Small Business Voices Wales

In this debut episode of The Small Business Voice, Franck takes a deep and honest look into the real reasons small local businesses in Wales — and beyond — often struggle to survive. Drawing from his own experiences as a business founder and community advocate, Franck unpacks the structural, cultural, and behavioural challenges that small traders, producers, and entrepreneurs face every day. From...

In this episode of Small Business Voices Wales , co-hosts Franck and Kim sit down with Lydia Fasham for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about human connection in an increasingly curated world. What starts as a conversation about relationships and business evolves into a deeper reflection on vulnerability, identity, entrepreneurship, authenticity, self-trust, grief, resilience, AI, and...

In this episode of Small Business Voices Wales, host Kim sits down with Ben, co-owner of Ddraig Studio, a fast-growing creative agency helping businesses turn ideas into bold, impactful brands across Wales and beyond. What started as a casual conversation between family on a cruise quickly became something much bigger. Within just three months, Ben and his co-founder Aaron went from idea to launch...

This St David’s Day, The Welsh Dream explores what it means to belong in modern Wales. From the rolling hills and beaches to the music, dance, and language that shape our communities, this episode celebrates our heritage, our diversity, and the connections that bring us together. Join us as we reflect on the past, share stories from across Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and beyond, and discover how sma...

In this episode of Small Business Voices Wales, hosts Franck Banza and Kim Mamhemde are joined by Joelle Drummond, co-founder of Drop Bear Beer Co. — Wales’s first B-Corp brewery and a trailblazer in alcohol-free craft beer. Joelle’s journey challenges everything we think we know about brewing, entrepreneurship, and who gets to innovate. From ancient traditions of women brewers to modern-day disru...

In today’s conversation, Kim and Franck break down the myths around innovation and challenge the polished, corporate language that often makes business feel exclusive. From the history of the word “entrepreneur” to the way culture shapes creativity, this episode brings innovation back to its roots — community, identity, and lived experience. Too many people doing incredible things don’t see themse...

Finance can be the difference between an idea that stays in your head and one that changes your life. Yet for many small business owners in Wales, getting access to finance still feels like climbing a mountain with no map. In this episode, hosts Franck Banza and Kim Mamhemde dive deep into the financial challenges facing small businesses across Wales — from rising costs and limited access to loans...

In this episode of Small Business Voices Wales, hosts Franck Banza and Kim Mamhende sit down with Hannah Worth, founder of Bowla Ltd — the startup behind the bowler-hat-shaped loaf that’s bringing creativity and innovation to Welsh baking.   At just 25, Hannah has already built two bakeries, managed a growing team, launched pop-ups, and navigated the challenges of running a retail unit in Swansea...

  In this episode, hosts Franck Banza and Kim Mamhende ask a big question: are the odds stacked against small businesses in Wales? From spiralling costs and access to finance, to red tape and the controversial holiday let tax rules, this conversation dives into the everyday pressures business owners face. We explore how government policies can sometimes have unintended consequences—and what a fair...

In this episode, co-hosts Franck and Kim Mamhende engage with Mari Arthur, founder of Tetrim Teas, a not-for-profit tea company based in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire. Mari discusses how Tetrim Teas blends traditional Welsh ingredients with innovative approaches to create unique tea blends that include both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options. The conversation explores Tetrim Teas' commitment to...