Let's Celebrate Local!

By James Richmond who runs Sharp End Equity Party Partners. After a long career as a skilled operations director, James now supports business owners who wish to exit, buys their companies and helps them to grow.

How are you feeling about your business?  

I’m currently pretty optimistic.  Ultimately it comes down to how you view life; if you’re positive, then you should have a great outcome. 

How are you feeling about business in general? 

Many businesses have suffered during lockdown on the one hand and are having to come to terms with that.  However, many new opportunities are presenting themselves. Opportunities to save time, to improve your lifestyle and to make money through making use of online technology.  The last six months have forced through change in a very concentrated manner. 

Tell us how you now apply this phrase to your business and/or life ‘buy local supply local’. 

1. We use the village shop a lot more than before.  Although the items it sells are more expensive than the supermarkets, once you add in travel time and fuel cost, they are cheaper.

2. The “Eat Out to Help Out” campaign enabled me to have a discounted birthday meal, while supporting the local pub.

3. I have used my local garage for car servicing for a long time and will continue to do so.

What has changed for you positively as a result of lockdown? 

With the broader and greater acceptance of Zoom, in particular, I’ve saved a huge amount of time travelling.  I now fit in at least four times as many meetings in a day compared with before lockdown. In addition to this, I’ve been able to grow my network far faster and in a more targeted manner than before.

What makes a good local business?

It provides great service, with a smile in a highly personalised manner. 

Can you name a local business which you support around food & drink? 

We support the Priory Café in Stoke Sub Hamdon, which opened for business a month before lockdown.

Can you name  business which you support around clothing or accessories? 

Not local, but my shirts of choice at the moment come from Fangipani Style.

https://www.frangipani-style.com

Can you name a local independent business which you support around health, wellbeing or fitness? 

Studio CCK moved premises to our village during lockdown and have done a great job converting the shop opposite where I live into a hairdresser's and beauty salon.

https://www.studiocck.co.uk

Can you name someone who has had your back during lockdown? 

Andrew Hatcher and Ed Williamson of the Cobra Club have developed a new and ingenious concept in virtual office management and networking which is proving to be highly successful for all its members.  I’ve met some fabulous people through their Zoom based virtual office and networking centre. 

Can you name one person in your life who has really helped you during this time? 

This has to be my partner, Carol.  She is always there for me and was hugely supportive while I was forced to stay indoors for a couple of months shielding (until I convinced my specialist nurse that I was fine to go for walks and had no intention of going to the supermarket!)

What are your business plans for Q4? 

One word: growth, both personally and professionally

Your parting thought? 

If you are struggling, you must reach out for help.  The vast majority of people are kind and understanding and will help where they can.  If they can’t, then they will find someone who can.  I like to think that I count myself as one of those people who care.

Find out more, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrichmond/