We asked Chloe Bardsley, Director at Towers & Gornall, to reflect on some of her recent conversations with clients. From helping start-ups get off the ground to supporting established businesses through growth, investment and change, Chloe works with businesses at every stage and sees a wide range of challenges, opportunities and decisions across the business community.
Chloe Bardsley, Director at Towers & Gornall
Chloe, when you think about your recent conversations with clients, what stands out?
Growth is definitely coming up. Some businesses are ready to grow and want to know what that could look like financially - whether they have the cash, capacity and right structure to support it. For others, it’s about making sure growth is actually profitable. Turnover can look great on paper, but if margins are being squeezed, that’s a different story.
Are there any particular pressures you’re seeing businesses dealing with?
Cashflow is always part of the conversation. Even profitable businesses can feel pressure when costs increase, customers take longer to pay or they’re investing heavily in the next stage of the business. Having a clear view of what’s coming in and going out can make a huge difference to the decisions an owner can make.
What about recruitment? Is that still a big consideration?
Absolutely. Bringing someone into the business is a big commitment, particularly when it’s a senior or specialist role. Business owners are asking: Can we afford it? Will this person generate enough value? And what will it mean for the business over the next few years? Sometimes the answer isn’t simply to recruit. It’s about looking at the numbers first and understanding what the business can comfortably support.
What do you think business owners are thinking about beyond the day-to-day running of their businesses?
I’m seeing more people think about what the business is actually giving them personally. They’ve spent years building it, often putting everything back into the company. Now they’re thinking about things like personal savings, pensions, investments and whether they’re getting the right return from all that hard work. It’s about making sure the business is working for the owner too.
And what’s the question behind all of these conversations?
I think it’s often “Are we making the right decisions?” Whether it’s recruiting, investing, moving premises, improving margins, taking money out of the business or planning for the future, owners want to know they’re looking at the whole picture. That’s where having someone who understands the numbers and understands the business can really help. The most useful advice isn’t always about what you should do. Sometimes it’s about asking the right questions before you decide. Our clients don’t necessarily expect us to have all the answers. They want someone who can look at the numbers with them, challenge their thinking where needed and help them understand the options. Having someone to talk a decision through with is just as valuable as the numbers themselves.
Every business is different, and sometimes a conversation is all you need to make sense of your options.
