According to a survey published recently, a clear majority of business founders believe that the UK is still a relatively easy place to launch a business, but only 13% of respondents think it is an easy place to scale.
Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, accounting for 99.9% of the business population and over half of private sector employment. Yet despite their vital role, many small firms are struggling to scale. While access to finance, regulation, and infrastructure are frequently cited barriers, one of the most under-recognised factors limiting small business growth is the underinvestment in people - particularly in leadership and management capability.
For many small business owners, selling their company may not be top of mind in the early days. The focus tends to be on survival, then sustainability, and eventually growth. But those who build with the end in mind from the earliest stages, position themselves to create businesses that are not only successful, but also valuable, transferable assets when the time comes to exit.
The Southwest has always been a region full of creativity, resilience and ambition. From its rugged coastlines and rural heartlands to its thriving towns and cities, it is a place where enterprise takes many forms — family-owned firms passed down through generations, innovative start-ups making their mark, growing companies eager to explore new horizons, and large companies leading the world in aerospace engineering and nuclear power generation.
At the end of July, the UK Government released ‘Backing your Business: Our Plan for Small and Medium Sized Business’. Key to this plan is the understanding that SMEs are the UK economy’s “engine room” and that “accelerating SME growth by just 1% a year could deliver £320 billion to the UK economy by 2030”.
Leadership is not a title, it’s a practice. It’s not about commanding others, but about bringing out the best in them—and in yourself. Whether you’re leading a small team or running a large business, improving your leadership is one of the most valuable investments you can make. But what does “better” leadership look like?
One of the most common pitfalls a leader encounters is thinking they need to have all the answers. Our experiences validate this belief; people often seek us out for decisions, guidance, and clarity. However, through my leadership journey and observations of other leaders, I’ve learned that the most effective decisions arise from posing better questions—not just any questions, but the kind that invite a wider set of perspectives, especially those we don’t usually hear.
Sustainable practices are not just about the environment, they make good business sense too, especially if you are thinking about the value of your business in preparation for your exit.
In the fast-moving world of UK SMEs, standing still is no longer a safe option. The business environment is changing too quickly — whether it’s customer expectations, technology, regulation, or supply chain dynamics. If you’re not actively growing your business, chances are you’re unintentionally slowing it down.
Our expertise is in getting to the heart of you and your business. We find the right advice when you need it. We add clarity and focus. We help keep you on track, especially when it's tough.
Lead | Grow | Exit
