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Look, I’m a bloke who’s been in and around construction for the last 30+ years. We blokes don’t talk about this ‘feelings’ stuff. This is why the biggest killer of men under 50 is suicide – sobering thought that. I’m not saying we need to become all snowflaky and wet behind the ears, but as the saying goes, it’s good to talk. You’ve got a duty of care to the lads (I’m guessing it’s nearly all lads) on your sites and your employees in the office. Banter can cover up for many a troubled soul.
Let’s first go to the dictionary and ask the experts. Self-care encompasses everything related to maintaining physical health, including hygiene, nutrition, and seeking medical care when needed. It’s a decision-making process empowering individuals to look after their health efficiently and conveniently, often in collaboration with health professionals.
Got that?
At a simple level, this is about helping your staff come to work and be happy, safe and healthy. But also to recognise they may bring their woes from home to work.
Sure, you see your business as your baby, but as the saying goes ‘it takes a village’. And to keep your business booming, you need to make sure your employees are healthy and happy, so they can stay on their A game.
Let’s break this down into the different types of self-care.
Emotional Self-Care: Involves practices like positive self-talk, taking regular breaks, and maintaining social connections. As business owners, you’re sure to have experienced your fair share of burnout. It’s all about not letting your employees head down the same road. A simple ‘you alright, mate?’ may be enough to spot someone struggling.
Physical Self-Care: Such as, prioritising sleep, regular exercise, and choosing nutritious foods. Don’t look at me like I’m a fine one to talk. My body has been defined by some of the best food that Manchester can offer! Just ignore my office’s favourite bowl of special chocolate… that’s all about helping our clients’ emotional health when they visit.
Spiritual Self-Care: Work with me on this one. This may sound a little woo-hoo to you. But what works for others may not be your thing. Such as attending religious services, taking religious holidays off, spending time in nature, meditation, and keeping a gratitude journal.
Self-care involves making healthy lifestyle choices, responsibly using medicines – including the caffeine-laden and energy-type drinks, recognising symptoms, self-monitoring, and self-management of health conditions. But sometimes it’s not so easy to spot these dips in mental health by yourself. Believe me, my business coach is the first to tell me if I’m trying to overcommit. So, you need to open up the conversation with your employees as well.
Stress and burnout are rampant. Average ratings of personal well-being in the UK have declined across all measures in the year ending March 2023. I’m sure we have personal stories to tell of how our mental health or people around us suffered during and after the COVID-19 years.
Similarly, older research commissioned by Mind found that 57% of the people surveyed drank alcohol after work to cope with stress. In addition to this, 28% said they smoked cigarettes, 16% took prescribed sleeping aids, and 15% took antidepressants. And yes, as a regular vaper, I know I am part of those statistics, but don’t judge me!
Self-care mitigates these issues, enhancing mental and physical health, reducing illness risks, and boosting energy.
We need to look after ourselves first! Without that, our work is sure to suffer.
Investing in your employees’ self-care isn’t just beneficial for them; it’s a strategic move that can significantly boost your business in various ways:
Employees practising self-care are more likely to be mentally and physically rejuvenated, leading to higher productivity. After all, your on-site employees are often doing a hard physical job for you. They need all the energy and strength they can get. Regular self-care reduces fatigue, enhances concentration, and fosters a more energetic and efficient workforce.
A culture that prioritises self-care attracts top talent and retains them. Employees are likelier to stay with a company that values their well-being, reducing turnover costs and enhancing its reputation as a desirable workplace.
Burnout is a major cause of reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. Encouraging self-care reduces the risk of burnout, ensuring that your team remains motivated and engaged.
A workplace that promotes self-care is often characterised by positivity and higher morale. This environment fosters collaboration, creativity, and community, enhancing the work atmosphere.
When employees feel cared for, their loyalty and engagement increase. This heightened engagement leads to better customer service, enhanced team collaboration, and a stronger commitment to the company’s goals.
Replacing employees is expensive. Fostering an environment of self-care can significantly reduce turnover, saving the company substantial recruitment and training costs.
Well-rested and mentally healthy employees are more likely to think creatively and propose innovative solutions, driving the business forward.
Employees who engage in self-care have clearer minds and are better equipped to make sound, strategic decisions, which is crucial for the growth and success of any business.
A company that promotes self-care and employee well-being enhances its brand image, making it more attractive to potential clients and partners who value corporate responsibility.
Employees who regularly practice self-care are more resilient during stressful periods, such as economic downturns or organisational changes, ensuring business continuity and stability.
Employees feel valued and important when a company takes active steps to encourage self-care. This sense of belonging can foster a strong, united workforce aligned with the company’s mission and values.
By integrating self-care into your business culture, you not only enhance the well-being of your employees but also set up your business for long-term success. In today’s fast-paced and stressful business environment, a strategy that includes employee self-care is not just beneficial; it’s essential.
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Burnt the midnight oil, pushed like a donkey up a hill, and forgotten to fill our own tank in the process. Well, that’s where self-care comes in. Fostering a culture of self-care in the workplace is crucial for both employee well-being and organisational success.
Teach all employees about self-care practices and their significance. By organising workshops and distributing informative materials, the staff gains essential knowledge. This approach means a well-informed workforce is better equipped to manage their health, enhancing overall productivity and morale.
Introduce flexible working schedules to help balance professional and personal life. Allowing employees to adjust their work hours fosters an environment where stress is minimised and optimises work-life balance, resulting in a more engaged and efficient team.
Offer mental health resources, such as counselling services and app subscriptions. This commitment to mental health support signifies that the organisation values its employees’ well-being. Staff members feel supported and valued, increasing job satisfaction and engagement.
Providing training for effective stress and time management equips employees with critical skills. This initiative ensures that staff can better manage workplace pressures, contributing positively to the organisation’s efficiency and reducing burnout.
Clearly defining work hours helps employees distinguish between work and personal time. This means that employees can fully disengage from work after hours, leading to increased focus and productivity during working hours.
Implement mentoring programs for personalised guidance in self-care. This approach supports individual development and strengthens the team dynamic, leading to a more cohesive and supportive work environment.
When leaders practice self-care, they set a positive example within the organisation. This leadership style fosters a culture where self-care is valued and practised, ensuring employees feel encouraged to prioritise their well-being.
Don’t forget about yourself in all this! You can’t pour from an empty cut, can you? So, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. This means ditching the all-nighters, fuelling yourself with proper grub, and finding ways to unwind. Burnout is a nasty bugger, and it’ll sink your ship faster than a leaky bucket.
Here’s the bottom line: A happy boss makes for a happy crew, and a happy crew makes for a successful business. It’s all connected. Look after your lot, and they’ll look after the business. It’s a win-win, see?
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 a brown envelope with ‘HMRC’ stamped on it lands on your doormat?
It’s a similar feeling to how I feel when Man City are 2-0 up at half-time and then the opponents score a hat-trick in the second half. It’s that same stomach sinking feeling.
Now, you know you should open that HMRC envelope. You also know it’s not a surprise tax rebate. Best-case scenario, it’s a change in an employee’s tax code. Worst case? You’re being investigated. That feeling of dread is justified.
So, what do you do if HMRC is on your case and asking uncomfortable questions? I’ve helped clients across the construction, property, and hospitality sectors handle this, and while every case is different, the advice is always the same. Let me take you through it.
Understand why they’re here
Before sending a panicked email that doesn’t make sense, or trying to explain yourself over the phone, stop and try to work out exactly why you’ve attracted HMRC’s attention.
Once you know, you can start planning your response. Being upfront with me at this stage is key. If you try to brush things under the rug, whether with me or HMRC, it could get messy. And fast.
Maybe you already know why they’re sniffing around. If so, don’t ignore it. Delaying only makes things worse. I’ve seen cases go all the way to court, and believe me, it’s no picnic. Stressful doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Once you know what’s triggered the HMRC investigation, you’re in a stronger position to deal with it properly.
Be cooperative
No one enjoys feeling like they’re being interrogated. But you’ll get nowhere being defensive or evasive.
HMRC inspectors want answers. Give them what they ask for, honestly and promptly. That includes emails, invoices, receipts, payroll info, VAT records, your dog’s birth certificate (wouldn’t be surprised)… anything they’ve requested.
Now, if I can demonstrate that you’ve been fully cooperative, it can actually work in your favour. The more helpful you are, the less friction is 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 and make it a smoother process.
Seek professional help
If you’re feeling out of your depth, don’t try to wing it. Get someone in your corner who knows how to handle HMRC investigations. That would be me.
As a tax advisor with experience supporting businesses in construction, property, and hospitality, I can help you:
I can also be your shoulder to lean on when things feel a bit much. Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need someone to reassure you it’s going to be alright.
Pick your accountant carefully. Make sure they’re up to date with current tax regulations (CIS, VAT reverse charge, especially if you’re in construction), and that they’ll actually pick up the phone when you call.
Proactive measures to avoid investigations
Want to avoid HMRC knocking at your door altogether? Simple: stay on top form.
Here’s how:
This is where having an accountant that’s switched-on helps. I keep tabs on the latest updates so you don’t have to.
Additional tips:
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of firstly avoiding a HMRC investigation in the first place and then getting a successful outcome.
Interested to find out more?
Call us on 01617 985789
Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb
You’ve probably been hearing about Making Tax Digital (MTD) for the past couple of years now. Maybe you’ve buried your head in the sand a bit, hoping it might all blow over. If that’s the case, I’ve got some bad news for you, it hasn’t. It’s not going anywhere and it’s changing the way businesses keep their records and submit tax returns.
There is a but. As a business owner you’ll know what I mean when I say like most things, once you’ve got the right set up, it’s manageable. It’s the same for everything.
In one of my previous articles I’ve gone through everything you need to know about MTD, and what it’ll cost you if you don’t. But this time it’s all about why you need proper MTD-compatible software and what your options are, especially if you’re in construction, property, hospitality, or you’re a self-employed doctor or dentist.
Let’s just touch on the basics. MTD is HMRC’s plan to make the UK tax system more efficient and easier for taxpayers to get right.
Basically, no more stuffing receipts in a folder or filling out a spreadsheet once or twice a year. Instead what you’ll need to do is:
MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) is coming in April 2026 for self-employed people and landlords earning over £50,000 a year, and in April 2027 for those earning over £30,000. That’s tomorrow in tax terms.
So, if you’re still manually keying things in at year-end or passing your accountant a wad of receipts, it’s time to upgrade.
The thing is MTD isn’t just about doing things online. You need to use approved, compatible software that talks to HMRC’s systems.
Take it from me, the sooner you switch, the smoother your tax life becomes.
The right software will:
You can forget about using your personal bank account and hoping for the best. Now you need to get a proper business bank account that feeds directly into your accounting software. It keeps everything clean and makes both your life and mine (and HMRC’s) ten times easier.
Not all software is the same. Some are more complicated than they need to be, some are overpriced and some of them just aren’t fit for purpose.
Here are a couple we regularly recommend to our clients:
If you’re with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and others, you may already have FreeAgent included as part of your account. That’s a win.
It’s a solid MTD-compliant platform, with:
Great for small business owners, freelancers, and contractors who want to keep things simple but compliant.
LimeBooks is a newer option but a great one. It’s low-cost, easy to navigate, and fully HMRC-approved for MTD VAT and Income Tax.
We like it for:
It’s ideal if you’re self-employed, especially in construction or property where margins are tight and you don’t want to pay for bells and whistles you’ll never use.
If you’re already using something else, it’s not a problem. Maybe you already use software like QuickBooks or some other setups, and that’s fine. We’re not here to force you to switch if what you’ve got works.
The main thing is that it’s MTD-compliant and helps keep your records accurate. If you’re managing your own books and it’s all ticking along nicely, we’ll support that.
I’m no software snob, I’m just here to make sure you’re compliant and not heading towards a nasty fine from HMRC.
Whether you’re running a hospitality venue, managing property portfolios, overseeing a building site, or running your own dental practice – MTD applies. The admin might look a bit different, but the rules don’t change.
Construction: You’ll likely need MTD-compatible software that can handle CIS deductions, VAT reverse charges, and project-specific costs. FreeAgent or QuickBooks are good for this.
Property: Landlords need to track rental income, repairs, and mortgage interest. MTD for ITSA will apply from 2026 if your property income is above £50k.
Hospitality: Pubs, restaurants, hotels, you’ve got VAT, tips, staff wages, and stock. Integrated POS systems and a good bookkeeping platform can save you hours.
Self-Employed Doctors/Dentists: You’ve got a mix of NHS and private income, and likely a combination of bank accounts and payment processors. MTD-compliant software brings it all into one place. And keeps you from getting overwhelmed at tax return time.
Don’t wait for HMRC to send you a reminder. MTD isn’t going away, and the fines for non-compliance won’t be friendly. Trust me.
Set yourself up with:
Not sure which software is best for you? I can talk you through the pros and cons over a brew, help get you set up, and keep you on track all year, not just at tax time.
Interested to find out more?
Call us on 01617 985789
Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb
If someone asked you right now how your business is doing, what would you say? In my experience, most business owners give a casual response about it being good and that’s that. After all, isn’t that what you are meant to say at a networking event? But if you were asked to prove why, would you know what to say? I’m talking about a proper explanation that can be backed up with up-to-date figures. Not just a gut feeling or guess.
This happened to me recently with my business coach. I was asked how things were going, and in true Graeme style I gave the usual line “yeah, everything’s good”. But then I was asked about my margin. I realised I didn’t know my figures, and I couldn’t back it up. I knew I was going to get a bit of a telling off, it’s exactly the sort of conversations I often have with my clients. Except this time it was me with the ‘oh sh*t’ expression on my face.
Whether you’re in construction, property development, or hospitality, you’ve probably had moments where you think things are going well, but deep down you know you’re just assuming. Just because you’ve got a fully booked restaurant or a few big jobs lined up and the bank account is looking half decent, it doesn’t always mean that your business is fine.
It doesn’t matter whether you run a chain of restaurants or a small building firm. You need to understand what your books are telling you. That means more than just a quick butchers at your bank balance or checking if payroll has gone out. It means knowing your income, costs, margins, cash flow, and upcoming outgoings.
The truth is, many business owners get caught up in the day-to-day. You’re managing staff, back and forth with clients, ordering in the stock or materials, and firefighting as problems arise. Before you know it, a few months have passed and you’ve not looked at your accounts properly. You don’t have a clue if that big invoice has been paid. You’re not sure which suppliers are overdue. And you definitely haven’t compared your actual profit to what you expected this quarter.
Running your business without understanding the financial side of things is like trying to build a house without the floor plans. You might get something that looks right, but underneath, it’s not sound.
One of my clients, a Manchester-based construction business, came to me after they hit a brick wall with cash flow. On paper, it all looked good. Plenty of jobs booked, staff on site, and invoices being raised. But when we took a closer look, we found just over £20,000 in unpaid invoices going back five months. Worse still, they’d taken on a new job that needed a lump sum paid upfront, without checking whether they could actually afford it.
There was no foul play or bad intentions. They were just busy and didn’t have a proper bookkeeping system in place to keep track of what was coming in, going out, and what was overdue. Nothing that a bit of structure and some regular reporting couldn’t sort out. Within a few months, I helped them back on top of their cash flow and better still, they knew exactly what each job was bringing in.
To keep your business running smoothly and make better decisions, there are a few key things you need to know at all times:
These are the basics. You don’t need a finance degree to understand them, but you do need systems in place to track them. Whether that’s decent accounting software or an experienced accountant who specialises in your industry. I can help with setting you up with the right software for your business, or if you need someone to look after your accounts month in month out, I can be that too.
Here are a few steps you can start straight away to get more control over your business:
Understanding your books isn’t about ticking boxes or staying on the right side of your accountant. It’s about putting yourself in control. When you know your margins, your costs, your forecasted income and your biggest risk areas, you can make better and more confident business decisions. Want to take on a new member of staff? Thinking of opening another venue or investing in new equipment? Your accounts will soon let you know whether you should, don’t rely on just a gut feeling.
It also gives you the peace of mind that you’re not just working hard, but working smart. Plenty of businesses look busy on the outside but are quietly leaking cash in the background. When you understand your finances, you avoid that.
If you’re a business owner in construction, property development, or hospitality, and you’re ready to stop blagging your way through the finances, let’s get it sorted properly.
I’ve got decades of experience in these areas, and I’m definitely a lot better at keeping on top of my clients’ books than my own. I’ll help you set up the right software, create simple dashboards and run regular reports. Most importantly, I’ll help make it easier to keep on top of your business and confidently answer what would normally be uncomfortable business questions.
We can have a brew, go through where you’re at, and get your business set up to run the right way.
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