Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander Rattray

What’s Your Number? Craig Talks Exits, Risk, and Financial Discipline with Chris Peace

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by Chris Peace, founder of Peace Recruitment and now independent business coach, for a frank and energising conversation about growing, exiting, and what really matters in business.
Chris talks candidly about starting a recruitment company in the depths of the 2009 recession, scaling it to 25 staff and £10 million turnover, and planning a successful exit with military-style precision. From risk-taking and frugality to cash flow discipline and strategic vision, this one’s full of insights every ambitious business owner needs to hear.
He also shares what he’s doing now... coaching other founders to build businesses with less stress, more time, and a whole lot more cash.
 
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ Why he launched a business in the middle of a recession✅ The “dinghy and the tanker” approach to market change✅ Building a self-financing temp model without invoice factoring✅ How and why he planned his exit years in advance✅ Creating a management team ready to take the reins✅ The difference between good input, culture, and clear numbers✅ Why authenticity is everything in business
 
Key Takeaways:
✅ Focus on cash - always!✅ You don’t need to spend big to scale successfully✅ Culture and clarity will drive loyalty and long-term results✅ Be honest about your numbers, and your limitations✅ You can’t delegate responsibility, but you can delegate tasks✅ Exit doesn’t happen by accident... it needs a plan
 
Memorable Quotes:
📢 "I didn’t want to be on the big tanker when the tsunami hit. So I jumped off and paddled my little dinghy in the opposite direction."📢 "Delayed gratification is a must. Don’t believe the hype."📢 "If you get the culture right, your team will do the hard yards for you."📢 "What’s your number, and what’s your timescale?"📢 "Cash is king. Nothing else really matters."
 
Timestamps:
01:46 Starting Peace Recruitment
02:28 Navigating the 2008 Recession
03:21 Building a Successful Business
06:36 Focusing on Cash Flow
10:18 Operational and Financial Management
15:55 Planning for Exit
24:41 Becoming a Business Coach
27:37 Final Advice and Contact Information
 
Resources Mentioned:
📌 Chris Peace on LinkedIn - Independent strategic business coaching📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Helping business owners grow with confidence
 
 

From Confused to Confident: Craig Talks With Shane Lukas On How Business Owners Can Finally Understand Their Numbers

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by Shane Lukas, Managing Director of AVN – The Accountants Network, for a straight-talking conversation about how business owners can finally stop feeling overwhelmed by their finances.
Shane shares why so many entrepreneurs are left confused by reports, frustrated with their accountants, and unsure how to use financial data to make better decisions. Together, Craig and Shane break down what needs to change – not just in the numbers, but in the conversations around them.
If you've ever received a report and thought, “What am I meant to do with this?” – this episode is for you.
 
 
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The disconnect between analytical accountants and big-picture business owners✅ Why most business owners still don’t get real value from their accounts✅ The difference between information and insight – and why translation matters✅ Why real-time data is only useful when it’s actually explained✅ How to shift from producing reports to having powerful conversations✅ The accountant’s role in helping business owners make confident decisions
 
Key Takeaways:
✅ Most business owners don’t need more reports – they need clearer communication✅ Accountants should be asking better questions, not just delivering numbers✅ Business owners who don’t understand their numbers are running on guesswork✅ Emotional barriers often prevent owners from engaging with finance – they need empathy and clarity, not just spreadsheets✅ The real value is in the relationship, not the report
 
Memorable Quotes:
📢 “Entrepreneurs are big-picture thinkers. They don’t go into the detail – they need that translation to understand how to use the data.”📢 “If a business owner doesn’t understand the numbers, how can they make good decisions?”📢 “You can’t make change if you’re not aware of where things are right now.”📢 “It’s not just about the numbers – it’s about what those numbers mean to the person.”📢 “A great accountant doesn’t just deliver information – they create understanding.”
 
Timestamps:
The Journey to Coaching Accountants
03:07 Evolution of Accountancy and Technology
06:04 The Added Value Network (AVN)
07:08 The Importance of Real-Time Information
12:53 Human to Human: Understanding Clients
17:38 Engaging with Accountants for Better Decision Making
18:40 Building a Strong Financial Team
19:05 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers
19:35 Educating Business Owners: The Ford Acronym
21:18 Advisory Services and Overcoming Fears
23:54 Case Study: Transforming an Accounting Business
26:11 The Future of Accountancy with AI
29:20 Advice for Accountants and Business Owners
30:41 Connecting with Shane and Final Thoughts
 
Resources Mentioned:
📌 AVN – The Accountants Network – Tools and training for value-driven accountants📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Helping business owners grow with confidence📌 Shane’s Book: Putting Excellence Into Practice

From Roofer to Real Business: Craig Talks with Jamie Taylor on Trades, Growth and Knowing Your Numbers

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by Jamie Taylor, founder of Taylor Roofs and host of the popular Taylor Talks Trades podcast. Jamie shares his journey from apprentice roofer to building a multi-million-pound business – and the wake-up calls, mindset shifts, and financial lessons he learned along the way.
From realising he didn’t “own a business, just a job” to making the leap into serious financial control, Jamie’s story is one that will resonate with thousands of business owners in the trades and construction world – and beyond.
It’s an episode packed with practical insights, honest reflections, and powerful takeaways about growth, resilience, and what it really means to run a business that works without you.
 
Key Topics Discussed:
The turning point that made Jamie stop and start taking finance seriously
Why most tradespeople end up owning a job, not a business – and how to change that
What Jamie learned after working with three different accountants
How he uses data, scorecards, and forecasting to make better decisions
Why personal development matters just as much as process and pricing
Moving away from subcontract work and into a profitable, scalable homeowner model
 
Key Takeaways:
✅ You don’t need to become an accountant – but you do need to understand your numbers✅ If you can’t step away for 3 months without the business collapsing, it’s not a business✅ Good decisions come from real-time data – not annual accounts✅ You can build a multi-million pound business in the trades without selling your soul to subcontract work✅ Progress starts when you stop running blind and start using numbers as a tool
 
Memorable Quotes:
📢 “You’ve not got a business – you just own a job. That was the best advice I ever got.”📢 “Once we had the numbers, I got obsessed – I realised I was playing a real-life game.”📢 “You don’t need to be an accountant. Just find a way to tell the story of your business in a language you understand.”📢 “Running by your bank balance is not a business strategy – it’s a gamble.”📢 “We built a business that works for us – and we’ve proved you can scale it in the right way.”
 
Timestamps:
02:48 The Importance of Trades and Apprenticeships06:11 Challenges in the Trades Industry08:17 Starting and Growing a Roofing Business12:41 The Role of Accountants and Business Coaches14:26 Networking and Mentorship19:01 Book Recommendations and Early Lessons19:34 Discovering Financial Tracking20:31 Importance of Knowing Your Numbers21:30 Transition to Management Accounts25:13 Challenges with Subcontracting28:06 Focusing on Private Homeowners28:49 Scaling the Business29:39 Cash Flow Management Strategies33:37 Final Advice and Contact Information
 
Resources Mentioned:
📌 Taylor Roofs – Jamie’s award-winning roofing business📌 Taylor Talks Trades Podcast – Interviews and insights for trades business owners📌 E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber – The book that sparked Jamie’s business transformation📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Craig’s programme for ambitious business owners
 
 

Mental Health in Construction: Craig Talks with Nicola Campbell from Lighthouse Charity About Pressure, Support, and Saving Lives

In this deeply important episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Nicola Campbell, Lead Partnership Manager at The Lighthouse Charity, to talk about mental health in the construction sector, business pressures, and the support that’s available to those who build the world around us.
Nicola shares the heartbreaking reality that the construction industry loses two workers every working day to suicide, and explains how Lighthouse Charity provides free, 24/7 support to anyone in the industry – from site workers and subcontractors to business owners, directors, and their families.
This conversation is about more than business – it’s about people. It's a reminder that your mental health matters as much as your financial health, and there is help available when things feel heavy.
 
 
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The silent pressures that business owners in construction face every day✅ How Lighthouse Charity is saving lives through proactive, practical support✅ Why reaching out for help isn’t a weakness – it’s a responsibility✅ The hidden struggles behind the scenes of running a business✅ The ripple effect of stress on teams, families, and entire communities✅ How to access the wide range of support Lighthouse offers
 
Key Takeaways:
✅ Suicide is preventable – but we have to talk about it, and offer real support✅ Business owners often carry silent burdens – financial, emotional, and personal✅ It’s not selfish to take care of yourself – it’s essential✅ Even just one phone call to Lighthouse can be life-changing✅ Mental wellbeing should be treated with the same urgency as any business risk
 
Memorable Quotes (Direct from Nicola and Craig):
📢 “We do lose two construction workers every working day to suicide.” – Nicola Campbell📢 “Every time someone phones, we have an opportunity to save a life and keep a family together.” – Nicola Campbell📢 “We have to assess ourselves – we have to look after ourselves before we can go forward.” – Nicola Campbell📢 “It just becomes all-encompassing… it’s what you think about last thing at night and first thing in the morning.” – Craig Alexander Rattray📢 “If you’re affected – or know someone who is – please, please get in touch.” – Craig Alexander Rattray
 
Timestamps:
01:32 Nicola's Journey from Criminology to Charity Work
04:15 Lighthouse Charity: Mission and Support
06:01 Challenges in the Construction Industry
08:40 Mental Wellbeing and Support in Construction
12:14 How Lighthouse Charity Makes a Difference
15:03 Promoting Lighthouse Charity and Its Resources
23:46 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
25:46 Conclusion and Contact Information
 
 
Resources Mentioned:
📌 The Lighthouse Charity – 24/7 wellbeing and crisis support for construction workers and business owners📌 Lighthouse Support App – Free app providing easy access to mental health, financial and wellbeing support📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Learn how Craig helps business owners take control of their finances and reduce stress
 
 

Funding with Personality: Craig Talks with Emma Ross on Building Trust, Telling the Right Story, and Standing Out in Finance

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by the dynamic Emma Ross, founder of Ross Commercial Finance. Known for her no-nonsense approach, distinctive personality, and deep lender relationships, Emma is quickly becoming one of the most trusted names in UK commercial finance.
From her early days winning credit card competitions at the bank, to launching her own brokerage and turning it into a profitable, growing business in under a year, Emma’s journey is all about drive, clarity, and backing yourself.
She shares her experiences navigating male-dominated spaces, building a business on trust and service, and why helping her clients tell the right story is key to unlocking funding.
 
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ Why commercial finance is all about storytelling – and getting the detail right✅ How Emma went from bank employee to award-winning broker✅ What it really takes to go from a six-figure salary to launching your own business✅ The power of personal brand – and doing things your own way✅ What lenders are actually looking for (and how to give it to them)✅ How Ross Commercial Finance supports the local community beyond business
 
Key Takeaways:
✅ Success isn’t just about the numbers – it’s about how you present the numbers✅ Leaving security behind to build something of your own takes courage – and clarity✅ Building strong relationships with lenders is as valuable as knowing the products✅ Profitability isn’t accidental – it comes from strategy, structure, and support
 
Memorable Quotes:
📢 “If you give me a one-liner saying, ‘I flipped a property before,’ how am I supposed to sell that to a lender? But if you tell me what you paid, what you spent, the before and after photos – now we’re building the picture.”📢 “I knew how much passion and drive I was giving to them. If I could give that to something that wasn’t mine – what could I give to something that was?”📢 “For my mental health, I would have gone back to a £34K job – that’s how important clarity and peace of mind became.”📢 “I know it’s not healthy – but I’ve built something I believe in, and I’m all in on it.”
 
Timestamps:
00:43 Meet Emma Ross: A Unique Journey in Finance
03:00 Early Career and Determination
07:12 Transition to Banking and Commercial Finance
09:33 Becoming a Broker: Challenges and Successes
12:59 Starting Ross Commercial Finance
17:46 Community Involvement and Personal Insights
19:39 Work-Life Balance and Team Building
21:19 Future Plans
 
Resources Mentioned:
📌 Ross Commercial Finance – Learn more about Emma’s brokerage and services📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Discover how Craig helps business owners take control of their finances📌 EKFC / She Can Football Club – Learn more about the community organisations Emma and her team support
 
 

From Chaos to Clarity: Craig Talks with Paula Wingate on Mindset, Margin, and Scaling Smarter

In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by Paula Wingate, founder of Influential Minds – and a force to be reckoned with in the world of business coaching.
Paula brings a rare blend of mindset mastery and razor-sharp commercial strategy, helping business owners scale sustainably, increase their profit margins, and finally get the freedom they started their business for in the first place.
From growing up in a Barnsley council estate to running a high-performing team in banking, from losing everything to building it all back again, Paula shares a story packed with lessons, mindset shifts, and practical advice that every business owner needs to hear.
 
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ How Paula went from high-performing corporate leader to successful entrepreneur✅ Why mindset, not marketing, is often the missing piece in business success✅ The overlooked power of net profit (and why she won’t buy a business without it)✅ How Paula helped a client grow net profit by 420% with just a 12% increase in turnover✅ The three numbers Paula looks at first when working with any business✅ Why business owners wear “busy” like a badge of honour – and how to break that cycle
 
Key Takeaways:
✅ Business success starts with clarity – not just on what you do, but why you do it✅ Most entrepreneurs don’t need to work harder – they need better systems, pricing, and processes✅ Cashflow, net profit, and pricing strategy are often the difference between chaos and freedom✅ Business data tells a story – and most business owners aren’t reading it
 
Memorable Quotes:
📢 “If you improve your business by 1% every single day, it’s not 365% improvement – it’s 3,678% because of the compound effect.” – Paula Wingate📢 “People say to me, ‘Have you been busy?’ and I say, ‘Absolutely not – I’ve been productive.’” – Paula Wingate📢 “Even just one piece of data can make you millions.” – Paula Wingate📢 “A five-figure business can be more profitable than a seven-figure one – it all comes down to the numbers.” – Paula Wingate
 
Timestamps:
00:42 Meet Paula Wingate: Business Coach Extraordinaire
01:55 Paula's Journey: From Barnsley to Business Coach
05:30 Lessons from McDonald's: Systems and Simplicity
06:58 Banking Career: Overcoming Challenges and Bullying
12:30 From Football to Business: Paula's Diverse Background
16:02 A Tough Financial Lesson and New Beginnings
18:22 The Unexpected Contract
19:25 Setting Boundaries and Taking Control
19:53 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers
20:49 Challenges Business Owners Face
21:23 The Role of Accountants in Business Success
22:58 Working Smarter, Not Harder
23:46 The Power of Data in Business
28:44 Transforming Business Owners' Lives
34:46 Key Metrics for Business Growth
 
Resources Mentioned:
📌 Influential Minds – Learn more about Paula Wingate and her coaching work📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Discover how Craig helps business owners gain control, clarity and confidence📌 Follow Paula Wingate on LinkedIn – Regular insights on business, mindset, and scaling with intention
 

Lessons in Growth: Craig Talks with Jordan Howard on Scaling, Cash Flow, and Learning the Hard Way

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Jordan Howard, Managing Director of D2 Integrated Systems, to talk about the highs, lows, and hard lessons of building a business.
Jordan’s journey is one that many business owners will recognise – starting out with big ambitions, learning some tough financial lessons, and ultimately transforming his business through better cash flow management, processes, and people.
From risky partnerships and restructuring to scaling a business beyond £4 million, Jordan’s story is a real-world lesson in why knowing your numbers isn’t just important – it’s essential.
 
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ How Jordan grew his business – and the mistakes he learned from along the way✅ The importance of mentorship – and why he wishes he’d sought guidance earlier✅ How a lack of financial visibility nearly cost him his business✅ Why cashflow forecasting is the number one thing every business owner should focus on✅ The lessons learned from restructuring and taking back control of his company✅ How focusing on processes and the right people has transformed his business
 
Key Takeaways:
✅ Start with mentorship. Jordan believes that business owners should seek guidance from day one – not wait until things go wrong to ask for help.✅ Cash flow is king. Without clear visibility on cash, business owners risk making decisions in the dark.✅ The right people and processes make all the difference. Jordan learned the hard way that hiring the best people isn’t enough – you need clear processes to set them up for success.✅ Turnover is vanity – profit and cash are everything. Many business owners focus on top-line revenue, but it’s gross margin and cash flow that truly determine success.
 
Memorable Quotes:
📢 “If you don’t know where your cash is going, things can go bad very, very quickly – and you won’t even know it’s happening.” – Jordan Howard📢 “Looking at your cash flow is scary – so a lot of business owners stick their heads in the sand and just hope for the best. That’s the biggest mistake you can make.” – Jordan Howard📢 “I’m not scared of finance anymore. Before, I used to just look at my bank account and hope. Now, I understand where the business is really at.” – Jordan Howard
 
Timestamps:
01:22 Jordan's Career Beginnings02:55 Starting His Own Business05:17 Forming a Group Company07:34 Challenges of Managing a Group12:48 Seeking Mentorship16:22 Joining Know Your Numbers Mastery17:42 Reflecting on Achievements and Lessons Learned18:31 Overcoming Business Challenges19:36 Financial Strategies for Business Growth21:21 Building a Strong Team and Structure24:08 Focusing on Recurring Revenue31:13 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
 
Resources Mentioned:
📌 D2 Integrated Systems – Learn more about Jordan Howard’s business and services on his website.📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Discover how Craig helps business owners take control of their finances and drive sustainable growth.📌 Download Craig’s Free Cash flow Template – Get the tool Jordan used to transform his financial visibility on the KYN Download Page.
 
 

Bold Growth, Big Challenges: Craig Talks with John Hillis on Scaling a Business and the Energy Transition

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with John Hillis, Managing Director of Blackhall & Powis, to discuss the journey from starting a business with little financial knowledge to scaling it into a key player in renewable energy and infrastructure.
John shares how he and his team have navigated the challenges of rapid growth, why cashflow is the one number he watches every day, and how having the right financial insights transformed his business. With Blackhall & Powis supporting multi-billion-pound energy projects across the UK and Europe, this is a must-listen for any business owner looking to scale with confidence.
 
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The realities of scaling from startup to multi-million-pound business✅ Why cashflow is the lifeblood of any business – and how to manage it✅ The importance of forecasting and financial visibility for business growth✅ Navigating the challenges of hiring and investing in people before the revenue comes✅ The role of renewables and the energy transition in shaping future opportunities✅ Why resilience and bold decision-making are key to success
 
Key Takeaways:
💡Business owners should focus on financial knowledge from day one. John believes that anyone starting a business should be directed towards financial education, as understanding the basics early on provides a strong foundation for growth.
💡Adversity fuels growth. Challenges in business are inevitable, but the ability to push through them helps entrepreneurs develop both professionally and personally.
💡Cashflow is the ultimate priority. John and his team monitor cash flow daily and weekly because it’s the lifeblood of the business and crucial for maintaining stability and funding growth.
 
Memorable Quotes:
📢 “If you've got the information, then you can use the information. Even if it's bad news, it kind of doesn't really matter because we know we've got the team that can work through it.”📢 “You're not going to fall off a financial cliff tomorrow. The movements in the finance of the business are trend-based. And even if what is happening in the business financially is not a good thing, knowing that reasonably close to when it's happening enables you to take action.”📢 “We were too pedestrian. The business was actually growing much faster than we had planned for it to grow. And that ultimately was the cause of our cash issues in mid-2023.”
 
Timestamps:
01:08 John Hillis' Background and Career
02:06 Challenges and Successes in Business
02:26 The Genesis of Blackhall Powis
03:03 Major Projects and Industry Impact
04:02 Early Career and Personal Insights
06:05 Transition to Corporate and Entrepreneurial Ventures
07:51 Building and Growing Blackhall Powis
10:48 Financial Management and Growth Strategies
12:40 The Importance of Cash Flow
25:17 Future Plans and Business Vision
29:51 Final Thoughts and Advice
 
 
Resources Mentioned:
📌 Blackhall & Powis – Learn more about John Hillis and his team’s work in renewable energy and infrastructure.📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Discover how Craig helps business owners take control of their finances and drive sustainable growth. Visit here
 
 

Breaking the Limits: Craig Talks with Billy Farrell on Mindset, Marketing, and Business Growth

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Billy Farrell, CEO of Mayhem Marketing, to explore the mindset, resilience, and bold thinking needed to build a standout business.
Billy shares his journey from a tough start in Glasgow to building multiple successful ventures, highlighting the power of authenticity, positioning, and refusing to accept limits. From marketing strategies that cut through the noise to the mindset shifts that drive real success, this conversation is packed with insights for ambitious entrepreneurs.
 
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ Why mindset is the foundation of success – in business and life✅ The power of storytelling and authenticity in marketing✅ How to position yourself as the only choice in your market✅ What most businesses get wrong about branding and visibility✅ How marketing is really about ‘buying customers’ – and why that shift in thinking changes everything✅ The importance of taking bold action – even when you don’t have all the answers
 
Key Takeaways:
💡 “For me growing up, everyone was telling me what I couldn't do, and they were basing my possibilities on their limitations.” – Billy Farrell💡 “If a thing is possible, consider it within reach.” – Billy Farrell💡 “Build the businessman before the business plan.” – Billy Farrell
 
Memorable Quotes:
📢 “If they don’t know you, they can’t pay you.” – Billy Farrell📢 “Most people won’t go straight from an ad to a sale – you need to give them value first.” – Billy Farrell📢 “Hustle mentality matters – but it’s got to be balanced with practicality, strategy and sense.” – Billy Farrell📢 “You only want to work with people you believe will be at the top of the game or the top of their sector, their niche, whatever they’re working in.” – Craig Alexander Rattray
 
Timestamps:
00:41 Meet Billy Farrell: A Journey Through Business Highs and Lows
03:01 Growing Up in Glasgow: Overcoming Adversity
08:13 The Turning Point: Embracing Possibility Thinking
12:28 Venturing into Business: Early Failures and Lessons Learned
16:40 Building a Multi-Million Pound Company
18:18 The Grant Cardone Story: Seizing Opportunities
18:56 Steve Jobs' Return to Apple
19:37 The Grant Cardone UK Tour Idea
20:48 Meeting Grant Cardone in Miami
21:25 Challenges of Organizing the Tour
22:29 The Success of the 10X UK Tour
25:12 Marketing Strategies and Client Acquisition
28:56 The Importance of Value in Marketing
34:19 The 'Is Your Cash Flow Limiting Your Growth? Scorecard'
34:39 The Better Decisions, More Money Webinar
 
Resources Mentioned:
📌 Billy Farrell on Instagram – Learn more about Billy Farrell’s marketing strategies for ambitious businesses.
📌 Is Your Cash Flow Limiting Your Growth? Scorecard
📌 The Better Decisions, More Money Webinar
📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Discover how Craig helps business owners take control of their finances and drive sustainable growth.
 
 

The Banker’s Perspective: Craig Talks with Chris Lawrie on Funding, Growth, and Smarter Business Decisions

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Chris Lawrie, Area Director for SME Banking at the Bank of Scotland, to uncover the realities of business banking, funding, and how SMEs can best engage with their bank.
Chris debunks the common myth that "banks aren’t lending," explaining how businesses can position themselves for funding success and why early engagement with your bank is key. From working capital and funding growth to understanding gross margin and financial forecasting, this episode is packed with practical advice for business owners looking to scale with confidence.
 
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ Why banks do want to lend – but need your help to make it happen✅ How business owners can build stronger relationships with their bank✅ The importance of financial forecasting for securing funding✅ Working capital: Why you should arrange funding before you need it✅ How Scottish Enterprise and government-backed schemes can fuel business growth✅ Why focusing on gross margin is just as important as chasing revenue
 
Key Takeaways:
💡 “When I hear people saying banks aren’t lending, it’s like saying to a house builder, ‘you’re not building houses.’” – Chris Lawrie💡 “The earlier you engage with your bank, the quicker they can understand your business and support you.”💡 “Business owners often focus too much on top-line revenue – but it’s gross margin that really matters.”
 
Memorable Quotes:
📢 “If you don’t know your numbers, you’re just guessing – and guessing doesn’t pay the bills.” – Craig Alexander Rattray📢 “Banks aren’t just there to provide finance; they also have a responsibility to make sure businesses can afford it.” – Chris Lawrie📢 “Get your bank around the table early – they’re not just lenders, they can be strategic partners in your growth.” – Craig Alexander Rattray
 
Timestamps:
01:06 Role of Bank of Scotland in Supporting SMEs
02:39 Challenges and Support for Growing Businesses
05:37 The Importance of Forecasting
05:53 Debunking the Myth: Banks Aren't Lending
08:05 Understanding Business Financials
14:35 The Role of Working Capital
22:18 Government Lending Schemes
26:10 Barriers to Business Growth
32:58 Transitioning to Net Zero
35:16 Final Advice for Business Owners
 
Resources Mentioned:
📌 Bank of Scotland SME Banking – Learn more about how Chris and his team support businesses across Scotland.📌 Scottish Enterprise – A valuable funding resource for scaling businesses.📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Discover how Craig helps business owners take control of their finances and drive sustainable growth.