Shows
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom the Tools to the Boardroom - The Best of the Know Your Numbers PodcastIn this very special episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray takes a sunny moment in Crete to reflect on the journey so far, and to share some of the best insights, most powerful lessons, and biggest turning points from over 25 incredible guests.
From footballers-turned-financiers to business owners fighting for survival, from funding experts to accountants on a mission to deliver real value - this episode brings together some of the most memorable and meaningful moments.
If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed or just wanted to hear from people who truly un...
2025-09-1128 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom Redundancy to Resilience: Craig Talks with James Fleming on Belief, Business, and The Power WithinIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with James Fleming, founder of The Power Within and a leading voice in motivational intelligence and leadership training.
James’ story is nothing short of remarkable. From growing up in a Glasgow housing scheme, struggling in school, and finding work the old-fashioned way (via the Yellow Pages!)… to working internationally as a talent director, getting made redundant just before Christmas, and turning that moment into the catalyst for building The Power Within.
This is an episode about mindset, momentum, and what’s possib...
2025-08-2834 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayConstruction, Contracts & Cash: Craig Talks with Lloyds Bank’s Jim McFadzeanIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Jim McFadzean, Head of Client Management at Lloyds Bank Invoice Finance, where he leads the team specialising in construction sector funding.
Jim brings over 40 years of experience at Lloyds and offers a no-nonsense perspective on what it really takes to run a successful and sustainable construction business. From pay-less notices and paper trails to the vital role of accurate forecasting, this conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone operating in one of the UK's toughest sectors.
This is a...
2025-08-1431 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom Legal Practice to Business Ownership: Craig Talks with David Beveridge on Risk, Leadership, and the Business of LawIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray speaks with David Beveridge, Managing Partner of corporate law firm Macdonald Henderson, about his extraordinary leap from lawyer to law firm owner - during one of the most turbulent times in financial history.
Three months after Lehman Brothers collapsed in 2008, David took the biggest risk of his career: acquiring the firm he worked for with personal guarantees, limited capital, and a burning belief that he could make it work.
David shares what that transition was really like – from legal advisor to leader of pe...
2025-07-3140 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom Family Business to Honest Broker: Craig Talks With Cameron Young on Selling Smarter and Knowing Your NumberIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Cameron Young, Partner at Business Partnership - one of the UK’s largest independent business brokers - for a frank, funny and eye-opening conversation about selling businesses the right way.
Cameron shares his personal journey from family-run start-up to successful seven-figure sale and now into business brokerage, helping others navigate the same path with honesty and transparency - a rare trait in a sector with a well-earned bad reputation.
If you’ve ever thought about selling your business (even one day...
2025-07-1733 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom Dishwashing To Seven Figures: Craig Talks With Calvin Bannan On Belief, Branding, And Building Something BetterIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Calvin Bannan, a driven entrepreneur and founder of CB Services Group, a fast-growing heating and plumbing business. Calvin’s journey is one of grit, growth, and transformation, from washing dishes and selling solar panels at 17 to building a seven-figure trades business with a focus on excellence and branding.
With honesty and warmth, Calvin shares the ups and downs of his journey: the hard lessons, the leap of faith to go out on his own, and the moment he realised he was out of...
2025-07-0334 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayThe Spaceman: Craig Talks with Chris Newlands About Satellites, Global Impact, and Changing the GameIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by long-time friend and visionary entrepreneur Chris Newlands, Founder and CEO of Space Aye. Chris is a former Royal Navy accountant and sniper (yes, really!) who’s now changing the world - literally - with a satellite tech platform that’s been called “the most exciting thing to happen in space in the last 10 years.”
Chris has been named the #4 space entrepreneur in the world, behind Musk, Bezos and Branson.
He’s doing it differently. Building differently. Thinking differently.
From tackl...
2025-06-1938 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayWhat’s Your Number? Craig Talks Exits, Risk, and Financial Discipline with Chris PeaceIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by Chris Peace, founder of Peace Recruitment and now independent business coach, for a frank and energising conversation about growing, exiting, and what really matters in business.
Chris talks candidly about starting a recruitment company in the depths of the 2009 recession, scaling it to 25 staff and £10 million turnover, and planning a successful exit with military-style precision. From risk-taking and frugality to cash flow discipline and strategic vision, this one’s full of insights every ambitious business owner needs to hear.
He als...
2025-06-0530 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom Confused to Confident: Craig Talks With Shane Lukas On How Business Owners Can Finally Understand Their NumbersIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by Shane Lukas, Managing Director of AVN – The Accountants Network, for a straight-talking conversation about how business owners can finally stop feeling overwhelmed by their finances.
Shane shares why so many entrepreneurs are left confused by reports, frustrated with their accountants, and unsure how to use financial data to make better decisions. Together, Craig and Shane break down what needs to change – not just in the numbers, but in the conversations around them.
If you've ever received a report and thought, “What a...
2025-05-2232 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom Roofer to Real Business: Craig Talks with Jamie Taylor on Trades, Growth and Knowing Your NumbersIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by Jamie Taylor, founder of Taylor Roofs and host of the popular Taylor Talks Trades podcast. Jamie shares his journey from apprentice roofer to building a multi-million-pound business – and the wake-up calls, mindset shifts, and financial lessons he learned along the way.
From realising he didn’t “own a business, just a job” to making the leap into serious financial control, Jamie’s story is one that will resonate with thousands of business owners in the trades and construction world – and beyond.
It’s an ep...
2025-05-0836 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayMental Health in Construction: Craig Talks with Nicola Campbell from Lighthouse Charity About Pressure, Support, and Saving LivesIn this deeply important episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Nicola Campbell, Lead Partnership Manager at The Lighthouse Charity, to talk about mental health in the construction sector, business pressures, and the support that’s available to those who build the world around us.
Nicola shares the heartbreaking reality that the construction industry loses two workers every working day to suicide, and explains how Lighthouse Charity provides free, 24/7 support to anyone in the industry – from site workers and subcontractors to business owners, directors, and their families.
This conversation is a...
2025-04-2426 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFunding with Personality: Craig Talks with Emma Ross on Building Trust, Telling the Right Story, and Standing Out in FinanceIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by the dynamic Emma Ross, founder of Ross Commercial Finance. Known for her no-nonsense approach, distinctive personality, and deep lender relationships, Emma is quickly becoming one of the most trusted names in UK commercial finance.
From her early days winning credit card competitions at the bank, to launching her own brokerage and turning it into a profitable, growing business in under a year, Emma’s journey is all about drive, clarity, and backing yourself.
She shares her experiences navigating male-dominated spaces, bu...
2025-04-1022 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom Chaos to Clarity: Craig Talks with Paula Wingate on Mindset, Margin, and Scaling SmarterIn this powerful and wide-ranging episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by Paula Wingate, founder of Influential Minds – and a force to be reckoned with in the world of business coaching.
Paula brings a rare blend of mindset mastery and razor-sharp commercial strategy, helping business owners scale sustainably, increase their profit margins, and finally get the freedom they started their business for in the first place.
From growing up in a Barnsley council estate to running a high-performing team in banking, from losing everything to building it all back ag...
2025-03-2737 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayLessons in Growth: Craig Talks with Jordan Howard on Scaling, Cash Flow, and Learning the Hard WayIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Jordan Howard, Managing Director of D2 Integrated Systems, to talk about the highs, lows, and hard lessons of building a business.
Jordan’s journey is one that many business owners will recognise – starting out with big ambitions, learning some tough financial lessons, and ultimately transforming his business through better cash flow management, processes, and people.
From risky partnerships and restructuring to scaling a business beyond £4 million, Jordan’s story is a real-world lesson in why knowing your numbers isn’t just impo...
2025-03-1333 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayBold Growth, Big Challenges: Craig Talks with John Hillis on Scaling a Business and the Energy TransitionIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with John Hillis, Managing Director of Blackhall & Powis, to discuss the journey from starting a business with little financial knowledge to scaling it into a key player in renewable energy and infrastructure.
John shares how he and his team have navigated the challenges of rapid growth, why cashflow is the one number he watches every day, and how having the right financial insights transformed his business. With Blackhall & Powis supporting multi-billion-pound energy projects across the UK and Europe, this is a must-listen for...
2025-02-2733 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayBreaking the Limits: Craig Talks with Billy Farrell on Mindset, Marketing, and Business GrowthIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Billy Farrell, CEO of Mayhem Marketing, to explore the mindset, resilience, and bold thinking needed to build a standout business.
Billy shares his journey from a tough start in Glasgow to building multiple successful ventures, highlighting the power of authenticity, positioning, and refusing to accept limits. From marketing strategies that cut through the noise to the mindset shifts that drive real success, this conversation is packed with insights for ambitious entrepreneurs.
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ Why mindset is the fou...
2025-02-1336 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayThe Banker’s Perspective: Craig Talks with Chris Lawrie on Funding, Growth, and Smarter Business DecisionsIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Chris Lawrie, Area Director for SME Banking at the Bank of Scotland, to uncover the realities of business banking, funding, and how SMEs can best engage with their bank.
Chris debunks the common myth that "banks aren’t lending," explaining how businesses can position themselves for funding success and why early engagement with your bank is key. From working capital and funding growth to understanding gross margin and financial forecasting, this episode is packed with practical advice for business owners looking to sc...
2025-01-3040 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayBehind the Numbers: Craig Alexander Rattray on Life, Lessons, and LeadershipIn this special episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, the tables are turned as host Craig Alexander Rattray takes the guest seat to share his entrepreneurial journey, philosophies, and financial insights. Interviewed by the lively and ever-curious Gary Muircroft, Craig opens up about his path from a numbers-loving schoolboy in Wishaw to a business mentor transforming the lives of entrepreneurs.
From reflections on childhood inspiration to candid thoughts on the shortcomings of traditional accountants, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a man who believes finance is simple – and essential for business success. Cr...
2025-01-1632 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayForecasting for Growth: Craig Talks with Colin Hewitt on Mastering Cash Flow and Building Strong BusinessesIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, host Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Colin Hewitt, founder of Float, to dive into the essential topic of cash flow forecasting and its transformative impact on business decision-making. Colin shares his journey from running a digital agency to creating Float, a cash forecasting app designed to help small businesses thrive by providing clarity, confidence, and control over their finances.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by business owners, Colin reveals how cash flow forecasting isn't just about numbers - it's about creating a strategy to...
2025-01-0239 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom Old Firm Referee to Business Advisor: Craig Chats With Stuart Dougal About Leadership, Resilience, and Navigating Tough DecisionsIn this episode of the Know Your Numbers podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray catches up with his good friend Stuart Dougal, a man who’s no stranger to high-pressure decisions. Known for his years as a top Scottish Premier League referee, including officiating some of the most intense Old Firm clashes, Stuart brings a unique perspective to the world of business.
Having transitioned from the football pitch to corporate restructuring and now running his own advisory business, Stuart shares the lessons he's learned about navigating tough decisions, managing pressure, and staying cool under fire—both in football and in b...
2024-12-1931 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom the Family Business to Business Growth: Craig Talks Business Lessons with Steven PettigrewIn this episode of Know Your Numbers, host Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Steven Pettigrew, a business owner and entrepreneur who has experienced the highs and lows of running a family business and striking out on his own. Steven candidly shares his journey of navigating the challenges of stepping into the family business straight out of school, and eventually realising it wasn’t the right fit for him.
Steven discusses how his early experiences shaped his understanding of business ownership, resilience, and growth. From balancing cash flow to handling setbacks, he offers invaluable insights into the re...
2024-12-0535 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayScaling Smarter: Craig Discusses Building a Business for Success With Laura TaylorIn this episode of the Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by Laura Taylor, an accomplished accountant and entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in helping businesses scale and succeed. Laura shares her journey from traditional accounting to founding Bright Flamingo, a modern, tech-driven firm. Together, they dive into the realities of business growth, financial forecasting, and the importance of choosing the right financial partner.
If you’re a business owner looking for practical advice on building a scalable and profitable business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring lessons.
...
2024-11-2132 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayThe Contract Expert: Craig Talks With Yosof Ewing On Managing Contract Risk And Avoiding Being Squeezed By The 'Big Boys'In this eye-opening episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Yosof Ewing, known as "The Contract Coach," to discuss the essentials of navigating contracts in construction and specialised trades.
Yosof shares powerful insights into protecting your business against unfair terms and risky payment practices. From avoiding “sign-at-any-cost” clauses to standing firm on terms that protect your cash flow, this episode is a must-listen for anyone managing contracts in the construction or trade sectors.
Yosof has been on the front lines of contract negotiations and adjudication, helping businesses like yours avoi...
2024-11-0735 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayCraig chats with Rebecca Sutherland on Confidence, Business Turnarounds, and Knowing Your NumbersIn this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, host Craig Alexander Rattray speaks with Rebecca Sutherland, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and mentor, who has successfully turned around several businesses. Joining the conversation from sunny Portugal, Rebecca opens up about her journey through the challenging world of business ownership, the importance of financial literacy, and the hard decisions that come with running companies.
Rebecca shares how her experience in a struggling manufacturing business led to a deeper understanding of the importance of knowing your numbers - confidence built through mastering her profit and loss accounts, balance sheets...
2024-10-2435 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom Football to Finance: Craig Talks With Lee Mair About Football, Finance, And Life After The GameIn this episode of Know Your Numbers, host Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with former professional footballer and now funding expert, Lee Mair, to discuss his journey from the world of football to founding his finance brokerage, Mair Finance. Lee opens up about the emotional and financial challenges of transitioning from a football career to the "real world" and shares his personal experience of going from earning six figures a year to selling photocopiers for £18,000 a year.
Lee also touches on the unique financial struggles many ex-footballers face, including depression, bankruptcy, and the pressure on families. Now, a...
2024-10-1036 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayFrom Operator to Entrepreneur: Craig Alexander Rattray Discusses Financial Business Challenges with Peter Archibald, Managing Director of Haldane Construction.Join Scotland’s renowned cash flow expert, Craig Alexander Rattray, as he delves into the journey of transitioning from an operator to an entrepreneur. Craig sits down with Peter Archibald, Managing Director of Haldane Construction, to discuss the hurdles and triumphs faced in challenging circumstances.
Peter's story begins in 2011 when they met as he was busy building Craig’s house and creating the back garden in his digger. Thirteen years later, Peter not only owns that business but has also navigated its growth through challenging and unexpected circumstances.
Join us as Peter shares his early star...
2024-09-2627 min
Know Your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayThe Know Your Numbers Podcast Launches This Thursday, 26th September🎉 The Countdown Is On! 🎉
We're officially launching The Know Your Numbers Podcast on Thursday the 26th of September! 🎙
Whether you're running a business, thinking of starting one, or simply want to make smarter decisions... this is the podcast for YOU!
We’ve got a brilliant line-up of business owners and industry experts (and even an accountant 😉) sharing their best stories, strategies, and hard-won lessons.
This isn’t just 'another' podcast. The Know Your Numbers Podcast is your fast track to getting the insights that will help you sleep better at night. 😴💡
If you want t...
2024-09-2400 min
Construction Cashflow PodcastNegotiating With GiantsConstruction Cashflow is Sponsored by Know Your NumbersClick the Following 'Know Your Number's Link' to find out how you can unlock financial transformation in your business.CLICK HERE TO START YOUR FINANCIAL TRANSFORMATIONEpisode Title: Vistry's 10% Cut: How to Negotiate as a Specialist ContractorHost: Stu DavidsonSummary: Vistry's recent demand for a 10% cut from its suppliers has caused ripples in the construction industry. In this episode, Stu Davidson discusses how specialist contractors can negotiate effectively in response to this demand.
2023-10-1305 min
Construction Cashflow PodcastKnow Your NumbersHey there, construction industry enthusiasts! Get ready to dive into the world of financial mastery tailored specifically for our dynamic field. Welcome back to another exciting episode of the "Construction Cashflow Podcast." I'm your host, Stu Davidson, and today, we've got something truly special in store for you.Ever felt like your construction business is on the brink of something great, but navigating the financial landscape feels like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics? Well, hold onto your hard hats, because I've got just the expert to guide you through the maze.Joining us today is none...
2023-08-1146 min
The Wealthy Wednesday Podcast with Dave DrimmieS2 E11: Knowing your Numbers with Craig Alexander RattrayJoin me in discussion with Craig Alexander Rattray to tackle more of the financial side of our CRASH acronym:
Partial Transcript:
Craig: I think to start, we need to take a step back and understand that most people who are running businesses, and whether that's construction or some other sector, they're running that because they understand that sector. they know how to build houses, or they know how to provide a particular type of service, because that's what they've been taught in. But they've never been taught about finance, accounts, banking, cash...
2022-11-3039 min
The Savvy FounderEp 17: A European Perspective on Financing and Raising Money for Scalable Startups with Craig Alexander RattrayI wanted to know if there were differences in Europe and their approach to equity and scalable startups; So in this episode, I interview Craig Alexander Rattray, a chartered accountant (that’s the UK’s version of the Certified Public Accountant) from Glasglow, for some answers. Overall startups have the same issues and concerns in Europe as […]
The post Ep 17: A European Perspective on Financing and Raising Money for Scalable Startups with Craig Alexander Rattray appeared first on Philip Topham Personal Site.
2021-08-1000 min
WhysAdvice™ with FatDagAlice in OnderdlandTake the next step as a Wingman! Join them - become a Patron! Thank you! GENERAL Jeanne Blankenship CHIEF Jennifer Cunningham | Stella COLONEL Amy Wallack | Denise Metcalf | Diane Musachio | Donna cutting | HEATHER D MORSE | Karen Maddox | Kim Bixel | Lisa Hensarling | Mitzi Daggett | Pam Goepfarth MAJOR Amy Gilbert | Andrea Moore | Carie Sauders | Christie Eller | Danielle Rocco | David Marquez | Gayle Stetson | Karen Antczak | KeithNY | Kim Morris | Leigh M Meeks | Lorie Saito | Melanie C Weitz | Michelle Rhodes | Mike Daggett | Rebecca Hargis | Tammy Swinne...
2018-03-0535 min