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2025 Focus on the fundamentals

Small focus on the fundamentals
Focusing on the fundamentals will be critical to success and survival this year, regardless of whether you are an organisation or an individual. In this blog, I am focusing on why, in the current climate, it is critical to get each step right;

Posted by Sarah Brown on 29 Jan '25 | Tags: values theory of change behaviours

Five ways to respond positively to the budget

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As I have sat this morning listening to people, particularly in business, talking about the record tax burden, I thought it might be helpful to share some positive ideas about coping with increased staff costs and also how to help with the ambition to get the UK economy growing. For charities, there are ideas about how some of the budget tax rises might help you raise funds, and for CICs, a suggestion is to consider their legal structure. I'd also like to share some practical ways to address issues raised by the increase in employer's National Insurance if it will affect your organisation.

Posted by Sarah Brown on 31 Oct '24 | Tags: collaboration innovation cic charity staff engagement

Our five top tools to make your fundraising efforts more effective

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I have worked with charities facing funding crises since the early 1990s and have developed a set of unique tools to help identify ways that charities can attract more money. I know that, unfortunately, in a crisis, it can be tempting to chase money and ignore your values and vision, leading to failure.

Posted by Sarah Brown on 07 Oct '24 | Tags: creative think tank tools charity goal setting

What does "winning by being good" mean?

What you do today is important because
Everyone deserves to live their best life. I believe the key to this is "winning by being good". Every person, irrespective of their role within any organisation, has the potential to make a meaningful contribution. But what does winning by being good mean?

Posted by Sarah Brown on 30 Sep '24 | Tags: ROC responsible organisation charter values winning by being good

Are you on the right bus route?

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Life is a journey, whether in personal or organisational terms. When choosing the right organisations, consider legal structure decisions as selecting the best "vehicle" to achieve your vision. It's like deciding how you want to travel. (You can learn more about legal structures here.) This analogy can also help you consider how you actually undertake the journey.

Posted by Sarah Brown on 27 Aug '24 | Tags: governance strategy vision

Celebrating Yorkshire Grit and the Olympic Spirit: Yorkshire at least 14th in the Olympics medal table

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On Yorkshire Day, Yorkshire is lying at least 14th in the Olympics Medal Table with its two gold medals. It may be higher, and I'd be grateful if anyone could let me know other medals that Yorkshire folk have won since they don't allow a white rose on the kit.

Posted by Sarah Brown on 01 Aug '24 | Tags: inspiration success

Who should be reading your business plan?

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Why and when do you write a business plan? For many businesses, it's to secure a loan or investment. For charities or social enterprises, it's to obtain a grant. For larger organisations, it's often a routine part of the calendar. But why are external readers more important than the people within the organisation?

Posted by Sarah Brown on 30 Jun '24 | Tags: business planning

How can you do good, improve society and get fitter? Volunteer!

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Mark your calendars for the upcoming week, June 3rd to June 9th, 2024. This week holds a special significance as it marks the 40th anniversary of volunteers' week.

Posted by Sarah Brown on 31 May '24 | Tags: volunteering social impact

Where are you on your journey to changing the world?

Growing a successful social enterprise
Do you have an idea you keep thinking about? Has your organisation got into a rut and isn't achieving what you dreamed it would? Or do you just complain and believe the world is going to hell in a handcart?

Posted by Sarah Brown on 25 Apr '24 | Tags: success changing lives

Five useful lessons you can learn from Dyno-Rod and franchising

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I was sad to read Jim Zockoll's obituary in The Times a few weeks ago. He was the founder of Dyno-Rod and died on January 25, 2024, at the age of 93. Jim was a highly successful entrepreneur, constantly looking for new business opportunities. From him and Dyno-Rod, I gained invaluable insights into franchising and business in general, as well as some inspiration and examples of what to avoid.

Posted by Sarah Brown on 25 Mar '24 | Tags: inspiration Franchising entrepreneur

Social enterprise now and the future

Social enterprise 2024
Social Enterprises are part of the growing "social economy". The infographic below gives a snapshot of the state of the sector. You can get the full report Social Enterprise 2024 with more data and the priorities for the sector by emailing sarah@inspire2aspire.co.uk with Social Enterprise 2024 in the subject line. The report includes tips on how to capitalise on the trends identified.

Posted by Sarah Brown on 23 Feb '24 | Tags: social enterprise

Are you communicating effectively enough?

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Effective communication is the cornerstone of success in your personal and professional life. It's the foundation upon which everything else is built.

Posted by Sarah Brown on 30 Jan '24 | Tags: communication stakeholders

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