Business111.com [Coffee] PodCast: Micro Business Challenges & Owner Support

The Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) has warned that Britain is failing to unlock one of its most powerful economic assets, as micro-businesses with the potential to drive GDP growth are being constrained by regulation, complexity and neglect. In the latest episode of the ERC’s Exploring Enterprise podcast series — Micro Business: The Untold Story — researchers and practitioners examine why the UK...

In this episode of the Business111 Coffee Pod, the discussion turns to franchising — and why it can offer a powerful route for micro-businesses to grow without repeating the painful mistakes many founders make in the early years. Samantha Acton explains how franchising works in practice. Rather than starting entirely from scratch, a franchise allows someone to build their own business using a prov...

In this episode of the Business111 Coffee Pod, the conversation turns to one of the biggest frustrations facing micro and small business owners: policy instability. Samantha Acton, founder of Domestic Angels, explains why constant legislative change creates uncertainty that many small businesses simply don’t have the time or capacity to absorb. Running a micro business often means wearing every ha...

From a blank sheet of paper to a national franchise network — Samantha Acton’s story shows what the UK’s micro-business economy really looks like in practice. In this episode, the founder of Domestic Angels explains how curiosity, persistence and plenty of hard lessons helped her grow from a one-person operation into eight franchises employing around 50 people across the country. Samantha speaks c...

Making Tax Digital isn’t just about compliance. Done well, it can give small businesses clearer figures, better cashflow planning and fewer nasty tax surprises at year-end. In this final video, Liz and Eriona explain the practical benefits of MTD, the role of software, and how often submissions really take once systems are in place. They also cover where to get reliable help, how to choose the rig...

Fear of fines, technology worries and rising costs are making many small and micro businesses anxious about Making Tax Digital. In this video, Liz and Eriona tackle those concerns head on. They look at what businesses are most worried about, whether tax payments really become quarterly, and how much extra work MTD actually creates. Crucially, they also explain why many of these fears are misplaced...

Making Tax Digital is one of the biggest changes to small business tax reporting in a generation, yet many micro business owners still aren’t sure what it actually means. In this short, plain-English video, Liz Barclay is joined by ACCA-registered accountant Eriona Bajrakurtaj to explain what MTD is, who it applies to, and when you need to act. If you’re a sole trader or landlord wondering whether...

AI without the fear – quick takeaways You’re already using AI. Email filters, spam sorting, sat-nav rerouting — it’s not new. The biggest myth: AI will take your job. Reality: it changes jobs, it doesn’t replace human judgement. Start simple. Open a tool like ChatGPT, ask one question, refine the answer. Confidence matters more than clever tech. Experiment first, subscribe later. Use AI to tackle...

Plain-English look at AI: what it really is, why it feels intimidating, and how small and micro businesses can start using it confidently. Hosted by Liz Barclay with guest Kirsty Ingleson of AI Meets Reality , who supports learners and small firms across education and industry. Reframes AI as familiar, everyday technology already in use (sat-nav rerouting, predictive text, cameras, recommendations...

Too many small business owners think they have to figure everything out by themselves. In this episode, Jimmy and Liz challenge that mindset. They talk candidly about why seeking support isn’t a weakness but a survival skill – from mentors and peers to trusted advisers and networks. The message is simple: the right help, at the right time, can save years of trial and error and make growth feel far...

Company culture isn’t a perk or a poster on the wall. In this episode, Jimmy explains why culture must be designed with intent, not left to drift. He unpacks how clear expectations, consistent behaviours and visible leadership turn culture into something practical – a framework that helps people perform better, make smarter decisions and pull in the same direction. Liz Barclay meets Jimmy Barber –...

Leaving a large organisation to work for yourself is often framed as an escape. Escape from politics, hierarchy, meetings that go nowhere. Escape into freedom. That part is real — but it’s only half the story. For many people who step out of corporate life, the attraction is control. Control over time, priorities, and the kind of work you do. The chance to decide your own future rather than fit in...

Series 1 Episode 4 There is no single solution to mental health challenges in business. What helps is a framework that people can adapt to their own circumstances. This episode introduces the ABC approach: A — Awareness Regularly checking in with yourself. Noticing how work affects your mood, sleep and energy. Identifying patterns — what lifts you up and what drains you. B — Behaviours and boundar...

Series 1 Episode 3 Isolation in business is not just about being physically alone. Many people work around others every day and still feel unable to talk honestly about stress, fear or overwhelm. Clients are not always safe spaces for openness. Admitting pressure can feel risky when future work depends on appearing capable and calm. Friends and family may care deeply but not fully understand the r...

Business111.com Podcast Series One - Episode Two Small business stress rarely comes from one dramatic event. It builds slowly, through everyday frictions that pile up. Late payment is one of the biggest contributors. Waiting for money that’s already been earned affects sleep, confidence and decision-making. Ghosting — where clients disappear after requesting quotes or proposals — adds uncertainty...

I'm joined by Matthew Knight, who runs Leapers.co . And Matthew has been doing research into mental health issues for small business owners and freelancers for, I think, around about the last eight years and been funding that himself because he finds these issues so important. Matthew, over the time that you've been putting your own time and money into this, you've been doing that because you've r...