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We heard a lot of ‘Survive to 25’ and ‘Thrive in 25’ last year — catchy, but the reality in Hawke’s Bay is that it’s still tough going. Across the sectors I work with, the message is clear, there’s a light out there, but it’s still on the horizon. |
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So, as we head into the new financial year, IT’S TIME TO GET SHARP: Watch your cash Know your warning signs Spend in the right places Stay close to your accountant, bank and advisors Don’t go it alone And chase those overdue accounts Cash is ALWAYS king
Now’s the time to review your strategy, set clear objectives, and execute the day-to-day really well. Think about what could go wrong and be ready for it, but don’t get hung up on it. Keep hustling (regardless of the size of your business) and like a fly wheel the momentum will continue to grow. |
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Introduction: Sophie Sweet and the Journey of Sweet Spot Confectionery |
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Stories have a unique power to connect with us, teach us, and inspire action. In business, storytelling can often convey lessons in a way that facts and figures alone cannot. That’s why I’m excited to take a different approach to the information I share this year. I’m going to have a storytelling approach in a series of blogs, following the journey of Sophie Sweet and her lollipop business, Sweet Spot Confectionery. |
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 | From $1.5M to $10M – The Strategic Moves That Transformed Sophie Sweet’s Business |
| Sophie Sweet had always been determined, but when her lollipop business reached $1.5 million in sales, she knew it was time for a change. A small but mighty company, Sophie had big dreams – she wanted to scale and go beyond that $10 million mark. But how? What did it take to transform her success into something sustainable and larger than life? |
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|  | How Sophie Sweet Built a Risk-Proof Business and Slept Better at Night |
| Managing enterprise risks is something every business owner must face, but quite often it’s something they ignore. It might be dealing with supply chain disruptions or ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations. For Sophie Sweet, the key to building a risk-proof organisation wasn’t about avoiding risk altogether but managing it effectively. She had to take off her lollipop-making hat and put on her director’s hat. |
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If Your Business is Running Out of Cash Faster Than It's Coming In – Here’s What You Need to Know |
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Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. When more money is going out than coming in, the consequences can be severe — missed payments, mounting debt, and in the worst cases, business failure. But financial challenges don’t just come from market conditions or slow sales; internal threats like employee theft and poor financial oversight can quietly drain your business without you even realising. This month, we’re tackling three critical topics: managing cash flow, preventing fraud, and understanding liquidation risks — because the best time to safeguard your business is before a crisis hits. |
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 | Book Review:
Legacy by James Keree |
| Legacy, a book about adaptability and high-performance teams. Just as businesses must adapt to changing markets, they must also stay vigilant against internal threats. Fraud can cripple business overnight — those who succeed are the ones who identify risks early and take decisive action. |
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|  | $522k employee theft forces Customkit Buildings to fold |
| The story of an Auckland office manager is a sobering reminder of how financial mismanagement can destroy a business. Over time, Sinclair stole $465,000, using false invoices and unchecked transactions to funnel money into her personal accounts, much of which was lost to gambling. |
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If your business is struggling with cash flow and liquidation seems inevitable, taking action early is crucial. There are four key steps to protect your business: assess financials realistically, negotiate with creditors, restructure operations, and seek professional guidance. Delaying only limits your options. |
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Iesha Warren defrauded Porirua trust of $1m, used company cards for online gambling |
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A trusted employee manipulated financial systems, created false invoices, and redirected funds into her personal accounts – some of which were lost to gambling. Weak financial controls, blind trust, and a lack of oversight allowed this to happen. Senior managers signed off payments without checking invoices, and fraudulent transactions were hidden within accounting software. This case is a wake-up call for all organisations! |
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About PlanA ConsultingPlanA Consulting works with business owners to help their companies become more effective and profitable. Read More About PlanA Consulting |
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