James Reed: all about business

How can a major museum be run with the same entrepreneurial mindset as a high-growth business?

In today's episode, James Reed speaks with Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of the London Transport Museum. While many perceive museums as static archives, Elizabeth explains how she applies commercial strategy to ensure one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks remains financially sustainable and relevant in a modern economy.

Elizabeth shares insights from her unconventional career journey and explains why the museum identifies as the best in the world for urban transport. They explore the evolution of work through the lens of London’s history, from the original "chairmen" who carried sedan chairs to the "navvies" who hand-dug the first underground network.

Together they discuss the balance between preserving heritage and driving innovation, including the story of Harry Beck’s revolutionary Tube map and how it was initially rejected for being too radical. Elizabeth also outlines the realities of leading a cultural institution that functions as both a charity and a successful commercial entity.

Timestamps

01:48 Transport history highlights

09:50 Young entrepreneurs message

20:04 Design DNA of TFL

24:26 Running the museum business

33:27 Leading through uncertainty

40:21 Funding model explained

45:10 Youth skills pipeline

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Why are millions of jobs going unfilled in one of the UK’s biggest industries, while so many young people are struggling to find work?

In this episode of all about business, James Reed speaks with Sarah Bradbury, CEO of the Institute of Grocery Distribution, about the future of the UK food industry, the growing challenge of attracting young talent, and why the sector may offer far more opportunities than people realise.

Sarah shares insights from her 25-year career across major retailers, before stepping into one of the most influential leadership roles in the UK food sector. She explains how IGD works across the entire food system and how they help competitors collaborate on the biggest long-term challenges facing the industry.

They explore the pressures reshaping food and retail, including changing consumer habits, climate change, AI, automation, workforce shortages, and the potential impact of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, on the future of food consumption.

Together they also discuss leadership, collaboration between rival businesses, and why the UK food industry remains one of the country’s most important, and underestimated, economic forces.

Timestamps

02:00 What IGD does

08:43 Retail tech and AI trends

12:27 UK food system challenges

18:36 Land use and solar farms

23:47 Hidden food careers

31:29 Youth unemployment urgency

43:27 Closing reflections and CEO Forum

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Running a business is hard, but what is it like when your work sits at the centre of people’s most emotional moments?

In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Damian Melville, Managing Director of Melville & Daughter Funeral Directors. Together they explore leadership in one of the most emotionally demanding industries there is.

Damian shares his journey into the family business, reflecting on the responsibilities that come when helping people in their most vulnerable time, and how that shapes both leadership-style and company-culture. He shares what balancing tradition with modernisation means, the realities of running a business where empathy is as important as efficiency, and the discipline required to maintain high standards in sensitive circumstances.

The conversation explores what it means to lead with care while still making clear commercial decisions, how to build trust within communities, and why consistency and professionalism matter more than ever, in a service built on reputation. Damian also discusses the challenges of succession in a family-run business and the importance of supporting both clients and staff through emotionally complex work.

A thoughtful, grounded conversation about leadership, responsibility, and building a business where purpose and performance have to coexist every step of the way.

Timestamps

01:04 Finding a niche market

06:36 Going solo challenges

12:50 Winning trust locally

23:18 COVID shock to the system

36:27 Hiring costs and NI

43:25 A Funeral director day

01:00:26 Memorial innovations and burials

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Is an awkward conversation the only thing standing between you and the salary you deserve?

In this episode of all about business, Connor Scully, Senior Executive Consultant at Reed Specialist Recruitment, sits down with James to discuss how professionals can effectively secure a pay rise in their current role.

Connor shares practical advice on how to move beyond the discomfort of pay discussions by focusing on preparation, timing, and proving your worth. The conversation explores how to assess whether you are truly due a salary increase, emphasizing the need to align your output with business goals and quantify your impact through measurable KPIs. Connor explains why being proactive, taking on extra responsibilities during company hardships, or "saying yes" to complex projects, is key to becoming an indispensable asset.

Whether you feel underpaid or are looking to take the next step in your career, this episode offers a step-by-step guide to navigating pay conversations with confidence and a growth mindset

Timestamps

02:00 Are You Due More

04:42 Prep And Timing Mistakes

09:38 When To Job Hunt

12:19 Ask In Person

15:36 Say Yes More Often

20:22 Employer Perspective on Pay Requests

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you know if you’re being offered what you’re worth?

In this episode of all about business, Leanne Appleton, recruitment expert at Reed, speaks with James about how professionals can increase their earning potential and achieve a higher salary.

Leanne shares practical insights into what really drives salary growth, from understanding your market value to building in-demand skills and positioning yourself effectively in the job market. She explains why working harder isn’t always enough, and how being more strategic about your career decisions can significantly impact your long-term earnings.

The conversation explores how to approach salary negotiations with confidence, including when to ask for a pay rise, how to benchmark your worth, and why timing plays a critical role. Leanne also highlights the importance of demonstrating impact through measurable results, rather than relying on tenure or job titles alone.

Timestamps

02:10 Know Your Worth

04:15 Recruiter Advantage

05:41 Benchmark Beyond Salary

08:36 Reading Job Ad Salaries

11:14 Negotiation Prep

14:20 Avoid Over Underselling

17:37 Benefits That Matter

19:36 Perks Employers Can Add

21:52 Probation Pay Reviews

24:39 Counteroffers Warning

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you grow an idea into a multi-million pound business before the age of 40?

In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Andrew Hulbert, entrepreneur and founder of Pareto Facilities Management, a company he built from his bedroom into a £50 million business before successfully exiting in his thirties.

Andrew shares the journey from a difficult start in Oxford and an unconventional path into business, to scaling rapidly in a competitive industry and navigating the realities of high-growth entrepreneurship. He reflects on the mindset required to build something from nothing, the importance of winning (and keeping) customers, and why consistency and execution matter more than ideas.

The conversation explores what it really takes to scale a business, from landing pivotal contracts that accelerate growth, to building a leadership team strong enough to step back from. Andrew also speaks candidly about the personal cost of success with long hours, burnout, and the moment he realised the business he built was no longer sustainable for the life he wanted.

Now focused on family, investing, and sustainability, Andrew offers a different perspective on success that goes beyond financial outcomes.

This is a grounded and honest conversation about entrepreneurship, growth, and what success really looks like once you’ve achieved it.

Timestamps

02:17 Council estate roots

09:20 Knife lesson turning point

22:06 Bedroom startup launch

34:14 Why sell the business

42:57 Health reset and purpose

46:50 Sales tricks that work

54:47 Advice for entrepreneurs

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Could the answer to a more sustainable handbag or wallet lie at the bottom of your pint glass?

In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Dr. Edward "TJ" Mitchell, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Arda Biomaterials, a London-based startup redefining the future of leather. Using cutting-edge technology, Arda transforms waste grain from brewers and distillers into sustainable, animal-, and plastic-free leather alternatives that are poised to disrupt the fashion and materials industries.

TJ shares his remarkable journey from a PhD in radioactive waste storage to the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. He opens up about the pivotal moments that led to founding Arda Biomaterials, meeting his co-founder, and the bold decision to pivot from food-based protein products to sustainable materials. TJ also talks about the challenges of scaling a deep tech startup, from overcoming scientific and engineering hurdles, to building a team, and navigating the complexities of fundraising.

TJ reflects on the importance of networking and immersing yourself in the right communities, the art of storytelling as an entrepreneur, and why asking for advice often leads to unexpected opportunities.

Timestamps

02:39 From PhD research to entrepreneurship

06:22 Discovering the value of waste grain

12:15 Pivoting from food-based protein to leather alternatives

14:19 Using chemistry to mimic collagen for sustainable leather

20:33 The science behind transforming waste into leather-like materials

21:20 Why communication and storytelling are key for entrepreneurs

24:47 Advice for scientists: finding co-founders and startup programs

35:00 The future of plastic-free, animal-free materials in fashion

39:49 Arda Biomaterials’ vision as a waste transformation company

42:13 Scaling globally and creating local production facilities

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you turn a single idea into a global brand and keep winning in an industry where most products fade away?

In this episode of all about business, James sits down with Steve Perez, founder of Global Brands, to unpack the reality behind building one of the UK’s most successful drinks businesses from scratch.

Steve shares how he identified a gap in the market early on, and backed his instincts to create products that would resonate with a new generation of consumers, most notably the breakout success of VK. But Steve’s story isn’t just about spotting an opportunity, it’s about the discipline required to execute, the risks that come with backing your own judgement, and the resilience needed to navigate inevitable setbacks along the way.

The conversation goes deeper into what actually drives success in a highly competitive, fast-moving industry. Steve explains why understanding your customer better than anyone else is a non-negotiable, how to stay relevant as trends shift, and how many businesses fail not because of bad ideas, but because of poor execution.

He also reflects on leadership as a business scale. From making tough commercial decisions under pressure, to building a team you can trust, and knowing when to adapt, versus when to stay the course.

This is a grounded, experience-led conversation about entrepreneurship without the fluff that covers risk, resilience, execution, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

Timestamps

02:56 From pub manager to van hustle

08:43 Business bust and rock bottom

14:33 Inventing VK

25:16 Keep your equity keep control

38:27 Building a hotel empire

43:36 High Court tax challenge

57:34 Multi-generational mindset

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Why do some candidates succeed in interviews while others fail, even with the same experience?

In this episode of all about business, James speaks with Will Moore, Senior Area Manager at Reed Specialist Recruitment, about how to effectively prepare for a job interview.

With more than a decade of experience in recruitment, Will shares practical advice on how candidates can approach interviews with confidence and structure. He explains the four key steps to interview preparation, from researching the company and reviewing the job description, to understanding the people you’ll be meeting, and preparing examples from your own experience.

The conversation also explores how candidates can structure answers clearly and communicate their achievements with confidence. Will highlights why using facts and measurable results is far more effective than exaggeration, and how practising answers out loud can dramatically improve performance on the day.

They also discuss some of the most common mistakes candidates make; asking vague questions that reveal a lack of research, failing to prepare real examples of past work, and overlooking the importance of preparation for virtual interviews, where technology, environment, and presentation still matter.

Whether you're preparing for your first interview, or your next career move, this episode offers practical insights to help you present yourself clearly, confidently, and authentically.

Timestamps

01:12 Four step interview prep

06:26 Nailing tell me about you

08:59 STAR method

14:41 Handling weaknesses questions

19:16 Practice and common mistakes

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

What is the biggest mistake people make when writing a CV? And how can yours land you an interview in 7 seconds?

In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Libby White, Senior Consultant at Reed specialising in marketing, communications, PR and design recruitment.

While some people claim the CV is becoming outdated, Libby explains why it remains a critical tool for getting interviews and how small changes can dramatically improve your chances of standing out.

Drawing on her experience screening CVs every day, Libby shares practical advice on how candidates can present their experience more effectively, highlight measurable achievements, and tailor their CV for different roles.

From structuring your professional summary to avoiding common mistakes (including over-reliance on AI-generated CVs), this episode is packed with actionable tips for job seekers at every stage of their career.

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

What’s the difference between chasing the next job and building a long-term career?

In this episode of All About Business Shorts, James Reed speaks with Sophie Clarke, recruitment expert at Reed, about how professionals can think more strategically about their careers.

Sophie explains why focusing only on job titles or salary increases can sometimes distract from long-term career growth. Instead, she argues that understanding your strengths, motivations, and the skills you want to develop is key to making smarter career decisions.

The conversation explores how building a strong personal reputation — through reliability, communication, and trust — can open doors throughout your career. Sophie also shares why asking better questions when considering new opportunities, and thinking beyond the immediate job move, can help professionals make decisions that compound over time.

This is a practical discussion about career strategy, personal brand, and making job moves that support long-term professional growth.

Timestamps

01:37 Progression not job hopping

04:44 CV turnoffs and AI

08:35 Numbers beat responsibilities

13:15 Formatting and what to remove

17:29 Hobbies out systems in

21:44 Junior CVs and early experience

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you build world-class standards in hospitality and then lead at the highest level of business?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Stuart Gillies, chef, restaurateur, and former CEO of the Gordon Ramsay Group, about building excellence in hospitality and leading through growth, crisis, and reinvention.

Stuart shares his journey from starting out in kitchens through international experience in Sweden, Italy, and New York, to becoming a senior leader at the Gordon Ramsay Group. He reflects on the discipline, attention to detail, and resilience he developed early in his career, and how those lessons shaped his transition from chef to CEO during one of the toughest periods in hospitality.

The conversation explores leadership under pressure, making hard commercial decisions, closing and opening businesses, and why devolving responsibility builds stronger teams. Stuart also shares what it’s really like to run a family hospitality business with his wife Cecilia, navigating COVID as founders, and why consistency, standards, and purpose matter more than ever in building a business that lasts.

A grounded conversation about leadership, craftsmanship, and building high-performance teams in one of the toughest industries in business.

Timestamps

00:00 Start: Stuart Gillies Former CEO Gordon Ramsay Group & Restaurateur

04:30 Early Career Journey: YTS Scheme to International Kitchen Experience Sweden Italy

15:43 New York Daniel Restaurant: Career Catalyst Working With Top French Chefs

22:17 CEO Transition: Leading Gordon Ramsay Group Business Strategy & Restaurant Decisions

36:43 COVID Challenge: Launching Bank House Chislehurst & Number Eight Sevenoaks

38:30 Family Business Success: Working With Wife Cecilia & Teaching Kids Work Ethic

50:00 Couple Business Partnership Advice: Building Strong Marriage Before Business Venture

59:00 Leadership Lessons: Comfort Zone Growth Mindset & Future Hospitality Vision

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you build a creative agency that cuts through in a crowded, fast-changing media landscape?

In this episode of All About Business, James talks with Gregory Nice and Jack Stanton, co-founders of NICE Productions. Together they discuss growing a modern creative agency in the age of social-first content, multi-channel marketing, and AI disruption.

Gregory and Jack share how they built NICE Productions from weekend side projects into a London-based creative agency producing campaigns across TV, social, radio, cinema, and out-of-home. They reflect on starting young, balancing creativity with commercial reality, and how long-term client relationships helped them survive industry shocks, from COVID, to strikes, and shifting media budgets.

The conversation explores how creative agencies can stand out in a saturated market, why multi-channel campaigns now matter more than single-format ads, and how low-budget, high-impact content can outperform expensive campaigns when it connects culturally. They also discuss the real impact of AI on creative work, why human creativity still matters, and how young people can break into the industry with fewer barriers than ever.

This is a candid conversation about building a creative business, staying relevant in a disrupted industry, and creating work that cuts through in a noisy world.

Timestamps

02:42 Launching Nice Productions

08:12 Rebrand to ‘Nice’

18:44 Standing out in a crowded market

22:05 AI disruption in content

37:53 Why big ideas cost big money

46:43 Turning virality into new business

57:34 Landing big clients

01:02:38 How they generate ideas

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you turn a bold idea into a national institution that changes lives?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jenifer Rosenberg OBE, entrepreneur in fashion and social impact leader, about building purpose-driven organisations that create lasting change.

Jenifer shares her journey from spotting a gap in support for families facing serious illness, to co-founding Heart Cells Foundation and growing it from a kitchen-table startup into a nationally recognised charity. She reflects on navigating funding challenges, building credibility with clinicians and policymakers, and leading through the emotional realities of mission-led work.

The conversation explores scaling a purpose-driven organisation sustainably, balancing commercial discipline with social impact, and the importance of governance, partnerships, and long-term strategy. Jenifer also shares lessons from stepping back from founder leadership, earning an OBE, and staying resilient while driving systemic change.

A thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship with purpose, leading with conviction, and building something that truly lasts.

Timestamps

02:18 From post room to senior role

08:07 Quality and innovation with Marks & Spencer

16:28 Branching out into fashion

26:40 The power of innovation

30:23 A personal journey with heart failure

35:24 Founding the Heart Cells Foundation

48:37 Maintaining energy and health

Links

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

What if becoming mortgage-free wasn’t about earning more money, but about using what you already spend more intelligently?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jinesh Vora, Founder and CEO of Sprive, the UK fintech app helping homeowners pay off their mortgages faster without changing their lifestyle.

Jinesh shares his journey from a 14-year career at Goldman Sachs to fintech founder, shaped by a three-generation family legacy of entrepreneurship. He reflects on leaving a high-paying corporate role, bootstrapping a startup through the pandemic, and building trust with banks and lenders in a highly regulated industry.

The conversation explores scaling a fintech responsibly, from angel and venture funding to securing a major TV-for-equity deal with Channel 4. Jinesh also shares candid lessons from pitching on Dragons’ Den, alongside insights on leadership, resilience, AI, and avoiding growth at all costs.

This is a practical conversation about financial freedom, fintech innovation, and building a purpose-led business that helps people take control of their money.

Timestamps

01:49 The birth of Sprive: A mortgage app revolution

11:10 Jinesh's entrepreneurial journey and family legacy

14:39 The Goldman Sachs experience

24:01 Navigating the pandemic and launching Sprive

32:09 Networking and angel investors

34:11 Dragon's Den experience

41:15 Hiring strategies and team building

48:49 Future vision and personal goals

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you build a creative business from scratch and ensure it steadily grows without compromising on quality, craft, or values?

In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Penelope Chilvers, English footwear designer and founder of the eponymous luxury brand, and they talk about building a resilient business rooted in craftsmanship, customer closeness, and long-term thinking.

Penelope shares her unconventional journey from training as a painter to launching a footwear business in London as a single parent. She reflects on learning her trade from the ground up, building a brand without formal business training, and why necessity — not strategy — drove her early entrepreneurial decisions.

Penelope talks about the importance of craftsmanship, materials, long-term supplier relationships, and how staying close to customers has shaped everything from design to retail strategy.

James and Penelope discuss growth, from opening stores and expanding internationally, to raising investment and introducing clothing alongside footwear. Penelope shares why steady, organic growth has served her better than chasing trends, how slow fashion has become a competitive advantage, and why durability, purpose, and trust now matter more than ever.

This is a thoughtful conversation about learning your craft, respecting the people who help you build, and creating a business designed to last.

Timestamps:

02:59 From painter to designer

07:59 The first big orders

15:00 Sustaining quality and craftsmanship

22:52 Family and business dynamics

29:50 Expanding into the American market

35:52 Men's range and iconic products

47:58 Slow fashion and ethical production

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you create a modern PR strategy that builds brand relevance and marketing-led businesses able to thrive through cultural and technological change?

In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Francesca Gamble, founder of GTN Consultancy, to explore the future of PR, marketing, and business in an AI-driven world.

With a career spanning global agencies, luxury fashion brands, and major cultural moments — including Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, and the London 2012 Olympics — Francesca shares her journey from agency leadership to launching her own independent consultancy. She explains what it really takes to build a modern PR and marketing business without hype, awards, or ego, and why so many agencies fail by prioritising image over impact.

The conversation dives deep into brand partnerships, celebrity collaborations, and equity-based deals as powerful growth strategies for challenger brands. Francesca breaks down why great products still fail without strong marketing, how cultural relevance directly drives sales, and why results matter far more than industry accolades.

Looking ahead, Francesca offers a bold and timely perspective on the future of PR and advertising in the age of AI. As automation accelerates across marketing, media, and communications, she argues that being human, authentic, and culturally aware will become the ultimate competitive advantage. A no-nonsense conversation about entrepreneurship, independence, brand relevance, and building a business that lasts in a rapidly changing world.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:38 Starting a PR business

10:08 The role of PR in modern marketing

17:54 Celebrity partnerships and brand collaborations

32:28 The importance of flexibility and client relationships

42:24 The reality of entrepreneurship

51:03 Successful celebrity brand partnerships

58:00 The future of PR and female founders

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

What if the future of food isn’t bigger, faster, and more centralised, but local, decentralised, and community-powered?

In this episode of the All About Business podcast, James is joined by Pete Russell, Founder of Ooooby and Co-Founder of DECENT, to explore how technology, ethical entrepreneurship, and optimism can transform the global food system from the ground up.

Pete shares his journey from running a highly profitable industrial food business to building one of the UK’s leading local food platforms, connecting independent farmers and producers directly with their communities. The conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, scaling purpose-led businesses, and the challenges of building alternatives to industrial food supply chains.

A key theme of the episode is steward ownership, a business model that separates profit from control. Pete explains how steward ownership protects mission, prevents mission drift, and ensures long-term impact over short-term returns, offering a compelling alternative to traditional shareholder capitalism.

James and Pete also explore the future of commerce and AI, with Pete presenting a bold vision of a shift from the attention economy to the intention economy. As artificial intelligence reshapes how we discover and buy products, Pete argues that traditional marketing and advertising may become obsolete, replaced by systems that prioritise values, trust, and genuine human needs.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:03 Meet Pete Russell: The Visionary Behind Oooby’s Food Revolution

03:06 What Is Oooby? Decentralizing the Global Food Supply Chain

06:25 Farm-to-Table Logistics: How Oooby Empowers Local Farmers

10:12 The 1.9% Disruptor: Why Low-Margin Tech is Saving Small Farms

14:45 Debunking the Myth: Why Local Food Costs Less Than Supermarkets

19:30 The Awareness Gap: Why Traditional Food Systems Still Dominate

27:05 17 Years of Resilience: Pivoting Through Near-Death Business Challenges

33:40 The Software Pivot: Solving the Logistics Nightmare of Local Food

40:00 Future of Food: AI, Agentic Commerce, and Decentralized Platforms

56:15 What wakes you up on a Monday?

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Building a billion-pound business is one thing, but what does it take to scale globally, exit successfully, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe, the home emergency repairs and improvements launched in 1993. Richard talks about his journey from early failures to growing a FTSE 100 multinational across the UK, France, Spain, the US, Canada, and Japan that sold for £4.1 billion in 2022.

Richard shares how a plumbing insurance model sparked the subscription-based affinity partnerships, the challenges of international expansion, and why copying successful ideas while focusing on execution was key to cracking markets and achieving organic growth.

Together they discuss Richard’s post-exit ventures including Growth Partner, Business Leader magazine, and his bestselling book "How to Make a Billion in Nine Steps". The conversation also explores Richard's passion for inspiring breakthroughs, the role of optimism in navigating setbacks, and why doubling the UK's large companies through community-driven support, matters more than ever in a challenging economic landscape.

Timestamps

01:00 The early struggles and pivots

06:42 The breakthrough: Plumbing insurance model

17:40 The power of copying and mentorship

28:53 Challenges and opportunities for mid-size businesses

37:55 Introducing growth partner: investment in retail

48:10 The not-to-do list for entrepreneurs

01:02:29 Recruitment: Hiring your replacement

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Winning Olympic gold is one of the highest achievements in sport, but what are the skills that you can apply to build an elite team in your business?

In this episode of All About Business, James meets Adrian Moorhouse MBE, three-time Olympian and gold medalist. Adrian talks about his journey from the pool to the boardroom, exploring big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs), the power of curiosity, and heart-driven leadership in challenging times, and why mindset, meaning, and community matter more than ever for sustained success in sport and business.

Adrian discusses his entrepreneurial transition, launching Lane Four in 1995, growing it through high-performance culture and client impact, and navigating its sale to EY in 2021, while confronting common entrepreneur pitfalls. He also shares how escaping school bullying through swimming ignited his drive and why choices over sacrifices defined his path.

Timestamps

01:20 Transition to business

04:44 Challenges and learnings

07:58 Creating a winning team

12:41 Resilience and focus techniques

17:16 From athlete to entrepreneur

32:30 Navigating the 2008 financial crisis

36:46 Mentoring and leadership insights

48:53 The intersection of sports and business

57:09 The importance of curiosity in leadership

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Building a career in television is one thing, but what does it really take to produce global hits like The Crown and Outlander while building and scaling a production empire?

In this episode of 'All About Business,' James speaks with Andy Harries, co-founder and CEO of Left Bank Pictures. Together they discuss Andy's 50-year journey from a promotion scriptwriter at Granada Television, to launching his own company, selling it to Sony, and navigating the streaming revolution.

Andy explains how being rejected at 26 became the fuel for his ambition, how his early documentary work took him around the world, and what he learned directing cultural icons including the Sex Pistols, Malcolm McLaren, and Truman Capote. The conversation dives into the business of creativity, including the high stakes Netflix pitch that led to a 100 million pound deal for The Crown, what global streamers look for when backing premium drama, and how British television has scaled to a global audience.

Andy also reflects on his transition into an executive chairman role, mentoring the next generation of talent, and why protecting British creativity and a strong BBC matters more than ever.

Timestamps

02:26 Journey through Granada

06:02 Transition to comedy and drama

09:34 The Queen and Prime Suspect

12:47 Founding Left Bank Pictures

39:35 Reaching out to Ken Braner

50:17 The Crown and Netflix partnership

01:04:35 Transitioning roles and future projects

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, is one of the most famous houses in the world. But what does it really take to run it as a modern business?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Fiona, Lady Carnarvon, custodian of Highclere Castle, about managing a 1,300-year-old heritage estate with roots dating back to 749 AD. She shares how Downton Abbey transformed Highclere’s global profile, what it is like to live and work alongside a major film production, and how the castle evolved into a year-round destination.

Lady Carnarvon discusses her entrepreneurial approach, from Christmas events and behind-the-scenes tours to virtual experiences, bestselling books, and Highclere Castle Gin, while confronting the hard economic realities of British farming and long-term stewardship.

The conversation also explores Highclere’s ghost stories, its sense of community, and why heritage, kindness, and authenticity matter more than ever in a changing world.

Timecodes

04:29 Christmas at Highclere

09:56 Tutankhamun and Downton Abbey

18:41 Challenges of modern farming

27:11 Ghost stories and blessings

36:45 The mysterious death of Lord Carnarvon

43:38 The success of Highclere Castle Gin

48:03 Building a brand and community

56:43 Final thoughts and future plans

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Some of the biggest global businesses started the same way: someone spotted an opportunity early- and then chose the right partner.

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with serial venture builder James McHugh, founder and chairman of Tquila. James reveals the “build-operate-transfer” playbook behind multiple eight-figure exits and how he’s now riding the AI wave with agentic systems and post-keyboard CRMs.

He also  shares how he spotted the Salesforce gap in Europe in 2010, repeatedly building (and exiting) high-growth tech-services including joint ventures with Salesforce, ServiceNow and now AI leaders like Anthropic and you.com. 

A candid conversation on scaling fast, choosing truth-seeking AI, why governments are dangerously unprepared for mass unemployment, and what abundance on the other side might actually look like.

Timecodes

02:31 The Salesforce Opportunity: Building a Business in Europe

05:21 The tquila Story: Naming and Early Success

08:29 The Role of Partnerships in Business Success

11:13 AI and the Future: Opportunities and Challenges

23:22 The Impact of AI on Employment and Society

33:55 The Future of AI and Human Values

38:45 Driverless Cars and the Future of Transportation

47:04 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society

49:15 The Future of Human Longevity with AI

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you build a culture where risk-taking is celebrated, bureaucracy is banished and everyone thinks like an entrepreneur?

In this episode, James is joined by Chris Hulatt, Co-founder of Octopus Group, a multi-billion-pound investment and energy business that started in a living room and grew into a global force spanning fund management, renewable energy and technology.

Chris shares how Octopus went from backing UK startups to creating Octopus Energy, now valued at $9 billion, and why initiatives like Springboard are helping employees become founders themselves. We talk about how to make fast decisions without perfect data, why bureaucracy kills creativity and what it really takes to scale up without losing your entrepreneurial spark.

Timecodes:

02:43 - Octopus Energy: The Startup Story

09:16 - The Importance of Financial Literacy

12:21 - Octopus Group Funds & Investment Approach

17:21 - Culture of Entrepreneurship at Octopus

21:40 - The Springboard Scheme for New Ventures

25:08 - Success Stories & Learning from Failure

28:44 - Barriers to Entrepreneurship in the UK

31:13 - Octopus Group’s Shared Purpose

34:05 - Decision Making & Avoiding Bureaucracy

41:05 - Customer-First Philosophy

44:05 - The Future of Octopus Group

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Building a career in food is one thing - but what does it really take to become one of the UKs most famous chefs? 

In this episode of 'All About Business,' James Reed speaks with renowned British chef Tom Carriage, exploring Tom’s journey from washing dishes in small kitchens to becoming a Michelin-starred chef and a successful business owner with a portfolio of restaurants. 

Tom discusses his approach to leadership, the ethos behind mentoring young professionals, and his thoughts on balancing passion with business acumen. They also delve into Tom’s personal transformation, including his significant weight loss and sobriety, and discuss the broader challenges facing the hospitality industry, including taxation and workforce management. 

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction

02:40- Early career and challenges

08:52 Building a culinary empire

13:10 Philosophy and success

17:11 Mentorship and team building

27:18 Journey to sobriety

31:29 Embracing neurodiversity in the kitchen

40:52 Challenges in the hospitality industry

47:16 Future plans and reflections

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How can businesses gain a true understanding of what drives customer decisions? And how can science be applied to create marketing that not only feels deeply human but also delivers measurable results?

Today on All About Business, James is Raphy March, Managing Director at Cowry Consulting, a pioneer in combining behavioral science with AI to help global brands like Coca-Cola, EasyJet, and Sky, influence behavior at scale.

They explore practical insights on building human-centered AI strategies, the ethics of shaping customer experiences, and how entrepreneurs can use data and psychology to stand out, scale, and grow with purpose.

Timecodes:

02:16 Introduction to Raphy March and Cowrie Consulting

08:27 The Nudge Unit and Government Applications

09:08 Behavioral Science in the Private Sector

17:53 Case Study: Keep Britain Tidy

26:51 Ethics in Behavioral Science

29:31 Practical Applications of Behavioral Science

33:37 Using Physical Evidence to Justify a Pay Rise

36:09 Improving Customer Retention at Sky

43:50 Behavioral Science in Brand Perception

49:16 The Role of AI in Behavioral Science

01:07:02 Future of Behavioral Science and AI

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Being successful in hospitality is incredibly tough. But how do you keep a focus on quality and authenticity whilst expanding into multiple new locations?

In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Sir Rocco Forte, titan of the luxury hospitality and hotel industry. They explore his incredible journey as an entrepreneur within a family whose history in hospitality spans over a century.

They also delve into how he has prioritised community impact in his work as well as maintaining a family-oriented approach to make something special that lasts.

Timecodes:

02:23 Building Iconic Hotels

09:43 The Forte Family Legacy

11:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Business

21:46 Expanding the Hotel Empire

38:54 Family Involvement in the Business

43:53 Leadership and Decision Making

01:00:25 Economic Views and Government Policies

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Socialism doesn’t work. Hyper-capitalism doesn’t work. Is this the answer?

What happens when the DNA of a corporation changes?

In this episode of 'All About Business', Alex interviews the usual host, James Reed, about his new book, 'Karma Capitalism.' The discussion revolves around the concept of Karma Capitalism, which James defines as a people-centric variant of capitalism where companies, known as Philanthropy Companies or 'Philcos,' allocate at least 10% of their shares to a charitable foundation.

James shares personal experiences, including a life-changing accident, that catalyzed his belief in businesses having a purpose beyond profit. He outlines the benefits of this business model, such as improved longevity, increased profitability, and enhanced corporate citizenship.

The conversation also touches on the challenges in current capitalism, the limitations of ESG, and the practical steps for companies to become Philanthropy Companies. James emphasises the potential for this philosophy to create a significant positive impact on business and society.

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Timecodes:

03:45 The wake-up fall story

12:01 The Big Give and philanthropy

17:14 The benefits of being a Philco

22:16 Legacy and longevity of Philcos

28:55 Examples of successful karma capitalism

31:15 How to transition to a Philco

34:59 The impact of Philco on business

47:15 Challenges and opportunities for family businesses

51:09 Final thoughts and reflections

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

The question is...are you a faithful, or are you a traitor?

Television is something we all enjoy. But few of us get to see how the shows we love actually come to life and why some of them grip the nation in what can only be described as a phenomenon. 

Today on All About Business, James is joined by Stephen Lambert OBE. Stephen is a producer and founder of Studio Lambert, the production company behind some of the UK’s most successful shows like The Traitors, Gogglebox, Squid Game: The Challenge and Race Across the World. 

In this episode, they explore how Stephen built the UK’s most successful independent production company, what goes into producing formats that connect with audiences around the world, and why encouraging risk-taking and innovation is so important in TV.

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction

01:09 How Stephen Lambert Started His Career

03:27 The Evolution of the TV Business

20:00 Studio Lambert – Sued by Michael Jackson

20:50 Undercover Boss

25:51 Gogglebox

29:02 Celebrity Traitors

35:08 Celebrity Race Across the World

38:34 Squid Game: The Challenge

42:48 Confidentiality – Avoiding Leaks & Spoilers

47:09 How to Find Work in Television

55:28 Developing a Show

1:01:05 The Future of Unscripted Television

1:08:43 Interview round

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Is it possible to be a highly successful entrepreneur without compromising your commitment to customers, staff, and society?

In this episode of All About Business, we’re joined by John Spiers, entrepreneur, philanthropist, veteran of the wealth management industry, and Chairman of EQ Investors, one of the UK’s leading B Corporations. John shares why he returned to the sector to found EQ Investors, how he deliberately built its culture around putting the client first, and why the bottom line will look after itself if you do things correctly.

He reveals the unique structure of EQ Investors, with a foundation owning a quarter of the shares, giving clients and staff confidence in the company’s long-term stability and purpose. This purpose-led structure earned the company the highest B Corp score in the UK. John also shares his critique of shareholder-focused capitalism and the short-term pressures of private equity, arguing why a long-term, stakeholder-first model creates greater business resilience.

John shares his immense knowledge on how to be an effective philanthropist, explains the creation of his platform, Giving Is Great, and offers vital advice on what to look for, and what not to look for, when assessing a charity’s effectiveness.

This episode is packed with valuable insight if you’re an entrepreneur interested in purpose-driven business, investment strategy, and how to build a company that prioritises all its stakeholders for long-term success.

Timecodes:

03:52 The concept of philanthropy companies

05:14 Challenges and benefits of philanthropy companies

12:34 The importance of early years and environmental causes

21:24 The creation and impact of giving is great

33:12 The power of matching donations

39:59 Challenges in charity data and impact reporting

47:58 Evaluating charity leadership

54:17 The rewards of philanthropy

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

What is the secret to building an iconic brand that resonates with millions of customers on a global scale?

In this episode of All About Business, we're joined by Johnnie Boden, founder and creative director of the iconic British clothing brand, Boden. Johnnie shares his unconventional journey from an unfulfilling career in the city, to founding a fashion brand that now generates over £350 million in annual revenue.

He talks about how to discover your true passion, and the importance of self-awareness and being honest about what you are good at. He also explains the three-part "magical Venn diagram" from Jim Collins' book, Good to Great, and the impact it had on him.

Johnnie also shares the story of the difficult but necessary decision to pivot the business from menswear to the more profitable women's wear, and the importance of listening to your customers.

This is a great episode for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to find their true calling, build a brand with clear values, and learn how to make the tough decisions that drive long-term success.

Timecodes:

02:33 Johnny's early career struggles

04:20 The birth of Boden

07:56 The importance of passion and self-awareness

15:17 The evolution of Boden's Brand

25:23 Managing and growing a business

30:34 The tough decisions in business

36:31 The importance of having a coach

41:38 Expanding business in America

57:59 The role of AI in fashion

59:43 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

How do you balance innovation with ethical responsibility?

This week on All About Business, we’re joined by Felix Henderson, Co-founder and COO of Ohchat, a generative AI business that builds "digital twins" of real-world content creators. In this episode, Felix shares his journey of building a business from the ground up, and provides insight into the AI future of adult entertainment and how an early venture in student housing, and a strategic pivot during the pandemic, led to a service-based business which became a launchpad for his current AI-powered tech venture. Is this the new OnlyFans?

Felix explains how they are building a generative AI business in the sensitive "spicy content" industry. He addresses the critical and controversial challenges of building a company in this space, discussing how they approach user safety and ethical considerations, and why transparency and accountability as founders are key to their mission.

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

How do you build a resilient brand and lasting reputation and control chaos when a PR crisis hits?

This week on All About Business, we’re joined by Sarah Woodhouse, co-owner and director at Ambitious PR. With over 25 years of experience in strategic communications, Sarah helps high-growth businesses manage their public image and tell their story with transparency.

In this episode, Sarah offers practical lessons on how to communicate with purpose, prepare for unexpected crises, and tailor your message to connect with the audiences that matter most. She discusses the critical differences between marketing and strategic communications, the importance of a founder's personal brand, and how to avoid the "bear traps" of controversy.

Sarah also provides insight into crisis management, drawing on real-world examples to demonstrate how to take back control of the narrative. She also explores the impact of AI on how businesses are found and evaluated online, and what entrepreneurs can do to adapt.

Links:

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Dame Irene Hays built Hays Travel with her husband John, growing it from a small counter at the back of a babywear shop into the UK’s largest independent travel agency with 512 branches nationwide. Along the way, she navigated major industry shifts, acquired the legendary Thomas Cook brand, founded the Hays Travel Foundation, and built a leading apprenticeship programme that now employs hundreds of apprentices. But this isn't come without massive hurdles, heartbreak and sheer determination to turn crisis into a success.

In this week’s episode of All About Business, Irene shares the leadership principles and bold decisions behind her success. She reveals how she scaled without outside investors, why she risked everything to save thousands of jobs at Thomas Cook, and how she rebuilt stronger than ever after COVID-19 brought global travel to a standstill.

Irene also explores the “soft infrastructure” behind Hays Travel’s five star customer experience and why apprenticeships and investing in young talent are central to her long term vision.

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

Reed's Report: Employer Attitudes to Hiring People with Criminal Convictions

Resettling into society after prison is a huge challenge — especially when employers are reluctant to hire people with a criminal record. Too often, talented individuals are overlooked, leaving skills and potential untapped, and making them far more likely to reoffend.

In this episode, we dive into the findings of the latest REED report; "Employer attitudes to employing people with criminal convictions.”, and its findings. The report reveals a concerning trend where one in five employers would not consider a candidate with a conviction at all, and the willingness to hire individuals with criminal records has dropped sharply across various offenses.

We’re joined by Alex Head, the owner and founder of Social Pantry, a leading independent catering company known for its work with prison leavers.

Alex shares her journey from starting a sandwich delivery service as a teenager, to building Social Pantry into a leading employer of prison leavers in the hospitality industry. She provides practical insight into the successes and challenges of this great work, demonstrating how giving people a second chance can lead to a compelling and persuasive workforce.

This is an essential listen for any business leader looking to build a resilient and socially conscious company and challenge the stigma of employing ex-offenders.

Timecodes:

04:18 Social Pantry's business model and success

06:14 Challenges and support for hiring prison leavers

13:09 The role of charities and probation services

23:39 Employment boards and training opportunities

29:58 Empathy and communication in the workplace

34:45 Challenges and benefits of hiring prison leavers

38:31 Addressing employer hesitations

44:06 Success Stories and Future Plans

If you are interested in supporting prison leavers back into employment and joining Social Pantry's working group, please email alex.head@socialpantry.co.uk

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

Education is changing fast, and the old ways of running learning institutes are no longer working. Philippa De’Ath set out to solve this when she co-founded Arbor Education, a platform designed to shift the focus of teachers away from admin work and back to what matters most: the students.

In this week’s episode of All About Business, Philippa shares how she and her co-founder built a mission-driven company that is both profitable and has a significant social impact. She reveals the secrets to scaling in a complex, highly regulated industry, from automating routine tasks with AI, to empowering educators with real-time data and insights.

Philippa breaks down what it takes to turn a passion for impact into a sustainable enterprise. She unpacks the challenges of scaling, the importance of listening to end users, and how to keep your purpose at the core while building a business that delivers both explosive growth and positive change.

Whether you're starting a company or looking for a mission-driven strategy that actually works, Philippa's journey is packed with practical insights you can borrow and scale.

01:03 The Mission and Impact of Arbor Education

02:14 Understanding Arbor's Management Information System

03:03 The Growth and Success of Arbor Education

06:07 The Role of AI and Cloud in Modern Education

13:23 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Schools

20:40 Philippa's Journey: From IBM to Founding Schools

25:06 Reflecting on the Journey

25:32 Building a School from Scratch

26:15 Opening the Schools

26:43 Challenges and Growth

27:59 Founding Arbor Education

31:44 Expanding Arbor's Reach

34:38 Improving School Efficiency

39:55 Future Ambitions and Reflections

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

Fresh from the holidays? Here are 5 top summer takeaways to get you inspired and ready for September.

In this special bonus episode of All about Business, we’ve handpicked some of the most valuable insights from our incredible podcast guests. Since launching last October, we’ve had the privilege of hearing the powerful journeys, lessons, and strategies from some of the most successful entrepreneurs out there.

We talk about:

1. Redefining self and creativity with an ADHD diagnosis
2. Staying true to your business venture with no turnover in the first years
3. The future of customer service
4. Testing ideas to build a brand carefully
5. The link between marketing and cashflow

Timecodes: 

00:00 - Intro

00:27 - Takeaway 6 Alex Partridge

05:23 - Takeaway 7 Byron Dixon

09:16 - Takeaway 8 Todd Unger

12:10 - Takeaway 9 Kiki McDonough

15:37 - Takeaway 10 David Mitchell

Links:

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Fresh from the holidays? Here are 5 top summer takeaways to get you inspired and ready for September.

In this special bonus episode of All about Business, we’ve handpicked some of the most valuable insights from our incredible podcast guests. Since launching last October, we’ve had the privilege of hearing the powerful journeys, lessons, and strategies from some of the most successful entrepreneurs out there.

Timecodes:

00:00 - Intro

00:27 - Takeaway 1 Rob Moore

03:20 - Takeaway 2 Neil Clifford

08:05 - Takeaway 3 Michelle Kennedy

11:18 - Takeaway 4 Nicola Reed

14:02 - Takeaway 5 Reggie Heyworth

Links:

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Great business ideas don’t have to be original, they just have to work. Some of the most successful startups are built by borrowing proven concepts, improving them, and executing better. That’s exactly how Toby Burns, founder and CEO of The Silent Disco Company, built a scalable business from a simple idea. 

In this week’s episode of All About Business, Toby shares how he turned a simple idea into a nationwide brand, built on clever systems, high-volume logistics, and relentless execution that started with a few headphones to now powering thousands of events across the UK.

Toby breaks down what it takes to spot scalable business ideas, dominate a niche market, and build a company that runs without you, and also unpacks how to hire smart, stay lean, and keep innovation at the core of sustainable growth.

Whether it’s starting a company, or looking for startup strategies that actually work, Toby’s journey is packed with practical insights you can borrow and scale.

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

Just last week, a Data Analyst was forced to turn to charity to feed his family. Once secure in a stable profession, he is now among the growing number of educated, working professionals whose livelihoods have been eroded by soaring inflation, pushing them into hardship. And the crisis shows no signs of easing.

In this week’s episode of All About Business, Mark Game, Co-Founder of The Bread and Butter Thing. They’ve built a business where commercial success and social impact go hand in hand, offering help by rescuing surplus food from major retailers and getting it into the hands of those who need it.

Mark’s model of supermarket surplus into consistent, dignified support for thousands of working families proves that you can build a sustainable, logistics-driven business while maintaining dignity and delivering real impact. And your business can partner with them to drive meaningful change.

James and Mark explore how poverty has changed, why stigma keeps people silent, and how The Bread and Butter Thing is using smart logistics and scalable systems to meet real human needs, with empathy, efficiency, and long-term impact that goes beyond just food on the table.

02:27 The Bread and Butter Thing: Impact and operations

07:28 Challenges and solutions in food redistribution

09:06 The role of community and volunteers

25:38 Mark Game's personal journey

32:03 Building management teams

35:16 Opening new hubs

42:53 Community and confidence

53:08 Sustainability and growth

59:28 Future goals and reflections

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

AI isn’t the future, it’s already reshaping the way we work, build, and compete. If you’re starting or looking to scale a business right now, understanding how to actually use AI, not just talk about it, could be your biggest edge.

In this week’s episode of All About Business, Microsoft UK’s Chief Digital Officer Jed Griffiths shares what he’s seeing at the front lines of AI adoption. From how enterprises are deploying tools like Copilot to what’s coming next in automation and strategy, Jed offers a rare inside look at how the most powerful companies are thinking about the future of work.

We break down what AI is really doing under the hood, and why it's more than just a productivity booster. Think smarter decisions, faster execution, new revenue models, and a whole new way to lead teams and run businesses.

If you’re building something and want to stay ahead of the curve, or just want to stop feeling behind, this episode gives you a clear, honest view of where AI is going and how to get there first.

01:37   Introduction

03:20 Developing A Company AI Strategy

07:54  What is Microsoft Co-Pilot?

09:08 Productivity - Businesses Don't Use The Term Right

12:09   2025 The Year of More AI Start Ups

14:17    The Valley of Death

18:26   Mentoring Startups

20:59  Before Microsoft - High Tech Weapons

27:37  The Four C's

38:24  Will AI Humanize Work?

41:07   Will AI Change Recruitment? What Happens to Reed?

49:41   Microsoft's Six AI Principles

01:03:39 What Gets Jed Up On Monday Mornings?

01:04:45 Where Jed Will Be In Five Years

Check out Microsoft Copilot’s website:

Follow Jed Griffiths on LinkedIn:

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

Most graduates leave university with a degree but little direction, but how do you figure out what to do with your life, and how do you actually get your foot in the door?

In this week’s episode of All About Business, the founder of Bright Network James Uffindell shares the full journey. From his first venture helping students access top universities, to scaling Bright Network into one of the UK's leading platforms for connecting talent with opportunity.

From a working-class upbringing in Warwickshire to founding Bright Network, a tech-driven platform used by over a million students, James has spent his career solving the problems he once faced himself.

James talks about the crisis that led to their biggest innovation, how they scaled an internship program to 150,000 students, AI, data, understanding Gen Z behavior, and what employers really want when they say they’re looking for passion and resilience.

If you’re building a startup, thinking about purpose, or wondering how to turn experience into impact, this episode is for you. James’s story is proof that you don’t have to come from the right family or know the right people, but you do need to listen, adapt, and keep showing up.

02:51 James Uffindell's background and inspiration

04:10 Building Bright Network

08:04 The importance of internships

11:52 Personalisation and data utilization

24:05 Impact of AI on job market

36:55 The importance of office environments for young professionals

39:31 The Bright Network platform and its benefits

41:23 AI in recruitment and business growth

51:03 Diversity and inclusion in the job market

59:38 Future plans and expansion

Check out Bright Network’s website:

Follow Bright Network on LinkedIn:

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

Five years. Zero sales. No paycheck. Most people would’ve given up. Byron Dixon didn’t. Instead, he turned his chemistry knowledge and desire for change into Micro-Fresh. A breakthrough technology now used globally to fight mold, bacteria, and bad smells in everything from school shoes to hospital bedding.

In this episode of All About Business, we meet Byron Dixon, scientist, entrepreneur, and founder of Micro-Fresh. He shares how he went from a council estate in Leicester to living in Denmark and learning from the Scandinavian way of life, to building a global brand that’s protecting lives, championing sustainability, and changing how retailers think about product longevity.

Byron reveals the untold truth about bootstrapping a science business, the resilience it takes to go years without revenue, and how one unexpected call changed everything. He also shares how Micro-Fresh is tackling mold in homes, and why “Home-Fresh” might be his most important innovation yet.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled to stay motivated, or wondered if your idea could really make a difference, this episode is for you.

03:16 Why Did Byron Start MicroFresh?

07:27 MicroFresh's Sustainability, Waste Reduction

10:40 Designing A Non-Hazardous Environmentally Friendly Product

18:46 Starting Without Advantages

20:09 Open University

25:18 Determination & No Fear of Failure

26:25 The First Breakthrough

28:40 Domino Effect - Competition Doesn't Want To Be Left Out

31:00 Big Growth & Market Validation

36:51 How Does A CEO Prioritize and Achieve Goals?

39:59 Moving to the USA?

47:03 Why Young People Feel They Can't Do This

49:24 Switching Off The Phone

51:00 Boredom as a source of creativity

52:42 Putting the Phone and Social Media Away

54:54 Top 3 Things We Should Import From Scandinavia

59:41 Interview Round

Check out Microfresh’s website

Follow Microfresh on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

He pushed himself to the limit and lost everything. But that didn’t stop him from coming back stronger than ever and building a global brand from scratch.

On this episode of All About Business we meet Matthew Jones, founder of Bread Ahead, who teaches us why the road to success isn’t always smooth. For him it was full of late nights, hard lessons, and a brutal turning point that forced him to rebuild his business and his life from the ground up.

When Matthew started making doughnuts at Borough Market, he never expected they’d become a worldwide sensation. The founder of Bread Ahead gives us valuable business insight and shares how he uses Instagram and raw storytelling to grow a devoted following.

Bread Ahead is more than a bakery, it's a brand built on resilience, realness, and obsessive attention to flavour.

If you’ve ever felt like giving up, or dreamed of starting over. This episode is proof that rock bottom can be the start of something extraordinary.

01:59 The rise of Bread Ahead

04:21 Innovative flavours and business strategy

08:28 Matthew's Culinary Journey

19:34 Challenges and recovery

25:44 Rebuilding and expanding

35:44 The power of social media

39:19 Global expansion and future plans

43:00 Resilience and learning from failure

51:47 The Bread Ahead Academy

55:57 The impact of weight loss trends on business

57:41 Daily routine and work-life balance

Links

Check out Bread Ahead’s website:

Follow Bread Ahead on LinkedIn:

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: Reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Nearly 10,000 apps are uploaded to the app store every week, and most of them are ignored. So how do you launch one that becomes a movement?

In this episode of All About Business, we’re joined by Michelle Kennedy, founder and CEO of Peanut; the social networking app that has transformed how women connect and help each other through every stage of motherhood.

What does it take to walk away from a top executive role and start from scratch? From pitching with nothing but a deck, to raising over $23 million, to building one of the most trusted platforms for women online, listen to Michelle's story and find out.

We dive into her strategy for building a matchmaking app that attracts millions of users, how to validate your idea before you build it, and the biggest lessons she’s learned as a female founder.

Michelle also opens up about the hardest parts of fundraising, how she built traction without a product, and why not every business should take venture capital.

01:42 Introduction - Michelle Kennedy

01:54 Peanut - Social Media App

09:09 Raising Money

11:34 Advice on Deck, Pitch, Value Proposition

15:56 Not Every Business Needs the Venture Capital Path

20:04 I Wouldn't Have Done It If I Knew ...

24:25 Achieving Critical Mass - The Network Effect

27:40 Start Without Building The App

33:34 Peanut Start Her Fund for Women

36:48 Advice to Family Women on Starting a Business

46:59 Curiosity Spawns New Ideas

50:10 Why A Book In The Digital Age?

54:57 Reed Interview Round - What Gets You Up Monday Morning?

56:39 Where Michelle Sees Herself in Five Years

Links

Check out Peanuts’s website:  

Follow Peanut on LinkedIn: 

Download Peanut app from Google Play: 

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

Did you know that nearly half the planet still isn’t connected? In many places, getting essential supplies like medicine and food is not only costly, it’s nearly impossible. But what if we were standing on the edge of a breakthrough that could change all of that?

On this episode of All About Business, we're joined by Mark Dorey, co-founder and CEO of Straightline Aviation. A pioneering company building hybrid airships designed to deliver cargo to the most remote corners of the world.

No roads, no airports - no problems. It’s a bold mission with the power to reshape global logistics and unlock new possibilities for connection, commerce, and care.

Mark shares how he turned an ambitious idea into a real business, what to look for in the right business partner, and some of the great lessons he learned when working alongside Richard Branson.

01:42   Introduction

04:04 How Does an Airship Work?

06:55 Why the Early Popularity of Airships?

12:04   The Customer Benefits of Airships

19:06  Mark's Early Career

24:15   Changing Business Models

29:51   Future Scale

32:07  Learning from Richard Branson

34:35  Delegation and Accountability

44:49 Pros and Cons of Business Partners

47:17   Negotiating and Establishing Business Relationships

51:10    Business Opportunity Check List

52:43  Establishing Shared Vision and Trust

Links

Check out Straightline Aviation’s website:

Follow StraightlineAviation on LinkedIn:  

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

We've long been taught that hard work is beneficial for both body and mind, but is that truly the case? Could there be inherent value in slowing down, embracing rest, and allowing ourselves the space to simply be idle?

Today on 'All About Business', we meet Tom Hodgkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of The Idler Magazine, a publication that teaches its readers the value of slowing down.

In this episode, we learn about the philosophy of idling, challenge traditional beliefs that hard work is inherently good, and explore the idea that true fulfilment, in both life and business, can be found in activities that restore the soul, body, and mind.

Tom Hodgkinson founded The Idler Magazine in 1993 together with his friend Gavin Pretor-Pinney. Tom has worked over 20 years in editing and advertising, while also writing several books on the philosophy of idling and its benefits.

00:35 The Puritan work ethic

08:03 Tom Hodgkinson's journey

12:03 Starting the Idler magazine

14:41 The Idler Academy 

25:10 Modern work ethic and AI predictions

33:30 The bookshop dilemma

38:26 Challenges of running a business

47:20 The digital pivot

50:43 Idler Retreats and experiences

52:47 The philosophy of idling

Links

Check out The Idler’s website

Follow The Idler on LinkedIn

Buy Business for Bohemians, by Tom Hodgkinson

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

The UK is ranked last in Europe for bathing water quality. With a small team and limited resources, how have a ‘bunch of surfers from Cornwall’ got parliament to listen and launch a commission on England’s chemical cocktail of stinking sewage?

Today’s guest on All About Business is Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a water reform charity that’s been around for over three decades.

In this episode, we discuss the dangers of not taking sustainability seriously, how to get the government to sit up and listen, and why community lies at the heart of every charitable brand.

Giles Bristow is the CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a marine conservation charity. Founded in 1990 by a group of surfers in Cornwall, SAS is a powerful environmental movement that addresses a range of ocean-related issues. Giles joined SAS in 2023 and has over 20 years of experience in environmental advocacy.

01:31 Introduction

02:22 What are the problems with the UK's oceans?

08:32 Recent environmental changes

10:41 Why can't water companies solve this?

13:38 Time for systemic change

16:45 Voters Against Floaters

31:31 Giles' advice for effective campaigning

36:42 Circular economies

38:53 Plastic - it's everywhere

40:40 How to lobby - transparency and connections

45:52 Just Stop Oil – Are they effective?

50:22 Helping businesses become more sustainable

53:55 Community and brand

59:19 Interview round

Links

Check out SAS’s website

Follow Giles on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes. This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

What should you do if you have a brilliant business idea but don’t have the funds to bring it to life?

 In today’s episode of All About Business, I'm joined by venture capitalist Sasha Kaletsky. Sasha is the co-founder of investment firm Creator Ventures which he started with his cousin Caspar Lee. They have injected millions of dollars into digital tech companies in six short years.  

In this episode, we explore how to craft the perfect pitch, how social media is shaping our economy, and how you can use simple AI tools to scale your business quickly.

Sasha Kaletsky is the co-founder and Managing Partner at Creator Ventures, a firm that invests in technologies shaping the digital landscape. 

Before founding Creator Ventures, Sasha gained extensive experience in private equity, technology, and consulting. He started at Bridgepoint in private equity, contributed to the launch and expansion of Uber, and worked as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group.

Timestamps

01:58 Introduction

02:31 Creator Ventures

17:37 Setting up in the United States

18:48 CEOs becoming creators

20:35 Building companies with AI

25:51 The future social landscape

29:28 Uber

31:12 The network effect

34:04 The secret behind a 5-Star passenger rating

35:09 What makes a good pitch

39:18 How Sasha determines future markets

41:12 Presenting to VCs

42:39 Due diligence

43:20 How to pitch to Sasha

43:53 Working with family

47:06 When due diligence fails

49:15 How companies can make better use of AI

54:53 Interview round

Links

Send Sasha your pitch 

Check out Creator Ventures

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk.

How can you use psychology to quickly go from struggling employee to productivity machine? 

Today’s guest on All About Business is Octavius Black CBE, the co-founder of MindGym, a corporate learning company that merges behavioural science with leadership development to turn struggling teams into powerhouses of productivity.

In this episode, we discuss the psychology behind high performance, why most leadership programmes are a waste of time, and the psychometric test that can predict your team’s future. 

Octavius Black CBE is the founder and executive chair of MindGym, a company that delivers corporate learning and development programmes through 90-minute training sessions known as workouts.

Octavius has also co-authored several books that provide actionable insights and techniques to improve mental fitness and overall wellbeing. 

In recognition of his contributions to business, Octavius was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2023.

Timestamps

00:41 The origin story of MindGym

03:50 The 90-minute learning revolution

07:11 Coaching and performance improvement

13:24 The importance of belonging and inclusion

19:43 HR challenges and innovations

27:42 Addressing workplace stress and wellbeing

30:15 Five conditions for thriving at work

35:39 The role of feedback in the workplace

41:54 The importance of emotional self-regulation

49:06 The future of AI in talent development

Links

Sign up for MindGym

Read Octavius’ book

Follow Octavius Black on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn 

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: 

https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

How would a Jeweller who has become a favourite amongst the royal family start from scratch in 2025?

In this episode of All About Business, James interviews Kiki McDonagh, a fifth-generation jeweler renowned for her work with high-profile clients including Princess Diana and the current Princess of Wales. They discuss how she transformed the perception of fine jewellery, making it more accessible and encouraging women to buy for themselves. She shares insights into her design inspiration, the evolution of her brand, and the importance of business strategies such as starting small, maintaining strict financial oversight, and building customer trust. 

Celebrating 40 years in the industry, Kiki outlines her future plans, including expansion into the American market. 

Timestamps

03:26 Designing with passion and innovation

05:21 Building a brand and customer relationships

14:32 Navigating the luxury market

20:26 The impact of social media and online sales

26:36 Advice for aspiring jewellers

31:53 Building trust and brand identity

38:37 Challenges and opportunities in the jewellery industry

49:18 Expanding into the American market

53:03 Looking forward: Future plans and reflections

Links:

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed Global

Visit Kiki McDonagh here

Visit Kiki McDonagh on Instagram

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

How do you build a brand that not only speaks to a whole generation of women, but also transforms an entire industry?

In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Sharmadean Reid MBE, the trailblazing entrepreneur behind brands such as WAH Nails, Beautystack and The Stack World. 

We discuss her experiences navigating the fashion and tech industries, how the pandemic changed her outlook on business, and the inspiration behind her new luxury beauty brand, 39 BC. 

Sharmadean Reid MBE is an entrepreneur, creative consultant and advocate for women’s empowerment. Her work focuses on women’s power, equity and ownership. 

Sharmadean launched WAH Nails in 2009 as a place for women to hang out, form friendships and build communities while getting creative nail designs. She also founded beauty booking system, Beautystack in 2017, as well as The Stack World in 2021.

In recognition of her contributions, Sharmadean received an MBE in 2015 from Queen Elizabeth II. She published her first book, New Methods for Women in 2024, and is currently working on her second book, along with a scripted TV show about female founders.

Timestamps

01:30 The birth of WAH Nails

05:54 From nail salon to global brand

10:09 The transition to tech and venture capital

12:08 Building Beautystack

20:10 Challenges and reflections during the pandemic

26:06 The pivot to The Stack World

30:38 Corporate anarchy and women's independence

36:31 Introducing 39 BC

49:25 Future projects and vision

Links

Check out The Stack World

Read Sharmadean Reid’s book

Subscribe to Shamadean Reid’s newsletter

Follow Sharmadean Reid on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: 

https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

In December 2020, the UK signed its first post-Brexit trade deal with Turkey, safeguarding a £18.6bn relationship. But how did Turkey become so important for UK business?

In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Livio Manzini, Chairman and CEO of Bell Holding, a packaging and services company based in Turkey. We explore Turkey’s secret to efficient manufacturing, why trade wars are bad for everyone, and why ditching the Gregorian calendar might be good for business.

Livio Manzini has been the Chairman and CEO of Bell Holding since 1993. Bell Holding owns packaging and services companies, which includes Reed Recruitment Turkey. Livio is also an Honorary Chair of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Turkey, where he fosters economic relations between countries by promoting bilateral trade, supporting SMEs, and promoting sustainability initiatives.

Timestamps

01:43 Who is Livio Manzini?

08:15 The Gregorian calendar

15:35 Bell Holding, Turkey

21:15 Where the trade war is heading

25:13 Why the US and Europe have failed to compete in manufacturing

27:13 The four-day vs five-day work week

29:26 Livio on tariffs

30:38 Advice for businesses in a fractured world

36:30 Where to find opportunities

38:04 Generational businesses and succession planning

42:41 Advice on starting a dream business

43:43 The relationship between service businesses and manufacturing businesses

46:45 Climate change

Links

Follow Livio Manzini on LinkedIn

Visit Bell Holding's website

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes.

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Consistent branding has the power to increase your revenue by up to 20%.  But with massive rebrands making headlines for all the wrong reasons, how can you refresh your image without alienating your audience?

In this episode of 'All About Business,' I sit down with David Robertson Mitchell, who spent almost a decade working as a brand consultant for Mercedes’ Formula One team.

We discuss how he helped build Lewis Hamilton’s influential brand with the Mercedes’ Formula One team, the secret to getting your finance director on board with your marketing plans and why Jaguar’s recent rebrand might not be as terrible as you think.   

David Robertson Mitchell aka The Brand Rover,  is the Founder and Managing Director of dna-rB, a brand consultancy that works with individuals, businesses and sport teams to define brands, support the implementation of brand strategy and help manage reputations. dna-rB specialises in personal and corporate branding, ensuring alignment between a company’s brand and the personal brand of its CEO.

Timestamps

02:43 Branding Mercedes’ Formula One team

07:14 Lewis Hamilton's personal brand evolution

14:12 Branding success stories in sports

17:11 Rebranding challenges and strategies

30:31 The importance of messaging

34:25 Consistency in branding and marketing

39:40 Personal branding strategies

42:42 The CEO brand

52:14 Reputation management

Links

Check out David Mitchell's website

Follow David Mitchell on LinkedIn 

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn 

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk.

With new economic policies forcing UK businesses to tighten their purse strings, how can we keep the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit alive, while also getting the economy back on track?

In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Luke Johnson, the serial entrepreneur who spotted some of the UK’s most popular food brands, including Pizza Express, The Ivy and Gail’s Bakery.

We discuss how to spot a winning investment, what the UK should be doing to promote entrepreneurship, and Luke’s five tips for reviving the economy.

Luke Johnson is an entrepreneur known for expanding the Pizza Express brand. He also founded Signature Restaurants, which owned notable restaurants including, The Ivy, and Le Caprice. Luke is currently Chairman of Risk Capital Partners, a private equity firm. From 2015-2021 he wrote a regular column for The Sunday Times where he shared his business expertise.

Timestamps

02:11 Who is Luke Johnson?

06:36 The traits entrepreneurs need to have

07:23 Pizza Express beginnings

11:36 Being a projector

13:40 The British business climate

23:19 Risk Capital Partners

26:03 Gail's Bakery

27:33 Luke's business formula

31:56 How we can encourage entrepreneurship in the UK

36:09 Luke's book and weekly column For entrepreneurs

40:56 Television and the arts

46:04 Future projects with Risk Capital Partners

49:05 Reed Interview Round

Links

Get Luke’s book

Visit Luke’s website

Check out Risk Capital Partners

Follow Luke on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

With 77% of 13-18 year olds using artificial intelligence in some way, how can we make sure young people are using AI effectively while also protecting them from its potential dangers?

In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Philip Colligan, the CEO of Raspberry Pi Foundation, which provides free AI education to children across the globe. We discuss why AI is becoming more and more human-like, how to build a global network and why asking AI to help with homework might not be such a bad thing.

Philip Colligan is the CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a charity that promotes computing education for young people. The Foundation aims to help young people realise their full potential through the power of digital education.

Timestamps

02:05 Raspberry Pi going from charity to billion-pound business

07:07 The IPO journey and listing Raspberry Pi

15:39 AI literacy and preparing the next generation

27:44 The role of AI in education

31:07 Inspiring young minds

36:45 Global expansion and partnerships

39:06 Challenges and strategies for global outreach

Links

Check out Experience AI

Visit Raspberry Pi foundation’s website

Visit Code Club

Visit Hello World

Follow Philip on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

The UK’s life science sector is booming, generating over £100 billion in turnover in 2022. And with more and more companies entering the space, how do you marry business and science to create a drug that not only makes money but saves lives.

In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Dame Kate Bingham, Managing Partner at SV Health Investors, specialising in biotechnology investments. Kate has over 30 years of experience in healthcare investment and led the UK's vaccine task force during COVID-19.

She shares the ins and outs of health care investment, the challenges that came with leading the UK’s vaccine taskforce, and what she did when the press questioned her credentials. 

Dame Kate Bingham is a venture capitalist and biotech investor. She is best known for her role as the chair of the UK Vaccine Taskforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she led efforts to procure and distribute vaccines. 

Katie is currently a managing partner at SV Health Investors, specialising in biotechnology investments. 

Kate was awarded a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2021.

Timestamps

02:22 Kate Bingham's career journey

05:42 Precision medicine and disease modification

12:01 The future of healthcare and AI

14:18 Dementia discovery funds and new drugs

20:32 The challenges and rewards of venture capital

24:29 The Importance of constructive relationships in venture capital

30:37 Challenges and successes of the vaccine task force

40:32 Navigating political and public scrutiny

49:59 Women in science and leadership

Links

Follow Kate on LinkedIn

Visit Kate’s company website

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you go from cleaning toilets to running a multi-million pound company?

In this episode of All about business, I sit down with Neil Clifford, the CEO of luxury footwear brand Kurt Geiger. Neil left school with just one O-Level, and rose to become a top player in the retail industry.

We discuss the lessons Neil learned from his early retail jobs, why CEOs shouldn’t work from home, and how he helped turn Kurt Geiger into a multimillion pound international business.

Neil Clifford started his career at Kurt Geiger as a store manager and worked his way up to becoming CEO over the course of 20 years. He has been instrumental in expanding the business internationally and launching its online presence. The brand has grown to operate in 28 countries with 57 standalone retail locations.

Neil is also dedicated to giving back to the community, having set up The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation which aims to raise £1 million every year to support young creatives. The Foundation has also created Business By Design, an academy for 18-20 year olds to upskill and prepare them for careers in fashion.

Timestamps

03:12 First jobs and rising through the retail ranks

13:17 Career breakthroughs

22:12 Private equity and global expansion

37:36 Strategies for business growth

40:05 Personal reflections

50:24 Philanthropy and social responsibility

Links

Check out Kurt Geiger

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

A recent YouGov survey found that 82% of managers are ‘accidental'. So, what is an accidental manager? Why are there so many of them, and just how much is it affecting results within your business?

In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Ann Francke OBE, the CEO of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which provides training, qualifications and resources for managers.

She reveals her tips for dealing with toxic bosses, how line managers impact employee wellbeing, and the key skills every manager needs to be successful.

About Ann

Ann is CEO of the Chartered Management Institute, an organisation that creates confident leaders through leadership development training, qualifications, and research. She started her career at Procter & Gamble and has held senior executive positions at Mars, Boots, Yell and BSI.

She is an expert on gender dynamics in the workplace and has written a book about how to create a gender-balanced workplace.

Ann also wrote the Financial Times Guide to Management and was named as one of the Top 100 Women to Watch in the 2015 Female FTSE Cranfield report. In 2020, she was awarded an OBE for her services to workplace equality.

Timestamps

02:38 The importance of professional management training

06:56 Key skills for new managers

16:49 The impact of conscious leadership

21:37 Dealing with bad management

31:28 Addressing conflict and toxic behaviour

37:28 The role of line management in organisational success

39:19 Sponsorship vs mentorship

44:56 Examples of effective leadership

48:24 Gender balance and inclusivity in the workplace

51:39 The say-do gap in inclusivity

54:13 The importance of professionalising management

Links

Follow Ann on LinkedIn

Read Ann’s book

Get management training

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How can you use data to increase revenue, improve customer relationships, and make better business decisions?

In today’s episode of All About Business, I speak with Anita Dougall, the co-founder and CEO of data consultancy firm, Sagacity. 

Anita started the business in 2005, and since then has helped companies like AA, British Gas, and Moonpig spin their data into business gold. 

She reveals how to use data to optimise customer engagement, drive revenue, and resolve the billing issues that could be costing you millions.

About Anita

Anita is the CEO and founding partner of Sagacity, a leading consultancy that specialises in providing data-driven insights to help businesses maximise their returns. 

Before co-founding Sagacity in 2005, Anita worked in investment banking. Her experience in financial and commercial roles that relied heavily on technology, led to her becoming an independent consultant, eventually co-founding Sagacity.

In 2025, Anita was recognised on the E2E Female 100 track list, which celebrates the UK’s fastest growing female-led or founded businesses.

Timestamps

00:31 Understanding data

04:55 Improving customer engagement

06:28 Billing and debt collection 

20:03 Anita's career journey

30:13 Business growth

37:30 Choosing the right investor

42:46 Recruitment and company culture

45:58 Data usage and permissions

Links

Visit Sagacity’s website

Read about Anita’s recognition on the E2E Female 100 track list

Follow Anita on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit www.flamingo-media.co.uk 

How do you turn an idea you had at uni into a multimillion-pound enterprise? 

UNILAD and LADbible founder, Alex Partridge, started both companies while he was studying at university, and was a millionaire by the time he was 25.

In this episode of All About Business, we discuss the power of social media, the podcast that led to his ADHD diagnosis, and the harrowing court case that almost cost him everything. 

About Alex

Alex Partridge is the founder of UNILAD and LADbible, two of the UK's most popular news and entertainment platforms. He has been open about his struggles with ADHD, and has written a book that explores how the diagnosis has impacted his life and career.

Alex also hosts the podcast, ADHD Chatter, where he discusses ADHD with leading experts, celebrities and psychiatrists.

Timestamps

00:43 Alex's early entrepreneurial ventures

03:58 Late-night pizza deliveries

06:19 The birth of UNILAD

09:12 Going viral and building a team

18:08 Challenges and legal battles

22:37 Facing the courtroom: A flashback to childhood anxiety

30:33 Alex’s ADHD diagnosis

40:08 Starting a new career

42:29 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

Links:

Watch Alex’s podcast

Read Alex’s book 

Follow Alex on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit www.flamingo-media.co.uk 

In a world where consumers are obsessed with Temu and SHEIN, how can you attract customers to your high-end brand while staving off competition from cheaper alternatives? 

In this episode of All About Business, I speak with Billie-Jo Cronin, the founder of luxury accessories brand, Good Squish.   

Billie-Jo and her brother, Phoenix, bootstrapped the company, selling 1,900 units in under a year, while also gaining celebrity endorsements.

We discuss how they grew the company organically through Instagram, why community is central to their brand, and why local production and quality control go hand in hand. 

About Good Squish

Good Squish is an independent brand that specialises in hand-stitched accessories made from dead stock fabrics, which helps to reduce waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise go unused. Their products, which include scrunchies, hair pins, keychains and tote bags, feature whimsical and creative designs. 

Timestamps

01:26: The Concept of Dead Stock

02:22: The Organic Growth Journey

08:31: Maintaining Quality and Customer Satisfaction

14:56: Expanding Internationally

19:35: Working with Family

23:31 Decision-Making and Idea Curation

24:36: Challenges and Benefits of Collaborations

32:40: Celebrity Endorsements and Organic Growth

36:49 Future Plans

Links

Check out the Good Squish website

Follow Good Squish on Instagram

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Concern around AI is higher than ever. But could 2025 be ‘make or break’ for businesses who have yet to embrace it?

In this episode of 'All About Business' I talk with sibling duo, Richard and Archie Hollingsworth, founders of Fixer AI.

They discuss their journey from bootstrapping a $5 million agency to spearheading an innovative AI personal assistant tool which they say can give you an hour back every day. They share insights from their transformative stint in Silicon Valley, reflect on the impactful role of AI in modern businesses, and highlight why 2025 is a pivotal year for AI adoption.

Timestamps

04:24 Building Fixer AI

07:00 Success and Growth of Fixer AI

21:05 The Accelerator Experience

30:04 Moving to San Francisco: A Family Decision

31:02 Cultural Diversity in the Accelerator Program

32:13 Lessons from the American Business Culture

33:14 The Power of Being Direct

36:27 Adapting to the American Market

38:05 Building a Strong Team

41:34 Brothers in Business: Trust and Dynamics

44:46 Hiring and Scaling Up

54:09 Future Goals and Reflections

Links

Follow Archie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archie-hollingsworth-a07168152/

Follow Archie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hollingsworth-444b8589/

Visit Fyxer.AI: https://www.fyxer.com

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media.

Entrepreneurs often possess traits that drive their success in business. But what if these same traits were also the root cause of deteriorating mental health, and, if left unaddressed, could ultimately lead to the collapse of their entire business?

In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, the world’s no.1 exclusive mental health clinic for the rich and famous.

He reveals the traits both entrepreneurs and criminals share, how to foster well-being in the workplace and why mandatory mental health checks might just save your business.

Paracelsus Recovery takes a unique, tailored approach to treating its patients and has extensive experience at treating CEOs, UHNW individuals and those with a public profile.

Timestamps:

03:25 Recognizing Burnout and Mental Health Issues

08:17 The Role of Addiction and Self-Medication

12:46 Entrepreneurial Traits and Their Dark Side

19:48 The Concept of Reparenting

23:27 Balancing Physical Health and Business

28:02 The Importance of Confidentiality in Mental Health

34:09 Understanding the Impact of Information Diet

39:58 Building Trust in Mental Health Services

48:12 The Role of Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment

53:34 Mental Health Strategies for Business Leaders

01:01:36 Promoting Mental Fitness and Resilience

Links:

Follow Jan Gerber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerberjan/

Visit Jan Gerber’s website: https://jangerber.com/

Learn more about Paracelsus Recovery: https://www.paracelsus-recovery.com/en

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Businessman, philanthropist, a maverick at turning strange ideas into success.

In this very special episode, and in celebration of his 91st birthday, I sit down with my father, Sir Alec Reed.

Sir Alec founded Reed in 1960 from a carpet shop in Hounslow with just £75 in his pocket. Since then, he’s founded several charities, launched a business school and in 2011, was knighted for his services to business and charity.

Born in Hounslow in 1934, Sir Alec Reed left school at 16 and ten years later founded Reed Recruitment, which has grown into the UK’s largest family-owned recruitment company. Today, he shares his insights from over seven decades in business, the lessons he’s learnt along the way and why ideas are the real currency of business.

Awarded the Beacon Prize in 2010 and knighted in 2011, Sir Alec’s flagship charity initiative, Big Give, has raised over £346 million for a variety of causes, including Womankind and Ethopiaid, both of which he also started.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:03 Sir Alec Reed

03:27 Starting Out in Life - Accountant

04:13 Joining Gillette - An Idea Company

04:44 Early Business Ideas - Toy Soldiers

05:43 The Reed Brothers - Printing Business

06:26 Taking The Wrong Course

07:44 A Tremendous Urge to be Self Employed

10:31 Starting An Employment Agency

13:31 Working On Your Own - Undiluted Ideas

16:48 Learning to Raise Alternative Funding

18:45 A Family Business - One Route to Consider - Risks and Benefits

23:43 The End Game - Exits - Inheritance and Selling

25:16 Philanthropy - Foundations and Charities

27:35 Cancer - Selling a Business and Financing a Charity

32:14 A New Approach to Charity - A Social Innovation

34:48 The Big Give

38:36 Looking at Failure as a Road Sign to Change Direction

41:39 Ideas! An Idea a Day as an Exercise

47:51 Wrap Up and Thank You

Links:

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/

Find out more about Big Give: https://donate.biggive.org/

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

How can you turn everyday employees into strong leaders who are proud to work for your business?

In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with executive coach and 'Life’s Work' founder, Steph Rix. She explains how you can beat imposter syndrome for good, the difference between leadership and management and how you can use your personal values to become a better leader.

Steph is the Founder and Managing Director of Life’s Work where she provides team, career and Leadership coaching for businesses and individuals.

She has a Masters in Career Development and has been an executive coach for almost ten years.

00:58 Defining Leadership: Self-Awareness and Values

08:08 The Role of Values in Leadership

12:27 Dealing with Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

17:37 Overcoming Overthinking and Taking Action

23:31 The Importance of Transparency in Organizational Change

28:39 Navigating Difficult Conversations

35:03 Supporting Employee Development on a Budget

40:46 Identifying and Nurturing Potential in Employees

45:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Get coaching for your team

Follow Steph on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

With over a quarter of UK workers experiencing negative wellbeing because of work, how can you improve your own mental wellbeing, and stop being frazzled for good?

In this episode of 'All About Business,' I sit down with comedian, writer and mental health advocate Ruby Wax OBE.

We discuss how mindfulness can transform your mental health, how businesses can support struggling colleagues and the time Trump left her stranded in Arkansas.

Ruby Wax OBE is an actress, comedian, writer, television personality, and mental health campaigner. In 2017, Ruby founded the Frazzled Cafe, a community based on the power of emotional openness that provides space where anyone can come and be listened to without judgment. Ruby has also released a range of best-selling books, including I’m Not As Well as I Thought I Was in May 2023. Ruby also offers leadership and management training, using workshops and practical exercises to enable business leaders to create trust and rapport and more skilled communication with clients and colleagues.

02:59 The Ruby Wax Brand

06:14 Mindfulness and Personal Growth

15:31 Frazzled Culture and Authenticity

28:24 Connecting with People in Business

31:19 Rickman's Wisdom: Let People Come to You

33:53 Managing Stress and Mental Fitness in the Workplace

35:40 The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Management

39:05 The Power of Community and Connection

43:41 A Hilarious Encounter with Trump

Join Frazzled Cafe

Buy Ruby’s books

Visit Ruby Wax’s website

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to get your brand heard, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you keep wildlife business running in the face of social, political and cultural change?

In this episode of All About Business, I speak to Reggie Heyworth, the owner of one of the UK’s biggest wildlife parks. Cotswold Wildlife Park, which was started by his father all the way back in 1969.  We discuss how he took over the business from his father, how they kept the animals alive during the pandemic as well as  his thoughts on the ‘anti-zoo brigade.’ 

Reggie grew up in the Cotswold Wildlife Park, a business his father started in 1969, and which has grown into one of the UK’s largest wildlife parks. For several years, he worked as a conservationist on the African continent. In 2012, he returned to the UK to take over the running of the park. He created the park’s famous gardens, and also runs a number of initiatives, including Keeper for the Day, where you can learn about the animals and how they are looked after. 

01:13 The Origins of the Wildlife Park

04:03 Early Challenges and Successes

10:29 Modern Zoo Practices and Conservation

21:07 Reggie's Return and Leadership

22:16 Impact of COVID-19 on the Wildlife Park

27:17 Navigating the Reopening Challenges

28:29 Reassessing Business Strategies

32:15 Difficult Decisions During the Pandemic

35:51 Leadership and Team Building Insights

37:44 The Importance of Loving Animals

41:19 Future of Wildlife Conservation

43:23 Creating a Beautiful Environment

47:01 Looking Ahead: Five Years from Now

48:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Visit Cotswold Wildlife Park

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

With new sustainability laws coming into play, how can you make sure your organisation is ESG-ready, without sacrificing your bottom line?

In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Profit with Purpose founder Isabel Kelly, where we discuss all things ESG. We explore how you can meet your social and environmental goals while still remaining profitable, and how you can develop an authentic strategy that goes hand in hand with your brand

Isabel is the Founder of Profit with Purpose, a consultancy firm that works with companies to create and embed social impact strategies into businesses and brands. Isabel is a non-executive director at TPXimpact, an AIM-listed tech company where she Chairs the ESG Committee. She is also a member of the board at The Big Give and is a social impact careers advisor for MBA students at the Said Business School, Oxford University.

Timestamps

00:57 Introducing Isabel Kelly and Profit With Purpose

02:12 The Origin Story of Profit With Purpose

03:03 Integrating Social Impact in Business

06:42 Defining Authentic Purpose

09:02 Challenges and Resistance in Purpose-Driven Business

13:45 Navigating ESG Legislation and Reporting

24:57 The Role of B Corps in Purpose-Driven Business

31:56 Airlines and Vaccine Financing

32:53 Promoting ESG in the Workplace

33:33 Salesforce's Environmental Journey

35:26 Challenges and Controversies in ESG

37:36 Purpose-Driven Business Strategies

39:50 Becoming a B Corp

42:12 Consulting for ESG and Purpose

48:30 Diversity and Inclusion in Boards

52:07 Metrics and Reporting for ESG

55:58 Final Thoughts and Future Goals

Links

Follow Isabel Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelkelly-pwp-esgx/

Check out Profit with Purpose: https://profitwithpurpose.co.uk/

Explore the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

In this episode of 'All About Business', James is joined by Sue Douglas, who transitioned from a medical journalism background to becoming a top Fleet Street editor. She discusses her move to apartheid-era South Africa as a reporter for the Rand Daily Mail and witnessed significant historical events firsthand.

Returning to the UK, she navigated her way through the competitive media landscape, encountering both setbacks and successes, ultimately finding her place in the vibrant and chaotic world of Fleet Street journalism.

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:28 Guest's Career Beginnings

00:38 Journey to South Africa

01:22 Reporting in South Africa

03:05 Return to Fleet Street

03:50 Joining News of the World

Follow Sue Douglas on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

In this bonus episode of 'All About Business,' Journalist, Tech CEO and Entrepreneur, Sue Douglas, explores the complexities of balancing business management and leadership with personal life responsibilities.

Sue delves into the gender dynamics within professional settings, the historical and biological roles of men and women, and the struggle for achieving a balanced work-life equilibrium. The conversation also touches upon personal anecdotes about parenting, societal expectations, and the implications of more women entering the workforce.

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:27 Gender Differences and Career Choices

01:12 Balancing Career and Family

02:21 Reflections on Parenting

03:29 Community and Work-Life Balance

05:14 Gender Pay Gap and Workplace Inequality

07:02 Concluding Thoughts on Gender Roles

Follow Sue Douglas on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

In this bonus episode of 'All About Business,' James is joined by Journalist, Entrepreneur and Tech CEO Sue Douglas. She delves into a chilling investigation from the 1980s when, as a young medical correspondent she uncovered a story about potentially AIDS-contaminated blood used for transfusions, risking public health.

She describes the challenges, including government hesitation, media backlash, and the impact of her ground-breaking report that led to a public inquiry 40 years later.

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:28 A Chance Encounter Leads to a Big Story

01:58 Investigating the Blood Contamination

04:09 Breaking the Story

06:28 The Aftermath and Reflection

Follow Sue Douglas on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Imagine losing everything. Then imagine turning it all around and becoming a multi-millionaire within 5 years.

In this episode of 'All About Business', entrepreneur, property investor, and author Rob Moore shares his journey from being £50,000 in debt to becoming a multi-millionaire in less than five years.

Rob discusses his philosophy on money as a store of time, value, and energy, the importance of finding opportunity, raising money, and building a business from scratch. We explore his views on the significance of hard work, the role of education in preparing future entrepreneurs and the critical aspects of building a personal brand in today's digital age.

Timestamps

01:44 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome

03:34 Rob Moore's Early Life and Influences

05:05 The Turning Point: Meeting a Business Partner

09:23 The Rise of a Training Business

14:47 University vs. Entrepreneurship

27:11 The Essence of Money

33:38 Recruitment and Team Building

36:56 The Importance of Management Skills

39:02 Integrity and Honesty in Recruitment

41:42 The Role of LinkedIn in Personal Branding

48:24 The Value of Hard Work and Entrepreneurship

52:51 Rob Moore Foundation: Supporting Young Entrepreneurs

59:20 Finding the Right Business Partner

01:08:04 The Significance of Personal Brand

Links

Follow Rob Moore on LinkedIn

Follow Rob Moore on Instagram

Visit Rob’s website

Follow James Reed on Linkedin

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Are you ever too old to turn your favourite hobby into a brand-new business venture?

In this very special episode of All About Business, James Reed is joined by his wife Nicola, founder of the successful drinks company, Beeble.

Nicola shares how she turned her husband’s birthday gift into a thriving business, the ups and downs of bootstrapping a company with her daughter’s friend, as well as some rather disturbing facts about her bee colony.  

Nicola is an artist, teacher, beekeeper and entrepreneur. She owns Beeble, a B-Corp that makes a wide variety of spirits with honey from her very own hives. Nicola has a Master's degree in Fine Art from St Martin's School of Art, a PGDip from Chelsea College of Arts and a teaching degree from University College London.

01:37 Introduction

02:27 Nicola Reed's Beekeeping Journey

04:43 Turning Honey into Spirits

07:45 The Beeble Brand and Business Growth

13:22 Balancing Business and Passion for Bees

23:54 Insights and Lessons from Beekeeping

27:07 Beekeeping Courses and Techniques

28:31 Personal Experiences with Bee Stings

30:39 The Undertaker Bee and Bee Communication

32:49 Challenges in the Spirit Business

36:11 Marketing Strategies and Customer Feedback

41:36 Beekeeping in Prisons

43:17 The Joys and Challenges of Beekeeping

46:03 Future Plans for Beeble

48:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Try Beeble’s delicious honey whisky

Take a beekeeping course

Follow Nicola Reed on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Climbing to the top of the ladder can be tough. With competition from peers, how do you stand out so you can get that promotion and even become Managing Director?

In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Donna Murrell, Managing Director of Reed in Partnership. Donna began her career at Reed as an entry-level employment advisor and worked her way up to the very top. In this conversation, she shares little known strategies for boosting your career, explains why diversity in leadership is so important and gives actionable advice for building your confidence no matter where you are in your career.

Donna is the Managing Director of Reed in Partnership, a branch of Reed which delivers public services such as employment support, wellbeing advice and DVSA testing. Donna has been at Reed for over 20 years, starting as an Employment Advisor.

00:58 Introducing Donna Murrell

07:47 Expanding Reed in Partnership

09:54 Leadership and team building

13:08 Donna's management philosophy

20:44 Going from Operations Director to Managing Director

25:16 Advice for aspiring leaders

29:51 Spotting and nurturing talent

31:25 Creating Opportunities for Employee Engagement

37:01 Embracing curiosity and learning

39:30 Women in leadership: challenges and progress

49:34 Preparing for career progression

52:05 Building confidence and overcoming anxiety

54:49 Reed interview round

Follow Donna on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Learn more about Reed in Partnership

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

With seventy percent of online buyers abandoning their shopping before checkout, how can you create a frictionless customer journey that only takes ten seconds?

In this episode of All About Business, James Reed speaks to customer experience expert Todd Unger. 

Todd reveals why most customer journeys don’t work, how low-cost AI can help you understand your customers better, and the hit Ariana Grande song that could transform your approach to customer experience.

Todd Unger is the Chief Experience Officer at the American Medical Association, overseeing membership, marketing and customer experience initiatives. His book, the ten-second customer journey explains how you can rapidly convert customers online, drawing on Todd’s 30 year career in marketing and customer experience.

02:00 Meet Todd Unger: Chief Experience Officer

03:27 The evolution of Customer Experience

08:04 The four points of CXO

10:50 The importance of frictionless experience

18:07 Building effective digital services

24:10 Building a culture of testing and experimentation

26:17 The role of AI in modern testing

26:44 AI's impact on the 10 second customer journey

28:03 Leveraging technology partners for AI

34:29 Practical applications and future of AI

45:17 Customer experience advice for entrepreneurs

48:27 Reed interview round

Follow Todd Unger on LinkedIn

Visit Todd Unger’s website: https://www.toddunger.com/

Buy Todd Unger’s book

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Being a socially conscious business is becoming more and more important, but can it really help you grow your brand long-term?

In this episode of All About Business, James Reed sits down with Centre for Social Justice CEO and proud Leeds native, Andy Cook. They explore the unseen world of philanthropy, why small charities are often more powerful, the best interview questions to ask future employees, and the steps you can take to become a brand locals love.

Andy is CEO of The Centre for Social Justice, an award-winning organisation that aims to solve Britain’s most pressing social issues through political change. Hailing from Leeds, Andy founded another award winning charity that helped disadvantaged youth across the Midlands. Since then, he’s become an advisor to several leading philanthropists and CSJ has been awarded social policy Think Tank of the Year for the last 2 years.

1:56 - Introducing Andy Cook - CEO for the Centre for Social Justice

2:48 - The Centre for Social Justice

8:43 - The five areas of help that affect Society

9:58 - The Big Give

13:38 - The importance of giving people opportunities

16:56 - The power of smaller charities

19:04 - Where do donations go and how to make the process better

21:07 - Should businesses engage more with philanthropy?

25:35:00 - The Kickstart Program

27:40:00 - Finding a balance between education and employer's needs

31:36:00 - The Centre for Social Justice Foundation

34:36:00 - Why businesses should be more involved in the education system

38:18:00 - How you can help

40:10:00 - Reed interview segment

41:50:00 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Find out more about the CSJ

Follow Andy on LinkedIn

Register for the Green Match Fund

Donate to a cause you care about

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to get your brand heard, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Talent and customers aren’t just looking at the product or service your company provides. They’re choosing organisations with purpose over those who only prioritise profit.

In this episode of 'All About Business,' James is joined by Becky Willan, CEO of Given, part of Anthesis. They explore the importance of implementing purpose into the heart of your business,, the impact of ESG and sustainability on brands, and practical steps for organisations to align profit with meaningful societal impact. Becky shares her journey from working at Body Shop to founding Given, and discusses how companies like John Lewis and Lloyd's Banking Group are navigating purpose-driven transformations.

01:31- Introduction

02:26- Meet Becky Willan

03:13- Defining Purpose in Business

03:48- The Journey of Given

07:41- Implementing Purpose in Organisations

11:32- Case Study: John Lewis Partnership

20:31- Case Study: Lloyd's Banking Group

24:01- Advice for Entrepreneurs

29:54- Evidence of Purpose-Driven Business Success

31:25- Purpose vs. Philanthropy: Understanding the Difference

33:52- Reed's Purpose-Driven Philanthropy Model

34:54- Steps to Implementing Purpose in Your Organisation

36:44- The Importance of Employee Engagement and Culture

40:14- Challenges and Pitfalls in Purpose-Driven Organisations

42:54- Case Study: Centrica's Purpose Transformation

49:49- IKEA's Purpose and Philanthropy

51:35- Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

53:56- Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find out more about Given

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

What if there was a model your business could use to smash your targets faster? And with a team of no more than 10?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks to Alex Day, Managing Director of Big Give. Alex explains how his small team of ten has managed to raise hundreds of millions of pounds for charity. They also discuss how technology is transforming the charity sector, why philanthropy is good for business, and the psychology behind giving money away.

Alex Day is Director of Social Impact at Reed and Managing Director of the Big Give, the UK’s biggest match funding charity.

Every year, Big Give runs a variety of match funding campaigns, including the Green Match Fund, Kind2Mind and the Christmas Challenge. Since 2008, they’ve raised over £300 million for charities all over the world.

Timestamps

00:00- Intro

02:31- How Big Give's Match Funding Works

03:38- The Psychology Behind Match Funding

05:38- Campaigns and Themes of Big Give

08:18- Digital Transformation in Charity Fundraising

12:53- Running a Lean and Effective Team

16:37- Engaging Big Figures in Philanthropy

23:42- Identifying Your Passion for a Cause

25:16- Setting Ambitious Goals

27:37- The Importance of Ambition in Social Impact

29:26- Supporting Smaller Charities

30:50- Innovative Match Funding Strategies

31:59- The Contagious Nature of Generosity

32:32- The Christmas Challenge Campaign

34:18- Philanthropy in Business

37:18- The Philco Model

41:33- Quickfire Round

43:38- Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links

Visit the Big Give website: https://donate.biggive.org/

See what difference you can make: Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024

Double the difference this Christmas NOW

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Follow the Big Give on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Authenticity. It can be the difference between a thriving business and losing your audience. Gone are the days when having a good enough product was enough to drive growth, and with so much competition out there, having a brand that people believe in is non-negotiable.

In this episode of All About Business, James Reed sits down with father-daughter duo Molly and Philip King of Ireland’s family-run festival, OtherVoices.

Starting in a tiny church in Dingle, it grew to become a hotly-anticipated event. It’s hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Kate Tempest, Arlo Parks and Amy Winehouse and is now watched by millions across the globe.

They explore the ins and outs of working with family, how to use digital media to build a brand and, despite massive growth, how they’ve managed to stray true to their original vision.

Timestamps

01:55- Family Dynamics in Business

02:27- Building an Authentic Brand

03:57- The Role of Culture and Trust

08:23- The Evolution of Other Voices

10:35- The Digital Transformation

14:33- The Growth of Other Voices

20:39- Maintaining the Core Ethos

23:32- Navigating the Pandemic

24:30- The Birth of Other Voices Courage

25:21- Live Performances in Iconic Locations

26:51- Challenges and Triumphs in the Music Industry

28:59- Spotting and Nurturing Talent

33:13- The Unique Experience of Performing in Dingle

38:04- Ireland's Edge: Bridging Art and Science

42:18- Quickfire Round

45:47- Conclusion and Farewell

Watch Other Voices live on YouTube

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Find a creative job you love

Find out about the Big Give Christmas Challenge

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

One thing that’s on pretty much every business owner's mind is the advent of AI, what it means for your business, and how you can use it to get ahead of your competitors.

But AI is only one piece of the digital business puzzle…

In this episode of All About Business, James Reed CBE speaks to Oli Green, a trailblazing entrepreneur who has started and acquired multiple businesses across the digital landscape.

He reveals the key areas every business should be focusing on when it comes to digitisation and explains why he was able to raise a substantial amount of funding in just a few short weeks.

About the guest

Oli Green is CEO of Brave Bison, a digital advertising and technology services company. Brave Bison bought Social Chain in 2023, a social media agency founded by Steven Bartlett that has worked for global brands such as KFC and LinkedIn. Oli is also Chairman of Tangent, a company that helps enterprises build future ready digital experiences, products and capabilities with a focus on People, Planet and Purpose.

02:21 Digital First Approach

03:18 Emerging Trends in AI

04:47 Challenges in Recruiting AI Talent

06:45 Improving Digital Experiences

08:46 Social Media Strategies

09:55 Brave Bison's Four Divisions

17:18 Acquisition Strategies

24:36 Integration Challenges

29:18 Working with Family

37:41 Public Company Benefits

40:19 Conclusion and Future Vision

Connect with Oli on LinkedIn

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

At a time when consumers are fed up of ads (and advertisers), how can you connect with your target customers and stop them hitting the ‘skip now’ button?

In this episode of All About Business, James Reed is joined by award-winning director and veteran ad-man Paul Weiland OBE. He’ll share how some of Britain’s most well-loved ads were created, how to navigate the often tricky client/agency relationship and answers the question every marketer wants to know: how to create a profit-growing campaign everybody loves.

Paul is a writer, producer and director whose credits include Blackadder and Mr Bean.

He’s also directed 1000s of popular TV ads, most notably, the Gary Lineker Walkers ads.

In 2015, he received an OBE for his services to advertising and the creative industries.

02:24- Paul's Journey into Advertising

05:33- Early Career and Breakthroughs

09:01- Directing Commercials and Building a Reputation

20:14- The Walkers Crisps Campaign

25:47- Celebrity Endorsements in Walker's Ads

26:09- The Power Struggle with Supermarkets

28:15- What Makes a Good Client?

29:58- The Evolution of the Gary Lineker Campaign

31:58- The Importance of Continuity in Advertising

36:10- The Changing Landscape of Advertising

42:06- From Ads to Feature Films

45:11- Advice for the Next Generation

48:19- Reflections and Future Outlook

Discover how to connect with your customers online with our Digital Marketing Course

Interested in watching one of Paul’s movies? Check them out here

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Watch the hand-built by robots ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fXV6KzhBbM

Watch the infamous Gary Lineker ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuKgMSUU6-c

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

We often hear that we need to strive for a more diverse workforce. But what if just having diversity as your goal does more harm than good?

In this Episode of 'all about business', James is joined by Dr. Heather Melville, OBE CMgr CCMI FCBI, to explore how inclusive business practices can drive growth, retain talent, and align organisational values with commercial strength. They shed light on understanding different needs and demographics within the workplace that go beyond mere diversity so you can make impactful cultural changes to help your business thrive.

Heather is a Trustee and Senior Advisor, the Chancellor of York University and a Partner at Stork and May. She’s also the Chair and Non-Executive Director of CMI Women, where she empowers and develops women in leadership. In 2017, she was awarded an OBE for services to Business and Gender Equality, which is why she’s the perfect person to talk to us about building an inclusive business.

02:25 Defining Inclusivity in Business

03:58 Challenges and Misconceptions in Diversity

06:55 Practical Steps for Inclusivity

10:57 Leadership and Inclusivity

17:09 The Cost of Ignoring Inclusivity

22:59 Real-World Examples and Stereotyping

26:23 Gender Pay Gap and Organisational Accountability

27:33 Creating Fair and Equitable Workplaces

27:59 Inclusive Hiring Practices

29:23 The Importance of Leadership in Inclusion

30:17 Employee Advocacy and Organisational Response

31:00 Personal Experiences with Leadership

36:12 Balancing Work and Personal Life

44:45 Recruitment Strategies and Positive Action

48:16 Looking Forward: Future Goals and Reflections

50:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Welcome to 'all about business' with me, James Reed.

Every episode, you’ll hear the highs and lows of what it means to be a true business leader to empower you to implement smarter, more meaningful strategy in your business or career.