‘Uncertainty’ has been the defining phrase for the first half of the 2020s. The markets are unstable, supply chains have been wobbly and finding talent has been difficult.

But as we head into 2025, and the second half of the decade, what are the major threats, opportunities and challenges that your business should focus on?

We’ve highlighted five of the big business challenges.

Five big business challenges for 2025 (and beyond)

However well-organized you are, there are elements in the external environment that you just can’t control. These external factors can have a serious impact on your ability to trade, grow and turn a profit. So, are you on the ball and ready to tackle them in 2025?

Let’s look at five of the external factors you should be focused on:

1. Climate change and sustainability

It’s an unpleasant truth, but the environment is in real trouble. As a business, there’s a growing need to demonstrate your environmental responsibility. This means developing a sustainability strategy, investing in green technologies and demonstrating your environmental commitments.

2. AI and technological disruption

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have changed the game in a fantastically short timeframe. Finding the value in this tech is crucial, as well as understanding its limitations. Getting your digital transformation underway will be vitally important in 2025, as will exploring how AI and automation can kickstart your productivity, boost your customer service processes and create a real competitive advantage for the company as a whole.

3. Skills shortage and transforming your workforce

The ongoing skills shortage, combined with the reality of an aging workforce and changing employment expectations, is a major issue. To overcome the talent challenge, you’re going to need to rethink your recruitment policy, your training and what you do to retain your key people. Things like flexible working arrangements, continuous professional development (CPD) and a great company culture are all ways to attract and maintain your top talent.

4. Inflation and an unstable economy

The global and local economies are not out of the woods yet. Forecasts may be looking more positive but there’s still the ever-present threat of recession, rising inflation and high interest rates. Getting granular with your financial forecasting will help, as will exploring your options for additional revenue streams, better cashflow management and ready access to business finance.

5. Regulatory compliance and reporting

Regulatory environments are getting increasingly complex, as governments wrestle with the need for tighter structures. Regulations around your environmental reporting, workplace relations and digital privacy are all likely to get tighter over the coming years. This means allocating time and resources to understanding and implementing the relevant compliance requirements.

Talk to us about overcoming the big challenges

There’s no magic wand that can change these macro environmental and economic factors. But awareness, detailed planning and good use of forecasting can be a major boost.

Come and talk to our team about your concerns for the year ahead. We’ll help you understand the major external factors and what you can do to make your business more resilient.

The following content was originally published by BOMA. We have updated some of this article for our readers.

Effectively managing your expenses is crucial for sustaining growth and ensuring profitability of your business, while ensuring you have a smoother journey along the way.

Whether you’re a start-up or an established enterprise, maintaining control over your finances can be the difference between success and failure. Here are eight strategies to help you better manage your business expenses and keep your finances and operations running smoothly.

1. Establish a Comprehensive Budget

Creating a detailed budget is the foundation of effective expense management. A budget shouldn’t just be a one-time task but a dynamic tool that adapts as your business grows. Start by identifying your fixed and variable costs, and use historical data to forecast future expenses. Regularly review and adjust your budget to reflect changes in your business environment, ensuring it remains relevant and accurate.

2. Monitor Cash Flow Diligently

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Keeping a close eye on your inflows and outflows will help you avoid cash shortages. Implement a system to monitor your cash flow in real time — this could be through accounting software that alerts you to discrepancies or potential problems. Regular cash flow analysis enables you to identify trends and make informed financial decisions promptly.

3. Separate Personal and Business Finances

Mixing personal and business finances can lead to confusion, making it difficult to track business expenses accurately. Open dedicated business banking accounts and ensure only business transactions are conducted through them. This separation not only aids in clear financial analysis but also simplifies tax preparation and legal obligations.

4. Implement Expense Tracking Tools

Technology offers numerous solutions to streamline expense management. Consider using expense tracking software or apps that allow you to photograph receipts and automate entries. These tools can generate comprehensive reports, providing insights into spending patterns and helping you identify areas for cost reductions.

5. Review and Reduce Unnecessary Expenses

Regularly review your expenses to identify non-essential costs. This could include subscriptions, services, or supplies that are rarely used or that don’t add significant value to your operations. Make sure expenses are worthwhile, and approach vendors for better rates or seek alternative suppliers.

6. Foster a Cost-Conscious Culture

Encourage your team to be mindful of spending by promoting a culture that prioritizes cost efficiency. Educate employees about the impact of expenses on your business bottom line, and empower them to suggest improvements. When everyone is aware of financial goals, they are more likely to contribute to cost-saving initiatives.

7. Plan for Taxes Early

Taxes can be a significant expense, so it’s crucial to plan for them well in advance. Work with a tax professional to ensure compliance with all tax obligations, and take advantage of any deductions or credits available to your business. Setting aside money for taxes up front helps prevent cash flow issues at tax time.

8. Regular Financial Audits

Conduct periodic audits of your financial statements. This doesn’t necessarily mean hiring an outside firm; instead, engage a team member or business partner to review the records. These audits can help you discover discrepancies, unexpected expenses or even fraudulent activities early, allowing for timely correction.

Conclusion

Effective expense management is not a one-time task but an ongoing process that requires vigilance and adaptation. By establishing a robust budget, employing the right tools, and fostering a cost-conscious company culture, you can ensure your business maintains financial health. Implement these strategies to transform your expenses from a potential pitfall into a pillar of your business strategy, driving growth and sustainable success.

Need assistance with managing your business finances? Contact us today to learn how we can help streamline your expenses and improve your cashflow and profits.

The following content was originally published by BOMA. We have updated some of this article for our readers.

We’re trading in uncertain times at present. But there’s still a pressing need to refine your business model, add value and look at the opportunities for growth.

In this series, we’ll look at some key ways to optimize your business, exploring different avenues to evolve your enterprise and create a legacy you can be proud of.

Six ways to optimize your business

Your game plan might have been to sell the business, achieve a great deal and retire on the profits. But in the current market, it’s possible you’ve had to press pause on this exit strategy.

However, instead of letting the business just tick over, why not get proactive about improving and enhancing your business model, so it’s a more profitable and viable business?

Here are six key areas you should be looking at:

Go digital and automate the business

Now’s the ideal time to embrace digital technologies. With the latest cloud tech, AI and automation solutions you can streamline your operations, improve your overall customer experience and boost sales. You can also explore e-commerce solutions, social media marketing and digital marketing.

Get proactive with your finances

Strong financial management sets the foundations for making the business profitable. Switching to the latest cloud accounting software helps you get a handle on your cashflow, a better overview of costs and a more informed view of your overall financial position. Many accounting platforms will also offer integrations with other helpful business tools, such as inventory, invoicing and point-of-sale (POS) tools.

Build on those customer relationships

Exceptional customer experience helps to build loyalty and drive repeat business. This means getting granular with your customers’ needs, providing excellent customer service and listening to (and acting on ) your customer feedback. It’s the best way to improve your customer service and brand.

Diversify into new areas

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to your product range and industry focus. One way to shake things up is to diversify and explore new product ideas, new customer audiences and new niches. Diversification can reveal a whole new customer demographic, not to mention additional revenue streams.

Nurture your team and employee experience

Engaged employees are the foundation of a great business. Invest in training and development to improve your team’s skills and motivation and do everything you can to build a positive work culture. When hiring, look to create a diverse and inclusive team of people, so you have a real melting pot of talent, ideas, skills and experience in the business.

Look for strategic partnerships

Navigating the market is far more successful when you explore the benefits of business partnerships. Connecting with other businesses can extend your market reach, reduce costs and allow you to share resources. You also open up your brand to a whole new customer audience, boosting sales and growth.

Talk to us about optimizing your business model.

There’s no single strategy for turning around the success of your business. But looking at new ideas, markets, products and business tools can certainly add considerable value.

If you’re looking to add some pizazz to your business model and operational effectiveness, drop us a line. Our team will be happy to review your current business and identify the opportunities.

The following content was originally published by BOMA. We have updated some of this article for our readers.

Selling Your Business Part 4: What Happens After You Exit?

You’ve completed the sale of your business! Now there’s an important question to ask yourself – what happens next and how do I see the next chapter of my life panning out?

In this series, we’ve given you all the advice you need to plan your exit, add value to the business, negotiate a great deal and define your new pathway once the business is sold.

So, let’s explore how your journey might look once the sale is complete.

Exiting your business is a big deal. You’ve spent years taking this enterprise from startup to established business, putting your heart and soul into making this company a success.

So once the ink is dry on the sale contract and the money is in the bank, you’re going to need a new challenge to fill the void of no longer being ‘the big boss.’

Here are five potential pathways to take:

Retirement

After all these years of hard work and pressure, maybe it’s time to enjoy some well-deserved retirement? If you’re planning to retire and put your feet up, put some thought into factors such as financial planning, hobbies you might want to explore and travels you might want to go on – ensuring you have a comfortable lifestyle.

Invest in other businesses

If you want to keep some business interests alive, why not explore opportunities to invest in other businesses or new startups. This can provide a source of income and allows you to stay engaged in the business world, using your wealth of experience and management skill to guide other promising companies.

Start a new venture

If you’re itching to try another new business idea, why not use the profits from your sale to found a new business or venture. This might be a new private business, or even a social enterprise that reflects your current passions and interests. Having learned your mistakes first time around, you have the knowledge and experience to turn business #2 into another great success story.

Become a non-executive director (NED)

If you don’t want the hassle of being the boss, but want to keep your hand in, becoming an NED makes good sense. You can use your experience and expertise to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of other companies, while keeping your own business skills fresh and up to date.

Get philanthropic

Why not use your wealth and new-found free time to do something good for your community? Think about giving back to society through charity work, philanthropic activities or setting up a social enterprise. It’s a fulfilling way to make a positive impact while also giving you a challenge to get your teeth into.

Talk to us about planning your post-sale lifestyle

Some ex-business owners enjoy the comforts and relaxation of retired life, while others get itchy feet and want to return to their entrepreneurial roots as soon as possible.

Talk to our team and tell us about your post-sale plans. We can help you plan your lifestyle, set up your wealth management strategy and open up new business opportunities along the way.

The following content was originally published by BOMA. We have updated some of this article for our readers.

Selling Your Business Part 3: Getting a Good Deal

You’ve spent years growing your business and adding value to the company. Now it’s time to sell up, get a good deal and liquidize the equity you’ve had locked up in the business.

In this series, we’ll give you all the advice you need to plan your exit, add value to the business, negotiate a great deal and define your new pathway once the business is sold.

Let’s look at some important ways to achieve the best possible deal for your business sale.

Selling your business is generally the end step in a much longer journey. If you’ve put together a detailed exit strategy, you’ll have been planning this sale for some time.

The important thing at this point is to make sure you get a great deal and realize the best possible sale price – giving you the return you deserve for all your hard work.

To put yourself in the optimum position when looking for a buyer, here are a few tips:

Know the value of your business

Make sure you’ve conducted a thorough valuation to understand the true market worth of your business. This gives you a strong negotiating position and helps you set a realistic asking price that’s attractive to buyers.

Research the market in your industry

Take a deep dive into current market trends and comparable sales to understand what a fair price is for a business in your industry. Armed with this info, you’re in a good position to negotiate a competitive price.

Highlight the strengths in your business

Use your sales materials to emphasize the unique selling points and competitive advantages of your business. This could include having a strong customer base, explaining the experience of your management team, or outlining the benefits of your proprietary technology and intellectual property etc.

Know the funds you need to realize

You’ll have plans for what happens after the sale, whether that’s a comfortable retirement, or the founding of a new enterprise. Make sure you know how much equity will be needed to fund this lifestyle, or startup plan. This number will drive your asking price for the business and your own profit from the sale.

Be prepared to negotiate

You may have a price in mind that your prospective buyer is unwilling to meet. Be prepared to negotiate on price, terms, and other aspects of the deal. Understand your bottom line, know the return you need to achieve and be willing to compromise in some areas, when necessary, to seal the deal.

Always seek professional advice

Mergers and acquisitions is a specialist area. Think about consulting with a business broker or legal adviser to guide you through the negotiation process. With the benefits of experienced, professional advice, you’re far more likely to get the best possible deal for the company.

Talk to us about planning the sale of your business

Finding the best buyer and securing a mutually beneficial deal is one of the most critical points in your exit strategy. Getting it right now is vital for your long-term plans and financial security

The following content was originally published by BOMA. We have updated some of this article for our readers.