Written by Johnny Kipps
🌟 Wrapping up the UK Roadshow 2026
The Forecast 5 UK Roadshow 2026 has come to an end, and what a fantastic few weeks it has been!
While we set out to showcase the latest developments in Forecast 5, some of the most valuable moments came from the conversations we had with clients, partners, and visitors. The feedback, ideas, and discussions reinforced just how important forecasting continues to be for businesses navigating an increasingly complex environment.
📈 Why Daily Cashflow Matters More Than Ever
Cashflow was a recurring theme throughout the roadshow.
One attendee explained how the rapid growth of their business, particularly through Amazon as a supplier, had made daily cash monitoring essential. While long-term budgets remain important, understanding exactly how much cash will be available next week can be equally critical.
That's where Forecast 5's Daily Cashflow feature resonated strongly. By providing a rolling 90-day view of cashflow, finance leaders can move effortlessly between strategic planning and short-term cash management.
🤝 Unlocking More Value Through Training
One particularly interesting conversation was with a partner from an advisory, audit, and accounting firm who had extensive experience with Winforecast, Forecast 5's predecessor.
His question was straightforward: why wasn't his firm making greater use of Forecast 5?
After discussing the platform and its capabilities, Geof offered to host an on-site training session. By the end of the conversation, the partner recognised that additional training could help his team unlock more value from the software while creating new opportunities to expand their advisory services.
It's a good reminder that even the best forecasting tools deliver the greatest return when teams fully understand what's possible.
🧩 The Ongoing Debate: Forecast 5 vs Excel
Unsurprisingly, Excel featured in many conversations.
Several guests commented on the risks associated with using spreadsheets as forecasting and budgeting tools. Others highlighted the amount of time spent building and maintaining spreadsheet models when many of the same capabilities already exist within Forecast 5.
Spreadsheets certainly have their place, but when businesses rely on them for complex forecasting, the risks can quickly outweigh the benefits. From hidden formula errors to version control issues, the potential for mistakes is well documented.
Many attendees were interested to learn more about the spreadsheet errors and risks highlighted by the European Spreadsheet Risks Interest Group (EuSpRIG), and the discussion reinforced why dedicated forecasting software continues to gain traction.
💖 The Report That Keeps Winning Fans
One of the most encouraging themes from the roadshow was the appreciation shown for Forecast 5's Funds Flow Report.
Forecast 5's Four-Way Forecasting approach combines the forecast Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cashflow, and Funds Flow reports into a fully integrated forecasting model.
Several accountants and advisers told us how valuable they find the Funds Flow Report because it answers one of the most important questions in forecasting:
"Where did the profit go?"
The report starts with forecast profit, tracks movements in working capital, financing, and investments, and ultimately shows how those decisions impact cash. It provides a clear link between profitability and cashflow, helping advisers and business owners understand exactly what's driving financial outcomes.
We've always viewed the Funds Flow Report as one of Forecast 5's most powerful features, so it was gratifying to hear so many experienced professionals share that view.
📊 Numbers or Graphs?
Another interesting discussion centred on reporting preferences. Are detailed numerical reports better, or do graphical reports tell the story more effectively?
The answer, unsurprisingly, was: it depends. Some users prefer detailed figures and want to analyse every number. Others find visual reporting much easier to absorb and communicate.
One attendee shared that some board members' eyes tend to glaze over when faced with pages of numbers. For those audiences, graphs are often the best way to communicate key insights and keep everyone engaged.
The consensus was clear: different audiences require different reporting styles, and having both options available is essential.
That's why Forecast 5 provides not only detailed financial reports, but also a range of visual dashboards and graphical reports, giving users the flexibility to present information in the format that best suits their audience. After all, the best forecast isn't just accurate—it's understood.
💡 Feedback: The Fuel for Better Software
One of the greatest benefits of hosting roadshows is the opportunity to hear directly from users.
During one discussion, a client highlighted some unusual results arising from factoring separately invoiced income streams. As we investigated the issue together, we identified a small section of functionality that hadn't been fully coded. A fix was quickly developed and supplied. It's a great example of how client feedback directly contributes to making Forecast 5 even better.
We often say that feedback is the food of champions. While the roadshow gave us the opportunity to demonstrate Forecast 5's capabilities, it also allowed us to listen. Many of the best improvements to Forecast 5 have originated from client suggestions, and this year's roadshow was no exception. Every conversation helps us make the software stronger, smarter, and more valuable for our users.
🌟Thank You
A sincere thank you to everyone who attended, shared ideas, asked questions, and challenged us to think differently. The roadshow may be over, but the conversations continue—and we're excited to see where they lead next.
Keep an eye on our blogs to see part two of our roadshow wrap up - Forecast 5 Cloud: A Glimpse Into the Future of Forecasting or register your interest below.
