{"id":25102,"date":"2025-10-20T09:17:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T08:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=25102"},"modified":"2026-06-05T16:50:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T15:50:00","slug":"simple-steps-to-smart-growth-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/simple-steps-to-smart-growth-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Simple steps to smart growth in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/growth-customers\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Growth &amp; Customers<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSimple steps to smart growth in 2026\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover practical ways to cut costs, save time, and grow sustainably with insights from Sage, Smart Energy GB, and industry experts.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-10-20T09:17:09+01:00\">20 October, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Simple steps to smart growth in 2026\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/simple-steps-to-smart-growth-in-2026\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/conradlangridge\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/04\/Conrad-Headshot.png\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"conrad-langridge\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Conrad Langridge<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Running a small business takes resilience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rising costs and shifting customer expectations can put pressure on every decision you make. But there\u2019s good news. New technology and smarter finance are helping business owners turn challenges into opportunities for growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As John Brown, CEO of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said in our recent webinar, excerpts of which are included in this article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is the year small businesses can bring back certainty into their world, by using the tools and insight already at their fingertips.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s what this guide is here to help you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Drawing on practical advice from Sage, Smart Energy GB, Allica Bank, and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), we\u2019ve gathered the key ideas and actions you can use right now to cut costs, save time, and strengthen your business for 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what we discuss:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-making-tax-digital-simplify-now-it-s-mandatory\" data-level=\"2\">Making Tax Digital: Simplify now it&rsquo;s mandatory<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ai-in-accounting-free-up-hours-and-get-paid-faster\" data-level=\"2\">AI in accounting: Free up hours and get paid faster<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-smart-energy-management-reduce-cost-through-visibility\" data-level=\"2\">Smart energy management: Reduce cost through visibility<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-finance-and-the-growth-guarantee-scheme-rethinking-borrowing\" data-level=\"2\">Finance and the Growth Guarantee Scheme: Rethinking borrowing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-carbon-reporting-from-compliance-to-opportunity\" data-level=\"2\">Carbon reporting: From compliance to opportunity<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-making-tax-digital-simplify-now-it-s-mandatory\">Making Tax Digital: Simplify now it\u2019s mandatory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since April 2026, landlords and sole traders earning over \u00a350,000 have had to follow <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-income-tax-complete-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Making Tax Digital (MTD) rules<\/a>, which include keeping digital records and filing quarterly updates. Lower thresholds will follow in 2027 and 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the webinar, Erin Roesch, SME Data Insights Lead at Sage, explained that Making Tax Digital is part of a wider shift transforming how small businesses work, which is one of three big trends she sees defining 2026: digitisation, AI and carbon data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s the biggest tax shift in about twenty years\u2026 Whereas you may have been filing once a year, you\u2019re now going to need to do a quarterly submission and a digitised tax return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Sage has an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/free-accounting-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">absolutely free solution<\/a> out there for sole traders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-it-matters\">Why it matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Digital bookkeeping reduces manual errors, improves cash-flow visibility, and means you\u2019re ready long before deadlines cause stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-try-this\">Try this<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check if you\u2019re affected using Sage\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/making-tax-digital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Making Tax Digital<\/a> guide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Move to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/making-tax-digital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MTD-ready software<\/a> now so your first quarterly update is effortless.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-watch\"><strong>Watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Roesch shares her three big trends reshaping small business accounting in 2026\u2014and how to prepare for them now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"3 big trends in accounting in 2026 - Erin Roesch - Sage\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Hr4Z1E4vZss?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ai-in-accounting-free-up-hours-and-get-paid-faster\">AI in accounting: Free up hours and get paid faster<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Building on the second of Roesch&#8217;s three trends, AI automation is removing repetitive admin that gets in the way of growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Roesch shared, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/authentic-intelligence-in-action\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Copilot<\/a> is already delivering measurable results: \u201cSage Copilot is saving SMBs about five hours of admin a week, and it\u2019s getting them paid seven days faster.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-it-matters-0\">Why it matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AI can automate things like chasing invoices, categorising expenses, and surfacing insights while you stay focused on customers and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re not going to replace your accountant,\u201d Roesch added. \u201cWe\u2019re just going to help your accountant do more, faster and better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And it\u2019s not just financial data getting smarter. Erin explained that automation is simplifying carbon and sustainability reporting, too\u2014the third big trend shaping how small businesses grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe know that about 20 percent of small businesses and 37 percent of medium businesses are being asked for their carbon data, and that needs to be a really simple data point for you to get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSo through Sage Earth, we\u2019ve launched that into all of our Sage Accounting plans, and in a single click, you can get 80 percent of your carbon footprint, and we\u2019ve equipped all of your accountants to do that too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-quick-wins\">Quick wins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/authentic-intelligence-in-action\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Copilot<\/a> for invoice chasing or cash-flow queries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-business-cloud\/sage-earth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Earth<\/a> to calculate your carbon footprint in one click.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-smart-energy-management-reduce-cost-through-visibility\">Smart energy management: Reduce cost through visibility <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Energy remains one of the biggest, most unpredictable costs for small businesses. Without visibility, it\u2019s nearly impossible to plan, budget, or identify waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Georgina Hines, Senior Policy Manager at <a href=\"https:\/\/smart-meters-for-business.smartenergygb.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smart Energy GB<\/a> (the national campaign for smart meter rollout) explained that smart meters and energy data are key to taking back control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSmart meters actually give you back time\u2026 You\u2019re no longer having to manually input your readings. Everything goes automatically to your supplier. This allows you to get accurate bills and greater control over your energy spend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-watch-0\"><strong>Watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>See how smart meters are helping small businesses take back control of their energy costs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Smart meter benefits - Identifying high energy usage - Georgina Hines - Smart Energy GB\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zN6921FkZto?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hines also shared examples of how businesses are using energy data to cut waste and cost: \u201cWe speak to businesses that have used their smart meter to identify high-energy equipment. One found a hot tap causing spikes in usage, swapped it for a more efficient model, and saved on bills.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-watch-1\"><strong>Watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>See how small businesses are using smart meters to save time and money:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Smart meter management - Accurate bills and greater visibility -  Georgine Hines - Smart Energy GB\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wOW_2Wz-6B0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-visibility-matters\">Why visibility matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you can see exactly where energy is going, you can identify where you can cut down on usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-action-steps\">Action steps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Request a smart meter from your energy supplier today. Small businesses can usually get a smart meter at no extra cost. Installations take around two hours, one hour for each meter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access your data through your supplier\u2019s app or portal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shift high-energy tasks to off-peak times or upgrade to more efficient equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/smart-meters-for-business.smartenergygb.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Smart Energy GB<\/u><\/a>\u2019s Small Business Hub for examples and advice from other small businesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-finance-and-the-growth-guarantee-scheme-rethinking-borrowing\">Finance and the Growth Guarantee Scheme: Rethinking borrowing <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>High interest rates and tighter margins mean finance decisions matter more than ever. Yet many small businesses still limit their options to one bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conrad Ford, Chief Product &amp; Strategy Officer at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allica.bank\/growth-guarantee-scheme\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Allica Bank<\/u><\/a>, encouraged small businesses to broaden their search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t assume it\u2019s all about the big high-street banks. And please, please don\u2019t give up if your high-street bank says no\u2026 The Growth Guarantee Scheme makes it easier for a lender like Allica to lend to businesses like yours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fundingcircle.com\/uk\/small-business-loans\/growth-guarantee-scheme\/?mkwid=s&amp;pcrid=717234379643&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=Government_Backed_Lending&amp;utm_adgroup=169608011675&amp;utm_term=growth%20guarantee%20scheme&amp;utm_content=717234379643&amp;mt=e&amp;device=c&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=10040509631&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD1THUK1byFFvGYupGpNTVajQGMro&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxCEpV4YwXSeVBEbTTml-csttFzxHGFsXjZUrVnvOvEAN_zWHpIqb64aAshYEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Growth Guarantee Scheme<\/u><\/a> helps viable small businesses access finance by reducing lender risk, opening up doors to funding that can fuel efficiency and long-term growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-it-matters-1\">Why it matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Used wisely, borrowing can fund upgrades that save energy, improve efficiency, or unlock expansion. But Ford warned against taking on debt without a clear repayment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t borrow unless you believe you can pay it back. Why would you jeopardise a perfectly good business by borrowing money you can\u2019t afford?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-try-this-0\">Try this<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ask your accountant to prepare current management accounts. Lenders will expect a clear, up-to-date view of your finances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research accredited lenders under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fundingcircle.com\/uk\/small-business-loans\/growth-guarantee-scheme\/?mkwid=s&amp;pcrid=717234379643&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=Government_Backed_Lending&amp;utm_adgroup=169608011675&amp;utm_term=growth%20guarantee%20scheme&amp;utm_content=717234379643&amp;mt=e&amp;device=c&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=10040509631&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD1THUK1byFFvGYupGpNTVajQGMro&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxCEpV4YwXSeVBEbTTml-csttFzxHGFsXjZUrVnvOvEAN_zWHpIqb64aAshYEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Growth Guarantee Scheme<\/u><\/a> and compare rates with specialist business banks like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allica.bank\/growth-guarantee-scheme\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Allica<\/u><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on investments that repay themselves. For example, energy-efficient upgrades, AI tools, or automation that cut costs over time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before signing, run the numbers. If the loan doesn\u2019t boost cash flow or resilience, it\u2019s not the right fit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-carbon-reporting-from-compliance-to-opportunity\">Carbon reporting: From compliance to opportunity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>37% of SMBs have already been asked to provide carbon data when bidding for work, and this number is rising fast across both public and private sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means even small suppliers are now being assessed not just on price and quality, but on their environmental impact and transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gruffudd Jones, Wales Policy Chair at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fsb.org.uk\/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19909116442&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADkk_91M-yjHtheM2TgTLWhwwXc3D&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxA1zmcWoPas1Q84TU-uvFN7KOI7_OIvBbPM8v33wc7PsM-weBs3DssaAi8mEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)<\/u><\/a>, said the energy price crisis showed just how important efficiency is for business resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe&#8217;ll never know when another price crisis is coming, especially in the energy market. Things like capital investments can protect small businesses from their price spikes and supply disruption, helping survival within a bigger crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-watch-2\"><strong>Watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>See how small businesses are using energy insights to stay resilient through price spikes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Capital investment and energy price spikes - Gruffudd Jones - Federation of Small Businesses\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ylbVbfkIOfs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Jones said many members are using sustainability as both a resilience strategy and a competitive edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat we saw when we contacted our members was that many people had turned to sustainability to increase new revenue and customer appeal. So green credentials can differentiate businesses, attract eco-conscious consumers, and support higher-margin offers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many, the link between sustainability and savings is direct. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf they are more efficient, they use less energy. That is a saving cost for your business, and I think it is that simple.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-watch-3\"><strong>Watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover how small businesses are using sustainability to cut costs and win new work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sustainability - unlocking the benefits - Gruffudd Jones - Federation of Small Businesses\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_CobVEnfd-g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-carbon-reporting-matters\">Why carbon reporting matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Carbon reporting is quickly becoming a part of how customers and lenders assess your credibility. Starting early helps you prove your impact, reduce costs, and future-proof your business against new reporting requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-quick-wins-0\">Quick wins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set one measurable goal. It might be reducing waste, tracking business travel, or improving energy efficiency with a <a href=\"https:\/\/smart-meters-for-business.smartenergygb.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>smart meter<\/u><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use software that integrates carbon tracking into your existing accounting data (for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-business-cloud\/sage-earth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Sage Earth<\/u><\/a>) to make reporting simple.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fsb.org.uk\/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19909116442&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADkk_91M-yjHtheM2TgTLWhwwXc3D&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxAZDCGj5FLdlX6V5-bVWB8aWmhNESMV3Qz2UHsRjp8ngwPYjnafPqgaAgQSEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>FSB Sustainability Hub<\/u><\/a> for guidance, tools, and resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts: Small steps, smarter growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Sage, we believe growth and sustainability go hand in hand. With the right data and tools, small businesses can make confident decisions, protect profits, and build resilience for 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Five key takeaways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go digital early: start preparing for Making Tax Digital now.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work smarter with AI: save hours each week with automation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Track your energy with a smart meter: visibility leads to savings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Borrow strategically: use finance to fuel efficiency and growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measure impact: sustainability builds trust and resilience.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick one idea from this guide and act on it before the end of the week. Smart growth in 2026 starts with a simple action today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Learn about Sage Earth<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Discover how Sage Earth can help your business achieve net zero emissions in your operations and supply chain.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-business-cloud\/sage-earth\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-13454\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Find out more<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1220287664-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1220287664-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/grow-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to grow your business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-3675 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers tag-grow-business tag-peter-jones-ambition business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-547016975_super-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Identifying useful growth opportunities will help your business to thrive\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-547016975_super-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-547016975_super-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-547016975_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T17:13:40+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/identify-useful-growth-opportunities\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow to identify useful growth opportunities for your business\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWant to grow your business? From market penetration to diversification, here are four proven growth strategies\u2014and how AI, the right data, and the right team help turn ideas into results.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-1545 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers tag-grow-business business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/10-steps-to-grow-your-customer-base\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1261563978-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1261563978-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1261563978-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1261563978-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T16:41:53+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">6 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\t10 steps to grow your customer base\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-1543 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates category-strategy-legal-operations tag-business-continuity tag-create-business-plan tag-grow-business tag-start-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M11.988 2.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v10.689l-1.72-1.72a.75.75 0 0 0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T11:19:49+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tFree template: How to write a business plan\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-30275 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-grow-business tag-inventory tag-midsized-business tag-performance-management tag-supply-chain business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sales-order-management\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-981641138-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-981641138-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-981641138-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-981641138-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-27T14:12:06+01:00\">27 May, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is sales order management: How to optimise sales order processing\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-18419 post type-post status-publish format-audio has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers tag-grow-business tag-start-business tag-sound-advice-podcast tag-startup-stories post_format-post-format-audio business_type-small-business industry-ecommerce\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sound-sdvice-started-business-with-spice-girl-christopher-money\/?scroll=1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/05\/Blog_S3_Ep8-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Christopher Money and Emma Bunton\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/05\/Blog_S3_Ep8-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/05\/Blog_S3_Ep8-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/05\/Blog_S3_Ep8-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M9.75 1.5C8.793 1.5 8 2.293 8 3.25v8.377a.8.8 0 0 0 0 .243v4.38c0 .957.793 1.75 1.75 1.75h5.5c.957 0 1.75-.792 1.75-1.75v-4.377a.8.8 0 0 0 0-.243V3.25c0-.957-.792-1.75-1.75-1.75zm0 1.5h5.5c.147 0 .25.102.25.25V11h-6V3.25c0-.148.102-.25.25-.25m-4.012 7.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v4.5A4.76 4.76 0 0 0 9.749 21h2v2a.76.76 0 0 0 .216.537.74.74 0 0 0 .534.223.76.76 0 0 0 .535-.223.74.74 0 0 0 .216-.537v-2h2A4.76 4.76 0 0 0 20 16.25v-4.5a.76.76 0 0 0-.216-.537.74.74 0 0 0-.535-.223.75.75 0 0 0-.75.76v4.5a3.24 3.24 0 0 1-3.25 3.25h-5.5a3.24 3.24 0 0 1-3.25-3.25v-4.5a.755.755 0 0 0-.469-.707.8.8 0 0 0-.293-.055zM9.5 12.5h6v3.75c0 .147-.102.25-.25.25h-5.5a.24.24 0 0 1-.25-.25zm3 1a.997.997 0 0 0-1 1 .997.997 0 0 0 1 1 .997.997 0 0 0 1-1 .997.997 0 0 0-1-1\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-21T15:30:08+01:00\">21 May, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">31 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tI started a business with a Spice Girl\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover practical ways to cut costs, save time, and grow sustainably with insights from Sage, Smart Energy GB, and industry experts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1672,"featured_media":11399,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":true,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,6],"tags":[15],"business_type":[4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[73,74,75],"imagine_tag":[309,328,91,334],"coauthors":[629],"class_list":["post-25102","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth-customers","category-money-matters","tag-grow-business","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Conrad Langridge","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-530281091.jpg","imagine_tags":{"309":"AI Hub","328":"AI small","91":"Growing 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