--- title: "Business Health Checks Cardiff | HLS Accounts" description: "A practical financial check-up for small businesses. Understand cash flow, profit, VAT and tax risks, with clear actions you can use straight away." canonical: "https://hlsaccounting.co.uk/services/business-health-checks" --- Business Start-Up & Advisory # Business Health Checks We take a thorough look at your business finances, spot what's working and what's not, and give you a clear action plan to improve profitability and keep you on track. Based in Cardiff, we help small businesses and sole traders across South Wales make sense of their numbers without the jargon. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting) 10+ Years experience 200+ Local businesses supported 48hr Typical turnaround ![Two professionals in a modern meeting room review charts on a wall screen while taking notes with laptops and reports on the conference table.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fbusiness_review_meeting_room_realistic_studio_photo.png%3Fv%3D1773064244060&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) ## What we cover in your health check Our business health checks look at every corner of your finances to give you a complete picture. Whether you need a quick review or a deep dive, we tailor the service to what your business needs right now. ### Profitability Review We analyse your margins, pricing and cost structure to show you where the money's going and how to keep more of it. ### Cash Flow Assessment A close look at your cash position, payment terms and forecasting to help you avoid surprises and plan ahead. ### Tax Efficiency Check We review your tax position to make sure you're claiming everything you're entitled to and not paying more than you need to. ### Systems & Record-Keeping An honest assessment of your bookkeeping, software and processes to identify gaps and recommend improvements. ## What happens during a business health check A business health check is a structured review of your finances designed to give you clarity and confidence. We look at your profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow, tax position and record-keeping systems to identify strengths, risks and opportunities. It's not about catching you out: it's about giving you a clear picture of where you stand and a practical plan to move forward. We start with a conversation about your business, your goals and any concerns you have. Then we review your financial records, management accounts and tax filings to spot patterns, inefficiencies or areas where you could be saving money. You'll get a written report with our findings and recommendations, followed by a face-to-face or video meeting to talk through everything in plain English. > A health check gives you the clarity to make better decisions and the confidence that your finances are in good shape. More information Many small business owners we work with in Cardiff and across South Wales know something feels off but can't quite put their finger on it. Perhaps cash is tight even though the books say you're profitable, or you're not sure whether your pricing covers your costs. A health check brings those issues into focus and gives you a roadmap to fix them. We've worked with tradespeople, salons, clinics, retail shops and hospitality businesses throughout the area. We understand the local landscape and the challenges that come with running a small business in South Wales. Whether you're based in Canton, Pontypridd, Newport or anywhere in between, we'll come to you or meet online, whichever suits. ### What's included - Full review of your profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow - Assessment of your tax position and potential savings - Analysis of your bookkeeping systems and software - Benchmarking against similar businesses in your sector - Written report with prioritised recommendations - Follow-up meeting to discuss findings and next steps The process typically takes one to two weeks from start to finish, depending on the size and complexity of your business. You'll have a named accountant throughout, so there's always someone you can call with questions. Once the health check is complete, you can choose to implement the recommendations yourself, work with us on an ongoing basis, or simply use the insights to guide your next steps. There's no pressure and no obligation: the goal is to leave you better informed and more confident about your business finances. ### Ready for clarity? Book a free consultation and we'll talk through what a health check could do for your business. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting) ### While you're here - [Sole Trader vs Limited Company Advice](/services/sole-trader-vs-limited-company-advice)→ - [Budgeting & Financial Projections](/services/budgeting-and-financial-projections)→ - [Cash Flow Forecasting](/services/cash-flow-forecasting)→ ## You might also need Business Start-Up & Advisory ### Business Plan Preparation Turn your figures into a lender-ready business plan with clear assumptions, cash flow forecasts, break-even analysis, and a plan you can update and use monthly. [Business Plan Preparation→](/services/business-plan-preparation) Business Start-Up & Advisory ### Start-Up Accounting Packages Get your new business set up properly with bookkeeping, HMRC registrations, VAT and payroll support, plus clear numbers and deadline reminders as you grow. [Start-Up Accounting Packages→](/services/start-up-accounting-packages) Business Start-Up & Advisory ### Business Start-Up Advice Practical business start-up advice in Cardiff to help you choose the right structure, register with HMRC, set up bookkeeping, and plan cash flow and tax deadlines. [Business Start-Up Advice→](/services/business-start-up-advice) Business Start-Up & Advisory ### Company Formation & Incorporation We handle the paperwork to incorporate your limited company, confirm directors and shares, file with Companies House, and help you set up key HMRC registrations. [Company Formation & Incorporation→](/services/company-formation-and-incorporation) ## Before you book Here's what most people want to know before booking a business health check with us. How long does a business health check take? The review itself takes one to two weeks from the moment we receive your records. We'll schedule a meeting within a few days of completing the report, so you're usually looking at two to three weeks from start to finish. What will it cost? Fees depend on the size and complexity of your business, but most health checks for sole traders and small limited companies range from £300 to £800. We'll give you a fixed price after our initial conversation, with no hidden extras. What records do I need to provide? We'll ask for recent management accounts, bank statements, tax returns and details of any bookkeeping software you use. If your records are incomplete or messy, don't worry: identifying gaps is part of the process and we'll help you sort it out. Will you tell me I'm doing everything wrong? Not at all. Most businesses are doing more right than they realise. Our job is to highlight what's working, flag any risks or missed opportunities, and give you practical steps to improve. It's supportive, not critical. Do I have to be a client to book a health check? No. Plenty of businesses come to us for a one-off review with no obligation to sign up for ongoing services. If you do want to work with us afterwards, we'll credit the health check fee against your first year's accounting fees. Can you come to my business in Cardiff or South Wales? Yes. We're based in Cardiff and happy to meet you at your premises, at our office or online, whichever works best. We work with clients across South Wales, from the valleys to the coast. What happens after the health check? You'll receive a written report and we'll meet to talk through the findings and answer your questions. After that, it's entirely up to you: you can implement the recommendations yourself, ask us to help, or simply keep the insights for future reference. Is this the same as an audit? No. An audit is a formal examination of your accounts required by law for some larger companies. A health check is an informal, advisory review designed to help you understand your finances and improve your business. It's much more accessible and focused on practical outcomes. ## Let's talk about your business Book a free consultation and we'll explain what a health check involves, what it costs, and whether it's right for you. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting)