Refresh Accounting

16/02/2026

I have seen a few posts recently about distilleries being financially stressed.

The hard part is that “stressed” can mean a lot of different things. Sometimes it is margins. Sometimes it is wages. Sometimes it is stock. Often it is simply that cash is inconsistent and the owner pay is all over the place.

So I built a short scorecard for distillery owners: Distillery Profit Potential.

It takes a couple of minutes and it gives you an overall score plus three clear signals:
• Cash flow
• Profitability
• Lifestyle impact

A couple of the questions are simple but telling:
• Are you paying yourself consistently
• Do you know profitability by product

If you want a quick sense check on where the pressure is coming from, it is here: https://ian-vejwmtjh.scoreapp.com

The aim of the quiz is not to give you a “pass or fail”. It is to highlight which area needs your attention first, so you can concentrate on that and not get distracted.

A short quiz to help you highlight the areas that need fixing in your distillery.

23/12/2025

Well, 2025 has been a very hectic year!

We moved house 4 times, lived in 3 countries (France, Spain and England), visited at least 10 countries (including Milan where this picture was taken) and attended a number of conferences (including Prowein, and Bar Convent London, as a speaker). No doubt 2026 will bring more adventures, though hopefully we won't move house quite so frequently!

So as I wrap up 2025 and work on plans for 2026, I just wanted to say that I hope you get a bottle of your favourite spirit, beer or wine and wish you all the very best possible Christmas and New Year 🎉

13/10/2025

New guide just published:

Compare Inventory Management Systems for Australian Distilleries, Breweries and Wineries

It compares the systems that actually work for our industry — including pricing, integrations, and whether they support excise or WET tax.

Whether you’re outgrowing spreadsheets (HINT – you already have), trying to fix a clunky setup, or just want to see what’s out there — this is a good place to start.

👉 Download the guide here

Struggling with inventory software? See my expert guide on the best options for Australian distilleries, breweries & wineries and find out what really works.

30/07/2025

An unexpected stop on my trip back to Melbourne for the Spirits Victoria Association conference, has given me the pleasure of spending a few hours wandering around Helsinki.

My bag has gone solo travelling, so there are some consequences 🤣🤣

02/07/2025

Yesterday I spoke at Bar Convent London, sharing the six strategies I use to help distilleries and other drinks businesses build a more profitable and financially sustainable business.

It was a tad warm and we had a few tech hiccups, but the questions, engagement, and conversations afterwards made it all worthwhile.

If you’re running a distillery and want a better handle on your cash, your pricing, or how to structure your bank accounts to make the numbers work for you, grab the free workbook here:

https://refresh-accounting.kit.com/profit-on-purpose

25/06/2025

A reminder to all Australian distilleries, breweries and wineries that award rates change for the first pay period commencing on, or after, July 1st. Superannuation also increases to 12%.

A perfect opportunity to look at the cash in your business and understand exactly what it's for so that you know you can pay your team, yourself, the good old tax office and your suppliers on time.

Need help with that? DM me!

20/06/2025

I’m speaking at Bar Convent London next week.

The topic?

Profit on Purpose – The Six Financial Strategies That Turn Passion into Profit.

It’s designed for distilleries, breweries, bars, and drinks brands who want to build a business that’s profitable and sustainable, without losing sight of why they started in the first place.

I’ll be sharing the same system I use with clients across the UK and Australia to help them take control of their cash and make confident, consistent decisions.

If you’re coming to Bar Convent London, I’d love to see you there.

📅 Tuesday 1 July

🕞 3.30pm

📍 Main Stage

And if we haven’t met before, I’m Ian. I help distilleries, wineries, and breweries get financial clarity and implement practical strategies to simplify systems, manage cash flow, and build profitable businesses.

Let me know if you’re planning to be there — or tag someone who should be.

15/05/2025

Still using spreadsheets to manage your stock?

That might be OK at the start, but it quickly leads to missed bottling runs, wasted ingredients, and poor visibility on margins.

Here’s what your Inventory Management system should actually be telling you.

https://www.loom.com/share/e012e9c07c4c4d80a4072c2659cb1e0c?sid=a18b1579-8866-4ebb-8510-57cfde029027

Read the full article: https://www.refreshaccounting.com.au/what-your-inventory-management-system-should-tell-you/

23/04/2025

Not sure whether your business needs a bookkeeper, an accountant, or a CFO?

You’re not alone. A lot of distillery, winery and brewery owners feel unsure about who does what, or what kind of financial support they really need.

🎥 I’ve recorded a short video to explain what’s in the article and how the free scorecard can help you figure out exactly where to focus next.

Watch the video, then read the full article here:
https://www.loom.com/share/bf91a993b13f486da85c9b027e052808?sid=12d09369-40fc-4174-af3f-f28f9ceea51c
🔗 https://www.refreshaccounting.com.au/bookkeeper-accountant-fractional-cfo/

17/04/2025

When was the last time you looked at your packaging with a financial lens?

I’ve seen labels printed at home with low ink and proposals for wooden crates for everyday wine. Both had good intentions, but neither helped the bottom line.

Packaging is more than just a design decision. It affects freight, production, and how your product is perceived. Plus, it can quietly eat into your margins if you’re not careful.

In this new blog, I share:

• What to check before your next packaging decision
• How to review your costs beyond just dry goods
• Ways to improve efficiency without compromising your brand
• How to turn your packaging into a sales tool

If you’re not sure what your packaging is really costing you, this is worth a read.

📦 Read the article here: https://www.refreshaccounting.com.au/are-your-packaging-costs-hurting-profit-margins/