The thing that makes Co- different from other accountants is our Business Support Programme. Yes we are here to manage your Accounts and Tax in a hassle-free and timely way; that will always be our most important function. But as a client of Co- we also support you to build a business that delivers your goals, and we bring you the support of our community of other business owners and partners. This blog explains more about how we do that through the two pillars of our Business Support Programme: Co-Create and Co-nnect.

The underpinning vision for Co- has always, and continues to be, an accounting practice that provides business owners with the support they need to set up, run and succeed at being in business. This goes far beyond the traditional remit of an accountant, but is something we are really well placed to do at Co-. Our Growth Specialists are experienced consultants, mentors and business coaches, who have between them built businesses first hand and advised a diverse portfolio of clients on matters spanning nearly every aspect of business. We’re on a journey to make our vision a reality and, over the past 10 months, have expanded and evolved what we offer in terms of business support - and we have now brought this work together under the two pillars: Co-Create and Co-nnect.

co-create

This pillar of business support encompasses all of our one-to-one meetings. It’s the part of our services where we work together (‘Co-’) to build (‘Create’) a business that delivers your goals. The backbone of this is the meeting with your Growth Specialist (previously known as ‘Improving the Numbers’ and now ‘Co-Create’) which you may have annually, quarterly or monthly.

What else is new, apart from the name?

• We have refreshed the agenda and content of the first Co-Create meeting. This is partly about positioning. The Co-Create meetings are a place where you as the business owner can take time away from the day to day to work on your business - and they are an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that will help you on your journey. It will also introduce a new tool that we are developing: the Co- Business Health Check. We are really excited to share this with all our clients from the autumn.

• Before each meeting we prepare a finance report summarising the financial performance of your business, and in the meeting we talk you through the key numbers and metrics. From today we will be trialling a new report format that makes best use of the Fathom HQ tool and includes a 12 month profit and cash flow forecast. We look forward to hearing your feedback on this and rolling it out to all clients in due course.

• We have upgraded our budgeting and forecasting capabilities with Fathom Adviser Certification. Over 15% of our clients have already benefited from setting up and using the Fathom forecasting tool for their business. Examples include better confidence in the cash flow to make recruitment decisions, identifying opportunities to improve pricing and margins, and putting in place plans to turn the business back to profitability. If you haven’t yet seen what Fathom can do in terms of budgeting and cash flow forecasting book onto our next webinar ‘Budgeting 101: Learn How to Plan your Business Finances with Confidence’

co-nnect

This pillar of business support encompasses all of our services that bring you together (‘Co-nnect’ you) with our community of local business owners and partners. It also gives you greater access to the Co- team, including through our programme of business events. It’s been fantastic to see and support so many of our clients at these over the past months. We’ll be taking a break from our events over August, but look forward to seeing more of you again from September!

Here’s a reminder of what is on offer - 

• Monthly Business Workshop: these are your opportunity to get clear and relevant information on a different topic in business each month. You will do some practical work on your business, getting ideas and input from us and other business owners, and leave knowing your next steps. We highly recommend you get the dates in your diary for the rest of the year - the more you come to the more you will progress with your business development.

• Monthly Walk & Talk: this is your opportunity to get out in the open air and have time to think creatively about your business. We can also answer your questions about accounts, tax or business growth. Trust us when we say it’s a great way to start the day!

• Weekly Calls: after the summer we are going to introduce weekly Co-nnect calls. This will be a regular time when you can speak to us for business advice. Your Growth Specialist will be in touch to invite you once they are up and running. We know from our own experience of being part of an online business community how valuable these touch points can be.

Don’t forget that all clients of Co- have free of charge access to the Croner Online Business Hub and Helplines. If you have questions related to HR, Health and Safety, or Commercial Law this is a great first port of call for templates, guidelines, and verbal advice from qualified professionals. 

Visit our events page for more details of our next workshops, walks and webinars!