Small Business Advice From Small Business Owners

Listen as people share stories of running micro-enterprises and give handy business advice

By Elma Glasgow

Fleximize wouldn’t be here without our fantastic customers – many of whom are business owners running homegrown enterprises across the UK, from trendy cafes to construction firms. That’s why we’re helping raise the profile of hard-working entrepreneurs, who are making a huge contribution to the economy but who often don't get the recognition they deserve.

We've had a chat with 3 exciting micro-enterprises, and each person has important advice for other business owners drawn from their own experiences. They also share their startup stories and reveal how they've made their businesses a success.

Sisters Grimm

Theatre production company, Sisters Grimm, is run by composer, Ella Spira, and Royal Ballet ballerina, Pietra Mello-Pittman. Both met while working on a Royal Opera House production and decided to merge their stellar creative and production talents to set up a company with an edge over other arts organisations. Below Ella and Pietra explain how Sisters Grimm came to be, what makes them different and their advice for small businesses in other competitive industries.

The power of partnerships

Interview with: Sisters Grimm | Length: 0:37 | Topics: Collaboration, creativity, mutual support

Why they're different

Interview with: Sisters Grimm | Length: 0:50 | Topics: What gives Sisters Grimm the edge

Pietra Mello-Pittman

and Ella Spira

Funds for arts-based businesses

Interview with: Sisters Grimm | Length: 0:38 | Topics: Where and how to get business funding

Lessons learned

Interview with: Sisters Grimm | Length: 1:07 | Topics: Value people, get expert advice and try out new things

Love From Indie Street

Anyone with a love of Scotland will also love this unique retail idea. Rebecca Christensen is the brains behind a business selling gift vouchers for 80 select local stores, restaurants and experiences in Edinburgh. With plans to open in Glasgow soon, people anywhere can buy online gift vouchers from Lovefromindiestreet for loved ones in Edinburgh, who can spend the vouchers with local independent traders. Rebecca talks about running a small business in the £5-billion gift voucher market, and offers wise words for other e-commerce sites.

One-stop-shop for independent gift vouchers

Interview with: Love From Indie Street | Length: 1:51 | Topics: Gift voucher market, getting independent retailers a share of revenue, working with Edinburgh businesses

Selecting retail partners

Interview with: Love From Indie Street | Length: 1:20 | Topics: Selecting best retail partners, marketing content, issuing gift vouchers

Typical customers

Interview with: Love From Indie Street | Length: 0:48 | Topics: Corporate rewards, expats and local people

Rebecca Christensen (image sourced from BQ Live)

Advice for new online retailers

Interview with: Love From Indie Street | Length: 1:12 | Topics: Get feedback, be unique, look at customer journey

Going global

Interview with: Love From Indie Street | Length: 0:38 | Topics: Launching in Glasgow, local yet global model

Base Performance Simulators

Based near the world-famous Silverstone race track, Base Performance Simulators has roared onto the motor racing scene, offering technology to help drivers improve their lap time. Professional racing driver, Darren Turner, created the very first Formula 1 simulators for teams including McLaren and Red Bull. He used this knowledge to go on to make simulators for racing drivers, corporate events and even royalty. Business Manager, Ella Barrington, talks about the booming business, typical challenges and shares useful tips on how to find small business funding.