Talking Heads

In this episode of the BBF Talking Heads Podcast, Kris Theophanous, Managing Director of Bradbury Tracks, sits down with Vaibhav “Volley” Boricha, Director at VIKASO®, to explore how AI, robotics and automation are reshaping UK manufacturing. Drawing on Volley’s journey from automotive manufacturing into building a robotics business, the conversation unpacks the realities of automation for SMEs -...

In this episode of the Buckinghamshire Business First Talking Heads podcast, Philippa Batting, CEO of BBF, is joined by Liza Rowles, Client Director at Seymour Taylor. Together, they unpack the latest UK budget, sharing expert reflections on its impact for local businesses. The discussion covers how the budget affects SMEs and corporates, changes to tax thresholds, capital allowances, and new ince...

Kris Theophanous (Bradbury Tracks) and Liza Rowles (Seymour Taylor) discuss the essentials of R&D tax credits for SMEs, covering eligibility, common pitfalls, documentation best practices, recent regulatory changes, and the value of professional advice. Real-world examples and actionable tips help businesses understand how to maximize their claims and avoid costly mistakes. 

In this episode, Victoria Brocklesby sits down with Will Lund, Director at Lund Halsey, to explore the company’s remarkable growth from a Buckinghamshire garage startup to a global leader in technical furniture for control rooms. Will shares Lund Halsey’s journey through international expansion, the evolution of their bespoke solutions for sectors like broadcast, aviation, and security, and the si...

In this episode, Michael Garvey talks with Graeme Dell, Managing Director of Cableflow, about the company's journey and innovations in healthcare. Graeme discusses their development of medical containment products, bespoke solutions, and their prestigious awards, including the King's Awards for Enterprise. They explore the entrepreneurial journey, resilience, adaptability, and exporting ch...

In this episode, Helen Shellabear speaks with Fiona Campbell, Head of Sustainability at Biffa, about the evolving landscape of waste management and sustainability. Fiona shares insights into Biffa’s role in driving a circular economy, the challenges of tackling waste at scale, and the importance of collaboration between businesses, local authorities, and consumers. The conversation delves into key...

In this episode of the Buckinghamshire Business First Talking Heads podcast, Henry Tadros, Chairman of Ercol Furniture, speaks with Andrew Butchard, Manufacturing Director at De Soutter Medical. Andrew shares insights into De Soutter’s rich history, from its beginnings as a family-run business in the early 20th century to its current leadership in the medical device industry. The conversation expl...

In this episode, Philippa Batting speaks with Bonnie May, CEO of Global Infusion Group, as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. Bonnie reflects on the company’s journey from catering for music tours in 1984 to becoming a global leader in catering, hospitality, and brand experiences. Discover how the business evolved, overcame challenges like COVID-19 and Brexit, and embraced sustainability throu...

In this episode, Victoria Brocklesby sits down with Gary Grant, founder of The Entertainer, the UK’s largest toy retailer. From humble beginnings in Amersham in 1981, Gary shares how he and his family built a beloved national brand with over 160 stores in the UK, international franchises, and innovative partnerships with retail giants like Tesco and Marks & Spencer. Gary offers insights into n...

In this episode, Michael Garvey MBE is joined by Andrew M. Smith OBE DL, Corporate Affairs Director at Pinewood Group Limited, the iconic film studio behind some of the world’s biggest blockbusters. Andrew shares his journey from the civil service to Pinewood, exploring his passion for the film industry and his role in driving economic development in Buckinghamshire. They discuss the impact of Pin...

In this episode, Heather Dean is joined by John Palman, Sales Director at Xpress Labels Limited, a family-run self-adhesive label manufacturer in Aylesbury. John talks about Xpress Labels' unique value proposition centred around sustainability, heritage, and partnership and how these principles have set them apart in a crowded marketplace. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation on buildin...

In this engaging episode of the Talking Heads podcast, Jane Dell, Growth Programme Manager for BBF, sits down with Tim Scurlock, Director of ALC (Applied Lean Consulting). Together, they delve into the world of Lean principles and process optimisation, uncovering its transformative potential for businesses of all sizes. Tim shares his wealth of experience and insights, tracing the origins of lean...

In this episode, Philippa Batting is joined by Marion Stewart, CEO of Red Helix, a leading cybersecurity company in Buckinghamshire. Together, they delve into the critical realm of cybersecurity, exploring its challenges and opportunities. Marion shares her wealth of experience and insights as they uncover the evolving threat landscape, discuss practical cybersecurity measures for businesses, and...

In this episode, Hiren Gandhi, Vice Chairman of Buckinghamshire Business First, and David Finch, Managing Director of Purple Frog, discuss the art of branding and value creation. From 'remarkability pillars' to standing out in the market, they offer expert advice on achieving brand consistency and success. Tune in as they share tips for entrepreneurs and explore the keys to building a rema...

Join Elizabeth Adlington, board member at Buckinghamshire Business First, and Ashley Carr, founder and managing director of Neo PR, as they talk all things public relations. The pair discuss thought leadership and the transition from traditional to digital PR, exploring the significance of crafting compelling content, maintaining consistency, adept crisis management, and proactive preparedness. Tu...

Join Michael Garvey as he sits down with Steve Baker, MP for Wycombe and Minister of State for Northern Ireland. The pair discuss the perceived disconnect between people and politics, delve into the intricacies of the economic and political landscape, analyse the evolving dynamics between public and private sectors, examine the UK planning system and its potential role as a hindrance to progress,...

In this inspiring episode, Daniel Cope, Buckinghamshire Business First's Climate Change Programme Manager, engages in a captivating conversation with Chris Hines, a trailblazer in sustainability. As the first Director of Sustainability at the Eden Project, co-founder of Surfers Against Sewage, and owner of 'A Grain of Sand,' Chris shares his remarkable journey and the environmental mis...

In this episode, Philippa Batting engages in a dynamic conversation with John Wallbank, the driving force behind Fairhive Homes. As a not-for-profit social landlord, Fairhive Homes focuses on providing affordable housing and currently supports over 20,000 residents. This episode explores Fairhive's merger with Buckinghamshire Housing Association, its role as a Disability Confident Employer, an...

Michael Garvey sits down with Yvette Lamidey, Director of The Business Locksmith, and English Policy Representative for The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), for a wide-ranging discussion about supporting small businesses and helping business communities to thrive. They discuss the relationship between Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire, how to foster business community integration, and the sig...

Business leaders Victoria Brocklesby (Origin Global) and Kris Theophanous (Bradbury Tracks) have an insightful conversation about a subject both know well: the benefit of pursuing continuous improvement and innovation in business. Kris discusses BBF’s MD Ngage programme – an extensive leadership programme that takes business owners, MDs and CEOs out of the day-to-day running of their business to e...

Michael Garvey is joined by Henry Tadros, Chairman of Ercol Furniture, and the fourth generation running the family business founded in 1920 by Henry’s great-grandfather, Lucian R Ercolani. The pair discuss the rich history of Ercol, the fusion of contemporary manufacturing methods with age-old craftsmanship, obstacles encountered in exporting, and the significance of apprenticeships and active in...

Michael Garvey is joined by Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve, whose mission it is to deliver sustainable energy on the scale needed to move the needle on climate change. The pair have a wide-ranging conversation about the current climate crisis, demystifying electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure, and what Gridserve are doing to mitigate some of these issues and reshape energy and tr...

Victoria Brocklesby, co-founder and COO of Origin Global, joins Buckinghamshire Business First MD Philippa Batting to discuss the remarkable story of Origin and its involvement with Buckinghamshire Business First. Origin Global - the UK’s leading specialist manufacturer of bespoke aluminium Bi-folding Doors and Windows - is the reigning Buckinghamshire Company of the Year, triumphing at the 2022 B...

Helen Barrett, Head of Marketing & Sustainability at Moogies Limited, joins Buckinghamshire Business First MD Philippa Batting to discuss how Moogies invests in underperforming pubs and restaurants, turning them into thriving, sustainable businesses that are recognised and valued by the communities they serve. There are currently four venues within the Moogies community of pubs, all within Nor...

Cathryn Barnard, Director & Co-Founder of Working the Future, joins Buckinghamshire Business First MD Philippa Batting to discuss a few of the significant trends transforming the workplace. Cat has a long background in building and nurturing high-performing teams for success outcomes. Her interest in human dynamics has transferred to her expert analysis of the future of work, and her insights...