From Chaos to Clarity: Why We Created SmartMoney Academy

Running a small business is exciting, but it can also feel lonely and overwhelming.

Endless admin, confusing tax scenarios, late nights with spreadsheets and the constant worry of "Am I even doing this right?" are enough to drain the joy out of being your own boss.

I know this not just from working with hundreds of business owners as an accountant - but from my own family.

A few years ago, my wife Tianna set up and ran a successful, growing marketing agency. On paper it was profitable, winning new clients and employing a team within 6 months of launching. The finances were under control - I was there to support that side. But despite this, the loneliness of running a business, especially during Covid when human interaction disappeared overnight, became too much. Without a support network to share challenges and ideas, the weight of running the business alone eventually led her to step away.

That experience stuck with me. I saw first-hand how even when the numbers make sense, running a business without support can take its toll.

After spending more than a decade working in accountancy, I knew this wasn't unique to us. Thousands of small business owners across the UK face the same challenges: they don't just need help with bookkeeping and tax, they need a community of peers and experts they can learn from and lean on when they need to.

That's why I created SmartMoney Academy.

Our mission is simple: to help business owners under £100k turnover get the financial basics right and connect with others on the same journey. With clear guidance, online courses and a collaborative community, we're here to make bookkeeping, tax and cashflow simple - and to make sure you don't feel like you're doing it all alone. 

The first step is our SmartMoney Playbook - a course designed to give you the financial foundations every business needs. Whether it's keeping records in order, understanding your numbers, or avoiding surprise tax bills, the Playbook gives you the structure and clarity to stay in control.

And it doesn't stop there. Early signups also get 12 months of free access to our community, SmartHub - a space to connect with other business owners, learn from guest experts and share wins, struggles and ideas.

SmartMoney Academy exists because we know that business success isn't just about the numbers. It's about having the right support around you. With the right tools and the right community, you can build a business that works for you - and enjoy the journey along the way.