How do you make profit a regular feature of your business—not just a one-off win? In this episode, I’m sharing the real-world steps to keep the Profit First system working for you, year after year.

I’m Deb Halliday, certified Profit First Professional, and I’ll show you why consistency is the secret to turning profit into a normal, sustainable part of your business. We’ll cover the importance of regularly reviewing and tweaking your allocation percentages as your business grows and changes, so your profit strategy always fits your current reality.

You’ll hear how automation can take the hassle out of monthly allocations—using tools like Xero, QuickBooks, and smart UK banks like Starling and Monzo—so you never have to worry about missing a transfer or dipping into the wrong pot. I’ll share stories from real business owners who’ve seen their profits grow by making small, regular adjustments and keeping their system simple.

We’ll also talk about using your profit as more than just a safety net. Think of it as your “opportunity fund”—ready to support growth, new equipment, marketing, or staff development, once you’ve paid yourself your profit bonus.

Whether your margins are tight or you’re looking for ways to grow, this episode will help you build a business that doesn’t just survive but truly thrives—by making profit an everyday habit.

Takeaways:

• Consistency is key: review and adjust your allocations regularly
• Automate your allocations for less stress and more discipline
• Use profit as an opportunity fund for growth and reinvestment
• Even small profit allocations can make a big difference over time
• Stay flexible and adapt your system as your business evolves

Links mentioned:

debhalliday.co.uk

Companies and resources featured:

Xero, QuickBooks, Starling, Monzo, HMRC

In this episode, we’re tackling the biggest mistakes business owners make when implementing Profit First—and how you can avoid them to keep your finances on track. I’m Deb Halliday, certified Profit First Professional, and I’ll walk you through three common pitfalls I see time and again with UK businesses.

First up: neglecting your tax account. It’s all too tempting to dip into those tax funds when cash is tight, but this can lead to serious headaches with HMRC down the line. I’ll share why treating your tax account as completely off-limits is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Next, we’ll talk about the importance of consistency. Profit First only works when you stick to a regular schedule for allocating your money. I’ll give you practical tips for setting up a routine—so you don’t fall into the trap of skipping allocations during busy periods and missing out on profit.

Finally, we’ll tackle lifestyle creep. As your business grows, it can be tempting to let your expenses grow too. I’ll show you how keeping a lean approach to operating costs can double your profits, with a real-life success story to prove it.

Whether you’re new to Profit First or want to tighten up your current system, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build a business that truly works for you.

Takeaways:

• Keep your tax account untouchable to avoid future financial stress.
• Stick to a consistent allocation schedule for best results.
• Watch out for lifestyle creep—keep expenses lean as revenue grows.
• Regularly audit your costs and cut what you don’t need.
• Prioritise tax allocations to stay ahead of HMRC.
• Make regular allocations a habit to build a stronger, healthier business.

Links mentioned:

debhalliday.co.uk

Ready to make profit a priority from day one? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the practical steps to implementing the Profit First system in your UK business—no jargon, just straightforward advice you can action right away.

I’m Deb Halliday, certified Profit First Professional, and I’ll show you how setting up five dedicated bank accounts—for Income, Profit, Owner’s Pay, Tax, and Operating Expenses—can bring structure and clarity to your cash flow. We’ll talk about why this simple habit is a game-changer for business owners who want to reduce money stress and build lasting financial health.

You’ll learn how to allocate your income into each account, why it’s so important to adjust your percentages for your unique business needs, and why the Tax account is especially crucial if you’re VAT-registered. I’ll share practical tips for choosing the right banks and setting up your accounts, plus advice on starting small—allocating even just 1% to profit can make a big difference over time.

If you’re ready to take control of your finances, avoid the usual cash flow headaches, and finally make your business work for you, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

• Why putting profit first is the secret to a healthier, less stressful business
• How to set up and use five key bank accounts for better cash management
• The power of allocating specific percentages to each account, twice a month
• How to handle VAT and tax obligations with confidence
• Why even a small profit allocation is a powerful first step

Links mentioned:

debhalliday.co.uk

Companies and resources featured:

Lloyds, Barclays, Starling, Monzo, Mike Michalowicz, HMRC