We are half way through the 2019 year. The things I was going to get done in 2019 – not done because time has just gone by so fast, and I have just been ‘too busy’. The year so far has been an odd year for me and is the first time I have felt […]

We come across many instances where people are looking to purchase a business. Sometimes they have a business, know what they are looking for, what they should be paying, and the areas they need to focus on for due diligence. Other times we have first time business buying queries. These are often focused around uncertainty […]

So, unbelievably (to me), I am turning 40 this month. I have always said that 40 is nearly dead. I am not dead, nor to my knowledge ‘nearly’ dead so have now decided to focus on all the experiences I have had, the values and beliefs I now hold that get me through life, or […]

I have had and heard many conversations recently with clients, friends, family and extended networks on what the outlook is for New Zealand business, property, investment, employment and the consumer. Are we headed for another GFC? What are interest rates going to do? What if property prices fall and interest rates rise – will they […]

The feminist movement, the female era, gender diversity, gender pay equity, quotas for females on boards, women in business support groups – are all words, phrases, organisations we hear of almost daily; in the news, in articles, on social media, at our workplaces. I have been trying to formulate my thoughts on all of this […]

Over this last year, we have had many due diligence engagements (both purchase and sale side) and this month alone have completed six due diligence engagements, so as this is on my mind, it becomes the default technical topic this month. Each due diligence engagement is unique and there is no one approach, however the […]

Much has been made of the idea that accountants will no longer have a role in the very near future. This idea is attributed to increasingly fast developing technology and artificial intelligence. Processing of bank statements, invoices, into accounts or into accounting systems is becoming more automated and efficient with the entry and constant development […]

1) Appearances and decorum are not what create lasting, valuable relationships Checking emails twice for perfect grammar, having client letters sit in in-trays for partner reviews, indirect client communication, ensuring shirt and ties/suits for every client meeting – this is what I was used to in a previous life before GS. At GS, interviewed by […]

I recently attended and presented at the 2017 Company Valuations Conference in Auckland. Other presenters consisted of valuation experts with their own consulting firms. Plus law firms, business broking firms, accounting firms, Intellectual Property experts and even a speaker on the psychology of cognitive bias. During the conference I connected with some impressive minds. They […]

Many in my generation grew up with their mums at home, even more in the previous generation. Men were able to work long and hard because the wife was at home to take care of household duties and children. Some of these men are still leaders in the workplace, and a majority are men who […]