TGt Meets...Laura Day, Founder of Laurel Finance

Laura Day is a TBN member and runs Laurel Finance in Dorset. Laurel Finance provides confidence and clarity to business owners and decision makers so that they can be sure they are making best move for them. This means that Laurel Finance ends up being lots of things – a coach, a management accountant, a finance manager, a friend.

What made you set up your own company?

I realised that lots of people don’t have either the time, knowledge or inclination to monitor how their business is performing and to identify and pull the levers that will make it even better. I have these skills and want to share them with small and medium organisations who can’t afford and don’t need an employed member of staff to do this, so they can take their business to the next level and be able to better deliver for their customers and for themselves.

Tell us about your role Laura...

My role is flexible and varied – just how I like it! My days are spent:

1. Creating and analysing reports – then making them understandable and relevant

2. Meeting with clients on a regular basis to ensure there is momentum and accountability in what we are doing

3. Delivering finance and business presentations or workshops which allow people to understand that the numbers aren’t boring, and are so, so important!

4. Discussing and carrying out any other ad hoc projects that come my way

What are some of the services that you provide?

I provide services that allow business owners and decision makers to have more confidence, clarity and control over the future of their business. This includes business planning to establish the right direction and goals for the business, forecasting to make sure the business is on target to reach those goals, reporting and analysis to keep our finger on the pulse in order to spot areas for improvement and to celebrate any wins. I also meet regularly with clients to keep up momentum and accountability, as well as to have a good catch up. All with a smile of course!

What do you most love about working in Dorset?

Dorset is a gorgeous part of the world and I enjoy travelling through countryside, towns and by the sea to meet my clients. Dorset is home to fantastic, varied businesses with owners who take pride in their work, and I love meeting people and getting to know them as well as what they do.

When you’re not busy working, what do you love doing in your time off?

I am sporty, and so you will often find me cycling around Dorset with the cycle club, running through the countryside, or in the swimming pool getting some lengths in. I also enjoy walking with my two spaniels Alfie and Charlie, especially a long walk exploring a new area combined with a pub stop.

Tell us about your favourite restaurant in Dorset

This is a tricky choice with so many to choose from! But I have to go with our local pub, The Stapleton Arms in Buckhorn Weston. It is the perfect place to visit any time of year with a warm cosy fire in winter, and a lovely garden in summer. The food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is always welcoming – I highly recommend a visit.

You can find out more about Laurel Finance HERE!