Congratulations to Diane Shawe for becoming one of the 2023 Start Up Awards Finalists for her Shoppers Discount Club Business.
Dudley based startup Shoppers Discount Club has been named a finalist ahead of the Midland Final of the StartUp Awards.
The StartUp Awards has been launched to recognise the booming startup scene across the UK which has accelerated since the 2019 pandemic. Over 800,000 new businesses were founded in the UK since 2021, a 4.3% increase from the year before.
A record number of businesses applied to this year’s StartUp Awards, with 1,100 firms shortlisted across ten UK nations and regions. The contribution of these firms – all of which were started in the last three years – is significant, having created over 5,000 new jobs since they were established and generating annual sales of £584 million.
The Shoppers Discount Club is a using AI Conversational Chatbots and QR codes to help bricks and mortar retailers offer live discounts to shopper via their mobile phones in real time, helping retailers attract more footfall into their businesses founded by Diane Shawe in 2022. The business has been nominated for the Mobile and Emerging Technology StartUp of the Year.
Diane Shawe, founder of Shoppers Discount Club, said: “This is amazing. I have a business on the High Street and the idea came to me when I was trying to think of a way that us the retailers could compete with online discounts and offers in real time to attract more footfall. I focused on a solution using Artificial Intelligence Technology Chatbots and QR codes that could instantly engage passer-by in real time and entice them to claim their instant discount via their mobile phone and would not cost a fortune for retailers to use. Its been working for my business as customers are surprised that they can claim an instant discount on certain treatments. ”
Supported nationally by Starling Bank, British Business Bank, BT, Creative Ideaz, GS1 UK, Jeeves, Join Talent, ScoreApp and The Purposeful Project, the programme will celebrate the achievements of the amazing individuals who have turned an idea into an opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.
The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the StartUp Awards, said:
“ Start-up businesses are the lifeblood of any economy, being responsible for new jobs, innovation and in supporting communities in every nation and region across the UK.
All of the finalists this year represent the best of those entrepreneurs who have spotted an opportunity and through their sheer hard work, talent and perseverance, have created an amazing new business that is creating real impact in its sector.”
The StartUp Awards was created in collaboration with the team behind the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, one of the most successful awards programmes in the UK. The StartUp Awards are running for the second year after launching in 2022.
This year’s StartUp Awards finalists can be found online at
The StartUp Awards is a collaboration between the founders of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards – an established programme nationally receiving thousands applications annually – and the Wales Start-Up Awards, the only regional awards currently celebrating new businesses in the UK.
The StartUp Awards will recognise the achievements of those amazing individuals who have had a great idea, spotted the opportunity and taken the risks to launch a new product or service.
Already established and thriving in Wales, the StartUp Awards is now taking the passion and drive to celebrate new business and extending across the whole of the United Kingdom.
With the rise of box dyes and people resorting to colouring their own hair mainly to save money has resulted in confusion between semi, demi and permanent hair colour.
I will try to explain the difference in this article.
Choosing a hair colour can be difficult due to the fact that everyone’s hair is different. Your colorist will have definite opinions about demi-permanent colour versus semi-permanent colour and will consider individual factors such as the degree of porosity that determines how readily your hair will accept colour, how vivid your natural colour is the overall health of your hair, and your hair wash habits.
The primary distinction between semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair colours is their durability after repeated washings and exposure to sunlight. In comparison to permanent hair colour, both methods are temporary, with demi-lasting up to 30 washes and semi-lasting about 5. Here’s how to determine which method is optimal for your hair and your desired hair colour results.
HOW DOES SEMI-PERMANENT COLOR WORK AND WHAT IS IT?
Permanent hair colour contains potentially damaging ammonia, whereas semi-permanent hair colour does not. It is used by mixing it with a low-volume developer that activates hair colour with a low level of peroxide to lift the outer cuticle so that pigment can lodge there without affecting the innermost fibres of the cortex. Before shampooing, demi-permanent hair colour is typically applied to dry hair to deposit pigment on the surface layer without lightening the natural hair colour.
WHO IS BEST SUITABLE FOR TEMPORARY COLOR?
If you’re looking for a temporary hair colour change, or if you want to shift your tone from cool to warm or vice versa, demi-permanent is the most effective and least damaging option. It affects natural hair sufficiently to darken it and is an excellent choice when grey hairs begin to appear, making them appear as natural highlights that blend with your overall colour – with less distinction as hair grows out. Additionally, demi-permanent colour is ideal for revitalising faded ends. If you’re curious about how to care for bleached hair, demi-permanent colour is an excellent way to revitalise brassy and dull blondes.
HOW DOES SEMI-PERMANENT COLOR WORK AND WHAT IS IT?
Low-maintenance and short-lived, semipermanent hair colour requires little upkeep. This temporary, “deposit-only” hair dye is also known as a toner, stain, and gloss. In contrast to demi-permanent colour, semi-permanent colour does not require a developer and is typically applied to freshly washed hair. It does not alter the hair colour as much as it adds depth and vibrancy to the tone.
WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM SEMI-PERMANENT COLOR?
If you’re new to colouring your hair, or a “colour virgin” in salon parlance, semi-permanent hair colour is the best option. It is the most temporary hair colour method – and the least risky as it can be washed out quickly and easily if the results aren’t to your liking. If you’re curious about how often you can dye your hair, this method gives you more flexibility. It’s also the best way to indulge adventurous fashion whims as often as weekly and makes for full-spectrum Halloween hues.
Semi-permanent hair colour can also prevent blonde hair from turning brassy or red, as well as keep red from fading, which is typically the first colour to lose its vibrancy. Curious about how to eliminate brassy hair? Your colorist can add semi-permanent colour to a masque or conditioner to create a personalised toner for use between salon visits.
And since we’re talking about colour, you may be wondering:
WHAT IS LONG-LASTING HAIR COLOR?
Permanent hair colour involves the use of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide to lift the hair cuticle and alter the structure of melanin and keratin, the pigment and protein responsible for hair colour and texture, respectively, in order to deposit dye. Permanent hair colour can lighten, darken, or alter the tone and lasts up to eight weeks, though monthly root touch-ups may be necessary. Permanent colour can completely cover greys.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
If you’re considering experimenting with trendy hues such as pink, blue, or purple, blonding expert Cyd Charisse suggests the following: The longer you wait between colour services, the greater the fading of your hair colour. Not willing to commit? “Try small pops of colour on layers underneath that can be hidden or featured less prominently if they fade, or use clip-ins for the ultimate commitment-free method.”
Your preferred cleanser and frequency of washing will determine how long your colour will last. Many of our tips for coloured hair, such as washing less frequently or opting for a detergent-free formula, will help you get more bang for your buck. You will consider New Wash, which is often referred to as the colorist’s soulmate, to be your hair’s best friend, especially when it comes to preserving the colour and keeping your hair looking and feeling absolutely brilliant with intense shine.
The Franchise Association welcomes and interviews Diane Shawe founder of Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions & Hair Loss Specialist Salon Franchise. Read interview in June Magazine. Read interview here
Recent survey showed that 90% of ecommerce websites generally looked the same. And played little to no role in a customer’s decision to chose who they will purchase from. This means that thousands of pounds spent per month on traditional advertising has little to no contribution on over all profits.
But despite these setbacks, some businesses are earning more profits than ever while spending less time and resources then their competitors. No matter where your business is located, and no matter what condition its in, you can attract high paying customers in droves using little to known but effective techniques I’ll introduce just a couple of them to you now.
Did you know that many of your customers are willing to pay you more and buy more of your products if you simply presented it in the right way to them. You can also acquire more customers by simply marketing smarter and more efficiently as well.
One way to immediately increase your front end sales is to improve your sales letter offering.
Take control of your headline
You donʼt need to test and tweak a million different things until you start to doubt your own offerings, in order to bump up your conversions the first thing you want to do is just test and tweak the headline. Leave everything the same …just start changing the headline and see what happens.
You test your headline first or in some cases your email subject heading and you do that simply by just making a more powerful, more compelling headline that in my opinion should solve a problem for the reader. Once you have control over your headline then you can start testing the body of your content.
Use A.I technology by introducing conversational marketing
Start engaging with your social media followers especially if you have thousand of followers across your social media platforms?
Did you you can have a conversation, pass on details, resolve problems, show videos, get visitors to schedule appointment themselves, buy from your store, register on your courses, competition or events and much much more without you lifting a finger. A.I online virtual assistant can help you to:-
➢ Qualify your website visitors and direct them to what they want
➢ Increase your website or social media conversions
➢ Build a bigger email subscriber list
➢ Collect valuable feedback data to improve visitor experience
➢ Give them quick answer to questions
➢ Present a more streamlined buying experience
➢ Resolve complaint or problem in real time
➢ To get a more detailed answer to a query
➢ Link to calenders, videos, courses seamlessley
➢ Reduce your online admin time by 50%
Test your offering
The Key To It All. By testing your offer I mean you might want to, say, instead of selling an eBook for £12.99 – you might want to offer a physical version of your package for £27.00 + shipping and handling. You could offer three easy payments of £9.00 by a paypal subscription to a persons credit card. See?
Thatʼs actually £14.00 in total …over double the price …using a risk reversal offer that seems cheaper at first glance.
In fact, that offer would probably convert better. So it’s important to tweak your offer a lot. In the words of Dan Kennedy, “ITʼS THE OFFER, STUPID.” Iʼll give you another one.
Trial offers are another fantastic way to persuade potential customers to register, use your services and you can then up sell them afterwards (no spamming)
Testing your offer structure.
Instead of offering a trial, you could ask for a fair sum upfront £99.99 …and then gave them the big box of stuff as a bonus. They get the same thing but you simply structured the offer differently. Just imagine if you got 100 people to take your service there and then online, fees right up front. No trial, no launch, no affiliates you could see just how profitable and structured your offering truly is.
The number 1 complaint about launching and running a online #business or posting links is generating enough enquiries to make a #sale! and capturing contact details to respond
There are many different statistics that suggest why franchises are such a popular option in the UK for aspiring entrepreneurs and have higher success rates than running your own independent business. In fact, according to What-Franchise 80% of new franchise businesses are still running after their first five years. However, with so many to choose from, how do you know which one will be right for you? You can learn more about why franchises have much higher success rates below and also where you can find the best franchises for sale in the UK.
Why are franchises more successful than other business opportunities?
Buying a franchise is one of the safest ways to run a business. There are many reasons why franchises are more successful than other business opportunities, such as buying a company for sale or starting up your own business from scratch, but today in this article, we will list the five main reasons franchises tend to have such high success rates in the UK.
Franchises are supported by a proven system.
When you buy a franchise, you’re buying into someone else’s proven system. Franchises are tried and true, which means they already know what works and what doesn’t—so that can save you a lot of time and money. For example, when buying a franchise, don’t try to reinvent any wheels; accept what is working for them and change only things that won’t disrupt their growth. It might seem obvious, but many entrepreneurs try to do things their own way—which means it can take twice as long to get going, or the chance of failure can dramatically increase when you buy a franchise. You don’t have to worry about this since all you need to do is successfully replicate the proven system to get customers through your door as early as possible.
Some franchises offer pre-built marketing tools.
Franchises give you access to brand-name products that may already be market-tested. In some cases, like Subway or McDonald’s, these brands are easy to recognize and well known by consumers. You’ll also have access to a company-branded marketing kit that can get you started with your advertising efforts immediately. To help ensure franchise success, many franchisors take a hands-on approach with new owners and offer lots of training and support during the first year of business. This is in addition to any experience you may gain while working at a franchise location part-time before purchasing it full-time.
Franchises are usually cheaper to start than independent businesses.
Starting a new business costs a lot of money, and most small businesses operate on thin margins. Franchises can offer their start-up packages at relatively low prices because they already have equipment and employees. This doesn’t mean that franchising is cheap; however, it can help you save money when compared to starting your own operation from scratch. The average franchise for sale in the UK usually costs around £10,000 to £55,000. However, every franchise is different, and you need to remember not all franchises are created equal each one is different. For example, some franchises might be very expensive depending on their brand recognition and location, but there are some low-cost franchise investment opportunities that usually cost £1,000 to £10,000. The bottom line is every franchise is different. This is why it’s crucial to do research before investing.
Franchises save time and money upfront.
You’re not on your own when you buy a franchise. The company that owns it will help you get started, offering training, business planning, and marketing support. All of those things cost money—and require time—but when you buy a franchise, you don’t need to worry about spending either. That gives you more time and money to focus on building your business into something profitable. In many cases, a franchise can also help new owners land their first customers since they already have brand recognition in their community or market segment.
It’s easier to get access to funding with a franchise.
You’ll be able to get access to funding easier with a franchise, mainly because there are support networks behind your franchisor. Also, banks are more likely to provide loans to someone who has invested in a proven system rather than starting their own business from scratch. Many franchises will provide you with advice on applying for financing and give you tips on what types of businesses work best with their brands. And if things don’t go as planned, many will offer help in finding investors or other capital sources should you need it down the road. In short, franchise owners are somewhat protected from market fluctuations and competition—and can focus more on doing what they do best: making money for themselves and their franchise brand.
Is now the right time to invest in a Health, Hair & Beauty Franchises?
We all like to look & feel good, which is why regardless of the economic climate, health & beauty franchises for sale, and the beauty industry generally tends to be very stable.
This trend is set to rise with beauty products representing around 6% of all retail sales in the UK, sectors such as cosmetics. Makeup continues to grow.
Another growth area is the use of vitamins or supplements, including many people that like to use protein powders or other protein supplements to enhance their look & gym performance.
With the industry trend of increased health & beauty, spending likely to continue a business within the sector could be highly lucrative.
Facts and statistics around the beauty industry:
The UK boasts £28.4 bn beauty product and services industry, a report reveals. The UK’s beauty industry contributed a total of £28.4 billion in 2018 to the nation’s economy. Resulting in a valuation of the UK’s consumption of beauty products and services in 2018 at £27.2 billion.
The industry itself directly employed 370,200 people. With a further 220,300 jobs being supported through its supply chain and wage-related consumer spending contributions.
The UK’s beauty industry contributed a total of £28.4 billion in 2018 to the nation’s economy. Resulting in a valuation of the UK’s consumption of beauty products and services in 2018 at £27.2 billion.
By 2019, this market was worth over 1.74 billion British pounds. On the retail side of the spectrum. Over the past decade, UK retail stores specializing in cosmetics and personal care increased their turnover from selling such products. Going from 2.7 billion in 2008 to over 5.3 billion British pounds in 2018.
Best Types Of Beauty Businesses For Sale To Invest In
What types of beauty businesses are the best to buy? As an investor, you have many decisions to make when choosing which type of beauty business for sale to invest in, but one of the most important factors is your own personal preferences and career goals. If you’re looking to buy into the beauty industry, it’s important to choose the right business model that will give you the potential to make money while still allowing you to enjoy your time as an entrepreneur.
Going it Alone or Franchising
If your servicing a very exclusive sector and you just want a small exclusive business with you having sole responsibility then going it alone might be more appealing to you. But it is worth taking a course in small business management and marketing, it will help you enormously.
If you decide to go the franchise route, when you buy a franchise, you buy a system – an entire method of doing business. Franchises have an established system in place that you must follow to distribute the franchisor’s products or services using the franchisor’s trade or service marks. Having a proven system already in place eliminates the guesswork and errors a common business owner would normally face.
With the help of a franchise, you can:
A. Duplicate a real, genuine business that allows you to help others.
B. Set up a business that consistently provides an impressive return on investment.
C. Put together a business that helps you assist real people with genuine needs.
D. Develop a meaningful career path for yourself that has rewards for years to come.
E. Have a full supportive management team around you
F. Benefit from global branding and marketing
G. Benefit from established supply line, retail etc and much more
1) Hair Salon Businesses For Sale
The salon business is a booming market right now. If you are looking for one of the most lucrative beauty businesses for sale, it’s hard to top hair salons for sale. You can find everything from salons in up-and-coming neighborhoods to high-end salons downtown. An established salon with a proven clientele will always be in demand and is an asset worth taking into consideration when deciding what type of beauty business for sale might be best for you.
2) Hairdresser Businesses For Sale
Most hairdressers for sale are small businesses and can be found everywhere. The market for hairdressers is relatively steady, particularly if you’re looking at specific demographics and types of clients. Hair salons often specialise in a certain type of clientele or offer services that may not be as popular with others. Some salons specialise in hair colouring and require less investment than buying a full-service salon. Before you buy a hair business opportunity, it’s important to know what your options are; looking for specialist services such as hair extensions, hairloss treatments, wig making etc., are niche sectors that could yeild more from your investment than a traditional hair salon. When buying hairdressing businesses for sale, research those that might best fit your lifestyle and goals and attract high paying customers.
A larger hair salon franchise may be a good choice if you want to join an established team with experience, retail sales, clientele and branding.
3) Nail Salon Businesses For Sale
If you’re interested in buying a nail salon business for sale, it’s important to remember that different types of nail salons for sale offer different services. While some focus on manicures and pedicures, others might be focused on offering more specialised treatments like nal extensions, nail art or vn pedicures. If you want to work with private clients, you can find nail salon business opportunities that operate out of homes. A larger nail salon franchise may be a good choice if you want to join an established team with experience and plenty of clientele already built up.
4) Barber Businesses For Sale
Barbering is a business that goes well beyond cutting hair. The health and wellness of your clients are just as important as their looks. Barbering services can include relaxation and pampering, a haircut and style, hot towel shave or facial wax, tanning.. not to mention retail sales opportunities. If you’re considering buying a barbers for sale or other beauty business for sale, here are some considerations to make before signing on the dotted line: What licenses do I need? Can I afford to pay for any renovations required for compliance? Is there parking for my potential clientele? How does social media work into my marketing strategy? Are there potential leads out there that could convert into customers without too much extra effort from me?
5) Beauty Salon Businesses For Sale
Buying a beauty salon business from a current owner is also an option. Before you buy, be sure to ask as many questions as possible so that you can make a fully informed decision. The best way to do that is by talking with other salon owners in your area who have purchased beauty salons and asking them what they did right—and wrong—as well as if their initial expectations for return on investment matched reality. If you decide buying a beauty salon for sale is for you, make sure to do thorough research before investing in any salon business opportunity.
Salon Awards winner 2021
Dream Big Have Faith. Lean In
My dream began in 2000, to set up a #hairextensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon Franchise model.
5 years later, winning several awards I am excited to report that we have just been accredited by the Quality #franchise Association and have gone live in the national and international Franchise Directories. It has been a challenging journey and just like when you pass your driving test, the real driving begins when your in the car alone.
I am so looking forward to seeing replica of the salon and brand throughout the UK and Europe and assisting #investors in my initiative become viable #businesses within their own right. This is the link in the UK directory
Don’t let your dreams be crippled by doubt and fears. lean in!
Looking for Entrepreneurs to set up their own Hair Extensions & Hairloss business. Checkout our Franchise Opportunity which includes Business Plan, Raising Finance, Training and launching your businness with full support. Click to have a chat http://bit.ly/3jYM20b
Diane Shawe, founder of Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon has sourced a range of natural products designed specifically for thin, falling, balding or damaged hair. The Great News is that most of these treatments can be done at home and we can send the products on the post to you.
” Every year, more and more people are suffering from hair loss caused by illness, medication, stress, chemical treatments, damaged hair. We help treat and / or disguise thin, short, bald patches, damaged or sensitive scalp on all hair types, gender or age, ” states Diane.
Introducing a sample of our products
1. Dry shampoo with hair growth minerals, great for hair extensions, greasy limp hair, fine hair, cornrows and plaits,
2. Hair conditions bar hand made with natural ingredients, rub bar over hair after leave for 10 minutes, wash off. Great for natural hair, coloured, or damaged hair.
3. Real Grow scalp spray, great for thin edges, thin hair, or balding patches, all from natural ingredients that work! None greasy. Spray on do not wash off.
4. Pure vitamins C serum, to rebond and strengthens weak hair. Leave on scalp and hair for 1 hour, then rinse off.
5. Black Castor Oil has long been known for its properties for stimulating hair growth. Often, it is added to other ingredients to prop up other hair growth products. Now, you can purchase it in its purest form. Best to use at night.
6. Zinc tablets. We are all now understanding that difficiencies in the body can affect our hair, nails and skin. Another underestimated supplement is zinc. We now stock easy to swallow strong zinc tablets to help stimulate hair growth
This is just six from our new range and we can post out to you. We offer a variety of effective at home treatments at competitive prices which are normally used at salons. bit.ly/3KFT5HX
Need a Hair Makeover the world’s first Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon Franchise has one key aim. To deliver the highest quality, the most innovative hair extensions techniques, hairloss treatments.
To disguise hair challenges using non invasive techniques, supply specialist hair care products and services to the maximum amount of people around the globe in a convenient, affordable, classy, accessible and professional manner
Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions & Hairloss Specialist Salons celebrates winning the coveted prize at the annual Salon Awards for Best hair Extensions Salon West Midlands 2022
Winners Best Hair Extensions Salon West Midlands
After being announced as finalist in six categories for the Salon Awards 2021
Best Salon Best Customer Experience Best Salon for Hair Extensions Best Refurbished Salon Best creative Image Best Colourist
The awards ceremony took place in November 2021 in London.
Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon impressed the judge’s thanks to its commitment to meeting customer needs, making their mark as an established business locally, providing an exceptional range of hair extensions and disguising hairloss techniques to clients and for their exception salon design and interiors.
Commenting on the result, Diane, the owner said; “To be named as a winner and nominated in not just one but six categories for the third year highlights how hardworking and commitment can pay off. With hundreds of entries for each category and a panel of judges that excel at looking for the finer details, just to make the shortlist is an outstanding achievement. What also makes it more important is the fact that we have also had to deal with a pandemic and closure.”
Award Winning Salon
The Salon Awards celebrate and acknowledge the success of the most creative, dynamic and innovative hair salons, hairdressers, and barbers across the country through county awards events. http://www.needahairmakeoverfranchise.co.uk-
I think you will be interested in this business for sale. Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions and Hairloss Franchise is looking for entrepreneurs who want to start a profitable business in the Hair & beauty sector. We will train you, Establish your Outlet, Help you raise finance, Help with Business Planning and Cashflow Projections, Promote you and Support your Business Enterprise under our Brand with a variety of packages to choose from.
Every year more and more people are suffering from hair loss caused by illness, medication, stress, chemical treatments, damaged hair. We help treat and or disguise thin, short, bald patches, damaged or sensitive scalp on all hair types, gender or age.
We offer a non evasive hair regrowth treatment with a REVOLUNARY equipment known as iGrow.
If you need help to start the hair regrowth journey to restore your edges, bald patches, thin hair or slow growing hair, book a consultation with Need a Hair Makeover and let’s see what we can do.
About the Equipment
iGrow’s proprietary Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) technology utilises a highly effective combination of red laser and LED light diodes, to stimulate and energise cellular activity causing an uptake in the natural function of the hair follicle.
What makes the iGrow Laser Hair Rejuvenation System different to other laser treatments?
Unlike other hair laser treatments, iGrow uses a combination of LED and laser technology at a clinically proven wavelength of 655 nano-meters. The unique design of the iGrow helmet is specially contoured to cover your entire scalp for the most effective treatment possible in the shortest amount of time.
Also the distribution of the low-level laser and LED lights inside the iGrow helmet ensures that the treatment targets exactly the parts of your scalp that need it most every time.
The iGrow system promotes hair growth and energises hair follicles, combating hair loss. With regular use, iGrow will produce thicker, fuller hair in just 6 months
Number of Treatments
There are several packages you can choose from to suit your budget.
What to do prior to treatment
Arrive with your hair clean and free from any hair care products
How long is each treatment
Each treatment under the IGrow system is for 20 minutes. There is no heat involved with this treatment.
Styling hair after treatment
We can style your hair after treatment for a surplus fee. Let us know upon your arrival and prior to your treatment.
Aftercare
We recommend you do not wash your hair for at least 48 hours after the treatment.
Recommended number of treatments
It is recommended that the first course of treatments should consist of up to <12 sessions to see hair growth results in 6 months.
Every New Year I have always checked for the top business growth tips and trends.
This year I have decided to present my own because we the business community are still living in unprecedented times of uncertainty, fear, transformation, deception, confusion, and outright disruption of the old ways of doing business.
I am Diane Shawe founder of Virtual Speedy Services Ltd (which I gave birth to during the first lockdown) and author of ‘Answer 77 Questions about your business to avoid business failure’ shares her top small business growth strategies for the year ahead.
2021 has been a year of rapid transformation across all industries as the business community has dealt with shifting customer buying activities and economic challenges, as well as mitigating hot-button issues such as the pandemic and people’s changing conception of work life balance. In a year filled with change, there are some trends which are going to be firmly fixed into 2022 that you and your business should seriously build into your growth plans.
To lead your business in the right direction as we head into 2022, here are my humble 10 small business growth strategies.[
1. Prioritise your business culture
Throughout the pandemic, businesses have been dealing with “The Great Resignation” as workers are quitting their jobs at record-high rates. One of the reasons for this is that people are changing their definitions of what they consider a healthy work-life balance and what they want in a company culture.
“The pandemic has shifted the way people incorporate work into their life, whether it’s moving to another county for cheaper housing or not going into the office every day and getting the opportunity to do remote or hybrid work,” Diane states.
Diane goes on further to state that “Not all solutions are made equal, and culture is now a part of that. “A big factor for employees, in addition to salary and benefits, is culture, so have a culture strategy in place.”
2. Consider hiring more freelance workers
The number of gig workers, freelancers and contractors has grown exponentially over the last few years and they make up a large portion of workers within the current market.
“Small business owners will now be able to bring in more specialised freelance workers to carry out tasks without having to deal with the hiring and training costs that are often associated with recruiting a full-time employee,” said Diane. “With the importance of being agile in today’s economic environment … as well as the rise of remote work, … skilled outsource
Peopleperhour.com and fiverr.com are great places to start.
3. Work with micro-influencers
While small businesses may be competing against larger businesses to work with online influencers, collaborating with micro-influencers is an option to consider.
“As influencer marketing is becoming more popular than ever… micro-influencers are going to be the best option for small businesses because they don’t cost as much and they are more open to collaborating with small businesses too,” explained Diane. “With a couple of these small influencers helping [your business] reach specific audiences, growth will not be an impossible feat in 2022.”
4. Leverage the way you supply your products and services.
Distributors and businesses across the country dealt with supply chain issues with the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic disruptions. In 2022, businesses must be aware of scarcities within the supply chain and get ahead of manufacturing and transportation challenges by working collaboratively with their suppliers.
Checkout companies like Amazon who can provide a fulfillment service for your orders. Consider moving to a drop shipping manufacturer or warehouse so as to reduce your cash investment in slow moving stock.
5. Educate client and partners your new paradigms
It’s important to inform your clients and partners about changes you’re making to better benefit your business across a shifting economic landscape. If the changes don’t land, it may be time to consider other options,
Many businesses are painfully aware how much the talent pool has changed. Working with potential employees, client partners to educate them on the new management styles needed, increased compensation packages and other aspects of recruitment and retention is very important.
6. Prepare for potential contracting opportunities
Almost 80 new businesses were created every hour across the UK in the first half of 2021, according to research by iwoca – one of Europe’s largest small business lenders.
Analysis of Companies House data reveals that 340,534 businesses were registered in the UK between January and June 2021, an increase of 32% from 257,243 over the same time period in 2019.
London dominates list of areas to start a business
iwoca’s Small Business HotSpots UK 2021 reveals that Camden saw the largest number of businesses registered out of all UK local authorities, with 19,755 new companies – a rate of more than four and a half new firms every hour.
The second largest number of new businesses were registered in Hackney (13,646) followed by 10,151 in Westminster. London’s local authorities make up half of the top 10, which also includes Birmingham in 5th with 7,442 new firms and Kent placing 7th with 6,504 businesses.
London saw over one third of the new registrations with 120,338, followed by the South East (37,573) and North West (33,640). The capital city also witnessed the largest increase in new business registration compared to 2019 of 59%, with the West Midlands registering a 49% rise followed by the North East (28%).
Christoph Rieche, iwoca CEO and co-founder, said: “It is fantastic to see the creation of so many businesses during the first half of this year, they are testament to the entrepreneurial spirit which characterises our vibrant economy.
“Many of these businesses will be unnecessarily constrained by cashflow. At iwoca we turn cashflow into a superpower enabling them to grow faster and worry less. We look forward to working with many of them.”-
Why is such a growth happening?
A survey I read stated that 39% of people in current jobs are going to quit within the next 12 months, which is not great for an employer, but suggests a start of a business revolution is happening.
What advice would I give to somebody looking to start a business?
There is never a good time to do it and you just must go for it. It’s all encompassing and it’s a phenomenon. I just decided to go for it in 2000 and have never looked back. However you can be clever about it though – can you cut down your hours in your current role or could you work part-time initially? Explore your options wisely.
7. Get creative on sales and marketing opportunities
The digital marketing landscape has become increasingly challenging due to congestion and evolving regulations, said Diane Shawe of Virtual Speedy Services Ltd
“This is forcing many traditionally digital companies to explore other sales channels and marketing strategies,” she said.
To mitigate these challenges, Shawe said her company is getting creative by helping other companies engage with A.I. Conversational Marketing Technologies with its engaging methods.
8. Widen your business’s online footprint
Small businesses must adapt and be “practical” when it comes to sales, as consumers continue to favor online and mobile shopping.
“Businesses need to widen their online footprint to gain a significant proportion of customers from the current market,” said Diane. “A simple way to sell products is to have a sellers account on your popular social media or estore platforms. To sell services, … list [your company] on freelance and contract websites.” Also create a blog and YouTube website for reviewing products, testimonials, advice and tips. Become the expert in your field. Entry competitions, exhibitions, network meetings.
9. Learn video SEO strategies to rank higher on search engines
Video marketing has become an integral part of a successful marketing strategy with the rise of live videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It’s estimated that by 2022, videos will account for 82% of all consumer traffic. That’s why video SEO should be a top priority for businesses in 2022.
“Small businesses that incorporate short-form videos into their website posts will see more organic traffic coming from search engines,” explained Gilmour. “As TikTok continues to grow, search engine algorithms will shift to articles and posts that include short-form videos. Short-form videos from TikTok and YouTube may even become the main point of ‘how to’ searches.”
10. Utilise partnership marketing to reach a broader audience Partnership marketing is a strategic collaboration that gives you and your partner company a chance to reach a wider audience together, explained Diane Shawe, founder of Virtual Speedy Services Ltd.
“Collaboration with another company can aid in the development of better marketing initiatives that benefit both parties, If your target clients are similar, you may pool your resources to better your marketing techniques, build your brands and expand your audience reach.”
Start to use smart customer acquisition techniques such as collaborating with discount giants such as wowcher, groupon or discount voucher websites to help get your business name, brand or services directly into potential customers mobile.
“Another example, if a consumer purchases a product from you, you can provide a discount coupon that they can use to purchase discounted products from your business partner,” said Diane. “Co-branding of a product or project can also boost both companies’ marketing power.”
Virtual Speedy Services Ltd is set up to provide a suite of services for Small and Medium size businesses to help them efficiently and quickly Setup or expand their business. Our core service is A.I technology by designing conversational marketing chatbots to generate quality business leads or engage online visitors in real time. We populate and generate impressive business plan and 5 years projections for focus, raising finance along with smart eCommerce website, streamlined social media tools and an effective google verified website. We think of ourselves as your Virtual Personal Assistance who will help streamline your business development and growth without all the drama.
Congratulations to Diane Shawe for becoming one of the 2023 Start Up Awards Finalists for her Shoppers Discount Club Business.
All of the finalists this year represent the best of those entrepreneurs who have spotted an opportunity and through their sheer hard work, talent and perseverance, have created an amazing new business that is creating real impact in its sector.”
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