Beyond the Numbers with Bev Wakefield

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, and peace of mind. 
Because when you understand your numbers, you make better decisions and can lead with confidence.
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As Bev mentions, you can dive deeper into cash flow vs profit in Episode 1 here.

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.

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 help you decide if now’s the right time, or if it’s time to pause, pivot, or start smaller.
This isn’t about hiring on hope. It’s about hiring with confidence.

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 hurting your business. Because not all growth is good growth.

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 also reflects on the value of staying small and agile, the freedom that comes with debt-free growth, and how redefining what “success” looks like has shaped Cosy’s journey from day one.

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 hear how setbacks can become stepping stones when reframed as “the gift,” the role of core values in driving sustainable success, and why true fulfilment comes not just from building businesses, but from helping others thrive.
 

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, Bev shares four practical tips to help you stop comparing, set stop goals, and design a business that funds the life you actually want.
This isn’t about revenue badges or six-figure launches. It’s about creating freedom, security, and success on your own terms.

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 start building a business that gives you the income, and lifestyle, you’re aiming for.
Because “more” isn’t a strategy. Your number is.

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 end, you’ll have practical tools, mindset shifts, and a blueprint for turning challenges into opportunities - without losing sight of why you started.

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, Bev shares the mindset shifts and practical steps that turn “I’ll pay myself later” into “I pay myself first.” Because if your business doesn’t reward you, what’s the point of building it?