We are are community builders. We’ve been working with the Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for the past two years, supporting the business community with tech for good tools, developing an engagement hub, websites, creative campaigns, training, placemaking, and more.

We met Nealem Stephens through our work there and wanted to share her brilliant story here on DigiKind.

Nealem is the owner of Extra Help Maidenhead & Windsor and has been recognised by retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis as a “Small Business Sunday” winner. According to Nealem:

“Nothing can really prepare you for the reality of owning and running your own small business. Taking the decision to run a small business is lonely. It comes with stress, anxiety, and long hours.”

Prior to owning her own business, Nealem enjoyed a successful two decade-long career in corporate and entrepreneurial start-up environments. She has the experience to build and sustain a resilient small business. Nealem’s business experienced tremendous growth throughout the pandemic and she responded. Here are her top five tips for small business owners:

  1. Nealem adapted to the environment and followed government guidelines. She ensured services were COVID-safe so that she and her team could work through the lockdowns safely.

  2. Nealem carefully recruited a strong, solid team of people who shared her vision, passion, and desire to succeed.

  3. Develop a solid business strategy.

  4. Focus on customers: build trust, credibility and a robust customer success strategy.

  5. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices.

February 2022 is a month in which Nealem also celebrated her 150th positive customer review.  She celebrates this achievement with her small, loyal team who she affectionately calls her angels.

Small business champion and Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue Chairman, Theo Paphitis, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK.  My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Nealem Stephens every success.”

Join us in congratulating Nealem and connect with her here:

Instagram

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExtraHelpMaidenheadWindsor/

Email: nealem@extra-help.co.uk
Extra Help Maidenhead and Windsor