Had a great week this week - running three 'back-to-back' Screw Surviving Events in Wigan, Norwich and Gloucester - and met some amazing people. You know, there are a lot of businesses doing very well right now, because their owners are thinking properly and doing the right things - and this is so key.
There was Mary Murray the florist in Norwich who has kept chipping away at several of the main hotels in town.She's been talking to them - regularly - for several years and now, in the depths of recession, she's reaped her harvest and won the contracts. Most people would have given up ages ago. But she didn't. Smart lady.
Then there was John who runs Kings Oak Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms in Kings Lynn. He approached me after the event and offered to travel to Solihull to sort out my bedrooms (in response to a story I'd told). He's worked out that by putting his fitters up in a B&B for a few nights he can expand his geographic coverage massively, and therefore open up whole new markets to him. 95% of his competitors won't think this way. Smart guy.
Loved the way that Alison Howells and Clare McVey marketed their fantastic hand -wrapped personalised chocolate bars to everyone in Gloucester yesterday. They've got a brilliant product that works on so many different levels, birthday parties, weddings, corporate, charity etc and they're getting the message out there.
In Wigan, I spoke with John who runs Delicious Sandwich Bar in Bury. He and his wife have transformed this business over the past two years, doubling the turnover and building a great reputation for themselves in the town. He's an ambitious guy who is now looking at how he can achieve even more going forward.
I could go on. I've met dozens of entrepreneurs in just three days who are thriving - not just surviving. The heart of the British economy is beating well. There is much to be positive about.
Bournemouth next week, then London and Exeter. Can't wait!