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Chamber of Commerce SouthlandBusiness CentreCorner Leven and Esk StreetP.O. Box 856, Invercargill

Phone: 03 218 7188Fax: 03 218 7927Email: office@commercesouth.comWeb: www.commercesouth.com

Designed and Collated by:Market South | 178 Spey Street | InvercargillPh: 03 214 4455Email: info@marketsouth.co.nzWeb: www.marketsouth.co.nz

In This b2b:

The Devastation of Loss 8Focus show you how to back up your important files

Business Succession 11AWS gives guidance on planning an exit strategy for your business

WHK Ambition 14 A new initiative for women in business

RMB Settlement Goes Global 15 The new RMB trading environment and how your business could benefit

Is your business prepared for a disaster?

LEARNINGS FROM THE CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BIZ

$4.95

Practical advice on using Twitter to promote your business

BUSINESS 2 BUSINESSEdition 2, 2011

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TRAININGSEMINARS&fit

GREEN SERIES TRAININGPresented by AWS Legal - Chris Peddie

Business AdministrationContract Agreements28 Apr | 2.00pm - 4.00pmWhat you really need to know before you sign.

Bank Financing & Securities11 May | 2.00pm - 4.00pmDemystifying Bank Financing & Securities.

Leasing Commercial Property2 May | 2.00pm - 4.00pmIs it as straightforward as you think?

OTHER CATEGORIES

Health & SafetyHealth & Safety for Managers11 Apr | 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Intro to Health & Safety Management12 Apr | 12.00pm - 1.00pm

Engaging Contractors & Subcontractors 10 May | 1.00pm - 4.30pm

For the Business Woman

Leadership for Women (2 days)7-8 Apr | 9.00am - 5.00pm

Public Speaking Skills for Women3 May | 9.00am - 4.00pm

Management & Leadership

Training Staff Trainers 20 Apr | 9.00am - 4.00pm

EmploymentEmployment Law 09 May | 9.00am - 12.30pm

All Others

Media Training & PR04 May | 9.00am - 12.30pm

For details | cost & member discounts | registrationsOnline: www.commercesouth.comEmail: office@commercesouth.comPhone: 03 218 7188

The Retirement Commissioner, Diana Crossan, presented her three-yearly

review of New Zealand Superannuation to Parliament in December.

She said the current scheme would cost nearly 8% of GDP when the bulk of the baby boomers retired (it is about 4% now) and that change was necessary to keep it affordable. The Commissioner’s recommendations included raising the age of eligibility from 65 to 67 by 2033.

National has pledged not to raise the age of eligibility and has committed to leaving NZ Super at 66% of the average wage.

The ‘66% of the average wage’ mantra used by all politicians is misleading though because that figure is actually for a couple.

There are two major issues that are sure to make NZ Super unaffordable in the long run:

1. Increasing longevity means retirees are receiving NZ Super for longer than previous generations. In 1952, the average male received the state pension for 2 years and the average female for 6 years. In 2007, those figures were 13 years and 17 years respectively and are increasing by 2 to 3 years every decade.

2. There will be fewer workers for every retiree in the future than there are now. In 1991 the ratio of workers to retired was 68%. That ratio is projected to fall to 19% by 2051. Who is going to pay for a public pension?

When state pensions were introduced in much of the western world during or just after the Great Depression in the 1930s, they were a way of financially supporting

people in the last few months of life. Most had worked in manual jobs and many were too worn out to work any longer.

Now, state pensions are considered to be a 25-year reward for paying taxes for 45 years.

The government is under fiscal pressure from an ageing population if it is to keep borrowing within a sustainable level over the next couple of decades. Its options are to increase tax revenue, increase state sector performance and reduce government spending. Guess which is the low-hanging fruit?

For a couple of decades, NZ Super was a political football, now it is a political pariah. Neither of those attitudes is helpful in resolving what is going to be a problem for future generations.

Dave Rohan is aprincipal partner of Rohan Financial Solutions & President of the Southland Chamber Of Commerce

VIEWPOINT: THE FUTURE OF NEW ZEALAND SUPERANNUATION

Our Training Providers Include:• Chamber Of Commerce Southland• Otago Southland Employers Assn• AWS Legal • WHK • Pairman IP• IRD

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Less than 24 hours after the disastrous Christchurch quake, Southlanders found themselves back at work, in what was essentially any normal day, but with the spectre of the rescue effort running through all of our minds.

For business owners, employees, customers and associates, the February quake highlighted the difficulty in ensuring all people were safe and accounted for. In the natural panic and uncertainty following the quake, there would be many of us whose thoughts turned to how prepared we would be if this had happened in Southland.

Some quick tips for disaster preparedness… The basics:

First Aid Kit Worth spending a decent dollar on. Many kits are available from pharmacies, but a quick Google search will provide you with a list of must have items.

Staff Details Prepare a detailed list of ALL your staff members’ info. Their cell and home phone numbers, their addresses, where their next of kin work or go to school and their names, even the registration numbers of vehicles may be an enormous time and life saver. Most staff will be happy for you to have this info on hand if they understand the reason. Keep these details safe and preferably written down, as well as stored electronically.

Business Essentials You’ll be the expert on what missing info will leave you dead in the water, so again, have paper copies of things like: insurance company contact names and numbers; suppliers and customers’ details for when you need to make contact. If you run Twitter and/or Facebook pages for your business, make sure the people who matter most to your business also know about these. They may be the first point of contact for you.

Back-up your electronic systems regularly and ensure a copy of the back-up exists. A ton of info will fit on a CD or pen drive and should include your accounting software, hardware and software profiles for plant equipment, client and supplier databases etc. Pen drives are excellent as they are easily carried and can be password protected should you wish. In some cases, simply saving this info and emailing to yourself ensures this material exists and can be retrieved elsewhere.

Remember though, a back-up buried or burned is a waste of time. Take it with you every day when you leave the office.

Home and Work Emergency Kits A grab bag or box that you’ll thank your stars for should you ever need it. Non-perishable foods, bottled water, some basic tools, tarps, rope, cable ties, blankets, tape, torch and spare batteries, portable radio, matches and some basic means to heat food and water. If your family are campers, keep your gear in one spot at home in case you need to get to it in a hurry.

Keeping in touch Whether at home or in the workplace, people will immediately want to ensure colleagues

or family are safe. The fragility of the phone systems means they probably won’t be available in an emergency. Talk about an agreed meeting place should the worst happen. This should be well away from buildings and other potential hazards and should form part of your employee’s handbook.

With small portable handheld radio telephones so cheap to buy now, a set of these may be worthwhile purchasing and keeping aside, just for these situations. Even the cheapies will transmit for 3–4 km in a straight line and UHF models (Citizen Band Radios) mean other users will be able to hear you and also respond to your calls. Starting around $40 to $50 for a pair of these, it would be good sense to include a set in your home’s disaster kit too. Remember spare batteries too, as they will chew these up particularly when transmitting.

LeavingIf you need to evacuate home or business, there are some basic things you can do to help yourself and emergency services.

Turn off the electricity at the mains. If your building has been damaged, once power comes

BEING PREPARED FOR A DISASTER

Back-up your electronic systems regularly.

Put together emergency kits at home and at work.

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back on, turn on one appliance at a time so you can see nothing is going to start a fire. If in any doubt wait until you can have an electrician check things over.

Leave a sign, even if just a rough note on some card so others know your building is clear. Make sure you leave contact details on this in case authorities, family or staff are looking for you.

Detailed information on planning for the worst can be found here www.getthru.co.nz

Turn off the electricity at the mains if you have to evacuate your home or business.

Need skills now?www.newkiwis.co.nz

Access local and global talentSkilled migrants and returning kiwis Search our candidates and post your vacancies. Register and search CVs on our sites to create your own shortlist instantly.

Call us now to see how we can help 0800 18 23 23

SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTHLAND BUSINESS: CREST COMMERCIAL CLEANINGCrest Commercial Cleaning is proud to announce a new face at the heart of their Southland operation. Glenn Cockroft has taken up the reins from Alan Cooper who departed for northern climes, just prior to Christmas.

Glenn is a very well known face and name to many, having spent 24 years in Law Enforcement predominantly in the Invercargill area. He was also involved in a number of national road safety and promotional campaigns which saw him travelling the length and breadth of the country a number of times. He has had a lot of involvement in the community with a number of organisations, and is still very much involved in a road safety related charitable trust in Invercargill.

After running his own business which saw tremendous growth over a six year period selling and servicing bicycles in Invercargill, for the past six years he has been involved in a business to business organisation in Southland which has also shown a huge growth.

He was attracted to Crest because coming from a safety and business related background, Glenn could see tremendous benefits for both customers and franchisees to be associated with Crest. He took up the opportunity to be Invercargill’s Regional

Manager to continue the area’s growth and prosperity into the future.

Glenn is looking towards growing the local Crest operation in his first year and is currently working on expanding on the seven franchise holders already in place.

For more information on any aspect of Crest, contact Glenn on 027 496 9624 or email glenn@crestclean.co.nz

Glenn Cockroft

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SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BIZ

Many businesses are now using Twitter and Facebook to grab online opportunities.

Social Media certainly reduces the tyranny of distance, enabling your businesses door to be open to a whole new client or customer base.

Unless you are trading entirely on the web, most businesses at least need to be aware of the tools, what they will do and how to use them as an enhancement of your business.

In this edition we look at Twitter (www.twitter.com) and what opportunities it may hold for your business. Watch out for the beginners guide to Facebook in the next edition of B2B magazine.

Twitter.com is ranked the # 10 website worldwide and its forté is ‘tweeting’ short messages at lightning speed.

Twitter users will know how quickly information can spread on a social network. As the Pike River tragedy and the devastation in Christchurch unfolded, Twitter users were reporting the events literally at light speed and nearly always beating the mainstream media to the scoop… apart from those networks who

were also using Twitter.

Think of Twitter as the biggest gossip you’ve ever known… you tell your friends… they tell theirs (retweeting)… pretty soon everyone has heard about or seen your news.

Retailers, for instance, can tweet short period specials for their followers. Pitched to your customers the right way, this can be a true value added part of how you do business. Mention for example, the phrase VIP in your Twitter offers, and your tweets are suddenly not just a great deal, but they also carry a sense of ownership and importance. And importantly for any business… you’ve done this for free... Not bad.

Hospitality outlets can offer short notice discounts. A restaurant or café having a slow day can fill tables by making an instant offer to their Twitter followers, of 140 characters or less. That message can also carry a link to any other webpage you may want to send your customer to.

If you’re using this, you definitely need to be using TinyURL.com – here you can convert huge web addresses into about a dozen characters, to use in your Twitter posts. Free again… Nifty.

Twitter accounts are free and really easy to set up. In fact, ask a kid to help if the mere thought of this is too much for you. In perhaps 30 minutes (or less) you’ll be up and going.

The downside? If you decide to use Twitter as an instant marketing tool, be prepared to keep it up to date and active. Followers tend to occasionally weed out who they follow and you don’t want to be one of those being gassed. If they are used to seeing your Tweets on a regular basis and they haven’t dumped you yet… chances are they are taking notice of what you are up to.

That begs the question though, “How will people know we are on Twitter?” The answer to that comes back to good old fashioned self promotion. You’ll need to tell people and convince them to start following your page.

In a business that has regular foot traffic, it may be as easy as handing a flyer to each customer, but remember to build yourself up larger than life at every opportunity. Include those flyers in your mailed statements. Make sure your Twitter address is added to your letterheads & emails.

Professionals MacPherson Realty owner Brian MacPherson (left) and Mike Henderson, CEO of the Professionals Group, hold the Top New Zealand Company Office overall award.

This is the third year in a row that the Southland real estate firm MacPherson Realty has received the award which encompasses the Professionals Group nationwide.

Jon Irving, general manager of the Invercargill firm, said he was pleased the business had received the award in “what has been a challenging year, following climatic events that have continued to affect the real estate market”.

Mr Irving said the award was the result of “an outstanding team of people and support from clients”.

MACPHERSON REALTY AWARDED

function and catering centreWhite Heronthe

Ph 03 216 6077 Fax 03 216 6077 Email functions@thewhiteheron.co.nz

Web www.thewhiteheron.co.nzWhite Heronthe

Summer time Catering to go Salads, Desserts and BBQ packs

Perfect for Suppers - BBQs - Picnics - PartiesHome entertaining

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Stalking is such an ugly

word ...

Follow us instead!

@ www.twitter.com/b2bsouthland

Fresh News affecting • Southland Business, literally as it happensLinks to the full news • stories, news video & audioFirst to see the latest • news on Southland Chamber events & functionsExpand your business • contacts & knowledge base.

When you follow B2B Southland on Twitter, you’ll

be seeing the very latest from reputable news and business

sources New Zealand and Worldwide.

03 2187188BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS

Use your radio and newspaper space to promote it. If your staff wear a uniform, the small price of printing tee shirts for them, gives you a bunch of willing and walking billboards.

A key, once your Twitter account is up and running, is to gradually add to the list of people you personally ‘follow.’ They’ll notice and likely follow you back, to see what you’re all about and you can also direct message these people to say hi personally and suggest they follow you. Don’t be shy… that’s what Twitter is about and people are used to it.

The temptation with anything new, is to use this newfound tool as much as possible. A word of caution though: unless you want to

be in the position of having to update your page each day or make someone else in your business responsible for this, maybe look at updating only on certain days. You can always increase this if and when it suits you, rather than feeling tied to it.

But remember, Twitter can be a lot of fun, especially if you can see a difference in the till or an increase in enquiry! Don’t be afraid to try new or outlandish ideas, you’ll soon strike a winner. Twitter is truly ‘instant’ and that offer will be on and off your followers’ screens usually within an hour or so, so make the most of it.

Take a look and start a free account at www.twitter.com

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The importance of data backups is not only relevant to businesses but to all computer users – particularly those at home. Can you imagine how you would feel to lose years of family photos? Seems minimal compared to our Cantabrian friends who have lost so much more – but devastating none-the-less.

There are a number of different backup storage types available that cater to every requirement; prices can range from $16.00 + GST to $1755.60 + GST allowing any budget to enable the backup of all data; from personal accounts and information or small to medium business data, music or digital photos.

External USB drives are the most popular, cheapest and easiest way to backup data. These range in size from 4 gigabytes, in the form of a ‘flash’ drive that can hang off a key ring, up to a massive 2 terabyte external hard drive.

These devices need only to be plugged into a USB port on a computer and instantly backup storage is available without the need to switch off the computer. The portability feature of these drives allows for easy off site backup of data.

For smaller businesses or the home user with a small network (ie: Mum, Dad & two teenagers), a device known as a ‘Network Attached Storage’ box (NAS) can be introduced to the network and can be used as a backup device.

These are devices that can be plugged into a network and can be used by a number of computers as a backup device and can contain one or more hard drives for redundancy in the event of a physical hard drive failure.

NAS boxes are ideal if there is no central file server in the network. The downside with these is that they are normally not portable.

There are also a number of Internet based file hosting services online that provide ample storage space for the backup and sharing of data. Some of these services are free but some do ask for a small fee.

Backing up is easy!

Microsoft Windows 7 has backup and restore software built in and can be used with external hard drives as well as network storage devices.

Users of Apple Macintosh computers can make use of the ‘Time Machine’ application, which in conjunction with an external hard drive, can be used to automatically take up-to-date copies of all data.

A backup can also be as simple as copying and pasting a file to a chosen backup source or writing a small script that creates a copy of files to an external backup source.

Spending time and money on creating a backup solution today will save a lot of stress and time in the event of information loss.

THE DEVASTATION OF LOSS

We’ll

take care

of your

technology.

So you can get

on with running

your business.

leave it to us

P: 03 211 0099W: www.focus.net.nz

a: 176 Spey Street, Invercargill

technology group

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Focus Technology Group has been established in the Invercargill area since 1994; originally evolving from a local accounting practice, they are now based in four locations with a total team of 30.

Specialising in providing information and technology services to businesses of any size, Focus offers a full range of services including IT hardware and servicing, accounting and payroll systems, telephone systems and software development services.

In the ever-changing world of information technology, Focus has kept abreast of the latest technologies and products, maintaining a down to earth approach in explaining and implementing these solutions for their clients.

“We enjoy building long term relationships with our clients that enable us to gain a deep understanding of their business so we can implement technology solutions that best suit their requirements and budget.

We have continually grown our business since inception, and believe that there are two key factors in this success; retaining and growing with our customers, and building a great team of people to deliver our services.

These two factors are interlinked – if we can provide our customers with continual service from the same people then our

customers receive better ongoing support and develop a trust relationship with us as their IT provider” says Rod Sinclair, Focus CEO.

Focus is a certified business partner for all major product brands, and specialises in IBM, HP, Microsoft and MYOB technologies.

So if you feel your existing IT provider does not provide the expertise, service levels

or understanding of your business that you desire then contact Focus, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Focus Technology Group Invercargill 176 Spey Street, Invercargill Phone: (03) 211 0099

Focus Technology Group Queenstown Te Nuku Building 43 Ballarat Street, Queenstown Phone: (03) 441 0099

SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTHLAND BUSINESS: FOCUS TECHNOLOGY GROUP

Here is what some of Focus’ customers say about them:

“Focus adds value to what we are doing. When you are running a business you want to be able to get the maximum out of everything and the only way you can do that is getting the right advice and keeping up with current trends.”

Peter Wards – Presbyterian Support Services

“Focus has provided our IT support for around 13 years and we know we can trust them to look out for our best interests.”

Kelly Tagg – AWS Legal

technology group

Focus Technology Group’s Invercargill team.

Focus Technology Group’s Queenstown team.

www.focus.net.nz

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A HIGHLY PERSONALISED APPROACH

Arguably the most important goal of investing is to maintain the real spending power of your savings. This is best achieved through risk management, not chasing returns.

Risk cannot be entirely avoided but investments can be shaped to minimise risk and maximise potential returns. Whilst it is natural to be concerned about the security of investments, a smart investor understands the need to undertake a certain amount of risk.

“The best way of both protecting capital and also providing some potential for further growth is a balanced portfolio of investments,” says Jason Kennedy, Craigs Investment Partners Invercargill Investment Advisor.

“A balanced portfolio is one that is diversified across fixed income, shares and property and is diversified within each of the three main sectors. The mix between the various types of investment can be tailored to take into the account the level of risk appropriate for your investment goals, time horizon and risk tolerance.”

Craigs Investment Partners offer a Managed Portfolio Service (MPS) which is ideal for investors who value having more time, as well as superior investment advice. It offers a highly personalised approach to investing through a one-on-one relationship with a dedicated Investment Advisor.

“Your advisor will undertake quarterly reviews of your portfolio, provide specific

recommendations according to market conditions and investment opportunities. This means you are regularly kept up-to-date with the performance of your investments and advised on recommended changes. In addition, clients have access to our research and custodial service, freeing them from the ‘day-to-day’ management of their investments.”

“Our Discover and Delivery process is a highly consultative approach which enables our Investment Advisors to discover your unique needs and goals then deliver appropriate investment solutions. It is an on-going process designed to take into account your needs as they change over time. Your investments should never keep you awake at night”, says Kennedy.

Grow your wealth in a way that suits you

A Disclosure Statement is freely available on request.

A highly personalised approach to growing and sustaining your wealth.

Managed Portfolio Service is ideal for building an effective investment strategy and portfolio that are tailored to your needs.

If you’re looking for people to grow your wealth, talk to a firm with first-hand experience.

Invercargill Branch49 Kelvin Street03 214 9939

www.craigsip.com

Gore Branch120 Main Street03 208 9310

Craigs Investment Partners offers a Managed Portfolio Service

Whether you’re an investment novice or you’ve already got your fingers in several pies, the experienced NZX qualified advisors at Craigs Investment Partners at our Invercargill and Gore Branches will assess your personal situation and work with you to design a portfolio that meets your investment objectives.

For further information on Craigs Investment Partners Managed Portfolio Service contact the Gore Branch (03) 208 9310 or Invercargill Branch (03) 214 9939 or visit our website www.craigsip.com : services/wealth-management.

David Hodgson John Wilson Vanessa Stewart Julian Morris David Goble Jason Kennedy

BUSINESS SUCCESSION

Statistics show that New Zealand has an aging population. As business owners age, they may want to exit their business, either partially or completely. In order to achieve this successfully and to maximise the value of the exit package, business succession must be planned and anticipated. Often, a succession plan can take several years to be implemented.

For some, selling or shutting down their businesses is the only option due to their health, personal reasons or a desire to retire. However, some business owners may not want to hang up their boots completely, particularly when they have invested a substantial portion of their life establishing and growing the business. Business owners may wish to remain as silent investors with an income stream to support them in retirement but not be involved in the day-to-day activities of the business.

In order to implement a successful succession plan, the following must be addressed:

Identify the most likely successors to your business. This can either be family members, existing management, competitors, trade buyers or private investors;

Maximising the value of the business. There are a number of things that can be done to maximise the sale value from simple matters like ensuring accurate and complete financial accounts, ensuring that all correspondence and contracts are available for discovery, creating further opportunities for the business and having experienced management staff and employees. All these help in maximising the sale price of the business;

How do we achieve this succession

process? The succession process can be achieved by various structures. The simplest is a complete buy out through to a staged process over a period of time. The structure of the succession will need to be negotiated between the business owner and the successor. The structure will often depend upon the successor’s financial position.

In our experience, business owners are prepared either to accept a staged succession or to leave money in the business by way of loan to assist with the sale process if the successor cannot complete a full buy initially. This is not without risk. However, the business owner may place confidence in the successor to achieve the necessary financial targets due to their implicit knowledge of the business.

Other considerations also need to be taken into account with regard to bank funding, tax implications, assigning leases of premises, release of the business owner’s liability under guarantees whether to the bank, landlords or to trade creditors, and dealing with employees and customers to ensure a smooth transfer of the business. These points need to be ironed out as part of the process of succession and dealt with appropriately.

At AWS Legal, we have assisted many clients with business succession. We are able to assist you to maximise your business succession successfully by working together to put the succession structure mechanism together. Please contact us to sit down with you and structure your business succession.

Please remember, this information is designed as a guide only and shouldn’t replace the advice of your legal professional. We welcome your comments: chris.peddie@awslegal.com

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May 2011 | Invercargill5 NZIM | Effective Use of Time Queenstown5-6 NZIM | Accounting for Non Accountants - Stage 1 Invercargill10 NZIM | Essential Skills for the Administrator Queenstown11 NZIM | Professional Reception Skills Queenstown12 NZIM | The Art of Minute Taking Queenstown16-17 NZIM | Essential Selling Skills Invercargill18 NZIM | Courageous Conversations Invercargill19 SBG | Machinery of Government Invercargill23 NZIM | Governance in Practice Dunedin24-26 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ® Dunedin

June 2011 | Invercargill1-2 NZIM | Accounting for Non Accountants - Stage 2 Invercargill7-8 NZIM | Project Management Dunedin9 NZIM | Report & Proposal Writing Dunedin10 NZIM | Problem Solving & Decision Making Dunedin21 NZIM | The Generation Challenge Dunedin22 NZIM | Delivering Great Customer Care Invercargill22 NZIM | How to Handle Difficult Customers Invercargill22-23 NZIM | How to Manage & Lead Successfully Dunedin23-24 NZIM | Lean Thinking Invercargill

KEY KEY KEY This course has qualified for the NZTE Capability Development Voucher Scheme, and is eligible for voucher redemption - contact us for more information.

With over 100 training programmes, courses, workshops and qualifications available, Employers’ Association offers one of the most comprehensive expert-facilitated training curriculum in the region including;

→ NZ Institute of Management → Employment Law + Human Resources → Health & Safety → Governance → Management + Leadership → Team Leader Skills → Project + Operational Management → Financial → People + Performance + Communication Skills → Sales + Customer Service → Essential Business Skills → She’s Motivated → Public Sector Training

P| 0508 656 757 DDI | 03 218 7451E| j rachelle@osea.org.nz

www.osea.org.nz

Upcoming Training

YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNER

The Mayor Tim Shadbolt congratulating Janet Brooker of JB Business on being admitted into the Institute of Accredited Business Consultants NZ Inc after fulfilling the requirements of the Professional Business Consultants competency based assessment delivered through ACI Global LMS to ISO/IEC 17024 – 2003 guidelines.

JB Business is also an Approved Training Provider under the TechNZ Capability Development Voucher Scheme.

The 2011 Southland Young Enterprise programme is well underway with secondary schools participating from Invercargill to Queenstown.

We estimate that we will have some 15 student companies registering and we are seeking mentors to assist the students in forming and running their businesses.

If you or your business can spare some time to share your skills and help the students learn how to become an entrepreneur, by giving some guidance in running their business, please contact our co-ordinator Joanne O’Connor on (03) 218 7188 or yes@commercesouth.com

Information on YES can be found here http://www.commercesouth.com/YES/intro

MENTORS FOR YES

JB BUSINESS ACCREDITED

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

FOUR REASONS TO CONTACT BDO

BDO Invercargill Lexicon House, 123 Spey Street T: 03 218 2959. E: invercargill@bdo.co.nz W: www.bdo.co.nz

▶ Dave Mitchell▶ Greg Thomas▶ Diane Thornbury▶ Tim Ward

AUDIT • TAX • ADVISORY

FOUR REASONS TO CONTACT BDO

BDO Invercargill Lexicon House, 123 Spey Street T: 03 218 2959. E: invercargill@bdo.co.nz W: www.bdo.co.nz

▶ Dave Mitchell▶ Greg Thomas▶ Diane Thornbury▶ Tim Ward

AUDIT • TAX • ADVISORY

SOUTHLAND LAUNCH UNDERWAY

Following up from the article in the last b2b; Trumpcard has since gone live in Southland and over 10,000 cards are making their way into the hands of local shoppers.

Trumpcard is a Southland-based business that has developed an innovative new national loyalty fundraising programme that not only rewards cardholders far greater than other national loyalty programmes, it also empowers them to support their chosen charity, club or school – simply by doing their daily shopping. Here’s how to get involved with Trumpcard:

Get your Trumpcard from your chosen charity, club or school, or any Trumpcard merchant

Shop with the extensive range of Trumpcard merchants

Play your Trumpcard to earn rewards for you and your fundraiser

Spend your Trumpcard rewards at any time with any of the Trumpcard merchants

This will ensure that your spending has a happy ending, as one of Trumpcard’s slogans says.

CHANGES TO ROAD USER CHARGES?

A Road User Charges (RUC) Bill has been introduced into Parliament. RUC are a tax that is paid by owners of all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and all diesel vehicles used on the road.

There are around 580,000 RUC-paying vehicles in NZ. The new Bill provides for:

a permanent road user charge, so the same kinds of vehicles with equal carrying capacity will normally pay the same road user charges at all times, regardless of actual loads;

all vehicles operating above normal weight limits having to pay additional road user charges by purchasing an additional licence;

purchase of time licences to go (affects only a small group of operators): instead, there would be changes to the annual

vehicle licence fees paid;

an assessment system (with checks and balances) for assessing unpaid road user charges;

rules for electronic RUC management systems;

new rules to make sure the RUC rules are complied with, including transport service operators creating and maintaining records; and

the responsibility for collecting RUC to be transferred to the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).

EMPLOYMENT LAW/HOLIDAYS ACT: CHANGES

A number of employment law and Holidays Act changes came into force on 1 April.

The main changes to the Holidays Act include employees being able to cash in a maximum of one week of annual holidays; and being able to transfer public holidays to another working day.

The main change to the Employment Relations Act extends 90 day trial periods to all employers.

Changes to the personal grievance provisions include consent having to be given before a union can access a workplace; confirmation that communication with employees can occur during collective

bargaining; employers being required to retain employment agreements; and the role and powers of labour inspectors being extended.

A change now in force is that during an annual “closedown” period that includes public holidays (e.g., at Christmas/New Year) an employee is entitled to be paid for the public holidays if it was otherwise going to be working day for him/her.

A change effective from 1 July 2011 requires employers to retain a signed copy of an individual’s employment agreement or current signed copy of the terms and conditions. Employees are entitled to a copy of their agreement if they request one.

More is at www.ers.govt.nz/updates

OVERSEAS FOCUS ON WOOL

Wool insulation may be common in NZ, but for a team taking a solar powered house to the US Department of Energy’s prestigious global design competition (the Solar Decathlon), this ”novel” approach will definitely need explaining (as wool insulation is virtually unknown in the US).

A team of Victoria University students will be designing, building, and operating an attractive, affordable, net zero energy house, powered entirely from solar energy (and featuring four layers of wool insulation, giving the house nearly three times greater efficiency than the NZ building codes require).

14

WHK Ambition is a new initiative from WHK for women in business.

WHK is currently into the second year of running a series of seminars for women who actively run and manage their own business. These seminars are designed to attract women who own their own business, manage them, or are employed within the business.

The content of these seminars is designed to increase attendees’ knowledge in the following areas:

Accounting Taxation Finance Insurance Employment Law

and various other aspects relevant to businesses. From feedback WHK has received it has been noted that many women in business have felt that there has been a real need to increase their awareness in all areas - not just accounting. Legislation is constantly changing and there is a real need to keep knowledge up to date.

WHK staff prepare and present sessions at these seminars and for specialist areas we seek an external presenter.

Women who have been attending these seminars have gained valuable advice and helpful tools which they have been able to take away and implement into their working environment. It is also a wonderful opportunity for women to network within the community, which the attendees have appreciated.

If you would like to attend these seminars or require more information please contact Judy Goble, Manager, WHK. Phone: (03) 211 3355

WHK AMBITION: WOMEN. BUSINESS. SUCCESS

better advice for a better lifewww.whk.co.nz

Our Presentations run for 90 minutes covering all

aspects of what you need to be prepared and know about

running a business in our busy world, at the duration

we have a light morning tea and opportunity for you to

network with ladies in similar situations.

WHK AMBITION

WOMEN. BUSINESS. SUCCESS.

WOMEN. BUSINESS. SUCCESS.WOMEN. BUSINESS. SUCCESS.WOMEN. BUSINESS. SUCCESS.WOMEN. BUSINESS. SUCCESS.WOMEN. BUSINESS. SUCCESS.

WOMEN. BUSINESS. SUCCESS. Is a WHK initiative

to bring together women in Southland and Central

Otago who run or manage their own business.

Our next seminar is on 3rd May in Invercargill and 4th May in Queenstown – the topic is; AGRICULTURE. HORTICULTURE. VITICULTURE. What expenses are deductible for income tax purposes?Are you claiming all you can?Are you capitalising the correct expenses?

For costs and registration details on this workshop (or future ones), please contact Judy Goble on 03 211 3355 or email: ambition@whk.co.nz

62 Deveron Street, Invercargill T 03 2 1 1 3355

13 Camp Street, Queenstown T 03 450 1888

21 Brownston Street, Wanaka T 03 443 0086

“Thanks heaps! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every one and I am looking forward to the 2011 seminars.”

Raewyn Hansen – NumberWorks‘nWords

15

RMB SETTLEMENT GOES GLOBAL:THE NEW RMB TRADING ENVIRONMENT AND HOW YOUR BUSINESS COULD BENEFIT

In 2010 China became the world’s largest exporter and second largest economy, yet Renminbi (RMB), or Chinese Yuan is not a common currency in international trade transactions. This is changing, with regulations introduced in June 2010 that permit the use of RMB transactions outside mainland China, businesses around the world can now conduct their cross-border transactions in RMB.

HSBC’s Chief Economist in Hong Kong, Qu Hongbin, believes that in five years’ time, if the current trend continues, one third of China’s total trade is likely to be settled in RMB. Further to that, Qu also believes that the value of RMB is expected to go up against other currencies in the future and by 2020 RMB will be as common as the USD or Euro.

HSBC New Zealand’s local Chief Economist Paul Bloxham, comments that “given the shift in the economic centre of gravity of the world from west to east, it is not surprising and a welcome development that an increasing share of trade will be done in RMB.” He goes on to comment that, “developments in this direction are positive for New Zealand, an economy which is becoming ever more closely tied to the Asian region.”

We have put together FAQs to address some of the queries we often receive at HSBC when people are thinking of trading in RMB:

1. I have heard about both CNY and RMB – what is the difference? CNY and RMB are used interchangeably. The Renminbi (sign: ¥; SWIFT Approved Currency code: CNY) is the name of the official currency of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The currency is legal tender in mainland China, but not in Hong Kong and Macau. Renminbi is often shortened to RMB and is also known as the Yuan.

2. I thought the RMB was a restricted currency? RMB has traditionally been restricted in use to the Peoples Republic of China. In early 2010 the People’s Bank of China

(PBoC) started to relax controls on RMB. This began with transactions relating to trade settlements between five cities and Hong Kong and Macau. The scheme then expanded to include the ASEAN countries. In June 2010, the scheme has been expanded to 20 cities and provinces in mainland China and all remaining countries around the world.

3. Is the scheme applicable to RMB payments outside mainland China as well as payments to and from mainland China? The scheme no longer restricts the country or region that may participate in RMB cross-border settlements. For RMB payments to or from mainland China, the scheme is open to 20 pilot cities and provinces in mainland China for cross-border trade and other permitted settlements. For RMB payments not involving mainland China, subject to local regulations (of which, there are none in New Zealand), payments can be conducted in the same way as for other currencies.

5. Is RMB allowed for all kinds of cross-border payments? RMB cross-border payments (between mainland China and another country) are allowed for settlement of trade transactions for goods or services and payment under other capital items. Payment under capital items require case-by-case approval from the relevant authorities in advance. Overseas-to-overseas RMB transactions are not regulated by the PBoC.

6. What are the trade settlement methods under RMB cross-border trade? As for other international settlement currencies, all common trade settlement methods apply for RMB, such as documentary credit (DC), documentary collections (D/P and D/A) and open account. UCP600 rules apply to cross-border documentary credit transactions.

7. Are there any requirements for New Zealand companies? All New Zealand companies which have import and export trading business with eligible companies in mainland China can settle their trade in RMB.

HSBC provides a comprehensive suite of RMB and international cash management solutions in New Zealand and around the world. We have been in Hong Kong and Shanghai in since 1865, and are one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations with more than 8,000 offices in 87 countries and territories around the globe.

For more information about how we can help with any of your RMB needs, please contact us on corporatebanking@hsbc.co.nz or visit hsbc.co.nz/corporatebanking

The above material has been provided for general information only. Although every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, it should not be relied upon or used as a basis for entering into any products or making any investment decisions. Readers should seek independent legal/financial advice prior to acting in relation to any of the matters discussed in this publication. Neither HSBC nor any person involved in this publication accepts any liability for any loss or damage whatsoever may directly or indirectly result from any advice, opinion, information, representation or omission, whether negligent or otherwise, contained in this publication. A copy of HSBC’s most recent disclosure statement prepared under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989 is available free of charge on request or from any HSBC office

This news release is issued by HSBC. HSBC in New Zealand is the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, incorporated in the Hong Kong SAR with limited liability, acting through its New Zealand branch.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR COMPANY WEBSITE

Your website is your online shop window. It’s often the first contact your prospective customers will have with your business. Make sure the impression it leaves is a good one!

With an ever increasing number of consumers starting their search for the goods or services they want to buy online, your company website is more important than ever. A few years ago, having a website could be considered forward thinking; today it is essential to ensure you can be found by your prospective customers.

Simply having a website is not enough though; the quality of the content on it is also a crucial factor. A smart looking, well written website can drive sales for your business, but a poor website can actually turn customers away and damage your reputation.

Here are a few tips for website success:

Design Just as a well-dressed shop window draws people into a shop, a well-designed website draws prospective customers in to find out more about your business.

A well-designed website is attractive to the eye, easy to navigate and visually communicates your organisation’s key brand values and messages. Having a professional-looking website will build credibility for your company in the eyes of the viewer.

To ensure your website visually communicates who you are and what you have on offer, engage a professional graphic designer to create a custom template especially for you.

Copywriting The written content of your website also contributes to your prospective customers’ overall impression of your company. If it’s filled with poor grammar and spelling mistakes it certainly won’t portray your company as professional and competent.

When a prospective client lands on your website, you only have a few seconds to capture their attention, so your home page needs to lead with the information that they are looking for and encourage them to continue reading into the website.

Effective use of keywords also ensures your website can be found when people are searching for it.

There’s nothing harder than writing about your own business, so it’s best to let someone else do it for you. Employ a professional copywriter to ensure that the written material on your website is effective.

Performance There’s nothing more frustrating than a website that’s slow to load, doesn’t display

correctly or has broken links. Even if your website is filled with great content, performance issues like these can mean customers don’t even get to see that content.

A good web developer will help you avoid these pitfalls and is ensure your website is thoroughly tested before going live.

Up-to-Date Content One of the biggest advantages of websites over printed promotional material is that they can be easily updated at any time. Yet it is surprising how many companies’ websites contain out of date information!

Opt to have your website created in a Content Management System (CMS) as this will allow you to update the information yourself as and when changes occur.

The rapid pace of technology change means that the form and functionality of websites is constantly changing. A website designed five years ago will probably be looking outdated today. Review your website regularly, along with those of your competitors and industry peers, to ensure you are not falling behind the pack.

Bring all of these elements together and you’ll have a website that works hard to pull in new customers and increase sales for your business!

If you would like to create a winning website for your business, see the team at Market South. Phone 03 214 4455 or email info@marketsouth.co.nz www.marketsouth.co.nz

your online shop window

online

window