Kanaval Consultancy, founded by partners Rory Taylor and Kin Liu, grew organically through word-of-mouth, drawing on their experiences running other businesses in the city’s bustling creative and commercial scene. But like many new businesses, they found the day-to-day demands left little time for planning or promotion.

Rory says:

“We’re not business experts,”

“We were always lucky that our work came through word-of-mouth, but aware at the same time that it could all dry up. Especially early on, you’ve got to do it all – the marketing, or your accounts. Our mindset shift was to be open to support.”

That changed around six months after launching, when the partners were introduced to the Council’s business support team. The support helped them rethink their approach to marketing and long-term strategy, starting with identifying their core audience of microbusinesses, SMEs and creative professionals in need of specialist legal advice.

With expert input from consultants Phil Davies and Mark Butchard, Kanaval refined how they presented themselves – from tone of voice and website design to future goals and values.

As Rory explains:

“Phil made us figure out who our clients were, where they came from, why they keep coming back – and what we were saying about our business to attract them.”

The result is a clearer offer, a refreshed strategy and a stronger sense of purpose that’s helping the firm reshape how it works – and who it works with.

“We now ask ourselves: is this the right client for us? Do they align with our values? When you start a business, you don’t really have that luxury. We’re in a position now where we’re able to decide who we want to work with – I’ve only got so much capacity. It’s that ‘work-life balance’ cliché. And when you work with clients that are better aligned, you enjoy work more,” says Rory.

From a new website featuring real client stories to more confidence in selecting the right work, the firm has made intentional changes that are strengthening relationships and paving the way for sustainable growth.

Focusing the two on their ‘why?’ has led Kin to work closely with a number of businesses in Chinatown and Rory now works with clients across the UK, Los Angeles and beyond – but remains grounded in the values that shaped the business from day one.

“Clients treat us as part of their team. And that’s what we want – to collaborate, not just invoice. Kin and I both have practical experience of running businesses outside of the legal profession, so – when I’m speaking with people in music – I’m one of them. Kin does a lot in hospitality – he’s one of them. That’s what people want and that’s where the value is.”

Kanaval’s story is a reminder of how the right support can make a real difference – helping local businesses rethink, refocus and recharge for the future.

Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service has received £451,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.

If your business is looking for support, contact Liverpool City Council at: www.liverpool.gov.uk/businesssupportservice.

Cllr Nick Small, Member for Growth and Economy, said:

“Supporting innovative local firms like Kanaval Consultancy is central to our vision for a stronger, more inclusive Liverpool economy.

“We’re committed to helping more businesses realise their potential and contribute to the city’s long-term success.”