Happy New Year everyone.

I hope your festivities passed as you hoped. Whether it was to either rest and recharge or become a social butterfly attending many parties and gatherings. However, it panned out for you; I hope you had a ‘good-un’!

And now as 2025 dawns, it’s time to shake off the yuletide detritus, pack away the decorations and sell your unwanted presents on eBay!

You might feel a little sad. It’s all over, you sigh. Don’t worry; that’s normal, but it’s time to trim our sails for the coming year and dive headlong into the promise of what’s to come.

Many will commit to positively changing their lives at the start of the year. These so-called resolutions often founder within a few days. But don’t worry, that’s normal, too. You’re not alone in seeing these aspirations turn to dust as they rub against ‘real life’. But for those who follow through and keep to your commitments, I salute you.

But maybe you could do the same exercise for your business. Every new year is brimming with opportunities for business growth, refreshed strategies, and new ideas, and always looking for opportunities to have a laugh along the way. As we know, the Trump administration is taking the reins in the US, which means the stage is set for an exciting ride for all of us.

There’ll be opportunities and challenges galore. So, how can we get our business match fit for what’s to come? Here are some industry-tested pointers to help you take on the New Year and emerge as a winner.

Let’s get into it!

Revamp Your Business Plan

Think of your business plan like your festive Turkey – it’s good on the big day, but it soon becomes dry and stale until you end up scraping it into the recycling bin. A good business plan should be a dynamic roadmap nourished by the opportunities provided by the prevailing environment. If yours is gathering dust unloved and unread, it’s time to give it a new year makeover and see how well the previous version performed. Start to plot your course for 2025. Make tweaks, set bold goals, and envision the milestones you’ll celebrate at the year’s end. If you need my team’s help in doing this, we’re always here to help.

What Are Customers Saying/Thinking?

One valuable place to start planning is to ask your customers what they think. They aren’t just buying your products; they’re a treasure trove of insights. Ask them what they think about you and your competitors. Understand where you sit in your market. Are you a leader or a follower? What are you doing well? What could you get better? Look for gaps, learn from what others are doing right (or wrong), and use this data to up your game.

Yes, It’s Tech Again

I’ve mentioned this many times, so hopefully, you’ve got the message. Technology is your ultimate ally in the battle for efficiency. From accounting tools like Xero (of course) to all-in-one HR platforms like Lattice or Moorepay, there’s no shortage of ways to save time and simplify your processes. Of course, AI is getting smarter every day. The new ChatGPT-4o is making our interactions with this tech ever more human-like with its ability to manage multiple media types and display ‘reasoning’ skills. AI is the uncanny valley we’ll all need to navigate, so it must be in your plans.

On that same note, ensure your network is in tip-top condition, as AI will help those cyber-baddies get a lot, er… badder.

Invest In Your Team

Until AI takes over, your people remain your greatest asset. January is the time to take stock of your team’s strengths, identify skill gaps, and consider recruiting solutions that align with your long-term goals. As you know, I added new people-driven services to the Enso portfolio last year, and I’ll be looking for new ways to use my team’s expertise in 2025. The oft-used parlance is it’s a ‘no brainer’. So have a think.

What’s In A Workspace?

Hybrid, remote, or back to the office? Whatever your setup, you’re missing a trick if you’re not prioritising flexible working and looking for new ways to build morale. Employees want to feel trusted and supported, so maximise their learning, enhance responsibilities and promote a healthy work-life balance. If your business is face-to-face, make your workplace as welcoming and positive as possible.

Market Like A Master

Good marketing isn’t a luxury; it’s a must. Are you dominating social media, attending networking events, or swapping conference stories? Staying visible is the name of the game. Don’t forget – making one great connection a month could lead to opportunities that can be completely game-changing. Don’t neglect to sell your business cos if you don’t, who will?

It’s All About You

Who is your business’s best ambassador? Yes, it’s you, so ensure you’re working on your brand. Platforms like LinkedIn or newsletters like this are great ways to connect with your audience. If you’re not sure how to do it, there’s likely someone on your team who does, so give them an exciting project to make you look great!

Your Well-Being 

Your business is important, but so are you. Try to take time to recharge, celebrate your wins, and get a healthier work-life balance. Whether it’s making family time or getting shredded in the gym, remember: a thriving business starts with a tip-top you, so don’t lose focus on being in the best shape you can, physically and mentally.

Right, Go For It!

New Year’s resolutions aren’t always about perfection but about making progress. Set some achievable goals and a plan to make them happen. Track your wins, adjust your sails when needed, and don’t forget to celebrate the milestones because you (and your team) are worth it.

Here’s to a year of growth and a few laughs as you steer your business toward success in 2025.

It’s All Hot Air (Or Is It?)

Is it me, or was it Christmas 2024 when everyone embraced the Air Fryer? These were suddenly the must-have items of the year, and they are household appliances, not new games platforms or high-tech gadgets. What’s going on?

According to market research firm Statista, “the revenue in the UK air fryers market amounts to €142.9 million in 2024, with an expected annual growth rate of 10.62% from 2024 to 2029”.

That explains the number of people I’ve heard eulogising about their “new Ninja” and the marvellous culinary outputs it’s producing. Plus, the wealth of accessories, recipe books, and online content driving this phenomenon.

When you see that everyday foodstuffs like burgers, fish fingers, and chips have Air Fryer cooking instructions as standard, we know this contraption is a permanent feature of how we cook in the modern age. There is no need to clear cupboard space next to the dusty bread maker for this glorified hair dryer.

Naturally, if you’re in the food industry, you’ll need to account for this new tech in your processes. But it’s also a salutary lesson regarding a product that has ‘come of age’. 

These are not new items, far from it; they’ve been around for ages. However, marketing, energy costs, health concerns, reliable functionality, and product development have created a consumer item that rivals the microwave in terms of utility and appeal.

If you could find the ‘next Air Fryer’ and produce or invest in it, you’ll ‘be made’. That could be something to search for in your 2025 plans.

Right, I’m off to bang a pizza in me Ninja. That’s not a euphemism; by the way, it’s what I’m having for lunch.

Have a great 2025, everyone!

Adam