24 years ago to the day, as I write, I stood in a field in Lindford, in front of our family and friends and married my soulmate. Sending big awesome love Jemj, thanks for sticking with me through thick and thin, and that’s just my waistline!

There’s nothing like self-employed cash-flow to test the bonds of matrimony. The long hours, the responsibility, last minute changes of plan and the absences from family and life events. 

Businesses test relationships, whether that is the bond of marriage, family or commercial endeavour. There will be tough times, that get tougher, but the toughest realise you’re better off together, united.  

I’ve pondered how we made it all work, through my mental health issues, the near bankruptcy, our appearance on Trisha. Somehow whatever the circus was up to never got to us, or the kids when they popped up. 

So Stu, what’s the business lesson here? 

None really, I’m just sharing my admiration for the awesome human that is Jemj. Supported every big decision, even if that meant pointing out the, sometimes blatant dangers my laser focus somehow failed to see.

There’s the lesson, get trustworthy people, whose judgement you trust implicitly. When it comes to matters of colour, style, and layout I will bow to Jemj, every time. That’s why you get good people around you, hold onto them, treat them right, they accept your apology when you’ve been a cockwomble, again.

Stress and tiredness affect judgement and you make stupid mistakes. Those around you can often spot things before they get too out of line and help you course correct. As SIGNAL says, no one should build a business alone (have you joined SIGNAL BiZHUB yet? It’s free. End sales pitch).

We’ve been together, 31 years, I hope there’s at least that again. To love, HUZZAH!