ABSTRACT
Staffs are probably the most important asset of any business. A consultant's practice can be made or broken by his or her relationship with staff and, in turn, their relationship with patients. Many consultants are unfamiliar with both legal and business matters in terms of their relationships with staff, and these weaknesses and irregularities can ultimately affect performance. Many consultants in private practice employ a range of workers, for example, full- or part-time secretaries, research assistants, assistants in operations and nursing and other support staff. The employment of staff by a consultant does carry responsibilities. There are often significant tax savings to be made for a consultant in private practice to employ his or her spouse in the business. Customers have been recognised by businesses as being of paramount importance to their success. Substantial literature has been written and scores of business consultants now market advice on how to treat customers and to improve customer care.
