With statistics showing that only 40% of small businesses make it past their fifth year​ and the median profit made by SMEs in the UK in 2023 was approximately £13,000* clearly it's about more than financial success; it’s about the challenge, striving for excellence, and making a lasting impact.

I know when you're a small business owner you don't have a 9-5, you live and breathe your business. Everything is connected and impacts how you feel, how you show up and ultimately how you move things forward.

If you want to make the most out of the last few months of the year, here are my 5 key steps and ways you can give your business that head start.

Brilliant businesses run well and well into the future. They are more successful, have higher productivity, with happier and more engaged workforces and are able to fix problems and leverage ideas to drive long-term growth and profitability improvements. In other words, by adopting an Inside-Out Approach to building your brand, you really do make a difference, and most importantly to your bottom line.

"Have I told you the story about my ‘MELON’ man?

He just knew which would be the PERFECT melon for me.

He always found THE perfect melon for my needs which meant I would go back time after time!

Using analogies and telling stories is probably my favourite and most effective way of creating engaging content. I shared my melon man story a few years ago in my book, my group and across my socials, and I still have people refer to it today or ask me about him.

I’ve been invited to join Gareth & Nikki at the High Peak Network (for cringe-free networking) on Friday 12th July to meet with members and share some of my story.

I made the scary leap in 2014, jumping from a senior role as Head of Communications in the steel and mining industry, to running my own consultancy and coaching business LR Comms and working in my little office on the side of a hill in Whaley Bridge.

Being able to communicate your brand and ethos in a credible way, demonstrating how you work and how you care through real-life stories from behind the scenes in your business is a perfect way to connect with your audience, celebrate your team and your success, and build goodwill at the same time.

And taking part in business awards like the Northern Automotive Alliance Awards is a great opportunity to do just that.

Our new programme to bridge the gap between young people and the world of work, business and entrepreneurship.

Can you believe it's already the 1st of September? It's a time when the air is filled with excitement, like the beginning of a brand new year, offering us a golden chance to make the most of the final months of 2023.