Whether you are starting up a business, or growing a business or even changing the direction of your business there is no denying that being a business owner can be a daunting endeavour. Over my eight plus years at the BEC and recently on the Amplify programme I have seen so many examples of business owners fearful of taking those next steps. Addressing the fears associated with the issues you face can be a positive, worthwhile, and rewarding experience.

The reality is that any major change from starting, growing, and changing direction takes courage in buckets, initiative, drive, determination, and guess what no one is going to do it for you! I hear repeatedly ‘I will be able to do that when I can afford to employ more people.’

However, to progress you the owner will need to become an ‘allrounder,’ not an expert but an understanding across all areas of the business is essential.

Here are my tips on how to do this…

Educate yourself – an absolutely true saying is ‘knowledge is power’ and you will need an understanding of your industry its essential which means keeping up with market trends, customer needs and the competitive landscape. Developing your business skills is essential learning the basics of business planning, marketing, finance, and social media are essential.

You may not have come from these industry backgrounds and certainly if you are over forty then the entire world of social media and digital marketing feels like a minefield. However, you have to embrace this new world, I consider myself knowing enough to get along now, not the techy wizardry but how important blogs, newsletters and updates are to the BEC business and I have to set time aside to write blogs etc, it is in fact a key part of my role although undeniably not in the 8 year old job description!

Having a business plan – at the risk of constantly repeating myself here but having a solid business plan with a clear vision on how to define your goals and the value proposition you offer. All businesses need a road map a step-by-step plan of how to make the vision a reality which makes it less daunting and holds you to account for how to make things happen. Move away from waiting for someone else to do it and be self service on making this happen. The BEC has templates but so does Google, easy to follow and crucial to get those thoughts out of your head and into a plan.

Finding your supporters- these could be trusted friends or partners, or mentors from an organisation like the BEC. These are people who know your industry and their support and guidance can provide invaluable insights and encouragement. I met a fabulous person called Dr Zella King several years ago who authored a book with a colleague Amanda Scott called’ My Personal Boardroom.’ I can assure you it is a well-thumbed book, used a lot and it changed my professional working life!

Our book

My last tip is focus on the positives, however small the progress may be, remember to celebrate the small wins and surround yourself with positive influences who can help you maintain that hopeful outlook. Having a mentor can also help with this, although all good mentors will provide the hard to hear answers too!

Wherever you are on your business journey you can mitigate fear by acting, remember every successful business owner faced the same fears and overcoming them is part of the journey.

Remember the BEC is there to provide support please check our website for how we can help with this https://www.beccic.co.uk

I had a bit of a moment last week, it suddenly occurred to me that at the end of this summer it will be 40…yes 40 years since I started working. Apart from maternity leave this means that I have never had more than two weeks off work in that many years! It got me thinking and reflecting on the hard and best lessons I have learnt and how the mentoring that I do, and the wider business support the BEC offers influences our clients experience.

The hard lessons were that at times failure is inevitable not every venture or decision has succeeded, and that failure must be part of the process. I like to think that over the years my decision making has become more balanced, I am sure there are people who will argue that, but failed decisions are a stepping stone to success.

 I have certainly learnt that the need to be adaptable more so now than ever is a crucial leadership skill, markets and technologies are changing at such an alarming rate, and I am constantly recognising that not adapting to latest trends and tech will mean that the BEC could struggle to survive. This approach is hard sometimes as we get older, we all get a bit set in our ways and change becomes more difficult to accept and embrace. In my experience there are three types of people for change management, the early adopter who embrace change, the more reticent who get there after a while and of course the odd silent saboteur who just won’t accept that things need to be different.

Controversially, another hard lesson is that the customer is not always right, but they are still a customer, and their perception and satisfaction are crucial to your business success. How complaints are managed is key in this environment, respect and empathy are the name of the game.

I love partnership working it’s at the core of what we do here at the BEC, but not every partnership has worked out, differences in vision, or values or constantly moving goal posts can cause conflict and sometimes it is better to walk away than stick with it. Contracts and Service level agreements are vital to getting this right, the days of verbal agreements are long gone.

The best lessons I have learnt are that persistence pays off, staying committed through tough times can lead to breakthroughs and the challenges can be tackled one by one. Adaptability and flexibility are crucial to being persistent, being open to change and pivot, when necessary, can help navigate those unforeseen challenges and capitalise on new opportunities.

 It might seem like common sense but in 40 years I have been and seen some appalling treatment of employees/teams. Hiring the right team and investing in them as individuals both in and out of the workplace can inform and influence business success. I am always delighted when I hear our core team and our wider associates, the mentors, service providers and trainers describe our collective approach as the BEC family. It is nice to know the investment in people is appreciated and valued. We have created a culture where our values are important from our board to our staff, and our partners and of course to our clients.

My biggest learning is to stay curious, the world of business is continually evolving, staying curious, continuous learning are what keep you ahead of the curve.

I guess to sum up all the above it demonstrates the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

As the long, lazy days of summer begin with hopefully some decent weather to coincide, we are planning our next few months here at the BEC we use this time as our seasonal reset. We are undertaking some office moves and a revamp we spend so much time here having nice surroundings is important, and it boosts staff morale too!

We are making some physical changes to Three Sixty work rooms as well, with a new tenant taking part of the building so we will have building works to contend with as well.

Of course, we also have staff taking holidays my work wife is about to abandon me for three exceedingly long weeks 😊 last time she left emergency sweets which had gone by day two!

We have also just closed the applications for round two of Amplify which will start in September so Shanice our fab project officer is working her way through the 67 applications. It is great to see it building momentum with a 35% increase in applications and we will endeavour to support as many applications as possible. Last week our first group finished, and we had a small celebratory event, it was refreshing to hear their stories and how the programme had supported them in their business.

We are gearing up for our social sector support programme Building Bridges, which has started already but will gain momentum in September. This will mean a busy finish to the year. I am also wading my way through writing grant applications which if you are in this space can be a thankless and soul-destroying process when they are unsuccessful. I will defo need emergency sweets!

Of course, it’s still business as usual, our conference business goes quiet and we purposely stop the training calendar as its hard to focus when the children are around, but the workspaces are still busy and of course the businesses we support still need advice and mentoring as situations arise over the summer.

Starting summer break while managing work responsibilities can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some thoughts from me about how to make this time work.

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Create a schedule that designates specific hours for work and leisure. Communicate your availability to colleagues and stakeholders to ensure they respect your time off, the right to disconnect is invaluable.

2. Plan Mini-Breaks

Incorporate mini breaks throughout your day. Take short walks, enjoy a coffee break outside in the fresh air. These small moments can refresh your mind and help maintain productivity.

3. Use holiday Days Wisely

I have lost far too many days off to tidying cupboards, sorting wardrobes and other such things, I am sure I am not alone so, if possible, plan to take a few days at the start of summer. This will give you a solid break to recharge and transition into the summer mindset. Even a long weekend can make a substantial difference.

4. Create a Summer Bucket List

List activities you want to enjoy this summer. Include both short-term activities, like visiting a local park, and longer-term plans, like a weekend getaway or reading that book. This list can serve as a reminder to make time for fun amidst your work schedules.

5. Optimise Your Workspace

Make your work environment as pleasant as possible. If you work from home, set up your workspace near a window or add some plants. If you're in an office, take advantage of natural light and fresh air during breaks, come and work from our spaces if you need a break! Remember you can work from Three Sixty Workrooms on a Wednesday for free through the six weeks holiday.

6. Prioritise Self-Care

Summer is an excellent time to focus on self-care. The world seems a nicer place when you are mentally in a good place.

7. Leverage Flexible Work Options

If your job allows, consider flexible work options such as adjusting your hours or working remotely. This flexibility can enable you to better balance work and leisure activities.

8. Stay Organised

Use planners or digital calendars to keep track of work deadlines and personal activities. Staying organized can help reduce stress and ensure you make the most of your time.

9. Plan After-Work Activities

Make the most of your evenings and weekends. Plan activities like attending local events, dining out, or simply enjoying a sunset. These small outings can make your summer feel more fulfilling.

10. Stay Present

When you're not working, try to be fully present in your activities. Avoid checking work emails or thinking about work tasks. This mental break is crucial for enjoying your summer break.

Whatever you are doing over the summer period I hope you make time for fun as well as the serious stuff and we will see you back with our new plans for September! Of course, if you need us over the summer we will still be here, and you can get in touch through all the normal channels.

As the long, lazy days of summer begin with hopefully some decent weather to coincide, we are planning our next few months here at the BEC we use this time as our seasonal reset. We are undertaking some office moves and a revamp we spend so much time here having nice surroundings is important, and it boosts staff morale too!

We are making some physical changes to Three Sixty work rooms as well, with a new tenant taking part of the building so we will have building works to contend with as well.

Of course, we also have staff taking holidays my work wife is about to abandon me for three exceedingly long weeks 😊 last time she left emergency sweets which had gone by day two!

We have also just closed the applications for round two of Amplify which will start in September so Shanice our fab project officer is working her way through the 67 applications. It is great to see it building momentum with a 35% increase in applications and we will endeavour to support as many applications as possible. Last week our first group finished, and we had a small celebratory event, it was refreshing to hear their stories and how the programme had supported them in their business.

We are gearing up for our social sector support programme Building Bridges, which has started already but will gain momentum in September. This will mean a busy finish to the year. I am also wading my way through writing grant applications which if you are in this space can be a thankless and soul-destroying process when they are unsuccessful. I will defo need emergency sweets!

Of course, it’s still business as usual, our conference business goes quiet and we purposely stop the training calendar as its hard to focus when the children are around, but the workspaces are still busy and of course the businesses we support still need advice and mentoring as situations arise over the summer.

Starting summer break while managing work responsibilities can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some thoughts from me about how to make this time work.

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Create a schedule that designates specific hours for work and leisure. Communicate your availability to colleagues and stakeholders to ensure they respect your time off, the right to disconnect is invaluable.

2. Plan Mini-Breaks

Incorporate mini breaks throughout your day. Take short walks, enjoy a coffee break outside in the fresh air. These small moments can refresh your mind and help maintain productivity.

3. Use holiday Days Wisely

I have lost far too many days off to tidying cupboards, sorting wardrobes and other such things, I am sure I am not alone so, if possible, plan to take a few days at the start of summer. This will give you a solid break to recharge and transition into the summer mindset. Even a long weekend can make a substantial difference.

4. Create a Summer Bucket List

List activities you want to enjoy this summer. Include both short-term activities, like visiting a local park, and longer-term plans, like a weekend getaway or reading that book. This list can serve as a reminder to make time for fun amidst your work schedules.

5. Optimise Your Workspace

Make your work environment as pleasant as possible. If you work from home, set up your workspace near a window or add some plants. If you're in an office, take advantage of natural light and fresh air during breaks, come and work from our spaces if you need a break! Remember you can work from Three Sixty Workrooms on a Wednesday for free through the six weeks holiday.

6. Prioritise Self-Care

Summer is an excellent time to focus on self-care. The world seems a nicer place when you are mentally in a good place.

7. Leverage Flexible Work Options

If your job allows, consider flexible work options such as adjusting your hours or working remotely. This flexibility can enable you to better balance work and leisure activities.

8. Stay Organised

Use planners or digital calendars to keep track of work deadlines and personal activities. Staying organized can help reduce stress and ensure you make the most of your time.

9. Plan After-Work Activities

Make the most of your evenings and weekends. Plan activities like attending local events, dining out, or simply enjoying a sunset. These small outings can make your summer feel more fulfilling.

10. Stay Present

When you're not working, try to be fully present in your activities. Avoid checking work emails or thinking about work tasks. This mental break is crucial for enjoying your summer break.

Whatever you are doing over the summer period I hope you make time for fun as well as the serious stuff and we will see you back with our new plans for September! Of course, if you need us over the summer we will still be here, and you can get in touch through all the normal channels.

Dear Gentle Readers, sorry I just had to write that and get my Lady Whistledown moment! Like many of us I have been hooked with the third series of Bridgerton, I was an avid fan from day one.

I managed to catch the first four episodes of series three before going on holiday and then binge watched on my return whilst wading through the inevitable amount of holiday washing; back to earth with a bump heh!

If you are not familiar with Bridgerton, one could ask where have you been hiding? 😊 but for those who have not seen it, it’s a period drama series set in Regency times based on Julia Quinn's novels. It has been praised for its progressive approach to themes like race, gender, and female persona’s. One of the series' notable subtle themes is female empowerment, including aspects of female entrepreneurship. There are several powerful characters who demonstrate influence, business acumen, and of course Lady Whistledown who secretly writes a society paper, calling out bad behaviour and popular news much to the Queen’s distaste. I won’t reveal the full plot in case you are intrigued to watch or are still catching up.

However, whilst on leave I was thinking of how Bridgerton has strong links with modern female entrepreneurship, particularly how it resonates with modern audiences. It is evident that female representation is a key feature of the programme, and it highlights independent and entrepreneurial female characters who defy traditional gender roles. This aligns with current trends where women are increasingly starting their own businesses and supporting the economy with a positive impact.

"Bridgerton" offers a compelling lens through which to examine modern female entrepreneurship, drawing parallels between the show's portrayal of female empowerment and the realities faced by contemporary women in business.

Here are my reflections.

Breaking Barriers - Key characters break societal norms and assert their independence in a male-dominated society, and of course women entrepreneurs today exemplify this trend.

Innovation and Adaptability – the characters   often demonstrate innovative thinking to navigate social constraints. For example, Madame Delacroix's success as a dressmaker requires creativity and adaptability. Of course, today’s female entrepreneurs use innovation to create niche markets, such as sustainable fashion, tech startups, and wellness industries. They adapt to changing market demands and use technology to their advantage.

Networking and Mentorship – throughout the programme you can see social networks and alliances female characters form which are crucial to the plots and the characters success. We see here at the BEC a continuous model of women supporting women.

Resilience and Perseverance – the female characters face societal pressures as it would have been in regency times, but nowadays resilience is the epitome of successful female business owners. Often facing the unique challenges of family responsibilities, gender bias and securing funding but despite all of this they persist and thrive.

I personally think "Bridgerton" effectively mirrors the journey of modern female entrepreneurs, highlighting themes of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. By drawing inspiration from the show's characters and their narratives, contemporary women can find motivation and confidence to navigate their entrepreneurial paths.

Here at the BEC we are proud to be advocates of female business owners, on our new (relatively) programme Amplify funded by the Council and UKSPF we are proud that 75% of our first cohort are female business owners in food, care, and of course other sectors.

We are currently recruiting our next cohort for September if you are in Barking and Dagenham then you can use this link to register your interest.  Link

PS its open to any gender!

Adult social care is close to my heart in Barking and Dagenham I made a career out of it for nine years and worked across a range of services during those years, collaborating with some incredible people delivering brilliant services.   For most of us this is a service that at some point we all interact with whether for ourselves or looking after ageing parents and relatives. It is undeniable that adult social care is a vital service designed to support older adults and those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. It ensures they can live with dignity and as independently as possible.

When Amplify our business support programme started, I was personally delighted that the BEC could support fifteen local care businesses to improve their offer and develop their business model. At the end of June, we say adios to our first graduates of the programme and are embarking on onboarding the next group through the summer, ready for a September start.

The world of care is huge, and it is big business, not just in Barking and Dagenham but across the country. Skills for Care has published 'The value of adult social care in England' report which shows the growing adult social care sector, and its skilled workforce contributes £50.3 billion to the English economy. This can range from personal assistance at home with daily living tasks to more structured residential support or nursing care.

Back in 2012, the BEC was delighted to support Barking and Dagenham council and the Northeast London Foundation trust in setting up Care City CIC. If you are not familiar Care City is an innovation centre for healthy ageing and regeneration, based in Barking. Their mission is to support people across Northeast London to live happier, healthier lives. It does brilliant work across public services, health and the social sector and has radically shifted the position of care in our borough. (http://www.carecity.org)

When we designed the Care programme; I always knew we needed Care City to be part of this journey for supporting care businesses; there is definitely need to think about the art of the possible when delivering care; moving away from traditional commissioning models and embracing the support that digital technology can bring to improve the wellbeing of people who need care and support.

We are over the moon to secure Matt Skinner Chief Executive of Care City CIC (and his team of course), in my opinion Matt and co are some of the most influential voices in the industry, bringing a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives. He and his team work tirelessly to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and wider afield as well.

If you’re a care business in Barking and Dagenham, whether you are looking to gain insights into the latest initiatives, learn from real-life case studies, or simply get inspired, this event has you covered. Expect the unexpected and leave with brimming with innovative ideas.

As, we inch closer to the date of our much-anticipated event, I cannot help but feel a surge of excitement that I just have to share with you all. This session promises to be a game-changer, and I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you exactly why you can't afford to miss it!

If you are a care business in Barking and Dagenham, you can register for the event here.

Here at the BEC we completely understand that running a small business means multi-tasking, wearing different hats and that thinking about sustainability may not be top of the agenda. However, we cannot deny that the business world now takes sustainability very seriously, there are new laws coming in the very near future which will radically affect some businesses.

Undeniably there are compelling reasons. Integrating sustainable practices can lead to numerous benefits that enhance the business's long-term viability, reputation, and financial performance. We have seen a considerable increase in the need to identify sustainable goals through commissioning and tendering for services in the public sector. Our social sector colleagues are not forgotten here either with grants or trust funders looking at sustainability as a pre-cursor for agreeing funding.

 Learn more: https://youtu.be/FwH0ag0K-B4

We are by no means experts here at the BEC, but we have been on a learning journey and our way of remembering is the three P’s, people, places, and planet.

If you haven’t thought about sustainability or just need a reminder, here are our key reasons why sustainability is crucial for small businesses:

1. Cost Savings and Efficiency

Keeping an eye on the finances we are all looking for cost savings and sustainable practices often involve using less energy, which can significantly reduce utility bills. Energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems, as well as renewable energy sources, contribute to these savings.

We should all care about the planet for future generations, and I am sure you have noticed younger generations are more committed to minimizing waste through recycling, composting, and efficient use of materials can lower waste disposal costs and improve resource efficiency.

2. Competitive Advantage

In crowded markets how do you make your business stand out, one of the ways is adopting sustainable practices can differentiate a business from competitors, attracting customers who value environmental responsibility.

There has been a shift in consumer buying and many consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company’s sustainability credentials. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can build stronger customer loyalty and trust.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

If your business is in a regulated environment, then you will be unable to ignore that there are anticipated legislative changes. The Government are introducing more stringent environmental regulations. Proactively adopting sustainable practices helps businesses stay ahead of regulatory changes and avoid potential fines and penalties.

4. Employee Attraction and Retention

Your employees care about sustainability, and a commitment to sustainability can enhance workplace culture, making the business more attractive to potential employees, particularly younger workers who prioritize environmental and social responsibility.

Sustainable practices can improve employee morale and engagement by fostering a sense of purpose and pride in their work.

5. Long-Term Viability

Sustainable businesses equal resilient businesses and they are positioned to withstand economic and environmental changes. By focusing on long-term resource management, these businesses are more resilient to market fluctuations and resource shortages.

 Sustainability often drives innovation. Businesses that invest in sustainable technologies and practices can develop new products, services, and processes that provide a competitive edge.

6. Positive Community Impact

Sustainable businesses contribute positively to their communities by reducing environmental impact and supporting social causes, enhancing their reputation, and fostering community support. By sourcing locally and supporting sustainable practices, businesses can boost the local economy and build strong community ties.

We are by no means experts here at the BEC, but we have been on a learning journey and our way of remembering is the three P’s, people, places, and planet and if you want a quick tour watch our animation.