SGL Accountancy

Quoted a job now that won't start for 6 months?

Be careful.

The price you've agreed today might look very different by the time you actually start.

Materials go up.

Wages increase.

Fuel costs change.

Subbies put their rates up.

But your customer still expects you to honour your original quote.

And guess where those extra costs come from?

Your profit.

Before pricing work months in advance:

👉 Check how long your supplier prices are valid for.

👉 Build sensible increases into your costs.

👉 Consider whether your quote needs a price-review clause.

👉 Check the figures again before the job starts.

A job that's profitable today might not be profitable in 6 months.

Don't just win the work. Make sure it's still worth doing when you get there.

PROTECT YOUR MARGIN.

🏗️ CONSTRUCTION: THE NUMBERS WITHOUT THE NONSENSE

UK Construction – what are the numbers telling us? 👷‍♂️

Here's the simple version:

📉 Work is still down overall

📈 But things improved compared with last month

🏠 Housebuilding is showing signs of improvement

💷 Costs are still putting pressure on businesses

So what does that mean?

The industry isn't booming.

But it's not all doom and gloom either.

For construction businesses, now is the time to keep a close eye on:

Your pipeline. Your costs. Your margins. Your cash.

You can't control the construction industry.

But you can make sure your own business is ready for what's coming next.

Source: Latest S&P Global UK Construction PMI data.

Construction activity is growing.

But not for everyone.

Some trades are booked solid.

Others are finding work harder to come by.

That’s exactly why knowing your numbers has never been more important.

When work is booming…
don’t assume you’re making good money.

When work slows…
don’t panic because everyone else says the industry is struggling.

The businesses that come out strongest are the ones that understand their figures.

✅ Which jobs are most profitable?
✅ Which customers actually make money?
✅ How much work do you need booked to stay ahead?

The news tells you what’s happening in the industry.

Your numbers tell you what’s happening in your business.

Don’t confuse the two.

Write “MORE” in the comments and I’ll DM you with a simple way to understand the numbers that really matter.

💰 “Can I take money out of my business?”

It’s one of the questions I’m asked most.

The answer?

It depends.

Just because the money is in your business bank account doesn’t mean it’s yours to spend.

It could already be needed for:
➡️ VAT
➡️ Corporation Tax
➡️ Supplier payments
➡️ Wages

Too many business owners rely on their bank balance instead of their numbers.

Before paying yourself, you should know:
✔️ Your actual profit
✔️ What tax is due
✔️ Upcoming bills
✔️ How much cash the business needs to keep running

Understanding your numbers means you can pay yourself with confidence—not worry about an unexpected tax bill later.

💬 Comment “MORE” below and I’ll send you a message about the smartest way to take money from your business while keeping it financially healthy.

Your diary is full.
Your phone won't stop ringing.
Your bank balance looks healthy.

So your business must be doing well…
Right?

Not necessarily.

I've seen construction businesses complete £500,000 of work in a year and make less profit than another business turning over £300,000.

Because turnover doesn't pay the bills.
Profit does.

If you're winning work by keeping your prices low, not charging for every variation or underestimating your labour costs...
You could be working harder than ever while earning less than you deserve.

A busy business isn't always a profitable business.

Know your numbers.
Know your margins.
Know your profit.

A client told me today they’re leaving us.
The reason?
They’ve found a cheaper accountant.
We charge £299 a month.
The new accountant charges £220.
And honestly… I get it.
But it got me thinking about the construction industry 👷‍♂️

You quote £50,000 for an extension.
Another builder quotes £38,000.
Does that automatically mean you're £12,000 too expensive?
No.
Because the quotes might look similar…
But the service behind them could be completely different.
Experience.
Communication.
Advice.

Spotting problems before they become expensive.
Actually being there when you're needed.
Accounting is exactly the same.
I will never aim to be the cheapest accountant.
I want to be the accountant who understands construction businesses and helps them build a better one.

Sometimes cheaper is genuinely the right choice.
But whether you're choosing a builder or an accountant…
Don't just compare the price.
Compare what you're actually getting.
If you're in construction and want an accountant who understands your industry, DM me to see if we can help.

🚴‍♂️ LAND'S END TO JOHN O'GROATS IN 9 DAYS 🚴‍♂️

This Saturday, six cyclists will set off on a challenge of a lifetime.

📍 Land's End to John O'Groats

📏 1,000 miles (1,609km)

📅 9 days

All to raise money for three amazing charities:

❤️ Hope Against Cancer

❤️ The Christie Charity

❤️ Manchester Foundation Trust Charity

To help raise even more money, we're giving one lucky supporter the chance to win:

🏆 A Behind-the-Scenes King Power Stadium Tour for 4 People

🎟 £5 = 1 entry

🎟 £10 = 3 entries

🎟 £20 = 8 entries

🎟 £50 = 25 entries

To enter:

✅ Donate here: https://gvwhl.com/HUHOL

✅ Email your donation screenshot to [email protected]

✅ Receive your raffle entries

Every donation helps make a difference.

Thank you for supporting the team as they cycle the length of Britain and raise money for these fantastic charities.

Pedal for PROTONS, CARE and HOPE Lands end to John O’Groats is an iconic challenge and the group of riders will be cycling over 1000 miles each in just 9 days, all in aid of three amazing…

We've had a great response to this advertisement, if you are interested in applying, please do so this week as we plan to interview next week :)