In October 2024, Privalgo’s hosted its inaugural event, Secrets of Scale.
The event brought four experienced UK business leaders together to share their stories and insights into what it truly takes to grow a successful business in 2025 and beyond.
From building resilient teams to navigating international markets, here are five actionable takeaways from the event that every business leader should consider as they plan for a year of exciting growth.
1. Resilience is key to navigating uncertainty
The only certainty in 2024 has been uncertainty. And with the geopolitical and global economic environment still in murky waters, we may well see a similar theme in 2025.
Whether it’s navigating economic disruptions or industry shifts, resilient leaders know how to adapt without losing focus.
Secrets of Scale panellist Dan Biggs, CEO of Privalgo, spoke of launching his business amid Brexit, which immediately erased 9% of his market. “The next couple of years, we faced COVID, and I thought, ‘That’s it.’ But resilience is essential. You deal with what you can control and adapt to the rest.”
Takeaway: Focus on controlling the controllables. Understand your core business, plan for multiple scenarios, and don’t let panic cloud your decision-making.
2. See mistakes as growth opportunities
Every entrepreneur has their fair share of failures. What sets successful leaders apart is their ability to turn mistakes into learning experiences.
Simon Nimmo, Founder of Charles Cameron & Associates, recounted signing a massive lease with personal guarantees right before the financial crash hit. “I lost almost everything,” he said, “but from that low, I reimagined our model.”
Takeaway: Mistakes aren’t the end – they’re pivot points. Stay true to your values, own your decisions, and use setbacks as stepping stones toward better strategies.
3. Invest in your people to build high-performance teams
Your team is your most valuable asset. Building a culture of trust, accountability, and motivation is crucial for achieving long-term success.
Jennifer Raines, Founder of YRH Finance Team, shared how embedding company culture into every new hire was key to her scaling journey: “Build the business you want, and get rid of anyone who doesn’t fit.”
Takeaway: Empower your teams with clear goals, consistent feedback, and a shared vision. Culture eats strategy for breakfast – don’t underestimate its importance.
4. Plan ahead for international expansion
Globalisation offers significant opportunities for businesses, but expanding into new markets comes with risks. From currency volatility to regulatory challenges, preparation is vital.
Funding Xchange’s CFO, Laura Wathen, highlighted the importance of hedging against financial risks, stating: “SMEs often look for the cheapest option without considering risks. If currencies shift by 5-10%, margins can be wiped out.”
Takeaway: Work with experts to manage complex markets. Use financial tools like hedging to protect your bottom line and ensure your global strategy is sustainable.
5. Be positive about the future; it’s brighter than it seems
Despite economic challenges, the UK remains a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial growth. In 2023, SMEs represented over 99% of UK businesses, driving innovation and opportunity.
Laura Wathen emphasised the UK’s role as a global leader: “We’ve written the rule book for other rule books around the world. It’s a centre of tech investment and excellence.”
Takeaway: Stay optimistic. Challenges often lead to innovation, and with the right strategies, 2025 could be your business’s breakout year.
Conclusion
Scaling a business isn’t just about seizing opportunities – it’s about creating them. From managing uncertainty to investing in your people, the lessons from our first Secrets of Scale event demonstrate that growth is possible for those willing to adapt, plan, and innovate.
For more in-depth insights and actionable advice, download the full Secrets of Scale report below.
Start preparing today, and make 2025 the year your business scales further, faster.
