SUCCESS STORIES

Problem-solving financial services

Implementing & Administering Business Success 

Management Accounting & Financial Planning

Supporting small business in taking control of their finances and optimising opportunities for growth is what Stuart Lowe has been doing for 25+ years. Having owned several businesses himself, he understands the demands & challenges owners face to remain viable and achieve growth milestones.
Owen & Greg, sales & marketing business partners

Striking out on their own pays dividends

The Situation:–

This Christchurch business partnership evolved after the pair left employment with a large firm. They knew their profession well, but were unsure how to go about establishing company business structures.


They approached Stuart to help establish business frameworks and position them for steady growth.

The Action:–

In year one, Stuart set about:

  • Implementing an accounting package so they could control their business.
  • Establishing and managing income tax and GST compliances
  • Assisting with payroll when they took on an employee 

Supporting them to manage business growth was the focus between years three and 10, where Stuart implemented:

  • Cash flow management
  • Debtor management
  • Administration systems and tax management procedure

Owen and Greg were enabled to follow a path toward financial stability. Stuart credits their progress to actively working the plan and remaining accountable.

“Our Monthly Review Meetings are key to good growth patterns. It keeps business owners accountable and forging on with the plan,” —Stuart says

The Result:–

In the 15 years since they began working with Stuart, Owen and Greg have built a fully-fledged tech marketing business serving SMEs nationwide.


They have 15 employees and are moving toward the next stage of growth - paying dividends to shareholders and seeking an opportunity for merger and acquisition.

Jeff & Adam, real estate business partners

Full-Service Offer Leads to Growth for Christchurch Agents

The Situation:–

This busy partnership was in growth mode and needed full service, end to end strategy and processes for reinvestment and acquisition.


They approached Stuart for full back office support three years ago.  At the time they had three offices within the city and had just taken on a fourth.

The Action:–

Stuart implemented a full-service strategic planning and cash flow management system for the pair’s growing business. They achieved strong forecasts for growth but had a lot of processes to implement.

The Monthly Review Meetings were key to aiding financial accountability for the business and allowing reinvestment.

The Result:–

In the three years since providing his strategic framework and accounting services, Jeff & Adam have made a success of their fourth business location and are aiming for a fifth.

Adam, a manufacturing business owner

Turnaround Success Following Post Covid boon

The Situation:–

A Christchurch based manufacturer experiencing greater demand for its products following the 2020 global pandemic. 


They came to Stuart 12 months ago once they had discovered their previous accountant hadn’t filed tax returns for the business for the last three years. To seize the opportunity, this manufacturer needed greater financial certainty but had some catch-up work to do, to set it steady.

The Action:–

Stuart set about establishing a turnaround date for a fixed fee for the firm so it could ramp up operations and repay past tax obligations.


Part of that turnaround strategy included reviewing their tax planning, restructuring opportunities and dividends for reinvestment.

Stuart ensured his financial compliance was up to date and his business planning was current and forward-looking.

The Result:–

Stuarts services allowed the manufacturer to catch an opportunity for growth and navigate the business to a place of greater financial certainty. 


A turnaround success for a sector which hadn’t done so well in the past, but was presented with a unique opportunity for growth. Achieved despite needing to catch up on past taxation obligations.

Lynton, hospitality business owner 

Provisional Tax Option Steadies Cashflow for Cafe

The Situation:–

A small business owner with a stable trade but some cash flow problems borne of provisional tax payment scheduling. Lynton’s existing accountant had retired and left a gap for a new accountant with a fresh perspective. In two years, Stuart helped stabilise the business and meet tax obligations more easily and painlessly.

The Action:–

Stuart moved Lynton’s enterprise to AIM (accounting income method) provisional tax option, this...

  • Integrates provisional tax payments into business processes and payments are made bi-monthly. 
  • Provides businesses with certainty that they are paying the right amount as it is earned, avoiding nasty surprises and late penalties.

Monthly Review Meetings were also implemented to strategise eventual succession and exit plans for the business long term.

The Result:–

Lynton’s hospitality business continued to flourish without the start/stop cashflow woes. He created five part-time jobs and trucked along steadily and had a well-planned strategy for exit in place when required.

An Ashburton Family Trust

Appointment as Independent Trustee 

The Situation:–

An established Family Trust belonging to an Ashburton family. Its long-serving but elderly trustees were transitioning to rest home care so needed to appoint an independent trustee to manage the trust on their behalf.

The Action:–

Stuart was appointed by the family to manage and administer the trust. This involved:

  • Following the terms of the trust deed 
  • Investing prudently for the benefit of the family members in care
  • Managing financial transactions and tax obligations
  • Protecting assets & managing risk
  • Ensure distribution of the estate upon cessation

The Result:–

Stuart’s appointment as independent trustee gave the family security and certainty that their assets were still being managed to sustain them in perpetuity.


His independence and strong track record of sound investment, makes him a sensible choice for the management of property and family trusts, throughout New Zealand.

Alex, Big Boy Digital Marketing

From Freelancer to Agency Director 

The Situation:–

Stuart first started working with Alex in 2003 when he was freelancing as a marketing professional.


Alex was working from an alcove in an upstairs bedroom but needed an accountant who understood his vision to grow the business. One he could rely on to be there for the long run.



Having been let down by a previous accountant, Alex required one that could provide a sense of business mentorship and objective, workable advice when trying new things. 

The Action:–

Stuart set about:

  • Formulating and structuring the consultancy without breaking the bank
  • Providing accounting advice and forecasts for a new franchise purchase in the printing industry.
  • Helping with exit strategies
  • Assisting in a new business relationship with new shareholders
  • Providing Alex’s office manager with backup and support 

The Result:–

Today, Alex has a successful Digital Marketing business which employs seven people. He’s extended his operations to include Timaru, Dunedin and Auckland.

With Stu’s help, Alex has built the business to a point where it can run 70 percent of the time without him. Freeing Alex up to spend more time with family and to tear about on his racing bike.

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