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Why Set Goals for Your Small Business?

I often find myself being so busy working in the business (the doing part), that I forget I need to also work on the business (the direction I want the business to take).  So, one of first tasks I did this year when I returned from my Summer break was to set my business goals for 2024. I've defined what I want to accomplish and where I want my business to go in the next 12 months.Whether you're just starting out, or looking to take your business to the next level, setting goals provides you...

Escaping the Insanity Loop: Breaking the Cycle in  Your Small Business

There's a famous saying that goes, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This quote, often attributed to Albert Einstein, encapsulates a fundamental truth that resonates deeply with small business owners. It's easy to fall into the trap of routine and familiarity, repeating strategies and tactics that may have once worked but are now yielding diminishing returns. However, clinging to the same methods hoping to achieve different ...

Are you ready for the minimum wage increases on 1 April 2023?

The main details of the increase are:Adult minimum wage will go up, from $21.20 to $22.70 per hour.Starting-out and training minimum wage will go up from $16.96 to $18.16 per hour.There are also key changes in New Zealand payroll calculations for the new financial year:The annual ACC earner levy rate is increasing from 1.46 percent to 1.53 percentThe annual ACC earner levy threshold is increasing to $139,384The student loan threshold is increasing to $439 per weekWhen there is an increase in min...

The real costs of employing staff or contractors

A client recently asked me about the cost of employing some help in his business.  The client had done some research into hiring an adult apprentice and was aware of the government offered assistance of $1000 per month towards training. They also wanted to know how much work there would be in setting up the payroll side of things as well as the costs involved with KiwiSaver, PAYE and all the other employment requirements that go along with becoming an employer.  Subsidies? If you can f...

Planning for Christmas 2022/New Year 2023

It's the time of the year we all look forward to - the traditional Kiwi "Summer Holidays"  As bookkeepers, it's usually when we're juggling fewer working days in December and January with family and other events, while ensuring your needs as our valued clients are met - bills still need to be paid, invoices sent & payrolls processed regardless of the time of the year. To help us with our workload planning for this year, can you please let me know your plans for the Chris...

Conduit turns 5!

Can you believe it's been 5 years? We are so grateful to all the amazing people we have worked with over the last 5 years! #birthdaybonus Our friends at Xero have a promotion running at the moment that we want to share with you. We can set you up on a new Xero subscription or upgrade your existing plan* and get a 50% discount for 3 Months! (*terms apply) #xero #xeroadviser Here's to many more years of creating order out of your business chaos!...

Continuous learning

One of the things I love about bookkeeping is the continuous learning. Whether its systems, tax & employment legislation or new clients' businesses, we are always upskilling & polishing our craft. We just love bookkeeping! Recently, I undertook to improve the financial reporting we provide to our clients. Not only have we received very positive feedback from our clients during the trial, I'm also very happy to announce I've been awarded Certified Advisor status for Syft Analytics.If your struggl...