The biggest cliché in the finance industry is “Cash is King”, but cliché or not, there has never been a truer word spoken.

Too often in our time have we seen businesses not fulfil their potential, because of the restriction that their cashflow brings, so much so, that it can even dictate whether a business survives or not.  Also, at the other end of the scale, managing your cash flow is so important at a time of growth, so you can ascertain the points in which the business may need an injection of funds to support the anticipated growth.

Historically, business owners would always try and create an elaborate spreadsheet in order to forecast their cash position, only to come up with problem after problem, with formulas not working, cells being deleted, and the dreaded circular reference!

Thankfully, a modern solution has been created.  There are plenty of different software out there that have attempted to simplify the cash flow forecast process, but none have done is as slick and effectively as Float in our opinion.

Starting at £39 per month, Float is a fully comprehensive cashflow forecasting tool, that links to your Xero or Quickbooks online accounting system, projects the cash position of your business based on the due dates of sales and purchase invoices, as well as any manually adjustments you would like to allow for.

Where Float really justifies it’s price tag though, is when you start manipulating the forecast based on a variety of scenarios.  For example, ever wondered what impact it would have on your cash flow if you lost just 5% of your turnover, or how long your business could survive if no sales came in. Well, Float can give you all these answers.

There is so much more Float could do for you and your business, so why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help implement it into your business, get in touch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Although this feature is still in development, and there will no doubt be some fine tuning along the way, we can already see how this this is going to benefit Xero users.

Advanced Xero users will already know that there is an ability to track income and costs for specific projects, but using the Tracking Categories within settings, but this new feature of Projects on Xero allowed you to take the analysis of projects that step further.

The Projects features allowed you to account for staff costing and expense claims, as well as monitor and track the
progress and profitability of jobs.

The real benefit of this to business owners, is to really get a gauge on what is earning you the most money. It's very easy to be led by the big sales, and landing big contracts, but are they actually earning you as much as you think? With this tool, you will soon start to learn which projects are earning you money, and which are costing you. After all, "turnover is vanity, profit is sanity".

To see how our Cloud 9 Partners can help you make the new Project features work for you and your business, please get in touch with your local Cloud 9 Bookkeeper, or email our head office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Martina joined Cloud 9 in November 2017, and heads up our Fife office in Scotland. 

Having come from an administrative background, Martina joined Cloud 9 looking to develop her bookkeeping skills, and work with local business to help them with all things bookkeeping and accounting related. 

Having already achieved level 2 in her ICB qualification, she also added the Sage Line 50 and Xero certification to her CV. 

Throughout her career, Martina has picked up several accolades, including employee of the month. This has demonstrated her passion and drive to whatever she turns her attention too. We are delighted to have her on our team, because with her enthusiasm, combined with our wealth of experience, it makes the Fife office a great opportunity for local businesses to get more than an average bookkeeper working on their finances. 

When Martina isn’t working on the numbers, she enjoys keeping fit, gardening, and relaxing with a good book.

To see how Martina can help you and your business, feel free to drop her an email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,uk.

Michelle joined forces with Cloud 9 in October 2017, and predominantly operates in the Bedford area, but due to her past professional contacts in North London, is also developing a portfolio in that area as well. 

Michelle came to Cloud 9 with the perfect combination of experience in bookkeeping, business and Xero itself. Having had many previous roles in a financial capacity, such as bookkeeping, finance administration, mortgage advising and more recently working in the department of works and pension, she really has a broad knowledge of the finance world. She took this knowledge to work for accounting software providers, Xero, and has recently worked in an accountancy firm in Bedforshshire, where she has honed her bookkeeping knowledge and has now got the confidence that she has all the skills in her repertoire required to add value to any business. 

After achieving the AAT qualification and Xero Certification, Michelle has pursued a life long goal of being a self employed bookkeeper. She is keen to differentiate herself from any other bookkeeper, by offering the whole package when it comes to office administration. Michelle has identified that most small businesses that have the need for a bookkeeper, also would benefit from other administrative support such filing, scanning and postage. 

Michelle also took her AAT qualification to the next level by becoming and licensed accountant, and a Member in Practice.  This has given her the springboard to offer more than just bookkeeping services to her clients, as she can also turn her hand to the preparation of VAT returns, Self Assessment tax returns, company formations and she is also happy to liaise with HM Revenue & Customs on behalf of her clients, making Michelle a real asset to any business.

When Michelle isn’t getting her clients records up straight, in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family. 

To see how Michelle can help you and your business, drop her a email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.