Tax and Profit tips from an unfiltered, opinionated accountant.
Property development isn’t just about finding a top-quality location and watching the money roll in (hence why you’ve ended up here). It’s a complex investment game, and without the right finance in place, even the best-laid plans can crumble faster than a poorly built extension. Just like having to get the mix right and apply it correctly when building, you’ve got to do the research and find the right finance for the project when investing.
Finance is often the trickiest part of the process. You might have a solid vision, a great location, and a team of skilled professionals – but without funding, you’re stuck at square one. If I had £1 for every vision I’ve heard for a business or development I’d be a very rich man. Vision doesn’t pay the bills!
Let me break all of this down for you: why developers need finance, the challenges they face, and how to qualify for it.
Unless you’ve got a bottomless pit of cash lying around (and if you do, why are you reading this?), chances are you’ll need external funding. Here’s where that money goes:
Different projects require different solutions. Here’s a breakdown of common financing options and when to use them:
The right choice depends on your project stage, available funds, and repayment strategy. Mixing the wrong type of finance with the wrong project can cause serious problems down the line.
Lenders aren’t handing out money for fun – they want assurances. They will pick apart:
Even with funding in place, cash flow is a ballache. Late payments, unexpected costs, and market downturns can cause absolute havoc on finances. Smart developers keep contingency funds and secure multiple funding streams to stay afloat. A good rule of thumb is that you will always need more money than you think you will on a build.
Nothing kills a development faster than planning refusals or compliance issues. Legal fees and delays can drain your budget before the first brick is laid. Always factor in time and money for planning challenges. Hopefully with the changes to the planning rules that are coming shortly it should make the planning process smoother with fewer delays.
So, how do you convince lenders to loan you the money to get your project started? Follow these steps:
Your funding application should be watertight, including:
If your business (or personal) credit history is a mess, lenders will think twice. Pay down debts, settle outstanding liabilities, and ensure financial records are in order. Lenders aren’t going to be interested if you’ve still got an outstanding phone bill from 2014 – get it paid off.
How will you repay the loan? Whether it’s selling units, refinancing, or renting, lenders need to see a clear and realistic plan. After all they are not a charity and want to see their capital repaid AND the interest due on it.
Lenders need reassurance that their money will get repaid. Offering collateral (such as property or land) increases your chances of securing finance.
Property development finance is essential for most projects, but it’s not as simple as walking into a bank and asking for a loan. We all know the UK government doesn’t like to make these things easy for us. Understanding the challenges, preparing a strong case, and working with the right professionals can make the difference between a successful development and a living nightmare.
Do your homework, plan ahead, and keep your finances in check. And if you’re not sure where to start, get professional advice – before you find yourself knee-deep in a half-built project with no way to finish it.
Interested to find out more?
Call us on 01617 985789
Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb
Over December, my pipeline of urgent, large projects was shuffled around like the hokey cokey. Deadlines shifted, priorities changed, and what was meant to be a well-structured schedule turned into something far more fluid. Frustrating? Yes. Unexpected? Not really. It’s the reality of working in industries where moving parts – both figurative and literal – dictate progress.
For construction business owners and property developers, shifting project timelines are unavoidable. Fact. The weather doesn’t care about your deadlines (especially in Manchester), materials don’t always arrive on time, and like anything that needs a ‘thumbs up’ from the government, regulatory approvals rarely move as quickly as you’d like. The result? Delays, rescheduling, and, if you’re not prepared, a big financial ball ache.
In the construction and property development industry, no matter how well you plan, there will always be variables you can’t fully control. Here are a few of the main culprits:
When these issues hit, it’s not just a minor inconvenience. Shifting project timelines can lead to expensive problems:
So, how do you protect your business from the strain of an ever-shifting timeline?
While you can’t control the weather or force a supplier to deliver on time, you can put measures in place to reduce the impact of shifting schedules. Here are my suggestions:
Where possible, negotiate flexibility into your agreements. Can your contractors agree to a notice period for scheduling changes? Can you negotiate material supply terms that allow for adjusted delivery dates without unreasonable penalties? If you can get these terms in writing before you need them, you’ll save yourself a world of stress later.
Rather than running projects back-to-back, leave extra time in your schedule. This gives you breathing room when delays hit. Yes, it might mean slightly longer timelines overall, but it can prevent bottlenecks that turn into costly problems. Thank me later.
A well-managed cash flow ensures that when projects are delayed, you’re not left scrapping about to cover wages and overheads. Keep a financial buffer for these scenarios. The last thing you want is to be in a position where a couple of postponed jobs risk your entire business going down the sh*tter.
If a project is pushed back, can you reallocate workers or equipment to another site rather than letting them sit about like a goalie on the bench? Having a plan for alternative work ensures that downtime is minimised and costs are kept under control.
Good communication with clients, suppliers, and contractors can make all the difference. If you know a delay is likely, notify everyone involved as early as possible. Clients appreciate being kept in the loop, and contractors who know what’s happening can make arrangements rather than sitting around waiting.
Now, you might be thinking, “That’s all well and good for construction, but how does this apply to other industries?”
Well, the reality is that businesses in any industry – mine included – need to be prepared for shifting workloads and changing priorities. Here’s how I apply the same principles for Cloud Accountancy:
In the end, no industry is immune to moving timelines. But if you plan for them, rather than just react to them, you can keep your business running smoothly, no matter what sh*t gets thrown your way.
Much like watching Man City play, running a business requires adaptability. You can have the best strategy in place – your own version of Pep’s game plan – but unexpected challenges will always pop up. The key is to stay calm, make smart decisions under pressure, and ensure your business (or your team) stays on track for success. Simple as that.
If you need help putting those strategies into action, give me a shout. We can have a chat about how I can help you and your business prepare for project delays.
Interested to find out more?
Call us on 01617 985789
Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb
Let’s not beat around the bush, sorting out VAT isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time (even mine). I’m probably not supposed to admit that as an accountant but you know me, brutally honest. VAT can be long-winded, fiddly and for many busy construction and property business owners, a task that keeps getting shoved further down the priority list until something goes wrong. Funnily enough, that’s the point at which I’m normally called in.
When I’m approached, it’s normally one of two reasons. Either someone had a go at handling VAT themselves and got it wrong, or they trusted someone who wasn’t up to the job. As a result, these are just a few of the situations that my clients are left in:
Construction and property VAT is niche and complicated. A general accountant or bookkeeper might mean well, but “well” doesn’t cut it when HMRC is involved. You need a professional with a decent amount of experience, who knows the industry like the back of their hand and won’t shy away from a run in with the tax man.
That’s where I come in.
As I’ve mentioned already, finding a large VAT reclaim is slow, disciplined work. There’s no opportunity for cutting corners. The books need looking at closely, the records often need rebuilding, it’s essentially a long process of sorting out what’s what. Sometimes it’s just a minor tidy up, but more often than not it’s straightening out the books and getting on the phone to HMRC. The sooner this is dealt with the better.
The first step is getting the records in order. Given the industry, my clients are mainly blokes, so I’m working with incomplete or messy records most of the time (sorry lads, but it’s not our strong point). In an ideal situation, I wouldn’t have to try to pluck invoices and receipts out of thin air or use the bank statement to identify what has happened, but here I am.
Then I’ll review every transaction to make sure it’s been logged and handled correctly for VAT. It’s worse than watching paint dry sometimes to be honest, but someone’s got to do it.
Those that know me know that I’m a big fan of Quickbooks. Everything I need to get my clients straight is in one place. Cash flow, expenses, invoices, profit and loss – you name it. I can keep a close eye on it all, which makes it a hundred times easier to spot a c*ck-up (and sort it out).
Something I see on the regular is transactions where VAT hasn’t been claimed because there’s no invoice. If the payment for a product or service that is VATable – and from a known company that is VAT registered – shows up on the bank statement, I’ll make the claim. Simple as that. There’s no need to be leaving (verifiable VAT) money on the table just because a piece of paper is missing.
So basically, my aim here is to make sure VAT has been applied correctly and reclaimable VAT hasn’t been missed.
One of my recent jobs started as a simple VAT clean-up. The client thought their returns just needed a once-over. What I found was that, unbeknown to my client, they were in a messy situation.
By the end of it, the client had a significant VAT refund, a more manageable tax bill, and a set of accounts they could trust.
VAT isn’t optional, and it isn’t simple – especially where construction and property development are concerned. Get it wrong, and HMRC will come knocking and it won’t be a gentle tap. Ignore them, and you’ll lose money. I can’t stress enough the importance of responding to HMRC as soon as possible. Delaying it will not only make matters worse, it will cost you more money in the long-run too.
You could also be missing opportunities for VAT refunds, like my client who had £20k sitting there unclaimed.
The moral of the story: don’t try to do VAT yourself if you’re not one hundred percent on how to. And don’t trust someone who isn’t experienced in your industry. VAT compliance takes time, knowledge, and the right tools. It’s not exciting, but it’s essential.
If you think your construction business could be sitting on a VAT reclaim and you’re unsure how to go about it, or even if you just need a hand with general VAT stuff, I’d be happy to help.
Interested to find out more?
Call us on 01617 985789
Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb
We’ve all had those moments where everything seems to be going smoothly, then the rug gets pulled out from under you. For one of my clients, this rug was more of a carpet – a posh, expensive one – that had been soiled by years of neglect, bad luck, and some unfortunate decisions. The story starts with a bloke who had his head in the clouds, making more money than he could keep track of, but found himself in a right financial mess. If you’re in the property business, particularly dealing with VAT compliance, this might hit closer to home than you’d like.
Let’s set the scene: a successful property business owner who could easily pay his bills with his spare change, was too busy living the high life to bother with the donkey work, like his finances. If he needed something done, he signed the papers and moved on, trusting the details to take care of themselves. It worked – until it didn’t.
The vision was a hotel turned luxury block of flats in a prime spot for the ultra-wealthy. Two top-end penthouses, four slightly smaller ones, and then a collection of swanky apartments. He’d even secured a 12-month option on the hotel. The architect assured him planning permission was a done deal, so he forked out over £100k into getting the plans drawn up. With what he thought was planning permission in hand, he approached a funder who was ready to give him over £14 million. There was just one minor problem, the architect had jumped the gun. The planning permission hadn’t actually been granted, and the whole deal collapsed like a house of cards. In the thick of Covid. Just to make matters a hundred times worse.
And it didn’t end there. His books hadn’t been touched for four years, so reclaiming the VAT became a ballache. And I won’t even go there with the state of his personal and corporate tax affairs. Which brings me on to why VAT compliance is so important.
VAT compliance might not be the most thrilling part of running a property company by all means, but it’s one of those things you’ve got to get right. Mess it up, and you’re looking at penalties, investigations, or worse. It’s not just about avoiding trouble, either. Proper VAT management can save you a fair amount of cash, especially when you’ve got big projects on the go.
When it comes to VAT, property companies often trip over the same issues:
So going back to my client story, after the deal collapse and four years of neglected accounts, my client had to get serious about sorting his finances. We rebuilt his books from scratch, digging through old records, finding missing paperwork, and piecing together his VAT reclaim. It wasn’t glamorous work, but someone had to do it. By the end of it, we’d turned an initial VAT reclaim of £38k into a whopping £130k – money that made a real difference in getting him back on track.
But, as you can imagine, this level of reclaim didn’t go unnoticed. This is HMRC we’re talking about, of course it triggered an investigation. Thankfully, we’d done the legwork, ensuring everything was above board. The key takeaway? If you’re going to reclaim significant amounts of VAT, make sure your records are immaculate.
With his finances back in order, it was time to ensure he didn’t end up in the same mess again. So I had to lay out a couple of ground rules. Starting with the non-negotiable, no major financial decisions to be made without consulting me. He had to give Cloud Accountancy full say-so of his finance department. All bills are to be paid through Apron (no more relying on the wife!). And most importantly develop a cash flow forecast and solid business plan to keep everything on track.
The biggest takeaway from this client’s story is that success isn’t just about making money; it’s about managing it well. Here are some lessons worth noting:
VAT compliance might not be the most exciting topic, but getting it right can mean the difference between thriving and just about surviving in the property game. Don’t let poor record-keeping or a lack of knowledge catch you out. And if you’re already in hot water, do something about it now. There’s always a way forward, it might just take a bit of graft (and the right people in your corner) to get there.
Need help with your VAT affairs or just fancy a chat over a brew? Give me a shout. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no problem is impossible with the right approach – and maybe a mini dachshund like Toto by your side for moral support.
Interested to find out more?
Call us on 01617 985789
Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb
My client, let’s call him Dave, was pretty trusting with his money. He knew his accounts and bookkeeping were important. However, he left the financials to his other half, thinking all was ticking along fine and under control. By financials, I mean his wife ran his payroll, did his books and payments. In fact, there were many bank accounts that his wife was the only signatory for. After all, they were both in it together and wanted the same things. Didn’t they?
But unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. As with many things, relationships often go well when the business and money is good. When Covid hit, many of Dave’s projects were put on a ‘stop’ and several large outstanding invoices were left ‘pending’. These were not the only serious issues Dave faced. He’d stopped looking at his finances and accounts. He just believed that his wife had it all in hand. His accounts were a mess and Dave didn’t know what he owed and how much he could take out of his bank account. A number of tax payments to the revenue had been missed and the brown envelopes were mounting up.
As you can imagine the pressure mounted up. As with many husband and wife teams, the relationship needs to be pretty strong to cope with a business under immense strain. Sadly for Dave, his wife decided to chuck him out and ask him for a divorce. I then get a very distressed phone call as Dave now realises that he hasn’t got access to his bank accounts and his wife is holding the dog and his passport as hostage until Dave agrees to her demands. By the way, no word of a lie, this part of the story is absolutely true.
Oooops.
As an accountant with decades of experience of cleaning up messes often in hospitality and construction, you could call me an expert in this scenario. I will confess that sorting out husband and wife relationships are not my thing. But getting Dave back up and straightened out with the tax man and solvent again is my thing.
Here’s how I saved Dave and his firm from going under.
With a bit of hard graft and some sharpness, we managed to turn it around:
There’s several lessons learnt here:
Bad things happen, even to the best of us. But with the right accountants behind you, you can pull through anything—just like Dave did.
So, moral of the story: Don’t be too trusting and if your finances are looking a bit off, don’t hesitate to give me a shout. Let’s get you sorted before the ref blows the whistle.
We’ve all had those moments where a letter drops through the letterbox and you instantly get that horrible sinking feeling in your stomach. For many construction business owners, that dreaded letter comes from HMRC. It’s a nudge letter, a not-so-subtle reminder that your tax affairs might not be as squeaky clean as you’d hoped.
Unfortunately, HMRC aren’t just sitting around twiddling their thumbs. Their advanced systems can spot a discrepancy a mile away, with accuracy. If you’ve been a bit sloppy in your record-keeping or missed a few deadlines, you might find yourself on their hit list.
One of my clients received a nudge letter from HMRC. At first, he was a bit flustered. After all, he’d been running his construction business for years and thought he had everything under control. But as I went through his records, I discovered a few minor errors that could have led to significant tax penalties.
If you know me, you know I’m not one to shy away from dealing with HMRC. So, I quickly got to work, reviewing his records, finding the errors, and communicating with HMRC to address their concerns. Luckily, thanks to swift response, we were able to resolve the issue with a slap on the hand and no major consequences.
Luckily, he had me (a tax professional that specialises in construction) at hand to handle it promptly. However, if you don’t already have an accountant I would strongly recommend following the steps below as soon as possible.
Remember: This is not a time to DIY it.
Construction is one of the most time-demanding industries, so falling behind on the financial side of things is something I see and deal with often. Making sure you set time aside each month to check your books are up-to-date will help to avoid a run in with the tax man. If you really don’t think you have time to do this, it probably means it’s time to look for an accountant that can take the weight off your shoulders.
To avoid future HMRC scrutiny, consider these tips:
Don’t forget, a timely response to an HMRC nudge letter can save you time, money, and stress. Don’t push it aside or ignore it, unless you want the situation and repercussions to escalate.
Consequences of ignoring a nudge letter
Ignoring an HMRC nudge letter can lead to serious consequences, including:
Don’t let a simple oversight turn into a major headache. If you receive a nudge letter, take immediate action. Consult with a tax professional to understand the implications and develop a strategy to resolve the issue.
Need help with your tax affairs? Let’s chat over a cuppa.
Interested to find out more?
Call us on 01617 985789
Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb
Where do I start? When it comes to finances, the construction industry is a bit like a Saturday night out after one too many pints – unpredictable, messy, and sometimes leaves you feeling a bit worse for wear. We all know that feeling.
As a construction firm owner, you’ve often got multiple projects on the go, each with its own unique set of challenges. Customers can sometimes be a right pain in the neck, especially with not paying invoices on time, and then there’s material costs that change more than the weather in Manchester.
And that’s not all… Trying to keep track of your finances on top of all that is enough to drive anyone up the wall. Construction is notoriously known for being a volatile industry. Things like delayed payments and cash flow inconsistency play a massive part in that. It’s also why it comes as no surprise that there’s a high failure rate in construction.
Here’s where I come in and essentially turn all your sh*t situations into roses. But first, let me explain how construction differs from other industries. Understanding this will highlight the importance of why choosing an accountant that specialises in this industry is essential.
Construction vs. other industries
Construction is in a category of its own. It faces completely different challenges to any other industry. Each project has its own individual problems and as a result, construction businesses often struggle to match the efficiency of companies that have more of a repetitive and controlled production, such as factories and certain types of office-based work. But, who wants to do the same thing day in and day out anyway?
Here’s are some of the key differences that you can expect from owning a construction-based business:
Variable costs – For materials, equipment and labour on each individual project. You’ll know from pricing jobs up that the costs vary, it’s not a one cost fits all type of thing.
Location – Construction often takes place at new locations with specific site conditions, each with their own set of challenges. You might well have to deal with local environmental and waste disposal regulations.
Suppliers – Having to rely on specialised suppliers for different projects can affect efficiency and cash flow. Such as, certain types of glass, lifts and escalators, steel beams, cladding etc.
Contracts – Construction contracts often include retainage, where some of the payment is withheld until project completion, even if specific work stages are finished. (Note: these can be negotiated before signing the contract).
Now that you understand the differences in construction in comparison to other industries, it’s time to look at what challenges you can expect to face as a result, and how I can help you overcome them.
Common construction challenges
Given these unique characteristics, construction businesses face several common financial challenges:
How I Can Help
I’m showing my age here, but as an accountant with decades of experience helping construction business owners, I can help you manage these challenges and improve your overall financial situation. Here are the things I would start with:
In addition to all of the above, I’ll be on the other end of the phone whenever you need a bit of advice or just fancy a chat. Something I definitely won’t do is judge, so complete transparency is always encouraged. I’ll work with you so that as a team, we can transform your financial situation from, you guessed it – sh*t to roses.
Interested to find out more?
Call us on 01617 985789
Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb
Taxman knocking? And not knocking quietly? Here’s how to handle an HMRC investigation:
Ever had that sinking feeling when you get that brown envelope with ‘HMRC’ written on it drop through your letterbox?
I experienced a similar feeling recently when I went to the doctor and was told I needed to change my diet. Seriously? The weekly Chinese was under threat! Gutted.
You know you should open the envelope. And you know it’s not an unexpected tax rebate. Of course, it could just be that an employee’s personal tax code has changed. But still that feeling of dread is real.
So, what do you do if the taxman is on your case and being a real pain in the backside? I’m no stranger to this topic, although I’ve learned over the years that everybody’s situation is different. Some are more challenging than others. But the one thing that doesn’t change is my advice on how to deal with it. So let’s get into it.
Before you start responding to the taxman’s questions, try to work out exactly why they’re investigating you. Have you missed a deadline? Made a mistake on your tax return? Or is it something more serious? Once you know, you can start to prepare your response. Being honest with me is important when I ask you these questions. Trying to cover up stuff here with me or HMRC can just bring a whole heap of the brown stuff down on you.
Or maybe you already know the reason, and it’s just the inevitable catching up with you. In that case, it’s time to deal with it before it gets any worse. You don’t want to be caught standing in court with all the truth coming out? I’ve seen it happen, and it ain’t pretty. It’s pretty stressful if your case goes to court.
Regardless of whether you know the reason or not, here’s what I would suggest you do next:
It’s important to cooperate with the tax inspector. Answer their questions honestly and provide any documentation they request. I know it’s hard not to get your back up when you’re feeling accused of something, but try not to be too defensive. Remember, the more you cooperate, the easier the process will be for everyone involved. As your accountant, If I can show that you have been cooperative, this could reduce any penalties that the tax man wants to make you pay.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking professional help. Get in touch with someone who knows their stuff. (Hint: I’m right here. I’m just a phone call away, and I wouldn’t judge.) An accountant can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the investigation, even if it’s emotional support that’s needed. They can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and they can negotiate with the taxman on your behalf.
A decent accountant should give you peace of mind, ensuring you’re compliant with tax laws and regulations. It’s important to choose wisely if you’re going down this route. Always do your research before you make a decision.
The best way to avoid an investigation is to be proactive about your tax compliance. Here are some of my suggestions:
Remember, the taxman is just doing his job. If you’ve done everything by the book, you should have nothing to worry about. But if you’re feeling a bit anxious, I’m happy to offer you some advice. Sometimes crap does happen to good people.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of firstly avoiding a tax investigation in the first place and then getting a successful outcome in a tax investigation.
Interested to find out more?
Call us on 01617 985789
Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb
Running a construction or hospitality business can be a complete and utter nightmare. You’ve got projects piling up, staff to manage, broken equipment and customers who seem to think paying on time is optional. But the biggest headache of all? Cash flow.
I’ve seen it first-hand. I’ve witnessed the stress of a dwindling bank balance and the fear of not being able to make payroll. Trust me, it’s not a fun place to be. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.
I’ve been in the construction industry for decades, and I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs in my time. I’ve learned a thing or two about managing finances along the way, so I’m going to share my tips with you.
Separate Bank Accounts
First things first, set up separate bank accounts for your business. This will help you keep track of your finances and avoid mixing personal and business expenses. After all, you don’t want your accountant or bookkeeper to see exactly what nice presents you got for your other half. Let’s just say we’ve seen some ‘interesting’ personal expenditure when sorting out year end accounts.
I recommend using Monzo banking, as they offer this handy feature called “Pots”. You can set aside money for specific things, like tax, rent, or, in my case a pot to fund my golf clubs (which by the way, if you’re not into golf, cost an arm and a leg!). I was recommended to Monzo and wondered what all the fuss was about, but I’ve learned it’s a pretty great app for keeping your finances organised. And, even if digital banking and apps isn’t your thing, it’s pretty easy to use.
Getting Paid Promptly
Getting customers to pay on time is like trying to score a hat-trick against Man City – tough and often impossible, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances (that’s with getting paid on time, not scoring against Man City – unless you’re Alan Shearer).
Cash Flow Forecasting
A cash flow forecast is a prediction of your future income and expenses. It’s a vital tool for any business, but it’s especially important in the unpredictable world of construction and the seasonally impacted hospitality sector. Projects are great as they are a large lumpy sum of money. But the problem is that projects often come with high upfront costs, i.e. to hire the equipment needed or buy the materials to get started.
Projects can get delayed, costs can shoot up out of nowhere, and we’ve already had a rant in this article, about how slow customers can be when it comes to paying. With a cash flow forecast, you can see these potential problems coming and take steps to avoid them. No more unwelcome surprises.
Minimising Bad Debts
Bad debts can be another major drain on your cash flow. These are, more often than not, due to the long payment terms involved in construction. Of course, it is possible to have a bad debt with a hospitality business but in my opinion this industry is far better at taking payment either at the point of delivery or before an event.
Here are a few tips for minimising your bad debts:
Payment Plans and Instalments
If a customer is struggling to pay, consider offering them a payment plan. This can help you avoid bad debt while still getting paid and it’s more manageable for the customer too, win-win. This option applies more for the construction industry rather than hospitality. Funnily enough we have a few payment plans currently in place for our clients who hit a tough spot trading wise.
Keeping Your Books Up-to-Date
Keep your books in order. By doing this you can see who owes you money, when payments are due, and if you’re heading for some squeaky-bum time when it comes to your cash or money in your bank account.
I’m a big fan of QuickBooks. It means you can run your business from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. The QuickBooks software tools let you track your cash flow and keep your business running smoothly. But, the best part is saving time on sending invoices, tracking expenses, and preparing your VAT returns. All of the long, boring admin jobs that often get ‘forgotten’ about.
Splitting Finances by Project
Are you working on multiple projects? Do you know which one of these projects are loss making or the ones that are truly making you money? In my experience many construction companies and hospitality businesses don’t know. Everything gets lumped together on one or two lines of the P&L.
In order for you to grow and put more money into your bank account you want to know which ones are bringing in the profits and which ones are costing you money. If you are a hospitality business you can do this by splitting the revenue lines on your P&L between items such as takeaway, table service or create reports using software to analyse which of your tempting desserts are working for your customers’ palates and your bank balance.
One of the reasons I like Quickbooks is it makes it easy to split up your expenditure and income on a project by project basis. This means someone like you or I can see very quickly which projects are underperforming and how to quote better next time.
To summarise
Firstly, don’t put your head in the sands when it comes to cashflow. The sooner you have a problem emerging the easier it is to deal with it. We are here to help you whether you are worried about cash flow or whether you know you have a cash flow crisis.
Interested to find out more?
Call us on 01617 985789
Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb
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