Colour to Win

As summer approaches, businesses need to manage cash flow while getting ready for the Christmas break. Here are some tips to help your business stay cash liquid and help you enjoy the holiday season.

Managing staff isn’t just about what happens at work; it’s also about managing holidays. As an employer, you’re responsible for keeping accurate, up-to-date records about much-deserved time off.

In our latest round of Community Fund applications, we’re pleased to announce the successful recipients were: Valley Cricket Kiwanis Club of Morrinsville Positively Morrinsville Radio Auckland / Hauraki Dairy Industry Awards Living Well Trust Turua’s Event Committee A huge congratulations to you all! Just a reminder that our Diprose Miller Community Fund assists with funding for projects and events carried out by not-for-profit organisations and individuals in our local area. We want to support those people working to make our communities a better place to live. The fund aims to provide financial support towards ongoing operating costs and/or projects which help the people in our community. Key outcomes of our fund are to ensure that: our community wellbeing is protected; we’re supporting our community and cultural identity, and we’re helping people feel that they belong and can take part in the community. If you know a local organisation that could benefit from some funding support, our next round of funding closes at the end of December 2024. Click here for the full details.

Hubdoc is a data capture tool which extracts key data from documents, then creates transactions in Xero. You can: email bills and receipts straight into your Hubdoc organisation, and use the mobile app to upload a photo. As soon as Hubdoc receives a document, it extracts the key data such as contact, date, and amount. When you publish the document, Xero creates the invoice, bill, credit note, or spend money transaction with a copy of the document attached. You can set up Hubdoc to automate every step, so all you need to do is reconcile the transaction against your bank statement line in Xero. This is particularly useful if you get regular bills from the same supplier. Hubdoc also stores documents, so you don't need to keep paper copies of bills and receipts. You can organise the documents in Hubdoc using tags and folders or send them to another cloud storage system your business might use, such as BILL or Dropbox. Like Xero, you can invite the team at Diprose Miller into your Hubdoc organisation, so that we can support you at any time if needed. Using Hubdoc and Xero together If your Xero organisation is on a business edition pricing plan, Hubdoc is included in your Xero subscription. If your Xero organisation is on a partner edition pricing plan, you can still connect it to Hubdoc, but Hubdoc isn’t included in Xero so you're billed separately by Hubdoc . Hubdoc and Xero connect on a one-to-one basis, so if you have multiple Hubdoc organisations, you need to connect each one to a separate Xero organisation. Within Xero you can create a new Hubdoc organisation, or connect your existing one. Hubdoc offers a trial of 30 days, if you are interested in signing up, contact us and we can start the ball rolling for you.

The manufacturing industry is a cornerstone of New Zealand's economy, providing jobs and supporting economic growth. However, managing payroll and HR issues in this sector can be complex. From compliance with employment laws to maintaining staff morale and retention, manufacturing businesses face numerous challenges. We share some important tips to help navigate payroll and HR issues in New Zealand’s manufacturing industry. 1. Ensure Compliance with Employment Laws Manufacturing employers must comply with a range of employment laws. We have robust legislation around minimum wage, leave entitlements, working hours, and health and safety. The key pieces of legislation include the Employment Relations Act 2000, the Holidays Act 2003, and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Tip: Regularly review your employment agreements and payroll practices to ensure they align with legal requirements. Payroll errors related to leave calculations can result in significant fines and legal penalties, which could impact your business’s reputation and finances. Leave entitlements are a particularly sensitive area. The manufacturing industry often involves shift work, which can lead to complex calculations for sick leave, annual leave, and public holiday pay. Use payroll systems that automate these calculations to reduce your risk of human error. 2. Accurate Payroll Management Managing payroll in the manufacturing sector can be challenging due to shift work, overtime, and varying pay rates. A reliable payroll system is crucial for keeping track of hours worked, ensuring employees are paid accurately, and staying compliant with tax obligations. Tip: Implement a modern payroll software system that integrates time and attendance tracking, employee records, and wage calculations. This helps streamline payroll processes and avoid common pitfalls such as underpayments or miscalculated leave payments. Accurate tracking of time, including for break periods, is also vital to ensure you comply with all employment standards. Also, ensure that the payroll team is well-versed in calculating allowances, shift differentials, and penal rates that are common in the manufacturing industry. Mismanagement of payroll can lead to wage disputes and affect employee morale. 3. Prioritise Health and Safety The manufacturing industry is inherently high-risk due to the presence of heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and complex processes. This makes the management of health and safety compliance a top HR priority. Failing to provide a safe working environment not only puts employees at risk but can also lead to legal and financial repercussions. Tip: Develop comprehensive health and safety policies and ensure regular training for all employees. Create a culture where workers feel comfortable reporting hazards or concerns, and act on these reports promptly. Keeping proper records of incidents, accidents, and safety training is critical, as WorkSafe New Zealand often audits workplaces to ensure compliance with safety standards. 4. Effective Workforce Planning and Retention The manufacturing industry faces workforce retention challenges, particularly in securing skilled labour. A high turnover rate can lead to productivity losses and increased recruitment costs. Additionally, the need for skilled workers, combined with rapid technological advancements, can make recruitment difficult. Tip: Implement a strong workforce planning strategy that focuses on both recruitment and retention. Consider offering competitive wages and benefits, training and development opportunities, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Engaging employees through upskilling and career progression programmes can also improve retention and reduce turnover rates. Investing in diversity and inclusion initiatives can also help attract a broader talent pool, improve workplace culture, and boost overall productivity. A diverse workforce brings different perspectives, which can lead to innovative problem-solving and higher employee engagement. 5. Navigating Union Relations Many manufacturing employees are union members, which can add an extra layer of complexity to managing HR issues. Strong union relationships can improve communication, resolve disputes quickly, and ensure fair treatment of workers. However, poorly managed union interactions can lead to disputes, strikes, and a breakdown in workplace relations. Tip: Foster open communication with unions and involve them in key decision-making processes that impact workers. Transparency and collaboration are essential in maintaining a positive working relationship. Regularly consult with union representatives on changes to working conditions, pay structures, or health and safety practices. It’s also essential to understand your legal obligations when dealing with unions, particularly around collective bargaining and employee rights. 6. Managing Employee Well-being Manufacturing environments can be physically and mentally demanding. Managing employee well-being is critical to maintaining a productive workforce. High-stress environments, long working hours, and physical strain can lead to burnout and absenteeism. Tip: Promote employee well-being through mental health initiatives, flexible working arrangements, and clear communication channels. Providing access to mental health support services and encouraging work-life balance can help reduce burnout. Recognising employee contributions and providing opportunities for growth and development also improve overall morale.  Conclusion Effective payroll and HR management is essential to the smooth operation of your manufacturing business. By ensuring compliance with employment laws, implementing accurate payroll systems, prioritising health and safety, and focusing on workforce retention, you can navigate many of the common challenges in the industry. Moreover, fostering strong union relations and prioritising employee well-being will ensure long-term success in maintaining a motivated and productive workforce.

The decision to own or lease equipment is a significant one for businesses in the transport and manufacturing industries. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice often depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the business. We explore some of the key considerations for both ownership and leasing, to help you make an informed decision. Ownership of Equipment Advantages: Long-term cost savings: Owning equipment can be more cost-effective in the long run. Once the initial purchase cost is covered, the ongoing expenses are generally lower compared to leasing. This can lead to significant savings over time. Asset value: Owned equipment is a tangible asset that can be used as collateral for loans or sold if necessary. This can provide financial flexibility and security for your business. Tax benefits: Ownership can offer tax advantages, such as depreciation deductions, which can reduce taxable income. Control and customisation: Owning equipment allows for greater control over its use and maintenance. You can customise the equipment to better suit your specific needs without restrictions imposed by leasing agreements. Disadvantages: High initial costs: The upfront cost of purchasing equipment can be substantial, which may strain your business’s finances. Maintenance and repairs: You, as the owner, are responsible for all maintenance and repair costs, which can be unpredictable and expensive. Depreciation: Equipment depreciates over time, which can reduce its resale value and the overall return on investment. Leasing of Equipment Advantages: Lower upfront costs: Leasing requires a lower initial investment compared to purchasing, which can be beneficial if your business has limited capital. Access to latest technology: Leasing allows businesses to upgrade to newer, more advanced equipment more frequently, ensuring you have access to the latest technology. Predictable expenses: Lease agreements typically include maintenance and repair services, providing predictable monthly expenses and reducing the risk of unexpected costs. Flexibility: Leasing offers flexibility, allowing your business to adjust its equipment needs based on changing demands without the long-term commitment of ownership. Disadvantages: Higher long-term costs: Over time, leasing can be more expensive than owning due to ongoing lease payments. No asset ownership: At the end of the lease term, your business does not own the equipment and must either return it or negotiate a new lease. Usage restrictions: Lease agreements may impose restrictions on how the equipment can be used, which can limit operational flexibility. Considerations for the Transport Industry In the transport industry, the decision to own or lease equipment often hinges on the nature of the business and its financial health. For instance, if you are a large transport company with stable cash flow you might prefer owning your fleet to capitalise on long-term savings and asset value. Conversely, if you are a smaller company or a startup you might opt for leasing to minimise initial costs and maintain financial flexibility. Considerations for the Manufacturing Industry  For manufacturers, the choice between owning and leasing equipment can significantly impact your operations. Owning equipment can be advantageous for long-term manufacturing operations that require specific machinery tailored to your needs. However, leasing can be beneficial if you need to manage cash flow carefully or want to access the latest technology without the burden of high upfront costs. Ultimately, the decision to own or lease equipment depends on various factors, including financial stability, operational needs, and long-term business goals. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each option, businesses can make informed decisions that best support their growth and sustainability.

One of the areas that we are qualified to provide advice on, is forestry and transport. The forestry and transport industries are among the most demanding industries that can bring high rewards but are also fraught with high risk. What makes our team exceptional specialists in this area is our complete knowledge and experience of the forestry sector. In a commodity-based industry we recognise that you must be quick to adjust to economic changes. Contractors, transport operators, and forest owners must stay current with management issues, pricing, investment analysis, and project evaluations including land use, crop types, and most typically, advice on the Emissions Trading Scheme. Planning ahead, mitigating risk, and asset protection, is critical. With our key experience in the industry, we can help you with all aspects of forestry and transport, and this is just the start – we have a qualified team who can then ensure that all those other specialist areas that you may need, like succession planning and property matters, are incorporated into your business solutions. We start with great financials and tax planning, so that we can create the best decision-making process on rates, cash flows, budgets, and funding. We will protect your assets, and when the going is good, we help you diversify your opportunities outside of the forestry and transport industry. We think ahead by looking at what volume of work is coming online, what is current and projected in the world markets, and what challenges are coming up with mechanisation and technology.

Your transport business is going well - now what?