The Referral Effect - a podcast from Essex Business Forum

Season 2 of The Referral Effect begins with a special episode marking International Women’s Day 2026. Hosted by Paul Dulieu, this conversation brings together a group of inspiring women from Essex Business Forum to explore this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Give to Gain. In business communities like EBF, success rarely comes from asking “What can I get?” Instead, it often starts with a d...

In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Scott Griffiths, founder and director of ESEYO (E-S-E-Y-O), the Brentwood-based website design and digital strategy expert trusted by businesses across the UK. Scott first appeared on Episode 1 to talk about the origins of Essex Business Forum, but this time Paul dives deep into Scott’s entrepreneurial journey, web design expe...

After a prolonged summer break, The Referral Effect is back! In this episode, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Sarah Smith, founder of Orbital Assistant Services, a premium virtual assistant and business support company based in Chelmsford. Sarah shares her journey from asking for carbon paper and business stationery for Christmas, to 25 years in top international law firms, and finally taking the...

In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu speaks with Catherine Foley, a dedicated educator with nearly 30 years of experience teaching English. Catherine shares her journey from a passionate teacher to the founder of English Tutor Plus, a tutoring service aimed at helping students thrive academically. The conversation explores her memorable moments in the classroom, the challenges...

In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Matt Barry, founder and creative director of Blue Serif – the design and branding agency known as much for its warmth and curiosity as its creative brilliance. From his roots in Ballymena and a globe-trotting childhood to founding one of the region’s most respected agencies, Matt shares how dyslexia, ambition, and family value...

In this delightful episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu is joined by the inspiring Jane Malyon, founder of the English Cream Tea Company. Jane is a true expert in all things afternoon tea, but her talents don’t end there – she’s a Guinness World Record holder, a best-selling author, a social media sensation on TikTok, a public speaker, and even a black belt in karate! Join Paul and Jan...

Episode 6: From Trading Floors to Trusted Advice – Howard Bullock’s Financial Wisdom In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Howard Bullock, founder of Clear Financial Advice, for a candid and insightful conversation. From the adrenaline-fueled chaos of a City trading floor to the calm, client-focused world of financial planning, Howard shares his remarkable journey...

In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with the ever-energetic Ben Golding – a man of many hats. From the bright lights of the West End to helping people save money with Utility Warehouse, Ben brings heart, humour, and a theatrical flair to everything he does. We talk about his time performing at the London Palladium, getting drunk with Shirley MacLaine, launching his n...

Episode Title: The Power of Networking and Business Growth with Toby Acton In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Toby Acton from Pole Position Business Solutions. Toby is a personal business mentor who helps entrepreneurs take control, scale up, and create businesses that truly work for them. They dive into key strategies for business growth, including the importa...

From Policing to Locksmithing: Jon Foster’s Entrepreneurial Journey 🔑 In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Jon Foster, former Metropolitan Police officer turned successful locksmith and business owner at Lockfit Bishop’s Stortford. Discover why Jon made the leap from law enforcement to running his own business and how his background in problem-solving, communica...

A special episode to mark International Women’s Day and what better way to celebrate than by speaking with some of the incredible women in business from the EBF community? We’ll be discussing their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, the role networking has played, and is playing, in their success, and their advice for other women in business.   Music from: https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar...

In our first episode, we talk with Scott Griffiths, a director and founding member of Essex Business Forum. Scott explains how EBF came about and how it has adapted, and continues to adapt, to meet its members' needs. He also shares some impressive figures on the revenue EBF generates for its members each year and explains why it is so much more than "just a business networking group." Music from:...