Why Landscaping & Gardening Limited Companies Often Feel the Squeeze
By Hammond & Co
One of the most frustrating situations for landscaping and gardening limited company directors is being told:
“Your business is profitable…”
…while simultaneously feeling:
- Short of cash
- Stressed about VAT or Corporation Tax
- Unsure how to pay yourself consistently
- Anxious every time HMRC deadlines loom
If this sounds familiar, you’re not doing anything “wrong” — but you are experiencing a very common disconnect in trade-based, seasonal limited companies.
At Hammond & Co, we help directors understand why profit and cash are not the same, why this problem arises in landscaping and gardening businesses, and — most importantly — how to fix it.
Profit and Cash Are Not the Same Thing
The biggest misconception we see is: profit equals cash in the bank.
Profit is an accounting figure, calculated as:
- Income earned minus expenses incurred
- Over a period of time
It includes items like:
- Invoices raised but not yet paid
- Costs you owe but haven’t yet settled
- Non-cash items like depreciation
Cash is simple:
- What is actually in your bank account right now
It’s possible — and very common — to be:
- Profitable on paper
- Cash-poor in reality
For seasonal landscaping and gardening businesses, this happens all the time.
Why This Is So Common in Landscaping & Gardening
1. Costs Often Come Before Income
You may:
- Pay staff weekly or monthly
- Cover fuel, materials, and plant hire upfront
- Pay for vans, insurance, and tools regardless of workload
Clients may:
- Pay 14–30 days later
- Delay payment
- Only settle invoices at the end of a project
That timing gap creates cash pressure, even when the business is profitable.
2. VAT Is Sitting in the Bank — But Isn’t Yours
A common trap:
You invoice £12,000 + £2,400 VAT = £14,400 hits your account.
It feels like cash in hand — but the £2,400 is owed to HMRC.
If VAT isn’t ring-fenced, it can easily get spent, leaving a nasty surprise when the return is due.
3. Seasonality Distorts Cash Flow
Landscaping and gardening businesses are highly seasonal:
- Spring and summer: busy, strong cash flow
- Autumn and winter: quieter, unpredictable
Without planning, cash from summer can be spent freely, leaving winter stressful. Profit over 12 months may look healthy, but timing is critical.
4. Equipment Purchases Drain Cash
Big-ticket items such as:
- Vans, trailers, ride-on mowers, diggers, and specialist tools
Can:
- Reduce cash in the short term
- Impact dividend availability
- Improve long-term business efficiency
Even profitable years can feel cash-poor if these purchases aren’t planned for.
5. Director Drawings Without a Plan
Many directors take money:
- When cash feels available
- Without checking profit
- Without accounting for tax
This can quickly lead to:
- Overdrawn Director’s Loan Accounts
- Cash shortages
- Tax problems
The business ends up funding the director — rather than the other way around.
The Classic “Profitable but Broke” Scenario
We see this repeatedly:
- Company shows £80,000 profit
- Director assumes all is fine
- VAT and Corporation Tax haven’t been set aside
- Director has taken drawings
Then:
- VAT becomes due
- Corporation Tax bill lands
- Cash isn’t there
Suddenly, a “profitable” business feels like it’s failing — even though the issue is planning and visibility, not performance.
Understanding Where the Cash Has Gone
To fix the problem, you first need clarity. Ask yourself:
- How much of the bank balance is VAT?
- How much tax is building up?
- How much have I taken personally?
- What bills are due in the next 3 months?
Without this visibility, you’re essentially flying blind.
The Hidden Role of Corporation Tax
Corporation Tax is a silent cash killer because it’s paid months after year-end.
Many directors:
- Forget about it
- Spend the cash
- Get caught out later
A profitable landscaping company can easily build up a five-figure Corporation Tax bill without realising it.
Why Cash Flow Matters More Than Profit Day-to-Day
Profit is important for:
- Long-term growth
- Business valuation
- Sustainability
But cash flow keeps the doors open.
You can:
- Survive a bad month with good cash flow
- Go under with strong profits but no cash
This is why cash planning should be reviewed more often than profits — especially in seasonal trades like landscaping and gardening.
How to Fix the “Profitable but No Cash” Problem
1. Separate Your Money Mentally (and Physically)
- VAT is not your money
- Tax is not your money
- Director pay is planned, not ad hoc
Many businesses benefit from:
- A separate VAT savings account
- A tax reserve account
This removes temptation and stress.
2. Move Away from “Bank Balance Accounting”
Decisions shouldn’t be based on “what’s in the bank.”
You need:
- Regular profit figures
- Tax estimates
- Cash forecasts
It doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to exist.
3. Match Director Pay to Profits, Not Cash
Director pay should be based on:
- Actual profits
- Forecast tax
- Seasonality
Not on:
- Busy months
- Large client payments
- Temporary cash spikes
This prevents overdrawn loan accounts and future tax issues.
4. Plan for Quiet Periods in Advance
Busy season cash should:
- Cover quieter months
- Fund tax bills
- Provide stability
If winter income drops, your plan should already reflect that — not react to it.
5. Review Pricing and Payment Terms
Sometimes the issue isn’t spending — it’s how and when you get paid.
Consider:
- Faster invoicing
- Deposits for large jobs
- Clear payment terms
- Early chasing of overdue invoices
Improving payment timing alone can transform cash flow.
Why This Is Easier With Ongoing Support
Most directors don’t struggle because they’re bad at business. They struggle because:
- No one explains the numbers clearly
- Accounts are only seen once a year
- Problems are identified too late
Ongoing support provides:
- Regular check-ins
- Early warning signs
- Adjustments before cash becomes tight
This is especially valuable in landscaping and gardening, where income can fluctuate quickly.
How Hammond & Co Helps Landscaping & Gardening Directors
At Hammond & Co, we help directors:
- Understand the difference between profit and cash
- Plan for VAT and Corporation Tax
- Create sustainable director pay strategies
- Remove stress around money
Our goal isn’t just compliance — it’s clarity, control, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
If your landscaping or gardening limited company is profitable but constantly short of cash, you’re not alone — and you’re not failing.
This problem usually comes down to:
- Timing
- Planning
- Visibility
Address those, and many directors experience immediate relief and confidence.
Profit keeps score. Cash keeps you sane.
Ready to Get Control of Your Cash?
If you’d like help understanding where your cash is going — and how to stop the stress — Hammond & Co offers no-obligation support to get your finances in order.