4 burning questions SMEs are asking
accelerateonline • August 31, 2020
This time last year, you might have been pondering Christmas bonuses or booking your summer holiday, but with a completely different business landscape in front of us, your head is no doubt filled with different questions. Here we explore four common topics keeping Kiwi business owners up at night.
“How can I put my prices up without losing customers?”
If you need to change your pricing to make ends meet, be honest and up-front with your customers at all communication points.
- Make it clear on your website and social media that prices have changed and why.
- Send an email to let all your clients and suppliers know about the changes.
- Meeting people face-to-face? Make sure they’re aware of the price hikes before they’re invoiced – otherwise you could be in breach of the Fair Trading Act.
- Provide the best customer experience you can by updating staff on any changes and advising them on how to communicate them to customers.
- Worried you’ll lose fans? Consider staggering price increases of individual products over time.
“I’ve decided to restructure. What’s the best way to do this?”
Restructuring is never easy but if it’s necessary to keep your business afloat, there’s a process you can follow to keep stress to a minimum.
- Write a proposal outlining why roles need to change for the business to succeed.
- Email employees to let them know you’re proposing a restructure and invite them to a meeting (at least 2-3 days later) to learn more.
- At the meeting talk through your proposal on how the restructure should be implemented. It’s really important for staff to feel part of the process, so invite them to give feedback via email or book to see you after the meeting. Particularly if redundancies are a possibility, it is vital that you show an open mind as to what should be done to promote your business’s objectives.
- Proposed changes to an employee’s terms and conditions must be committed to writing and provided to the employee with notification that they are entitled to seek independent advice. They must be given a reasonable opportunity to seek that advice.
“I want to sell my business. How do I get it ready for sale?”
Selling your business involves a lot of homework. You need to get it looking as “shiny” as possible before getting it valued by your accountant or advisor. Here’s how:
- Sell assets you’re not using, stop investing in long-term projects and put together a realistic financial forecast.
- Prepare a business plan that includes how well the business is running and plans for growth.
- Sort out any legal issues or staffing problems.
- Bring health and safety, cloud solutions, and bookkeeping software up to date.
- How are your website and social media looking? Could a buyer hit the ground running with them?
- Talk to your advisors about ways to boost your sales revenue and pre-sale profit margin. Remember it’s the last two or three years’ profit, and future maintainable profit, that determine the value.
“Am I eligible for more Government funding?”
- Businesses who employ fewer than 50 staff could be eligible for loans of $10,000 plus $1,800 per full-time staff member, thanks to the Government’s Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme running until 31 December. To apply, there is a list of things you’ll need, including your NZBN and proof that due to COVID-19 your business suffered a 30% drop in actual or predicted revenue between January and June this year. Find out more here.
- The Business Finance Guarantee Scheme is another option – it supports operating cash flow disrupted due to COVID-19. Participating banks can provide new loans, increased limits to existing loans or a revolving credit facility to eligible businesses. The scheme supports banks to take on lending by the government taking on the default risk of up to 80% of the loan. Find out more at www.business.govt.nz
- Are you doing business outside of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch? You could get a piece of a $3 billion pie, as part of the Provincial Growth Fund which aims to help grow economic development in the regions over the next three years. Click here to find out if you’re eligible.
Accelerate December 2025 As 2025 draws to a close, we’d like to thank you for your continued support this year. Our team is taking a well-earned break from Friday 19th December and will return to the office on Monday 12th January 2026. But before you switch on the out-of-office, take a moment to get your business ready for the holiday season. In this issue, we’ve included tips to help you manage the summer cash flow crunch, a guide on what you can (and can’t) claim back for festive spending, advice for compliant Christmas promotions, and a timely reminder to look after your team’s mental health as the year wraps up. Wishing you a safe, sunny, and successful holiday season! How to survive the Christmas cash flow crunch While retailers race through their busiest time of year, not every business benefits from the Christmas rush. Many service-based, wholesale, or manufacturing businesses might even face a sharp decline in orders just when holiday pay, bonuses, and annual shutdowns see expenses rise. 1. Forecast to February Projecting your income and expenses well into the new year helps you spot potential shortfalls and take action before they become problems. 2. Invoice early, follow up now Send invoices before your shutdown period and chase outstanding debts while clients are still around. 3. Prioritise essential spending Identify what expenses are necessary and what can wait until revenue picks back up. 4. Prepare for January’s tax obligations The 15 January due dates for PAYE, GST, and provisional tax can feel like a Grinchy surprise. Set aside funds now to avoid starting the new year under pressure. Worried about the summer squeeze If this season feels tight, get in touch. Our financial advisors can help you plan ahead, manage your cash flow, and explore IRD instalment options to lighten the load. Tis the season for giving... but what can you claim back Gifts, bonuses, parties, and more: here’s a brief breakdown of what you can and can’t claim this festive season. Employee gifts Gifts that are not subject to the entertainment tax rules (vouchers, hampers, flowers) are fully deductible and exempt from Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) if they cost less than $300 per employee per quarter, and the total for all staff stays below $22,500 a year. However, gifts that do fall under the entertainment tax rules, like food hampers or wine, or taking your team to a show or event, are 50% deductible, and not liable for FBT. Cash bonuses Bonuses are classed as income, so PAYE and other payroll taxes apply. These “lump sum” payments are taxed at a flat rate based on your employee’s income bracket. Client gifts Food, drink, or entertainment gifts are 50% deductible. Other gifts (flowers, movie tickets, a book) are 100% deductible Workplace events Christmas parties, client dinners, or team drinks are 50% deductible, while morning teas, office lunches, and charitable donations are fully deductible.
Accelerate - December 2023
Accelerate August 2023
Inland Revenue have recently announced this year’s livestock Herd Scheme Values and we think this is a great opportunity to update you on the latest movements. The Herd Scheme Values are the National Average Market Values, determined by a process involving a review of the livestock market as at 30 April.
The values for Dairy this year have seen a fall in values across all female classes, but increases across all male classes. The fall in R1 heifer values can be attributed to the prohibition of live export by sea commencing from 30 April 2023. For the first time the National Average Market Value for R1 Heifers is less than the National Standard Cost of breeding and rearing an R1 Heifer.
In contrast to Dairy values Beef values have increased on average 9% and are almost at record values for all classes.
Sheep values have all fallen from the high of 2022, slipping back an average of 10.2%. Whilst values have fallen, they are still either the second or third highest that they have ever been depending on which class of sheep you are looking at.
Goat values have increased on average 7.8% with almost all classes of fibre and meat producing goats at record highs. The value of milking goats continues to be well down from historic highs, except for breeding bucks which are at their highest value.
Like the rest of the world, New Zealand has reeled from the aftermath of Covid, rising inflation and interest rates, and the cost-of-living crisis. This year we also have a massive storm damage repair bill.
Any tax cuts, or changes to the tax thresholds were vetoed in Budget 2023 as this was viewed as worsening inflation.
