Blackpool accountant's free advice in coronavirus takes off online

Julie Hutson from Key Accounting Solutions in Blackpool has been staging the sessions on her own company’s Facebook Page, the Fylde coast based Parent Platform page run by Bev Nickson and on the Covid-19 Fylde Support Group Facebook page.

Julie, who has 20 years of experience in accounts has pulled together a range of information that sole traders and businesses may need to know during the virus lockdown period.

She has also delivered two workshops online via Zoom Webinar through Boost to enable business owners to understand how to pull together their accounts and the best way to use that information to plan ahead over the next two years, to give their businesses the best chance of recovery after the disruption.

Another showed how to create a cash flow to understand the level of funding they may need to access via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. It also covered how to create set of accounts, a demo of accounting software, an overview of the financial support available to businesses and a live Q&A where participants could join in the session.

Julie said: “My latest live video via The Parent Platform was watched by 950 people while it was live, increasing to 1,500 by 8am the following morning.

“Accounts are often overlooked or considered the dreaded part of business, but actually, I love that they tell the truth. They tell the story of the business and by understanding the numbers, you can take back control, make key decisions and drive the business forward.

“No one sets up in business to become an employee of their own business. I take my clients through a transition phase from working in the business, to taking a step back and working on the business for example, setting clear goals and identifying when additional funding may be required and how that will be sourced for example, for expansion, hiring more employees.

“We also discuss introducing new products/ services, reviewing margins, potential collaborations etc. I break the numbers down and explain what they mean without the jargon. Through the process people go from ignoring or even hating accounts to being excited about what the latest numbers are saying.

"It's such a wonderful position to be in and I'm privileged to be supporting each and every business owner on their journey."