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

Today, we’re diving into the game-changing concept of Profit First—a simple shift that can transform the way you run your business finances. Championing Mike Michalowicz’s proven methodology, I’ll show you why putting profit before expenses isn’t just smart accounting—it’s the key to building a business that truly supports you.

I’m Deb Halliday, Profit First Professional, author, and founder of The Accounts Ladies and The Accounts Office. In this episode, I’ll break down how the traditional “sales minus expenses equals profit” formula leaves so many business owners stressed and struggling. Instead, we’ll explore how flipping the formula—prioritising profit first—can help you create financial security, reduce cash flow stress, and build sustainability into your business from day one.

We’ll talk through the practical steps: setting up separate accounts for profit, tax, owner’s pay, and operating expenses, and how this approach makes cash flow management so much easier—especially with rising costs and ever-changing UK tax rules. You’ll hear real-life scenarios (think: a bakery in Bristol or a freelance designer in Manchester) to help you picture how Profit First can work for any business, no matter the size or sector.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired to rethink your approach to money, take control of your finances, and start building a business that puts your wellbeing first—not just your bills.

Takeaways:

• Discover why putting profit first is the foundation of a financially healthy business
• Learn how allocating a percentage of revenue to profit, tax, and your own pay brings stability and peace of mind
• See how setting up separate bank accounts for each purpose can transform your cash flow
• Understand that Profit First isn’t just a system—it’s a mindset shift for business owners

Links mentioned:

debhalliday.co.uk

Companies and resources featured:

Profit First, Deb Halliday, Accounts Ladies, Accounts Office, Mike Michalowicz, HMRC

Ready to make profit a habit from day one? In this episode, I’m guiding you through the essential steps to implementing Profit First, inspired by Chapter Five of the book. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to finally get your business finances working for you, this is your roadmap to sustainable profitability.

I’ll break down exactly how to set up your Profit First accounts—covering income, profit, owner’s pay, tax, and operating expenses—so you can allocate your funds with clarity and intention. We’ll talk about why consistency matters, how to establish a simple allocation rhythm, and the power of celebrating your profits every quarter.

You’ll hear real-life success stories from UK business owners who’ve transformed financial chaos into clarity and calm with Profit First. Plus, I’ll share practical tips for working with your accountant, getting past any scepticism, and making the system work for your unique business—whether you’re a manufacturer in Sheffield or a freelancer in Cornwall.

This episode is all about taking control, finding efficiencies, and building a business that supports your goals (not the other way around). I’ll finish up with clear, actionable steps so you can get started today—setting up your accounts, reviewing expenses, and shifting your focus to profit.

Takeaways:

• Learn how to set up and use Profit First accounts for better cash flow and less stress.
• Discover the importance of consistent, quarterly profit celebrations.
• Find out how reviewing expenses can boost your bottom line.
• Get practical advice for working with your accountant and making Profit First your own.
• Start transforming your financial habits with simple, actionable steps.

Links mentioned:

financiallyhealthybusiness.co.uk

debhalladay.co.uk

Companies and resources featured:

Accounts Ladies, Accounts Office Training Academy, Starling, Monzo

Wondering how to make Profit First work for your unique business? In this episode, I’m diving into how you can tailor the Profit First methodology to fit your UK-based business—no matter your industry or size.

I’ll walk you through setting Target Allocation Percentages (TAPs) that actually make sense for your business model, so you can build real financial health and sustainability. We’ll talk about why it’s important to avoid getting stuck in “analysis paralysis” and how taking action—however small—can move you forward.

You’ll hear practical examples of how different businesses, from retail shops to freelancers, can set up their TAPs and adapt the Profit First approach to suit their own needs. Plus, I’ll share real stories (like Aisha’s journey) to show how customising your allocations can lead to bigger profits and less stress.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your financial habits, this episode will give you the confidence and know-how to get started—so your business doesn’t just survive, but truly flourishes.

Takeaways:

• Learn how to set realistic Target Allocation Percentages (TAPs) for your business
• Discover why customising Profit First is key to long-term financial health
• Avoid analysis paralysis and start making positive changes today
• Get inspired by real-world examples from different industries
• Find out how starting Profit First early can set you up for lasting success

Links mentioned:

debhalladay.co.uk

financiallyhealthybusiness

Are you brave enough to look at the real numbers behind your business? In this episode, we’re diving into “The Naked Truth” from chapter three of Profit First—a must-listen if you’re ready to get honest about your finances and build a business that’s truly profitable.

I’m Deb Halliday, Profit First Professional and trainer, and I’ll be guiding you through the importance of facing your business finances with clarity and confidence. It’s not about how big your turnover is or how many people you employ—it’s about how much profit you actually keep. As Mike Michalowicz says, real success is measured by profitability, not just revenue.

We’ll explore the concept of the instant assessment—a simple but powerful tool that works like a financial X-ray for your business. I’ll show you how to compare your actual figures (revenue, profit, owner’s pay, tax, and expenses) with the Profit First benchmarks, so you can spot where money is leaking out and where you need to take action.

This episode is all about helping you get a clear, honest picture of your financial health and giving you the confidence to make positive changes. I’ll share practical steps and relatable stories so you can see exactly how to use the instant assessment to move your business towards greater sustainability and peace of mind.

Takeaways:

• Why profitability matters more than turnover or business size
• How to use the instant assessment to get a transparent view of your finances
• The importance of comparing your numbers to Profit First targets
• Simple, actionable steps to plug financial leaks and build a healthier business

Links mentioned:

financiallyhealthybusiness.co.uk

debhalladay.co.uk

Companies and resources featured:

Accounts Ladies, Accounts Office, Xero, QuickBooks, HMRC

Ready to take control of your business finances and finally put profit first? In this episode, I’m breaking down the core principles of the Profit First methodology and showing you how these simple shifts can help you stay on top of your cash flow, reduce stress, and build a business that truly works for you.

I’m Deb Halliday, Profit First Professional, and I’ll walk you through how the Profit First system helps business owners move from financial firefighting to feeling confident and in control. We’ll talk about why traditional accounting often leaves profit as an afterthought—and how flipping the formula helps you prioritise your own financial goals.

You’ll learn how to set up multiple bank accounts for profit, owner’s pay, tax, and operating expenses, and why this structure is so effective for UK business owners. I’ll share practical tips for setting up your accounts, finding the right banks (including options like Starling, Monzo, and Tide), and creating a simple, sustainable routine for allocating your income—ideally twice a month, in line with your business’s natural financial rhythm.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear action plan: open a dedicated profit account and start allocating a small percentage of your income to it. It’s a small step that can make a massive difference to your peace of mind and your bottom line.

Takeaways:

• Discover how Profit First can transform your approach to business finances.
• Learn the power of allocating funds to specific accounts for profit, tax, owner’s pay, and expenses.
• Get step-by-step advice for setting up your accounts and building a routine that works for you.
• Understand why rhythmic, twice-monthly allocations make cash flow management easier.
• Take action today—open a profit account and start building a more resilient business.

Links mentioned:

financiallyhealthybusiness.co.uk

debhalladay.co.uk

Companies and resources featured:

Accounts Ladies, Accounts Office, Profit First, HMRC, VAT, Starling, Monzo, Tide, Santander, NatWest, Lloyds, Barclays