ABC BUSINESS

WELCOME

Steve Smith AREINZ
Managing Director

Business Confidence Soars

A key measure of business sentiment surged in March, but the economic recovery is moving at a slower pace. NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion recorded a net 36 per cent of firms expecting conditions to improve over the next six months.

An ASB economist said the improvement in confidence was encouraging, and indicated the economic recovery remained on track.

Despite a small decline in business trading and profitability, businesses were confident enough to plan for an expansion of operations. (NZ Herald)

This reasonably robust outlook coincides with an easing of bank financing policy and provides a platform for strategic acquisitions and mergers. There will be a number of larger concerns looking to strengthen their market shares and a possible renewal of interest from off-shore buyers seeking a foothold in the local market.

This also has implications for individual buyers and sellers who are considering a sale or purchase at this time. We are anticipating that demand will continue to increase and that quality businesses will continue to achieve good prices and favourable settlement terms. Now may be a good time to consider selling your business as confidence translates into greater numbers of qualified buyers.

If you would appreciate a no obligation, confidential appraisal, please contact one of our specialist brokers or call me direct. We have been in this market for over 22 years - we've been through three recessions - and we have a good feel for what it all means to the value of your business.

Regards,

Steve Smith AREINZ
MANAGING DIRECTOR

theobroma chocolate lounge

A Theobroma Chocolate Lounge is the “Total Chocolate Concept” offering consumers a wide variety of chocolates, hot and cold chocolate beverages, chocolate desserts, melted chocolate dips and other variations of chocolate.

The concept was conceived in response to the spiraling demand for high quality chocolates and chocolate beverages as an alternative to coffee.

Proprietary recipes were developed and hand made to the highest standards in Melbourne, Australia. Chocolate is no longer boring as there is something for everyone and every occasion - milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, coloured chocolates, liqueur chocolates, hard chocolate, soft chocolate, chocolate drinks, chocolate desserts and chocolate snacks.

They have created an environment where the consumption of chocolate is an experience itself. Luxurious, cozy and sensual are feelings that best describe a visit to a Theobroma Chocolate Lounge.

Our showcase store was opened at the DFO Spencer Shopping Centre, Spencer Street, Melbourne in December 2006. The public’s response was phenomenal. The constant feedback was that the chocolate and chocolate beverages were the best in the market, the waffles were extraordinary and the environment is pleasurable to relax in. Stores are now opening or opened in Westfield Doncaster, Chadstone and the Northland Shopping Centres (Australia).

The Chocolate Lounge has now gone international and opened in Auckland, New Zealand and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The lounge has been embraced with great enthusiasm by the locals and we are expecting more countries to follow soon.

This particular Theobroma Chocolate Lounge is one of only two stores in Auckland. located at Westfield St Lukes Shopping Mall, It was set-up in 2008 at a cost of more than $500,000.

Its unique products and services bring customers from all different age groups, from little tots to retired people. Family and friends love to come to this luxurious place to relax, to enjoy and to experience its finest Belgian chocolates. Corporate and business people enjoy buying gift boxes for their favourite customers.

The owner spends 20 hours a week in the business because of the simple menu and easy operational processes. This business has it all; premier location, unique brand, quality products and services, and future potential.

By investing in this existing store, you also benefit from its better terms with the franchisor.

Tangible Asset                                          $300,000.00
Intangible Assets                                        $90,000.00
Stock                                        $8,000.00 - $10,000.00

TOTAL PRICE $390,000.00 Plus Stock

Contact Virginia Zhou
09 630 1600, 0275 786 887

Ref: 21978

Click here to learn more

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS - FOLLOW THE PROCESS

Richie Lowe AREINZ

Business confidence is up with more employers expecting improved performance over the next twelve months. This is often an indication that unemployment will start to come down, as businesses gear up for growth. You may already be seeing evidence of this in your industry.

With more employers hiring more staff, it is even more important for employers to ensure that they are following a correct process. One of the most important things is to have a clear and robust employment agreement, that is not only read and understood by the employee prior to commencing work, but that is also signed by the employee and returned to the employer. Employees need to be given the opportunity to seek independent advice prior to signing, so it is vital that the process starts early and is concluded in a timely manner.

A significant proportion of employment relationship problems arise in relation to the termination of employment. Either in the form of allegations of unjustified dismissal or arising from confusion about the ability to end employment in circumstances such as fixed term or casual employment. Many of these problems could be avoided if the parties involved took the time to ensure there was common understanding from the outset.

Beyond that, the employment agreement is the governing document in any employment relationship and it is imperative that it is in the correct form and that it contains appropriate clauses for the real nature of the relationship.

Excerpt from Bridget Smith (Minter Ellison Rudd Watts)

Richie Lowe is General Manager of Affiliated Business Consultants Ltd (ABC) and Immediate Past Chairman of the Business Brokers Division of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.