
Welcome back to Sukany4 - The Podcast! On this episode, I had the pleasure of walking and talking with Gillian Keegan, founder of Evergreen Bookkeeping Services, a thriving bookkeeping business in Windermere. Accompanied by her office mascot, Lily, Gillian shared her journey into entrepreneurship, her vision for the future, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
From Bolton to Windermere
Gillian’s story begins in Bolton, where she and her husband, John, lived before moving to the Lake District in 2001 to run a guest house. The move sparked a series of career changes and opportunities, eventually leading Gillian into bookkeeping.
“Running the guest house, I handled the finances,” Gillian explained. “After we sold it, our accountant asked if I’d help with some of his clients, and it all grew from there.”
Her passion for helping others succeed became the driving force behind her career shift. Over time, she expanded her knowledge, earned qualifications, and built a thriving business that allows her to combine her skills with her desire to make life easier for others.

Evergreen Bookkeeping: A Family Affair
Gillian officially founded Evergreen Bookkeeping Services in 2019, transitioning from sole trader to limited company. Since then, the business has grown, moving to a spacious new office earlier this year. The family dynamic remains strong, with her sister and niece joining the team, creating a warm and collaborative atmosphere.
The business name, Evergreen, reflects Gillian’s ethos of sustainability and year-round growth.
“It’s inspired by the evergreen trees,” she said, “and the idea that businesses, like trees, should be steady and thriving no matter the season.”

The Evolving Role of a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeping often gets overshadowed by accounting, but Gillian is passionate about highlighting its critical role in a business’s success.
“A bookkeeper isn’t just about entering income and expenses,” Gillian explained. “We’re here to help businesses stay on top of cash flow, meet deadlines, and make informed decisions based on real-time financial data.”
Gillian’s vision for her business goes beyond traditional bookkeeping. She aims to provide strategic support to her clients, including regular financial reviews, cash flow planning, and insights that help them grow sustainably.

The Challenges of Running a Business
While Gillian loves her work, she’s candid about the challenges of being a business owner. Balancing family life, client work, and the demands of growing a business has been a learning experience.
“It’s hard to let go of control,” she admitted.
"I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so delegating has been a challenge. But I’ve realized that building a team is essential for growth—and it’s freeing me up to focus on the bigger picture.”

The Future: AI and Efficiency
Gillian is embracing the future of bookkeeping with optimism, particularly the integration of AI tools like JackAI, which can streamline tasks such as data entry and invoice reconciliation.
“These tools won’t replace humans,” she said. “They’ll just free us up to focus on providing deeper insights for our clients and helping them achieve their goals.”

Advice for Business Owners
During our walk, Gillian shared three key pieces of advice for business owners:
Know Your Finances: “Keep a close eye on your income and expenses. You can’t grow your business without understanding where you stand financially.”
Outsource What You Can’t Do: “Stop trying to do everything yourself. Focus on what you’re good at and let others handle the rest.”
Celebrate Your Success: “Running a business is tough. Take a moment to appreciate what you’ve achieved and the freedom it gives you.”

Balancing Work and Life
For Gillian, balance comes from knowing when to step away. She and her family often retreat to their apartment in Spain, where she can combine work with relaxation.
“On our last trip, I’d work in the mornings on the balcony, then spend the afternoons walking or relaxing on the beach. It’s the perfect blend of productivity and downtime,” she said.

Final Thoughts
Gillian’s journey from part-time bookkeeper to business owner is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and community. She’s not just helping businesses with their finances; she’s empowering them to grow with confidence.
As our walk came to a close, Gillian left me with a final thought:
“It’s okay to change direction if something isn’t working. What’s important is to find a path that brings you joy and allows you to live the life you want.”
Thank you, Gillian, for sharing your story with us! If you’d like to learn more about Gillian and her team, visit Evergreen Bookkeeping Services or connect with her on social media.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Sukany4 - The Podcast as we continue to explore inspiring journeys, one step at a time.
Comments