Open4Business from NLive Radio

Rad talks about the growth of Sparrow Construction over the last nine years and how they are employing just under 100 people across the UK from their Kettering base.Originally broadcast on Tuesday 27th January 2026 on Open4Business hosted by Simon Cox.

Damon, Heather and Tyler join Simon in the studio to discussthe forthcoming TedX Northampton event taking place on 7th March.During the interview, they also announce the speakers lined up for this yearsevent so have a listen to see if you know of anyone announced at this yearsline up.Originally broadcast on Tuesday 27th January 2026 on Open4Business hosted by Simon Cox.

Moraye Whelan is an author who has just published her first book. In this interview, Moraye talks through the publishing process, what its like to be an author and what is was like the first time someone bought her book!Originally broadcast on Tuesday 27th January on Open4Business hosted by Simon Cox.

Cassandra talks to Simon about manufacturing in Northamptonshire and how she's looking to bring manufacturers together through the Northamptonshire Manufacturing Alliance. Cassandra is passionate about the manufacturing sector and keen to support local businesses in Northamptonshire through the Alliance.Originally broadcast on Open4Business hosted by Simon Cox 13th of January 2026

Rupert, a previous guest with Simon on Open4Business, joins the show to talk about a new family business which is offering fractional business services to SME's. Rupert and his wife Angela are both experienced business professionals and their services will be valuable to their clients looking to make change in their business in 2026 and beyond.Originally broadcast on Open4Business hosted by Simon Cox 13th of January 2026

Rebecca talks to Simon about her involvement in community radio, what its like to run a radio station and the benefits to local businesses looking to raise their profile through radio. With 20 years experience in radio broadcasting, station management and mentoring, Rebecca is one of the most respected people in community radio and her passion comes across in this interview. https://nliveradio.com/open4businessOriginally broadcast on Open4Business hosted by Simon Cox 13th of January 2026

In a very moving yet inspirational interview, award-winning social entrepreneur and poet Quinton Green aka Mr Milise, founder and CEO of Northampton-based MMAP Pathways CIC, talks about his personal journey from a challenging background and victim of a knife attack at 17 years of age through to his work across the UK as advocate and practitioner supporting disadvantaged young people as well as youngsters and their families that are victims of knife crimes, earning many accolades along the way including the 2025 High Sheriff's Award.Originally broadcast on Open4Business hosted by Adrian Pryce 6/1/2026

Looking back at his highlights from 2025 and his hopes for 2026, Father Oliver Coss, Rector of All Saints Church in Northampton,  shares his perspective on how Northampton is gaining confidence in itself after several successful events last year, and how he hopes we can all carry this into the New Year.Originally broadcast on Open4Business hosted by Adrian Pryce 6/1/2026

Musical dance student and choreographer Emily and her mother,  Dr Louise Reader of the University of Northampton's Faculty of Business & Law, explore the  life and career prospects as a young person in today's fast-changing world - and how similar and also different are the aspirations of each for Emily. And does she listen to her Mum?!Originally broadcast on Open4Business hosted by Adrian Pryce 6/1/2026

The University of Northampton's Associate Professor, Dr Tracey Redwood talks about her research on menopause in the workplace with guidance for business leaders, and her career as an academic studying life transitions, leading up to her new book Power Surge Balancing Midlife - A Guide to Living Your Best LifeOriginally broadcast on Open4Business hosted by Adrian Pryce 6/1/2026

The Royal & Derngate is a crown jewel in Northamptonshire, and Development Manager Chris Smith discusses their work across the summer ‘dark' season before the re-opening with a Made in Northamptonshire production ‘Breaking the Code' . Chris also talks about other ways to engage with and support the theatre, including a successful opportunities to join its Directors' Circle or Business Club. See  https://royalandderngate.co.uk/together/working-with-your-business/Originally broadcast 19th August on Open4Business on NLive Raido

Experienced SME business leader and adviser Kirsty Maxey, a member of the IoD Institute of Directors National Sustainability Group, talks about her work and the valuable support of the IoD in promoting Better Directors for a Better World, as well as an upcoming IoD webinar in conjunction with the Institute of Business Ethics and CEO Lauren Branston to explore the links between ethics, sustainability and business success. The event is free and open to all. See https://www.linkedin.com/company/iod-sustainability-group/?viewAsMember=true and https://www.iod.com/special-interest-groups/sustainability/Originally broadcast on the 19th August on Open4Business on NLive Radio

Fueling Innovation through coffee! The University of Northampton's Regional Business Engagement Officer Adam Lawton discusses the University's Fueling Innovation campaign, with a series of special events and a coffee van going across the county to facilitate conversations to engage and support businesses. See https://www.northampton.ac.uk/business/fuelling-innovation/Originally Broadcast 19th August 2025 on Open4Business on NLive Radio

Chantal-Lawren Welch, Marketing Lead at Silverstone Park, discusses the growth of the advanced engineering business park located next to the world-famous F1 circuit. She also shares the story behind founding the Women's Innovation Network, which aims to support women in engineering and those leading businesses across the region. Follow Silverstone Park on LinkedIn or via www.silverstone-park.comOriginally broadcast 15th July 2025 on Open4Business on NLive Raido

Founder Vicki Thomas and current co-lead Emmeline Child of the University of Northampton's Centre for Sustainable Futures discuss how partnerships are key to sustainability, sharing details of their work and research with the fashion and toy industries alongside the charity sector to reduce waste, repurpose old and returned stock and thereby help these industries move closer to a circular economy. See https://www.northampton.ac.uk/research/research-institutes-and-centres/centre-for-sustainable-futures/Originally broadcast on Open4Business 1st July 2025

Publisher Ben Thomas of All Things Business celebrates the 100th edition of the magazine as well as the launch of the 2025 Northants Business Excellence and Northants Education Awards which he runs. Also learn about Ben's social impact initiatives, and the thinking behind his motto 'Business Needs Education and Education Needs Business' . See https://allthingsbusiness.co.uk/Originally broadcast on Open4Business Tuesday 29th April 2025

In this thought-provoking episode, Vanessa Ugatti, The True Worth Expert exposes the costly mistake professional service providers make by not charging their true worth — and the long-term damage it can cause to the firm's revenue and their people's morale, health, and well-being. See https://www.thetrueworthexpert.comOriginally broadcast on Open4Business Tuesday 29th April 2025

Helen Russell, an early careers specialist, talks about apprenticeships and as well as sharing highlights from the recent UON Employer Connect event. Hear about Helen's business, The Right Track Consultancy, and her views on embedding and developing talent for long-term business success.Open4Business Originally broadcast Tuesday 29th April 2025

Experienced Impact Practitioner Shehnaaz Latif reports on her successful inaugural Impact Showcase in December and her plans for 2025 - and how we can all help ourselves with some me time. See https://tootservices.co.uk/

Farmer and entrepreneur Duncan Farrington MBE talks about the New Year's Honours award as he prepares to celebrate 20 years of Farrington Oils - and how he is still innovating. See https://farrington-oils.co.uk/

Cllr Rebecca Breeze is the West Northants Council Cabinet Member responsible for Strategic Planning, Built Environment & Rural Affairs, and here she talks about her career, her work and its long term natiue plus and the major issues she faces on behalf of local citizens.

Driving industry change and sustainability is the mission of Deborah Taylor, founder and MD of the Sustainable Leather Foundation CIC, which recently held its annual summit at the University of Northampton, from where Deborah reports on the event, the key issues and the work of the Foundation. See https://sustainableleatherfoundation.com/

Executive job hunting in mid-career has its challenges, as high flying Oxford graduate Simon Gilchrist attests following his career break. Despite a stellar CV and a top Warwick MBA, it is not easy to find a suitable new role - but this story does have a happy ending! 

Entrepreneur and publisher Martin Lewis-Stephenson speaks about how he acquired and relaunched Northamptonshire's Business Times, and how his media business, the Pulse Media Group, is expanding - and the strategy and approach behind it. See https://pulsemediagroup.co.uk/

Guest presenter Rachel Mellows with special interviews all about the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards JA Knight & Son Farmers Ltd is a successful family run business based near Walgrave, Northamptonshire. Since taking over the farm, Matt has transformed the way the land is farmed using both modern technology to reduce chemical and fertiliser additions as well as changing land use to encourage wildlife and biodiversity. The farm has planted 8 acres of woodland as well as enabling the creation of a ‘nature corridor' from the farm to Pitsford Reservoir. Contact - 01604 781630 & www.jaknightfarms.co.uk Originally broadcast on Open4Business on NLive Radio 5th December 2023

Guest presenter Rachel Mellows with special interviews all about the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards Kamil Podgorski won the Canapé of the Year award for his ‘Autumn Sonata' – a cored scone, filled with autumn raspberry chutney and topped with parmesan and mint that was served to guests arriving at the Awards dinner. Originally broadcast on Open4Business on NLive Radio 5th December 2023

Guest presenter Rachel Mellows with special interviews all about the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards The Palmichael has been owned and run by the Palmiero family since 1981. Michael heads the kitchens and sister Maria runs the front of house. Their priorities are clear and simple: fine authentic Italian food and great friendly service. Using the very best quality Italian and British ingredients – the finest Italian DOC Parma ham; Parmigiano Reggiano; buffalo mozzarella, fantastic egg pasta; tender 28-day dry aged Hereford steaks, freshly prepared fish and seafood from UK ports including Brixham, Plymouth and Billings gate market, freshly roasted coffee from Well Roasted roastery in Market Harborough and Warner Edwards Dry and Flavoured Gins from Falls Farm in Harrington. The Palmichael aims to support local small businesses by sourcing their fresh food and drink as locally as possible and Northamptonshire has some of the best fresh produce to offer. Available to book for lunch and dinner reservations it offers the perfect setting for group bookings, whether you are entertaining friends, having a business meeting, or hosting a party. The versatile space can host parties for up to 30 guests dining or 50 for drinks and Cicchetti, with direct access to the bar this venue is a great area for receptions. Contact Info : 01536 723641 - www.thepalmichael.co.uk Originally broadcast on Open4Business on NLive Radio 5th December 2023

Our series of interviews with local government councillors continues, with an engaging chat with Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services at West Northants Council. David talks about his varied career as a serial entrepreneur and for the past few years in politics, with a spell in France as wine maker and elite cycling along the way.

Martin spoke to Marco Gundermann the University of Northamptons Head of Economics, international relations and development at the Faculty of Business and Law all about last weeks autumn statement. What does it mean for general public, winners and losers, and what the political implications are for next years expected general election.

Silverstone Technology Cluster's CEO Pim Van Baarsen reports direct from STC's annual Innovation and Growth Conference, with details of the keynote speakers and a new initiative to address the skills gap in engineering. See https://www.silverstonetechnologycluster.com/

With news of an excellent new concept at their Thrapston base,  catering kitchen and equipment specialist WhitCo's CEO Vita Whitaker talks about the vision behind this new initiative, and how it will become a base to bring industry and education  closer together to drive skills and innovation. See www.whitcoltd.com 

The popular and well-known Northants & Milton Keynes Chambers of Commerce Group Commercial Director Sunny Singh gives an update on the latest Chamber activities, with a finger on the pulse of the mood  around the region, also sharing details of the Northamptonshire Business Awards and Next Generation initiative. See https://northants-chamber.co.uk/

West Northants Councillor Malcom Longley has cabinet responsibility  overseeing finance and here he talks about how his long career in business has prepared him to bring strong financial and budgeting disciplines to the new unitary authority. See www.westnorthants.gov.uk 

Musical Director and maestro Stephen Bell, founder of Red Kite Training, talks about how he is bringing his executive development, management training and motivational skills to bear in Be. Partners Ltd, a new venture and coalition of six partners coming together with a range of products and services to help organisations deliver real, lasting and positive impact in their people, planet, place, productivity and profit. See www.bepartners.org 

Recently retired University of Northampton subject head and senior lecturer Alistair Sutton and his successor Tiju Kodiyat reflect on teaching and managerial duties in a University environment and howe the demands of the job - and the students - are evolving.

Entrepreneur Emma Rose, landlady of The Coach House Inn and The Royal Oak in Rutland, talks about the transition from teaching business in a university to doing it and how her business philosophy guides her in creating welcoming community inns. See https://www.thecoachhouseinn.co.uk/ and https://www.royaloakduddington.com/ 

Celebrating the company's 65th Anniversary Cosworth's CEO and Chairman of he Board Hal Reisiger talks about the history and success of this jewel in the crown of Northamptonshire, a well-known brand in high performance engineering and motorsport, and reveals some insights into his management approach as an American working in the UK. See https://www.cosworth.com/

Listen to Dominic Masterson Chartered MCSI, Chief Exec of the Northants based Commsave Credit Union who treating their role in banking, finance and money as a service, with a high customer service and employee-focused philosophy.

Argentine born Julian Coronati discusses his ambitions and role with the Barcelona-based strategic sourcing company S3 Group, following his Master's degree in Italy, and, despite rising geo-political tensions, talks about the continuing importance and success of China as a source of products and components - and how other countries struggle to match the Chinese speed of response, service levels and competitive pricing

On this episode, we hear about life in the fast lane (via Eagles - see what I did there!) from Dr. Roger Barker, Director of Policy & Governance at the influential Institute of Directors (IoD) talking about representing business people in his regular contacts with Government.

We continue our series of interviews with the West Northamptonshire Council Cabinet, this time joined by Cllr Phil Larratt who is responsible for highways and transport (think potholes!) and waste - with an appeal to litterbugs everywhere.

This week hear from Julie Abraham, CEO of Richer Sounds about her journey to the top, and Dominic Masterson Chartered MCSI, Chief Exec of the Northants based Commsave Credit Union who are treating banking and money as a service (accompanied by Abba's Money, Money, Money).

Continuing our close look at local government, University of Northampton graduate Cllr Mike Hallam talks about his career and current political life having cabinet responsibility for Corporate Services at the West Northants Unitary Authority Councillors. Mike is responsible for Customer Services, HR, Legal and Democratic Services and Digital, Technology & Innovation strategies of the local authority where he champions a be kind and be accessible approach. See https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/

Multi-talented Dr Johnny Wake DL celebrates winning the prestigious The Royal Agricultural Society's Bledisloe Gold Medal, awarded for outstanding achievement in the successful land management and development of an agricultural estate. The historic Courteenhall Estate has been in his family for hundreds of years and Johnny gave up his medial career to take over the management of Courteenhall. Not content with environmental issues, Johnny also talks about his voluntary and community work, including serving on the board of St Andrew's Healthcare and starting a charity New Leaf Learning.

With dual Belgian-US nationality, following his MBA at one of the world's top business schools, IESE in Barcelona, international digital management expert Filip Fontaine has led a full career in large corporate as well as start-up businesses in the tech sector, after packing up everything to head towards Silicon Valley in its early days where he landed on his feet at the start of e-bay - and he hasn't looked back since!See https://www.mindrops.com/about-us/team

If you want something done ask a busy person! Miranda Wixon DL gets things done, including organising 45,000 meals during Covid. To coincide with its launch on 18th October, Miranda talks about her latest project, the  Northamptonshire VCSE Assembly, the voice of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, which is democratically run under 14 thematic areas. See https://vcse-assembly.co.uk/

Born and bred in Northampton and from a well-known local business family, Councillor Matt Golby talks about his career and work as the Councillor with Cabinet responsibility for Adult Social Care and Public Health, some of the key initiatives in his area as well as his aspirations in office - and how he keeps his ear to the ground! See https://westnorthants.moderngov.co.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=164

Frazer Arnott from All Things Business has his finger on the pulse and shares an upbeat mood amongst Northamptonshire businesses as well as plenty of activity his firm are in terms of upcoming business excellence and education award nights, the monthly All Things Business magazine and a Technology Roundtable. See https://allthingsbusiness.co.uk/about-us/

Following the loss of her son, Lucy Smith founded Thomas's Fund in 2007 and here she talks about the charity with Esther Mitchell, Lead Music Therapist and the power and importance of its music therapy sessions for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions - with an appeal to both businesses and individuals to help fund this valuable service. See https://www.thomassfund.org/

Now based in the USA, futurist Gil Agnew MBA reflects on his career and international corporate experience which he then gave up to study and pursue deeper self-awareness and spiritual intelligence, with evidence-based insights into the coming Age of Aquarius and the positive meaning and hope it represents for humanity in these volatile time. See https://www.newinnergy.com/aboutgilagnew and https://www.wholeworld-view.org/

He talks about his role as a coroner as well as his career path, taking him from humble beginnings in a minority ethnic background to a successful legal practice and recognition for his role in community service - an example for all young people. See https://sp-law.co.uk/