🚩 Why Cashflow Problems Catch Organisations Off Guard

Most cashflow issues don’t come out of nowhere. They creep in slowly—missed invoices, underestimating running costs, or banking on income that doesn’t materialise.

Here’s what to watch out for:

Over-optimistic income forecasting: Counting on income before it's in the bank (especially grants or fundraising targets) can give a false sense of security.

Unclear fund restrictions: Using restricted income to cover core costs might plug a short-term gap, but it creates bigger problems down the line.

Spending before confirming funding: Starting projects or recruitment before money is confirmed often backfires.

Late expense claims: These build up in the background and can throw off your available cash if they all come in at once.

✅ Five Cashflow Habits That Help You Stay in Control

Let’s make it practical. Here are five things you can start doing now:

Check your cash position weekly
A five-minute review once a week can flag issues before they snowball. Waiting for month-end is often too late.

Keep restricted and unrestricted funds separate
Knowing what’s genuinely available helps you make clearer, safer decisions.

Only count confirmed income
Treat funding applications and pledges as possible, not guaranteed, until you have the formal go-ahead.

Build in a buffer
Even a small reserve or contingency line in your budget gives you breathing space when the unexpected hits.

Make cashflow a shared responsibility
From staff submitting expenses on time to managers understanding income timing—everyone has a role to play.

🛠️ Need a Hand? That’s What We’re Here For.

At North West Numbers CIC, we don’t just offer templates and spreadsheets—we help you understand the story your cashflow is telling you.

Our Cashflow Forecasting & Budgeting service is designed specifically for small social enterprises, CICs, and charities. We’ll work with you to:

• Map your income and outgoings clearly
• Plan for different funding scenarios
• Understand your peaks, dips, and pressure points
• Build a practical, flexible forecast you can actually use

You don’t need to be a finance expert—you just need a plan that makes sense for your organisation. We’ll help you create that.

Whether you need a one-off review or ongoing support, our team can help you navigate cashflow challenges with confidence. We also offer financial training to empower your staff and trustees to understand and manage your finances more effectively.

Ready to Take Control?

If cashflow worries are keeping you up at night, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to tackle them by yourself. Explore our services to see how we can support your organisation’s financial health, or book a free discovery call for tailored advice.