We have been hearing a lot of stories in the media over the past year about the recession, and ways of navigating a path through it. In my role as a business adviser, I have been faced with numerous clients discussing declining sales, reduced profits, tight cash flows and a poor short term outlook for their business. Now, after more than a year of the economy contracting, many economic commentators are talking about signs of green shoots appearing. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, businesses need to be ready.

Nick Jones from Hayes Knight (NZ) subsidiary Sustainable Advantage explains how stakeholders are looking at businesses through a new "sustainability lens" and how understanding and responding to this can help to build trust.

Hayes Knight has become the first chartered accountancy practice to win a Northern Region Sustainable Business Network Award. The Auckland-based firm were winners of the Emerging Large and Corporate category in the Northern Region Sustainable Business Network Awards held in September.

Are economic conditions improving? Now is the time to get ready After more than a year of the economy contracting, commentators are talking about signs of green shoots appearing. To take advantage of this opportunity, businesses' need to be ready. While market conditions are still tight and sales will take time to recover, it is important to look to improve your margins early by focusing on efficiency.