As it starts to feel more like autumn, it is hard to believe that we are almost at the halfway mark for the current tax year (5 October).

It has been a tough year with the cost-of-living pressures, uncertainty around the election and sluggish inflation. To say it has been tough for businesses at times could be putting it mildly.

Despite these external pressures, I am optimistic about the future of SMEs, especially those with business owners that put the right steps in place to get you where you want to be.

Checking the numbers regularly throughout the year enables you to stay focused on your goals and objectives and to help you achieve them.