Management information

Know your numbers, don’t get lost in the fog

Author: Michael Austin | 10 September 2025

There’s a lot of marketing noise about how rapidly technology is changing the way accounting gets done.

We know. We’re completely in the cloud and it makes a big difference to our clients and us.

But the technology doesn’t change the essentials and there is a real danger that businesses can get so caught up in the “how”, the graphs and the apps that they forget the real point of why they want the numbers in the first place.

Too many businesses are lost in the fog.

Five financial essentials

If you’re running a business can you answer these five questions?

  1. How is your business performing?
  2. How could it perform better?
  3. Who owes you money?
  4. Who do you owe money to?
  5. What is your cashflow like?

You need reliable answers to these questions to be readily available.

If you don’t have them then something needs to change.

Accounting software

It might be a software issue – we still see sizeable businesses running their accounts in spreadsheets.

Get some proper accounting software – there’s a lot of it about!

It might be a software issue – you’ve bought the software, they said it was easy to use, just like riding a bike, but actually no-one in your company knows how to use it properly.

Get some training!

Accountants

You might have accounting staff or a freelance bookkeeper, it’s quite likely you have an external accountant. But you’re still lost in the fog!

Change the people – improve them or lose them!

An MD’s cry from the heart

We’re working with an MD. She has a decent business, two or three staff, happy clients, made it through some difficult times and wants to kick on. She rang me because she doesn’t have reliable numbers and doesn’t know what to do.

In her case the bookkeeping has been poor and the accountants (gold medalists at non-responding) have barely shown up to make things right.

At least in this case the MD knew she was lost in the fog; we fixed it for her and gave her the clarity and peace of mind she was looking for.

How about you?

Let the fog clear – give me a call on 020 7125 0270

Michael

Related links:

Management information

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Set up an accounts calendar for your business

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

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“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.”