Advisory & Business Strategy

Running a construction or engineering business means juggling a lot: materials, labour, procurement, compliance, and cash flow, all while keeping projects moving and clients happy. But behind every successful build is a strong financial structure. And that’s where your finance team comes in, starting with your  Bookkeeper  and your  Finance Director (FD) . These roles are often misunderstood, and many SMEs assume they’re the same. They're not. Understanding the difference cou

Introduction - ChatGPT in a Construction or Engineering Business If you work in  construction or engineering , you’ve likely heard about  ChatGPT  , but maybe you’re still wondering how it actually helps your business. Most small and medium-sized companies see AI as “something big corporations use,” but the truth is this:  AI is now the easiest way to save time, cut admin costs, and improve communication  across your team. At  Jones Financial Accounts (JFA) , we advise constr

Introduction - Five Tools Your Team Needs Now Construction moves fast: site changes, supply delays, subcontractors, RAMS, plant, traffic management, and a constant stream of calls from site. If your tools don’t connect, operations stall and costs creep. At  Jones Financial Accounts (JFA) , we help UK  construction and engineering SMEs  choose a  joined-up tech stack  that keeps sites moving, protects margin, and gives directors live visibility. Below is the  top 5 operations

Introduction - Cut Costs or Invest in Efficiency? When margins tighten, construction and engineering firms often look to cut costs and the office is usually first on the list. From rent and software to admin staff and subscriptions, these “indirect” costs feel like easy savings. But here’s the catch:  cutting costs doesn’t always make you leaner, it can make you slower . At  Jones Financial Accounts (JFA) , we work with SMEs across the UK to identify where savings improve eff

Introduction - Projects That Don’t Fit Your Strategy In the fast-moving world of construction and engineering, not every project is a good project. Yet many SMEs still chase every tender, quote, or contract that comes their way. At Jones Financial Accounts (JFA), we see the same issue repeatedly, companies taking on work that looks profitable on paper but quietly drains cash, time, and energy because it doesn’t align with their business strategy. This blog explores why strate

Introduction - Reinvest Profits for Business Growth A profitable year should never be the finish line, it’s the starting point for your next stage of growth. Too many construction and engineering firms see profits as a reward to withdraw, rather than a resource to reinvest. But when margins are tight and competition fierce, how you reinvest makes the difference between staying stable and scaling sustainably. At  Jones Financial Accounts (JFA) , we help business owners turn pr

Introduction - The Payout Options Every Owner Should Know Succession planning isn’t just about retirement, it’s about  turning years of hard work into lasting value  while protecting your company’s future. For many construction and engineering directors, the biggest question is simple but critical:  “How do I get paid, and when?” Your payout structure determines how much you actually walk away with, how much tax you’ll pay, and how your team, or buyer will fund it. The right

Introduction - Protect Your Cash and Margins For construction and engineering companies, every project carries a level of uncertainty, from fluctuating material prices to client payment delays. That’s where  sensitivity analysis  becomes a vital decision-making tool. It allows business owners and finance leaders to test “what-if” scenarios before those risks become costly realities. At  Jones Financial Accounts (JFA) , we use sensitivity analysis to help SMEs understand how s

Introduction - Value Your Construction or Engineering Business When it comes to  succession planning , one of the biggest questions every...

Introduction - Succession, Where Do You Start In the construction and engineering world, many business owners spend years building their...

Introduction - Group Company Structure Makes Sense In construction and engineering, growth rarely comes from doing  more of the same.  It...

Introduction - U pgrade Your Finance Function If your construction or engineering business is drowning in invoices, card payments,...

Introduction - Management Accounts Fast-growing construction and engineering firms live or die by control. Projects overlap, materials...

Introduction - Invoice vs Asset Finance Cash flow is the lifeblood of any construction or engineering business. You can have profitable...

Introduction - Outgrown Your Bookkeeper and Year-End Accountant? As your business grows, so do your financial responsibilities, but many...

Introduction - Construction Firms Need Scenario Planning Running a construction or engineering business often feels like driving in the...

Introduction - KPIs Profit, Cash, and Control For construction and engineering businesses, making big decisions isn’t just about gut...

Introduction - Stress-Tested Forecasting for SMEs In construction and engineering, no project is free of risk. Payments are delayed,...

Introduction - Should You Take That Opportunity Every construction and engineering business faces moments when a new opportunity looks...

Introduction - Prepare Financially Before Bringing in a Business Partner For construction and engineering businesses, growth often means...