Marketing isn’t just about selling. Not anymore.

In a world of endless noise, what cuts through isn’t clever copy or flashy design — it’s meaning. Emotional connection. A story people can see themselves in.

If your business is driven by values — if you’re here to do more than just make money — then your marketing has to reflect that. Not in a box-ticking kind of way, but in every touchpoint. Every post. Every product description. Every conversation.

Because when your ethos shines through everything you do, people don’t just buy from you — they believe in you.

Here’s how to start turning your business into a movement:

1. Start with your “why” — and say it clearly

Don’t make people dig for your purpose. Lead with it.
What’s the change you’re here to make? What matters to you, really?

At Seedball, we don’t just talk about wildflowers. We talk about bees, biodiversity loss, children connecting with nature, urban rewilding. It’s not about the product — it’s about the mission. That’s what people feel.

Write your “why” in language your audience understands. No jargon. No fluff. Just heart.

2. Make your customer the hero

This is where most values-led businesses slip up. You’ve got the big vision, but you forget the golden rule of storytelling: it’s not about you.

Frame your brand story so your customer is the one making the impact.
“You’re helping save the bees.”
“You’re part of a community growing change.”
“You’re rewilding the world, one garden at a time.”

Invite them into the mission — make them feel part of something bigger.

3. Use emotion, not guilt

Guilt is a dead end. People are overwhelmed enough.

Instead, give them hope. Joy. Empowerment. That’s what builds loyalty. That’s what sparks movement.

Values-based messaging works best when it inspires. When it uplifts. When it feels real and personal.

4. Show the messy middle

People don’t want perfection. They want truth. Be honest about where you’re learning, evolving, or falling short. Share behind-the-scenes moments, raw reflections, or big questions you’re still figuring out.

This builds trust. And trust builds movements.

5. Be consistent — across everything

Meaning isn’t just a message — it’s a way of being.
Your social posts. Your packaging. Your partnerships. Your customer service. Your internal culture. It all matters.

Every touchpoint is an opportunity to reinforce your ethos and invite deeper connection.

The bottom line?

Marketing with meaning isn’t a strategy. It’s a stand.

It’s about showing up with integrity, leading with purpose, and building something people genuinely want to be part of.

Because the most powerful marketing isn’t persuasive — it’s magnetic.

And if you’re building a business with heart, your story deserves to be told.

One of the biggest myths in business is that change takes time.

Yes, structural change. Legislative change. Global systems change — all of that can feel slow and immovable. But entrepreneurs? We move differently.

Agility is our superpower.
And when we use it with intention, we can become a force for radical, immediate good.

Unlike large corporations weighed down by red tape and hierarchy, small businesses and entrepreneurs can pivot fast. We can test, tweak, and transform in real time — and that speed isn’t just a competitive advantage. It’s a tool for impact.

Want to switch to compostable packaging? You don’t need a boardroom vote — you just do it.
Want to align with a charity that reflects your values? That partnership can be live in a week.
Want to shift your messaging to speak directly to a crisis moment? You can respond before the news cycle even turns.

That’s the power of being small and mission-led. You’re flexible by design. And in today’s world, that’s not just valuable — it’s vital.

We’re living through climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and rising inequality. The stakes are real. But so is the opportunity. We don’t have to wait for institutions to catch up. We can build the future through the businesses we’re creating right now.

I’ve seen it at Seedball — every time we launch a new campaign, we ask: Does this serve our mission? Does this make wildflowers easier to grow? Does this support the bees, the butterflies, the soil, the people planting them? If the answer is yes, we move. Quickly. Boldly. We test ideas, we get feedback, we evolve.

That’s what agility looks like: not chaos, but consciousness. Not rushing, but responding.

And this isn’t limited to eco-businesses. Whatever sector you’re in, your ability to move with purpose can be your edge. You can integrate inclusion, accessibility, environmental responsibility, and community support — all faster than a slow-moving giant ever could.

So if you’ve ever felt like you’re “just” a small business — remember this:

Small is nimble.
Nimble is powerful.
And purpose-led agility can change the world.

You don’t need millions in funding to make an impact. You need clarity of vision, a willingness to act, and the courage to course-correct as you go.

Because the future won’t be built by the slowest.
It’ll be built by the boldest.

And that might just be you.

We’ve been sold a narrow version of success.

For too long, business has been framed as a numbers game. Revenue. Growth. Exit strategy. The goal was always more — more turnover, more scale, more market domination. But what if we’ve been measuring the wrong things all along?

What if real success isn’t just about how much you make — but about how much good you do?

This isn’t some idealistic dream. It’s a very real, very practical shift happening right now. We’re entering a new era of business — one where purpose is no longer an afterthought or a CSR tick box, but the foundation of a brand’s identity.

Because here’s the truth: profit and purpose aren’t opposites. In fact, when they’re aligned, they create something far more powerful.

Take Patagonia, for example. They didn’t just build an outdoor clothing company — they built a movement. They’ve donated millions to environmental causes, designed products to last longer, and even told customers not to buy new if they don’t need it. And what happened? Their revenue soared. Because people trust authenticity. They reward values.

Or look at Beyond Meat. A business born out of a desire to tackle climate change, health crises, and animal welfare. They innovated. Took risks. And now they’re in supermarkets around the world, reshaping how people eat — and reducing the environmental footprint of the food industry along the way.

And then there’s Ecotricity, which took on the energy giants by building a clean, green alternative. Their mission wasn’t just to sell electricity — it was to accelerate the UK’s transition to renewables. Purpose first. And now? A loyal customer base, national recognition, and genuine policy influence.

Each of these businesses started with why. Not "how do we make the most money?" but "what’s the change we want to create?"

That’s the real power of mission-led business. It gives people something to believe in — something to belong to. And in a world craving meaning and connection, that’s not just nice to have. It’s essential.

At Seedball, we’ve seen this firsthand. Our wildflower seedballs are about more than gardening — they’re a tiny act of environmental rebellion. A chance to rewild urban spaces, support pollinators, and reconnect with the land beneath our feet. Every sale carries that purpose. And that purpose is what sustains us.

So maybe it’s time to ask a bigger question:
What does success mean to you — and who does it serve?

Because the most successful businesses of the future won’t be the loudest or the largest.

They’ll be the ones that made the world a little better — and brought people along for the journey.

We live in a culture that worships momentum.
Keep going. Push through. Stay visible. Hustle harder.

But sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do — for your business, your vision, and your nervous system — is to pause.

Not quit. Not collapse. Just… pause.

Because not all growth is visible.
And not all progress looks like productivity.

In my own journey — as an entrepreneur, a creative, a parent, a partner — the moments that changed everything weren’t the loud ones. They were the quiet ones. The decision to step back. Breathe. Reassess. Let go of the noise so I could finally hear myself again.

The pause is where clarity lives.
It’s where old stories dissolve.
It’s where new ideas find you.

Why we fear the pause

For so many of us, pausing feels dangerous.
It triggers scarcity. Insecurity. That creeping fear that if we stop, we’ll lose our place. That someone else will overtake us. That we’ll become irrelevant.

But here’s what’s actually true:

When you step back with intention, you return stronger.
Wiser. Sharper. More connected to what matters.

Because burnout isn’t a badge of honour.
And being busy isn’t the same as being effective.

What the pause creates

• Perspective. When you're constantly “in it,” it’s hard to see the bigger picture. Stepping back creates space for insight.

• Healing. Emotional, physical, or creative — the pause is where restoration happens.

• Innovation. Stillness births ideas. The best strategies I’ve ever designed came after I stopped forcing them.

How to build the pause into your life

This doesn’t mean disappearing for six months (unless you want to). Sometimes the most powerful pause is five minutes. Sometimes it’s a weekend off email. Sometimes it’s turning your phone off while you walk your dog.

Start small:

• Block out one morning a week for visioning instead of doing.

• Take one full day a month off the grid to listen to your inner voice.

• Build in buffers between intense meetings or emotional events.

The point isn’t the length. It’s the intention.

So if you're at a crossroads…

If something feels off…
If you’re tired in a way rest doesn’t fix…
If your business is no longer aligned with the life you actually want…

Pause.
Not because you’re behind.
But because you’re wise enough to realign.

Because sometimes the next level of your life or business isn’t found by running harder —
It’s found by stopping. Listening. And choosing to move forward differently.

Most people have heard of AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, or Microsoft’s Copilot — and plenty of investors are already using them. But the truth is, AI isn’t about to replace you. What’s happening, though, is that the people who know how to use AI effectively are gaining a serious advantage over those who don’t.

If you’re working with the BRR (Buy, Refurbish, Refinance) model, ChatGPT can help you spot opportunities, create professional investor updates, and streamline communication with agents — all in a fraction of the time it would take manually.

Here’s how you can use ChatGPT to sharpen your property strategy, save time, and boost your returns.

Why ChatGPT is a Game-Changer for Property Investors

ChatGPT is essentially a highly skilled assistant that works 24/7. Once you learn how to prompt it properly, it can handle repetitive tasks and free up your time to focus on growing your portfolio.

Here’s how it can help you as a property investor:

• Analyse BRR Deals – Quickly calculate ROI, cash flow, and refinancing potential.

• Write Professional Emails – Save time when chasing up agents, brokers, and solicitors.

• Create Investor Reports – Generate clear, professional updates that build trust and credibility.

• Produce Social Media Content – Build authority and attract JV (joint venture) partners.

• Summarise Market Reports – Skip the reading and focus on the insights that matter.

• Analyse mortgage/briding documents

The best part? ChatGPT gives you the ability to work more efficiently without sacrificing quality — so you can scale faster and focus on closing deals.

How to Get the Best Out of ChatGPT

The key to using ChatGPT effectively is knowing how to prompt it. The clearer you are, the better the output. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Be Direct and Specific

Give ChatGPT all the details it needs upfront. For example:
“Analyse this BRR deal: purchase price £150k, refurb £20k, refinance value £220k. Work out ROI and monthly cash flow based on a 5% mortgage rate and £750 rental income.”

2. Refine Until It’s Right

ChatGPT doesn’t always get it right the first time — but you can easily adjust it:
“That’s useful, but adjust for £3,000 stamp duty and £2,000 legal fees. What’s the updated ROI?”

3. Assign a Role

Ask ChatGPT to act like an expert in a specific field:
“Act as a professional property investor with BRR experience. Analyse this deal and give me key insights.”

4. Let It Ask You Questions

Instead of giving all the details upfront, ask ChatGPT to ask you questions:
“I’m looking at a BRR deal. Ask me the details you need to calculate ROI and cash flow.”

Example: Analysing a BRR Deal

Let’s say you’ve found a property listed at £150,000 that needs a £20,000 refurb. After the refurb, you expect to refinance at £220,000. You want to know how much cash you’ll have left in the deal and what the ROI will be.

Prompt:

"I’m looking at a BRR deal. The property price is £150,000, the refurb cost is £20,000, and the expected post-refurb value is £220,000. I’ll refinance at 75% LTV. Work out the ROI and monthly cash flow based on a 5% interest rate and £750 rental income.”

ChatGPT’s Response:

1. Purchase + refurb costs = £150,000 + £20,000 = £170,000

2. Refinanced amount at 75% LTV = £220,000 x 0.75 = £165,000

3. Money left in the deal = £170,000 - £165,000 = £5,000

4. Monthly mortgage payment at 5% interest = £165,000 x 0.05 ÷ 12 ≈ £687.50

5. Monthly cash flow = £750 - £687.50 = £62.50

6. ROI = (£62.50 x 12) ÷ £5,000 ≈ 15%

Refined Prompt:

"Now add in £3,000 stamp duty and £2,000 legal fees. How does that change the ROI?"

ChatGPT will adjust the calculation instantly — saving you the headache of doing it manually.

Creating Social Media Content to Attract Investors

Building a portfolio means building visibility. ChatGPT can help you create social media content that positions you as an expert and attracts JV partners.

Prompt:

"Write a LinkedIn post about my latest BRR deal. Include key details: purchase price £150k, refurb £20k, refinance at £220k, leaving £5k in the deal with 15% ROI. Make it engaging and professional.”

ChatGPT’s Response:

🚀 Latest BRR Deal Closed! 🚀
Just wrapped up another successful BRR deal!
✅ Purchase price: £150,000
✅ Refurb cost: £20,000
✅ Refinance at: £220,000
✅ Money left in: £5,000
✅ Monthly cash flow: £62.50
✅ ROI: 15%
This is why I love the BRR model — strategic investing at its best. If you’re interested in working together on future deals, drop me a DM!

Writing Professional Emails to Agents

ChatGPT can also draft professional, high-quality emails to agents — saving you time while maintaining a professional tone.

Prompt:

"Write a professional email to an estate agent asking for more details about a property listed at £150,000. Mention that I’m a cash buyer and can complete quickly.”

ChatGPT’s Response:

Subject: Enquiry Regarding Property at £150,000

Dear [Agent's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m very interested in the property listed at £150,000. I’m a cash buyer and can proceed with a quick purchase. Could you please provide more details, including any recent surveys and the vendor’s expectations?

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

Summarising Market Reports

Instead of reading through 30-page market reports, let ChatGPT pull out the key insights for you:

Prompt:

"Summarise the key takeaways from this market report. Focus on rental yield trends and property price forecasts.”

ChatGPT will extract the most relevant information and organise it into clear bullet points — saving you time and helping you make faster decisions.

Creating a Business Plan for a BRR Deal

Need a business plan for an investor or mortgage application? ChatGPT can produce a structured, professional business plan in minutes:

Prompt:

"Create a business plan for a BRR strategy. Include target ROI, estimated refurb costs, and projected cash flow.”

ChatGPT will produce:

• Executive summary

• Financial projections

• Market analysis

• Exit strategy

This would take hours to write manually — ChatGPT will generate it in minutes.

Keep the Human Touch

ChatGPT is powerful — but it’s not perfect. Always check the numbers and make sure the tone and style match your brand. AI can save you time and give you a strategic edge — but your experience and instincts are still key.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from building multiple businesses, it’s that more income streams don’t automatically mean more freedom — unless you structure them right.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, but my path to creating multiple income streams started long before my current businesses. In my academic career, I was trained to think strategically. in creating Fast Track Impact with Prof Mark reed we created structured systems that delivered consistent results. That foundation shaped how I approached all future business — and how I learned to build income streams that worked for me, rather than draining me.

At one point, I was balancing multiple businesses, property investment, pregnant and parenting young twins — and for a while, I did what a lot of entrepreneurs do: I worked harder. More hours, more effort, more mental load. It nearly broke me. I wasn’t sleeping enough, constantly firefighting problems, and feeling like I was barely keeping my head above water. It wasn’t sustainable, it took a really long time to emerge from — and I knew something had to change.

Here’s what I learned about building multiple income streams without burning out:

1. Build One Strong Foundation First

Seedball succeeded because we didn’t try to do everything at once. We started with one product, one mission, and one clear strategy. Only once that foundation was stable did we expand — new products, partnerships, and outreach. The same principle applied to property investment. I didn’t dive into multiple strategies — I built up my knowledge, focussed on one strategy and one post code and also built cash flow gradually.

Too many entrepreneurs try to build everything at once — multiple offers, different business models, new revenue streams. That’s a fast track to burnout. Start with one, establish the systems, and once it’s running efficiently, then expand.

2. Create Systems, Not Workloads

When businesses grew, I realised it wasn’t because I worked harder — it was because I built better systems. Social media was automated. Supply chains were streamlined. Customer service was handled through clear processes. The same applied to property. Once I created a structure for how I sourced, financed, and managed properties, it became repeatable — and scalable.

If your business relies on you being present 24/7, it’s not scalable. Systems create breathing room — and that’s what allows you to expand without exhaustion.

3. Diversify Smartly, Not Desperately

Adding income streams just for the sake of it is dangerous. When we expanded Seedball’s product range, it wasn’t just about variety — it was about increasing customer lifetime value and reinforcing the brand’s core mission.

The same with property — I focused on high-yield, low-maintenance strategies because they aligned with my long-term goals. Emergency housing provided both social impact and stable income. Each stream was intentional and strategic — not reactive.

4. Protect Your Energy Like It’s a Business Asset

Your mental and emotional energy is finite. I learned the hard way that working harder doesn’t always create better outcomes. Building multiple businesses means protecting your energy as fiercely as your profit margins.

That meant stepping back when I needed to, delegating more, and giving myself permission to rest without guilt. Some of the biggest breakthroughs came when I wasn’t working — because space creates clarity.

5. Align Income Streams with Purpose

This is the real key. Seedball worked because it was never just about sales — it was about restoring biodiversity. Emergency housing worked because it was about creating stability for vulnerable people.

When your income streams align with a deeper purpose, they fuel you instead of draining you. That’s why I’ve been able to sustain and scale multiple businesses — because they aren’t just financial goals; they’re meaningful work.

Takeaway:

Building multiple income streams without burning out isn’t about doing more — it’s about building smarter. Start with one strong foundation, create repeatable systems, and protect your energy. Most importantly, align your income streams with your values. When your work feels meaningful, it stops being just business — and that’s when you find real freedom.

Let’s be honest — most business advice isn’t built for real humans.

It’s built for machines.
For people who never crash. Never freeze. Never spiral into panic at 3 a.m. or stare blankly at their laptop after a hard conversation.
It’s built for systems, not nervous systems.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned — often the hard way:

Your nervous system is the foundation of your business.
Not your branding. Not your productivity hacks. Not your revenue goals.

You can’t build sustainably on dysregulation. You can’t lead when you’re in survival mode. And you definitely can’t create your most impactful work from a place of chronic stress.

So what if we stopped trying to force ourselves into “high-performance” models that leave us burnt out — and started building businesses that fit who we actually are?

This is life by design — but not just in the Pinterest-perfect sense.
I’m talking about structuring your days, your offers, your team, and your energy around your nervous system.

Here’s what that’s looked like for me:

1. I designed my week for recovery, not just output.
Mondays are for strategy. Mornings for nature. No work after school pick-up. No weekends.
This isn’t laziness — it’s longevity. It’s nervous system care built into the calendar.

2. I built in buffers around triggering work.
If I’m dealing with a conflict, finances, or family dynamics that activate my trauma response — I allow extra time after. I don’t book back-to-back calls. I walk. I breathe. I regulate. Then I return.

3. I choose business models that don’t rely on constant escalation.
I’m not chasing the adrenaline-fuelled, launch-every-month chaos. I’m choosing recurring income. Slow scaling. Sustainable offers. Work that energizes rather than exhausts.

4. I track my signals.
Shaking hands? Time to slow down. Brain fog? Time to rest. Resistance? Time to listen.
When you lead a business, your body is data. Learn to read it.

Nervous system leadership is business leadership.

This isn’t about working less — it’s about working smarter, kinder, truer.
It’s about building a business that supports your actual life — not one that consumes it.

Because if your business relies on you pushing through constant dysregulation to function, it’s not sustainable.
And deep down, you already know that.

Imagine instead:
A business that grows with your energy, not against it.
A structure that honours your sensitivity as a strength, not a flaw.
A life that feels like yours — not just something you manage in the margins.

You deserve that. We all do.

So next time you map out your goals, don’t just ask:
“What do I want to build?”

Ask:
“What does my nervous system need in order to thrive while I build it?”

That’s where real impact begins.

So, I never started my businesses to make money. Of course, profit matters — it’s what allows you to grow, reinvest, and expand your reach — but for me, business has always been about making a difference. When we founded Seedball, the goal wasn’t just to sell a product — it was to create a positive environmental impact and help restore biodiversity. And with my emergency housing business, it was never about property — it was about providing stability and safety for people who desperately needed it. Profit has always been a tool, not the goal.

That’s the core of “profit with purpose.” Too many businesses focus solely on financial growth without considering the broader social and environmental consequences. But the most successful, resilient businesses today are the ones that integrate purpose into their core. When you align profit with environmental and social impact, you build a business that not only survives — but thrives.

Building a Purpose-Driven Business

Seedball started small. We didn’t have external funding or huge resources — we just had a clear mission: to make it easier for people to grow wildflowers and support pollinators. That purpose has driven every decision, from the materials we use (sustainable clay and seeds) to our outreach efforts (giving Seedballs to over 300 schools to teach kids about biodiversity)​.

We even reinvested profits into buying land, turning it into nature reserves — a tangible impact beyond just business success. That’s the power of aligning purpose with profit. Every Seedball sold isn’t just a product — it’s a small step toward reversing biodiversity loss.

Emergency Housing followed a similar path. After working in property investment, I realised how many people were slipping through the cracks — stuck in temporary accommodation with no stability. That’s why I started providing emergency housing — not just as a business opportunity, but as a way to make a difference. Profit allowed us to buy more properties, which meant more people housed and more lives changed. It’s a direct, measurable impact.

Why Profit and Purpose Work Better Together

Here’s the thing: businesses that align with a larger mission tend to perform better over the long term. Consumers are shifting toward value-driven spending — they want to know that their money is supporting businesses that care about more than just the bottom line. Studies show that purpose-driven brands build deeper customer loyalty and trust — because people want to feel like they’re part of something bigger​.

But it’s not just about external success — internally, purpose drives better business decisions. When you’re clear on your mission, it becomes easier to make strategic choices, set priorities, and build a culture where people feel motivated and aligned. At Seedball, the mission isn’t just about sales — it’s about the bigger picture of environmental restoration. That clarity makes it easier to decide where to invest, what products to develop, and how to communicate with customers.

How to Align Profit and Purpose

1. Start with Why – If profit is your only motivator, you’ll burn out or lose direction. Define the impact you want to make and build your strategy around it.

2. Measure Impact, Not Just Revenue – Track the social and environmental outcomes of your work — not just the financial results. For Seedball, that’s biodiversity and educational outreach. For Emergency Housing, it’s the number of people we’ve provided stable housing to.

3. Communicate Your Mission – Purpose-driven businesses thrive when customers understand and connect with the mission. Make it part of your brand story — it’s not just about what you sell, but why you sell it.

4. Reinvest in the Mission – Profit fuels impact. Use financial success to deepen your social and environmental contributions.

Purpose as the Ultimate Differentiator

In a competitive market, purpose isn’t just a feel-good strategy — it’s a business advantage. When your business is rooted in a clear mission, it becomes harder for competitors to replicate. That’s why Seedball has grown without losing sight of its values — and why Emergency Housing continues to thrive despite market challenges.

Profit with purpose isn’t about sacrificing financial success — it’s about using that success to drive meaningful change. And when you align business growth with positive impact, you don’t just build a profitable company — you build a legacy.

Something is shifting.

For decades, success in business was measured by one thing: profit. Growth at any cost. Bigger margins, more market share. But the world is changing — fast. And the entrepreneurs who thrive in this new landscape won’t be the ones chasing outdated metrics. They’ll be the ones building businesses that exist for something bigger.

The future of business is purpose-driven. Not just in theory, but in practice. We’re seeing a surge in companies that aren’t just minimising harm — they’re actively doing good. Businesses that understand we’re not separate from the planet, or from society. We’re part of it. Interconnected. Interdependent. And that means we carry responsibility and power.

When we launched Seedball, it wasn’t just about making wildflowers easy to grow. It was about biodiversity. About reconnecting people with nature. About rewilding gardens, balconies, windowsills — and in doing so, rewilding hearts. We’ve given away thousands of seedballs to schools, charities, and community groups. Not because it looks good on a pitch deck, but because it matters.

And it works. Purpose doesn’t dilute profit — it fuels it. When customers align with your mission, they become advocates. When your supply chain reflects your values, you attract partners who want to build with you. When your business is for something, it lasts.

This isn’t a luxury reserved for unicorns or startups with massive backing. It’s available to all of us. Whether you’re running a social enterprise, launching a side hustle, or leading a growing company — your purpose is your compass. And right now, with climate tipping points approaching and inequality widening, that compass has never mattered more.

We don’t need more products. We need better businesses. Businesses that restore, uplift, and regenerate. Businesses that help meet real human needs — without destroying the ecosystems we depend on.

So I’ll ask you the question I keep asking myself:

What problem are you really here to solve?

If you’re not sure, that’s okay. But now is the time to get clear. Because the world doesn’t need more noise. It needs people building with intention. People who are ready to leave a legacy that’s more than just numbers on a balance sheet.

The future belongs to the businesses brave enough to lead with purpose.

Are you ready?

We’ve always believed that small actions create big change — and Seedball is living proof of that. We’re still a small business. We’ve never had outside funding, no huge team or corporate backing — just a simple mission: to make it easy for people to grow wildflowers and support biodiversity. And despite being small, the impact Seedball has had is huge.

1. Rewilding One Garden at a Time

When we started Seedball, the goal was to reverse some of the damage caused by the loss of wildflower meadows — over 97% of them have been destroyed since World War II. The idea was simple: create easy-to-use seed balls that would help people grow wildflowers in their gardens, on balconies, or even in urban spaces. No green thumb required — just scatter, water, and let nature do the rest.

Thousands of customers have now planted Seedballs across the UK. That’s thousands of new pockets of biodiversity, creating habitats for pollinators and helping restore the natural balance. We’ve seen bees, butterflies, and insects returning to places they hadn’t been seen in years — all because of these small, simple actions.

2. Scaling with Integrity

We’ve grown steadily, but always with purpose. We’ve never taken on outside funding because we wanted to stay true to our mission — creating products that are genuinely good for the planet. That’s why when the time came to expand, we didn’t go for rapid growth — we bought land.

Owning our own land means we can protect it and grow more wildflowers, test new seed combinations. It was a massive ‘why’ for us!

3. Building a Community Around Impact

Seedball’s success isn’t just down to the product — it’s down to the people. Our customers aren’t just buyers — they’re part of the mission. Every time someone shares a photo of their wildflowers in bloom, it reinforces the idea that small changes matter.

Through social media, we’ve built a community of gardeners, conservationists, and people who just want to make a positive impact. That emotional connection drives real loyalty — customers return not just because the product works, but because they want to be part of the bigger story.

4. Small Business, Big Impact

Being a small business has never held us back. If anything, it’s been an advantage. We’ve been able to stay agile, make quick decisions, and stay close to our customers. While big brands are still figuring out how to talk about sustainability, we’ve been doing it from day one.

We’ve shown that you don’t need to be big to make a difference. You don’t need outside funding or a huge team. Purpose and consistency are enough — if you stick with them.

Takeaway:

Small changes drive big impact. Seedball proves that even a small business can create real environmental change. If you’re building a business — or just planting a garden — remember that small, consistent action is what changes the world.

Starting a business isn’t just about making money—it’s about making a difference. When I co-founded Seedball, the goal wasn’t to generate massive profits or scale quickly; it was about tackling the alarming loss of biodiversity in the UK. We were facing a crisis—one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world—and we knew we had to act. Business was simply the tool to drive that action.

From day one, Seedball was built with a mission-first mindset. We designed our product to make growing wildflowers easy for everyone, using clay and native seeds to restore habitats for pollinators. It wasn’t about creating a product to sell—it was about making an impact. And it worked. People responded. We started seeing wildflower gardens pop up in urban spaces, balconies, and schools. Seedball became more than a business, it became a movement.

But Seedball wasn’t my only venture. After seeing the impact that business could have, I turned my attention to another urgent social issue—housing. Through our Emergency Housing business, I began providing emergency accommodation for vulnerable families. Housing insecurity is a massive challenge in the UK, and I knew that creating a sustainable, mission-driven business model could help break the cycle. Every property secured was more than just a financial win—it meant safety, security, and a fresh start for someone in need.

What I’ve learned through both Seedball and through running Emergency Housing is that purpose and profit aren’t mutually exclusive. Businesses that solve social and environmental problems build deeper customer loyalty, create stronger communities, and ultimately drive long-term success. People want to support brands that reflect their values. They want to feel like their purchases and investments mean something.

The future of entrepreneurship isn’t in chasing the highest margins—it’s in building businesses that serve a higher purpose. That’s why “business for good” is the future. Traditional profit-first models are short-sighted. Businesses that put social and environmental impact at their core are more resilient, more adaptable, and more connected to their customers.

When Seedball started, it wasn’t just about building a business — it was about solving a problem. Wildflower meadows in the UK have declined by over 97% since World War II, and we wanted to do something about it. The idea was simple: create seed balls that make it easy for people to grow wildflowers and support biodiversity — even if they didn’t have a green thumb. The mission was clear from day one — and that’s exactly why it worked.

1. Purpose is the Foundation for Loyalty

People don’t just buy products; they buy into stories and values. Seedball isn’t just about wildflowers — it’s about contributing to a larger environmental movement. From the start, we positioned Seedball as a way for people to take action against the loss of biodiversity. This emotional connection is why customers keep coming back. When someone buys Seedball, they feel like they’re making a difference — and they are. That emotional payoff creates customer loyalty that no discount or clever ad campaign ever could.

Purpose-driven brands create a deeper sense of meaning — and customers feel that. They want to align their spending with their values, and Seedball gives them a way to do that effortlessly. It’s not just a product; it’s a statement.

2. Storytelling Drives Engagement

Our social media strategy was never just about product promotion — it was about storytelling. Every post, every campaign tied back to the same message: small actions create big change. When we showed the impact of customers’ planting efforts — wildflowers blooming, bees returning — engagement soared.

We didn’t have a massive ad budget. What we had was a consistent, authentic message — and that’s what built community. Customers didn’t just engage with Seedball; they became advocates for it. They shared their planting stories, tagged us in their progress, and contributed to the bigger mission. That level of organic engagement is the gold standard in marketing — and it came from leading with purpose.

3. Purpose = Longevity

Businesses focused purely on profit burn out fast. There’s only so much you can push without a deeper reason behind the work. Seedball’s purpose — to make a real environmental difference — is why it has lasted and grown. It’s also why customers keep coming back.

When you build a business around purpose, customers don’t just see you as a brand — they see you as a partner in something bigger. That’s why Seedball’s growth has been consistent even through market shifts. It’s not transactional; it’s emotional.

4. Scaling with Purpose Means Smarter Growth

It would have been easy to overproduce or push for rapid growth, but that would have compromised the mission. We scaled Seedball steadily, focusing on sustainable manufacturing and ethical supply chains. Growth was always tied to purpose — if a move didn’t align with the core mission, it didn’t happen. That strategic alignment is why Seedball remained profitable without losing its soul.

Takeaway:

The Seedball strategy wasn’t about chasing numbers — it was about building a business that aligned with a deeper mission. That’s why it worked. Purpose creates loyalty, drives organic growth, and gives your business staying power. When customers feel like they’re part of something bigger, they stick with you.

I scaled too hard. Built a property portfolio from scratch, started a joint venture partnership, started an emergency housing business, managed Seedball socials and scaling plans — all while raising a young family. And I burned out. Not because I didn’t have the right systems — I did. But I worked too hard, slept too little, and didn’t replenish enough.

When I stepped back and analysed it, the problem wasn’t strategy — it was energy. Here’s what I wish I’d done differently:

1. Stop Equating Hard Work with Success

More effort doesn’t always mean more results. At Seedball, when I focused on strategy and targeted social media instead of just working harder, sales improved without increasing stress. In property, when I focused on high-margin moves not just more moves my income increased, but my workload decreased.

2. Protect Your Energy Like It’s a Business Asset

Your capacity is finite. If you treat your time and energy like a resource, you’ll scale smarter — not harder. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a growth strategy. Some of my biggest breakthroughs happened when I gave myself space not when I pushed harder.

3. Delegate Before You Think You're Ready

I used to think no one could do it as well as me — but doing everything yourself will kill you. At Seedball, Em scaled operations when she started trusting the team, and I saw the same thing in property when I relied more on management.

Scaling isn’t about working more — it’s about working smarter and protecting your mental bandwidth. Success isn’t success if you don’t feel good living it.

Starting your own business can be one of the most rewarding adventures of your life. Your goal? To transform your vision into a successful company that not only thrives but scales to new heights. However, to achieve this, you need a solid foundation—a resilient business structure capable of withstanding growth. Without it, stagnation can easily set in. Let’s be honest, scaling isn’t for the faint-hearted.

To prepare your small business for its future as a formidable competitor—whatever your dreams may be—you’ll need to embrace a proven approach and commit to the process. So, how do you get started? Let’s explore the journey from your initial vision to tangible success and eventual growth.

1. Uncover Your Vision

As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, it’s essential to ask yourself some fundamental questions:

• What matters most to me?

• What is my purpose?

Your answers will guide you in monetising your passions, securing your future, and crafting a legacy that resonates. Think about what captivates your thoughts and brings you joy. What activities make time fly? Identifying pursuits that energise you and inspire a desire to uplift others is key.

Starting a business is a challenge that demands resilience. A clear and authentic vision aligned with your passions will anchor you during tough times and provide fulfilment as you celebrate your successes.

2. Build Your Business Around Your Passions

The themes that dominate your thoughts are ripe for business opportunities. These are the seeds from which you can monetise your unique talents while ensuring you have the stamina to face challenges ahead.

With your vision in mind, identify a problem that needs solving within your chosen field. Providing meaningful solutions to a specific audience is a powerful way to establish a successful business. Once you’ve identified the issue and developed a viable product concept, aim to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) quickly. Remember, your MVP doesn’t have to be perfect right away; start gathering insights through online surveys and research.

Once you’re confident in your idea, test it through a low-risk pilot venture. Gather feedback, and be open to evolving your concept—companies like Kodak and Rolls Royce adapted their business models over time. De-risk your offerings early, define your ideal customer, and assess your market size before launching.

3. Launch Your Business

Decide whether you need to secure intellectual property rights, licenses, or trademarks, and set up your business efficiently online. If your workload feels overwhelming, be honest about it. Consider bringing on partners, outsourcing, or hiring team members from the start.

During these formative stages, focus on understanding your costs, profit margins, and overheads. Be aware of your break-even point, maximum customer acquisition costs, and client lifetime value. Your business should be funded through cash flow, personal funds, loans, or equity, with your focus firmly on generating income—not expenses!

4. Create a Community and Network

Once your business is live, visibility is crucial. Without effective marketing, there are no leads, and without leads, there are no customers. This is where a multi-platform marketing strategy comes into play.

Utilise free social media channels—like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn—to expand your reach and establish your presence as a thought leader. Share valuable insights that go beyond simple advertising; your followers will appreciate your generosity and engage with you. Stay humble, express gratitude, and dedicate time to supporting others in your field.

Complement your free marketing efforts with targeted paid advertising, such as Google Ads or sponsored posts on social media. Explore various marketing channels, but focus your time and energy on those that yield results. By uniting your efforts across a receptive market, you’ll cultivate a community eager to engage with your brand whenever they need solutions to their challenges.

5. Develop Your Brand Identity

As your entrepreneurial journey progresses, it’s time to evolve your startup into a recognisable brand. Your marketing initiatives, combined with a commitment to delivering value, will solidify your reputation in your chosen field.

As your marketing strategy expands, build a capable team to manage various aspects of your business. If your success relies solely on your presence, it won’t scale, and you’ll remain tethered to the business without the freedom you seek.

6. Manage Yourself and Build a Stellar Team

Establishing a routine that aligns with your goals is essential for running an effective small business. Remember, you didn’t start this venture to manage every process indefinitely. Leverage your team and outsourced staff early on.

Navigating the complexities of business requires balance. Self-discipline, strategic partnerships, aligning passion with profession, and thoughtful self-promotion are just a few of the tactics you’ll employ. Monitor key performance indicators and revenue-generating tasks, and when everything aligns profitably, you’ll know it’s time to consider scaling.

This is Just the Beginning

What’s covered here is just the initial roadmap to launching a successful small business. While many voices caution against the challenges and high failure rates of startups, remember: these obstacles are real, but you can significantly enhance your chances of success by deepening your market knowledge, immersing yourself in entrepreneurial resources, and nurturing a network of peers and mentors.

If you’re looking for support on your journey, feel free to reach out!

We had an amazing time at New Scientist Live at London’s ExCel! Em ran our Seedball Rolling Workshops each day, joined by enthusiastic volunteers from the Royal Entomological Society (RES). The workshops were a huge hit, with families and visitors learning to make their own seedballs to support local pollinators. The kids and I loved being there on Saturday, helping out with every step.

The Royal Entomological Society (RES), founded in 1833, works to promote insect conservation and awareness—from bees and butterflies to beetles. We’ve teamed up with RES to create a special Seedball matchbox range, with 90p from each sale going to RES’s conservation work. It’s an easy way for people to start their own wildflower patches and support insects right at home!

New Scientist Live is one of the largest science festivals, filled with talks, hands-on activities, and innovative displays celebrating nature and science. This year, we met so many people curious about rewilding and conservation. If you missed us there, don’t worry! You can still find our RES matchboxes on our site here, filled with native wildflower seeds to help create pollinator-friendly spaces.

To everyone who stopped by, thank you! Let’s keep sowing the seeds for a brighter, buzzier, and more biodiverse world.

Despite what you may have heard BMV (below market value) deals do still exist!

If you’re navigating the current UK property market, you may have heard claims that BMV (Below Market Value) deals are a relic of the past. However, I’m here to tell you that these opportunities are still very much alive, and savvy investors can uncover significant advantages if they know where to look.

What Are BMV Deals?

At its core, BMV deals refer to properties sold for less than their current market value. This creates a fantastic opportunity for investors to purchase real estate at an attractive price point, allowing for potential profit through renovation or resale. In the UK, BMV deals can come in various forms, including:

• Distressed Properties: Homes that need substantial renovations often sell below market value. Investors with a vision can transform these properties into profitable investments.

• Motivated Sellers: Homeowners experiencing personal challenges, such as divorce or financial distress, may need to sell quickly and are often willing to accept lower offers.

• Repossessions and Corporate Sales: These properties are typically sold by lenders or financial institutions. While they might not be obvious at first glance, knowing what to look for can help you identify these hidden gems.

Spotting Repossessions

Identifying repossessions, often referred to as corporate sales in the UK, can sometimes be tricky. Here are some signs to look for during property viewings:

1. Check Sheets: Look for a check sheet or sign-in sheet in the kitchen area during viewings. This often indicates that the property is part of a corporate sale, hinting at a BMV opportunity.

2. 'Do Not Use' Tape: If you see 'do not use' tape in photos or notice it during the viewing, this can be a signal that the property is being managed as a repossession. Recognising these signs can position you to negotiate a better price.

Caution with Auction Properties

While auction properties can sometimes present BMV opportunities, it’s crucial to approach them with caution. Especially, the Modern Method of Auction can be misleading. The hidden fees associated with auction purchases can be extortionate, quickly diminishing any perceived savings.

From my experience, dealing with auction centres can be an endless hassle. The persistent phone calls from auction houses can be overwhelming and detract from the excitement of finding a new investment property. It’s essential to weigh these factors carefully before diving into the auction route.

Why BMV Deals Are Still Relevant in 2024

1. Dynamic Market Conditions: The UK property market is continuously changing. Economic fluctuations and shifting buyer demands create unique opportunities for investors willing to act.

2. Investor Strategies: Many investors actively hunt for BMV deals, utilising strategies ranging from networking with local estate agents to attending property auctions.

3. Networking: Building strong relationships with property professionals can give you insights into off-market deals. Collaborating with estate agents and fellow investors can provide valuable leads and information.

4. Innovative Financing Options: Explore creative financing methods that enable you to purchase properties below market value without significant upfront capital, such as lease options or joint ventures.

Important Considerations When Offering

If you identify a potential BMV deal, ensure you have your documentation ready. You'll need to gather all the necessary paperwork for anti-money laundering checks, including:

• Proof of Funds: This shows you have the financial backing to proceed with the purchase.

• Proof of Address: Utility bills or bank statements can serve this purpose.

• Driving Licence or Passport: A form of identification is essential to verify your identity.

How to Find BMV Deals

If you’re eager to explore BMV deals, consider these actionable steps:

• Research Local Markets: Familiarise yourself with local property prices, neighbourhood trends, and types of properties available. This knowledge will help you identify genuine BMV opportunities.

• Build Relationships: Establish connections with real estate agents, property wholesalers, and other investors. Networking is key to uncovering exclusive opportunities.

• Be Ready to Act Quickly: BMV deals can attract multiple offers, so having your finances pre-approved is crucial. Be prepared to make competitive offers swiftly.

• Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Always assess potential properties carefully. Evaluate repair costs, market potential, and any other factors that could influence your investment strategy.

Final Thoughts

In the ever-changing UK property market of 2024, BMV deals remain a valuable avenue for discerning investors. By employing strategic approaches, cultivating strong networks, and conducting thorough research, you can uncover opportunities that others may overlook.

As you navigate this journey, do read Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. It offers valuable insights into adapting to change—something that’s crucial in today’s dynamic market!

So, don’t let the sceptics deter you; there’s a world of BMV deals waiting to be explored. With the right strategy and a proactive mindset, you can secure your next investment success! Get out there, stay observant, and start your journey toward finding your next BMV deal today!

Every stumble—whether it’s a deal falling through or unexpected costs—has a way of teaching us. In property and life, I’ve found that each setback offers a moment to pause, reflect, and find fresh strength. Instead of seeing ‘failures,’ I now view these moments as steps in my journey toward growth and self-understanding. Embracing these challenges with compassion for myself has brought so much resilience and insight.

“The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.”

— Tony Robbins

Imagination, propels us beyond the realm of what is, into the vast landscape of what could be. It sparks innovation, challenges conventions, and invites us to dream without restraint. But, imagination alone is not enough. It needs a constent companion — commitment. Commitment transforms dreams into reality. It's the unwavering dedication to the path we've envisioned, the grit to overcome obstacles, and the resilience to persist when challenges arise.

In the synergy of imagination and commitment, we find the blueprint for impact. Consider the great innovators, from Steve Jobs to Richard Branson; their imaginative visions were matched only by their unyielding commitment to manifest those visions. As we navigate this week, let's harness imagination and commitment. Immerse yourself in the boundless realm of what's possible. Picture the impact you wish to make, the changes you aspire to bring, and the legacy you aim to leave.

However, don't let these dreams linger in imagination. Bring them into the realm of commitment. Make a pledge to yourself and your goals. Set specific, actionable steps to turn your vision into reality. It's this commitment that will guide you through the inevitable challenges, keep you focused on your objectives, and turn your dreams into milestones.

Imagine a world where your ideas have a transformative effect, where your commitment shapes success. Picture the impact you could have on your work, community, or even the world. Now, commit to making those visions a reality. This week, let's not just dream; let's do.

Imagination and commitment are tools for growth and progress. Cultivate them daily, nurture them through challenges, and watch as they become the driving force behind your endeavors.

So, immerse yourself in the boundless world of what's possible, then commit to making those possibilities a reality. It's a journey where limitations fade, creativity flourishes, and commitment transforms dreams into impactful actions.