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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.

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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

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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.

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.”

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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.

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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.

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Hosting Catered Poetry Readings for National Poetry Day: A Business Opportunity

National Poetry Day, held every October, is a celebration of words, ideas, and imagination. For businesses — especially those in hospitality, catering, retail, or event management — it’s also a golden opportunity to connect with your community, showcase creativity, and attract new customers. 

Hosting a catered poetry reading can set your brand apart and build goodwill that lasts long beyond the event itself.

Why Businesses Should Get Involved

Supporting National Poetry Day isn’t just about culture — it’s smart business. A well-organised poetry event can:

Boost footfall: Draw people into your café, restaurant, pub, bookshop, or bar.

Enhance brand image: Align your business with creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement.

Encourage partnerships: Work with local poets, schools, libraries, and cultural groups.

Generate publicity: Local press, social media buzz, and the #NationalPoetryDay hashtag can amplify your reach.

Turning Poetry into a Business Asset

Catering adds another layer to the experience, and it’s where businesses can shine. By offering food and drink alongside the readings, you make your venue not just a host space but a destination. Think themed menus, bespoke drinks, or exclusive offers tied to the event. For example:

A café could launch a “Poet’s Coffee Blend” or “Verse & Biscuit” deal.

A wine bar might create “Sonnet and Shiraz” nights.

A pub could stage Poems and Pints events.

Caterers could offer packages specifically designed for cultural events, with branding opportunities built in.

Planning a Successful Event

If you’re a business owner considering hosting or partnering on a poetry event, here are some steps to maximise impact:

Define your audience – Is this a family-friendly afternoon, a university crowd, or a more refined evening for professionals?

Choose the right venue – Bookshops, cafés, and community spaces often work best.

Partner locally – Work with poets, writers’ groups, or even schools for performances.

Curate the catering – Align food and drink with the event’s theme and your brand’s strengths.

Market effectively – Use social media, email newsletters, flyers, and partnerships with cultural organisations to spread the word.

Branding Beyond the Day

Don’t treat National Poetry Day as a one-off. Businesses can build it into an annual event, establish a reputation as a supporter of the arts, or even create regular poetry nights. Offering loyalty discounts, merchandise, or themed menu items tied to the occasion can reinforce your brand’s cultural identity.

National Poetry Day isn’t only for poets — it’s for businesses too. By hosting or sponsoring a catered poetry reading, you can engage your community, enhance your brand image, and create a memorable customer experience. 

It’s a chance to show that your business values creativity — and to enjoy the rewards that come when customers see you as more than just a service provider, but a cultural contributor.

Celebrating International Podcast Day: Why Podcasts Matter for Your Business

Every 30th September, the world celebrates International Podcast Day—a day dedicated to recognising the power of podcasts in connecting people, sharing stories, and building communities. 

But for businesses, large or small, it’s also a reminder of just how valuable this medium has become for brand growth, customer engagement, and thought leadership.

The Rise of the Podcast

Podcasts are no longer a niche hobby. Millions of people in the UK and around the world tune in daily, listening on their commute, at the gym, or even while cooking dinner. 

Their popularity lies in their accessibility: podcasts can be consumed anywhere, anytime. For businesses, this makes them a powerful way to meet your audience where they are.

Why Businesses Should Pay Attention

So why should your business care about podcasts?

Authenticity and Trust

Unlike a quick advert or social post, podcasts create space for deeper conversation. Listeners feel like they’re being spoken to directly, which builds trust and authenticity around your brand.

Establishing Authority

Hosting a podcast or guesting on one lets you showcase your expertise. It positions you not just as a seller of products or services, but as a trusted voice in your industry.

Networking Opportunities

Podcasting is inherently collaborative. Inviting guests onto your show—or joining theirs—opens the door to valuable business connections.

Evergreen Content

A podcast episode isn’t a one-day wonder. Listeners often go back and discover older episodes, giving your content a long shelf life.

Ideas for Getting Started

Not every business needs a full-scale podcast, but there are plenty of ways to join the conversation:

Start Your Own Show: A regular podcast sharing tips, stories, or interviews relevant to your industry.

Guest Appearances: Offer to appear on established shows in your niche to share your expertise.

Internal Podcasts: Some companies even use private podcasts for staff training and communication.

Promote Podcasts You Love: Simply recommending relevant podcasts to your customers or team can position you as a resource.

Celebrating International Podcast Day in Your Business

Today is the perfect excuse to dip your toe into the world of podcasting. You could:

Share your favourite business podcasts on social media.

Record a short audio message for your customers or followers.

Host a Q&A session or a behind-the-scenes chat to test the waters.

Recommended UK Business Podcasts

If you’re ready to get inspired, here are some of the most popular and insightful UK-based podcasts for entrepreneurs and business leaders:

The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett – Honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and thinkers about the realities of business and success.

Business Daily (BBC World Service) – A global take on the big issues affecting businesses today.

The High Performance Podcast – Focused on leadership, resilience, and mindset, with guests from business, sport, and culture.

How I Built This with Guy Raz (BBC Sounds) – Fascinating stories behind the world’s best-known companies and brands.

StartUp Stories UK – Real-life journeys from entrepreneurs navigating the UK’s start-up scene.

The Bottom Line (BBC Radio 4) – A sharp look at business challenges, opportunities, and trends with input from leading figures.

Final Podcasting Thoughts

International Podcast Day isn’t just about celebrating podcasters—it’s about celebrating the power of voice in business communication. If you’ve been thinking about podcasting, today is your reminder: start small, but start. Your voice might just be the one your audience is waiting to hear.

Why Brand Consistency Matters More Than You Think

What if the colour or logo is wrong? 

A while ago I was involved in a situation that perfectly illustrated why brand consistency is absolutely essential. 

A batch of printed garments had to be trashed. Not because the material was faulty or the printing poor, but because the person who ordered them wasn’t authorised to do so. 

Instead of using the approved logo and designs, they had created their own off-brand version. The result? Dozens of unusable items, wasted time, wasted money, and a branding headache.

It may sound like a small misstep, but it highlighted a bigger truth: when your branding isn’t consistent, your business suffers — whether you’re a sole trader or a major company.

What Brand Consistency Really Is

Brand consistency isn’t just about slapping the same logo on everything. It’s about ensuring that every element of your business reflects the same identity and values. That includes:

Your logo, colours, and fonts

The tone of your marketing materials

The way staff interact with customers

Even how your packaging or uniforms look

When all of these align, your brand becomes instantly recognisable and trustworthy.

Why It’s So Important

Trust and Recognition

Customers buy from brands they know. If your logo, colours, or messaging vary depending on who created them, people start to question whether you’re the same business they trusted last time.

Professionalism

Inconsistent branding makes you look disorganised. A polished, unified identity says that you care about details — and by extension, about your customers.

Efficiency and Cost

As the misprinted garments showed, ignoring brand guidelines can lead directly to wasted money. Clear, consistent branding prevents those mistakes.

Emotional Connection

People form bonds with brands over time. Familiarity makes them feel comfortable and loyal. If your branding keeps shifting, that bond weakens.

Consistency Online Is Just as Critical

It’s not just physical items like uniforms or printed materials that matter — your digital presence is often where customers see you first. Imagine visiting a company’s website that uses one logo, then heading to their Instagram and seeing a different colour scheme or style, and then getting an email written in a completely different tone.

That inconsistency creates confusion. Customers may even wonder if they’re dealing with the same business — or worse, suspect a scam. Online, where competition is fierce and attention spans short, one off-brand social post or mismatched graphic can cost you clicks, conversions, and credibility.

Consistency across your website, social channels, email marketing, and even digital ads ensures:

Customers instantly recognise you, no matter the platform.

Your messaging feels reliable and professional.

You stand out for the right reasons — as a brand with a clear identity, not a scattered one.

How to Protect Your Brand

Develop clear brand guidelines — covering colours, logos, fonts, and tone of voice.

Limit decision-making power to those authorised to approve designs.

Make official assets easy to find so staff don’t need to “make it up” themselves.

Educate your team on why sticking to the guidelines matters.

Audit your online presence regularly to make sure your profiles, images, and content stay on-brand.

Final Branding Thoughts

Consistency isn’t about stifling creativity — it’s about protecting the hard work that went into building your business identity. Whether you’re a start-up or a household name, your brand is one of your greatest assets.

And if you ever wonder whether the rules are worth enforcing, just think of those wasted garments: a stark reminder that brand consistency isn’t a “nice-to-have” — it’s non-negotiable.

Be That Writer: How to Launch Your Own Online or Print Writing Mag...

Be That Writer: How to Launch Your Own Online or Print Writing Mag...: Do you dream of creating a magazine dedicated to showcasing new writing?  Whether it’s poetry, short stories, essays, or experimental forms,...

How to Set Up and Run Your Own Comic Con in the UK

Comic conventions have exploded in popularity across the UK, with events like MCM Comic Con in London and Wales Comic Con drawing thousands of fans. 

But you don’t need to be a huge corporation to host one.

From local cosplay gatherings to regional comic book conventions, it’s entirely possible to run your own Comic Con. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up, promote, and successfully manage your very own UK comic convention.

1. Define Your Comic Con Vision

Start by deciding what kind of Comic Con you want to create:

Scale: A local community convention or a larger regional comic con?

Focus: Strictly comics, or a mix of cosplay, anime, gaming, film, and pop culture?

Audience: Families, hardcore collectors, students, or a broad fanbase?

Having a clear vision helps you target the right people and gives your event a strong identity.

2. Build a Team of Volunteers and Organisers

No one runs a Comic Con alone. Successful comic conventions in the UK rely on dedicated teams. Assign clear roles:

Event Manager – oversees everything

Guest & Talent Coordinator – books comic artists, actors, or voice actors

Exhibitor Liaison – manages stalls and dealer tables

Marketing & PR Lead – handles social media and local press

Volunteer Coordinator – recruits helpers for the day

3. Budget and Funding for a Comic Con

Your budget will need to cover:

Venue hire (sports halls, hotels, or community centres)

Guest fees and travel expenses

Marketing and print materials

Insurance and licences

Security and first aid cover

How to raise funds:

Advance ticket sales (early-bird discounts help)

Exhibitor/vendor stall fees

Sponsorship from local businesses

Crowdfunding campaigns to build fan support

4. Choosing the Right Venue

In the UK, many Comic Cons are hosted in sports centres, exhibition halls, and even universities. Look for:

Sufficient space for stalls, cosplay competitions, and panels

Good transport links (especially if near a railway station)

Disabled access and clear layout

Food and drink options (in-house or vendors)

A convenient venue makes your Comic Con much more attractive to attendees.

5. Guests and Exhibitors

Guests are often the main draw. Depending on your budget, consider:

Comic artists, illustrators, and independent creators

Voice actors or actors from popular franchises

Cosplay guests and competition judges

Local vendors (comics, collectibles, retro gaming, merch)

Offering an Artist Alley is a great way to spotlight independent talent.

6. Programming and Activities for Attendees

Make your Comic Con engaging with a varied schedule:

Panel talks and Q&As

Cosplay competitions and catwalks

Gaming zones (tabletop, card games, or retro consoles)

Anime or film screenings

Creative workshops (drawing, costume-making, writing)

Cosplay is especially popular in the UK – so make sure you highlight it in your marketing.

7. Marketing Your Comic Con in the UK

Promotion is everything. Start at least six months before the event. Use:

Social Media – Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and Facebook groups for cosplayers and comic fans

Local Press – Newspapers, community radio, and online listings

Posters & Flyers – Place in comic book shops, game stores, schools, and libraries

Partnerships – Work with local businesses, universities, and fan clubs

Pro tip: create a hashtag for your event.

8. Safety, Insurance, and Logistics

In the UK, you’ll need:

Public liability insurance

Security staff for crowd control

First aid cover

Accessibility planning

Clear signage and schedules

A smooth, safe experience will encourage fans to return year after year.

9. Running the Event on the Day

Arrive early, brief your volunteers, and keep your team in constant contact via radios or WhatsApp groups. Stay flexible – schedules always change slightly – but keep guests and vendors updated. A calm organiser means a great Comic Con atmosphere.

10. After the Comic Con

Thank your guests, vendors, and attendees. Post highlight photos and videos on social media, gather feedback, and start teasing plans for your next event. Many UK comic cons grow because organisers treat the first year as a foundation for future success.

Final Comic Con Thoughts

Running your own Comic Con in the UK takes effort, planning, and passion – but it’s absolutely achievable. Whether you want to create a small local cosplay convention or build the next big regional comic event, the key is to focus on community, creativity, and fun. With the right vision, your Comic Con could become a much-loved annual tradition.

The Best Free Antivirus Programmes of 2025

Stay safe without spending a penny

Cyber-threats are always evolving: malware, phishing, ransomware, zero-day threats … the lot. But not everyone wants—or needs—to pay for premium antivirus. 

Fortunately, several free options offer surprisingly strong protection. Here are the top free antiviruses in 2025, what they do well, and what their limitations are.

What to Look for in a Free Antivirus

Before we get started, here are the essentials you want your antivirus to deliver:

Strong detection rates against known and new threats

Real-time protection, not just manual scans

Minimal impact on system performance

Frequent updates for definitions and the engine

Useful extras like phishing protection or browser safety tools

Trustworthy privacy practices with minimal upselling

Top Free Antivirus Programmes

Bitdefender Free Antivirus

Bitdefender continues to rank highly for malware detection and overall reliability. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and keeps itself updated automatically. However, it doesn’t include many extras—advanced tools like a firewall or parental controls are reserved for the paid version.

Avast Free / Avast One Basic

Avast’s free edition is packed with features, including phishing protection and network scanning. It runs on multiple operating systems, making it a good choice for households with a mix of devices. The trade-off is regular upgrade prompts and a reputation for being a little heavy on system resources.

Avira Free Security

Avira is known for excellent all-round protection with minimal impact on performance. It even throws in a free VPN (with limited data) and a password manager. The catch is that the VPN allowance is tiny, and you’ll see frequent reminders to upgrade.

AVG AntiVirus Free

AVG, which shares the same parent company and detection engine as Avast, delivers a clean interface, solid protection, and helpful features like email and link scanning. Like Avast, it comes with its share of upgrade prompts and keeps some functions fairly basic.

Microsoft Defender

Built into Windows, Defender offers a surprisingly good level of protection for a free programme. It requires no extra installation, integrates neatly with Windows, and has improved significantly in independent lab tests. Its main weakness is the lack of extra features such as VPNs, password managers, or advanced firewall controls.

Kaspersky Security Cloud – Free

Kaspersky’s free edition uses the same strong detection engine as its premium products. It’s efficient, easy to use, and doesn’t slow your system down. The free version does come with restrictions—VPN and password manager tools are capped—and some users remain cautious about data privacy.

Which One Should You Use?

If you want minimal fuss and strong detection, Bitdefender Free or Microsoft Defender are excellent choices.

If you’re after extra tools like a VPN or password manager, Avira or Avast are worth a look.

If you have an older PC, Bitdefender and Defender are the most lightweight.

If you want cross-platform protection across Windows, Mac, and mobile, Avast and Avira are more versatile.

Trade-Offs of Free Antivirus

Free antivirus software almost always comes with some limitations:

Regular prompts to upgrade

Restricted features, such as VPNs with data caps or firewalls locked behind paywalls

Limited customer support (forums instead of direct help)

Potential performance slowdowns on lower-spec machines

Privacy trade-offs, as some providers collect more data in free versions

Final Verdict

Free antivirus software is now good enough for most everyday users. For strong, simple protection, Bitdefender Free Antivirus is hard to beat. For those who want bonus extras like a VPN or password manager, Avira Free Security is a solid option.

Paid antivirus suites are still worth considering if you need advanced features, multiple device coverage, or identity protection. But for home users who simply want to browse, shop, and bank online safely, today’s free antivirus programmes can do the job very well.

Bentley further expands Crewe headquarters with new Engineering Technical Centre

Bentley celebrates the opening of new state-of-the-art Engineering Technical Centre in Crewe.

New R&D facilities vital to the brand’s preparations for future model development – bringing the virtual world together with real world product integration

Transforming an 85-year-old site for a new age of electrification – promising to introduce a new hybrid or electric model every year up until becoming exclusively electric in 2035

The new global brand partnership will be launched to fans, customers and media at a private event on 27 September

Bentley Motors today celebrates the official opening of its new world-class development Engineering Technical Centre, located at the luxury marque’s carbon neutral headquarters in Crewe. These new facilities - officially opened by Chairman and CEO, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser and Board Member for R&D, Dr. Matthias Rabe - will be pivotal to the brand’s preparations for future model development.

The Engineering Technical Centre forms part of an expansive investment programme in future facilities and products at the Pyms Lane factory in Crewe, where all Bentley models are handcrafted. The new centre brings together virtual and physical properties enabling collaborative working throughout.

It is located across two floors, covering a total of 13,000 sqm. The centre will include a prototype workshop for models of the future, materials development and a software integration department. Key to the facility’s harmonious integration is a structured, comprehensive application of skills in training, testing and launch preparation for all software and electrical, digital high-voltage systems.

The majority of these departments have been relocated from their previous home in the A1 building, which is the oldest building at the Pyms Lane site, and which is being transformed to BEV assembly in time for production to commence in 2027.

Commenting on the developments. Dr. Matthias Rabe, Bentley’s Member of the Board for R&D, told That's  Business: “Our Beyond100+ strategy maps out a fundamental programme of change, using what is known now and adapting that vision as we adopt yet-to-be discovered technologies in the future. We are working on the next generation of electrified driving, digitally connected cars, with driving autonomy that will achieve the highest levels of luxury mobility.

“This new Engineering Technical Centre is a key building block for the successful delivery of this strategy and helps enable engineering concepts to become reality at the heart of development and integration, as we look to continue to create the most luxurious and performance-oriented vehicles on the market.”

Bentley’s industry-leading Beyond100+ strategy will see the company reinvent its entire product range to support an electrified future. The opening of the Engineering Technical Centre will support these ambitions along with further expansions on site. These include the recently opened Design Studio and the continued construction on the new Paint Shop and Integrated Logistics Centre, due to open next year.