Blog

The success of any business, large or small, depends largely on nurturing an efficient, productive workplace. While improving employee productivity should always be a priority when the ultimate goal is a sustainable and profitable business, the process is easier said than done. Below are some of the most effective methods of managing a productive, happy workplace while increasing output: Establish Accountability Productivity depends on every employee understanding that the jobs…  Read more

The Proactive Accountants Network (to which we belong) is conducting a global survey on what businesses really want from their accountant in order to help the profession offer more tailored services to help you run your business better. This survey is being sent to businesses by accountants globally.We would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to tell us about your experience with us. Your feedback will not…  Read more

An email signature can be a useful marketing tool. A signature can automatically go on the end of every email you send. It should at the very least include your contact details, company name and your designation (i.e. sales manager).  It can also include the company logo and, if relevant, your website and social media addresses (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn). However, you can use the signature to market yourself, your company…  Read more

IRD and ‘your cheque is in the mail’ From 1 October this year cheques must reach IRD by the due date for payment. Posting a cheque on the last day will be too late. IRD will accept post-dated cheques but won’t guarantee to not bank them early. If there are insufficient funds to pay the tax, that’s the taxpayer’s problem. IRD say they will endeavour to avoid banking early and…  Read more

Welcome to the winter addition of Marks’ Musing It is that time of year when a number of you have been contacting the office to find out when you should bring in your books and records for us to prepare your financial accounts and tax returns. On the 1st of April, you should have received an email from us, requesting that you download and print the questionnaires from our web…  Read more

Manual payments discontinuing. Changes to the Inland Revenue payment service at Westpac From 1 October 2014 you will no longer be able to make cheque payments or drop off returns or forms at a Westpac branch. You will be able to continue making cash and eftpos payments at Westpac. Customers can post cheque payments, returns and forms directly to Inland Revenue. You can continue to make payments using online banking, credit…  Read more

Scott Wilson from Digital Influence is running a seminar on the Thursay 3rd July called… “Leads Unleashed – How To High Generate Quality Leads On Demand Using Facebook & LinkedIn“. It’s free to attend and you can book tickets here – http://bit.ly/LeadsUnleashed Here’s an overview of what you will discover at this seminar: 1. Your Marketing Goals – The no.1 question every business owner should be asking themselves today if…  Read more

Say goodbye to expensive calls Would you like free toll calls within New Zealand and cut rates when you call a cellphone or make an overseas call? Go to www.callzero.co.nz The person who put us on to this told us his mother lives in England. He calls her twice a week using the internet. Instead of spending more than $10 per call the cost is now down to a little…  Read more

Happy customers refer you new business. It should be obvious to anyone in business, not keeping your word does nothing to enhance your image. It’s often hard to tell a customer, very politely of course, “You’ll have to wait”. You might be a very small building company and know you won’t have a gap in your work for six months. If this is the situation, tell the customer you can…  Read more

Discussions with your bank getting it right to avoid any misunderstandings. Anything you say to a bank can be written down and used in evidence against you. Not by the bank so much as the Tax Department. It is not confidential from the IRD. Always imagine an officer of the department is listening to your every word. You have no control over the notes your bank manager makes of your…  Read more