Business growth

Small businesses are the backbone of society in the UK, they nurture local economies, keep money close to home, and provide much-needed support to local communities and neighbourhoods.  Running a business is challenging at any time, but never more so than in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc, so our much-loved small business owners deserve all the praise they can get for keeping us fed, watered, pampered, and looked after during the most...dare we say it, unprecedented of times.

The number of empty shops on UK high streets has skyrocketed as a result of the global health crisis. And, as such, there is believed to be nearly 40% fewer visitors than last year. So, as we return to the tier system, we sought to find out what independent businesses think local councils can do to help drive footfall around Christmas.

If you’ve been sitting on a business idea for some time now, waiting for the right moment to pounce, we wouldn’t blame you for assuming the pandemic of 2020 and it’s financial impact make now an inopportune moment. Happily, we’re here to tell you that’s not the case, instead, 2020 might well be the perfect time to start a business. Think we’re crazy? Read on to find out why.

Let’s be honest, unless you’re a restauranteur, the idea of offering a table service option in your hospitality business probably wasn’t on your radar until the crazy events of 2020 unfolded.  There’s no point reminiscing on the good old days when you could get within two-metres of a customer without panicking about the repercussions, we are where we are and businesses wanting to remain competitive, not to mention above board, need to keep up to thrive.

Buckle in for our nine steps to prepping for a killer Christmas. As every small business owner knows all too well, Christmas is a spending frenzy - in fact, last year Brits spent a staggering £26.9 billion on gifts, that’s an eye-watering average spend of £513 per person.