About Business As Unusual

Where Real Experience Meets Business Transformation

We're not your typical business consultants. We're small business owners who've lived the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We speak your language because we've walked in your shoes.

Our Story

Business As Unusual

The name says it all. We're not about "business as usual" – the tired corporate speak, one-size-fits-all solutions, or consultants who've never run a business.

Business As Unusual emerged from a simple truth: high street businesses deserve consultants who truly understand their world. Not theorists. Not corporate executives who've only worked for massive brands. But real business owners who've faced the same challenges you face every day.

We specialize in high street businesses – independent retailers, hospitality venues, hair and beauty salons, gyms, and service businesses that form the heart of our communities. These businesses don't need generic advice. They need guidance from someone who understands their unique pressures and opportunities.

Our Mission: To empower high street business owners with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace – without losing the personal touch that makes them special.

Vibrant high street businesses thriving, diverse independent shops, people enjoying local businesses, sense of community and success

Meet Our Founder

Stuart Sadler

Small business owner turned business transformation specialist

Stuart Sadler Stuart Sadler

From Business Owner to Business Builder

Stuart Sadler isn't a consultant who learned about business from textbooks or corporate boardrooms. He's a small business owner who built success from the ground up – and who understands exactly what it takes to thrive on the high street.

12 Years as an Award-Winning Salon Owner

For over a decade, Stuart owned and operated a multiple award-winning hair and beauty salon. This wasn't just a business – it was a laboratory where he tested, refined, and perfected strategies for high street success. He experienced firsthand every challenge that small business owners face:

  • Managing cash flow during quiet periods
  • Building and retaining a talented team
  • Competing with larger chains and franchises
  • Creating systems while maintaining quality
  • Marketing on a tight budget
  • Balancing being the owner and the operator

But he didn't just survive these challenges – he conquered them, building a salon that earned multiple industry awards and developed a loyal following of satisfied clients.

12 Years Supporting Small Business Success

Alongside his bricks and mortar businesses, Stuart channeled his hard-won experience into helping other small business owners achieve their goals. For the past two years, he's been working with independent high street businesses, applying the proven strategies that worked in his own business and adapting them to each owner's unique situation.

What makes Stuart different? He doesn't just give advice – he empowers. His approach focuses on building your capability and confidence, not creating dependency. He wants you to become a stronger business leader, capable of navigating challenges long after your work together ends.

Our Approach

What Makes Us Different

We bring something rare to business consulting: genuine empathy born from experience.

We've Been There

We're not observing from the outside. We've lived the reality of running a small business – the sleepless nights, the tough decisions, the proud moments.

Empowerment, Not Dependency

Our goal is to make ourselves unnecessary. We equip you with skills and systems so you can lead confidently without needing endless consulting.

High Street Specialists

We focus exclusively on retail, hospitality, and service businesses. We understand your world because it was our world.

Practical, Not Theoretical

No corporate jargon. No textbook theories. Just proven strategies that work in the real world of small business.

Modern & Forward-Thinking

We embrace AI and digital transformation, helping you compete with larger players while keeping your personal touch.

Genuinely Care About Your Success

Your success is our success. We celebrate your wins and support you through challenges because we know how much your business means to you.

How We Work

Our Values

🎯

Authenticity

We're honest about what we know, what we don't, and what's realistic for your situation. No overselling or empty promises.

💡

Practicality

Every recommendation is actionable and achievable. We focus on what you can actually implement, not pie-in-the-sky ideas.

🤝

Partnership

We work with you, not for you. Your insights about your business combined with our experience create powerful results.

📈

Results-Focused

We measure success by your outcomes. Growth, profitability, confidence – that's what matters, not just hours billed.

🌟

Empowerment

We teach you to fish rather than catching fish for you. Our aim is to build your capability and independence.

🎨

Creativity

Small businesses need creative solutions, not cookie-cutter approaches. We think differently to help you stand out.

About the Company

Business As Unusual is a trading name of Bright Citrus Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.

Company Information

Trading Name: Business As Unusual

Legal Entity: Bright Citrus Limited

Company Number: 08458708

Registered: England and Wales

Address: 31 Lower Gungate, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7AT

Email: hello@businessasunusual.co.uk

Our Evolution

Business As Unusual represents the evolution of years of hands-on small business experience. It emerged from a joint venture supporting small businesses and Stuart's previous salon ownership, combining practical experience with a passion for helping others succeed.

While the Business As Unusual brand is new, it's evolved from and built on:

  • 12 years of award-winning salon ownership
  • 12 years of active small business consulting
  • Proven strategies tested in real-world conditions
  • Deep understanding of high street business challenges

We're here to help you write your own success story.

Ready to Work Together?

Let's discuss how Business As Unusual can help your high street business thrive. Book a free consultation with Stuart today.

Book Your Free Consultation