When starting out in a new business venture, it is critical to have the right professional advice from the beginning. Pilot Partners provides expert accounting and advisory guidance to many new businesses who can benefit from assistance with their business setup, planning and structuring.

Background

ArcMate is a proudly local business committed to equipping Australian campers with a convenient, all-in-one portable fire pit. Thoughtfully designed for simple storage and effortless transport, it delivers hassle-free campfire cooking anywhere, anytime.

Pilot Partners has worked with the founders of ArcMate for nearly a decade, providing trusted advice across accounting, tax, bookkeeping, and business structuring for their previous ventures. In recent years, this relationship has grown to include ArcMate, with Pilot supporting the founders through the planning and successful establishment of the business.

Solutions from Pilot

Josh Meggs, Partner, along with Kevin Duong, Associate Director and the Pilot team have supported Michael Kirkland – one of ArcMate’s founders – with accounting and advisory solutions for another business venture. When Michael pivoted to starting up the new business with his wife Cassandra, it was a natural fit for them to work with Pilot.

“Working with Josh, Kevin and the Pilot team helped ensure our new business was set up for success from the start, including having the right structures in place to minimise risk. As ArcMate sales and business operations have grown, the Pilot team has provided valuable accounting and tax advice, as well as bookkeeping services and BAS reporting support, giving peace of mind that everything is nicely integrated and everyone knows exactly what’s going on from a financial perspective at any given time. It’s also reassuring to know that we can call Josh or Kevin, as they always make themselves available to talk,” explained Cassandra Kirkland.

Pilot’s strong relationship with the founders, combined with a deep understanding of the ArcMate business, helps drive confident decision-making and successful outcomes. “Through our regular monthly conversations with Cassandra, I’m able to act as a sounding board and provide timely, tailored advice, giving the ArcMate team clarity and confidence that they’re heading in the right direction,” shared Kevin Duong.

As the founders begin shaping ArcMate’s offshore expansion plans, Josh and Kevin have been able to explain the Australian implications of having international structures. Leveraging its membership in Nexia – the global network of independent accounting and advisory firms – Pilot has also facilitated introductions to international accounting specialists in countries such as Germany and the United States. These global connections are helping position ArcMate for a successful next phase of growth. “Knowing the right people in foreign jurisdictions allowed us to have online meetings with Michael, Cassandra and the relevant overseas advisor. With our knowledge of tax laws we could help ensure the right questions were asked of the overseas advisor. It is really important that clients understand how much profit will be left after all taxes, foreign and domestic, are paid,” explained Josh Meggs.

Looking Ahead

Before international expansion can become a reality, one of ArcMate’s key priorities is to ensure product supply can meet customer demand within Australia.

“With local sales consuming our stock more quickly than we can produce it, our immediate priority is to maintain and stabilise stock in Australia, as we are consistently sold out. Once we can achieve this goal, we will evaluate other markets,” Cassandra shared.

As ArcMate continues to explore opportunities for international expansion, Pilot remains committed to supporting the business with advice to establish tax-effective, cross-border accounting processes. This includes evaluating the implications of various sales channels and international business models to help the founders make informed strategic decisions. In parallel, Pilot will leverage its strong global network to introduce ArcMate to international accounting and legal firms, providing introductions to other trusted advisors, and the additional support needed to help turn their overseas growth plans into a reality.

About ArcMate

ArcMate is an Australian-owned family business, focused on providing innovative, durable camping products to enhance camping adventures. Based in Brisbane, Queensland, and founded by Michael and Cassandra Kirkland in 2024, ArcMate specialise in innovative camping accessories designed to not only enhance outdoor experiences but to provide convenience.

ArcMate are dedicated to creating adventure ready camping gear, with products that combine functionality with ease of use, ensuring time spent in the great outdoors is both enjoyable and stress-free. This commitment is complemented by exceptional customer service and genuine advice to ensure users get the most out of their ArcMate products.

To learn more about ArcMate, visit their website here.

Learn More

To learn more about how Pilot Partners can assist with your business’ needs, contact Josh Meggs at jmeggs@pilotpartners.com.au, Kevin Duong at kduong@pilotpartners.com.au or call (07) 3023 1300.