About Small Business

In this empowering episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Danielle Walling, the inspiring entrepreneur behind Bella Sorella Hair & Beauty in Consett and founder of the rapidly growing North East Hair & Beauty Awards. Danielle started her career in the care industry, where she quickly excelled—but her passion for eyelash extensions sparked a bold decision: to dive hea...

In this inspiring episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Simon Cataldo, former Firefighter and Royal Navy serviceman, and now the owner of Cataldo Training, based in the North East of England. Simon brings a refreshing perspective on success, business, and life — one that values time, freedom, and fulfilment over chasing money. Drawing from his background in the emergency se...

In this brand-new episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we welcome back Dave Head, owner of Northern Design and Digital Marketing, to talk about his exciting new direction — helping small businesses embrace AI and automation to save time, boost productivity, and scale smarter. Since his last appearance, Dave’s business has evolved rapidly. Now a proud dad to a six-month-old baby boy, he’s f...

In this episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Kris Murray, founder of KRS Fire Safety Solutions, to talk about his fascinating journey from the Royal Air Force and Fire Service to becoming a successful fire safety consultant and business owner. Kris shares how his early ventures in car valeting and mobile mechanics taught him the value of door knocking, referrals, and resil...

Surviving 32 Years in Business | Michael Knowles of MK Print Solutions | About Small Business Podcast In this episode of the  About Small Business Podcast , we sit down with  Michael Knowles , owner of  MK Print Solutions in  Lanchester, County Durham  — a man who’s been in business for  over 32 years  and is still going strong. Michael shares his incredible journey through one of the  fastest-cha...

Michelle opens up about living with invisible illnesses and how they’ve shaped her incredible resilience, empathy, and determination to succeed in business. Her story is a powerful reminder that kindness can be a currency — and that doing good can also be good for business. We explore the future of socially responsible entrepreneurship, the importance of mental health and self-care in leadership,...

In this episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Mark Flood, an experienced chef, publican, and entrepreneur who owns Crinnions of Lanchester and The Traveller’s Rest in Belmont, both in County Durham. Mark shares his journey growing up around pubs and kitchens, how he followed his passion for food, and why family values and hard work remain at the heart of everything he does....

In this episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Knowles, founder of Roar Digital, a niche digital marketing agency based in the North East of England. Michael shares why he focuses only on the areas where he can deliver better than anyone else, and how outsourcing the rest has been key to his success. We dive into the specifics of SEO, the importance of setting up anal...

In this inspiring episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Aran Embleton, founder of Aran Embleton Coaching, based in County Durham. Aaron shares her journey of determination as a female football player long before women’s football became fashionable. We discuss the challenges she faced growing up in the North East of England, the difficulties of being discovered as a player o...

In this episode of About Small Business, we sit down with Emma Weatherburn, founder of Mint Moments, a growing social media business based in Lanchester, County Durham. Emma shares her journey of transitioning from a teaching career into the world of social media management, working with a range of corporate clients and developing strategies that drive engagement and growth. We also dive into Emma...

We train our bodies every day — but what about our minds? 🧠💪In this episode of About Small Business, I sit down with David Wilkinson, a leading Mental Performance Coach based in the North East of England. David shares powerful insights into why mental training is just as important as physical training, practical strategies for coping with day-to-day challenges, and what it really takes to start...

In this episode of About Small Business, I sit down with James Ibbitson, founder of Visual Punch, a content creation specialist based in the North East of England. James shares his journey of overcoming the financial struggles of building a business, why motivation and discipline are key to success, and how the power of networking can open unexpected doors. Whether you’re a small business owner, a...

In this episode of About Small Business, I chat with Neil Jackson, owner of Media Arts, a creative marketing company based in Consett, County Durham. Neil shares how following his passion and the power of networking helped him grow his business and land incredible opportunities — including getting his work featured on Netflix, Sky, and Amazon Prime. We cover:🔹 Why following your passion is key to...

In this inspiring episode of About Small Business, we sit down with Aidan and Richard Weatherburn, the dynamic team of brothers behind Grandpa’s Fish Bar in Lanchester, County Durham — a thriving local fish and chip shop with a loyal following. We explore:🔹 How following your passion can lead to unexpected success🔹 The challenges and rewards of working with family🔹 How spotting a market opportu...

In this episode of About Small Business, we’re joined by Graem Tennick, founder of Tennick Accountants, based in the North East of England. Graeme shares his journey from growing up in a family business to building his own successful accountancy firm that helps clients thrive across multiple sectors. We discuss:🔹 The influence of growing up with a business-owning father🔹 The diverse industries a...

In this thought-provoking episode of About Small Business, we sit down with Georgina Williams Hodgson, a powerhouse entrepreneur and the founder of nousana, owner of Reach Further Online, and part-owner of REJUVENAIR, all based in the North East of England. We dive deep into:🔹 The fascinating link between science and spirituality🔹 How neurodiversity shapes personal and professional growth🔹 What...

In this episode of About Small Business, we sit down with Jan Cook, founder of Jan Cook Wills and Estates, based in the North East of England. Jan specialises in helping individuals and families with estate planning, ensuring their loved ones are protected and their legacies are secure. We explore topics that matter deeply to both aspiring and established entrepreneurs:🏫 The challenges with today...

In this insightful episode of About Small Business, we speak with Laurie Stirling, founder of Laurie Stirling Consultants, based in the North East of England. Laurie specialises in helping businesses streamline their operations, ensuring they get the most from their time, money, and resources. We dive into topics that every entrepreneur and small business owner needs to hear:🚨 Why being ‘your bus...

In this inspiring episode of About Small Business, we sit down with Karl Okey, owner of Derwent Decorators, a respected decorating firm based in the North East of England. Karl shares his honest views on:🎓 How the education system continues to fail those who aren’t academically gifted👨‍👧‍👦 Why family values and a strong work ethic are the backbone of lasting success🎨 The importance of discove...

In this episode of About Small Business, we’re joined by Kane Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Digital, a thriving web design and digital marketing agency based in the North East of England. We dive into:🔹 How website design has evolved and what modern businesses must include🔹 The free tools and platforms small businesses can use to boost their online presence🔹 The growing role of AI in web develo...

In this powerful episode of About Small Business, we speak with Alison Dunn, CEO of Society Matters Group CIC, a social enterprise based in the North East of England. We explore:The shocking statistics around life expectancy, poverty, and social inequality in the UKHow Alison transitioned from a successful corporate career to leading a mission-driven organisation*The role of business in creating l...

In this inspiring episode of About Small Business, we sit down with Chris and Issy Howell, the dynamic father-daughter duo behind Howell Media, a successful video production company based in the North East of England. We discuss:The unique experience of running a family businessChris and Issy's personal journeys into media and filmmakingThe challenges and shortcomings of the UK education syste...

In this episode of About Small Business, we’re joined by Nic Redman, a renowned voice coach, VoiceOver artist, and former stand-up comedian based in the North East of England. With a background in theatre, performance, and broadcasting, Nic shares how mastering your voice can unlock confidence, presence, and opportunity—both on and off the mic. We explore:The power of the human voice in communicat...

In this episode of About Small Business, we sit down with Pascal Fintoni, a seasoned digital marketing expert and founder of Pascal Fintoni & Associates, based in County Durham. Originally from France, Pascal brings decades of experience helping businesses grow through storytelling, online visibility, and more recently, the implementation of AI tools. We discuss:The future of AI in marketingHo...

In this episode, we chat with Terance South, founder of ISR Laser in County Durham. Terance shares how a career in engineering — including time spent in China learning the language — shaped his journey into entrepreneurship. We explore his thoughts on the UK education system, what led him to start a manufacturing business, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build something practi...