Cheshire businesses urged to back Small Business Week

Small Business Week is a great chance for Cheshire business owners to step back, refocus and shout a little louder about what makes them special. That was the message from Simon Anthony, business coach from The Business Hub, in conversation with Rob McGowan on Cheshire’s Mix 56.

Simon said small businesses are hugely important to the economy and to local communities, but many owners feel under pressure, isolated and stretched by rising costs. It’s a reminder that the people behind local businesses often carry a lot more than customers realise.

Why backing local matters

Simon said one of the biggest reasons to support small businesses is simple: it keeps money in the local community and helps real people, often families, stay afloat. He also pointed out that independent businesses often offer a more personal service, which is part of what makes them so valuable.

That message fits neatly with the spirit of Small Business Week, which gives owners a chance to showcase what they do and encourages customers to shop local. For Cheshire listeners, that could mean choosing the local café, the independent shop, the family-run salon or the business around the corner that gives the area its character.

The three things Simon wants owners to focus on

Simon shared what he called his “magic source” for business owners: clarity, focus and action. He said many business owners work incredibly hard but get stuck doing the same things every day without a clear direction.

His advice is to create a 12-month vision, break it into quarterly sprints, then monthly goals and daily actions. That approach helps owners move from simply surviving to building real momentum.

Standing out in a crowded market

Another key point from Simon was differentiation. He warned that if businesses don’t clearly show what makes them different, they can end up competing on price alone, which is a race nobody wins.

For small businesses in Cheshire, that means being clear about the message, the niche and the value they bring. Simon said strong branding, consistent marketing and a clear sense of purpose can make a big difference when customers are deciding where to spend their money.

Free support and local event

As part of Small Business Week, Simon is also giving away free daily content for business owners, along with access to a dedicated Facebook group. He said around 50 business owners had already joined, with more support being shared throughout the week.

He also mentioned £500 worth of free bespoke one-to-one coaching, plus a content session and three edited posts from his daughter’s business, The Content Creator.

In addition, Simon highlighted a separate in-person event at Toast in Latchford on Wednesday 24 June at 6pm, with tickets priced at £10 and tapas included.

• Find out more at The Business Hub

MIX56 takeaway

Simon’s advice to Cheshire business owners is refreshingly straightforward: get clear on where you’re going, stay focused on the right things and take action, even if it’s a small step. For everyone else, Small Business Week is a good reminder to spend local whenever you can.

Cheshire’s independent businesses are a huge part of what makes the area tick, and this week is a great time to back them properly.