Another Frequently Asked Question, by Paul Raftery
At Projects RH we do pride ourselves on knowing that each client is special and known by the relevant team members. In dealing with clients with similar issues it would be remiss of us not to build checklists and to process map what needs to happen. A case in point is our part in the investment visas application process. I also guess that in having an engineer for a CEO requiring to find processes and monitoring performance against these almost goes without thinking.
Our processes need to be well developed to show we can give the client the level of service they deserve.
u00a0Having defined processes and checklists enables us to readily respond to the queries of our clients but more importantly to monitor their progress before there is a query. This is especially important as Projects RH, via its strategic alliance partners, process manages much of the activities. Nevertheless, our clients need a single point of contact.
As part of this my wife Carmenza has developed a nice business which works with migration lawyers and migration advisers who want to purse an investment-visa path.
We insist that the migration lawyers and migration advisers tell us -in writing- that this is the path they want their client to pursue. We then work with other professionalsu2019: accountants, credit arrangers, approved venture capital funds and specialist advisers each of which has their own accreditation and professional office. We work as project manager with a team which is each paid to do what they do well.
- First, we receive the recommendation from the migration adviser / lawyer (even if the client knocks on our door first). We are ever mindful that what is produced will be used by the migration adviser / lawyer to support the visa application which they will sign off.
- Second, we meet with the client and provide them with a quote for an agreed set of services. Only when this is agreed we commence work on a financial model and then on a draft information memorandum.
- Third, we work with a professional business planner who is mindful of the differing requirements and focuses of the States and Territories (most investment visas need a State or Territory government to sponsor).
- Fourth, we introduce a professional investment adviser to assist with the selection of a business or a strategy to create a new business. We are most mindful we cannot give retail financial advice. Once a plan is agreed, we and the other professionals update our plan and other documents. We then prepare the one-page teaser.
- Fifth, working with a party with an appropriate AFSL (licence) we get confirmation of the willingness to fund.
- Sixth, we prepare a package of information for the migration adviser / lawyer to take to the proposed sponsoring State or Territory. Once having received State or Territory support the migration adviser / lawyer will then make the application for the appropriate visa to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Seventh, once approval is granted, we work with the client to implement the requirements and introduce them to appropriate accountants and other advisers.u00a0
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Our lesson has been we needed to master the process and learn to be a facilitator.
Carmenza has focused on the Investment Visa support function whilst I have continued on the corporate finance in-house treasury function u2013 getting everything ready for the company (client) to negotiate and agree.
We need a funnel of work with no more than 3 projects in full swing at any one time.
