Starting UP

William Sceats

Sceats Business Growth

https://sceatsbg.co.uk

Q1 In a few words tell us a bit about your business

At Sceats Business Growth our mission is to enable small and medium-sized organisations to achieve their goals. Be these revenue growth, increased profitability, scaling, customer acquisition, expanding into new markets, market exit / business sale - or all of the above - we provide the experience, knowledge and support required to rapidly achieve those goals in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.

Q2 What gives your business 'the x-factor’?

Commitment to solving client challenges, supported by deep expertise and decades of cross-industry experience, at a fraction of the cost of conventional providers. My USP – that if I don’t create value greater than my fee, I hand it back – is hugely helpful in convincing clients that I’ve skin in the game and am deeply committed to their success.

Q3 What motivated you to set up in business

Small and medium-sized enterprises form the bedrock of any healthy economy, providing jobs, economic growth, and opportunities for local communities. They account for 99.9% of all businesses in the UK and employ 16.8 million people - a massive 61% of the total UK workforce in 2023, with a combined annual turnover of £2.2 trillion, representing 52% of the total turnover of the private sector. However, they are massively underserved in terms of business advisory and coaching, largely priced out of the market and neglected by the big players. I realised that by setting up without the significant overheads of traditional players, I could use my expertise and experience to serve this market at a sustainable price.

Q4 What do you like most about working as a start-up?

The ability to tailor my service in a way that best meets the needs of a prospective client, providing as much or as little support as they need and I believe they can digest. And if they’re not in the right circumstances for success, telling them so and agreeing the building blocks needed for effective progress. Honesty is the best foundation for any relationship, and business services are no different.

Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date?

Delighting clients with a professional service that delivers significant value to their business at a fraction of the cost of conventional players.

Q6 What has been your lowest moment?

Far fewer than I expected! However, some of the business set-up administration that comes with establishing a new company is a learning curve, but not a very exciting one.

Q7 In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years?

To grow my business into a service provider with enhanced capacity to delight clients, who in turn provide unsolicited referrals and are eager for repeat business.

Q8 What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

Do your research carefully, understanding your proposition and the market for it. Don’t underestimate how long it may take to get traction, but equally don’t be disheartened by initial setbacks. Frame these as learning opportunities that help you better understand your offering, the market, and ultimately yourself, and iterate your approach accordingly. As cliched as it sounds, it’s the journey, not the destination, that provides the reward.

Q1 Who are you?

I'm the founder of Free Birds Studio, a London-based interior design consultancy specialising in residential interior design and property staging.

Q2 What's your business all about?

We create beautiful, functional interiors for London homeowners and provide complete staging solutions for vacant properties, holiday lets, and HMOs. Think of us as the transition between empty space and dream home.

Q3 Three words to describe yourself?

Creative, strategic, kind.

Q4 Ideal Customer?