Get growth support

Why Going It Alone Is the Hardest Way to Run a Business

6 Feb 2026

14 min

In the final episode of Business111.com's Coffee Podcast, Jimmy Barber, an expert in organisational culture, discusses the importance of seeking support for small business owners. Barber emphasises that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a survival skill, especially given the isolation that can come with running a small business. He advises business owners to establish a support network in advance, rather than waiting until problems arise, as it can be difficult to think clearly unde...

Freedom Isn’t Free: What No One Tells You About Going Self-Employed

3 Feb 2026

15 min

In the first episode of Business111.com's Coffee Podcast, business culture expert Jimmy Barber discusses the challenges and benefits of being self-employed. Barber highlights that while self-employment offers freedom, it also requires creating your own structure and momentum, likening it to the difference between swimming in a pre-existing river and having to create your own river. He emphasizes that every aspect of the business becomes the responsibility of the self-employed individual, which c...

The franchise formula: how one founder turned a small idea into national growth

12 Mar 2026

16 min

The video features a discussion on the benefits of franchising for small business owners. The speaker highlights that franchising provides a quicker route to success, as franchisees can leverage the knowledge and experience of the franchisor from day one. This includes access to established processes, structures, training, and ongoing mentorship, which helps to avoid common mistakes and reduces risk. However, the speaker also acknowledges that franchising has had a reputation issue due to past i...