Having met a few entrepreneurs over the years, it is interesting to hear their views on planning. Some of which are quiet dismissive: What is the point of planning, something different always happens Planning just ties you down – these days you need to be quick to react and adaptable. Accountants plan – I’m an.. read more →
The thing about Entrepreneurs is that they are often the opposite of Accountants. I’ve never come across an Entrepreneur who said “I’ve got this great idea, but I need to optimise the working capital cycle before going ahead”. They just say “I’ve got a great idea” and then just go for it- leaving the accountants.. read more →
I think it is fair to say that, for many businesses, 2011 has not been the best of years. The recession has been long and hard. The recovery stills seems as distant and intangible as it did three years ago. In fact, the experts are saying that likelihood of a ‘double dip’ has increased and.. read more →
Like most people reading this, I’m a bit of a fan of Dragon’s Den. So I was pleased to see that last night (October 3rd) the BBC was running one of the spin-off programs – “How to Win in the Den”. This particular episode featured, amongst others, Ling of Ling Car Leasing fame. As I.. read more →
‘Turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is reality’ I’m guessing that you’ve heard this phrase before – but what does it mean in the real world: Well, I’ve seen too many businesses spending their time chasing low-margin orders, giving larger discounts, extending terms – all in the misguided belief that such activities would.. read more →
Have you just been promoted to Finance Director? Or perhaps this is your career ambition for the future? If you’ve made it, then congratulations for completing your studies, and your training, and for landing your great new role. If you’re not there yet, then keep at it and you will make the grade in no.. read more →
So, I’ve been mowing the lawn this morning and it got me thinking: Nobody told each and every one of these blades of grass to grow so tall and green – they just did it – and what a great job they have done too! So why is it so difficult for a human being.. read more →
It is very appropriate that the final of Michel Roux’s Service should be followed by National Apprentice Week. Although it is a bit of an overused phrased, we need to remember that the young people of today are the wealth creators of tomorrow. I am personally very passionate about apprenticeships and non-university education streams. I’ve.. read more →
What can I say, but what a fabulous close to such an excellent series? I am referring of course to the wonderful Michel Roux’s Service. Which came to a close last night with a little twist at the end of the tale: Michel didn’t hand out the two apprenticeships as he promised. He produced three!.. read more →
Let me tell you another story: Many years ago I went to work at an organisation as a factory accountant (I love factories) for a technology company. Part of the role involved the cross comparison of large tables of data to find discrepancies between the factory systems and the financial systems – Yawn! My predecessor.. read more →