Partnering with another creative can open doors — but it can also bring drama if you’re not prepared. From clashing visions to financial headaches, not all partnerships are built to last. So, how do you protect yourself and give your collaboration the best chance of...
Captivate Podcasts articles
Do Community Interest Companies Pay Tax? Here’s the Truth
Running a Community Interest Company (CIC) is all about making a difference — but that doesn’t mean you get to skip the taxman. Many social enterprises are surprised to learn they’re still subject to corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, and other reporting rules.In this...
Community Interest Companies (CICs): Could This Be the Right Business Model for You?
If you’re building a business that’s all about making a difference — but you still care about generating profit — a social enterprise might be your perfect fit. And when it comes to legal structures, a Community Interest Company (CIC) is one of the most popular...
Social Enterprises: Doing Good and Making Profit
Think social enterprises are just fluffy charities with no financial backbone? Think again. In this week’s episode, we’re talking about real businesses — the kind that make money and a difference.In this episode:"Social Enterprises: Doing Good and Making Profit" We...
Claiming Tax Relief Online: How Employees Can Save Money and Boost Take-Home Pay
Many employees miss out on tax relief simply because they don’t know they’re entitled to it. If you’ve spent your own money to do your job, you may be able to claim that back — and this episode shows you how.In this episode:"Claiming Tax Relief Online: How Employees...
Five Motivation Tips for Solopreneurs
Working for yourself can sound like the ultimate dream — no boss, flexible hours, total freedom. But once reality hits, it’s not unusual to feel isolated, overwhelmed, or even nostalgic for your old nine-to-five.In this episode;"Five Motivation Tips for Solopreneurs"I...
Four Bad Business Habits to Break
We all have business habits. We have some good habits that give us the edge in business, and we have bad habits that quietly hold us back from the progress we want to make. In this episode;"Four Bad Business Habits to Break"I dig into four specific bad habits that...
Here’s why your business needs cloud accounting
If you’ve ever found yourself dreading book-keeping, losing track of invoices, or feeling like you’re running your business through a fogged-up windscreen, this episode of is for you. I’ll walk you through why cloud accounting isn’t just another buzzword or a painful...
How do you describe your business?
When it comes to describing your business, do you really think your legal structure or job title tells the whole story? In this episode of "From Creative Passion To Profit", I dig into what really matters when you’re talking about your business—and why the usual...
Cash flow management
If you run a business, you know how cash flow can feel like a constant headache. But what if managing your business’s lifeblood could get a whole lot easier? In this episode of "From Creative Passion to Profit", I’m getting into the topic of cash flow management. Not...
Should artists work for free?
My business life has always revolved around one essential principle: helping creative professionals and entrepreneurs get control of their finances and build sustainable businesses. Having started from modest roots, and after years of managing my own business, I know...
Overwhelmed by creative goals? Try SMART Targets!
Are you feeling bogged down by creative goals that seem too big, too vague, or just plain out of reach? If so, this episode of "From Creative Passion to Profit" is just for you. I often hear from creatives who are overwhelmed by ambitions that feel a galaxy away, and...
Why ignoring your numbers is killing your business
If you've ever found yourself tangled in the creative complexities of your business and side-lined the financial aspect, then this episode of "From Creative Passion to Profit" is exactly what you need. In "Why Ignoring Your Numbers is Killing Your Business," I share...
Why customer invoicing reinforces respect and profit
If you’re a creative professional who’s been shying away from the nitty-gritty of managing invoices, then today’s episode of "From Creative Passion to Profit" is a must listen for you. We're talking about the art of invoicing - an aspect of business that many...
How to protect your creative work
Whether you're a painter, musician, designer, filmmaker, or writer, understanding how to safeguard your creative endeavours can ensure that your work remains yours and that you fully benefit from your hard work. We'll be exploring three critical domains: copyright,...
Emotional journey of creatives: the Kubler Ross Grief Cycle
Developed by psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler Ross, the Kubler Ross Greif Cycle is a brilliant model described the emotional stages people go through following a loss. But what's this got to do with business?In this episode of "From Creative Passion to Profit" titled...
Social enterprise for creative passion and profit
In this episode of "From Creative Passion To Profit" we're talking about social enterprises, focusing on how they can be a great intersection between creativity and social good. Social Enterprises in the UK: Models for Impact and ProfitWe'll explore various business...
The Paradox Power of Procrastination for Creatives
Welcome back to another episode of "From Creative Passion to Profit", with me, Mahmood Reza. In this episode, titled "The Paradox Power of Procrastination for Creatives" we explore the multifaceted world of procrastination. We often view procrastination as a negative...
Getting paid on time as a creative
The perils of being paid late as a creative!As a business owner, I know how frustrating it can be when payments don't come in on time. It's not just the money that's at stake, but your entire business operation. In this week's episode of From Creative Passion to...
Handling Money In Your Business Relationship
In this episode, a topic that affects not just your creative career but also your personal life. Yep, we're talking money and relationships!Money Management Tips for CouplesTalking about finances can be a minefield for many couples, often leading to tension and...
Artists and business working together
In this episode we're covering a topic that might not instinctively come to mind when you think of creativity and numbers: the collaboration between artists and businesses. People often assume these two worlds don't align due to their different focuses - art on...
Financial Boundaries for Creatives
As a creative entrepreneur, establishing financial boundaries might not be the first thing on your mind, but it's essential for the sustainability of your business. In this episode "Financial Boundaries for Creatives," I delve into why setting financial boundaries is...
How creatives can budget for regular income!
Creative Success = Financial Balance with Flexible Budget PlansAs a creative individual, dealing with irregular income can be daunting. In this episode of From "Creative Passion To Profit", titled "How Creatives Can Budget for Regular Income," I, Mahmood, tackle one...
Why your creativity deserves a business mindset
"If you don't drive your business, you will be driven out of business." - B.C. ForbesIf you’re like most creative professionals, you often think your artistic work isn't compatible with business. But ignoring the business side can hamper your potential and drain your...
The power of attitude
Welcome to another episode of Numbers Knowhow, where we dive into the significance of attitude in business. I'm Mahmood Reza, your host, and for nearly three decades I've been guiding businesses, entrepreneurs, and even charities to success. In this episode, "The...
The Power of Budgeting
Budgeting: The Strategic Path to Business GrowthWhere you are today may not be where you want to be tomorrow, but it's influenced by your past.My business journey of over 25 years has been about helping business owners and entrepreneurs navigate the often complex...
Economies of Scale Explained: Lower Costs and Increased Profits
Welcome to another episode of Numbers Knowhow, where we break down complex financial concepts into digestible pieces. I'm your host, Mahmood Reza, and today we're talking economies of scale. You've probably heard the term before, perhaps in boardroom meetings,...
Trust – the foundation of small business success
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Numbers Knowhow, where we delve deep into the lifeblood of small business success—trust. I'm Mahmood, your host, and today we'll break down why trust is more than a mere buzzword. It’s the backbone of customer loyalty,...
The Growth Trap – avoiding overtrading
If you're a business owner or an entrepreneur, you might have experienced the thrill of landing a huge deal or seeing your sales skyrocket almost overnight. The sense of accomplishment and the rush of excitement can be intoxicating. But what if I told you this rapid...
Passion Alone Won’t Build Your Business: The Power of Numbers and Planning
"Passion might drive the car, but it's the planning, effort, and numbers that fill the gas tank, map the route, and ensure you reach your destination, helping you to Plan It, Do It, PROFIT."Today, I'm going to challenge a belief that's so commonly accepted in business...