Using your network to create business development opportunities

Anna Stubbs • July 25, 2024

People buy from people. It’s an obvious observation beloved of salespeople, but it’s also why networking is such a powerful tool for creating business development opportunities.

 

Networking helps build relationships with other professionals, share ideas and learn from each other. By connecting and partnering with the right people, you can create meaningful business relationships – relationships that may lead to new and innovative business opportunities.

Networking as your blueprint for success

 

Building a successful business network is essential. But how do you start developing these relationships with customers, suppliers and other business owners? And how does connecting with your peers help you broaden the scope of your opportunities?

 

Building up your network and connecting with people helps you:

 

  • Find potential customers and expand the reach of your brand – attending trade conferences and industry workshops gets you in front of your target audience. It’s a chance to chat, find out customer pain points and understand your audience.
  • Meet new business partners – networking at the right trade events also helps you meet other business owners in your sector, and in other complimentary industries. It’s an opportunity to forge new partnerships and create co-branded opportunities
  • Get referrals from trusted members of your network – when you have trusted relationships in your network, these people are far more likely to recommend your business to their own network. Word-of-mouth promotion is the best kind, after all.
  • Locate the perfect mentor – we all have something to learn from more experienced members of our network. This is a golden opportunity to seek out a mentor who can give you advice, share their experience and improve your management skills.



By taking the time to nurture your network and build relationships with the right people, you can open up a world of possibilities for your business. As a business adviser working across multiple sectors, we can introduce you to new people, connections and opportunities.

 

If you’re looking for an introduction to a new network, come and talk to us.

5 things your balance sheet can tell you about your finances

By Anna Stubbs • February 25, 2026
Chances are you’ve heard of the accounting term ‘balance sheet’. But what is a balance sheet? And what does it tell you about your finances? Your balance sheet is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of your company’s financial position at a specific point in time. It’s an overview of your finances that details three key elements of your accounting. 

The importance of regular bank reconciliations

By Anna Stubbs • February 25, 2026
A Bank reconciliation involves a comparison of your sales and expense records against the record your bank has. It is a critical financial process to identify and rectify any discrepancies or errors between your internal financial records with the transactions recorded in your bank statement. Bank reconciliations keep your bookkeeping accurate and can help lower your tax, alert you to fraud, and allow you to track costs. They are essential for several reasons: Firstly, they help detect and prevent fraudulent activities or errors, such as unauthorized transactions or bank fees. Secondly, they provide a clear picture of your actual cash position, allowing for better cash flow management and informed financial decision-making. Thirdly, by reconciling regularly, you can also identify any outstanding checks or deposits that haven't cleared, ensuring that you have an up-to-date understanding of your financial health. It can take a lot of time to do it manually, but there is plenty of software to make the process easier. It's important to do it regularly so you recall the correct details. To learn more about how to perform a bank reconciliation and its importance, you can read this guide from Xero. If you need further assistance please talk to us, we can help.

How to improve UK business confidence

By Anna Stubbs • February 25, 2026
“Our data shows more clouds have gathered over business confidence, and the outlook for SMEs in 2026 is unsettled.” “Firms tell us they are worried about tax, struggling to invest and fear they’ll have to put their prices up in the months ahead.” David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce