I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Directors, team members and clients for making 2016 a tremendous year of development and growth for our firm. I am proud of the efforts of our team, and am appreciative of the industry at large for our continuing success.
As we close out this year, and look to the next, it is timely for me to reflect on some of the highlights of our first 12 months in the Moore Stephens network – a network that has given us access to a broader group of professionals both locally and internationally; a network that has built a strong and welldeserved reputation in the 110 years since it was founded.
The establishment of our Geelong office adds a whole new element to our firm, bringing expertise and resources to regional industry sectors in one of Victoria’s largest growing regions. With a population of some 300,000 people, Geelong is Victoria’s second largest city, part of the G21 region and the fastest growing locale in the State.
Our newly appointed Geelong Directors Wendy Maloney, Paul Robson and Ryan Leemon are leaders and active members of the local business community. As such, they bring significant value to both our clients and our firm.
Robert Manson was also appointed a Director this year. Robert, who has been a valuable asset to both Moore Stephens and his clients over the past five years, continues to lead by example, providing tailored solutions and strategic business and tax advice.
Our services have also expanded to include the establishment of a corporate bookkeeping and technology division. We invest heavily in technology and are actively responsive to changes in the industry occasioned by technology.
Our new digital platform, ‘Stream’, has been central to our efforts in this area, and integral to our ongoing commitment to provide a full end-to-end client solution.
Taking into consideration that the renewal of finance facilities and applying for new debt has become more difficult for even the strongest borrowers, we have introduced a debt advisory service. Our experienced debt advisers have worked with our clients to achieve the best possible outcomes by analysing, structuring and executing transactions across the broad spectrum of debt products.
Our industry will be influenced by many external local and international factors in the next few years. While the global impacts of Brexit and the election of US President Donald Trump are yet to be fully realised, on a domestic level, we welcome the passage of the superannuation reform package through our Federal Parliament.
This reform package creates both challenges and opportunities. With most of the changes having an effective commencement date of 1 July 2017, and with the superannuation environment being more restrictive after that time, superannuation fund members have a seven-month window of opportunity to use existing provisions to best position their superannuation assets into the future.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the efforts and achievements of Gary Graco who has fulfilled the role of Chairperson for our firm over the past 18 months. Gary will continue to be a trusted adviser to clients, and an active member on numerous Advisory Boards, in his position at Moore Stephens of Director - Corporate Advisory.
I am delighted to confirm Moore Stephens director John Higgins has now assumed the position of Chairperson. A specialist in management advice, business planning, valuations and corporate and business restructures, John is a widely respected and active member of the business community, and I look forward to working with him in his capacity as Chair.
I am proud to acknowledge the generous contribution by our staff, and friends of Moore Stephens, in raising over $25,000 worth of donations for various charities over the past year. It is heartening to see our team’s initiative in supporting the community as a whole.
All at Moore Stephens thank you for your continuing commitment and support, and extend our best wishes for the festive season to you and yours.
Steve Sakkas
Cheif Executive Officer
Moore Stephens Victoria
p +61 3 9608 0194
e
ssakkas@moorestephens.com.au