Summer gives many of us a little breathing space — a slower pace, longer evenings, and maybe even a chance to stop and take stock.

For me, it’s a time to nurture. Not to rip things up and start again — just to check in, clear a few weeds, and make sure the roots are strong enough to support what’s coming next.

And the same goes for business.

💧 I’m Not Great with Plants… But I Am with Books

Let’s get this out of the way: I’m basically the Grim Reaper of houseplants. If it needs watering, feeding, or even the occasional glance — chances are I’ll forget.

But your finances? That’s where I thrive. I’ve learned that just like plants, your numbers don’t need constant fussing — they just need regular care.

It could be:

• A weekly receipt-sorting ritual with your coffee

• A bank feed check once a day

• An automatic reminder to chase payments (so you don’t forget again)

It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be enough.

🍞 Prep Matters (Just Ask Ian)

Ian spent years in catering before bringing his skills into finance, and he says the same thing whether it’s food or figures:

“Proper preparation prevents piss poor performance.”
(Try saying that after a couple of cocktails.)

In the kitchen, if the veg isn’t prepped or the dough hasn’t risen, you know you’re in for a rough service. The same applies to your business.

If the numbers aren’t in order — if systems are clunky, deadlines keep creeping up, or you’re always working from memory — it’s hard to grow with confidence.

A bit of prep goes a long way.

🔧 The Right Tools Change Everything

So many small business owners still rely on outdated systems, paper piles, or spreadsheets they inherited but never really understood. And they wonder why it always feels overwhelming.

I’m all for using tools that do the job for you —

• Apps that scan receipts straight from your phone

• Cloud software that auto-matches bank transactions

• Invoicing tools that send reminders (so you don’t have to)

If you’ve been struggling to stay on top of things, the problem probably isn’t you. It’s the systems.

🌱 A Season for Strengthening

So before summer really kicks in, I’d encourage you to ask:

• What habits need watering?

• What weeds (or old ways of working) need clearing?

• Where could a bit of prep ease the pressure later?

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be doable.

🤝 And If It Still Feels Like a Lot…

You’re not alone. This stuff can feel overwhelming — especially when you’ve got a business to run, clients to serve, or a million tabs open in your brain.

If you’re reading this and thinking “this all makes sense… I just don’t have time”, that’s okay.

That’s what we’re here for.
We help businesses like yours keep things simple, clear and manageable — no jargon, no judgment, and no more panic at tax time.

📘 If you’d like a few tips, grab our free eBook: The Cloud Bookkeeping Boost
📅 Or if you’d rather just have a proper chat, book a free deep-dive call: here