly-scramble; Tax bracket changes; A major advance in retirement savings; Business compliance reduction measures; Depreciation changes; Fringe benefit tax changes; Investment changes; Taxation of migrants; Removing barriers to R&D investment.

Autumn 2005

New Zealand profit outlook better than most; Considering year end tax implications; Maintaining tax losses and imputation credits; Assessing whether to be part of the qualifying company regime; Recent appointments; Improving business performance.

Summer 2004

The drivers of success; There's more than meets the eye - reading Inland Revenue's signals; New Year's Planning; Why should you invest in your people; Holiday pay; International Financial Reporting Standards.

Spring 2004

Double hit on property investors; Doing Business in Australia; Banking on the Bank; US Estate Tax; International Financial Reporting Standards.

Winter 2004

Ignore the Personal Property Securities Act at your peril; Proposals for simplifying the Taxation of Fringe Benefits; IRD Audit adjustments; Benchmarking - from worst to first; Key performance indicators; International Business Owners Survey.

Autumn 2004

New Tax Partner - Greg Thompson; To lease or not to lease, that is the question...; Marketing and management tips to help your business succeed; You think business is tough, try being not for profit; Time to forecast income, expenditure and cashflow.

Summer 2004 - Special Tax Update

FBT Update - Government discussion document; Motor Vehicles; Carparks; Multi-rate calculations; Minimum thresholds; Submissions invited.

Summer 2003

Don't forget the tax man this Christmas; Stress in the workplace; Fraud - are you at risk?; New Year's Resolutions; Holiday pay; Congratulations.

Spring 2003

Should we purchase ENSO?; Business acquisitions; Business disposals; Franchising; Tax update.

Autumn 2003

Business nightmares; What is a business plan?; Innovation from IRD... to make life easier; Five challenges to improved customer loyalty; Insolvency law changes announced.

Summer 2003

Corporate Governance; "Your majesty there is no second best; Create certainty with buy/sell agreements; The dangers of doing nothing; Audit Committees; The Corporate Governance checklist.

Spring 2002

Putting your eggs in one basket; Business risks minimised; Noticed any red flags flying lately?; The holistic approach; Business risk and preservation; How would you fare in a tax audit?; Wills and Power of Attorney; Relationship property; Something to think about; Family Trusts.

Winter 2002

ACC update; Grant Thornton launches new website; Personal Property Securities Act in force; So you think you have a good business?; The 10 most common mistakes made in employee selection; Worker discipline; FBT exposure on company vehicles.

March 2002 - Tax Tips Special Edition

They say that life only has two certainties, death and taxes; The only one of these we can influence is taxes; Attached is a list of helpful tips to help minimise your tax exposure...

Autumn 2002

Now is the time for business planning; Employee share purchase schemes; Tax information; Corporate Finance explained; Mind your bank; Seminars 2002; Information Technology services.

Summer 2001

Change is good... but in moderation; Safe and sound; Jargon buster; Directors Liability - good intentions no defence; Sensible software suggestions; Postscript.

Spring 2001

More time for claiming tax rebates; Management control; Is yours a personal service business? What is it worth?; Four ways to grow your business - one tool to assist; Never too soon to start, succession planning for family owned businesses; To tax or not to tax... that is the question.