If you own a garage, body shop or used car sales business, you may have experienced cash flow issues even though your business is profitable.
Why Profitable Motor Trade Businesses Can Still Have Cash Flow Problems
Profit and Cash Flow
Cash flow issues in profitable motor trade businesses is something we see regularly at The Motortrade Accountants.
The reason is quite simple: profit and cash flow are not the same thing.
Profit Doesn’t Always Mean Cash in the Bank
Your accounts may show a healthy profit, but that doesn’t mean the cash is available to spend.
For example:
- Money may be tied up in vehicle stock.
- Customers may not have paid their invoices yet.
- A large VAT payment could be due next quarter.
- Finance repayments may be reducing available cash.
We’ve worked with profitable motor trade businesses that still experience cash flow pressure because too much money is tied up elsewhere in the business.
How Successful Motor Trade Businesses Stay in Control
The most successful garages and vehicle dealers don’t just focus on profit. They regularly monitor:
- Cash flow forecasts
- Stock ageing
- Outstanding customer balances
- VAT liabilities
- Management accounts
This gives them a clearer picture of their financial position and allows them to make decisions before problems arise.
Need Help?
Profit is important, but cash flow is what keeps a business moving forward.
The motor trade businesses that perform best are rarely the ones with the highest turnover. More often, they’re the businesses who know their finances well.
At The Motortrade Accountants, we help garages, workshops and used vehicle sales businesses improve cash flow, reduce tax and make better financial decisions.
If you’d like a clearer understanding of your business finances, we’d be happy to help.
Speak to a specialist motor trade accountant today
We’ve been advising motor trade clients for over 30 years. To see how we can help your automotive business, call 01603 904131 or email enquire@themotortradeaccountants.co.uk
Real advice for the motor trade industry
For more practical advice that could save you money, protect your business and help it grow, request a free copy of our brochure, ‘5 Expensive Mistakes that Could Put the Brakes on Your Motor Trade Business’.
