A collection of news and insights from the team at AS Advisory
For most business owners, valuation is only thought about when someone asks the question. Whether it’s when a buyer approaches them. Or a lender requests financial information Or a creditor wants clarity about the position of the business. At that point, the business...
Most insolvency risk doesn’t arrive suddenly. Instead, it builds quietly.
Weak governance is rarely obvious at first.
The business keeps trading. Revenue holds. The numbers look “okay”.
But behind the scenes, controls loosen, compliance slips, costs creep and small issues compound.
Your Q4 review told you what happened.
January decides whether it repeats.
Many business owners return from the break with momentum – and a quiet sense that something in the numbers still doesn’t quite add up.
That’s normal.
What matters is whether Q4 insights get translated into action before the year accelerates.
We see the same pattern every year.
Cash tightens. Margins slip. Decisions start feeling urgent – not because the business is failing, but because financial clarity was deferred.
This blog breaks down:
– why January matters more than most realise
– a common post-Q4 cash and margin pattern we see in SMEs
– three practical questions to help you reset financial control early
If your Q4 review raised questions you haven’t yet turned into action, this is worth a read.
👉 Read the full blog below
As 2025 draws to a close, one thing has been consistent across almost every business we’ve supported: pressure has been building, and it has become harder for SMEs to confidently navigate daily operations. Not only did these themes affect one sector or one size of...
Thinking about selling your business? It can be one of the most rewarding milestones for an entrepreneur, yet it’s also one of the most challenging. I’ve seen many business owners pour years of effort into building a successful company, only to feel anxious when it...
A Turning Point Many Owners Don’t See Coming Most business owners picture the finish line long before they reach it - the moment they hand over the keys, walk out with a fair price, and step into the next chapter of life. What they don’t expect is that the toughest...
For many business owners, December and January can feel like standing at a crossroads. Some industries - construction, manufacturing, professional services - slow to a halt. Others - retail, hospitality, tourism - hit overdrive. No matter which camp you fall into, the...
One of the toughest conversations I have with business owners is around Director Penalty Notices (DPNs). Most directors don’t realise that company debt can end up on their own shoulders until a letter from the ATO lands in their inbox. If you’re a director, it’s worth...
If you’re running a business, I get it - lodging your BAS or tax return isn’t always at the top of the list. Between keeping staff paid, chasing invoices, and managing the day-to-day, paperwork can easily slip down the pile. And for a while, especially through COVID,...
Andrew Schwarz, Founder of AS Advisory, is a Liquidator and Forensic Accountant with over 30 years of experience guiding business owners and their advisors through financial crises. His calm, outcome-focused approach is built on integrity, real-world expertise, and a deep passion for helping people turn setbacks into comebacks.
“Our mission is to give business owners their freedom back through clear advice, structured strategies, and unwavering support.” — Andrew Schwarz