CALL US: (07) 3367 0999 | EMAIL US:

A Restructure Only Means A Setback To Your Business, And Not A Closure – Here’s What The Reforms Could Mean For Your Business

With the demanding conditions that have plagued the retail industry over the past twelve months, business owners need to be aware of all the restructuring options available before it is too late.

COVID-19 has unfortunately resulted in reduced foot traffic, store closures, the accumulation of legacy creditors and significant deteriorations in working capital positions.

Even with the support of JobKeeper and other government initiatives buoying business ventures from early 2021 to now, many family and small businesses are sure to continue to struggle.

The Misconceptions Of Formal Restructures

The idea of restructuring your business or reaching out for external help can appear scary and often seen as something to be avoided at all costs. However, business owners are not on their own when dealing with the difficult conditions facing them in their short-term future.

No one wants to see a business fail.

That’s why there are always options available to businesses. However, the longer a company holds off on making a decision, the more the business and its available options will deteriorate.

If companies and businesses can act early enough, their options include informal arrangements and advice, voluntary administration, and new restructuring reforms for small businesses.

With the availability of these options and the right people involved, there is no reason why a financially distressed small business cannot survive the challenging times and thrive in the future. All companies experience some form of distress from time to time and often at no fault of their own. The ones that survive focus on cash, seek appropriate advice from trusted advisors at the right time and act further on it.

How Might A Business Survive Financial Distress

Using the voluntary administration process as a restructuring tool allowed Tuchuzy (a well-known retailer in Bondi) to successfully deal with legacy creditors, refocus on high margin product lines, and ultimately, the company continued to trade profitably.

The key to Tuchuzy’s restructure was a ‘light touch’ administration to minimise costs and disruption to the business and closely working alongside the director to ensure the proposal submitted to her creditors would be acceptable than an immediate winding up scenario (of which it was).

There is a lot of flexibility and breathing space afforded in the voluntary administration process.

The administrator can quickly reset the cost base by exiting unprofitable stores, reducing the workforce, and focusing on only buying and selling favourable margin products.

Even when a liquidation becomes necessary, the process can be reasonably quick, fair and transparent if run properly.

The secret is to overcome the general stigma accompanying restructures and approach restructuring experts early who will ‘unemotionally’ explain each available option and provide an impartial recommendation that aligns best with the individual circumstances.

What Do The New Small Business Restructuring Reforms Mean For You?

For a business with few creditors and a single location, the process of voluntary administration can be expensive and unnecessary.

Indeed, voluntary administration is often not appropriate for many small businesses due to associated financial costs and the hurdle accompanying a director relinquishing control.

The government has responded to this critique and offered an alternative. This alternative comes at a perfect time as directors are, once again, exposed to personal liability for insolvent trading.

The new small business restructuring (SBR) reforms offer a lower cost and far simplified restructure process, critical for small businesses to continue to trade after government assistance such as JobKeeper ceased in March 2021. The reforms add an essential new path that will assist many retailers.

Though there have been only a handful of SBRs to date, and their effectiveness to save businesses is yet to be appropriately evaluated, it is an option to explore in the right circumstances.

Critical Questions Your Business Should Be Asking

The COVID-19 crisis has put a severe strain on many previously successful businesses. Though the government and many advisors are attempting to ensure that they do not collapse, directors and business owners need to be proactive and engage early for them to work.

Often businesses approach liquidators and advisors at the point where their financial problems have become insurmountable, and a liquidation/shutdown is often the only option left. The timing of coming and asking for help can be the difference between a shutdown and the continuation of trading.

With proper preparation and an effective plan that considers all stakeholders, any business should be able to restructure and continue to trade.

If your answer to any of the below questions is yes, you should seek immediate advice from a trusted restructuring advisor.

  1. Am I currently losing money?
  2. Am I finding it hard to pay bills on time?
  3. Have I got old debts that I am finding hard to pay down?
  4. Do I need some breathing space?
  5. Do I have my ‘head in the sand’?

Business
advice

taxation
planning

compliance
services

News

Choosing The Right Super Fund For Your Needs

March 14, 2024

Selecting the right superannuation fund is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your financial future in retirement.

With numerous options available, it’s essential to understand the key factors to consider when making this important choice.

Let’s examine the factors that should guide your decision-making process to ensure you choose a superannuation fund that aligns with your needs and goals.

  1. Investment Performance:

One of the primary considerations when choosing a superannuation fund is its investment performance. Look for funds that have consistently delivered strong returns over the long term, considering factors such as risk-adjusted performance and investment strategy. Review historical performance data and compare it to relevant benchmarks to assess the fund’s track record.

  1. Fees and Costs:

Fees and costs can significantly impact the growth of your superannuation savings over time. Consider the fund’s management fees, administration fees, and any other charges associated with investing in the fund. Look for funds that offer competitive fees while providing value for their services. Keep in mind that even seemingly small differences in fees can have a substantial impact on your retirement savings over time.

  1. Investment Options:

Evaluate the investment options available within the superannuation fund to ensure they align with your risk tolerance and investment objectives. Look for diversified investment options, including cash, bonds, equities, and alternative investments. Consider whether the fund offers pre-mixed investment options or the flexibility to build your investment portfolio according to your preferences.

  1. Insurance Coverage:

Many superannuation funds offer insurance coverage, including life insurance, total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance, and income protection insurance. Assess the insurance offerings each fund provides, including the coverage level, premiums, and any exclusions or limitations. Choose a fund that offers appropriate insurance coverage to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

  1. Member Services and Support:

Consider the level of member services and support offered by the superannuation fund, including online account management, educational resources, and access to financial advice. Evaluate the fund’s customer service reputation and responsiveness to member inquiries or concerns. Opt for a fund that prioritises member satisfaction and provides resources to help you make informed decisions about your retirement savings.

Choosing the right superannuation fund is a critical step in planning your retirement’s financial future.

By considering factors such as investment performance, fees and costs, investment options, insurance coverage, and member services, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and goals.

Regularly review your superannuation fund’s performance and reassess your choices as your circumstances change to ensure you can achieve your retirement objectives.