The Business Spotlight Series

What are the qualities of an effective leader? Gary Stevens is the Managing Director of Focus SB who manufacture bespoke premium electrical accessories made to order in-house across 3 sites and with c. 65+ employees. Gary shares his thoughts on effective leadership qualities and using 'Trust & Inspire" rather than "Command & Control", as well as supporting continuous growth and adaptation...

This startup builds upon his commercial real estate expertise by being focused on developing predictive analytics in the commercial real estate market.  He already has a clear picture of the five target customer segments for this technology and an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) His key lesson to entrepreneurs is to focus on what you are good at and rely on your team for other skills.  You should als...

Tom Myers is the Director of Eco Providers whose role is to provide people with relief and savings from fuel poverty by finding them the best financial deals, allowances and grants that also maximise the efficiency of their homes from a heat and energy perspective. The business is in growth and Tom is employing people to cope the increased demand that they are experiencing, which is set to continu...

In a brief but insightful interview with Lindi Mngaza, CEO of Explode Social Media, the focus is on effective social media marketing strategies for a UK-based business. Lindi's company specializes in content creation, ads, photo shoots, and influencer collaborations across platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The interview touches on Lindi's entrepreneurial journey, overcoming...

Spoke with Ian Ireland from Ireland Consultancy, a digital marketing consultancy, based in Kendal. Had a really enjoyable discussion learning about Ian’s extensive experience working in a number of large advertising businesses and his decision by using that knowledge to start his own consultancy a couple of years ago. Ian shared his thoughts on a wide range of topics and why he’s enjoying what he’...

Nick Denny, Managing Director of Bell Rock Group 4 learnings shared for Growth 1. Operating at a pace 2. Collaboration 3. Feedback - being receptive to giving & taking feedback 4. Responsibility & Accountability As a leader embody to values and spread them through the Leadership team. Being demanding and leading values from the front. Being productive & efficient. Deliver more and more...

Today's guest of The Business Spotlight is Mike McKim, the Founder and CEO of Cuvee Coffee. During the conversation, Mike shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the what it really means to be first to market, how taking on outside investment isn't always the best call, and much more. Cuvée started as an experiment in craft – one that continues to this day. It began in 1998, when we started buil...

Tim Carroll - Dunore Utility Management Systems Company that is clear on the Purpose, Mission & Values - knowing what they do, why & how with getting Right People on the Bus (people with right skills).  Laying strong foundations for the company is the right building block. Knowing when you need help and not hesitating to ask for help from right experts externally. Right plan, right people...

Join Benjamin William-Westerman on his mission to make local companies more accessible in their quest to become carbon neutral. In this podcast, Benjamin shares his creative journey in addressing this crucial issue with a fresh perspective. Explore how Benjamin is transforming carbon footprint reduction by planting trees, emphasising transparency, integrity and delivering guaranteed results. Find...

Colin Blake – Director of Spirits Education, Moonshine University In the spring of 2012, Flavorman’s Founder and CEO started Moonshine University as an artisan distillery and education center, designed to provide the education and training, both in the classroom and on equipment in a distillery, enabling startup productions, industry professionals, and those new to the beverage alcohol industry to...

Craig Bell, CEO of Bell Group, shares with Matt Donegan strategies for managing a workforce of over 2,500 tradesmen across the UK. Explore Bell Group's focus on property services, navigating growth and compliance challenges while prioritising a positive workplace culture and investing in apprenticeships for skill development. Craig shares valuable insights into the importance of upskilling tradesp...

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs: Insights from Growing a Therapy Clinic Business Spotlight – Kathy O’Leary from Playful Strides Therapy Discover the journey of Kathy O’Leary, owner of Playful Strides Therapy, as she shares her transition from occupational therapist to business owner. Explore the challenges, triumphs, and best practices behind running a successful therapeutic clinic in Halton. 🌟 Gr...

Konstantin Dolgan, PhD share with us his background and what it has been like to build a concept from scratch, finding excitement in every opportunity, making sure to adapt for the customers needs while making sure they know exactly what to expect at each turn. Konstantin talks about developing a diverse team with remote work through curiosity and letting his people pursue their own projects, and...

Kitchenery is a breakthrough wireless power transfer technology company focused on cordless appliances in the kitchen space. Specifically the premium segment of RVs, yachts, and private aviation. With efficiency in mind, Kitchenery’s products are developed to bridge the gap between technology and innovation in the home cooking experience!   Check them out here: Reserve Kitchenery Quantum Energy Pa...

Jamie Wilkes from Resolution Studios talks about how his business helps clients to visualise the internal and external designs of buildings in 3D.  His construction background gives him a true understanding of how buildings are put together to really understand his clients' requirements. Jamie also shares his thoughts about "just going for it", accompanied by relevant learning on the way. https://...

Payton Warwick started his business 8 years ago. He tells the story of starting his business moving to another state, driving an older model car and sleeping on a friends couch. He is an Eagle Scout, Division I college athlete and now business owner. He starts his day with 32 oz of water, hot steam room for 20 minutes and an ice cold plunge. He can be found on Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/peyton-wa...

Karen Smith of BWC Aberdeen is in the spotlight with Brenda Hector. Karen shares her career journey from unqualified office junior to senior executive, director and shareholder, and solopreneur. A skilled communicator, salesperson and coach, Karen shares her advice for creating a high-performing sales team. 'People buy from people' and the best salespeople are warm, honest, friendly and open. Kare...

"From professional sportsman to reinventing the property world...  In this Business Spotlight listen to John Cox describe his passion for breaking the mould, reinvent the property sales, lettings and mortgage market by becoming a one-stop shop for investment.  And the secret - great people who are both great at what they do - and at collaborating..." Find John on LInkedin:   / john-cox-coxandco-sc...

In this Business Spotlight Tom O'Kelly speaks with Noel Shannon from Shannon Energy & Obton Ltd, focusing on the development of large-scale solar projects, the process involved in connecting to the grid infrastructure. Noel also advises of the importance of carefully selecting employees and the qualities he looks for for in the hiring process. Learn more at https://www.shannonenergy.com/ You c...

🌟 Business Owner Spotlight 🌟 Meet Mariela Maya, the driven Owner of Panka Peruvian Restaurant! 🍽️ In this captivating conversation, Mariela shares her remarkable journey into the world of hospitality, highlighting her dedication to excellence, and resilience in the face of challenges. 💪 Discover the secret behind Panka's success: Mariela's unwavering commitment to being present in every aspect...

Jake Butler is the CEO of Big Country Companies, which has revolutionized the way residential and commercial developments come to life. Providing services from design and engineering to construction, Big Country offers the industry's only complete, turnkey solution for start-to-finish development. Check out https://bigcountryllc.com You can get in touch with Jake here on LinkedIn:   / jake-butler-...

Ramona Hazan of Ramona's, a food manufacturing company. A computer engineer started her food business with £20 from a one bedroom flat 20 years back, without knowing how to cook - fast fwd now she is heading an organisation worth Millions now. Ramonas' advise to business owner is - Focus on Profit from the beginning; get profitable when the business is started & small and then continuously gro...

In this Business Spotlight interview, we hear from Emran Billah the Director of Software Engineering at Spiri Robotics and Lead Electrical Executive at Drink Well Water Solutions. Between the two companies, Emran has implemented time management into his life and touches on some amazing points on balancing work and personal life. Emran expands on how much having good people within your company matt...

Meet Mitchell Hammes, the creative force behind SingleStitch! SingleStitch isn't just a store; it's a journey that began with Mitchell's desire for uniqueness. In high school, he delved into thrift stores, seeking out distinctive fashion pieces. What started as a personal passion soon transformed into a community experience. Friends sifting through his eclectic closet sparked the idea of sharing t...

Founder, Director & Shareholder at Choose Plastic Free Wipes, Founder, Director & Shareholder at Promise Gluten Free, Non Exec Director at Sailor's Home Irish Whiskey Company, Member of The Institute Of Directors Tom founded and developed Promise Gluten Free in the domestic and global markets with very effective marketing and sales strategies. Tom made a very successful sale of a majority...