Plans to crack down on companies with poor customer service.

It is reported that Companies with a poor Customer Service record could face fines under plans being considered by the Government. The proposals, developed by Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, aim to give regulators more power to address bad customer service. They include measures to tackle “drip pricing”. They will make it easier for consumers to change and cancel contracts. MP John Penrose supports the plans. He said “Making the consumer king or queen means we all get better deals. If we don’t like something, we can vote with our feet and take our business elsewhere.” He added: “It’s the simplest, most profound way of handing power back to citizens.”

iBOSS Comment:

Sounds like a good and potentially popular move. It remains to be seen whether it works. If attaining a satisfactory level of customer service has become a problem in your business, then give us a call at iBOSS and benefit from our experience. Just call Phil on 07876 503830 for a free consultation on how we can help.

#goodcustomerservice #improvedcustomerservice

Small business owners report the mental health impact of the pandemic

Small business owners report mental health issues - business mentor northampton news

An article in the Daily Mirror highlighted that research carried out for Santander has found that working through the COVID-19 pandemic has led to negative mental health effects for a third of small business owners – while two in five are questioning whether they want to continue running their business. Around 40% of women reported an impact on their mental health, compared to less than a third of men.

Small Business Owners Report iBOSS Comments:

My first thought on this was how difficult these times are for all small business owners. Then I wondered how accurate the stats to be for men? Research has shown that men are more likely to be less forthcoming when admitting, what by them, can be perceived as a weakness. Admitting to being under stress can often fall into that category.

The real truth of the matter is that there’s a large amount of business owner’s male and female under a lot of stress in the current climate. There are many excellent mental health professionals out there that give direct support to helping you personally through difficult times. There are also business professionals that can step in and support you and your business by offering a fresh approach and taking some of the strain. Most business consultants have at some time in their career been through difficult periods and have felt the stress of ‘how do I get out of a difficult situation’? Those that have come through the other side will tell you they sought help in one form or another.

The trouble is a lot of people going through this stressful time only see professional help as an additional cost. The real question is at what cost will this continued stress eventually bring to yourself, your family, and your business?

Remember it’s good to talk!

For more help and advice on how you can relieve stress from your business contact phil@theiboss.co.uk

Remember if you really are suffering from mental health issues and you need extra professional support I would urge you to call the samaritans or look online at the mind website for help.

Business News – UK start-ups adapting to survive the crisis

In an article in Business Money Richard Bearman, managing director of Start Up Loans, commented: “I am in awe at the determination and creativity of small business owners across the UK, who have not only survived COVID-19 thus far but have actively capitalised on the new trends it has created by always staying one step ahead of the curb.

iBOSS Comment:

What should also be highlighted is that many of those start-ups sought professional business advice before taking the plunge. Many quickly realise that if they are to have any chance of a sustainable venture, they need a Business Plan. A good business consultant can clearly help you here because they probably have not only been through this themselves but have already assisted many businesses to get off on a firm footing. Look at it this way, would you run headlong through a dark tunnel not knowing what is in front or even to the side of you. You would want to be sure what lies ahead and do I genuinely believe it is a risk worth taking to reach the other side.

Call us today for your business advice

Business News: SMEs detail pandemic impact

Covid News - SME IMPACT

The Daily Telegraph recently reported that a poll of UK alumni of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses programme shows that 99% believe they will survive the coronavirus crisis, assuming there are no other national lockdowns. The poll saw 64% say revenue had decreased, while 44% had reduced headcount and 75% had used the furlough scheme. Statistics show that 45% of firms have changed their business model due to the pandemic, with three quarters expecting this to be a permanent change.

iBOSS Business News Comment:

It seems to me that with large swathes of the country in practically Lockdown 2 these figures are only likely to increase even further. It seems clear to me that now more than ever, SME’s need to be seeking professional business advice from as many sources as possible. There is no silver bullet to the current situation, and this is still going to be a long-term problem for the vast majority of us. Even business consultants with a successful track record of helping businesses cannot wave a magic wand. Still, they may very well give you fresh ideas, an alternative business plan or business strategy as you advance. They may also help you look for ways to raise some additional business finance. An initial consultation is often free.

If you need business advice call us today

Older freelancers hit hardest by coronavirus

iBOSS Covid news Business support and mentoring


Business support is high in demand right now. An article in The Times has highlighted that those self-employed and over 65’s have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic – with those in both camps faring even worse.

A recent survey commissioned by IPSE found that while the average income of freelancers fell 25% during lockdown, some saw income fall as much as 80% leading to many small firms collapsing. The sad fact is that a number of these businesses may have possibly been able to continue to trade if they had access to the right business advice. So often businesses either do not think to seek support or know where to turn to get help in difficult times likes this or worse still they leave it too late to get the potential help they need.


If you are one of those businesses facing that potential situation then iBOSS is happy to see if we can help. It’s good to talk!