February 2024 - Bay of Plenty Business News

16 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS February 2024
> WOMEN LEADING BAY BUSINESS
LAW
The Law Shop
A resilient evolution with new leadership and
purposeful premises
In the dynamic legal landscape of
Rotorua, The Law Shop, a wellknown
all-female legal team, has
undergone significant transformationsoverthepastyear,heralding
a new chapter in its esteemed
history. Amidst these changes,
the firm remains committed to
its hallmark no-fuss approach
to legal matters, coupled with a
friendly and open communication
style that has endeared it to clients
over the years.
Owned by Paula Yakas since
September 2008, The Law Shop
has been a cornerstone of the
Rotorua legal community, providing
sound advice on a myriad
of property-related and business
matters. After briefly expanding
its services in 2014 to include
a family law team, the firm bid
farewell to this chapter in 2023,
returning to its roots and focusing
on its core strengths – expert
advice on residential and commercial
property, relationship
property, Wills and Enduring
Powers of Attorney, estates, buying
and selling businesses, and all
business matters.
In a pivotal move, senior solicitor
Macheala Forbes has assumed
a directorial role, bringing fresh
energy and expertise to The Law
Shop’s leadership. Simultaneously,
the firm has embraced a
change in premises, relocating
away from the bustle of town to
a thoughtfully designed office
space that prioritises collaboration,
efficiency, and enhanced
>> Paula Yakas, Adele Ransley, Machaela Forbes and Liz Yakas
client engagement. Situated in
a landmark location with ample
parking, this move symbolises
The Law Shop’s commitment
to creating a conducive environment
for both its team and
clients.
Specialising in business and
property law, The Law Shop’s
team navigates the complexities
of the legal landscape, particularly
in response to recent
government changes affecting
tax on home sales, investment
property taxation, lending criteria
adjustments, pre-approvals,
and tenancy laws. The firm’s commitment
to a holistic approach
shines through, as its team
actively listens to clients’ needs,
asking pertinent questions and
providing personable, individualised
legal solutions.
The Law Shop takes pride in
its robust team of experts who
genuinely care about their clients.
Their steadfast commitment
to delivering timely and
accurate legal advice, devoid of
unnecessary jargon and at a fair
price, remains unwavering. Clients
can trust The Law Shop for
a no-nonsense, solution-focused
approach to their legal matters.
As The Law Shop embarks
on this new chapter with revitalised
leadership and purposeful
premises, it steadfastly upholds
its core values of client-centricity,
inclusivity, and excellence
in legal services. The all-female
team, with their no-fuss attitude
and friendly, open communication
style, remains dedicated to
navigating the complexities of
legal matters. The Law Shop in
Rotorua is poised to continue its
legacy as a trusted legal partner,
serving the Bay of Plenty region
with unwavering dedication and
expertise.
Proudly serving our community
from our new offices at
170 Ranolf Street, Rotorua
Call us on 0800 LAW SHOP or visit www.thelawshop.co.nz
ACCOUNTING & ADVISORY
Determined to change perceptions
Valerie Rowe-Mitchell, who operates one of the region’s most successful
business advisory firms, Emerald Business Advisers Limited, regularly sees a
pattern at the start of the calendar year:
“The January-February period is
often a difficult time from a cashflow
perspective – our thinking is
often retrospective: ‘I had plenty
of cash in November, and now,
come February, I’m really feeling
the squeeze on cashflow.’ ”
Valerie emphasises the importance
of a comprehensive annual
plan, adopting what she terms a
“helicopter view.” This approach,
though daunting for some, is
grounded in her philosophy: “If you
don’t know where you’re heading,
you’ll likely end up off course.”
She encourages business
owners to envisage their business’s
future over the next 12
months, considering aspects like
customer growth, staff expansion,
revenue increases, or maybe
even starting a new venture. This
broader perspective distinguishes
Valerie and her team
at Emerald Business Advisers
from conventional accounting
services.
“There’s a typical, often unfavourable
view of accountants,”
she observes. We aim to redefine
this perception by being helpful,
knowledgeable, and technologically
savvy.”
Valerie advocates for a broader
approach beyond mere financials.
“Focusing solely on this month’s
numbers is insufficient. Our philosophy
is to engage in proactive
questioning and planning,
addressing the broader objectives
and ambitions of business
owners.”
Valerie believes that now is a
good time to ‘sit down and take
stock’. This often means encouraging
clients to appreciate how
far they have actually come and
get excited about the future!
“We proudly acknowledge the
resilience and innovation displayed
by many of our clients,
who have successfully navigated
through the challenges of Covid-
19, economic upheavals, and the
climate events of 2023.”
As an accountant, she feels
passionately that her role is not
>> The Tauranga team at Emerald Business Advisers
simply to generate the financials
and formulate strategies; it is
also to empower her clients as
individuals.
Valerie’s approach is holistic:
“Your own happiness is a crucial
part of the planning equation – if
you’re low on energy how can you
be a good business operator and
achieve success if other parts of
your life are weighing you down?”
Valerie’s role is supportive and
affirming: “I’m here to reassure
clients that they can achieve their
goals, and I’m willing to provide
guidance every step of the way.”
Call today 07 579 5777 for
Accounting, Taxation and Business Advisory
www.emeraldbusiness.co.nz