A few weeks ago, I was speaking to a new client.
We were talking through how Insight could support them, and I asked a fairly straightforward question:
“What financial information would you like us to prepare for your team?”
There was a pause.
Then they said, almost incredulous:
“I wouldn’t share any financial information with my staff. It’s none of their business.”
Honestly? I wasn’t surprised.
Over the years, I’ve heard every version of this…
“They wouldn’t understand it anyway.”
“It’s just not the way we do things here.”
“I don’t want to worry people if things are tight.”
“I’m not sure what I would share, even if I wanted to.”
I understand where it comes from.
For many business owners, keeping financial information close isn’t about secrecy or mistrust. It’s simply what you’ve always done. It’s how the business grew. And once a certain way of operating becomes the norm, changing it can feel uncomfortable — or even risky.
For a long time, that approach was the norm.
What’s interesting is that, in recent years, we’ve seen a quiet shift.
More and more, we’re being asked to prepare financial reports not just for founders and CEOs, but for department heads and senior teams too.
Not full P&Ls handed over without context — but clear, relevant information that helps people understand how the business is performing, and how their decisions affect the bigger picture.
This email is the first in a short series where I want to explore this gently and practically — why some business owners choose to share financial information, what actually makes sense to share (and what doesn’t), and how to do it in a way that feels controlled, considered, and right for you.
But before I get into any of that, I’m genuinely curious.
Do you currently share any financial information with your wider team — particularly department heads?
If you do, I’d love to know what you share, and what prompted you to start.
If you don’t, I’m just as interested in what’s behind that decision.
There’s no right or wrong answer here — just what works for you and your business.
If you’re open to it, drop me an email garry@insightassociates.co.uk and tell me. I read every response.
Warmly,
Garry
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