I’m Simon Rigby, the principal of SME Assistance.

You’ll probably notice two things about me straight away:

1. My hair is white.

2. That tells you I’ve been in business a long time — and I’ve had my share of scary moments along the way.

Over the years, I’ve started, managed, and grown all sorts of businesses — from manufacturing catering equipment and distributing jewellery, to running launderettes and building an online coffee distribution venture.

But my biggest business story was a mail-order and e-commerce company selling office stationery across the UK. From a standing start, I grew it to £1M turnover, a team of eight, and more than 2,000 orders going out every week.

That journey wasn’t smooth. I navigated three recessions, interest rates near 20%, aggressive new competitors, and the dawn of both email and e-commerce. It was a crash course in resilience and adaptation — and it gave me a deep understanding of what business owners go through in turbulent times.

After successfully selling that company, I shifted gears. Today, I work with SME owners across industries — electronics, retail, engineering, publishing, education, signage, and more — as a business coach and advisor.

Here’s the truth: most businesses don’t need a complete overhaul. Often, a few simple changes can transform results, reduce stress, and put you back in control. That’s what drives me — helping business owners steer clear of the potholes and move forward with confidence.

I’m not a “master of everything.” But I do have a strong network of trusted specialists I can connect you with when needed.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, stressed, or just want to sharpen your results — let’s talk. It costs nothing to have a conversation, and chances are you’ll walk away with practical strategies you can use straight away.