Swim Against The Tide

In this episode of Swim Against The Tide, Steve Henry talks to Heather Matthews, Managing Director of Little’s Chauffeur Drive – a 60-year-old Scottish family business built on trust, service and an obsessive attention to detail. From its humble beginnings as a three-car taxi business in Glasgow to becoming a global chauffeur network, Little’s has stayed distinctive in a crowded market by doing th...

In this episode of Swim Against The Tide, Steve talks to Mairead Quigley, Head of Product Marketing at Phlo — the digital pharmacy scaling fast in one of healthcare’s most competitive and talked-about spaces. Mairead shares how Phlo moved from NHS prescription delivery into private digital healthcare, why GLP-1 weight-loss treatments have become such a major growth engine, and what it takes to bui...

Sam Venning is the co-founder of Wuffes, the dog supplement brand that turned a personal search for help with an ageing dog’s arthritis into one of America’s fast- growing pet health businesses. In this episode, we talk about building trust in a crowded supplement market, moving from DTC growth to national retail, and what changes when a founder has to grow from ecommerce operator into science-led...

This week we meet the driving force behind the gym revolution that is sweeping London with a new way to work out.  In a market full of big-box gyms, boutique studios and crowded workout floors, Ben Alderton spotted a gap: what if you could rent a fully equipped, high-end gym space entirely to yourself, by the hour? That idea became Solo60 – a fast-growing chain of private gym and treatment spaces...

In this week’s fascinating episode, Humphrey Bodington, the co-founder of Conka, along with his business partner Harry Glover, discusses the journey of creating a unique cognitive performance product that combines plant extracts and nootropics – with a supporting app that can actually measure the success of their products. Inspired by their history and love of rugby the conversation delves into th...

In this episode of Swim Against The Tide, Steve talks to Gillian Ridley Whittle, founder of Peachaus, a women’s underwear and leisurewear brand with a mission far bigger than fashion. After a hugely successful career in corporate retail — including senior roles at Marks & Spencer, Topshop and major Australian retailers — Gillian stepped away from a world that no longer felt aligned and set...

This week we meet Jay Worthy, Group CEO of MyZone, who takes us on a remarkable journey - from sofa-surfing in London after trying out for the Royal Marines, to running a billion-dollar fitness equipment business, to hitting rock bottom with burnout. This wonderful episode has everything. He shares how nature healed him, why he walked away from the corporate jet lifestyle, and how he rebuilt himse...

This week Sahil Verma, co-founder and CEO of Cookaway, joined the podcast to share his journey from an economics background to becoming an accidental entrepreneur.  Together with his wife, he built Cookaway - an innovative food experience platform that brings authentic world cuisines into people's homes. The conversation explores how the couple developed a brand rooted in culinary authenticity, cu...

In this inspiring discussion, Antonia Johnstone, the CEO and Re-Founder of Sign of the Times as she shares her journey from university economics student to leading the luxury resale marketplace in the UK. Discover how resilience, innovation, and strategic partnerships, including a groundbreaking deal with John Lewis, have driven her success in the sustainable fashion industry. Antonia shares her j...

Today we meet the fascinating, budding social entrepreneur Julian Warowioff, the UK MD of Lemonaid Beverages. He shares his inspiring journey from a desire to build a career on good foundations to being part of the senior leadership team of a successful global social enterprise brand. We discover insights on social business, branding, market entry strategies, and the importance of authenticity and...

Barnaby Edwards didn't set out to be a farmer. After nearly two decades as a product designer, he found himself back on the Isle of Wight - and accidentally into the leadership of his wife's family business, The Garlic Farm. With no background in food, farming or hospitality, he did the only thing that made sense: admitted he knew nothing, listened hard, and got to work. In this episode, Barnaby t...

I loved meeting Colette and hearing her story of how she developed, launched and grew the amazing skincare beauty brand The Inkey List with her co-founder Mark Curry. Colette is so open about her journey and why she feels she has enjoyed success. It is obvious hearing about her absolute focus on her customer’s needs and psyche when she develops a solution to their questions, always ensuring she is...

In this fascinating episode Steve Henry goes glamping with Derry Green, the founder and creator of The Secret Garden Glamping company. Derry shares his inspiring journey from a lockdown project with his children to building a thriving glamping business with bookings for the next 18-months and a famous appearance on BBC1’s Dragons’ Den. He shares the interesting view that he is running a social med...

This week we meet professional sportsman turned health businessman Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu as he shares his journey from being a football to becoming an entrepreneur in the functional beverage industry. He discusses the challenges he faced in his career with injuries and how he discovered a natural remedy that transformed his health with his father. This led to the creation of The Turmeric Company...

In this conversation, Lisa Donohue, Managing Director of Kerb Foods’ social enterprise arm, shares her journey from a marketing and PR background to leading the social enterprise focused on empowering individuals through food and hospitality. She discusses the unique business model of Kerb Foods, which combines street food, events, and social enterprise to support independent traders. Lisa elabora...

In this latest, engaging conversation on the Swim Against The Tide podcast, we meet Mike Turner the Founder and MD of the wonderful Bird & Blend Tea Company. He shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasising the importance of customer experience, resilience, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike discusses the brand's growth strategies, including crowdfunding and collabor...

In this episode of the podcast, Jamie Grant, the Co-Founder and CEO of Carv, discusses the incredible journey of creating a digital ski coach that enhances your skiing techniques with real-time feedback. He shares insights into the evolution of the product, the challenges faced in entrepreneurship, and the importance of resilience and focus in building a successful business. He explains about how...

In this podcast episode, Mark Murphy shares his unexpected journey to becoming the co-founder and CEO of Burgerism, a food delivery brand that has gained a cult-like fandom with their customers. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of team culture, and the evolution of the brand from delivery-only to a physical presence. Mark emphasises the significance of building a com...

In this episode of the podcast episode we meet Dan Binks, the Managing Director of Liberation Foods, the first UK based Fairtrade nut and Community Interest Company that's owned by smallholder farmers around the world. We discuss Dan's unique career journey in the food industry, his educational background, and the importance of fair trade. Dan shares insights into his transition to Liberation Food...

Ben Fennell has spent his whole career learning and developing as a leader from those around him. Whether that was his early days in London agencies, to working across every market and culture in Asia, to then meeting some of the biggest sports stars in the world and hearing what drives them succeed. In this conversation he shares his journey from aspiring rugby player to becoming the CEO of The G...

In this episode of Swim Against the Tide we meet Chris Miller who shares his bold journey from finance to the forefront of the hospitality industry. As the founder of White Rabbit Projects, Chris discusses taking calculated risks, supporting early-stage restaurateurs, and innovating in wellness and hospitality. He dives into the challenges of expanding into new markets, the constant pressures of t...

In this open and frank conversation, Kostas Sfaltos shares his fascinating journey from a modest upbringing in Greece to becoming the Managing Director of luxury hotels in London. He discusses the pivotal moments in his career, including his Greek military service, which taught him valuable leadership lessons and the importance to building deep relationships that last for life. Kostas emphasizes t...

This week our conversation explores the journey of a fashion executive from young designer, to launching online phenomenon Boohoo to becoming Group Executive Director at Debenham.com. With Carol Kane, the Co-Founder of Boohoo we delve into the evolution of fast fashion (and its true meaning), marketing strategies in e-commerce, and the challenges faced during the IPO process.  The discussion highl...

In this week’s episode of Swim Against the Tide with Steve Henry, Will Lankston—Managing Director of Timpson Direct—shares his remarkable journey from working school holiday shifts in Timpson shops to leading one of the company’s fastest-growing divisions. Will reveals the people-first philosophy behind Timpson’s success, including its unconventional hiring approach that prioritises personality ov...

In this episode of the podcast, Rodrigo Maza - CEO of Naked Wines - shares how he’s challenging convention in the wine industry by building a community-first business that connects customers directly with independent winemakers. Rodrigo reflects on his unconventional journey from beer to wine, the evolution of Naked Wines’ unique model, and his mission to make wine fun, accessible, and free from i...