Author Archives: Andy Hemming

Niall Williams, MD of ND Landscape Architects Ltd, discusses how his organisation’s lateral thinking approach is helping their clients solve larger problems than just the core business provides.  He gives the example of how they have been instrumental in designing residential developments which reduce water…

  Ian Jolly from Mobile People Powered Logistics, a Birmingham based freight logistics business, discusses how the right team complement each other to help them achieve consistently high growth. This, coupled with innovative branding and an innovative approach to operations, has helped them to build…

Dunstan Power, CEO of Bytesnap, introduces us to his embedded electronic systems design company, who service the medical, heating, internet and EV charging markets amongst others. 16 years into the business, Dunstan talks about the constant evolution of business and markets and therefore the need…

Tom Cox from Sprint Active Education, a provider of after-school classes and holiday camps for students discusses the power of setting targets and surrounding yourself with the right people to help you achieve your goals. Contact Tom at hello@sprintactive.co.uk or find out more at: https://www.sprintactive.co.uk/

Banky Alao, founder of Peppa.io, a provider of e-commerce systems for small businesses talks about how his solution provides an integrated experience for customers, meaning that users’ customer journey is seamless and customers have a complete e-commerce solution in one system. Banky discusses the challenges…

Ian Vickers, CEO of Metcloud, a global provider of cyber security and cloud solutions talks about how, as one of only 3 such providers in the UK, his business balances the opportunities for growth with the need to keep the business simple and understandable for…

Chris Griffin, MD of Team Support Healthcare, a recruitment business specialising in the provision of nursing staff to the NHS talks about how, as the new owner of the business, he’s had to focus on stabilising the business and supporting his team whilst making the…

Sean Green, MD of Modufab discusses how the company’s prefabricated utility cupboards act as a plug and play solution to residential developers, saving time on site and therefore reducing costs and improving speed. He talks about the rapid growth of the business and the challenges…

Lee Nazari, CEO and founder of Mobile Pay Systems discusses how his electronic payment, EPOS and ERP systems integrate with each other to provide a seamless solution for hospitality and retail – from large multi-site offerings such as Poundland to one man band food trucks.…

Simon Kirkland, CEO of Sport Structures discusses how his business helps improve the landscape around coaching and leadership and development in community sport. Through offering apprenticeships to a full consultancy offering, the business develops the capabilities of those who influence sporting performance. He talks about…

Kevin Blair from Epicentre AI discusses how his AI based platform utilises domestic technology such as Ring doorbells coupled with predictive behaviour algorithms to help provide evidence to Police forces to use in crime investigations. The technology uses double opt-in to gain permission to use…

Dr Richard Fallon discusses how the Technology Supply Chain, a Community Interest Company can help connect industry with grant funding to help them invest and innovate. With no cost to the company seeking funding, Richard acts as a conduit between industry and funding sources. Richard’s…

Javan Bramhall from Digital Glue discusses how his no fluff approach to digital marketing focuses on providing a clear and tangible return on investment for his clients. He emphasises the importance of asking the right questions in business and life, and acknowledges the need for…

Lauren Guthrie from Guthrie & Ghani shares how her business inspires people to make their own clothes.  Not only supplying all the materials required, but also instructional “how-to” videos, Lauren’s business has grown in popularity to a point where her monthly new releases sell out…

Dan Haywood from Infinite Talent, a supply chain recruitment specialist talks about how their approach to client relationships, coupled with the specialism within their business for WMS talent recruitment supported by other wider areas of supply chain and logistics has enabled the business to rapidly…

In this Business Basics we’re looking at how to continuously improve and optimise to identify areas for improvement and opportunities to streamline operations to work more efficiently. For the full 25 tips to free up your time to work on your business you can download…

In today’s Business Basics we talk about the importance of setting boundaries and practicing effective time management. My top tips for this are: Minimise distractions Define your non-negotiables Create a schedule and stick to it Learn to say “no” Delegate and outsource For more tips…

I have already shared my tips on delegating and prioritising tasks so today in Basics Basics we turn our attention to the repetitive tasks such as email marketing, invoicing, data entry and how you can start to automate these tasks to reduce the manual effort…

Today in Business Basics I share my top 5 tips for prioritising and eliminating non-essential activities. Identify the tasks that are essential for business growth and those that can be eliminated from your day. For the full 25 tips to free up your time to…

  In Business Basics Series we will be sharing our tips on how to free up your time to work on your business. Time pressures are something all of us business owners face so we will guide you through some of the tried and tested…

In the final Business Basics in our series on Exit Strategy we look at your exit options and what you need to do to understand each of the alternatives to make an informed decision. We will cover: Researching and understanding exit options Seeking professional guidance…

Today in Business Basics we discuss my 5 tips for diversification – a great way to minimise risk and increase attractiveness of potential buyers for your business. These tips includes looking at: Customer base diversification Supplier and vendor diversification Product or service portfolio expansion Geographic…

Your team and processes can have a big impact on the way you look at exiting your business. In today’s Business Basics I cover some of the ways that you can create a management team and establish processes that allow the business to operate independently…

Today in Business Basics I discuss getting your financials in order to prepare for exit. My 5 tips here include: Accurate financial documentation Business valuation Profitability optimisation Tax Planning Financial projections For more information about preparing for exit download our guide here http://info.blackcountry.actioncoach.co.uk/planning-your-exit-strategy

In this Business Basics video we are starting to consider what you should be considering when it comes to planing for your exit from your business. In this morning’s video I give my 5 tips on determining the right time to exit. If you’re looking…

In Business Basics today we are discussing my top tips for prioritising customer satisfaction in your business. These include: Understanding your customers Delivering exceptional service Building strong relationships Actively seeking feedback Anticipating and exceeding expectations For more tips on taking on the mindset of a…

Today in Business Basics we are talking about building strong systems and processes. Systems and processes can support the growth of your business and give you a competitive advantage. Watch the video for my 5 tips on building systems and processes. You can donwload the…

Today in Business Basics we are discussing the importance of developing a learning mindset when you run a business. The 5 top tips for today include: Embracing curiosity Investing in your personal development Seeking out diverse perspectives Learning from failure Fostering a learning culture For…

In this morning’s Business Basics I’m giving you 5 tips on embracing a proactive mindset. I will cover how take more ownership, anticipate challenges and opportunities, act with purpose and initiative, adopting a can do attitude and how to continuously improve. For more tips on…

Here are my 5 top tips for building relationships with your customers to support your sales process and keep them coming back time and again: Provide excellent customer service Follow up with your customers Personalise your approach Go above and beyond…

Today in Business Basics we discuss our top tips on being persistent with your prospects. We cover the importance of asking questions and keeping in touch so you are front of mind when the timings right and making sure you are following up with your…

Today’s top tips are all about how providing social proof can help you to overcome sales objections – using some of these methods will give you credibility and authenticity with your prospects. You can download our full guide of 25 Tips to Overcome Sales Objections…

In today’s Business Basics I share with Mark Dilks my 5 tips for asking questions that can help you to overcome sales objections. By asking the right types of questions you will be able to fully understand your customers wants and needs which will lead…

Today in Business Basics I give you my 5 tips for listening actively to help you to overcome sales objections. Listening helps you to understand your customers and build rapport and trust the can lead to a successful sale. For the full guide ’25 Tips…

In today’s Business Basics video I talk with Mark Dilks about how you can anticipate your customers objections and address them proactively in your sales process. Download the full guide ’25 Tips for Overcoming Sales Objections’ here

Learn how to improve your margins to get your business growing faster. For the full 25 Tips to Grow Your Business click here

In this episode of Business Basics you will get 5 tips to increase the numbers of transactions your customers make with you. Download the full guide for 25 Ways to Grow Your Business here  

Learn the best ways to increase your average sale to help you to grow your business. Download the full guide here

In today’s Business Basics I give you my 5 tips for improving your conversion rate that will help you to grow your business. They include: – Having a clear call-to-action – Optimising your website for conversions – Personalising your marketing efforts – Creating urgency and…

5 tips for growing your business based on generating leads. Download the full guide 25 Ways to Grow Your Business here

How do you create a culture of accountability in your team? In today’s Business Basics, I give you my top 5 tips. Download the full guide for building a team accountable for their results here

In this episode of Business Basics I give my top tips for providing regular feedback and coaching to your team to help them to become accountable for their results. You can download the full 25 tips here

How do you foster open communication in your business? Watch Business Basics today to get my top tips on how to get your team communicating in an open and honest way to build trust and get great results. I’ll be talking with Mark Dilks about…

Business Basics today is all about setting SMART goals for your team. My 5 tips are a great starting point for providing a framework for keeping your team accountable. For my full guide on 25 Tips for Building a Business Where Your Team Are Accountable…

In this Business Basics video I share my five tips for establishing clear roles and responsibilities for each of your team members. These tips include… creating job descriptions, establishing performance expectations, and outlining specific goals and targets. When everyone understands their role and what is…

Paul Singh, MD of Crown Security Services talks about how the quality of his service has helped him retain many of his security customers since the inception of the business in 1999. He discusses the dangers of “putting your eggs in one basket” and the…

Chris Woods from CyberQ Group talks about the scope and extent of cyber-hacking, both personally and in industry and how his company helps to protect from and prevent such threats. He discusses the transition from a corporate environment and how his mindset, coupled with the…

Callum O’Neill from ONCO SES, a Birmingham based electrical contractor discusses how expanding their offering to provide a more holistic service has led the business to grow rapidly since its inception in August 2020.  As well as offering electrical services to domestic, commercial and events…

In this Spotlight, Peter Laybourn, CEO of International Synergies Ltd discusses their processes for industrial symbiosis – which allows companies  to trade their waste products and create value in industries in different sectors.  The business acts as a global broker for connecting these opportunities and…

Dan Nash, MD of Nash Glass Ltd talks about how his glass partition business retains its clients through highly-focused customer service and the ability to meet demand due to the scale of the team. He also shares his insight on “getting out there” and developing…

Krystopher discusses how his facilities management company strives to supply security or cleaning services within 2 hours where possible. He talks about how he has learned to trust his intuition and behave in a way authentic to himself.  His strong sense of purpose and his…

Steve Williams from AV Digital Solutions explains how his company supplies and installs security solutions in an honest and cost-effective manner.  He discusses how it’s important to him to build a business to train local young people in a profession. Find out more at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-williams-38690510a/

James Murray from Making Waves, a design and creative agency in Wolverhampton talks about how strong client relationships have allowed them to accelerate their business’ trajectory. James discusses his learnings regarding protecting his time, that saying no is difficult, but a skill which needs to…

Marija Erzen from Solutions 2, a West Midlands based events design and build company discusses how the business has bounced back after the Covid interruption and now runs with a full team of 30 plus highly customer-oriented people. She talks about the importance of taking…

Anthony Chaffey from Ballyhoo, a web design and digital marketing agency, discusses how the focus on playing to his strengths, and finding team members with complementary strengths has helped him to retain clients for many years whilst still improving efficiencies in the business. He talks…

Paul Hodgetts from Quintadena, a quotation software service provider and Quoteworks number 1 global partner since 2007, discusses how their focus on a single product offering has allowed them to scale and serve their customers better. Paul discusses the benefits of the product, but also…

Stuart Dunn from Automation Engineering Controls discusses how his transition from customer to supply side has helped his business to develop as a full solution provider to their clients.  The result, a rapidly growing business! Stuart talks about the challenges that come with that: balancing…

Billy Kingsbury, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Materials UK shares how the business has developed to become a partner for its customers – which enables them to deliver materials solutions more effectively through a more comprehensive understanding of the customer’s requirements. Billy’s discusses his learnings on his…

In every brand communication, you should provide a clear call to action (CTA) that tells your audience what to do next. Whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or contacting your business, a well-defined CTA guides your customers towards the next step…

Storytelling is a powerful way to captivate and engage your audience. Use storytelling techniques, such as character development, conflict, and resolution, to create a narrative around your brand. Share customer success stories or illustrate how your brand has helped others overcome challenges. This emotional connection…

Craft a concise and memorable brand message that clearly communicates what you offer and why it matters to your customers. Your message should be easy to understand and resonate with your target audience. Avoid industry jargon or complex language and focus on delivering a message…

Cast your brand as the guide in the story, positioning your customer as the hero. The hero is the one who experiences the transformation, while your brand acts as a guide that provides the necessary tools, support, and expertise. This approach empowers customers to see…

To connect with your customers it it important to identify the core problem or challenge they face and make it the central focus of your brand story. Clearly articulate how your brand can provide a solution or alleviate their pain points. By showing a deep…

Rebecca Cottingham from Eighty3, a design agency, discusses how her business demonstrates its culture to its customers and prospective customers through their social media “shenanigans”! She also shares her learnings about the value and power in community – how shared experience has helped her to…

  Matyas Gutai from Water Filled Glass shares the story of water filled glass, a window designed to dramatically increase the thermal efficiency of buildings. He details how his academic research, coupled with different philosophies learned across multiple continents has culminated in the development of…

Matt Inniss’ business started with a dream – literally! One night, his partner woke up and said she’d had a dream about him delivering exercise classes to older people. Roll forward 11 years and Matt’s business has expanded to wellbeing for care homes, hospice patients,…

Jaanika Okk from Time Assist introduces us to her business which is specifically targeted at micro businesses preparing to hire their first employee.  She specialises in creating the systems to help the business owner and their team become more organised and efficient to save time.…

To maximise the value of your business you should surround yourself with a capable and empowered management team. When it comes to exiting your business, buyers and investors are more likely to value businesses with solid leadership and a strong team in place. Delegate responsibilities,…

To unlock efficiency, regularly assess your processes and workflows to identify areas for improvement. Look for opportunities to streamline operations, reduce unnecessary steps, and find ways to work more efficiently. By continuously optimising your business processes, you can save time in the long run and…

Establish a rhythm of regular meetings and reviews to assess your progress and make necessary adjustments. Set aside time to evaluate your goals, address challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement. This iterative approach will help you adapt to changes in the market and keep your…

Businesses with recurring revenue models are often valued higher than those reliant on one-off transactions. It is important to build predictable and stable income streams, such as subscription-based services or ongoing contracts. Recurring revenue enhances the long-term sustainability and value of your business. Tip #1…

To create a business that works for you – surround yourself with talented individuals who share your vision and values. Hire people who complement your skills and expertise and empower them to take ownership of their roles. Foster a culture of open communication, accountability, and…

Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is a great first step to helping you to manage your time. Prioritise your tasks by creating a to-do list, setting deadlines, and allocating specific time blocks to different activities. Avoid multi-tasking, as this can lead to…

Develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Create a compelling brand story, design a visually appealing logo and website, and maintain a consistent brand voice across all your communication channels. A strong brand identity helps build trust, loyalty, and recognition in…

Stay ahead of the curve by constantly innovating and introducing new ideas, products, or services. Conduct market research to identify gaps or emerging trends and develop innovative solutions that address these needs. Offering something unique and fresh will capture attention and give you a competitive…

Relying too heavily on a single customer or a small group of clients can increase risk and reduce the value of your business. Diversifying your customer base avoids dependence on a single revenue stream. This may involve expanding into new markets, targeting different customer segments,…

Invest in building a recognisable and reputable brand. A strong brand helps differentiate your business from competitors and can command a premium price. According to John Warrillow, a brand’s perceived value is a key factor in determining the overall worth of a company. Develop a…

By implementing systems and processes you can simplify and streamline your operations to get a business that works for you. Identify core processes and document them to create consistency and efficiency. This allows you to delegate tasks effectively and ensure that the business can function…

Analysing your daily or weekly activities and determining which tasks are essential for business growth and which ones can be eliminated from your schedule will help you to free up time to work on your business. Prioritising high-value activities that directly contribute to achieving your…

Julia Smith from Cre8 Sales Solutions introduces us to how technology has helped her gain significant advantages in the world of telemarketing and lead generation. Julia also shares her perspectives on self-learning, and the impact that this has had not only on her business, but…

Set specific and measurable goals that align with your vision. Break them down into actionable steps and set deadlines for each milestone. This approach will keep you accountable and provide a roadmap to track your progress. Tip #1 – Make your Goals SMART: Ensure that…

Providing outstanding customer service can be a significant differentiating factor. Go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and build long-lasting relationships. Respond promptly to inquiries, personalise interactions, and consistently exceed customer expectations. Tip #1 – Active listening: Practice active listening when interacting with customers.…

Focus on creating a business that can grow rapidly without being limited by its resources or operations. John Warrillow emphasises the importance of scalability. Consider ways to automate processes, delegate tasks, and leverage technology to increase efficiency and capacity. Tip #1 – Streamline and Automate…

How do you identify your Unique Selling Point? Determine what sets you apart from your competitors and define your unique value proposition. This could be a specific feature, quality, or benefit that your product or service offers that others don’t. Highlighting your USP will make…

To create a business that works for you should start by clarifying your vision for the business. Determine what you want to achieve and the values that will guide your decision-making. A clear and compelling vision will help you stay focused and motivated as you…

Regularly collect customer feedback to understand their evolving expectations and preferences. Actively seek opportunities to innovate and adapt your offerings based on customer insights. Embrace experimentation and iterate quickly to stay ahead of the competition. Tip #1 – Collect customer feedback: Regularly seek feedback from…

When developing the mindset of a business owner place a high value on customer satisfaction and prioritise building strong relationships. Truly understand your customers’ needs, provide exceptional service, and exceed their expectations. By delivering value and creating loyal customers, you can drive repeat business and…

To support the creation of efficiency in your business you should allocate resources and responsibilities by prioritising tasks and delegating effectively. Identify high-impact activities and focus on those that align most closely with your goals. Delegate tasks to capable team members, allowing you to leverage…

Invest in your employees’ training and development, empowering them to make decisions and solve customer problems effectively. Cultivate a customer-centric culture within your organisation, where you empower your employees to go above and beyond to satisfy customer needs. Tip #1 – Provide comprehensive training: Empower…

Here are our 5 tips for encouraging a culture of continuous improvement where employees are empowered to identify and implement process improvements. Provide opportunities for feedback, suggestions, and learning. Foster a mindset that embraces change and innovation, enabling your business to adapt and become more…

To embrace the mindset of a business owner you need to understand how to focus on creating efficient systems and processes that streamline your business operations. Document standard operating procedures, delegate tasks, and empower your team to take ownership. By implementing effective systems, you can…

A key component to great customer journey is recognising that customers have unique preferences and needs. It is advised to tailor your products, services, and interactions to cater to individual customer requirements. Leverage data and technology to gather insights about your customers, allowing you to…

OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), a goal-setting framework popularised by John Doerr, can be an effective way to increase efficiency. OKRs align the efforts of individuals and teams with the broader goals of the organisation. They encourage transparency, focus, and collaboration, leading to improved efficiency…

To get your business to where you want it to be you need to continuously invest in your personal and professional development. Seek knowledge, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and develop new skills. A learning mindset allows you to adapt, innovate, and make informed decisions,…

Jamie Wilkes from Resolution Studios talks to Andy Hemming about how his business helps clients to visualise the internal and external designs of buildings in 3D. His construction background gives him a true understanding of how buildings are put together to really understand his clients’…

Take control of your business by being proactive rather than reactive. Anticipate challenges and opportunities, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles and maximise potential. Read our 5 tips to embrace a “can-do” attitude and take initiative in all aspects of your business. Tip #1 –…

Trust is a vital component of a great customer experience. Francis Frei suggests being transparent with customers about your processes, pricing, and policies. Communicate openly and honestly, addressing any concerns or issues promptly. This transparency builds trust and fosters long-term customer loyalty. Tip #1 –…

Once you have set clear goals around efficiency you should establish key results to measure progress towards those goals. Key results should be specific, measurable, and challenging but achievable. They serve as performance indicators and help you track and evaluate the efficiency of your businesses…

Francis Frei emphasises the importance of making things simple and clear for customers. Eliminate unnecessary complexity in your processes, products, and services to make it easier for customers to engage with your brand. Streamline your customer journey and minimise friction points to provide a seamless…

When it comes to elevating your business success it is crucial to embrace a mindset of abundance and think beyond limitations. Set ambitious, yet attainable, goals for your business. This will help you stay focused, motivated, and continually strive for growth. Tip #1 – Embrace…