Berwick Partners Podcast Channel

In our first episode we are joined by Mark Lapping, who's CEO of Aquapak polymers. Aquapak polymers are a specialist materials technology company developing innovative, sustainable polymer solutions to tackle plastic pollution. Mark's got a fantastic track record in the packaging space. He's been president of Coveris previously and he's held senior leadership roles at Paragon and Mondi. In this ep...

In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, Colin Roope sits down with experienced business leader and non‑executive director Paul Hetherington to explore what truly makes a high‑performing board and how executives can successfully transition into non‑executive roles. With a background spanning executive leadership, government advisory work, and multiple board positions, Paul brings a refreshingly h...

In this episode, Elizabeth James, Partner and Head of Education and Government Practices at Berwick Partners speaks with Professor Moira Fischbacher‑Smith and Professor Chris Pearce from the University of Glasgow about the evolving relationship between research and education in a modern, research‑intensive university. They explore how teaching and research can meaningfully reinforce one another, t...

In this episode of The SME Leadership Series , Alka Gandhi speaks with Amanda McLaren , a highly respected UK manufacturing leader and the first non-family Managing Director in AW Hainsworth’s 240+ year history. Amanda has also recently been recognised at the 2026 Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards for her leadership as CEO of the Year Amanda brings over 35 years of experience in UK manufacturi...

Leading Through Disruption with Alun Tribe, CEO of IMIG In this episode of Manufacturing Matters , the podcast where we explore the journeys of senior leaders across the UK manufacturing sector, we sit down with Alun Tribe , CEO of the International Management Innovation Group (IMIG) . IMIG is a global consultancy working with manufacturers to transform performance, strengthen resilience, and boos...

In this inspiring conversation, William Pringle , Partner and Head of Charity, Arts, Culture and Heritage at Berwick Partners , speaks with Suzi Digby OBE , renowned conductor, educator, and cultural innovator, about the extraordinary journey of ORA Singers . As the ensemble approaches its 10th anniversary, Suzi reflects on her bold artistic vision, the renaissance of choral music, and the challen...

In this Berwick Partners podcast , host Elizabeth James , Head of Government, Local Government, and Education Practices, sits down with Beth Chaudhary and Rachel Cooper , Directors of Strategy and Regulatory Compliance at the Food Standards Agency. Together, they share their decade-long experience as a successful job share duo, offering insights into how this model works at senior levels, why it m...

From Engineer to First Time CEO: Alan Brooke’s Journey On this episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, I’m delighted to welcome Alan Brooke, CEO of Gill Group. Alan’s career spans a diverse range of organisations—from privately owned businesses to global blue-chips like Wärtsilä and Danaher. His journey from engineering and operational leadership to the CEO seat is a testament to curiosity,...

In this episode of Built to Lead, the podcast where we talk to senior senior leaders in the Housing sector about their careers, thoughts on current events and issues, and hopefully give you some things to take away that will add to your own leadership journey, we are joined by Neil Yeomans, ex-Head of Property Safety and Technology at Orbit Group. Neil talks to us about stepping into the world of...

In this podcast, Elizabeth James sits down with Professor Jane Green, a leading figure in British political science. Jane is a professor at Nuffield College, University of Oxford, and serves as the director of the Nuffield Politics Research Centre. She also co-directs the British Election Study and is the president of the British Politics Group of the American Political Science Association. You ma...

Join me in conversation with David Ripley, COO at Stonewater as we discuss his career in Housing, along with his customer service philosophy, the future of AI in Housing, and his vision in his role at Stonewater. From his customer experience focused role at Thirteen, to his Operations remit at Stonewater, we discuss the importance of a customer centric culture, and how Housing Associations can wor...

Lisa Wallace has a really interesting background, starting her career within HR in the commercial sector before gradually winding her way through more socially focussed organisations and ending up at whg, where she has spent the last 3 years. Our conversation covers Lisa’s career, her interest in the housing sector and how closely entwined culture is with the service that customers receive. We als...

On our first episode of this Manufacturing Matters podcast , we are thrilled to welcome a friend to our firm, and powerhouse in business transformation and strategic leadership, Kate Davies. Kate is a seasoned change agent with a remarkable track record of driving operational excellence and strategic change across the manufacturing and engineering sectors. With board-level experience in both UK an...

In this episode Bonnie Amos-English, Consultant in our Regeneration and Housing Practice sits down with Nicki Jenkins, Corporate Director for Growth and City Development at Nottingham City Council. They discuss Nicki's experience of working for the Council for over 20 years along with the objectives for the future around housing strategy and inclusive growth. They also talk about the plan for the...

In this episode, host Bonnie Amos-English speaks with Matthew Norwell, Director of Place at London Borough of Bexley about the journey he and his team have been on during his 4 years with the Council. Matthew talks about the hard work done to get the directorate into a strong and stable state that they can now “springboard” from to achieve the exciting plans the Council has around Growth and Regen...

Welcome to "Switching Sectors with Berwick Partners," the podcast series that delves into the fascinating career journeys of leaders who have successfully navigated across different industries. In each episode, we explore the unique career histories, pivotal decisions, and strategic moves that have enabled these leaders to thrive in new sectors. In our inaugural episode, host Bonnie Amos-English s...

John and Berwick Partners’ Principal Consultant, Tom Ewen discuss John's career to date, as well as the motivations which have driven him throughout his career. He also reflects on how leading British Brands Group and working with the members has had a meaningful impact on the lives of virtually every consumer in the UK and across the world.  The release of this podcast coincides with the the...

As we explore the journeys of professionals in the placemaking sector, we are excited to introduce the first episode. We kick things off with Ben Heywood from Liverpool City Council. Ben's career, as you will hear is a fascinating blend of commercial and public sector experience and he shares insights from his year so far at the Council, his vision for his new team and how he continues to integrat...

In this episode, Liam Young explores the world of external affairs with Michelle Smyth, Head of External and Government Affairs at the Open University. Together, they explore the vital but often misunderstood role of external affairs teams within universities. Michelle shares firsthand insights into her daily responsibilities, navigating the general election campaign, and fostering meaningful conn...

In this podcast we are speaking to Jo Causon the Chief Executive of the Institute of Customer Service. Jo and Berwick Partners’ Principal consultant, Tom Ewen discuss how critical customer service is to the economy of the UK and in creating a conducive environment for a thriving business. The launch of this podcast coincides with the publications of The Institute’s flagship annual report the Custo...

In this podcast, we are speaking with Professor David Grayson CBE, Chair of the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE). David and Berwick Partners’ Principal Consultant, Tom Ewen discuss the Institute and the work that it undertakes and relates specifically to a search which Berwick Partners is undertaking with IBE to find their new Chief Executive Officer. David reflects on what Business Ethics is an...