December 19 Newsletter
November 30, 2019
BUSINESS UPDATE
6 top tips for getting your business ready for investment
1) Understand your market
Do you know who you are selling to? Are these people likely to continue to want your product/service in the future? Who benefits the most from your product/service? The best way to have proof of market demand is through market research. Research your competitors too and understand how your company is different from your competitors.
2) Know your numbers
Most investors will be looking for scalable business models. Numbers that potential investors are likely to want are; targets and trends to date, trading to date, gross and net margins and balance sheet. This is something we can help with, providing the right reports, ensuring your information is up to date and explaining the numbers to you so you feel confident to answer any questions.
3) Prove your worth
Demonstrate strong sales and testimonials from existing customers. These prove that there is a demand for your product/service.
4) Have a strategy
Do you have a business plan? What is your vision for the company pre and post investment? Investors will want to know what your plans are for the business.
5) Build the right team
Demonstrate that you have the right team around you that will help the business to succeed. A team of people with different skills and experience all help to evolve and develop the business.
6) Know what type of investor you would like
Cash injection or business partner? What kind of relationship would you like with your investor? How much equity are you looking to give away? It is important that you know exactly what you would like an investor to bring to your business.
If you would like any help getting your business ready for investment, please contact us.
XEROCON UPDATE
Xerocon London 2019
There are lots of accountancy conferences every year, but one that we also make sure we attend is Xerocon. It gives us an opportunity to find out about the developments in Xero and new apps or enhanced features from existing app partners. And, where else would you be able to get face lasered on top of a cup of coffee...! There were 3 major announcements that we think will help to make our clients' lives easier.
Pay with Transferwise
This is a new way for UK small businesses to pay bills, through Xero, no matter who you bank with. You will be able to set up and approve payment runs using your outstnading bills payable and then process a bulk payment through a Transferwise integration. Meaning that you will no longer need to make individual payments to suppliers and key in bank details in your online banking to make a payment. Reducing time and increasing accuracy. This function is still in beta, we will keep you updated when it is released.
GoCardless instalment payments
It is now possible to raise one sales invoice in Xero and set up instalment payments via GoCardless, rather than taking the whole amount at once. There are now also foreign currency options via direct debit.
Business Snapshot
This is a new dashboard that Xero are currently working on that will give you a snapshot of your financial metrics. It will display year-on-year revenue, cost of goods sold, and debtor days in a series of charts, tables, and at a glance figures. It's all on one page to give you a high-level view of how your business is performing. This feature will go into beta testing early next year, we will let you know as soon as we have a go live date.
In the meantime if you would like any more information, please get in touch.
TEAM NEWS
Our new website has just launched!
We would love your feedback, so please look around and tell us what you think via our Contact page.
Finally, we wish you a very Happy Christmas. Thank you for all of your support this year, we really appreciate it and look forward to keeping in touch with you during 2020.
Until next year,
David & Katherine
In Part 1 of this series, Dr Anita Devi opened the conversation on the rising complexity of SEND and the need for intentional, values-driven provision. Her reflections focused on inclusive leadership, purposeful commissioning, and the principle that less can often be more . In this second part, I’d like to continue the conversation — but from a financial perspective. My name is Katherine Robertson. I’ve spent over 10 years working with organisations across sectors including the education sector, helping them to navigate their finances confidently and strategically. What I’ve learned over that time is simple: money follows priorities — but only when we lead with clarity . And now, with SEND needs rising faster than school income, we must work smarter than ever with the resources we have. ๐ฏ From Stockpiling to Strategic Spending In 2024, the Department for Education wrote to 64 academy trusts, concerned that some were holding onto reserves more than 100% of their annual income . These aren’t just large numbers — they are untapped opportunities. Of course, we know why these reserves exist: financial uncertainty, poor capital funding, and the understandable desire to protect future viability. But if money meant for today’s pupils is held for tomorrow’s problems , we risk doing a disservice to the very learners we aim to support. That’s why we’re asking an important question: Can schools and trusts use their reserves to strengthen inclusion and SEND support now, without compromising their long-term financial security? Our answer is yes — with the right approach. ๐งฉ Applying Financial Wisdom to Inclusive Practice We are not advocating reckless spending or draining reserves dry. On the contrary, we work with leaders to build a clear, defensible strategy for using reserves wisely , backed by robust modelling, compliance with DfE guidance, and an unwavering focus on improving outcomes for children with SEND. Together with Dr Anita Devi, we bring dual lens: educational insight and financial clarity. Here’s how we help to: โ Identify untapped funding within existing reserves โ Co-develop an evidence-led SEND investment plan โ Align to DfE expectations on reserve levels and financial health โ Build the narrative for governors, trustees, auditors and regulators โ Support ongoing evaluation to ensure value for money and impact It’s not about spending more. It’s about spending better . ๐ Releasing Funds. Reinforcing Purpose. SEND needs are not going away — and nor are the financial pressures. But when finance and inclusion experts work together, we can unlock solutions that support both pupil outcomes and institutional resilience . With careful planning, strategic reserve use can: โ Fund early intervention โ Invest in staff development โ Improve provision infrastructure โ And reduce future costs from reactive SEND placements or escalation It’s a long-term gain — and a value-led approach to financial governance. ๐ฌ Let’s Continue the Conversation If you’re sitting on reserves and wondering how best to use them — or if you’re just ready to rethink how your SEND resources are working for you — we’re here to help. We offer a tailored advisory service that helps schools and trusts plan, invest and lead with both head and heart. ๏ปฟ ๐ฉ Reach out at SEND_Finance@youtopia.co.uk to book a preliminary conversation. Because sometimes, the smartest way to save — is to spend with purpose. Author: Katherine Robertson Strategic Finance Expert and Education Consultant In partnership with Dr Anita Devi – Leading SEND Specialist
Optimize spending for better SEND outcomes. Contact Youtopia Ltd for expert finance support in Milton Keynes.
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