I cannot believe how quickly the past 8 years has gone!  It seems just like yesterday when in June 2016 I was scrabbling around frantically pulling together the basics for my new business - business cards, flyers, website, ICO and survey data subscriptions  All the things I didn't know I would need when I took the decision to go it alone.

I had the best start thanks to Luke Menzies at Menzies Law, Anne Monnington (now taking a completely difference career path), Geraldine Buckland (now at Elexxon) and clients like Longleat.  I was hitting the ground running and knew how lucky I was that this was the case.

I can't even begin to list all the people who have supported me along the way.  But I have to admit, the best thing I ever did was bring Andrew Carter into my business.  Employing a family member can be fraught with difficulties - I've worked with enough family businesses to see that - but Andrew and I have the best of relationships and he is a rock for me as we wend our way down the hilly road of business ownership.

From my neighbour who handed me £1 and told me to invest it and get on with it, to the the clients who have engaged with us, from the coaches and network colleagues were kind and patient in the difficult times to the co-working colleagues I look forward to seeing in the CW office -  I cannot thank you enough. 

As an SME owner I would heartily recommend if you are starting out you need to get out there and build your network.  I have met people I can help, people who can help me, people who have referred me just from one meeting and people who have become clients or even friends through networking.  Its tough, it feels awkward sometimes, but just do it! 

Now that we are over the hump year and into year 8, we have many plans.  Watch this space for more about online job evaluation, online training schemes and capability management.  We have plans, we have fabulous support and advice, now we have to implement them.

Here's to the next 8 years.