Interview with Suzi Laird

Suzi Laird is the founder of Positive Balance, a bookkeeping practice in Edinburgh, dedicated to helping small businesses gain clarity and confidence in their finances.  With a focus on systems and efficiency, she helps business owners reclaim their brain space so they can focus on doing what they do best.  When she’s not managing client accounts, she’s juggling family life, planning her next trip, or enjoying a well-earned catch-up with friends.

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What inspired you to start your own business, and what challenges did you face in the initial stages of entrepreneurship?

Like many people I started toying with the idea of “doing a bit of bookkeeping on the side” while on furlough.  I had a job at the time and realised that, with 3 young kids I needed more flexibility (and money!) in my life.  I also knew that many small business owners struggle with financial management, and I wanted to create bookkeeping services that went beyond just keeping on the right side of HMRC.  I wanted to help my clients not only stay organised but also to give them peace of mind, clarity and confidence around their numbers. The biggest challenge early on was trying to grow a business alongside having a part-time job and being a mum.  Trying to do all of those well was really challenging at times and there were definitely times where the odd ball was dropped.

How do you maintain a work-life balance while running a successful business?

It's definitely a work in progress but I literally named the business Positive Balance so that tells you how important it is to me!  I have young kids and a puppy, so balancing everything is a constant juggling act. I’ve had to put some boundaries in place.  We are also big on efficiency in the practice so we automate as much as possible and I’ve had to learn to delegate! The biggest change has been shifting my mindset; I no longer feel guilty about taking time for myself because I know that if I burn out, my business suffers too.

Can you share a significant milestone or achievement that you are particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

Growing the business to the point where I could leave employment was a big step and a bit of a risk but I could never go back to being an employee now. More recently, hiring my first employee felt like a major step towards building something bigger than just me.

Have you experienced any gender-related obstacles or biases since starting your own business?

I’ve been fortunate that the bookkeeping industry is quite balanced in terms of gender and the majority of my clients are female-led small businesses who “get it”.  One thing I’ve noticed are the number of networking events which are happening at the exact same time as the morning school run and I’ve thought to myself “well that counts me out”.  Plenty of others in Edinburgh though so I’m spoiled for choice regardless.

How do you empower and support other women in business?

Most of my clients are female-led businesses, and I love being part of their growth journey. I also focus on making finance feel approachable rather than intimidating, which I know helps many women feel more confident about managing their business finances. Outside of my work, I actively engage in online communities and networking groups where I support and refer other female entrepreneurs.

What role has mentorship played in your career, and how has it influenced your growth as a business owner?

I haven’t had a formal mentor, but before I had my own business I worked for entrepreneurs for the best part of 10 years and learned loads about adaptability, resilience and most importantly how cash flow needs to be prioritised over pretty much everything else.  I’ve also now got a great community of small business owners that I can call friends and seeing how others navigate challenges has helped me shape my own approach. I also try to pay it forward by offering guidance to new business owners.

How have you found marketing your business – has it been easy for you, or have you found it quite difficult?

Marketing didn’t come naturally at first, but over time, I’ve developed a strategy that works. I focus on building relationships and showing up consistently rather than trying to be everywhere all at once. LinkedIn has been a great platform for me, as well as referrals from happy clients and contacts I’ve met through networking.

What are your main marketing activities, and what do you find works best for you?

I post regularly on LinkedIn and Instagram, making sure my content is valuable and relatable. I also use in-person networking to connect with potential clients. Referrals are my strongest source of new business, so I prioritise delivering a great service that makes people want to recommend me.

Can you discuss a time when you had to pivot or adapt your business strategy?

When I first started, I was doing a mix of bookkeeping, tax returns, and power hours. Over time, I realised I didn’t enjoy the compliance work, and it didn’t align with my long-term vision. So, I gradually shifted my focus to monthly bookkeeping clients, which has made my business more sustainable and scalable.

Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations for your business?

I want to grow Positive Balance to the point where I can step back from day-to-day operations and have a team managing things, allowing me to focus on the bigger picture. I’m also working on creating a course for new entrepreneurs to help them get confident with their finances.