Sue Bates – författare

A cliche it may be but we are living in ever more turbulent times. Business decision-making has become more challenging and unpredictable than ever: we see unforeseen and often cataclysmic changes in consumer demand, both at home and in export markets; customers continue to demand more, more quickly and for less; new laws and regulations abound; competitors steal loyal customers; and, increasingly, the advice that once could be found from a 'Small Business Adviser' has been replaced by a call centre. Hand in hand with these challenges, the risks associated with expansion, or a new strategy, have grown significantly. In the context of a small business, where a manager has not necessarily had the breadth of experience of someone in a larger organization or formal management learning, they can seem extremely daunting. This book addresses the issues confronting managers/owners of SMEs by providing practical, jargon-free advice on which a SME can create a sound platform from which to prosper.* Uncomplicated and jargon free to appeal to the SME director or manager who has little time to read* Can be used as a continuous read or a source of ides for dealing with the day-to-day problems of running and growing a small business* Based on the practical experience of the authors with examples taken from consulting practice

'Many of you will already be familiar with Sue’s excellent books ... Solihull Past is no exception.' - Solihull NewsSolihull was founded as a new town in the 12th century, in the Forest of Arden. It flourished in the early Middle Ages, but eventually declined into a quiet village in north-west Warwickshire. Turnpike roads brought some custom to its coaching inns in the 18th century, but it was not until the railway came in 1850 that its suburbanisation began…Easy commuter transport from Birmingham induced wealthy professionals and businessmen to move their families to Solihull’s ‘salubrious’ surroundings. Growth was slow but steady as more houses were built to attract new residents, and by 1894 Solihull was created a Rural District Council, at a time when schools and churches were extending their premises to accommodate continued growth in population. The second half of the 20th century saw the village disappear under the developing town as offices, hotels and shops were built, including Mell Square, and by 1974 Solihull had progressed to Metropolitan Borough status, the highest tier of local government at the time.This well-researched and quite fascinating account records the town’s growth from medieval market town to modern commercial centre, with its roots proudly remembered in its motto, Urbs in Rure (‘The Town in the Country’). The text is illuminated by a splendid selection of photographs, providing a welcome companion volume to the author’s earlier and very popular book, Solihull: A Pictorial History.