The West Midlands Business Podcast

Alistair Hayward-Wright, CEO of Hayward Wright Accountancy and Advisory, shares the story of his evolving business journey and the people-first culture he’s built within his firm. With a strong focus on client relationships, staff development, and embracing new technologies, Alistair has shaped a modern, approachable accountancy practice rooted in the heart of the West Midlands. He reflects on key...

Iain McCallister, founder of MAN Commercial Protection, has grown his Solihull-based security company into a national operation over 32 years. Iain’s breakthrough came in 1996 with a high-profile contract supporting pop group Ocean Colour Scene—an opportunity that opened doors to further work with major events and artists across the UK. Iain credits the company’s success to its dedicated team, man...

Eman Al-Hillawi, CEO and business partner at Entec Si —a Birmingham-based business change consultancy—shares how the city’s rich culture and diversity have influenced her professional journey and helped shape the people-first values at the heart of Entec Si.   She reflects on navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, building a values-driven team, and the role of mentorship in her growth...

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Stephen Timmins and Alex Footman, lifelong friends and founders of Stephen Alexander, a thriving consultancy based in Redditch. After 20 years in corporate roles, they launched their business to make a meaningful impact in their hometown, offering marketing, bid management, and business development services. Committed to social value, they mento...

Chris Smith, founder of the Centre for the New Midlands, shares his journey from working in higher education to launching an independent think tank in 2020. Despite starting the organisation during the uncertainty of the pandemic, Chris has built a platform focused on improving housing, infrastructure, and skills across the West Midlands.    Chris credits the Centre’s success to a strong network,...

Dan Boardman-Weston, the Chief Executive of BRI Wealth Management plc, shares his journey from an unexpected start in wealth management to leading a thriving financial planning firm in the West Midlands.     After gaining experience at his father’s firm, he pursued an MBA before returning to BRI, where he became CEO in 2022. His leadership has driven internal transformation, strengthening the firm...

Mel Hall, an area fundraiser for Acorns Children's Hospice, shares her inspiring journey with the organisation, which provides vital support to life-limited children and their families across the West Midlands. She highlights the hospice’s uplifting environment, focused on making memories and celebrating life.   Reflecting on challenges such as the pandemic’s impact on fundraising, Mel emphasi...

Samantha Cerrone, the founder of Cerrone Estates, shares her inspiring journey of launching a self-employed estate agency during the pandemic in 2020. With 15 years of industry experience, she took the leap into entrepreneurship after years of running businesses for others.    Emphasising the importance of building strong client relationships through empathy and support, her business culture prior...

Emma Cromarty, founder of EC Human Resources Ltd., shares her journey of running a successful HR business for the last 12 years. Rooted in the Black Country, she takes pride in the region’s hardworking culture and rich heritage. Originally seeking a better work-life balance, she has built a thriving company with a strong client retention rate.  Emma highlights the importance of trust, networking,...

In this episode we dive into the inspiring journey of Tim Dunkley from Brew 61, an award-winning micro-brewery based in Bromsgrove. From farming to brewing, discover how passion and perseverance turned a hobby into a thriving business .  Discover more about Brew 61 at: https://brew61.co.uk Want to share your story? Contact us at  ⁠⁠blackcountry@actioncoach.co.uk⁠⁠ Find out more on our website  ⁠⁠h...

Andy Toms, founder of TLM Laser, reflects on the company’s impressive evolution since its inception in 2005. Originally a service-led business specialising in marking lasers, TLM has transformed into a product-driven enterprise offering laser welding, plastic welding, and laser cleaning solutions. Andy attributes their success to adaptability and strong customer relationships.   Listen as Andy sha...

Irfan, James, and Manish, founders of Margenii, share their inspiring journey in building a SaaS company transforming the logistics industry with AI. Drawing from deep expertise in consulting and technology, the trio has tackled long-standing challenges in logistics, creating innovative solutions often overlooked by established companies. Their global team’s connectivity and focus on customer need...

Rainer Derry shares her inspiring journey from a career in commercial finance to joining Walsh Funerals and Memorials, a family-run business in the Black Country. She highlights the business’s multifaceted operations, including bespoke funerals, retail memorials, and wholesale services. Central to their mission is a deep commitment to community, exemplified by initiatives like the Little Angels ca...

Stuart Hobbs, the driving force behind Rothley, shares his transformative five-year journey with the historic 200-year-old metal manufacturing company. Facing global competition in 2018, Stuart introduced a cultural revolution, empowering employees with ownership and engagement, which fuelled a remarkable 350% turnover growth.   Listen as Stuart highlights the role of consumer psychology in drivin...

Tom Cash, the co-founder of Foxmere, shares the story of his company's impressive rise from humble beginnings to becoming a global player in the automation parts industry. Starting the business with his partner James in a bedroom, they grew it into a thriving enterprise with eight employees, nearly £2 million in revenue, and customers in 60 countries.    Tom reflects on his deep connection to the...

Tom Williams shares the remarkable evolution of Coinadrink, a family business rooted in the Black Country since 1962. Under his leadership, the company has transformed from £4.5 million to nearly £8 million turnover in just two and a half years, shifting its focus from hot drinks to a diverse range of snacks, cold beverages, and fresh food. Tom emphasises the importance of community support and co...

Claire Downes shares the fascinating journey of her diverse career in the creative arts sector. From launching her first business at the age of 19, to making her mark in the film and television industry through casting and coaching young talents, and even penning an ITV series set in the Black Country. Today, she stands as the CEO and Co-Founder of Virtual Decisions, a ground-breaking company dedi...

Chris Carter, the Co-founder and Managing Director of Void Applications, is Black Country born and raised and explains why he believes the region is a great place to start a business.    Listen as Chris shares his exciting twelve-year business journey, beginning as a gaming start-up fresh out of university, to changing the business focus to web and app development, and more recently winning the pr...

Son of the founder of The Big Pet Store, Darren Burke has been part of the Black Country ‘Pet Parent’ community since 1991. Today, in his role as Director, Darren explains how a shift in mindset and behaviour along with the introduction of business processes, helps him to make decisions based on data rather than emotion and how not panicking or reacting to short-term issues has brought stability t...

Nicola Price, Licensed Accountant and owner of Six Wands Accountants & Book Keepers, talks about the effect of being in charge of her own destiny for the first time in her life and discusses the challenges she’s faced as her business has grown, including recruiting the right people, investing time in training them and creating a structure that works.    Listen as Nicola talks about how her exp...

Have the best people, delivering the best projects and listen to your clients. These are the key messages from Daniel Williams, Director of Rubix MEP. Today, Daniel talks about how a mix of skill and attitude has helped shape the culture of the business and how being solutions focused and not prescriptive has attracted new clients and accelerated growth beyond expectation.    Listen as Daniel expl...

Lucy Cashmore, MD and owner of Daniel-Scott Recruitment Ltd. shares her experience of working in the recruitment industry, from ‘falling into it’ as a junior receptionist at the start of her career through to taking the plunge to set up her own business in 2020.   Listen as Lucy talks about how her business is bucking the trend by prioritising the importance of a work-life balance for her team, an...

Just think BIGGER!  Then learn to become the person to achieve those goals… James Mattin, MD of Bond Wolfe talks about thinking bigger.  Starting with 10 year goals, he shares how he plans backwards to daily goals to ensure that he’s always on track to achieve the future plan and direct his learning towards the achievement of those goals. Add to that more insights into building a great c...

More than the numbers…. Whilst numbers are undoubtedly the language of business, they’re also the effect of the people in the business and their actions. Alex Boulter, Partner at CK Chartered Accountants shares her perspectives on how business success is about more than the numbers.  Listen as Alex talks about the culture that exists in her firm, and how that culture fosters loyalty and staff...

Self-awareness, confidence and courage – the recipe for agility, change and improvement Adam Wootton from Impact Sales Coaching talks about how the mix of confidence, self-awareness and courage have allowed him to take focused and proactive action to drive his business forward, pivot and adapt in periods of change and remain resilient enough to keep on going. His overriding message: “Drop your sho...