Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Zen Internet celebrates 30 years – making it the longest standing independent ISP in the UK!

Zen Internet, a B Corp certified business, has marked its 30th anniversary with a celebration at its Rochdale headquarters, honouring three decades of innovation, growth and doing business “the right way”.

The company officially opened its doors for business on 13 October 1995, following its incorporation by founders Richard Tang (CEO) and his brother Daniel on 13 September. 

It’s 30-year milestone makes it the UK’s longest-standing independent Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Richard started Zen with just £5,000, a few Linux PCs, and six dial-up modems perched on an Ikea shelf. It’s grown from a two-person start-up into one of the UK’s leading independent ISPs, employing over 650 people and serving businesses and consumers nationwide.

“It’s testament to our longevity that we are the UK’s oldest ISP,” Tang told That's Business. “All our main competitors when we started have long since disappeared, yet we’re still here, stronger than ever, and still independent.”

From pub idea to pioneering ISP

Zen’s story began in the summer of 1995 when Tang, then a software engineer, first heard about the Internet. Over a pint in a local pub, he asked his brother, Dan, if he fancied setting up an Internet provider – and Zen was born.

By October that year, the pair had launched their first £10-a-month dial-up service, created from Richard Tang’s kitchen table, which could support six simultaneous users sharing just 64 kbps of bandwidth.

In 1998, Zen turned its first profit and by the early 2000s was riding the broadband wave, doubling turnover year-on-year and expanding rapidly across the UK.

Zen’s story is not just about technology, but also about the North West’s role in the UK’s digital economy. From its Rochdale base, the company has proved that innovation and resilience can thrive outside London and put Greater Manchester on the map as a hub for connectivity and digital services.

Tang’s decision to base Zen in Rochdale, rather than London where most ISPs clustered, helped the fledgling company stand out. “It gave us space to grow,” Tang said. “We wanted to do things differently, and being outside the London bubble was part of that.”

Over the last 30 years, Zen has evolved alongside constant technological change and the internet itself – transitioning from dial-up to broadband and fibre services – while staying true to its independent roots.Reflecting on the company’s journey, and looking ahead, Tang said: “When I started Zen, I could never have imagined how transformational the Internet would become. The fact that we’re still here 30 years later – thriving, independent and making a positive impact – is beyond my wildest dreams.”

“Zen remains proudly independent. I’ve seen so many of my peers sell up, but that’s never been my goal,” he said. “Zen exists to do right by people and the planet. Money is just the fuel to make that happen.”That ethos underpins Zen’s B Corp certification, achieved in 2020, which recognises its social and environmental responsibility. From carbon reduction initiatives to employee empowerment, Zen continues to lead by example in how a tech company can balance profit with purpose.

Brits get nostalgic as Zen charts 30 years of going online

To mark its 30th anniversary, Zen commissioned new research exploring how Britain’s relationship with the internet has evolved — from floppy disks and dial-up tones to TikTok and AI.

The “Boomers vs Zoomers” study revealed that 31% of Brits remember floppy disks as their first way to access the internet, while a third of 18-year-olds have no idea what a floppy disk even is. Four in ten say YouTube or Facebook were their first online obsessions, while almost a quarter recall buying clothes as their first online purchase.

When asked what they miss most about the early days, Brits cited “simplicity” — a contrast to today’s always-on, endlessly scrolling digital world. Yet, despite changing habits, the internet’s role in modern life has never been more vital: a third of people said they couldn’t live without it, with top reasons including entertainment (60%), reconnecting with friends (54%) and learning or upskilling (35%).

“We’ve been there since the very beginning of the UK internet, which has come from nowhere to become a critical part of our lives,” said Tang. “What’s clear is that while platforms change, the human drive for connection and creativity has remained the same. The next 30 years promise to be even more transformative.”

Looking ahead, a third of Brits believe that robots will take over household chores and driverless cars will be commonplace within 30 years — predictions Tang thinks will arrive much sooner.“I’d say both within the next 15 years,” he added. “And what all these advances will rely on is strong, secure and reliable connectivity — exactly what Zen was built to provide.”

For more on Zen Internet’s 30-year journey, visit: Zen Internet: 30 Years https://story.zen.co.uk

Key milestones in Zen Internet’s journey:1995 - Zen Internet is founded in Rochdale in 1995 by Richard and Daniel Tang1996 - Zen launches its first internet dial-up service with capacity for just six simultaneous users2005 - Zen expands into broadband services as the UK internet revolution takes off2011 - Zen moves into new purpose-built headquarters, Sandbrook Park in Rochdale2020s - Zen drives rollout of full-fibre broadband across the UK, supporting homes and businesses with gigabit connectivity2025 – Zen celebrates 30 years as the UK’s longest-standing independent ISP

The company remains privately owned and headquartered in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

https://www.zen.co.uk

Tottenham’s Small Business Scene Doubles as Major Events Transform the Area, GoDaddy Research Reveals

The concentration of small businesses in Tottenham has doubled in the past four years as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium became a regular home to major international events such as NFL games, new data from GoDaddy reveals. 

The trend highlights how large-scale cultural events can spark entrepreneurship and create ripple effects across local economies.

The analysis comes from the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, an international research initiative that studies the economic impact of more than 600,000 small businesses in the UK and the attitudes of the owners who start and run them.

Each constituency earns a ‘microbusiness density’ count – the number of small businesses per 100 people.

Tottenham’s microbusiness density rate has soared from 1.4 in September 2021 to 2.8 this year. September 2021 was also when the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosted the Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk heavyweight title bout – the first major event at the venue after Covid-19 restrictions lifted.

Since then, eight NFL games have been staged at the ground, from Atlanta Falcons’ 27-20 win over the New York Jets in October 2021 to Denver Broncos’ 13-11 triumph over the same team last weekend. Tottenham has cemented its status as a global music destination, drawing chart-topping artists including Guns N’ Roses, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Post Malone between 2022 and 2024.

In parallel, despite mixed fortunes on the pitch, clamour to watch Tottenham Hotspur home games has increased, with around 90,000 people currently on the club’s season ticket waiting list. The official Tottenham Hotspur website estimates that around 2 million people attend events at the stadium each year.

Alexandra Rosen, Economist and Head of the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, said: “Tottenham is changing rapidly – it’s attracting new investment, new residents and new ideas. The stadium’s major events have added visibility, while local entrepreneurs have been building from the ground up.

This mix of top-down investment and grassroots activity is creating real momentum – a sign of how regeneration and entrepreneurship can grow together to strengthen local economies.”

In September 2025, GoDaddy launched its Entrepreneurial Power Rankings in the U.S. – analysing small business communities in cities that are home to NFL teams. It found that 29 of the 30 cities had a microbusiness density rate higher than the national average.

Source https://ticket-compare.com/premier-league-season-ticket-waiting-lists

Source https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/the-stadium

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Tuesday, 21 October 2025

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Claim Time Solicitors Highlights Surge in Workplace Injury Claims Amid Economic Pressures

Birmingham-based Claim Time Solicitors, a leading authority in workplace injury and employment law, has raised concerns over the sharp rise in workplace injury claims as the UK faces mounting economic and employment pressures.

Recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that, tragically, 124 workers lost their lives in workplace accidents during 2024/25, with construction accounting for 35 deaths and agriculture, forestry and fishing recording 23. Together, these two industries made up nearly half of all fatalities.

Beyond fatalities, work-related ill health continues to place a heavy burden on workers, their family mebers and the economy. 

In 2023/24, 1.7 million people were suffering from work-related ill health. Of these, 776,000 cases were stress, depression or anxiety, and 543,000 were musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). 

Non-fatal injuries are widespread, with 604,000 workers reporting an injury through the Labour Force Survey, and 61,663 injuries formally recorded under RIDDOR.

The cost to the economy is significant. In 2023/24, 33.7 million working days were lost to work-related ill health and injury, including 16.4 million due to stress, depression or anxiety and 7.8 million due to MSDs. The HSE estimates that the overall cost of workplace injuries and ill health reached £21.6 billion in 2022/23.

This surge is closely linked to economic strain. As inflation, energy costs and supply chain disruptions weigh heavily on businesses, many employers are being forced to reduce investment in training, maintenance and health and safety measures. 

At the same time, employees struggling with the cost-of-living crisis are increasingly working through illness or exhaustion, creating conditions that heighten the risk of accidents and long-term health problems.

High-risk industries such as construction, agriculture, healthcare, retail and manufacturing remain at the forefront, but mental health issues are also rising across office-based professions as job insecurity and workloads increase.

Claim Time Solicitors warns that while existing laws, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, provide a framework for protection, the current climate highlights significant shortcomings.

The firm is calling for stronger enforcement, including more frequent inspections and higher penalties for non-compliance in dangerous sectors, as well as revised legal duties requiring employers to take a proactive approach to occupational health. 

Statutory protections around sick pay and mental health should apply from the first day of employment, and workplace law must evolve to cover emerging work patterns in the gig economy, hybrid roles and zero-hours contracts.

“Our clients’ experiences reflect what the data already shows,” Yousaf Khan, Director at Claim Time Solicitors, told That's Business.

“Workers are under immense pressure, and many are being put in harm’s way by circumstances they cannot control. 

"Preventable injuries, untreated mental health problems and unsafe workplaces are all becoming more common. The law must evolve to address these challenges and ensure workers are not left vulnerable during difficult economic times.”

A comprehensive analysis of this issue is available in the accompanying PDF report, Understanding the Rise in Workplace Injury Claims.

FACTFILE:

Claim Time Solicitors is a specialist personal injury law firm dedicated to helping clients secure fair compensation for both physical and psychological harm

With a team of experienced solicitors and a client-first approach, the firm provides expert legal support to ensure every aspect of recovery is addressed.

https://claimtime.com

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Thursday, 16 October 2025

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TikTok Shop launches £750,000 'Shop Local' support scheme to boost British small businesses

TikTok Shop has announced the launch of Shop Local, a support scheme to help British small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) harvest demand for homegrown goods by using the platform to reach new audiences.

Fronted by farmer and conservationist Jimmy Doherty, the scheme will help British businesses producing local products find new customers and create new sales opportunities by utilising TikTok Shop's unique 'discovery commerce' model, where shoppers discover and buy products organically through engaging videos, live streams and creators without having to leave the app.

The launch is in response to research commissioned by TikTok Shop which reveals there's a massive demand for British goods

83% of people say they'd be more likely to buy British produce if it was more widely available, and three in four (75%) say they prefer locally sourced products over imports.

Yet despite this appetite, many SMBs are struggling to keep pace. Over half (52%) say running a business is harder today than it was a year ago, with nearly a third (29%) citing difficulty attracting new customers as their biggest challenge.

TikTok Shop is already a powerful sales channel in the UK, with over 200,000 SMBs selling through the platform and over 6,000 Shop Lives hosted daily. 

With demand for local products rising, TikTok Shop is investing further to help British businesses unlock growth. 

For SMBs, TikTok Shop provides a way to reach new customers nationwide - without the need for big budgets or large numbers of followers on TikTok. 

And for small businesses with high-quality British products, the For You Feed can be the ultimate shop window to go viral and drive sales.

Doherty, who is co-host of Jamie & Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast, will work alongside TikTok Shop to select five local British businesses who will each receive a dedicated support package worth over £150,000, including:

Hands-on guidance from TikTok Shop experts to get started on the platform

Mentorship for staff members on how to grow sales on TiKTok Shop

Training on how to sell through TikTok Shop LIVE

Subsidised marketing support to help promote their products

Featured promotion across TikTok Shop to reach more customers

Introductions to TikTok creators and help with getting orders to customers

PR and marketing support from TikTok to promote their business off-platform

Jimmy's Farm Shop is now live on TikTok Shop (@jimmysfarmhq)) receiving support from the platform and reaching new audiences ahead of the key Christmas trading period.

For SMBs, reaching wider audiences via online platforms is essential, with 84% saying it’s critical to their survival. 

Nearly seven in ten (67%) would consider using TikTok Shop to support their sales during the upcoming seasonal trading period¹.

Jimmy Doherty, of Jimmy's Farm told That's Business: “The Shop Local scheme is an incredible opportunity for small British businesses to take that next step into online sales with the support of TikTok Shop. 

"For us at Jimmy’s Farm, it’s particularly exciting, our products are usually only available to buy here on the farm, so this marks our first real step into online selling.”

The five chosen SMBs will follow in the footsteps of existing TikTok Shop businesses like The Fat Butcher [meat seller], The Chuckling Cheese Company [snacks, dairy], Dough Girl [bakery and sweet desserts] and The Veg Box Company [veg seller] - and the wide variety of other small companies throughout the UK using TikTok Shop to sell to thousands of customers, with 8 in 10 based outside of London.

Jan Wilk, Head of TikTok Shop UK, said: "We know the current economic climate can be challenging for small British businesses, with many experiencing a mixed financial picture. But unlike other digital shopping platforms, TikTok Shop is based on discovery commerce.

"Smaller businesses don’t need huge followings or big budgets to be seen - if you have a great British product, the For You Feed is your place to shine and find viral success, with your products and businesses able to be discovered by millions. 

"It can be a lifeline to some - and we think the Shop Local scheme, with the support of Jimmy and Jimmy's Farm, will help our British businesses find great success on TikTok Shop.”

British businesses that focus on selling locally produced goods of all types are eligible to apply to the scheme. Whether they are a bakery, fishmonger or farmer - as long as they sell British goods, aren't currently trading on TikTok Shop and have under 250 employees, they are eligible.

To enter, they simply need to create and share a TikTok video demonstrating their offering to their local community, which includes the #ShopLocalComp hashtag and tagging @TikTokShop_UK, between Tuesday, 14 October and Thursday, 13 November. Winners will be selected and contacted by 12 December for participation.

According to NielsenIQ, TikTok Shop was the fastest growing online retailer in 2024, with a 131% annual increase in the number of shoppers on TikTok Shop and a 180% year-on-year rise in revenue at the end of last year.

Eligibility & Participation

By entering the Shop Local competition, businesses confirm they meet the eligibility criteria (UK-based, under 250 employees, not currently trading on TikTok Shop, and selling locally produced goods). 

By submitting an entry, participants also agree to take part in related PR and media opportunities to promote TikTok Shop, their business, and the wider support scheme.

Wednesday, 15 October 2025

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Don't Bin Your Old Windows 10 Machines: London Social Enterprise Offers Better Option Than IT Scrapping

As companies across the our capital city, London, upgrade their IT hardware, a locally-based social enterprise outfit is urging businesses to rethink their disposal process for old Windows 10 laptops and computers

SocialBox.Biz is calling on corporate IT departments to "Call Before You Scrap It," offering a them a sustainable and socially impactful alternative to standard IT recycling and disposal methods.

The initiative provides a win-win for London businesses and the community by securely reusing functional tech instead of scrapping it. 

A win for the environment

According to SocialBox.Biz, reusing a single laptop can save approximately 316 kg of CO2 emissions, that's more than double the savings from recycling, by avoiding the energy-intensive manufacturing process for new devices. 

By donating old computers, companies can significantly reduce their Scope 3 emissions, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. A win for the community, too.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the campaign has a powerful social purpose. SocialBox.Biz provides reused computers upgraded with free open source software to vulnerable individuals who lack basic computer access, including homeless people moving into permanent accommodation, and the elderly living on small pension unable to afford any kind of computer. 

For many, this technology is a lifeline, offering access to education, job opportunities, and vital social connections. The donated machines are securely wiped and upgraded with open-source software, ensuring both data privacy and usability. 

Seamless donation for businesses

SocialBox.Biz provides a straightforward process for corporate donors, handling the entire process to ensure security and convenience.

Certified data wiping is provided, with a full chain of custody and destruction certificates for IT audits.

Devices are collected directly from offices across London and the UK.

Donating allows companies to build a strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) profile.

A decade of impact

With over a decade of experience, SocialBox.Biz has a proven track record of creating positive social change through its tech reuse programs. Through long-standing partnerships with charities such as Age UK London, The Passage in City of Westminster, and the C4WS Homeless Project in Camden and others suitable reusable devices have already been distributed to those in need. 

https://www.socialbox.biz/homeless-support

Rethinking heating: The overlooked opportunity in commercial carbon reduction

TEAM Energy highlights the smart thermostat as a low-cost catalyst for carbon reduction.

When it comes to reducing carbon in commercial buildings, the conversation often jumps straight to high-profile investments, like solar panels, electric vehicle fleets, or large-scale building retrofits

Whilst these are important steps, they can also be costly, complex, and slow to implement. What’s often missed is a more immediate opportunity: smarter control of heating systems.

In a recent blog, TEAM Energy invites organisations to reconsider how they manage one of the biggest energy consumers in their buildings, heating. 

The case they make is simple but compelling: smart thermostats, typically seen as consumer gadgets, are in fact a strategic tool for carbon reduction.

The numbers behind the opportunity

Heating accounts for a significant share of energy use in non-domestic buildings, according to the Energy Saving Trust it can be up to 49%. Yet many organisations still rely on outdated or manual heating controls, leaving substantial efficiency gains untapped. Smart thermostats offer a practical alternative. 

These systems learn how buildings are used, adapt to occupancy patterns, and automatically optimise heating schedules, delivering energy savings of 10–15% as standard. In older buildings or those with limited zoning, the potential for even greater savings is significant.

From insight to action

What makes this conversation especially timely is the shift from theory to implementation. TEAM Energy has developed a Smart Thermostat Savings Estimator to help organisations understand the tangible benefits of upgrading their heating controls. 

By entering basic information, like building size, heating costs, and installation budget, users receive tailored estimates of potential savings, carbon reductions, and return on investment.

This isn’t about chasing the latest tech trend. It’s about making informed, data-driven decisions that align with broader sustainability goals. Smart thermostats offer a scalable way to reduce emissions, improve comfort, and demonstrate measurable progress, particularly for organisations developing or refining their carbon reduction strategies.

A strategic starting point

Impactful change doesn’t always require massive capital outlay. Sometimes, it starts with a thermostat—and a willingness to rethink the basics.

You can read the article and explore TEAM’s estimator. For organisations looking to make practical, cost-effective progress on their net zero journey, it’s a valuable resource—and a smart place to begin.

www.teamenergy.com

Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Sunday, 12 October 2025

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What’s Happened to Our Bus Drivers? The Decline in Driving Standards and Passenger Care

It used to be that bus drivers were known for their professionalism, calm, capable, courteous and confident behind the wheel. 

Bus drivers were the backbone of our public transport network: reliable, responsible and respected. 

Yet in recent years, passengers across the UK have noticed a worrying decline in driving standards and customer service among some drivers. 

From mounting pavements, cutting out parts of routes due to laziness, taking wrong turns to arguing with passengers and mishandling disabled travellers, the once-proud image of the British bus driver seems to be under strain.

So what’s gone wrong, and what can be done to fix it?

A Catalogue of Concerns

Ask regular bus passengers and you’ll hear similar complaints cropping up again and again:

Mounting kerbs and cutting corners: It’s become alarmingly common to see buses bumping over pavements or clipping kerbs, often endangering pedestrians, bursting tyres and damaging wheels.

Wrong lanes and missed stops: Some drivers appear uncertain of routes, occasionally taking wrong turns or missing key stops, causing confusion and delay.

Poor passenger communication: From curt replies to outright rudeness, many passengers report that some drivers seem impatient or dismissive, especially toward the elderly, those with disabilities, or parents with prams.

Ticketing confusion: Whether it’s uncertainty over newer ticketing systems, contactless payments, or concessionary passes, too many drivers seem unsure how the system actually works. And don't want to find out.

Neglecting disabled passengers: There are troubling reports of drivers who fail to lower ramps, deliberately drive past passengers with wheelchairs,  refuse to move buggies from wheelchair spaces, or treat disabled passengers as an inconvenience rather than valued customers.

These are not isolated incidents, they’re part of a pattern that points to deeper issues within the industry.

Why Standards Have Fallen

Several factors have contributed to this decline:

1. Understaffing and Stress

The bus industry has struggled with severe driver shortages since the pandemic. Many experienced drivers retired or left for better-paid, less stressful jobs, leaving operators scrambling to recruit and train replacements. The result? Overworked, undertrained drivers trying to keep services running under pressure.

2. Poor Pay and Working Conditions

Bus driving is a demanding job with long, irregular hours and often modest pay. Low morale and burnout are common, especially in cities where traffic congestion and passenger abuse are daily challenges.

3. Insufficient Training

In the rush to fill vacancies, some companies have cut corners on training. Route familiarisation, disability awareness, and customer service modules are often compressed or skipped entirely. Drivers may know how to operate the vehicle, but not how to manage the people inside it.

4. Lack of Accountability

Passenger complaints sometimes seem to vanish into the ether. Without meaningful follow-up, poor behaviour can continue unchecked. Some operators lack transparent disciplinary or retraining systems.

5. Complex Modern Systems

From smart cards to contactless payments and app-based ticketing, modernisation has outpaced training. Drivers are often left to troubleshoot technology while trying to keep to a tight timetable.

The Impact on Passengers and the Industry

When driving standards fall, everyone suffers:

Passenger confidence drops, leading to fewer people using public transport.

Disabled passengers lose independence, as accessibility becomes inconsistent. Buses cancelled or stops missed without warning or valid reasons can mean missed medical appointments.

Public image declines, damaging operators’ reputations and recruitment efforts.

Road safety risks increase, putting lives in danger.

In short: a small number of poorly trained or demoralised drivers can tarnish the entire sector’s reputation.

How to Turn Things Around

It’s not too late to rebuild pride in the profession. Here’s how:

1. Invest in Better Training

Operators must return to comprehensive, mandatory training, not only for driving skills but also for communication, customer care, and disability awareness. Refresher courses should be required regularly.

2. Improve Pay and Conditions

If we want professional drivers, we must treat them like professionals. Fair pay, better scheduling, and mental health support would go a long way towards improving morale.

3. Enforce Accountability

Clear, transparent systems for complaints and discipline should be standard. Passengers need to see that their feedback matters.

4. Strengthen Route Knowledge

Drivers should be tested and certified for the routes they drive. Sat-navs should supplement, not replace, proper local knowledge.

5. Rebuild Respect

Both sides, passengers and drivers, need a reset in how they treat each other. Public campaigns promoting mutual respect and the value of bus drivers could help restore civility.

6. Ensure drivers have good quality buses to drive on their routes

There are examples of buses so poorly maintained that even during summer months with external temperatures exceeding 36C (96.8F)  the drivers had to leave the heating in their bus at full blast in order to stop the engine from seizing, thus resulting in horrendously overheated bus journeys for both passengers and drivers.

The Road Ahead

Buses are lifelines, connecting communities, reducing traffic, and cutting emissions. But the people driving them deserve as much investment and respect as the vehicles themselves.

A professional driver should feel proud of their role, confident in their training, and supported by their employer. Passengers should feel safe, respected, and valued.

The decline in standards isn’t inevitable — it’s a symptom of neglect. With proper leadership and renewed focus, Britain’s bus services can once again set the standard for public transport done properly.

Thursday, 9 October 2025

Turn Your Soundtrack into Sales: How Cafés, Lounge Bars, Hotels and Spas Can Sell Their Background Music

In hospitality, atmosphere is everything, and music plays a vital role in creating it. 

The right soundtrack can turn an ordinary visit into a memorable experience, setting the tone for relaxation, connection, and comfort.

But have you ever noticed customers asking, “What’s this song?” or “I love your playlist. Do you sell it?”

That question signals an opportunity: turning your background music into an additional revenue stream.

Why Music Matters to Your Brand

Music isn’t just something playing in the background, it’s part of your brand identity. A well-curated soundtrack:

Encourages customers to stay longer

Enhances their emotional connection to your business

Shapes their perception of your style and values

When people enjoy the music in your café, bar, hotel or spa, they associate it with the comfort, calm or energy they felt in your space. Offering the same music for sale lets them take that feeling home — and gives you a new way to connect with them.

Selling CDs or Digital Albums

You don’t need to stock hundreds of titles — just a small, carefully chosen selection that reflects your venue’s atmosphere.

Cafés and coffee shops:

Display a few “Café Vibes” CDs near the till or on a shelf beside your merchandise. Include acoustic, indie or lo-fi chill albums that complement your brand.

Lounge bars:

Feature smooth jazz, soul, or chillout collections. Create a “Music from the Bar” corner, complete with candlelight and QR codes linking to digital playlists.

Hotels:

Stock curated CDs or download cards in reception or gift shops. Guests often want a memento of their stay — your hotel soundtrack could be exactly that.

Spas:

Your calming playlists can easily become “Spa Sounds” albums. Offer relaxation music for home use, perhaps bundled with aromatherapy oils or gift sets.

Get the Licensing Right

If you already play licensed music through PPL PRS, you’re covered for playing it on-site, but not for reselling recordings. You’ll need to stock officially licensed CDs or work directly with labels, distributors or independent artists. Many will offer wholesale pricing and even promotional materials for display.

Partner with Local Artists

Supporting local musicians benefits everyone, you, your customers, and the artists themselves. If your background music includes regional talent, invite those musicians to sell CDs through your venue. You could even host “acoustic evenings” or listening sessions to draw in more footfall.

Go Digital QR Codes and Playlists

If physical stock isn’t practical, go digital. Display QR codes at tables or near reception linking to your Spotify or Apple Music playlists. You can even earn affiliate income from downloads or streams while enhancing your brand’s digital presence.

Why It Works

It creates an emotional connection between your atmosphere and your guests.

It enhances your brand, turning your venue’s “vibe” into something tangible.

It supports artists, especially if you feature local or independent talent.

It adds a revenue stream with minimal setup.

The Sound of Success

For cafés, lounge bars, hotels and spas, music is part of the sensory experience. By selling your soundtrack, you extend that experience beyond your walls — giving customers something to remember you by and turning ambience into opportunity.

So next time a customer says, “I love this music,” make sure your reply is:

“You can take it home with you.”

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

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Flipping Property With “No Money Down”: Genuine Opportunity or Online Mirage?

In the age of social media, it seems there’s no shortage of slickly produced videos promising effortless wealth. 

One of the most persistent claims is that you can “flip houses without spending any money.” 

The message is simple: no savings, no mortgage, no problem, just flip your way to financial freedom.

But as with most “too good to be true” business ideas, the reality is far more complicated. 

Here’s what’s really behind those claims, how the concept works, and what entrepreneurs should know before getting involved.

What Is Property Flipping?

Property flipping refers to buying a property, improving it, and reselling it quickly for a profit. It’s a legitimate business model that requires knowledge of the housing market, renovation costs, and timing. Traditional flippers use their own capital or financing to buy, refurbish, and sell properties — a process that can be both profitable and risky.

The modern “no money down” twist turns that on its head. Instead of using your own funds, you’re supposedly able to profit from property deals without ever spending a penny.

So, how does that actually work?

The “No Money Down” Model Explained

The online property gurus pushing this concept are often referring to creative financing strategies — legal, but complex, arrangements where you use other people’s money (OPM) or future value to make a deal.

Here are the main methods typically promoted:

Investor Partnerships

You identify a promising property and bring in an investor to fund the purchase and renovations. In return, you manage the project and split the profits. It can work — but it requires trust, contracts, and clear exit plans.

Lease Options (Rent-to-Buy)

You lease a property with the option to buy later at an agreed price. During the lease, you can sub-let or improve the property to increase its value. It’s perfectly legal but contractually complex, requiring professional legal advice.

Bridging Loans

Short-term, high-interest loans are used to buy and refurbish a property quickly before selling it to repay the loan. While a standard tool in property development, these loans are expensive and risky if your project doesn’t move fast.

Wholesaling (Mostly a US Practice)

You secure a property at a discount, then sell the contract to another investor before completion, taking a fee for arranging the deal. In the UK, this can breach estate agency laws if not done properly.

Is It Legal?

Yes — provided everything is disclosed transparently and contracts are properly drawn up. UK law doesn’t prohibit creative financing. However, it does prohibit misrepresentation and unregulated investment activity.

In short, you can’t:

Pretend you’re a cash buyer when you’re not.

Market property deals to the public if you’re not an FCA-regulated investment firm.

Withhold information about the source of funds or ownership.

Some of the “no money down” trainers online skate dangerously close to these boundaries — and several have faced legal action as a result.

The Business Risks

From an entrepreneurial perspective, the biggest danger is underestimating the complexity of property deals. The “no money down” pitch makes it sound like a shortcut into the property game, but in truth, it’s an advanced strategy that demands strong negotiation, legal, and financial skills.

Common pitfalls include:

High borrowing costs eating into profit margins.

Investor disputes when expectations aren’t aligned.

Legal liabilities if contracts or representations are incorrect.

Reputational damage within the property community.

As a businessperson, your credibility is one of your most valuable assets, and creative financing can quickly erode it if handled recklessly.

Why Entrepreneurs Are Drawn to It

It’s easy to see the appeal. “No money down” property flipping speaks to the entrepreneurial dream: leverage, opportunity, and speed. For some, it’s a genuine stepping stone into the property world — especially for those with strong sales or negotiation skills but limited capital.

The problem is not that the model is illegal or impossible; it’s that it’s misrepresented. Social media tends to skip over the months of legwork, legal paperwork, and the investor networking required to make it viable.

A Smarter, More Sustainable Approach

If you’re serious about entering the property business, there are more transparent and sustainable routes:

Start small — save a deposit and buy a single property to refurbish or rent.

Build relationships with reputable investors and estate agents.

Learn the legal side through property networking events and accredited courses.

Treat property as a business, not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Remember: professional developers succeed because they understand risk management — not because they avoid spending money.

Final Property Thoughts

The concept of flipping property with “no money down” isn’t inherently fraudulent — but the way it’s advertised online often borders on misleading. The deals that do work require hard work, legal expertise, and significant risk tolerance.

For entrepreneurs, the takeaway is simple: if you want to build a sustainable business in property, focus on learning the trade, building partnerships, and managing risk — not on chasing viral shortcuts.

Because in property, as in any business, the only real “no money down” deal is the one someone else profits from.

Sunday, 5 October 2025

Saturday, 4 October 2025

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How Silly Design Mistakes Spoil Otherwise Good Products

There’s a proverb that goes: for want of a nail the shoe was lost, for want of a shoe the horse was lost… until, eventually, the battle was lost. 

Also, the maritime version, don't spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar.

They are reminders that small oversights can cause big consequences. In business, especially in product design, this lesson is just as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

Take a recent example from my own life: assembling a treadmill. The product itself was sturdy, well-engineered, and clearly built to last. Yet, when it came to putting it together, the experience swiftly fell apart. 

The screws were supplied with an Allen key, straightforward enough you'd think, but the plastic cowling around the frame meant that the Allen key couldn’t actually fit properly. The result? Half-turns, scraped knuckles, unnecessary frustration and several swearwords. I completed the task eventually but it took longer than it should have.

That single flaw undermined the entire customer experience. For want of a few millimetres of clearance in the cowling, the treadmill felt clunky, fiddly, and less premium than it should have. 

And that’s the key point for businesses: you can invest heavily in quality materials, branding, and marketing, but one small design mistake can damage the customer’s perception of your product – and, by extension, your brand.

Common Culprits in Business

We’ve all seen it before:

Packaging that requires scissors or knives, even when the product is meant for quick use. Highly frustrating when you buy a pair of scissors but actually need scissors to open the packaging. 

Remote controls or apps where the most important functions are buried.

Stylish kitchen appliances that are impossible to clean properly.

Furniture kits with “all the parts included” but tools that can’t reach the fixings. Or a set of instructions in a multiplicity of languages, but not one you are fluent in.

Each of these examples has something in common: they were designed without enough thought about real-world use.

Why This Matters for Business

In a competitive market, the small details are what build loyalty. Customers rarely complain about the headline features that work – they complain about the one detail that doesn’t. And thanks to reviews and social media, those complaints can echo far and wide.

Worse still, these issues are often avoidable. They’re not caused by budget constraints or lack of technology. They happen because teams don’t take the time to step outside the design process and test products like real users.

The Lesson for Entrepreneurs and Product Teams

If you’re developing a product or service, ask yourself:

Have we tested this in real-world conditions, using only the tools we provide?

Have we asked someone outside the design team to assemble or use it?

Have we stripped away assumptions and looked at the customer’s actual journey?

A few hours of user testing can prevent years of bad reviews.

The Bottom Line

Silly mistakes don’t just spoil products – they erode trust. Customers may forgive a missing feature, but they rarely forgive needless frustration. 

The good news? Paying attention to the small details, and testing them properly, can turn a good product into a great one – and give your business the edge.

Wednesday, 1 October 2025