How to Keep Your Business Finances on Track During a Quiet Time

Catherine Stork
Aug 3
3 min read

For many small and medium-sized businesses, the summer months bring a noticeable dip in activity. Clients are on holiday, sales may be slower, and projects can take longer to move forward.

But a quieter season doesn't have to mean falling behind. In fact, it can be the perfect opportunity to take stock of your business finances and prepare for the rest of the tax year.

In this blog, we're sharing practical tips to help you manage cash flow, prepare for tax deadlines, and make the most of the slow periods so your business stays financially healthy.

1. Understand Your Seasonal Trends

The first step is knowing whether a slowdown is normal for your business.

Look back at last year’s figures. Were sales slower between June and August? Did clients take longer to pay over the festive period?

According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), around 60% of UK SMEs report seasonal dips in sales during the summer months. By reviewing your accounts, you can spot patterns and prepare accordingly.

We recommend using your accounting software (our favourite is Xero which you can find out more about here) to run reports that show cash flow, revenue, and outstanding invoices compared with previous years.

2. Keep a Close Eye on Cash Flow

Cash flow can be one of the biggest challenges during quieter months.

If you know sales are likely to dip, it’s worth being proactive. Chase overdue invoices early, look at whether supplier payment terms can be adjusted, and avoid unnecessary spending.

As we recently discussed in our blog 'Why Building Your Emergency Fund is Crucial for Your Small Business', around 38% of small businesses in the UK have less than three months'm worth of cash reserves. Building or topping up an emergency fund now can give you breathing room when you need it.

Even setting aside a small buffer of £1,000–£3,000 can make a real difference if the unexpected happens.

3. Use the Downtime to Tidy Up Your Finances

Slower months are also the perfect time to get your financial house in order. Reconcile your bank statements, update your accounting software, and file any outstanding paperwork.

Digitising receipts and invoices now saves time and stress at year-end. It also helps you keep a clearer view of your financial position.

At BCT Accountants, we often help clients use this time to streamline processes, making bookkeeping and tax preparation smoother in the months ahead.

4. Focus on Strategy and Growth

While day-to-day work may be quieter, this is an ideal moment to think long term.

Set goals for the second half of the tax year. Could you launch a new service, adjust pricing, or invest in marketing for the upcoming season?

Your financial data holds valuable insights, such as which products or services bring the highest profit margins. Using this information now can guide your strategy and help you end the tax year stronger.

5. Stay Connected with Clients

Finally, don’t let your client relationships go quiet just because business is slower.

A simple check-in call, an email update, or regular social media posts can help keep your business front of mind.

That way, when your clients are ready to buy again, you’ll be the first they think of.

With the right planning, a quiet period can be a valuable opportunity to strengthen your finances, prepare for upcoming deadlines, and plan ahead.

Need a helping hand with reviewing your numbers and plan ahead? Get in touch today with Catherine on 01423 431 889 or email catherine@bctaccountants.co.uk for your FREE consultation call.