#AskTheCommittee: Jackie Hendley

Our new feature in which members of the Sutton Chamber committee answer your questions about their experiences in business continues this week with independent business and tax adviser Jackie Hendley.

What is the one burning question most clients ask you and how do you answer?

The questions are normally around Covid 19, current restrictions and best practice. Answer depends on the specific question but encouraging firms to return to normal, follow the guidelines and to look for opportunities rather then dwell on what they can 't do.

What's the one piece of advice you would give your clients to help them GROW their business?

Be flexible. Don 't dwell on the past - there are lots of opportunities for companies who are flexible.

At the Chamber's core is Connect, Support and Grow. How have these values helped your business grow in the last 12 months?

Connect - networks have proved invaluable in identify new business opportunities.

The business of one of my clients became redundant at the start of Covid.

However, they managed to change their business through conversations with a connection.

You never know who, when or how your connections can help you or you can help them - the more connections you have and the more you help others, the more opportunities come your way.

You make your own luck!!!

Brexit and Covid has influenced our businesses in many ways. What steps have you taken that have created the most positive impact for your business?

Flexibility to enter new areas / re-asses current business models;

Linking with contacts to help each other;

Seeking assistance where needed (e.g. CBILS, furlough);

Resilience;

Commitment;

Team work;

Communication with team;

Which businessperson most inspires you and why?

There is no one person. No one is perfect. Different aspects of different leaders inspire me. I look to learn the good points from each.

Become more acquainted with our committee here.