For business owners like us, we know that building a strong brand is essential for long-term success. A well-defined brand helps differentiate your business from competitors, fosters customer loyalty and drives growth. However, creating a powerful brand doesn’t happen by accident, it requires a structured Brand Development Plan . Photo by 1Click on Unsplash I'm sure you know already, but a strong brand is your business's greatest ally. Whether you're launching a startup or r

I don't know about you, but as a business owner one thing I quickly learned is that every minute counts and every pound matters. You’re not just the CEO; you’re often the head of marketing, customer service, HR, social media guru and the person who fixes the printer. The mantra has always been to “work harder”, but what if the real key to growth and sustainability is to work smarter ? Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation. As much as it might seem like it, this is

I am delighted to share that I have joined the Board of Trustees at WENDO, a women-led, UK-based charity dedicated to empowering women and girls, particularly in Kenya. WENDO focuses on providing tools, skills and support to help women overcome challenges and build better futures for themselves and their communities. How could I not become part of an organisation that offers that! When I first learned about WENDO (Women Empowerment Networking and Development Organisation) , I

As the final quarter of the year approaches, a familiar energy buzzes through the business world. It’s a time of reflection, analysis, and, most importantly, anticipation. The turn of the calendar to a new year isn’t just a date change; it’s a symbolic reset, a blank canvas upon which you can paint the future of your business. But how do you move from vague aspirations to a concrete, actionable plan? Furthermore, how do you ensure that the goals you set in the final months of

How small and medium businesses can inspire loyalty, advocacy and genuine enthusiasm without big budgets.

At this time of year, for most of us at least, thoughts are turning to the forthcoming Christmas holidays. Whatever you're doing, having any time away from the hustle and bustle of work to spend with family and friends to enjoy the festive period should be welcomed! Whilst we are all in the midst of a pretty turbulent geo-political and economic climate and with everyone looking at ways to spend less, save more, and cut back where possible, it's more important than ever to sho

As the final chapter of 2025 closes, it’s time to pause, reflect and try to make sense of a year that was as transformative as it was turbulent. If any of us in this industry entered the year thinking we understood the future of marketing, we leave it with a far more nuanced and perhaps humbler perspective. Like many other industries, the marketing world finds itself looking back on a year defined by rapid shifts, bold experimentation and a consumer base whose expectations se

Once upon a time, there was a small business trying to stand out. It had a great product, fair prices and decent marketing but yet customers seemed to pass it by. The missing ingredient wasn’t more features, bigger discounts, or fancy graphics. It was a story. Because here’s the truth: people don’t buy products, they buy stories. They buy into the emotion, identity and meaning that a brand conveys. Whether you’re a café on the corner, a boutique marketing agency, or an onlin

As the year draws to an end (at the time of writing, if not the time of reading), business owners like me are starting to review the past year and understand where we fit in the ever-changing landscape in which we all operate, ready for the challenges of the next. With that in mind, in this week's blog, I wanted to talk about metrics, or more specifically, social media metrics. You know, the numbers you use to monitor your social media marketing and its effectiveness. You do

The leaves on the trees are changing, the night's are pulling in, there's a little bite in the Autumn air and a familiar sense of dread mixed with opportunity begins to brew for small to medium business owners across the world. Even as we enter September (can you believe that!), the Christmas shopping juggernaut is fast approaching, spearheaded by two of the most formidable days on the retail calendar; Black Friday and Cyber Monday. For many, the strategy for these days seems

As we navigate the midpoint of the 2020s (which is crazy enough), the marketing landscape continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace. For small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) like ours, this presents both a formidable challenge and an unprecedented opportunity. The playing field is being levelled by technology, but only for those who are prepared to adapt. Looking ahead to 2026, it’s no longer enough to simply react to trends as they emerge. Success will belong to the proactive

We've all been there. I know I have. The initial discovery call was electric. The potential client was engaged, asking all the right...

As the final months of 2025 unfold, a familiar ritual beckons for small-to-medium business (SMB) owners, myself included, and that's the...

Here in the UK, as you may be aware, the 10th October 2025 is World Mental Health Day and here at P45 we're proud to support it. In...

The best social media videos make it look effortless don't they? A swipe, a tap and suddenly you're laughing at a skit, learning a new...

You might not have realised it or even noticed, but over the last 5-10 years social media has evolved. It's no longer just a casual way...

Even though P45 is only a few years old, but I’ve spent the last two decades helping clients large and small find their voice, tell their...

I hate to be the one to say it, but in the noisy, competitive landscape of today’s business world, your products alone, however well-made...

In a world where consumers are bombarded with endless choices, a strong brand isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Yet, many businesses...

With summer in full swing, if you're an event planner like me, you'll know festivals have the power to captivate audiences, elevate...