Start Build and Grow

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Doug Field , former CEO of the East of England Co-op, about leadership and business growth. Doug shares his accidental journey to becoming CEO, the importance of self-awareness, and strategies for developing leadership skills. With an emphasis on long-term thinking and embracing diverse perspectives, we talk about building supportive teams and...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Colin Tapscott , author of two books Everyday Alchemy: Transforming Your Trash into Treasure and Everyday People, Everyday Leaders .  Colin is an EMCC-accredited Senior Practitioner Coach, leadership trainer, speaker, and one of the coaches at BGCN. Colin and Rob discuss the importance of self-awareness, reflection, and values-driven leadershi...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Alan Nicholls, from the UK Government’s Money and Pensions Service and BGCN. You'll hear a discussion on how to develop essential financial habits for business owners, with an emphasis on the importance of budgeting, separating personal and business finances, and building financial resilience. Alan highlights practical tools (see below) for bud...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Julie Murray , a marketing expert and business coach. Julie shares practical advice on building a strong brand for small businesses, highlighting the importance of defining a core purpose or "why" before focusing on logos or campaigns. Julie reveals how brand personality, customer feedback, and founder involvement can shape brand success. Julie...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Carl Day , an experienced entrepreneur in freight and logistics. Carl shares candid insights from his career spanning over three decades, discussing the challenges of leadership, the loneliness of success, and the importance of having a supportive network. He reflects on lessons learned from over-expansion and cash flow crises, raising awarenes...

How can you develop a unique brand personality that stands out? In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Richard Liverman about effective marketing strategies for startups and small businesses. Richard discusses building a unique brand personality through curiosity and playfulness with customers. He explains that branding goes beyond logos, encompassing values, purpose, and customer e...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Umashankar V D , an expert in leadership and globalisation. Umashanker shares his journey from sales engineer to managing multinational subsidiaries and offers practical advice on expanding your business internationally. We discuss the definition of a global company, the benefits and challenges of globalisation, market research, leadership, fin...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Scott Russell , a serial entrepreneur with 34 years of experience founding, growing, and selling businesses. Scott shares his journey from childhood ventures to building national companies, highlighting the importance of delegating, building strong teams, and fostering authentic, mission-driven cultures towards growing a business. He discusses...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Mandeep Birdy . With extensive experience in humanitarian work and social impact, and as a key figure behind the Start, Build, and Grow app, Mandeep shares her journey developing the app, highlighting some of its features and benefits. Mandeep shares her passion for storytelling in marketing and the unique advantages of apps over traditional we...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Michael Clerk , who shares his experience as a coach and mentor to businesses, supporting them with their branding, marketing, and storytelling. In this conversation, Michael highlights the importance of marketing for business growth, focusing on the "know, like, and trust" framework, storytelling, and maintaining an online presence. Michael sh...

Rob Lawrence interviews Eleni Lialiamou , founder of Kimolian Academy, on how small business owners can leverage AI and technology to boost their organisation's efficiency, whilst gaining a better understanding of their customers, towards driving growth. Eleni shares practical tips on using AI tools for customer insights, building effective communities, and simplifying business operations. Their c...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Steve Chadwick , a business coach and mindset consultant with extensive operational management experience spanning decades. They discuss how clarity of vision and a positive mindset are essential for business success, especially for small business owners. Steve shares practical strategies for setting and visualizing goals, overcoming imposter s...

Today we discuss essential skills for small business owners including strategic networking, prioritising your time, and the importance of trust. In this final episode for this Start, Build, and Grow podcast series, host Rob Lawrence interviews Dave Schofield, a seasoned professional with over 46 years of experience in various roles in the banking sector. Dave emphasises the importance of listening...

Peter Basford , an experienced banking professional turned director and business coach joins host Rob Lawrence in today's podcast interview. Peter shares his experience working with others to help them grow their businesses; from his extensive background and his role in the Start Build Grow program, which supports new startups. In this chat, Peter emphasises the importance of customer relationship...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Simon Baker, CEO and Co-founder of Hydrogenus, a startup specialising in low-carbon hydrogen projects. Simon, with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, discusses his transition from corporate multinational roles to founding a startup focused on low-carbon hydrogen projects. In our chat, Simon emphasises the importance of refining b...

In this podcast episode, Rob Hall, an experienced corporate and small business coach, discusses, with host Rob Lawrence, the common challenges, pitfalls, and mistakes entrepreneurs face. Rob emphasises the importance of distinguishing between working in the business and working on the business; highlighting that many business owners struggle with time management and balancing their personal and pr...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Andy Skinner, the founder of AMS Business Consultants, about the critical role of business processes. Andy, a seasoned Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, shares insights from his extensive experience in process improvement; revealing the importance of understanding and designing effective processes for startup businesses to enhance productivity...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Nigel Sandbrook , a seasoned commercial banker with a 40-year career in manufacturing and banking, on the importance of effective communication, and how personality profiling can help support relationships in a small business setting. Our conversation today shares practical insights on applying personality profiling in business to improve relat...

Alison Beech, a member of the Start Build and Grow program and the Business Growth Coaches Network , discusses with host Rob Lawrence , the value of action learning and group coaching. She explains the structured process of Action Learning, where participants share challenges and gain insights from peer feedback in a safe, non-competitive environment. Alison highlights the importance of confidenti...

How do you fund your early start-up business? In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence discusses with Justin Nevison-Grainger, a seasoned corporate finance expert, the importance of validating business ideas, seeking honest feedback, and understanding commercial finance for new business owners. Justin also explains funding options, including government loans and private investments, and introduc...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews branding expert, Kat Dancey on how branding extends beyond the visuals of an organisation to the values, culture, and customer experience. We discuss the multifaceted nature of branding in business: Kat emphasises the importance of branding from the beginning and aligning it with business operations, processes and customer service. Kat highligh...

In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews sales expert and author, Matt Sykes , who shares practical tips for small business owners and insights from his extensive experience in sales coaching and training. Matt shares his views on the distinctions between sales and marketing, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the value of empathy and curiosity in sales. We also explo...

In this podcast episode, Tony Lawlor shares his expertise on financial management for business owners with your host, Rob Lawrence . Tony emphasises the importance of understanding finances, managing cash flow, and keeping personal and business accounts separate. Hear why it is important to create a business plan with a cash forecast and regularly review it. And how to make a business attractive t...

In this podcast episode, host, Rob Lawrence , and guest, Dr. Ruth Flaherty , explore the crucial steps for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business. They discuss the importance of protecting intellectual property, choosing the right business structure, and understanding the legalities of trademarks and patents. Dr. Flaherty highlights the need for compliance with GDPR and cybersecurity in han...