Business First

28/08/2026

The much talented Krissy Lackajis of CopyCat Writer, keeps us on our toes most weeks. With her turn of phrase, deprecating sense of humour and wonderful wit, we know that we are going to be intrigued and informed by Krissy’s contribution to Business First.

With a Latvian background, love of outdoor swimming and sense of adventure, Krissy brings a unique style to the written word.
Through a variety of roles in journalism and consulting, Krissy is now the editor of Lichfield’s City Life Magazine and dovetails this alongside her own business. Her love of words and understanding of language construction make for memorable and pertinent copy.
We are weekly impressed with how much wonderful witty words she packs into her one minute presentation each. Honed to perfection.

Krissy now takes on varied clients for whom words are still so important. Car leasing brochures, estate agent descriptions, words for websites, word for copy, words for blogs. Words matter.
As AI marches on into every day wording, it is even more important to have Krissy on hand to check that we have written what we really meant to convey.

When not working or looking after the cats and her aged horse, Krissy can be found training for her endurance swimming challenges. Last year she has tackled the waters from Jersey to France and swum the Menai Straits. This year it was swimming from Finland to Sweden and coming up is a swim across Lake Bled in Slovenia. Krissy finds the open water and quiet solitude cathartic. A place to rebalance a busy brain. She is an STA open water swimming coach and can be found on Lifeguard duty at Pillaton Open Water sessions. Krissy coaches other endurance swimmers and has recently taken on paddleboard instruction.
This varied life, full of challenge enables her to bring an energy to the work she undertakes with CopyCat Writer.

Despite the rise of social media, images and instant information there is STILL a place for the written word.
Words Matter.
If you are designing literature, planning blogs, building an advertising campaign, developing a website, needing copy, then it is time to talk to Krissy.

You can contact her on 07885 380 632 or email her on [email protected]
Get it ‘write’ first time.

20/08/2026

DC Tree Care:

Today we heard from Leonora a vital part in this partnership business that is tree surgery and more. Dean and his team do all the practical work; Leonora makes sure it happens.
Every business needs someone to take the calls, deal with initial enquiries, book the inspections, prepare quotations, check up on progress, ensure satisfaction, serve invoices and build testimonials.
Leonora is the one to make DC Tree Care’s one stop shop work seamlessly.

From a background in ground work and rail track clearance, Dean learnt his practical skills in a tough environment. Through various changes of company contracts and uncertainty, he decided to set up on his own. Leonora originates from the Philippines and their chance meeting changed lives.
DC Tree Care has now been operating for over 19 years. Developing strong customer relationships, Dean has built a well-regarded and substantial business. 60% of their business is repeat, 30% referrals and only 10% from marketing. Many families now recommend the next generation of gardeners to Dean and that continuity of customer service continues.

With over 630 households using his services, 250 regular customers, 38 commercial clients, 15 estate agents and 5 local authorities, it is clear that DC Tree Care can turn their hand to most tree, garden and fencing work.

They are particularly expert at :
*site clearance for developers.
*tree surgery.
*hedge trimming.
*working with tree preservation orders.
*removing dead wood.
*fencing.
*working with local councils/environmental health authorities, where property owners have allowed overgrown gardens to become a health hazard.

Today saw many from Business First giving testimonials to the quality of the work that Dean had carried out. Not only very tricky situations but also the attention to detail and not a leaf nor twig left once the job was completed. A true professional service.

You can contact them on 07877 448 188
or visit their website:

Big enough to Cope. Small enough to Care. Tree surgery, fencing, garden transformations and commercial grounds maintenance across Staffordshire and the Midlands.

30/07/2026

Paul is one of the legends in our group. A knight in shining armour because when there are hacks, cyber issues, software or hardware break down, we all need someone to turn to. Paul Deaville of IT Total Solutions, offers just that.

With his 21 years of IT business experience, ability to sort issues in person or remotely and never one to ridicule those of us who make those stupid IT mistakes, Paul is someone we know we can rely on.

Today Paul shared with us the AI version of himself. It was uncannily realistic. With technology changing at such a rapid rate, all business owners and individuals need to have someone like Paul (and not his doppelganger!) looking after our essential IT systems.

Starting his business in 2005, Paul focussed on the needs of the financial sector, only to find in 2008 that the world changed. The need arose by a variety of industries and commercial companies to have IT systems that could be used by lay people.
IT solutions do not simply sell and install. They offer a wide range of support services that sit behind the computer interface.

With three simple bundles, there is a comprehensive range of services that can be used to cover the basic, standard or advanced needs of a company. The prices range from £10.00 to £25.00 per month for the full bells and whistles.
Each package is tailored to the work, number of staff and traffic with which a business deals.

Paul and the team can support both Windows and MAC across these aspects of IT.
*cyber security.
*procurement.
* back up and DR.
*cabling.
*telecommunications.
*networks.
*wireless and mobile.
*technologies.

All the infra structure we need for a business to run smoothly and safely.
IT total solutions offers a range of solutions that are tailored to individual client needs. Basically ‘if it has a plug on it, Paul will look at it’. – not the coffee maker or fridge though!
Alongside the running of basic and sophisticated IT, Paul understands that security is a huge area of daily concern that needs addressing within any company, hence his development of cyber essentials and those needing to demonstrate cyber security systems are in place when tendering.

Paul reminds us weekly that in the very near future, ALL companies will need to have a strong active cyber policy. Recent major hacks have shown the vulnerability within the supply chain and it will be beholden of all businesses, however a tiny cog we are, to ensure that we have robust structures to lessen cyber incidences.
Many in the group use Paul for their IT support. He is reassuring, supportive and always quick to respond.

‘There are two types of people in the world. Those who have been attacked and those who will be attacked’.

It is time to talk to Paul Deaville.
You can reach him on [email protected]
or call 0121 2850 850

23/07/2026

Holidays Please – well yes!!
The testimonials rang out loud and true today as Debbie Mynard of ‘Holiday’s please’ explained why it is always good to book with an agent.

Debbie runs her business under the umbrella of this successful travel company. We were reminded that today that is so much more than a simple holiday. It is making memories; celebrating life events; spending time refreshing and recharging.
Debbie showed some wonderful trips that she and her family have enjoyed; from the Maldives to skiing, from quiet resorts to the glitz and glamour of New York.
And that is what the testimonials confirmed.
It is that attention to detail; the ability to head off problems before we her customers have even realised there is a problem and using her extensive knowledge to suggest countries and venues that were not even on our radar.

Debbie brings 49 years of experience in the travel industry to the suggestions and holidays she books. Aware of our preferences and needs, she can give us extensive choices to meet all circumstances With access to the whole market, ABTA accredited and all the checks in place, we know we are not only getting a wide choice, we are also in safe hands.
Making the experience seamless is a gift. We are busy, we do not know all the regulations, cultural nuances, opportunities; with her personal travel hat on and her years of understanding the industry, Debbie is well placed to make sure we are given the best options and a smooth ride. With the current uncertainties that abound across the globe, having Debbie to hand is simply protecting our families and our expenditure.

She offers service and expertise building her reputation on trust and understanding. Airport transfers are booked, parking, excursions, all those little things that make the holiday experience less stressful and more of what we do want – memory making.
Debbie responds quickly to any enquiries and when plans change, due to our circumstances or those of the travel industry itself, Debbie will work tirelessly behind the scenes to untangle the complexities.
The range of possibilities are endless and bargains are to be had.
Sporting holidays.
Weddings.
Celebration events.
Honeymoons.
Long haul.
City breaks.
Family beach and adventures.
Two or three destination trips.
Tailor made holidays.

Debbie is our go to travel guru.
She relies on referrals, recommendations and repeat business. Many in the group have found her service to be above and beyond expectations.

If you have holiday dreams, plans, ideas – get in touch. Debbie will give you a five star service and your holiday will be all you want it to be.

[email protected]
07954 794 599

22/07/2026

Beckie Head Stubbs has been pivotal member of the group for over 7 years now. Her contribution in supporting others and her professionalism in her role as a solicitor specialising in wills and trusts make her an invaluable colleague.
For more than 22 years Beckie has been tenacious in her support of those who come to her for legal advice on wills, trusts, probate and more.
She will deal thoughtfully and efficiently on the simple wills and probate needs of clients whilst also ensuring that the more complex issues that inevitably arise with some families are handled with the utmost professionalism.

Since qualifying, Beckie has worked for several local firms, run her own company and been a consultant under the umbrella of larger law firms, always bringing her powerful reputation with her. She is much sought after. Now with Anson’s in Lichfield, Beckie is once again at the heart of a thriving company with sold back office support. This allows Beckie to fully concentrate on her customers.

Giving them the very best advice, listening to their needs and helping them through the negotiations that wills, probate issues, trusts and powers of attorney inevitably raise are key reasons why families come back to Beckie generation after generation.
Essentially Beckie helps people sleep at night.

During her working career, she has built up an impressive reputation as someone who not only knows the law, she understands people too. Beckie is a full professional member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers and a member of the Society of Trust and estate Practitioners. This means Beckie can support those families, businesses and individuals where special circumstances and complex needs have to be addressed.
She is particularly proud of families who come back to her as each subsequent generation needs her expertise. Beckie brings with her an understanding of each family; she ‘gets’ them, which is both reassuring and time effective!

Today Beckie stunned the group with the up to date understanding of potential legal, trust and inheritance complications that are due to come into force in April 2027. The implications are profound. Pensions being brought into consideration for IHT will make a significant difference to the overall tax liability for many. For exact figures of your situation, it is suggested you contact both your personal financial advisor and your solicitor to have your will reviewed. The amounts potential to be paid in IHT are eye watering and certainly need addressing sooner rather than later.

If you need to discuss :-

* A will (EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ONE!)
* Powers of attorney
* Care home planning
* Administration of estate
* Court of Protection order
*Creation of a Trust
* Or just an update to discuss changes of circumstances.

You can contact Beckie on 01543 263456

10/07/2026

When a new business starts taking on staff and has a dozen or more testimonials from the group, you know it is built on solid ground. Such was the case today when Stephen Johnson of Johnson and Gill Residential Conveyancing, held the floor at Business First today.

How many times have we heard of friends and family selling/buying a home only to find that the gremlins and solicitors involved seem to scupper the process? Muddled paperwork, poor communication, lack of common sense and sometimes even obfuscation will not bring out the best in neither the seller nor the buyer on what is likely to be the most expensive transaction in their lives. We suspect that the phrase ‘residential conveyancing’ can strike fear and dread into many a house owner.

Step forward Johnson and Gill. Recognising that it is possible to build a value led business that always does the best for each client, Stephen and Nadine have developed a company that is widely recognised as providing the gold standard in conveyancing.

Combining a warm professional manner with an understanding of how stressful house selling and buying can be, Stephen and Nadine are bringing a fresh and professional perspective to conveyancing.
The legal of transfer of property from one person to another need not be littered with pitfalls. When you have someone with this team’s knowledge and integrity, you know that problems will be spotted, dealt with and processes moved on.
Stephen and Nadine are reassuring and supportive, working together to pull out all the stops to make the process as smooth as possible.

What we particularly like about their work is the transparency. They copy customers into communications with all the necessary parties so that you know what is going on. Having that pro-active stance alongside solid communications helps remove much of the anxiety that is associated with house buying and selling.

On the selling side, Stephen and Nadine will ensure there is due diligence. Draft contracts are prepared, property forms completed, building plans checked, restrictions noted and financial status confirmed. Lease properties can be more tricky and require more time to ensure all the fine details have been clarified.

With purchases, there is similar care and attention paid to each stage of the proceedings. Concerns are raised if research flags up potential problems, customers again are kept fully informed and searches completed.
It is important too that both are up to date with legislation changes and with recent government change, legislation is bound to be affected. As either a buyer or a seller, you need to know that your proposed transaction is not going to bring any future headaches and that you are entering into a contract knowing exactly what you are getting. Johnson and Gill are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.

The numerous testimonials from members of Business First spoke volumes this morning. Stephen and the team have been recommended not only to our colleagues and acquaintances but have also been instructed by our family. Trust has been earned.

Witness too, the range of very gratified customers who have taken the time to write a review of their work. Those speak volumes.

So should you know of anyone who is planning on buying and/or selling a residential property, having a talk to Johnson and Gill before committing to any deal, would be a prudent step to take.

You can contact Stephen on 01530 447 324
email [email protected]
https://johnson-gill.co.uk/

25/06/2026

As you can see from the photo, Phil Grigg of Radmoor Training, leads an interesting life.
Not only is he one of the very best First Aid Trainers in the region, he is qualified and volunteers for the ambulance service, supports lively events such as Wolf Runs, triathlons, road races etc;, scuba dives with technical clarity, undertakes walks of 100km for fun and charity and has a degree in marine biology!

Someone today suggested he would make a good stand up comedian; not only because of all the silly behaviour he sees in his line of work but also his innate dry wit and wonderful one liners.

Phil reminded us of just why he undertakes such a wide variety of activities. It is that personal experience in the field that ensures his first aid training courses are relevant and built not only on the factual knowledge he has accrued but also an understanding of real live events.

As you will know, under the 1981 First Aid at Work Act, any business where there are 5 people or more should have a qualified first aider.
Radmoor training will run open courses for people needing their first aid certificate for work to organising and holding specialist training for those working in paediatrics, mental health, construction and engineering industries, schools, nurseries, care homes. Anywhere where First Aid knowledge is required by law or through interest.
Volunteer community groups, sporting clubs, places with high staff turnover and those working with vulnerable groups can all rest assured that Phil will have a training to suit their needs.

Health and Safety laws are constantly changing. For example, as a result of the Manchester bombing and enquiry, we now have Martin’s Law; an additional onus on venues to ensure they have a plan in place supporting their customers in the event of a terrorist event.
Radmoor training can offer pre-hospital care training and other such medical areas where there needs to be a higher level of understanding and expertise. Personal body guards, businesses with high levels of staff, heightened risks will all need more than the basic first aid at work training. Phil can adjust the course to suit the personnel, the environment, the level of risk and the premises.

Phil has previously explained how the latest technology is used to assist those on his courses, with each mannequin linked to immediate feedback machines allowing participants to see if the volume, pressure, rate, compression etc;, is being administered correctly. That real time feedback is invaluable and of course can set up some lively competition within a group!!
With 30 different mannequins, extensive experience and understanding, Radmoor Trainings is well placed to deliver just the right training for your workplace.
First time first aiders, specialist care, renewing certification, Phil can address them all.

There is need for awareness and training that can alleviate some of the worry as to what to do in an emergency.
All of us would find first aid knowledge useful.
For employers, it is a legal requirement.
Over the past few years, certificates may well have lapsed. New staff need to be brought up to date and ensure competence. All our lives depend on the places we visit and work having competent first aiders.

Time to contact Phil Grigg at Radmoor Training.
It will be time well spent.

01543 274 452
https://www.radmoortraining.co.uk
[email protected]

24/06/2026

Some things flourish in the heat.
Courgette harvest on its way.
Keep cool everyone. 😎

18/06/2026

We pride ourselves at Business First, of working with people who we know, like and trust.
Matt Hales of Integrity Mortgage Solutions has a gold medal in those stakes.
He is also a very nice man!
Matt has been a member of our group for 15 years now and not only do members of the group use his services, we recommend him on to our families. 29 referrals from the group to date. Getting a foot on the property ladder is not easy and several of our offspring have benefitted from his help and support in recent years.
A lover of the outdoors, Matt approaches his work with a balanced family life. Running, fell walking (aiming to complete the Wainwright 214 peaks) and family holidays help this business man to keep a firm perspective on work, rest and play.

Matt combines an up-to-date understanding of the market place with the wisdom of over 40 years financial services experience. He knows what he is talking about.
Working alongside his partner Scott, Matt is able to not simply arrange a mortgage but will tease out longer term family plans, to ensure that the product on offer is not a just a short term fix but one that will be suitable as families grow and circumstances change. Matt is CeMAP qualified and can reassure clients that his advice will serve them for the current purchase and their future financial commitments.

He is particularly adept at helping the self-employed where incomes can vary enormously from year to year. Many mortgage companies can be reluctant to lend when incomes vary; with Matt’s help, business owners can find a company that understands their circumstances.

Affordability is key.
Matt knows how to help; he will sit down with a client and look at salary, dividends, savings and other such income, balancing that against outgoings. Car payments, credit cards, loans, dependents and basic living costs will all go into the mix. That preparation and searching will help to lessen the chances of disappointment down the line.
Going the extra mile, means that customers are not charged for Matt’s services until if, or when, the mortgage deal is approved.
At Integrity Mortgage Solutions, Matt and Scott have access to the whole market. They are not duty bound, as are some lenders, to only offer a narrow selection of products. Whilst all that is going on, Matt will be working with his client to ensure that all the other professionals involved in this process, solicitors, conveyancing staff etc., are not holding up proceedings. It is a bit like having your own personal champion in your corner, supporting this major life purchase, helping it to go smoothly and with as few hiccups as possible.
In addition to purchases, Matt and the team will help with re-mortgages and debt consolidation.

Always abreast of changes and developments, having a chat with Matt is such a good idea. He will be able to reassure, inform, arrange, question. As we have witnessed in the group, this is particularly useful for first time purchasers or those who run their own businesses and have more complex income structures.
Matt regularly seeks out feedback from each client to ensure he is meeting ever changing needs. The report back from inspectors in the profession, always comment positively on the quality of the advice offered.
You will know where you stand and how to proceed when it comes to all things mortgage.
We at Business first continue to recommend Matt to our friends, family and colleagues. Why not give him a call.

You can reach Matt on 01213 085 409
Or check out the testimonials on https://integritymortgagesolutions.com