10 Genuinely Interesting Things We Learnt In Q3....
Posted by Netmatters
1st October 2025
1st October 2025
1. Build a Business That Runs Without You
Reducing Reliance on Key People Increases Value and Attracts Higher Multiples
A business that relies too heavily on its owner or a handful of key staff often struggles to scale and typically commands a lower valuation when it’s time to sell. Buyers pay more for companies with robust systems in place and processes that ensure continuity, efficiency, and resilience. One of our long-standing clients achieved a significantly higher multiple on the sale of their business because they invested early in bespoke software, developed by Netmatters, to manage day-to-day operations. By embedding knowledge into systems rather than individuals, they built a company that was stronger, more sustainable, and ultimately far more attractive to investors.
Our Managing Director, James, is always up for a conversation. If you’d like to book some time with him, let us know.
2. Delegation Without Direction Leads to Disappointment
Clear Goals, Timelines, and Success Measures Are the Foundations of Effective Delegation
Delegating isn’t just about handing work over; it’s about setting someone up to succeed. Too often, tasks are delegated without clear objectives, agreed-upon timeframes, or a definition of what “good” looks like. The result? Frustration on both sides and outcomes that miss the mark. Effective delegation follows a simple formula: define the issue, agree on the measure of success, ask for a plan of action, and review progress at the agreed time. Done properly, delegation empowers your team, builds accountability, and ensures work gets delivered to the standard and outcome you expect.
3. You Don’t Always Need New Software
Our Approach Focuses on Maximising Existing Tools Before Adding More
When we recently met with a potential client, they told us they were constantly being pitched the “next big” software solution to buy and deploy. Our advice was different. Instead of adding more complexity and cost, we recommended stepping back: mapping out their processes, understanding how their current tools could be better utilised, and identifying where integrations could make systems work seamlessly together. Often, businesses already have 80% of what they need, what’s missing is strategy, alignment, and connectivity. That’s where we come in: helping organisations get more value from what they already own before considering new investments.
Want to book some time with our Development Team? Just let us know!
4. Hire in Haste, Regret at Leisure
Rushing Recruitment Leads to Costly Mistakes, Taking Time Brings the Right Fit
When a role is urgent to fill, it’s tempting to settle for someone who feels “good enough.” But rushing recruitment almost always costs more in the long run. A poor fit can drain time, disrupt team dynamics, and eventually force you back to square one. Taking a slower, more deliberate approach ensures you find the right skills, mindset, and cultural fit for the role, someone who will add long-term value to the business. In recruitment, patience isn’t a delay, it’s an investment in getting it right the first time.
5. The Myth of Off-the-Shelf Safety
Bespoke Systems Can Be Cheaper, More Efficient, and More Secure Than Off-the-Shelf Alternatives
There’s a widespread belief that moving to a big-name off-the-shelf platform automatically makes a business safer. In reality, the opposite can be true. By switching from bespoke systems to third-party software, companies trade control for dependency, becoming bound to external roadmaps, licence costs, and vendor limitations. True risk reduction often comes from ownership: having systems designed around your processes, the flexibility to adapt quickly, and the ability to control costs and security on your terms. The real question isn’t “Which software is most popular?” but “Which approach gives us the most control and resilience?” In many cases, that answer lies in strengthening the bespoke systems you already own
Elliott, our Sales Director, is perfectly placed to give some advice. Get in touch if you want a no-strings conversation around your software.
6. The Office Still Matters
Hybrid Working Has Its Place, But Being Together Most of the Time Delivers the Biggest Benefits
Working from home has clear advantages: flexibility, focus, and a better work-life balance. But for most organisations, the office remains where the real value is created. In-person collaboration strengthens relationships, accelerates problem-solving, and sparks creativity in ways that video calls can’t always match. Offices also help build culture, provide structure, and create natural opportunities for learning and mentoring. That doesn’t mean remote work should disappear—but it does mean that spending the majority of time together in person leads to stronger teams, better outcomes, and a healthier business overall.
7. Time’s Running Out: Windows 10 Support Ends October 2025
The Countdown Is On — Is Your Business Ready to Upgrade?
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will officially reach end of life in October 2025. That means no more security updates, patches, or official support, leaving systems vulnerable to cyber threats and compliance risks. For businesses still running Windows 10, the clock is ticking to plan an upgrade path. Whether that means moving to Windows 11, refreshing hardware, or considering alternative solutions, the key is to act early. Leaving it too late could mean rushed decisions, higher costs, and unnecessary risks. Now is the time to prepare and future-proof your IT environment before support runs out.
Our IT team know all about it. Get in touch if you want to learn more.
8. Is Your Business Ready to Sell Directly in ChatGPT?
Shopify Integration Lets Customers Browse and Buy Without Leaving AI Conversations. Are You Prepared to Keep Up?
ChatGPT is moving beyond conversation and into commerce. Thanks to a new integration with Shopify, users will soon be able to browse products and make purchases directly within the chat interface. For businesses, this represents both an opportunity and a challenge: the way customers discover, interact with, and buy products is changing. Companies that adapt early can capture new revenue streams, while those that lag risk losing attention to competitors who are embracing AI-driven shopping. The question isn’t if this change is coming, it’s whether your business is ready to act.
Our Digital Marketing Director, Jim Palmer, is always up for a chat. Let us know if you’d like to book some time with him.
9. Logical Thinking Is Slowing Your AI Advantage
Traditional Problem-Solving Limits How Businesses Harness the True Power of AI
Most businesses approach challenges with a logical, resource-constrained mindset asking “How can we achieve this with the people and tools we have?” While sensible, this mindset often prevents organisations from fully leveraging AI. Tasks that seem impossible or impractical such as listening to every customer call to monitor satisfaction, visually inspecting every product for defects, or analysing vast datasets in real time can be easily handled by AI. By applying traditional logic, businesses predefine limits that AI doesn’t have. The real potential of AI lies in breaking free from resource-driven constraints and rethinking what’s achievable. When companies shift from “how can we do this ourselves?” to “what could AI do for us?” they unlock a step-change in efficiency, insight, and innovation.
Have you been holding off on exploring this, thinking the cost would be too prohibitive? Our Business Consultancy experts would love to tell you about how easy it is to get started.
10. Words Alone Can’t Convey Everything
When It Matters Most, Face-to-Face Wins Over Written Communication
Written communication is inherently neutral; it means that emails, messages, and reports leave tone, nuance, and emotion open to interpretation. In contentious or sensitive situations, this ambiguity can create misunderstandings, erode trust, and slow resolution. Whether managing customer concerns or navigating difficult staff conversations, being present in person allows for empathy, instant clarification, and a deeper understanding of intent. The medium shapes the message: when the stakes are high, investing in face-to-face dialogue isn’t just courteous, it’s strategically smarter. Recognising when human connection trumps convenience is a hallmark of truly effective leadership and communication.
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