Finance & Bookkeeping

Year-end always arrives faster than you think. And while many business owners cross their fingers and hope for the best, a bit of forecasting can go a long way. You don't need complex models - just a clear sense of what's coming in, what's going out, and when.

Bookkeeping is important - but it doesn't always need to be done by you. If you're spending more time wrangling spreadsheets than running your business, it might be time to outsource. The trick is knowing what to hand off, and what to keep your eyes on.

Nobody starts a business because they love reconciling receipts or chasing late invoices. But over time, these little tasks pile up - and they start stealing your attention, your evenings, and your ability to focus on the work the actually grows your business.

If you're a director of a limited company, chances are you've used the business account like a personal piggy bank at some point. That's where the Director's Loan Account (DLA) comes in. It tracks what you've taken out (or put in) that isn't salary for dividend.

Month-end shouldn't feel like an audit treasure hunt. Yet many founders find themselves sifting through receipts, correcting invoices, or wondering why the numbers don't quite add up. A few simple practices can bring order to the chaos - and make month-end a breeze rather than a burden.

You need help. But do you really need to hire? Many founders bring on admin staff prematurely, thinking it's the only route to order. But between salary, NI, pension, equipment, training, and oversight, the true cost of an in-house hire can be a surprise.