We’ve supported Julia Smith, founder of People Science Consulting, with proactive finance support for the past few years.
After a long corporate career, Julia launched her own consultancy and quickly realised how time-consuming the financial side of running a business can feel.
Julia is also co-founder and Chief Business Psychologist at MI-Say, a platform focused on employee voice and research.
After such a positive experience working with Blu Sky through People Science Consulting, she recommended bringing MI-Say on board too.
Since moving to Blu Sky, Julia feels better supported, informed and in control of her finances. We caught up with her to hear more about the journey.
About People Science Consulting
Julia is a business psychologist who supports leadership teams, develops senior leaders and delivers consulting and facilitation across talent, succession and psychometrics.
After 25 years in HR, leadership and organisational development, she founded People Science to bring together psychology, behavioural science and practical leadership experience.
People Science Consulting is a behavioural psychology-led people development partner that helps organisations build high-performing teams, effective leaders and confident, capable talent.
Focused on team and leadership development as well as building talent development strategies, the team creates clarity, strengthens trust, improves collaboration and supports individuals and teams in fulfilling their full potential.
Finding your way as a new founder
When Julia first set up People Science Consulting, the financial side felt unfamiliar. “I was just a bit overwhelmed by it all”, she admits. “I’d spent over 20 years in corporates and I’d never had to think about VAT, bookkeeping or corporation tax.”
Her previous accountant took a more traditional, reactive approach, which left her without the proactive guidance she needed. The service often felt impersonal too. Automated messages using outdated language such as “Dear Sirs”, was her experience.
“It sounds small, but it really symbolised how old-fashioned the whole thing felt,” she explains. “They very rarely got in touch with me and when they did, I wasn’t addressed correctly. I wanted to be treated like a human and a businesswoman, not as a template.”
A modern approach that stood out
The turning point came at an Entrepreneurs’ Forum Chairman’s Dinner. Julia was seated next to Blu Sky’s Steve Robinson, our COO, and the conversation stayed with her.
“We got along really well, and it was a great conversation. I loved the idea of Blu Sky, the modern approach, the use of technology and having someone on hand as a client relationship manager. It felt like exactly what I was looking for.”
After a follow-up chat, she moved People Science Consulting to Blu Sky. “I’ve honestly never looked back; it’s been game-changing.”
Accounting that feels personal
“From day one, the difference was clear. Everything from the engagement letter to the onboarding process was fully digital and simple to navigate. What stood out most was the balance of intuitive technology and genuinely accessible people.”
“Blu Sky have got the balance just right,” Julia explains. “The tech makes everything frictionless, but the service isn’t reliant on it. Having Josh and the others there with that human touch makes a massive difference.”
We regularly provide our clients with proactive guidance based on their goals and key focus areas. This is something Julia hadn’t experienced before.
“It’s the proactivity I really value,” she says. “Having insight into what my corporation tax bill might be, or being told, ‘We’ve done this quarter’s bookkeeping, have you thought about X?’ I’ve never had that before and it helps me look at the bigger picture.”
Our accessibility regularly gives our clients peace of mind. Julia experienced this first-hand when she received an unexpected tax letter.
“I reached out to Blu Sky late on a Friday as I’d received an unexpected letter and I was really worried about it. By Monday, there was dedicated time in the diary to look over it together. It was a brilliant, reassuring conversation and that kind of access made a huge difference. Again, I just felt like the team had my back.”
More time, less worry
For Julia and People Science Consulting, the impact of our work has been clear. “Blu Sky has saved me so much time and worry. Everything works seamlessly now. I used to procrastinate on anything finance-related because I didn’t fully understand it and it felt clunky. Now, I actually enjoy my conversations with Josh and the team, and I like going into Xero to see how the business is performing.”
Most importantly, working with Blu Sky gives me peace of mind. I’m not constantly worrying about what I might have missed or what’s coming next. I feel really well supported.”
A partnership built on trust
Julia describes finding Blu Sky as “one of those fortuitous moments” that came from being in the right room at the right time. She continues to recommend the team to other business owners who want a modern, human approach to accounting.
“I’m just really grateful. Meeting Steve at that dinner has led to a brilliant partnership. It’s been such a good decision and I didn’t have to think twice about suggesting bringing MI-Say across to Blu sky too.”
Need an accountant who gives you clarity and confidence?
If you want an accounting partner who blends intuitive tech with human support and gives you time back to focus on your business, we’d love to chat.
Blu Sky helps founders, consultants and growing businesses feel supported, informed and one step ahead.
