Are you sitting comfortably? Then stop! Getting too comfortable with the old ways of doing things could mean you’re missing out on fresh technology and ideas that could save you money and time – and keep your data more secure.

Let’s take a look at a few we’ve found useful – plus links to useful resources that will explain more without frying your brain.

Head in the cloud

There’s still a huge amount of misunderstanding and misinformation about accounting in the cloud. People think it’s expensive, complicated and unsuitable for them. 

“We use a blend of Xero and Dext, which raises a good point,” adds Rob. “Don’t be scared of blending a couple of different systems together to give you the best outcomes.”

Get your head round it: For a detailed debunking, check out our MD Rob Ormiston’s myth-busting article on LinkedIn. 

As well as accounting software, it’s also worth looking into cloud hosting. It replaces the need to have a single server in your office, making it safer from power cuts or other vulnerabilities, because it uses a network of off-site servers. It also gives you the flexibility to scale up if you need more resource – or down if you don’t.

It used to be an expensive model but pay-as-you-go services mean you only pay for what you need – and costs are coming down. 

Get your head round it: TechRadar has a useful breakdown of the best current offers.

Be more direct

If your customers make repeat payments, for subscriptions or regular work, automating that process could save you a lot of effort. Products such as Go Cardless give you the power to take direct debits. And it doesn’t even have to be the same amount each time – you can use it to collect variable payments too. 

Get your head round it: Startups has a great introduction to online payments, including a guide to costs and a review of providers. 

Exploit VOIP

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is a bit of a mouthful, but it could make conversation easier when you’ve got to grips with it. Although it’s been around a while, it’s currently enjoying a boost thanks to the trend towards flexible working. 

“If your team currently uses both landline and mobiles, you can pull everything together with VOIP,” explains Rob. “We’ve introduced it at Northern Tonic because it’s a really simple way of empowering people to work from home without using their personal mobiles.”

 For the employer, VOIP brings added benefits. It’s usually cheaper than a traditional phone system, it’s manageable from a central web console and, depending what you need, most offer call recording, video conferencing and even text messaging.

Get your head round it: This article from PC magazine reviews various providers, comparing the features on offer.

Get in touch to discuss forward-thinking business and accounting – or read more smart, practical advice that’s great for people and planet too! 

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at hello@northerntonic.co.uk 

We treat your information with care and respect. For more information about our privacy practices, please read our policy