The Balanced Business Podcast
The Balanced Business Podcast is your go-to audio guide for building a business that works for you.
Hosted by Nicola Hageman, founder of The Numbers Quarter, this show helps service-based business owners find clarity, confidence, and calm in the world of finance, planning, and business growth.
Whether you’re navigating your responsibilities as a limited company director or looking to create a more profitable, purpose-driven business, each series is packed with practical advice, jargon-free insights, and empowering strategies.
👉 Series 1: The Director’s Handbook
Learn the essentials of running a limited company, from what it really means to be a director, to paying yourself properly, understanding VAT, and avoiding financial pitfalls.
👉 Series 2: Profit Boost
Discover the Purposeful Profits Framework and how to align your business with your personal goals, improve cashflow, and finally take control of your future.
If you've ever thought, “I’m working loads but not seeing the money,” or “I just want to understand what I should be doing,” this podcast is for you.
No fluff. No fear. Just clear, balanced business advice from someone who gets it.
Episodes
13 episodes
Ep12 - The Director’s Handbook Recap: Building a Business That Works for You
In this bonus episode of The Balanced Business Podcast, Nicola wraps up The Director’s Handbook series with a clear, practical overview of everything we’ve covered so far, from setting up your company and paying yourself prope...
Ep11 - What Does Good Look Like? Building a Calm, Confident and Well-Run Business
After ten episodes of learning the essentials of running a Limited company, it’s time to bring it all together. In this final episode of The Director’s Handbook series, Nicola looks at what a well-run business really looks like, one th...
Ep10 When to Get Help in Your Business: Bookkeeping, Payroll and Letting Go
You don’t have to do it all yourself. In this episode, Nicola explores when it’s time to get help in your business, whether that’s bringing in a bookkeeper, outsourcing payroll, hiring a virtual assistant, or letting go of tasks that dra...
Ep09 Planning for Growth: How to Build a Profitable, Purposeful Business Plan
Good planning isn’t about creating a perfect spreadsheet—it’s about building clarity and confidence in where your business is heading. In this episode, Nicola unpacks how to create a practical plan that keeps you on track financially and strate...
Ep08 - How to Read Your Business Accounts and What They Really Mean
Your year-end accounts shouldn’t just be a box-ticking exercise. In this episode, Nicola walks you through what your accounts are really telling you about your business — and how to use them to make smarter decisions.You’ll learn ...
Ep07 - VAT Made Simple - When to Register and How to Manage It
VAT can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Nicola explains what VAT really is, when you need to register, and how it affects your pricing, cash flow, and customers.You’ll learn about compulsory and volun...
Ep06 - Understanding Business Expenses for Tax
Business expenses are one of the most common areas of confusion for directors. In this episode, Nicola unpacks what you can and can’t claim through your Limited company, and why getting it right matters for both tax efficiency and peace of mind...
Ep05 - Tax Deadlines – What You Need to Know and When
HMRC doesn’t send gentle reminders: miss a tax deadline and you’ll face penalties. In this episode, Nicola outlines the key dates every company director needs on their calendar. She covers corporation tax, VAT returns, payroll submissions, and ...
Ep04 - Money Matters – What’s the Company’s and What’s Yours?
Managing money in a Limited company can be confusing. In this episode, Nicola clarifies what belongs to the business and what belongs to you. She explains the difference between taking a salary, dividends, or a director’s loan; how to structure...
Ep03 - What It Really Means to Be a Director
Becoming a director brings both freedom and responsibility. In this episode, Nicola explores what it really means to be the director of a Limited company in the UK. She explains the legal duties imposed by the Companies Act, the accountability ...
Ep02 - Setting Up Your Limited Company the Right Way
In the second episode, Nicola walks you through the practicalities of setting up your Limited company. From choosing a company name and share structure to registering with Companies House and HMRC, she shares the steps you need to take and the ...
Ep01 - Thinking About Going Limited?
Thinking of switching from sole trader to a Limited company? In this opening episode, Nicola tackles one of the biggest questions small business owners face: whether to incorporate. She breaks down the differences between trading as...