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The Business Design Series
£0.99
Why Small Businesses Need a Different Approach
If you’re running a small business – or even just starting one – you’ve probably realised something. Most of the business advice out there? It wasn’t written for you.
It was written for companies with departments. For businesses with teams, funding, and time to spare. And that’s a problem. Because when you’re a microbusiness – whether you’re a solo creator, a local service, or a tiny team of two – your challenges are completely different. You don’t have a marketing department. You are the marketing department. You’re also sales, customer support, creative, admin, accounts… and sometimes even your own courier.
So why are you still being told to follow advice meant for businesses nothing like yours?
Here’s the truth: small business isn’t just a smaller version of big business. It’s an entirely different game. And it needs a different set of rules.
That’s where The Business Design Series comes in. This isn’t just another course on how to hustle harder or mimic the big guys. It’s a framework – designed from the ground up – for small businesses who want to compete, thrive and win on their own terms.
Best Review
Have faith in yourself to succeed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2025
'Every aspiring entrepreneur should use this guide as a bible when setting out on the development path to turn an idea into reality. The logical steps set out by Leonard are easy to follow with one leading seamlessly to the next indicating both the plusses and minuses encountered en route . This is essential reading before appearing on Dragons Den.'
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Narrative
According to the House of Commons Library Business Statistics, there are approximately 5.5 million private sector businesses in the UK, and a staggering 5.2 million (95%) of these are classified as microbusinesses. If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re one of those 95%. For microbusiness owners, the challenges of thriving in a competitive marketplace often feel overwhelming – made worse by the fact that much of the conventional advice from business advisors is not designed with smaller enterprises in mind.
The business principles and practices that apply to medium and large companies often fail to scale down effectively for the unique needs of microbusinesses. Navigating the maze of modern commercial culture requires not only ingenuity but also a willingness to question the very mantras that larger corporations are encouraged to follow. The Business Design Series is not about reinforcing those mantras or rehashing advice meant for enterprises with more resources, larger teams, and established market positions. Instead, it’s a field guide to securing your success as a small business owner by exploring a fresh and practical approach tailored specifically to your reality.
This isn’t a book full of hollow hype or business buzzwords. It’s a straight-talking, action-ready field guide for microbusiness owners, freelancers, and creative independents who are tired of playing small.
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
- Build a business with style and substance
- Price with confidence and deliver real value
- Design a brand people actually want to buy from
- Avoid the 20 silent killers most small businesses miss
If you’re ready to ditch the fluff, take control, and finally make your small business work — this is your blueprint.
Jan Murray – Chair, Churchill Music Society –
Every aspiring entrepreneur should use this guide as a bible when setting out on the development path to turn an idea into reality. The logical steps set out by Leonard are easy to follow with one leading seamlessly to the next indicating both the plusses and minuses encountered en route . This is essential reading before appearing on Dragons Den.
Stuart Lampart – Technical Director, Edwards Electronics –
Just what I needed, compelling resource on business strategy, ideas and tools presented in way that’s easy to navigate. Well written, this really inspired me to make changes.
Nigel Hobden – Managing Director, Hobden Logistics –
An inspiring read! Informative, interesting and well written.
James Lindhurst – Aborial Consultant –
A good read for the self employed man. Lots to think about and so many ideas.
Chris Woods – Founder, Mayfly Kitchens –
Clear, compelling and to the point, this book makes business strategy feel like common sense.
Paul Smith – Founder and CEO, Schoop –
Super helpful book. Running a small business is hard and this book covered a lot of the small things I missed.
Robert Wallace – Director, Wallace Medical –
I found this book a very compelling guide for small businesses. Some people think entrepreneurs have it easy. Well, they don’t! Using the SWOT analysis as we used to: Strengths – Weaknesses – Opportunities – Threats, Leonard’s advice and ideas tick all the boxes. A must have for small businesses.
Peter Brocklesby – Lecturer, Weston College –
Well written publication with lots of good advice for someone starting up their own business.
Emma Kitchen – New Business Director, Clarke Wilmott –
This book offers a fresh, practical approach tailored to the unique challenges faced by micro businesses.
Matt Badham – Area Manager, Avensis –
Everything I wanted and more. Full of information I hadn’t thought of. Thank you
Bryony Greenwood – Event Manager, Halo Studio –
Such a great guide on brand strategy and building a business for yourself! Loved reading this, and will definitely be going back over it!
Mathew Fells – Architect –
An easy to follow entrepreneurs guide with all the tools and tips to help business progress