Why advisory matters now
Today, markets move quickly and information arrives faster than ever. Therefore, owners need guidance that converts data into action. At Long + Cowan, we deliver Business Advisory Services that connect planning, reporting, and decision-making so you can move with confidence. Since 1940, we have supported Wellington businesses with accounting, taxation, and advisory expertise that adapts as conditions change. Our team partners with SMEs, property investors, and individuals across the region to solve problems and unlock growth.
What advisory covers in practice
Firstly, advisory starts with a clear view of performance. We translate management reports into plain language, highlight risks early, and prioritise fixes that create measurable impact. Secondly, we link budgets, cash flow, and forecasting to your strategy so plans stay realistic through the year. Finally, we coordinate tax and compliance schedules with your operational cycle to reduce friction and protect cash. In each engagement, our Business Advisory Services integrate accounting, taxation, and planning under one roof, saving time and improving decisions.
When businesses should ask for help
Often, triggers are plain to see. Perhaps growth is outpacing systems. Maybe margins are tightening and you cannot pinpoint why. Sometimes, funding is needed and stakeholders want credible numbers fast. In these moments, our Business Advisory Services provide structure, options, and a workable path forward. We audit processes lightly, set focused KPIs, and build short, visual reports that leaders actually use. Then we meet regularly to adjust the plan, keeping momentum steady and aligned with your goals.
Core tools we put to work
Firstly, we build a one-page plan that links your revenue drivers to resourcing and targets. Secondly, we set a rolling thirteen-week cash view and a 12-month forecast so you can see pressure coming. Thirdly, we apply cost-volume-profit analysis to clarify break-even points and pricing headroom. Throughout, our Business Advisory Services rely on accurate bookkeeping, timely management accounts, and reconciled ledgers so insights rest on solid data.
SME support that fits Wellington
Because Wellington businesses operate across varied sectors, we tailor our approach to your scale and pace. We help trades, retail, professional services, engineering, and more, each with sector-specific processes and regulatory needs. We also guide startups on structure and registration, then evolve systems as the organisation grows. In every case, our Business Advisory Services are designed for SMEs that want disciplined reporting without corporate overheads.
From compliance to confidence
While compliance is mandatory, confidence is earned. Therefore, we ensure returns are prepared correctly and on time, including income tax, GST, PAYE, and FBT. We then shift focus to forward-looking work: budgets, cash flow, scenario testing, and project appraisals. With this rhythm, Business Advisory Services become your operating system, not a once-a-year event. Clients gain fewer surprises, stronger lender relationships, and faster internal decisions.
Technology that speeds decisions
Today, cloud platforms deliver real-time data and automation that improves accuracy. Consequently, we implement Xero and MYOB, optimise workflows, and train teams so updates are fast and reliable. We also connect add-ons where useful, keeping the stack lean and secure. With our Business Advisory Services, dashboards surface trend lines, variance commentary explains results, and board packs are ready on time. As a Xero Gold Partner, we bring proven setup and optimisation methods that reduce rework.
Cash flow discipline
Firstly, cash is tracked daily with short exception notes. Secondly, receivables are segmented by risk and targeted with specific actions. Thirdly, inventory and WIP are reviewed by category, not just in total. In parallel, payables terms are negotiated with data, then aligned with inflows where possible. Used consistently, these routines make Business Advisory Services a cash shield that protects operations and funds growth.
Cost control without blunt cuts
Because broad reductions can harm service quality, we focus on intelligent savings. We examine activities that add no customer value, right-size overheads, and renegotiate supplier terms where evidence supports the case. Then we embed rules and thresholds so improvements hold. With this approach, Business Advisory Services lift margins while preserving capability for future opportunities.
Funding and capital choices
Sometimes, the right move requires new capital. Therefore, we prepare lender packs and investor material that align strategy, risk, and numbers. We assess mixes of debt and equity that fit stage, volatility, and cash generation. We also map covenant headroom and repayment profiles to operating cycles. With robust modelling, our Business Advisory Services help secure fair pricing and faster approvals.
Growth through deals and partnerships
Because mergers and partnerships can accelerate scale, we test fit first, then economics. We run due diligence with a cash and customer lens, and we define post-deal scorecards before signing. We also plan integration to protect culture, systems, and client service. With discipline, Business Advisory Services turn opportunity into value while avoiding costly missteps.
Tax planning that supports strategy
Tax belongs inside every plan, not at the end. Consequently, we coordinate timing, structure, and reliefs with your growth agenda. We manage filings and reminders, then check provisional settings against trading patterns to smooth obligations. By embedding this discipline, our Business Advisory Services reduce risk and free up cash for investment.
Advisory that scales with you
Because needs change, we scale support from monthly check-ins to board-level sessions. We appoint a dedicated accounting manager so communication stays simple and context is never lost. We then bring in specialists for payroll, FIF matters, or body corporate work when required. Across Wellington’s suburbs, our Business Advisory Services remain consistent, practical, and responsive.
How to start the conversation
Firstly, share your goals and current reports. Secondly, we suggest a short diagnostic to identify quick wins and priorities. Thirdly, we agree a 90-day plan with clear owners and dates. If this approach sounds right, contact us for more info by filling in an enquiry form or e-mailing or calling us during office hours; we will outline next steps tailored to your business.
