In a small business, the owner often handles sales, marketing, finances and customer enquiries. Advice can be useful, but putting it into practice takes time and money. Support needs to take account of both: what the business can afford and what the owner has time to do.

My work with small businesses starts by identifying the most useful next step, rather than proposing a large programme of work. For a tree surgery and garden services business, that might mean a clear website showing its services and the areas it covers, an up-to-date local business listing and a straightforward way for customers to request a quote. The aim is to help the business reach customers without adding work the owner cannot sustain.

Across my career I have helped launch businesses into new markets and grow them from day one. The lessons travel well to a business of five people. Know who the customer is and describe the business in their words. Get the basics right first, with a website that works, an accurate listing and a phone that gets answered. Do one or two channels well rather than five badly, and bring in new tools, AI included, only where they save real time.

Through NoCodeLab.ai, I see how much a small team can gain from simple, well chosen tools. I also see how easily people are put off when technology is presented as something only experts can use. Small businesses deserve plain language, practical steps and support that respects how little time they have.

Profit with purpose applies to small companies as much as large ones. A thriving local business keeps people in work, keeps a high street alive and keeps money in the community. Supporting it well is some of the most useful work there is.