❓ Did You Know?
We may live and work in a modern digital world, often connecting on a daily basis with people online all over the world, but, according to online studies, the way to make real connections that actually grow is still in a face to face capacity.
This below chart displays the percentage of real connections made via each method of communication and outreach.
👋 Connections Corner
With the above chart in mind, we wanted to start our brand new newsletter with a section that highlights the awesome events we have attended and the fabulous people we have met over the last month.
In May, we did go on holiday, so this section is a little shorter than normal as we met very few people whilst laying on the beach drinking pina coladas.
I want to start with a massive shout out to the Ashby Connect group and offer my thanks to Emma Allen and the team at Fisher Solicitors for providing us with this superb, and may I add, FREE, event every month where not only do we get a delicious lunch but we also enjoy an informed presentation from a guest and the opportunity to meet a lot of new connections, including:
Imran Ahmed, Mark Harris, Vicki Walker, Kirsty France, Fatma Abidi, Rebekah Sharman, Emma Allen, Rachael Clarke and many more.
We also had the usual casual afternoon at Been, which happens the first Tuesday of every month in Willesden, where we ironically indulged in diet cola and not the caramel cappuccino we would tend to go for as we are trying to lose a few pounds. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could eat and drink all we liked without a care in the world. I suppose we can, it is called our twenties!
Ian Pownall is the master curator of this event and an all round top bloke. He seems to know everyone and not in a busy way. He is just someone who shows genuine joy in learning about others and engaging with them. I try to emulate him, but at times I am in awe of him as it must be quite knackering. I imagine his passion counteracts this. I will be at Been again on Tuesday, looking forward to meeting new folk but until then, a shout out to my Been connections.
Rafe Nauen, Kristian Harris, Fred Warner, Jez Booker, Emma Roberts, James Bell and the rest.
Which brings us on to Kuku Connect and the brilliant Stephen Goddard and Philip Brooks-Stephenson, KL, KStJA, FRSA, FCMI who really know how to take a networking event to another level. I was grateful to be invited to their VE Day Celebration event at the Priest House in Castle Donnington. With many service people in attendance, dressed in uniform with the wonderful service they have provided this country emblazoned on their chests, you really could take in the gravitas of the moment and we were all overcome with a sense of pride and respect. It really was another opportunity to meet some great new connections, including a couple of great young students who were confidently learning how to approach in this setting and absolutely smashing it.
What an opportunity to meet Major Sean Leach from the British Army as well as the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE.
I also spent some good times with Emma Allen from Fisher Solicitors, which goes to show how paths cross at all these events and you get to see a lot of smiley, familiar faces.
Notice how in the below picture my lanyard has flipped around and doesn’t show the business name… no matter how I set it, this always happens. Is this a case of the toast always falling butter side down?
A good idea is a good idea, and we want to provide all startups with an online presence that can compete with the privileged elite.
We believe that when it comes to business and opportunity for entrepreneurship and personal growth nobody should be restricted by their background or current circumstances.
Two Entrepreneurs. One Product. Very Different Paths.
Alex and Jordan created the same high-quality product at the same price with excellent service, but their paths diverged drastically. Jordan, backed by strong finances, launched a polished, fast website with professional branding, SEO, and paid ads, quickly attracting a wide customer base. Alex, from a low-income background, had to use a free, basic DIY website with no marketing budget, making it hard to gain visibility.
Despite equal effort and product quality, after six months Jordan’s business thrived while Alex’s struggled, highlighting that success is often less to do with talent and more about access to digital tools and opportunity.
We can’t do this alone.
Our mission to level the digital playing field depends on raising awareness so everyone we can help, can find us.
With your support, we’ll launch a six-month advertising campaign designed to reach entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, especially those who’ve been overlooked.
Every pound you give will directly fuel this effort, helping us connect with more people ready to build their future.
Here’s how we intend to use the £1,000 monthly budget:
- £500 for targeted Google Ads to capture search traffic and include search partners like YouTube
- £300 for B2B promotion on LinkedIn
- £200 for Facebook & Meta ads to engage community groups and local entrepreneurs
With your support, we can get our message to the masses, making everyone aware we are here for them. Your donation truly makes a difference.
Join us, and together, let’s change lives and build an equal future where opportunity is for everyone.
Click on this link to donate: Help Us Support Social Mobility Through Business
The following sections are all information and tips we have found from great sources to help you make the most of your online presence and your business whilst supporting your people.
🌐 Google & Tech Updates
Check if Consent Mode is Enabled & Fix for Free Using Consent Mode Monitor
Google Consent Mode (now Google Consent Mode V2) uses Consent Management Platforms (CMPs) to register consent choices of users and deploy tags according to these choices. It’s now the law to ensure this is setup properly and you can face some hefty fines if you don’t. So it’s important to check if consent mode is enabled.
To confirm if Consent Mode is correctly set up, consider these reliable checks:
- Use Consent Mode Monitor to detect and fix consent mode issues.
- Check the consent tab in GTM Preview.
- Review default consent settings in GTM.
- Verify consent states in the dataLayer.
You can follow any of the abovementioned methods to ensure Consent Mode works correctly. Before going forward, make sure you’ve set up Consent Mode V2 using your Consent Management Platform.
Visit Measure Minds for the full article.
💡 Website Inspiration Station
In 2025, immersive 3D design is revolutionising web experiences, transforming static pages into dynamic, interactive environments. By integrating three-dimensional elements, designers are crafting websites that captivate users, offering depth and realism that enhance engagement and storytelling.
This trend is evident in various applications:
Product Showcases
E-commerce platforms employ 3D models, allowing customers to explore products from every angle, leading to more informed purchasing decisions.
Interactive Menus
Websites like Stripe utilise 3D menus, providing users with a more engaging navigation experience.
Immersive Storytelling
Brands such as Campo Alle Comete guide visitors through 3D environments, narrating their stories in a compelling manner.
However, implementing 3D elements requires careful consideration. Designers must balance visual appeal with performance, ensuring that the added complexity doesn’t hinder loading times or user accessibility.
For a practical example of immersive 3D design, visit The Tiny Pod, where the website offers an engaging experience through its innovative use of 3D elements.
Embracing immersive 3D design can set your website apart, providing users with a memorable and interactive experience that aligns with the cutting-edge trends of 2025.
🚀 SEO Strategy Spotlight
Mastering Intent-Driven Content in 2025
In 2025, the cornerstone of effective SEO lies in crafting content that aligns seamlessly with user intent. This approach not only enhances visibility but also fosters trust and engagement.
Actionable Tips:
Prioritise User Intent
Focus on understanding the specific needs and questions of your target audience. Develop content that addresses these queries directly, ensuring relevance and value.
Optimise for Answer Engines
With the rise of AI-driven search tools, structure your content to provide clear, concise answers. Utilise headings, bullet points, and summaries to facilitate quick information retrieval.
Leverage Internal Linking
Enhance site navigation and SEO by interlinking related content. This not only aids search engine crawlers but also keeps users engaged longer.
Mini Case Study
Evergreen Energy, a renewable energy firm, exemplifies the power of intent-driven content. By conducting in-depth research into the questions their audience was asking, they developed a content strategy that addressed these queries comprehensively. This approach led to a 600% increase in organic traffic and over 100 first-page rankings, solidifying their authority in the niche.
Further Reading
For an in-depth exploration of intent-focused SEO strategies, refer to this authoritative guide: SEO Content Strategy: 10-step Breakdown
By focusing your SEO efforts around user intent, you position your content to meet the evolving demands of search engines and users alike.
⚖️ What Businesses Need to Know
Companies House Reforms: Identity Verification
Starting in autumn 2025, all company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) must verify their identities with Companies House at the point of incorporation. Existing companies will have a 12-month transition period to comply during their next confirmation statement filing. This measure aims to enhance corporate transparency and combat economic crime. Further reading at gov.uk.
Action Required
Ensure that all current and prospective directors and PSCs are prepared to complete the identity verification process within the stipulated timelines. Further reading at gov.uk.
Employer National Insurance: Threshold and Rate Changes
Effective from 6 April 2025, the employer secondary Class 1 National Insurance contributions rate increased from 13.8% to 15%. Additionally, the secondary threshold decreased from £9,100 to £5,000 per year, meaning employers must now pay National Insurance for employees earning £5,000 or more annually.
Action Required
Review your payroll systems to accommodate these changes and ensure timely reporting to HMRC.
Mandatory Workplace Recycling
As of 31 March 2025, all businesses, charities, and public sector organisations in England are legally required to separate recyclable waste—such as plastic, metal, glass, paper, and card—before collection. Micro-firms with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees have until 31 March 2027 to comply.
Action Required
Implement appropriate waste separation systems and train staff to adhere to the new recycling requirements.
Staying abreast of these changes will help your business remain compliant and take advantage of new opportunities. For detailed guidance and updates, consult the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Legal and Compliance Resources.
📈 Insight of the Month
New research highlights how brands can deliver greater value by shaping experiences that consumer find relevant. As competition for both share of wallet and heart increases organisations that embrace personalisation and new technology are best set-up for success.
Investment in personalisation continues to pay off and be a strategic asset for companies to drive enterprise growth
The business value of personalisation is growing clearer every year as customers gravitate toward brands that make them feel understood as individuals. Brands that excel in personalisation are soaring past their revenue goals because their customers buy more, more often, and remain loyal over time.
Emerging technology, specifically Generative AI will be a competitive advantage for those who can leverage early
From buzz word to business asset, Generative AI (Gen AI) became an essential component of nearly all enterprise software offerings by the end of 2024. This integration could significantly boost revenues, with an expected uplift of around £7 billion for enterprise software companies.
Read the full article from Deloitte Digital.
😊 Healthy You, Healthy Business
Group-Level Strategies (Team Morale & Culture)
- Regular Wellbeing Check-ins
Host monthly team wellbeing sessions to discuss mental health, share tips, and encourage open conversations. Normalise talking about stress and burnout. - Flexible Work Arrangements
Allow for hybrid working, flexible hours, or “mental health days” to give staff autonomy over their work-life balance. - Celebrate Small Wins
Boost morale by recognising team achievements, big or small. Consider shout-outs in meetings, peer-nominated awards, or Friday “feel-good” updates. - Encourage Physical Activity
Set up walking meetings, offer subsidised gym memberships, or introduce team step challenges to promote physical health and team bonding.
One-to-One Support (Personalised Care)
- Regular 1:1s Focused on Wellbeing
Go beyond task updates. Ask open-ended questions like “How are you really doing?” and “What can I do to support you?” - Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
Offer confidential access to therapy, counselling, or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). Managers should be trained to signpost these resources. - Tailor Support to Individual Needs
Recognise that wellbeing is personal. What works for one may not work for another. Be open to flexible solutions, whether it’s a change in workload, hours, or environment.
🛠️ Tool of the Month
A standout tool gaining significant traction in 2025 is Google Stitch, an AI-powered platform designed to streamline app design and development. Unveiled at Google I/O 2025, Stitch enables users to generate high-quality user interface (UI) designs and corresponding frontend code using natural language descriptions or image prompts. This innovation bridges the gap between design and development, making app creation more accessible and efficient for both experienced developers and newcomers.
Key Features of Google Stitch
Natural Language Processing
Users can describe their desired UI in plain language, and Stitch will generate the corresponding design and code.
Image Prompting
By providing image references, users can guide the design process to align with specific visual inspirations.
Seamless Export Options
Designs can be easily exported to formats like CSS/HTML and Figma, facilitating smooth transitions from concept to implementation.
For more information on Google Stitch and its capabilities, you can read the full article here: Google introduces Stitch AI-powered tool for app design and development at Google I/O 2025
💻 Clever Coding
Content below from CodePen
Check out the May #CodePenChallenge
This month is going to be a tasty one! Each Monday this month we’ll have a food-inspired prompt for the front-end. Bring your appetite for delicious details and a hearty helping of good old HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Check out all entries for May.
🔄 Previously on Jamlis Web…
Want to find our more information on all things websites, business and looking out for one another? Then why not check out our blog section which has a range of articles covering the things you need to know.
Most recent highlights include:
How to Start an Online Store in the UK
Why a £99 Website is Bad for Business
A Guide to Creating a Strong Brand Identity and Why Every SME Needs One
💬 Tell Us What You Think!
So that is the end of our first Jamlis Scroll Down. We hope it has been engaging and above all informative. It may be a little long this time, but we will tweak this as we go by getting feedback from all you wonderful people. So, let us know your thoughts on how we can improve this and focus on the stuff you want to hear about.
Which section interests you the most?
Which bored you the most?
What would you like to see added as a regular feature?