49 Courses

This is not a single course but a set of menu options from which you can 'pick and mix' to create a draft programme yourself, as a discussion document which we can then fine-tune with you. For a day's training course, simply consider your objectives, select six hours' worth of modules and let us do the fine-tuning so that you get the best possible training result. Consider your objectives carefully for maximum benefit from the course. Is the training for new or experienced credit control staff? Are there specific issues to be addressed within your particular sector (eg, housing, education, utilities, etc)? Do your staff need to know more about the legal issues? Or would a practical demonstration of effective telephone tactics be more useful to them? Menu Rather than a generic course outline, the expert trainer has prepared a training 'menu' from which you can select those topics of most relevance to your organisation. We can then work with you to tailor a programme that will meet your specific objectives. Advanced credit control skills for supervisors - 1⁄2 day Basic legal overview: do's and don'ts of debt recovery - 2 hours Body language in the credit and debt sphere - 1⁄2 day County Court suing and enforcement - 1⁄2 day Credit checking and assessment - 1 hour Customer visits and 'face to face' debt recovery skills - 1⁄2 day Data Protection Act explained - 1⁄2 day Dealing with 'Caring Agencies' and third parties - 1 hour Debt counselling skills - 2 hours Elementary credit control skills for new staff - 1⁄2 day Granting credit and collecting debt in Europe - 1⁄2 day Identifying debtors by 'type' to handle them accurately - 1 hour Insolvency: Understanding bankruptcy / receivership / administration / winding-up / liquidation / CVAs and IVAs - 2 hours Late Payment of Commercial Debts Interest Act explained - 2 hours Liaison with sales and other departments for maximum credit effectiveness - 1 hour Suing in Scottish Courts (Small Claims and Summary Cause) - 1⁄2 day Telephone techniques for successful debt collection - 11⁄2 hours Terms and conditions of business with regard to credit and debt - 2 hours Tracing 'gone away' debtors (both corporate and individual) - 11⁄2 hours What to do if you/your organisation are sued - 1⁄2 day Other topics you might wish to consider could include: Assessment of new customers as debtor risks Attachment of Earnings Orders Bailiffs and how to make them work for you Benefit overpayments and how to recover them Cash flow problems (business) Charging Orders over property/assets Credit policy: how to write one Council and Local Authority debt recovery Consumer Credit Act debt issues Using debt collection agencies Director's or personal guarantees Domestic debt collection by telephone Exports (world-wide) and payment for Emergency debt recovery measures Education Sector debt recovery Forms used in credit control Factoring of sales invoices Finance Sector debt recovery needs Third Party Debt Orders (Enforcement) Government departments (collection from) Harassment (what it is - and what it is not) Health sector debt recovery skills Hardship (members of the public) Insolvency and the Insolvency Act In-house collection agency (how to set up) Instalments: getting offers which are kept Judgment (explanation of types) Keeping customers while collecting the debt Late payment penalties and sanctions Letter writing for debt recovery Major companies as debtors Members of the public as debtors Monitoring of major debtors and risks Negotiation skills for debt recovery Old debts and how to collect them Out of hours telephone calls and visits Office of Fair Trading and collections Oral Examination (Enforcement) Pro-active telephone collection Parents of young debtors Partnerships as debtors Positive language in debt recovery Pre-litigation checking skills Power listening skills Questions to solicit information Retention of title and 'Romalpa' clauses Sale of Goods Act explained Salesmen and debt recovery Sheriffs to enforce your judgment Students as debtors Statutory demands for payment Small companies (collection from) Sundry debts (collection of) Terms and Conditions of Contract Tracing 'gone away' debtors The telephone bureau and credit control Taking away reasons not to pay Train the trainer skills Utility collection needs Visits for collection and recovery Warrant of execution (enforcement)

Develop the commercial awareness, financial knowledge and strategic thinking capabilities, to influence the direction of the business Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) This course is aimed at managers who want to develop their commercial awareness, financial knowledge and strategic thinking capabilities, so that they can influence the direction of their business and deliver to their full potential. Day one of the course provides the skills and insights to make sense of your company’s financial position and performance. Day two helps delegates to consider the strategic thinking tools required to plot the forward course needed to maximise the potential of the business. As well as looking at how to make effective business decisions, this course gives a good grounding in finance and profitability. As a two day programme, day one provides the skills and insights to make sense of the company’s financial position and performance. Day two then considers the strategic thinking tools needed to plot the forward course needed to maximise the potential of the business. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: An understanding of the balance sheet, profit and loss account, cash flow and statutory and management accounts Learnt to correctly employment key financial ratios to analyse your business A practical definition of strategy analysis tools to examine the current environment and capabilities Steps to devise a mission and vision statement Recognition of the skills and resources needed to achieve the vision Generation of appropriate strategic and tactical commercial objectives Content What is Strategy Defining Strategy Strategic thinking Strategic models Commercial thinking – what is money? Where are we now STEEPLE analysis SWOT Analysis P&E forces at work Political distortions in capitalist markets Where are we trying to get to Setting the mission and vision Creating a BHAG Strategies for deflation and inflation The role of banks Commercial and investment banking Fractional reserving Securitisation How to get there Skill gap analysis Business Process Re engineering The role of creativity How to get there Getting the team on board Individual and team motivation The power of the brand Overcoming challenges Debt and deleveraging Change management Creating value Discounted Cash Flows Building the business case Asset Valuation techniques Making it happen Turning Strategic Thinking into Strategic Plans Scenario planning for an uncertain future Creating commitments and lock in Discussion and review Time will be set aside during the course for review sessions with time for questions, answers and action learning.

Our Forensic Accounting Course is designed to help investment analysts detect earnings manipulation. It focuses on creative accounting rather than conducting detailed forensic analysis but we explain the tools short sellers employ to detect fraud and some of the techniques we used at hedge funds to identify short opportunities.

Overview A 1-day course on inflation-linked bonds and derivatives, focusing on the UK market in particular. We examine how inflation is defined and quantified, the choice of index (RPI vs. CPI), and the most common cash flow structures for index-linked securities. We look in detail at Index-linked Gilts, distinguishing between the old-style and new-style quotation conventions, and how to calculate the implied breakeven rate. Corporate bond market in the UK, and in particular the role of LPI in driving pension fund activity. Inflation swaps and other derivatives, looking at the mechanics, applications and pricing of inflation swaps and caps/floors. The convexity adjustment for Y-o-Y swaps is derived intuitively. Who the course is for Front-office sales Product control Research Traders Risk managers Fund managers Project finance and structured finance practitioners Accountants, auditors, consultants Course Content To learn more about the day by day course content please click here To learn more about schedule, pricing & delivery options, book a meeting with a course specialist now

About this Course Batteries are going to play an increasingly important role in the energy grid. An increasing number of developers are looking to add battery storage systems (BESS) into their existing projects. However future cash flows are highly uncertain and they are often unsure exactly how battery technology can be monetised. A strong revenue model requires stacking of different revenue sources. As the share of variable renewable sources in electricity systems further increase, battery systems are expected to play a growing role by providing frequency control and operational reserves as well as for wholesale arbitrage, while helping reduce grid integration costs. The more volatile electricity prices are, the greater the earning potential of batteries trading electricity on various electricity markets. BESS can generate revenue streams in several different ways; through a frequency response contract with the TSO, by providing grid services in other ways or by arbitrage through buying cheap power and selling power for a higher price in a liquid wholesale market. Because batteries are efficient, the round trip efficiency is also high. They can spread arbitrage trading much better than other storage types and in many cases, other asset classes. For companies that combine a battery with other tasks, for example to store power from their own panels, or to avoid a costly heavy power connection, the investment is less risky than for those that purely focus on arbitrage trading. It is uncertain whether electricity prices will fluctuate more violently in the coming years, or whether the peaks will actually level off. During this highly interactive training, the trainer will provide you with the latest insights and best practices on how to obtain the maximum economic benefits when participating with BESS in the electricity market. Training Objectives By the end of this course, the participants will be able to: Discover the different BESS battery technologies and their impact on the grid Understand the role of storage in providing flexibility to the power system Examine the potential revenue streams from BESS models Learn how profit can generated with BESS trading strategies Determine how to optimize the value from BESS projects Find out how to combine BESS with renewable PPAs Target Audience Professionals and executives from Power Utilities, Energy Companies, Financial & Investment Banks, Renewable Power Project Developers, Transmission System Operators and Energy Industry Regulators will find this training course useful. Electricity Marketing and Traders New Venture or Business Development Executives Corporate Finance and Treasury Executives Audit and Risk Management Executives Power or Utility Market Research Analysts Investment Managers for Renewable Power Projects Origination Professionals Regulation, Compliance and Documentation Officers Lawyers and Accountants Power Transmission and Distributions Engineers Trainer Our key expert is a skilled and accomplished professional with over 25 years' of extensive senior management / board level experience in the energy markets worldwide. Next to advising energy companies, banks, consultants and regulators regarding PPAs, our key expert has also conducted several highly successful training courses about Power Purchase Agreements, Power Project Finance, IPPs, and Project Risk Management to over 1,000 high level participants from Asia, Africa, Europe and Middle East. He was a member of the expert commission of the Dutch Government for 2 offshore wind parks, Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone Sites 3 and 4 that advised on which of the 5 applicants did provide the best security and solutions associated with the electricity and green certificate prices, the construction and operational risks of the project. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations

About this Training Course Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has provided intercontinental mobility to natural gas, which now provides about 25% of the global primary energy. Being the cleanest fossil fuel, natural gas/LNG consumption is forecasted to grow in all future scenarios. With the entry of various players, including Trading companies, the LNG value chain is becoming increasingly complex, and a solid understanding of its economics and management of its interfaces have become crucial to identify and assess investment opportunities and risks. Recent market disturbances caused by COVID-19, Oil & Gas price instabilities - coupled with the political (Ukraine/Russia) challenges - make a deep understanding of LNG Value Chain Logistics and Economics even more essential to ensure the security of energy supplies sustainably and profitably. This intermediate level 3 full-day course starts with a concise introduction to the LNG business. Thereafter, the elements of the LNG value chain are described, and their individual economics analysed. A Business Activity Model along the value chain will be developed and discussed in depth, covering the following key processes: 'Buy Gas - Transport Gas - Liquefy Gas - Sell LNG/Products - Ship LNG - Regasify LNG' The integrated chain economics will then be developed and quantified. A hands-on group workshop/exercise developing the economic case of a full-sized Liquefaction project will be carried out, considering the forecasted cash flows throughout the project life, the location of the plant, its markets, project sensitivities and profitability assessment. Participants will be provided with Excel based tools/models (LNG Liquefaction project development Net Present Value (NPV) analyses, Shipping Freight Calculations and Economics) to work through the exercises and also for their future personal use. Training Objectives After the completion of this course, participants will be able to: Understand how the LNG Value Chain operates, bound by the relevant Contracts and Agreements. Learn the basic economic parameters (operating, capital costs, financing, profitability) of each major element of the value chain. Appreciate the complexity of the value chain, and the associated opportunities and risks. Develop quantitative project evaluation skills. Explore options to maximise profitability in a given LNG value chain. Discuss best practices on how to manage, steer and govern these activities. Target Audience Technical, Operational, Shipping, Commercial, Project and Governance professionals who are already active in a specific section of the LNG Value Chain will directly benefit in developing a wider and deeper perspective on how the LNG Value Chain operations and can be optimised. Managers (Technical, Financial, Legal and Governance) less familiar with the specifics of the LNG Industry will also benefit from attending this VILT course, as they will obtain the required background to be able to set sharper targets, suitable performance indicators, and governance and performance assessment guidelines for units engaged in the chain. The course is most relevant for professionals engaged in the LNG industry at: National and International Oil & Gas/Energy Companies LNG Importers/Exporters/Traders/Shippers Government & Regulatory Agencies Finance Institutions It will also apply to the following audience: Business Development Managers Corporate Planning Professionals Project Developers Supply Planners & Scheduling Professionals Regulators Tax & Finance Advisors Compliance Officers Equity Analyst and Bankers Joint Venture Representatives, Board Directors Negotiators and Contracting Staff Trading Professionals Course Level Intermediate Trainer Your expert course leader is an Oil & Gas/LNG professional with more than 35 years of international experience, majority of which was gained at Shell International Joint Ventures engaged in Oil Refining, Supply / Trading, Gas Supply and LNG Businesses in the Netherlands, France, Thailand, Dominican Republic and Nigeria. Since 2004, he has had several roles in the management of the LNG Value Chain including the Commercial Operational Management of Nigeria LNG (NLNG). He played an active role in the start-up and integration of LNG trains 4, 5 and 6 with NLNG becoming the 3rd largest LNG producer in the world in 2007. Commercial operations spanned 4 Gas Supply, 11 LNG Sales & Purchase Agreements, ad-hoc LPG and Condensate Sales and LNG Ship Chartering contracts. Under his supervision, more than 2,000 LNG cargoes were exported. He was part of the organizational transformation of the company from a Project-based set-up to a Production / Commercial based structure and implemented an 'Integrated Planning and Scheduling Department' in which he optimized the value chain (Buy-Gas - Liquify Gas to LNG - Sell - Ship LNG). Staff competence management was one of his focus areas during this period. He was also the NLNG representative on JV Technical, Commercial, Shipping Committees where he interfaced with Government & Regulatory authorities. In 2014, he was appointed as Shell Shareholder representative to NLNG and became a Non-Executive Board member to NLNG companies, including Bonny Gas Transport (BGT) managing 24 LNG Ships. During this period, he was involved in the Economic and Technical steering of the Shipping Fleet and Liquefaction Plant Rejuvenation projects and a further capacity expansion of liquefaction plant which resulted in the achievement of NLNG train 7 project FID in 2019. Since 2016, he has been active as an independent consultant. He co-authored 2 patents and more than 30 published papers/presentations. He holds a PhD from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and a MSc and BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham, UK. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations

This qualification covers complex accounting and finance topics and tasks leading to students becoming confident with a wide range of financial management skills and applications.  Course Overview This qualification covers complex accounting and finance topics and tasks leading to students becoming confident with a wide range of financial management skills and applications. Students will gain competencies in drafting financial statements for limited companies, recommending accounting systems strategies and constructing and presenting complex management accounting reports. Study the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting to master complex accounting tasks and qualify for senior finance roles, as well as AAT full membership. The jobs it can lead to: • Accounts payable and expenses supervisor • Assistant financial accountant • Commercial analyst • Cost accountant • Fixed asset accountant • Indirect tax manager • Payroll manager • Payments and billing manager • Senior bookkeeper • Senior finance officer • Senior fund accountant • Senior insolvency administrator • Tax supervisor • VAT accountant Entry Requirements: Students can start with any qualification depending on existing skills and experience. For the best chance of success, we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths. Course Content: Applied Management Accounting (mandatory): This unit allows students to understand how the budgetary process is undertaken. Students will be able to construct budgets and then identify and report on both areas of success and on areas that should be of concern to key stakeholders. Students will also gain the skills required to critically evaluate organisational performance. Learning outcomes: • Understand and implement the organisational planning process. • Use internal processes to enhance operational control. • Use techniques to aid short-term and long-term decision making. • Analyse and report on business performance. Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements (mandatory): This unit provides students with the skills and knowledge for drafting the financial statements of single limited companies and consolidated financial statements for groups of companies. It ensures that students will have a proficient level of knowledge and understanding of international accounting standards, which will then be applied when drafting the financial statements. Students will also have a sound appreciation of the regulatory and conceptual frameworks that underpin the preparation of limited company financial statements. Learning outcomes: • Understand the reporting frameworks that underpin financial reporting. • Draft statutory financial statements for limited companies. • Draft consolidated financial statements. • Interpret financial statements using ratio analysis. Internal Accounting Systems and Controls (mandatory): This unit teaches students to consider the role and responsibilities of the accounting function, including the needs of key stakeholders who use financial reports to make decisions. Students will review accounting systems to identify weaknesses and will make recommendations to mitigate identified weaknesses in future operations. Students will apply several analytical methods to evaluate the implications of any changes to operating procedures. Learning outcomes: • Understand the role and responsibilities of the accounting function within an organisation. • Evaluate internal control systems. • Evaluate an organisation’s accounting system and underpinning procedures. • Understand the impact of technology on accounting systems. • Recommend improvements to an organisation’s accounting systems. Business Tax (optional): This unit introduces students to UK taxation relevant to businesses. Students will understand how to compute business taxes for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. They will also be able to identify tax planning opportunities while understanding the importance of maintaining ethical standards. Learning outcomes: • Prepare tax computations for sole traders and partnerships. • Prepare tax computations for limited companies. • Prepare tax computations for the sale of capital assets by limited companies. • Understand administrative requirements of the UK’s tax regime. • Understand the tax implications of business disposals. • Understand tax relief, tax planning opportunities and agent’s responsibilities in reporting taxation to HM Revenue & Customs. Personal Tax (optional): This unit provides students with the fundamental knowledge of the three most common taxes that affect taxpayers in the UK: Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax. With this knowledge students will be equipped to not only prepare the computational aspects of taxes, where appropriate, but also appreciate how taxpayers can legally minimise their overall taxation liability. Learning outcomes: • Understand principles and rules that underpin taxation systems. • Calculate UK taxpayers’ total income. • Calculate Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) payable by UK taxpayers. • Calculate Capital Gains Tax payable by UK taxpayers. • Understand the principles of Inheritance Tax. Audit and Assurance (optional): This unit aims to give a wider understanding of the principles and concepts, including legal and professional rules of audit and assurance services. The unit will provide students with an awareness of the audit process from planning and risk assessment to the final completion and production of the audit report. Students will also get a practical perspective on audit and assurance, with an emphasis on the application of audit and assurance techniques to current systems. Learning outcomes: • Demonstrate an understanding of the audit and assurance framework. • Demonstrate the importance of professional ethics. • Evaluate the planning process for audit and assurance. • Review and report findings. Cash and Financial Management (optional): This unit focuses on the important of managing cash within organisations and covers the knowledge and skills to make informed decision on financing and investment in accordance with organisational policies and external regulations. Students will identify current and future cash transactions from a range of sources, learn how to eliminate non-cash items and use various techniques to prepare cash budgets. Learning outcomes: • Prepare forecasts for cash receipts and payments. • Prepare cash budgets and monitor cash flows. • Understand the importance of managing finance and liquidity. • Understand the way of raising finance and investing funds. • Understand regulations and organisational policies that influence decisions in managing cash and finance. Credit and Debt Management (optional): This unit provides an understanding and application of the principles of effective credit control systems, including appropriate debt management systems. Students will be introduced to techniques that can be used to assess credit risks in line with policies, relevant legislation and ethical principles. Learning outcomes: • Understand relevant legislation and contract law that impacts the credit control environment. • Understand how information is used to assess credit risk and grant credit in compliance with organisational policies and procedures. • Understand the organisation’s credit control processes for managing and collecting debts. • Understand different techniques available to collect debts. DURATION 420-440 Hours WHATS INCLUDED Course Material Case Study Experienced Lecturer Refreshments Certificate

Starting a small business can be a rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and the right strategies to succeed. From creating a solid business plan to organizing finances and finding the right support, this guide will help you establish a foundation for a thriving business. For entrepreneurs in Calgary, key resources like reliable bookkeeping services can make a significant difference. Here’s how to start a small business and set it up for lasting success. Developing a business plan A clear, well-researched business plan serves as a roadmap for your business. It outlines your goals, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections. This plan will also help attract investors or secure loans. To create an effective business plan: Define your mission and vision: Explain why your business exists and what you aim to achieve. Identify your target audience: Determine who your customers are and what problems your business will solve for them. Analyze competitors: Study your competitors to understand what they offer and find ways to differentiate your business. Set realistic financial projections: Estimate costs, revenue, and profits. This will give potential investors confidence in your business. Choosing a business structure Selecting the right business structure is essential, as it affects your taxes, liability, and daily operations. Common options include: Sole proprietorship: Simple to set up, with minimal paperwork, but offers no separation of personal and business liability. Partnership: Ideal for two or more owners, allowing shared responsibilities, but partners share liabilities. Corporation: Provides liability protection, but involves more paperwork and regulatory requirements. LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers liability protection without the complexity of a corporation. Choose a structure that best suits your needs, and consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with Calgary’s business regulations. Securing funding Most small businesses require some level of funding to get started. Consider various financing options to find the best fit: Personal savings or family support: Often the first source of funding for many entrepreneurs. Business loans: Many banks offer small business loans with varying interest rates. Grants and government programs: Explore government grants and programs specifically designed to support small businesses in Calgary. Angel investors or venture capital: For businesses with high growth potential, attracting investors may be an option. Registering your business To operate legally, you’ll need to register your business. This process involves choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, and obtaining a business license in Calgary. You may also need specific permits depending on your industry. Completing these steps ensures that your business complies with all local regulations. Organizing your finances Managing finances effectively is crucial for any small business. Accurate bookkeeping keeps your business organized, tracks income and expenses, and prepares you for tax season. Many small businesses in Calgary choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to handle these responsibilities, allowing owners to focus on growth. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can provide: Accurate financial records: Professional bookkeepers help maintain up-to-date records, which is essential for financial health. Compliance with tax laws: Calgary’s best bookkeeping services are familiar with local tax regulations, ensuring that you file correctly and on time. Insights for decision-making: With accurate records, you can make informed decisions on budgeting, spending, and investments. Creating a strong brand identity Building a brand that resonates with your target audience is essential. Your brand identity includes your business name, logo, colors, and messaging, as well as the experience you offer customers. Developing a consistent brand identity sets you apart from competitors and builds trust with customers. Here are some steps to create a strong brand identity: Design a logo and visual theme: Choose a professional logo, color scheme, and design elements that reflect your brand’s personality. Develop a unique brand voice: Whether it’s friendly, professional, or playful, keep your brand voice consistent in all communications. Focus on customer experience: Aim to provide exceptional service that keeps customers coming back and sharing their positive experiences. Building an online presence In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial for reaching potential customers. Start by creating a professional website where customers can learn more about your products or services. Next, consider establishing a presence on social media platforms that suit your audience. Key components of a strong online presence include: User-friendly website: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and includes essential information about your business. Social media profiles: Engage with customers and share updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Google My Business: Setting up a Google My Business profile helps customers in Calgary find you more easily. Building a support network Running a small business can be challenging, and having a network of support is invaluable. Surround yourself with people who can provide advice, resources, and encouragement. Consider these ways to build a support network: Join local business associations: Groups like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce offer networking opportunities, resources, and workshops. Seek mentorship: Experienced business owners can offer guidance and insights that help you avoid common pitfalls. Hire professionals for specialized tasks: For financial and legal matters, work with professionals like accountants, lawyers, and bookkeepers. Tracking progress and making adjustments As your business grows, it’s essential to review your progress and adjust your strategies. Regularly assessing financial performance, customer feedback, and market trends can help you refine your approach and stay competitive. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can make tracking your financial performance much easier, giving you insight into profit margins, cash flow, and budgeting. Consider these strategies for tracking progress: Set measurable goals: Establish specific goals for growth, such as revenue targets or customer acquisition numbers. Analyze performance data: Use financial statements, sales reports, and customer feedback to assess performance. Stay flexible: Be willing to make changes to products, services, or marketing strategies if they aren’t meeting customer needs. Conclusion Starting a small business takes effort, planning, and ongoing management. By creating a solid business plan, organizing your finances, and developing a strong brand, you can set your business up for success. In Calgary, many new business owners choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to ensure accurate financial management and stay compliant with local regulations. Taking advantage of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can free up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and achieving long-term success. With dedication and the right strategies, your small business can thrive in today’s competitive market.

An insightful, enjoyable and experiential programme to help you analyse data and information and make a balanced decision based upon sound commercial reasoning. It will enable you to identify options, make decisions and take actions based on a thorough analysis combined with instinct and intuition to make a positive effect on profitability. This programme will help you: Identify ways to analyse data and sort relevant from irrelevant information Develop analytical and numerate thinking, and consider the financial implications of a decision Make decisions based on sound commercial reasoning - a mix of intuition and analysis Select from a range of tools to analyse a situation and apply these effectively Understand how costs and profits are calculated Use tried-and-tested techniques to manage and control your budgets Appreciate the fundamentals of financial analysis Focus on the bottom line Identify the basics of capital investment appraisal for your business Evaluate results and seek opportunities for improvement to your business 1 The commercial environment What do shareholders and investors want? What do managers want? Profit v non-profit organisations Investor expectations 2 Financial and non-financial information Risk and reward considerations Drivers of commercial decisions 3 Running a business A practical exercise to bring financial statements to life Different stakeholder interests in a business The impact and consequences of decisions on financial statements 4 Where do I make a difference to the organisation? How can I contribute to an improved business performance? Key performance indicators - measuring the right things A 'balanced scorecard' approach - it's not all about money! 5 A 'balanced scorecard' approach Analysing and reviewing my contribution to the business direction What is the current focus of my commercial decisions? Developing the business in the right way - getting the balance right! Where should/could it be in the future? Do my decisions support the overall vision and strategy? 6 Making commercial decisions Left-brain and right-brain thinking Convergent and divergent thinking Analysis and instinct Interactive case study exercise - emotional and rational decisions Reflection - what is my style of making decisions 7 Let's consider the customer! Identifying target markets Differentiating propositions and products Customer service considerations Marketing considerations and initiatives Pricing strategies and considerations 8 Strategic analysis The external environment The internal environment LEPEST analysis SWOT analysis Forecasting Group activity - analysing markets and the competition How do these improve your decisions? 9 Comparing performance Analysing key financial ratios Ways to compare performance and results Break-even analysis 10 Profit and loss accounts and budgeting Managing income and expenditure The budgeting process How does this link to the profit and loss account? Managing and controlling a cost centre/budget The role of the finance department Different ways of budgeting Incremental budgeting Zero-based budgeting 11 Understanding the balance sheet Purpose of balance sheets Understanding and navigating the content What does a balance sheet tell you? How do you affect your balance sheet? Links to the profit and loss account A practical team exercise that brings financial statements to life 12 Business decisions exercise How does this improve your decisions? A practical exercise to apply new knowledge and bring commercial thinking to to life The impact and consequences of decisions on financial statements 13 Working capital Why is this important? The importance of keeping cash flowing Business decisions that affect cash Calculating profit 14 Capital investment appraisal Capex v Opex Payback Return on investment The future value of money The concept of hurdle rate 15 Lessons learned and action planning So what? Recap and consolidation of learning The decisions that I need to consider Actions to achieve my plan