BUSINESS SERVICES

Benchmarking

Have you ever wondered how your business performs compared to your competitors? Are you spending enough on advertising? Are you paying too much rent? Are your staff costs too high? What is the average bottom line of your competitors?

Survival in today’s business climate requires you to spend more time working on your business rather than in the business.
Benchmarking

We can provide you with accurate, timely and informative benchmarking reports – allowing you to:

See how your business compares against your competitors
Understand how the rest of your industry works
Analyse the key performance indicators of your industry
Armed with this information, we’ll work with you to develop action strategies to improve your bottom line.

Bookkeeping & accounting

Modern business demands up to date accurate financial information.

We can relieve you and your staff of an enormous burden by taking care of all your bookkeeping and accounting needs, including the preparation of your annual accounts and periodic management accounts for tax, business appraisal and planning purposes.

We will discuss your requirements with you and provide you with tailored information and constructive advice on a regular basis.

Business start-up

Let us help you turn your business idea into a reality.

If you have a good idea for a new business venture but don’t have expertise in the legal or financial aspects of creating a new business, we can help you:

  • Decide on the most suitable structure for your business – sole trader, partnership, or limited company
  • Prepare a business plan, cashflow projections, budgets, and trading forecasts
  • Assess your finance requirements, advise on the best sources of finance, and draw up the necessary proposals
  • Establish a good working relationship with your bank
  • Complete any registration procedures with Companies House, Inland Revenue, or Customs and Excise
  • Deal with company secretarial issues
  • Set up a recording system for your internal use and for complying with statutory requirements

Budgeting

A good budget is a necessity in a good business plan. It is one of the best business tools we have, allowing us to set financial targets and measure our performance.

The techniques we utilize in the formation of financial projections will allow you to consider future scenarios and give you goals to strive for in your business.

In addition to goal setting value, budgets will often improve your chances of acquiring funding as financers often require forecasts as a prerequisite for funding approval. Cashflow forecasting is a vital part of ensuring your business will always have the cash it needs, because profits don’t pay bills – cash does.

There are many types of budgets and we can help you design the right budget for your needs and requirements. Let us show you how a budget and a cashflow forecast are able to provide feedback to allow you to prepare for the future of your business.

Software Solutions

Let us help you make the right choice when it comes to accounting software.

A decent accounting system will help you keep track of your cashflow and give you the option to complete GST Returns easily.

Choosing the right system for your business can be a difficult one – after all there are over sixty different accounting packages available in New Zealand. Here at Forsyth & Associates Ltd we have invested considerable resources into on-going staff training to ensure we are able to recommend the best accounting solution for your business.

Financial and Investment Planning

Financial planning ensures your financial goals can be met through the development of comprehensive and effective strategies that will strengthen your financial security. These strategies provide a source of income other than your business or employment income.

Our qualified and experienced team is able to discuss with you your financial options, providing a three stage service in financial planning:

  • Initial financial advice
  • Implementation of financial plan
  • Ongoing investment portfolio management

A variety of investment options are available, including corporate bonds, term deposits, local body and Government stock, New Zealand and overseas shares, and managed investment funds to name a few.

Don’t take unnecessary risks with your future. Allow the professionals at Forsyth & Associates Ltd to guide you towards achieving your financial goals.

TAX & AUDIT

FBT Management

The rules relating to FBT payments change on a regular basis. At Forsyth & Associates Ltd we keep up to date with the world of tax and are able to give accurate advice on the preparation of FBT returns.

We are also able to advise on the FBT consequences of proposals you intend to make, allowing you to make fully informed decisions.

Rather than paying excessive amounts of FBT, let the experts answer your tax queries. We can assist with the development and administration of a cost-effective employee benefit plan.

GST

GST legislation is an area we know like the back of our hand. We are able to offer accurate, timely assistance in a number of areas. These include:

  • Registration queries
  • Preparation of GST returns
  • Filing and adjusting GST returns
  • IRD audit assistance
  • Specialist events involving GST –  eg sale or purchase of property

Taxation

At Forsyth & Associates Ltd we offer a full range of Taxation Services. Our taxation consulting division is nationally recognised which means we can offer advice based on proven knowledge and experience. Our proactive approach ensures we deliver a consistent service and build solid relationships which stand the test of time.

Taxation can be a major cost to your business. We will work in partnership with you to minimise your tax and help you achieve your key objectives.

We provide a complete service of help and advice in all of the following areas:

  • Preparation of personal & company tax returns and advice on payment of tax
  • GST/FBT/ACC obligations
  • Advice on and implementation of tax effective trust structures for asset protection and tax minimisation
  • Management of any IRD Audits or disputes

SPECIALIST SERVICES

Acquisitions and Mergers

There are many scenarios in which you may wish to attain a business enterprise. Whatever the situation,  Forsyth & Associates Ltd are able to take the stress out and maximise the opportunity for you.

Whether you are considering buying a business or merging with another business, we have the experience and the expertise you need. We ask the right questions, and find the necessary answers. Are you getting a good deal? Is the business right for you? Can you afford it? Have all avenues for future growth been investigated?

The services we provide incorporate every stage of the process – from identifying potential acquisitions, through to the negotiations of the commercial elements of the transaction, through to forecasting the future of the business. Incorporated in this is:

  • A review of your goals and objectives
  • Due diligence services
  • Preparation of financial forecasts
  • Advice on potential pitfalls and rewards involved in a merger
  • Assistance with purchase negotiations
  • Advice on financing
  • Assistance with preparation of a business plan

Calling on the skills of professionals’ means you will be far less likely to purchase an unsuitable business. Let  Forsyth & Associates Ltd show you how their experience can save you from stress, and provide you with the great opportunity a business acquisition or merger can be.

Company Secretary

Company legislation requires businesses to perform many administration tasks that take up a lot of valuable company time. The last thing you need as a business owner is to be stressed out trying to ensure you are complying with the Companies Act 1993.

The possible threat of penalties for failing to keep up with the changing rules is too great a risk to take.

At Forsyth & Associates Ltd we are able to relieve this burden for you. Our services include:

  • General advice on company law
  • Company formations
  • Filing of annual returns on your behalf
  • Preparation of all documentation related to minutes and resolutions
  • Maintenance of statutory books
  • Assistance in changes of directors, shareholders, addresses, and office details
  • Bonus Issues
  • Share transfers
  • Registered Office Facility

Please contact us for further information on how we can help you to get back to the task of running your business.

Valuations

An independent valuation provides you with answers to the questions you often need to ask about the value of a business or property. Am I getting the best price for the sale of my business? Is the asking price too much?

We are trained and experienced in business valuations and are able to provide you with simple guidelines and formulae for evaluating the worth of a business. We are also able to appear in court and in arbitration as expert witnesses in relation to business valuations.

Choose Forsyth & Associates Ltd for a professional and accurate valuation service.

Selling a Business

Selling a business can be a difficult, often disheartening time. In this state the tasks involved in selling a business can seem particularly arduous. Here at Forsyth & Associates Ltd we are able to relieve that stress for you.

The services we provide in relation to organising the selling of a business include:

Obtaining comparative results Establishing a realistic sale price Taking the business to the market Negotiating with potential purchasers Drafting a contractOur friendly and professional staff are able to assist in such a way that a maximum return for your business can be achieved.

Retirement Planning

To achieve a comfortable retirement requires forward planning. You need to consider such things as when you will retire, how much income will be required to allow the retirement you desire, how to acquire that income, and what role the government will play.

The friendly team at Forsyth & Associates Ltd can help you answer these questions and plan for the relaxing retirement that you’ve earned.

Estate Planning

As unpleasant as the task is, estate planning is one of the necessities in life. It allows peace of mind knowing your hard earned assets will be dealt with in the manner you choose.

For business owners, a plan for succession of ownership is essential. We can guide you through the process of providing for business continuity.

The executor and trustee of a will is required to perform a number of duties. At Forsyth & Associates Ltd we are experienced in estate planning, and can guarantee the succession plan for your assets will be held to.

The areas involved in estate administration we are able to assist with include:

  • Meeting to discuss objectives for your estate
  • Confirming assets – valuations, inventories, appraisals
  • Court approval for a grant of administration
  • Documentation involved in estate planning
  • Protecting the assets
  • Paying taxes and debts
  • Estate distribution
  • Administration Act

Forensic Accounting

Forensic Accounting is the use of accountancy techniques to assess the financial implications of legal disputes. In a dispute over money it is imperative to be given accurate and timely advice.

At Forsyth & Associates Ltd we offer assistance in legal disputes, to swiftly make those headaches over money disappear. Often with our intervention the dispute is able to be settled without a court case. However, in the event that a court case is necessary we are able to provide the information and documentation required for your case, and act as an expert witness in court.

Our specialists’ all bring with them a sound understanding of legal concepts and procedures based on years of experience. They are ready and able to guide you through the treacherous territory of the legal industry.

Rental Property

At Forsyth & Associates Ltd we have the necessary expertise to assist in a variety of areas in relation to residential and commercial property.

The services we offer our clients include:

  • Advice on the purchasing of a property
  • Reviews of lease agreements
  • Advice on funding
  • Guidance in tax minimisation
  • Advice on ownership structure
  • Periodic reviews to ensure returns are maximised

The importance of forecasts in making a residential investment cannot be emphasised enough. We are able to provide for you:

  • Forecasts of revenue returns
  • Forecasts of financial position
  • Forecasts of potential growth

Contact us today for more information on how we are able to assist you in the business of rental properties.

Succession Planning

In ensuring the long term success of your business, it is critical to establish a well-designed succession plan. Coordination of the transition of your business to your successors can be an arduous process. However, with our years of experience we can address the complex issues of business continuation, taking the stress off your shoulders.

Contact us for more information on forming a plan that allows for a hassle free continuation of your business.

Trusts

A trust provides a valuable way of protecting the assets you have accumulated for the benefit of others.

We have extensive experience and so are able to offer specialist advice on Trust formation, ensuring all statutory requirements are met. Obligations for trustees can often be onerous, and our assistance in Trust administration will be invaluable.

We are able to:

  • Prepare and execute the vital documentation involved in Trust formation
  • Attend to the special requirements involved in reporting for Trusts
  • Trust administration
    • Minute keeping service
    • Annual accounts
    • Taxation
    • Asset management
    • Investment monitoring
    • Income distribution

Contact us today to ensure your trust is as formed and administered as effectively as possible, covering all legal requirements and so allowing it to fulfil its purpose.