The Ultimate FD Podcast

The Ultimate FD Turns 3 Years Old Today! In this exciting episode of Ultimate FD Podcast, I reflect on the 3 years since the company's inception and share 13 invaluable lessons learned from the journey of building and scaling the business.  Amidst discussing paradoxical feelings about time and growth, I emphasize the importance of recurring revenue, effective branding, and understanding client needs as pivotal factors for success. I also explore how observing numerous business operations have enlightened my path and shaped my strategies. Delving deep into business acumen, I highlight the significance of selecting the right clients and pricing strategies, shared infrastructure for scaling, and the essence of a compelling brand presence.  Addressing the fundamental differences between a profitable job and a valuable, sellable business, I offer nuanced insights into achieving the latter.  This episode is rich with practical advice for entrepreneurs, covering key areas such as efficient packaging of services, maintaining synergy with partners, and understanding the perpetual puzzle of running a business.   👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, I share how reviewing last year’s numbers can prevent repeated mistakes and set the stage for smarter business decisions.  Learn why adding high-margin products and services to your core offering can significantly boost profit.  Plus, discover the power of clear objectives and challenging assumptions to make 2025 your most lucrative year yet. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this engaging episode, I sit down with Reza Hooda, who shares his remarkable journey from overwhelmed accountant to highly successful entrepreneur.  He offers tailored advice on building a scalable and profitable business, focusing on how shifting from time-based to value-based pricing can transform service delivery. Reza recounts personal experiences of working long hours away from his family and the pivotal moment that pushed him to seek change and growth.  This episode is a treasure trove of insights for those looking to optimize their professional service businesses and improve their work-life balance. Reza delves into key strategies like the use of alternative pricing models, niche marketing, and leveraging content for lead generation. He emphasizes that understanding client value transcends the traditional metrics of time and cost, which is crucial for business owners looking to maximize profit and deliver superior service.  Featuring practical examples, like his interaction with a barber and lessons learned from Uber's pricing model, Reza effectively translates his expertise into actionable advice for listeners eager to elevate their organizations. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, Tej and I break down the psychology of negotiation, from sunk costs to practical compromise.  Discover why knowing what you want, what you can afford, and what you’re willing to pay can transform any deal.   Plus, learn how turning assumptions into numbers with Excel modelling gives you clarity, confidence, and smarter business decisions. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.  

Welcome to an inspiring episode of the "Carnivore Entrepreneur Show," where I was interviewed by the host, Grant Hutchby, exploring the intersection of health and financial success.  In this episode, I share my journey from struggling with financial challenges in my own business to helping other entrepreneurs achieve financial clarity.  Listeners will gain insights into my expertise in building financially lucrative companies and learn how my book, "Small Business, Big Profit," serves as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses profitably. Throughout the episode, I emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy body and a sound financial strategy to support entrepreneurial endeavors. I outline the criticality of having financial clarity and understanding key business metrics, particularly the balance sheet, for the healthy growth of any business.  I talk you through my transformational journey, sharing actionable strategies, including how to accurately manage business finances to mitigate risks and plan for future financial success.  Candid advice on optimizing businesses for profit rather than perpetual growth offers a fresh perspective to entrepreneurs aiming for sustainable success. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, Glenn Poulos reveals why the best sales start with listening, not endless PowerPoint slides.  Discover his “Punch, Perfect Pitch & Close” formula, from grabbing attention to delivering a three-tiered proposal that closes itself.  Learn how to bridge the gap between cautious accountants and optimistic salespeople to craft pitches that win clients and build profit. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Listen to the full episode here

In this insightful episode of the Ultimate FD Podcast, we introduce you to complex tax concepts that every savvy entrepreneur should know. This episode is for you if you've ever felt overwhelmed by the jargon used by tax accountants.  We break down 10 advanced tax terms that could significantly impact financial strategies for those running 7-figure businesses. We start with a deep dive into essential topics like Section 455 and personal service companies, offering clarity on mitigations and pitfalls in managing Tax.  Tej Gill elaborates on the intricacies of using trusts and the potential tax obligations that come with them. We explain the value of family investment companies and employer-funded retirement benefit schemes and clarify why HMRC closely scrutinizes these areas.  Wrapping up the episode, we explore enterprise value and equity value, two core financial metrics, explaining their crucial role in business valuation and acquisition. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, I reveal how to find your Business Sweet Spot for maximum profit without chasing unsustainable growth. Discover why bigger isn't always better, and how aligning business size with efficiency and margin can make 2025 your most profitable year on record. Packed with smart, sustainable strategies, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs ready to grow with intention. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this riveting episode, I sit down with Curtis Sprouse, a seasoned expert in finance, healthcare startups, and behavioral science, to unravel the complexities of leadership and performance optimisation.  Curtis reflects on his journey from an accountant at Ernst and Whinney to heading biopharmaceutical strategies and behavioral consulting. The conversation dives deep into the significance of fine-tuning leadership dynamics, exploring the integration of behavioral science in improving individual and organisational performance. Curtis shares his insights into effective leadership grounded in behavioral science, highlighting the genetic and learned attributes that shape a leader's ability to overcome challenges.  Discussing traits like energy, dominance, discipline, and competitiveness, Curtis emphasises the importance of leveraging these elements to drive success.  This episode not only sheds light on developing leadership skills but also stresses the significance of interpersonal relationships and understanding the emotional landscape to foster high-performance teams.  Curtis's reflections on teaching vital problem-solving skills and resilience provide thought-provoking insights for both current and aspiring leaders. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, we uncover the costly financial mistakes entrepreneurs often overlook, from overpaying for services to flying blind without real-time information.  I share this snippet of my journey to building a World Class Finance Function, showing how the right financial structure, with expert support, can unlock clarity, boost profits, and reduce stress.  If you're ready to take control of your business finances and scale with confidence, this episode is your blueprint. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this insightful episode, I explore the transformative power of recurring revenue, often referred to as the "eighth wonder" for entrepreneurs. We delve into the significance of recurring revenue in ensuring business stability and scalability.  I talk about my personal success story and the strategic shifts that led Ultimate FD to surpass sales targets, emphasizing how recurring revenue models can protect against the unpredictability of project-based income and ensure a stable cash flow. I discuss the analysis of different recurring revenue models, including subscription services, service retainers, and licensing. I show how integrating these models can elevate a company's financial stability, improve cash flow predictability, and increase the overall valuation of a business.  By sharing practical examples from various industries, I highlight that any entrepreneur, regardless of their sector, can creatively implement recurring revenue streams to achieve sustainable growth.  With actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for business owners looking to enhance their operational resilience through recurring income strategies. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, our Tax expert Tej breaks down how savvy entrepreneurs can turn pensions into powerful tax-saving tools.  Far beyond retirement planning, we explore how the 2023 pension cap changes and unlock new opportunities to boost profits, build wealth, and strengthen your business. From SIPs to SSAS, Tej shares practical tips on contribution limits, tax perks, and smart financial planning. Making this a must-listen for anyone serious about long-term success.  Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this insightful episode, I speak with veteran property developer Stephen Latham. Stephen shares valuable insights from his 25-year journey in the property industry, highlighting his diversification into supported and assisted living accommodations.  This episode also covers the evolution of Stephen's estate agency and his strategic pivot to focus on niche property development projects that align with his core values and long-term vision. We delve into the intricacies of working with supported living providers, from navigating local authority requirements to managing the conversion of properties to meet specialized needs. Stephen explains why this model is attractive, showcasing the balance between profitability and operational simplicity.  He unveils the strategies behind successful partnerships with high-net-worth individuals for funding projects while emphasizing the importance of realistic planning and team alignment for operational success.  Aspiring property investors and seasoned developers alike will find Stephen's practical advice on overcoming challenges such as cash flow management and building a strong team particularly engaging. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, we unpack the key differences between lifestyle and scale-up business, and what they mean for your personal wealth. Alan shares why building a Family Fortress of independent wealth is crucial, how to avoid the myth of chasing big exits, and offers practical strategies, such as investing in global markets, to beat inflation. Whether you're scaling rapidly or staying lean, this episode offers essential insights for entrepreneurs seeking genuine financial freedom. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this engaging episode of the podcast, I speak to Tej Gill to explore the intricate landscape of property tax schemes, focusing on the impact of Property118 and associated legal structures.  Tej shares his keen insights into the historical context of section 24 tax changes and the emergence of strategies like the hybrid LLP and incorporation relief. We dissect the legal nuances and practical applications of these methods while examining the potential repercussions faced by those who adopted such schemes. Delving deeper, we offer a meticulous analysis of incorporation relief, partnership structures, and the controversial aspect of directors' loan accounts. Finally, we discuss the potential pitfalls and the importance of not rushing into seemingly attractive tax-saving schemes without thorough due diligence. This episode is specifically catered to listeners keen on understanding tax strategies within the real estate industry.  👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, I’m diving into the real engine behind a scalable, profitable business, and it’s not just about what you sell, but how you deliver it. I unpack how to build business models that actually work through smart packaging, strategic partnerships, and building a world-class team. I share what I’ve learned from experience and how the most successful businesses don’t just sell a product, they solve problems, front to back. We talk about the power of packaging, using examples like Zoe’s health program and ideas from Daniel Priestley’s Key Person of Influence. I’ll also walk you through my favourite analogy, the ‘man in the desert’, to show why bundling solutions the right way can explode your perceived value and profit margins. Finally, I break down how we’ve built a global team of A-players to deliver those packages profitably, at scale. If you’re ready to shift from piecemeal selling to building a rock-solid, profitable machine, this one’s for you. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click Here to Listen to the Full Episode

In this episode of The Ultimate FD Podcast, I take you behind the scenes of what really happens inside the boardrooms of high-performing, seven-figure businesses. After countless sessions with some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs, I’ve distilled the most powerful lessons and strategies into a single, high-impact episode. We're talking real-world tactics to transform a high-revenue business into a highly profitable and sellable one. Here’s what we cover: ✅ Why revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, and how to shift your business model accordingly ✅ The power of forward planning and how it makes big decisions simple ✅ Why your business must be valuable to a buyer — not just to you ✅ The systems you need to scale profitably without burning out or micromanaging ✅ How recurring revenue can transform your valuation and long-term success ✅ The role of financial visibility and how to empower your team to own the numbers I share patterns, insights, and hard-earned lessons drawn from working with some of the UK’s most successful seven-figure entrepreneurs, giving you the inside edge on what it really takes to build a business that grows, performs, and sells. Whether you’re trying to scale with less stress, boost profit margins, or get your business investor-ready, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss. 🔗 Book your FREE UFD Review now - https://calendly.com/josh_ufd/the-ultimatefd-review-level-up  👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to scale a business. I share the story of going from a lean team of 3 to a crew of 7 and the financial chaos that came with it. Overheads tripled, cash got tight, and suddenly, growth didn’t feel so glamorous. I talk about the credit control issues we faced, the client challenges, and the lessons I learned the hard way about financial modelling and team dynamics. If you're in the middle of scaling or heading that way, this episode will give you a real-world look at the pressure, the pitfalls, and the planning it takes to come out stronger on the other side. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click Here to Listen to the Full Episode   

In this dynamic episode of The Ultimate FD Podcast, I present the Know Your Numbers 2025 - The ULTIMATE E.X.I.T framework. It's designed to guide entrepreneurs on scaling and selling their businesses for life-changing sums.  I delve into the current market landscape, noting that only a fraction of businesses listed for sale ever complete the process. I outline the "Ultimate Exit" framework, emphasizing key strategies for positioning a company as an attractive acquisition target. Expanding on these strategies, I discuss the importance of understanding multipliers, establishing an investable finance function, and identifying the optimal sweet spot for business growth. I encourage entrepreneurs to focus on creating a business model that appeals to potential buyers, maximizing their profit margins, and maintaining exceptional service levels. My personal journey from selling my business to building Ultimate FD provides a backdrop to these insights, revealing actionable steps for attaining financial independence. 🔗 Book your FREE UFD Review now - https://calendly.com/josh_ufd/the-ultimatefd-review-level-up  👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, I sit down with Tej Gill to talk about one of the biggest moments in any entrepreneur’s journey: exiting your business. We dive deep into what it really takes to sell a seven-figure business successfully, from minimising tax to structuring the deal, to avoiding the most common (and painful) pitfalls that derail most exits. We discuss the reasons behind selling, not just the dream scenarios, but also the 3 Ds: death, distress, and divorce, and how they often catch many founders off guard. Tej also breaks down the two key ways you can sell, through shares or assets, and how to make the right choice depending on your long-term goals. If you're even thinking about selling your business in the next few years, this is one you don’t want to miss. Enjoyed this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the Full Episode