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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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’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 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, 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.
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’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.
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.
Fast-growing burger brand I’M HUNGRY is bringing its fresh fast-food revolution to the United Kingdom and is now seeking Area Developer franchise partners to spearhead its expansion.
Founded in Saudi Arabia in 2016, I’M HUNGRY was born from a father’s simple mission: to create a restaurant serving fresh, high-quality beef burgers for his children, who would eagerly exclaim, “Dad, I’m hungry!”
After several years of developing the brand and refining operations, the brand has grown rapidly to over 20 thriving outlets and 31 signed units across the Middle East. Each location is built on a commitment to freshness, locally sourced ingredients, and healthier alternatives to conventional fast food.
The I’M HUNGRY Difference
Freshness is at the heart of everything we do at I’M HUNGRY. Unlike many fast-food competitors, the I’M HUNGRY team is committed to:
• 100% Fresh Meat: Never frozen, ensuring superior taste and nutritional quality.
• Locally Sourced Ingredients: Supporting local farmers while guaranteeing product traceability.
• No Hydrogenated Oils or Preservatives: Only fresh, high-quality ingredients for healthier meals.
• A Diverse Menu: From classic beef and chicken burgers to wraps, salads, hot dogs, and even breakfast meals.
The Area Developer Opportunity
With the UK market in its sights, I’M HUNGRY is offering ambitious entrepreneurs the opportunity to acquire exclusive territorial rights as Area Developers. This role provides an opportunity to establish and operate an initial flagship location, paving the way for a network of sub-franchisees across the region and unlocking multiple revenue streams through franchise fees and ongoing royalties.
• Training: Comprehensive, including hands-on experience at I’M HUNGRY’s headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“I’M HUNGRY is more than just another burger chain,” said a spokesperson for the brand. “We are looking for UK partners with vision, leadership, and ambition to bring a healthier, fresher fast-food experience to British high streets. As an Area Developer, you won’t just run a restaurant — you’ll build a scalable business empire.”
Who They’re Looking For
I’M HUNGRY is seeking entrepreneurial leaders with prior business or management experience, strong people skills, and the financial capacity to invest in and grow a multi-unit franchise network.
Prime territories are now available across the UK.
Interested candidates can learn more about I’M HUNGRY’s UK franchise opportunities by contacting leads@thefranchiseconsultant.co.uk
(That's Business reminds all people seeking to enter into franchise opportunities or other business opportunities to seek independent advice before entering into an agreement or signing a contract.)
QA Ltd, the UK’s largest tech training provider, has announced the launch of a new suite of AI learning paths, designed to help businesses adopt AI quickly, without compromising security and compliance.
Recent findings reveal that only 8% of organisations have fully embedded AI governance, while 80% of enterprise AI failures stem from poor cross-functional coordination. QA’s new learning paths aim to close both of these critical capability gaps.
Many businesses are facing a critical challenge: how to expand AI adoption responsibly. This launch addresses the growing concerns around fragmented AI implementation, siloed skills, and governance bottlenecks.
“In the race to adopt AI, speed matters. But safety is non-negotiable,” Richard Beck, QA’s Portfolio Director for Cyber Security told That's Business.
“Our training pathways are built to ensure organisations don’t have to choose between AI innovation and governance - they can have both. Not in opposition, but in a mutually empowering way.”
AI learning pathways designed for real-world impact
QA's pathways have been created by AI and cyber security experts and are designed to help organisations adopt artificial intelligence at speed. The training programmes on offer include:
Expert-led training and simulations for real-world impact
A cross-functional training approach, to unify business, legal, and technical teams
These pathways are designed to tackle today's most pressing AI-related business challenges head-on. They provide role-based training that gives teams the skills to deploy AI securely and confidently, while recognising the wide range of departments involved in adoption.
Training is available for both technical specialists, including cyber security and software engineering, and non-technical teams such as compliance officers and business leaders.
QA’s approach aims to ensure that every function is an enabler of safe, scalable AI adoption – not a blocker.
The National Extension College (NEC), a UK pioneer in distance learning for over 60 years, has unveiled a series of updates to strengthen its mission of widening access to education for all.
The changes include:
a new Chair of Trustees, Vanessa Pittard, and a strengthened strategic leadership team
a new Structured GCSE Programme designed for home-educated students and students requiring more structured support to achieve a GCSE in one-year
enhancements to NEC’s online learning platform, learn@nec
a redesigned website (www.nec.ac.uk) with improved accessibility and navigation - ensuring every visitor enjoys a seamless experience
a refreshed logo and brand identity.
The NEC has announced Vanessa Pittard as its new Chair of Trustees. Vanessa is Deputy Chief Executive of MEI, a leading education charity working nationally with schools and colleges to provide students with the best possible maths learning experiences.
She brings extensive leadership experience and a track record of working with strategic partners and stakeholders, including government and funders.
NEC Chief Executive Esther Chesterman told That's Business: “We are really delighted to welcome Vanessa as our new Chair of Trustees. Her leadership will help guide NEC through our next stage of growth.
"Our Board has also been strengthened with new members bringing fresh expertise to support innovation, and ensuring that we have the knowledge and skills to meet future challenges and opportunities.”
Vanessa Pittard said: “I’m proud to become Chair of Trustees at the National Extension College. NEC has always championed access to education and opportunity for all. These new initiatives will give more learners a chance to achieve their goals and to get the support that they need.”
New for 2025, NEC has launched eight Structured GCSEs, ideal for home-educated students and those looking for more structured support. The one-year courses come with full academic and pastoral support, expert-led live teaching, tailored feedback, and combine independent learning with the reassurance of regular check-ins, interactive learning tools, and a personalised support network. Subjects include English, Maths, Psychology and Computer Science.
Esther Chesterman went on to say: “At NEC, the future of learning is flexible and inclusive. We’ve expanded our course portfolio in response to students’ needs, to offer greater choice and enhanced pathways to further education or career-focused plans, and to affirm our commitment to ensuring that every student can achieve their goals.”
In addition to the new one-year GCSEs, NEC continues to offer a wider range of GCSEs and A levels, including one-year Structured Fast Track A levels in five subjects, Functional Skills, and vocational qualifications in management, counselling, bookkeeping and teaching.
NEC’s online learning platform learn@nec is where students study, engage with others, and succeed in their learning goals. The platform is being enhanced to create a fully inclusive digital classroom.
Helen Davies, NEC’s Online Learning Manager said: “From improved navigation to features that support students’ diverse learning needs, the changes to learn@nec will ensure that studying at NEC is even more engaging and accessible. Our goal is to create a digital platform that gives learners more choice and greater flexibility to learn.”
NEC’s refreshed logo and brand identity, considers its heritage whilst reflecting NEC’s innovation, ambition and continued commitment to offering inclusive education for all.
The new website (www.nec.ac.uk) has been developed by Ronins on behalf of NEC with prospective learners and stakeholders clearly in mind and is fully accessible for all visitors. With easy navigation, clear information about courses, finance, student support, and resources for parents, schools and partners all visitors are supported from the very first click.
Esther Chesterman added: “Our new website has been built for everyone, reflecting who we are today - innovative, student-focused, and committed to making education accessible to all. Our goal is to make every piece of information feel like a helpful conversation with a knowledgeable friend.”
Founder and CEO at Ronins, Anthony Basker said: “Great projects happen when everyone’s pulling in the same direction. NEC knew exactly what they wanted, a site that opens doors for learners, and that clarity made our job simple. The team was a joy to work with, and together we’ve built something that really reflects who they are.”
The Christmas shopping season is fast approaching, and for small retailers it represents one of the best opportunities of the year to boost sales and connect with customers.
But what if you don’t yet have an online presence? An online retail outlet?
The good news is that setting up an online shop doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
With a few clever choices, you can get your business online in time for the festive rush – without breaking the bank.
Why Go Online Now?
Shoppers are looking early: More and more customers are starting their Christmas shopping in October or November.
Convenience rules: Busy consumers prefer to browse and buy online, often outside of standard shop opening hours.
You don’t need a huge investment in web design or tech. Here are some low-cost, high-impact options:
1. Use Online Shop Builders
Platforms like Shopify, Big Cartel, Squarespace, or Wix allow you to create a professional-looking online shop in hours. Many offer free trials, and monthly plans can start from as little as £10–£20.
2. Try Marketplace Add-Ons
If you already sell on Etsy, eBay, or Amazon Marketplace, you can integrate these with your own site to make shopping seamless while keeping costs low.
3. Social Media Shops
Facebook and Instagram both allow you to create product catalogues and sell directly through your social media pages. It’s a free way to reach your existing followers while boosting festive sales.
4. Keep It Simple
Start small – you don’t need to upload your entire product range at once. Focus on your bestsellers, gift-ready items, or Christmas specials. A streamlined shop is easier to manage and market.
5. Payment Options on a Budget
Services like PayPal, Stripe, or Square are easy to set up and require no big upfront investment. They take a small transaction fee but save you from costly merchant service contracts.
Gift bundles: Create ready-made hampers or multi-buy offers for quick gifting.
Clear delivery info: Highlight last posting dates and delivery charges upfront to avoid abandoned baskets.
Click & collect: If you have a physical shop, this is a brilliant way to connect your online and offline customers.
Spreading the Word Without Spending a Fortune
Use social media posts and short videos to showcase gift ideas.
Send a simple email newsletter (Mailchimp has free plans) to remind past customers of your new online store.
Collaborate with other local businesses to share each other’s shops online.
Launching an online shop doesn’t have to cost the earth or take months to prepare. By starting now, focusing on the essentials, and making use of budget-friendly tools, small retailers can join the online Christmas shopping rush and give their business the gift of new customers.
When you have launched your online Christmas retail shop please email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com and we'll promote it for you, free of charge, on our sister site That's Christmas and here on That's Business.
If you’ve been out and about recently – whether in a doctor’s surgery, a retail shop, or even a customer-facing office, you’ve likely seen the signs. Bold notices on walls and reception desks that declare:
And quite right, too. Nobody should have to endure abuse while doing their job. Staff have the right to feel safe and respected at work.
But here’s the troubling contradiction: while customers are told in no uncertain terms that bad behaviour won’t be tolerated, businesses often turn a blind eye when the rudeness comes from their own employees.
A Growing Disconnect
The modern customer experience seems plagued by a strange imbalance. Patients at GP surgeries are made to feel as if asking a simple question is an inconvenience.
Shoppers encounter curt staff who appear disinterested, or worse, openly dismissive or outright rude. Callers to public offices are sometimes treated with irritation rather than assistance.
Even charity shops are not immune to this type of issue. My wife found a bar of new, high end soap and a new cafetiere. When she approached the counter the volunteer behind the counter said: "Only swanky, toffee-nosed people buy this type of thing."
My wife, keeping her cool said: "Really? And do you think I'm swanky or do you think I'm toffee-nosed?"
The reply was "I didn't mean anything by it!"
The manager approached the counter, asked if anything was wrong and when appraised of what had transpired, sided with the volunteer. And yes, of course they have the "This charity does not tolerate rudeness or abuse to our staff." But not, sadly to their customers.
The Cost of Tolerating Rudeness
For businesses, the cost of allowing staff rudeness is high:
Damaged reputation – Word of mouth spreads fast. A single negative encounter can undo thousands of pounds’ worth of marketing spend.
Lost loyalty – Customers have more choice than ever. If treated badly, they will simply go elsewhere.
Toxic culture – When rudeness is tolerated, it creates a workplace where negativity thrives, dragging down both morale and performance.
Why the Double Standards?
There are a few reasons this contradiction exists:
Staff protection is visible, customer protection is not – A sign on the wall makes a strong statement, but how often do we see a poster saying: “We will not tolerate rudeness to our customers”? Rarely.
Excusing stress – High workload, pressure, or short staffing are often used as excuses for brusque behaviour, particularly in public services.
Power imbalance – In settings like doctors’ surgeries, customers (patients) can feel they have no choice but to accept poor treatment, which can lead to complacency from staff.
What Good Businesses Do Differently
The best organisations take a balanced approach:
Clear zero-tolerance policies both ways – Customers are asked to respect staff, and staff are required to show the same courtesy in return.
Empathy and communication – Encouraging staff to recognise the pressures customers face (illness, stress, financial concerns) rather than dismissing them.
A Call for Fairness
Respect in business should be a two-way street. Customers have every right to be held to a standard of behaviour, but so do the staff serving them. Businesses that only protect one side of the equation risk losing both custom and credibility.
It’s time more organisations lived up to the words on their own signs.
FACTFILE:
Grok reveals that a 2019 study from the Journal of Service Research found 68% of customers experienced rude staff behavior, yet a mere 30% of businesses had formal policies addressing employee conduct toward customers, revealing a systemic double standard.
This disconnect is amplified by a 2023 UK survey by the Institute of Customer Service, showing a 15% rise in customer complaints about staff rudeness since 2020.
If you think your business could benefit from customer service training please check out this link: https://amzn.to/4nK18Gc
These occasions attract new faces and can generate extra revenue while strengthening your reputation as a welcoming, community-focused business.
Final Thought:
A Wall of Pets is a simple but powerful way to show your customers you care about what matters to them. By celebrating their furry (or feathered!) friends, you create an environment that’s not just a place to shop, drink or dine — but a haven where people and pets feel right at home.
In today’s competitive marketplace, making your brand memorable is crucial—and one of the most effective ways to do this is through humour.
From short social media clips to longer video campaigns, laughter can create an emotional connection with your audience, increase shareability, and humanise your brand.
A perfect recent example comes from Aldi’s Special Buys adverts featuring Mary and Derrick, which have become a talking point across the UK.
Humour breaks through the noise. People are constantly bombarded with ads, but a funny, relatable moment stops them in their scroll.
It encourages engagement, improves brand recall, and makes your message more shareable. Humour also signals confidence—if your brand can laugh, it feels more approachable.
Aldi’s use of Mary and Derrick is a case in point. The adverts feature quirky, light-hearted interactions between the two characters, often highlighting the surprising or unusual items in the Special Buys range. Their playful banter and exaggerated reactions make the products memorable, while the humour makes the campaign feel authentic rather than forced.
You don’t need Hollywood budgets to create a funny and effective campaign. Here’s how small businesses can emulate Aldi’s approach:
Focus on Relatable Situations: Comedy works best when people see themselves in it. Mary and Derrick are ordinary shoppers with exaggerated personalities—your ads can feature everyday scenarios in your niche, highlighting relatable pain points or moments of surprise.
Short, Shareable Clips: Social media thrives on snackable content. Create short, 15–30 second videos that are easy to watch and share. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X (formerly Twitter) are perfect for low-cost, high-impact humour.
Use Characters or Mascots: You don’t need actors or a full cast. A simple recurring character, voiceover persona, or even an animated figure can build a humorous narrative over time. Consistency helps audiences develop a connection with your brand.
Play with Exaggeration: Amplifying emotions or reactions can be funny and memorable without requiring expensive effects. Think oversized props, playful expressions, or witty dialogue.
Leverage Everyday Resources: A smartphone camera, free editing apps, and your team’s natural energy can be enough to create high-quality content. Aldi’s adverts are polished but not reliant on high-cost CGI—relatable performances do the heavy lifting.
Test and Iterate: Humour is subjective. Try different styles—puns, visual gags, dry wit—and monitor engagement. Audience reactions will guide your approach and help you refine your voice.
Key Takeaways
Humour in advertising isn’t just entertaining—it’s strategic. It helps your business stand out, makes products memorable, and encourages sharing. Aldi’s Mary and Derrick show that you don’t need a massive budget to create content that resonates. With relatable characters, short and engaging videos, and a playful approach, even modestly funded campaigns can deliver big laughs and big results.
So, whether you’re a small shop, an online retailer, or a service-based business, consider injecting some humour into your marketing. After all, people remember the brands that make them smile.d:
Humour doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity, your business can produce funny, engaging content that resonates with your audience—just like Aldi’s Mary and Derrick campaigns. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started. But on a modest budget.
1. Choose Your Characters or Persona
Keep it simple: You don’t need professional actors. Your team, friends, or even a recurring mascot can do the job.
Create relatable personalities: Think of characters that exaggerate everyday traits—like Derrick’s nosiness or Mary’s dry wit.
Be consistent: Repeating the same character(s) in different scenarios helps build a connection with your audience.
Example: A quirky shop assistant who reacts hilariously to unusual stock items, like oversized vegetables or novelty gadgets.
Exaggeration: Oversized props, funny costumes, or dramatic reactions.
Sound effects: A “boing” or “splat” can make a visual gag funnier.
Captions: Many people watch social videos muted, so captions help the humour land. And doesn't exclude those with hearing issues.
6. Test and Share on Social Media
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X favour short, funny clips.
Post consistently to develop an audience.
Monitor engagement—likes, shares, and comments will show what works.
7. Repurpose and Expand
Successful clips can be turned into GIFs, memes, or short compilations.
Reuse characters and recurring gags in newsletters, ads, or in-store screens.
Over time, your characters can become mini “brand ambassadors” with minimal ongoing cost.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Props: Use household items, recycled materials, or inexpensive novelty items.
Editing: Free apps are sufficient; avoid expensive software.
Locations: Film in your shop, workspace, or local outdoor spots—no need for studio rentals.
Team talent: Friends, family, or enthusiastic staff can act—paid actors aren’t essential.
By keeping things relatable, short, and playful, you can create a humorous advertising campaign that feels professional, memorable, and most importantly, shareable—all without needing a big budget.
Humour humanises your brand, encourages engagement, and makes people remember your business. If Aldi’s Mary and Derrick can get the nation laughing with supermarket specials, imagine what a small but creative business like yours could do!
Here's one version of the Aldi Special Buys advert:-
If you want professionally designed mascots or props the following firms can help:-
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