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Navigating the Impact of Inflation on Commercial Contracts

After decades of low inflation, New Zealand finds itself in a high inflation world where rapid price rises have become the new normal and many businesses are suffering from margin compression. Many longer-term contracts have been negotiated with little thought about the possibility of high inflation returning. Some will become difficult or unprofitable to perform. By being proactive, family businesses can take steps to protect themselves from the negative effects of inflation and margin compression.

To AI or not to AI, this is not the question. Balancing Strategy and Insurance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionising the business landscape and driving unprecedented changes across industries. Businesses are leveraging these technologies to create scalable solutions, improve production processes, automate tasks, and optimize customer service. However, this digital transformation is not without its challenges. It brings with it a host of reputational, regulatory, and legal risks.

The value in joining FBA's Forum program

Learning through shared perspectives and having a trusted ‘’safe space’’ to workshop challenges are 2 pillars of FBA’s highly successful Forum program. Our Forum Group program helps members become part of a trusted advisory board, leading to improved family business dynamics and personal and professional enrichment.

Featured News & Articles

Navigating the Impact of Inflation on Commercial Contracts

After decades of low inflation, New Zealand finds itself in a high inflation world where rapid price rises have become the new normal and many businesses are suffering from margin compression. Many longer-term contracts have been negotiated with little thought about the possibility of high inflation returning. Some will become difficult or unprofitable to perform. By being proactive, family businesses can take steps to protect themselves from the negative effects of inflation and margin compression.

Intergenerational Discretionary Trusts

Discretionary trusts, often called family trusts, are important structures frequently used in intergenerational family business. As multiple family members are usually beneficiaries of such trust entities the treatment of the assets of these trusts are often considered in family law proceedings.

To AI or not to AI, this is not the question. Balancing Strategy and Insurance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionising the business landscape and driving unprecedented changes across industries. Businesses are leveraging these technologies to create scalable solutions, improve production processes, automate tasks, and optimize customer service. However, this digital transformation is not without its challenges. It brings with it a host of reputational, regulatory, and legal risks.

The value in joining FBA's Forum program

Learning through shared perspectives and having a trusted ‘’safe space’’ to workshop challenges are 2 pillars of FBA’s highly successful Forum program. Our Forum Group program helps members become part of a trusted advisory board, leading to improved family business dynamics and personal and professional enrichment.

What do award-winning family businesses do to keep the family & the business happy?

Let’s look at some of the things that world-leading family businesses do to keep things clear & achieve the best results. The best family businesses have clearly defined & separated their family from the family business & ownership of family assets.

Celebrating National Family Business Day

Every September, Australia and New Zealand celebrates National Family Business Day – a day designed to recognise the significant contribution family businesses make to the Australian economy, community and culture. This year, National Family Business Day will take place on Tuesday, 19 September 2023.

Cybersecurity - #1 Concern for SMEs in 2023 Are you and your business protected?

These days, we seem to take technology for granted. It has become so intertwined in our daily lives, that we simply assume everything will just work and that there’s no need to worry about what’s “under the hood”.

Crombie Lockwood’s global insurance expertise for Fix and Fogg's spreading success

Awards from the Wellington business community are a far cry from what started as a ‘weekend hobby’ in 2013. Former lawyers Roman and Andrea Jewell started making jars of their now-famous range of spreads on Friday nights to sell on the weekends at local farmers markets in Wellington...

More zebra, less unicorn: the story of Pronto Software

Chad Gates, Managing Director of Pronto Software, was invited to deliver a welcome address at the recent Family Business Conference 2019. Here are excerpts from his presentation.

ANZ Private Investment Insights

Amidst the volatility that has characterised markets for much of 2022, ANZ Private recently hosted client events across Australia.

Right size, bite size

“There are so many things that can go wrong in a kitchen, and just as quickly as you make money, you can lose it. Having that security blanket in place is super important...

Tribute to Raymond Michell

Raymond together with his wife Rosemary were FBA life members and Raymond was instrumental in the origins of Family Business Australia...

Learn how to improve profit with these basic principles

So you want to improve the profitability of your business but don’t know where to start?

60 seconds with Mimmo Lubrano - CEO of Sandhurst Fine Foods

Here at Brands of Kin we are rather partial to good food, and even more so to a story of a generational family business...

Turning the wheels of our financial systems towards a sustainable future

The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) and Grant Thornton New Zealand recently released their report into the barriers New Zealand’s current financial system creates for meaningful progress towards a low carbon circular economy.

How inflation could affect your insurance claim

Inflation rates are at record highs in developed economies around the world and are not only devaluing the dollar but also potentially...

Do you know who has ultimate control of the income and assets of your family trust?

A family trust can often be the right vehicle to carry on your family business and manage family wealth...

Shaping your legacy - five mistakes to avoid

Would your assets end up in the right hands if you passed away suddenly?

Navigating the new .AU domain and why it matters

Building and maintaining your brand these days can begin and end with your online presence...

Crombie Lockwood’s expertise helping winemakers conquer the world

Maude Wines owner and winemaker, Dan Dineen, is pragmatic about the various risks commercial winemakers face at every step of the growing, producing and transporting process.

Three Ways to Make Others Feel Good When Giving Feedback

If you’re a leader looking for the best ways to give constructive feedback, you’re in good company...

A Great Culture Needs an IT Operational Backbone to Ensure Success

Leaders are the backbone of a family business...

Protect and Preserve

I recently visited and observed a once vibrant and profitable business that had descended into mediocrity...

Confused about enterprise agreements? Give it the BOOT

Something that sets family businesses apart from others is a focus on family values...

2022 winners of the Family Business Excellence Awards

CONGRATULATIONS to the 2022 winners of the Family Business Excellence Awards...

The New Matriarchs

The days of male-line primogeniture (where the eldest son inherits the entire estate) are waning, as a result of generational shifts in attitudes...

Selling a house vs selling a family business

The family business is the greatest financial asset owned by the family and starting a divestment process can be quite daunting...

Property and construction forums reveal huge challenges – and a few bright spots

A recent series of property and construction sector forums hosted by Grant Thornton New Zealand provided insights into some of the biggest talking points across the sector.

The Skills Shortage: Attract & Screen Incredible Talent for your Family Business

More than ever we are in a war for great talent, the uncertainty of the last couple of years has left a lasting impact on the job market, with fewer candidates applying across all industries...

Australia’s Summit for Women in Family Businesses is back for 2022

After a three year hiatus, the Women in Family Business Network (WIFBN) National Conference now called “Elevate Summit” is back on...

NZ’s progress on environment & sustainability: A view from the year 2030

The year is 2030. I’m sitting in my home office in an apartment that’s ironically located in what used to be an office building...

Six generations of sparkle - A 200 year old jewellery dynasty

Few businesses in New Zealand can claim to have as prestigious a history as Partridge Jewellers. Family-operated since the 1800s, with the sixth generation now working in the business, it is a veritable dynasty —a fact that isn’t lost on its current leader, Grant Partridge...

How family business have proved their resilience

Family businesses in Australia have outperformed other organisational models in riding out the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to...

It’s Not What You Know, It’s What You Can Prove In Court

Small and family business employers may not be aware of stringent record-keeping obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009...

Competitive SA Industry Leaders Fund Scheme Opens 2022 Round!

South Australia’s Industry Leaders Fund has opened its 2022 study grant scheme...

When does the survivor under a mutual will agreement have trustee obligations?

A recent case has provided a detailed analysis of the law on mutual will agreements and its effectiveness as an estate planning tool in modern blended families...

Are You Hindering Your Business Potential Without Knowing IT?

Most owners think they are doing a great job in IT, but in reality, a hidden problem looms silently, until one day it all comes crashing down

Diversifying your investment strategy for changing times

With cash looking set to deliver negative real returns in the years to come, savvy investors are seeking alternative opportunities to achieve diversification and growth within their portfolios...

Sound Governance - It's Not a Choice; It's Essential

Governance in a public company is challenging enough.When Governance is working within your family business, family members and all people working in your business are clear about...

Bond Test News Article

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Letting Go of the Reins

Only about 3% of all family businesses operate into the fourth generation or beyond...

Family Constitutions - Is the Hype Real?

We have all heard the statistics that 70% of wealth transfers to the next generation fail. When this moves past 2nd generation and into the 3rd generation and beyond, this failure rate is above 90%.

Get to know Fellow FBA Member - Dracula's Cabaret

Dracula's Cabaret Operations and Production Manager, Luke Newman, gives his personal insight into the pros and cons of working in a family business in the interview below...

One Plus One Equals Three

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Mixing Family and Business, or Love and Work: Candy Cane or Dynamite!

Family businesses are also made up of two components: 'family' and 'business'...

Get to know fellow FBA member - Bennetts Steel

Bennetts Steel General Manager, Shiree Bennett, gives her personal insight into the pros and cons of working in a family business in the interview below...

Tips to help family business owners embrace their entrepreneurial spirit

ntrepreneurs are by nature innovative, creative, and risk takers. But, not all entrepreneurs are successful business owners...

What insurance does my small business need?

Insurance is crucial for small businesses as it provides valuable support for many potential negative impacts and can represent the difference between survival or closure in crucial times...

When your attorneys are not enduring

An enduring power of attorney allows a person to appoint someone they trust to make decisions about their personal, health or financial matters at...

Get to know fellow FBA member - Birdsnest

Birdsnest founder, Jane Cay, gives her personal insight into the pros and cons of working in a family business in the interview below...

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