Explore every episode of the podcast The Balanced Business Podcast

In the second episode, Nicola walks you through the practicalities of setting up your Limited company. From choosing a company name and share structure to registering with Companies House and HMRC, she shares the steps you need to take and the pitfalls to avoid. 

You’ll learn why opening a separate business bank account matters, how to decide on share classes, and why getting the paperwork right now saves headaches later. 

As an accountant who supports owner‑managed businesses every day, Nicola provides clear guidance and real‑world advice. If you’re ready to turn your business into a Limited company – or want to check you’ve done it correctly – this episode gives you a checklist of essentials.

What You’ll Learn:

• The key steps to set up a Limited company and register with Companies House and HMRC.
• How to structure shares, choose a name, and open a separate business bank account.
• Practical tips to avoid common formation mistakes.

Resources & Links:

I’ve written a book that expands on the topics in this podcast and comes with a companion guide. Learn more at www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk/book.

About the Podcast:

The Balanced Business – The Director’s Handbook is a 12‑part podcast series hosted by Bedford‑based Chartered Accountant Nicola Hageman. Designed for UK small business owners and company directors, the podcast explains how to run a Limited company with more clarity, confidence, and control. Each episode covers a practical topic – from choosing your business structure and staying compliant with HMRC to budgeting, VAT, systems, and delegating. The series is based on Nicola’s book and companion guide, available at www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk/book.

About Nicola and The Numbers Quarter:

Nicola Hageman is the founder of The Numbers Quarter, a friendly and approachable accountancy practice based in Bedford. She specialises in helping owner‑managed businesses grow their profits, plan for the future, and reduce stress. Nicola is known for her plain‑speaking advice and passion for aligning personal and business goals.

Connect with Nicola:

• Instagram – www.instagram.com/nicola_hageman
• LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/nicolahageman
• Website – www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk

Becoming a director brings both freedom and responsibility. In this episode, Nicola explores what it really means to be the director of a Limited company in the UK. She explains the legal duties imposed by the Companies Act, the accountability to shareholders and stakeholders, and the personal mindset shift needed when you move from sole trader to company director. 

You’ll hear how directors must keep proper records, avoid conflicts of interest, and act in the company’s best interests. Nicola also shares ways to build confidence in your new role, from understanding your reporting obligations to seeking professional support. 

If stepping into a director’s position feels daunting, this conversation will set you at ease.

What You’ll Learn:

• The core legal and ethical duties of a UK company director.
• The difference between being an employee and being a director.
•  Mindset shifts and practical steps to embrace your new role.

Resources & Links:

I’ve written a book that expands on the topics in this podcast and comes with a companion guide. Learn more at www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk/book.

About the Podcast:

The Balanced Business – The Director’s Handbook is a 12‑part podcast series hosted by Bedford‑based Chartered Accountant Nicola Hageman. Designed for UK small business owners and company directors, the podcast explains how to run a Limited company with more clarity, confidence, and control. Each episode covers a practical topic – from choosing your business structure and staying compliant with HMRC to budgeting, VAT, systems, and delegating. The series is based on Nicola’s book and companion guide, available at www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk/book.

About Nicola and The Numbers Quarter:

Nicola Hageman is the founder of The Numbers Quarter, a friendly and approachable accountancy practice based in Bedford. She specialises in helping owner‑managed businesses grow their profits, plan for the future, and reduce stress. Nicola is known for her plain‑speaking advice and passion for aligning personal and business goals.

Connect with Nicola:

• Instagram – www.instagram.com/nicola_hageman
• LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/nicolahageman
• Website – www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk

Thinking of switching from sole trader to a Limited company? In this opening episode, Nicola tackles one of the biggest questions small business owners face: whether to incorporate. 

She breaks down the differences between trading as a sole trader and operating as a Limited company, covering tax planning, liability protection, ownership structures, and director responsibilities. 

Nicola explains the pros and cons in plain English and offers guidance on deciding when the timing is right. Whether you’re a self‑employed professional, a consultant, or running a growing company, this episode will help you weigh up the benefits and obligations of becoming a company director. If you’ve typed “Should I go Limited?” into your search bar, this conversation is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

•           The differences between sole trader and Limited company structures.

•           How tax, liability, and ownership change when you incorporate.

•           Key questions to ask before deciding to form a Limited company.

Resources & Links:

I’ve written a book that expands on the topics in this podcast and comes with a companion guide. Learn more at www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk/book.

About the Podcast:

The Balanced Business – The Director’s Handbook is a 12‑part podcast series hosted by Bedford‑based Chartered Accountant Nicola Hageman. Designed for UK small business owners and company directors, the podcast explains how to run a Limited company with more clarity, confidence, and control. Each episode covers a practical topic – from choosing your business structure and staying compliant with HMRC to budgeting, VAT, systems, and delegating. The series is based on Nicola’s book and companion guide, available at www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk/book.

About Nicola and The Numbers Quarter:

Nicola Hageman is the founder of The Numbers Quarter, a friendly and approachable accountancy practice based in Bedford. She specialises in helping owner‑managed businesses grow their profits, plan for the future, and reduce stress. Nicola is known for her plain‑speaking advice and passion for aligning personal and business goals.

Connect with Nicola:

• Instagram – www.instagram.com/nicola_hageman
• LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/nicolahageman
• Website – www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk

In this short welcome episode, I introduce The Balanced Business Podcast and share what you can expect from the series — whether you’re new here or already a few episodes in.

We start with a 12-part series called The Director’s Handbook, designed especially for owner-managed businesses running (or thinking about running) a Limited company in the UK. It covers everything from getting set up and staying compliant to paying yourself properly, managing taxes, understanding your accounts, and knowing when to get support — all in a clear, jargon-free way.

After that, we move into Purposeful Profits — a second series focused on making sure your business is delivering what you actually want from it: more money, more time, and less stress. We’ll explore profit margins, pricing, cash flow, and how to align your finances with your personal goals.

Whether you’re just starting out or running an established business, this podcast is here to help you build something that’s profitable, sustainable, and satisfying — without the overwhelm.

Resources & Links:

I’ve written a book that expands on the topics in this podcast and comes with a companion guide. Learn more at www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk/book.

About the Podcast:

The Balanced Business – The Director’s Handbook is a 12‑part podcast series hosted by Bedford‑based Chartered Accountant Nicola Hageman. Designed for UK small business owners and company directors, the podcast explains how to run a Limited company with more clarity, confidence, and control. Each episode covers a practical topic – from choosing your business structure and staying compliant with HMRC to budgeting, VAT, systems, and delegating. The series is based on Nicola’s book and companion guide, available at www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk/book.

About Nicola and The Numbers Quarter:

Nicola Hageman is the founder of The Numbers Quarter, a friendly and approachable accountancy practice based in Bedford. She specialises in helping owner‑managed businesses grow their profits, plan for the future, and reduce stress. Nicola is known for her plain‑speaking advice and passion for aligning personal and business goals.

Connect with Nicola:

• Instagram – www.instagram.com/nicola_hageman
• LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/nicolahageman
• Website – www.thenumbersquarter.co.uk