Optimum: LIVE!

Why your business can feel busy yet not make money - Optimum: LIVE Episode 27

Optimum: LIVE Episode 27 | Why your business can feel busy yet not make money Why does it feel like you are working flat out… yet the money is not there? In this episode of Optimum: LIVE, host Chris Dawes from Visual PR Productions is joined by Hannah Matthews, Head of Assurance & Accounts at Optimum Professional Services, to unpack one of the most common frustrations for business owners. You can be busy, growing and generating sales… but still struggling with profitability and cash. This episode breaks down exactly why that happens and, more importantly, what you can do about it. In this episode, we cover: * Why being busy does not always mean being profitable * The four key metrics every business owner must understand * Turnover vs profit and why “turnover is vanity, profit is sanity” * How rising costs silently erode your margins * Why your bank balance does not always reflect your success * The importance of planning, monitoring and adapting your strategy * Cash flow challenges, including late payments and stock issues * Pricing confidence and the danger of undervaluing your services * The reality of scaling a business and the “invisible line” of growth * Why regular conversations with your accountant are critical This is a practical, honest conversation for SME owners who feel like they are doing everything right but not seeing the financial results they expected. If you want to take control of your numbers, understand what they are really telling you, and make better decisions for your business, this episode is essential viewing. For tailored advice, visit www.optps.co.uk [http://www.optps.co.uk/] and speak to the team at Optimum Professional Services. Subscribe for more real-world business insight and let us know in the comments if this resonates with your own experience. #OptimumLive #BusinessAdviceUK #SMEFinance #CashFlowManagement The episode can be watched and listened to from any of the following locations: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS [https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live [https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps [https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d [https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d]   This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – “At Visual PR Productions, we produce authentic, engaging, conversation-led video content and broadcasts. No scripts, no hard sell, just genuine, credible dialogue. Whether it’s for marketing, podcasts, training, panel shows, live events, or inductions, we help everyone feel at ease on either side of the camera. Then, with smart automation, we repurpose and share your content across the platforms that matter.”   https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/ [https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/] enquiries@visual-pr.co.uk [enquiries@visual-pr.co.uk] @visualpruk

A Typical Annual Optimum Journey - Optimum: LIVE! Episode 26

Optimum: LIVE! Episode 26 - A Typical Annual Optimum Journey What actually happens when you work with an accountant over the course of a year? In this episode of Optimum: LIVE, host Chris Dawes from Visual PR Productions is joined by Optimum Partner Mike Blaken to walk through a typical annual journey for an Optimum client. From pre year end reviews and tax planning to payroll checks, director salary planning, face-to-face meetings and year-end accounts, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how proactive accountancy should really work. This is not just about filing accounts and submitting tax returns. It is about communication, confidence and forward planning. In this episode, we cover: * The nine-month pre-year-end review and why timing matters * Managing directors’ loan accounts and avoiding tax traps * Planning for pension contributions and capital purchases * Why face-to-face meetings uncover opportunities you might otherwise miss * Payroll reviews for directors and National Insurance thresholds * Childcare allowances and hidden tax implications * Forward planning for growth, staff, premises and equipment * Business acquisitions, due diligence and strategic advice * Why year-end accounts should never come as a surprise Whether you are a start-up, an established SME or scaling quickly, this episode explains how ongoing advice and regular conversations can reduce stress, improve decision-making and help you build a more resilient business. If you have questions about your own annual business journey, visit www.optps.co.uk [http://www.optps.co.uk/] and speak to the team at Optimum Professional Services. Subscribe for more practical business insight, and let us know in the comments what stage of your journey you are currently in. #BusinessAdviceUK #TaxPlanningUK #SMEFinance #OptimumLive The episode can be watched and listened to from any of the following locations: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS [https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live [https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps [https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d [https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d]   This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – “At Visual PR Productions, we produce authentic, engaging, conversation-led video content and broadcasts. No scripts, no hard sell, just genuine, credible dialogue. Whether it’s for marketing, podcasts, training, panel shows, live events, or inductions, we help everyone feel at ease on either side of the camera. Then, with smart automation, we repurpose and share your content across the platforms that matter.”   https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/ [https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/] enquiries@visual-pr.co.uk [enquiries@visual-pr.co.uk] @visualpruk

The Top 5 Myths of Auditing - Optimum: LIVE! Episode 25

Optimum: LIVE Episode 25 – The Top 5 Myths of Auditing Is an audit just checking the numbers? Only for companies in trouble? Outdated and inflexible? Think again. In this episode of Optimum: LIVE, host Chris Dawes from Visual PR Productions is joined by Hannah Matthews (Head of Assurance and Accounts) and Tom Absalom (Audit Senior) from Optimum Professional Services to tackle the five most common myths surrounding auditing. Whether you're running a company, charity or academy, or just want to understand the true role of auditors, this episode gives clear, honest insight into what audits really involve, how they’ve changed, and what they can do for your organisation. What we cover: * Why audits are not just about numbers * The difference between governance, risk and financial accuracy * What auditors really look for — and why it matters * Misunderstandings about fraud, systems and personal spend * How audits vary for academies, charities and SMEs * The evolving role of auditors and why choosing the right team matters This one-take, free-flowing discussion is designed to bust misconceptions, demystify audit jargon and show how the audit process can actually add value. Need advice or want to speak with the team? Visit www.optps.co.uk [http://www.optps.co.uk/] #AuditMyths #UKAuditExplained #SMEFinanceUK #OptimumLive Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment with your business goals, and follow us for more practical insights in 2026. The episode can be watched and listened to from any of the following locations: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS [https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live [https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps [https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d [https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d]   This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – “At Visual PR Productions, we produce authentic, engaging, conversation-led video content and broadcasts. No scripts, no hard sell, just genuine, credible dialogue. Whether it’s for marketing, podcasts, training, panel shows, live events, or inductions, we help everyone feel at ease on either side of the camera. Then, with smart automation, we repurpose and share your content across the platforms that matter.”   https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/ [https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/] enquiries@visual-pr.co.uk [enquiries@visual-pr.co.uk] @visualpruk

Christmas Musings of New Year Business Plans - Optimum: LIVE! Episode 24

Optimum: LIVE! Episode 24 - Christmas Musings of New Year Business Plans In this festive edition of Optimum: LIVE!, Chris Dawes of Visual PR Productions is joined by Optimum Professional Services' Michael Blaken for a relaxed end-of-year conversation about planning ahead for 2026. As the year winds down, the team reflect on some of the big themes and common challenges faced by business owners in 2025, while looking ahead to how individuals and organisations can get a head start on the new year From tax deadlines and business structure reviews to personal finance checks and goal setting, this episode offers a mix of insight, advice, and a bit of light-hearted chat to wrap up the year. In that period between Christmas and New Year, it is often an ideal time for business owners to think and doodle or brainstorm frank and creative thoughts and ideas down on paper. What is working and what isn’t? What new ideas do you have for the new year? What could that new business idea look like? And so many more thoughts that could spark in that quiet moment at this time of year. In this episode: * Reflections on the year in business * What to consider before your financial year-end * The benefits of forward planning in business and tax * Creating achievable personal and business goals * Allow your Christmas musings to be free and creative, but don’t try to come to conclusions on your own * The importance of regular conversations with your accountant Whether you're winding down or gearing up for a busy January, this is a timely and useful listen for business owners, sole traders and anyone managing personal or company finances. To speak with the team or get ahead with your plans, visit www.optps.co.uk [http://www.optps.co.uk/] Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment with your business goals, and follow us for more practical insights in 2026. #NewYearBusinessPlanning #YearEndAdviceUK #TaxPlanning2026 #OptimumLive   The episode can be watched and listened to from any of the following locations: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS [https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live [https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps [https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d [https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d]   This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – “At Visual PR Productions, we produce authentic, engaging, conversation-led video content and broadcasts. No scripts, no hard sell, just genuine, credible dialogue. Whether it’s for marketing, podcasts, training, panel shows, live events, or inductions, we help everyone feel at ease on either side of the camera. Then, with smart automation, we repurpose and share your content across the platforms that matter.”   https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/ [https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/] enquiries@visual-pr.co.uk [enquiries@visual-pr.co.uk] @visualpruk

The Autumn Budget 2025 – What It Really Means for You - Optimum: LIVE Episode 23

What did the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2025 actually deliver, and how will it affect you or your business? In this episode of Optimum: LIVE, recorded the morning after the Budget announcement, host Chris Dawes of Visual PR Productions sits down with Michael Blaken (Accounts Director) and Jon Lacey (Finance Director) from Optimum Professional Services to explore the key takeaways and their real-world impact. This is a free-flowing, one-take conversation that cuts through the headlines and soundbites to bring you practical insight and plain-English analysis. Whether you're a business owner, company director, landlord, employee or self-employed, this episode breaks it all down into bite-sized, easy-to-digest chunks. We cover: ·        Headline tax and allowance changes for individuals and businesses ·        What it means for employers and the self-employed ·        National Insurance, pensions and investment-related updates ·        Impacts on property, inheritance, and capital gains ·        What steps should you consider now and in the months ahead This is your opportunity to hear professional insight from Optimum’s finance experts just hours after the Autumn Budget was delivered. To speak to the team or find out how the Budget changes may affect your circumstances, visit www.optps.co.uk [http://www.optps.co.uk] Subscribe, comment and share for more timely financial insight and guidance. #AutumnBudget2025 #UKTaxUpdate #BusinessFinanceUK #OptimumLive The episode can be watched and listened to from any of the following locations: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS [https://www.youtube.com/@OptimumPS] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live [https://www.facebook.com/OptimumProfessionalServices/live] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps [https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimum-ps] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d [https://open.spotify.com/show/1xHt43HDhn7SipOn9euUTx?si=bd239b1d0dc2497d]   This is a Visual PR Productions broadcast – “At Visual PR Productions, we produce authentic, engaging, conversation-led video content and broadcasts. No scripts, no hard sell, just genuine, credible dialogue. Whether it’s for marketing, podcasts, training, panel shows, live events, or inductions, we help everyone feel at ease on either side of the camera. Then, with smart automation, we repurpose and share your content across the platforms that matter.”   https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/ [https://www.visual-pr.co.uk/] enquiries@visual-pr.co.uk