Whether you work for yourself or you run a small business employing others, good record-keeping has a number of benefits. For starters, if your records are up-to-date, it makes filling in your tax return easier and could help you avoid paying too much tax. Keeping track of your income and expenses will also help you budget for any tax you owe. And it can also help reduce your accountant's fees, if you use one, as well-organised information saves them time too.

Emma Wimhurst of EMpwr is a business success. Her company, Diva Cosmetics, achieved near £3m turnover, with fantastic profit margins, in its fourth year of trading. At that stage she decided to sell it and concentrate on motherhood. Now, three children and a happy work-life balance later, she is on a crusade to motivate other business people to achieve success. Here she explains how to take your nursery-based business to the next level.