The way we meet has changed dramatically in recent years. Technology now makes it possible to discuss projects, close deals and hold team meetings without ever leaving our desks. Yet for many, there is still something powerful about sitting across the table from another person. Both formats have their place, and the right choice often depends on purpose, people and context.

Online meetings are efficient. They remove the need for travel, save time and allow busy people to meet at short notice. For businesses with remote staff or clients across the country, video calls make communication easy and inexpensive. Online platforms also allow for screen sharing, document collaboration, and recording, all of which can make discussions more productive.

However, virtual meetings can have drawbacks. Technical glitches, weak connections and background distractions can interrupt the flow. It can also be harder to read body language or sense engagement, especially in larger groups. Without informal conversation before or after a meeting, relationships can feel more functional than personal.

Meeting in person allows for a deeper level of connection. Subtle cues, tone, and eye contact help build trust and understanding, especially when sensitive or complex matters are involved. Negotiations, strategic planning and first introductions often benefit from a personal touch. The act of meeting physically can also signal commitment and importance.

The disadvantages are mainly practical. Face-to-face meetings take more time and often involve travel costs. Coordinating diaries can be difficult and the environmental impact of regular travel is increasingly questioned.

For most businesses, a mix works best. Routine updates and quick check-ins are well suited to online meetings, while major decisions, negotiations, or relationship-building sessions still benefit from being held in person. The key is to choose the setting that best supports the outcome you want to achieve.

In today’s competitive market, many businesses feel pressured to extend generous payment terms to win new contracts. However, offering long or risky credit arrangements can strain cash flow and expose you to unnecessary financial risk. The good news is that there are other, more sustainable ways to attract and retain valuable clients.

One effective strategy is to focus on value rather than price. You should emphasise the quality, reliability and consistency of your service. Clients are often willing to pay on standard terms if they see that your business delivers dependable results and reduces their own risks. Highlight testimonials, case studies, and evidence of past performance to reinforce this message.

Second, improve transparency in your proposals. Set out clear timelines, deliverables and support arrangements. Buyers are more likely to accept normal payment terms when they feel confident about what they are getting and when they will get it.

Third, consider flexible but controlled options such as staged payments or deposits. These can balance client confidence with your need for steady cash flow. For example, 30% on order, 40% on delivery, and 30% on completion is often easier for clients to manage than a lump sum.

Finally, build strong relationships. Personal trust remains one of the most powerful negotiating tools. When clients view you as a partner rather than just a supplier, they are less likely to demand extended credit. The aim is not to win contracts at any cost, but to win them on fair, sustainable terms that support both sides.

Every business faces unexpected challenges. Rising costs, supply delays, late payments and sudden changes in demand can all place pressure on cash flow. The businesses that cope best are usually those that have taken time to build financial resilience.

Resilience is not simply about holding large sums of cash. It is about planning ahead and understanding the numbers that drive the business. A simple but effective starting point is to maintain a rolling 12-month cash flow forecast. Updating this regularly helps you see when pressure points are likely to occur, so that action can be taken early rather than reacting when funds run short.

Another sound step is to build a small reserve fund. Setting aside a proportion of profits each month can create a buffer that covers at least three months of fixed costs. This can make all the difference when faced with a delayed payment or an unexpected expense.

Relationships matter too. Clear communication with suppliers and customers helps avoid surprises. If customers pay late, early contact and clear terms often improve recovery rates.

We also recommend using sensitivity analysis to test “what if” scenarios — for example, what if energy costs rise by 10% or a key customer pays two months late? Discussing these possibilities can highlight practical ways to strengthen your position.

A resilient business is one that can manage uncertainty with confidence and seize opportunities when others are forced to hold back.

Many business owners make decisions based on instinct, but intuition alone can be unreliable. Having timely, accurate management information replaces guesswork with insight and leads to stronger profitability.

Management information differs from year-end accounts because it focuses on what is happening now and what is likely to happen next. A short monthly report showing key performance indicators can reveal issues before they become serious. Typical measures include gross profit margin, average debtor days, overhead ratios and cash flow trends.

Modern accounting software provides real-time figures that allow you to spot changes early. For instance, if sales remain steady but margins start to fall, it may signal higher costs or increased discounting. Acting quickly can prevent these trends from eroding profits.

Regular review meetings, even if only quarterly, make these reports more valuable. Discussing results with us can identify opportunities to improve efficiency, adjust pricing, or strengthen cash flow. Small improvements made consistently can produce meaningful gains over time.

Good management information does not need to be complicated. What matters is clarity and regular review. Once you have the right information in place, decision-making becomes easier, more confident and more profitable.

Well-structured information is one of the best tools for improving business performance and we can help you make full use of it.

Running a small business can feel like juggling endless priorities, but taking time to set clear goals is essential if you want your business to grow and remain sustainable. Here are five goals that every owner should consider.

1. Strengthen cash flow management
Cash is the lifeblood of any business. Aim to forecast your cash flow regularly, monitor debtor days, and build a buffer for unexpected costs. Even profitable businesses can run into trouble if they neglect cash flow.

2. Build customer loyalty
Repeat customers cost less to retain than new ones do to acquire. Set a goal to improve customer service, gather feedback, and introduce loyalty or referral schemes. Strong relationships are a foundation for long-term stability.

3. Embrace digital tools
From accounting software to customer management systems, technology can save time and cut errors. Make it a goal to identify areas of your business that could benefit from automation or more efficient systems.

4. Focus on compliance and risk management
Keeping up with tax, employment, and regulatory responsibilities avoids costly penalties. Set processes for filing returns on time, maintaining accurate records, and regularly reviewing insurance and legal protections.

5. Invest in yourself and your team
Your skills and wellbeing directly influence your business. Set goals around training, mentoring, or simply creating space to recharge. Encourage team development too,  motivated employees often generate new ideas and efficiencies.

By working towards these five goals, small business owners can balance immediate demands with longer-term progress. The key is to revisit and adjust them regularly, so they remain relevant as your business evolves.