Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ 

This week I’m diving into a topic that honestly doesn’t get the love it deserves: accrual-based accounting - now bare with me! 

This isn’t just some boring accounting rule. This is the kind of stuff that can completely change the way you understand your business. Most entrepreneurs are running on cash-based accounting without even realising they’re flying blind. That’s where accrual-based accounting steps in and gives you the full picture.

In this episode, I break down exactly what accrual-based accounting is, how it compares to the cash-based method, and - most importantly - why you should care.

I’ll walk you through the matching principle (which is a fancy way of saying "tie your income to the expenses that created it") and show you how this shift in thinking can lead to better financial decisions, smarter planning, and even lower tax bills.

I keep things practical, straightforward, and jargon-free. Whether you're a numbers person or not, you’ll walk away knowing how to actually apply this to your business.

If you're serious about growing your business and making smarter financial moves, this Magic Moment is for you.

Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.

Welcome back to another episode of Tax Talks! 

 

If you don’t know this already, Tej is a financial advisor and business strategist who knows the ins and outs of building smart, tax-efficient business structures like nobody else I’ve met. 

 

For this installment of Tax Talks, we dive into a topic that might not sound sexy on the surface - OpCo and PropCo structures - but if you run a business, this stuff is absolute gold.

 

We talked all about the benefits of splitting your trading company (OpCo) from your property-holding company (PropCo), and why doing this can be a complete game changer when it comes to protecting your assets and planning ahead. 

 

Tej shared not only the mechanics of how it works, but also some great real-world examples of clients who’ve saved a ton in tax and kept their businesses safe by putting these structures in place.

 

Tej breaks down exactly when it makes sense to set up this kind of structure, how it can help if you’re thinking about selling your business, and even how to use things like SSAS pension schemes to buy property in a really tax-savvy way.

 

This isn’t just for the mega-rich or big corporations - this is a strategy that smart business owners at any level can start thinking about now. Whether you're looking to grow, exit, or just protect what you’ve built, there's so much value in understanding how these structures work.

 

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a proper grasp of how to separate your assets from your trading activities, why that matters, and what steps to take to get it all moving in the right direction. 

 

Big thanks to Tej for coming on and dropping so many gems - you're definitely going to want a notebook for this one!

 

Tune in and enjoy. 

 

UFD RESOURCES: 

 

👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit    

 

👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 

Welcome to another episode of Magic Moments!

In this moment, I had the pleasure of sitting down with chartered account and tax expert, Tej Gill. Tej is one of those people who makes a complicated topic feel surprisingly clear and actionable.

We dug into shareholder agreements - what they are, why they matter, and how they can be a game-changer (or even a lifesaver) in your business.

I’ve always believed that building wealth through business requires not just hustle and smart decisions, but also protection - and that’s exactly what this conversation is about. Tej and I talk about those make-or-break situations where having a shareholder agreement in place can make all the difference.

Whether it's when you're partnering up with someone new, bringing on investors with a minority stake, or simply preparing for future changes in life stages or personal goals, these agreements are essential tools - not just legal formalities.

One thing I really appreciated in this chat was how Tej explained the difference between shareholders and directors. It sounds obvious, but once you get into the weeds of a growing business, those roles can blur. Knowing where those boundaries lie can prevent so many headaches down the line.

So if you're in a partnership, thinking of starting one, or just want to make sure your business is built on solid ground, this episode is definitely worth your time. Tej brings serious clarity to a topic most of us overlook until it's too late. So tune in, listen and learn.

Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.

In this week’s episode of the UFD podcast, I’m talking through something every entrepreneur needs to hear - the tough decisions that are quietly draining your profit margins. The hard calls, the uncomfortable conversations, the strategic shifts that actually move the needle when it comes to profitability.

I break down eight specific decisions that most business owners either avoid, delay, or don’t even realise are costing them money. I start with one of the biggest levers you’ve got: Pricing. 

Most people are afraid to raise prices because they think customers will run for the hills - but I explain why that fear is usually unfounded, and how even a small price increase can have a massive impact on your bottom line.

From there, I get into the reality of team dynamics. I know it’s not easy, but sometimes the people who’ve been with you the longest are no longer the right fit for where your business is headed. I’ve seen so many businesses plateau because they’re loyal to a legacy team that just isn’t moving the needle anymore. Making a change here can be uncomfortable, but it can also be one of the most freeing and profitable things you do.

I also get into the importance of saying NO - no to misaligned clients, no to bad-fit projects, and no to work that doesn’t serve your long-term vision. It might feel counterintuitive, but saying no can actually open up space for the right clients and better opportunities, and it can dramatically improve your team’s morale and output.

Throughout the episode, I talk about strategic downsizing, letting go of the idea that you need to do everything yourself, and the trap of trying to save a declining market - what I like to call trying to catch a falling knife. 

I also dig into the importance of building recurring revenue streams, creating upsells, and why you should seriously consider offering guarantees in your sales process, even if they feel risky. 

When done right, they build trust and actually drive more conversions.

This episode is all about getting real. If you want to build a business that’s not just growing, but growing profitably, these are the decisions you can’t afford to ignore. So grab your notebook, get comfortable, and let’s get into it.

 

UFD RESOURCES: 

 

👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit    

 

👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 

 

Welcome to this week's Magic Moment!

This week, I’m diving deep into something that every entrepreneur dreams of - running a business with seriously big margins.

I'm sharing some of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned about how to position your business in a way that attracts better clients, allows you to charge more, and lets you work less.

We’re talking about how to make your business stand out as a high-value option in your market - because when you do that, everything gets easier. You can hike your prices, streamline your workload, and start attracting clients who actually want the results you offer.

I’ll break down why your brand appearance, your online presence, and even the way you talk about what you do can make a massive difference in how much people are willing to pay - and how much work it takes to keep them happy.

I also share a great analogy that really drives home the idea of solving lots of problems for your customers, not just the obvious ones.

If you're aiming for a business that runs smoother, earns more, and feels more in control - this episode’s for you.

Thanks for tuning in - this one’s packed with real talk and practical strategies to help you level up. Let’s get into it.

Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.

Welcome to another episode of the UFD podcast. This week I'm diving into something that might make your eyes glaze over at first, but this stuff is GOLD for any entrepreneur who wants to stop feeling lost when their accountant starts throwing around fancy terms.

 

Accounting can sometimes feel like a foreign language. But how many times have you sat in meetings nodding along when you have absolutely no clue what's being discussed? That's exactly how bad business decisions get made.

 

So to help, I've picked out 10 accounting terms that I guarantee will come up in your business conversations, and I'm going to break them down in a way that makes sense.

 

These aren't just boring accounting terms that only your CFO needs to know, this is the language of business. When you understand these concepts, you can have real conversations about your company's financial health.

 

You'll know when someone's trying to pull a fast one on you, and more importantly, you'll be able to make better decisions because you actually understand what the numbers are telling you.

 

Don't let anyone bamboozle you with accounting jargon. These terms are your tools for understanding how your business really works.

 

If this helped clarify some of the accounting fog for you, I'd love to hear about it. And if you've got other terms that make your head spin, let me know - it might be perfect for a future episode.

 

UFD RESOURCES: 

 

👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit    

 

👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments! ✨

In this episode, I sat down with Stephen Cowgill. Stephen is an entrepreneur who’s made a real name for himself in real estate and business strategy. 

We got into everything from monthly financial check-ins to how making finance feel like a game can totally change your relationship with it. Stephen walked me through his journey - he wasn’t always a numbers guy but now he’s a financial forecasting nerd… in the best way.

And it's all because he built a support system that helped him get it without getting overwhelmed.

We talked about how financial clarity isn’t just about spreadsheets and budgets - it’s about creating space for better decisions, and actually enjoying the process. We explored the real power of getting your numbers in order early and how that can save you major headaches down the line.

Here’s a few of the gems you’ll walk away with:

• Why monthly financial reviews aren’t just a nice-to-have - they’re a game-changer

• How early financial systems can be your secret weapon for long-term growth

• The role experts can play in challenging your assumptions and streamlining decisions

• Why treating finance like a game might just make you love it

• And how a solid 12-month forecast can help you see your future with way more clarity

If you’ve ever felt like finances are the un-fun part of business, this episode is 100% for you. 

Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.

Welcome back to another episode of Tax Talks! 

 

I sat down again with the brilliant Tej Gill, who’s not just a top-tier tax advisor but also someone who knows what he’s talking about when it comes to corporate structuring and financial planning. We delved deeply into a topic that many business owners have heard about but don’t always fully understand: Alphabet Shares.

 

Don’t worry - we didn’t just throw jargon around. We started right at the beginning, breaking down what a share is - from voting rights to dividends and capital rights - before getting into how Alphabet Shares work and why they can be such a powerful tool in your financial toolkit.

 

Tej explained how Alphabet Shares can give you more control and flexibility in your company, whether it’s about who receives what dividends, how decisions are made, or how ownership is divided. They’ve been around for a while, but they’re still one of the smartest ways to structure your business for tax efficiency, especially when thinking long-term or planning for the next generation.

 

We talked about practical, real-world scenarios - like how you might use Alphabet shares when setting up a company with your family, or if you're planning to pass on wealth to your kids without handing them the full keys to the castle (and without giving half of it to HMRC in the process). 

 

Whether you're brand new to Alphabet Shares or you've heard about them and want to know how they actually work in practice, this episode's for you. I learned a lot from Tej, and I think you will too. 

 

UFD RESOURCES: 

👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit   

👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/

WE'VE HIT 40 MAGIC MOMENTS! ✨

In this week's instalment, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Kevin - someone who’s not just super sharp when it comes to business and money, but also incredibly grounded in why he does what he does. 

We got into financial independence and Kevin breaks down how crucial it is to have a strong reason why you're pursuing wealth in the first place. Once you've got that internal fire lit, you're basically unstoppable.

One thing I really appreciated is how Kevin keeps it practical. He talked about starting with what you already know, and using that as the launchpad to create real, recurring income - not just trading time for money. That’s how he built his businesses, and how he's helping thousands of families do the same.

We also touched on legacy - what it means to be a financial role model and leave something meaningful behind for the next generation, which in today’s world, that kind of forward thinking is more important than ever.

If you’re someone who’s been on the fence about taking action, or you’ve been wondering how to turn what you know into something that can build real wealth - this episode’s gonna speak to you.

Did you enjoy listening to this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this week’s episode of the UFD Podcast, I’m joined by Katie Harvey co-director at Haines Homes and all-around powerhouse. 

Katie’s not only been smashing it with her rent-to-rent HMO portfolio in Oxford, but she’s also launched a brand new business called Breathe, focused on helping entrepreneurs avoid burnout and actually enjoy the life they’re building.

Katie and I dive deep into how she turned her business around by ditching the "scale-at-all-costs" mentality and zeroing in on profit margins. 

We dive into the power of financial planning, specifically how using a 12-month forecast helped Katie feel confident enough to leave her job as an electrical contractor, fully commit to entrepreneurship and create a life she’s actually excited to live. 

Katie also introduces her new venture, Breathe, which is all about helping other entrepreneurs avoid burnout through intentional lifestyle design. It’s a refreshing take on business - one that puts wellbeing and balance at the forefront.

We chat about what it’s like running a business with family, including the dynamics, the boundaries, and the benefits of working with people you trust. 

And finally, we explore how finding your “sweet spot” in business - that place where things run well without being overwhelming - can make all the difference.

It’s a proper behind-the-scenes look at how we’ve made big shifts, both in the business and in life - and why it’s paying off in more ways than one.

Give it a listen, and as always, let me know your biggest takeaways. 

You can connect with Katie across socials via her links below:

https://www.instagram.com/haineshomes_/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-harvey-097571195/

UFD RESOURCES: 

👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit

👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/