Hey HQ family ❤️ Quick one... and I’m sharing this here because you’re the people who actually see the real work. Q Branch has just been awarded the SME News Business Elite Award 2026 for Best Brand Strategy & Growth Consulting Firm. I’m genuinely proud… but not in a “look at us” way. More in a “wow… this started as a mission” way. Because behind every “brand” we talk about is a real human story: - someone trying to make a business work - someone carrying pressure - someone trying to lead better - someone wanting more freedom and stability for their family - someone trying to build something that matters - And this community is a big part of why we keep pushing the standard. You show up. You do the work. You ask the hard questions. You make bold decisions. You remind us that this isn’t about pretty graphics it’s about clarity, courage, and execution. So thank you for being in the room with us. This award is a nice moment… but the real win is what we’re building together. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Right… I’m ready to step up my own standards,” drop a 🔥 below and tell me what you’re committing to in the next 30 days.

I have just found out that I have got a stall at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester (GNCCF) in October. I have wanted to apply to this event for years but didn't have the confidence in me and my products to actually apply. Being part of the HQ group and support from Jenny and Matt gave me the confidence to apply this year. GNCCF events are amazingly well run and have my ideal customers. (Also one of my local business friend has also got in, so we're going to go down together.)

Exciting news - I have just received my first ever funding and I can buy my much awaited tool!! Those who were in this group last year will remember how hard I worked at trying to get funding for a new tool - a leather Clicker Press. I tried for a technology grant but didn't qualify because my tool doesn't plug in...! Out of the blue a couple of weeks ago my advisor from the same Business Enterprise told me of an opening with a different fund/grant. As soon as this money became available, she thought of me. The timescales were/are short but I fitted the criteria and today the money arrived in my bank account. It doesn't cover the whole cost but covers most of it. The clicker press allows me to cut out leather shapes quickly using metal dies. This will mean I can make products quicker, freeing up time to make and earn more. It opens opportunities for more regular wholesale customers. It will also help me avoid injuries. I am so so excited. This is a great opportunity and great timing as I go back to doing my business full-time at the end of this month.

I am running a leatherwork course this week, starting tomorrow. I am always a bit apprehensive before each course but with my anxiety levels being high at the moment, I'm feeling it more. One of my students who is going to be there and been on previous courses told me in an email today "I'm looking forward to seeing you again too and the lovely relaxed, learning atmosphere you create." What a lovely thing for her to say and really encouraging.

Hi, for the last 2 and a half years I have been running my leatherwork business alongside a part-time job. Previous to that I ran the business 'full time' around my children. I took on the part-time job to have regular income coming in and to help my children through Uni. I have found juggling the part-time job, business and family difficult. I'm the sort of person who gives a lot to anything I do. This along with poor management in my job has affected my health. I am currently signed off from my part-time job, not fun for someone who is a hard worker. I have finally taken the plunge and officially handed in my notice to the part-time job. It's a big step leaving the security of a job but I'm excited about being able to give my full attention to my business again (and being well). I have grown so much since joining HQ over a year ago, with Jenny and Matt's help. I'll now have the time to put what I've learnt into action. I want to be more proactive than reactive.