Using Software for Forecasting – Is Excel Out?

Background

Financial forecasting is no small undertaking. A three-way integrated financial forecast, (comprising a Profit & Loss, a Balance Sheet and a Cashflow statement), can be a daunting prospect for even the most financially aware business owner.

All funding applications need some form of financial forecast. Most business owners have little idea what an integrated financial forecast is let alone how to produce a robust one. That’s not a criticism; it’s simply the reality. And that knowledge gap is a barrier to accessing funding.

Even experienced financial professionals can find themselves hesitating in front of a blank spreadsheet, cursor blinking in cell A1, unsure where to begin.

Our Director, Steve Carroll, decided to do something about it. The goal was to create a tool that was accessible to everyone, written in plain language. It needed to serve as an educational resource for those new to forecasting, and a practical time-saver for those who weren’t. 

Our Approach

The natural starting point was Excel. Having built numerous bespoke forecasts for clients, the team assumed it would be straightforward. It wasn’t. Protecting the underlying workings, ensuring consistent formatting, and making a model flexible enough to work for any type of business proved harder than anticipated. Support was brought in from a local university, whose expertise helped complete and refine the Excel model to the required standard.

But Excel alone was not the answer. Not every business owner is comfortable with spreadsheets, and many work exclusively in Google Sheets or other tools. A broader solution was needed and one that was universally accessible no matter what the user was used to.

The decision was made to build dedicated forecasting software: browser-based, independent of any accounting platform, comprehensive enough to be genuinely useful, yet approachable enough not to overwhelm someone encountering a financial forecast for the first time.

Actions Taken

Finding the right development partner was the first challenge. Fortunately, the local area offered strong options, and The Curve quickly emerged as the best fit. They engaged with the brief immediately and work began without delay.

The existing Excel model provided a solid foundation: the software was built to mirror its underlying logic, which had already been validated against established accounting principles. This approach also simplified testing considerably, as the two outputs could be compared directly.

The collaboration between us as accountants and The Curve as developers required careful, ongoing communication. Two disciplines speaking quite different languages. Close working throughout the build ensured the financial logic behind the platform was sound, and that all outputs were reliable, robust and UK compliant. Worked examples proved an effective method for bridging any gaps, and the development team engaged enthusiastically, not least because they had their own business forecasting needs to consider.

Testing was rigorous. The team set out to find every flaw before launch. Internal testing was complemented by a cohort of accounting students from the local university, followed by a controlled soft launch to a select group of early users. Any issues identified were addressed quickly, ensuring the platform was stable and reliable before wider release.

Outcomes

Clearview Forecasting launched to the market with a free-access tier, later supplemented by an enhanced paid subscription offering additional features and functionality.

The platform has grown to more than 300 users and continues to receive strong, positive feedback. We use it directly with clients who require forecasts and have supported many of those clients in becoming confident, independent users of the tool.

The reception from the business community has been overwhelmingly positive. Users consistently report that Clearview has demystified the forecasting process, giving them the confidence to approach lenders and investors with well-structured, credible financial projections. For many, it has been the difference between securing vital funding and walking away empty-handed.

The free tier allows business owners to explore the platform with no commitment, building familiarity and trust before upgrading to the paid subscription. This approach has resulted in a strong and growing subscriber base.

In summary, Clearview Forecasting has removed a significant barrier that was preventing business owners from accessing the funding they needed to grow. It has created a lasting, scalable solution that continues to deliver value for everyone from first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned finance professionals.

Porterdale’s Comments

We identified a problem and built a solution. Through our work with the local authority’s business support team, we regularly encounter businesses that need a financial forecast but have no idea where to begin. Clearview’s core mission has always been straightforward: remove the barriers that prevent business owners from accessing the funding they need.

An unexpected but welcome development has been the adoption of Clearview by accounting professionals. While they were never the primary audience, the platform provides a structured starting point that genuinely improves efficiency. We see both in-house finance teams and accountants in practice using the software. It has found a place in the workflows of both groups.

Clearview is not the right solution for every situation, and we’re comfortable with that. Bespoke Excel forecasting still has its place – and we still enjoy building them. So no, Excel isn’t out.

To explore Clearview Forecasting for yourself, visit Clearview Hub – sign up for free and see whether it’s the right fit for your business.

For something more tailored, get in touch

Our Excel forecasting expertise remains very much available.

Words by Lindsey Owen

Header photo by Vitaly Gariev