Founder & Managing Director at Liven Creative

I build brands that stand out and websites that perform. 

I’m the founder of Liven Creative, a B Corp-certified branding and website agency, and Studio 7, a specialist automotive and motorsport web agency.

For over 25 years, I’ve helped businesses create brands that attract the right customers, communicate clearly, and fuel long-term growth.

At Liven Creative, we build brands that make everything easier. Winning business, attracting customers, and scaling with confidence. Through strategy, design, and digital execution, we help companies establish a strong identity and competitive advantage.

At Studio 7, we create tailored, high-speed websites for automotive and motorsport brands. Your website should reflect the precision, performance, and engineering excellence that define your industry.

If you need a brand that resonates, a website that delivers, and a digital presence built for growth, let’s talk.

Andrew Myles

Your WordPress site does not need a redesign.
It needs a health check. Because in 2026, the websites that win are not the prettiest.

They’re the ones that are fast, simple, secure, and easy to run.

Here’s the Website Health Checklist for 2026, straight from the video.

1) Foundations

Update WordPress, your theme, and every plugin.
Then delete what you don’t use.

Fewer plugins, fewer moving parts.
Fewer moving parts, fewer bugs.
Fewer bugs, fewer “why is the site down?” moments.

2) Performance (on mobile, on 4G)

Stop testing on WiFi like it’s 2016.
Use PageSpeed Insights to check load time and stability.

Quick win, switch images to WebP.
And please, stop uploading massive images for tiny boxes.

3) Security sweep

Reset passwords.
Turn on two-factor authentication.

Enable automatic backups.
Store backups off the main server.
And once in a while, test a restore, because hope is not a backup plan.

Run a malware scan too.
Only use plugins from trusted developers.

4) SEO basics

Every key page needs:
A clear topic.
A useful title.
Sensible internal links.

Fix broken links.
Check redirects.
Resubmit your sitemap in Search Console.

5) Sanity check forms and tracking

Click your main forms.
Test key links.
Make sure analytics is still connected and data is flowing.

Because nothing says “we’re guessing” like broken tracking.

A healthy WordPress site in 2026 is built for leads, not clutter.
Fast. Simple. Secure.

Want a quick sense check?
Drop “CHECKLIST” in the comments and I’ll share the exact version we use.

#WordPress #WebsitePerformance #WebsiteSecurity #SEO #LivenCreative

Founder, Liven Creative (B Corp) & Studio 7 | Crafting Standout Brands & High-Performance Websites for Growth

Your WordPress site in 2026 should feel like a power tool.

Not a dusty brochure.

But most sites we see are held together with:
Slow plugins.
Clunky UX.
And a “we’ll fix it later” SEO setup.

That costs you in three places:
1. Rankings
2. Enquiries
3. Trust

At Liven Creative, we help you get control back.

What we fix
-Strip out unused plugins, fewer moving parts, fewer problems
-Speed up load time, so people stay and take action
-Clean up UX, so visitors can find what they need fast
-Tighten SEO from layout to on-page structure
-Keep it aligned to your brand, so it looks sharp and feels credible

A good WordPress site is not loud.
It’s calm, quick, and quietly convincing.

If you want a free website audit, comment AUDIT and we’ll send the link.

#LivenCreative #WordPress #WebsiteDesign #SEO #B2BMarketing

Business leaders are drowning in website advice.

Most of it is noise.

Every year brings a new list of "must-haves"- spinning logos, neon palettes, flashing animations.

But if you are a B2B founder, you have probably realised that most of this is nonsense.

Here is the reality for 2026:
• Your website is your best salesperson.
• It works 24/7 and handles more objections than your whole team.
• If it is chasing gimmicks instead of converting leads, you have a problem.

I have filtered through the fluff to highlight the WordPress trends aimed squarely at performance, simplicity, and conversion.

Swipe through the carousel for the roadmap to a high-performing B2B site in 2026.

We are covering why speed is now a branding statement, the mobile-first reality check, and the design shifts that actually move the needle.

👉 Why it matters: Ignoring how the web is evolving is a risk you cannot afford to take.

👇 The link to the full article is in the comments.
#B2BMarketing #WebDesign #WordPressTrends #2026 #ConversionRateOptimisation

The biggest WordPress website trends for 2026 

Thank You Thursday 🙏

Big thanks to Tara at Skala for trusting us with her new website 💛

We built this as part of our pay-monthly website package, designed for busy business owners who want a professional, confident online presence without the big upfront cost or ongoing hassle.

Tara was a dream to work with, clear on her vision, open to ideas, and focused on creating something that truly supports her business as it grows. The result is a clean, purposeful website that reflects Skala perfectly and gives Tara a solid platform to build from.

Thanks again, Tara - we loved bringing this one to life 🙌

#ThankYouThursday #ClientLove #PayMonthlyWebsites #SmallBusinessSupport #LivenCreative

No alternative text description for this image

Most WordPress “trends” for 2026 are noise.

More movement. More effects. More clutter.

They look clever.
They don’t convert.

What actually matters is far less exciting, and far more profitable.

Here’s what we’re seeing work right now and why it’ll matter even more next year:

• Speed beats design tricks, every time
If your site loads fast, people stay. If it doesn’t, they leave. No second chances.

• Simplicity wins
Fewer pages. Clear story. One main action. Busy sites confuse buyers, clean sites guide them.

• Conversion focused UX
Above the fold should answer three things instantly, who you are, what you do, why it matters. Every key page needs a clear next step.

• Mobile and accessibility
If it’s hard to read or tap on a phone, it’s broken. Most of your traffic is already telling you that.

• Visible security and privacy
Trust signals are not optional anymore. They affect confidence, rankings, and reputation.

• Lighter, greener websites
Less code. Fewer images. Smarter hosting. Faster sites cost less to run and feel better to use.

The pattern is simple.
The fastest, clearest website wins in 2026.

Quick test.
Open your site on mobile using 4G, not WiFi.
Try to find a service or fill in a form.
If it feels slow or frustrating, your visitors feel the same.

If you want a calm, honest review of your site, say so in the comments.

No pitch. Just clarity.

Full Metal Software Ltd

I work with growing businesses to design and deliver custom software that solves real operational problems. We don’t need the unnecessary guesswork. With 20+ years of experience, I lead projects end to end, from discovery through delivery, ensuring every build fits the way the business actually runs.


Having successfully delivered a number of key critical project platforms that help improve productivity and efficiency, I have vast experience in helping companies achieve their goals.

Director and Process Improvement Specialist

RedTie Ltd

RedTie is a software developer with a difference. Grown originally from a calendar print company, we are printers first, software developers second. 

We understand that software is just a tool and as such needs to be used correctly to get the most out of it. We therefore put as much effort into growing our customers’ online revenue, with account managers experienced in business development, training, education and support, as we do into developing our software.

That’s why at RedTie we think of ourselves as an extension of your business.

Operations Director

Sportal

Web Engineer

Hi, I’m Ben. I’ve been building software solutions for over two decades, helping businesses simplify their software and solve complex problems with tailored technology.

My journey began in the '80s. I was super excited by the possibilities of programming and the idea of making a computer do something new. That curiosity led me to pursue Computer Science, and eventually to co-found (with my brother) Full Metal Software in 2004.

At Full Metal, we specialise in creating bespoke software that fits seamlessly into existing business processes. Our approach is grounded in understanding the unique challenges each client faces and developing solutions that are both effective and sustainable.

Over the years, I've worked with a diverse range of industries, from logistics to retail, always focusing on delivering software that makes a tangible difference. I believe in building long-term relationships with clients, ensuring that the software evolves alongside their business needs.

The love of problem-solving is what gets me up in the mornings, except on the days when I’m coaching my son’s football team. 

In fact, as a father, I see a lot of parallels between kids and developers. They’re all very individual personalities with unique points of view!

If you're looking for someone who can translate complex requirements into practical software solutions, send me a message.

fullmetalsoftware.com | info@fullmetalsoftware.com | +44 (0) 1604 664 390

Ben Thomson

Buying a gym membership doesn’t make you fit.




Just like buying SaaS doesn’t make you agile.

January sees gym memberships soar, but we all know that buying the gear is the easy part. The exact same logic applies to your software budget. It is incredibly tempting to buy expensive, off-the-shelf products because they look shiny and new.

But here is a thought to take with a pinch of salt: off-the-shelf software is designed to be a general fit for everyone. And in a competitive B2B market, "general" doesn't win.

"Specific" does.

If you have a unique process—say, a specific way you handle logistics, a proprietary method for client onboarding, or a complex pricing model—forcing that into a rigid box will kill your competitive edge.

I have seen too many businesses alter their own efficient workflows just to suit the limitations of a software tool.

That is not efficiency. That is surrender.

This is where Bespoke Software Development acts as your personal trainer. It builds the muscle exactly where you need it. By investing in tools built specifically for your workflows, you create a user experience that empowers your team to work smarter, not harder.

For 2026, stop asking "What software can we buy?" and start asking "What unique value can we build?".

If your workflows don't fit into a generic box, let’s talk about building a solution that adapts to you, not the other way around.

Read more on building digital muscle:

https://lnkd.in/eQz6Akmt

Do you have a unique business process that standard software just can't seem to handle?

Founder and Ops Director @ Full Metal Software | Improving Efficiency and Productivity using bespoke software

Open article: The January Digital Detox | Full Metal by fullmetalsoftware.com

In the business world, few decisions keep you awake at night quite like choosing who will build your custom software.




It is a heavy responsibility because you aren’t just picking a vendor to supply stationery; you’re choosing a partner to translate your vision into a digital reality.

Over my 20+ years in this industry, I have learned to spot the warning signs a mile off.

The biggest red flag to watch out for? The "Yes Man".

If a potential partner agrees to every request without asking "why" or warning you about the cost, run!

If they promise to build a complex banking system in two weeks for example, they are either lying or deluded. Quality software takes time to design, build, and test properly.

You also need to be wary of the "too cheap" quote. Fixing a bug found after release can be up to 100 times more expensive than if it were found during the design phase.

A low base price often comes with a mountain of "extras" later, or you might be paying for a junior team to learn on the job.

Look past the salesperson as well. If you hit a "sales wall" and cannot speak to a technical lead or project manager, that is a concern.

You need to verify if they can actually build what they claim.

Finally, check the contract for IP ownership. This is non-negotiable—you must own the code at the end.

https://lnkd.in/eUY2_V8c

Have you ever hired a vendor that promised the world but failed to deliver when it mattered?

Open article: Guide to Picking a Bespoke Software Partner | Full Metal by fullmetalsoftware.com

Guide to Picking a Bespoke Software Partner | Full Metal

It is January. The 2026 budget is signed off, the strategy is mapped out, and everyone is feeling optimistic. 




But there is a massive problem lurking in the server room.

We see this scenario constantly. A leadership team has ambitious growth plans for the next three years, but their technology stack is still partying like it is 2018.

We call this the "Legacy Anchor".

It is not just about old software being slow. It is about the friction that silently erodes your margins. I am talking about data silos that refuse to speak to one another and security vulnerabilities that are currently being held together by the digital equivalent of duct tape.

If your workflows require a spreadsheet to bridge the gap between two core systems, that is not a process; that is a liability.

The document attached highlights a frightening statistic: the average cost of downtime is now hitting £4,500 per minute. Reliability is no longer just a "nice to have"—it is the baseline requirement for staying in business.

Strategy cannot survive on expired technology. If you are trying to drive 2026 innovation on 2018 infrastructure, you are not going to move anywhere fast. You are simply papering over the cracks.

So, before we get too deep into the new year, have a serious look at the foundation.

Are you building on solid ground, or are you hoping the legacy anchor does not drag the whole ship down?

Read the full breakdown in the carousel below.

What is the one manual workaround in your business that drives you absolutely mad every time you see it?

2026 Digital Detox

You would never go into a supermarket on an empty stomach.....



... when you do, you end up with a trolley full of things you do not need.

Step one of software development is simple: Don't Shop Hungry.

You must define your scope before you even open Google. If you do not know what you want—core functionality, business problems to solve, and success metrics—you cannot expect a partner to know either.

Once you know what you want, you need to ensure you keep what you pay for.

This brings me to the "Ownership Clause". It sounds straightforward, but I see business owners get caught out by this constantly.

If you pay for the code, you must own the IP. Simple as that.

It should be non-negotiable. Never sign a contract where the vendor retains ownership of custom work. If you don't secure the IP, you are effectively renting your own house.

Before you get cracking on your next build, check the contract. Ensure you have the keys to the castle when the project is sorted.

This and more are covered in the attached PDF.

Does your current vendor contract explicitly state that you own the source code and IP?

taplio

The Battle

Andrew Myles

Ben Thomson

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreAndrew Myles's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreBen Thomson's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Andrew Myles

Ben Thomson

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Andrew Myles's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreBen Thomson's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreAndrew Myles's LinkedIn Performance