Running your own business

I’ve got a much better view of what the **** is going on in my company

Author: Michael Austin | 7 February 2024

So said the MD of a client of ours during a review of her latest management accounts.

Backstory

It’s a familiar tale.

Maggie runs her own company and she does all the bookkeeping herself. Once she gets past the end of the year she calls up her accountants and asks them to finalise the year-end.

Eventually, they respond.

And this is where Maggie loses control, loses sight of what is going on. She doesn’t understand what the accountants do when they move from the bookkeeping to the year-end accounts and nothing is ever explained to her.

And she can’t see the relationship between the profits her company makes and the income she pays tax on.

Illumination

We helped shine a light on Maggie’s bookkeeping and year-end accounts.

The big issue was the relationship between dividends, her director’s account and the money she draws from the company.

The key is to do the correct accounting as you go, leaving nothing to the end of the year. Nip any problems in the bud as you find them.

The bookkeeping then follows a pattern and it’s easy to see what’s going on.

Allowing Maggie to stop pulling her hair out and to yell down the phone:

I’ve got a much better view of what the **** is going on in my company

Maggie, West London business owner

Be more Maggie

If this sounds familiar then perhaps we can help.

Give us a call on 020 7125 0270 or email info@bluedotconsulting.co.uk

Simple.

No forms to complete. You’d rather be in a meeting than a database!

Michael

Related links:

From paper bag to paper-free – switch to paperless accounting

How to improve cashflow and make more money

Get paid quicker – 5 ways to avoid bad credit risks

Blue Dot Consulting Limited

Get in touch

We don’t believe in forms, we believe in talking to people, finding out your needs and tailor-making a solution just for you.

Give us a ring on 020 7125 0270 or email us at info@bluedotconsulting.co.uk

Trusted by many

“Michael and the Blue Dot team have been an essential part of our journey from startup through to being an established company, and we look forward to continuing working together long into the future. They have always been on hand to offer support and sound advice whenever it is needed.”

“Blue Dot have been our accountants and bookkeepers since the very beginning of our business, and have been nothing short of outstanding throughout.”

“Blue Dot Consulting went above and beyond in helping us navigate not only the transition to cloud-based accounting but also in leading our accounts team through a broader period of transformation.

Their deep understanding of our unique needs and challenges was evident from the outset. They provided unwavering support to our team, ensuring they felt confident and well-prepared for the changes ahead.”

“Thank you again for your help and training so far – it’s honestly been invaluable.”

“I’m no expert but it has been transformative the help and advice I get from Michael and his team.

Michael was fantastic. He quizzed me on how my business worked financially and was super patient with me. Explaining everything in a non-accountancy manner. He then showed me how to utilise all the less obvious tools in the program, which he continues to do, so that I can see immediately what monies held belonged to my company and what is held for clients. I now do my own VAT returns and payroll because of his help and continued support.”

“I really enjoy working with Blue Dot Consulting — they’ve helped me take control of our financial situation in a practical, no-nonsense way.

They take a common-sense approach and, most importantly, they get things done. For example, we now have weekly planning and forecasting calls, along with monthly cash flow reviews using simple, easy-to-understand spreadsheets.

Their support has made a huge difference in how we manage and plan for the future.”

“As the business owner, it can get lonely making all the decisions.  I feel I have a ‘silent FD’ that I can call, challenge and that any idea is OK to discuss, and to arrive at a sensible way forward.”

“Having someone in the room that is happy to (in a structured way) challenge the norm and not simply accept that, because things look good, we should stop looking to improve.”

“Blue Dot are uncompromisingly systematic and thorough so that you can get on with running your business.”

“Outstanding service and support. They get things done, just what you need. Recommended.”

“It was the genuine level of care and interest in what we do as a business.

The regular check-ins and the effort to ensure the systems they’ve implemented are working for everyone stood out.

It felt like more than just a service, it was a partnership.”

“I’ve been delighted with both the service and expert advice I’ve received from Michael and his team. They take the weight off my shoulders when it comes to my business’s financial requirements, allowing me to focus on building and managing the company.”

Daniel, MD

“We are a small organisation with no in-house financial expertise, so it’s a huge weight off my mind knowing that I can rely on Michael and his team to take care of everything.”

Wendy, Chief Executive

“I can wholeheartedly and highly recommend Michael and his team at Blue Dot as an exceptional accounting firm. They put my mind at rest knowing I am in excellent hands.”

Emma, MD

“Michael and the team are my saviours. Always helpful, approachable and reliable. They show an interest in my business and give excellent advice and recommendations. Above all, they are highly likeable and fun to work with.”

Wendy, Founder & MD

“They went above and beyond in helping us navigate not only the transition to cloud-based accounting but also in leading our accounts team through a broader period of transformation.”

MB, Senior Finance Manager

“You guys are brilliant. It’s been a challenging few weeks facing up to the issues but I do feel positive towards them now and I feel a weight has lifted from my shoulders. I am honestly so thankful!”

“I was a little apprehensive about working with a new accountant but I didn’t need to worry – I have found their approach to be friendly, genuine and they go above & beyond to help.”

“Michael’s straightforward, practical and tailor-made approach was perfect for me and our business.”

Lorraine, Company Accountant

“Blue Dot have been our accountants and bookkeepers since the very beginning of our business, and have been nothing short of outstanding throughout.”