As I write this, I’m in County Donegal, about to celebrate the wedding of one of my wife’s closest friends. We’ve extended the trip a little—and while the backdrop is rugged cliffs and Atlantic breeze, it’s also the perfect place to pause and reflect over a pint (or two) of velvety local stout.

In fast-moving tech businesses, HR can feel like an overhead. Something for “when we’re bigger.” But one misstep with a toxic hire, misclassified contractor, or dodgy dismissal, and suddenly you’re not scaling – you’re firefighting.

In the fast-paced world of tech SMEs, where every hire can shift the trajectory of a project, or the business itself, accountability isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the difference between momentum and mayhem. But here’s the question: can you teach accountability, or should you only hire people who already live and breathe it?

No organisation thrives on strategy alone. While systems, processes, and business models provide structure, it’s people who turn vision into reality. The right individuals – those who care, bring passion, and drive expertise – are the ones who elevate organisations beyond mere functionality.

The power of partnerships in the SME technology space is often underestimated, yet it’s a game-changer for sustainable growth.

Running a small technology business isn’t just about great service and innovative solutions—it’s about making informed decisions with the right metrics. This doesn’t need a huge suite of complex reports, but without data you’re just another person with an opinion.

As technology companies scale, the allure of rapid expansion can often eclipse the fundamental need for robust governance. While agility and innovation drive success, sustainable growth is deeply rooted in structured oversight, ensuring that quality remains a constant as ambitions rise.

Mental health is the foundation of a fulfilling life and a thriving workplace. As someone who prioritises wellbeing, I’ve found that simple habits—like daily walks and structured workload management—make a significant difference in maintaining balance. But beyond personal benefits, fostering mental health in the workplace is essential for sustainable growth and productivity.

In today’s fast-moving business landscape, sustainable growth is more than just financial expansion—it’s about building an organisation that thrives long-term. One of the most critical yet often underestimated drivers of this success is workplace culture. A strong, intentional culture doesn’t just boost employee morale; it enhances productivity, reduces turnover, and fuels innovation

Growth is exciting—but without a clear strategy, it can become overwhelming. Many SMEs face the challenge of scaling sustainably while maintaining efficiency, customer satisfaction, and financial stability. At learnleadgrow, we’ve seen first-hand how structured leadership and strategy can transform a business—supporting a partner that grew sevenfold in just five years. The lessons from this journey offer valuable insights for SMEs looking to scale without the growing pains.

With well-publicised budget cuts in their billions coming to the UK public sector, does this mean the end of the line for companies selling services into government?