Podcasts about nec birmingham

They didn't grow up in the drinks industry. They didn't have investors lined up. They had £12,000, two corporate jobs, and a spicy margarita made on a balcony during lockdown.In this episode of Screw It Just DO It, I sit down with Alice Parmiter and Wynter Karo, co-founders of Pimentae, to unpack how they turned a tequila knowledge gap into one of the UK's fastest-growing tequila cocktail brands.From discovering real tequila culture in Mexico to spotting a gap in UK supermarkets, they bootstrapped their first 1,400 bottles, hand-delivered influencer hampers, and then put £20,000 down to run a festival bar with no safety net.That decision funded their business.Since then, they've raised £2 million, scaled into grocery, travel and festival spaces, navigated a product recall, and built a brand rooted in community and authenticity.This is not a “glam startup” story. It's about blind optimism, operational mistakes, difficult fundraising conversations, and staying aligned as co-founders.Key Takeaways• Why blind optimism is often required at the start• How bootstrapping builds stronger commercial discipline• The risks of taking the wrong investor too early• Why festivals became their most powerful customer acquisition tool• How authenticity protects your brand as you scale

Claire Warner helped build Belvedere Vodka for 15 years.She created 13 expressions. She climbed the ranks inside LVMH. She understood how premium alcohol brands scale.Then she made a call most people would avoid.She decided the world did not need another vodka.In this Bite-Sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, Claire explains why she left a secure leadership position to build Æcorn Drinks, how a forgotten 16th century acorn wine recipe became the foundation of a modern aperitif, and why launching three complex products at once was a risk worth taking.We also unpack what it means to build your own identity as the sister brand to Seedlip, how Covid disrupted their first real summer, and why innovation in this space has to be flavour-led, not alcohol-led.This is not about sobriety. It is about redefining the ritual.Key Takeaways• Why experience in a category can become a reason to leave it• The strategic risk of launching multiple SKUs at once• How to build brand distinction when linked to a market pioneer• Why aperitif culture matters more than alcohol percentage

Rory MacFadyen never planned to run an apparel brand.He was on a solid corporate trajectory in sport. Middle East sponsorship deals. Major events. A comfortable path.Then he saw the scale of waste in sportswear.At the same time, his best friend Pete discovered how to turn unlimited plastic waste into performance fabric.That was the spark.In this episode of Screw It Just DO It, Rory shares how Reflo was born, why they spent two and a half years developing sustainable performance fabrics before launching, and how they went from being doubted to landing partnerships with the Australian Open and the WM Phoenix Open.We talk about rejection, tall poppy syndrome in the UK, raising growth capital, bringing Harry Kane in as an investor, and why entrepreneurship is far harder than people think.This is not a fast-fashion story.It's about long-term thinking, graft, resilience, and trying to flip an industry on its head.Key Takeaways• Why there is never a perfect time to launch• How to build credibility before you look big• Why founders must sell, not just manage• The truth about hustle culture and burnout• How to build a brand rooted in mission, not marketing

When Dr Leah Totton applied for The Apprentice, she was a full-time NHS doctor with no business experience and a clear career path ahead in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.She didn't expect to win.But winning meant walking away from certainty and stepping into the unknown with Lord Alan Sugar as her business partner.In this episode, I sit down with Leah to unpack what really happened after the cameras stopped rolling. The cash flow stress. The competitor who copied her business model before she even opened. The shock of realising that even after national TV exposure, nobody was queuing outside the clinic.This is the reality of building a service-based business.Leah shares the mindset shift from doctor to entrepreneur, the discipline of sector expertise, and why quality control matters more than rapid scale. We also dive into her seven-year journey to launch a skincare line that she refused to rush, despite pressure to “just put something out”.If you are thinking of starting a clinic, a product brand, or any service-led business, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience and execution.Key TakeawaysGetting customers is harder than launching: Opening the doors is easy. Building trust takes years. Especially in health and aesthetics.Sector expertise protects your business: If you cannot deliver the core service yourself, scaling becomes fragile.Thick skin is not optional: Business is not personal. The sooner you understand that, the faster you grow.Quality compounds: Short-term speed can damage long-term trust. Leah chose slower growth with stronger foundations.

When I sat down with Robert Hanna, I did not hear a story about failure. I heard a story about comfort.He was a director at a legal recruitment firm. Well paid. Progressing. Respected. By most standards, successful.But approaching his 30th birthday, he realised something uncomfortable. He was building someone else's legacy, not his own.That realisation led to a decision. Start his own legal recruitment agency. Then take a bigger risk. Launch The Legally Speaking Podcast, not as a hobby, but as a long-term personal branding strategy.Today, that podcast is a global legal careers platform. It attracts high-quality clients, builds community in the legal industry, and has secured sponsorship from a $5bn legal tech unicorn.In this episode, we break down how personal branding, niche community building, strategic partnerships and content repurposing can transform a professional services business.If you are a founder thinking about building authority, launching a podcast, or turning content into commercial leverage, this conversation is practical and direct.Key TakeawaysComfort can quietly limit ambition. Ownership changes everything.Personal branding is not vanity. It is commercial leverage.Niche communities outperform broad audiences in professional services.Evergreen content becomes an asset when treated strategically.Strategic partnerships accelerate growth faster than going alone.

Jay Morton spent 14 years in the British military, including 10 Jay Morton spent 14 years in the British military, including 10 years in the SAS Special Air Service.Then one quiet moment in the Alps changed everything.In this Thursday Bite-Sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, Jay shares the exact moment he realised there was more to life than chasing promotion inside the Special Forces.Standing on a mountain ridge, eating a sandwich, he made a decision that would take him from elite military operator to two-time Mount Everest summitier and high performance expedition leader.We talk about:Leaving a high-status career without a rigid planWhy Everest became the next proving groundThe difference between physical toughness and mental resilienceWhy growth only happens when you deliberately make life hardJay reflects on summiting Everest twice, guiding clients through extreme pressure, and why he refuses to reach the end of life with regret.

In this episode of Screw It Just DO It, I sit down with Dr. Raphael Sofoluke, founder and CEO of the UK Black Business Show.Raphael didn't start with funding.He didn't start with a team.He didn't even start full-time.He had an idea, six months, and a belief that representation mattered.From a 500-person event at the QE2 Centre to a week-long series attracting 16,000 attendees, Raphael shares the real story behind building one of the UK's most impactful business platforms.We talk about speed over perfection, juggling a full-time job while building something bigger, why being audacious matters, and how the new partnership with Stephen Bartlett and Flight Story aims to drive £100 billion in economic impact over the next decade.This conversation is about execution, ambition, and refusing to think small.Key TakeawaysSpeed beats perfection. First to market with strong execution wins.Learn and earn before you leap. Industry experience compounds.Longevity matters more than hype. Execute with excellence consistently.Impact is the real metric. Revenue follows vision and representation.

Episode 208: Are We On A Collision Course With Ourselves? February 23, 2026 Hello and welcome to an hour of some great album cuts, mostly from the 60s & 70s. Man, we're now on episode 208 of TVT and I'm in our southern studio, better known as the clothing inventory room.  Hope you like the tunes I've hand picked for you today.  Spencer Davis, Lizzy and the Triggermen, Charley Crockett, If.  Lots of questionable things happenin' around here.  What it is aint exactly clear. Everybody look what's goin' down here. OK.  This is Tales Vinyl Tells, I'm Brian Hallgren.  Starting on TT 2 today.  Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers here on TVT. Thanks for listening today.  My email is talesvinyltells@gmail.com.  If you want to hear a Tales Vinyl Tells when it streams live on RadioFreeNashville.org, we do that at 5 PM central time Wednesdays. The program can also be played and downloaded anytime at podbean.com, iHeart podcasts, Player FM podcasts, Listen Notes podcasts and many other podcast places. And of course you can count on hearing the Tales on studiomillswellness.com/tales-vinyl-tells anytime. PLAYLIST: 208.1 Road to hell instrumental 208.2 Out in the cold-Tom Petty 208.3 Keep on runnin'-Spencer Davis Group 208.4 When that man is dead and gone - Lizzy and the Triggerman https://youtu.be/UM1Rn3PD3Z0?si=BG4W_KZqub6dgx_8 208.5 Evil ways-Santana 208.6 Enter the young-The Association 208.7 Your city is falling-If2 208.8 Road to hell-Chris Rea Live at NEC Birmingham-1991 208.9 Power of Love-Huey Lewis & The News 208.10 Destroyed-Charley Crockett 208.11 Entrance/Fire and Ice-Edgar Winter 208.12 Indian Summer-Chris Botti

Timo Mullen is the co-founder of Foam Life, a sustainable flip flop brand built after he and his co-founder lost their six-figure jobs during the pandemic.In this Bite-Sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, Timo shares the moment they stopped waiting for certainty and chose action instead. From designing their first product in a week to securing pre-orders, raising investment, and expanding into international markets, this conversation breaks down what really happens when founders remove the safety net.Timo also explains why regret became a bigger risk than failure, how accountability drives momentum, and why word of mouth matters more than paid marketing when you are building something real.Key TakeawaysRegret is heavier than failure when you do not actRemoving the safety net forces clarityMomentum comes from action, not planningSustainability works when it is built in from day one

In this episode of Screw It Just DO It, I sit down with Sahar Hashemi OBE, co-founder of Coffee Republic and the force behind Buy Women Built.Sahar shares the moment that changed everything. Trapped in a legal career that did not fit, she was forced to confront how short life really is. Instead of waiting for clarity, confidence, or permission, she acted.We talk about why most founders overthink instead of starting, why customer experience always wins, and why small, doable steps matter more than perfect plans. Sahar also explains why female entrepreneurship in the UK still lags behind other developed countries and what Buy Women Built is doing to change that.This conversation is for anyone sitting on an idea, feeling restless, or waiting for the right moment.Key TakeawaysWhy waiting is often riskier than taking actionHow starting small creates momentum and clarityWhy customer obsession builds resilient businessesHow visibility and role models change belief and behaviour

Are motorhome shows still worth it in 2026, or are digital platforms quietly taking over? In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith dig into the real value of motorhome shows, from the Manchester Show to the NEC Motorhome Shows to regional events across the UK.  Do shows still drive motorhome sales, build brand trust and help buyers choose the right layout, or are they becoming an expensive tradition in a world of online research and targeted ads? Matt speaks to dealers who say shows generate a third of their annual business, others who've stepped back and invested in digital marketing instead, and buyers who went along for a browse and ended up signing on the dotted line. We look at the buying journey, pre-purchase reassurance, and if physically stepping inside a van still matters when you're spending serious money. At the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC Birmingham, we exclusively reveal the launch of the new Savvy Van app, offering remote monitoring and control of key motorhome systems, with public release planned for summer 2026. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: 4G connectivity challenges and whether the Pathway system can pull a signal where phones can't The most useful motorhome apps for beginners The latest update on the 3.5 tonne licence limit and the expected 4th Directive changes If you're researching your first motorhome, planning an upgrade, or wondering if shows are still worth your time, this episode will give you plenty to think about. ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED Services, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Matt mhmp.info/approved

In this bite-sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, I speak with Cemal Ezel OBE, CEO and founder of Change Please.Cemal shares the defining moment that reshaped his life and career. On a long bus journey in Vietnam, a stranger asked him a question that forced deep reflection. Sitting in a rocking chair at ninety, what legacy would he leave behind. That question led Cemal to build Change Please, a social enterprise using coffee to tackle homelessness.Today, Change Please trains homeless people as baristas, pays a living wage, provides housing support, and reinvests all profits into reducing homelessness. The business is stocked nationwide in Sainsbury's and is expanding internationally while maintaining strong environmental standards across its supply chain.This episode explores purpose-led entrepreneurship, building the right team, choosing mentors carefully, and why founders must take time to recognise progress.Key TakeawaysWhy reflecting on legacy clarifies decision makingHow small actions can scale meaningful impactThe importance of surrounding yourself with experienced mentorsWhy founders must pause to acknowledge progress

Matt Richards MBE is a two time Olympic champion who understands pressure at the highest level. In this episode of Screw It Just DO It, Matt shares how self belief was built early, tested at the 2024 Olympics, and later applied to building a business while still competing at an elite level.We talk about dealing with doubt, staying consistent when outcomes are uncertain, and why feedback and focus matter when you are building something new.Key TakeawaysHow Matt rebuilt belief under Olympic pressureWhy consistency beats confidence during uncertain momentsWhat elite sport teaches you about execution and focusHow feedback shaped Matt's move into business

Simon Alexander Ong is a speaker, coach, and author of Energize. In this Bite-Sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, Simon explains why energy sits at the centre of fulfilment, performance, and progress.We talk about acting before the timing feels perfect, building relationships without expectation, and learning to filter feedback properly. Simon shares the moment he realised that waiting creates regret and why fulfilment starts with decisions made in the present.Key TakeawaysWhy waiting for the right moment often leads to regretHow energy is shaped by people, environments, and internal storiesWhy relationships grow stronger without expectations attachedHow to filter feedback into signal and ignore the noiseThis episode is for founders and leaders who feel drained, distracted, or stuck waiting for clarity.

This Festival of Entrepreneurs panel brings together founders who experienced The Apprentice from the inside and lived with the consequences after the cameras stopped rolling.Tre Lowe, Sabrina Stocker, and Daniel Elahi share why they chose visibility, what the show really gave them, and where it genuinely helped or hindered their businesses. We talk about personal brand, resilience, teamwork under pressure, and the difference between short-term attention and long-term value.This episode, hosted by James Burtt, founder of Phonic Content, is not about reality TV. It is about making deliberate decisions when exposure, risk, and reputation are on the line.Key TakeawaysWhy visibility accelerates opportunity when values are clearHow resilience is built under pressure, not comfortWhen personal brand helps and when it becomes noiseWhy certainty and teamwork matter more than tactics

Adam Kamani has scaled businesses by focusing on the one area founders struggle with most. People.In this Bite-sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, Adam explains why hiring decisions shape everything that follows, how strong teams compensate for leadership gaps, and why personality matters more than skill when a business starts to grow.What You'll LearnWhy managing people becomes harder as businesses scaleHow hiring for personality protects culture long termWhy strong teams fill leadership and capability gapsWhat founders often get wrong about people decisionsThis episode is for founders and leaders who want to scale without losing trust, accountability, or momentum.

Henry Firth and Ian Theasby are the founders of BOSH!, one of the UK's most influential plant-based food brands. What started as frustration with corporate life became a deliberate decision to build an audience before building products.What You'll LearnWhy starting with content de-risked their entire businessHow £20k funded the first critical leapThe discipline behind focusing on the UK before global expansionWhat founders misunderstand about slow, steady scaleThis is a practical conversation about focus, restraint, and building something meaningful without rushing scale.

Growing on TikTok becomes easier when you understand how the platform thinks. Timothy Armoo explains the system with complete clarity.Most founders post on TikTok without understanding how the platform decides who sees what. In this Bite sized Screw It Just DO It episode, Timothy Armoo strips away the guesswork. He explains why niche dominance matters, how to warm the algorithm, and why video level performance beats follower count every time. His approach is built from running campaigns for global brands and seeing what actually drives reach. These insights apply to any founder trying to grow an audience, test messaging or build trust online. His view of TikTok as a behaviour engine rather than a social network gives you a clearer way to work with the platform instead of fighting it.Guest Note:Timothy Armoo is the co founder of Fanbytes, one of Europe's largest Gen Z marketing agencies.Key TakeawaysWarm the algorithm before posting to improve distribution.Build content for one niche to help TikTok identify your audience.Create episodic content to increase watch time and return visits.Use trends to give the algorithm a shortcut for matching your videos to intent.

Sandra Byrne never set out to be an entrepreneur. She left school at fifteen, had no qualifications, and started in retail to get by. What followed was a twenty-one-year journey that led her to build the biggest Lush store in the world on Liverpool's high street.What You'll LearnWhy acting like an owner matters even when the business is not yoursHow community and experience replaced marketing budgetsWhat it takes to scale without losing cultureHow to stay entrepreneurial inside a large organisationThis episode is a practical lesson in leadership, ownership, and building something meaningful without waiting for permission.

This episode features Richard Harpin MBE, founder of HomeServe and one of the UK's most experienced scale up operators. Recorded before his recent MBE award, this conversation shows exactly why his contribution to British business has been recognised.Richard shares how he grew a simple plumbing insurance idea into a global business valued at over £4 billion. He breaks down his nine step framework for building and scaling companies, from copying and pivoting early, to securing the right investor, replacing yourself as founder, and choosing steady evolution over dramatic change.We also cover international expansion, backing yourself when capital is tight, and why mentorship has played a defining role throughout his career. Today Richard is focused on helping the next generation of founders through Growth Partner and Business Leader, with a clear ambition to support a significant share of the UK's mid sized businesses.Key takeawaysFollow a clear framework and focus on execution not ideasSecure the right mentor early and listen to themEvolve constantly to avoid becoming irrelevantExpand internationally with local leadership in placeStrip your business back to its core value and commit fully

Scaling a startup into a national or international brand is rarely clean, predictable, or glamorous.Recorded live at the Festival of Entrepreneurs, this panel brings together founders who have scaled in very different industries but faced the same uncomfortable decisions along the way. From compliance and capital to branding, product reality, and investor relationships, this conversation focuses on what actually holds when growth accelerates.Guests:Mark Rushmore, Co-founder of SURI Laura Fullerton, Founder of monk Claire Warner, Co-founder of Aecorn Melissa Snover, Founder of Remedy Health & Nourished Jeannette Linfoot, Host of Brave Bold Brilliant (moderator)In this episode, you'll learn:Why compliance and financial clarity cannot be delayedWhen rebuilding is the real growth decisionHow to think about scale before demand explodesWhat raising capital really looks like in tougher marketsIf you are building something you want to last, this episode will help you see scale more clearly.

What happens when you stop chasing money and start building around who you are. This episode breaks down mindset, performance, and discipline for founders who feel stuck and want control back.Leaving the Special Forces should have been a clean transition. It was not. Simon Jeffries walked away from military life into a corporate role that felt wrong, chased online business ideas that failed, and ended up broke and back at his parents' home.That low point forced a reset. Simon stopped chasing money and built around what he understood best. Mindset, performance, and discipline under pressure. In this conversation, we break down how founders train mindset as a skill, why small consistent changes beat radical overhauls, and how leadership fundamentals still matter in an AI driven world.This episode is for founders who feel overwhelmed, reactive, or stuck in their own heads and want a practical way forward.Guest: Simon Jeffries is a former Special Forces operator and co founder of The Natural Edge, where he works with founders and leaders on mindset and performance under pressure. Key takeawaysDiscipline is a trained skill and beats raw talent over timeMindset works when treated like physical training with structureSmall consistent changes create lasting performance shiftsLeadership basics matter more than tools or technology

James Haskell shares the realities of leaving a structured career for entrepreneurship and the discipline needed to build something on your own terms.Stepping out of professional sport and into business forces you to confront how you work, who you trust and what you want your life to look like. In this bite sized episode, I speak with James Haskell as he breaks down the shift from a highly structured rugby environment to the chaos that often defines the corporate world. He talks about the importance of boundaries, the trap of pointless meetings and the need to value your time as much as you value your effort. His honesty cuts through the noise that surrounds entrepreneurship and highlights a simple truth. You either take responsibility for your next chapter or someone else writes it for you.Guest note: James Haskell is a former England rugby international and entrepreneur.Key Takeaways:Discipline replaces structure when you leave a fixed careerBoundaries stop you wasting time on meetings that add nothingFocus on fewer ventures to reduce burnout and increase clarityA clear exchange of value builds better business relationships

Every year, I take one episode to step back and reflect. This is the countdown of the 10 Screw It Just DO It episodes you listened to most in 2025.This episode is a reflection on what really resonated with you in 2025. From founders starting in kitchens to building global brands, these conversations cut through the noise. We revisit lessons on resilience, timing, discipline, leadership, brand, AI, and long term thinking. Each guest earned their place by sharing honest stories about risk, doubt, growth, and momentum. This countdown is not about hype. It is about substance. If you want real insight into what it takes to build something meaningful, this episode brings together the voices that defined the year. It also marks a personal moment of reflection on a challenging year and a clear focus on what comes next.Guest note: This episode features highlights from ten previous guests including Pippa Murray, Aaron Gelbard, Julian Hearn, Richard Harpin, Piers Linney, Nell Daly, Richard Reed, Boris Diakonov, Juliet Barratt, and Al Barratt.Key TakeawaysYou do not need permission to startLong term thinking beats short term winsBrand and culture shape scaleResilience compounds over time

Rebranding a company is rarely neat, and James Clark makes that clear in this conversation. He talks through the pressure of changing a long established name, the internal tension that came with it and the need to build something that reflects future ambition rather than past comfort. His breakdown of stakeholder alignment, intellectual coherence and disciplined decision making gives founders a practical view of how to manage identity change at scale. It is a calm and honest look at the work behind a brand that now represents a fast growing venture capital firm with global reach.Guest note:James Clark is the Marketing Director at Molten Ventures, known for leading one of the most complex rebrands in European venture capital.Key TakeawaysA rebrand must reflect where the organisation is going, not where it has been.Stakeholder alignment matters more than visual design.Intellectual coherence gives a brand long term strength.Risk is part of the process but it must be managed with structure and clarity.

Recorded live at the Festival of Entrepreneurs, this panel brings together founders who are actively implementing AI in real businesses. We cover what AI first actually means in practice, how to start small without breaking existing operations, and why governance and visibility matter more than speed alone. The conversation moves beyond theory into workflows, automation, data, compliance, and personal brand growth. We also explore where AI is already creating new revenue models and how founders can future proof visibility as AI search replaces traditional discovery. This is a grounded discussion for operators who want clarity, not noise, and results that show up on the balance sheet.Guest panel: Piers Linney, James Smith, Dominic Kos, Sabrina Stocker. Hosted by Rob Hanna.Key takeawaysStart AI adoption with clear workflows and measurable ROIGovernance and visibility create confidence and safe scaleAI works best when paired with human judgementFounders must adapt content and branding for AI search

In this Bite-Sized episode, I revisit my conversation with George Kruis, former England international rugby player and co-founder of fourfive. George explains how he and Dom began building their wellness brand while recovering from operations, sitting on physio beds and asking themselves how to take control of their recovery. This clip focuses on the early execution stage. He talks openly about setting up the company, learning how to operate outside the structure of professional sport, and why delegation, speed, and clarity are essential when you move into business. His honesty about the transition and the steep learning curve will resonate with anyone starting something new.Guest: George Kruis, co-founder of fourfive and former England rugby player.Key Takeaways:The first version of any business requires fast learning and deliberate action.Delegation is a skill founders must develop early.Your network is an asset only if you use it intentionally.Co-founders need different strengths to build momentum.

A powerful five minute segment where David Yarrow reveals the moment he pivoted from sports photography to fine art and built a global brand.In this Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It session, I sit down with world leading fine art photographer David Yarrow to unpack the moment that changed his entire career. David explains how he went from struggling in finance to creating some of the most valuable photographic works in the world. He breaks down the thought process behind reinvention, why your subject choices define your relevance and how insecurity can fuel growth when channelled properly. This is an honest look at pivoting, risk taking and rebuilding from the ground up.Guest note: David Yarrow is one of the highest selling fine art photographers today, known for his cinematic wildlife and celebrity images.Key Takeaways:Reinvention demands a clear break from old identity and a willingness to start again.Creative success comes from choosing subjects that hold weight and meaning.Strong research separates average work from standout work.Insecurity is useful when it drives higher standards and sharper decisions.

Aliett Buttelman went from fashion model to co-founder of Fazit, a beauty brand that exploded after a viral Taylor Swift moment. This episode breaks down what actually drives real growth.In this episode I talk with Aliett Buttelman about what it takes to build a brand from scratch and survive hyper growth. Aliett explains how a decade in fashion modelling shaped his approach to creative work and why he walked away from consulting to build Fazit with co founder Nina LaBruna. She shares how their glitter freckles went viral when Taylor Swift wore them and what actually happens behind the scenes when sales jump by thousands of per cent overnight. We dig into supply chain pressure, copycats, international expansion and what it means to keep a brand focused when attention moves fast.Guest: Aliett Buttelman, co founder of FazitKey Takeaways:Virality only matters when a brand has the operational foundation to handle demand.Copycats are inevitable but innovation and strong brand identity create defensibility.International expansion requires clarity of vision, not speed for the sake of it.Founders need consistent decision making to avoid drifting away from their original mission.

Jim Cregan built Jimmy's Iced Coffee from a simple idea into a national brand. This episode captures how he pushed through debt, setbacks and doubt to create real momentum.Speaking with Jim Cregan reminded me how often founders underestimate the grind behind a brand that looks simple from the outside. Jim described the early days of Jimmy's Iced Coffee when he was £50,000 in debt, unsure of the next step and carrying the pressure of keeping the business alive. What shifted things was not luck. It was action. Handwritten letters, direct outreach, relentless product sampling and a refusal to step back when the numbers looked bleak. This Bite sized episode is a sharp reminder that momentum usually starts at the point where most people quit.Guest: Jim Cregan, Co founder of Jimmy's Iced CoffeeKey Takeaways:Momentum often begins when financial pressure is highest.Personal outreach can open doors large campaigns cannot.Simplicity and product quality build trust faster than branding claims.Resilience matters more than perfect planning in the early stages. 

In Ep.265 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, special guest Mike James, aka 'The Endurance Physio' joins host Matt Phillips to reflect on the recent Therapy Expo 2025, held at the NEC Birmingham. Listen as they discuss this year's highs, lows, everything in between, and what the future could / should hold for Therapy Expo. As speakers, theatre hosts, and members of the Therapy Expo Advisory Board, Mike James and Matt Phillips have both seen Therapy Expo evolve from a roomful of attendees in Manchester back in 2013, to becoming the UK's largest multi-disciplinary event, with over 2,000 delegates, 100 specialist speakers, 150 certified CPD sessions, and 150+ exhibitors. Key takeaways include calls for longer, more practical and interdisciplinary sessions, as well as greater audience interaction. Matt & Mike celebrate the growing collaboration between organisations and speakers and highlight new content plans for 2026, including its new name: "The Therapy Show'. Early bird tickets for next year are just £49 in December! Also mentioned is Mike's new podcast "The Everyday Athlete Podcast" with co-host Rosi Sexton, Osteopath & first British Woman to ever fight in the UFC.  Useful Links Mike James The Endurance Physio on Facebook Mike James The Endurance Physio on Instagram The Everyday Athlete Podcast on Spotify Therapy Expo Website Therapy Expo on Instagram: @therapy_expo Therapy Expo on Facebook Sports Therapy Association Website   Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the Sports Therapy Association podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member' option.

Passenger started as a simple lifestyle idea yet grew into a purpose led brand with a loyal community and a clear mission. This episode breaks down how it happened and what founders can learn from the journey.Speaking with Richard Sutcliffe reminded me how often founders overlook the power of building something with clear intent. Passenger began as a small lifestyle project shaped by surf trips, long drives and a need for breathing space. It grew because the purpose was honest and the community saw themselves in the story. Ritchard talked openly about the pressure of personal challenges, the role of naivety, the importance of ego control and the reality that a brand must outgrow the founder to survive. This episode is a useful listen for anyone who wants to build something that lasts and still feels grounded in real purpose.Guest: Richard Sutcliffe, Founder of PassengerKey Takeaways:Purpose creates clarity when the business hits difficult stages.Community forms when the brand story is honest and consistent.Naivety can be an advantage when it removes assumptions.Founders must step back if they want the brand to scale.

In Episode 263 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, host Matt Phillips is joined by Rehab Guru founders David Barrow and Simon Taylor. Designed for modern health professionals, Rehab Guru is an online platform that streamlines every aspect of your clinic, from bookings, treatment notes, invoicing to digital forms, alerts, and world-class exercise prescription. David & Simon reveal new features & integrations (bookings, invoicing, treatment notes, Scan.com) and expanded customer support. Also discussed are new AI tools for transcribing notes, auto-generating and progressing exercise programs, secure UK data handling, and how the platform aims to reduce clinician burnout, improve patient follow-up, and simplify practice workflows. Rehab Guru has a new partnership with the Better Clinician Project (Ben Cormack & Adam Meakins), meaning that Rehab Guru Exercise Prescription software licences now come with free membership of the Better Clinician Project, and vice-versa. Like the STA, Rehab Guru will be at Therapy Expo this coming 26th & 27th of November at the NEC Birmingham, so if you are coming this year be sure to visit the STA stand at TE7, and Rehab Guru at stand TB31. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Sports Therapy Association Podcast   00:02:55 - David Barrow & Simon Taylor of Rehab Guru   00:07:53 - Understanding Rehab Guru   00:12:02 - Enhancements and New Features   00:15:07 - Avoiding Burnout in Healthcare   00:15:33 - Pricing Strategies and Community Impact   00:18:31 - Partnering for Better Care   00:20:28 - Addressing Clinical Isolation   00:27:21 - Customer Support and Success   00:29:39 - AI Innovations in Healthcare   00:33:29 - Embracing AI in Practice   00:37:02 - Launching a New Clinic   00:44:00 - Creating a Patient-Centric Experience   00:47:48 - Exploring Scan.com Integration   00:50:07 - The Role of AI in Therapy   00:54:27 - Data Protection and AI Usage   00:58:51 - Therapy Expo Highlights and Offers   01:01:22 - Closing Remarks and Next Episode   Useful Links Rehab Guru Website Better Clinician Project Website Therapy Expo Website Sports Therapy Association Website   Host Matt Phillips - Speaker at Therapy Expo If you are a clinician who is interested in improving your communication skills, be sure to attend Matt Phillips' presentation at this year's Therapy Expo: '

In Episode 262 of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, host Matt Phillips is joined by guests Aimi Healey-Bracher, Sports Rehab Therapist at Praia Sports Rehab and Lead Therapist at Cardiff City FC Women, and Tristen Attenborough, educator & founder of Move Massage Pro, to discuss: ‘MSK Conferences: How Much Do They Affect Your Clinical Practice?'. Aimi and Tristan share honest experiences from the recent 'STA & Hands-On Hub Conference' in Exmouth, and also Therapy Expo, the UK's largest annual multi-disciplinary event, which is returning to the NEC Birmingham this year on the 26th & 27th of November. They talk about what inspires them, what they implement into every day practice, and how connection, clarity and evidence-informed talks influence their work. They episode considers both the benefits of MSK conferences, such as networking, renewed confidence, exposure to new populations and topics, and the potential drawbacks, including cost, size, and sales-driven stands, and how conferences may best be used as a jumping-off point rather than a step-by-step solution.  Useful Links Aimi Healey-Bracher on Instagram: @praiasportsrehab Aimi Healey-Bracher Website Tristan Attenborough on Instagram: @movemassagepro Tristan Attenborough Website Therapy Expo Website Sports Therapy Association Website   Host Matt Phillips - Speaker at Therapy Expo If you are a clinician who is interested in improving your communication skills, be sure to attend Matt Phillips' presentation at this year's Therapy Expo: '

In this episode, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guests Molly Benson, Therapy Expo Content Producer, and Charlotte Speer, Therapy Expo Show Manager. For those of you unaware, Therapy Expo 2025 is the UK's largest multi-disciplinary event for professionals dedicated to preventing, treating, and rehabilitating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, and the 2025 conference is happening in less than a month, on the 26th & 27th of November at the NEC Birmingham. Molly Benson and Charlotte Spear discuss what's new for this year's event - new theatres (Business Advice and Practical Skills), expanded CPD and exhibitor line-up, fresh speakers, and the value of in-person learning. The episode also covers discount codes and the October 31st deadline for getting maximum discount, and the new one-day ticket option that can be purchased by calling the delegate phone line on 0203 978 1665 or visiting the Therapy Expo website.  Full details of the speakers and exhibitors can also be found on the website.  Matt Phillips - Speaker If you are a clinician who is interested in improving your communication skills, be sure to attend Matt Phillips' presentation at this year's Therapy Expo: '

What happens when success leaves you feeling empty?In this Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It episode, I revisit my conversation with Dan Murray-Serter, co-founder of Heights and host of Secret Leaders. Dan shares the exact moment he realised his business, Gravel, was winning awards but draining his purpose.Rather than chase growth for the sake of it, Dan and his co-founder made a bold call, to shut the company down, return investor money, and start from zero. Out of that decision came Heights, a brain-care brand built on science, transparency, and genuine wellbeing.This short episode is about the courage to stop, reassess, and rebuild with intention. It's a must-listen for founders feeling stuck, burned out, or questioning their direction.Key TakeawaysBurnout can be a signal, not a setback. When your work drains you, it's often a sign to change direction.Success without purpose feels empty. Dan learned that achievements mean little without alignment to your values.Resetting isn't failure. Ending a company can open space for something far stronger.Build around authenticity. Heights grew from being transparent, not perfect.Courage comes from clarity. Once Dan recognised what felt wrong, the decision to start again became obvious.

When the world shut down in 2020, most entrepreneurs hit pause. Andrew Salter hit “go.”In this episode, I speak with Andrew, Co-founder and CMO of DIRTEA, the UK-based functional mushroom brand that's grown into a global wellness movement. What started as a pivot during the pandemic has become one of the fastest-growing lifestyle brands in health and wellness.Andrew and his brother Simon launched DIRTEA from a personal need to improve focus, recovery and energy, and turned it into a viral brand trusted by athletes, creatives and wellness enthusiasts. From their Selfridges mushroom bar activation to their viral social content, DIRTEA has built a loyal following by combining science, storytelling and community.We talk about the lessons learned from building a brand during a crisis, how to make a niche product mainstream, and the balance between boldness and belief in entrepreneurship. Andrew also shares his honest take on scaling a business, why hiring is the hardest part of growth, and how the US market represents the next big chapter for DIRTEA.If you're building a product-led business or a brand that challenges convention, this conversation is packed with insights on how to educate a market, create a movement, and lead with purpose.Key Takeaways:Go all in when the moment feels right. Andrew's “screw it, just do it” moment came when the pandemic hit—he doubled down instead of pulling back.Education drives adoption. DIRTEA's early success came from demystifying functional mushrooms through social content and real-world experiences.Viral growth is built on authenticity. Their personal story and design-led approach made the brand relatable, human and shareable.Quality builds longevity. Obsession with sourcing, taste and efficacy kept customers coming back.Community over campaigns. DIRTEA's success came from showing up in person, building a movement and empowering advocates.

In this Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It episode, I sit down with Adam Rossiter and Elliot Dawes, co-founders of Bulk, one of the UK's biggest sports and active nutrition brands. What started as two university friends buying supplements from the US turned into a £100 million company built without a single penny of outside investment.Adam and Elliot share how they started with £3,000 on a credit card, packed their own boxes, handled customer service themselves, and slowly built traction through word of mouth and online forums. They talk about the point when they realised they had to grow beyond being two founders doing everything, and how one competitor's sale changed their mindset about scaling.This segment is a raw and honest look at the early grind of building a business and how discipline, persistence, and belief turned a side hustle into one of the leading names in nutrition.Key Takeaways:How £3,000 in credit card debt became the foundation for a multimillion-pound brand.Why doing every role in your business teaches lessons no MBA can.How to recognise the moment to move from startup chaos to structured growth.The power of reinvesting profit and keeping control instead of chasing funding.Why comparison can push you to level up your business vision.

What drives someone to launch a sushi restaurant with robots, conveyor belts, and a million-pound setup when they've never worked in hospitality?In this episode of Screw It Just DO It, I sit down with Simon Woodroffe OBE, the visionary founder behind Yo! Sushi and YOTEL, to talk about risk, creativity, and why going bigger can sometimes be safer.Simon shares how he went from designing rock and roll stages for the likes of Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones to opening the UK's first conveyor belt sushi bar in 1997. With no investors and limited cash, he pulled off one of the boldest brand launches in modern British food history, financing it through creative deals with Sony, Honda and All Nippon Airways.From those early days in Soho to building YOTEL and beyond, Simon's story is one of relentless curiosity, self-belief, and calculated risk. He reflects on what drives entrepreneurs, how to balance creativity with operations, and the importance of raising money with confidence.If you've ever questioned whether to take the leap on your idea, this episode proves that vision backed by persistence can build an empire.Key TakeawaysRaise money with conviction. Confidence sells your vision as much as the business plan itself.Spend on experience, not advertising. Word of mouth built Yo! Sushi faster than any marketing budget could.Go bigger, not safer. The larger the ambition, the more belief and accountability it attracts.Creativity and execution go hand in hand. Simon's background in showbiz gave him the tools to design unforgettable customer experiences.Luck favours those who act. Every bold decision opens another door.

On June 4–5, the MRPeasy team participated in the Smart Factory Expo, held as part of Smart Manufacturing Week at the NEC Birmingham. As one of the UK's flagship manufacturing innovation events, the expo brought together key players in the industry, and MRPeasy was thrilled to be part of the action for the first time. You can learn more in this episode or read about it on our blog For more information about MRPeasy software, visit our website: mrpeasy.com

This October we're bringing together the UK's most ambitious founders, investors, and business leaders for two days of no-fluff insights, practical workshops, and high-value networking at the Festival of Entrepreneurs 2025.In this episode, I'll walk you through what the festival is, who it's for, and what you can expect when you join us at the NEC Birmingham. From scaling strategies to funding opportunities and stories you won't hear anywhere else, this is your chance to learn directly from the entrepreneurs shaping the future of business.Limited free two-day passes are available now on a first-come, first-served basis. Register today at https://www.festivalofentrepreneurs.co.ukDon't miss a moment of entrepreneurial insight—subscribe to Screw It Just DO It wherever you get your podcasts.And if you're serious about growing your business, join us on October 8–9 at the NEC Birmingham for the Festival of Entrepreneurs. Two days packed with practical workshops, world-class speakers, and the chance to connect with the UK's most ambitious founders.Subscribe now. Show up in October. Be part of the movement.#ScrewItJustDOIt #FestivalOfEntrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife

IMHX 2025 opens its doors tomorrow, Tuesday 9 September! Join over 10,000 logistics professionals in discovering the latest technologies and strategies to revolutionise your operations, 9-11 September at the NEC Birmingham. This week, Bonnie interviews Simon Houghton of Geek+. He discusses how businesses can meaningfully integrate AI into their operations, and covers the benefits of warehouse automation for retailers hoping to scale-up their operations.Register for your free ticket to IMHX here.Geek+: https://www.geekplus.com/en/

The countdown to IMHX 2025 has begun! Join over 10,000 logistics professionals in discovering the latest technologies and strategies to revolutionise your operations, 9-11 September at the NEC Birmingham. This week, Bonnie interviews Pranav Verma of SAS Energy. He discusses how adopting solar energy can help businesses meet SDG goals, and the reasons why the upfront costs and ROI may be better than you think.Register for your free ticket to IMHX here.SAS Energy: https://www.sas-energy.co.uk/

The countdown to IMHX 2025 has begun! Join over 10,000 logistics professionals in discovering the latest technologies and strategies to revolutionise your operations, 9-11 September at the NEC Birmingham. This week, guest host Emma Howell, content director at Seatrade Maritime, catches up with the co-founder of Women in Logistics (WiL), Ruth Waring. She explains the origins of WiL and gives her view on how both women and male allies can drive the industry forward through thoughtful networking environments and mentoring exchanges.Register for your free ticket to IMHX here.Women in Logistics: https://www.womeninlogistics.co.uk/

After a short break, we're returning with even more inspiring stories, real lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship, and honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from scratch.This is just a taste of what's to come.Because if you're going to build your dream, you've got to stop waiting and start doing.

Ta Andrew thall ag NEC Birmingham ag an seó carranna sean ré is mó sa Bhreatain.

"I like rap"In today's episode, the girls work through all your questions left at The Wedding Show at NEC Birmingham. From confetti to being indecisive, they girls answer quick-fire!So, you asked us to give Brian a mic.. we now regret doing so

"I'd like to discontinue our friendship"Today is another catch up, and the girls have plenty to share.From registrars refusing to marry couples to uninvited wedding guests- this episode has it all!The girls discuss a taboo topic in the field... People flat-out copying what other people do, rather than coming up with their own ideas!Georgie gives her tips on how to be aligned with your suppliers to avoid the pre-wedding nightmares!**************************************This episode is sponsored by The Crafty Lab, the original home of the wedding newspaper!The Crafty Lab will help you add that personal touch to your wedding by adding your own personal story to your big day. A small company with a big heart.For 10% off, use code ‘UNFILTERED' at checkout!Be sure to check them out;Website - www.thecraftylab.co.ukInstagram - @thecraftylab.co.uk***************************************We are really excited to announce with have partnered with The National Wedding Show to bring you a completely new and fresh concept that you wouldn't have seen at ANY other wedding show!You know we don't do things by half, so get yourself excited for this one!Alongside planning your wedding with great suppliers, WedTalks, Catwalks and so much more!Grab your tickets now and use our code UNFILTERED for discount! We can't wait to see you there!

"My head it still hurting"Today is the first episode after the first ever podcast LIVE TOURR!! It was nothing short of incredible. It was everything we wanted it to be, and more. In this episode, the girls walk through the entire day and discuss the amazing suppliers that were putting on the best night.Big shout out to our incredible sponsors and suppliers at our Birmingham Tour. You can find the full list here - https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2byhlJs7_QGeorgie even explains the famous BLOW ME acronym once again!**************************************This episode is sponsored by The Crafty Lab, the original home of the wedding newspaper!The Crafty Lab will help you add that personal touch to your wedding by adding your own personal story to your big day. A small company with a big heart.For 10% off, use code ‘UNFILTERED' at checkout!Be sure to check them out;Website - www.thecraftylab.co.ukInstagram - @thecraftylab.co.uk***************************************We are really excited to announce with have partnered with The National Wedding Show to bring you a completely new and fresh concept that you wouldn't have seen at ANY other wedding show!You know we don't do things by half, so get yourself excited for this one! Alongside planning your wedding with great suppliers, WedTalks, Catwalks and so much more!Grab your tickets now and use our code UNFILTERED for discount! We can't wait to see you there!

This week, the Uk True Crime podcast heads to Clothes Show Live at the NEC Birmingham. Michelle Gunshon was working in security at this event with a couple of colleagues. They headed up from London and after their accommodation was flooded found another place to stay, The Dubliner. It was a lively place. But on the Sunday of the show, there was no sign of Michelle and her car was missing - just what had happened to her? Find out more about the UK True Crime Podcast: https://uktruecrime.com Join me at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/UKTrueCrime Buy my book 'Gone Fishing' about serial killer Angus Sinclair https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gone-Fishing-Unsolved-Crimes-Sinclair/dp/1914277201 Sources http://www.supremecourt.ie/supremecourt/sclibrary3.nsf/(WebFiles)/33E887FA262A709A8025769300556271/$FILE/Min%20JELR%20v.%20Stafford.pdf https://www.thefreelibrary.com/We+never+knew+where+killer+left+mum%27s+body%3B+DAUGHTER+REVEALS+ANGUISH...-a0549290590 https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/man-who-raped-prostitute-is-sent-to-jail-for-nine-years/26274331.html https://www.amazon.co.uk/Convicting-Britains-Most-Ruthless-Criminals-ebook/dp/B0BZQ3LR8M https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/brutal-murder-nec-security-guard-19228105 https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/tracy-richardson-writes-to-murderer-martin-1460205