Top business and finance books you need to read…

There are thousands, probably millions of business books out there.  It’s hard to know what’s worth the time to sit down and read. Here are some of the tried and tested books that we’d recommend for business and finance upskilling…whether you’re an old hand or just starting out there’s always a fresh new perspective to be had.

Shoe Dog - A memoir by the creator of Nike

In 1962 fresh out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed $50 from his father and created a company with a simple mission; import high quality, low cost athletic shoes from Japan.

Selling the shoes from the boot of his car, Knight grossed $8000 in his first year. Today Nike's annual sales top $30 billion. In an age of start ups Nike is the new plus ultra of all start ups, and the swoosh has become a revolutionary, globe spanning icon, one of the most ubiquitous and recognisable symbols in the world today.

If you’re an entrepreneur, this book will help you understand the risks, trials and tribulations that you’re probably going through – it’s great to understand from other people’s journeys…

Atomic Habits – James Clear

James Clear reveals exactly how minuscule changes can grow into life altering outcomes. He uncovers a handful of simple life hacks (the forgotten art of Habit Stacking, the unexpected power of the Two Minute Rule, or the trick to entering the Goldilocks Zone) and delves into cutting edge psychology and neuroscience to explain why they matter. Along the way he tells inspiring stories of Olympic gold medallists, leading CEOs and distinguished scientists who have used the science of tiny habits to stay productive, motivated and happy.

Repetition is one of the key aspects of success, James Clear teaches you how to make repetitive tasks seem automatic.

Start with why - Simon Sinek

Start with why, asks (and answers) the questions, why are some people and organisations more innovative, more influential and more profitable than others? Why do some command greater loyalty from customers and employees alike? Even among the successful, why are so few able to repeat their success over and over?

Motivation is intrinsically linked to your ‘why.’ Simon Sinek targets business leaders with this classic so if you own a business this might be the one for you.

The personal MBA - Josh Kaufman

The Personal MBA gives you simple mental models for every subject that's key to commercial success. From the basics of products and marketing to the nuances of teamwork and systems, this book distils everything you need to know to take on the MBA graduates and win.

Much cheaper than an MBA…and you probably can’t put it on your CV but there’s so much knowledge in here for the price.

I will teach you to be rich - Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi who has been described by Forbes as a 'wealth wizard' and by Fortune as 'the new finance guru', is back with a completely revised second edition of I Will Teach You To Be Rich, updating it with new tools and insights on money and psychology, along with fantastic stories of how previous readers have used the book to enrich their lives. From crushing your debt and student loans to talking your way out of late fees, to dead simple investment strategies and negotiating that big raise at work, this is the no guilt, no excuses, no BS 6 week programme that will help you get your finances where you want them to be.

A dubious title granted, but if you want a simple, non judgemental guide to personal finance, or even a brush up on your current set up this is the one to go for.