The West Midlands Business Podcast

Nick Platt, founder of Henwood Court Financial Planning, shares the journey behind his West Midlands-based financial planning and wealth management boutique, established in 2004. He reflects on building a people-first culture centred on trust, conscientious client care, and his “mother test” philosophy. He also discusses the challenge of stepping back from daily operations to support succession pl...

Mike Dixon, founder of HugglePets, shares the inspiring journey behind a unique West Midlands business that blends pet retail, product development, and community-focused animal therapy initiatives. Built from the ground up without external investment, HugglePets has grown through strong values, a supportive team culture, and a commitment to making a positive impact through both business and commun...

Michele Ibbs, a dynamic entrepreneur from the West Midlands, shares her journey from launching a call handling business in 2007 to expanding into AI, automation, and her latest venture, Truly Yours Agency. Passionate about developing young talent, Michele highlights the importance of apprenticeships and creating opportunities for future generations. She also reflects on the values behind her busin...

Graham Nicoll, founder of NCL Wealth Partners, has built a financial planning business on simplifying the complex and putting people first. After nearly three decades in the West Midlands, Graham has developed a deep appreciation for the region's honest, hardworking culture - something that resonates strongly in how he leads and serves his clients. In this conversation, Graham reflects on his tran...

Dave Rogers, known as the Business Explorer, shares his perspective on the entrepreneurial landscape of the West Midlands, with a passion for the Black Country’s heritage and growing tech scene. He explores the often-overlooked importance of succession planning, encouraging business owners to define clear long-term goals to avoid reactive, short-term decisions that can limit growth. Dave also high...

Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer, shares the story of the historic West Midlands manufacturer that has continually evolved since its founding in 1862. From its roots in precision stamping and toolmaking to winning both the Queen’s Award for International Trade and the King’s Award for Innovation, Brandauer’s journey reflects a commitment to excellence, diversification, and forward-thinking leadersh...

Gareth Jones, Director of In-Comm Training Services, a leading apprenticeship training and consultancy business, shares his journey of building a purpose-driven organisation in the heart of the Black Country. Supporting around 500 engineering firms, his company is committed to developing talent and creating lasting socio-economic impact.  With a team of 75 and two engineering academies, Gareth hig...

John Whitehouse, Director of Whitehouse Flexible Tubing, shares his deep-rooted connection to the West Midlands and the family business that has thrived in Redditch since 1960. From its origins in Birmingham to becoming a respected name in specialist tubing, John reflects on the values that have shaped the company’s journey. He discusses the culture of trust that underpins the organisation, their...

In this episode, Karl Welborn, a Black Country entrepreneur and former elite athlete, shares how his sporting background has shaped his approach to business. Drawing on the values of resilience, discipline, and work ethic instilled from a young age, he reflects on the lessons learned through professional basketball, endurance sport, and life beyond competition. Karl discusses the creation of Wellw...

Sam Bettridge, owner of SJ Bettridge Financial Planning, shares his journey from growing up in Redditch to setting up his own business eight years ago, after leaving a corporate role at a national organisation. He reflects on the importance of client focus, delivering an outstanding customer experience, and the lessons learned along the way. Sam discusses the challenges of hiring, the realities of...

Neil Male, CEO of GMS Group, shares the remarkable growth of his national security business, from a £200,000 startup in 2000 to a £25 million enterprise employing nearly 600 people. Rooted in the Black Country, Neil reflects on the region’s industrial heritage, vibrant community, and the values that have shaped both him and his company. He highlights the role of mentorship, team investment, and cu...

Stewart Plant, Director at Zaun, reflects on the British manufacturer’s commitment to woven and welded mesh fencing systems and its deep roots in the Black Country. He shares his pride in sustaining local manufacturing, highlighting Zaun’s dedication to quality, innovation, and social value, with most of its workforce living just minutes from the factory. Stewart discusses the ingredients behind Z...

Dan Nash, Managing Director of Nash Glass, shares the story of his family-run commercial glazing business, thriving in the West Midlands for 43 years. From stepping into the family business with no pressure but plenty of curiosity, to carrying forward his parents’ legacy, Dan reflects on the values, culture, and people that have shaped the company’s success. He discusses the challenges of managing...

Steve Rose, founder of CitiStore, shares the inspiring story of launching his document storage business in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Based in the West Midlands, Steve credits the region’s strong community spirit for shaping both his career and company culture.  Steve reflects on the challenges of growth, from acquiring and relocating a scanning company, to navigating uncertainty with...

Haq Meharban, Director at Instinct Hardware, shares the remarkable story behind his West Midlands-based architectural ironmongery manufacturing business, which has grown from an 800-square-foot unit to a 68,000-square-foot facility employing 45 people. Deeply proud of the region’s industrial heritage and community spirit, he credits the West Midlands for shaping both his identity and his company’s...

Jules Mitchell, founder of The Mental Wealth Revolution, shares her journey from growing up in the Midlands to building a business that is reshaping how we view mental and emotional health. Her mission challenges the idea of “brokenness,” instead celebrating the brilliance of our brains and nervous systems.  Through her work, she empowers people to engage with their emotions rather than simply cop...

Dee Kundi reveals the remarkable journey that led her from being a partner in law firms to founding  Find Me a Solicitor , a pioneering legal tech platform helping people and businesses connect with the right solicitors, barristers, and professional experts.  A proud Black Country native, Dee shares how her bold leap into entrepreneurship quickly paid off, with 177 inquiries in just the first week...

Jonathan Anglin, founder of J&C Home Services, has grown his heating and plumbing business into a thriving company in just four years, shaped by his Black Country roots and values of honesty and loyalty. Specialising in reactive repair work for insurance and facilities management clients, he credits success to strong relationships and his belief in reciprocity. His leadership style is an upsid...

Mark Goode, founder of Inspired Recruitment, offers a refreshing perspective on recruitment built on over 20 years of experience in the optical industry. Deeply connected to the West Midlands, he shares how his people-first approach sets his business apart—treating candidates as individuals and building meaningful, long-term matches rather than quick placements. Mark explains how attitude, results...

Zaf Iqbal, founder of Pure Leasing, shares the inspiring story behind his West Midlands-based vehicle leasing company. Launched in the wake of COVID-19, Pure Leasing has grown through Zaf’s deep-rooted belief in people, community, and a strong brand built on integrity. With a team he’s worked with for over two decades, Zaf has cultivated a culture defined by shared values and trust. In this episod...

Alistair Hayward-Wright, CEO of Hayward Wright Accountancy and Advisory, shares the story of his evolving business journey and the people-first culture he’s built within his firm. With a strong focus on client relationships, staff development, and embracing new technologies, Alistair has shaped a modern, approachable accountancy practice rooted in the heart of the West Midlands. He reflects on key...

Iain McCallister, founder of MAN Commercial Protection, has grown his Solihull-based security company into a national operation over 32 years. Iain’s breakthrough came in 1996 with a high-profile contract supporting pop group Ocean Colour Scene—an opportunity that opened doors to further work with major events and artists across the UK. Iain credits the company’s success to its dedicated team, man...

Eman Al-Hillawi, CEO and business partner at Entec Si —a Birmingham-based business change consultancy—shares how the city’s rich culture and diversity have influenced her professional journey and helped shape the people-first values at the heart of Entec Si.   She reflects on navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, building a values-driven team, and the role of mentorship in her growth...

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Stephen Timmins and Alex Footman, lifelong friends and founders of Stephen Alexander, a thriving consultancy based in Redditch. After 20 years in corporate roles, they launched their business to make a meaningful impact in their hometown, offering marketing, bid management, and business development services. Committed to social value, they mento...

Chris Smith, founder of the Centre for the New Midlands, shares his journey from working in higher education to launching an independent think tank in 2020. Despite starting the organisation during the uncertainty of the pandemic, Chris has built a platform focused on improving housing, infrastructure, and skills across the West Midlands.    Chris credits the Centre’s success to a strong network,...