This year marks eight years of Insight Finance Solutions Ltd. Looking back, founder Helen has shared the things she’s learned along the way — about business, finance, balance, and values. Whether you’re just starting out or running an established company, these insights offer encouragement, practical advice, and a glimpse into what it really takes to grow a business.
Quick Takeaways
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What inspired Helen to start Insight Finance Solutions Ltd
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The challenges and rewards of running a business
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Practical cash flow advice and business financial planning tips
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How values, wellbeing, and community shape long-term success
1. Why Progression Isn’t Always the Right Path
“I’d reached the point where the next step in my career was finance director,” says Helen. “On paper, it sounded great, but in reality, it meant more admin, longer hours, and less of the accounting I loved. Back then, the stereotype was that the more senior you became, the more you had to give to your employer — earlier mornings, later nights, and selling more of your soul for the pay rise. I knew that wasn’t the life I wanted, especially once I found out I was pregnant with Ollie.”
At the same time, Helen noticed that friends and family running businesses weren’t getting the support they needed from their accountants. “They’d ask me questions about cash flow or hiring staff and leave their accountant meetings more confused than when they went in. I could see a huge gap in the market.”
This realisation became the foundation for Insight Finance Solutions Ltd.
2. Finding Balance Is a Constant Challenge
“The biggest challenge will always be work-life balance,” Helen says. “Family comes first, but I also love running the business. What’s made it possible is having a team I trust. Being open with them about our values means I can properly switch off on holiday, knowing they’ll make good decisions.”
Her experience shows that work-life balance for entrepreneurs is possible, but only if you build the right foundations.
3. Finance Isn’t Textbook
“Finance isn’t textbook,” says Helen. “Life throws curveballs, and what matters is how we respond. I don’t see mistakes — only learning opportunities. At Insight, we share our own real experiences of things like cash flow challenges so that clients know they’re not doing anything wrong. It’s all part of the journey.”
This supportive approach is why Insight is trusted for cash flow advice for small business owners.
4. Wellbeing Comes First
“Routine helps me massively,” says Helen. “I exercise, walk in nature, meditate, eat well, and protect my sleep. I also prioritise family time over scrolling on social media. Looking after my physical, mental, and spiritual health first means I can bring my best self to the business.”
By protecting her wellbeing, Helen has shown that a healthier you means a healthier business.
5. Boundaries Matter More Than Busyness
“I wish I’d known earlier how important boundaries are,” Helen reflects. “Working 60-hour weeks doesn’t make you more profitable or more important. Being ‘busy’ isn’t a badge of honour. Learning to say no has been one of the most valuable lessons.”
Success, she’s found, comes from creating space to think clearly — not working yourself into the ground.
6. Cash Flow Challenges Are Easier When You Talk
“My biggest advice is to talk to someone,” says Helen. “When you’re too close to it, you can’t see the wood for the trees. Get support from a friend, accountant, or even your bank manager. And remember, every business faces cash flow challenges. Often, they’re actually a sign of growth. Be kind to yourself and learn the tools to manage it.”
This is why Insight has become known for business financial planning in Derbyshire and beyond, helping owners see the bigger picture.
7. Values Guide Every Decision
“Our values are at the heart of everything we do,” Helen explains. “They guide how we work as a team and with our clients. They’re why we run as a remote business, why we offer flexible hours, and why we always explain finances in plain English rather than jargon.”
For Helen, values aren’t just words — they’re the foundation of how Insight Finance Solutions Ltd operates.
8. Resilience Creates Proud Moments
“Without a doubt, it was getting all our clients through COVID,” says Helen. “Every one of them reopened and not a single redundancy was made. It was incredibly stressful, but I’m so proud of how we supported people through that time.”
It’s a reminder that the most difficult times can also create the strongest results.
9. How Accountancy Has Transformed
“When I first started in practice, everything was desktop-based, with clients dropping off shoeboxes of receipts,” Helen remembers. “Year-end accounts were the focus, and management accounts were really only for bigger businesses that could afford them.”
Today, cloud-based tools like Xero and AI-powered software mean even the smallest businesses can access real-time financial data. “We’ve kept up with technology,” Helen says. “But what hasn’t changed is why we set up Insight, to give people the information they need in a way they can understand.”
10. Self-Care Is Business Care
“The best advice I’ve ever had is that your business is an extension of you,” Helen shares. “If you don’t look after yourself, your business will suffer. We often try to prioritise the business over our wellbeing, but that only leads to burnout. When you look after yourself first, the business follows.”
This principle has shaped how Helen leads her team and her clients.
11. The Future Is About Knowledge and Community
“There’s a shift happening,” Helen says. “Business owners are taking back control and gaining more understanding of their finances. AI tools are making information more accessible, and I’m also seeing communities come back together. It’s not about old-school networking it’s about genuine support, conversations over coffee, Whatsapp groups, and helping each other grow.”
She believes the future lies in combining technology with human connection, giving businesses confidence and clarity to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Finance
How can small businesses in Derbyshire improve cash flow?
Improving cash flow starts with understanding where your money is going. Regular management accounts give you real-time insight, while cash flow forecasts help you plan ahead. At Insight Finance Solutions, we specialise in cash flow advice for small business owners, making sure you know exactly what’s coming in and out so you can make confident decisions.
What is the best way to plan for business growth?
The key to planning for growth is having a clear picture of your finances. That means more than just year-end accounts – you need monthly updates and actionable insights. “We work with business owners to create tailored financial planning strategies,” says Helen. “It’s about making sure growth is sustainable, not just fast.”
Why is work-life balance important for business owners?
Running a business can be all-consuming, but burning out helps no one. Setting boundaries, building a reliable team, and protecting your health are all part of being a successful leader. At Insight, we show that work-life balance for entrepreneurs is not only possible, but essential to long-term success.
What support can Insight Finance Solutions provide?
Insight offers more than traditional accounting. From cash flow management to business financial planning in Derbyshire and nationwide, Helen and her team provide clear, practical advice without the jargon. Their mission is to empower business owners with knowledge and confidence, not just compliance.
Ready To Feel More Empowered As a Business Owner?
At Insight Finance Solutions Ltd, we’re not just about the numbers, we’re business owners too and know that making meaningful connections and having real time information is crucial to your success. Ready to connect? Get in touch today.