The importance of good health, my journey

In the fast-paced modern world we live and work, it’s easy to overlook the fundamental importance of good health; physical, mental and spiritual.

We often take it for granted, assuming that it will always be there, quietly supporting us as we navigate our daily lives. It is only when faced with its absence that we truly understand its significance. 

As I sit here at the halfway point of 2023, I can easily see the importance health and general well-being plays in every aspect of our life. Reflecting now, if  I were to write a book about my last six months, it would be a tale of how I had previously underestimated the true value of living a balanced healthy lifestyle. … Continue reading the rest of this article

How to beat inflation, twelve months on

In February 2022 I wrote the following article on inflation and how to respond with adjustments to pricing. Whilst we are twelve months inflation continues to be an economic problem and the content is as relevant today as it was then.

How to beat inflation (published 27 Feb 22)

Inflation is the media buzzword of the moment with news stories nearly every day about how the cost of living is increasing.

It is not just hype though, prices are rising in all categories driven by pandemic shockwaves which has driven surges in consumer demand disrupting the demand and supply equilibrium. The patterns many businesses used to underpin their business dynamics are not compatible with the erratic surges in demand.… Continue reading the rest of this article

How to improve your bookkeeping

Keeping on top of your businesses daily fnancial transactions is vital for long term success. That is why bookkeeping is an essential part of running any business.

If you are recording the ins and outs correctly you;

  1. Can track your income and expenses against your financial plan and budget
  2. Spot trends and make informed decisions about the future direction of the business
  3. Keep up to date with your tax and other regulatory obligations
  4. Find peace of mind. Knowing that your finances are in order can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on other aspects of your business
  5. Create an early warning system. 
Continue reading the rest of this article

10 strategies to increase the value of your business

As a small business owner, you work tirelessly to build and grow your company. But have you considered how to increase its overall value? Whether you’re planning to sell your business in the future or simply want to enhance its long-term potential, there are several strategies you can implement. In this post, I’ll explore ten strategies to help you increase the value of your business.

Focus on revenue and profitability

To increase the value of your business, prioritise efforts to boost revenue and improve profitability. This can be achieved through various means such as growing your customer base, refining your product or service offerings so that more people are attracted to you, fine tune pricing strategies, and identifying ways to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.… Continue reading the rest of this article

The power of cycling


A personal perspective on avoiding burnout by finding peace in an always on & increasingly busy world.

In today’s always on business environment, being busy is often seen as a badge of honour. But while being productive and efficient is important, being “busy” can have negative consequences for your wellbeing, as well as professional success.

I’ve been thinking about “being busy” for a while, worried that being too busy can have negative consequences;

  1. Lack of focus: When you are always busy, it can be difficult to focus on important tasks and projects. You may find yourself rushing through tasks or multitasking, which can result in poor quality work.
Continue reading the rest of this article

Planning for an unpredictable future

As we move from Covid as a pandemic to an endemic disease it feels like there is a lot to think about for the future. Covid isn’t going away, we are going to live with it, but what does that mean for our business and work lives?

Whilst restrictions have been removed there is still a practical problem. People continue to get poorly and the disease spreads fast. In a workplace Covid can still prevent a challenge and one that as employers we must be prepared for.

Mix into that other global events, general inflationary pressure and the long tail of Brexit problems, and the outlook for 2022 looks to be very challenging for business owners.… Continue reading the rest of this article

How to beat inflation

Inflation is the media buzzword of the moment with news stories nearly every day about how the cost of living is increasing.

It is not just hype though, prices are rising in all categories driven by pandemic shockwaves which has driven surges in consumer demand disrupting the demand and supply equilibrium. The patterns many businesses used to underpin their business dynamics are not compatible with the erratic surges in demand. At the same time disruption in the supply chain caused by shipping and port capacity and fragmented manufacturing across the globe caused by lockdown and labour supply is pushing prices up.… Continue reading the rest of this article

UK Single Trade Window to save traders time and money in wake of Brexit

On the 11 February the Government announced proposals to build a central hub to bring into one system all interactions traders have with boarder controls, supporting them in the wake of Brexit.

Known as the Single Trade Window, the digital service would allow international traders to input all of their import and export data in one place.

Here’s what we know so far.

What is the Single Trade Window?

The Single Trade Window is a central digital service that allows traders to upload all of their data relating to imports and exports, instead of having to complete forms in multiple systems run by different border agencies, such as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), DEFRA, and the Home Office.… Continue reading the rest of this article