Beyond the Numbers with Bev Wakefield

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev builds on the conversation about defining “enough” and shows you how to put an actual figure on it.

You’ll discover how to work backwards from the life you want, calculate the revenue your business needs to support it, and price your offers with clarity and confidence. Along the way, Bev shares a simple step-by-step formula to stop chasing vague goals and start building a business that gives you the income, and lifestyle, you’re aiming for.

Because “more” isn’t a strategy. Your number is.

What’s Enough? It’s a question every business owner asks but rarely answers. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev explores what enough really means for you, your money, and your life.

You’ll unpack why chasing “more” can actually cost you more, discover the three-bucket model for essentials, joyful extras, and future security, and learn how to calculate your personal happiness number. Plus, Bev shares four practical tips to help you stop comparing, set stop goals, and design a business that funds the life you actually want.

This isn’t about revenue badges or six-figure launches. It’s about creating freedom, security, and success on your own terms.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, James Ashford, founder of GoProposal and best-selling author, shares the journey that took him from humble beginnings to transforming how accountancy firms deliver value. James talks candidly about raising standards in business, building a culture that demands excellence, and why entrepreneurs need to continually push themselves beyond comfort zones.

You’ll hear how setbacks can become stepping stones when reframed as “the gift,” the role of core values in driving sustainable success, and why true fulfilment comes not just from building businesses, but from helping others thrive.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Peter Ellse, CEO of Cosy Direct, shares how his company has carved out a unique space in the education sector by staying firmly rooted in purpose. He discusses how Cosy prioritises social impact alongside profitability, why he believes business leaders should think long-term and ethically, and how simplicity and efficiency can drive real innovation.

Peter also reflects on the value of staying small and agile, the freedom that comes with debt-free growth, and how redefining what “success” looks like has shaped Cosy’s journey from day one.

What does growth really mean for your business? And is it always the right goal? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down two very different paths: fast, headline-style growth vs. slow, steady, sustainable progress.

You’ll explore why understanding your reason for growth is essential, how to avoid the trap of ego-led decisions, and the numbers that reveal whether growth is helping or hurting your business. Because not all growth is good growth.

Can I Afford to Hire? It’s one of the most common questions business owners face. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down the numbers you need to look at before bringing someone new on board.

You’ll explore what it really costs to hire, how to calculate your break-even point, and the revenue-per-employee benchmarks that matter. Plus, you'll get Bev’s five-point hiring checklist to help you decide if now’s the right time, or if it’s time to pause, pivot, or start smaller.

This isn’t about hiring on hope. It’s about hiring with confidence.

Most founders don’t realise they’re the biggest bottleneck in their business until burnout and stalled growth force them to face it.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev unpacks the Owner’s Trap: why being the hub of every decision hurts your business value and how to break free. You’ll discover the warning signs, real costs, and practical steps to delegate, systemise, and scale without you.

Ever nodded through a finance meeting pretending to know what “EBITDA” means? You’re not alone. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev cuts through the jargon to decode the most confusing financial terms business owners face.

You’ll learn what those acronyms and reports actually mean, like cash flow vs profit, accruals, VAT, and director’s loans, and why they matter for your pricing, planning, and peace of mind. 

Because when you understand your numbers, you make better decisions and can lead with confidence.

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As Bev mentions, you can dive deeper into cash flow vs profit in Episode 1 here.

What happens when innovation meets endurance? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Dean Jackson, founder of the performance gear brand HUUB, for a conversation that goes deeper than just business.

You’ll hear how Dean turned a passion for sport into a global brand trusted by Olympic champions, the mindset that carried him through uncertainty, and what it really takes to grow with grit. This one’s about staying the course, whether you’re building a business, breaking records, or both.

It’s easy to focus on performance and forget the person driving it. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev takes a step back from finance to talk about something just as vital - your well-being.

You’ll explore why personal health, energy, and support systems are essential to high performance, how to manage stress before it spirals, and why you need a personal performance plan as much as a business one. This is about building a business that works, without burning yourself out in the process.