On this day we reflect on what has become and increasing issue in todays society.  Mental Health awareness.

I see from clients that things are being done and grants are available to companies that specialise in tackling the issue, but theres a lot more that can be done by ourselves to help others and ourselves.

As a business owner myself, I have to keep myself healthy and motivated as I have both employees and family as a responsibility to look after. Keeping them in their jobs, secure and safe environment to work and also keeping them motivated. It can be a lonely place being head of the company with all that responsibility.

We work with a few charities in the area that help others in the community to keep everyone healthy. Breathe Creative and Growing Green both serve the community in South Wales. Teaching services users carpentry, growing their own food, sharing recipes with mental health consultation, and art classes. They have done brilliantly over the past couple of years, actively helping their community with their innovative and supportive ideas.

We have signed to the Army Benevelant Fund this year, supporting our veterans who have come out of service and are back in the community, setting up their own businesses. Assisting owners that could have OCD, Neurodiversity issues.

For the Bridgend Area we are also supporting Mental Health Matters charity support for Mental Health, Crisis Management and Depression.

As a business owner myself I would like to share some tips that have helped me for years keeping myself healthy and motivated.

Getting enough sleep is usually my first step in having a very good day ahead. I tend to settle down before 10pm with low lighting and quiet sounds. After doing what is a very busy job, I find that it keeps me in the settling down mood when I am at home.

I might watch a little TV or listen to music. A bath with candles and sounds of the sea on the sound system another great way to relax. I drink a lot of water, keeping my skin clear and my body fully hydrated. I do love a coffee and tea, but try not to drink too much.

Exercise, I’m always a fan of dancing in the kitchen whilst preparing dinner, after a hectic day, it’s a fun way to unwind and load off the stresses of the day. Yes, I still have those 1990’s dance moves.

Gardening I have transformed my garden over the past couple of years, transforming it from an overgrown unloved space. To a full set up for outdoor dining and entertaining friends. To growing my own food, using organic methods. My neighbours still find it entertaining, as I’m out there rain or shine. If there’s a job to do I’m out there whatever the weather.

Food my great passion, I am known in my family for being a feeder, now I’m growing my own food, the family and friends are being put through the experimental stage of my food obsession. Making Jam, Chutney, and dried fruit to use all year round. To strange flavoured ice cream. Always an experiment, not always successful, but everyone tries them and gives their opinion.

Walks in the country and by the beach. Picking up fir cones, and foraging, making my own Christmas Wreath, I have friends who turn mirrors into art work, with foraged shells from the sea, or sea glass.

I keep a very close family and friend network. This great bunch of people have helped me through some very tough times, and keep supporting me in everything I do. Even if some of my ideas might be a little crazy. Having that loving network you can’t put a price on that.    Finding new networks with like minded people, they bring such positive energy.

I keep to my work hours. Whatever your work hours are for you, always build in that rest time. I have two full days off a week, would love to have three days off. The future goal for me.   Having proper rest doing something completely different to your day or night job, keeps you well and keeps  you motivated.

Holidays, even if I’m just having a few days and daytrip from home, I always have holidays, time away from the office. I do it every three months. The ideas and challenges I think of when I come back, having had that rest and destress really does keep us moving forward.

Friends of mine go to the gym, do dance classes, watching football, learning to play a musical instrument, learning to skydive. Whatever hobby and interest you like, it doesn’t matter, but try and build them into your week. You’ll be so surprised how much better you become at running your business, by taking that time out and reenergising.

Don’t just do it for Mental Health Awareness day, do it everyday.

Its your life. Make it count and live well.

Fresh from my time away over the summer holidays this year, with my two sons. I took two weeks off this year. I found that with such a busy job and life, which has so many deadlines and stresses that I needed a bit of r&r.

I found the time off rewarding as it gave me not only special time with my sons, but a way of decompressing from what is a very busy life.

I’ve come back to work full of energy, making a list of both personal and business plans to see us not only to the end of this year, but a wish list for next year too.

My garden on return had greeted me with lovely ripe produce, vegetables and fruit, getting me in the mood for harvesting and extending the life of the goods with preserving.    It reminded me of what I need to do with my business and life too.   

Feed it to preserve it for the future.

We’re currently invested in marketing and have a consultant helping us get those jobs off the desk that we have been putting off. Introducing us to new ideas and revisiting ones we haven’t tried in a while. The market has moved so much with the huge amount of legislation we all have to follow, the banks not being as helpful as they could be, and governments generally coming across as clueless of how to move our country forward.

Basically, it’s all in our own hands, if we are going to make it, it will be down to our working through ideas and plans and making it happen for ourselves.  Nobody is going to hand it to us on a plate.   Although that would be very nice.

I talk to business owners all the time and quite a few as its so up and down with getting work in, that they maybe not be taking the breaks they need, to maintain motivation and energy levels that they might have had when they started.

I find that having that break away, apart from giving me that time away to give me the revitalised energy levels back.   It allows me to focus on what is important and get work done that gives value not just to the clients but to me also.

I always find creating a wish list both personal and business really helps me focus on getting things done that provide me with reward and motivation.  It’s so easy to get lost in the noise of the day-to-day activities, we often forget why we're in business at all.

If you can take anything from this, always take your breaks.    Your sleep patterns should return, you will have more energy and definitely be more focused.    We all need this to keep our health in good order.

Not taking time off is one of the biggest reasons company owners give up self-employment, they suffer burn out.   Don’t let that be you.

I also find that having a hobby for when you’re not in work helps too.  Something to allow you to decompress after a long day.  Whether that be art, gardening, going for a two-mile walk.  Whatever you like, it can be anything.    Enjoy the life you have,  its all in your own hands.

There are approximately 5.6 million businesses in the UK, of which 98% are considered small to medium sized businesses. So, we small businesses are crucial to the UK economy, there is no denying this.

Whether you are a start-up and excited for the times ahead, or an establishment renewing your challenges, we all want to be successful with our business. In our latest blog, we talk about tips we think are vital to any business.

We all have a vision in mind, of where we’d like to see our business in the future. This vision needs to be translated on paper as your business plan. A business plan is a must for all business owners. This can help outside investors get an insight of your business, for if ever you need funding to grow your business.

Business Plan

A business plan should consist of;

·    Summary – What is your purpose, what is your vision?

·    Target market – Who are you likely to sell to

·    Competitors – What is your rivals weakness? Why are you different?

·    Staff – Do you need people to help run your business. What level of skill and pay is required?

·    Suppliers – Who will be your main supplier?

·    Marketing Plan – How will you advertise yourself to the world

·    Operations – Which is the best way to run your business.

·    Finance – How much money do you need? Determine the profitability of the business.

Business Structure

As well as a business plan, you will need to have a business structure. Sole trader, partnerships and limited companies all have their own pros and cons. Deciding which structure to choose is not always straightforward. If an asset is owned outright, then you would need to consider retaining personal ownership on incorporation. If you’re not sure which structure model you should go for, then here at Cross Accounting we can give tailored advice to you.

Year End

We cannot stress enough the importance of doing your year end as early as possible. Once completed, this will give you peace of mind as you will not have to worry, until next year. It will also give you more time to budget for your tax bill. You will not be in a rush to find the money for the tax bill and not kill your cashflow. Keep all receipts for your expenses, these will all help lower the tax bill. If you buy equipment or tools, mobile phone bills, petrol, these are all deductible. HMRC can conduct random spot checks, so it’s important to keep paperwork, recommended for 6 years.

Budgeting

Having budgets in place for your business can help you predict the near future. This allows you to have a spending plan, so you can make sure you have money for the things you need and the things that are important to you. You can see what is eating up your cash and avoid spending on unnecessary fees. Below is an example of a very simple budget.

These tips will keep you motivated and more importantly give you an idea of where your finances lay, helping you to quickly identify if there are rainy days ahead.

If you need expert tailored advice, please do get in touch as we are always happy to help.

The Bank of England held interest rates at 4.25% but signalled that further cuts may be on the horizon. While this can present opportunities for those looking to refinance, borrow, or invest, getting the best deals is all about how prepared you are.

Credit Scores

Whether you’re applying for a personal loan, a business overdraft, or a mortgage, your credit score is key. A better credit profile often gives you access to lower interest rates, better terms, and higher borrowing limits.

It’s not just personal — businesses are being judged too. Especially if you’re running a small or cash-heavy business, you need to show the banks that your income is consistent and traceable. This means banking regularly. If you’re taking in cash, deposit it frequently. Banks and lenders want to see a clear money trail, and this trail heavily influences their decisions.

Identification

A number of people come to us facing delays simply because their names don’t match across official documents. Whether you’ve been married, divorced, or just changed your name, your passport, driving licence, utility bills, and bank statements should all align.

Why? Inconsistent ID records can drag down your credit score or delay financial approvals, especially when you're trying to refinance or borrow.

Budgeting

When it comes to credit scoring and financial health, the basics still matter. Set a budget, pay on time, and don’t miss repayments. These small, consistent habits are the biggest contributors to long-term financial strength.

Payback Criteria

Lenders are getting stricter. Working capital requirements have increased. Before, many banks were happy if you had 1.5 times your loan payment obligations in working capital. Now they want to see 2 times making it so much harder to obtain a loan.

For example, if your business has monthly loan and interest payments of £1,000, you now need at least £2,000 in working capital a month to be considered financially stable in their eyes.

This change is a big deal for small businesses or anyone looking to re-finance.

Plan Now to Take Advantage

• Review your credit score and dispute any error
• Align your ID documents (especially name consistency)
• Build your working capital reserves if you’re a business owner
• Start comparing re-mortgaging or refinancing options now
• Speak to a financial adviser or broker who can help position you before rates change
• Planning ahead is key

Being prepared isn’t just about having money, it’s about showing lenders that you manage it well. The most successful borrowers and businesses are the ones who plan ahead.

If you need help with your credit, your documentation, or just planning your next financial move, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

We’re proud to support the Welsh Air Ambulance Charity, a vital service that provides life-saving emergency care across Wales. Their team operates with incredible skill, speed, and dedication—often making the difference between life and death in critical situations.

We had the honour of visiting their base and seeing first-hand how they operate. The experience was truly inspiring and gave us a deep appreciation for the professionalism and heart behind every mission.

If you’d like to support this amazing charity, you can donate here