Start-up and Grow: Finance Essentials for Your Business

Important Information

This workshop is part of our Start-up and Grow programme of business support, which runs throughout the year. We offer a range of workshops and events designed to support start-ups and businesses, helping you move forward with your business ideas. As this is a funded programme, there may be additional paperwork to complete. If you would like to learn more about the programme, you can book in for a chat by emailing bipcleeds@leeds.gov.uk

Cash Flow Forecasting Essentials

Breaking down the cash flow forecast into simple, manageable steps that help you understand what your business needs to stay on track and grow.

We’ll cover:

• Your drawings: how much you need the business to pay you.

• Fixed costs: what it takes to keep your business running.

• Variable costs: what it costs to deliver your product or service.

• Breakeven point: how many sales you need to cover your costs.

• Forecasting for growth: how to flex your numbers to meet your goals.

We’ll work through a practical example together, while helping you apply the same thinking to your own business. By starting with costs and working backwards, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of your financial needs—and a simple tool to help you plan with confidence.

Tax and Bookkeeping Essentials

Focusing on the key taxes you need to know about, the importance of meeting deadlines, and how good bookkeeping can help keep everything running smoothly.

We’ll cover:

• The difference between being employed and self-employed, and between sole traders and limited companies.

• An overview of key taxes: Income Tax (Self-Assessment), National Insurance, Corporation Tax, and VAT—including filing and payment deadlines (a downloadable tax rates leaflet will be available).

• Bookkeeping basics: why it matters, how it supports your business, and what good records look like.

• Tools for bookkeeping: using spreadsheets (a simple template will be available) and an introduction to online accounting software.

• What counts as a genuine business expense—and what you can claim for.

There’ll be time for questions throughout, plus a dedicated Q&A at the end of each section.

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