The Leaky Bucket
Most service businesses are leaking profit — through costs they've stopped questioning, margins they've never properly tested, clients they've quietly lost, and revenue they've never asked for.
The Leaky Bucket is the show where we open a real business file and find out exactly where the money is going.
Each episode, Ian Morgan — Group CEO of MBS Accountants — works live through the finances of a real service business scenario. One company. Four sessions.
Costs, margins, churn, average order value. Every leak identified. Running total revealed.
No theory. No frameworks. Just numbers — and what they tell you when someone actually looks.
If you're running a service business turning over £500k to £10m and your accountant has never shown you this, this show is for you.
The numbers always reveal the leak.
Episodes
77 episodes
Strategic Planning: The Secret Weapon for Business Growth
In this episode of The Leaky Bucket Podcast, host Ian Morgan dives into why strategic planning is essential for business growth and sustainability. Learn how a Virtual CFO goes beyond traditional accounting to help craft a long-term fi...
•
6:20
Navigating the New Budget: What UK Business Owners Need to Know
In this timely episode of The Leaky Bucket Podcast, Ian Morgan breaks down the key announcements from the recent Labour Party budget and their implications for business owners. With changes like the employer’s NI increase, lower thresh...
•
6:34
What is a Virtual CFO and Why Your Business Needs One
In this first episode of The Leaky Bucket Podcast we dive into the power of a Virtual CFO and why it’s a game-changer for growing businesses. Whether you’re a business owner with a turnover between £1m and £10m or just looking to understand the...
•
15:46
Why Investing in Your Finance Function is Critical for Business Success
In this episode, we explore the critical importance of investing in your finance function and how it can make or break your business. We discuss why allocating 1.5-2.5% of your turnover to financial management—including bookkeeping...
•
14:25
Top 10 Things Business Owners Should Look for in Clear, Easy-to-Understand Management Accounts
In this episode, we dive into the top 10 things every business owner should know when it comes to making sense of their management accounts. These reports are key to understanding the financial health and performance of your busin...
•
12:36
Should You Put a Company Car Through Your Own Company?
In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of putting a company car through your business. We focus on two main types of vehicles: commercial vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs).Key Points:<...
•
12:30
Choosing the right business structure for you
In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of choosing the optimal business structure for tax efficiency. We’ll compare and contrast four main types of business structures: sole trader, partnership, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), an...
•
11:48
Efficient Director/Shareholder Pay Strategies for 2024/25
Join Ian Morgan as he explores the most efficient ways for UK directors and shareholders to pay themselves in 2024/25. This episode covers the basics of dividends, outlines three key strategies for tax-efficient income, and offers crucial advic...
•
Episode 65
•
12:44
Effective Expense Tracking
In this episode of our Facebook Live series, Ian Morgan dives into the essentials of "Effective Expense Tracking" for business owners. Learn why keeping detailed and accurate records is crucial, discover the best tools and apps for tracking exp...
•
Episode 65
•
10:40
BONUS EPISODE of RANK 16: A Journey to Outstanding with Sonia Gill of Heads Up
In this bonus episode, we reflect on RANK 16: A Journey to Outstanding with Sonia Gill of Heads UpDelving into powerful lessons on navigating difficult conversat...
•
11:57
BONUS EPISODE of RANK 12: How to Prepare a Business for Exit with Darryl Bates - Brownsword of Succession Plus
We are back tracking our Interview Episodes and share some insights from there. This one is from:RANK 12: How to Prepare a Business for Exit with Darryl Bates - Brownsword of Succ...
•
9:34
BONUS EPISODE of TOP 5: Designing a Plan for Success with Jess Williams of Designs in the Shires
We are back tracking our Interview Episodes and share some insights from there. This one is from:TOP 5: Designing a Plan for Success with Jess Williams of Designs in the Shires
•
17:22
BONUS EPISODE of TOP 1: Are you Fearless in Business? with Robin Waite
Hey there, business enthusiasts! 🎙️ We are back tracking our Interview Episodes and share some insights from there. This one is from TOP 1: Are you Fearless in B...
•
5:27
TOP 1: Are you Fearless in Business? with Robin Waite The Fearless Business Coach
Robin Waite is a highly sought-after speaker and coach, with a reputation for delivering engaging and inspiring presentations that leave a lasting impact on his audiences. His talks are filled with practical advice and real-life example...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 31
•
56:49
TOP 2: Welcome To The Leaky Bucket Podcast!
Welcome to Episode 1 of The Leaky Bucket Podcast.In this introductory episode, I gave a fascinating glimpse into why I am so passionate about helping secretly struggling entrepreneurs.I'll explain the title of the podcast; ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 1
•
11:26
TOP 3: An Overnight Success Story That Took Years To Create! James Ashford Founder of GoProposal
James Ashford works exclusively with leading firms of accountants from around the world, helping them to become more profitable and to systemise their firms so they can deliver maximum value and incredible experiences to their clients. ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 17
•
1:29:15
TOP 4: Creating the Right Mindset
Welcome to Episode 2 of The Leaky Bucket Podcast.In this episode, I talked about how secretly strugglingentrepreneurs can develop their mindset to help change things for the better.I'll explain how changing one's mindset can f...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 2
•
15:54
TOP 5: Designing a Plan for Success with Jess Williams of Designs in the Shires
Welcome to Episode 7 of The Leaky Bucket Podcast.In this episode, I am with a special guest Jess Williams about how she managed to implement a positive transformation within her secretly struggling business,
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
33:03
TOP 6: Secrets of Successful Strategic and Financial Planning
Welcome to Episode 10 of the Leaky Bucket podcast.In this episode, I continue to explain how to carry out effective strategic and financial planning.I went through the eight steps of creating the company budget and financial plan;...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
31:21
TOP 7: Plugging the Leaks
Welcome to Episode 5 of The Leaky Bucket Podcast.Here I discussed about how secretly strugglingentrepreneurs can plug the leaks in their businesses.I touched the definition of plugging the leaks, and how it can be a vital ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 5
•
15:11
TOP 8: Sales and Value Proposition
Welcome to Episode 3 of The Leaky Bucket Podcast.I talk about how secretly struggling entrepreneurs need to view sales and value propositions.I explained how to transition from the initial start-up phase of sales into a more targe...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 3
•
11:23
TOP 9: How to Prevent an Emotional Reaction (BTS)
Welcome to Episode 6 of The Leaky Bucket Podcast.In this episode, I will take us behind the scenes in our own business to share a recent situation that could have caused a huge issue - but didn't.You'll hear me explain ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 6
•
22:03
TOP 10: How To Create A Solid Business Plan With Two Sides of A4
Welcome to Episode 9 of the Leaky Bucket podcast.In this episode, I talked about the importance of strategic planning for secretly struggling entrepreneurs.I explained why having a clean, clear cut plan for your business is vital ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
19:07
RANK 11: Pancakes and Persistence: Laura Evans' Story of Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success
Hi there, and welcome to another exciting episode of the Leaky Bucket Podcast!Today, we have a very special guest with us, Laura Evans from SISU Pancakes, based in Cheltenham.Now, let me tell you, trying to describe SISU Pancake...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 36
•
45:23
RANK 12: How to Prepare a Business for Exit with Darryl Bates - Brownsword of Succession Plus
Darryl is a dynamic, driven Business Consultant and Coach with over 20 years of experience and passion for creating successful outcomes for founder-led businesses. He is a great connector, team builder, problem solver, and inspirer — sh...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 25
•
53:51