Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander Rattray

Scaling Smarter: Craig Discusses Building a Business for Success With Laura Taylor

In this episode of the Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by Laura Taylor, an accomplished accountant and entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in helping businesses scale and succeed. Laura shares her journey from traditional accounting to founding Bright Flamingo, a modern, tech-driven firm. Together, they dive into the realities of business growth, financial forecasting, and the importance of choosing the right financial partner.
If you’re a business owner looking for practical advice on building a scalable and profitable business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring lessons.
 
 
Key Topics Covered
The Importance of Knowing Your NumbersCraig and Laura dive into why understanding your financials is crucial for making smarter decisions and driving business growth.
Using Social Media to Grow Your BusinessLaura shares how she leveraged social media to build her brand and connect with clients, showing the power of digital platforms for professional services.
Common Financial Mistakes Business Owners MakeA discussion on avoiding pitfalls like ignoring tax liabilities, mismanaging cash flow, and neglecting forecasting.
How to Choose the Right AccountantCraig and Laura outline what to look for in an accountant who aligns with your business goals and values.
Innovative Accounting Practices for SMEsLaura introduces Bright Flamingo, her new venture focused on delivering tech-driven, personalised accounting services.
Practical Tips for Scaling Your BusinessThe duo offers actionable advice on improving cash flow, forecasting effectively, and building a more resilient business.
 
 
Key Quotes from the Episode
Laura Taylor:“Accountants shouldn’t just crunch numbers; they should provide clarity that empowers business owners to make confident decisions.”
Craig Alexander Rattray:“If you don’t know your numbers, you’re effectively driving your business blindfolded. It’s a recipe for disaster.”
Laura Taylor:“Forecasting isn’t just about guessing future income. It’s about mapping the journey to your goals and knowing the risks along the way.”
Craig Alexander Rattray:“A good accountant is an investment, not an expense. The right one can unlock opportunities you never knew were there.”
Laura Taylor:“Cash flow is the heartbeat of any business. If it stops, the business stops, and that’s why planning is essential.”
 
 
Why You Should ListenThis episode is for any entrepreneur or business owner who wants to:
Gain clarity on their financial health.
Avoid common financial mistakes.
Choose an accountant who adds real value.
Build a business that’s scalable and sustainable.
Learn how modern accounting practices can transform their approach to growth.
 
 
Timestamps:
01:23 Laura's Journey to Success02:26 The Power of Social Media in Business Growth04:18 Innovative Accounting Practices05:37 Challenges in the Accounting Profession06:33 The Importance of Financial Insight11:03 Effective Business Forecasting11:29 Common Mistakes Business Owners Make12:19 Tax Liabilities and Cash Flow Management15:07 Choosing the Right Accountant24:57 Laura's New Venture: Bright Flamingo30:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
 
 
Connect with Laura Taylor
LinkedIn: Laura Taylor
 
Connect with Craig Alexander Rattray
LinkedIn: Craig Alexander Rattray
Website: knowyournumbers.biz

The Contract Expert: Craig Talks With Yosof Ewing On Managing Contract Risk And Avoiding Being Squeezed By The 'Big Boys'

In this eye-opening episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Yosof Ewing, known as "The Contract Coach," to discuss the essentials of navigating contracts in construction and specialised trades.
Yosof shares powerful insights into protecting your business against unfair terms and risky payment practices. From avoiding “sign-at-any-cost” clauses to standing firm on terms that protect your cash flow, this episode is a must-listen for anyone managing contracts in the construction or trade sectors.
Yosof has been on the front lines of contract negotiations and adjudication, helping businesses like yours avoid costly mistakes and protect their bottom line.
 
Key Topics Covered:
The Contract Conundrum – Why so many specialist contractors find themselves locked into bad contracts and how to change that.
Avoiding Insolvency – Yosof highlights the shocking statistic that one in five UK insolvencies are construction-related, revealing how businesses can protect themselves.
Cash Flow is King – The critical importance of cash flow management, knowing your rights, and maintaining leverage.
The Contract Coach Program – How Yosof’s coaching program builds contractors' confidence in contract negotiations, reduces reliance on adjudication, and empowers owners to protect their financial future.
 
Episode Highlights & Quotes:
On Signing Without Reviewing“A contract isn’t just paperwork—it’s your business’s life. Signing without understanding is like giving away free money to those who don’t have your interests at heart.” – Yosof
On Navigating Risky Clauses“If the contract terms make you hesitate, ask questions. Red flags should make you stop and think, not sign.” – Yosof
Understanding Your Power“The big guys might make you feel small, but you’re the expert. Your skill is their asset. Stand firm on what protects your cash flow and reputation.” – Yosof
On the Toll of Poor Payment Practices“Every unpaid invoice or delayed payment isn’t just cash flow; it’s someone’s mental health, their family’s well-being. The impacts go far beyond the bank account.” – Yosof
 
Timestamps:
[00:42] – Introducing Yosof Ewing
[01:11] – YosOf’s Background and Mission
[02:03] – The Importance of Contracts
[04:27] – Financial Health in Construction
[05:36] – Challenges in the Construction Industry
[11:59] – Horror Stories and Lessons
[19:10] – The Journey of Tradespeople to Business Owners
[20:07] – The Importance of Financial Education
[20:52] – Coaching Success Stories
[21:55] – Understanding Construction Contracts
[23:06] – The Impact of Payment Delays
[24:56] – Introducing the Contract Coach Program
[26:06] – The Value of Leadership Development
[30:41] – Practical Advice for Contractors
[33:54] – The Power of Confidence and Expertise
[35:13] – Connecting with the Contract Coach
 
Connect with Yosof Ewing:
LinkedIn: Yosof Ewing
Website: The Contract Coach
 
Want to learn more from Craig?Visit the Know Your Numbers Website here
Follow Craig on LinkedIn
Get the 'Get Paid On Time. Every Time!' worksheet
Get Craig's 'Mastering Cash Flow' free here

Craig chats with Rebecca Sutherland on Confidence, Business Turnarounds, and Knowing Your Numbers

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, host Craig Alexander Rattray speaks with Rebecca Sutherland, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and mentor, who has successfully turned around several businesses. Joining the conversation from sunny Portugal, Rebecca opens up about her journey through the challenging world of business ownership, the importance of financial literacy, and the hard decisions that come with running companies.
Rebecca shares how her experience in a struggling manufacturing business led to a deeper understanding of the importance of knowing your numbers - confidence built through mastering her profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash flow. She discusses how this knowledge, combined with the right team, can be the turning point for businesses on the brink. Rebecca’s candid reflections on the emotional toll of closing a business and how she emerged stronger offer valuable lessons for all entrepreneurs.
Key topics discussed include:
Rebecca’s journey from acquiring and turning around struggling businesses to investing in and mentoring others.
The critical importance of surrounding yourself with the right people in business and life.
How mastering your financials builds the confidence to make smarter, more strategic decisions.
The emotional weight of closing a business and how Rebecca used that experience to grow both personally and professionally.
How she now helps other business owners align their business goals with their personal lives, focusing on sustainable, people-centred growth.
Key Takeaways:
"Without the right people, you’re not going anywhere."
"The numbers do not lie—master them to make better decisions."
"From failure comes innovation. You learn the most when things don’t work out."
Memorable Quotes:
"It’s not about knowing everything, it’s about knowing what you don’t know and finding the right people to help you fill in the gaps." – Rebecca Sutherland
"I used to get financial reports and just nod along, not really understanding. Now I ask the right questions and push back." – Rebecca Sutherland
"Owning a business should be fun—too many business owners aren’t having enough fun." – Craig Alexander Rattray
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Rebecca Sutherland on LinkedIn
Know Your Numbers Mastery Course
Recommended Book: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman & Mark C. Winters - Here On Amazon (NOT and affiliate link!)
Call to Action: Enjoyed this episode? Hit subscribe to Know Your Numbers for more insightful conversations with business leaders, financial experts, and entrepreneurs who know the power of their numbers.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:42 Meet Rebecca Sutherland
01:06 Rebecca's Business Journey
04:34 Challenges in the Manufacturing Business
06:30 Lessons from the Know Your Numbers Course
13:28 Advice for Struggling Business Owners
16:10 The Importance of the Right Team
20:14 Building a Balanced Team for Success
21:22 Understanding Every Role in Your Business
22:42 Learning from Failures and Innovating
23:31 The Importance of External Perspectives
25:54 Employee Ownership and Leadership Development
28:27 Advice for Aspiring Business Owners
30:04 Helping Businesses Thrive
31:18 Balancing Business and Personal Life
34:00 Conclusion and Future Projects

From Football to Finance: Craig Talks With Lee Mair About Football, Finance, And Life After The Game

In this episode of Know Your Numbers, host Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with former professional footballer and now funding expert, Lee Mair, to discuss his journey from the world of football to founding his finance brokerage, Mair Finance. Lee opens up about the emotional and financial challenges of transitioning from a football career to the "real world" and shares his personal experience of going from earning six figures a year to selling photocopiers for £18,000 a year.
Lee also touches on the unique financial struggles many ex-footballers face, including depression, bankruptcy, and the pressure on families. Now, as the owner of Mair Finance, Lee is passionate about helping business owners secure the funding they need, and he's particularly driven to support fellow athletes navigating life after sports.
 
Key topics discussed include:
The emotional highs and lows of professional football and how they relate to the rollercoaster of running a business.
The importance of financial planning, both during and after a football career.
Lee’s advice for current footballers on preparing for life after the game.
Insights into building a successful finance brokerage and the importance of cash flow management for business owners.
The role of fitness and mental health in Lee’s life after football and how it helps him stay focused on business.
His involvement with the mental health charity Back Onside and his passion for supporting those facing tough transitions.
 
Key Takeaways:
"Football is not forever. Start planning for life after your career while you’re still playing."
"Know Your Numbers and ensure you have enough cash flow to cover the unexpected."
"Business, like football, is full of highs and lows - don’t let the highs get too high or the lows too low."
 
Memorable Quotes:
"You go from working two hours a day to 10 hours a day... but you’re earning a fifth of the income." - Lee Mair
"It’s not just about the player. It’s about their family and the financial pressures they face when football ends." - Lee Mair
"Fitness keeps my head right. It’s not just about physical health - it’s about mental clarity when running a business." - Lee Mair
 
Resources Mentioned:
Mair Finance Website
Lee Mair on LinkedIn and Instagram
Charity: Back Onside
 
Key Timestamps:
00:51 Lee's Journey from Football to Finance
03:50 Transition Challenges After Football
05:51 Helping Footballers Transition to Finance
10:53 The Importance of Fitness and Mental Health
12:51 Building a Business Team
18:16 Building Relationships Through Golf
18:34 From Hands-On to Businessman
19:09 Honesty and Client Relationships
20:16 Financial Advice for Businesses
23:07 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Football
26:28 Business Challenges and Resilience
29:41 Raising Finance and Client Care
32:48 Passion for Mental Health Advocacy
35:32 Contact and Closing Remarks
 
Subscribe Now!Enjoyed this episode? Hit subscribe to Know Your Numbers and stay updated on all our latest episodes featuring business insights, financial strategies, and inspiring journeys.

From Operator to Entrepreneur: Craig Alexander Rattray Discusses Financial Business Challenges with Peter Archibald, Managing Director of Haldane Construction.

Join Scotland’s renowned cash flow expert, Craig Alexander Rattray, as he delves into the journey of transitioning from an operator to an entrepreneur. Craig sits down with Peter Archibald, Managing Director of Haldane Construction, to discuss the hurdles and triumphs faced in challenging circumstances.
Peter's story begins in 2011 when they met as he was busy building Craig’s house and creating the back garden in his digger. Thirteen years later, Peter not only owns that business but has also navigated its growth through challenging and unexpected circumstances.
Join us as Peter shares his early start in groundworks and construction, leaving school to dive straight into hands-on work. We’ll dive deep into how Peter faced the sudden responsibility of running the business, and how he transformed from an operator with little knowledge of finance into a savvy entrepreneur who understands the power of knowing his numbers.
Peter’s insight into forecasting and financial management has revolutionised both his personal approach and the success of Haldane Construction. His story is a testament to resilience, learning on the go, and the drive to turn challenges into growth opportunities.
Download to hear how Peter embraced the business side of construction, built his financial acumen, and turned adversity into a foundation for success.
Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone looking to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
 
Episode Highlights:
 
[00:01:25] 
 
From Operator to Entrepreneur: Peter’s Journey
Transition from working on the tools to becoming a business owner.
Personal anecdotes from 2011, including building Craig’s house.
 
[00:02:47] 
 
Haldane Construction: Services and Specialisations
Detailed description of services offered: bespoke houses, extensions, refurbishments, commercial projects, and landscaping.
 
[00:03:26] 
 
Building Trust and Accountability in Construction
Strategies for establishing trust and accountability in the construction industry. Importance of brand building and community involvement.
 
[00:05:45] 
 
Challenges and Triumphs: Taking Over the Business
The story of taking over Haldane Construction under challenging circumstances.
Growth and development of the company since its inception in 2003.
 
[00:06:35] 
 
Facing Unexpected Challenges: Andrew’s Diagnosis and Passing
Andrew Haldane’s diagnosis with stage four pancreatic cancer and his efforts to secure the company’s future.
Peter’s sudden transition to leadership following Andrew’s passing on July 31, 2020.
 
[00:07:36] 
Navigating Business Without Formal Training
Peter’s initial struggles and reliance on adrenaline and willingness to learn.
The lack of external help and the challenges of self-reliance.
 
[00:08:59] 
 
Dealing with Emotional and Operational Roller Coasters
The emotional impact of losing a mentor and taking over the business.
The decision-making process regarding the future of the company amidst financial and operational challenges.
 
[00:10:58] 
 
Personal Guarantees and Family Risk
The impact of personal guarantees on Peter’s focus and determination.
The risk to personal assets and the necessity for the business to succeed.
 
[00:12:24] 
 
Understanding Financial Numbers
The challenge of understanding financial statements and making informed decisions.
The common issue of delayed financial information and its impact on business operations.
 
[00:15:15]
 
Understanding Business Metrics: Insights
Discussion about the importance of knowing your business metrics and how it impacts decision-making. Managing a business with a focus on understanding past performance, status, and future goals.
 
[00:17:14]
 
Reaching a Breaking Point: Seeking Help
Discussion about the moment Peter realised he needed external help. Cash flow issues and the realisation that the business couldn’t continue as it was. Highlighting the importance of seeking advice and support when facing business challenges.
 
[00:19:17]
 
Transformative Learning: Impact on Business Operations
Importance of understanding financial statements like profit and loss accounts and balance sheets transformed the way Peter ran the business.
 
[00:20:09]
 
Shared Challenges: Learning from Peers
Reflection on the value of learning alongside other business owners facing similar challenges. This collective learning environment provided reassurance and practical insights, making the journey less isolating.
 
[00:20:50]
 
Implementing Change: From Manual to Digital Bookkeeping
Discussion about the practical steps Peter took to modernise the business operations. The transition from manual bookkeeping to online accounting systems, started using forecasting models, and engaged accountants for regular management accounts.
 
[00:22:44]
 
Real-Time Financial Insights: Transforming Business Operations
Discussion about the benefits of having real-time financial information and how it has changed the approach to pricing. Understanding overheads and direct costs has led to more profitable decision-making.
 
[00:23:01]
 
The Importance of Cash Flow Management
The critical role of cash flow management in business success. Discussion on the challenges of maintaining cash flow and the benefits of using forecasting tools to predict financial needs over extended project timelines.
 
[00:25:26]
 
Advice for Business Owners: Embrace Learning and Networking
Advice to business owners facing similar challenges. Stressing the importance of seeking knowledge, connecting with peers, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for support and learning.
 
Keywords: Peter Archibald, Haldane Construction, construction business, entrepreneurial journey, groundworks, construction, financial management, business challenges, business growth, resilience, learning on the job, forecasting, weekly rolling cash flow, financial acumen, success story, adversity, hands-on work, entrepreneurship, cash flow, managing cash, know your numbers.

The Know Your Numbers Podcast Launches This Thursday, 26th September

🎉 The Countdown Is On! 🎉We're officially launching The Know Your Numbers Podcast on Thursday the 26th of September! 🎙Whether you're running a business, thinking of starting one, or simply want to make smarter decisions... this is the podcast for YOU!We’ve got a brilliant line-up of business owners and industry experts (and even an accountant 😉) sharing their best stories, strategies, and hard-won lessons.This isn’t just 'another' podcast. The Know Your Numbers Podcast is your fast track to getting the insights that will help you sleep better at night. 😴💡If you want to learn from the best and make smarter decisions in your business, then listen in! Set your reminders… this is one podcast you won't want to miss!