Partnering with another creative can open doors — but it can also bring drama if you’re not prepared. From clashing visions to financial headaches, not all partnerships are built to last. So, how do you protect yourself and give your collaboration the best chance of success?

In this episode:

“Partnerships That Work: How to Build Creative Collaborations That Last”

We walk through the key ingredients of a successful creative partnership — from shared values and clear communication to choosing the right legal structure. Whether you're thinking of teaming up with a friend, fellow freelancer, or forming a new business altogether, this episode will give you the tools to avoid common pitfalls and start strong.

With decades of experience supporting partnerships across the creative sector, I break down the practical steps you need to take before you shake hands and sign anything. Because great partnerships don’t happen by accident — they’re built with care.

[00:00:00] – Why partnerships are powerful — and risky

[00:01:00] – How the right partner can fuel your creativity and growth

[00:02:14] – Shared values: why they matter more than you think

[00:03:28] – Proven track record: how to assess someone’s reliability

[00:04:00] – Do a mini project first — test the waters before going all in

[00:04:41] – Complimentary skills vs. duplication: avoid stepping on toes

[00:05:00] – Define roles clearly and put it in writing — always

[00:06:34] – Choosing the right legal structure for your partnership

[00:07:40] – Have the hard conversations — money, exit plans, disputes

[00:08:35] – Friends in business: how to separate personal from professional

[00:09:23] – Why a written partnership agreement is non-negotiable

[00:10:46] – Planning for the “what ifs”: future-proof your partnership

[00:11:44] – Recap: what makes creative partnerships actually work

[00:12:00] – Taking a short podcast break — and how to stay connected

Thinking of launching a business with someone? Make this your checklist before you commit. Share it with a creative partner who needs to hear this.

If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love it if you could subscribe on Apple Podcasts — and leave a quick review. It really helps more people find these practical creative business tips.

Don’t forget to check out our website for free tools, resources, and support to help you grow a sustainable creative business.

Plan it. Do it. Profit.

Running a Community Interest Company (CIC) is all about making a difference — but that doesn’t mean you get to skip the taxman. Many social enterprises are surprised to learn they’re still subject to corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, and other reporting rules.

In this episode:

“Community Interest Companies and Tax: What You Need to Know”

We break down the essential tax rules for CICs — covering corporation tax, VAT, payroll, grants, and smart tax planning tips. If you’re running a CIC or thinking of starting one, understanding your tax obligations is vital to building a sustainable, compliant organisation.

With decades of experience supporting CICs and social enterprises, I explain the common tax myths, pitfalls, and practical steps you can take to stay on top of your finances — and stay focused on your mission.

[00:00:00] – Intro: Why doing good doesn’t mean you’re off HMRC’s radar

[00:01:04] – What is a CIC and how it fits into the social enterprise world

[00:01:53] – Corporation tax explained: rates, profits, and key misconceptions

[00:03:00] – VAT and CICs: when it applies and how to avoid nasty surprises

[00:04:36] – Payroll and employing staff: PAYE, National Insurance, and compliance

[00:06:15] – CICs by guarantee vs. CICs by shares — and how structure affects tax

[00:07:00] – Grants and tax: restricted income, VAT, and careful reporting

[00:08:23] – Smart tax planning tips for CICs — records, reserves, and advice

[00:09:21] – Final recap: tax is part of running a sustainable, community-focused business

Book a call for CIC tax advice

If this episode helped clear the fog around CICs and tax, feel free to share it with someone running a social enterprise.

If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love it if you could subscribe on Apple Podcasts — and leave a quick review. It really helps more people find these practical business tips.

Plan it. Do it. Profit.

Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about Budgetwhizz

Find out more about Budgetwhizz

Budgetwhizz

Training

Training

Training

If you’re building a business that’s all about making a difference — but you still care about generating profit — a social enterprise might be your perfect fit. And when it comes to legal structures, a Community Interest Company (CIC) is one of the most popular options out there.

In this episode:

“Community Interest Companies (CICs): Could This Be the Right Business Model for You?”

We break down what a CIC actually is, how it compares to a charity, and what makes it different from a private company. From the community interest test to the all-important asset lock, you’ll learn what’s involved in setting up a CIC — and whether it’s the right path for your social enterprise.

After decades of working with social enterprises and CICs, I know that choosing the right structure is key to building a sustainable, impactful business. This episode explains your options in plain English — so you can make an informed decision.

[00:00:00] – Intro: Why social enterprises are more than just “good intentions”

[00:01:04] – How a CIC fits into the world of social enterprise

[00:02:12] – Profit for good: how social enterprises operate and grow

[00:03:00] – CICs explained: why they’re so popular and how they work

[00:04:11] – Defining your community: a vital first step for a CIC

[00:05:00] – The community interest test — what it is and how to pass it

[00:06:00] – Two types of CICs: limited by shares or limited by guarantee

[00:06:53] – The asset lock: how it protects your community’s interests

[00:07:55] – CIC vs Charity: which is right for your mission?

[00:08:54] – Recap: the key points to know before you set up a CIC

If this episode gave you clarity on CICs, feel free to share it with someone who’s thinking of starting a social enterprise.

If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love it if you could subscribe on Apple Podcasts — and leave a quick review. It really helps more people find these practical business tips.

Plan it. Do it. Profit.



Mentioned in this episode:

Training

Training

Training

Find out more about Budgetwhizz

Find out more about Budgetwhizz

Budgetwhizz