Category: Black Arrow Insights
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How Local is the New Advantage: Rethinking Global Supply Chains
For years, global supply chains were the gold standard. Offshore manufacturing, cheaper labour, and bulk international shipping helped businesses drive down costs and scale up fast. But if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s this: what looks efficient on paper can turn into a logistical nightmare when the world shifts overnight. From border…
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Are You Paying for Your Own Money? The Truth About NZ Overdraft Fees
Overdraft fees can be a silent cost that chips away at your finances if you’re not careful. However, with a clear understanding of how they work and the right preventative measures, they can often be avoided entirely. This guide outlines how overdraft fees function in New Zealand, what they typically cost, and the practical steps…
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The Basics of Supply and Demand
In the world of business and economics, few concepts are as fundamental or as powerful as supply and demand. Whether you’re pricing your services, planning your inventory, or simply trying to understand why fuel prices spike overnight, this basic principle is always at play. This guide breaks down the basics of supply and demand, explains…
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10 Powerful Ways to Use Automation in Finance
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, automation in financial operations is no longer a luxury, it’s a strategic necessity. Automating financial processes enhances speed, consistency, and accuracy while reducing human error and freeing up time for higher-value tasks like strategy, analysis, and customer engagement. Below are the 10 most impactful areas where automation is transforming financial…
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The Effects of Tariffs on Global Trade: Understanding the Impact
Tariffs, essentially taxes imposed on imported goods, play a significant role in shaping international trade dynamics. By influencing prices, tariffs impact not just trade volumes but also economic relationships between countries. Here’s a comprehensive exploration of how tariffs affect global trade, illustrated by detailed examples from New Zealand. How Tariffs Influence International Trade 1. Increased…
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The Role of Interest Rates in the Economy
Interest rates might seem like abstract figures discussed only in financial news, but they quietly shape almost every financial decision we make, from personal budgeting to national economic policies. In this blog, we explore exactly how interest rates influence our lives, businesses, and the broader economic landscape. Understanding Interest Rates In simple terms, interest rates…
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The Importance of Internal Controls in Accounting
Internal controls are the cornerstone of reliable accounting, essential not only for maintaining accuracy but also for protecting businesses against fraud and financial mismanagement. These controls are systematic measures designed to ensure that financial operations are transparent, accurate, and secure. What are Internal Controls? Internal controls consist of procedures and practices that businesses implement to…
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How Do You Know When Your Business Will Start Making a Profit?
Are we charging enough? Are our costs under control? When will this business finally start turning a profit? Use break-even analysis to find out It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful tools to help you figure out the bare minimum your business needs to earn before you start making money. In this article, we’ll…
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Understanding Tax Credits vs. Tax Deductions in New Zealand
When managing your tax obligations in New Zealand, two powerful tools can help reduce the amount you owe: tax deductions and tax credits. Although they both result in tax savings, they work in fundamentally different ways. Understanding these differences is essential whether you’re an employee, a self-employed contractor, or a business owner. Below, we break…
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“Playing it safe is the riskiest move in business”
In the business landscape, avoiding risk may seem like a prudent strategy. However, the reality is that the greatest risk often lies in stagnation. Market conditions, consumer preferences, and industry trends are constantly evolving. Businesses that fail to adapt or innovate risk becoming obsolete. A reluctance to embrace change can lead to slow, steady decline…