KEELEY SMITH | BUSINESS SUPPORT

It's nearly Valentine’s Day 🤍

So here’s your reminder to fall in love with your business boundaries.

The kind that protect your evenings, your income and your energy.

Boundaries aren’t about being difficult. They’re about building something sustainable.

And in business, they don’t just live in your head.

If you’re realising your boundaries aren’t properly backed up on paper or in your systems, that’s something you can fix.

You don’t have to keep relying on crossed fingers and awkward conversations.

Give your business some love.

Half term is next week and every single time it rolls around, I tell myself: “This month will be different. I’m prepared.”

I plan ahead. I move deadlines. I batch work. I reduce capacity where I can.

This month I even scaled back some of my bigger retainers to take the pressure off. Yes, it’s a revenue hit and that’s uncomfortable but it’s intentional.

And yet trying to fit a month’s worth of work into three weeks still feels just that little bit chaotic.
There are more moving parts. More mental juggling.

Running your own business doesn’t remove the juggle.
It just gives you more control over how you manage it.

Some seasons are growth-heavy. Some are family-heavy.
This one is definitely half-term-heavy and that’s okay.

If you’re squeezing it all in and mastering the juggle this month, you’re not alone 🤍

Good contracts don’t create problems. They prevent them.

This is what legal clarity really looks like:

✔️ fewer awkward conversations
✔️ less stress
✔️ cleaner exits when needed

Most issues can be avoided when foundations are done properly from the start.

In 2023, I made a big decision.

I left my corporate law job because I wanted more time with my family but I also knew I didn’t want to lose myself in the process.

So I started my business from scratch.

No ready-made systems.
No client base.
Just my experience as a lawyer, determination and a lot of learning as I went.

I know what it’s like to:
– build systems from nothing
– create structure where there isn’t any
– grow a client base when it feels like you’re starting from thin air

That’s why I now help business owners set up and run strong, sustainable businesses with solid foundations, clear systems and processes that actually support real life.

Because a business should work for you, not compete with the life you’re building.

If you’re in that early or messy middle stage, you’re not behind.

You’re building something real.

🤍

It’s the end of January, so it’s a good time to pause and check in.

Not on how busy things feel but on how the business actually feels to run.

Does work feel sustainable long-term?

I really try to prioritise my work life balance to get the most out of time with the little ones.

I want the business to grow but not at the expense of that.

If there’s one thing January is good for, it’s setting that tone early.

Boundaries definitely slipped this month with some life curve balls thrown into the mix.

I’m sure it will be the same in February, as I’m taking half-term off with the girls.

It’s so hard to find that balance, even being self-employed and having control over my own time.

What’s one thing you want to protect in your business this year?

Unclear boundaries don’t just cost time. They cost energy.

When expectations are clear:

✔️ work flows better
✔️ conversations are easier
✔️ growth feels sustainable

January is the perfect time to reset this before the year speeds up.

Your T&Cs aren’t just a formality, they’re protection.

When they’re clear, they:

✔️ prevent misunderstandings
✔️ reduce awkward conversations
✔️ protect your time and income

January is the perfect moment to make sure yours actually do their job.

2026 is the new 2016 apparently 👀

I qualified as a solicitor in 2016 and I can’t quite believe it was nearly 10 years ago.

Where did that decade go?! 🤯

Back then, I was pretty convinced I knew what my legal career would look like.

I followed the traditional route: law degree, LPC, training contract, qualification.
I worked hard, built experience and progressed.

But ten years on, my career looks nothing like I imagined.

I’m not a practising solicitor.
And I’m definitely not on the law firm partnership track.

Instead, I’ve built Keeley Smith | Business Support, a business that blends my legal background with business management, systems and operations. I now help small business owners put strong foundations in place so their businesses actually work for them.

I’ve stepped away from a traditional career path, built something from scratch and redefined success on my own terms. All whilst balancing work, family and real life 🤍

What I know now is that choosing a different path doesn’t mean you’ve failed (even though it can feel like it at the start).

Sometimes it just means you’ve grown or your priorities have shifted and you’re brave enough to follow that.

Who knows what the next 10 years will bring… I’m sure there’ll be plenty more change 🤍

January admin reset energy…

It can feel:

✨ satisfying

😵 overwhelming

or a bit of both

You don’t need to fix everything this month.

One clear decision is enough to create momentum.

What’s your January focus?

So many of the issues I see in businesses aren’t caused by “bad clients”.

They’re caused by missing systems.

Good systems:
✔️ set boundaries
✔️ reduce stress
✔️ protect your time

January is the perfect moment to put these in place before things get busy.

Save this if you’re planning a reset ✨

I see the same problems show up every year 👀

Not because business owners don’t care but because legal foundations often get left until something goes wrong.

A strong contract:
✔️ protects your time
✔️ protects your income
✔️ sets clear boundaries from day one

If starting the year with clarity matters to you, this is one area worth getting right early.

Does this sounds familiar?

Happy New Year ✨

We saw the New Year in from Iceland, which felt like the perfect way to press reset with beautiful skies, lots of fresh air and a bit of perspective.

Travel has always done that for me. It creates space to step back, reflect and I always come home clearer.

January always feels like a clean slate too. Not in a “new year, new everything” way but I do like the smaller shifts and good intentions it brings.

This month is all about reviewing boundaries, tightening systems and expectations and starting the year as I mean to go on, both personally and professionally.

What’s one thing you’re tightening up in your business this year?

It’s been a year of boundaries, balance and bookmarks…

At the start of 2025, I set myself a handful of simple intentions and looking back, I’m proud of how much shifted.

📚 I rediscovered my love of reading (50+ books!)
🚶‍♀️ I moved my body more… then less… then tried again
✈️ I explored new places with my family
✋🏻 I said no more and my business is better for it
👩‍👧 I protected our family time
💻 And I learned (again) how important it is to work on the business, not just in it

2025 wasn’t perfect but I made choices that support the business and life I want long-term.

Here’s to boundaries, more balance and being brave in 2026 💛

If you’ve done your own reflection, I’d love to know one thing you’re proud of this year (big or small!).

Happy New Year all 🥂

Merry Christmas from Keeley Smith | Business Support 🎄

Wishing you a magical Christmas filled with rest, joy and time with the people you love.

Thank you for being part of my year.

Here’s to a bright and balanced 2026! 🥂

🎄✨ Christmas Out of Office ✨🎄

I’m officially switching my laptop off and wrapping up 2025.

I’ll be out of office from 23 December and back on 6 January.

I’m really looking forward to some quality time with my family and this year feels extra magical because we’re heading to Iceland straight after Christmas.

Wish me luck for catching the Northern Lights…I’m manifesting clear skies! ✨💫

Thank you to every client, collaborator and supporter who’s been part of my year.

Your trust means everything and I can’t wait to come back refreshed and ready for 2026.

Wishing you all a restful break filled with joy and a little festive sparkle.

See you in January! 🤍

For years, I told myself I didn’t have time to read.

Which is funny because growing up, I was that child…the Potter-generation kid who devoured entire books in a day, stayed up past bedtime reading under the duvet and happily lived in fictional worlds.

Then adulthood happened.
Then law happened.
Somewhere between reading case law, contracts and legislation constantly, I lost the joy of reading for pleasure.

This year, I found it again and honestly it’s been one of the best things I’ve done for myself.

Picking up a book has stopped me doom-scrolling.
It’s become my calm, my quiet time, my reset button.
James now calls himself a “book widow, which feels like a sign I’m doing something right. 😅

I’ve read over 50 books this year and it’s reminded me of the version of me who used to get lost in stories for hours.

I’m bringing her with me into 2026.
More books, less scrolling.
More rest, less noise.
More joy, just for me.

I had a very important meeting at the weekend…

with Santa 🎄🎅

We had two very excited little ones, a lot of Christmas magic and me trying not to cry at how quickly they’re growing up.

This time of year is full on but moments like this are the reminder to slow down and soak it all in.

If only all meetings came with elves, twinkly lights and someone asking what I want for Christmas.

Hope you’re all finding a little pocket of magic in the pre-Christmas chaos.

I couldn’t resist jumping on this…

I used to be a lawyer at a corporate firm but at the end of 2023, I blew it all up and decided to start again.

I went travelling Asia for 6 months with my husband and kids.

I decided to start a business for flexibility and freedom.
To live the life that I want.
To be the kinda mom that I want to be.

I’ve never looked back ✌🏻

I had a little December escape 🎄

I took a couple of days off this week and headed to London to see Mumford & Sons.

I bought the tickets for my husband’s birthday but it felt like such a treat for me too.

Not just the concert but the chance to spend time together without the little ones (which almost never happens!).

One of Mumford’s songs was our first dance at our wedding, so the trip felt extra nostalgic.

London was full of that Christmas magic too!

A nice reminder that we’re not just parents or work jugglers. We’re still us too.

I had the pleasure of going to @sharp_bookkeeping christmas party at the weekend.

Although Jo has been a client since January 2024, this was actually our first time meeting in person and it was well worth the wait!

Thank you so much @jodarnley for your generosity and a great night!

It was also lovely to meet the wider team, put faces to names, and celebrate the end of a big year for @sharp_bookkeeping.

Already excited for what’s ahead for you in 2026 and looking forward to continuing our work together ✨🥂

Launching something new soon? 💻✨

Before you hit publish on that shiny new offer… let’s talk websites and legals 👀

A lot of business owners focus on the design, the copy, the offers (all the fun bits!) but miss the legal pieces behind the scenes.

The bits that quietly keep everything compliant and protected.

So is your website actually legally compliant?

Most people assume theirs is but the truth is, many aren’t 😬

Not because anyone is cutting corners…simply because you can’t fix what you don’t know is missing.

So ask yourself, does your website:

☑️ include the legally required information?
☑️ have the key legal documents in place (Privacy Policy, Cookies Policy, Terms of Use)?
☑️ handle cookies in line with GDPR?
☑️ protect you AND your clients properly?

And beyond the legal essentials…

your website is often a client’s first impression of you.

So be honest:

🫣 Any typos lurking?
🔗 Any links that don’t go where they should?
📝 Any copy that’s a little unclear or outdated?

With my former-lawyer level obsession with detail, these are exactly the things I help fix! And yes, I make sure the legal side is watertight too 🙌🏻

I’m fully booked at the moment 😭
BUT… I am opening up spaces for website reviews and legal bundles for 2026 🎉

So if getting your site launch-ready (and compliant!) is on your list for 2026… drop me a message and I’ll send over the details.

Your future self and your clients, will thank you 💁‍♀️⚖️

Anyone else feeling the mental load this time of year?

It’s that magical point in December where I’m juggling client work… while also trying to remember approximately 47 different school events for Lola.

So far we have:

🎭 Christmas panto
👼 Christmas nativity
💃 Christmas disco
🎁 Christmas fair
🎉 Christmas party day
🧶 Christmas jumper day
🍽 Christmas dinner day

…and I’m 99% sure I’ve missed at least three more.

My Google Calendar is flashing, my inbox is flashing, the school mom WhatsApp chat is flashing, the school app is flashing and honestly, my brain is 🤯

It’s all lovely and festive and adorable but also…It’s A LOT.

So if you’re running a business, running a family, running on caffeine and sheer festive determination…I see you.

We’re doing our best.
We’re making memories.
And we’ll sleep in January.

Contracts might not feel exciting but they are your safety net.

Without them? Late payments, blurred boundaries and unnecessary stress can creep in fast.

With them? You protect your time, money and reputation, so you can run your business with confidence.

That’s where Keeley Smith | Business Support comes in!

Simple, jargon-free templates and tailored legal documents to help your business feel secure, professional and protected.

Build strong legal foundations to create more freedom to focus on what you love.

Tired of “sort out my contracts” being on your to-do list… forever? 👀

Something exciting is coming soon:

✨ Get "Legal" in a Day ✨

A focused, one-day experience designed to get your business legally covered without the overwhelm.

Think contracts, policies and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected and compliant.

Perfect for small business owners who want to stop putting off their legal to-do list and finally get it done.

One day. Real progress. Total confidence.

https://www.keeleysmithva.com/getlegal

A client recently said to me: “I’d definitely be sinking without you!”

It made me smile but it also reminded me how easy it is for business owners to get buried under the “everything else” that comes with running a business.

Behind the scenes, I help manage this client's property portfolio, taking off their hands all those time-consuming bits that can quietly take over your week.

They get their time (and sanity) back.

If you’re drowning, consider this your sign! It’s okay to ask for support.

I’m here to take the load off (and keep you afloat 😉 !).

Trying to balance work and family is one of the hardest parts of running Keeley Smith | Business Support.

I love what I do! It's so rewarding building a business that helps others stay organised, compliant and confident.

But I also love being a mom and some days those two roles feel like they’re in constant competition.

I recently signed Lola up for book club at school, partly because she’ll love it and partly because it gives me an extra hour to work.

Obviously with that came the guilt because even when we’re doing something that benefits everyone, there’s always that whisper of “should I be doing more?”

I’m learning that balance isn’t about getting it perfect.

If you’re trying to do it all too, you’re not alone ❤️

There are lots of ways to work with me but they all start with getting your business legally sound, compliant and running smoothly.

Here’s how we support small business owners to create calm, structure and confidence behind the scenes:

1️⃣ Drafting contracts and T&Cs

2️⃣ Creating policies, procedures and processes

3️⃣ Supporting with business compliance

4️⃣ Managing projects and launches

5️⃣ Content creation and operational support that keeps everything moving

Whether you need clarity, compliance or consistency, at Keeley Smith | Business Support, we help you put the right foundations in place so you can focus on growth.

Ready to get your business legally and operationally streamlined?

Visit www.keeleysmithva.com or drop me a message to chat about support options.

Contracts aren’t just paperwork, they’re protection.

Without them: stress.
With them: security, boundaries, peace of mind.

Let’s make sure your business is protected together 💪

At Keeley Smith | Business Support, we take care of the behind-the-scenes details so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

✨ We simplify contracts and compliance so your business is legally protected.

✨ We manage your projects, ops and content so you can spend more time on strategy, clients and growth.

Simple. Structured. Supported.

Because when the legal and operational side runs smoothly, your business has room to thrive. 🌿

Imagine this…

You’ve poured everything into your business.

It’s thriving. Clients are coming in. You’ve built something you’re proud of.

But then:

🚨 Your biggest client ghosts your invoices.
🚨 Someone threatens legal action over your services.
🚨 A client wants a refund.

Suddenly, the dream starts to unravel!

Not because you weren’t capable, but because the legal foundations weren’t in place.

You didn’t do anything wrong.

You just didn’t have the right protections in place either.

So let’s change that together.

When the spirits of clients past come calling asking for contracts, records or invoices from three years ago, would your files rise from the dead…

…or stay buried forever?

A well-organised business isn’t haunted by missing paperwork.

It’s protected by solid systems, up-to-date contracts and clear processes.

I help small businesses bring calm to the chaos.

No séance required🕯️

May your files and documents rest in peace (and in order) 🪦

Ps we had a lot of fun dressing up for a Halloween party over the weekend!

✨ Setting your business up for success starts behind the scenes. ✨

When this client came to us in August 2024, their AML compliance and client onboarding process needed work!

We stepped in to:

✅ Overhaul their AML processes to ensure compliance and consistency
✅ Streamline and automate their client onboarding systems
✅ Implement new engagement letters, terms of business and bespoke service schedules
✅ Manage the project end-to-end so they could focus on running their business

Now, they have clear, compliant systems that not only protect their business but also give their clients confidence in how they operate.

What does our client say about working with us:

“Keeley has been a dream to work with and has given me the confidence to know that my own business processes and procedures are compliant and provide both my business, and my clients’, clarity and protection.”

It’s incredible watching our clients thrive knowing they’re protected, compliant and set up for success. 🌿

Happy Halloween 🎃

October has been busy for all the right reasons but it’s actually felt balanced for a change.

It’s been lovely to take a few days off with the girls over half-term without feeling like I’m chasing my tail.

Final two months of the year - let’s go.

Let’s face it, it’s practically Christmas 😬

👻 How scary is your contract?

Some contracts are more frightening than ghosts and ghouls…

❌ Missing notice periods
❌ No clear payment terms
❌ Vague responsibilities

Don’t let your business get tricked this Halloween. 🕸️

A well-drafted contract = peace of mind (and no nasty surprises).

💬 Want me to give yours a quick health check?

Half term mode: ON. 🏡

This week I’m stepping back from work and soaking up time with my girls.

Being self-employed while raising little ones isn’t always easy but it does give me the freedom to take off half-terms and not have to worry about the juggle. Something I’m always grateful for.

Looking forward to a week of slowing down, recharging(ish) and enjoying the chaos of family life. 💕

Any other parents out there navigating the juggle this week?

Growth without sustainability = burnout. 🚫

The key?
Systems, boundaries and support.

Because you don’t have to carry every piece of your business alone.

That’s why so many small business owners choose to outsource things like legal support and business management — it gives them back time, headspace and balance.

What’s one way you make business feel lighter?

Here’s something people don’t talk about enough…

The hardest part of running your own business isn’t marketing or even managing your finances.

It’s the mental load!

Making decisions.
Switching between roles (finance, admin, client support).
Carrying it all in your head.

It makes it more important than ever to set boundaries, create systems and put in place support.

If you’re feeling the weight of running it all, you’re not alone and you don’t have to be - seek support. Outsource. Delegate.

What one thing you’d delegate today if you could?

A good contract isn’t just paperwork, it’s protection.

A client came to me with a contractor agreement for review that was missing key clauses.

We updated the contract including adding a simple termination/notice clause.

Not long after, they found themselves in a tricky situation with a contractor…

Because the agreement was clear, they had a fair exit route in writing and protected their business without a messy dispute.

It saved the client time, ££££ and so much stress.

I know contracts are boring!

It’s really not about making them longer or more complicated.

It’s about making them watertight where it matters most.

Have you ever had a contract save you from a nightmare situation?

The hardest part of business isn’t what most people think…

It’s carrying everything on your own shoulders.

Systems, boundaries and support make it lighter.

But let’s be honest, some days it still feels heavy.

That’s why it’s so important to have proper support in place to share the load.

💬 What’s the hardest part of running your business?

#smallbusinessuk #ukbusiness #businessownerlife #femaleentrepreneur #entrepreneurlife

Your business shouldn’t feel like constant firefighting🔥

Systems are what make things run smoothly.

They save you hours, reduce stress and give your clients a better experience.

Less chaos. More clarity. More time.

💬 Where in your business could a system make life easier right now?

#smallbusinessuk #businesssystems #businesstipsuk #productivitytips #ukbusiness”

The biggest myth about running your own business?

That it gives you endless freedom.

Yes, there’s flexibility but with it comes responsibility.

Your clients, your team, your systems… they all depend on you showing up.

When I first started, I thought “being my own boss” meant working whenever and whereever I wanted.

The reality is that some days it’s working at 5am before the kids are up, learning as I go or making tough calls that no one else can make.

But I’ve realised that responsibility is also where the real freedom lies.

Because I get to choose who I work with, how I structure my time and how I grow my business in a way that fits my life.

What’s the biggest myth you believed before starting your business?

Your contract should protect you, not leave you exposed.

Here are 5 red flags I spot all the time:

❌ No clear payment terms
❌ Vague scope of work
❌ Missing termination/notice requirements
❌ Too much jargon
❌ No liability or limitation clause

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to sense-check your contracts.

A clear, fair and watertight agreement doesn’t just protect you, it builds trust and sets healthy boundaries with your clients.

👉 Save this post for later and check your contracts against these red flags.

💬 Which one do you think is the most common mistake?

September was birthday month!

We celebrated:
My two daughters
My mother-in-law, father-in-law and best friend (all on the same day!)
Me!

I’m on a celebration come down with a lot less cake in my life now.

Whilst it was lovely it was also full on with work flexing around all the fun!

One of the best parts of running my own business is being able to create that balance.

What truly works for me, so I can be fully present for the moments that matter most.

I am looking forward to some normality and getting back to our usual routine for October though (currently in denial that half-term is coming at us fast).

Bring on cozy season 🍂

If these sound familiar, it’s time to hire a Business Manager…

It’s not about working harder.
It’s about having the right support.

A Business Manager steps in to streamline operations, manage projects and keep the wheels turning so you don’t have to do it all yourself.

When you outsource strategically, you get time back for the things only you can do like growing your business, serving your clients and maybe even enjoying a proper weekend off. 😉

Ready to stop being the bottleneck? DM me to chat about my Business Management services and how I can help your business run stress free.

Saying yes is easy. Saying no is hard!

As small business owners, it can feel natural to say yes to every opportunity that comes our way, even when deep down we know it’s not the right decision.

Last month I had to learn to say no.

I reduced a client retainer by 10 hours in August because I worked fewer hours while my girls were home during the school holidays.

I had to tell existing retainer clients that I didn’t have additional hours available to support them above their retainer for the month.

I also turned away a new project that would have required me to do the work personally, so I couldn’t delegate to an associate.

These decisions came with an income hit. And honestly that was tough when I’m in the early years of business and everything out there screams at you to focus on growth (anyone else bored of hearing about £10K months?!).

But saying no protected my work-life balance and ensured I could keep delivering high-quality services to the clients I continue to support. Trying to squeeze extra hours into early mornings, late nights and weekends would compromise that. It’s a one way ticket to burn out.

I’m learning that the right decision for you and your business isn’t always the easiest one in the moment but it pays off in the long run.

I’d love to know when was the last time you had to say no?

Are you secretly holding your business back? 🤔

I know outsourcing can be scary.

Your business is your baby.

But you may be accidentally holding your business back trying to do it all!

Here are 5️⃣ signs it’s time to bring in a Business Manager:

1️⃣ Projects keep stalling
2️⃣ You’re drowning in admin not strategy
3️⃣ You’re the bottleneck for your own team
4️⃣ Deadlines always feel last-minute
5️⃣ You dream of cloning yourself 👯‍♀️

Sound familiar?

Then it might be time for support that’s more strategic than just “helping hands.”

Want to know more? Get in touch at keeleysmithva.com

Think you can raise your prices whenever you like as a business owner? 👀

Let’s talk contracts…

Once a client has agreed to your contract (including your pricing), you can’t just change the numbers halfway through.

The only times it’s allowed:

👉 If your contract clearly says you can (and explains how)
👉 Or if your client agrees to the change

Otherwise, you’re at risk of breaching your own contract 😬.

The good news? You can absolutely raise your prices for new clients or add clear clauses so future price changes are legally covered.

Want to check if your contracts protect your right to increase prices?

Get in touch! I can review your terms or set you up with airtight legal documents.

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"Delegation is not a sign of weakness, but of strength."

Steve Jobs

WELCOME

Hello and welcome to Keeley Smith | Business Support!

Our purpose is to support start ups, business owners and entrepreneurs with contracts and compliance to help you make sure your business is protected and set up for success.

We also offer operations, content and project management services to support you with streamlining your business, freeing up your time to focus on achieving your business goals.

When we become part of your team, you can trust that you are in safe hands with our expert service offering.

Find Out More

"Keeley is an integral part of my team,

and I consider myself fortunate to be able to make use of her excellent skills and benefit from her wonderful personality"

Keeley Smith

Founder

Hi, I'm Keeley.

I'm a non-practising lawyer and mom to two wild little girls with a serious passion for travel - I've visited 49 countries and counting!

I spent nearly a decade as a lawyer at a top commercial law firm with experience in employment, commercial contracts and data protection.

I lived the corporate "work hard, play hard" life for years but my priorities changed when I started a family. It's important to me that I can be present for who I love and do what I love,

so I stepped away from private practice.

We packed our bags and we travelled the world as a family for 6 months. There was no going back to the corporate world after that kind of freedom and so I founded Keeley Smith | Business Support in 2023. I now have a team of associates and together we support other

businesses and entrepreneurs.

I believe all business owners should have access to resources to protect and streamline their business no matter it's size. I utilize my legal experience to simplify contracts and compliance to help business owners put in place strong legal foundations to ensure they are protected and set up for success!

I also support with project management, operations, and content so that business owners can focus their time on doing what they do best.

When you work with me, you can take comfort from the fact I have a strong legal background but I'm not a stuffy lawyer and you won't have a hefty legal bill at the end.

If you want to make sure your business is protected and compliant or if you want to find out more about how I can free up your time by managing your projects and streamlining your operations so you can focus on your business growth, then get in touch.

Let's Get Started!