Our director, Craig, speaks about some recent thoughts on this matter. We often talk about imposter syndrome as an internal issue — a lack of confidence, self-doubt, or feeling like we’re “not good enough”. But in reality, it’s often triggered by external factors. A dismissive comment.A raised eyebrow in a meeting.Someone is talking over you.A […]
Imposter syndrome doesn’t always come from within. Read More »
In the creative industries, your IP is often your pension, your safety net, and your future income. Music. Publishing. Film. Software. Design. Licensing deals look great on paper — but one uncomfortable truth comes up again and again: Royalties are frequently underpaid.Not always deliberately. But often quietly. That’s where a royalty audit becomes one of
Royalty Audits: The Money Creatives Don’t Realise They’re Missing Read More »
In today’s creator-led economy, more artists, designers, writers, filmmakers and other creatives are turning passion into business. Yet while creativity fuels innovation, the financial side is often complex, inconsistent and misunderstood. That’s precisely why a niche accountant for creatives isn’t just a luxury — it’s a strategic advantage. 1. Creative Income Isn’t “Traditional Income” Unlike
Why Creatives Need a Niche Accountant — And What That Really Means Read More »
Making music is creative, expressive, and deeply personal.Unfortunately, tax is none of those things — and that’s where many musicians get caught out. Over the years, I’ve seen incredibly talented musicians lose money, sleep, and sometimes momentum, simply because no one ever explained the financial side in plain English. Here are the five biggest tax
The 5 Biggest Tax Mistakes Musicians Make (And How to Avoid Them) Read More »
Our director, Craig, talks about his journey in volunteering. Zen is pleased to support him in his work. Having been a chartered accountant for many years, I’m always getting asked to act as treasurer, adviser, etc, for charities and groups. I’ve always wanted to put back into my community and have been a treasurer and
Volunteering in your community Read More »
What Yoga Can Teach Us About Business (7 Simple Ideas) – Our director, Craig, offers some examples:Many of you probably know I’m a qualified yoga teacher. The longer I practise yoga, the more I realise the lessons don’t stay on the mat — they show up in business and life too. Here are seven parallels
What Yoga Can Teach Us About Business (7 Simple Ideas) Read More »
Last week I returned from a meditation retreat. No phone. No reading, no writing. No notifications. No conversations.Just breath, presence and time… which turned out to be the most confronting part.Most of us say we’re “busy.”However, what the retreat revealed to me is that being busy and being intentional are two entirely different things.When there’s
Intentional Time by our Director Craig Williams Read More »
If you’re self-employed or run your own limited company and your partner helps out in the business, you might have wondered if you can pay them a wage. Even if they don’t, maybe you’re looking for smart ways to manage tax and household income more efficiently. Whatever the reason, this is one of the most
Can I Pay My Spouse a Wage? The Tax Benefits (and Rules) Explained Read More »
Have you ever considered applying for a business grant but weren’t sure when to start? Many business owners either miss the boat or leave money on the table because of a few common misconceptions. Here are the three biggest myths around timing (and what to do instead), so you can get ahead and give your
The truth about grants: When is the right time to apply? Read More »
You’ve built something solid. The team’s growing, the numbers are bigger, and the decisions carry more weight. With that growth comes complexity, especially when it comes to finances. What used to be simple gut calls now need serious planning, forecasting, and strategy. This is when you could use a Finance Director (FD) or, as often
When (and how) to hire a Finance Director Read More »