Get Better in Chelmsford

What if the garden sold itself - you just had to get people through the gate? In this episode, Richard speaks to Sue from RHS Hyde Hall, one of just five RHS gardens in the country and firmly on Chelmsford's doorstep. From the sweeping hilltop views to the plot-to-plate vegetable garden, Sue shares what makes Hyde Hall so much more than its horticultural reputation suggests. They explore how...

You've seen the lorries. But do you know the story? Woodland Group is one of Essex's biggest businesses - a global supply chain logistics company with around 900 people across the UK, USA, Ireland and Asia, with Chelmsford at its heart.  In this episode, Richard speaks to Jason Shuttleworth, who's been with the company for 21 years, to explore the journey from a Basildon phone numbe...

From celebrity photographer to beekeeper. And why that's not as strange as it sounds. In this episode, Richard speaks to Tony, founder of Plan Bee - the Essex-based beekeeping project that's part business, part conservation mission, and part last line of defence for the honeybee. Tony spent 30 years photographing the likes of Kate Moss, Ocean Colour Scene, and Bill Bailey before making t...

What does it mean to build a law firm in a city you genuinely believe in? In this episode, Richard speaks to Andrew from Ellison's - a regional law firm that arrived in the city in 2018 with two partners, four people, and a clear set of values. Today, they have seven partners, 40 desks, and a full commercial and private client offering. Andrew talks about why staying aligned to values - rathe...

Prevention, not cure. That's the message from Lucy at Tees Law - and it's one most business owners probably need to hear. In this episode, Richard speaks to Lucy from Tees Law, a firm with over a century of history and a commercial practice that works with businesses from first idea all the way through to exit. They get into the practical stuff - what micro businesses get wrong and why i...

She texted a few friends, put a poster up in a coffee shop, and hoped for the best. Twelve women showed up. Two years later, the WhatsApp group has 560 members. In this episode, Richard speaks to Megan, founder of Girls Run Chelmsford - the all-women running community that started as a Wednesday evening jog and has grown into something much bigger. Megan talks about why running alone as a woman is...

He set a goal in 2012 to buy a football club. He didn't know how much it would cost. He didn't know how long it would take. He wrote it down anyway. Years later, he bought Chelmsford City FC. In this episode, Richard speaks to Spencer Gore - founder of EMJ (European Medical Journal), one of the UK's leading healthcare publishing businesses, and the man now trying to put Chelmsford o...

What if the best networking event you ever attended wasn't technically a networking event at all? In this episode, Richard speaks to Chris Budd from CBHC Accountants about the communities he's built - not around PowerPoint and name badges, but around running shoes, shared values, and a genuine belief that patience is the best business development strategy there is. Chris created the Runn...

Gareth Barton, Creative Director at Spacio, is on a mission to create remarkable workplaces that go beyond desks and design — crafting environments that inspire purpose, connection, and culture. From post-conflict zones to boardrooms, Gareth’s career is anything but ordinary. Now Creative Director at Spacio, he channels 35+ years of experience in storytelling, strategy and design into building wor...

What if your next best customer was already in your data? In this episode, we dive into the world of business intelligence with James Neale, Co-Founder of Integra Data Solutions — the award-winning specialists who are changing how businesses find, understand, and reach their audiences. From GDPR-compliant strategies to data enrichment and razor-sharp customer segmentation, James shares how Integra...

How do you build prestige in a sport where history reigns supreme?  Chelmsford City Racecourse may be the youngest in the UK, but it’s quickly making a name for itself — not just in horse racing, but as an all-star entertainment venue. In this episode, we chat with Justin Deeny, Head of Marketing at Chelmsford City Racecourse, about the challenge of carving out a legacy, attracting top-tier racing...

How do you protect 600 acres of heritage while keeping it relevant in the modern world? Join us as we sit down with Lorraine Thorne, Manager at Hylands House, to uncover how a near-derelict estate was transformed into one of Essex’s most sought-after venues. From grand weddings and festivals to artisan markets and corporate retreats, Hylands is more than just a historic house — it’s a living, brea...

What if sport could do more than keep us fit — what if it could transform lives? In this episode, we sit down with Jake Turner from Sport for Confidence to explore how they’re tackling health inequalities and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities and long-term conditions. From placing occupational therapists in leisure centres to collaborating with local authorities and healthcare te...

Great teams are built on talent, not labels. In this episode, we dive into how inclusive employment is changing lives and breaking down harmful prejudices against people with learning disabilities. Caroline Giess from ECL shares how they connect skilled candidates with the right employers, while Hollie Austin from Moto Pizza explains why hiring inclusively is a game-changer. Plus, hear from Beth C...

In this episode, Lisa Bone, Strategic Tourism Manager at Visit Essex, shares how they're redefining Essex’s identity. From vibrant cities and cultural hotspots to unspoilt coastlines and rolling countryside, Lisa and her team are on a mission to inspire civic pride and showcase Essex as a must-visit destination. She also pulls back the curtain on the world of destination management — because...

Meet Jen Stanley and Laura Davis, the founders of Stanley & Davis, a modern HR consultancy redefining workplace culture. They're tearing up the old HR rule book to create high-performing, people-first businesses. Forget the outdated, corporate view of HR — these two are all about humanising the workplace, aligning company culture with external branding, and building high-performing teams...

Operating from her family farm, Jo Pike’s main marketing weapon is word of mouth and, of course, offering truly great experiences. Join us as we explore Jo’s journey with Writtle Sunflowers. From a small family business to a successful haven that families flock to every summer – this little slice of countryside has a very interesting story to tell. Writtle Sunflowers: www.writtlesunflowers.co.uk W...

With over 15 years of experience in the cocktail industry, inventing new and exciting drinks for large drink brands, Zane Chiswell-Rivas learnt a thing or two about spirits. And, during the height of COVID-19, he decided to try something new: creating a distillery out of his gran's one-car garage. In this episode, you’ll hear the inspiring story of Essex Spirits Company, from overcoming suppl...

In this episode, Steve Revill shares his journey as Managing Director at Rickard Luckin. From the enduring relevance of the four P's to the importance of workplace values, join us as we uncover the secret to crafting a culture of continuous improvement within a well-established brand. Rickard Luckin: www.rickardluckin.co.uk Get Better in Chelmsford LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/get-be...

After working as an apprentice and building her social media presence, Sophie Waghorn decided to take things to the next level and start her very own studio: Thistle & Thorn Tattoo. In episode 5, we explore Sophie’s marketing journey – from making customers feel comfortable and confident, to creating art that people want to shout about. Sophie Waghorn Instagram: @swaghorntattoo Thistle & T...

In this episode, we welcome two wonderful guests to the podcast – Lauren Penney and Julie Chandler from Chandler Material Supplies Ltd, a family-owned and run business. Starting as a building company selling excess materials in the 1950s, Chandler Materials has become a successful building merchant and works closely with the local community. From overcoming marketing challenges to addressing the l...

In this episode, we speak to Paul Wilkinson, owner of Studio 808 – which, funnily enough, is where we record this podcast! Starting as a DJ, Paul is now a producer with 25 years of expertise and has forged an inspiring space and creative community with access to first-class recording and editing equipment. Join us as we delve into his journey, from overcoming challenges to building a successful bu...

It’s the season finale – and we’re ending things on a high with Eve Calderbank, creator of Ambitious Women in Essex. Having experienced hostile working environments in the past, Eve was determined to be the change she needed for herself. And so she created the Ambitious Women in Essex community, a place where women can support women. And where networking is actually a whole lot of fun. Eve LinkedI...

In episode 1, we speak to Kevin Bennett, who has been a custodian of the Chelmsford Star Co-op brand for over a decade. From inherited loyalty and changing tastes to the rise of social media, Kevin offers a fascinating insight into building and maintaining awareness for a historic brand. Join us as we uncover the balance between staying relevant to the current generation, and staying true to a 155...