Make it Your Business

"Expositional dialogue is always a last resort." In this episode of  Make It Your Business , James Murray and his co-host look at content marketing through a cinematic lens. Drawing from 16 years of filmmaking experience, they discuss why standard video content often falls flat and how deep film analysis can help you capture your audience’s imagination. In this episode, we discuss: The P...

Are you using AI to build business relationships, or are you accidentally pushing clients away?  In Episode 18 of  Make It Your Business , James Murray and Duncan Casey break down a realistic framework for business owners navigating AI content production. Duncan shares how he uses modern machine learning for workflow efficiencies like rotoscoping, eye-correction, and ideation, while warning agains...

In this episode of  Make It Your Business , James Murray and Duncan Casey dive into the heated debate surrounding AI in the film industry. Triggered by recent comments from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, the duo explores whether AI is a revolutionary tool for creators or a "slop generator" that threatens the human connection at the heart of storytelling. Duncan, drawing from his experience...

Everything You Need to Know About the UK Government’s Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)   If you’re a  UK business owner or company director  looking to understand how the  Growth Guarantee Scheme  works — this episode breaks it all down.   We cover how the  GGS compares to previous government schemes  like CBILS, Bounce Back Loans (BBL) and RLS, what funding is available, and how to use your loan to...

Cash flow tight even though your business is growing? You might be overtrading which is one of the biggest hidden risks for UK SMEs. In this episode of Make It Your Business, James Murray, founder of James Murray Finance, shares the same insights and systems he uses with his clients to help them fix cash flow problems and fund business growth the smart way. In this episode we uncover:What overtrad...

In this episode of  Make It Your Business , James and Duncan break down the real role of  lead magnets  in modern business — and why they’re often confused with genuinely  evergreen products .   We explore what “evergreen” actually means in 2026, why it’s  not  the same as passive income, and how the landscape has changed now that AI, content saturation, and shifting buyer expectations have reshap...

In this episode of Make It Your Business, James Murray (of James Murray Finance) pulls back the curtain on Modern Business Magazine — a brand-new publication for UK business owners that blends finance, growth strategy, marketing insights, and mindset.   We explore why creating your own magazine can be a powerful marketing tool, what goes into making one from scratch, and how you can use non-standa...

Is the remote working dream over—or just evolving? In this episode of Make It Your Business, UK business owners James Murray and Duncan Casey dive into the future of remote and hybrid work, exploring what it really means for your business in 2025.   From John Lewis and HSBC tightening office rules, to tech and marketing firms thriving in hybrid setups, we unpack the pros, cons, and hidden truths b...

In this episode, we dive into the power of storytelling for UK business owners, drawing inspiration from The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr – a must-read for anyone serious about building real connections with their customers. Co-hosts James Murray, Founder of Finance Brokerage James Murray Finance, and Duncan Casey of Content Marketing Strategy Company Copper Sprocket, unpack how stories c...

Following on from Episode 7, where we planned the perfect business promo shoot, Episode 9 brings it full circle as James Murray quizzes Duncan Casey on how the real-life shoot unfolded with luxury travel brand MacLean & Bruce – specialists in high-end whisky experiences and Scottish heritage tours.   This episode is packed with real-world lessons for business owners on creating standout video...

In this episode of Make It Your Business, Duncan Casey and James Murray explore the age-old business debate: is it better to be a niche specialist or a versatile generalist?   They discuss examples from film and acting, content marketing, tech, and even Swiss Army knives, all while asking how business owners can carve out a USP in a world being reshaped by AI and vertical video.   Whether you're b...

In Episode 7 of the Make It Your Business Podcast, James Murray quizzes co-host Duncan Casey about his upcoming video project in Scotland, and things get practical fast. This episode dives deep into the behind-the-scenes logistics of producing a business promo video, covering everything from budgeting and project planning to B-roll strategy and using your video content wisely. James throws in a br...

In this episode, Duncan and James break down the top three business mistakes they see regularly among startups and SMEs — from over-trading and overreaching to cash flow pitfalls and aging debt. Packed with insight from both the finance and marketing world, this is a must-listen for business owners who want to grow without burning out or going bust. Practical, no-fluff advice — all delivered with...

Welcome back to Make It Your Business! In this episode, James Murray and Duncan Casey unpack the real truth about business networking… the good, the bad, and the occasionally awkward.   From overcoming the fear of walking into a room full of strangers to crafting a memorable 30-second pitch, we dive into what actually works when it comes to networking in the UK. Whether you're attending BNI, j...

Welcome back to Make It Your Business! In this episode, James Murray and Duncan Casey dive into the real-world experiences of using social media as a UK business owner. From winning enquiries through TikTok to navigating the evolving landscape of digital marketing, they share practical tips, challenges, and strategies for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs.   We cover which social media platforms...

Parenting and entrepreneurship: can you really do both? In Episode 3 of Make It Your Business, UK-based small business owners James Murray (finance broker) and Duncan Casey (content marketing producer) share the real-life struggles and strategies of raising children while building their businesses.   Expect honest chat on cash flow, mental health, seeking investment, content marketing, and how to...

Make It Your Business – Episode 2: The Filmmaking and Cultural Impact of  Adolescence Episode Summary In this episode, we take a deep dive into  Adolescence , the new Netflix drama that has everyone talking. As filmmakers, we examine the show’s storytelling techniques, cinematography, and direction—what works, what doesn’t, and what makes it stand out. We also discuss its broader cultural impact a...

In the debut episode of  Make It Your Business , Duncan and James dive into the real, unfiltered struggles of growing a startup. From navigating cash flow issues to handling imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with honest insights and hard-learned lessons. Join us as we share our experiences, mistakes, and strategies to help fellow business owners and entrepreneurs push through the toughest...