The Lessons of 2020: What we’ve learned
2020 has been quite a year. Both personally and professionally our lives have been turned upside down. The ‘new normal’ includes home schooling, working from home and social distancing. We do more online than ever before; from trying to secure online grocery deliveries to grappling with video calls. Despite everything, we have shown great human spirit and adapted in the best way that we can, with businesses big and small adjusting their services and product offering.
Focusing on small businesses priorities: Wrongful trading and cash management - a handy guide
With so much going on at the moment and new regulations being introduced at speed, it’s easy for small business owners to miss things. Let’s face it, there’s enough to do just focusing on the everyday. However, it’s a good idea to set aside some time each week to familiarise yourself with any updates that are relevant to your business and industry. Here at Be Rescued, we try to flag up as much as possible, whether it’s new legislation, information on government support or action you should take to safeguard your business. This month we want to draw your attention to important legislation on wrongful trading and we’ve some tips on how you can manage your cash flow. We’re here to help and regularly provide advice for small businesses.
The springboard to success: Why asking for help is good for small businesses and how to go about it
Running a small business can be lonely. There will be times when you don’t know who to turn to when you need an answer to your questions. If you’re a business owner trying to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, asking for help is more important than ever before. The survival of your business could depend on it. But how many of us ask for help when we need it most? Some even see asking for help as a sign of weakness when quite the opposite is true, reaching out can help increase your chances of business survival and success, needless to say you can make meaningful long-lasting connections. Asking for help is good for small businesses. At Be Rescued, we’re huge advocates of seeking advice and help as early as possible, and believe now more than ever, small business owners should be doing so.
Are you ready? Help and advice for small business owners in the event of a business slowdown or a local lockdown OR BOTH
We are seeing a number of local lockdowns across the UK, with many of us thinking ‘Will there be a lockdown in my area’. As some government support schemes wind up, are you able to cope if business is slow or there is a lockdown? We’ve put together some practical tips on things you can do in the event of either scenario, or both, adversely affecting your business. At Be Rescued, we specialise in helping small business owners in times of crisis.
Help and advice for small business owners and the self-employed, from operating safely to finance and furlough
Most of us have been longing for a haircut during lockdown and even more so if we’ve had a DIY disaster! Now at last, shaggy-haired Brits can go to the hairdressers. However, salons look very different now, social distancing measures mean that screens, hand sanitizer and protective gear are the new normal. It’s great to see businesses opening but whether you run a hairdressers, a restaurant, or an office, there’s a lot to consider. Small business owners need to follow rules to operate safely, while also staying on top of everything from finance to furlough. We’ve put together some help and advice for small business owners and the self-employed to guide you through the coming weeks. This will largely focus on England, as regulations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may differ. If you need any further help or pointing in the right direction, contact Be Rescued, we’re here to help.
From pivoting to undergoing a digital revolution – Why SMEs are AMAZING
We’ve certainly had a tough time lately. However, there’s light at the end of the tunnel as businesses start to reopen. There’s also some good news for the manufacturing industry, with the announcement that Nissan’s car making operations will be centred on its Sutherland plant. But it’s in the small business community that we’ve seen some of the most positive stories. In particular, the way owners have responded to the crisis and pivoted their businesses. This blog celebrates the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker, the small manufacturer – the small businesses that are the backbone of the UK economy. Here at Be Rescued, we salute you – small businesses are simply AMAZING.
A helping (virtual) hand for small businesses during Covid-19
The Covid-19 crisis has changed the way we live, work and socialise. It’s a time of unprecedented upheaval and uncertainty for everyone with the pandemic affecting countries across the globe. In the UK, the current lockdown sees us separated from our families and work colleagues, with many of us working from home, and those who are parents having to get to grips with home schooling. Even our pets are struggling to understand why we are at home all the time. These social distancing measures are of course essential to help us save lives and protect the NHS. For small business owners the situation is far from business as usual. Some sectors have been especially hard hit such as retail, travel, leisure and hospitality. Some smaller businesses, including sole traders and the self-employed, have seen their work disappear overnight. There are some businesses that can continue to trade albeit in a different way than usual. People and companies are having to adapt quickly. This is business as unusual.
Fishing for customers in the digital age
When it comes to finding and keeping customers, small businesses can no longer rely on traditional marketing methods alone. A strong online presence is essential in the digital age and that includes having a website as well as being on social media platforms. Small business owners can’t see platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as optional or a ‘nice to have’ – they are essential if you want to engage with potential and existing customers.
New Habits - Good practice for small business owners
At the beginning of the year we look at making changes in our lives, with getting fit topping the list (Ok, so joining the gym helps!). But seriously, sometimes changing our habits can help us reach our goals. For example, to increase fitness levels, instead of taking the lift at work, why not walk up the stairs. Establishing good habits works well for our personal and business lives. By making this a priority for your small business in 2020 you will reap the rewards. A habit is defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary as ‘something that you do often and regularly, sometimes without knowing that you are doing it.’ If you do something regularly bad habits can easily set in without you noticing. It is a good idea for small business owners to keep an eye on standards and establish new good habits and improve systems if there is an issue. The early part of the new year is the ideal time to review things and establish best practice in your business.