Adrian Ashton
@adrianashton2.bsky.social
supporting people & organisations (social / otherwise) deal with uncertainty; occasional anorak; a tiger striped chaise lounge with a flamingo cushion.
a five-finger guide to how I think I managed to reach the 20th anniversary of my business - some of which are likely to be the opposite of what works for you.
If your business has made it to 20 years – or the last turbulent 10, or fairly feisty 5 – I’d love to know what factors you think helped.
If your business has made it to 20 years – or the last turbulent 10, or fairly feisty 5 – I’d love to know what factors you think helped.
November 7, 2025 at 7:51 AM
a five-finger guide to how I think I managed to reach the 20th anniversary of my business - some of which are likely to be the opposite of what works for you.
If your business has made it to 20 years – or the last turbulent 10, or fairly feisty 5 – I’d love to know what factors you think helped.
If your business has made it to 20 years – or the last turbulent 10, or fairly feisty 5 – I’d love to know what factors you think helped.
There's a bonus secret offer I hid inside the pages of my book 'Flushed!' - but if you want to redeem it this year, you need to let me know by the end of November (otherwise, you'll have to wait until the end of next year...)
If that's sufficiently piqued your curiosity - amzn.eu/d/6CWzZJq
If that's sufficiently piqued your curiosity - amzn.eu/d/6CWzZJq
Flushed!: The first 20 years - a view from the b(l)og : Ashton, Adrian: Amazon.co.uk: Books
Flushed!: The first 20 years - a view from the b(l)og : Ashton, Adrian: Amazon.co.uk: Books
amzn.eu
November 3, 2025 at 3:27 PM
There's a bonus secret offer I hid inside the pages of my book 'Flushed!' - but if you want to redeem it this year, you need to let me know by the end of November (otherwise, you'll have to wait until the end of next year...)
If that's sufficiently piqued your curiosity - amzn.eu/d/6CWzZJq
If that's sufficiently piqued your curiosity - amzn.eu/d/6CWzZJq
Inside Burnley Empire today (under the pretext of immersing myself in Aitor Throup's first global retrospective of their work, as part of #britishtextilebiennial - perfect venue for the collection and exhibition!)
November 2, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Inside Burnley Empire today (under the pretext of immersing myself in Aitor Throup's first global retrospective of their work, as part of #britishtextilebiennial - perfect venue for the collection and exhibition!)
This week, I'm being put in the Freelance Business hotseat as the star turn in their monthly cafe - no idea what questions people may be putting to me based on my reaching a porcelain anniversary this year, but hopefully I'll have enough props to hand!
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
Monthly Café with Adrian Ashton | Freelance Business Community
☕ Monthly Cafés for Solopreneurs – Connect, Learn, Thrive!
Join our Monthly Cafés — a relaxed, virtual meetup where freelancers gather to share wins, swap strategies, and tackle business challenges ...
www.freelancebusiness.community
October 28, 2025 at 8:47 AM
This week, I'm being put in the Freelance Business hotseat as the star turn in their monthly cafe - no idea what questions people may be putting to me based on my reaching a porcelain anniversary this year, but hopefully I'll have enough props to hand!
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
How many co-operative social enterprises do you know who have made it to 50?
Great to see MARC the printers celebrating this milestone with cake!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marc-turns...
Great to see MARC the printers celebrating this milestone with cake!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marc-turns...
October 22, 2025 at 9:07 AM
How many co-operative social enterprises do you know who have made it to 50?
Great to see MARC the printers celebrating this milestone with cake!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marc-turns...
Great to see MARC the printers celebrating this milestone with cake!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marc-turns...
Who knew that I could fit so many props into a single podcast episode (anyone know what the official world record is?) - but I'm even more tickled that @ninalenton.bsky.social now has a picture of one of my mankini's on her website!!
www.ninalenton.co.uk/creative-con...
www.ninalenton.co.uk/creative-con...
October 22, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Who knew that I could fit so many props into a single podcast episode (anyone know what the official world record is?) - but I'm even more tickled that @ninalenton.bsky.social now has a picture of one of my mankini's on her website!!
www.ninalenton.co.uk/creative-con...
www.ninalenton.co.uk/creative-con...
It's been suggested to me, by some people who are reading my book 'Flushed!', that my choice of putting my office toilet on its cover is well matched to its format and structure which is apparently well suited for easy reading whilst sat on a porcelain throne..!
amzn.eu/d/ce7LTnU
amzn.eu/d/ce7LTnU
Flushed!: The first 20 years - a view from the b(l)og : Ashton, Adrian: Amazon.co.uk: Books
Flushed!: The first 20 years - a view from the b(l)og : Ashton, Adrian: Amazon.co.uk: Books
amzn.eu
October 20, 2025 at 8:56 AM
It's been suggested to me, by some people who are reading my book 'Flushed!', that my choice of putting my office toilet on its cover is well matched to its format and structure which is apparently well suited for easy reading whilst sat on a porcelain throne..!
amzn.eu/d/ce7LTnU
amzn.eu/d/ce7LTnU
Why did I price my book about imposter syndrome so low?
- because the time it would take to read is about the same as if you'd bought me a coffee/beer to chat through it's ideas, so it seemed equitable to mirror the cost I ask of you to benefit from it.
amzn.eu/d/dahiMhX
- because the time it would take to read is about the same as if you'd bought me a coffee/beer to chat through it's ideas, so it seemed equitable to mirror the cost I ask of you to benefit from it.
amzn.eu/d/dahiMhX
Loving your doubt: Why everything we think we understand and know about Imposter Syndrome is (probably) wrong: Amazon.co.uk: Ashton, Adrian: 9798431905407: Books
Buy Loving your doubt: Why everything we think we understand and know about Imposter Syndrome is (probably) wrong by Ashton, Adrian (ISBN: 9798431905407) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices ...
amzn.eu
October 17, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Why did I price my book about imposter syndrome so low?
- because the time it would take to read is about the same as if you'd bought me a coffee/beer to chat through it's ideas, so it seemed equitable to mirror the cost I ask of you to benefit from it.
amzn.eu/d/dahiMhX
- because the time it would take to read is about the same as if you'd bought me a coffee/beer to chat through it's ideas, so it seemed equitable to mirror the cost I ask of you to benefit from it.
amzn.eu/d/dahiMhX
Values don't mean anything unless they translate into action - how would you explain to someone what your business' values mean in how they interact with you day-to-day?
#WorldValuesDay @valuesday.bsky.social
[1/3]
#WorldValuesDay @valuesday.bsky.social
[1/3]
October 16, 2025 at 6:28 AM
Values don't mean anything unless they translate into action - how would you explain to someone what your business' values mean in how they interact with you day-to-day?
#WorldValuesDay @valuesday.bsky.social
[1/3]
#WorldValuesDay @valuesday.bsky.social
[1/3]
When Enterprise Nation asked me to share some insights on how to keep your business going in the face of massive unexpected shock events, I'm pretty sure they didn't anticipate it would include me referencing time machines, toilets, and turds...?
www.enterprisenation.com/learn-someth...
www.enterprisenation.com/learn-someth...
Leaning into adversities to make your brand stronger
Learn how to future-proof your business in uncertain times. In this webinar, Adrian Ashton shares practical lessons from 20 years of surviving major crises.
www.enterprisenation.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:19 AM
When Enterprise Nation asked me to share some insights on how to keep your business going in the face of massive unexpected shock events, I'm pretty sure they didn't anticipate it would include me referencing time machines, toilets, and turds...?
www.enterprisenation.com/learn-someth...
www.enterprisenation.com/learn-someth...
If we’re serious about supporting entrepreneurs of all types and flavours, then surely we should be setting the aspirations we have for ourselves to be more cosmic?
www.isbe.org.uk/entrepreneur...
www.isbe.org.uk/entrepreneur...
Entrepreneur educator going to the moon in 2026
ISBE Member is joining the next NASA mission to the Moon ISBE member Adrian Ashton has signed up to have his name added to NASA’s next moon launch in 2026. As part of their campaign to widen engagemen...
www.isbe.org.uk
October 9, 2025 at 7:27 AM
If we’re serious about supporting entrepreneurs of all types and flavours, then surely we should be setting the aspirations we have for ourselves to be more cosmic?
www.isbe.org.uk/entrepreneur...
www.isbe.org.uk/entrepreneur...
Why aren't we talking more about what's most important for the people starting up, and leading, social enterprises?
thirdsectorexpert.blogspot.com/2025/10/why-...
thirdsectorexpert.blogspot.com/2025/10/why-...
Why social entrepreneurs (can) never retire
In my decades of walking around different parts of the social economy, there's something that's always personally bugged me - far too few...
thirdsectorexpert.blogspot.com
October 8, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Why aren't we talking more about what's most important for the people starting up, and leading, social enterprises?
thirdsectorexpert.blogspot.com/2025/10/why-...
thirdsectorexpert.blogspot.com/2025/10/why-...
Earlier this year, I started to be more open about unexpected plot twists the universe has thrown at my business over the it's first 20 years.
I'm now sharing the lessons of how they made my enterprise stronger at an upcoming (free) webinar later this month - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lunch-and-...
I'm now sharing the lessons of how they made my enterprise stronger at an upcoming (free) webinar later this month - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lunch-and-...
Lunch and Learn: Leaning into adversities to make your brand stronger
Hear from Adrian on how he kept his business afloat in the face of crises that would have forced most other businesses to close.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Earlier this year, I started to be more open about unexpected plot twists the universe has thrown at my business over the it's first 20 years.
I'm now sharing the lessons of how they made my enterprise stronger at an upcoming (free) webinar later this month - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lunch-and-...
I'm now sharing the lessons of how they made my enterprise stronger at an upcoming (free) webinar later this month - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lunch-and-...
If you are, or know, someone who works or volunteers in Manchester's social economy and also provides unpaid care for someone, please check out this short survey via Manchester's Social Economy Alliance:
forms.gle/Zh9PKQnfrK9F...
(more details via the same link)
forms.gle/Zh9PKQnfrK9F...
(more details via the same link)
Unpaid carers who also have roles in Manchester's social economy groups
The Manchester Social Economy Alliance (MSEA) is seeking to better understand the experiences of unpaid carers who are employed, or in other roles, with social economy groups in Manchester (such as ch...
forms.gle
October 3, 2025 at 10:53 AM
If you are, or know, someone who works or volunteers in Manchester's social economy and also provides unpaid care for someone, please check out this short survey via Manchester's Social Economy Alliance:
forms.gle/Zh9PKQnfrK9F...
(more details via the same link)
forms.gle/Zh9PKQnfrK9F...
(more details via the same link)
Today is the start of the global #FreelanceBusinessMonth - and I'm part of the line up for this (free) global shindig: sharing insider stories as a best-selling author, of the why's and how's freelancers can benefit from starting to write a book.
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
Freelancing from the Bookshelf | Freelance Business Community
There is a popular saying that everyone has a book in them - and it doesn't take too much looking around to find books that have been written by freelancers on a range of subjects and topics (includin...
www.freelancebusiness.community
October 1, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Today is the start of the global #FreelanceBusinessMonth - and I'm part of the line up for this (free) global shindig: sharing insider stories as a best-selling author, of the why's and how's freelancers can benefit from starting to write a book.
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
Chuffed to spot myself in today's @thetimes.com newspaper, alongside lots of fellow Good Business Charter businesses 🤩
September 26, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Chuffed to spot myself in today's @thetimes.com newspaper, alongside lots of fellow Good Business Charter businesses 🤩
People in salaried jobs are probably less likely to openly admit to feeling like an imposter in comparison with freelancers – that’s why my pocket book I wrote on the subject to be equally relevant for anyone in any type of employed role.
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09V25N8G6
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09V25N8G6
Loving your doubt: Why everything we think we understand and know about Imposter Syndrome is (probably) wrong
Buy Loving your doubt: Why everything we think we understand and know about Imposter Syndrome is (probably) wrong by Ashton, Adrian (ISBN: 9798431905407) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
www.amazon.co.uk
September 26, 2025 at 7:45 AM
People in salaried jobs are probably less likely to openly admit to feeling like an imposter in comparison with freelancers – that’s why my pocket book I wrote on the subject to be equally relevant for anyone in any type of employed role.
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09V25N8G6
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09V25N8G6
Proud to be 'flying the flag' for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals today, as a business who's wrapped their business model around 5 of the goals.
@globalcompactuk.bsky.social
#TogetherForTheSDGs #SDGFlagDay
drive.google.com/file/d/1dybB... (p 18-21)
@globalcompactuk.bsky.social
#TogetherForTheSDGs #SDGFlagDay
drive.google.com/file/d/1dybB... (p 18-21)
September 25, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Proud to be 'flying the flag' for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals today, as a business who's wrapped their business model around 5 of the goals.
@globalcompactuk.bsky.social
#TogetherForTheSDGs #SDGFlagDay
drive.google.com/file/d/1dybB... (p 18-21)
@globalcompactuk.bsky.social
#TogetherForTheSDGs #SDGFlagDay
drive.google.com/file/d/1dybB... (p 18-21)
Reposted by Adrian Ashton
Co-operatives do business better:
💷 4x more likely to be Living Wage Employers
📈 82% survive 5 years (vs 39% UK average)
👩💼 Women more likely to reach the top
Explore the #CoopEconomy 👇
uk.coop/news/record-...
💷 4x more likely to be Living Wage Employers
📈 82% survive 5 years (vs 39% UK average)
👩💼 Women more likely to reach the top
Explore the #CoopEconomy 👇
uk.coop/news/record-...
September 24, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Co-operatives do business better:
💷 4x more likely to be Living Wage Employers
📈 82% survive 5 years (vs 39% UK average)
👩💼 Women more likely to reach the top
Explore the #CoopEconomy 👇
uk.coop/news/record-...
💷 4x more likely to be Living Wage Employers
📈 82% survive 5 years (vs 39% UK average)
👩💼 Women more likely to reach the top
Explore the #CoopEconomy 👇
uk.coop/news/record-...
Excited to share I'm part of the line up for next months' (free) global #FreelanceBusinessMonth - sharing insider stories as a best-selling author, of the why's and how's freelancers can benefit from starting to write a book.
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
Freelancing from the Bookshelf | Freelance Business Community
There is a popular saying that everyone has a book in them - and it doesn't take too much looking around to find books that have been written by freelancers on a range of subjects and topics (includin...
www.freelancebusiness.community
September 23, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Excited to share I'm part of the line up for next months' (free) global #FreelanceBusinessMonth - sharing insider stories as a best-selling author, of the why's and how's freelancers can benefit from starting to write a book.
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
www.freelancebusiness.community/c/freelance-...
Very excited to see that my book, 'Flushed!' is not only currently charting as a bestseller in 2 of Amazon's categories, but in being ranked #42 has also become the answer to life, the universe, and everything...!
amzn.eu/d/1G3cQ9P
amzn.eu/d/1G3cQ9P
September 19, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Very excited to see that my book, 'Flushed!' is not only currently charting as a bestseller in 2 of Amazon's categories, but in being ranked #42 has also become the answer to life, the universe, and everything...!
amzn.eu/d/1G3cQ9P
amzn.eu/d/1G3cQ9P
Reposted by Adrian Ashton
Our new campaign, #ApprenticeshipsWork launched today, based on two new policy reports, "Chaos to Coordination" and "Agents of Change". www.edge.co.uk/policy/repor... Edge Executive Director Oliver Newton introduces Apprenticeships Work here: vimeo.com/1119033931?s...
Apprenticeships Work
Edge Executive Director, Olly Newton introduces "Apprenticeships Work", a campaign to encourage more small businesses to take on apprentices.
vimeo.com
September 18, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Our new campaign, #ApprenticeshipsWork launched today, based on two new policy reports, "Chaos to Coordination" and "Agents of Change". www.edge.co.uk/policy/repor... Edge Executive Director Oliver Newton introduces Apprenticeships Work here: vimeo.com/1119033931?s...
great to guest on the latest episode of @ninalenton.bsky.social's creativity podcast:
- the relationship between Talking Heads and balance sheets;
- why company law is like going to the pub;
- why business cards should be made out of bananas;
and more...
www.ninalenton.co.uk/creative-con...
- the relationship between Talking Heads and balance sheets;
- why company law is like going to the pub;
- why business cards should be made out of bananas;
and more...
www.ninalenton.co.uk/creative-con...
Creative Conversations – Adrian Ashton – series 2 episode 2 – Nina Lenton
www.ninalenton.co.uk
September 18, 2025 at 10:16 AM
great to guest on the latest episode of @ninalenton.bsky.social's creativity podcast:
- the relationship between Talking Heads and balance sheets;
- why company law is like going to the pub;
- why business cards should be made out of bananas;
and more...
www.ninalenton.co.uk/creative-con...
- the relationship between Talking Heads and balance sheets;
- why company law is like going to the pub;
- why business cards should be made out of bananas;
and more...
www.ninalenton.co.uk/creative-con...