Cut Through Marketing | Twitter
This month we spoke to Catrina Clulow, founder of Cut Through Marketing, a marketing and business consultancy that specialises in start-ups, microbusinesses and small companies.
Hey Catrina, tell us about your business!
A marketing and business consultancy that specialises in start-ups, microbusinesses and small companies. We exist to make our clients successful. Current projects include launching a new e-commerce site that is a disrupter in the marketplace, as well as carrying out primary and secondary research for individuals wanting to know if their business idea is viable before investing a lot of money in it. There’s also lots of marketing strategy development and tactical implementation plans.
There are a couple of us within the business, but we have a network of freelancers with specific skills so that we can always deliver what the client needs without us growing too large to care. It keeps fees down, with excellent results.
What particular challenges did you have to overcome in setting up your business, and since then?
Setting up the business wasn’t particularly stressful, but since then there have been times when I did wonder why I wasn’t back in “corporate land”. Especially Covid. We lost 90% of revenue when the first lockdown was announced.
Now we have a more diversified client base in terms of sectors and turnover percentage. As work picked up I took on a couple of kickstart people funded by the Government for 6 months, but one is going full-time in October and is also lined up for a salaried position at the end of their 6 months. Things are really flying at the moment and the future looks very bright indeed.
How does Pandle fit in?
I use Pandle for my accounts. Previously I was using Excel sheets and sending them over to the accountant once a month for invoices raised, expenses and so on.
It was just too cumbersome and, as we are growing, it is good to see the Corporation Tax and VAT liabilities in advance so that they can be better planned for. It also helps me project cashflow, which has been a little tricky recently with costs going out before invoices are paid.
What do you have planned for your business in the future?
To continue growing. I currently have 3 kickstart positions open at the job centre, but they could be anywhere in the country. Each person is told that if they perform well, and the business is in a position to, then we shall take them on as a salaried role at the end. It means everyone is invested in getting repeat business from the clients by offering excellent service and results.
Learn more about how Pandle helps businesses owners like Catrina make bookkeeping work for them. Start your free trial of Pandle Pro – no payment details necessary.
