Ruby Barr wins Women in Hire & Acess award

One of the most valuable items in the sale of a business is its trademark. This should be registered before the business sale agreement is drafted.

Many a sale has come asunder when the seller becomes aware that the logo that they have been using for years has either never been registered or that its registration has lapsed through effluxion of time.

If the seller is a lessee under a commercial real estate lease, it is a good idea to ensure that the current terms of the lease has at least two years to run or that there are one or two options to renew still left for the taking.

This is particularly relevant for a business whose goodwill is tied to its location.

The buyer will be particularly interested in the seller’s employees — for example, whether the employees are going to stay on and if so on what terms.

Having up-to-date employment agreements in place can assist in getting the best price for your business. Make sure that the employment agreements comply with the Fair Work Act and that they reflect the work that the employee actually does.

If a permanent part-timer has become a casual over time, but the employment agreement has not been upgraded to reflect this change, then it could be costly and embarrassing to the seller as recent cases indicate that the terms of the employment contract (even if things have later changed) can dictate employee terms even if they no longer reflect what the employee is actually doing.

Dealing with the above issues can be daunting without the appropriate assistance. Generally speaking, details pertaining to the sale of a business should be considered well before you want to sell the business so that all the above issues can be addressed without being pressed for time.

For advice, call Leigh Adams of Owen Hodge Lawyers on 95707844.

Wanting to know how to be better at her job, Ruby joined the Women in Hire & Access Program in 2021. Ruby told Hire & Rental that the experience has been unreal. The doors that have opened for me in my career; the inspirational people I’ve met and learnt from; you just can’t get those kinds of opportunities without a program like this. I’ve learnt just how important it is to always back yourself. I have come away with so much self-confidence and have realised the importance of asking questions or for help when you need it.”

The mentorship program has inspired Ruby to obtain a Diploma in Business to help her better understand the business operations side of her role. She has enrolled in university and is now studying to complete her Grade 12 equivalent.

At home in Airlie Beach, Ruby has had a lifelong passion for horses, riding for over 20 years and competing in show jumping with her 6-year-old Warmblood, Ego. When not riding, Ruby is a selfproclaimed book worm and loves drawing, especially portraits.

When asked what she would say to anyone thinking about joining the Women in Hire & Access Program, Ruby says, “Even if you don’t have any idea what goals you might have or where you want to be in a year or more, just do it! I was so unsure and totally out of my comfort zone — it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career to date. The level of support from everybody involved is unparalleled and I’ve come away with some new lifelong friends!”

The Women in Hire & Access Program runs every year from July to March. For more information, contact Dee DeLaurier, dee@hria.com.au.