ISSBA Blog

Are you ready as a business owner or as a self -employed individual for the new Employment Rights coming into force during 2026- 2027 under the new Employment Rights Bill 2025?

If you are not ready or just do not know where to start then you are not alone! I have been out and about during the summer networking with numerous small business owners and self employed individuals who are not aware of their legal reponsibilities under the new Employment Rights Bill 2025 now in force.

So in my blog, I am going to try to highlight some key take away points and to give some key steps that ISSBA members can take to research to get up to speed with the new employment rights for all employees.

Firstly, the Employment Rights Bill 2025 is not just for small business owners who pay employees via PAYE and have a contract of employment. The new Bill also includes the self -employed and all individuals who are self -employed, who hire individuals to do all paid work to complete a job of work (Make Work Pay). A good example here would be Contractors and self employed builders who use extra labour to complete works on a building project.

The new Bill also covers Agency Workers, Umbrella Companies, Recruitment Companies and Seafarer's. The new Employment Rights Bill 2025 is the biggest change of Employment Laws for over a decade.

To enforce the new Employment Rights for all employees, the UK Government has introduced the new Fair Work Agency. The Fair Work Agency (FWA) is a UK Government enforcement body under the Department for Business and Trade. It was launched on 7 April 2026 to investigate workplace complaints, enforce holiday / sick pay and to protect workers from exploitation. I recommend that ISSBA members research online the New Fair Work Agency for themsleves as a good starting point.

I am certain that many ISSBA members will be hearing the term 'Roadmap' for the introduction of the new Employment laws. So what is this roadmap?

To assist small businesses and the self -employed, the UK Government have produced a documnet and called it a Roadmap. This roadmap is a Time table for the introduction for the new employment rights to come into force over a scheduled period of time from 2026 to 2027.

I recommend ISSBA members research online the Governments 'Implementing the Employment Rights Bill - Our Roadmap. This online PDF is full of valuable information on how to implement the new Bill and the new employment rights of all individuals to Make Work Pay.

It is important to note also that since 2025 a number of new employment rights have already come into force such as the request for Flexible Working and some Family Friendly Rights.

Another key point is Day 1 Rights. I know that a number of small business owners are not certain as to what Day 1 Rights are for employees. Day 1 rights are employment rights which are legal and entitlements that apply from the very moment an individual starts a job. Examples of Day 1 Rights are A written statment of employment particulars, National Minimum Wage (NMW), Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Family Friendly Rights and protection from unlawful discrimination / Whistleblowing Detriment.If you are uncertain of Day 1 Rights then I recommend ACAS online for further information.

As an ISSBA member I understand that the new employment rights being introduced may be overwhelming. This is the very reason I started the Paralegal Dept Limited to assist employers with the introduction of the new Employment Rights Bill 2025. This blog is not legal advice.

Running a small business in Suffolk brings a unique mix of opportunity and challenge. Many local businesses benefit from strong relationships, word-of-mouth, and loyal customers, but when it comes to marketing, things can often feel unclear or inconsistent.

That’s where the idea of marketing DNA becomes important.

Marketing works best when it feels authentic. When it sounds like the business it represents, it reflects its values and connects naturally with the people it wants to reach. For small businesses serving local communities, that authenticity isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Start With Why, Not Just What You Sell

One of the most widely recognised ideas in modern marketing comes from the book Start with Why, which explores a simple principle:
People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.

For Suffolk businesses, this idea is especially relevant. Local customers often have a choice. They want to know who they’re dealing with, what kind of business they’re supporting, and whether the people behind it share similar values.

Your “why” isn’t a marketing slogan. It’s the reason you started your business, the problem you care about solving, and the standards you hold yourself to. When that’s clear, marketing decisions become easier and more consistent, whether that’s writing website content, posting on social media, or explaining what you do at a networking event.

Marketing DNA Keeps Everything Joined Up

Marketing DNA is the thread that should run through everything you do.

It influences how you describe your services, the tone of voice you use, the stories you share, and the customers you attract. Without it, marketing often becomes fragmented. A website says one thing, social media says another, and emails feel like they’re coming from a completely different business.

With clear DNA, everything feels joined up, even if you’re only marketing in small, manageable ways. That consistency builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.

Selling the Sizzle, Not the Sausage

This idea is particularly important for small businesses.

Most customers aren’t deeply interested in the technical details of how you do what you do. They care about outcomes, reassurance, and how working with you will make their life easier. This is often described as selling the sizzle, not the sausage.

The sausage is your process, tools, and features.
The sizzle is how it feels to work with you, the confidence you give customers, and the problem you help them solve.

Clear marketing DNA helps Suffolk businesses communicate the sizzle naturally, without overcomplicating things or disappearing into jargon.

Personalisation Without Making It All About “Us”

Personalisation matters, but many small businesses fall into a common trap: talking too much about themselves.

The “we” problem happens when marketing becomes a list of what we do, what we offer, and what we believe without clearly explaining why any of it matters to the customer.

Good DNA-led marketing balances the two. It explains who you are, but always links it back to the customer’s perspective. Every message should answer the quiet question people are asking:

“What does this mean for me?”

Why DNA Matters Even More in Today’s AI-Driven World

With AI tools now making it easier to create content quickly, the biggest risk for small businesses isn’t falling behind; it’s blending in.

AI can help with writing blogs, emails, and posts, but it can’t define your DNA. Without clear direction, AI-generated marketing quickly becomes generic. Businesses that use AI well guide it with clear positioning, consistent values, a defined audience, and a strong sense of purpose.

That’s what keeps marketing human, relevant, and rooted in local communities like ours.

A Final Thought for Suffolk Business Owners

You don’t need louder marketing. You need clearer marketing.

When your marketing DNA is understood, your “why” is clear, and your message focuses on outcomes rather than features, marketing becomes simpler and more effective. For Suffolk businesses, that clarity helps build trust, and trust remains one of the most powerful drivers of long-term success.

Being part of organisations like Ipswich & Suffolk Small Business Association highlights just how strong the local business community is. Sharing ideas, experiences, and learning from one another is often the most valuable step a business owner can take.

If you run a business in Suffolk, you’ll know how competitive it’s getting to stand out and stay connected with your customers. Whether you’re in Ipswich, Woodbridge, Felixstowe or Bury St Edmunds, or anywhere in between, keeping your audience engaged is key, and that’s where SMS and WhatsApp marketing can make a huge difference.

For years, email has been the go-to marketing channel, but inboxes are overflowing, and open rates are dropping fast. If you want to make sure your messages are actually being seen (and acted on), it’s time to look at how SMS and WhatsApp automation tools like Go High Level can transform the way Suffolk businesses communicate.

Let’s start with the numbers.

• The average email open rate sits between 15–25%.

• SMS messages boast an incredible 98% open rate, with most read within 3 minutes.

• WhatsApp messages perform just as well, often read and replied to almost instantly.

That’s a massive difference, and it means your updates, offers, or appointment reminders are far more likely to be seen and acted upon. For Suffolk businesses that rely on local relationships and repeat customers, this can be a real game-changer.

Reconnecting with Cold Leads and Dormant Customers

Every business has a database full of names that have gone quiet. Maybe someone enquired last year but never booked, or a past customer hasn’t been back for a while. Sending another email probably won’t wake them up, but a friendly, personal text message might.

Imagine sending a simple WhatsApp message like:

“Hi Sarah, it’s Oliver from Leading Motion. We’ve got a new offer running this week. Would you like me to send you the details?”

That kind of message feels personal, natural, and conversational, not like marketing spam. Using automation in Go High Level, you can set up these messages to send automatically after a set period of inactivity, re-engaging customers without lifting a finger.

Share Exclusive Offers and Promotions Instantly

If you run a retail, hospitality, or service-based business in Suffolk, from restaurants and salons to trades and local shops, SMS and WhatsApp are perfect for flash sales, event reminders, or discount codes.

Unlike email, which can easily be missed, messages sent directly to your customer’s phone are opened almost instantly. This makes them ideal for time-sensitive promotions like:

“20% OFF this weekend only! Use code SUFFOLK20 at checkout or show this message in-store.”

You can even include links, images, or buttons via WhatsApp to make the customer journey smoother and more visually perfect for showcasing new menus, offers, or booking links.

Build Stronger, More Personal Connections

WhatsApp especially helps you build a more human connection with your customers. Because it supports photos, PDFs, videos, and interactive buttons, you can use it to:

• Share appointment confirmations or directions.

• Send digital brochures, menus, or product guides.

• Continue a conversation naturally after an automated follow-up.

Plus, a verified WhatsApp Business profile adds credibility, showing customers that your messages are genuine and professional, something that really helps local Suffolk businesses stand out.

A Few More Reasons to Love SMS and WhatsApp Marketing

• Two-way communication: Customers can reply instantly to confirm, ask questions, or book.

• High deliverability: Your message won’t get lost in a spam folder or “promotions” tab.

• Multi-channel automation: Combine SMS and WhatsApp with your email campaigns for a complete customer journey. For example:

  • Day 1: Send an email offer.

  • Day 2: Follow up with an SMS reminder.

  • Day 3: WhatsApp message with a “last chance” nudge.

This layered approach keeps your brand front of mind without overwhelming your customers.

Final Thoughts

For Suffolk business owners who want to cut through the noise and stay top of mind, SMS and WhatsApp marketing are powerful, cost-effective ways to boost engagement and bring customers back.

When combined with automation tools like Go High Level, you can create a system that does the follow-up for you — sending the right message to the right person at exactly the right time.

So, whether you’re running a local café in Woodbridge, a salon in Ipswich, or a service business in Bury St Edmunds, adding SMS and WhatsApp to your marketing toolkit can help you drive faster responses, more bookings, and stronger customer loyalty.

Ready to See How It Works?

If you’re a Suffolk business owner and you’d like to see how SMS and WhatsApp automation can fit into your marketing strategy, book a free marketing automation demo today.

We’ll explore how tools like Go High Level can help you connect with customers, recover lost leads, and grow your business — all without adding more to your daily to-do list.

Book your free demo here...

As the crisp autumn air settles over Ipswich and Suffolk, it's time for local businesses to embrace the festive spirit of Halloween and Bonfire Night. These seasonal celebrations offer a golden opportunity to engage with your community, boost foot traffic, and ignite your marketing efforts with a touch of fun. Here's how you can make the most of this spooky season:

1. Host a Ghoulishly Good Competition

Engage your customers with a themed competition that encourages participation and spreads the word about your business. Consider these ideas:

• Costume Contest: Invite customers to visit your store in their best Halloween attire and offer a prize for the most creative costume.

• Pumpkin Carving Challenge: Encourage families to carve pumpkins and display them in your shop window, with a prize for the most impressive design.

• Spooky Selfie Station: Set up a Halloween-themed photo booth in your store and ask customers to share their selfies on social media using a custom hashtag.

Competitions like these not only increase foot traffic but also generate buzz on social media, amplifying your reach.

2. Add a Spooky Twist to Your Marketing Message

Refresh your marketing materials with Halloween and Bonfire Night themes:

• Email Campaigns: Send out newsletters with subject lines like "Don't Ghost Us – Spooky Deals Inside!" or "Light Up Your Night with Our Bonfire Specials."

• Social Media Posts: Share behind-the-scenes looks at your Halloween preparations, customer costume photos, or spooky product highlights.

• In-Store Signage: Use playful language on your displays, such as "Witching You a Happy Halloween" or "Our Prices Are Firework-Worthy!"

These fun touches can make your business stand out and create a memorable experience for your customers.

3. Reflect on Last Year's Seasonal Activities

Before diving into this year's festivities, take a moment to review your previous seasonal campaigns:

• What Worked: Identify the promotions, events, or products that resonated most with your customers.

• Areas for Improvement: Consider aspects that could be enhanced, such as timing, communication channels, or customer engagement strategies.

• Customer Feedback: Gather insights from your clientele to understand their preferences and expectations.

This reflection will help you refine your approach and ensure this year's campaigns are even more successful.

4. Need More Ideas? Visit Our Marketing Resource Centre

Looking for more inspiration? Visit our Marketing Resource Centre...

As summer winds down and the leaves start to turn, it’s the perfect time for Ipswich business owners to start planning their autumn marketing strategy. The final quarter of the year can be a pivotal period for growth, customer engagement, and hitting those annual goals—so now is the time to think strategically about how to finish 2025 strong.

Start with Your Goals

Before diving into content and campaigns, take a moment to define what success looks like for your business over the next few months. Are you looking to boost sales, increase leads, or strengthen customer loyalty? Setting clear, measurable goals gives your marketing direction and ensures every campaign has a purpose. Consider breaking down your objectives month by month, so you can monitor progress and adjust quickly if needed.

Embrace Season-Relevant Content

Autumn brings a unique opportunity to connect with your audience through timely and relevant content. Think about seasonal promotions, product launches, or services that align with the end-of-year mindset. From autumn-themed social media posts to special offers around Halloween, Bonfire Night, or preparing for the festive period, content that resonates with the season can significantly boost engagement and visibility. Remember, authenticity is key—tailor your messaging to reflect your brand’s personality while staying relevant to your Ipswich community.

Three Key Suggestions to Boost Your Autumn Marketing

1. Plan Your Content Calendar: Map out posts, blogs, emails, and campaigns for the next three months. A clear schedule reduces last-minute stress and ensures consistent engagement.

2. Leverage Local Connections: Collaborate with other Ipswich businesses or community events. Co-promotions can expand your reach and reinforce local relationships.

3. Track and Adapt: Use insights from previous campaigns to guide your strategy. If something worked well last year around this time, consider adapting it for 2025—but don’t be afraid to innovate.

Autumn is a crucial time to make sure your business doesn’t just coast into the end of the year—it’s the season to plan, execute, and thrive.

If you’re feeling unsure about where to start or want fresh ideas to make your autumn marketing truly effective, ISSBA members are welcome to book a free, no-obligation brainstorming session. Together, we can map out a strategy that will set your business on the path to a successful end to 2025.

Book your FREE 15 Minute Catch-up with Oliver (Zoom Meeting) here...

As a business owner, you know that having the right marketing strategy in place is key to achieving long-term success. But what if you could get the expertise of a seasoned marketing director without the cost of a full-time hire? That's where I come in.

I’m Oliver Brock, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), and I specialise in providing Fractional Marketing Director services to businesses in Suffolk. Whether you're looking to reach long-term growth goals or need support with a specific project, product launch, or company launch, I’m here to help you navigate the journey and achieve real, measurable results.

What is a Fractional Marketing Director?

A Fractional Marketing Director provides the strategic guidance of a marketing director, but on a flexible, part-time basis. Instead of committing to a full-time hire, you get the expertise you need when you need it. This allows you to focus on what matters most for your business while benefiting from high-level marketing insights.

As a CIM Fellow, I bring years of experience and a proven track record of helping businesses grow strategically. From long-term planning to specific campaigns or product launches, I offer tailored solutions to fit your unique needs.

Why Choose Fractional Marketing?

The great thing about Fractional Marketing is the flexibility. You can hire me for as little as one hour per month or engage me for more intensive projects, such as:

• Long-term strategy development
• One-off projects or product launches
• Company launches or rebrands
• Specific marketing challenges

Whether you're looking for ongoing support or need a marketing expert for a specific initiative, I adapt to your business's needs, providing the right expertise at the right time.

Achieving Long-Term Success or Tackling a Specific Project

Every business has unique goals and challenges. With Fractional Marketing, you get the flexibility to work towards long-term growth or focus on immediate needs. If you're planning for the future and want a strategic roadmap, I’ll help you develop a sustainable marketing strategy that drives results. If you need a marketing professional to lead a product launch or a special campaign, I can step in for that specific project with the expertise and creativity to make it a success.

Focus on Results and ROI

My approach is always focused on delivering measurable results. From increasing brand visibility to driving customer acquisition, I make sure that every marketing effort is aligned with your business objectives and provides a clear return on investment.

Flexible, Scalable Support

The best part? Fractional Marketing Director services are fully flexible. You only pay for the time you need, and I’m here to work with you on whatever makes the most sense for your business. Whether it’s an hour of strategic advice or ongoing, hands-on support for an entire project, you get the freedom to choose the level of involvement that works for you.

Let’s Talk About Your Business Goals

If you’re ready to explore how a Fractional Marketing Director can help you achieve your long-term goals or support your next big project, let’s have a conversation! Book a Zoom discovery call with me here: Find Out if Fractional Marketing is Right for You

Let’s work together to make your marketing efforts a success—on your terms.