See what you could save
We analyse all business expenses and show you where money is being lost. Each finding comes with the figures behind it and the potential saving.
We work through every practical opportunity and follow it up. Where the figures depend on missing information, we make that clear.
| Area | What we check |
|---|---|
| Supplier choice | The total cost, including delivery, against suitable alternatives. |
| Order quantities | Volume discounts against stock usage and the cash committed. |
| Supplier terms | Prices and rebates, plus payment deadlines or extra charges. |
| Recurring expenses | Unused services and overlapping subscriptions. |
| Invoices | Incorrect or duplicate charges, and credits still owed. |
Negotiate better supplier terms
For one ecommerce business, Andrew visited a local packaging supplier to discuss buying directly instead of through online marketplaces.
We negotiate directly with owner-managed suppliers on regular orders or larger quantities. You see the full cost, including delivery, before approving a change.
How a cost comparison could look
Purchase: packaging
Monthly quantity: 5,000 units
Illustrative example — not a client result or supplier quotation.
| Arrangement | Cost |
|---|---|
| Current arrangement | Delivered unit cost, excluding VAT: £0.40 Monthly purchase cost: £2,000 |
| Alternative arrangement | Delivered unit cost, excluding VAT: £0.34 Monthly purchase cost: £1,700 |
Difference: £300 per month
£3,600 over 12 months, assuming unchanged prices and quantities.
Assumes equivalent specifications and delivery terms. Delivery is included in the unit prices; VAT and any one-off switching costs are excluded.
A lower price is useful only if the alternative meets the business’s requirements. Minimum order quantities or payment terms could make it unsuitable despite the lower unit cost.
Buy the right quantities
A bulk discount only helps if the saving outweighs the cost of holding more stock. We assess order size and frequency against what the business uses or sells.
Storage and financing costs are included where relevant, so a lower unit price does not hide a cash-flow problem.
Keep cash flow in view
Longer payment terms can help cash flow without reducing the purchase cost. We assess that separately from price savings, and check whether early-payment discounts are worth the cost of paying sooner.
We run the finance function
Andrew takes responsibility for the agreed accounting work. The expense analysis is part of that ongoing service: we check whether negotiated terms reach the invoices and whether the savings reach your accounts.
We can take on:
- Bookkeeping and reconciliations, including investigating unexplained differences.
- Supplier and customer accounts, with payments prepared for your approval.
- Payroll and agreed pension work.
- Monthly management accounts with cost movements explained.
- Cash planning based on upcoming commitments.
Questions about this support
Can you work alongside our existing accountant?
Yes. We agree which work we will handle and which responsibilities stay with your accountant.
What will it cost?
We quote after reviewing the work involved. The scope sets out our responsibilities, including any company accounts or filings. Published bookkeeping prices cover a narrower service; historical recovery and additional systems work are assessed separately.