ULTIMATE FD PODCAST
This week on the UFD podcast I am joined by Akash Vaghela, the founder of RNT Fitness. Akash's journey from personal trainer to running a global online transformation business that's helped over 4,100 people across 28 countries is extremely impressive! In our conversation, we dove deep into how RNT Fitness evolved from chasing client numbers (they once had over 1,000 clients!) to strategically reducing to around 500 higher-paying clients. This shift not only made the business more manageable but significantly boosted their profit margins. Akash shared that this counter-intuitive move of working with fewer clients while charging more was absolutely transformational for both the business and his quality of life. Akash has been relentlessly consistent with articles, books, and his podcast - creating a content machine that positions RNT as the go-to experts in transformation coaching. This approach has allowed them to command premium prices in a typically price-sensitive industry. We also talked about the elephant in the room for fitness businesses - the impact of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and how they might reshape the industry. Akash shared some really thoughtful insights about how RNT is future-proofing their business model by focusing on the psychological and lifestyle aspects of transformation that medication alone can't address. For any entrepreneur looking to build a sustainable, profitable business that truly makes an impact, Akash's approach offers a masterclass in doing it right. Time to tune in, listen and learn! You can connect with Akash via his social links and website below: http://www.rntfitness.com http://www.facebook.com/rntfitness http://www.instagram.com/rnt_fitness http://www.youtube.com/user/rntfitness UFD RESOURCES:
Welcome to Episode 36 of Magic Moments ✨ This week's Magic Moment is a bit different… Because the guest is none other than yours truly. This week I am in the hot seat to dive deep into my journey - how I went from being an employee in a mate's business to building serious financial independence through smart investing and structured business strategy. We talked about the early days - when I barely knew what property investment really was - and how I got thrown into the deep end. I share some raw moments from my time in the Property Entrepreneur programme, and how a seriously tough situation ended up being the turning point that shaped my future as a leader. I break down my strategy for building my Financial Fortress. We're talking low-risk, long-term, cash-flowing property investments that give you actual freedom - without the stress and noise of more volatile setups. This one is a must-listen if you're tired of chasing quick wins and want a real, repeatable strategy for lasting wealth. It was great having the tables turned on me in this episode and sharing my full story - it's one of resilience, smart decisions, and a whole lot of intention behind every move. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.
We're back this week with another episode of Tax Talks! This was an incredible conversation with tax expert Tej Gill that I know is going to be super valuable for all of you. If you've ever found yourself scrambling at the end of the tax year or been hit with unexpected tax bills, this episode is for you. Tej breaks down the entire process of creating a proper tax and drawing strategy with such clarity – I was taking notes myself! One of the first things Tej emphasised was the importance of aligning your business year-end with the tax year. This simple adjustment creates so much more visibility for planning purposes. I've seen firsthand with my clients how this alignment can make a massive difference in their ability to make smart financial decisions throughout the year. We spent quite a bit of time discussing how to analyse your personal needs before diving into any tax strategy. Tej walked through a really practical approach to figuring out exactly how much you need to extract from your business, when you need it, and what you need it for. It sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how many business owners (myself included in the early days!) skip this crucial step. I particularly loved Tej's insights on leveraging your business for legitimate benefits – from company vehicles to relevant life insurance. These strategies can significantly reduce your personal expenditure needs while remaining fully compliant. The section on executing your drawing strategy was gold. Tej explained how to properly manage director's loan accounts, when to take salary versus dividends, and how to time everything for maximum tax efficiency. He even shared a few examples that illustrated how proper planning could save thousands in unnecessary tax. What really stood out to me throughout our conversation was Tej's emphasis on proactivity. As he pointed out, tax planning isn't something you do in March for the year that's ending – it's something you should be thinking about right now for 2025/26. This episode is packed with actionable advice that I know will help you take control of your tax situation rather than letting it control you. This is one you do not want to miss! Let's dive in. UFD RESOURCES:
Welcome to Episode 35 of Magic Moments ✨ In this moment, I sat down with the brilliant Orrin - an absolute powerhouse when it comes to finance and business. He's got a solid foundation in the corporate world (three years of CIMA under his belt and five years grinding in finance), and he's since taken that knowledge and turned it into entrepreneurial gold. We discussed the stuff that most people shy away from - what to do when your business hits tough financial times. And it's not about hiding or powering through silently. It's about honesty and transparency. Orrin shared how being upfront and open with partners, investors, and teams can actually make or break your business when the pressure's on. We also dived into why every entrepreneur needs to get comfortable with the numbers. Finance isn't just for the accountants anymore - it's a core part of decision-making, and if you want to lead with confidence, you've got to understand what's under the hood of your business. Orrin's lived that transition from financial specialist to full-on business leader, and he drops some epic insight on how that shift works - and why CFOs are often stepping up as CEOs more and more. This conversation was a proper eye-opener, and if you're navigating the chaos of entrepreneurship (especially with money stress in the mix), this one's definitely for you. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.
In this week's episode of the UFD podcast I am talking about something that I am really passionate about and addressing a challenge I see far too many of my clients facing. Your business is showing healthy profits on paper, but somehow your bank account isn't reflecting that success. If you've ever found yourself scratching your head at this disconnect, this episode is for you. I wanted to deep dive into why this happens, especially for those of you who've scaled to seven figures. It's that moment when you look at your P&L statement showing impressive profits but then glance at your bank balance and think "where did all the money go?" Been there myself, and it's exactly what prompted me to start Ultimate FD. Throughout this episode, I unpack the crucial difference between accounting profit and actual cash in your business. The accounting principles that recognise revenue before you've been paid can create this illusion of profitability while you're still chasing payments. One thing I'm particularly proud of is my approach to credit control. I've learned (sometimes the hard way!) that having strict payment processes isn't being difficult - it's just good business sense. When I implemented proper credit control systems, the difference to my cash position was night and day. Looking back at my own journey over the past year, I've seen tremendous growth in both revenue and team size at Ultimate FD. But that growth came with its own cash flow challenges that forced me to practice what I preach. The strategies I shared are the exact ones that helped me navigate that expansion. Remember, cash really is king. You can have the most profitable business on paper, but without cash, you're vulnerable. Hope this episode helps you bridge that gap between your profit figures and your bank balance! Drop me a message on socials if you've experienced this profit/cash disconnect in your business or if you have questions about implementing any of the strategies I discussed. UFD RESOURCES:
Welcome to episode 34 of our Magic Moments series ✨ In this week's Moment, I break down what I've observed after working with so many business owners - particularly how clarity becomes a massive leverage point. I shared my thoughts around why knowing what you actually want is half the battle. Once you get that clarity, everything else becomes about execution and alignment. I've seen this pattern repeatedly - the entrepreneurs who can articulate their true aims are the ones who create businesses that work for them, not the other way around. I get into the whole “revenue is easy, profit is hard” concept that keeps coming up in my conversations. So many business owners chase top-line growth without understanding the profit mechanics underneath. I tried to unpack why this happens and how to shift focus to what actually matters. The predictability of success is something I'm becoming more convinced of with each passing year. When you follow certain principles consistently, the results tend to follow. I shared some examples from my own journey with business growth, publishing, and property investments to illustrate this. I hope this episode helps listeners cut through some of the noise and focus on the core elements that actually move the needle. Sometimes entrepreneurship feels complex, but the fundamentals haven't changed - clarity of purpose, understanding unit economics, and having the discipline to stick to a plan still win the day. Looking forward to hearing how this resonates with you. Let me know what you think! Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.
In this week's episode I am joined by UFD client Ashley Gray from Grey Electrical Contractors in the West Midlands. Ashley's been doing very well in the electrical contracting world while also building a pretty impressive property portfolio using the BRRR strategy (buy, refurbish, refinance). We got into the nitty-gritty of how Ashley transformed his business by getting serious about the financials. We all know cash flow is king, but hearing how Ashley shifted from taking any job that came his way to strategically pursuing long-term contracts that provide consistent revenue was eye-opening. Ashley shared some painful lessons about pricing - something I think a lot of us can relate to! He admitted to underpricing jobs early on because he wasn't properly accounting for all his overheads. Once he built proper financial models and forecasting tools, the game completely changed for him. Ashley's approach to employee retention is gold - he's created a culture where his team feels valued, and it shows in their loyalty. His journey from scrambling for jobs to building a stable, profitable operation is exactly the kind of real-world business evolution I love exploring on this podcast. It's time to dive in - I hope you enjoy! You can connect with Ashley via his social links below: https://www.instagram.com/newhorizonhomes/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-gray-73492b285/ UFD RESOURCES:
Episode 33 of Magic Moments has landed! This week's moment is from an amazing conversation with Gareth Morgan that I can't wait to share with you all. Gareth is truly a systems guy with a gift for optimising business operations and driving growth. Our chat was packed with insights about how he approached buying his mortgage advisory business and immediately set it up for success through his clarity about where to focus his energy and what to delegate from day one. Gareth shared how he identified the value of his time early on and made strategic decisions about outsourcing and systems. Instead of getting bogged down in admin work like many new business owners do, he immediately invested in support structures that freed him to focus on what he does best - structuring deals and growing the business. I particularly loved Gareth's perspective on not waiting until you're drowning in admin work to build systems. He came in with a clear vision of his strengths and weaknesses and built his operation around maximising his impact. The conversation reinforced for me that sometimes the best business decisions aren't about what you do, but what you deliberately choose not to do. Gareth's success came from understanding where his unique value lies and designing everything else around supporting that. For anyone looking to acquire or scale a business, this episode offers a masterclass in strategic thinking from day one. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.
For this week's episode of the UFD podcast, I welcomed Colin McIntosh, the founder and CEO of Sheets & Giggles, a sustainable bedding company that's absolutely smashing it. Colin's journey is fascinating - he launched his company after being laid off in 2017, and within just two years was hitting $1 million in monthly sales. Colin transformed a simple concept - sustainable eucalyptus bed sheets - into a thriving business with a loyal customer base. He shared how his initial crowdfunding campaign was crucial to getting the business off the ground, essentially using customer pre-orders to fund production and validate his product concept. Colin's approach to marketing is refreshingly authentic and customer-focused. He explained how his background as a recruiter gave him valuable insights into leadership and building high-performance teams, which he's leveraged to grow Sheets & Giggles. Colin's side project is an AI-powered resume review and building service. Drawing from his recruiting experience, he's created a tool that provides job seekers with personalised advice at scale. The way he's using AI to extend his expertise to help more people is very impressive. Colin kept coming back to the importance of being customer-centric and genuinely trying to help others. Whether it's creating sustainable products that people love or helping job seekers land their dream positions, his philosophy centres on making a positive impact. We wrapped up with some solid advice on financial strategies for growing businesses and the importance of understanding every aspect of your business before delegating. Colin's approach of learning each business function himself before hiring specialists has clearly served him well. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, or how AI can be leveraged in unexpected ways, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Dive in and enjoy! You can connect with Colin via his socials below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colindmcintosh https://www.instagram.com/colindmcintosh UFD RESOURCES:
Welcome to Episode 32 of Magic Moments ✨ In today's episode, I'm joined by my guest Guillaume Black and together we dove deep into the nitty-gritty of building a startup from scratch. Guillaume shared some super valuable insights about maintaining financial health during those make-or-break early years that I know many of you will find very helpful
This week on the UFD podcast I'm joined by UFD Client Richard Evans
The latest episode of Magic Moments is here ✨ This week's Magic Moment is from my chat with Chris Moss about something I feel super passionate about - brand consistency and why it matters so much in business. Chris and I dug into how having a consistent, professional brand across everything you do (your socials, website, documents, the lot) makes such a huge difference in how potential clients see you. If you want the big clients and bigger deals, you absolutely need to look the part. Nothing turns off a potential client faster than inconsistent or amateur-looking materials. We also chatted about practical stuff - getting a proper branding pack done professionally, making sure your documents look top-notch, and keeping everything consistent. Looking professional isn't just about vanity - it's about building trust and ultimately growing your business. Dive in - I hope you enjoy it! Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.
This week on the UFD podcast I'm joined by Hugh Massie, the executive chairman and founder of DNA Behavior International, a behavioural data analytics company based in Atlanta, Georgia
Welcome to Episode 30 of Magic Moments! ✨ In this week's Magic Moment, I sit down with Mike Chamberlain, a seasoned entrepreneur in the financial services industry. Mike has an impressive track record of building and scaling businesses through various economic cycles and has successfully exited his venture. We dove deep into client selection - Mike emphasised how choosing the right clients can make or break your business. He talked about not compromising on price just to get clients in the door. We also discussed finding that sweet spot between bringing in new clients and nurturing your existing relationships. Mike had some great insights on managing acquisition costs while maximising profitability. We also talked about financial oversight. Mike is big on using digital tools to keep a close eye on business performance - tracking things like turnover, efficiency, and working capital. I'm definitely going to implement some of his suggestions in my own operations. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your existing business, Mike's practical advice on pricing strategies, client management, and operational efficiency is pure gold. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.
Welcome to another episode of the UFD podcast. This week, I'm delighted to have Tej Gill back on the show!
Magic Moments Ep 29 is here ✨ In this Magic Moment, I am joined by the incredible Chris Ducker. This was one of the best conversations I've had about personal branding. If you've been wondering whether to put yourself out there or keep the focus on your business, this episode is definitely for you
This week's episode is a banger - I sat down and had an amazing chat with Phil Saunders and I'm buzzing with all the insights he shared about the service accommodation world. Phil's journey started with a super creative rent-to-SA glamping setup in the Peak District - basically turning farm land into a profitable venture. Now he's built an impressive portfolio across the UK and helps others break into the industry
Welcome to Episode 28 of Magic Moments! ✨ This week's episode is taken from an amazing conversation with Julie Talbot. Julie is a powerhouse - entrepreneur, author, speaker, and she's been crushing it in the personal development space since she was super young. Her approach completely flips traditional financial education on its head. We dive deep into how we can better teach kids about money, and Julie had some really eye-opening perspectives that challenged even my own thinking: ➡️ Stop paying kids for basic chores - instead, Julie suggests teaching them to earn by creating actual value or producing content that matters ➡️ She shared this brilliant story about using "tooth fairy money" as a first investing lesson (I'm definitely trying this with my kids!) ➡️ The Spend/Save/Give jars concept - such a simple visual tool but so effective for teaching money management ➡️ Getting kids involved in household financial conversations to build their negotiation muscles Julie emphasises building a wealth mindset from an early age. We're not just teaching kids about money - we're setting them up with fundamental skills they'll use their entire lives. I walked away from this conversation with so many new ideas to try with my own family
Welcome to part 2 of 35 entrepreneurial lessons learned by 35!
Magic Moments Ep 27 is here ✨ In this week's episode I'm joined by my guest Steven Day, who's an absolute wizard when it comes to building virtual teams. If you're looking to scale your business while keeping costs down, this episode is packed with gold! Steven walked me through how he's helped businesses save a ton of money by hiring talented people from around the world. The numbers are pretty eye-opening - you can hire someone with serious management skills in the Philippines for way less than what you'd pay in the UK, without sacrificing quality. He shared this brilliant concept of being "unavailably available" - which basically means not being on call 24/7 so your team learns to solve problems themselves. This has been a game-changer for me personally!
I recently turned 35 and so in this special birthday episode of the UFD podcast, I am reflecting on my 35 years and sharing the most valuable entrepreneurial lessons I've learned throughout my journey!
Welcome to Episode 26 of Magic Moments! ✨ In this week's Magic Moment we're diving deep into financial resilience, the mental side of money and how it affects everything else in your life and business. Joined by my guest Akash Desai, we talk about why you need actual plans, not just hopes, for your money, and the importance of balancing working IN your business versus ON your financial future
I am super excited to share this latest episode with you all where I got to chat with the amazing Glenn Poulos - a true sales guru with over 40 years of experience!
Magic Moment 25 has landed! ✨ In this week's episode of Magic Moments, along with my guest Mo, we dive into the nuanced strategies of maximising your business margins through efficient supply chain management. We highlight the clever use of vertical and horizontal margins in boosting your business profitability - this is particularly useful for letting agents and other service-oriented businesses. We discuss the hidden potential in aligning business operations for maximum gains - giving you actionable insights and compelling real-world examples
In this week's episode of the UFD podcast, we're sharing the second half of our most recent webinar - Make 2025 your most LUCRATIVE year yet
Magic Moments Ep 24 is here! ✨ In this week's episode of Magic Moments, we've got a snippet from my conversation with award winning insolvency expert, Mr Mike Chamberlain. Together we delve into the crucial topic of managing business structures and effectively handling financial downturns
Today we're diving into something really important that I've noticed during my recent calls with 6 and 7 figure entrepreneurs. And that is: even the most successful entrepreneurs running 7-figure businesses are making mistakes that could be costing them serious money - we're talking six figures in lost profits
Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments from the UFD Podcast. Today I want to dive into something I'm super passionate about - how to actually build wealth through your business in a smart way. I've been in the trenches with this stuff and I want to share what I've learned about pulling value from your business while keeping it healthy and tax-efficient. Whether you're just starting out or you're already crushing it, I think you'll get a ton of value from this episode. I'm going deep into the nitty-gritty of financial planning that actually works. The real stuff - like how to pay yourself properly through a mix of salary, dividends, and director's loans. I've learned some hard lessons about this over the years and I want to help you avoid those mistakes. The big things I cover in this episode:
In this week's episode, we dive into something crucial - portfolio reviews and making your investments work harder for you
Welcome to Episode 22 of Magic Moments! ✨ In this week's episode we dive into the art and science of financial storytelling through “dictate to dictate” philosophy. This will transform your standard financial accounts into potent tools for decision-making! Through real-world examples from my own business, I show you how a clear financial narrative can significantly impact your business strategy and performance evaluations
In this week's episode of the Ultimate FD Podcast, we're helping you make 2025 your most profitable year
Magic Moments Ep 21 is here ✨ In this episode of Magic Moments, we delve into the intricacies of financial strategies for directors, focusing on the prudent use of dividends versus PAYE (Pay As You Earn) systems. This episode will empower you with essential tips and hacks on wealth-building and business profitability, with high-value strategies that can transform how business owners perceive and manage their finances
READY TO CREATE A KILLER FINANCIAL PLAN?
Welcome to Magic Moments episode 20! ✨ In this episode along with our guest Tej, we explore an array of strategies aimed at maximising your financial potential in 2025. We share impactful insights into financial strategies that guarantee business growth and enhanced personal wealth
Episode 19 of Magic Moments is here! ✨ This moment delves into essential productivity tools that helped UFD have the most incredible year in 2024. These are productivity tools that are essential for any entrepreneur who wants to make the absolute most out of the time they and their team have got. From efficient task management to leveraging recurring tasks for seamless business operations, this episode provides valuable insights for increasing profitability and work-life balance ⚖️ Plus, tune in for an unexpected hack to boost productivity and wellness. Prepare to transform your business into a highly scalable and profitable venture when you utilise and implement these tools in your business!
Unlocking the Keys to Entrepreneurial Success: How Laurie Duncan built his property empire. In this week's episode of The UFD podcast we've got another guest on for our Millionaire Money Matters series! I sit down with Laurie Duncan, a property entrepreneur redefining success in the Scottish real estate market. As the co-founder of The Real Property Group, Laurie's story of building an empire is nothing short of inspirational.
Welcome to Episode 18 of our Magic Moments series! ✨ In the latest installment of Magic Moments, we are diving into the realm of cash flow management and bringing to light the challenges and realities of facing cash crises in business, which is a common hurdle for many entrepreneurs. Learn about the importance of having a clear cash flow forecast, gaining financial clarity, and tackling problems head-on. Discover how smooth seas never make a good sailor and equip yourself with strategies to emerge stronger and more skilled in navigating business finances! This episode offers valuable insights and tips for entrepreneurs facing cash flow challenges. Learn how to transform financial difficulties into opportunities for growth and enhanced business acumen. Tune in now! Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here to listen to the full episode.
Accelerating Business Value: Exit Planning for Maximum Profit
IT'S THE FINAL DAY OF OUR 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SPECIAL SERIES!
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Welcome to Day 6 of your 12 Days of Christmas! We interrupt your Magic Moments to bring you a special Boxing Day episode!
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Day 3 of Magic Moments has landed and this is one you don't want to miss!
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