We’ve been a client of Not Just Numbers since we launched our strategic marketing consultancy in June 2017. In my previous role, I’d had no visibility of the business’ numbers. In truth, it was clear I needed dragging into the 21stcentury! The previous business had been using Sage, making manual notes and putting expenses on spreadsheets. It was time consuming, complicated and confusing.
When we began the partnership at ThinkSMART Marketing, I wanted to get a grip on our finances from the start. I knew that, in order to grow, I needed full clarity of our numbers and what to do, and how, in order to succeed. My business partner, Gary King, was a client of Debbie’s and hugely impressed by Not Just Numbers’ work. It was a no-brainer, therefore, to ask Debbie to welcome ThinkSMART Marketing on board as a client too.
From day one, and our introduction to Xero, it was clear working with Not Just Numbers would save me a huge amount of time and hassle. She’s taught me about best VAT practice and corporation tax profit, and how to use and understand these in order to grow. This means I haven’t been hit with vast VAT bill shocks. Instead, I receive monthly updates and regular reports so I know where I stand and can plan for future spending.
Debbie’s always thinking about the right technology that’ll support us as we grow. She’s certainly not introducing software for the sake of it. Rather, her focus is on finding the right systems for the right reasons and using them to our best advantage. She’s recommended Futrli for cashflow forecasting, Tripcatcher for mileage, Chaser for overdue payments, and Receipt Bank for expenses. Little things like this make a massive difference to our time and efficiency as a business.
In addition, Not Just Numbers help with other complex areas of our business, such as buying and selling. As our company changes and evolves, Debbie advises on next steps, highlighting unusual billings, managing processes and keeping an eye on profit.
Debbie and I have a monthly meeting where we run through the business’ finances. I value these meetings hugely, and really look forward to them. They’re more than standard client/supplier relationship discussions: they’re fun, positive and make a real difference. Debbie’s incredibly supportive and accommodating, but I know she’ll always give me a push in the right direction when I need it!
In our meetings, Debbie gives me current, sound advice on what we can, and can’t, do as a business, as well as making sure I’m paying for only what I need at the right price. She recognises my challenges, supports me as I manage them, and holds me accountable for our business’ actions. Her approach is to reassure and provide practical advice. Debbie is patient to different ways of learning, adapting her approach to suit while still making sure it drives profits.
Debbie is my primary contact, yet the whole Not Just Numbers team are incredibly helpful. I know I can pick up the phone to any of them at any time and rely on their advice and guidance. At Not Just Numbers, there’s no such thing as a daft question, and the support they’ve given me has been invaluable.
Working with Not Just Numbers, I’ve gone from a vague idea about business finances to a strong understanding of my numbers. I have a significantly clearer idea about where the business is going and know just which questions to ask, when and why. I’m now confident I’m making the right decisions and, with Debbie’s support, our turnover and profit has grown year-on-year.
As our business grew, upping our retainer was a no-brainer. I know I’m paying for Debbie’s support and her expertise, which is unrivalled and immensely valued. It’s a time and investment in ourselves as a business.
Debbie and her team have allowed me to understand my numbers from a new business viewpoint and provide an invaluable external perspective that’s essential for growth. I always recommended Not Just Numbers to anyone looking for an accountant. It’s a natural referral for me: I wouldn’t think of anyone else.
