Why Discounting Could Destroy Your Business (and How to Avoid It) | Stuart Mason
In this episode of What One Thing, Phil Davenport (Affirm IT Services) and Hayley Baxter (Corbar Accounting) sit down with entrepreneur Stuart Mason to unpack a business collapse that no one saw coming—until it was too late.
This conversation isn’t about doom and gloom. It’s about the real risks small and medium-sized businesses face, especially around discounting, cashflow, pricing pressure, and over-stretching for growth. Phil and Hayley break down the lessons through the lens of IT, Accounting and everyday business decision-making—so East Midlands business owners can take action before problems escalate.
⭐ What You’ll Learn
- Why discounting is far more dangerous than most businesses realise
- The real maths behind discounting (and how much more you must sell to break even)
- How profitable businesses still end up in cashflow trouble
- Why asset-rich companies aren’t as safe as they seem
- How Phil handles discount pressure in IT support without damaging long-term client relationships
- How Hayley coaches business owners to make financially intelligent, data-led decisions
- Why confidence in your pricing is a business superpower
💬 About Your Hosts
Phil Davenport is an IT specialist supporting East Midlands businesses with secure, reliable systems that prevent costly surprises.
Hayley Baxter is an accountant who helps business owners understand their numbers, build sustainable pricing strategies and stay cashflow-strong.
Their mission? To help business owners grow with fewer headaches—and a lot more confidence.
🎧 Perfect for:
Manufacturing and professional services businesses · SME owners with 5–50 staff · Business leaders who want to price properly, protect margins, and avoid cashflow traps.
If you’ve ever wondered whether discounting is harmless—or “just what the industry does”—this episode will change the way you think about pricing forever.
Connect with Stuart LinkedIn
Buy Stuart's book here
What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley
Each week, business owners share the one thing that made the biggest difference in their business journey — and hosts Phil (Affirm IT Services) and Hayley (Corbar Accounting) dive into the lessons, laughs, and lightbulb moments along the way.
If you’re a UK business owner looking for real stories and practical insights on growth, leadership, IT, and finance — this is the podcast for you!
Connect with the hosts
Phil Davenport | Affirm IT Services
LinkedIn
https://affirmit.co.uk/
Hayley Baxter | Corbar Accounting
LinkedIn
https://corbar.uk/
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