Stefanie Price Wealth Planning

01/08/2025

Mastering business growth: Your essential guide to finances and funding

Finances and funding are a vital aspect of successfully growing your business. Martin Brown, CEO of business growth advisory Elephants Child*, explores some key questions business owners have on this topic.

30/06/2025

Five things to consider amid market uncertainty

The uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East is breeding a sense of unease in the markets and investors. In recent days, we have seen the price of oil fluctuate considerably. However, the broader market reaction has been relatively contained so far.

07/05/2025

Navigating the summer holidays as a small business owner

As a small business owner, taking time off is essential not just for your well-being, but also for maintaining the productivity and happiness of your workforce. Planning ahead ensures that both you and your team can enjoy a well-deserved break this summer.
Establish clear holiday policies and guidelines for handling requests, which include summer absenteeism rules, modified dress codes, and flexible work schedules. These measures guarantee a smooth operation during peak vacation times.
Promote team cohesion and engagement through summer events and encourage your team to disconnect during their time off. By building a supportive and dynamic work environment, you lay the foundation for a healthier, more productive workplace.
One of the big challenges for small business owners, particularly in the start-up phase, is taking time off. Summer is coming and it’s really important you make time for your own break and create the conditions for everyone to enjoy some time off and come back refreshed. Chloe Carey HR Consultant at Business Advisory company Elephant's Child shares ten top tips to keep your business running smoothly this summer.

Make sure your employees are booking holidays. Yes, you need to keep your business running – but you also want your workforce to be rested, happy and productive. Now is an ideal time to remind them to plan their leave instead of cramming it in at the end of the year.
Be clear on the rules about unauthorised summer-related absence due to hot weather or sporting events if that’s a common issue.
Understand how to respond to holiday requests fairly if there are too many people who want to take time off at the same time.
Think about changing the dress code in warmer months to give employees some flexibility.
Host some fun summer team events to build engagement and bring people together. Remember to share photos and a write up on your social media channels to promote your business.
Consider introducing more flexible work schedules during the summer to allow your team more time with family – early starts and finishes or working extra hours during the week to allow for a short Friday.
Discourage the temptation to work during annual leave by reminding colleagues (and yourself) to leave detailed handovers before they jet off.
Encourage people to turn off emails and work messaging apps on smart phones during their leave, try to do the same yourself.
Agree a professional format for your Company’s ‘Out of Office’ messages, to include providing an alternative contact while away, and details of when you will be back. You can suggest something in keeping with your company’s tone and style or keep to this simple template: “I’m on annual leave until [add date]. In my absence please contact [add name] via [add email address and/or phone number]. I will reply to your email when I return”.
Make sure you enjoy your summer, take a well-deserved break and rejuvenate. You will be no use to your loved ones or the team at work if you are stressed and burnt out.
As you prepare for the summer holiday, and particularly as your business grows, setting up effective policies and processes will benefit your business in the long run. Set yourself up for success with good delegation and mastering the ability to step away from time to time. Longer term, when you begin to think about exiting your business, the less the company relies on you, and the more teams can operate in your absence, the more attractive the business will be to potential buyers. By fostering an environment of trust and flexibility, you’ll create a culture that values both hard work and the importance of taking breaks.

Don’t leave it to chance
Are you ready to take the first step toward a more balanced work life? Get in touch to discover how we can help empower your business, navigate this summer and beyond and promote a healthier work environment.

We work in conjunction with an extensive network of external growth advisers and SME specialists, such as Elephants Child, who have been carefully selected by St. James's Place. The services provided by these specialists are separate and distinct to the services carried out by St. James's Place and include advice on how to grow your business and prepare your business for sale. Where the opinions of third parties are offered, these may not necessarily reflect those of St. James's Place.

SJP Approved 29/04/2025

23/04/2025

Markets experienced significant volatility last week, driven by escalating trade tensions, central bank policy moves, and renewed investor concerns over the global economy. Read this weeks WeekWatch to find out more.

Markets experienced significant volatility last week, driven by escalating trade tensions, central bank policy moves, and renewed investor concerns over the global economy.

09/04/2025

Justin Onuekwusi, Chief Investment Officer at SJP, gives his views and offers reassurance on the recent market volatility, caused by the US tariffs.

04/04/2025

2024 saw the new Labour government announce a raft of changes to many key taxes, including rises in Capital Gains Tax and Employer NI contributions – and sweeping changes to Inheritance Tax regulations.

24/03/2025

‘When can I afford to stop working?’ It’s the question most of us start asking ourselves, when we reach our fifties or sixties.

19/03/2025

More and more of us want to use our money to create family wealth, not just personal wealth. According to recent SJP research, almost 70% of us expect to support our families financially, both before and after we die.1

12/03/2025

Richard Murray, Chief Commercial Officer with Elephants Child regularly meets businesses of all shapes, sizes and at various stages of their journey, helping them to grow and develop. He also works closely with business owners on their exit plans. Here are his five top tips to help you build a solid...

21/02/2025

It’s time to give a shout out for all the amazing local businesses and folk who are supporting the Olney Pancake Race Grand Raffle and the race itself.

So this is Thank you #1 – there’s too many to get in one post!

Francis Jackson Homes, Bonne Maman, Kingsley Healthcare Group, Blackstone, Whitworth Bros Ltd, The Cowpers Oak, Margaret James Estate Agents , Olney Pancake Parlour, Captain Carpet, Stefanie Price Wealth Planning, JS Designs & Interiors Ltd, Davis Optometrists, The Swan Inn & Bistro, The Cherry Tree, Olney, Dawn Bridge, The Olney Way to Run, Hillier Hill, Stephen Oakley, The Wine Cellar, , BOO jewellery, thefabpracticethefabpractice, Kaisa Larkas, &beauty, C.T.Wilson & Son Ltd, , and KyeLee Flowers

Wow! Check out the fantastic list of prizes available at
https://olneypancakerace.org/raffle2025/

Tickets are now available from The Cowpers Oak, Weston Underwood, Margaret James Estate Agents on the High Street in Olney and Olney Pancake Parlour on the Market Place. Don’t delay and get yours today!