It’s a wrap: Preparing your business for Christmas
The Christmas run-up can be frantic for small business owners. Here’s a quick guide to claiming Christmas expenses and rules relating to staff leave.
News
KiwiSaver tips if you're aged 55+
What will you live on when you stop work or dial back on hours? Here’s how to make the most of your KiwiSaver as you get closer to dipping into this nest egg.
Cyber security: Is yours up to scratch?
Cyber crime is rising and many businesses make these common mistakes. Take a self-assessment to see how your cyber protection stacks up — plus pick up tips.
Hazard alert: Bakeries and collision repair workshops
Bakery and collision repair workshop workers face a high level of work and health-related risks. They’re now included in WorkSafe’s Around the Block tool.
Vodafone email shutdown and your business
Common email addresses, eg Paradise and Clear, will not work after 30 November. Follow these steps to keep your business running smoothly with a new account.
Compare your self-employed income or worker pay rate
Are yours above or below average? MBIE’s new labour market dashboard pulls data from across government on workers and the workforce. Here are some key insights.
Customer loyalty: How to build it
It’s not just what you sell that brings in loyal customers. Good customer service is key, including how you handle returns and complaints.
Sick leave: Get it right
The ins and outs of who gets it, what to do if casual or part-time workers are ill, how to handle untaken sick leave, and when it’s OK to ask for a GP’s note.
Hazardous substances: Get ready for this law change
New rules are coming on how to manage the risks if your workplace deals with hazardous substances. Use our guide to make sure you and any workers are ready.
Migrant workers: New visa rules for lower-skilled jobs
Employ overseas workers? Changes to immigration policies may affect how long they can stay.
Contracting: Hidden costs and expenses
Make sure your contractor rate allows for things an employer would normally cover, eg holidays and time off sick. Here’s how to budget for ebbs and flows.
Health and safety: Workplace bullying
Bullying at work can affect your workers’ health, and damage your culture and profit. Find out what you must do by law to keep your workplace healthy and safe.
Landlords: What to put in tenancy agreements
A law change means tenancy agreements must be in writing. Here’s what you can and can’t include — plus details of new rules for insulation and fire alarms.
Bonuses and tax: How to get it right
Thinking of rewarding a star player? Here’s a step-by-step guide to working out the PAYE tax on lump sum payments, plus other deductions you may need to make.
Are you under insured?
Holding back on insurance can be tempting when money’s tight. But allowing for risk could mean the difference between going under and thriving.
Save on power: new online tool for business
Could your energy use be eating into profits? EECA’s new tool tells you where you use most power and how to use less. Get custom results and easy ways to save.
Employment rights: Free online training
If you, or people you advise, employ staff, it’s important to know the rules. These short online courses can help.
Business expenses: What can you claim?
All self-employed people can claim expenses, contractors included. If you work from home you can claim some household expenses, too. Learn about valid expenses.
Selling online: Hobby or business?
If you regularly sell online, you are “in trade”. This means paying tax and complying with consumer laws.
Customer complaints: Fixing delivery problems
Step-by-step advice for sellers on what to do if a customer complains about damaged parcels or delayed deliveries.