Without proper controls in place, growth can lead to chaos. Implementing robust financial controls from the outset helps identify errors early, reduces fraud risk, and improves your business’s financial health. Even the smallest businesses benefit from building these habits early, long before they scale. Let’s explore how your SME can build effective financial controls - even if you’re still small.

Financial reporting is a cornerstone of any successful small business. It means keeping accurate, up-to-date records of every transaction and having a clear system to track income, expenses and profit. This involves producing regular statements (like profit-and-loss reports, balance sheets and cash flow statements) that are easy to understand. With this foundation, every pound is accounted for and the owner always knows the company’s financial position.

Scaling a small business is an exciting yet daunting prospect. For many UK entrepreneurs, growth offers the chance to boost revenue, expand market reach, and strengthen their competitive position. Whether you’re a retailer expanding locations or a manufacturer scaling production, preparation is everything. Let’s explore the key challenges and how to conquer them.

Financial controllers have evolved from number-crunchers into strategic leaders. Research shows businesses investing in their skills, cutting-edge tech, and proactive management gain efficiency, profitability, and compliance, while sidestepping costly errors, steep fines, and lost growth opportunities. The right financial controller service provides the expertise to navigate these challenges with confidence. Here’s how to choose one.

Managing finances efficiently is crucial for any business, but as companies grow, managing cash flow, budgeting, and compliance becomes more challenging. A financial controller plays a pivotal role in ensuring a business remains financially healthy and operates smoothly. But what exactly do they do, and how can they help your business save time and money?

Handling your business's money the right way means choosing the right person to manage it. A skilled financial controller can help you navigate regulations, keep cash flow in check, and plan for long-term growth. But here’s the big question: do you hire someone in-house or outsource the role? Both options have their merits and limitations, and the best choice depends on your company’s needs. In this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of in-house and outsourced financial controllers so you can decide what works best for you.

When managing the finances of your small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), the distinction between an accountant and a financial controller is often blurred. In this post, we’ll break down why having both an accountant and a financial controller can make a big difference for your business.

In business, trust isn’t given – it’s earned. And when it comes to securing loans or attracting investors, trust starts with your financial records. If your numbers don’t add up or look messy, even a promising business can come across as a gamble. So, how do strong financial records build credibility, and what should they include?

The world of accounting is shifting faster than ever, thanks to emerging technologies, evolving regulations, and changing business priorities. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, staying ahead of these trends isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for maintaining financial stability and seizing new opportunities. Let’s explore the top accounting trends that SMEs should watch in 2025.

As a small or medium-sized (SME) business owner, chasing unpaid invoices can feel like an endless game of hide-and-seek. Research shows that late payments cost UK SMEs an average of £22,000 annually and lead to 56 million hours of lost productivity, impacting 62% of small businesses. Here’s how you can minimise late payments and keep your cash flow in check.