Winning the paper war: Help is just a call away

Auckland Chamber of Commerce's MICHAEL BARNETT says resources are available to SMEs through the chamber network and Biz Info.

Business owners often face the same challenges and choices, regardless of the size or type of their operation.

Many questions raised during start-up and operation of a business are common to most small to medium enterprises (SMEs). The good news is that help is available free of charge - it is simple to get the answers to those questions.

Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett says there is now a host of resources available to small to medium enterprises through the chamber network and the Government-funded Biz Info service.

Biz Info's major partners are the national network of 30 regional Chambers of Commerce, Business New Zealand, the Poutama Trust and the Pacific Business Trust.

The service offers a raft of resources to SMEs and can deliver immediate responses to a wide range of questions from businesses, Barnett says. "Each of the Biz Info partners have significant networks backing them to help existing small businesses and start-ups," he says.

These are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to the Biz Info partners by SME owners:

DO YOU NEED TO REGISTER A BUSINESS?

No, businesses do not need to be registered, however you will need to consider whether your business needs to be GST registered with the Inland Revenue Department. For more advice call the IRD on 0800 377 776 or visit their website.

If you wish to establish a limited liability company you will need to register with the Companies Office which can contacted on their website or on 0508 266 726.

DO I NEED A LICENCE OR PERMIT TO OPERATE MY BUSINESS?

Certain industries require business licences and permits. To find out what is required for your specific business visit www.govt.nz.

HOW DO SOLE TRADERS, PARTNERSHIPS AND COMPANIES DIFFER?

A sole trader owns, manages and controls their own business and is entitled to all the profits. They are also personally liable for the business's debts and taxes.

A partnership is when two or more people jointly run a business, sharing the profits and losses. Each partner is personally liable for any debt, but partners pay tax only on their share of the partnership's income.

A company is a separate legal entity that owns the assets and liabilities of a business and is responsible for its debts. For further advice regarding the registration of a company call the Companies Office on 0508 266 726 or visit their website.

HOW DO I RECOVER DEBTS?

If a party refuses to pay a debt, a debt collection agency may be used to chase up the money owing.

The Disputes Tribunal is an option if the debt is disputed. This process does not involve lawyers and is fairly inexpensive. For more information contact your local District Court.

Another option is to file an action in the District Court. If a judgement is made in your favour and the debtor fails to pay, the District Court can arrange for bailiffs to seize assets of the debtor to cover any money outstanding. For more information contact your local District Court.

CAN I PROTECT MY BUSINESS' NAME?

There is no New Zealand register for business or trading names and registering a company with the Companies Office does not prevent another business from trading under your already-registered company name. One way to protect your trading or company name is to register it as a trade mark. Trade marks are registered with the Intellectual Property Office. You can contact them on 0508 447 669 or visit their website.

IF I EMPLOY WORKERS DO I NEED TO HAVE A WRITTEN AGREEMENT IN PLACE?

Yes, under law employment agreements must be in writing. The Employment Relations Service provides an informative website for both employers and employees and offers the opportunity to construct an employment agreement online. For more information contact the Employment Relations Service on 0800 800 863 or visit their website.

WHERE CAN I GET BUSINESS ADVICE?

Government-funded workshops are available to SMEs either at the start-up stage or when already established.

The workshops are part of the Enterprise Training Programme and cover a wide variety of business topics. They are run by Biz Training Providers throughout New Zealand. For more information call your local Biz office or 0800 42 49 46. You can also visit www.biz.org.nz.

IS THERE MENTORING AVAILABLE TO HELP MY BUSINESS?

Free mentoring is available through Business in the Community. To qualify, a small business must have been operating for six months and have relevant financial data.

The service involves mentors sharing their ideas and experience during three to five mentoring sessions. To secure a Business in the Community mentor simply visit their website or call 0800 103 400.

Free mentoring is also available through the Company Rebuilders Charitable Trust, a network of retired business executives who donate their skills and time to assist small businesses. For more information ring Biz Info on 0800 42 49 46.

Other sources of expertise include business consultants. For contact details see your local Yellow Pages.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR BUSINESS PLAN?

Biz Info has hard copies of a Do It Yourself Business Plan book. For a free copy contact Biz Info on 0800 42 49 46. The Enterprise Training Programme also offers business planning workshops. For more details contact Biz Info on 0800 42 49 46.