10 ways to improve business performance

Anna Stubbs • May 31, 2023

Here are ten ways to make sure that you continue to drive through each business quarter with purpose, vision and the courage to super-charge your business.

1. Eliminate distractions: Time is the scarcest resource and biggest killer for most businesses. When we get busy we can also get distracted and focus too much time and energy on the wrong things. Be brave - slash standard meeting times, reduce unnecessary admin and delegate roles and responsibilities.

2. Say goodbye to bad customers: If possible in your business, get rid of ten time-wasters, bad payers, or customers who cause you pain. You will feel instant relief and spend your time better elsewhere.

3. Invest More: Having freed up time and headspace from deploying points one and two above, make sure you ring-fence time, key people, and money for some of the initiatives below. Redeploy with passion!

4. Get a Plan: You don't go on a journey without a map or any idea of where you're headed - so why fly blind with your business? Have a planning process, create a kick-arse plan - and execute. We can help you get started.

5. Surround yourself with positivity: Make sure the people in your business understand and share your vision. Bring them onboard, listen to them and give them ownership. Don't let people who don't get it, or don't care, be a millstone around your neck. If they're not right, do them a favour and free up their futures.

6. Use Technology: Technology can help you decrease admin, improve comms, improve reporting and accountability. Whether it's for team communication or cloud accounting, slash paper and automate where possible.

7. Keep on top of the numbers: Do you have enough information to monitor business cashflow and see emerging trends? We can help you identify the metrics to track on a regular basis, in order to run your business efficiently.

8. Be Different: Break the mould and position yourself to attract ambitious, growing and engaged clients, and employees.

9. Deploy Marketing: Create a simple marketing plan to increase reach and penetration. Set aside a budget to treat this seriously. Start by making sure you really understand your customers. Existing customers are prospects too, keeping them happy is your first step. The more you know about them, the easier it will be to attract more of the same.

10. Take a break: Don't underestimate the time you have away from your business. It can allow you to come back refreshed with new enthusiasm and inspiration for the way forward.

5 things your balance sheet can tell you about your finances

By Anna Stubbs • February 25, 2026
Chances are you’ve heard of the accounting term ‘balance sheet’. But what is a balance sheet? And what does it tell you about your finances? Your balance sheet is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of your company’s financial position at a specific point in time. It’s an overview of your finances that details three key elements of your accounting. 

The importance of regular bank reconciliations

By Anna Stubbs • February 25, 2026
A Bank reconciliation involves a comparison of your sales and expense records against the record your bank has. It is a critical financial process to identify and rectify any discrepancies or errors between your internal financial records with the transactions recorded in your bank statement. Bank reconciliations keep your bookkeeping accurate and can help lower your tax, alert you to fraud, and allow you to track costs. They are essential for several reasons: Firstly, they help detect and prevent fraudulent activities or errors, such as unauthorized transactions or bank fees. Secondly, they provide a clear picture of your actual cash position, allowing for better cash flow management and informed financial decision-making. Thirdly, by reconciling regularly, you can also identify any outstanding checks or deposits that haven't cleared, ensuring that you have an up-to-date understanding of your financial health. It can take a lot of time to do it manually, but there is plenty of software to make the process easier. It's important to do it regularly so you recall the correct details. To learn more about how to perform a bank reconciliation and its importance, you can read this guide from Xero. If you need further assistance please talk to us, we can help.

How to improve UK business confidence

By Anna Stubbs • February 25, 2026
“Our data shows more clouds have gathered over business confidence, and the outlook for SMEs in 2026 is unsettled.” “Firms tell us they are worried about tax, struggling to invest and fear they’ll have to put their prices up in the months ahead.” David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce