The №1 Business Forum - Recent Topics

Dyslexia in Business Owners - Therapy in the plate spinning and chaos

Lawson Willett — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:55:36 +0000

To those of you sitting on a business idea but feeling held back by a brain that doesn't quite follow the "standard" rules: I understand the hesitation. There is a common misconception that to run a business, you need to be a world-class proofreader and a master of filing systems.

The reality is somewhat more interesting.

As a business owner with dyslexia, I can tell you that my emails might occasionally feature creative spelling, but my business strategy stays strong. If you are worried that your limitations will sink you, consider the trade-offs.

For many of us, dyslexia comes with a distinctive superpower: the ability to navigate stressful situations without blinking and without taking too much emotional fatigue. While some might be intimidated by the volume of a business or product launch, I find that overseeing 12 topics at once is where I’m most comfortable. It’s like having several browser tabs open; sure, one might be playing music you can't find, but you’re still getting the work done.

Here is the truth about the "leap" you are scared to take:

Administrative Perfection is Overrated: You can hire an assistant or use software to fix your typos. You cannot easily hire someone to have your specific vision or your ability to see patterns that others see as chaos.

Pressure is Our Natural Habitat: If you’ve spent years dealing with a school system or a corporate world not built for your brain, you’ve already built the strength needed for entrepreneurship.

The "Big Picture" Advantage: While others are zooming in on a single typo, we are usually looking at the entire landscape. This is why many successful founders are neurodivergent.

Don’t let the fear of a few "dropped balls" stop you. In business, it’s not about never dropping a ball; it’s about knowing which ones are rubber and which ones are glass. Most administrative tasks are rubber—they bounce. Your vision and your ability to lead under pressure are the glass ones. Focus on those.

I’ve been told a number of times that you shouldn’t fear making a choice; it's the living with the ‘why did I not try’ that will eat away at you.

The truth be told, I have had a really hard day at work, with disappointing moments that seem to outweigh the successes, but by writing this, I feel comfort and therapy, and I hope to inspire others to just Give It A Go!

The business world doesn't need more people who can spell "entrepreneur" perfectly on the first try; it needs people who can actually be one.

Is there still a job out there for a 'web designer' building websites?

Lawson Willett — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:08:49 +0000

I was looking through some old invoices the other day and realised how much the landscape has shifted. Ten to twelve years ago, if you told me I’d be able to "drag and drop" a functioning website together over a Sunday morning coffee, I’d have probably laughed you out of the office.

This brings up a question I’ve been hearing a lot lately in my circles: Is there actually a job left for someone who just calls themselves a "web designer"?

With tools like WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, and now AI-driven builders, the barrier to entry has hit the floor. My nephew recently offered to build a site for a local shop using a template, and honestly? It looked fine. But "fine" is a dangerous place for a professional to live.

The reality I’m seeing as a business owner is that the job isn’t dying; it’s just shedding its old skin. The people who used to just make things look "pretty" are having to level up. If you’re a designer feeling the heat, your real value isn't in the pixels—it's in the strategy.

User Experience (UX): Knowing 'why' a customer clicks a button is worth way more than knowing 'how' to draw the button.

Problem Solving: A template doesn’t know why a client’s bounce rate is 90%. You do.

Brand Psychology: Understanding how colours and layouts affect trust isn't something a generic AI prompt handles well yet.

For those looking at where to go next, the pivot seems to be toward Product Design or UX/UI Specialisation. Companies are no longer looking for a one-off website; they want digital ecosystems that actually convert.

There’s also a huge gap for "No-code Architects" people who use these DIY tools but build them with the logic and structure of a pro.

The "web designer" might be a disappearing title, but the need for people who understand how humans interact with technology is higher than ever. We just might need to update our LinkedIn headlines.

Are you still hiring "designers," or are you looking for something more specialised these days? ROI for PPC campaigns and marketing efforts are also becoming harder to measure as the methods are becoming harder to see any return.

If you are a web designer looking to change your working role, consider trying a short course on Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO) or User Research. These are the high-value skills businesses are currently paying a premium for.

What's the difference between a Profit and Loss Report and a Balance Sheet and why should you care?

Lawson Willett — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:51:28 +0000

I remember when I first started taking over the family business, our accountant would send over a pile of reports, and I’d nod along like I knew exactly what the difference was between a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement and a Balance Sheet. In reality, I was just looking for the bottom line to see if I could afford to pay all the bills and have some for myself.

Since then, I’ve realised these two reports are actually telling very different stories about our businesses. If you’re currently in that "nodding and smiling" phase, here is the simplest way I’ve found to look at them:

The Profit and Loss Report: The "Action Movie"

Think of the P&L as a video of everything that happened over a specific period—usually a month, a quarter, or a year. It shows your income coming in and your expenses going out. If you made £10,000 this month but spent £8,000 on supplies and rent, your P&L shows a £2,000 profit. It tells you if your business is currently "winning" or "losing" the game during that timeframe. It’s all about the flow.

The Balance Sheet: The "Still Photo”

The Balance Sheet is different. It doesn’t care about what happened last Tuesday; it only cares about where you stand right this second. It’s a snapshot of your financial health. It lists what you own (Assets, like cash in the bank or equipment), what you owe (Liabilities, like loans or taxes), and what’s left over for you (Equity).

The Key Difference

The P&L measures performance over time, while the Balance Sheet measures net worth at a single point in time. You could have a very profitable month (great P&L) but still have a weak Balance Sheet if you have a massive loan hanging over your head. Conversely, you might have a slow month with no profit, but a very strong Balance Sheet because you’ve saved up plenty of cash and own your equipment outright.

I’ve found that checking both regularly is the only way to get the full picture. One tells you if you’re making money, and the other tells you if you’re actually building wealth.

Productivity Hacks for Remote Work (Live from a café on a ski slope)

Lawson Willett — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:43:06 +0000

Working from remote locations away from the office has its benefits, obviously avoiding the daily commute and enjoying a more comfortable setting of choice has perks. But it also brings new distractions, from chores to entertainment. Staying productive in any location takes some planning, the right tools and will power. As I write this from a cafe in France on the top of a mountain while my family head off skiing for a few hours.

I start by setting up a specific spot for work. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just a tidy non mentally arresting space. Using this space only for work helps you focus and marks the beginning of your workday. I cant work with mess around me. Not obsessive just clearing mind of other nearby distractions.

To keep track of your tasks, try using tools like Gmail, Trello or Asana. They help me organise what needs to be done, set deadlines, and see my progress, so you always know your priorities.

Staying in touch with your team is important. Tools like Slack make it easy to have organised conversations in different channels. Leaving room for casual chats can also help everyone feel more connected when working remotely.

Managing your time well is key to getting things done. I read about the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a short break, can help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Apps like Focus Booster or Forest make it easy to use this method. This seems to help me mentally with time pressures to achieve and also keeps me working towards achievable goals.

I use my Google calendar for more than just meetings. I block out time for focused work, admin tasks, emails, and breaks. Planning your day like this helps you stay on track and avoid working late unexpectedly as I don't know about you, but my workflow is endless and I could work nonstop for days if allowed.

A routine regardless of location really helps me get more done. I try starting my day with a simple habit, like making coffee or getting setup with a drink to signal it’s time to work. I try to end my day with a small ritual to help me switch back to personal time. These routines make it easier to keep work and home life separate. Despite its distractions, working from any remote location can be productive with the right structure and tools, well it's working for me...

I'm sure this is not a one size fits all solution, I haven't cracked the code. I spend most of my life at my desk, but the mental space to work from another location is a blessing.

Remember, small steps forward matter. Some days, just sticking to your plan or finishing on time is a win.

When is a residential property become a commercial venture from a mortgage perspective?

Lawson Willett — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:04:39 +0000

My wife and I are looking for properties that can earn us an income. Having come across a converted barn with some holiday cottages on the land. I have been advised that this is a residential sale.

But when it comes to getting a mortgage on the site, the brokers were unsure as to how to present it. My argument is that it is no different from having a basement flat above a period property that is let out.

Has anyone else come across a similar scenario?

Spotted: Potential Vinted Scam

Lawson Willett — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:14:47 +0000

I've bought a number of things in Vinted over the years. But have noticed a flaw in their reporting processes. Leaving the buyer potentially vulnerable.

I have been looking for high-end headphones for my wife's Birthday. Having found the right pair, the seller answered some of my questions and then accepted my offer.

A week went past, and I had to chase the shipping date as I'm getting close to the big day without a present. A shipping label was created, but there is no tracking from the Royal Mail beyond that. I've had to chase the seller again, but the item, according to the seller, has been handed over.

Now. I work with Royal Mail daily, and although not perfect, their processes are reasonably sound. If they had received the parcel, it would have been scanned.

As a buyer, you cannot request anything other than via a message to cancel the order, and Vinted will give you a window of 2 days to ask for a refund, in this case, a month from now (April 2026). If I miss the 2-day window, the seller automatically gets the funds, and there is nothing you can do about it!

Be careful out there.

Cheltenham Races Advertising

Lawson Willett — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:56:08 +0000

Based near the Cheltenham Racecourse, it amazes me that over a 4-day period, 200,000+ people head to Cheltenham to see the racing spectacle, which concludes with the Cheltenham Gold Cup race.

Local hospitality businesses benefit from the additional revenue, but very few other sectors see any gain, and locals stay away from town for fear of mixing with the alcohol-fuelled crowd.

The visitors to the town seem to be here on holiday and have disposable income to spend. What could the locals do to attract the punters to spend their hard-earned money elsewhere?

How is the Iran war going to affect your business?

Lawson Willett — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:54:03 +0000

Oil spikes and trade sanctions abound. Trump is cosying up to oil and military supply companies. What is this war really about, and how will it affect you and your business?

At present, filling up your car is getting more expensive by the day. We are seeing headlines sensationalising the lack of gas reserves, stating we only have 2 days in reserve.

Now the time to go solar? Electric car? dare I say off grid?

Why are there such tight restrictions on wind turbines in the UK? It does seem nonsensical.

Is working on the road still viable in 2026?

Lawson Willett — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:37:13 +0000

As I sit in a Cineworld waiting area on the Isle of Wight, a common question bubbles to the surface: Is the nomadic lifestyle of working on the road still a viable option? Whether you're a digital nomad, a consultant, or even a sales professional in the tech sector, the allure of sipping coffee in a beachside café while monitoring emails can be quite enticing. I haven't found it...

The rise of remote work has shown no signs of slowing down, with about 30% of jobs being fully remote as of 2024. This trend isn’t just a fluke; businesses across sectors—finance, marketing, and tech, to name a few—have embraced flexible work arrangements. However, the technology landscape is ever-evolving. With advancements in 5G and portable work tools, connectivity is less of a hurdle than it used to be—unless, of course, you find yourself in the vast expanse of the Australian Outback without Wi-Fi!

That said, working on the road does come with its own set of challenges. Imagine trying to pitch a million-dollar project from a roadside diner with a spotty internet connection. Not exactly the best first impression, is it? Additionally, maintaining work-life balance can become a juggling act when your office is also your vacation spot.

The perks of being a mobile worker
On the bright side, road warriors like both my wife and I can find inspiration in new environments, which can foster creativity—imagine brainstorming your next marketing campaign while staring at the majestic Grand Canyon. Plus, with the rise of co-working spaces in towns and cities worldwide, you can have a professional setup ready to go. Who doesn’t love a good conference call with a picturesque backdrop?

As I see it, this working suits some sectors better than others. I'm sure there are niches, generally speaking:

Tech: Software developers and data analysts already have the tools to work anywhere, making them prime candidates for a road warrior lifestyle.
Sales: Field sales representatives effectively operate on the move. Just ensure that your presentation software doesn't decide to crash while you’re demonstrating it to a client at a coffee shop!
Consulting: With an internet connection and a laptop, consultants thrive on flexibility. But pack a portable charger—you might need it during that unexpected four-hour drive through the mountains!

So, is working on the road still viable in 2026? Absolutely, with a healthy dose of planning and flexibility. As long as you have a reliable connection (and perhaps a backup plan for those tech hiccups), the road can be your office. Just try not to confuse your “out of office” auto-replies with vacation selfies!

And...Electric cars absolutely work for the workflow. The charging networks are better than ever. My wife drives between 600 and 1000 miles per week, and her Tesla has been flawless.

What are your thoughts? Are you gearing up for a road trip while working remotely, or do you have any road-warrior horror stories to share?

What are the Legal Considerations When Setting Up a Virtual Office?

Lawson Willett — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:10:31 +0000

Contemplating setting up a virtual office? Congratulations! It's a leap that combines modern flexibility with the thrill of entrepreneurship—sort of like working in your pyjamas but still feeling like a boss. However, before you dive into this exciting venture, let’s talk about some legal considerations that won't put you to sleep but are essential nonetheless.

First up is your business structure. Will you be a sole trader, a partnership, or run a limited company? Think of this as choosing your superhero alter ego. Each option comes with its unique responsibilities regarding taxes and liability. Some may allow you to operate with less paperwork, while others might sprinkle a bit more red tape into your entrepreneurial smoothie. Consulting with a legal or financial advisor is like having a trusty sidekick; they can help you navigate the complexities.

Next, let’s chat about your virtual office provider. It’s crucial to pick a reputable company, unless you fancy getting stuck in a contract that’s more tangled than your headphones in your pocket. Read the terms of service carefully—know what you’re signing up for! Services like mail handling, phone answering, and meeting room access are usually included, but always check for a confidentiality clause. This makes sure your sensitive business information stays more secure than your secret cookie stash.

When it comes to address registration, be aware that using a virtual office address for your business is more common than you might think. Just remember that regulatory bodies like Companies House have their own rules regarding addresses for official correspondence. You wouldn’t want a mail mix-up landing you in hot water—unless you're into that sort of thing!

Next is data protection, which may sound boring, but think of it as your business's bodyguard. If you're collecting and processing personal data, compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a must. This means you’ll need to put on your privacy hat (figuratively, of course) and take the necessary steps to protect that data. Not adhering to these laws could lead to penalties—certainly not the kind of excitement you want for your business.

Speaking of excitement, let’s talk taxes! Depending on where your virtual office resides and your business structure, you may find yourself tangled in tax obligations – like VAT registration or business rates. Keeping clear records is your best friend here, and again, consulting a tax professional is a smart move. After all, you wouldn’t want to accidentally confuse your receipts for last night’s dinner with your business expenses.

Lastly, don’t forget about licenses or permits! Depending on your industry, you might need a few official stamps of approval to operate. It’s like getting permission to host a party; nobody wants uninvited trouble crashing in!

In summary, while the idea of a virtual office is as appealing as a home-cooked meal on a cold day, it’s vital to keep your legal responsibilities on the front burner. From figuring out your business structure and provider to ensuring compliance with data protection laws, every detail counts.

If you’re thinking about making the leap, consider consulting a legal professional specialising in business law. They can help you address these legal considerations without turning it into a suspense thriller. And remember, a little preparation now will help you avoid potential plot twists later on.