We recently attended the 53rd Brentnalls Affiliation biannual conference in October 2023 at Millbrook near Arrowtown and Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand. This was a spectacularly beautiful part of the world surrounded by exclusive residences, snow capped mountains, extreme sports and it’s also the host of the NZ Open Golf.

There were 33 attendees and many spouses joining us for dinners. The location, food and accommodation were only second to a great conference agenda and much sharing of ideas, success and failures amongst firms.  The conference in the 2nd half of the calendar year is attended by directors, principals and practice managers, and much of the discussion is centered around the financial results of the affiliated firms, and interactive Practice Updates by each firm where they share (and are questioned) on the operational, strategic, financial, people and technology aspects of their practices.

We had a great presentation from our WA affiliate on “How to get 2 hours back into each working day”, something we all dearly want to achieve.  On the final day we had an engaging session with Dr Kirsten Davis on “Mindful Leadership: Focusing forward on the wellbeing of you and your Team”.  Both these topics were good reminders that we needed to step back and look after both ourselves and our Team if we are to continue to deliver to our clients.

As part of our Brentnalls Women in Brentnalls subgroup, there was an interview style session with Margaret Pepper, a retiring director at our Auckland affiliate on all she has achieved and the rewards of being in practice. We also looked at the new branding for the Brentnalls group that we hope to roll out soon, a modern update is long over due and it looks great!

We ate very well, but the highlight was a meal at Kobe Japanese Restaurant where we all squeezed into this beautiful stone and wood restaurant for a tasting menu that was special.

The conference was a great success, and each affiliate firm left with tasks and new ideas to implement.

Renee Bettenay, Director of Harris Black, recently engaged audiences at the Floorworld Conferences in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, offering practical advice on personal productivity, business analysis, and waste reduction.

Attendees at the conferences, comprising a mix of business owners and suppliers in the floorcovering industry, appreciated Renee’s down-to-earth approach and actionable insights. In her session on personal productivity, Renee highlighted practical approaches to streamline daily tasks, manage time efficiently, and cultivate habits that lead to sustained high performance.

The business analysis segment resonated with the audience as Renee guided them through a process of identifying areas of focus to help them improve their business. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how to play to their strengths and address weaknesses effectively.

The final segment of Renee’s presentations centered on “Winning Businesses” and the importance of waste reduction. She showcased strategies to optimise resources through improved processes and systems ultimately reducing unnecessary expenditure. Attendees were urged to rethink traditional approaches and identify practical solutions to waste in their business.

Attendees expressed gratitude for the simplicity of the strategies presented, making them easy to implement.

Renee Bettenay’s contributions to the Floorworld Conferences underscored her commitment to making business insights accessible and applicable. As the conferences concluded, attendees left with a sense of empowerment, armed with practical tools to enhance productivity, analyze their businesses effectively, and reduce waste in their business.

Brentnalls has secured an impressive position in this year’s Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Accounting Firms, ranking at number 30.  This recognition underscores the firm’s commitment to excellence and its significant contributions to the financial landscapes.

Harris Black is proud to be a founding member of the Brentnalls National Affiliation.

The growth of Harris Black and all firms in the affiliation is a testament to the collaborative model and culture of the group, where the focus is on being better positioned to help our clients achieve their goals.

Cheers to another fantastic Melbourne Cup celebration at Harris Black! This year, we gathered at the exquisite Malt Dining for a day of great company, delicious treats, and the perfect racing atmosphere. Here’s to building more memories at Harris Black.

Declan is a financial planner from Select Advice Group whose Brisbane office is located within the Harris Black office.

Born in Rockhampton, Declan has been influenced by his family, particularly his father, who was a financial planner. This familial connection led him to his current career in financial planning.

When asked about his ideal meal, Declan didn’t hesitate to choose a “Halal Snack Pack.”

His culinary expertise is equally impressive, preparing dishes like sashimi, Italian sausage pasta, garlic bread, and indulgent espresso martinis. When it comes to sharing a meal with individuals, living or deceased, Declan creates a remarkable guest list: his Grandad, Steven Gerard, Jimi Hendrix, and Elon Musk.

Beyond his professional life, Declan is a man of many interests. He enjoys watching sports, camping, and traveling. While his hobbies vary, he holds a particular wish close to his heart – the return of mullets to fashion, a unique style choice that’s sure to turn heads. His practicality shines through as he decides on the three items he’d take to a deserted island: food, water, and a surfboard.

Speaking of dreams, Declan’s dream car is the luxurious 458 Ferrari. It’s a testament to his appreciation for fine craftsmanship and style. Looking forward to in the coming months, Declan has an exciting camping trip to Teewah Beach. For Declan, the most relaxing place he’s ever been is Byron Bay, a haven of serenity. If he could spend all his time in one place, it would unquestionably be the beach.

Declan has a unique skill set that extends beyond finance. He could confidently deliver a 40-minute presentation on Liverpool FC, showcasing his passion for the sport and the team. As for witnessing a historical event, Declan would transport himself to the iconic 2005 Champions League Final between AC Milan and Liverpool, reflecting his deep passion for football and the monumental moments it creates. If he could have any superpower, Declan would choose teleportation to visit friends in London for a weekend getaway.

Inspirational quotes hold a special place in Declan’s life, and one that particularly resonates with him is, “Desire is the starting point of all achievement,” by Napoleon Hill. It encapsulates his drive and motivation in both his personal and professional life.