How to make the best out of a bad situation

By Jon Burnell

With so much uncertainty, we are all trying to make sense of life in a COVID-19 world and what it means for our businesses today and into the future. I’ve been working with businesses of all kinds around the world for many years. When going through tough times, such as: Economic challenges Political turmoil Natural … Continued

The Growing Importance of outstanding Non-Executive Directors and robust Boards for UK SMEs

By Jon Burnell

The global financial crisis, coupled with increased regulation have drawn attention to the roles played by board advisers and independent non-executive directors (iNED). From corporate governance through to oversight and mentorship, the requirements of the advisory role have never been so broad or demanding. The ability to review in detail a company’s strategy and decision-making … Continued

Mind Your International Business Development

By Jon Burnell

We have been talking a great deal to busy exporters this year about the stress and anxieties they are dealing with. Most tell us that retaining and winning new business during Covid-19 is top of their list of stressors. It’s clear that the more time you have available for business development, the more you can … Continued

Data protection challenges as SMEs unlock

By Jon Burnell

As lock down eases and businesses begin to take their first steps back to normality there are a number of things to consider to ensure that you have done all that is necessary to meet Government guidance, to provide a safe environment. Whilst much of their focus will have been on physical alternations that need … Continued

‘Busy’ is no longer an excuse

By Jon Burnell

Is it just me or did the whole world suddenly start exercising at the beginning of lock-down? Everyone is/was exercising regularly, and it’s not hard to guess why. Self-isolation is challenging – there is only so much time you can spend inside your own four walls. But more so, in one fell swoop, isolation inexorably … Continued

Saying you are open is just the start.

By Jon Burnell

As we move back to a weird kind of normal, many businesses are looking to open their doors and start trading. We all understand how important it is to tell our customers that we are open and trading, but is that enough? Right here, right now, there is a lot of online clutter and confusion … Continued

GDPR & working from home

By Jon Burnell

With so much business now being conducted from home, and with the future suggesting that remote working will be the “new normal”, many small business owners have had their focus returned to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It was a major area of concern prior to its introduction on 25 May 2018 so one hopes … Continued