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I Hate Numbers: Simplifying Tax and Accounting

I Hate Numbers: Simplifying Tax and Accounting

Written by: I Hate Numbers
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 For some, watching paint dry, or a poke in the eye is better than dealing with their business numbers. I get it, numbers can be scary, confusing, and boring, not what your business is meant to be about. But here’s the thing. If you’re serious about your business, you need to grab hold of your numbers, and connect with them. Falling in love with them may feel weird, but at least be on friendly terms with them if you want your business to survive and thrive. Numbers make you accountable, showing you the financial impact of your successes, a route map to success and highlighting those flip-ups. Above all, learning to love & use your numbers means you have a better chance of making money, what’s not to love. Fundamentally business is there to make money. You need to make money to survive and have impact. It’s about knowing how your future is going to pan out. As a business finance coach, financial story teller and tax advisor, I've helped thousands of businesses over the years. I love numbers, but I get it that not many businesses will do so. I want to share my love of numbers through my podcast, to make it accessible, to help you and your business power forward. My aim is to make this podcast listener friendly, jargon and BS free. In the words of W.E.B. Dubois “When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer be reading numbers, any more than you read words when reading books. You will be reading meanings.”Copyright 2026 I Hate Numbers Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Community Interest Companies (CICs): When and Why This Model Makes Sense

    Community Interest Companies (CICs): When and Why This Model Makes Sense
    Jan 11 2026
    Community Interest Companies, often shortened to CICs, are designed for businesses that want to make a positive social impact while still operating commercially. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explain how CICs work, why they exist, and when they are the right structure for a business that wants purpose alongside profit. What Is a Community Interest Company? A Community Interest Company is a limited company created specifically for social enterprises. It allows a business to trade, earn income, and pay staff while ensuring that profits and assets are used primarily for the benefit of the community. Unlike charities, CICs are not restricted to grant funding and donations. They can sell goods and services in the same way as a standard company, making them a flexible option for organisations that want sustainability as well as impact. Why CICs Exist CICs were introduced to fill the gap between traditional companies and charities. Many organisations want to do good without the heavy regulation of charitable status or the perception that profit is the main driver. The CIC structure provides reassurance to customers, funders, and stakeholders that the business is genuinely focused on community benefit rather than private gain. The Community Interest Test To become a CIC, a business must pass the community interest test. This means clearly demonstrating that its activities benefit a defined community rather than a small group of individuals. The test is reviewed by the CIC Regulator and helps ensure that the structure is used correctly and not as a branding or tax shortcut. Asset Lock and Profit Restrictions One of the defining features of a CIC is the asset lock. This prevents assets and profits from being freely distributed to shareholders.

    How the Asset Lock Works

    The asset lock ensures that, if the company is sold or wound up, its assets must continue to be used for community benefit. This protects the original purpose of the business.

    Dividend and Profit Limits

    CICs can pay dividends, but they are capped. This allows investors to receive a return while ensuring that the majority of profits are reinvested into the community. CICs Compared to Charities While charities benefit from tax reliefs, they are tightly regulated and restricted in how they trade. CICs offer more commercial freedom, but without charitable tax exemptions. This makes CICs suitable for social enterprises that want trading income, flexibility, and transparency. Reporting and Compliance CICs must file annual accounts like any limited company. In addition, they must submit a Community Interest Report explaining how the business has benefited the community. This added layer of reporting builds trust and accountability with stakeholders. When a CIC Makes Sense A CIC may be suitable if your business has a clear social mission, wants to trade commercially, and needs to demonstrate credibility and accountability. However, it is not the right choice for every organisation, so understanding the long-term implications is essential. Final Thoughts Community Interest Companies offer a practical way to combine purpose with profit. When structured correctly, they allow businesses to grow while staying aligned with their social objectives. If you are considering a CIC and want to explore whether it is right for your situation, you can book a call with us to talk it through. 🎧 Listen &...
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    10 mins
  • Bad Business Habits That Hold You Back

    Bad Business Habits That Hold You Back
    Jan 4 2026

    We all have habits in business. Some help us move forward, while others quietly hold us back. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore four common bad business habits and, more importantly, what we can do to break them.

    These habits may feel helpful in the short term, especially when cash is tight or pressure is high. However, over time they can damage profitability, confidence, and long-term growth.

    Bad Habit One: The Pricing Trap

    Underpricing is one of the most common traps business owners fall into, particularly in the early stages. Discounting heavily or working for less than your value often leads to burnout and poor cashflow.

    Sustainable businesses price for value, not fear. Getting pricing right allows us to grow, reinvest, and serve clients properly.

    Bad Habit Two: Doing Everything Yourself

    Trying to do everything alone may feel sensible at first, but it quickly becomes a growth blocker. Time spent on low-value tasks is time taken away from strategy, sales, and leadership.

    Delegation is not a loss of control. It is a deliberate decision to focus on what matters most in the business.

    Bad Habit Three: Always Choosing the Cheapest Option

    Choosing based purely on price rather than value often leads to poor outcomes. Cheap solutions can result in wasted time, repeated work, and missed opportunities.

    The right support, systems, and advice pay for themselves over time.

    Bad Habit Four: Avoiding Financial Advice

    Avoiding professional advice is a habit that quietly costs businesses money. Tax efficiency, cashflow planning, and structure are areas where expert guidance makes a real difference.

    Good advice is not an expense. It is an investment in clarity, confidence, and long-term success.

    Key Takeaways

    Breaking bad habits starts with awareness. Small changes around pricing, delegation, decision-making, and financial support can significantly improve profitability and peace of mind.

    Listen & Take the Next Step

    🎧 Listen to the I Hate Numbers podcast for more practical business and tax insights.

    📺 Watch our videos on the I Hate Numbers YouTube channel.

    📘 Learn more with our book, I Hate Numbers, packed with practical advice on business, finance, and tax.

    📞 If you want personalised support, book a call with us and let’s see how we can help.

    Until next time, plan it, do it, and profit.
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    8 mins
  • The Power of Procrastination: When Delaying Can Actually Help You

    The Power of Procrastination: When Delaying Can Actually Help You
    Dec 28 2025
    Procrastination gets a bad reputation. However, in this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we take a different view. We explore why procrastination happens, when it holds us back, and how it can sometimes support better thinking, creativity, and decision-making. Rethinking Procrastination

    We have all delayed important tasks, even when we know better. Procrastination is usually framed as a weakness or a lack of discipline. However, we challenge that assumption. Instead of guilt, we look at understanding what procrastination is really telling us and how it can sometimes work in our favour.

    What Procrastination Really Is

    Procrastination is not laziness. It is a self-regulation issue where we delay action despite knowing there may be consequences. For many creative business owners, it shows up as distraction, avoidance, or over-preparing instead of starting.

    We explain how procrastination often reflects emotional responses rather than poor work ethic. Once we recognise that, it becomes easier to manage rather than fight it.

    Why We Procrastinate

    Procrastination usually has clear causes. Fear of failure can make starting feel overwhelming. Perfectionism can stop progress before it begins. Feeling overloaded with ideas or lacking motivation can also keep us stuck.

    By identifying which of these applies, we gain control. Awareness is the first step towards changing behaviour.

    When Procrastination Can Be Useful

    Not all delay is bad. Sometimes stepping away allows our subconscious to process information. This can lead to better decisions and stronger ideas when we return to the task.

    Procrastination can also act as a filter. If we keep avoiding something, it may be a signal that the task is not as urgent or important as we think.

    How We Manage Unhelpful Procrastination

    When procrastination becomes a barrier, simple strategies help. Breaking work into small steps reduces overwhelm. Starting with just five minutes often builds momentum. Time-blocking work and rest helps maintain focus.

    Reducing distractions is equally important. Fewer interruptions make it easier to move from intention to action.

    Keeping Finances from Becoming a Distraction

    When financial admin adds stress, it fuels procrastination. Using the right tools can remove friction and free up mental space, allowing us to focus on creative and strategic work rather than avoiding it.

    Key Takeaways

    Procrastination is not always the enemy. Used wisely, it can support creativity and better decisions. The key is understanding why we delay and responding with practical strategies rather than guilt.

    Next time procrastination shows up, we encourage you to pause and ask whether it is avoidance or incubation. The answer can change how you move forward.

    Listen & Take the Next Step

    If this episode resonated, explore more insights on the I Hate Numbers podcast.

    If you want support bringing clarity to your business decisions, you can book a call with us.

    Until next time, plan it, do it, and profit.
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    6 mins
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