"It's Your Business"

In this episode of It’s Your Business , Kath is joined by Sarah, CEO of HAPPA, the Horses and Ponies Protection Association, for a moving and inspiring conversation about passion, purpose and leadership. Sarah shares how her love of horses began as a very small child, despite not coming from a horsey family, and how that passion eventually led her to HAPPA, first as a young supporter adopting a po...

In this episode of It’s Your Business , Kath is joined by Suzanne Waring, owner of the Helping Hands Group, for a warm and inspiring conversation about building a business from the ground up and growing it through trust, quality and genuine care. Suzanne shares how the business began nearly 28 years ago when, after working for Lancashire Constabulary and becoming a mum to twin boys, she decided sh...

In this episode of It’s Your Business , Kath is joined by Rebecca Moloney from The Career Garage for a practical and timely conversation about careers, confidence, LinkedIn and getting hired in an increasingly tough and confusing job market. Rebecca explains the thinking behind The Career Garage, a business designed to help people “pop the bonnet” on their job search, work out what is not quite wo...

In this episode of It’s Your Business , Kath is joined by Darren Bentham, founder of Interact Digital and The AI Works, for a fascinating conversation about AI, digital marketing, compliance and the future of business visibility. Darren explains how Interact Digital supports businesses with websites, content and online marketing, while The AI Works helps organisations use AI, machine learning and...

In this episode of It’s Your Business , Kath is joined by Dan Armitage, co-founder of Neuro-Sparks Business Solutions, for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about neurodiversity, identity and building a business from lived experience. Dan shares his journey from school, where he always knew he processed the world differently, through a successful career in banking and financial services, to...

In this episode of It’s Your Business , Kath is joined by Sarah Hanson from Interactifs for a thoughtful and empowering conversation about confidence, communication and the power of getting the right words out at the right time. With a background in HR and 10 years of training and coaching behind her, Sarah helps people have more impact in conversations, speak up more clearly, and handle difficult...

In this episode of It’s Your Business , Kath is joined by Thomas “Nelly” Ellacott of GBIS Communications for an eye-opening conversation about one of the biggest changes facing businesses right now: the phase-out of traditional landlines and the move to digital communications. Nelly explains why so many business owners still do not realise what is coming, what the 2027 switch-off means in practice...

In this episode of It’s Your Business , Kath is joined by Jude Wharton, one half of husband-and-wife team Ready Steady Websites , for an honest and insightful conversation about building a business around family life and making it work for the long haul. Jude shares how she and her husband Chris took the leap into business 16 years ago while expecting their first child, after realising that long h...

In this episode of It’s Your Business , Kath is joined by Jackie Wilkinson of Jackie Wilkinson Nutrition Coaching for a fascinating conversation about health, food and the life-changing impact of getting nutrition right.  Jackie shares how she spent 23 years working in science before finding her true path in nutrition coaching, a journey shaped by her own experiences with elite sport, illness and...

In this deeply moving episode of It’s Your Business , Kath sits down with Gemma Anyon for a conversation that is as powerful as it is inspiring. Gemma shares the raw truth of her early life, from growing up in an abusive household and entering the care system at the age of 10, to leaving care at 16 without the support she needed, and spiralling into drink, drugs, debt and deep trauma in her teenag...

In this week's episode of It’s Your Business , Kath chats to Liz, of Liz Henson Photography about what it really takes to stay in business for 20 years.  From university and dark rooms to digital photography, branding shoots, events and people-led business photography, Liz shares how she built her business step by step while adapting to changes in both the industry and family life. They also...

In this episode of It’s Your Business , Kath is joined by Sarah Griffin from SMILE Mediation for a powerful conversation about conflict, communication and the journey that shaped her career. Sarah explains how mediation can help in workplaces, neighbourhoods and communities by giving people a safe space to be heard, challenge assumptions and work towards their own solutions. She shares real exampl...

In this powerful first episode of the new It’s Your Business series (5), Kath speaks to business growth coach Andrea Rainsford about a career built on connection, a life-changing stroke at 32, and the long road back to rebuilding both herself and her business.  Andrea shares how years of pushing through illness, tying her identity to success, and ignoring the warning signs led to a devastating col...

In this special solo episode of It’s Your Business , KLG (Your Fairy Podmother®) shares the story behind her 25+ years in audio, from radio news and presenting to podcast production and training. Kath breaks down what a podcast really is, why audio is one of the most underrated tools in business marketing, and how local businesses can use podcasting without the pressure of weekly episodes forever....

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Oliver Alcock , CEO and owner of The Printed Cup Company , for a brilliant, honest conversation about business growth, reinvention, and keeping your local roots no matter how far your work travels. Oliver takes us back to the beginning, when he launched Oliver Alcock Computers in Clitheroe as a one-man band, simply aiming to replace his...

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Sarah Lynas of Sarah Lynas Coaching , who helps women build real confidence, not the loud, surface-level kind, but the steady self-belief that changes how you show up in business and life. Sarah shares why her work is so personal: she has lived the self-doubt, the feeling of being stuck, and the frustration of knowing you are capable of...

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Judith Dugdale from PM+M Accountants , a Lancashire-founded firm that has been supporting businesses for over 100 years , with offices across Lancashire. Judith explains what “modern accountancy” really looks like today, from the familiar essentials like accounts, tax, payroll and audit, to more specialist support such as corporate finan...

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Molly , Marketing Manager at Mytton Fold , to reveal why it is so much more than a hotel. Molly shares how her role covers every part of the business, from promoting the bedrooms and restaurant to working closely with the weddings team, events, and day-to-day guest experience. We talk about Mytton Fold’s story through COVID, the transfor...

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Ann Lord , founder of Artisan Escapes , an office-based travel agency in Whalley built around personal service and thoughtfully planned holidays. Ann shares her journey through the travel world, starting at just 14, moving into travel management, then living her dream as cabin crew, before a career twist into teaching. That blend of expe...

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Victoria Hill from Harrison Drury Solicitors , talking about their Ribble Valley office based in Clitheroe , and their growing presence across the North West with multiple offices and a team of more than 220 people, while still keeping that smaller-firm feel locally. Victoria shares her specialist area in private client work , including...

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by James Evans from Evans Accountants , a long-standing firm originally founded by his dad in the mid-1990s, now based in Whalley . James shares the journey from the business starting in a front room to growing into a thriving team, with staff who have been part of the firm for well over a decade. We talk about the recent leadership transit...

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Laura Sieczkowski , Managing Director of Mantle Packaging Machinery Ltd , a brilliant family business based in Whalley that quietly supplies packaging machines used in food retail across the UK and around the world. Laura explains what Mantle makes, from machines that wrap fresh pizzas and seal ready-meal trays, to the consumables that g...

In this episode of It’s Your Business , I’m joined by Pauline Wilde , Managing Partner at Forbes Solicitors , a full-service law firm with deep Lancashire roots and a national reach. Pauline shares the story of Forbes, from its origins as a traditional high street practice to a modern, specialist firm spanning personal, commercial, and public sector legal services, with offices beyond Lancashire i...

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Simon McDonald from Bowland Wild Boar Park , a family-run destination in the Ribble Valley that has grown into so much more than a day out with the animals. Simon shares the story of taking over the park in 2019 , how they brought the animal attraction back to life, and how the wider site now includes holiday lodges and a busy programme...

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Katie Wright from Woodcocks, Haworth & Nuttall , a long-established law firm with nine offices across Lancashire and roots dating back to 1791 . Katie explains what a modern full-service solicitor firm can help with, and shares her own specialist area, civil litigation , covering disputes such as landlord and tenant issues, boundary...