Leading your business

Anna Stubbs • April 14, 2023

Times of crisis are defining moments for great leaders. Consider the contrasting results that different countries experienced with Covid-19, based on the approach their respective leaders have taken.


Great leadership is effectively guiding or influencing your team to work towards achieving your goals. Leadership is always on; there is no place to hide in a time of crisis.


Consider the four quadrants of great leadership:
1.
Vision. Clarity of what you want, what the future looks like for the business and team, and how you’ll know when you’ve got there.
2.
Energy. Leading by example, with positivity, to inspire and motivate the team to be the best they can.
3.
Focus. Sharing the common purpose (why your business exists for your customers), setting clear expectations and defining what a great day’s work looks like for everyone on the team.
4.
Empowerment. Providing constant feedback, training and support, and delegating effectively without abdicating responsibility.


Now consider the key responsibilities of a leader:
-
Implementing the plan. What is your new plan and how will you ensure that everyone knows their role in making it happen?
-
Providing a framework and structure for business improvement and innovation. A crisis is a time to reinvent, re-engineer, innovate, and adapt
-
Monitoring performance against the plan. How will you make sure you stick to the plan, celebrate success, and take corrective action when things start to go pear-shaped?
-
Motivating and inspiring the team. What meetings and other communication forums are needed to ensure that everyone on the team remains engaged and part of the bigger picture?
-
Promoting a great business culture. What are the business’s Core Values and rules of engagement that can play to the strengths of the team and foster a supportive and fun environment?


With the above in mind, what leadership skills do you need to sharpen?

Talk to us about how we can help you get the best from your team and business.

“Anyone can lead when the plan is working. The best lead when the plan falls apart.” - Robin S. Sharma

By Anna Stubbs December 3, 2025
The latest edition of the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Small Business Index had some unexpected results when it comes to growth expectations of UK small businesses. 27% of businesses said they expected their business to shrink, close or sell up over the next year. This outweighed the 25% who predicted their business would expand over the same period. It’s the first time in the history of the SBI that expectations of contraction have outnumbered those of growth. And it underlines a growing trend.
By Anna Stubbs December 3, 2025
One of the best things about online shopping is instant, hassle-free payment. Enter your details, click, and you’re done. If your customers can make an instant online payment, they’re likely to pay you more quickly – and they’ll appreciate the simplicity too. The details Online payment methods include credit and debit cards, ACH (Automated Clearing House) services like Paypal, and repeat payments through direct debit. Payments are managed by merchant service providers – specialist companies that process transactions on your behalf. Some focus on credit and debit cards, while others stick to ACH or direct debit. Choose a provider that can integrate with your accounting software, and you can add a super-simple payment button to future invoices. The costs While your merchant service provider shouldn’t charge any set-up fees, they will charge transaction fees. These range from 2-4% of the invoice for debit or credit cards, and under $2 a transaction for direct debit. These fees are an added expense, so they need to be included in your profit calculation – smart accounting software will do this automatically. Because credit and debit fees can add up, many businesses don’t offer online payment for invoices over a certain amount. The benefits Businesses using online payments get paid faster. Of course, not every client will pay instantly just because they have the option, but it should speed up your average payment time.  A bonus benefit? Customers appreciate the ability to pay online, so offering it as an option can be a big point in your favour. Ready to reap the benefits of online payments? Get expert advice and set-up support from our accounting team.
By Anna Stubbs December 3, 2025
Starting, building and growing your own small business is a hugely rewarding experience for many entrepreneurs. But the road ahead isn't always smooth. There are common challenges that crop up and ongoing issues that need to be factored into your business plan, your strategy and your own personal thinking. So, what can you do to beat these challenges and make the journey as frictionless as possible?