Your budget may show higher sales and better profits. But what needs to happen in the business to achieve them? A practical look at connecting financial targets with customer demand, operational capacity, people and cash.

Growth can look impressive on the surface while hiding declining margins, inefficient processes, rising costs and increasing pressure on management. As your business gets bigger, the real question is whether it’s becoming a better business too.

Inefficient processes don’t just slow your business down. They quietly drain profit, cash and capacity. The challenge is recognising where the real cost is hiding.

People issues don't stay people issues for long. They eventually show up in productivity, decision-making and financial performance.

Financial results tell you what happened. Understanding the business helps you understand why.

Profit and cash flow aren't the same thing. Understanding the difference can prevent growth from becoming a cash-flow problem.

3 Leadership Lessons from Maj Gen Johan Jooste’s time as Commanding Officer - Special Projects at SanParks

Do you know how much money you are losing due to inefficient business processes?

Most businesses are susceptible to fraud. Just ask ABSA, Pioneer Foods or any of the other corporations that have fallen victim to fraud. SMEs are more susceptible to fraud because they are less likely to have in place internal controls to assist in preventing and detecting fraud.

How we resolved a client’s cashflow nightmare

I received a panicked call from a client last week; his largest client called him to inform him that they were moving him to a 60 day account. To make matters worse, this client was a week late with a large payment. As a result, he was late on a payment to his main supplier; this supplier froze his account and production came to a standstill for a couple of days.