Useful Links
Useful Websites
Useful information to support you and your business is available in the following websites:
Advice for business owners and managers
Advice for business owners and managers
Continuity and contingency planning
Continuity and contingency planning is about being prepared for all types of disruptions, eg an earthquake, broken equipment or losing a supplier — and quickly getting back on your feet.
Guide to starting a business
If you’re starting a business in New Zealand or working for yourself, here are things you can do up-front that will safeguard your investment in the future.
Host responsibly
Workplace events are a great way to build team spirit and round off a busy year. If you’re treating your staff this festive season — especially if you’re serving alcohol — here are some tips to help you be a responsible host while ensuring everyone has a great time.
Talking with your team about uncertain times
It may feel difficult to talk with employees about their wellbeing and about challenges facing your business. But it’s much worse to avoid these conversations. Here’s a round-up of tips and helpful resources from those in the know.
Preparing for the Christmas break
The Christmas run-up can be frantic for small business owners. It’s important to think about business basics like paying taxes and staff before you start decorating the tree.
Selling your business
When it’s time to sell your business — whether you operate it as a sole trader, partnership or company — you’ll want to get the best price you can for it. You’ll also need to know how to sell it, who to and what it’s really worth.
Negotiation tips when hiring
Think beyond money to find the best candidate. Flexible working, personal development and culture can be huge draws. Know what will work for you, and set a limit. Understand and speak to the candidate’s motivations and goals.
Resilience: Tips for small business owners
2020 might be in the rear-vision mirror, but COVID-19 is not yet behind us. We asked an expert for mental wellbeing tips tailored for small business owners and sole traders.
Rules and regulations
Rules and regulations
If you’re a landlord, you’re in business
Your rental property might be the result of a clever investment plan or something you just fell into. Either way, if you collect rent on a rental home, you’re running a business and there are rules you’ll need to comply with.
Introduction to holidays and leave
There are different rules for different types of leave. Understanding your obligations as an employer makes it easier to work out leave entitlements and approve leave applications — leading to happier, more productive employees.
Food safety: new tools for food rules
New Zealand Food Safety is making it easier, faster and more affordable to meet your food business requirements.
More accessible pay equity measures come into force
Employees in female-dominated occupations now have a clearer pathway to pay equity, with changes to New Zealand’s Equal Pay Act coming into force today, says Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Wood, and Minister for Women Jan Tinetti.
Staff wellbeing
Staff wellbeing
Overcoming the problems with working from home
Struggling to switch off after work? You’re not alone. Typically people use a commute to decompress from the working day. But the lines blur when you work where you live.
Nine to Thrive Wellness Series
Now more than ever, work-life balance can feel challenging, but as we discover new ways to connect with ourselves and each other, we can also begin to uncover new positive lifestyle habits.
Workplace Bullying and Harassment
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (“Act”) imposes a variety of health and safety obligations on persons within the workplace. These obligations are imposed on persons conducting a business or undertaking (a “PCBU”) as well as officers, workers (which includes employees) and other persons at the workplace.
Resource material from Mike King – The Serious Business of Staff Wellbeing
Working solo: Tips to stay mentally well
If you work alone or in a small team, it can be easy to neglect your own wellbeing. Here are some ways to keep you feeling well connected.
Supporting a return to work after illness or injury
Sometimes employees need to take time off. Perhaps to recover from illness or injury, or to deal with a range of life situations. Here’s how you can support them during that time.
Health and safety: Free assessment tool
Every business needs to involve its people in keeping everyone safe and healthy. The free SafePlus online tool can help.
Working remotely: Tips for employers and employees
Click here for AT’s Flexible Working Worksheet
Click here for Employment NZ Formal Guidelines
Protect your business
Protect your business
Personal information: What is it and how to protect it
All businesses collect information about people they work with or for, eg staff, suppliers, customers. New privacy laws may affect how you collect and store personal information. But what makes information personal?
Protect your business from this common cyber scam
It’s easy to fall for and can go unnoticed. But if you know what to look for and put these four security measures in place, you’ll be in a good position to keep you and your business safe.
Giving back to society
Giving back to society
Giving back as a business mentor
If you’ve got experience in business, there are others out there who want to learn from you.
Women in Leadership Mentoring Programme
The programme offers a unique opportunity for female mentees to be mentored on leadership skills rather than topics like budgets or marketing, by successful female business leaders from within the BNH business community.
