Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the world of business networking with James West, the co-founder of Onle Networking – a platform that's reimagining how small businesses connect, collaborate and grow through a fully online model. Founded on the belief that great business relationships are built on authenticity and community rather than pressure and rules, Onle has grown impressively to 360 members across 25 UK groups, with recent expansion into Ireland and the US. Unlike traditional models, Onle operates entirely online and uses a flexible monthly subscription model designed to foster genuine connections without the rigidity often associated with networking groups. James shares how his journey from IT journalist to business owner and networker led to the creation of Onle alongside his wife – whom he met at a networking event! His insights reveal the importance of culture, trust and systems in scaling a relationship-driven business. In this episode, we explore: How Onle's online-only structure and culture-first philosophy distinguish it from conventional networking platforms The practical and mindset challenges of scaling, including maintaining intimacy across a growing number of groups James's approach to franchising via “pod owners”, and the importance of systems and community tools like Heartbeat The broader market opportunity, with over 5.5 million UK small businesses in Onle's target range Why online networking can offer a more inclusive space for people with caring responsibilities or introverted personalities We also delve into James's personal story, including the mental health benefits he sees in meaningful networking and his belief that professional connections can be life-changing. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from James. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ James can be found here: https://theonle.network/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesonlenetworking/ Resources: Lost Connections by Johann Hari - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/lost-connections-why-you-re-depressed-and-how-to-find-hope-johann-hari/910739?ean=9781408878729 Stolen Focus by Johann Hari - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/stolen-focus-why-you-can-t-pay-attention-johann-hari/5052458?ean=9781526620224 Adventures In Networking podcast - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL37ujAqY1iCijdEECUgBc2THNVe6oKCE7 Heartbeat app - https://www.heartbeat.chat/
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're joined by Guy Hayward, founder of Local Heroes Marketing – a business born from a mission to help independent companies compete against much larger rivals. With over 30 years of experience in global advertising for brands like Nike, Adidas, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola, Guy brings a wealth of insight into how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can level the playing field through smarter, more authentic marketing. Local Heroes Marketing, launched just over a year ago, is all about enabling SMEs to “punch above their weight.” In our conversation, Guy outlines how storytelling, authenticity, and well-leveraged digital tools can empower smaller businesses to reach and resonate with their audience more effectively than ever before. Key Themes Covered: The power of authenticity and founder-led storytelling in marketing Why PR and influencer marketing can be cost-effective growth levers for SMEs How AI can enhance marketing processes—but only with careful human direction The importance of breaking big goals into manageable actions and tracking progress One standout message from this episode? "Small businesses have something corporates often lack—authenticity and real stories. That's their superpower." Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Guy. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Guy can be found here: guy@localheroes.marketing Resources: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez -https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/one-hundred-years-of-solitude-gabriel-garcia-marquez/200038?ean=9780241968581 Xero - xero.com
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Claire Loftus, the dynamic founder of Evolve, a people-first HR consultancy operating across Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland. Claire shares her journey from working in HR and navigating personal health challenges to founding Evolve in 2017. With a team of nine working remotely, Evolve offers flexible, pragmatic HR support tailored to a diverse range of clients – from startups to large corporates – across multiple jurisdictions.
Hi, I'm Granger Forson – you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Chris Carter, founder of EventWise and long-time accountant behind In The Loop. Chris shares an incredible five-year journey of building a startup in one of the most volatile industries – live events – all while raising a young family, getting married, and self-funding the entire venture. His software, EventWise, was born out of necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it's proving even more vital today. EventWise helps event organisers replace clunky, outdated spreadsheets with live financial data and smart scenario planning. What stands out is Chris's resilience and honest reflection. He didn't follow conventional startup wisdom—he built out all five core functionalities before launch, learned the hard way about marketing, and now has over 800 events using the platform, including major names like Broadwick. EventWise isn't just software; it's a tool built by someone who's lived the pain points of event planning. Chris also opens up about managing burnout, the importance of team culture, and his transition from accountant to tech startup founder. His clarity of vision, perseverance, and deep love for the events industry shine through in every story he tells. If you've ever doubted whether perseverance pays off, this is the episode for you. Whether you're scaling your business or just starting out, Chris's story will leave you inspired and equipped with new ideas to try out in your own journey. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of bootstrapping resilience, financial innovation and industry transformation with Chris Carter. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Chris can be found here: chris@eventwise.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-carter-6a9b24189/ Resources: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-lean-startup-how-constant-innovation-creates-radically-successful-businesses-eric-ries/1171537?ean=9780670921607 AI & I podcast - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMcoKK9mKgHtW_o9h5sGO2vXrffKHwJL Motion AI - https://www.usemotion.com/ ClickUp - https://clickup.com/
In this exclusive ScaleUp Club edition of ScaleUp Radio, we're joined by Craig Hellen, founder of Bexmedia, a video and motion graphics agency with nearly two decades of experience. This intimate discussion explores how Craig has implemented processes and built habits that help a small, creative team stay aligned, accountable, and productive – all while preserving a strong company culture. What You'll Learn: How building consistent internal systems (like naming conventions and structured meetings) can improve clarity and alignment across the business. Why clearly communicating the ‘why' behind new processes is essential for buy-in – especially in smaller teams. The impact of weekly task reviews with a VA on productivity and follow-through. How reinforcing core values through weekly meetings strengthens company culture and morale. The benefits of using tools like monday.com and developing a Business Operational Manual to drive clarity and execution. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Craig. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Craig can be found here: linkedin.com/in/craig-hellen-8020616 https://bexmedia.net/ hello@bexmedia.net
Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences. I'm Kevin Brent, and in today's episode, I'm joined by Ryan Slaney, Founder and Managing Director of iLockerz – a business that's leading the way in smart locker solutions for a wide range of industries. Our conversation today is structured in three parts: First, we take a look at iLockerz as a business, including its smart locker technology, use cases, and how it's carved out a niche in the B2B space. Next, we discuss Ryan's experience with the challenges of scaling, including a deep dive into lessons learned from product development, the evolution of their market offering. And finally, we wrap up with some quickfire questions to find out more about Ryan's personal approach to leadership and growth. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Ryan. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Ryan can be found here: https://www.ilockerz.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanslaney/ ryan.slaney@ilockerz.com Resources: Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/your-next-five-moves-master-the-art-of-business-strategy-patrick-bet-david/1707850?ean=9781982154813 Pipedrive - https://www.pipedrive.com/ ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/ Co-Pilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/kQshweJbteqxKSCrwEjYG
Hi there, and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our scaleup journeys a little bit easier by learning from others' experiences. I'm Kevin Brent, and in today's episode, I'm joined by Karen Yates, founder of Taylor Yates, a luxury handbag and accessories brand based in the UK. Our conversation today is structured in three parts: We start by discussing the business itself, its model, and where it is on the scaleup journey. We then explore Karen's perspectives on the challenges of scaling up, including cash flow management and brand building, and hear her thoughts on the ScaleUp Challenges Report. Finally, we close off with a few quickfire questions to gain deeper insights into Karen's entrepreneurial mindset. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Karen. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Karen can be found here: https://tayloryates.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tayloryates.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-yates-53885a12/ Resources: Daniel Priestley Oversubscribed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/oversubscribed-how-to-get-people-lining-up-to-do-business-with-you-daniel-priestley/3262406?ean=9780857088253 Aspire with Emma Grede podcast - https://www.emmagrede.me/ Shopify - https://www.shopify.com/ Notion - https://www.notion.com/ WhatsApp - https://www.whatsapp.com/ ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/
Hi, I'm Granger Forson – find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect on LinkedIn – and in this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I talk with Darrell Irwin, the visionary founder behind Cre8ion, Digital, and Humans. Darrell's story isn't just about scaling multiple businesses – it's about scaling with meaning. From walking away from a lucrative agency deal over ethical misalignment to founding Cre8ion, a brand marketing agency rooted in purpose, Darrell shows us what it looks like when personal values shape business success. We explore how he built a tight-knit team through a unique pathway from volunteer to full-time employment, the surprising benefits of a four-day work week, and how constraint actually fuels creativity. His philosophy? Focus on people, purpose, and planet – and profit becomes a byproduct of meaningful impact. His leadership approach shines through in Humans, a personal development company creating space for real, raw conversations. Their ‘Humans Talks' are like TED Talks but unfiltered – sharing life, struggle, and breakthrough in ways that connect beyond business. Darrell also reveals his grand plan: building an ecosystem of 12 businesses that cross-pollinate to serve the entrepreneur holistically – from branding to personal leadership. This episode is filled with insights, heart, and practical takeaways for anyone looking to scale with authenticity. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of purpose, people and playbooks with Darrell Irwin. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Darrell can be found here: https://darrellirwin.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellirwin/ Resources: Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rebel-ideas-the-power-of-thinking-differently-matthew-syed/4848192?ean=9781529348408 The Crisis Catalyst by Darrell Irwin - https://cre8ion.co.uk/product/best-entrepreneur-book-the-crisis-catalyst/ High Performance Podcast - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/ Joe Rogan podcast - https://www.joerogan.com/ High Performance app - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/hp-app Duolingo - https://www.duolingo.com/
Hi, I'm Granger Forson – you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by the inspiring Alice Garrett, founder of Alice Caroline, a business built around the joyful art of quilting, Liberty Fabrics, and empowering creativity. What began as a desire to make Liberty Fabric more accessible to fellow enthusiasts has grown into a thriving enterprise with 34 staff, global reach, and over 700 fabrics curated for quilters, makers, and creatives. Alice's story is not just about fabric – it's about passion, purpose, and reconnecting people with creativity through beautifully designed sewing kits, workshops, and books. We talk about how Alice evolved from PhD chemist to entrepreneur, learning every day on the job, and growing a business that now runs five distinct yet interconnected operations – from e-commerce to manufacturing, and from subscription clubs to workshops. It's a perfect example of “embrace problems” turning into a life's mission. Culture is key in the Alice Caroline team, and Alice shares how she's cultivated open communication, safe learning spaces, and the importance of transparency and trust – even when scaling. Her reflections on overcoming her own conflict aversion and learning to love leadership will resonate with any founder navigating growth. If you're curious about creativity, passionate about purpose, or simply love hearing how businesses evolve through experimentation and joy in the workplace – this is an episode you'll treasure
In this inspiring episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Sheila Ako Glavee, the founder of Skilled Hands Organisation, a remarkable social enterprise dedicated to empowering women and children through craft workshops. From humble beginnings in Ghana to establishing a recognised organisation in the UK, Sheila shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and community impact. Sheila recounts how her entrepreneurial path evolved — from publishing a lifestyle magazine in Ghana to creating social enterprises that uplift vulnerable communities. Skilled Hands started with a focus on unemployed women, providing them with valuable craft skills, and has since expanded to children and corporate workshops, generating new revenue streams for long-term sustainability. We explore Sheila's experiences navigating the funding landscapes in Ghana and the UK, the critical importance of mastering grant writing, and how she balances sustainability with social impact. Sheila also reflects on the challenges of scaling a charitable enterprise, the role of partnerships, and her aspirations to expand Skilled Hands across the East Midlands and beyond. Highlights From the Episode Empowering through Craft: Skilled Hands has trained over 500 women in the past seven years and continues to grow. Entrepreneurial Resilience: From running In Thing Maglog to founding Skilled Hands, Sheila shares how self-reliance and perseverance have shaped her journey. Funding Realities: A candid look at the differences between securing funding in Ghana versus the UK, and the critical skills needed to succeed. Vision for Growth: Sheila's ambitious plan to create a global network of Skilled Hands hubs and make a lasting societal impact. Personal Legacy: Sheila's passion for leaving a meaningful legacy for her family and future generations. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Sheila. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Sheila can be found here: https://www.skilledhandsorganisation.org/ Resources: Podcast with Sheila - https://www.facebook.com/podcastwithsheila https://www.youtube.com/@PODCASTwithSHEILA Archbishop Duncan Williams podcast - https://ndwministries.org/podcast/
Hi, I'm Granger Forson — you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. Welcome to another inspiring episode of ScaleUp Radio! In this episode, I'm joined by Ben Lowndes, founder of Distinctive Communications, a fast-growing, purpose-led PR and communications consultancy based in the South West. Ben shares his unique journey — leaving a successful career without a set plan, building a business grounded in trust, flexibility, and impact. We explore how Distinctive Communications stands out in a noisy world by telling powerful, human-cantered stories and putting strategy before tactics. Ben opens up about why understanding your real "why" is crucial before you take action — a lesson that resonates deeply for anyone on a scale up journey. We dive into the joy and challenges of flexible and remote working and how creating "fixed points" of connection within a hybrid team can be the secret to building culture and momentum. Ben also shares a powerful story of social impact, where his team's work raised vital funds to combat holiday hunger in their community — a real example of business making a difference. If you want to learn how slowing down your planning can actually speed up your business success, and how great conversations lead to fabulous results, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with real-world takeaways. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of building trust, flexible culture, and authentic impact with Ben. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl Ben can be found here: https://www.distinctivecomms.co.uk/our-offer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/blowndes/ Resources: The Nowhere Office by Julia Hobsbawm - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-nowhere-office-reinventing-work-and-the-workplace-of-the-future-julia-hobsbawm/6586497?ean=9781529396560 One Night In Turin by Pete Davies - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/one-night-in-turin-the-inside-story-of-a-world-cup-that-changed-our-footballing-nation-forever-pete-davies/3105396?ean=9780224083348 Anti Social from BBC Radio 4 podcast - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0018h15 Americast podcast - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz Asana - https://asana.com/
Hi, I'm Granger Forson – you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Mark Nicholls, the founder of Tectona Partnership – a business that provides part-time Finance Director services to companies navigating financial complexity. Mark's story is one of perseverance, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build trust and a brand in a competitive market. Starting with just two people in 2012, Tectona has grown into a team of 17 highly qualified FDs, supporting businesses under £20m turnover who need strategic financial help but aren't ready to bring someone in full-time. We explore how Mark has learned the hard way about the value of delegation, why trying to do it all yourself is a false economy, and the slow but powerful growth that comes from building a reputation through networking and relationships – not just advertising spend. Mark is passionate about helping businesses make better decisions through better data. He speaks candidly about the "price-volume matrix" and how understanding a few key levers in your business could dramatically boost your profitability. And we dig into some rich insights on culture, growth pacing, and how having the right people – and only the right people – can make or break a service-driven business. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of decision-making, brand building and fractional finance with Mark Nicholls. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Mark can be found here: https://tectonapartnership.com/ marknicholls@tectonapartnership.com Resources: The Rest Is Politics podcast - https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuSr/ Xero - https://www.xero.com/uk/login/
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Jennifer Appleton, the dynamic Director behind ISO Quality Services, a Worcester-based business that's been helping companies achieve ISO certifications for over two decades. Jennifer shares the story of how this family business has scaled from a local consultancy to a global service provider, supporting clients in over 28 countries. What You'll Learn in This Episode:
On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Lorraine Allman, a purpose-driven entrepreneur and the founder of Party Without Plastic – a marketplace for sustainable, plastic-free party supplies that launched in spring 2024 and is already on an exciting growth trajectory. Lorraine brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, having built and scaled multiple ventures. In this insightful and honest discussion, she shares the highs and lows of her journey so far, from funding challenges to transitioning from founder-led to team-based operations, all while keeping a firm eye on purpose, sustainability, and profit. In this episode, you'll discover: How Party Without Plastic curates sustainable party products from UK-based small businesses Why building a scalable technical infrastructure took nine months – and was absolutely worth it The commission-based marketplace model that only charges sellers when sales are made Lorraine's top tips for securing external investment, including aligning on values and vision The power of social proof, including accreditations like the Global Good Market, in customer acquisition The challenges of scaling a team, maintaining brand consistency, and managing time effectively Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Lorraine. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Lorraine can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineallman/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/party-without-plastic/ https://www.instagram.com/plasticfreeparty/ lorraine@partywithoutplastic.com Resources: The Brand Is Female podcast - https://www.thebrandisfemale.com/ Let My People Go Surfing podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6KgNYkTEcBqLboNzX2AkJS It Really Is Just Good Business By Jill Poet - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/it-really-is-just-good-business-the-art-of-operating-a-responsible-ethical-and-profitable-small-business-jill-poet/7354896?ean=9781803411941
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're joined by Matthew Naylor, the founder of Whitestone Financial Planning, an independent financial advisory firm that's built around one core value – personal connection. Matthew shares the fascinating journey of launching his own advisory firm just three years ago, following a career that began not in finance, but in law. After realising his passion for working directly with clients and demystifying the world of finance, Matthew stepped into entrepreneurship – and never looked back. We explore how Whitestone stands apart by prioritising genuine conversations over automation, and why taking time to understand each client's life and goals forms the backbone of their success.
In this ScaleUp Club exclusive Q&A edition of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Tom Hughes, CEO of Gemba Docs, for a practical and eye-opening discussion on Lean Thinking for SMEs. Tom brings decades of experience in operational excellence and process improvement and shares how small businesses can adopt lean principles without over-complicating things. This session breaks down what lean really looks like in a small business context – and it's not about cutting costs or mimicking manufacturing giants. It's about reducing struggle, improving value flow, and making work life better for your team. From leadership behaviours to team rituals, Tom shares real-world tactics that any SME can start using today. Episode Highlights: Why the traditional 8 wastes don't always translate to service businesses – and what to focus on instead The biggest enabler of lean success? Leadership behaviour and priorities How to kickstart a lean journey: Start with yourself, then pull others in The power of small wins and team celebrations to build momentum Simple tools that make a difference: team huddles, improvement channels, and documenting processes with Gemba Docs Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. You can also nominate a guest for ScaleUp Radio if you know someone with an interesting ScaleUp story – you can find how in the shownotes. For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Tom. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Tom can be found here: linkedin.com/in/tom-hughes-7222562 https://3rddigital.com/ Resources: 2 Second Lean Book by Paul Akers - https://paulakers.net/books/2-second-lean Lean Made Simple by David Sykes - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/lean-made-simple-creating-pull-and-flow-david-sykes/4914053?ean=9781716549724 Improvement Starts With I by Tom Hughes - https://improvementstartswithi.com/ Ryan Tierney - Lean Mde Simple YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@leanmadesimple
Welcome to another episode of ScaleUp Radio with me, Granger Forson. You can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. This time, I had the true pleasure of talking to Bob Hayward, founder of two incredible ventures: Be More Effective and Key Performance Training. Bob's entrepreneurial journey is not only seasoned with decades of experience but fuelled by a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. His business Be More Effective is a consultancy designed to unlock human potential through the scientific blend of coaching, training and recruitment, all focused on helping businesses achieve sustainable high performance. His second venture, Key Performance Training, is equally impressive — a regulated training provider using practical skill-building as a pathway to meaningful employment. Think forklift certifications leading to second chances, real jobs, and better futures. What stands out about Bob is his unwavering belief that success in business is about more than strategy — it's about understanding people. With a background in psychiatry, he brings a unique and compelling lens to leadership and hiring. From avoiding the pitfalls of ‘like bias' in recruitment to treating people the way they want to be treated (not how youwant to be treated), Bob's insights could change how you lead your team forever. We also talk about the power of goals and structured onboarding, the mistakes many leaders make by not setting clear performance expectations early, and how just a few adjustments can change retention rates and team energy drastically. If you're in the scale-up phase and you're wrestling with hiring the right people, motivating them, or building a culture that thrives — this episode is essential listening. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of employment transformation, human-centred coaching, and legacy building with Bob Hayward. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Bob can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobhayward/ https://www.bemoreeffective.com/ Resources: The Profit Secret by Bob Hayward - https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-profit-secret/bob-hayward/nick-baldock/9781784529116 The Inside Advantage by Robert Bloom - https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-inside-advantage/robert-bloom/dave-conti/9780071495691 3Hag Way by Shannon Susko - https://www.metronomics.com/books-by-shannon Zig Zigler - https://www.ziglar.com/ Create Motivation by Kate Turner - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/create-motivation-unlock-the-leader-within-kate-turner/558902?ean=9781781334546 Crucial Conversations by Emily Gregory - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/crucial-conversations-tools-for-talking-when-stakes-are-high-third-edition-joseph-grenny/6198176?ean=9781260474183 Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/unreasonable-hospitality-the-remarkable-power-of-giving-people-more-than-they-expect-will-guidara/7110621?ean=9781529146813 Defeat Into Victory by William Slim - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/defeat-into-victory-pan-military-classics-series-william-slim/2549263?ean=9780330509978 Any Do app - https://www.any.do/ Remarkable app - https://support.remarkable.com/s/article/Desktop-app Duolingo - https://www.duolingo.com/
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the fascinating journey of Moksha Menon, the driving force behind &I Technologies Ltd and its flagship product, Moai – an AI-powered stress management app designed specifically for the workplace. What began as a university project evolved over four years into a proactive SaaS solution aimed at revolutionising how organisations approach employee stress. Moksha shares how her team pivoted from a hardware concept to a software-first strategy, learning key lessons about resilience, product-market fit, and the power of community support along the way.
I'm Granger Forson and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. Today on ScaleUp Radio, I'm chatting with Louise Williams, co-owner of Solace Gym in Cheltenham and the warm personality behind the Pink Pear Bear blog. Louise shares her inspiring journey from feeling frustrated by the unrealistic “insta-perfect” images of motherhood to embracing her own ADHD diagnosis and turning her desire to help others into a thriving community-centered gym. She believed wholeheartedly in creating a place where everyone, from teenagers to seniors, could comfortably work out and feel accepted. Solace Gym's motto is simple: “Be Yourself.” Whether you're an avid gym-goer or stepping onto the mat for the very first time, you'll discover a judgment-free environment that's not about the most fashionable gear or perfect poses. Instead, it's about showing up, moving your body, and finding mental clarity through exercise. Through the highs and lows of launching a new venture, Louise highlights the power of patience, solid teamwork, and a healthy dose of creativity. And of course, she reveals how she balances running a gym without contracts, blogging about ADHD, and caring for her family all at the same time. If you've ever wanted a supportive community to help you feel empowered, both physically and mentally, this is the episode for you. Tune in to be truly inspired by Louise's drive and discover how breaking the “business as usual” rules can be a game-changer for your own entrepreneurial journey. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of community, wellbeing, and self-discovery with Louise Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Louise can be found here: https://www.solacegym.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/solacegymchelt/ https://www.facebook.com/solacegymchelt/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/solace-gym/about/ https://pinkpearbear.com/ https://www.instagram.com/pinkpearbear Resources: ADHD AF podcast - https://www.adhdasfemales.com/ Canva - canva.com
On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the story of Andrew Kelly, the founder of Eightyfive90, a dynamic digital content production company specialising in photography, videography, and drone services. Andrew shares how he turned a crisis into an opportunity when the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to re-evaluate his business strategy – a move that led to significant growth. With turnover increasing by 48% in the last year, Eightyfive90 has expanded beyond Northern Ireland to work with clients in Southern Ireland and internationally. Beyond the lens of content creation, Andrew is also passionate about business mentoring, having supported around 40 early-stage businesses over the past year. His insights into financial management, digital marketing, and subcontractor relationships are incredibly practical – and deeply rooted in authenticity and experience.
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Liz Graney, founder of Escape the Village, a marketing business born out of her own career pivot from corporate life. Based in rural Britain, Liz has a passion for helping small, often-overlooked rural businesses overcome unique challenges to thrive in a digital-first world. Founded in October 2023, Escape the Village specialises in marketing support for what Liz describes as “well-kept secrets” – rural businesses that struggle with infrastructure limitations, visibility issues, and digital accessibility. From building websites and crafting social media strategies to offering tailored training, Liz and her small but growing team – including her daughter and two virtual assistants – are on a mission to bring rural businesses into the spotlight. The conversation is structured in three parts: The Business & the ScaleUp Journey Liz shares the story behind Escape the Village, how it came to life following a redundancy, and the specific services they offer to rural entrepreneurs. We explore the real-world hurdles rural businesses face, including patchy mobile coverage, poor road access, and even payment processing challenges – all of which make Liz's work incredibly relevant and impactful. Scaling Challenges & Entrepreneurial Insights Drawing from her corporate background, Liz outlines how she has applied high-level marketing strategies – like geo-targeting and awards recognition – to help small businesses grow. She talks candidly about the transition to entrepreneurship, the importance of outsourcing early, and the mindset shift needed to view support as an investment rather than a cost. Quickfire Questions From work-life balance aspirations to her vision for the business (including her plan to make her daughter a director within the year), Liz offers insightful, honest reflections on scaling a purpose-driven company. The one key thing from this episode? You don't need to be in a city to build a strong brand – rural businesses can thrive by combining authenticity, digital tools, and community engagement. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Liz. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Liz can be found here: https://www.escapethevillage.com/ Resources: Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/eat-that-frog-get-more-of-the-important-things-done-today-brian-tracy/427987?ean=9781444765427 The Three Spoonies podcast - https://3spoonies.co.uk/watch/ To Doodle Do app - https://www.toodledo.com/
In this enlightening episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Nikki Butler, the dynamic founder behind The Autistic Joyologist. Nikki shares her powerful journey from corporate burnout to creating a thriving, purposeful business that supports neurodivergent entrepreneurs in finding joy, balance and authenticity. Nikki was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 36, and what followed was a profound transformation. Through her personal experiences and professional insights, she now empowers others through coaching, mentoring and her innovative RADIATE model – a framework for self-reflection, acceptance, and sustainable change. This conversation is full of thought-provoking perspectives on neurodiversity, entrepreneurship, and how to build a business that not only works with your strengths but also doesn't rely on your constant presence. The one key thing you'll hear from Nikki is the importance of building a business that doesn't depend on you constantly being present – one that's sustainable, scalable and aligned with your values. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Nikki. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Nikki can be found here: https://www.autisticjoyologist.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkibutlerautisticjoyologist/ Resources: Are You Maximising Your Business Potential? Quiz - https://nikkibutlerscaleup.scoreapp.com/ The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-obstacle-is-the-way-the-ancient-art-of-turning-adversity-to-advantage-ryan-holiday/321415?ean=9781781251492 Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rebel-ideas-the-power-of-thinking-differently-matthew-syed/4848192?ean=9781529348408 What's Your Dream by Simon Squibb - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/what-s-your-dream-find-your-passion-love-your-work-build-a-richer-life-simon-squibb/7678552?ean=9781529935578 ChatGPT Voice App - https://openai.com/index/chatgpt-can-now-see-hear-and-speak/
In this inspiring episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Hayley Peacock, a pioneering educator and entrepreneur who is reshaping the way we think about learning, leadership, and scaling purpose-driven businesses. From a single mother navigating life on benefits to building multi-million pound education ventures, Hayley's story is as powerful as it is practical. She is the founder of Little Barn Owls Nursery Group, with five thriving settings across West Sussex, and the trailblazing Atelia 21 Future School, offering inquiry-based education for children aged 4 to 16. Her approach is grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, viewing children as capable, curious learners who can shape their own educational journeys. We cover Hayley's entrepreneurial evolution, her innovative educational methods, and the challenges she's faced scaling both culture and operations across her organisations.
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Alexis Sikorsky, an experienced entrepreneur, coach, and author of the bestselling book Cashing Out. Alexis co-founded New Access in 2000, growing it into a €45-50 million business with 500 employees before successfully exiting to private equity between 2015 and 2019. Now, through Knight Scale, he provides coaching and advisory services to help fellow entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of scaling and exiting their businesses. This conversation is packed with hard-won lessons on what it takes to build, scale, and ultimately sell a business for maximum value. Alexis shares the critical mistakes to avoid, how to prepare for an exit from day one, and what founders should know before working with private equity. Key Takeaways: ✅ Focus on what's important, not just urgent – carve out time for strategic planning rather than just firefighting. ✅ Have a clear business strategy but be prepared to pivot when necessary. ✅ Maintain a "war chest" with at least 9 months' worth of expenses to ride out downturns. ✅ When seeking private equity, do your due diligence – vet firms thoroughly and create competitive tension. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Alexis. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Alexis can be found here: https://www.asikorsky.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-sikorsky-consulting/ Resources: Cashing Out by Alexis Sikorsky - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/cashing-out-the-business-owner-s-guide-to-selling-to-private-equity-alexis-sikorsky/7660646?ean=9781781338476
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're joined by Megan Stachini, the founder of Intrinsic, a business dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create fulfilling, values-driven businesses—without sacrificing their well-being or personal lives. Megan's approach is all about authenticity and self-discovery, ensuring that business owners align their work with their core values to prevent burnout, build strong teams, and create sustainable success. She shares her insights on flexible work environments, balancing business and family, and why success should be measured by impact and contentment rather than just financial growth. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Authenticity as a Leadership Superpower – Why being true to yourself attracts the right staff, customers, and opportunities. ✅ The Power of Work-Life Balance – How flexible working and prioritising family can lead to a more motivated and productive business. ✅ Overcoming Common ScaleUp Challenges – From lead generation to staff alignment, how clarity in vision can solve key business hurdles. ✅ Personal Growth as a Business Strategy – Megan's perspective on continuous learning and the importance of self-awareness. Megan's insights are particularly valuable for business owners who feel stuck in the day-to-day, struggle with hiring the right people, or want to build a business that genuinely aligns with their lifestyle and values. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Megan. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Megan can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-stachini-716510147/ Resources: The Monk That Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-monk-who-sold-his-ferrari-robin-sharma/219986?ean=9780007179732
In this special Q&A episode, we welcome back Paddy White, founder of Virtual Diamond, to discuss the habits and strategies that drive great team engagement. Recorded as part of our monthly ScaleUp Club session, this episode features insightful discussions led by Granger, with audience participation bringing real-world challenges and experiences into the mix. What You'll Learn in This Episode:
On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're diving deep into change management, leadership, and scaling impact with Simon Phillips—a seasoned expert in orchestrating change for both organisations and individuals. With 25+ years of experience, including time at Accenture and over two decades running his own consultancy, Simon has developed powerful frameworks like the Delta Model for Change and the LACE Way for Human-Centric Leadership. His mission? To develop a million changemakers—people who can support others in making positive transformations. What We Cover in This Episode:
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the power of writing a book as an entrepreneur with Danielle Hutchinson, Chief Creative Officer at Authors on Mission. Authors on Mission is a done-for-you book writing service that helps business leaders and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into published books—without the hassle of writing themselves. With a team of over 30 core members, 750+ ghostwriters, and 50+ editors, they guarantee a seamless process, even promising Amazon bestseller status. Danielle shares how a book can serve as the ultimate business card, build credibility, and create a lasting legacy. She also explains the company's unique use of “angel writers”—collaborators who work closely with authors, rather than traditional ghostwriters. Beyond book publishing, we discuss: ✅ How AI and remote work are reshaping the publishing industry ✅ The balance between technology and human creativity in writing ✅ Using books as a tool for marketing, lead generation, and authority building ✅ Challenges of running a global remote team and maintaining company culture Whether you've ever thought about writing a book or just want to understand how storytelling can grow your business, this episode is packed with insights! Make sure you don't miss future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Danielle. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Danielle can be found here: https://authorsonmission.com/ https://www.instagram.com/authorsonmission/ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsOnMission https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission Resources: Book Marketing Podcast - https://www.bestofbookmarketing.com/ The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-hunger-games-suzanne-collins/205536?ean=9781407132082 Time Doctor app - https://www.timedoctor.com/ Encoda app - https://encoda.com/ Zoom - https://zoom.us/ Fathom - https://fathom.video/
Hey, I'm Granger Forson – find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn! In this special episode, we're looking inward on my own business journey, from the days of engineering beer taps to embracing the power of continuous improvement. I'll be sharing the highs and lows of ditching the corporate path in favour of scaling up my own adventure. You'll hear my learning from 100 recoding's of ScaleUp Radio podcast and growing my own business, and how nurturing a culture of experimentation built a strong foundation for BizSmart Gloucestershire. Listen in as I reflect on countless interviews with fellow entrepreneurs, each story helping me refine my approach to growth, strategy, and joyful leadership. My experience in Lean and 2 Second Lean shaped a coaching style that focuses on people-first development, from identifying strengths to leading with clarity. Throughout this conversation, I'll reveal the five key pillars that every business owner can use to strengthen their own enterprise, covering everything from repeatable processes to forging the right mindset in your team. If you've ever wondered how to turn your passion into a sustainable future, this is an episode you won't want to miss. By the end, you'll be inspired to keep innovating, keep improving, and keep celebrating every milestone on your way to scaling your own dreams. Let's keep going and growing together! To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Resources: All episodes of ScaleUp Radio that Granger talked about can be found here: https://www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk/scale-up-radio/ Robin Waite - Take Your Shot - https://www.robinwaite.com/books/take-your-shot 2 Second Lean by Paul Akers - https://paulakers.net/books/2-second-lean The Road Less Stupid - https://keystothevault.com/the-road-less-stupid-advice-from-the-chairman-of-the-board/ No BS Marketing - https://magneticmarketing.com/ Turn This Ship Around - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/turn-the-ship-around-a-true-story-of-building-leaders-by-breaking-the-rules-l-david-marquet/3549368?ean=9780241250945 Extreme Ownership - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/extreme-ownership-how-u-s-navy-seals-lead-and-win-jocko-willink/651009?ean=9781250183866 Start With Why - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/239994?ean=9780241958223 The Infinite Game - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-infinite-game-simon-sinek/185827?ean=9780241385630 Lean Made Simple - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/lean-made-simple-creating-pull-and-flow-david-sykes/4914053?ean=9781716549724 ScaleUp by Nick Bradley podcast - https://highvalueexit.com/podcast/ Lean Made Simple podcast - https://www.leanmadesimple.com/podcast Shut Up and Sit Down podcast - https://www.shutupandsitdown.com/ Russell Brunson podcast - https://www.russellbrunson.com/my-podcast GMail - https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox Mile IQ - https://mileiq.com/en-gb Lead Connector app - https://www.leadconnectorhq.com/ The Rhythm90 Web App - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/
Hello, I'm Granger Forson – you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or look me up on LinkedIn. In today's episode, we shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurial journey of the remarkable Catherine Frankpitt, founder and Managing Director of Strike Communications. Catherine has built a “small but mighty” PR agency dedicated to “comms for good.” What does that mean? It's her creative way of describing how she elevates charities and not-for-profits by telling their stories authentically and powerfully, ensuring that important causes reach the right audiences. From navigating the pandemic just weeks after launching, to bringing together a team that mirrors her passion for positive social impact, Catherine's journey is a testament to strategic thinking and perseverance. She explains how being lean allows her agency to remain agile while delivering results that truly matter, especially in the charitable sector. We also touch on the art of leadership in a growing team. Catherine candidly shares her lessons learned in people management and how striking the right balance between flexibility and accountability is crucial for success. This conversation will leave you feeling inspired by Catherine's drive to make the world a better place through strategic storytelling. I'm certain you'll pick up a few gems on how to build a purposeful business while staying true to your core values. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of small but mighty, comms for good and creative problem-solving with Catherine. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Catherine can be found here: https://www.strikecommunications.co.uk/ Resources: Inside The Nudge Unit by David Halpern - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/inside-the-nudge-unit-how-small-changes-can-make-a-big-difference-david-halpern/4236590?ean=9780753556559 Thinking Fast & Slow by Daniel Kahneman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/thinking-fast-and-slow-daniel-kahneman/407361?ean=9780141033570 Media Storm podcast - https://mediastormpodcast.com/ Desert Island Discs podcast - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I speak with Elliot Riley-Walsh, founder and CEO of Valart, a platform revolutionising how collectors manage their prized assets. Launched in September 2023, Valart provides an agnostic solution for collectors to catalogue, value, and manage their collections—whether it's fine art, classic cars, trading cards, or even Lego! With AI-powered valuation tools, end-of-life planning, and NFT creation for provenance, Elliot and his team are creating a much-needed digital solution for collectors worldwide. What makes Valart's growth strategy unique? Instead of relying on traditional direct marketing, Elliot is focusing on strategic partnerships with wealth managers, auction houses, and insurance companies to build trust and credibility. His goal? To reach 1 million users in the next five years—but the biggest challenge is convincing collectors to trust a new digital platform with their valuable assets. During our conversation, we explore:
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we delve into the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Suki Pantal, the founder of Suki's Curries and Spices. Suki transitioned from a corporate career to building a thriving food-based business, turning her passion for Indian cuisine into a multi-faceted venture. What started as an Instagram page during the COVID-19 lockdown has since expanded into cookbooks, online cooking classes, food festival demonstrations, and social media content creation. Suki even made a notable appearance on Jamie Oliver's TV show, The Great Cookbook Challenge, which helped elevate her brand – but she shares how success still required persistence and hard work. During our conversation, Suki takes us through: ✅ How she built her business from scratch – from Instagram posts to published cookbooks and interactive cooking classes ✅ The challenges of securing publishing deals – including how she faced numerous rejections and eventually secured deals through direct outreach ✅ Her revenue streams – including cookbook sales, virtual cooking classes, food festival demos, and social media partnerships ✅ The future of Suki's Curries and Spices – with plans to launch spice mixes, meal kits, and even a YouTube channel ✅ Key lessons on scaling up – from balancing multiple revenue streams as a solo entrepreneur to the importance of passion and authenticity Suki's journey is a great example of how persistence, adaptability, and creativity can help entrepreneurs break into competitive industries. If you've ever thought about turning a passion into a business, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Suki. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Suki can be found here: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/suki_curries_spices/ Website - https://www.sukipantal.com/ Resources: John Grisham - https://jgrisham.com/ Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/ Wix - https://www.wix.com/
I'm Granger Forson and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. On this episode, I talk with Steve Mason, the visionary behind Nova Blue Technologies, a remote-first cybersecurity company that grew from a solo startup during the lockdown to a 14-strong international team. Steve shares how a “kindness is the default” ethos permeates Nova Blue's culture, creating an atmosphere of trust, flexibility, and empowerment. Fueled by his GCHQ and defense industry background, Steve's focus on proactively configuring systems – rather than just alerting – sets Nova Blue's managed service apart. Their hiring principle of “attitude, aptitude, and appetite” has seen Nova Blue attract dynamic, passionate individuals who fit perfectly into the “Nova Legion.” With 70% of leads coming from channel partners, Steve reveals how they are diversifying lead generation and why they are committed to organic growth before eyeing a potential exit. You'll be inspired by the bold international aspirations (Canada, Middle East, Indonesia) that guide Nova Blue's expansion plans – and the “people-first” approach they'll keep at every stage. Tune in for insights on building a vibrant culture, scaling organically, and protecting SMEs worldwide. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. Also, you can nominate a guest for ScaleUp Radio if you know someone with an interesting ScaleUp story – you can find how in the show notes. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of kindness is the default, attitude-aptitude-appetite, and bootstrapped growth with Steve. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Steve can be found here: steve@nova-blue.net Resources: Start With Why By Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/239994?ean=9780241958223 The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-infinite-game-simon-sinek/185827?ean=9780241385630 The Rest Is Politics podcast - https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuSr/ Diary of a CEO - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/ Microsoft Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software Stirling Bank app - https://www.starlingbank.com/download/
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Peter Rucinski, co-founder of Assure Technical, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how his company has evolved to provide cybersecurity solutions for SMEs. Originally focused on high-value military and infrastructure projects, Assure Technical pivoted in 2016 to serve small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them navigate the increasingly complex world of cybersecurity. Today, they offer services like Cyber Essentials certification, penetration testing, and security audits to businesses that may not have dedicated security expertise in-house. Peter's leadership style has been shaped by his Royal Navy background and a unique 18-month sailing adventure with his family, which forced him to balance running his business remotely while navigating the unpredictability of life at sea. His experience has given him deep insights into risk management, problem-solving, and maintaining resilience—all of which are critical in both sailing and cybersecurity. During our conversation, Peter shares practical advice for SMEs looking to improve their cybersecurity posture, including:
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we explore the invisible forces that drive team success with Csaba Toth, the founder of ICQ Global. Csaba is an expert in psychological safety, cognitive diversity, and motivational drivers—three key factors that can make or break a scaling business. ICQ Global operates in over 50 countries, with a network of more than 100 licensed partners, and is taught in 60 universities worldwide. The company focuses on measuring and optimising team dynamics to improve collaboration, innovation, and long-term performance. Throughout our conversation, Csaba shares how businesses can build high-performing teams by fostering psychological safety, embracing cognitive diversity, and understanding the motivational drivers that fuel engagement. Key Insights from This Episode:
I am Granger Forson, and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this inspiring episode, I talk with the remarkable trailblazer, Ukponu Ayogu, who is dedicated to uplifting immigrant women and mothers through coaching, mentorship, and technology solutions. We discuss her journey of starting a business born out of personal necessity – transforming her own struggle to find fulfilling work in a new country into a powerful resource for others. You'll hear how her focus on helping women understand their ‘why' and monetise their passions has fuelled incredible success stories. From creating streamlined tech stacks that automate processes for work-life balance, to launching the Rising Phoenix Network, Ukponu is on a mission to bring robust support to thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs. She shows us the importance of proving a business model before seeking outside funding, and how email marketing can truly change the game. If you're ready to learn from someone who has mentored hundreds of women already, this is the conversation for you. Tune in and discover how to realign your motivation, build a supportive community, and set the foundation for a thriving business future! ✨ To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of Passion, Persistence, and Global Empowerment with Ukponu. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Ukponu can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ukponuayogu/ Resources: Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/think-and-grow-rich-the-original-classic-hill/2073500?ean=9781906465599 The Lean Startup by Eric Ries - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-lean-startup-how-constant-innovation-creates-radically-successful-businesses-eric-ries/1171537?ean=9780670921607 Dare To Lead by Brene Brown - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/dare-to-lead-brave-work-tough-conversations-whole-hearts-brene-brown/406737?ean=9781785042140 The Female Start Up Club podcast - https://www.femalestartupclub.com/pages/podcast Unfinished Business podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6y2bgkjQwaNqAVusotUFMo Mindset Manifestation podcast - https://mikaylajai.com/podcast/ Structured app - https://structured.app/ Apple Podcast app - https://www.apple.com/uk/apple-podcasts/ Digest app - https://www.producthunt.com/products/digest-app
Hi there, and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90 and inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System. We aim to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.. I'm Kevin Brent, and in today's episode, I'm joined by Sean Taylor, the founder of Zip World—one of the UK's most exciting adventure tourism businesses. In this episode, we'll cover three key areas: Sean's entrepreneurial journey—how Zip World grew from a single tree-top adventure in 2007 to a multi-site operation employing around 1,000 people. The challenges of scaling—including the impact of private equity investment, the difficulties of planning regulations, and why acquisitions are now key to growth. Quickfire insights—including Sean's leadership philosophy, how his military background shaped his approach, and what's next for Zip World. Sean's story is packed with valuable lessons about resilience, strategic growth, and the importance of creating unforgettable experiences. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Sean. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Sean can be found here: https://www.zipworld.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-taylor-1421a7b7/
Hi there, and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences. I'm Kevin Brent, and in today's episode, I'm joined by Chibuikem Osuchukwu, also known as Chibs, the founder of GuDee—a plant-based protein brand harnessing the power of West African superfoods. Chibs' journey is a fascinating one. He started his career in aerospace engineering but made the bold move into entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for nutrition, sustainability, and making a positive impact. GuDee is pioneering the use of egusi seeds, a high-protein, nutrient-dense, and allergy-free superfood that's been consumed in West Africa for over 5,000 years. In this episode, our conversation is structured into three parts: 1️⃣ First, we discuss GuDee's products, business model, and where it is on the ScaleUp journey. 2️⃣ Then, we explore the key challenges Chibs has faced while scaling, including educating the market about an unfamiliar product, navigating complex logistics, and bootstrapping the business. 3️⃣ Finally, we wrap up with a few quickfire questions to get to know Chibs' thoughts on entrepreneurship and business growth. One key takeaway from this episode?
On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're joined by Rhian Caffull, the founder of VegLife, a fast-growing plant-based food brand making waves with its signature plant-based scotch eggs. What started as a small idea has now grown into a business that has sold over 70,000 units, with a strong focus on sustainability, education, and community impact. Rhian's entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly when she was made redundant from her job as an expedition leader during the pandemic. She turned this challenge into an opportunity, creating a plant-based alternative to the classic scotch egg—first as a hobby and then as a full-fledged business. With bootstrapped growth through catering, events, and independent retailers, she is now preparing for her first round of investment to scale production and expand even further. In this conversation, Rhian shares the reality of growing a food brand, from tackling the challenges of accessing capital to balancing product development and scaling production. She also talks about the importance of social impact, including community initiatives, education, and sustainability efforts that are embedded in VegLife's mission. Key Takeaways:
On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're joined by Dan Burner, a successful entrepreneur who built and sold a multi-million-pound home care agency, scaling it from a spare bedroom operation to a business with over 1,000 staff and 1,500 clients. Today, Dan is using his experience to coach SMEs on business growth and scaling strategies. Dan shares his hard-earned lessons on what it takes to grow and exit a business successfully, from investing ahead of growth and implementing strong systems to the emotional and strategic challenges of selling a company. Now, as a business coach, he works with a diverse range of SMEs, helping them understand their growth potential and navigate the hurdles of scaling. Key Takeaways:
On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we bring you a special session from ScaleUp Club, where we had the privilege of speaking with Ian Morgan, founder of MBS Accountants. Ian shares invaluable financial strategies that can help business owners scale sustainably, improve profitability, and avoid common financial pitfalls. In this conversation, Ian introduces his approach to business growth using the "3 Rs" – Retention, Repeat orders, and Re-engagement – as key drivers of marketing success and cash flow stability. He also dives deep into pricing strategy, warning against the hidden dangers of discounting, and shares practical tips for cost management and financial best practices. Key Takeaways:
Hi there, I'm Granger Forson, and welcome to another episode of ScaleUp Radio! You can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. On today's episode, I'm speaking with Andrew Hunt, the founder and CEO of Holiday Architects, a travel company that has gone from a bedroom startup to a £9 million turnover business, specializing in long-haul, tailor-made holidays. But this is not just a story of success—it's a story of resilience, reinvention, and smart scaling. Andrew shares how he built a business where deep customer relationships, an experienced team, and a strategic approach to marketing became the foundation of growth. He takes us through the challenges of scaling, surviving the COVID-19 crisis, and the decision to merge with another company—a move that ultimately made Holiday Architects stronger than ever. We'll also dive into Andrew's approach to recruitment, financial management, and building a team that thrives in a remote-first world. He explains why he values trust and delegation and how he empowers his employees to take ownership of decisions. And finally, we look ahead to the future—Andrew has ambitious plans to build a ‘house of brands' within the travel industry over the next five years. He's shifting his focus to group-level strategy and mentoring the next generation of leaders. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of resilience, reinvention, and smart scaling with Andrew Hunt. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Andrew can be found here: https://holidayarchitects.co.uk/ andrew@holidayarchitects.co.uk Resources: Eat Sleep Work Repeat Podcast - https://eatsleepworkrepeat.com/category/podcast/ Perplexity app - https://www.perplexity.ai/
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're joined by Dan Tennakoon, CEO of RE24, a pioneering enterprise platform that helps large energy users, particularly data centres, manage renewable energy. Dan shares his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of scaling a business in the renewable energy sector, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Key Points:
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we sit down with Raluca Epureanu, the founder of Flairmakers—a pioneering talent-on-demand platform designed specifically for the hospitality industry. Raluca shares her inspiring journey from concept to creation, revealing how Flairmakers is revolutionising the freelance talent landscape by integrating skills training directly into their platform. Key Highlights: Innovative Business Model: Flairmakers connects hospitality businesses with freelance talent for short-term assignments, while also providing integrated training to expand the freelance talent pool. Funding Success: After raising an impressive £275,000 in a friends and family round, Flairmakers is now pursuing a pre-seed round with institutional investors to scale their impact. Challenges and Lessons Learned: Raluca discusses the delicate balance between product development and fundraising, along with the critical importance of defining a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) without falling into the perfectionism trap. Market Opportunity: With the travel and tourism industry representing 7% of global GDP, Flairmakers is tapping into a vast market, addressing the growing demand for skilled freelancers in the post-2020 world. Vision and Mission: Raluca's goal is clear—establish Flairmakers as the global go-to platform for hospitality freelancers, empowering professionals through fair pay and lifelong learning. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Raluca. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Raluca can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flairmakers/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/raluca-epureanu/ https://flairmakers.com/ Resources: McKinsey Quarterly - https://www.mckinsey.com/quarterly/overview The Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/ Cashing Out: How To Sell To Private Equity by Alexis Sikorsky - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/cashing-out-the-business-owner-s-guide-to-selling-to-private-equity-alexis-sikorsky/7660646?ean=9781781338476 Slack - https://slack.com/intl/en-gb/ Fathom - https://fathom.video/
Hi, I'm Granger Forson, and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I chat with Nick Hunt, the Chief Beer Officer and co-founder of Cotswold Lakes Brewery, a microbrewery redefining what it means to run a purpose-driven business. Nick takes us through the journey of founding Cotswold Lakes Brewery in 2021 with a clear mission: creating “Beer with Purpose.” He shares how the business has grown from homebrewing experiments to an award-winning brewery that integrates sustainability, community, and quality into every pint. You'll hear how Cotswold Lakes Brewery uses surplus bread to craft their beers, harvests rainwater to reduce their environmental footprint, and hosts taproom events to engage with the local community. Their unique approach ensures that both purpose and profit thrive in harmony. Nick also reflects on the challenges of growing a seasonal business, the lessons learned from early missteps, and the importance of testing, pivoting, and embracing curiosity to achieve sustainable growth. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of sustainability, community, and premium brewing with Nick Hunt. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Nick can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-hunt-a4006789/ https://www.instagram.com/nickcotswoldlakesbrewco/ Resources: Start With Why by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/239994?ean=9780241958223 4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/four-thousand-weeks-the-smash-hit-sunday-times-bestseller-that-will-change-your-life-oliver-burkeman/6475932?ean=9781784704001 Build Your Purpose Podcast with Tom Hicks - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PZ6nlMeZOf3A2q99Xh9OZ?si=eMn0YKmbQPWNnqz9ESqbYA&nd=1&dlsi=c643f7b29b854644 Trello - https://trello.com/
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Sarah Simons, co-founder of British Baby Box, a company dedicated to providing safe sleeping spaces for newborns while addressing social inequalities. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, British Baby Box is on the brink of delivering their millionth baby box. Sarah's journey began with a tough upbringing that instilled in her the resilience and drive to succeed. She shares how these qualities shaped her entrepreneurial path, culminating in the establishment of British Baby Box with her business partner. Inspired by Finland's 90-year tradition of government-issued baby boxes, Sarah and her partner adapted the idea for the UK, tailoring it to meet the needs of families in poverty. Throughout this episode, Sarah delves into: Her entrepreneurial journey: From a challenging childhood to launching a business with no prior experience. Establishing credibility: Securing the first British Standards certification for baby boxes after a rigorous four-and-a-half-year process. Balancing profit and social mission: How British Baby Box partners with government agencies, local councils, and charities to distribute boxes to families in need, ensuring babies have a safe place to sleep. Future aspirations: Expanding beyond the UK, with discussions already underway to bring British Baby Box to Europe. The one key thing from this episode? Believe in yourself and your mission—it's the foundation for building something meaningful. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Sarah. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Sarah can be found here: linkedin.com/in/sarah-simons-93ab9598 https://www.britishbabybox.com/ sarah@britishbabybox.com
In this engaging episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent sits down with Dr. Serge Santos, a self-described "business physicist" and seasoned entrepreneur, to uncover his unique journey in business acquisition, scaling, and team building. Serge, with his multicultural roots spanning Switzerland, Portugal, and Britain, shares invaluable insights from his transformation from a management consultant to an independent business owner and investor. Key Highlights from the Episode: Business Acquisition Philosophy: Serge delves into why he transitioned from consulting to business ownership, highlighting his criteria for purchasing a company. His focus on profitability, recurring revenue, fragmented industries, and businesses requiring TLC offers a masterclass in selecting the right acquisition targets. Lessons in Leadership and Team Building: He reflects on the challenges of taking over an established team, emphasising the importance of nurturing culture, trusting your staff, and adopting a "no dickhead policy" to maintain a collaborative and positive work environment. Starting a Scalable Business: Serge shares how he balanced his venture into the compressed air industry with launching the Funding Alternative Group, a virtual lending business aimed at helping SMEs. His step-by-step strategy of securing financial stability before embarking on riskier ventures is an inspiring takeaway for any entrepreneur. Pragmatic Insights on Cash Flow and Operational Excellence: With a strong focus on "cash is king," Serge discusses his approach to operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and building customer trust through reliable service delivery. Key Challenges and Takeaways: Serge opens up about learning from setbacks, including a legal battle over unpaid work, and how those experiences shaped his approach to scaling businesses. His advice to entrepreneurs about maintaining focus, delaying gratification, and the value of mentors is invaluable. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Serge. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Serge can be found here: serge.santos@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/santosserge/ Resources "The Missing Billionaires" by Victor Haghani & James White - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-missing-billionaires-a-guide-to-better-financ-ial-decisions-v-haghani/4997533?ean=9781119747918 Podcast: The Storytelling Lab by Rain Bennett - https://www.rainbennett.com/thestorytellinglab/categories/podcast ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/ Fireflies - https://fireflies.ai/ Perplexity - https://www.perplexity.ai/
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent is joined by Charlotte Melia, the inspiring founder of D&F Creative, to explore how she scaled her international events business across London, New York, and Riyadh. Charlotte shares her entrepreneurial journey, including her evolution from organising children's parties to delivering high-profile corporate events globally. She opens up about the challenges of scaling internationally, from managing cash flow to hiring senior leadership and balancing the demands of running a business as a single mother. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, female founders, and anyone navigating international growth. Charlotte also shares valuable advice on building networks, refining pitches, and embracing bold decisions when scaling up. D&F Creative's Business Evolution: Originated as a children's party business before pivoting to corporate events Expanded into corporate events, focusing on sports fan zones, internal communications, and brand activations. Achieved international growth with offices in London, New York, and Riyadh, delivering results faster than expected, including three events in Riyadh within ten weeks. Challenges of Scaling Internationally: Transitioning from upfront private event payments to 30-60 day corporate payment terms caused cash flow strain. Seasonal revenue fluctuations led to opening a Middle East office to bridge gaps in Q1 business. Hiring senior roles, such as a Financial Director and operations leads, to address leadership gaps. Balancing international travel demands while parenting a son with severe autism. Advice for Female Founders: Build strong networks and learn from connections. Practice your elevator pitch through competitions to refine your message. Be bold in pursuing international opportunities and pivoting when needed. Surprisingly, the Saudi market has proven to be very supportive of women-owned businesses. Sustainability Initiatives: Prioritising local supply chains in all regions. Vetting vendors based on sustainability credentials. Implementing a no single-use plastics policy worldwide. Investing profits into a biodegradable balloon research project with Imperial College London. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Charlotte. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Charlotte can be found here: linkedin.com/in/charlotte-melia-4553a296 https://dazzleandfizz.co.uk/ info@dazzleandfizz.co.uk
In this insightful episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Doug Betts, the founder of Sure Betts HR Solutions. Doug shares his journey of creating a proactive HR consultancy tailored for charities and non-profits with up to 60 employees. Through his expertise and practical advice, Doug sheds light on the leadership challenges that growing businesses face and provides actionable strategies to overcome them. Key Points In This Episode Building a Proactive HR Framework: How Doug's business improves workplace culture and leadership for smaller organisations in the non-profit sector. Leadership Development: Why businesses struggle when promoting technically skilled employees to leadership roles and how to fix it. Organisational Design: The importance of clear career paths and accountability in building a scalable business. Scaling as a Founder: How to transition from managing everything to empowering teams and focusing on high-value tasks. The Value of Writing a Book: Doug's experience with his book From New Line Manager to Great People Leader and how it serves as a tool for thought leadership and business growth. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Doug. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Doug can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-betts-hr-reward-leadership/ https://www.surebettshr.com/ Resources: Ben Sweeney (Corporate Sween) - https://www.instagram.com/corporate.sween/ Nick James Empire Builders - https://www.empire-builders.co.uk/ebphome Breathe HR - https://www.breathehr.com/en-gb/
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we sit down with Rafmary Baker, founder of the Cambridge Business Online Centre. This award-winning educational enterprise is transforming the way adult learners, particularly those from hard-to-reach groups, access skills training and education. Rafmary shares her journey of building a business that not only helps individuals gain employment, start businesses, or pursue further education but also emphasizes the critical role of soft skills, digital literacy, and continuous learning in today's fast-paced world. We delve into: The innovative approaches Cambridge Business Online Centre employs to make education accessible and impactful for all. The challenges of transitioning from grant funding to a sustainable revenue-based model while staying true to the mission of inclusivity. Leadership insights, including avoiding accidental managers and the power of philosophies like Kaizen for continuous improvement. Rafmary's passion for education and technology shines as she discusses how AI integration is transforming the Centre's services and the importance of working alongside technology. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Rafmary. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Rafmary can be found here: https://www.cambridgebusinessonline.com/
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Fiona Wylie, the CEO and founder of Brand Champions, a dynamic marketing consultancy with a unique team of ex-clients. Brand Champions positions itself as an extension of its clients' marketing teams, providing bespoke marketing solutions across industries ranging from healthcare to restaurants, including big names like Pizza Express. Fiona shares the inspiring story of building a consultancy that not only delivers exceptional results but also maintains a laser focus on client satisfaction and team happiness – both exceeding 90%. The conversation is divided into three key sections: The Business: Fiona provides a detailed overview of Brand Champions, including its transparent pricing model, virtual team structure, and wide range of services. Scaling Challenges: We dive into the obstacles Fiona has faced, such as generating new business and retaining a cohesive team, and the strategies she's implemented to overcome them. Quickfire Insights: Fiona shares her thoughts on consistent marketing strategies, balancing brand-building with sales activation, and what the future holds for Brand Champions, including their global ambitions. Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Fiona. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/ Fiona can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fewylie/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brand-champions-london-ltd/ Resources: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-alchemist-paulo-coelho/238009?ean=9780722532935 The Immortal Life of Agencies podcast - https://www.codefinery.com/podcast/ SparkToro - https://sparktoro.com/
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