Last week I was in Portugal with my golf society.

Bags checked, clubs ready, everything running smoothly.

Then one of my best friends took a turn and fell to the ground.

Within minutes, paramedics were on the scene and he was told he wasn’t fit to fly.

Now, someone needed to go with him to hospital.

Without thinking, I volunteered.

Flight gone.

Golf trip looking shaky.

A few hours later, the doctor gave him the all-clear, we had an opportunity to make the trip.

Later that evening we caught a late flight to Faro.

With some clever planning, we were able to make it just in time for the first round the following morning.

It got me thinking…

In business, just like in life, things will go wrong.

Deliveries late.

Staff off sick.

The fridge packs up on a Saturday morning.

You can’t stop problems appearing - but you can choose how you respond.

Calm, clear-headed decisions are often what keeps the show on the road.

It Doesn’t Have to Feel Lonely

Here’s the catch: when you’re the one making those decisions, it can feel pretty lonely.

That’s exactly why I created Impact Retail Success Club, a space where ambitious butchers and farm shop owners come together every month.

We share ideas, swap solutions, and back each other up when things don’t go to plan.

Running a shop will always throw challenges at you.

The difference is whether you face them alone, or with a group of peers who know exactly what it’s like.

If that sounds like the support you’ve been missing, let’s have a chat about getting you inside.

Have a great week.

Mark