Navigating Financial Anxiety as a UK Business Owner
Posted on 10th June 2024 at 09:15
Being a business owner in the UK comes with its own set of challenges, one of the most important of which is taking care of your mental health. Whether you’re just starting up or have an established business, the ebb and flow of financial stability can lead to stress and worry.
According to the SME Business Survey, 85% of SME business leaders cited mental health as their primary health and safety challenge in 2023, demonstrating the significance of mental wellbeing in shaping a business’s success. While we are no mental health professionals, we thought we’d compile some strategies to help manage financial anxiety so both you and your business can thrive this fiscal year!
1. Establish a Clear Financial Plan
One of the first steps in managing financial anxiety is to have a clear and realistic financial plan. This plan should outline your revenue streams, expenses, cash flow projections, and financial goals. Knowing where your business stands financially can provide a sense of control and direction, reducing anxiety about the unknown.
If you’re struggling to come up with a solid financial plan or don’t feel confident enough to put one together, our PBT team can help you optimise your financial plan.
2. Monitor and Review Regularly
Once you have a financial plan in place, it's crucial to monitor and review it regularly. Set aside time each month to assess your financial statements, track your progress against your goals, and make any necessary adjustments. Having a proactive approach to financial management can help you stay ahead of potential issues and alleviate anxiety. Again, feel free to make the most of our expert financial eyes – with over 30 years of experience, we can spot patterns, anticipate issues, and innovate resolutions more effectively.
3. Build a Cash Reserve
Once you’ve got a stable financial plan in place, building a cash reserve is a smart strategy for mitigating financial anxiety. Having a buffer of savings can provide peace of mind during lean months or unexpected expenses. Aim to build up a reserve that can cover several months' worth of operating expenses to weather any financial storms that may arise.
4. Diversify Revenue Streams
Relying too heavily on a single revenue stream can leave your business vulnerable to fluctuations. Diversifying your revenue streams by offering new products or services, targeting different customer segments, or expanding into new markets is a great way to invest any cash reserves you build. Diversification can help stabilise your income and reduce anxiety about revenue fluctuations.
5. Seek Professional Guidance
Don't hesitate to seek professional guidance when it comes to managing your finances. A financial advisor or accountancy like us can provide valuable insights, help you make informed decisions, and offer strategies for improving your financial health. Having expert support can alleviate anxiety and give you confidence in your financial management strategies.
6. Practise Self-Care
Managing financial anxiety isn't just about numbers; it's also about taking care of yourself. Running a business can be stressful, so prioritise self-care activities that help you relax and recharge. Whether it's exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones, make self-care a priority to maintain your mental well-being.
It’s been somewhat normalised for business owners to sacrifice their free time and work ridiculous hours, but this isn’t necessarily beneficial to their businesses. A 2015 study by the University of Warwick found that addressing mental health in the workplace boosted productivity by up to 12%, showing how by nurturing your wellbeing, you also nurture your business.
7. Stay Informed About Support Resources
Lastly, stay informed about support resources available to UK business owners. This includes government grants, loans, and programs designed to support businesses during challenging times. Knowing that there are options available can provide reassurance and help alleviate financial anxiety.
National Debtline is a wonderful charity offering free, impartial, expert debt advice to anyone who needs it (0808 808 4000).
The Money and Pensions Service is another great resource, offering guidance regarding pensions (0800 011 3797) and more generally about financial concerns (0800 138 7777).
If you’re having problems paying for Self Assessment, VAT, employer’s PAYE, or Corporation Tax, HMRC have both a Digital Assistant and adviser webchats through which you can explore the best payment plans available to you (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/business-payment-support-service).
Taking the time to prioritise your own wellbeing can empower you to take your business to new heights, and PBT is here to support both you and your business achieve your full potential. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to start your journey toward regaining control of your finances!
Why not let us help you?
Tagged as: Advice For Business Owners
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