General
Acquisitions and Mergers
There are several scenarios where you might wish to attain a business enterprise. Whatever the situation CP can remove the stress from the process and maximise the business opportunity.
Whether you are considering buying a business or merging with another business, we have the experience and expertise. Are you getting a good deal? Is the business right for you? Can you afford it? Have all future growth avenues been investigated? We ask the right questions then find the answers.
The services we provide cover every stage of the process, from identifying potential acquisitions and negotiating the commercial elements of the transaction, to forecasting the future potential of the business. Our services include:
- A review of your goals and objectives
- Due diligence services
- Preparation of financial forecasts
- Advice on the potential pitfalls and rewards involved in a merger
- Assistance with purchase negotiations
- Advice on financing
- Assistance with preparing a business plan
Utilising our professional expertise will minimise the risk of purchasing an unsuitable business. Let CP take the worry out of a merger or acquisition so you can realise the great opportunity a business acquisition or merger can be!
Benchmarking
Have you ever wondered how your business performs in comparison to your competitors? What is their average bottom line? Are you spending enough on advertising? Are you paying too much rent? Are your staff costs too high? Surviving in today's business climate requires you to spend more time working on your business than in it. We can provide you with accurate, timely, informative benchmarking reports that enable you to:
- Understand how your business compares to the competition
- Provide an in depth knowledge of the rest of your industry
- Analyse the key performance indicators in your industry
Equipped with this information we'll work with you to develop action strategies that improve your bottom line.
Charitable Trusts
Charitable trusts are set up to hold money or assets and carry out activities for the benefit of the community. Five main types of charitable trusts exist in Australia:
- Australian charitable trust
- General charitable trust
- Prescribed charitable trust
- Deductible gift recipient
- Prescribed private fund
Each type of charitable trust brings with it different requirements and benefits. At CP we understand the practicalities so can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Preparing the trust deed
- Applying to the ATO for an ABN
- Organising tax exemptions where applicable
Most importantly our experience enables us to ensure your trust is used to effectively reach your charitable goals.
Estate Planning
As unpleasant as the task is, estate planning is one of the necessities of life. Knowing your hard-earned assets will be dealt with in the manner you choose provides peace of mind.
For business owners a plan for succession of ownership is essential. We can guide you through the process to ensure business continuity.
The executor and trustee of a will are required to perform a number of duties. At CP we are experienced in estate planning and can guarantee no deviation from your asset succession plan.
Areas of expertise in estate administration include:
- Meeting to discuss objectives for your estate
- Confirming assets - Valuations, inventories, and appraisals
- Court approval for a grant of administration
- Documentation involved in estate planning
- Protecting the assets
- Paying taxes and debts
- Estate distribution
Farm Accounting
Farm accounting involves specific business, financial, and taxation issues, and a specialist understanding of the industry. At CP we keep abreast of the developments in both the farming and accounting industries, ensuring we are uniquely placed to provide up-to-date, accurate advice.
Our services include:
- Farm budgeting and cash flows
- Farm sales and purchases
- Ownership structures
- Preparation of financial statements
- Taxation
- Seasonal planning
- Succession planning
Financing
A wide range of financing options exist each with their pros and cons. At CP we know the financial market and have the experience to assist you in securing the best financing option for your personal and business goals. These include but are not limited to:
- Residential, Commercial & Investment Properties
- Equipment Finance
- Vehicle Finance
- Business Purchase
- Or Simply Re-Financing
Let our experienced team explore the best financing options and bring your business closer to realising its goals.
Human Resources
Your most valuable asset is your staff. In recognition of this, and in line with our aim to help you make the most of your business, we provide a HR consulting service. Together with our partner Nexus HR Consulting, we can guide you into realising the best from your team.
CP & Nexus can assist in the following key areas:
- Employment Relations
- Health and Safety
- Recruitment and Selection
- Remuneration
- Performance Management
- Strategic HR
- Team Building
- Change Management
Information Technology
We utilise technology to enhance a wide variety of business processes and in doing so deliver significant benefits to our client's businesses.
Here at CP we have embraced computerised systems ensuring our experienced, trained professionals can:
- Discuss the best system to further your business
- Install and configure software to suit your purposes
- Recommend processes to make your computer system more secure
- Suggest accounting software applications suitable for your business
- Train clients to be self-sufficient users of a range of software applications
- Offer advice on electronic banking
Whether you are thinking about obtaining new computer hardware or looking at completely changing your business systems, our team is fully conversant in the wizardry of technology.
Insolvency
The key to avoiding insolvency is to seek professional help as soon as the first signs of difficulty appear. CP's insolvency partners can assist in identifying problem areas and suggest solutions to improve the position of the company. Timely, expert advice can save your business from liquidation or receivership.
When a receiver is appointed they are charged with raising funds within the company to repay a financier. Liquidation becomes necessary when so many of the company assets are sold that it cannot continue its daily business. A liquidator disposes of all the company assets, repays the creditors, and the company ceases to exist.
In the event that liquidation or receivership is necessary CP has the experience and skills to assist. If your business is struggling under financial or operational difficulties, proactive and insightful action is vital to avoid, or at least minimise, the ramifications. Contact us today for an appointment and expert advice to assist with your situation.
Insurance
Insurance is all about managing risk - as the old saying goes, 'better safe than sorry'. While none of us expect the worst, it is important to be prepared to protect yourself against financial hardship. Getting the right level of insurance cover can provide valuable protection against a range of consequences that are hard to foresee such as sickness, accident, theft or natural disaster. CP Wealth Solutions can help cater for all your insurance needs including:
- Business & Personal Insurance
- Life & Trauma Insurance
- Income protection insurance
- Audit Insurance
Management Consulting
Our aim is to ensure your business realises its full potential. We have the know-how and experience to help you run your business more effectively.
We are practiced in acting as a sounding board for management and bring years of experience in business growth to the partnership. Our professional consultants can identify key performance indicators and define lead and lag indicators so your business will realise positive change.
We check that your business is as competitive, focused and as profitable as it can be, then offer flexible strategies designed to address the issues.
Let us give your business a health check and offer some practical advice to ensure your ongoing business success.
Office Duties
At CP we understand that day-to-day office duties are not everyone's cup of tea and are happy to help out with some or all of the following services:
- Processing wages
- Paying creditors and processing payments
- Collecting and banking debts
- Various secretarial tasks
Risk Management
A multitude of risks exist in today's business environment. At CP we pride ourselves in our proven ability to accurately assess risk and protect you from vulnerabilities inherent in your business. An effective risk management strategy improves performance, enables you to achieve goals and protects the value of your business.
Our risk assessment includes:
- Assembling relevant information about your business and market
- Identifying the major risks facing your organisation
- Developing a risk strategy
- Implementing the risk management procedures
Strategic Planning
The pressures of daily business can often mean strategic planning takes a back seat, but to have a successful business it's vital to plan ahead. We'll help you develop a strategic plan that examines where you want your business to be in the next 3-5 years and exactly how you and your team can achieve these aims and objectives.
Your strategic plan will:
- Define the characteristics of your company in three to five years
- Identify your competitors
- Define your objectives and financial goals
- Include an effective implementation strategy to achieve your goals
Valuations
Are you getting the best price for the sale of your business? Is the asking price too much? An independent valuation is the most appropriate way to put your mind at ease.
We are trained and experienced in business valuations and can provide you with simple guidelines and formulae to determine the value of your business or property. We can also appear in court or for arbitration as expert witnesses in relation to business valuations.
Choose CP for a professional, accurate valuation service.
