Business First

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

11/06/2026

Sliding doors – isn’t it interesting to reflect on opportunities we took and where they led.
Today we got to hear from the talented Alan Lowbridge of ‘Lowbridge Creative’, whose many ‘Sliding door’ moments led to roles and experiences never imagined as a young lad!

Alan started his life in a very traditional print shop. He talked about the wonderful serendipity of being placed as a teenager into the wonderful world of John Neave, who, as a traditional and very much experienced, old fashioned printer, inspired Alan, both in the type of work and the quality for which he is now renowned. From those early days, he realised that it was creative design that really took his attention. Through various employed and ownership roles, Alan, shared with us how chance meetings, connections and experiences led to a wide variety of roles, companies and opportunities. Now arrived at a place where his skill and experience combine, from drawing board to wonderful web design, Alan brings all his design, professional and interpersonal skills to create a strong business.

There are many a charlatan in the wide world, including in the web and app design business. Alan offers us a professional, bespoke service where the customer is king. He knows how to listen, how to advise, how to create. He really works hard at getting to know the business before starting the design concept. It is those skills that have made him so successful and trusted by the businesses in the Business First Group.

Alan’s work includes a content management system that enables customers to vary page structure, edit blogs, add sections, change content. A platform that gives TOTAL control. That is rare in the website world. With discussion, Alan can help us ensure that websites not only perform but stand out and attract the business for which they were intended.
In addition, there is a built in reporting system that is user friendly. We can see what sections are working. If a potential customer is using a laptop or mobile phone and when views and click throughs are happening. Again, this gives us confidence that our website is functioning as it should or needs tweaking. And Alan can do the tweaking!!

For example Alan has worked on ‘Mind Management For You’ with Sheila McMahon, Alison Taylor with ‘Forever’ and is currently supporting Sarah Falkner with her site ‘Evie Loves Interiors’.
Alan has regular work from a variety of clients across a broad spectrum of businesses. From tanning salons to casino’s; from hospitality to crafts; all benefit from Alan’s insight and skills.

If your website looks tired, needs a refresh or you are rebranding, have a chat to Alan.
He will listen. He will design. He will set up your website to perform.

Contact him on 07971 955617
Or check out his website!!

Creative design for print, web & apps.

04/06/2026

At Business First we value services, trades and professions. That rich mix makes for a vibrant group.

Today we heard from one of our most trusted tradesmen, Malcolm Bembridge. An honest roofer who knows his stuff and works on the basis of trust and truth.
When not working on roofs, Malcolm is an avid sportsman with medals for triathlon's, marathons and his charity work. Malcolm is most definitely a community man with a big heart.

Malcom set up his company MB Roofing and Property Maintenance in 2003. He covers a wide area around the West Midlands and everyone you speak to who has used his services, talks about how good he is.
Using the best materials, bringing in his years of experience, Malcolm and his will quickly assess what needs doing. He knocks spots off some of the ‘wide boys’, often showing that a job is far less complicated than is being made out. One that can be done in a shorter time with sounder results. Often far cheaper too.
MB Roofing and Property Maintenance will never over price, over quote or suggest work that simply does not need doing. You get a straightforward account of the advised work and a simple, easy to understand quote.

Malcolm and the team will undertake roof surveys, giving you complete peace of mind that you know the job is going to be thorough and completed to the very highest of standards.
They will:-
*Replace guttering, UVPC facias, etc.
*Reline and repair flat roofs.
*Repair where broken tiles, coving etc., are evident.
*Fully replace a roof.
*Address roof ventilation where that has been neglected.
*Work on chimneys.
*Complete lead work.
*Work on property maintenance.

MB Roofing will work with specialist/historical buildings complying with preservation societies. They have won awards for their work and will work safely in most weather conditions.
They really do know their stuff.
There were a huge number of testimonials from the group who have used and recommended Malcolm and his services.

You can contact Malcolm on 07973 347422

or check out his website on
MB Roofing | Roofing and Property Maintenance

mb-roofing.co.uk
https://www.mb-roofing.co.uk

28/05/2026

Passion about what we do is so evident with every member of Business First. Offering quality service, skills and knowledge for our customers is central to our successful businesses.
None more so than Becci Willis of Yarny Bees. Starting during lockdown by selling handmade crochet items, to now celebrating her shop now being open for just over 12months, Becci shared with us today how and why Yarny Bees has made such an impact on the local and wider community.

Clearly talented in both crafting and teaching, Becci has expanded her offering from a small workshop to now providing a retail outlet and a host of fascinating craft and creative opportunities from her own skills and those of visiting teachers.

Paying homage to GG, her grandmother, who taught her to knit and who shared a love of learning, Becci described how a sense of self-worth alongside a passion for what we bring to the table are two essential ingredients for a successful business. (ask Becci about GG’s experience of knitting bespoke items for Harrods!).
Both Becci and GG learnt to crochet together and it is very much that supportive, collaborative connection that makes Yarny Bees unique.

Not only has expansion meant Becci can now provide yarns and accessories for the home crafter, she is also able to provide a venue for other creatives to bring their skills to groups is a wide variety of workshops. Taking on an expanding premises with high street frontage was a business gamble but it is so paying off.
Through collaboration Becci can now offer crafts such as, willow weaving, macrame, embroidery, glass making, art explosion and wreath making courses to name but a few.
A new venture is the successful cinema evenings; bring along your knitting and watch a movie with friends. What a great way to enjoy the creative community away from phones!

Her own regular classes and courses are extremely popular. Children and adults can come along and learn to crochet, knit, unwind and share time. Yarny Bees is a safe space.
As many learnt in Covid times, making is therapeutic and that aspect is not to be underestimated.
Becci brings value to her clients, hence her courses are booked up well in advance.
At Yarny Bees then you can find supplies, a library of craft books to borrow, an opportunity to build confidence in a wide range of crafting and buy a range of gifts that she is hosting from other crafters.

Becci will also offer:
*commissions – those bespoke pieces that will be treasured.
*repairs for a much loved item.
*children’s parties.
*hen, bridal and baby shower events – a lovely way to enjoy company, celebrate in a relaxing environment and have a gift to take home!
*corporate team days – again a chance for staff to bond, unwind and learn.
Not one to rest on her growing success, Becci has some wonderful ideas on how to develop her shop offering. Watch this space or more importantly, get involved and join the creative community.

You can reach Becci by popping into her shop on Upper St John’s Street. WS14 9DT
Visit her website : https://yarnybees.co.uk/
Or contact her on 07738 159757

14/05/2026

It is often our early life experiences that shape us.
Today we heard from Emma Smith, of Grace Cares. This is our charity seat at Business First and one in which we all have a vested interest.
A love of life and an understanding of the care sector from first hand experience has shaped much of what Emma now does. Being an unpaid carer herself, seeing families struggle, knowing the emotional and physical toll that caring for a loved one brings, affords Emma a genuine empathy with the people she serves.
One of the three co-founders, Emma shared with us this week the essence of what they offer and just why the charity has grown so rapidly.
Care is at the heart of everything they do.

Grace Cares take pre-loved care equipment, refurbish it and sell it on at cost price.
It is a shameful indictment of society that if Grace Cares did not do this, not only would carers have to pay full price for care equipment but all the second hand equipment no longer needed by families, would go into landfill.
Grace Cares give it another life.
Alongside that, the charity supports those who are caring and those who are alone. Regular tea parties, rock painting and other such joyful activities help to combat the loneliness and isolation that many carers feel. A vibrant community is being forged.
There is also a growing need to provide seminars and information days where experts and carers can come together to understand the support that is available and share experiences. Financial support, practical support and emotional support are all considered.

The team of Emma, Adam Harrison and Hannah Montgomery are supported by a large number of volunteers. Those willing to give their time to mend, clean, collect, sort and sift the masses of care equipment that now comes their way.
Grace Cares have really lit a fire under the abandonment of care equipment and now have 5 NHS partnerships, Lichfield District Council, 14 Staffordshire Tips and a vast array of volunteers looking out for and sending ‘stuff’.
The warehouse in Elmhurst if filled and there is a very quick turnover of resources. The refurbished care equipment is in much demand and can find itself going a few miles away or across the globe! Where there is a need and Grace Cares can fill it, they will do their utmost to give that practical support.

The team bring their unique skills to bear and it is no wonder that Grace Cares was recently honoured with an award from the High Sheriff.
How can you help?
1. Grace Cares need volunteers.
2. If you hear of any care equipment no longer needed, please contact them.
3. Join the 3,000+ Facebook followers to support and shout about their work.
https://www.facebook.com/GraceCaresCIC
4. If you know of any elderly in the Lichfield area who are alone and would enjoy one of the activities, please share Grace Cares with them.
5. If you know of anyone in need of care equipment, please try Grace Cares first.
6. Check out their website.
https://grace-cares.com/

Get in touch with Emma on 01543 730 189 and see if you can help.

12/05/2026

Mark Plumb is very much the family man and in good tradition, shared with us last week how his business has given him a work life balance, enabling him to enjoy family life whilst still giving very good service through his carpet, flooring and upholstery business, Zero Dry Time.

Previous jobs that Mark had undertaken were often uninspiring and sometimes unpleasant. Having worked for some years with both trades and large corporations, Mark jumped at a chance to take up a franchise when the opportunity arrived. Being his own boss and conducting business in a professional manner, Mark knows the value of good customer relationships and offering quality customer service.

A member of Business First for 9 years now, the testimonials from those in the group who have used his services is extensive and heart felt. He gets repeat customer for very good reasons.

We all know how we feel if our surroundings are grubby. It can be depressing. With his business of carpet and upholstery cleaning, Mark can lift our mood.
Homes, offices, commercial buildings, gyms, hospitality arena, all can benefit from a bit of love; that TLC which conveys the message that we are respected and loved!!

With the specialist cleaning materials and the professional techniques used by Mark, carpets and upholstery are finished and, in most circumstances, ready to use straight away.
Scuffed leather upholstery can be renewed, suede and microfibres treated effectively and the specialist team at head office can support Mark in ensuring that fabrics are brought back to life.
ALL types of flooring too can be given a new lease of life.
It is not just carpets; hard floors such as stone, tiles and all the modern laminate materials can be treated effectively. Cleaned, sealed and made ready for more wear and tear.

A gym, office, restaurant, conference venue or hotel floor and chairs that look grubby, gives totally the wrong message to its customers. Mark can restore not only the flooring but the consequent faith in the venue. A sub-conscious understanding that we are using a business that cares about its customers.
Take a look at his website and give Mark a call.
And if you find a venue that looks a bit shabby, then recommend that they too give Mark a call.
He is professional, punctual and does a damn fine job.
‘One day all carpets will be cleaned this way’.
0800 180 49 30
[email protected]
https://www.zerodrytime.com/dry-carpet-upholstery-and-hardfloor-cleaner-burton-on-trent-l-55