Playbook for Success

What actually happens when you decide to grow by acquisition instead of grinding it out organically? In this first episode of 2026, we sit down with two operators who’ve done the hard yards and then stepped into the Champions League of business growth. Craig Brennan, Chairman of SK4 Holdings, and Eddie Ray, CEO of Progressive Education Group, share what it’s really like to buy, integrate and scale...

Want to grow overseas? Would Eastern Europe be the first place you’d think about master franchising? For many UK kids' activity providers, the answer is no. But maybe this episode will change that. We’re joined by Michal Dodok and Martin Rapavy, co-founders of Zooza, a smart admin and growth platform for children’s activity providers that’s thriving across Eastern Europe and now entering the...

AI in the Kids' Sector: Embracing Innovation Without Losing the Human Touch In this special roundtable episode of Playbook for Success , we’re diving headfirst into the world of AI – but with a twist. This isn’t a tech talk for Silicon Valley – it’s a practical conversation about what AI really means for the kids’ activity sector, alternative education, sport, play, and franchising . We’re jo...

🎙️ Owning vs. Renting: The Big Decision for Sports Coaches & Business Owners! Ever thought about taking the leap from renting spaces to owning your own sports facility? 🤔 Today’s guests, Mike Layfield (ML Sports and Fitness) & Rick (Junior Sports Stars), have been through it all - the risks, the costs, the surprises, and the rewards. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why they took the plunge...

Mike and Mark chat with Tim Freed and discuss all things automation, handy online tools and new innovative platforms for digital marketing excellence! Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real

In this episode of Playbook for Success , host Mark Rasche, with podcast producer Mike Roberts sit down with Steve Brown, co-founder of JB Sports and Education , to discuss the incredible journey of building a thriving business in the world of sports coaching, education, and community development. Steve shares the secrets behind his company's impressive growth from a small football coaching o...

Join Mark Rasche and Mike Roberts in this inspiring episode of the "Playbook for Success" podcast, where they chat with Tessa Day, the visionary behind ClubHub UK about the benefits of starting a business young and digital marketing you can do to be seen online. Discover how Tessa's journey from running a musical theatre club to pioneering the UK's largest children's activ...

Mark Rasche and Mike Roberts are joined in the virtual studio by Get Active founders Shaun, Ryan, and Rob. Learn how they built and scaled their sports and childcare business, the challenges they faced, and the process of successfully selling the company. They also share insights on building strong management teams and the importance of staff training. Discover how their new venture, Storyy Group...

In their first ever episode of "Playbook for Success," Mark Rasche and Mike Roberts sit down with Mark Whitwood, founder of Active Sports Group.  Discover Mark's journey from a passionate sports enthusiast to leading a successful children's activity business. He shares valuable insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of resilience, and strategies for business growth i...