Starting a New Business: Tips and Tricks

Julie Starr • January 21, 2022



There are countless reasons to start your own business. Maybe you’ve been made redundant or lost your job and are struggling to find a position as an employee. Starting your own business can allow you to take more control over your own career path. Perhaps you’re tired of building someone else’s fortune on their behalf and want to benefit from your hard work through taking profits directly. You might want to work more flexibly, choosing your own working hours, time off and location of work. You may simply have a great idea for a product or service that you rethink will see and benefit others. Whatever your reason for wanting to set your own business up, it’s important to know that you can experience success on this path. You are, however, going to have to learn a lot in the process. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you along the way.

Be Sure of Your Products or Services

First things first, if you’re going to run a business, you’re going to need to sell a product or service. It’s easy thinking up an idea, but you do need to make sure that it actually has the potential to sell. Think about your products or services thoroughly. Who are you aiming to sell to? Are they likely to buy it? Can you produce it at a low cost that you can still make a profit? Make sure to conduct market research . This will give you the answers to these questions and give you confidence in your products when they’re finally ready to go. Be prepared to take feedback from market research on board. Keep business sustainability in mind as you develop your business as you will need to be flexible and you need to adapt to meet people’s needs.

Outsource

You can’t do all of the work for your business on your own. You’re going to have to accept work somewhere along the line. Often, this is to complete tasks you’re not qualified to complete yourself. Outsourcing allows you to benefit from help without having to employ staff until your business is more stable. Common areas to outsource include SEO through https://tessa.tech/virginia-seo/virginia-seo-company/ , product photography, web design, web development, copywriting, email marketing and more.

Register Your Business

Before you start selling, it’s important to register your business. At the end of the day, you’re going to want to make sure that your finances and assets are separated from your business’ finances and assets . You don’t want your personal money and belongings being impacted if your business does not’ achieve the success you expected or hoped for. Register your business with Companies House and this will help to achieve this goal.

Invest in the right equipment and resources. 

Having the right equipment and resources is essential to any start-up business. Investing in quality equipment can help you save time and money while optimizing your productivity and efficiency. Choosing the right tools will also help you create a professional image for your company. For example, suppose you’re starting a video or music production company. In that case, you’ll need high-end equipment like cameras, recording devices, and editing software to produce a quality product, or maybe you’re just looking for the best Best Drum Machines . In addition, investing in cutting-edge technology will ensure that you can provide your customers with the best possible result. The same concept applies to other industries, such as web design or IT services. You’ll need to invest in the necessary hardware, software, and other resources to create a competitive product.

Hopefully, some of the tips and tricks outlined above should help you to get your business started out as best as possible. Take your time, consider every decision, and be prepared to take constructive criticism or help where required. Everything should go smoothly as long as you follow these suggestions!

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.