Shows
Business with the Donnos"I Don't Make Dad Jokes" and Other AI ImpossibilitiesSend us a textThe AI revolution isn't just for tech giants—it's transforming how small businesses operate right now. In this eye-opening conversation, Jade and Paul Dono break down the practical ways artificial intelligence is already working behind the scenes in businesses of all sizes, and how savvy entrepreneurs can harness its power without complex technical knowledge.Discover how a simple plumber's business can be completely transformed through AI-powered booking systems, automated payments, and review collection. Learn why the dreaded admin work that plagues tradespeople can be reduced to simply taking photos of receipts wi...2025-08-0829 minBusiness with the DonnosThe Great Work Debate: Home vs OfficeSend us a textThe workplace has undergone a seismic shift since 2020, leaving business owners grappling with fundamental questions about where and how their teams should work. Jade and Paul Dono tackle this pivotal debate with refreshing honesty and practical insights from both sides of the generational divide.Drawing from their experience running One Accounts through the pandemic—where they achieved remarkable 67% growth during remote working—the father-daughter duo dismantles outdated thinking around office presenteeism. "That lack of trust," Jade points out, "is never going to build a good culture with your team." Paul adds that...2025-08-0129 minBusiness with the DonnosWhy Smart Business Owners Embrace VAT Instead of Fighting ItSend us a textFear of crossing the VAT threshold is stunting the growth of countless UK small businesses. We've witnessed business owners take drastic measures—including temporarily shutting down operations—just to stay below the £90,000 mark and avoid VAT registration. This mindset creates an artificial ceiling that prevents scaling, expansion, and ultimately, success.The apprehension typically stems from misconceptions about what VAT registration actually means for a business. Many fear the administrative burden or worry about raising prices and losing customers. What they're missing is the complete picture: yes, you'll charge VAT on sales, but y...2025-07-2533 minBusiness with the DonnosHow to Actually Enjoy Your Holiday When You Own a BusinessSend us a textEver wondered how to take a proper holiday when your business relies on you? For family businesses, this challenge multiplies when several key people want to vacation together. How do you keep operations running smoothly while actually enjoying your time away?This episode tackles the real struggle business owners face when planning time off. We share candid stories about our upcoming family cruise and how we've prepared our team to handle things while five of us are simultaneously away. From HR emergencies during past holidays to the challenge of truly disconnecting...2025-07-0733 min
Business with the DonnosCharge What You're Worth (Before You Burn Out)Send us a textStruggling to price your services confidently? You're not alone. This candid conversation between Jade and Paul Dono tackles the widespread problem of business owners undervaluing their expertise and time.We've noticed a pattern across our client base—and in our own accounting practice—where small business owners consistently undercharge, overdeliver, and ultimately burn out. Drawing from real examples, we explore why so many entrepreneurs fall into this trap and how it creates a cycle that hinders business growth and personal wellbeing.The signs are often subtle: quickly offering discounts when...2025-07-0740 min
Business with the DonnosApprenticeship vs University: Finding the Right PathSend us a textThe age-old question of whether to pursue university education or an apprenticeship remains a pivotal decision for young people and businesses alike. After attending an enlightening debate at Cambridge University on whether graduates can compete in today's job market, we found ourselves on opposite sides of the argument – Paul championing apprenticeships while Jade defended the value of university degrees.Drawing from our direct experience employing apprentices at One Account, we've witnessed firsthand how young talent like Harry, James, and Zach have transformed into invaluable team members. The apprenticeship model offers unique ad...2025-06-2738 min
Business with the DonnosTheatre Chairs and Popcorn: Making Balance Sheets Make SenseSend us a textThe heartbeat of your business isn't your profit and loss statement—it's your balance sheet. We pull back the curtain on this misunderstood financial document that reveals the true strength of your company.While most small business owners obsess over turnover figures, we explore why focusing solely on profit can lead to disaster if your balance sheet isn't healthy. Paul breaks down the critical components in plain English: assets (what you own), liabilities (what you owe), and how these must balance with equity to create financial stability that withstands sales downturns.2025-06-2031 min
Business with the DonnosThe Essential Guide to KPIs for Family Business SuccessSend us a textKey Performance Indicators offer a tangible way to measure business performance and track progress toward growth goals. We pull back the curtain on how these metrics can transform decision-making and provide early warning systems for potential problems.• Pick three key KPIs to monitor monthly for most businesses• Financial KPIs include gross profit percentage, net profit percentage, and staff wages to turnover ratio• Stock turnover rate is crucial for retail businesses to avoid locking up cash in inventory• Non-financial metrics like customer satisfaction and operational efficiency are equally important• Mo...2025-06-1339 min
Business with the DonnosEpisode 5 - Dealing with Change – Without Losing Your Head (or Your Team)Send us a textIn this week’s episode of Business with the Donnos, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges in any business – dealing with change (and not losing your team – or your sanity – in the process).Paul admits he’s got a habit of making changes on the fly (usually without telling anyone), which drives Jade completely up the wall. From switching systems with no warning to "having a new idea every Monday," it's a miracle she’s still here with a full head of hair. Expect some hilarious behind-the-sce...2025-06-0634 min
Business with the DonnosEpisode 4 - Moving Offices - The good, the bad and the bubble wrapSend us a textThis week on Business with the Donnos, we’ve been surrounded by boxes, cables, and more keyboards than we care to admit – because we’re moving offices!In this episode, we share the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons from relocating our family business to The EpiCentre in Haverhill – with a big shout out to their brilliant team for making the transition smoother.We cover:Why we decided to moveWhat we wish we’d known beforehandHow to keep your business running mid-moveWhen to take the leap from spare room...2025-05-2934 min
Business with the DonnosEpisode 3 - What Great Customer Service Actually Looks LikeSend us a textThis week on Business with the Donnos, we’re diving into all things customer service – the good, the bad, and the unforgettable.We’re sharing our own experiences (including a few horror stories), what we discussed in our latest team meeting, and why amazing customer service is at the heart of everything we do – especially in a family-run business. From AI chatter to real human connection, we explore why robots can't replace kindness.Plus: 💥 Jade eliminates her husband Josh - not literally - don't panic 💡 Paul shares a heart-warming...2025-05-2335 min
Business with the DonnosEpisode 2 - Is It Worth It? – The Truth About Industry EventsSend us a textIn this episode, we’re fresh from attending two very different industry events – and we’re unpacking the good, the bad, and the slightly awkward!We chat about what we actually got out of these days away from the office, from making genuine connections to getting inspired (and slightly overwhelmed). Whether you’re a seasoned networker or wondering if events are just a day of free pens and bad coffee – this one’s for you.Plus: 🎤 Jade shares a hilarious story involving an unexpected game of rock, paper, scissors (yes, r...2025-05-1631 min
Business with the DonnosEpisode 1 - Our Business, Our ChaosSend us a text🎙️ Episode 1: Meet the Donnos – Our Business, Our ChaosWelcome to the very first episode of Business with the Donnos – the podcast where family meets business and things get a little bit chaotic (in the best way).We’re lifting the lid on who we are, how we accidentally (and sometimes chaotically) built an award-winning accountancy firm, and why we’ve decided to hit record and invite you along for the ride.In this episode: 🧠 Why we’re starting a podcast (and what you’ll actually get...2025-05-0824 min