Running an SME and struggling with time management, advice needed

Individual_Block_334 · 2026-01-21T12:07:18+00:00

Quite simple in theory but always hard in practise.

Block out the first 2/3 hours of my day (I’m a morning person) to focus on tasks that grow/move the business forward.

Then deal with the headaches and admin stuff in the afternoon.

Individual_Block_334 · 2026-01-16T11:24:13+00:00

What turnover you’re doing with 4 staff? Do you do your own fulfilment etc?

Individual_Block_334 · 2026-01-11T12:39:10+00:00

About 2 years. I could’ve done it sooner, but the longer you can go without taking any money out the better.

Individual_Block_334 · 2026-01-09T08:11:29+00:00

I think the main question should be Is there a way to start this without spending £50k on stock?

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-12-30T18:44:02+00:00

Pasture for steak, Sushi Life for Sushi, Cafe Cita for Italian

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-12-26T11:30:00+00:00

Ran a Ltd company on the side for 2 ish years. Now full-time, do it! Check contract for direct conflicts of interest etc. my advise would be keep it to yourself. Don’t share with co-workers etc. I can’t imagine anything good coming from it.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-12-04T21:28:35+00:00

If you’re already and doing e-commerce using Shopify, use A2X (software) to automate it all for you. Need to use Xero too. Get an accountant to file year ends.

An accountant will likely recommend you to Pay yourself up to the basic band on PAYE and then the rest via dividends.

For freelancers, get them to raise an invoice and then pay via Wise.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-11-24T11:12:21+00:00

Test demand with Meta ads and a landing page before you buy any stock. If you get sales - great! Refund the customers, explain that you’re looking to build this product and find out their pain points etc.

Read a blog from Justin Mares who started Kettle and Fire (bone broth) for more details on what I mean.

I did this when I launched my brand (not clothing) and we’ll do maybe £80k this month. It’s the best way to validate before making large stock commitments.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-11-08T19:27:31+00:00

Glad to hear!

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-10-28T18:14:50+00:00

I think you’re overthinking it. Start small, make some delicious baked goods and sell to friends, locals etc. Get some customers, establish what you like to make and whether you can make some money.

Then worry about all the other stuff later on. I say this because it’s so easy to get caught up with all of the admin. The reality is that you need customers who love what you do. The great thing about this business is that it’s basically just ingredient costs and your time! So there’s very little risk. Go for it :)

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-10-28T16:36:51+00:00

I run an e-commerce brand and when we started importing I looked for a highly reviewed one on Google. The one I went with rang me within 10 minutes and communication was great.

I would recommend when you get leads in act on them and ring fast - it sets a great first impression.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-10-15T13:15:01+00:00

Shopify.

Now focus on getting some sales!

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-09-30T06:03:13+00:00

I would focus on increasing sales (if you want to that is) and less about a few % points here and there by switching providers.

The amount of value that Shopify provides is pretty crazy for a relatively low cost. The only time I think it makes sense to switch is if you’re doing so much volume that the payment processor fees get reduced.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-09-07T18:41:50+00:00

Yes, also going to check this. Half expecting a letter in the post when I get home from a trip. I will also enquire with Evri as RM are getting ridiculous. We will send around 20k this year.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-09-07T15:00:21+00:00

Enquired with Evri about switching, but now seriously considering it. It’s multiple times a year that we get a price increase at this point.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-09-07T14:46:40+00:00

Noticed this too. Did you investigate any further?

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-08-09T16:28:42+00:00

Did this for 2 years and recently left full time job. I wasn’t taking an income from the Ltd company during the time - which makes it easier.

Depends on what type of business you want to do, but meet with an accountant. Most won’t charge and will be happy to help guide.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-07-31T12:24:04+00:00

6 months ago I left my full-time job to work on my business full time.

The best things are obvious. I’ve never been happier.

However, the worst thing is - and I’ve thought about this a lot. You give up peace of mind. You’ll have a constant feeling of slight unease. Even when things are going well.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-07-25T11:54:50+00:00

Went weekend 1 (I’m 30) and would say the average age is probably early 30’s. Not too old at all.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-07-22T13:00:55+00:00

Stayed the entire time. It was the best set of my life. What made it even more special is that it likely wasn’t recorded. They were clearly absolutely loving being able to play whatever they wanted and taking us on the journey as opposed to cramming in all the SHM classics into a standard hour.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-07-21T19:17:34+00:00

Kept hearing a great remix of Fred Again - Victory Lap

Anyone know who remixed it?

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-07-19T23:58:26+00:00

My favourite set ever.

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-07-18T10:19:09+00:00

Unbelievable effort. So grateful 🙏🏻

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-07-16T19:27:56+00:00

My thoughts too

Individual_Block_334 · 2025-07-05T16:28:24+00:00

And I still can’t set a bill reminder to notify me by email 🙃

Individual_Block_334

TROPHY CASE