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 Numbers Craig and Laura dive into why understanding your financials is crucial for making smarter decisions and driving business growth.
• Using Social Media to Grow Your Business Laura 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 Make A discussion on avoiding pitfalls like ignoring tax liabilities, mismanaging cash flow, and neglecting forecasting.
• How to Choose the Right Accountant Craig and Laura outline what to look for in an accountant who aligns with your business goals and values.
• Innovative Accounting Practices for SMEs Laura introduces Bright Flamingo, her new venture focused on delivering tech-driven, personalised accounting services.
• Practical Tips for Scaling Your Business The duo offers actionable advice on improving cash flow, forecasting effectively, and building a more resilient business.

Key Quotes from the Episode

1. Laura Taylor: “Accountants shouldn’t just crunch numbers; they should provide clarity that empowers business owners to make confident decisions.”

2. Craig Alexander Rattray: “If you don’t know your numbers, you’re effectively driving your business blindfolded. It’s a recipe for disaster.”

3. 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.”

4. Craig Alexander Rattray: “A good accountant is an investment, not an expense. The right one can unlock opportunities you never knew were there.”

5. 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 Listen This 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 Success 02:26 The Power of Social Media in Business Growth 04:18 Innovative Accounting Practices 05:37 Challenges in the Accounting Profession 06:33 The Importance of Financial Insight 11:03 Effective Business Forecasting 11:29 Common Mistakes Business Owners Make 12:19 Tax Liabilities and Cash Flow Management 15:07 Choosing the Right Accountant 24:57 Laura's New Venture: Bright Flamingo 30:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Laura Taylor

• • LinkedIn: Laura Taylor

Connect with Craig Alexander Rattray

• LinkedIn: Craig Alexander Rattray
• Website: knowyournumbers.biz