☀️ August. For most business owners, it is the one time of year you dare to step away, even if it is just for a week or two. We know what it is like. You work flat out for months, dreaming of a bit of sun, a festival, or just a lie in. But let’s be honest, even when you are away, your business is never far from your mind.

In Kim’s latest video, she talks about being at a festival recently. She was still surprised to see stallholders expecting their customers to bring cash, even though lockdown changed so much and made card payments the norm. It just goes to show, even when you think you can switch off, business and money matters have a way of following you around.

Ian has spoken openly about how the stress of running kitchens and businesses took its toll on his mental health. He knows what it is like to feel responsible for everything and everyone, and how hard it is to step back, even for a short break. That is why we care so much about helping you find ways to actually enjoy your time off, without worrying that everything will fall apart.

🌴 Why You Deserve a Proper Break

Let’s not sugar coat it. Most small business owners work harder than anyone else. You do the long hours, the late nights, the weekends. You do it for your family, your team, your clients. So when you finally get a chance to take a break, you should be able to enjoy it. Not spend the whole time glued to your phone, checking if the world has ended because you are not there.

🛠️ How to Keep Things Ticking (Without Losing Your Mind)

🤖 Automate what you can

We are big fans of using tech to take the pressure off. Set up automatic invoicing, payment reminders, and use apps like Hubdoc to keep your books up to date. If you use Monzo or Starling, set up pots or spaces for VAT, tax, or wages. It is not about being fancy; it is about making sure you do not come back to a mess.

👥 Trust your team or your tech

If you have staff, let them step up. If you are a one person band, set up what you can to run in the background. Even a simple out of office message can help manage expectations.

📣 Let your clients know

A quick email or post to say you are away is more than enough. Most people get it. Some might even be jealous.

🔄 Keep your pipeline warm

Schedule a few posts, or let people know when you will be back. If you are in construction or catering, let clients know your September diary is open. You do not want to come back to an empty calendar.

🧘 Give yourself permission to rest

This is the hardest bit. We know. But you really do need it. Your business needs you at your best, not running on fumes.

🔍 Why We Do This

We are not just bookkeepers. We are business owners, parents, and people who have been through the wringer. We have lost businesses and homes, started again, and learned the hard way that you cannot do it all alone. We care because we know what it is like to feel like everything is on your shoulders. We want you to have the backup we wish we had.

🎒 Free Download: Your Business Holiday Readiness Checklist: Set Up for Autopilot Success

We have put together a simple checklist to help you get your business ready for your break. It is not about mothballing your business; it is about making sure things keep ticking, so you can actually enjoy your time away. [Link to download]

💬 Let's Chat: Your "Bee in the Tent" Moments!

We've all been there—that feeling of a buzzing, overwhelming to do list. What's the biggest thing buzzing around your list right now? Or have you had your own "bee in the tent" moment in business? Share your story or your best tip for calming the chaos in the comments below. We read and reply to every single one!

Bonus: To kick things off, we'll pick one lucky commenter at random to win a coffee on us! Just leave your stories and musings below.

🤔 Final Thoughts

You work hard. You deserve a break. With a bit of planning, you can have your holiday and keep your business running too. If you need a hand, or just want to talk it through, we are always here.

Here is to a proper rest this August, and a business that keeps going, even while you are away.