SBC Business Magazine Spring 2024 Issue 13

A word from our Chief

WELCOME TO SBC MAGAZINE!

Welcome to the latest edition of SBC magazine, How on earth is it March already!!!

We are exhibiting at ExCeL London twice in the next few weeks, firstly at the Business Innovation Expo in March, followed by at the International Franchise Show in April.

We believe there is a big synergy between networking and exhibiting, it is for this reason we partnered with the different shows.

If you are attending either of these events please come over to see us on our stands.

We have been really busy working hard within Simply Business Club, our Podcast has recently launched, this magazine is growing in strength and our unique method of networking is impressing more people each week.

Do you have any ideas that you think we should include in future magazines or on our website? Get in touch and tell us how we can improve.

We also have some articles from members of Simply Business Club, take a look and let us know what you think.

01843 627 001

info@simplybusinessmagazine.co.uk

www.simplybusinessmagazine.co.uk

@SimplyBusinessMagazine

linkedin.com/company/simplybusiness-magazine

What’s inside

Simply

Simply

Simply

INSIDE SBC Magazine

Within this magazine we feature businesses and business professionals from start ups all the way up to global brands, each voice just as important. We really like sharing positive news, updates and advice & tips from around the world, Do you fall within the above, do you have some information or advice to share with our readers?

Would you like us to cover a certain topic or perhaps add a regular section with updates, perhaps from a certain business sector like Human Resources.

We have recently launched our podcast, check out the article inside this magazine all about what we are hoping to achieve with it. We also have lots of other big changes coming soon all of which to benefit our members and visitors.

Get in touch with us, come to a meeting and interact with us on social media

Exciting times ahead!

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So now could be the right time for you to look at how your business could make savings and protect future revenue.

Believe it or not, HR can significantly help your business to save money.

HR can stop your business from losing money unnecessarily, and increasing productivity to help you regain some of that financial balance.

Time is money, people!

It’s not uncommon for the HR function to fall under the responsibility of the Finance Manager or Office Manager within smaller businesses, primarily due to resource constraints and the need to streamline operations. However, while they excel in their respective domains, they may lack the specialised knowledge and expertise required to navigate the complexities of HR management effectively.

That means HR issues can take longer to tackle or need redoing.

What – or who – is missing?

Typically, an employee takes around 6.4 sick days annually, costing £5695per employee per year. While most absences are

could be prevented, a massive 40% of work-related sickness is caused by stress and 12.7% attributed to mental health issues.

Recognising patterns in employee behaviour, such as frequent Monday sick calls after weekend plans or avoidance of working with specific colleagues, underscores the importance of tracking and monitoring absences.

Analysing absence data helps identify trends within teams and individual employees, enabling businesses to address underlying issues, foster a happier, more cohesive work environment, and ultimately reduce absenteeism.

Good in a crisis

As a business owner, your employees look to you for guidance during challenging times. It’s essential to address concerns arising from colleagues

times. It’s essential to address concerns arising from colleagues leaving, providing explanations and demonstrating proactive efforts to improve conditions and retain talent.

Calm crisis management and proper guidance are necessary and your response to these challenges significantly impacts financial outcomes; recruitment costs are high, and productivity suffers from staff shortages.

With their specialised knowledge and experience, an HR professional can help the business navigate the current people crisis effectively, ensuring both legal compliance and the well-being of employees while safeguarding the financial health and reputation of the organisation.

If they don’t love you, they’ll leave you

A motivated workforce hinges on the health and wellbeing of your

However, it’s crucial to address stress factors and mental health sensitively. Investing in mental health awareness training for managers equips them with the tools to support struggling employees effectively. Assessing your company’s reputation and culture is essential for retaining engaged staff.

Does your workplace foster inclusivity, offers growth opportunities, or support work-life balance through flexible arrangements? Today, employees seek more than just financial compensation; they crave alignment with company values and meaningful perks.

Balancing employee care with brand identity strengthens engagement and retention. Enlisting the support of an HR specialist can streamline these efforts, providing tailored strategies to enhance employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and ultimately drive business success.

Compliance with the law

Fortunately, HR specialists can simplify this process, ensuring compliance without breaking the bank. They offer expertise in crafting and updating policies, keeping you abreast of legal changes, and providing guidance to mitigate risks.

Don’t overlook the importance of maintaining current documentation accessible to all employees. By engaging an HR specialist, you can navigate the complexities of employment law confidently, protecting

A little more support

If you lack an in-house HR team or specialist, implementing these strategies might seem daunting, costly and time-consuming. Indeed, investing in these initiatives requires some upfront expenditure.

Navigating employment law can feel like walking through a minefield, especially with its constant changes. Failing to comply can land you in hot water, making proper documentation essential.

This includes company handbooks, contracts, and up-to-date policies. However, many companies stumble when issues arise due to outdated or non-existent policies. The risk of facing an employment tribunal due to noncompliance is significant, with potential astronomical costs.

However, as a savvy business owner, you understand the value of spending today to save tomorrow.

My recommendation would be to engage an HR Consultant who can take care of all of this for you, without you having to find a load of additional time (and develop new skills) to do it all yourself.

By outsourcing it, you’ll have the peace of mind that everything is being dealt with in exactly the right way, at the right time protecting you and your business. Better still, it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either. It could even be cheaper that employing an internal HR person. There are different options from ad hoc advice; bespoke one-off projects; or monthly retainers, the key is finding the right support for you and your business. If it’s something that you’d like to explore, I’d love to talk to you about how our HR consultancy may be able to help you.

Britain’s Biggest International Franchise Show!

Welcome to the International Franchise Show, host to the UK’s biggest selection of the most exciting franchise opportunities from around the world! Returning on the 12th & 13th of April at the ExCeL in London, thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners will get FREE access to over 250 exhibitors, 60 seminars, 1-2-1 personal advice, interactive

features, expert guidance and more. This show promises to be the biggest and busiest yet, boasting limitless choices to start, develop, or invest in a franchise.

Operated by Comexposium, the third largest events organiser in the world, the International Franchise Show has been connecting thousands of budding entrepreneurs with their perfect franchise opportunity for over 14 years. The show also couldn’t be in a better location! The ExCeL has 5 international airports all within an hour’s commute, deeming London as ‘the gateway to Europe - the most accessible city in the world’.

The International Franchise Show also plays host to over 50 international brands across 25+ sectors, offering franchise opportunities from under £10K. There is sure to be something for everyone! Why not attend and see if starting or investing in a franchise could be for you? The most recent Natwest survey in 2019 estimates that the franchise industry is worth £17.2 billion in the UK so it may well be worth dipping your toe into the water. No matter your passion you are sure to find a franchise that is your perfect match. You will come away, at the very least, having gained a wealth of tips, tricks, and knowledge from franchise experts who have been in the game for years or have been met with exponential success.

This year there are talks from NatWest, Specsavers and Tutor Doctor, amongst many other incredible brands from across the globe. There are also such features as The Finance Clinic where you can find expert advice on what finance options are available for you. Plus, there’s The Supplier Zone where a range of businesses showcase their products and services to help get your franchise off the ground and running efficiently. Finally, there is a US Pavilion this year for US brands looking to expand their presence in the UK. Attend the show and explore franchises from every industry, all with a business model that has proven to be successful. Don’t miss the opportunity to access a wealth of information all in one place.

Get your completely free ticket here and visit on April 12th & 13th 2024, at the ExCeL in London.

Our Mission is to support Start-Ups and SMEs in the UK

In the UK, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are defined by three main criteria: the number of employees, annual turnover, and balance sheet total. These criteria help to categorize businesses into micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This classification is crucial for policy formulation, statistical analysis, and the provision of targeted business support by the government and financial institutions.

The standard definitions used in the UK is aligned with the European Union’s SME definition, are as follows:

Micro Enterprises: These are businesses with fewer than 10 employees and either an annual turnover or a balance sheet total not exceeding €2 million.

Small Enterprises: Businesses that have fewer than 50 employees and either an annual turnover or a balance sheet total not exceeding €10 million.

Medium-sized Enterprises: These are businesses with fewer than 250 employees and either an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or a balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million. (Source: BEIS)

The significance of SMEs in the UK economy is substantial. There are 5.7 million SMEs in the UK with a workforce of more than 16 million people and a turnover of approximately £1.9 Trillion (Source: BEIS). But this is not

just about numbers, it’s about the vitality of this sector of the economy. During the Covid period when everything else was on its knees, the SME sector reported unprecedented levels of growth. This resilience and capacity for growth, even amidst varying challenges, highlights the dynamic role of SMEs in fostering economic development.

We, at Silver Foxes, have worked with SMEs for over 30 years either as individuals or through the company. In the early days, the main requirement

was help with a business plan and finding finance. As the world moved on, the main requirement started to focus on digital presence, website creation, social media. More recently we are being asked to help with video creation, Google advertising and today dynamic technologies such as AI, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.

But there is one constant that has never changed. Most Start-Ups are sole practitioners working in isolation. They are lonely and need a sounding board. Not a business mentor or a business coach but someone to talk to. All the services above are important but they are nowhere near as important as being at the end of the phone, on email or in today’s environment on a virtual chat. Of course, there is no substitute to sitting down with someone and having a face-to-face chat.

In our experience, people start up their own business for one of three reasons. There are entrepreneurs out there who always intended to work in their own business. They do have a business vision and quite often have the basis of a plan in place. There are also people who are forced into working for themselves. They may have been laid off due to downsizing or other reorganisation, but the result is the same. These people are thrown in the deep end, usually without a plan and an urgent need to generate cash. The third group are the people who want a change of career and come to the marketplace, with a vision, some idea of a plan and often with some private funding. Our approach to all three groups is the same – we are

there to support them and help them through acting as a conduit to suppliers, customers, and third party outsourced support organisations. For example, they may need an accountant, a marketing company or even a production facility.

In 1992 the government set up the Business Link network of 40 offices across the UK to support Start-Ups and SMEs with advice, access to finance, and related support. This was phased out by the coalition government (circa 2008 -2012) as an austerity measure. Although it was meant to be replaced by local enterprise partnerships (LEPs), these are totally ineffective. Despite all their bullish words, successive administrations from the 2010 Cameron / Clegg coalition to the government of today, there is little or no support to this sector, despite its importance to the economy. The bulk of the money allocated to this sector is swallowed up in Quango salaries and administration charges. Less than 10% gets to the SMEs at the cliff face, who need it.

At Silver Foxes we have worked with over 300 Start-Ups and SMEs right across the economic landscape from sole proprietors to more established structures. At one end of the spectrum, small businesses such as nail bars, decorators and stand-alone IFAs have benefitted from our support. At the other end of the spectrum, small production companies, importers and exporters and other more formal organisations have used us to set up their

facilities and generate growth. In addition, we run courses and workshops for Start-Ups and people wanting to understand the basics of Digital Marketing, formally through City, University of London, and informally, both online through Zoom based webinars, and through Workshops / Masterclasses at scheduled events.

Our services include general business support and digital marketing support. For more details visit our website https:// silverfoxes.uk or contact us on the details below.

Silver Foxes is a marketing company focusing on supporting business Start-Ups and SMEs.

Our services include both business support and digital marketing.

If you are thinking of starting a business or have just started a business please take time to talk to us.

We would also like to talk to people running Start-Up Business Clubs

Contact details:

email: team@silverfoxes.uk

website: https://silverfoxes.uk

Phone: + 44(0) 330 330 8326

WhatsApp Martin: 07570 256726

When you're on the hunt for a website designer, making the right choice is key to your success. Your website acts as your storefront, your chance to impress potential customers and win them over.

Our pals at Simply Design UK, working hand-in-hand with SFM, are pros at creating sleek, modern, and one-of-a-kind websites.

About us About us

Extra Extra!!! SFM is expanding! We were once just your run of the mill lead generator. Now we offer it all!

Yes we still provide high quality, qualified leads to our clients. However we now offer so much more.

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We take a personalised approach to each website we build, and we'll stick to realistic timelines, making sure we plan effectively and deliver on schedule.

Start your web journey today with SFM.

Over the last 6 months, we have risen from nothing to having over ten clients and delivering over 5000 leads!

Read on to find out some of the other routes to market that we can help you with.

SEO is one of, if not the most important thing for a business to consider when it comes to website development, having a high calibre website with no traffic is like having a Ferrari with no insurance.

We've got your back with everything from behind-the-scenes SEO to fun blog posts and articles to keep your audience engaged.

Contact us today - www.sfmsales.co.uk

Info@sfmsales.co.uk 01843 627 111

When it comes to video, it’s important to have videos that are actually going to grow your business.

Whether its a series of short form reels, an information video or a podcast, we can help at SFM.

Our amazing partners, YVT are there to help you and point you in the best direction for your business.

Partners Partners

As much as we'd love to offer all these awesome products and services ourselves, it's just not doable.

So, we've teamed up with some really cool businesses instead.

These guys are experts in what they do, and they've got some seriously impressive offerings.

All video can be incorporated into a larger package or sold on its own. But it is a way that will grow your business without comparison.

Start your video journey today, with SFM and YVT to get your business to where it really needs to be.

We've partnered with them because they're awesome and they'll bring big benefits to our clients.

Here at SFM we can create you full organic content campaigns for your social media or websites. We will create unique and exciting content that is relevant to your industry and most importantly, Google friendly.

Start your content journey today with SFM Sales.

This doctor has now gone on to complete his qualifications and is successfully practicing as a fully fledged GP.

Since then I have worked with many more clients and seen some remarkable outcomes. The other thing that I am passionate about is self-care, and so three of us are organising a “Treat Yourself Retreat” in Croatia for 5-9th September this year. Staying near Zadar and experiencing not only some of the local delights, mud baths etc, but also learning how to make our own essential oils, experience Shen-Qigong, become empowered and enjoy a massage...

So do let me know if you would like to join us on a fabulous retreat in beautiful Croatia, bookings are limited, so confirm your place as soon as you can. Travel can be arranged through Daniel Adams at Travel Counsellors... More details will be released in our soon-to-be printed brochure...

Hi My name is Fran Nguyen and I have worked as a nurse for over 40 years. I started out my journey as a Trauma Counsellor in 2005. I discovered that my then husband had PTSD, and so along with studying I was also experiencing changes in our family dynamics... to cut a long story short, in 2011 my children and I moved out of the family home for safety reasons... and we are all on our healing journeys to establish our healthier lives... Following all that I qualified with a Masters in Counselling and since then I have also trained as a TRTP practitioner...(The Richards Trauma Process) a modality I learnt in Australia, which is helping clients get their lives back on track efficiently.

Here is a quote from a recent client, an NHS Dr, who wrote:

write and let me know, or call to book:

07873443739

fran@fran-traumacounselling.com

“ I have PTSD, and I have tried CBT< EMDR and TRTP and if I had to describe the difference between these three modalities, I would say CBT targets the conscious mind, EMDR targets both the conscious and subconscious mind somewhat effectively, while TRTP targets only the subconscious mind and does so effectively. Trauma in my experience is like a virus infecting a laptop, if it infects 1 or 2 programs, then all you need to do is uninstall those programs and then reinstall them and that is what CBT and EMDR do. But what happens if the virus infects the entire operating system? What if now your laptop works but glitches often, what do you do? YOu need to format the laptop and install a new operating system, and that is what TRTP does.”

Simply BUSINESS Club

Unveiling the Benefits of Running Your Own Business

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey, running your own business, is an exhilarating and empowering endeavor. While it comes with its challenges, the rewards are often profound. In this article, we delve into the numerous benefits that entrepreneurs experience when they take the leap to establish and manage their own business.

Freedom and Autonomy:

One of the most enticing aspects of running your own business is the freedom it affords. Entrepreneurs have the autonomy to make decisions that align with their vision and values. This independence allows for creative expression, strategic planning, and the flexibility to adapt to changing market dynamics.

Would you like to attend business networking that is relaxed and efficient? Simply Business Club is that place, come along to 4 online meetings for FREE, share in the support we offer to everyone who somes along, get to know the other people in the room, remember, a rising tide lifts all boats, if we all help each other we will all win!

Have you ever wondered what are the real, tangible differences between online and in person networking?

Well, you get to talk to people from all over the world; you also save time, you don’t need to travel and so it will take 30 seconds to log on; the third thing it will also save on the cost of travel, when you go somewhere it will, most of the time, cost you fuel or train ticket, it doesn’t cost extra to go to your desk.

Passion Pursuit:

Starting your own business often stems from a deep passion for a particular industry, product, or service. When you’re doing what you love, work becomes more than just a means to an end; it becomes a fulfilling and purpose-driven journey. The ability to turn your passion into a profession is a unique and rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship.

Financial Control:

Entrepreneurs enjoy greater control over their financial destinies. While the initial phases may be financially challenging, the potential for unlimited earning is significant. Successful businesses can lead to financial stability and the ability to invest in personal and professional growth.

Innovation and Creativity:

Flexible Work-Life Balance:

Running a business encourages innovative thinking and creativity. Entrepreneurs constantly seek solutions to challenges, introducing new products or services, and adapting to market trends. The entrepreneurial environment fosters a mindset of continuous improvement and the pursuit of innovative ideas.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is often a struggle in traditional employment settings. However, running your own business allows you to set your own schedule. While the early days may demand extra effort, the long-term goal is to create a business that works for you, affording the flexibility to prioritize personal and family commitments.

Learning and Personal Growth:

Entrepreneurship is a continuous learning experience. From managing finances to marketing strategies, entrepreneurs wear multiple hats and develop a diverse skill set. The challenges encountered on the entrepreneurial journey contribute to personal growth, resilience, and adaptability.

Impact on Community:

Running a successful business positively contributes to the community. It creates job opportunities, stimulates economic growth, and, in some cases, addresses societal needs through innovative products or services. Entrepreneurs become integral parts of the social fabric, making a lasting impact beyond their immediate business ventures.

Building a Legacy:

For many entrepreneurs, the desire to create a lasting legacy motivates their efforts. Building a successful business that can be passed down through generations or sold as a valuable asset is a fulfilling way to leave a mark on the business landscape.

Conclusion:

Running your own business is a journey that goes beyond the balance sheet. It’s about freedom, passion, financial control, creativity, and personal growth. While challenges are inevitable, the rewards of entrepreneurship are numerous and often extend far beyond individual success. The ability to shape your own destiny, contribute to the community, and leave a lasting legacy makes running your own business an empowering and gratifying pursuit.

Scan the QR code below to join Simply Business Club

Zoe Bowles - Director of Sales and

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Introducing ChatGPT

ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI’s revolutionary GPT-3.5 architecture, has transformed the landscape of natural language processing, making it accessible to users for a myriad of applications. Whether you’re a developer, a content creator, or simply looking to enhance your communication skills, understanding the best way to use ChatGPT can significantly amplify your experience. In this article, we’ll explore key tips and strategies to maximise the potential of this cutting-edge language model.

Understand the Basics:

Before diving into complex applications, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the basics of ChatGPT. This includes understanding its capabilities, limitations, and the context in which it performs best. Recognizing that ChatGPT excels in generating human-like text based on the input it receives lays the foundation for effective utilization.

Craft Clear and Specific Prompts:

The quality of your interaction with ChatGPT heavily depends on the prompts you provide. Clear and specific prompts yield more accurate and relevant responses. Instead of vague queries, break

down your questions or instructions into concise components. For instance, instead of asking, “Tell me about technology,” try “Explain the impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare.”

Experiment with Temperature and Max Tokens:

ChatGPT provides the option to adjust parameters like “temperature” and “max tokens.” Temperature controls the randomness of the generated responses, with lower values (e.g., 0.2) producing more deterministic outputs, while higher values (e.g., 0.8) introduce more variability. Max tokens limit the length of the response. Experimenting with these settings allows you to tailor the output to your specific needs.

Repetitive Refinement: Engage in a repetitive process when interacting with ChatGPT. If the initial response is not exactly what you’re looking for, refine

your prompt and ask followup questions. This step-by-step refinement helps guide the model toward a more accurate and desired outcome.

Provide Context:

When crafting prompts, consider providing context to guide ChatGPT in generating more coherent responses. For example, if you’re simulating a dialogue, explicitly mention the role or perspective of each participant. This context aids in generating responses that align with the scenario you have in mind.

Control Tone and Style:

ChatGPT is versatile in adapting to various tones and writing styles. If you have a specific tone or style in mind, incorporate it into your prompts. You can guide the model by specifying the desired level of formality, humor, or even the use of specific terminology.

Moderation and Review:

While ChatGPT is a powerful tool, it’s essential to exercise caution and review the generated content, especially if it will be shared publicly. The model may inadvertently produce biased or inappropriate content. Integrating a moderation layer to filter out undesirable outputs adds an extra layer of control.

In Conclusion:

ChatGPT represents a leap forward in natural language understanding and generation. By grasping its capabilities, refining prompts, and experimenting with settings, users can harness its potential across a spectrum of applications. Whether you’re seeking creative content, code assistance, or conversation simulation, a strategic approach to interacting with ChatGPT will undoubtedly unlock a world of possibilities. As with any tool, the key lies in understanding its nuances and utilizing it judiciously for optimal results.