When a bar owner I worked with went from operating at a loss to turning a profit within one year, it wasn’t just about getting the numbers right—it was about understanding what their business needed and building a system that would set them up for success. Bookkeeping is the foundation of the accounting cycle and […]

In business, having the right financial expertise can make the difference between surviving and thriving. Whether you’re dealing with international investments, managing cash flow challenges, or planning for growth, a qualified accountant’s technical knowledge and strategic insight can be invaluable. And that’s where Chartered Accountants (CAs) and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) stand apart. What makes […]

Some businesses are feeling uncertain in this economic climate, and many New Zealand businesses are echoing the mantra ‘survive to ’25.’ It’s a sentiment that reflects the hope for better days ahead but also the challenge of navigating the current landscape. We’ve seen this scenario before, and we’re here to tell you that there’s a […]

It’s a subject that’s come up a lot lately, and I’m pleased that so many more businesses now understand that their relationships with their clients (client retention) aren’t just a nice-to-have; they’re a must-have for any business looking to thrive. Person-to-person communication—or at least any communication that feels personal—is by far the best way to […]

Remember when our parents taught us the importance of sharing? That simple lesson, often illustrated with shared toys or split snacks, was more than just a way to keep peace in the playground. It was preparing us for a fundamental truth in life and, as it turns out, in business. As children, we learned that […]

Last month, the office coffee machine tragically broke down after almost twenty years of service. Not long after the ‘OUT OF ORDER’ sign appeared, I thought I noticed a distinct lack of bodies in the office. A few days passed, and the machine sat there forlornly, temporarily replaced by a jar of instant coffee. Good […]

‘Globally, women make up a significant percentage of accountants and auditors. Statistics gathered from the 2020 Accountancy Age Top 50+50 survey demonstrated that nearly half of all qualified accountants were female (45.47%). Yet just 1/5 of women were positioned in senior roles within the sector.’ Roxana Zendy – Finance Journeys The statistics on women in […]

At Gilligan Sheppard, we are passionate about improving New Zealand business. By showcasing some incredible business stories, we hope to inspire our readers to think outside the square. Aotearoa has become a fertile ground for success and entrepreneurship, and despite being situated so far from the rest of the world, many Kiwi brands have established […]

New Zealand has officially entered a recession, and as a business owner, you’re likely feeling the pressure of high inflation and rising borrowing costs. Reducing your tax bill legally and effectively is now more critical than ever. Here’s a guide to help you maximise your tax deductions. 1. File your tax returns on time [...]

New Zealand business recession stories In 2006, Rod Drury founded Xero, a cloud-based accounting software company in New Zealand. When the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) hit in 2008, businesses struggled, but Xero saw an opportunity. They recognised that small businesses would look for cost-effective and efficient solutions to manage their finances remotely. Despite the recession, Xero focused [...]