As bookkeepers, we spent a week with millionaires and learned valuable lessons that significantly impact our approach to finance and business tips!

This experience on the Bookkeepers Podcast, sponsored by Xero, we go through the entrepreneur mindset needed for growth.

We discuss that the life of an entrepreneur involves strategic investments and a commitment to ongoing learning, offering crucial entrepreneur advice for anyone looking to scale their ventures.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

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Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

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Chapters:

00:00:00 - How Bookkeepers Can ACCELERATE Their Growth

00:00:42 - The Impact of the Trip

00:01:38 - Personal and Business Development

00:02:06 - The Evolution of Confidence

00:04:06 - Learning from Others

00:04:44 - The Importance of Community

00:05:50 - The Skiing Trip Experience

00:07:21 - The Themed Sessions

00:08:26 - Focusing on One Thing

00:11:20 - Dividing and Conquering

00:12:18 - The Rebrand and Self-Reflection

00:13:54 - Stepping Up and Playing Big

00:15:06 - The Power of Honesty and Self-Awareness

00:15:53 - The Importance of Different Perspectives

00:16:13 - The Leadership Dilemma

00:17:07 - The Challenge of Running Multiple Businesses

00:17:59 - The Value of Business Networks

00:19:34 - The Power of Overcoming Fear

00:24:53 - The Need for Bookkeepers in Business

00:25:33 - The Misunderstanding of Bookkeeping Role

00:27:09 - The Importance of Setting Boundaries

00:28:15 - The Need for Qualified Bookkeepers

00:29:06 - The Key Takeaways

00:30:20 - Building Haymonica for Exit

00:31:10 - Preparing for Business Exit

00:31:48 - Expansion to Canada

00:32:56 - Planning for the Photoshoot

00:33:59 - The Importance of Professional Photography

00:34:33 - The Challenges of Visibility

00:35:58 - Building Personal Network

00:36:28 - Conclusion

#bookkeepers

a Bookkeepers brand is more than a logo.

In this episode, we dive deep into the rebranding journey of the 6 Figure Bookkeeper with creative director Olly Whitman.

Discover how a bookkeepers brand evolves beyond just visual elements and why understanding your audience is crucial.

Olly shares insights on how to infuse personality into your brand, making it memorable and relatable. He emphasises that creativity isn't just for artists; it's essential for everyone, including bookkeepers and accountants.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting:

https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

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Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - What Bookkeepers Don’t Realise About Branding

00:00:11 - Guest Introduction

00:00:25 - Understanding Branding

00:00:53 - Guest's Career Journey

00:01:47 - Guest's Early Career Aspirations

00:03:22 - Guest's Shift to Creativity

00:07:32 - Creativity in Business Strategy

00:10:15 - Guest's Professional Experience

00:14:21 - Understanding Big Brands' Strategy

00:15:30 - Introduction to Bookkeepers Collective

00:15:59 - Transition to Self-Employment

00:16:22 - Challenges and Growth in Self-Employment

00:17:50 - Guest's Journey to Becoming Self-Employed

00:19:00 - Guest's Experience as a Creative Director

00:20:57 - Guest's Personal Health Journey and its Impact

00:24:54 - Self-Perception and Personal Branding

00:26:47 - Rebranding the Six Figure Bookkeeper

00:27:29 - Common Branding Mistakes by Small Businesses

00:30:28 - Discussing Previous Branding Strategy

00:31:05 - Transition to New Branding

00:32:02 - Explaining Typeface and Color Choices

00:34:12 - The Role of Tools like Canva

00:35:30 - Evolution of the Logo

00:37:40 - Launching the New Brand

00:41:03 - Connecting with the Guest

#bookkeepers

So what's the difference between bookkeepers and an accountants?

In this video, we dive deep into the nuances of these two roles, exploring their training, responsibilities, and how technology is blurring the lines.

Many people often confuse the two, but understanding their distinct functions can significantly impact your business.

Bookkeepers manage daily financial transactions, while accountants focus on compliance and strategic financial planning.

As the industry evolves, both roles are becoming increasingly vital, and it's essential to recognise the value each brings to the table.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Why Some Bookkeepers Quietly Make More Profit

00:00:36 - Bookkeeper vs Accountant: Personal Experiences

00:00:52 - The Changing Role of Bookkeepers

00:01:14 - Bookkeeping and Accounting in Practice

00:02:45 - The Perception of Bookkeepers

00:04:02 - Training and Qualifications

00:06:52 - Role and Impact of Bookkeepers

00:08:19 - Identity Crisis: Bookkeeper or Accountant?

00:09:02 - Accounting and Bookkeeping in Business

00:09:41 - The Role of Management Accounting

00:12:24 - The Reality of Advisory and Reporting

00:12:26 - The Influence of Background on Practice

00:15:04 - Personal Experiences in Practice

00:16:18 - The Shift from Practice to Business

00:17:08 - Learning from Failures

00:18:21 - Building Boundaries and Profit

00:18:25 - The Bookkeepers Collective: An Introduction

00:19:11 - Identity Crisis: Bookkeeper or Accountant, Revisited

00:22:22 - Understanding Your Role and Building Confidence

00:25:01 - The Grey Area Between Bookkeeping and Accounting

00:26:40 - The Role of a Bookkeeper in a Team

00:30:05 - Conclusion: Embracing Your Role

Jo and I always think that for bookkeepers, having a little black book is the starting point to advisory.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of bookkeeperz advisory services and how they can elevate your business.

We chat with Sam from Nexus, who shares invaluable insights on building partnerships that can help you become a better business owner. Discover how to spot opportunities for your clients, from cost savings to funding options, and learn how to have those crucial conversations that can make a real difference.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Why 'Compliance-Only' Bookkeepers Get STUCK

00:00:51 - About Nexus

00:02:04 - Services for Bookkeepers

00:04:08 - Experience with VAT Funding

00:05:28 - Advisory Services

00:09:07 - Understanding Client's Needs

00:10:30 - The Importance of Listening

00:12:16 - Proactive Approach

00:12:45 - Sam's Journey

00:15:18 - Sam's Career Shift

00:16:57 - Furlonteer Initiative

00:17:46 - Transition to Tech

00:18:35 - Entrepreneurial Spirit

00:20:32 - Studenteer Initiative

00:23:17 - Challenges of Starting a Business

00:24:49 - Sustainable Business Growth

00:27:22 - Building and Using a Network

00:31:06 - Helping Bookkeepers

00:31:32 - Motivation and Business Model

00:32:08 - Adapting to Change and New Opportunities

00:33:04 - Building Network through Connection

00:33:51 - Becoming the Go-To Person

00:34:55 - Reaching Out to Sam

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/referral-influencer/?utm_medium=influencers&utm_source=partnerstack&utm_campaign=8e10854455f4&ps_partner_key=OGUxMDg1NDQ1NWY0&ps_xid=kNFl7kZNBfWqfg&gsxid=kNFl7kZNBfWqfg&gspk=OGUxMDg1NDQ1NWY0

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Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

How can bookkeepers become financially essential in 2026?

In this episode, we dive into the changing landscape for bookkeepers and how to ensure you are an indispensable asset to your clients.

With the economy shifting and small businesses becoming more selective, it’s crucial to articulate the value you bring. You need to be seen as a finance lead, not just someone who checks boxes.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

00:00:17 - Understanding the Current Situation

00:01:20 - Value of Bookkeepers

00:03:03 - Role of a Finance Lead

00:04:01 - Becoming Indispensable

00:06:25 - Understanding the Business Environment in 2026

00:08:05 - Positioning as a Finance Lead

00:08:32 - Showing Your Value

00:10:45 - Leveraging Software and Tools

00:11:30 - Developing a Gold Standard Service

00:14:19 - Avoiding Burnout

00:15:14 - Setting Boundaries with Clients

00:17:29 - Repositioning the Value of Your Service

00:18:48 - Becoming Financially Essential

00:20:58 - Moving Towards Business Coaching

00:21:44 - Becoming an Essential Finance Lead

00:22:30 - Redefining Advisory Services

00:24:39 - Transitioning from Transactional Bookkeeping to Essential Finance Lead

00:25:07 - Conclusion

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Most bookkeepers struggle with pricing, not because they lack skill, but because they don’t understand how smart bookkeepers actually think about value.

In this episode, I break down:

- How bookkeepers should approach pricing

- Why bookkeepers often undercharge

- What separates confident bookkeepers from hesitant bookkeepers.

If you’re a bookkeeper or working with bookkeepers, this conversation will change how you see pricing forever.

You’ll learn how bookkeepers can price services more strategically, position themselves more confidently, and stop competing with other bookkeepers on price alone.

This episode is essential viewing for bookkeepers who want to charge what they’re truly worth!

Access the pricing report for yourself, here: subscribepage.io/Fi6w9A

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:28 - Pricing History and Current Situation

00:01:47 - Understanding the Value of Bookkeeping

00:02:41 - The Problem with Hourly Rate

00:05:35 - The Importance of Confidence in Pricing

00:07:04 - Survey Findings and Analysis

00:08:59 - The Need for Fixed Pricing

00:13:17 - Moving from Admin to Finance Lead

00:13:55 - How to Calculate Your Minimum Hourly Rate

00:15:08 - Building Packages and Productizing Services

00:16:55 - Differentiating Yourself from Other Bookkeepers

00:18:34 - The Correlation Between Confidence and Pricing

00:21:26 - The Role of Confidence in Sales Calls

00:23:48 - Moving from Fear to Confidence

00:25:20 - The Importance of Niching

00:27:10 - The Value of Niching Based on Personal Experiences

00:29:37 - Efficiency Through Focused Niching

00:30:15 - Efficiency Through Replicable Processes

00:30:49 - Understanding Client Needs for Package Design

00:31:38 - The Role of Confidence in Service Delivery

00:32:03 - The Impact of Niching on Pricing

00:32:37 - Invitation to Learn More and Reflect on Pricing

00:33:19 - Closing Remarks

#bookkeeping

In this episode, Jo and Zoe dive deep into the realities of selling bookkeeping services—a topic that makes many bookkeepers uncomfortable. They explore why sales often feels awkward, how mindset plays a crucial role, and why reframing the process as helping, not selling instantly changes how conversations feel. Using relatable real-life examples—from a perfume shop to car buying—they break down what good and bad sales experiences teach us about trust, rapport, and confidence.

The hosts outline the differences between marketing and sales, explain how to guide prospects with empathy and clarity, and share practical tips for managing discovery calls. They also discuss rapport building, understanding buyer psychology, using “with-or-without-you energy,” and designing a sales process that leads to long-term client retention. The episode closes by highlighting the value of the Sales Collection inside The Bookkeepers Collective.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode, Zoe explores what bookkeepers must understand to strategically grow their bookkeeping practice in 2026. She encourages listeners to “break” their existing business model in order to rebuild a scalable structure that supports long-term goals. The discussion centres on revisiting your original vision, designing systems that function without you, choosing a defined niche, and developing a gold-standard service that truly adds value.

Zoe also highlights the importance of business planning, pricing confidently, strengthening sales and personal branding skills, and building scalable systems — including the adoption of automation and AI. She wraps up by reframing the bookkeeper as a CEO, not an employee, and invites listeners to develop their growth roadmap inside The Grace Collection and Success Programme within The Bookkeepers’ Collective.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Get your FREE 6 Figure Practice Planner at 6figurebookkeeper.com

In this episode, Jo and Zoe break down the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence and what it means for bookkeepers right now. They explore the opportunities, risks, and everyday use cases—from email management and strategic planning to research tools and AI agents. With their signature blend of humour and practical advice, they discuss the tools they personally use (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Notebooks and Perplexity), what they love about them, and how they’ve integrated AI into their workflows.

They also introduce their Seven-Step Prompting Framework, designed to help bookkeepers create accurate, tailored outputs that reflect their expertise and tone of voice. The episode closes by outlining how bookkeepers can use AI to add value to clients, streamline operations, reduce decision fatigue, and even support advisory conversations. AI isn’t here to replace bookkeepers—it’s here to elevate them.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

What does success look like for HMRC with Making Tax Digital – and what does it really mean for the bookkeepers doing the work on the ground? In this Leadership Takeover Session, Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director for Making Tax Digital, explains the “why” behind MTD for Income Tax, how it will change the UK tax system, and why he believes bookkeepers are central to making it work for small businesses.

Get step by step guidance on MTD for Income Tax https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax?Utm_source=6fb

Craig shares his journey from a low-income upbringing in Scotland, through 20+ years in government delivery, to leading some of the UK’s biggest programmes – including the furlough scheme during the pandemic. He explains how his parents’ values around kindness and optimism shaped his leadership style, why he focuses so heavily on people and psychological safety, and how that translates into the way he runs the MTD team today.

You’ll hear a clear, human explanation of what MTD for IT actually is: digital record keeping, quarterly updates and software-based filing for millions of self-employed people. Craig talks about the three big reasons behind it – reducing errors in the tax gap, modernising the UK’s tax infrastructure, and creating better customer service through more timely data and nudges – and why he sees bookkeepers as uniquely placed to turn that into better conversations about cash flow, credit control and business performance.

He also explains the scale of the change: rebuilding core systems, working with third-party software through APIs, and designing multiple agent functionality so both accountants and bookkeepers can support the same client. Craig describes travelling around the UK to meet real practices, how those conversations led to changes like faster sign-up journeys and multiple agent access, and why HMRC is committed to genuine co-creation rather than “rubber-stamping” decisions already made.

The episode goes deeper into social mobility, confidence and financial understanding. Craig talks about seeing his dad’s January “bag of receipts”, the construction sector’s heavy representation in the first MTD cohort, and the financial literacy gap facing many sole traders. He reflects on sessions with unrepresented business owners, where a clear explanation – often from a bookkeeper or accountant – can quickly change how someone feels about digital tools, quarterly reporting and understanding their numbers.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.