According to a global study, only 18% of small business owners feel confident their marketing is actually working. Eleanor and Matt Hancock of Number 75 Design argue that's not a marketing problem - it's a blueprint problem. And fixing it starts with one honest question.

What makes Lincoln's business community special? Polly Fotheringham says it's the independents - people who've built something from scratch, rooted in passion and personality, offering things you simply won't find on the average high street.

Everyone is fighting for your attention — and as a small business owner, that can feel overwhelming. Lucie Mountain's message is simple: stop shouting louder and start asking whether your idea is actually strong enough to cut through on its own.