Beyond the Numbers with Bev Wakefield

You started your business for freedom. To build something that gives you flexibility, fulfilment, and a better life. But too often, that dream gets lost in the day-to-day reality of running the business. You pay your team, your suppliers, your taxes… and somehow, you end up last in line. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev helps you flip that script. You’ll learn how to build a business tha...

Too many founders build businesses that pay everyone except themselves. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down how to finally flip that script and start paying yourself a proper, consistent salary without guilt or guesswork. You’ll learn how to calculate exactly what you should be earning, structure your pay tax-efficiently, and make it a non-negotiable part of your cash flow. Plus...

Building a business isn’t a straight line. It’s a series of small battles, big pivots, and hard-earned lessons. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Dave Pounds to uncover what it takes to turn an idea into a thriving business. You’ll hear the moments of doubt, the decisions that changed everything, and the habits that separate those who plateau from those who scale. By the en...

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev builds on the conversation about defining “enough” and shows you how to put an actual figure on it. You’ll discover how to work backwards from the life you want, calculate the revenue your business needs to support it, and price your offers with clarity and confidence. Along the way, Bev shares a simple step-by-step formula to stop chasing vague goals and...

What’s Enough? It’s a question every business owner asks but rarely answers. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev explores what enough really means for you, your money, and your life. You’ll unpack why chasing “more” can actually cost you more, discover the three-bucket model for essentials, joyful extras, and future security, and learn how to calculate your personal happiness number. Plus,...

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, James Ashford, founder of GoProposal and best-selling author, shares the journey that took him from humble beginnings to transforming how accountancy firms deliver value. James talks candidly about raising standards in business, building a culture that demands excellence, and why entrepreneurs need to continually push themselves beyond comfort zones. You’ll h...

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Peter Ellse, CEO of Cosy Direct, shares how his company has carved out a unique space in the education sector by staying firmly rooted in purpose. He discusses how Cosy prioritises social impact alongside profitability, why he believes business leaders should think long-term and ethically, and how simplicity and efficiency can drive real innovation. Peter als...

What does growth really mean for your business? And is it always the right goal? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down two very different paths: fast, headline-style growth vs. slow, steady, sustainable progress. You’ll explore why understanding your reason for growth is essential, how to avoid the trap of ego-led decisions, and the numbers that reveal whether growth is helping or...

Can I Afford to Hire? It’s one of the most common questions business owners face. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down the numbers you need to look at before bringing someone new on board. You’ll explore what it really costs to hire, how to calculate your break-even point, and the revenue-per-employee benchmarks that matter. Plus, you'll get Bev’s five-point hiring checklist to h...

Most founders don’t realise they’re the biggest bottleneck in their business until burnout and stalled growth force them to face it. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev unpacks the Owner’s Trap: why being the hub of every decision hurts your business value and how to break free. You’ll discover the warning signs, real costs, and practical steps to delegate, systemise, and scale without you.

Ever nodded through a finance meeting pretending to know what “EBITDA” means? You’re not alone. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev cuts through the jargon to decode the most confusing financial terms business owners face. You’ll learn what those acronyms and reports actually mean, like cash flow vs profit, accruals, VAT, and director’s loans, and why they matter for your pricing, planning,...

What happens when innovation meets endurance? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Dean Jackson, founder of the performance gear brand HUUB, for a conversation that goes deeper than just business. You’ll hear how Dean turned a passion for sport into a global brand trusted by Olympic champions, the mindset that carried him through uncertainty, and what it really takes to grow w...

It’s easy to focus on performance and forget the person driving it. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev takes a step back from finance to talk about something just as vital - your well-being. You’ll explore why personal health, energy, and support systems are essential to high performance, how to manage stress before it spirals, and why you need a personal performance plan as much as a busi...

Most business plans gather dust. This one fits on a single page, and actually gets used. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev walks you through how to create a simple, clear plan to keep you focused, track what really matters, and stay aligned with your goals. You'll learn how to set practical 12-month targets, monitor five key numbers, and make your plan part of your weekly rhythm, not just...

If too much of your income comes from one client, your business could be more fragile than it looks. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev explains why overreliance is risky and what you can do to fix it. You’ll learn how to create a healthier revenue mix, build a steady pipeline, and avoid being dependent on any one client, supplier, or strategy.

More sales won’t save a broken business model. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev busts the “just sell more” myth and explains why chasing revenue without fixing your margins can do more harm than good. You’ll learn how to plug the profit leaks, spot your most valuable customers, and make simple tweaks that turn busy work into real profit, without burning out.

Getting paid shouldn’t be the hardest part of running a business. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev shows you how to take the stress out of late payments and keep your cash flow steady. You’ll learn how to set clear terms, follow up with confidence, and use simple tools to make sure you get paid on time, without the awkward chasing.

Pricing mistakes aren’t just costly – they're crippling. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev reveals the common pricing pitfalls that are draining your profits and how to fix them. You’ll learn why value-based pricing is key, the real cost of discounts, and how small price adjustments can skyrocket your bottom line, without losing customers.

Cash flow stress isn’t just frustrating - it’s exhausting. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev unpacks the real reasons business owners lose sleep over money and how to break the cycle. You’ll learn why recurring revenue changes everything, the 3 simple systems that bring financial clarity, and how a 10-minute weekly habit can help you stay on top of your cash - without the panic.

Why does your bank balance never seem to match your profit? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev explores the key differences between profit and cash flow - and why confusing the two can lead to serious financial stress. She explains the impact of VAT, loan repayments, asset purchases, and more, and shares three practical strategies to improve your cash flow and build a more financially resi...

Welcome to Beyond the Numbers! Each week, you’ll be joined by Bev Wakefield as she shares straight-talking, practical advice to help you take control of your business finances.