A decade ago, I took a leap of faith and started The Numbers Quarter. What started as motivation for helping businesses understand their finances has grown into a company that supports a wide variety of businesses in taking control of their numbers and achieving sustainable growth.
Looking back on the past 10 years in business, I’ve learned a lot – not just about running a business, but about resilience, leadership, and finding balance. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, here are some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way.
When I first started TNQ, I wore all the hats – finance, marketing, admin, client work. It was exhausting! One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that outsourcing and delegation aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re necessary for growth. Now, I encourage business owners to step out of the ‘doing’ and focus on the bigger picture (that’s where we can help!).
✍️ Lesson: Know when to ask for help. From outsourcing finance to getting a mentor, you’ll grow faster when you stop trying to do it all alone.
In the early days, I took on any client that came my way. But over time, I realised that working with the right people makes all the difference. Now, we focus on supporting business owners who are ready to take action, make strategic decisions, and grow.
✍️ Lesson: Not every client is the right fit – and that’s okay. Work with people who align with your values and vision.
I’ve seen businesses chase higher revenue, thinking it means success, but profitability is what truly matters. We help businesses focus on what’s actually making them money and how they can keep more of it. This shift in mindset has been game-changing, both for TNQ and our clients.
✍️ Lesson: More revenue doesn’t always mean more profit. Understand your numbers so you can make smarter financial decisions.
As a business owner, it’s easy to fall into the ‘hustle’ mindset – working all hours, saying yes to everything, and never switching off. But over the years, I’ve realised that a successful business should give you more freedom, not take it away.
Now, I’m more intentional with my time. I’ve built a business that supports the life I want, not the other way around.
✍️ Lesson: Design your business to serve your life, not consume it. Set boundaries, take breaks, and don’t feel guilty about prioritising yourself.
If the last 10 years have taught me anything, it’s that nothing stays the same. Tax laws change, industries evolve, and businesses face unexpected challenges (hello, Covid-19 pandemic!). The key is to stay adaptable and open to new opportunities.
When things don’t go to plan, it’s not about avoiding challenges, it’s about how you respond to them.
✍️ Lesson: Business isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to learn and adapt.
As we celebrate 10 years of our TNQ Bedford Accountants, I’m more excited than ever about the future. Our mission remains the same – to help business owners get more out of their finances and ultimately, their lives. Whether that’s through smarter tax planning, better cash flow management, or giving business owners the freedom to step back, we’re here to help.
To celebrate and show our support for International Women’s Day this March, we’re excited to be sponsoring Bedford’s International Women’s Day Campaign, a gallery exhibition showcasing 50 female entrepreneurs from the local business community.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey (clients, team members, and supporters). Here’s to the next decade of growth and making your business work for you!