Digital marketing · AI · Small business know-how

Big ideas for small businesses.

Hi, I'm Nicola. I help people and small businesses get ahead in today's digital world: picking up new skills, refining old ones, and streamlining how they work. Hands-on, real-world, and geared to the challenges small businesses actually face.

A few of my favourite things…

Six strands · one spectrum

AI

I'm an avid user of AI tools to streamline my workflow and kickstart ideas, and honest about the shortcomings. And yes, I'm increasingly worried about what it means for our jobs. All the more reason to get to grips with it: those who don't use it will be left behind first.

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Small Business

There's something special about working with owners who are passionate about what they do. Having always worked in micro and small businesses, I know the day-to-day challenges, and they're nothing like big-business problems.

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Digital Marketing

I help small businesses hit their online goals, especially on a tight budget. Websites, SEO, analytics and conversion rate optimisation: getting the most out of every pound of marketing spend.

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Saving Money

I'm always hunting for ways to help small businesses (and individuals) save money through affordable tools and software. Mega fan of AppSumo: great deals that streamline your business and boost your bottom line.

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Productivity & Tech

A firm believer in tools that streamline processes and boost efficiency. Even before AI took centre stage I was hunting for apps to work smarter, not harder, and now the possibilities are endless.

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Training & Skills

I design and deliver training that helps people upskill, reskill and grow, in Skills Bootcamps since the pilot project. As a consultant I've helped providers retain students and beat national success rates.

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Nicola Pickup

About me

Why all the colours?

Each colour stands for one of the things I do, from digital marketing and AI to training and small business support. I've never been a one-thing person, so one colour was never going to be enough. And honestly? I just love colour. Black included, for the contrast.

I've been part of Skills Bootcamps since the pilot project, and I've spent years helping small businesses get more from their marketing budgets. The thread running through it all: practical help you can actually use, not theory.

"Nicola has helped me more with my business than anyone over the last 5–10 years, in her role as a Business Mentor. She is not only warm, humble and caring but knowledgeable and super switched on to the latest technology and systems for small businesses. She goes above and beyond to answer your questions and find a solution to your business issues. She is full of ideas, techniques and suggestions for routes to take in your next phase of your business and I would highly recommend working with her. Thanks for everything Nicola x"