Business First

28/05/2026

Passion about what we do is so evident with every member of Business First. Offering quality service, skills and knowledge for our customers is central to our successful businesses.
None more so than Becci Willis of Yarny Bees. Starting during lockdown by selling handmade crochet items, to now celebrating her shop now being open for just over 12months, Becci shared with us today how and why Yarny Bees has made such an impact on the local and wider community.

Clearly talented in both crafting and teaching, Becci has expanded her offering from a small workshop to now providing a retail outlet and a host of fascinating craft and creative opportunities from her own skills and those of visiting teachers.

Paying homage to GG, her grandmother, who taught her to knit and who shared a love of learning, Becci described how a sense of self-worth alongside a passion for what we bring to the table are two essential ingredients for a successful business. (ask Becci about GG’s experience of knitting bespoke items for Harrods!).
Both Becci and GG learnt to crochet together and it is very much that supportive, collaborative connection that makes Yarny Bees unique.

Not only has expansion meant Becci can now provide yarns and accessories for the home crafter, she is also able to provide a venue for other creatives to bring their skills to groups is a wide variety of workshops. Taking on an expanding premises with high street frontage was a business gamble but it is so paying off.
Through collaboration Becci can now offer crafts such as, willow weaving, macrame, embroidery, glass making, art explosion and wreath making courses to name but a few.
A new venture is the successful cinema evenings; bring along your knitting and watch a movie with friends. What a great way to enjoy the creative community away from phones!

Her own regular classes and courses are extremely popular. Children and adults can come along and learn to crochet, knit, unwind and share time. Yarny Bees is a safe space.
As many learnt in Covid times, making is therapeutic and that aspect is not to be underestimated.
Becci brings value to her clients, hence her courses are booked up well in advance.
At Yarny Bees then you can find supplies, a library of craft books to borrow, an opportunity to build confidence in a wide range of crafting and buy a range of gifts that she is hosting from other crafters.

Becci will also offer:
*commissions – those bespoke pieces that will be treasured.
*repairs for a much loved item.
*children’s parties.
*hen, bridal and baby shower events – a lovely way to enjoy company, celebrate in a relaxing environment and have a gift to take home!
*corporate team days – again a chance for staff to bond, unwind and learn.
Not one to rest on her growing success, Becci has some wonderful ideas on how to develop her shop offering. Watch this space or more importantly, get involved and join the creative community.

You can reach Becci by popping into her shop on Upper St John’s Street. WS14 9DT
Visit her website : https://yarnybees.co.uk/
Or contact her on 07738 159757

14/05/2026

It is often our early life experiences that shape us.
Today we heard from Emma Smith, of Grace Cares. This is our charity seat at Business First and one in which we all have a vested interest.
A love of life and an understanding of the care sector from first hand experience has shaped much of what Emma now does. Being an unpaid carer herself, seeing families struggle, knowing the emotional and physical toll that caring for a loved one brings, affords Emma a genuine empathy with the people she serves.
One of the three co-founders, Emma shared with us this week the essence of what they offer and just why the charity has grown so rapidly.
Care is at the heart of everything they do.

Grace Cares take pre-loved care equipment, refurbish it and sell it on at cost price.
It is a shameful indictment of society that if Grace Cares did not do this, not only would carers have to pay full price for care equipment but all the second hand equipment no longer needed by families, would go into landfill.
Grace Cares give it another life.
Alongside that, the charity supports those who are caring and those who are alone. Regular tea parties, rock painting and other such joyful activities help to combat the loneliness and isolation that many carers feel. A vibrant community is being forged.
There is also a growing need to provide seminars and information days where experts and carers can come together to understand the support that is available and share experiences. Financial support, practical support and emotional support are all considered.

The team of Emma, Adam Harrison and Hannah Montgomery are supported by a large number of volunteers. Those willing to give their time to mend, clean, collect, sort and sift the masses of care equipment that now comes their way.
Grace Cares have really lit a fire under the abandonment of care equipment and now have 5 NHS partnerships, Lichfield District Council, 14 Staffordshire Tips and a vast array of volunteers looking out for and sending ‘stuff’.
The warehouse in Elmhurst if filled and there is a very quick turnover of resources. The refurbished care equipment is in much demand and can find itself going a few miles away or across the globe! Where there is a need and Grace Cares can fill it, they will do their utmost to give that practical support.

The team bring their unique skills to bear and it is no wonder that Grace Cares was recently honoured with an award from the High Sheriff.
How can you help?
1. Grace Cares need volunteers.
2. If you hear of any care equipment no longer needed, please contact them.
3. Join the 3,000+ Facebook followers to support and shout about their work.
https://www.facebook.com/GraceCaresCIC
4. If you know of any elderly in the Lichfield area who are alone and would enjoy one of the activities, please share Grace Cares with them.
5. If you know of anyone in need of care equipment, please try Grace Cares first.
6. Check out their website.
https://grace-cares.com/

Get in touch with Emma on 01543 730 189 and see if you can help.

12/05/2026

Mark Plumb is very much the family man and in good tradition, shared with us last week how his business has given him a work life balance, enabling him to enjoy family life whilst still giving very good service through his carpet, flooring and upholstery business, Zero Dry Time.

Previous jobs that Mark had undertaken were often uninspiring and sometimes unpleasant. Having worked for some years with both trades and large corporations, Mark jumped at a chance to take up a franchise when the opportunity arrived. Being his own boss and conducting business in a professional manner, Mark knows the value of good customer relationships and offering quality customer service.

A member of Business First for 9 years now, the testimonials from those in the group who have used his services is extensive and heart felt. He gets repeat customer for very good reasons.

We all know how we feel if our surroundings are grubby. It can be depressing. With his business of carpet and upholstery cleaning, Mark can lift our mood.
Homes, offices, commercial buildings, gyms, hospitality arena, all can benefit from a bit of love; that TLC which conveys the message that we are respected and loved!!

With the specialist cleaning materials and the professional techniques used by Mark, carpets and upholstery are finished and, in most circumstances, ready to use straight away.
Scuffed leather upholstery can be renewed, suede and microfibres treated effectively and the specialist team at head office can support Mark in ensuring that fabrics are brought back to life.
ALL types of flooring too can be given a new lease of life.
It is not just carpets; hard floors such as stone, tiles and all the modern laminate materials can be treated effectively. Cleaned, sealed and made ready for more wear and tear.

A gym, office, restaurant, conference venue or hotel floor and chairs that look grubby, gives totally the wrong message to its customers. Mark can restore not only the flooring but the consequent faith in the venue. A sub-conscious understanding that we are using a business that cares about its customers.
Take a look at his website and give Mark a call.
And if you find a venue that looks a bit shabby, then recommend that they too give Mark a call.
He is professional, punctual and does a damn fine job.
‘One day all carpets will be cleaned this way’.
0800 180 49 30
[email protected]
https://www.zerodrytime.com/dry-carpet-upholstery-and-hardfloor-cleaner-burton-on-trent-l-55

30/04/2026

Lessons from my father.
All groups have ‘characters’. We have 42 at Business First but even amongst these stars, we have one who shines that little bit brighter. Paul Duke Thomas of Print Design Team.
Today Paul showed us why he is the best printer in Clement Street.

Paul’s father died recently and the death has allowed him to reflect on the legacy he left. The lessons he taught Paul during both the family life and also in business. Starting his work in Pilkington Glass, Paul’s father ensured he learnt from the bottom up. In the factory, out on deliveries, working on the shop floor. The first lesson learnt was :-

1. Know your product. Understanding each aspect of production gave Paul the confidence to talk to customers with clarity and gained him respect from the workforce.

2. The second lesson was – ‘Treat everyone the same’. From the factory floor to the managing director, from CEO to cleaner. Each person deserves to be respected and valued. This stood Paul in very good stead when setting up PDT and has served him well through recent turbulent times.

3. ‘Work hard; don’t give up; be persistent’. Lesson number three has be essential. Through recession, covid, global companies changing tack, Paul has moved mountains to stay in touch with customers and listened to their needs. Persistency is the key to success and has won him a new three year contract with an international events/entertainment company.

4. ‘Be yourself’ People buy people and trying to be something we are not will always show through. Celebrate our uniqueness and be proud of our character.

5. Lesson five – oh if only every business/politician did this - ‘Do what you say you are going to do’ Reliability, dependability are the backbone of business growth and reputation.

Finally, lesson six. ‘Look out for others’. Care for others; Paul exudes a genuine warmth and that comes through in friendships and in business. It makes him memorable.

As a result of these lessons playing out in real time, it is so good to see Print Design Team weather the recent storms and deliver quality print, vinyls, displays, signage, literature, brochures, office interiors, playing cards, pin badges and so very much more.
The group could offer a legion of examples where Paul and the team have gone above an beyond.
Check out their website to see not only the enormous range they can deliver but also the quality.
https://printdesignteam.co.uk/
You can contact Paul on 07966 218 954

23/04/2026

As an independent energy broker, Ashley Bayliss of Utility Advice Company, is very much in demand, particularly for those of us at Business First with business premises. His knowledge and extensive experience in the energy provision arena has saved many of us thousands of pounds.

Ashley has had a variety of businesses over the years and he brings a wealth of experience to his customers. A consummate family man; ardent football fan and very talented professional football coach, Ashley packs much into each and every day.

Today he spent his ten minute slot explain how to detect the energy scams and what advice we should be taking from an independent broker such as Ashley.

Did you know that if we accept a phone call from an energy company who ring us, we can very quickly unwittingly bind ourselves to a three year contract that is nothing like what it seemed? No paper work has to be signed, a verbal acceptance is all that is needed to seal the deal. And we will surely have been scammed. Most people do not even realise the conversation we are having regarding refunds or renewals are leading to these binding contracts.

No reputable energy company phones businesses with deals. They will always email their customers with information. Calls are going to be from an unscrupulous dealer who will keep their hidden costs well out of sight.
There is NO cooling off period for such a verbal business contract as there is for domestic energy supply.
Ashley has known these contracts to actually scam business owners out of £30,000 over a three year period.

An energy broker such as Ashley has no expensive overheads; he will compare prices of all the major energy providers, listen to your needs as a company, save you time and most definitely save you money. Hard cash that is needed to keep businesses going when energy prices and other overheads are so high at the moment.
Scam calls such as this will pretend to be your current energy provider; they are NOT.
Scam calls will pretend the price is going up.
Scall calls will ask you to agree TODAY. Put the phone down!
Scam calls will tell you the offer is only available now. They are lying. Put the phone down!

Over the phone contracts are on average 30 – 50% higher than working with someone like Ashley or your original provider.
Once agreed, they are virtually impossible to cancel .

If you wish to talk about energy usage with your business premises, simply contact Ashley Bayliss on 07977 291056.

He will save you time, lessen your stress and certainly save you money.
Many in the group will attest to his credentials, ability to help and the sound advice he offers.

16/04/2026

Who hasn’t woken up feeling a bit groggy, stiff, achy and unsure if we can cope with the demands of a new day? When those conditions become chronic, then it is time to consider solutions.

This morning we got to dip into the hinterland that is Rachel Marston of Flo Acupuncture.
From studying medical bio-chemistry and a career in business management to ‘sticking needles in people’ can seem a big leap but when you hear the story behind the decision, it all makes sense.

After her degree, working in a lab, Rachel decided was not for her. She loves the interaction with people and so took up typical graduate training position working for Rolls Royce. An intelligent career woman, Rachel worked her way through commercial management to contract negotiator. Frequent business trips were enjoyable when a young graduate, less so ten years on. She then moved to Birmingham City Council who were trying to bring stronger business systems and procedures into their working practices and found herself in the midst of a Trade Union, Council Managers and the public triangle. Not easy diverse groups to please. Whilst there, still determined to stretch herself, Rachel studied the demanding qualifications needed to become a chartered accountant.

It transpired that juggling full time work in a complex organisation, conflicting with reasonable expectations of employees who have families, led her to rethink her life path.
Back comes the interest in science and health. Rachel took a three year degree training in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture can be misunderstood. Listening to Rachel each week, we at Business First know better. As a complimentary therapy it is both fascinating and effective.
Increasingly, NICE guidelines are accepting the use of acupuncture alongside traditional modes of treatment.
As a 4,000 year old practice that works on so many different levels, Rachel reminded us that Western medicine has only been going for 400 years!

More than 50% of us in the group have used Rachel’s services and are extremely pleased with the results. The World Health Organisation also endorses acupuncture for over 200 health concerns. Physical, emotional and hormonal conditions can be addressed by the varied methods Rachel can use. She explained how acupuncture works on the signals to our nervous system, increases blood flow, stimulates production of natural opioids and helps the brain to reinterpret pain.

Rachel has treated pregnancy conditions, menopause symptoms, many of the chronic ailments such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome as well as the every day aches and pains.
She has her own delightful licensed clinic in Barton Under Needwood and we would highly recommend her.

Finer than human hair, the needles do not hurt! It is worth making time to chat to Rachel. She is qualified in many aspects of Chinese medicine. You will find her ability to listen and help exemplary.
You can contact Rachel on 07973 565 456
or check out her web page :

At Flo Acupuncture, we specialise in traditional Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine easily accessible from Burton-on-Trent, Lichfield...

09/04/2026

It is always a pleasure to listen to Andy Robinson of Keepers Garden Rooms. He can turn his hand to nearly all those jobs around the house and its surrounds and jobs he cannot do, he will call in an electrician and others to help complete the job.

Andy built his first shed over 30 years ago and has always been on hand to help with renovations alongside those jobs that are too daunting to tackle for ourselves or just too small to get round to!
You know the ones – new office in the garden, to that squeaky door that needs rehanging, the shelf that should be straightened.

Over the last 30 years, Andy has run his own successful telecoms business and became an independent financial advisor before arriving at his sweet spot, using his accrued skills to sort out the jobs around the house and home that we need addressing.

The essence of his success is in the preparation. Andy can take more time preparing a job than the actual job itself. Rooms are protected from dust migrating to the rest of the house, the best equipment is selected, plans are made. A fresh surface on which to decorate, install or build needs to be perfect for the job to go smoothly, problems are kept at bay and that quality finish we all come to associate with Andy’s work is assured.

The range of work that Andy can turn his hand to and has done over the last 12 months is as varied as you can imagine. Just take a look at some of the problems he has helped solve this year.
*New kitchens fitted.
*Home garage installation.
*Children's’ swing and climbing frame build.
*Front door makeover.
*Replacing a flooded kitchen, including new flooring joists/other insurance work.
*Fence painting/gates fitted.
*Garden clearance.
*Installation of partition walls in a new aesthetician premises.
*Access rails and hand rails installed.
*Loft boarding.
*Decking fitted.
*Media centre installation.
*Log burner installation including replastering the chimney area.

A huge range and all the work coming from word of mouth.
At Business First we always seek to recommend the work of our colleagues because we trust their professionalism.
Andy could work 7 days a week because of the referrals and jobs people ask him to undertake.

He doesn’t because he knows the importance of work life balance. If you don’t see him with a tool in his hand, you could find him on a wind surfer, cycling, fell running, or holidaying in his beloved Tiree, experimenting with wing foiling!

Consequently, if you have one of those jobs around your home or garden, that have been on your ‘to do/to get sorted list’ for some time, better give Andy a call asap and get him booked in.

You can reach him on 07376 426 475
or email him on [email protected]
https://www.keepersgardenrooms.co.uk

02/04/2026

Mark Tonks brings professionalism with a light touch to our weekly breakfast meetings. Having been a previous member, Mark is known by many in the group who value his friendship and expertise in the role of business leadership.

With a life long distrust of authority, Mark found his way from being a very active sportsman, leading cricket teams and his much loved rugby, to becoming a much valued member of staff for a German engineering company. Ambitious and with a love of learning, Mark went for every promotion on offer, resulting him becoming the divisional director. Learning leadership on the sports field as well as working with international colleagues allowed Mark’s to hone his business skills. During his tenure, the company brought in Leadership Management International to work with staff. Mark fell in love with content, processes offered and in particular, bringing in the importance of mindset.
At the age of 39, he realised he needed to make some changes and paid for himself to go on an intensive LMI course.
An opportunity arose and in 2000, Mark bought an LMI franchise, ‘Orange and Blue, UK’.
His ability to understand people and cut to the chase when dealing with problems is very much his calling card.
Practical, thoughtful, honest, Mark has coached thousands of leaders and thousands of businesses. He has weathered two recessions and a heart attack and can use those experiences to support and guide other business owners.
Now healthier and wiser, Mark is here to support business owners, be they sole traders or responsible for 50 – 250 employees. He can help the stressed, improve productivity, ensure focus and most importantly, hold leaders to account.
With the current economic and business uncertainty, now is the time to invest in leadership. Have a supportive figure by your side to steady the ship and offer creative, productive leadership ideas.
Give Mark a call; sample his workshop; chat to those in the group who have worked with Mark.
We all need to invest in ourselves; having Mark in our corner is a wise way to direct that investment.
You can contact Mark on 07957 805987
or go to https://orangeandblue.uk/, meet the team and explore the offerings.

01/04/2026

Last Thursday we heard from a member on a vital life mission, the very talented Sheila McMahon.

Through her various business interests, Sheila works to educate everyone about mental health, as she is not only a registered BACP Qualified Psychotherapist, but also a Mental Wellbeing Speaker, Author, Trainer and Comedienne.

Sheila McMahon is an Irish-born comedienne and mental health counsellor who blends humour with heartfelt honesty. She has built a unique career dedicated to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.

Sheila began her career as a dance and drama teacher, running her own theatre company as well as performing in her own stand-up comedy shows as 'Aunty Betty'. She later trained as a counsellor, inspired by her own lived experience of mental ill health. Today, she combines these two worlds - performing mental health shows to open conversations around anxiety, depression and emotional wellbeing.

Sheila is the founder Mind Management For You, where she delivers therapy, workshops and mental health training, where she works with individuals, families and organisations to support a wide range of mental health challenges. Find out more about Sheila's work at www.mindmanagementforyou.com

As a performer, Sheila has taken her distinctive Mental Health Show to stages and events, combining comedy, music and practical coping strategies. She has appeared across radio and television and has performed at major events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Glastonbury. Her motto, “life is too short to be taken seriously” captures her approach to helping others find light even in difficult moments.

Sheila also has a podcast and online resources- including an online course about su***de prevention to help increase awareness.

Sheila writes candidly about her own mental health journey in her book 'The Power Of Knowing You'. She's just about to launch her second book, incorporating poetry and prose to give hope to those experiencing similar struggles.

All aspects of her work reflects her core belief - that by understanding ourselves better, we can live happier, more fulfilled lives.

Whether in the therapy room or on stage, Sheila McMahon continues to inspire others with her authenticity, humour and commitment to mental wellbeing. And when she's not counselling or performing, you might find her out on the motorbike she learned to ride in 2021, overcoming her fear of riding to become an Advanced Motorbike rider.

21/03/2026

This week we heard from Andrew Downing Booth who brings 19 years of experience to the field estate agency and has successfully been running his independent business for some years. A growing presence on the business scene within Lichfield and the surrounding area, ADB of Andrew Downing Booth estate agency really does know his stuff. Now with two local branches, in Lichfield and Aldridge, Andy is well placed to serve the community with this often complex major purchase. This is a multi-award winning business in a field that is populated with some ‘interesting’ companies.

‘It doesn’t matter which estate agent you use to sell your property’ is a phrase Andy and his team often hear. Yes, like other agencies, they will advertise on Right Move, Zoopla and increasingly a new platform, ‘On the Market’ but that is where the similarities end!

The differences that Andrew Downing Booth estate Agency bring to the table include:
*The quality of the photographs. 60% of prospective purchasers only look at the photo. If the image is not sharp, detailed, professional, they will move on. Andy uses the right camera. Not a deceptive wide angled lens that makes small rooms look bigger!! Nor an iPhone that makes the images look grainy etc;. Andy’s photos are shot with care and precision and then professionally edited.
*A quirky and interesting description that will catch the attention of buyers. Phrases that will resonate, remain memorable and give a flavour of the property.
*Accurate floor plans – seriously not all plans are the unvarnished truth.
*360 degree visual walk through of the property, enabling viewers to see if the configuration suits their needs.
*No sell no fee! Moving house is expensive enough as it is. Not having to add in fees for a service that did not deliver would be an insult. Despite having prepared and marketed your property, ADB does not charge if it does not sell.
*Sales progression. There are often communication hiccups in the conveyancing process. These can be stressful and damaging. ADB makes sure that the communication is kept open and chivvy where necessary.
*If needed they will undertake the negotiation for you.
*The piece de resistance?? NO TIE IN. That’s right! Andy and team are so confident that they will sell your property, they will not tie you to a contract. You can choose if and when you leave if the property is not moving as you would hope. This offer is extremely rare in the estate agency world.

Not only are customers exceptionally happy with Andrew Downing booth estate agent, many within Business First use him to sell and help them buy appropriate properties. He is recommended on to our friends and family too.

Having won the Best Estate Agent in Lichfield from the British Property Awards, three years in a row, and was chosen as the top agency in Staffordshire and Warwickshire in 2021, it is not just his colleagues who know his worth. The professional bodies echo that trust and appreciation.

Andy’s agency covers anywhere within about 30 mins drive from Lichfield. If you know of anyone with a need, itch, desire to move home, then Andy Downing Booth really should be your first port of call.

You can pop in and meet him at City Arcade, Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6LY
Contact him on : 01543 396677
Or check out his website. https://www.andrewdowningbooth.co.uk
Why would you trust anyone else with what is probably your biggest life purchase?