BUSINESS FOCUS: Whether 2023’s been tough or terrific, here’s one way to get 2024 off to a flying start
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Whatever 2023’s been like, we all hope to start next year on a high, and if you own a business here’s something that will help you do just that: entering our FSB UK Celebrating Small Business Awards 2024.
Why? Well, when things are going well there’s much to celebrate, and when times are hard the only way is up – and in either case there’s nothing better than winning one of our awards!
The Highlands punches above its weight when it comes to winning, producing two overall FSB UK Small Business of the Year winners in the past five years: Cruise Loch Ness and Woodlands Glencoe. Given that the Highlands is home to less than 0.3 per cent of the UK’s business population, two in five is clearly no coincidence.
No, doing business here is far from easy, and it takes special people to set up and run the amazing array of fascinating businesses that we have in Caithness and Sutherland – people who really do want to live here and who are extremely hard-working, dedicated, entrepreneurial and innovative, with can-do attitudes and the determination to succeed.
But if you are frantically busy and running to stand still, why spend precious time entering? Well, the process isn’t arduous and its very instructive, requiring you to take a step back and focus on what you do, why you do it, what works, what doesn’t, and so on. Even if you don’t win, this analysis can lead your business down exciting new avenues.
And the rewards for winners can be great. It makes business stand out from the crowd, and it’s great for morale – both yours and your hard-working team’s.
Judges look for well organised, managed and marketed businesses run by innovative and creative owners who are passionate about delivering great customer service. Sounds like you? Then enter!
Entries for our FSB UK Celebrating Small Business Awards 2024 open on Monday January, 8and close on Sunday, February 11. If you’re not sure how to go about it, we’ve organised a special webinar on the 8th between 11am and noon. More on the website at www.fsb.org.uk/fsb-awards.
David Richardson is development manager Highlands and Islands for the Federation of Small Businesses which offers support and lobbies government at all levels.
