Lawyers are often a first point of contact for people who are starting or changing their businesses.

We help business owners identify the “legal” and “non-legal” aspects of their plans, and refer them to other professionals for assistance with the “non-legal” aspects, if they need that.

If you are a new business owner, you need to consider whether to set up your business as a company, a partnership (with one or more business partners), or to run it as a sole trader. Maybe you should also have a trust, or a twin company structure (holding company and trading company)? We will discuss these options with you, and we will also ask you:

• Have you developed a business plan? You should consult an accountant or business coach about this, and also consider the taxation impacts of your preferred business structure option.
• Have you thought about insurance, and saving for retirement? Many businesses fail if their key persons become sick or die. You may also want to think about how you will eventually wind down your involvement in your business, or sell it, and how you can save for your retirement.
• Do you need loan finance? We know finance brokers who can assist you to get the best interest rates on new loans or help you refinance your existing loans.
• Do you need training or coaching? Who will keep you accountable and help you set and reach realistic goals?

We can refer you to other advisers for further help with these things.