"This is pre-eminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself".

The words of Franklin D Roosevelt seem as appropriate today as they did at his 1933 inauguration speech when talking about the Great Depression (in 2009 it's become the ‘Great Recession'). More importantly, it's a useful reminder that the current economic low will one day be a thing of the past and we will endure, revive and prosper just as they did.

The question business owners must ask themselves right now is:

Am I making the most of it?

If you own a business and you think that the only thing you can do is implement a few cost cutting measures and wait things out, then you're missing a great opportunity. As your accountants and business advisers, we can help.

Paul Rosanowski heads up our new Business Growth division, where the emphasis is on making a client's business more robust and more prosperous using a combination of business strategies, planning and learning initiatives.

"I'm really looking forward to assisting WHK clients with their businesses," Paul says. "The economic cycle as everyone knows, is in decline, but when the economy starts to lift out of its lowest point, we want every business client we have to be prepared for the swing and that means first having in place, good systems, good marketing strategies and an all round understanding of the key business drivers for their own company'.

‘All business owners need to ask themselves what they are doing differently to meet the challenges currently facing them. What are you doing in 2009 to become a more prosperous company? We believe our Business Growth team can assist businesses achieve real results, profit and growth during a rather - relatively speaking - short-lived economic slump. It doesn't have to be a disaster period if you use it to your advantage. "

If you would like help expanding your business, the WHK Business Growth team of advisers who will use their experience in business development, coaching, and mentoring to help you get ahead.

For more information contact Paul Rosanowski on Paul.Rosanowski@whk.co.nz or phone 03 546 0189