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When you're running a business the last thing you need is legal issues hampering your growth.
Talk to us for sound advice and assistance with strategic planning, risk assessment, compliance, health and safety, employment, securities, financing and acquisitions.
A little bit of forethought and planning now can save a lot of time and money later, and let you get on with growing your business.
Click here to read our frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Law
Starting a New Business?
It's increasingly easy to incorporate companies in this day and age. Almost anyone can do it at a very low cost. Unfortunately, unless the company has only one shareholder, such an approach may not provide the protection you need.
Ask anyone who's been involved as a minority shareholder, or in a company dispute when the shareholders' loans have been badly documented. They'll almost certainly tell you they wish they'd had constitutions and shareholders agreements in place.
Get sound legal advice from the outset and make sure you're protected.
Ask our commercial law specialists about our 'Start Up' checklist.
Employment Law in New Zealand
The Department of Labour website is a very good source of information about what is required of an employer and an employee, and the process for disputes. If you have an employment dispute you'll go to mediation in the first instance and then to the Employment Court if mediation proves unsuccessful.
The legalities are complex and the focus is on "good faith" bargaining, but there are significant implications for many industries, particularly our local kiwifruit industry and the hospitality/restaurant trade.
If you are an employer who employs foreign nationals we suggest you read this advice we sent to our clients in November 2010 about the new requirements.
If you would like assistance with an employment agreement (including reviewing your standard employment agreement to check its provisions are up to date), or with an employment dispute,
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or his secretary on 578-5033 in the first instance.
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is a specialty service and one that we have a lot of experience in. Come in and chat to us about your vision. Together we'll look at what the future might hold - current trends, warning signs, opportunities. We can draw on our wide experience and help you plan a course for the future that will bring your ideas to life.
Compliance in Business
The current companies legislation is very flexible but a consequence is the increase in compliance procedures. There are of course industry-specific requirements, but for every business it all starts with good credit control.
Have you got sound terms and conditions of trade in place? Documenting processes around health and safety is another one that's too often overlooked, with potentially serious consequences.
Compliance doesn't need to be complicated but it does need your attention. Call us now and let's tick it off the list for you.
Succession Planning
How well is your business protected in the event of an unforeseen tragedy or the premature death of people in key roles? Do you understand the impact of a minority shareholding in a company, on the value of your investment?
Talk to us for advice on how to avoid potential conflicts and preserve value for the next generation.
Risk Management
Volatility in the economy and business climate can expose your company and its directors and shareholders to a number of risks. Some of them you might not even know about until they're already doing damage.
We can help you put measures in place that will help minimise risk in advance or, if the situation's gone beyond that and you're already in trouble, we can help you out of it.
We work alongside other professionals in these sorts of situations, including those you're already working with. Get in touch with us and tell us about your situation.
Business Management
When a business takes on a life of its own and you feel like you've got a tiger by the tail, we can help you get things back under control. Our experience and expertise in corporate governance allows us to offer strategic direction and an outsider's perspective.
We will help you strategise and put plans in place to grow your business in a manageable way, taking into account things like risk management, finance and compliance.
If you're looking to establish a business relationship, be sure to research not just the business but the people in it. How compatible are they with your personal views of business practice?
Graeme Elvin is particularly experienced in this area. Read about Graeme here.
You may also be interested in these articles:
Terms of Trade
When is Possession 9/10ths of the Law?
Business Structures
Securities and Financing for Business
Successful businesses invariably need capital, whether it's start-up costs or support in helping the business grow.
We can help you access funding and attend to the necessary security requirements, from small capital funding or private investor placements to larger, international financial sourcing. Get it touch with us and let's grow your business!
Acquisitions
We understand how hard it is to stay objective when you're excited about a new opportunity. Let us take care of the legalities for you and we'll make sure everything's in order.
There are some complex matters that need to be addressed - securities, tax, and contingent liabilities for example. We can help you structure the deal, taking into account things like risk management, tax efficiency, and access to future capital.
Our knowledge and experience means you can relax knowing all your bases are covered.
And remember, if something seems too good to be true it probably is. Talk to us first!
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Trusts Asset Management
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