Two Lancashire businesses – Ormskirk’s Woodlands Animal Sanctuary and Rossendale clothing retailer Ruby & Daisy – are among the stars of a new Amazon Prime documentary following the every-day challenges faced by businesses across the UK.
Business As Usual, narrated by Downton Abbey’s Phyllis Logan, starts at the onset of the pandemic and gives the audience a close-up view of business owners navigating through one of the most unpredictable periods in modern history with the guidance of a local business coach, James Burke.
The scenarios are real and frequently dramatic, such as when the founders of Ruby & Daisy decide to go their separate ways as the pressure of operating a fast-paced retail business alongside family commitments gave them cause to consider their priorities.
Meanwhile trustee Vicki Maude, of Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, battles to keep funding flowing in for the important work her late mother started. Both businesses are supported through the series by business coach James who also takes the time to reflect on his period of homelessness as a teenager and how that has impacted his life and mindset today.
This series is an ideal primer for anyone thinking of becoming a business owner, understanding the mindset and action needed during times of crisis. For those already immersed in business ownership, the show may draw some familiar parallels, not only during the pandemic but on a daily basis. And for anyone looking for a heartfelt documentary showing how both professional and personal lives collided during the pandemic, this is a window into the lives of some business owners struggling to ensure the job security of their staff and families.
“It was certainly an experience being followed around by a film crew over the course of two of the most tumultuous years, but I think it’s really important for people to see behind the scenes of businesses during that time. There are so many lessons to be learned which are still valuable today considering the current economic climate,” said James Burke from ActionCOACH Manchester.
Business As Usual is available to stream on Amazon Prime now.
