Stuart Wood
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Articles by Stuart Wood
This is Money – Why Britons Are Turning Away from Traditional Corporate Careers
Read the original This is Money article here. This is Money , the Daily Mail's personal finance website, has featured new research from BusinessesForSale.com's Business Ownership Index , exploring why growing numbers of Britons are questioning the security and financial rewards of traditional employment. The article, published on 18 October 2026, highlighted findings showing that a quarter of Britons believe the traditional corporate career is effectively dead.
How to Buy a Construction Business in the UK
AI is changing the outlook for careers and industries across the UK, but there are some jobs that still need somebody to turn up with a van and a toolbox. Britain's homes, offices and infrastructure will continue to need building, repairing, heating, wiring and maintaining - and that gives the construction trades an enduring importance that could appeal to entrepreneurs looking for somewhere to invest for the long term. There are challenges, however.
How to Buy a Convenience Store in the UK
Convenience stores remain a huge part of everyday life in the UK. According to the Association of Convenience Stores’ 2026 Local Shop Report, the sector is forecast to generate £49.1 billion in sales this year and supports more than 456,000 jobs. But those headline numbers do not make every local shop a good investment. ACS expects sector sales to grow by just 0.6% in 2026, against average inflation of 2.9% over the preceding 12 months.
How to Buy a Coffee Shop in the UK
Britain’s appetite for coffee is showing little sign of slowing down. According to 2026 research from the British Coffee Association, the UK now consumes around 103 million cups of coffee every day, while 67% of adults drink coffee daily. Consumption among 18-34-year-olds has also risen sharply since 2021. That level of demand helps explain why owning a coffee shop can be such an appealing prospect. But a nation of coffee drinkers does not guarantee that every café is a good investment.
A founder’s guide to not f**king up an acquisition
Just a few weeks after the ink dried on the acquisition of our agency, Missouri Creative, I stood in front of 350 senior leaders at Ruder Finn’s New York HQ. Alongside my co-founder Paul Brennan, our MD and growth director, I felt the full weight of the moment: jet-lagged, over-caffeinated, and wondering how we had arrived here. We had flown from a rain-soaked London into a room buzzing with every accent imaginable. They were curious. Who were we? Why were we here?
International franchise spotlight
India is a market ripe with opportunity in the world of franchising, but not every brand that’s successful in India has made the leap overseas. Quick-commerce business Blinkit and fashion retail chain Zudio are examples of two franchises that have been on a meteoric rise at home, but are less well known to western markets. In this article, Stuart Wood from BusinessesForSale.com takes a closer look at what’s led to these brands’ success, as well as their history and some key financials.
When Offsetting Goes Wrong: Common Pitfalls to Avoid
When Offsetting Goes Wrong: Common Pitfalls to Avoid of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, on a net basis in the financial statements. Both UK GAAP and IFRS are grounded in the overarching principle that offsetting is generally prohibited unless specifically required or permitted by a relevant standard.
Find your perfect franchisee in 2025
In the world of franchising, finding the perfect franchisee can feel akin to dating. Franchisors are looking far and wide for that special someone who shares their values, complements their strengths and, most importantly, is looking for a long-term, harmonious and successful relationship. But how can franchisors separate franchise flings from best-in-class businesspeople? Here’s how to spot quality franchise leads and keep them engaged during the recruitment process.
Why proper valuation is key to franchise resales
Whether you’re a franchisor looking to resell one of your existing properties, or a potential buyer who’s interested in the possibilities of franchise resales, there’s one thing you need to be informed about: valuation. An accurate, transparent business valuation can help ensure franchisors make the right return on their investment. It can also give buyers the reassurance that they’re getting what they pay for. So how do you go about valuing a franchise?
The Secrets to Successful Remote Working Original
London, Sept. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Working from home has become the norm for many companies in recent years, but it still divides opinion. Entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg love it: he says working from home has contributed to an increase in productivity. However, others such as Elon Musk and Sir Jim Radcliff of INEOS are not fans. At BusinessesForSale.com, we employ around 50 members of staff across multiple continents.
Why Buying a Business is the Perfect Way to Relocate Abroad
Moving to another country can be exciting and challenging, especially when finding a way to support yourself financially. Instead of starting from scratch, buying an existing business abroad offers a unique opportunity to establish roots and ensure financial security in a new environment. For many aspiring entrepreneurs, purchasing a business in a foreign market presents a chance to step into an established operation, reducing relocation uncertainties while offering a fast track to success.
The 15 Most Profitable Small Business Ideas in South Africa 2024
Starting your own business is a rewarding way to make a living doing something you love. If you’re looking for small business ideas in South Africa, you’re in the right place! In this article we will explore 15 small business ideas tailored for beginner Mzansi entrepreneurs (just like you) with big dreams of finding ways to make money in South Africa. Each business idea has been selected for its profitability and growth potential in the South African market.
Top 10 Ecommerce Businesses to Invest in 2024 | South Africa
Ecommerce in South Africa has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2023, the South African ecommerce market was valued at approximately USD 4.5 billion, with online sales expected to reach US$6.56 billion by 2024. South Africa's relatively young and tech-savvy population, increasing mobile internet penetration, a fast-growing middle class and rising disposable incomes are factors for the disruptive rise of ecommerce.
Unique, life-changing business opportunities highlighted in Original
London, UK, July 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BusinessesForSale.com, the world’s largest global platform for buying and selling businesses online, has launched a new ‘Hidden Gems’ feature which highlights unique and unmissable business opportunities. From owning an upside-down house business in South Africa to a hologram zoo in France or a kiteboarding school in the Caribbean, the new page is a treasure trove of investment opportunities from across the globe.
News
London, UK, July 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BusinessesForSale.com, the world's largest global platform for buying and selling businesses online, has launched a new 'Hidden Gems' feature which highlights unique and unmissable business opportunities. From owning an upside-down house business in South Africa to a hologram zoo in France or a kiteboarding school in the Caribbean, the new page is a treasure trove of investment opportunities from across the globe.
Inspiring Stories of Everyday South Africans Who Became Business Owners
South Africa has a rich history of resilience and innovation, making our land of diverse opportunities the ideal breeding ground for successful South African entrepreneurs. For many South Africans, the dream of becoming an entrepreneur is both an aspiration and a challenge.
The Fastest Growing Industries in the UK 2024
Staying ahead of business trends is crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors in today's rapidly evolving market. As we look towards 2024, several business categories are emerging as particularly promising, offering lucrative opportunities for those ready to seize them. This article explores ten types of businesses that are on the rise, highlighting the potential for profitability and growth.
How to pitch yourself to a Franchisor
Wondering how you can stand out from the crowd when pitching yourself to a franchisor? In this article, BusinessesForSale.com looks at some tips and strategies you can use to do just that, from thorough research to understanding the application process. Step one – Research Conducting thorough research about the brand you’re getting involved with is a crucial first step. You need to get to know their vision, mission and any relevant information about the franchise.
How to Turn a Profit from Flipping a Business | United Kingdom
What is flipping? Flipping is the term that describes purchasing an asset and quickly reselling it or 'flipping’ it to make a profit. Anyone who has seen house flipping shows has probably thought, "I can do that!" In addition to houses, vintage or refurbished furniture, cars, motorbikes, jewellery and phones are some of the best items to flip for money. If you've ever wondered how to flip money, let me introduce you to another lucrative idea - flipping businesses.
How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
The word entrepreneur comes from the Old French word 'entreprendre', which means to undertake or to do something. It dates back as far as 1730, when it was used by Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon. But what does it mean, 300 years later, to be an entrepreneur? The world of business is always changing, and moving with the times requires a combination of creative thinking and adaptability.
How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
A wonderful Afrikaans saying used daily by South Africans from all walks of life is "’n boer maak ’n plan". Translated literally as 'a farmer makes a plan', it's about so much more than that: it speaks to the South African entrepreneurial mentality of solution-finding, creativity, tenacity, and ingenuity. Learning how to become an entrepreneur in a country where most citizens are willing to 'make a plan' is indeed achievable – and well worth it.
How to choose the perfect location for your franchise
How do you choose the perfect location for your franchise? In this article, BusinessesForSale.com looks at five key factors you should consider. Once you’ve decided to go down the franchising route, deciding where to set up shop is one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make next. Picking a location goes beyond just geography – it’s a strategic choice that will impact your market reach and visibility.
How to find a ‘hidden gem’ business to buy | United Kingdom
Finding the right business to buy can sometimes be a long process. Searching for an investment in the right location, at the right price, and which fits all the criteria you’re looking for isn’t always easy - especially when you consider there are more than 56,000 listings here on BusinessesForSale.com. But there are sure to be some ‘hidden gems’ out there. Maybe they’re businesses with huge potential for growth that might not be immediately apparent at first glance.
How To Harness Social Media For Your Small Business
Most small business owners know that social media is a powerful tool in the modern marketplace, but not every business has the time or the resources to dedicate to their social media presence. In this article, we’ll look at some simple strategies you can use to tap into an online audience, and establish a strong digital footprint for your brand. We’ll show you how you can create meaningful interactions with your customers that propel growth and build loyalty.
How To Harness Social Media For Your Small Business
Most small business owners know that social media is a powerful tool in the modern marketplace, but not every business has the time or the resources to dedicate to their social media presence. In this article, we’ll look at some simple strategies you can use to tap into an online audience, and establish a strong digital footprint for your brand. We’ll show you how you can create meaningful interactions with your customers that propel growth and build loyalty.
How to start a business with no money
Finding ways to make money in South Africa when you’re also trying to make ends meet can be difficult – even for the most optimistic and hard-working among us. Figuring out how to start a business with no money at all can be very daunting, but the good news is that there are options for you. From making money online in South Africa to kasi business ideas, there has never been a better time for starting a business in a country that rewards the entrepreneurial spirit.
Review: Frank's Closet (The Union Theatre)
Review by Daz Gale ⭐️⭐️⭐️ A cult musical is being unpacked and hung up for its first revival as Frank’s Closet moves in to The Union Theatre. Having sold out its premiere run at Hoxton Hall in 2009 and won glowing reviews, would it be able to repeat its success this time around or would it be a case of a diva being past her prime?
How to juggle running a business with being a parent
Running a business and being a parent are, in some ways, quite similar. Both are demanding responsibilities that require you to be organised and make decisions on behalf of others – although hopefully one of them involves less crying and tantrums than the other. Doing both at the same time, however, can be tricky. Juggling the demands of being an entrepreneur and a parent requires teamwork and balance. Existing business owners might question if they have the time, energy or money to become a parent.
Simple Tips to Supercharge your Business Using SEO
Search engine optimisation, or SEO, can be a baffling mystery for many small businesses in the UK. It doesn't help that Google has complex algorithms which change often. Moreover, small businesses often do not have an SEO budget like larger companies do, leaving most small business owners at their wits end regarding the SEO of their websites. The good news is that SEO does not always need to break the bank.
How South African businesses are using AI in 2024
Ever since ChatGPT launched in June 2020, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gone from being a science fiction concept we would see in movies to an everyday tool that improves our lives. While ChatGPT takes a lot of the credit for introducing AI to the mainstream, the truth is that South Africans have been using AI in business for many years.
The Most Profitable Businesses in South Africa 2024
You don't have to own a mine to strike gold with a lucrative business in South Africa. While the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, it pays to do your research before jumping headfirst into a money-making business. Exploring the types of opportunities and creative business ideas that exist in the unique South African business climate will help you pursue your entrepreneurial dreams with the right measure of consideration.
The Most Profitable Businesses in the UK 2024
If you’re thinking about starting or buying a business, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available to you. In an economic climate that is constantly changing and still recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, what makes a sound investment? In this article, we’ve analysed the latest data and market trends to create a curated list of industries that have demonstrated growth and resilience in the UK in recent years.
Investing in a franchise vs starting a business
Recent research shows that one in two UK adults would like to start their own business.[1] There are a multitude of reasons why - from the desire to pursue a passion, to wanting to provide a more rewarding future for themselves and their family. Investing in a franchise can often be a safer prospect than going it alone and starting your own business. It’s for this reason that more and more people are choosing franchising as a route to business ownership and financial freedom.
Theatre listing: Frank’s Closet
Author(s): Stuart Wood Company: Union Theatre Venue: Wilton’s Music Hall, London Dates: 3–14 Sep 2024 Frank teeters on the precipice of marriage to his beloved Alan, who has given him an ultimatum: he must give up the toys and joys of singledom and donate his fabulous collection of the dresses of iconic divas to the V&A museum. Amidst continual calls from Alan, his mother, and once (briefly) his father, Frank retreats into a fantasy world where he is The Chairman of The Music Hall.
Training the next generation
As UFI rolls out its new UFI Certified Professional training, we ask a selection of UFI members – what skills is the industry missing? Stuart Wood writes: Of all the changes which the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the world of business, perhaps the most long-lasting effect will be the shift to remote working. While some companies have eagerly brought employees back into offices when they were able to, there is a growing consensus that more flexibility is needed.
Three major art events take place in-person in Hong Kong
Three major in-person events recently took place in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Art Basel Hong Kong 2021, Art Central, and Christie’s Hong Kong Spring Auctions 2021 all took place over a period of ten days. International exhibitors and buyers were still unable to attend, so were replaced by a greater showing of local and regional art.
Thousands attend Event Production Show in UK
The first in-person event for the live events industry for more than 14 months, the Event Production Show (EPS) opened 26 May at the UK's Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. EPS organisers Mash Media said the event had to be reduced in scale this year to meet Government guidelines, which include a requirement to limit attendance to 1,000 people at any one time.
Lustful Sacraments, by PERTURBATOR
/ Streaming + Download Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app. Purchasable with gift card Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album First pressing of the "Lustful Sacraments" CD in digipack. Printed on 300gsm stock with a 6-panel panorama layout, including gold highlights. Ships worldwide from USA! Please allow time for delivery.
Ungerboeck and EventBooking to merge
Ungerboeck and EventBooking, two providers of event and venue management tools, have announced they are to merge. Manish Chandak of Ungerboeck will serve as president and CEO, and Steve Mackenzie of EventBooking will serve as executive vice president. The merger has the backing of private equity group Cove Hill Partners. William Blair advised Ungerboeck, and Raymond James advised Cove Hill Partners on the transaction.
The next big transformation
ExpoPlatform’s new ‘Future of Events’ research suggests that we are only at the tip of the digitisation iceberg, and that online marketplaces are the crucial next step. Event technology company ExpoPlatform has released a new guide to creating online marketplaces, as the latest in its ‘Future of Events’ series. The research looks to provide a guide through the changing world of online events.
We’re getting a good make-over!
Trevor Foley on why the events industry and the tech industry have always been a match made in heaven, but might only now be realising it. A few years back, soon after I set up my business, I was fortunate enough to be invited to travel the world delivering a presentation I’d written called ‘The Future is Live and Digital!’ I’ve always split the digital input for events into two camps: the functional and the fun.
A-livex signals return to live events in UK
by Stuart Wood May 21, 2021 published by Stuart Wood May 21, 2021 EN publisher Mash Media hosted A-Livex, an in-person exhibition with hotel rooms serving as stands, on Thursday 20 May. The event welcomed more than 50 exhibitors across three floors of London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, and was one of the first in-person exhibitions to take place in the UK since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
New builds in the world of exhibitions
EW takes a look at some new builds and venue extensions in the international events community. Meet you in Bruges Bruges is constructing a new convention centre in the heart of the city (pictured top). The Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto De Moura and the Antwerp-based firm META architectuurbureau were selected to design the state-of-the-art building, which is scheduled to open its doors in January 2022.
Tips for a great virtual event
US event organiser Unbridled hosted a webinar providing some top tips for hosting a standout virtual event. Stuart Wood breaks it down. US-based event organiser Unbridled recently hosted a webinar sharing some tips for staging high-quality virtual events. ‘Elevate your virtual event: new insights and best practices for 2021’ was informed by a number of virtual events which the company hosted during 2020.
Hong Kong launches new ambassador scheme to promote recovery
Over 100 business leaders and professional bodies have signed up to be Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors, alongside the city’s Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB0. The HKTB has launched the ‘Hong Kong Convention Ambassador’ programme to help revitalise Hong Kong’s MICE industry, after a challenging 2020. The Ambassadors have a significant advantage when they lobby potential conference organisers to consider Hong Kong as the preferred host city for future MICE events.
This year’s model
Stephanie Selesnick discusses the hosted buyer model in Covid-19 times with Phil McKay, nGage Events, Inc. Phil McKay, CEO of New Hampshire-based (USA) nGage Events, Inc. may not have invented the business-to-business events hosted buyer model, but he perfected it. The nGage Events hosted buyer model brings together executives to exclusive locations where top-notch education and business development activities take place.
Dealmakers - collaboration is in
Steve Monnington, managing director of Mayfield Media Strategies, runs the roost over the latest mergers and acquisitions. The theme running through the few transactions that have taken place in the last two months is ‘collaboration’ and, given the difficult situation that companies find themselves in as a result of the pandemic, I’m sure that we will be seeing more of these.
Tarsus partners with YouTuber Sam Chui to promote Dubai Airshow
by Stuart Wood April 27, 2021 published by Stuart Wood April 27, 2021 Global B2B organiser Tarsus Group has announced a new partnership with aviation content creator Sam Chui. Chui is a YouTuber who creates content in the travel/aviation sphere, such as vlog tours of private jets and interviews with the CEOs of major airlines. Tarsus is partnering with Chui to promote its aerospace division, which organises events such as the Dubai Airshow.
Tarsus partners with YouTuber Sam Chui to promote Dubai Airshow
Global B2B organiser Tarsus Group has announced a new partnership with aviation content creator Sam Chui. Chui is a YouTuber who creates content in the travel/aviation sphere, such as vlog tours of private jets and interviews with the CEOs of major airlines. Tarsus is partnering with Chui to promote its aerospace division, which organises events such as the Dubai Airshow. The Dubai Airshow is set to return as a live event this November.
CPhl given green light as Italy announces events will return from 1 July
CPhl Worldwide, the world’s largest pharma event, has been given the green light to go ahead in November in Milan, Italy. The announcement comes after the Italian Government confirmed all conferences and exhibitions will be able to take place in the country again from 1 July. The news was announced by Italian prime minister Mario Draghi and health minister Roberto Sperenza in a press conference.
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