Setting up a new business in the Philippines can be confusing and few people devote the right degree of thought to the planning process.  We can provide assistance in a number of areas that require careful consideration at the outset of any new business activity to mitigate future costs, reduce taxes, establish clear ownership, protect the rights of business principals and provide operating control.  Our expertise covers the following areas:

• Capital Structure
• Ownership issues
• Location
• Business registrations and permits
• Tax concessions and incentives

Effective controls and procedures are vital to the smooth running and efficiency of any business.  Entrepreneurs need to focus their time on the areas of business that add value (or save costs) without being distracted unduly by financial, administrative or regulatory issues.  Gaining a clear understanding of operational risks and designing adequate procedures and controls to mitigate these risks enables the entrepreneur to build confidence in back office procedures and focus only on relevant information. Our focus is on the following:

• Key Controls
• Delegation of Duties
• Operating Procedures
• Budgeting
• Staffing Issues and Procedures

The volume and variety of information required to control, operate and manage businesses effectively is very significant, can be confusing and is often misleading. It is important to focus on the key pieces of information that provide a proper insight into the operational and financial strength of a business. The IT structures underpinning these needs to be crafted with care to retain focus on the key data and avoid distractions.

Thistle executives seek to add value to client businesses through properly targeted strategic marketing. This encompasses a review of existing products and services and focuses on broadening the scope of existing marketing activities, improving market penetration and strengthening domestic and international marketing initiatives.  This includes:

• Product and service pricing
• Market positioning
• Website and internet marketing strategy
• Collateral material design
• Alternative advertising and promotional mediums

Effective controls and procedures are vital to the smooth running and efficiency of any business.  Entrepreneurs need to focus their time on the areas of business that add value (or save costs) without being distracted unduly by financial, administrative or regulatory issues.  Gaining a clear understanding of operational risks and designing adequate procedures and controls to mitigate these risks enables the entrepreneur to build confidence in back office procedures and focus only on relevant information. Our focus is on the following:

• Key Controls
• Delegation of Duties
• Operating Procedures
• Budgeting
• Staffing Issues and Procedures

One of the most serious limiters in the development of business ideas and activities is the lack of adequate capital.  This is particularly true in the Philippines where available venture capital resources are scarce and bank funding for young companies is inaccessible.  In certain circumstances, Thistle will provide venture funding to assist with the establishment and structuring of new businesses or the development of new business activities or campaigns.