10 Reasons to feel positive this Autumn as a small business owner.

In a world that's fed its news via algorithms that also feed on a human negativity bias, it feels quite a rebellious act to be writing about positivity and being hopeful in the latter stages of 2025.

Despite most often hearing about what's going wrong in the world of economics and business, there is, in fact, a lot going right. Not perfect, but right. I hope that this article, at least gives you permission to seek out some good news, feel a little brighter and harness your inner rebel to not believe all the miserable hype.

Here are my top 10 reasons to feel positive, or at least adopt a positive mindset, as a small, micro business owner in Britain this Autumn:

1. We're a sizeable & influential gang! There are around 5.2 million micro sized (0-9 employee sized businesses) in Britain that make up 96% of all private enterprise & delivers about 24% of annual turnover to the UK. If you've ever felt small, insignificant, without voice or simply overlooked, please look around and be inspired by the company you keep.

2. Love is here to stay. Dopamine addicted as we might be by mesmerising feeds & tempting algorithms, the thing that humans really need and crave is a feeling of love & connection and it's not going out of fashion. Thank f**k that this is what small business is built on. Love & care for people, places, planet, purpose, customer relations, conversations & more.

3. Running a business has never been easier. Whatever you might feel about digital & AI, access to free, easy & useable tech, systems and speedy solutions has never been better. From simple websites to selling online, from simple automation to free socials. Yes, we need to be mindful of how tech is evolving, but there's a lot to be excited about.

4. We are leading the way in sustainability. Even for those of you not identifying as sustainable businesses, small micros are naturally showing the world what climate friendly business looks like. Think localised businesses, short supply chains, transparent supply chains, energy efficiency, waste consciousness, people centred, community focussed & authentic customer relationships - all at the heart of small business.

5. Lightfooted & agile. Most business come a-cropper when they fail to notice changing markets, are reliant on fixed costs or how customers are changing (to name a few), but small micros are lighter on their feet & more adaptable. Regardless of the world around us, small businesses are always best placed to ride the waves than be sunk by them.

6. Collaboration is both King & Queen. Of course we have competition but most small micros adopt a 'collaborate first' approach over isolation & secretiveness. What better way to feel positive about business than knowing there are 5.2 million other businesses we can work with, share challenges, evolve products and services, lean on & learn from.

7. Bootstrap heroes. Small micro business owners are bloody brilliant at lots of things, but masterful at bootstrapping to make things work. Swapping skills, recycling ideas and stuff, reducing costs, going online, working from a shed, doing a 5-9 as well as a 9-5. Remember to keep your head up and your ears attuned and you'll never be without the next step.

8. Bunch of do gooders. Small, micro businesses are fabulous do gooders. Giving back to communities, donating stock and spares, helping those in need, collecting for charity, making a difference, offering flexible work, supporting young people to up-skill...the list is gloriously long.

9. Customers really want us. Of course customers want some Amazon convenience & cheap solutions in their life, but that's not our problem. We take up a different place in their hearts. Time and again, what customers ask for is great service, high quality products, beautiful places to visit, delicious home made food, memorable experiences, meaningful learning, genuine support with their health, someone to mend their stuff and more. Small businesses remain, and always will, THE best people to deliver all this by the bucket load.

10. Unlocking our own potential. Being a small, micro business owner has repeatedly facilitated more creative, more productive & more flexible lives. Small businesses are allowing people to step away from stressful, rigid & grindingly draining jobs to fulfil dreams and deliver meaningful purpose, not to mention an easier way to take care of families, remain healthier and safeguard wellbeing & mental health.

If you're building a life you love more, or planning to, we invite you to take a look at our Simply Club community which provides 24/7 tailored support & comradeship on your journey.