Did you know that a war chest used to be a real, physical object? Soldiers and military leaders kept it in their homes or barracks, to store arms and armour. And when they launched their military campaigns they took it with them, to store spoils which they could spend along the way. The purpose wasn’t …
Tag archives: outsourced financial management
This economic crisis might hit harder than 2020. Here’s why
**Remembering Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and extending our condolences to the Royal Family – and indeed to the Commonwealth of nations — on her passing.** Nearly three years ago, COVID started spreading, shutting down the world economy. Governments sprung into action, spending billions to prop up failing businesses and to ensure their suddenly unemployed …
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How I built a thriving business
Our office is full of canapes and drinks and there’s an excited buzz… …Because later this week, we’re celebrating Insight Associate’s 30th anniversary with our clients, contacts and business partners. Back when we started, I could never have imagined we’d reach this milestone – or what our company looks like today. I had a very clear …
This one word nearly cost me a client
I was recently talking to a business owner who wanted to upgrade the way his company managed its finances. In common with so many people right now, he was finding it hard to hire in-house. He just couldn’t find the people. But even though he was really keen on our Outsourced Finance Department, something was …
The world’s most expensive bookkeeper
We’re always excited when a company owner tells us it’s time to take on a Finance Director. They’ve realised they need to professionalise their finance department, to pave the way for serious financial growth. We tell them that we’re going to implement the ‘Financial pyramid’: As I explained in my last blog, mature finance departments …
The financial pyramid – where does your company sit?
In my last blog, I explained that… “You can’t build an outstanding finance department or hire outstanding people, if you have no idea what ‘outstanding’ looks like.” Because most business owners have never run their own finance department, they can find these roles difficult to recruit for successfully. It’s not just that it’s hard to …
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The alternative to hiring finance staff
A few years ago, we brought on a client who had a wonderful experience with their in-house accountant. After she announced she was retiring, they hired a replacement – who failed within a few months. So they hired someone else – who again, was not a success. Completely desperate, they brought their original accountant out …
Hire great people – the out of the box way
An acquaintance of mine was thrilled that he’d managed to find a fantastic graphic designer. The employee turned up on the first day, was introduced to the rest of the team… …And on Day Two, submitted her resignation. Another company had made her an offer she couldn’t refuse, and she left with immediate effect. The …
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Preparing for growth – and sabotaging it instead
Years ago, I was invited to consult in a business that was constantly running on a shoestring and in danger of running out of money. The business owner thought they were profitable. But looking through their very messy accounts, it took me just 30 minutes to show they were actually running a loss. “It’s like …
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Sweat the small stuff
Buying stationery for the office is one of my pet peeves. Whenever it’s time to make the order, I spend ages questioning the costs and personally checking the prices of alternative suppliers. I know it drives my staff quite mad, but this is a very competitive area – and I’m convinced that there are savings …
