Bertie Cordingley
Co-founder of fillmybelly.com, the UK's third-biggest takeaway platform when Just Eat acquired it in 2012. Spent three years as Director of Global Systems at Just Eat, and held senior roles at DirectApps. Sees the big picture and builds the architecture to match.
The Story
Bertie has been building systems since before most people knew what a CRM was. After co-founding fillmybelly.com, the UK's third-biggest takeaway platform, and successfully selling it to Just Eat in 2012, he spent the next three years as Director of Global Systems at Just Eat, where he learned that the best solutions aren't always the most complex ones. He has also held senior roles at DirectApps.
At NotLuck, Bertie focuses on strategy and systems architecture. He's the one who looks at your business and sees not just what it is, but what it could become. Whether it's mapping out your customer journey, designing automation workflows, or figuring out how to make your tech stack actually work together, Bertie brings a decade of experience in making businesses run smoother.
He believes in straight talking, no jargon, and systems that work for you, not the other way around.
Articles by Bertie
Thoughts, insights, and advice from Bertie.
Getting Started with AI: It's Not Too Late (And You Don't Need to Be an Expert)
A practical guide to embracing AI tools in your work. Forget the scepticism and the fear of being 'too late'. Here's why...
19 Jun 2026What Makes a Website Actually Convert (Not Just Look Good)
Most business websites look fine but don't convert. Here are the 10 things that separate websites that generate leads fr...
15 Mar 20267 Automations Every Small Business Should Set Up First
Not sure where to start with automation? These 7 workflows save small businesses hours every week — and most take less t...
15 Mar 2026
How to Choose the Right CRM for Your Business (Decision Framework)
There are hundreds of CRMs on the market. Every one of them claims to be the best. The comparison websites are sponsored...
4 Mar 2026
Cowork by Claude: The AI Desktop Tool That's Changing How We Work
I've been using a lot of AI tools over the past year. Most of them are good. Some are brilliant. But Cowork, the desktop...
3 Mar 2026
Website Speed and Core Web Vitals: Why Your Slow Site Is Killing Your Rankings
If your website takes more than three seconds to load, you're losing visitors. That's not an opinion. It's data. Google'...
2 Mar 2026
Stop Overthinking Your Content. Just Bloody Post Something.
I know what you're doing....
1 Mar 2026
What Is Claude AI? (And Why We're Using It to Build Better Systems)
You've probably heard of ChatGPT. Most people have by now. But there's another AI that we've quietly become obsessed wit...
28 Feb 2026
SEO in 2026: What's Actually Changed and What Still Works
Every year, the SEO industry declares that "SEO is dead" or "everything has changed." And every year, the fundamentals s...
27 Feb 2026
NotLuck AI Workshops: What You'll Learn and Why It Matters
We run AI workshops in Nottingham. Small groups, hands-on, no jargon. And they've become one of the most popular things ...
26 Feb 2026
Why We Built NotLuck (And Why "Not Luck" Is the Whole Point)
People ask about the name a lot....
25 Feb 2026
How We Use AI to Run a Leaner Agency (And How You Can Too)
We're a small agency. We don't have a massive team. We don't have unlimited budgets. And we compete with agencies that a...
24 Feb 2026
The Ultimate Business Productivity Playlist: 7 Powerful Songs That Boost Focus and Confidence
Lee-ann Cordingley shares her ultimate business productivity playlist — 7 powerful songs to boost focus, overcome impost...
23 Feb 2026
The CRM Setup Mistakes I See Every Single Week
I look at a lot of CRM setups. Like, a lot. And I'd say about 80% of them have the same problems....
10 Feb 2026
Why Your Business Needs a Landing Page (Not Just a Website)
Your website is great for people who are browsing. But when you're running ads, promoting a specific offer, or trying to...
3 Feb 2026
Workflow Automation for Beginners: A No-Jargon Guide
"Workflow automation" sounds intimidating. Like something that requires a team of developers and a six-figure budget....
30 Jan 2026
How to Get More Google Reviews (Without Being Annoying About It)
Google reviews are one of the most powerful marketing tools a small business has. They're free, they build trust, and th...
20 Jan 2026
AI in 2026: What Small Businesses Actually Need to Know
Happy new year. Let's talk about AI....
6 Jan 2026
A Confession: I'm Inherently Lazy (And That's Why I Automate)
Laziness gets a bad reputation. But when channelled right, it's the driving force behind great automation....
5 Jan 2026
Behind the Build: What It's Really Like Creating Websites
A behind-the-scenes look at what actually goes into building a business website - the good, the challenging, and the sat...
2 Jan 2026
Meet NotLuck: Who We Are, What We Do, and Why We Exist
The story behind NotLuck - from takeaway pioneers to helping businesses build smarter systems....
30 Dec 2025
Do Things That Don't Scale (Then Automate Later)
The startup wisdom of 'do things that don't scale' applies to every business. Here's why manual work comes before automa...
27 Dec 2025
Why You Should Set Up ChatGPT Projects (Not Just Chat)
Most people use ChatGPT like a search engine. Here's why setting up dedicated Projects unlocks its real potential....
24 Dec 2025
Living SOPs: Standard Operating Procedures That Evolve
Traditional SOPs gather dust. Living SOPs improve every time you use them. Here's how to build processes that get better...
21 Dec 2025
Don't Know Where to Start with AI? Ask This One Question
AI feels overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Start with one simple question that will point you in the right direct...
18 Dec 2025
What I Learned Running a Business in 2025 (The Honest Version)
2025 has been a year. A good one, mostly. But also a year of learning things the hard way, making mistakes I should have...
16 Dec 2025
How to Speed Up Your Website in 2 Steps
A slow website costs you customers. Here are two simple steps that will dramatically improve your site speed today....
15 Dec 2025
Landing Page vs Homepage: Know the Difference
Many business owners confuse landing pages with homepages. Understanding the difference could transform your marketing r...
12 Dec 2025
Client Success Story: From Chaos to Clarity
A real story of how one business transformed from drowning in admin to running a streamlined operation....
9 Dec 2025
Businesses with CRMs Grow 29% Faster: Here's Why
The statistics are clear: CRM users grow faster. But what's actually driving that growth? We break down the research....
6 Dec 2025
Why Blogging Always Falls to the Bottom of Your To-Do List (And How to Fix It)
Everyone knows blogging is important. So why does it never get done? Here's the real reason and a practical solution....
3 Dec 2025
The Best CRM for Trades and Service Businesses in the UK
If you're a plumber, electrician, builder, landscaper, cleaner, or any kind of service business, you might think CRMs ar...
2 Dec 2025
Content Creation Tips for Time-Strapped Business Owners
You know you should create content, but who has the time? Here are practical tips for creating great content without it ...
30 Nov 2025
Email Marketing Metrics That Actually Matter
Open rates, click rates, conversions... which email metrics should you actually care about? We cut through the noise....
27 Nov 2025
The Role of AI in Modern Business
AI isn't coming, it's here. Train it like a puppy: guide it well and it works for you, ignore it and you'll get left beh...
25 Nov 2025
Newsletter Best Practices That Keep Subscribers Engaged
Most newsletters get ignored. Here's how to write emails people actually want to open, read, and act on....
24 Nov 2025
Evergreen Email Sequences: Set Up Once, Convert Forever
Evergreen email sequences work while you sleep. Learn how to create automated email journeys that nurture leads without ...
21 Nov 2025
3 Website Mistakes That Hurt Your Brand
Your website might be working against you. Here are three common mistakes that damage your brand and drive customers awa...
18 Nov 2025
How to Write a Follow-Up Email That Actually Gets Replies
Most follow-up emails are terrible. They're either too generic ("Just checking in!"), too desperate ("I really hope to h...
18 Nov 2025
Social Media Kickstart Guide: From Zero to Hero
Starting from scratch on social media? This practical guide takes you from complete beginner to confidently posting in n...
12 Nov 2025
How to Build a CRM You Actually Understand (and Stop Paying for Systems You Don’t Use)
Business owners crave autonomy, not more jargon. Learn how body doubling, community, and hands-on learning can help you ...
10 Nov 2025
Facebook Marketing Strategies for Care Businesses
Care businesses face unique marketing challenges. Here's how to use Facebook effectively to build trust and reach the pe...
9 Nov 2025
Instagram Growth Hacks That Actually Work in 2026
Forget the outdated tactics. Here are Instagram strategies that actually move the needle for small businesses this year....
6 Nov 2025
CRM vs Spreadsheet: Why You Need to Ditch the Google Sheets
I know you love your spreadsheet. I get it. You've got your colour-coded rows, your filters, your little notes in column...
4 Nov 2025
Hate Following Up Manually? Here's Your Fix
If chasing leads feels like a full-time job, you're doing it wrong. Discover how to automate your follow-ups without los...
3 Nov 2025
The Wizard of Oz Business Trick To Help You Sleep
Your customers see magic. You see chaos. What if clever systems could give them the seamless experience they deserve - w...
31 Oct 2025
Zapier vs Native Integrations: What's Best for Your Business?
Should you connect your apps with Zapier or use built-in integrations? We break down the pros, cons, and when to use eac...
31 Oct 2025
I Hate Networking Events. Here's What I Do Instead.
I went to a networking event about a year ago. One of those breakfast things where you pay twenty quid to eat a mediocre...
29 Oct 2025
What's Automation Why Does It Matter?
Automation isn't just for tech giants. Learn what business automation actually means and how even the smallest business ...
28 Oct 2025
The ROI of Implementing a CRM: Real Business Case Studies
Wondering if a CRM is worth the investment? We break down real numbers and stories from businesses that made the switch....
25 Oct 2025
How to Choose a CRM for Your Small Business (Without Losing Your Mind)
Your 'system' of sticky notes and a Google Sheet from October isn't cutting it. Here's the honest guide to choosing a CR...
22 Oct 2025
What's your Wizard of Oz?
Your customers see magic. You see chaos. What if clever systems could give them the seamless experience they deserve—whi...
22 Oct 2025
5 Signs Your Business Needs a CRM System Now
Discover the telltale signs that your business has outgrown spreadsheets and sticky notes. If you're losing track of lea...
19 Oct 2025
The Social Media Guide That Won’t Make You Want to Poke Your Eyes Out
Social media doesn’t have to feel like poking your eyes out. Here’s our gloriously un-boring guide to showing up online ...
17 Oct 2025
AI Chatbots for Business: Are They Worth It in 2025?
Let's get the obvious thing out of the way. Yes, everyone's had a terrible chatbot experience. The ones that go in circl...
13 Oct 2025
Why Your Expensive Website Isn't Getting You Leads
You spent a decent chunk of money on your website. It looks brilliant. Your designer did a proper job. You launched it, ...
5 Oct 2025
Oliver’s Big Win at the 2025 Apprenticeship Awards
NotLuck celebrates Oliver’s win as Higher Apprentice of the Year 2025 at the Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship...
3 Oct 2025
How Much Does a Website Actually Cost in 2025? (Honest Answer)
This is the question every business owner wants a straight answer to. And the frustrating truth is: it depends. But I'm ...
21 Sept 2025
Automated Appointment Booking: Stop Playing Email Tennis
"Tuesday or Wednesday work for me."...
8 Sept 2025
Done Beats Perfect. Every Single Time.
I've got a confession....
25 Aug 2025
The Story of NotLuck; From Takeaway Pioneers to Game-Changing Strategy
Meet NotLuck — a Nottingham-based creative agency powered by strategy, tech, and family collaboration. We turn big ideas...
20 Aug 2025
Why Your Business Needs to Work With AI (Instead of Pretending It Doesn’t Exist)
AI isn’t coming, it’s here. Train it like a puppy: guide it well and it works for you, ignore it and you’ll get left beh...
18 Aug 2025
How to Build a Sales Pipeline That Actually Works
A sales pipeline sounds like corporate jargon. It isn't. It's just a way of tracking where your leads are and what needs...
11 Aug 2025
Local SEO for Nottingham Businesses: A Practical Guide
If you run a business in Nottingham and you're not showing up when people search for what you do, you're invisible to th...
28 Jul 2025
Don’t Be That Customer: Mistakes That Sabotage B2B Projects
Learn how to avoid the B2B client behaviours that stall projects, cause stress, and kill momentum. From ghosting to scop...
21 Jul 2025
The LinkedIn Police Can Do One
I got into a bit of a spat on LinkedIn the other day....
14 Jul 2025
The Goldmine You’re Ignoring - How to Reactivate Old Leads and Boost Sales Fast
Your next sale might already be on your list. Reactivation campaigns revive old leads with smart, automated outreach—so ...
9 Jul 2025
What Is AI Automation and How Can Small Businesses Use It?
There's a lot of noise around AI right now. Every other LinkedIn post is either "AI will replace everyone" or "AI is jus...
30 Jun 2025
7 Ways to Network Without the Cringe at Local Business Events Near You
Connect at local business networking events near you - build real relationships, grow your small business, and enjoy net...
18 Jun 2025
5 Website Mistakes That Are Costing You Leads (and How to Fix Them)
Your website might look great. But if it's not generating enquiries, something's off....
16 Jun 2025
I Replaced 6 Tools With One CRM. Here's What Happened.
I had a proper moment of clarity about a year ago....
2 Jun 2025
How to Automate Your Lead Follow-Up (Without Sounding Like a Robot)
Automation has a bad reputation. And honestly, a lot of it is deserved....
19 May 2025
How Much Friction Is On Your Homepage?
How much friction is on your homepage? Is your website more seal-in-silk or hedgehog-in-treacle? Learn how small busines...
14 May 2025
GoHighLevel Review 2025: The All-in-One CRM for Small Businesses
We get asked about GoHighLevel a lot. "Is it any good?" "Is it worth the money?" "Can it really replace all my other too...
4 May 2025
Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile: The No-Cringe Guide to Looking Pro Online
Make your LinkedIn profile pop with real talk, not buzzwords. A human guide to visibility, connection, and showing up li...
28 Apr 2025
Stop Blaming the Algorithm. Your Follow-Up Is Just Shit.
I had a conversation last week that properly wound me up....
17 Apr 2025
What Is a CRM and Why Does Your Business Actually Need One?
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. But if that phrase makes your eyes glaze over, you're not alone. It sou...
1 Apr 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Blog for Your Business: Why and How
Thinking of starting a blog for your business? It’s a powerful way to boost visibility, build credibility, and connect w...
31 Mar 2025
Why Most Small Businesses Don't Need a Website Redesign
Most small businesses dont need a new website....
10 Mar 2025
SEO Doesn’t Have to Suck: Easy Ways to Make Google Love You Part 2
You’re seeking SEO brilliance - we gotcha! In Part 2 of our blog, we’re turning up the heat with tips like boosting your...
17 Feb 2025
KPIs Demystified: The No-BS Guide to Metrics That Matter
KPIs don’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. This no-BS guide breaks down the key metrics that actually matter, so y...
3 Feb 2025 SEO Doesn’t Have to Suck: Easy Ways to Make Google Love You Part 1
Feeling like SEO is some dark art reserved for tech wizards? It’s not. Think of it as a treasure map—the ultimate prize ...
20 Jan 2025
Why Should You Have a Great CRM
A great CRM helps you stay organised, nurture client relationships, and streamline sales with automation. Discover how a...
16 Dec 2024
How a Business Blog Can Skyrocket Your Visibility and Sales
Have you wondered if having a business blog is worth the effort? It's more than just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for gr...
2 Dec 2024
Don’t Let Weak Passwords Sink Your Business: 5 Password Security Tips You Need Right Now
A single weak password could jeopardise your entire business. Cyber security is more critical than ever - from crafting ...
18 Nov 2024
The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Life-Work Balance: Strategies for Wellbeing at Work
Achieving life-work balance boosts productivity and happiness. Set boundaries, prioritise tasks, and practice self-care....
6 Jan 2024Want to Work Together? Let's Chat.
Book a free strategy call and discover how we can help transform your business with smart systems and automation.