What if the smartest way to scale your business wasn’t about doing more but doing less?
From overprocessing and stock waste to waiting and rework, many SMEs are leaking time and money through invisible cracks. But what if a few small changes could free up your team, your cash flow, and your headspace?
That’s the mindset behind waste thinking — and it’s what we explore in this blog.
Each of these real-world examples from ScaleUp Radio guests shows how business owners are embracing small, smart improvements to drive serious results.
These aren’t high-cost initiatives. They’re practical, accessible tactics that any SME leader can replicate.
1. Test Fast, Fail Fast: David Harkin, 8billionideas
Waste tackled: Overprocessing & Defects.
David embraces a lean learning mindset: test new ideas early, kill what doesn’t work, and double down on what does.
“You’ve got to know when to stop… or hold your nerve. That early phase is all about finding what really works.”
Smart move: Run small pilots before big launches.
Replicable for SMEs: Instead of pouring time and budget into a "perfect" product or process, start scrappy. Learn fast. Save money.
2. Keep Stock Lean: Brett Sanders, Natural Deo Co
Waste tackled: Overproduction & Stock Waste.
Brett avoids product bloat by staying laser-focused on SKUs that actually sell.
“We specialise in smaller sizes. We’re cautious about launching new scents that might not sell.”
Smart move: Keep your product range tight. Scale what works.
Replicable for SMEs: Don’t tie up cash in things you can’t shift. Start with demand, not assumptions.
3. Reuse Customer Footfall: Frankie Hobro, Anglesey Sea Zoo
Waste tackled: Motion & Waiting.
Frankie introduced a simple 7-day return ticket. The result? More even visitor flow and better use of quiet periods.
“Even if they just buy a coffee on a return visit, it’s money we wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Smart move: Encourage return visits with zero-cost loyalty perks.
Replicable for SMEs: Use small incentives to smooth out peak demand and boost repeat business.
4. Tweak Often, Improve Constantly: Stephen Campbell & Ross Latta, MacroFin
Waste tackled: Overprocessing & Non-utilised Talent.
This duo lives by continuous improvement, using client and team feedback to drive 1% gains.
“We’re quick to adapt and improve… even if it’s just a 1% tweak.”
Smart move: Make review and feedback part of the rhythm.
Replicable for SMEs: Build in time for retrospectives — even 30 minutes a month can surface big opportunities.
5. Create Clarity: Mark Kotter, Bit Bio
Waste tackled: Waiting & Non-utilised Talent.
Mark found that lack of role clarity was slowing the team down. So they introduced structure and responsibilities.
“We needed structure to enable people to do their best work.”
Smart move: Clear roles = faster execution.
Replicable for SMEs: Even with small teams, unclear ownership causes friction. Fix it fast.
6. Automate the Obvious: Tom Haworth, B13 Software
Waste tackled: Waiting & Defects.
Tom created low-cost internal tools to standardise work and avoid repetition.
“Our processes mean people aren’t waiting on others… they just get on with it.”
Smart move: Use tools like checklists, templates, or Trello boards to avoid delays.
Replicable for SMEs: You don’t need fancy systems — start with a Google Sheet if you have to. Just make it easy to do things right.
7. Sell with Precision: Mike Dunn, Excel TM Group
Waste tackled: Overprocessing & Waiting.
Mike refined their sales discovery process to focus on real client impact.
“We don’t promise numbers—we promise clarity and transparency from the start.”
Smart move: Use discovery calls to uncover real needs upfront.
Replicable for SMEs: Stop selling everything to everyone. Get specific, qualify early, and save time.
Ready to Find the Waste in Your Own Business?
Every business has waste. But the smartest leaders don’t ignore it — they fix it. One small change at a time.
If you’ve found these ideas useful, you’ll love our free guide: The Power of Small Change: How Waste Thinking Can Unlock Big Growth.
Inside, you’ll find:
The 8 types of waste hurting SME profitability
Real-world examples from UK business owners
Practical exercises to spark improvement in your team
🔗 Download the free guide now and take the first step towards a smarter, leaner business.
Want Help Putting These Ideas into Action?
At BizSmart®, we help business owners turn smart ideas into strategic growth. From 90-Day Planning to SmartBoards® peer support, we work with ambitious leaders who want to free up time, increase profitability, and build a more valuable business.
✅ Based in Worcestershire and the West Midlands
✅ Proven frameworks like Smart90®, SmartStrat® and The Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System
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📞 Book a free call or join a SmartBoard® Sneak Peek session to explore how we can help you scale smarter.
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