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Practical Steps to Boost Business Resilience & Confidence
The first half of 2025 has been tough for many UK small business owners. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) recently reported that small business confidence is at an all-time low*. It’s costing more for SMEs to employ people, and freelancers and the self-employed are facing rising costs and a downturn in customers. Combined with unpredictable market conditions, it can feel like you’re wading through treacle. But there is some good news: there are practical steps you can take now to feel more in control. With preparedness comes confidence, and by making small, focused changes, you can strengthen your business and your mindset. In this article, we look at six practical steps to boost business resilience and confidence and regain control in challenging times.
Step 1. Review Your Business Model: Are You Delivering Value?
As a business owner, it’s all too easy to slip into a routine of putting out fires rather than stopping to reflect. But one of the most powerful things you can do is review your business model and ask: “Am I delivering real value to my customers?”
Assess your core offering:
- Is it still relevant? Customer needs evolve quickly, especially in uncertain times. Are your products or services still solving their biggest problems?
- Can you adapt? Small changes, such as adding a new service tier, creating slightly different packages, or offering flexible pricing, can help meet any new needs your customers may have.
Review your pricing strategy
Many small businesses are reluctant to change prices for fear of losing customers, but underpricing can be just as damaging. Reassess your costs, competitors, and perceived value. Even if a price increase isn’t possible, consider where you can add value (such as offering a loyalty bonus or free resources) to strengthen customer relationships. If you’re a freelancer falling victim to clients’ budget cuts, explore offering slightly lower-cost packages or retainer services that give them ongoing support, yet provide you with more consistent income.
Step 2. Improve Your Productivity: Work Smarter, Not Just Harder
Do you feel like you’re working harder but seeing less return? That’s where improving productivity can make a real difference.
Streamline processes with digital tools
Review how you spend your time. Are you getting bogged down in admin when you could be focusing on income-generating activities instead? Explore using Xero or QuickBooks for accounting, Buffer for social media scheduling, Grammarly for writing assistance, Calendly for diary management, or Mailchimp for email automation. Read more about productivity tools in our blog.
Utilise AI to automate tasks & give greater insights
Love it or hate it, AI’s rapid advancements mean there’s never been a better time to automate business tasks using affordable software. Microsoft’s Power Platform enables you to create custom applications and processes, automate workflows, and analyse data, and you don’t need a degree in coding to do it. Just a short training course will equip you or your team with all the knowledge you need to get started. See if you’re eligible for free training through one of our funded business support programmes.
Invest in your team to improve efficiency
If you have employees, invest in their development. Even an inexpensive, short online course can improve skills and reduce errors. Talk to them about what kind of training might be particularly useful for streamlining their regular tasks. And schedule check-ins to see how they’re getting on with their training and how it’s proving useful.
Step 3. Save on Energy: Big and Small Changes Matter
Energy costs remain a major concern for UK businesses, especially with unpredictable market pricing. Finding ways to save doesn’t just help the bottom line – it also gives you a sense of control over expenses.
Quick wins:
- Switch to LED lighting: LEDs use up to 80% less energy than traditional lighting, and they create a more comfortable working environment.
- Turn off unused equipment: Even small devices left on standby add up over time.
- Install a smart thermostat: Smart devices can learn from your behaviours, provide information on how much energy you’re using and enable remote temperature control.
Even if your business operates from home, these energy savings can have a noticeable impact and help reduce financial pressures.
Bigger investments:
- Perform a carbon audit and consider more sustainable options
Whether you use an online carbon calculator or opt for a more detailed consultation, a carbon audit provides valuable insights into where you can improve your energy efficiency, save costs, and achieve Net Zero milestones. - Consider renewable options, such as solar panels, which often have grant funding available through local government schemes. One example of this is the East Devon Carbon Action Fund. There are many more similar funds available nationwide. Visit your local authority’s website to see what they currently offer.
- Review energy supplier contracts: Are you on the best tariff? Energy brokers can often find better deals.
Take one more step towards Net Zero
According to the British Business Bank, while smaller businesses account for around half of all UK business-driven emissions, 94% have taken at least one action to reduce their environmental impact.**
If you’re yet to make a start or you’re feeling a little left behind in terms of sustainability, it’s never too late. Even the smallest steps are steps in the right direction. Start by understanding the Net Zero terminology with our handy guide, and then see if you’re eligible for any free business sustainability advice. Are you based in the South West? Take a look at our current funded programmes.
Step 4. Focus on Customer Loyalty: Keep Your Base Strong
When times are tough, winning new customers can feel harder. That’s why focusing on existing customer loyalty is essential. Loyal customers spend more, refer others, and provide stability when markets shift.
How to build loyalty
- Communicate regularly: Keep your customers informed about updates, offers, or helpful advice through email newsletters or social media.
- Reward loyalty: Even small gestures like discount vouchers, exclusive previews, or thank-you notes can make a difference.
- Seek feedback: Ask your customers what’s working and what could be improved. This shows customers that their opinions matter, and also opens up opportunities for you to build on your value-driven offering.
Take a look at our in-depth guide on how to build customer loyalty here.
Step 5. Seek Support
Running a small business can feel lonely, especially when confidence is low. But you don’t have to face these challenges in isolation.
Professional support
- Get free business advice
Yes, there is such a thing as free advice, and with us, there’s no catch. We’re a social enterprise, which means we are funded by public and private sector partners to provide free support to small businesses and individuals just like you. - Accountants can help with financial planning and spotting growth opportunities. Mentors and coaches can offer perspective and practical guidance.
Peer support
Join local business networks, online groups, or sector-specific forums. Sharing experiences with people who “get it” can boost your morale and give you fresh ideas.
Mental wellbeing
Low confidence often goes hand in hand with stress. Remember to look after yourself: take regular breaks, talk openly with someone you trust, and consider support like the Federation of Small Business’ mental health helpline, or resources from Mind and other UK charities.
Step 6. Focus on Small Wins to Build Momentum
Big turnarounds don’t happen overnight. Confidence builds gradually, often from a series of small wins such as landing a new client or contract, improving cash flow or receiving positive customer feedback.
Celebrate these achievements and keep track of them. Reflecting on what’s working well can be a powerful antidote to uncertainty.
Final thoughts
The first half of 2025 has tested small businesses across the UK, with many freelancers, sole traders, and SMEs feeling the strain. But while external challenges remain, there are actions you can take to remain buoyant and feel more in control:
- Review your business model and focus on delivering clear value.
- Improve productivity and reduce unnecessary costs.
- Find ways, big and small, to save on energy.
- Strengthen customer loyalty and your support network.
- Get some free business advice or a mentor, speak to your accountant or connect with other industry contacts to feel supported.
With preparation comes confidence. Take small, focused steps, seek advice where needed, and keep sight of your achievements. By doing so, you can face the second half of the year (and beyond) feeling more prepared, more resilient, and more confident in your business.
Are you a business owner in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset or Dorset? Would you like some free advice on any of the areas covered in this article, or on any other business challenges you’re facing? We’re here to help. Take a look at our current business support programmes here to see what’s available right now and to check your eligibility.
* Federation of Small Businesses, Headline Confidence Measure Q2 2025: FSB press release 13.07.25
** Smaller Businesses Reveal their Path to Net Zero: British Business Bank
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