Business First

15/10/2026

With the growing emergence of AI and ‘do it yourself’ design, it is refreshing to hear from a talented designer who is more creative than a robot!
Vicki Lovegrove of Seventy Three Design, offers so much more.
Twenty plus years of experience combined with an deep understanding of how humans buy; Vicki is a visual engineer.
AI simply lacks emotion; good design taps into that emotion, subtly, quite often understated but when pointed out, we can see how the image resonates and connects. Good design speaks to both the head and the heart.

Vicki understands the importance of congruence, consistency and visual impact. She works with companies that are merging, rebranding, bringing new products to market or simply keeping the communication for a wider audience.
Broad experience and versatility give Vicki an ability to understand the essence of the project. She can guide businesses to ensure that their visual branding is impactful; avoiding shallow and mismatched design concepts that detract from the image and message required.

With the examples of business done, Vicki was able to illustrate in her ten minutes today, how design can raise profiles and help us achieve our end goal.
For example, a transport company that specialise in theatre work. Creatively Vicki has introduced a spot light/theatre curtain symbol that will not only go on the livery but can also be used in advertising to other such companies in Stage magazine.
Similarly an Irish knot design reflected far more subtly the strength of a forging company compared with a crass AI design.

Infographics have been used to help convey complex concepts; for example a company that needed to demonstrate visually the wide range of uses of their unique product, dissolvable packaging. Vicki has been able to show its varied usage, particularly in food stuffs. Bringing a design to life and enabling potential customers to see the scope of this revolutionary product.

Large organisations and some well-known corporations, use Vicki for their 100+ page reports. She loves breaking down facts and figures into easy to follow graphs and charts; getting the message across and informing the powers who will be reading the data. Making a report more visual, will mean that it is more likely to be read and actioned.

Brochures, leaflets, posters, event displays are all designed to engage and build a rapport with existing and future customers.
Illustration is used not only in paper form but clearly now in social media too, where decisions are made in an instant. Good graphics help achieve a positive outcome for the client and the customer.
Good design throughout a company gives that consistent, reliable message that this is a business that can be trusted.

Several of the group have used Vicki to support their visual identity and they praised her ability to not only produce the work effectively and efficiently but also to gain acceptance from intransient and often differing views within the company. Harmony reigns, businesses grow.

Vicki is particularly looking for SME companies that may be across several sites. Or those that have a marketing team but not a qualified and experienced designer. Similarly manufacturing companies, engineering, military; there are so many who could benefit from Vicki’s design eye and hand promoting their work.
As Vicki so aptly noted ‘Always use a designer’
Visual engineering can deliver so much.

You can contact Vicki on 07754 737 476
or check out her website https://www.seventy-three.co.uk/

08/10/2026

A girl with many hats!

It is always a joy to meet some of the team behind the face of the business and today we got to know a little bit more about Becky Shrive from Print Design Team.
Every month, Becky comes along as a sub for Paul Duke Thomas, bringing in printed supplies for the group and quietly settling into her understudy role.
Today she shared with us, how she landed her multi-tasking role at PDT and the myriad of jobs she undertakes.
It is not lightly that she calls herself the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of the office.

Following university Becky was destined for the RAF as a regiment gunner only to find that within the 12 week training, she was merely seen as a ‘diversity hire’. Now knowing Becky, a token hire she most certainly is not. With her degree in criminology and forensics, love of sport, particularly netball, enthusiasm for all things gaming and joy of music, especially rock, she is a the real thing! A girl who loves life, is filled with common sense and integrity and knows how to lend her hand to many tasks.
The RAF’s loss is Print Design’s gain and after a year in recruitment, she was taken on to work within this small, family business. Small in terms of team; huge in its reach and stature in the print world.

Becky is a perfect fit. She will work the machines, answer the phone, act as PA, respond to emails, help deliver orders that have come in with ridiculously short notice, quality check, pack boxes, help with logistics and any other job that needs doing!! After three years with the company, her skills, tenacity and positivity have made her an invaluable member of the team.
This family business is bound to thrive with people like Becky on the staff.
Many in the group use PDT for business cards, flyers, posters, installations and so much more. The quality is always top notch and the attention to detail effective.
Which is why many huge organisations continue to use Print Design Team too. No job is too small and none too big.

Check out their work on the website https://printdesignteam.co.uk/
Call on 07966 218 954
Or email paul@printdesignteam
The chances are you will get Becky to start your print request!

01/10/2026

Dan is one of the newer members of Business First and it was a delight to hear more about his background today.
Chase Electrical Installation & Services has been up and running for 3 years now and in that very short time, Dan has gained a reputation for quality work at a very fair price.

From a very varied background in customer service, operations, installation of gym equipment and more, Dan not only did the work but was regularly promoted to take on oversight and managerial roles. He even completed a year working with private ambulance transfers but he had always had a hankering to strike out on his own.
Tired of working for others and dissatisfied with roles that meant working in the same office day in day out, he took himself to college and as a mature student, qualified as an electrician. To gain more hands on experience, he worked for two years with a local company before being ready to instigate Chase Electricals.

From an extra plug socket, to full rewiring, media walls and garden lighting, Dan is extremely versatile and good at what he does. Many in the group have used his services and can attest to the quality of his work. He is a tradesman that turns up on time, quotes efficiently and completes the work speedily and to a very high standard.

With a full on family life, Dan appreciates the flexibility that being self-employed affords him.
Together with a colleague he has just taken on his biggest project yet. Working on the 18th Century Bishton Hall. A huge undertaking that will test Dan but will no doubt be another feather in his cap.

We highly recommend Chase Electrical I & S for all major and minor electrical work.
Dan is the man to call.
A sparky that will not let you down.

You can reach Dan on 07906 691 499
or email him on [email protected]

21/09/2026

Garry is gradually educating Business First as to how and why SEO should be taken seriously. This week was another major step forward in our understanding as he shared with us the mathematical reasoning behind the work he does.
This week was all about SEO TESTING.
“What Google says and what Google does are two very different things”.
Garry was a founder member of a group that used maths to unpick the Google Search algorithm. He shared results from three early tests (out of over four hundred!).
These accurately exposed where Google gave most importance to keyword placement on a page and also how many words were optimal on a web page.

He brings a forensic approach alongside his dry with and wide ranging background of working in management roles, local authority, business ownership and marketing. Garry loves to delve deeply into projects that take his passion. That is now SEO.

Garry will tell us SEO isn’t tech, it is marketing.

“SEO is quite simple.
Find out what Google is rewarding and give it to them.
Google search is created by maths, not magic – so can be measured. Anything that can be measured, can be improved.
So far, over 153,000 measurable ranking factors have been discovered (but different niches use different factors).
Find out the differences between yours and the top ranking sites then make adjustments.
BUT…
The devil is in the detail.”

Garry is ever alert to the changes that Google bring in and shared some epic failures as well as successes. One such update wiped out successful affiliate marketing site that was regularly attracting 60,000 monthly searches. He has learnt to never react to a Google update. Simply to watch and test!
Google builds in boobie traps that look specifically for SEO people reacting to their updates.
“In SEO, often the very best course of action is to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
Anything built on maths can be tested. Essentially he helps owners of websites beat/ work with/ navigate the algorithms.
Garry initially puts a ring fence around the website, protecting your brand.
“Your brand is king and must be protected at all costs. The search engines favour big brands, so we have to mimic how they work and make them think you are a big brand too”.
SEO is a marketing function. Although we have to satisfy AI robots nowadays, we must always remember that it’s REAL PEOPLE who do the buying”
By using comparison to similar sites, years of research, analysis and understanding of what makes the Googlebot tick, the ‘leaks’ or weaknesses in a site can be identified.

Then of course they can be addressed, giving Google what it is looking for. This has to be done with care. Google protects its own and will sanction sites that become too smart too quickly.

Nowadays, everything is done by robots (“AI”). By putting the relevant information into robot speak (that is even more complicated than it sounds), the website will be enhanced, efficient and most importantly found.
“The better we do this, the less a site is vulnerable to future Google updates.
It does not end there because of course there are constant changes and developments and so SEO has to be an ongoing process.
“Things never stand still – they constantly change
It’s easy to forget that our competitors are also doing SEO”

Monthly retainers mean that Garry is on hand to review regularly, new links are formed, leaks found and corrected; the robot is kept happy and the website performing.

It is clear that delving into systems and vocabulary behind each webpage and deeply testing what brings about positive results is something Garry not only enjoys but is very good at.
He knows what resonates, he researches tirelessly single variants to get to the nitty gritty and we business owners who use his services rise up the rankings and get more business.

Garry is particularly looking to help local professionals who work within a larger business/practice. Such as doctors, dentists, vets, accountants, financial advisors etc. They can have their own specialist Google business profile separate from the organisation within which they work.

And if you have a website, you need a Garry.

You can reach him on 07779 711410.
or email him on [email protected]
Book a coffee and be prepared for some great stories too.

08/09/2026

Celebrating 20 years in business, it was good to hear from Lee Gwinnett of White Lodge this week.
A one stop shop for all work wear, uniforms and branded clothing supplying customers across the UK and Europe.
Recently investing again in the latest machinery and techniques, Lee has always kept at the cutting edge of branded design technology and innovation.
Simply the testimonials from many in the group bear witness that Lee and the team are VERY good at what they do and how they do it.

From a life in the marines, Lee stumbled into business and despite no formal qualifications, his common sense, straightforward manner, determination to give EVERYONE a quality service has meant that not only has his business succeeded over 20 years, it has positively thrived. It is not unusual for some of the ‘bigger boys’ to ask for Lee’s help in completing orders and basically making sure they too look good.

White Lodge is a responsive unit, able to fulfil orders big and small very quickly. Lee learnt from his military training that having a system for all aspects of the business works. He and his team are able to deliver quality on time, time and time again.
They love supporting the one man band and completing single items such as a printed Tee shirt for an event, through to huge orders where speed and price point are pivotal. They carry sufficient stock to keep them going for a month and buy in their threads by the pallet load. This is no small operation. Lee and the team are prepared, fully organised and able to deliver.

Using the most up to date machines for embroidery, transfer printing and screen printing, they offer speed without compromising quality. Lee will always take the high option to choose machines and materials that give the best results and take consideration of environmental factors.
For example, they invested in the early days with a transfer printing method that uses an ink base that does not harm the water courses, is available in a myriad of colours and uses a backing that can be recycled. Similarly with screen printing, the inks used are eco solvent with no waste and shirts etc. are printed on fair trade cotton.
Embroidery work uses the best quality backing allowing very fine detail and resulted sports badges etc., that do not pucker or buckle. As a result there are many eminent and well-known brands and organisations that always trust White Lodge for their prestigious goods.

Whether it is regular work wear, uniforms, high viz, mass numbers for charity events or a one off tee shirt, you can be guaranteed of the best service, a good price and a quality outcome from all at White Lodge. At this time of year it is the need for outdoor protection. Caps, fleeces, weatherproof garments, White Lodge will deliver.

Please look out for:
companies who use corporate work wear
schools
event organisers
charities
hospitality venues
marketing agencies and
sports clubs.
Lee Gwinnett and the team can help them get just the clothing they need at the right price and on time.

For more information, check the website:
https://www.whitelodgegroup.co.uk/

28/08/2026

The much talented Krissy Lackajis of CopyCat Writer, keeps us on our toes most weeks. With her turn of phrase, deprecating sense of humour and wonderful wit, we know that we are going to be intrigued and informed by Krissy’s contribution to Business First.

With a Latvian background, love of outdoor swimming and sense of adventure, Krissy brings a unique style to the written word.
Through a variety of roles in journalism and consulting, Krissy is now the editor of Lichfield’s City Life Magazine and dovetails this alongside her own business. Her love of words and understanding of language construction make for memorable and pertinent copy.
We are weekly impressed with how much wonderful witty words she packs into her one minute presentation each. Honed to perfection.

Krissy now takes on varied clients for whom words are still so important. Car leasing brochures, estate agent descriptions, words for websites, word for copy, words for blogs. Words matter.
As AI marches on into every day wording, it is even more important to have Krissy on hand to check that we have written what we really meant to convey.

When not working or looking after the cats and her aged horse, Krissy can be found training for her endurance swimming challenges. Last year she has tackled the waters from Jersey to France and swum the Menai Straits. This year it was swimming from Finland to Sweden and coming up is a swim across Lake Bled in Slovenia. Krissy finds the open water and quiet solitude cathartic. A place to rebalance a busy brain. She is an STA open water swimming coach and can be found on Lifeguard duty at Pillaton Open Water sessions. Krissy coaches other endurance swimmers and has recently taken on paddleboard instruction.
This varied life, full of challenge enables her to bring an energy to the work she undertakes with CopyCat Writer.

Despite the rise of social media, images and instant information there is STILL a place for the written word.
Words Matter.
If you are designing literature, planning blogs, building an advertising campaign, developing a website, needing copy, then it is time to talk to Krissy.

You can contact her on 07885 380 632 or email her on [email protected]
Get it ‘write’ first time.

20/08/2026

DC Tree Care:

Today we heard from Leonora a vital part in this partnership business that is tree surgery and more. Dean and his team do all the practical work; Leonora makes sure it happens.
Every business needs someone to take the calls, deal with initial enquiries, book the inspections, prepare quotations, check up on progress, ensure satisfaction, serve invoices and build testimonials.
Leonora is the one to make DC Tree Care’s one stop shop work seamlessly.

From a background in ground work and rail track clearance, Dean learnt his practical skills in a tough environment. Through various changes of company contracts and uncertainty, he decided to set up on his own. Leonora originates from the Philippines and their chance meeting changed lives.
DC Tree Care has now been operating for over 19 years. Developing strong customer relationships, Dean has built a well-regarded and substantial business. 60% of their business is repeat, 30% referrals and only 10% from marketing. Many families now recommend the next generation of gardeners to Dean and that continuity of customer service continues.

With over 630 households using his services, 250 regular customers, 38 commercial clients, 15 estate agents and 5 local authorities, it is clear that DC Tree Care can turn their hand to most tree, garden and fencing work.

They are particularly expert at :
*site clearance for developers.
*tree surgery.
*hedge trimming.
*working with tree preservation orders.
*removing dead wood.
*fencing.
*working with local councils/environmental health authorities, where property owners have allowed overgrown gardens to become a health hazard.

Today saw many from Business First giving testimonials to the quality of the work that Dean had carried out. Not only very tricky situations but also the attention to detail and not a leaf nor twig left once the job was completed. A true professional service.

You can contact them on 07877 448 188
or visit their website:

Big enough to Cope. Small enough to Care. Tree surgery, fencing, garden transformations and commercial grounds maintenance across Staffordshire and the Midlands.

30/07/2026

Paul is one of the legends in our group. A knight in shining armour because when there are hacks, cyber issues, software or hardware break down, we all need someone to turn to. Paul Deaville of IT Total Solutions, offers just that.

With his 21 years of IT business experience, ability to sort issues in person or remotely and never one to ridicule those of us who make those stupid IT mistakes, Paul is someone we know we can rely on.

Today Paul shared with us the AI version of himself. It was uncannily realistic. With technology changing at such a rapid rate, all business owners and individuals need to have someone like Paul (and not his doppelganger!) looking after our essential IT systems.

Starting his business in 2005, Paul focussed on the needs of the financial sector, only to find in 2008 that the world changed. The need arose by a variety of industries and commercial companies to have IT systems that could be used by lay people.
IT solutions do not simply sell and install. They offer a wide range of support services that sit behind the computer interface.

With three simple bundles, there is a comprehensive range of services that can be used to cover the basic, standard or advanced needs of a company. The prices range from £10.00 to £25.00 per month for the full bells and whistles.
Each package is tailored to the work, number of staff and traffic with which a business deals.

Paul and the team can support both Windows and MAC across these aspects of IT.
*cyber security.
*procurement.
* back up and DR.
*cabling.
*telecommunications.
*networks.
*wireless and mobile.
*technologies.

All the infra structure we need for a business to run smoothly and safely.
IT total solutions offers a range of solutions that are tailored to individual client needs. Basically ‘if it has a plug on it, Paul will look at it’. – not the coffee maker or fridge though!
Alongside the running of basic and sophisticated IT, Paul understands that security is a huge area of daily concern that needs addressing within any company, hence his development of cyber essentials and those needing to demonstrate cyber security systems are in place when tendering.

Paul reminds us weekly that in the very near future, ALL companies will need to have a strong active cyber policy. Recent major hacks have shown the vulnerability within the supply chain and it will be beholden of all businesses, however a tiny cog we are, to ensure that we have robust structures to lessen cyber incidences.
Many in the group use Paul for their IT support. He is reassuring, supportive and always quick to respond.

‘There are two types of people in the world. Those who have been attacked and those who will be attacked’.

It is time to talk to Paul Deaville.
You can reach him on [email protected]
or call 0121 2850 850

23/07/2026

Holidays Please – well yes!!
The testimonials rang out loud and true today as Debbie Mynard of ‘Holiday’s please’ explained why it is always good to book with an agent.

Debbie runs her business under the umbrella of this successful travel company. We were reminded that today that is so much more than a simple holiday. It is making memories; celebrating life events; spending time refreshing and recharging.
Debbie showed some wonderful trips that she and her family have enjoyed; from the Maldives to skiing, from quiet resorts to the glitz and glamour of New York.
And that is what the testimonials confirmed.
It is that attention to detail; the ability to head off problems before we her customers have even realised there is a problem and using her extensive knowledge to suggest countries and venues that were not even on our radar.

Debbie brings 49 years of experience in the travel industry to the suggestions and holidays she books. Aware of our preferences and needs, she can give us extensive choices to meet all circumstances With access to the whole market, ABTA accredited and all the checks in place, we know we are not only getting a wide choice, we are also in safe hands.
Making the experience seamless is a gift. We are busy, we do not know all the regulations, cultural nuances, opportunities; with her personal travel hat on and her years of understanding the industry, Debbie is well placed to make sure we are given the best options and a smooth ride. With the current uncertainties that abound across the globe, having Debbie to hand is simply protecting our families and our expenditure.

She offers service and expertise building her reputation on trust and understanding. Airport transfers are booked, parking, excursions, all those little things that make the holiday experience less stressful and more of what we do want – memory making.
Debbie responds quickly to any enquiries and when plans change, due to our circumstances or those of the travel industry itself, Debbie will work tirelessly behind the scenes to untangle the complexities.
The range of possibilities are endless and bargains are to be had.
Sporting holidays.
Weddings.
Celebration events.
Honeymoons.
Long haul.
City breaks.
Family beach and adventures.
Two or three destination trips.
Tailor made holidays.

Debbie is our go to travel guru.
She relies on referrals, recommendations and repeat business. Many in the group have found her service to be above and beyond expectations.

If you have holiday dreams, plans, ideas – get in touch. Debbie will give you a five star service and your holiday will be all you want it to be.

[email protected]
07954 794 599

22/07/2026

Beckie Head Stubbs has been pivotal member of the group for over 7 years now. Her contribution in supporting others and her professionalism in her role as a solicitor specialising in wills and trusts make her an invaluable colleague.
For more than 22 years Beckie has been tenacious in her support of those who come to her for legal advice on wills, trusts, probate and more.
She will deal thoughtfully and efficiently on the simple wills and probate needs of clients whilst also ensuring that the more complex issues that inevitably arise with some families are handled with the utmost professionalism.

Since qualifying, Beckie has worked for several local firms, run her own company and been a consultant under the umbrella of larger law firms, always bringing her powerful reputation with her. She is much sought after. Now with Anson’s in Lichfield, Beckie is once again at the heart of a thriving company with sold back office support. This allows Beckie to fully concentrate on her customers.

Giving them the very best advice, listening to their needs and helping them through the negotiations that wills, probate issues, trusts and powers of attorney inevitably raise are key reasons why families come back to Beckie generation after generation.
Essentially Beckie helps people sleep at night.

During her working career, she has built up an impressive reputation as someone who not only knows the law, she understands people too. Beckie is a full professional member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers and a member of the Society of Trust and estate Practitioners. This means Beckie can support those families, businesses and individuals where special circumstances and complex needs have to be addressed.
She is particularly proud of families who come back to her as each subsequent generation needs her expertise. Beckie brings with her an understanding of each family; she ‘gets’ them, which is both reassuring and time effective!

Today Beckie stunned the group with the up to date understanding of potential legal, trust and inheritance complications that are due to come into force in April 2027. The implications are profound. Pensions being brought into consideration for IHT will make a significant difference to the overall tax liability for many. For exact figures of your situation, it is suggested you contact both your personal financial advisor and your solicitor to have your will reviewed. The amounts potential to be paid in IHT are eye watering and certainly need addressing sooner rather than later.

If you need to discuss :-

* A will (EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ONE!)
* Powers of attorney
* Care home planning
* Administration of estate
* Court of Protection order
*Creation of a Trust
* Or just an update to discuss changes of circumstances.

You can contact Beckie on 01543 263456