Business Consultations

The Department of Business and Employment offers a free and confidential business information service to intending, new and existing businesses.

Business owners and those wishing to get started in business can access a wide range of information by talking to the department's Client Managers. Information can be provided on many areas of business including business planning, insurances, licences and permits, marketing, business structures, intellectual property, taxation, sourcing finance and much more.

For further details, contact the Territory Business Centre on telephone +61 1800 193 111.

You and Your Advisor

Most people know they need an accountant for taxation purposes and a lawyer to check through a lease on their business premises. But an accountant and lawyer can do much more for your business.

A good accountant and lawyer is aware of the economic, legal and financial environment affecting business, so use their knowledge and experience to anticipate changes and plan for survival and growth.

Because business owners become immersed in their daily operations it is important to have an independent view of their business situation. There is no single right way of choosing a business adviser for your business, but the following three easy steps are a useful guide.

Ask for recommendations from:

• Business contacts
• Your local bank manager
• Other business advisers
• Friends with relevant experience
• The adviser's existing clients

Arrange an initial meeting and prepare a list of questions for a meeting, ask about:

• Your business proposal or plan, is it sound and is it viable?
• Their experience with businesses similar to yours? (the more experience with businesses like yours, the better they will be able to provide expert advice)
• What they can offer (i.e. range of services, skills and areas of special expertise)
• How will you be charged? (their hourly rate and an estimate of costs)
• Who will be your main contact in their firm?

Feel comfortable with and have confidence, in the person you choose.

If you are not satisfied, get another adviser. Remember they work for you, not you for them.

Some important points to remember:

• Don't make a choice based on cost alone
• Satisfy yourself that costs quoted are reasonable
• Ask questions about services which can help you manage your business better
• Don't choose someone you cannot communicate with easily
• Ask for an estimate of likely costs for services to be performed
• Meet with more than one adviser before making your choice
• Don't use the adviser of the other party involved in business negotiations. A solicitor or accountant can only serve the interest of one party at a time.

Do you need help in finding an accountant, lawyer or business adviser?

Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) Darwin Region is a non-profit organisation and is part of a national
network of Business Enterprise Centres dedicated to the support of small business.

BEC Darwin provides a referral service to new and newly started businesses wishing to seek expert advisers in the Northern Territory.

For information and assistance contact:

Business Enterprise Centre (Darwin Region) Inc. (BEC)
PO Box 37192
Winnellie NT 0821

Ph: (08 ) 8922 9529
Fax: (08) 8922 9555

Email: jack@becnt.com.au
Website: www.becnt.com.au