Journal · Business growth

Writing on growing an owner managed business

Growth is not a single decision, it is a run of small ones about price, people, capacity and where the profit actually comes from. These pieces deal with that: what your numbers are telling you about the business model, how to measure performance without drowning the team in reports, when hiring adds profit and when it only adds cost, and what it takes to build something a buyer would want. None of it is theory. It comes out of the conversations we have with founders every week.

8 pieces in this category. See everything.

Three business owners talking over laptops and printed reports at a wooden table, with an adviser making notes.Business growth

ESG or B Corp: does your SME need either?

Start with an ESG policy, not B Corp certification. ESG costs nothing but discipline, while B Corp adds audit, annual fees and a change to your Articles.

The interior of a quiet independent cafe mid-morning, with empty tables and a member of staff behind the counter.Business growth

What car parks and airlines teach us about pricing

Variable pricing works for a small business when changes are modest and clearly explained. Charge more at peak and less off peak, but avoid surge pricing.

Two colleagues reviewing documents at a meeting table while a third person joins by video call on a laptop.Business growth

The great hiring shift in Britain's labour market

Permanent UK hiring has fallen for 44 months while temporary demand climbs. Weigh the full cost of employment against fractional or contract expertise first.

A gold trophy lit against a dark background.Business growth

Why entering business awards is worth the effort

Entering business awards is a low cost marketing move that pays whether or not you win. A shortlisting brings press coverage, content and staff pride.

A manager and an employee talking across a desk with a laptop open between them.Business growth

Measuring and Rewarding Staff Performance

Set business KPIs first, then map each role against them so every job has fair, measurable targets. Blend cash bonuses with tax-efficient staff rewards.

A woman holding a phone in front of a laptop showing bar and pie charts.Business growth

Using KPIs to measure and drive performance

Sales and profit are lagging indicators. A balanced set of KPIs across finance, customers, processes and people shows what is driving your results right now.

Two colleagues at a whiteboard headed Business process, with figures for each product listed beneath.Business growth

Understanding your business model - from leads to profit

Work backwards from the profit you want. Fixed costs plus target profit, divided by contribution per sale, gives the number of sales and leads you need.

An overhead view of a team working at a row of desktop computers along one long desk.Business growth

How to build a business that works without you

Run your business as though you were about to franchise it. Documented systems, defined roles and written standards let you step away without it struggling.


Other things we write about


Ready to talk?

Good advice starts with a good conversation. Tell us what you're building, and let's see whether we're the firm to help you build it.