Two SMEs – Sawn to be Wild, an eco-manufacturing business, and Picture News, a teaching resource business that delivers news-based assets to schools – have been featured in a new online mini-series launched by NESCAFÉ® by Nestlé Professional and business guru Deborah Meaden to give practical support to the small businesses community.
Katie Harrison, director of Picture News, and Patrick Ellis, co-founder of Sawn to be Wild, feature in the first episode of Let’s Partner Up for Good. The episode focuses on identifying and recruiting the right talent, scaling up and expanding a business without compromising on quality.
With the scale up rate among UK businesses having slowed dramatically in the last decade*, much of the advice in the first episode focuses on growth.
Deborah Meaden had this advice for small businesses: “If you try to enter more than one market at the same time, you’ll encounter more problems and make more mistakes. So, first, I would assess the opportunities and choose one market with the best pathway in terms of growth potential. After you’ve got the experience of dealing with one country – for example learning the sensitivities of that marketplace – you’ll be better prepared to roll out from there. I also think it’s important to find a partner in said country; someone who can help you find your way in the idiosyncrasies of local markets. That’s an incredibly valuable tool for any business.”
Katie Harrison, director at Picture News, said: “Taking part in NESCAFÉ by Nestlé Professional’s Let’s Partner Up for Good campaign was a brilliant experience. Having the opportunity to ask in-depth questions to the incredible Deborah Meaden and the talented team at Nestlé Professional about how our business can grow internationally was truly an entrepreneur’s dream. The advice the experts gave is already being implemented. The idea of focusing on one market and delegating responsibilities internally has already proven to be a success.”
Patrick Ellis, co-owner at Sawn to be Wild, said: “Being part of the campaign was an incredible experience. It provided us with clear, actionable strategies and fresh ideas that we are excited to implement. Thank you to Deborah and all the Nestlé experts for their invaluable advice.”
In total, seven small business owners will share their challenges on business growth, sustainability and wellbeing with Deborah and Nestlé Professional business experts in the 3-episode series which will air between now and December.
The series can be viewed from today on the Let’s Partner Up for Good hub and YouTube: Business Growth Strategies With Expert Advice from Deborah Meaden and Business Leaders (youtube.com)