Hello, my name is Malcolm. I’m based in Kent and, after more than 40 years of running my own businesses, I now help small, micro, and new businesses who want calm, practical support from someone with real-world experience. I’ve built and managed businesses working with clients and suppliers across the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Over that time, I’ve dealt with the full reality of business ownership — finance and administration, operations, HR, procurement, customer service, shipping and logistics, marketing, and working with local government and overseas organisations. Like most business owners, I’ve made mistakes along the way. I didn’t have a support network early on — I learned by fixing problems, adapting, and carrying on. That experience is exactly why I now help others: to avoid common pitfalls, think more clearly, and make better decisions under pressure. I work with SMEs on a flexible, no-commitment basis. That might mean short-term help with a specific issue or ongoing support when an experienced extra pair of hands is useful. Many small businesses can’t justify additional staff or multiple advisers, so I offer practical, cost-effective support in one place, tailored to what’s actually needed. My approach is straightforward and human. I don’t sell programmes or jargon. I help business owners think things through, prioritise what matters and help avoid costly mistakes.
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Why Support for Small Businesses Matters
Small and micro businesses are the backbone of the UK economy — but that doesn’t mean running one is easy. Across the UK, small businesses make up almost all private enterprises and employ millions of people. Behind those figures are individuals and families juggling cash flow, customers, suppliers, staffing, compliance, and constant decision-making — often with very little external support. Many business owners start out enthusiastic and capable, but over time face challenges such as:
feeling isolated
being unsure which issues matter most
struggling to find trusted, practical advice
trying to do everything themselves to save cost
Support often exists, but it isn’t always easy to access or suited to the realities of small businesses. Formal programmes can feel daunting, and professional services can be expensive. That’s where practical, experience-based support can make a real difference. I work with small and micro business owners who want:
a calm, experienced second opinion
help thinking through decisions
practical guidance without jargon
flexible support with no long-term commitment
My role isn’t to tell you what to do or overwhelm you with theory. It’s to help you step back, prioritise what matters, avoid common pitfalls, and move forward with greater confidence. If you’re running a small business and feeling stretched, uncertain, or simply in need of an experienced sounding board, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to work it all out on your own.
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Local Councils
Local councils play an important role in supporting small and micro businesses, yet many owners struggle once start-up support ends. After more than 40 years as a business owner, I have the professional background to work alongside councils to provide practical, experience-based support to SMEs who need clear, realistic guidance rather than formal programmes. My role can complement existing council provision. I support businesses that may be under pressure, isolated, or unsure what to do next — often at a stage where timely intervention can improve confidence and business survival. A different approach. My background is hands-on business ownership, not consultancy. I have built and managed businesses across multiple sectors and understand the everyday challenges small business owners face. Support is practical, plain-English, short-term, and flexible, with no long-term commitment. I do not sellprogrammes or generic solutions; instead, I help owners prioritise, avoid common pitfalls, and move forward with greater clarity. Value for councils. This support can improve SME resilience, provide a low-risk escalation option for struggling businesses, reduce downstream economic pressure, and complement existing funded services. Support is referral-based and used selectively to avoid duplication. Next step. I am happy to have an informal conversation to explore whether this type of support could complement your existing SME provision.
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How I Can Help
Support is always tailored to what you actually need. This may include: • Helping you think things through and prioritise what matters • Practical administrative support when things feel overloaded • Book-keeping and invoicing support • Professional, effective payment chasing • Customer and supplier communication support • Start-up and early-stage guidance • Helping to organise, stabilise, and simplify how the business runs Sometimes the most valuable support is simply having an experienced second pair of eyes — someone to talk things through with and help you decide the next sensible step. How I’m different • No contracts or long-term tie-ins • Use my support only when it suits you • Calm, discreet, and straight-talking • Local, approachable, and trustworthy • Flexible and competitively priced I don’t sell programmes or one-size-fits-all solutions. I work alongside you, at your pace, focusing on what will make the biggest practical difference. Next step (no obligation)A first conversation costs nothing. It’s simply an opportunity to talk things through, ask questions, and see whether my experience and approach feel like a good fit for you and your business.
Outside of work, I stay active through fitness and walking, enjoy motorcycling and touring, and serve as Treasurer of my local motorcycle club. A key focus of the club is raising funds for Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance (KSS), our adopted charity. I’m a proud member of the Federation of Small Businesses and, with good humour, am currently trying to learn French.