General Business
& SMEs

Wynn Williams works with every type and size of business that makes up the fabric of New Zealand’s economy. We well understand the nuanced requirements of SMEs compared to that of corporates, and the different requirements again of organisations operating in the not-for-profit space. We also understand that the needs of a business turning profit are very different to that of a start-up or a business looking to exit.

We advise our clients at a governance level around business structure and directors’ obligations, and support at an operational level helping to resolve day-to-day issues impacting almost every aspect of their business – from contractual matters and financing, to gaining brand protection and enforcing intellectual property rights, to employment compliance, health and safety compliance and more. Our advice is pragmatic and it’s timely, but equally importantly we take the time to understand how our clients wish to receive our advice and the level of detail required.

While our team of commercial lawyers are experienced across the spectrum of business matters, wherever it adds value, we draw on specialised teams within Wynn Williams to provide clients with wrap-around advice. Whether you’re a CEO or a sole-trader, our goal is simple – to work with you to find the best solutions to your challenges and to maximise your opportunities.

How we can help

Our experience in all manner of legal considerations facing businesses large and small and those in the not-for-profit sector is significant. The team is well resourced to provide support with:

  • Assisting with structuring of businesses and not-for-profits, including new investments
  • Acquiring or selling a business or shares in a company
  • Preparation and review of commercial contracts, including supply chain and service agreements, terms of trade and confidentiality agreements
  • Obligations under employment laws, including hiring new employees, ending employment and compliance matters
  • Intellectual property and trademark protection, including drafting and advising on intellectual property licensing arrangements with third parties
  • Privacy and data protection
  • Commercial funding, including bank financing and shareholder loans
  • Insurance
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Debt recovery
  • Governance, director’s duties and liabilities, and governance responsibilities for not-for-profits
  • Litigation and disputes
  • Insolvency
  • Partnering with several promising start-ups through our connection with the Te Ōhaka Startup Founder Catalyst Incubation Programme to assist with various legal needs during the start-up phase including; business structuring, seed funding, terms of trade, and employment advice
  • Assisting clients associated with the construction industry, including architects and builders, particularly in relation to the protection of intellectual property, preparation and enforcement of contractual terms with their clients, and health and safety matters
  • Advising clients within the transportation industry, including in relation to regulatory compliance, employment matters, and preparation of contracts tailored to industry-specific issues, including delivery requirements, as well as insurance and liability for transported goods
  • Assisting manufacturers and exporters with drafting and negotiating manufacturing and supply agreements, terms of trade and contracts with customers, and protection of intellectual property rights, including by working with our contacts in the State Capital Group to provide legal input in overseas jurisdictions
  • Assisting clients at different phases of the business lifecycle, including restructuring both during downturns and growth phases

Key Contacts

Charlene Sell

Partner

Danita Ferreira

Senior Associate