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Understanding financial statements might sound daunting, but it’s crucial for small business owners to stay on top of their game. Each financial report offers unique insights into different aspects of your company’s health. This listicle will break down the essentials, helping you make informed decisions and ultimately steer your business toward success. 1. Balance sheet What is it? The balance sheet provides a snapshot of your company’s financial position at…  Read more

Managing cash flow is a vital part of running a successful business. Some business owners think managing cash flow simply means keeping track of how much money enters and leaves their business, but there’s actually more that goes into it. Cash flow forecasting, for example, is an incredibly valuable tool that helps you anticipate cash flow issues, plan for days when your cash flow is limited, and show the bank…  Read more

You might have a mental image of data breaches happening only at big institutions like banks, password managers, or even government agencies. But the truth is, any website that stores personal information can be vulnerable to a breach. Now, not all breaches are created equal, and the impact on individuals and businesses can vary greatly. But hey, don’t panic just yet! We’re here to lend a helping hand and shed…  Read more

Financial models are invaluable tools designed to help you understand and project the financial health of your business. By simulating different scenarios and examining potential outcomes based on various inputs like sales growth, margins, and cash flow, these models provide a comprehensive picture that aids in informed decision-making. Practical steps for leveraging financial models: 1. Planning and forecasting Start by creating a base financial model incorporating your current financial data.…  Read more

When you run your small business, you have a lot on your plate. That makes it tempting to let some tasks slide, especially tasks that are related to finances, which can be challenging and is often outside your preferred skill set or experience. There are some tips you can follow that keep your finances healthy and enable you to thrive. Here are some financial best practices for managing your business,…  Read more

So, we’re officially in the thick of a cost of living crisis. This presents a challenge for entrepreneurs and is a nerve-wracking time for many small business owners. If you’ve had sleepless nights worrying about how you’re going to pay your suppliers or support your staff, you’re not alone. It’s likely you’ve already looked at where you can cut costs, but it seems like an impossible task when suppliers are…  Read more

In the unpredictable world of business, finding a little certainty can make all the difference. While the future remains a mystery, tools such as budgeting and cash flow forecasting can significantly reduce the level of uncertainty, allowing you to anticipate challenges, learn from past events, and enhance your ability to navigate your business. Budget vs. Cash Flow: the crucial distinction A common misconception is that a budget and cash flow…  Read more

When it comes to running a thriving business, understanding and effectively managing your working capital is crucial. Essentially, working capital is the cash readily available for the day-to-day running of operations. The more protracted the business cycle, the higher the working capital requirement tends to be. Your goal? To ensure you have enough working capital on hand to cover operational expenses, with a reasonable buffer in place. How to improve…  Read more

Crafting the ideal successor for your business When you’re busy running and growing your business, it’s generally not a priority to think about who will take over when you can’t or don’t want to be so involved. Transitioning leadership can be a challenging task. It demands an insightful and systematic approach to ensure that the process runs smoothly. Achieving a successful handover requires detailed and strategic planning that will benefit…  Read more

How often do you feel like a superhero, taking on the world and tackling everything that comes your way? If you’re a small business owner, chances are it’s more often than not! The demands of running a small business can weigh heavy on our shoulders at times, and as business owners we often try to do everything ourselves. The success of your business depends not just on you, but also…  Read more

It’s hard to go a day without reading something in the news about the state of the economy. Whether it’s interest rates rising or the cost of living, there’s no getting around the fact that in 2023 there are many doing it tougher than a few years ago. But while there are some economic challenges for individuals and businesses, it’s important to not go too far down the rabbit hole.…  Read more

As a small business owner, you always look to keep your business running efficiently. Expense reimbursement fraud is the last thing you want to face. Not only can it hurt your bottom line, but it can also damage your company’s reputation. Here we discuss what is employee expense fraud, reasons behind it, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening to your business. What is expense fraud? Expense fraud…  Read more

As a business owner, the thought of selling your company can be quite daunting. You’ve poured your heart and soul into building it, and it’s crucial the company continues to grow even after your departure. An attractive option is selling your business to your employees, those who know your business inside and out and have a vested interest in its success. The upside of employee acquisition Selling your business to…  Read more

No matter what size your business is, or what industry you’re in, supply chain management is often an essential part of running a successful business.  As a small business owner, managing the supply chain can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially when you have many other responsibilities to worry about. Fortunately, technology has made it easier to manage your supply chain more efficiently and effectively. Here are some pros and cons…  Read more

Meetings are often a source of contention in the workplace. Have too few meetings and people feel disconnected. Have too many meetings and people feel that their work is being interrupted. Meetings that are too short might not accomplish enough, while those that are too long lose people’s attention. With some planning and preparation, you can easily turn your meetings into a productive, pleasant experience. Your attendees will come away…  Read more

Starting a small business is both exciting and daunting. While the entrepreneurial spirit may drive you to take the leap of faith, the reality is that you may be entering a market that has already attracted some large competitors. It can be intimidating to think about competing against larger, more established competitors, but it’s not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to help your small business take on…  Read more

As businesses grow, managing inventory effectively becomes crucial to staying competitive and maintaining profitability. One key aspect of inventory management is reducing waste and spoilage, which can have significant financial and environmental implications. In this blog post, we will explore best practices for inventory management that can help your business reduce waste and spoilage, creating a more sustainable and cost-effective supply chain. Implement a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system A First-In,…  Read more

When it comes to running a small business, maintaining a healthy cash flow is essential for sustainability and growth. Your business can be incredibly profitable but still ultimately fail because of improper cash flow management. To prevent that from happening, here are some best practices that can help you better manage your cash flow and maintain the financial health of your small business. Remember, the key to success is to…  Read more

As a small business owner, it’s essential to find ways to manage your inventory effectively to reduce costs, optimise warehouse space and ensure customer satisfaction. How you manage your inventory affects your cash flow, your customer relationships, and your relationships with vendors. That’s why it’s vital you use a system and process that works best for your business. Among the many methods of managing your small business inventory is the…  Read more

The end of the year tends to be a bit chaotic for business owners, but it’s actually a good time to get some extra housekeeping done for your business. Read on for some tips to help you finish the year neatly and feel prepared to face the new year. Review your goals and KPIs A lot has likely happened for your business over the course of the previous 12 months.…  Read more