Two pints of lager and a spreadsheet

In the final episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet , Jon and Steve are joined by Paul Wealls , Principal Consultant Sports at Lenovo, Visiting Researcher at Newcastle University Business School, published author, and AI thought leader. This conversation explores a different side of AI. While much of the noise around AI focuses on automation and job replacement, Paul shares why the real o...

When people hear the word insolvency , it often brings fear, anxiety, and a sense of failure. But in many cases, it’s actually where clarity starts. In this episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet , Steve and Jon are joined by insolvency practitioner Iain Nairn to bust the myths around insolvency, explain the difference between administration and liquidation, and share what business owners...

🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet In this episode, Steve and Jon are joined by three people working right at the centre of the North East’s startup, funding, and investment ecosystem: 💡 Jamie Hardesty – Director of Ecosystem Development, Sunderland Software City 💷 Naomi Allen Seales – Investment Manager, Northstar Ventures 📈 James Katirai – Head of Investments, NEL Fund Managers Together,...

🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet In this episode, Jon and Steve sit down with two leaders at the heart of North East sport and community: 🏀 Paul Blake – Managing Director, Newcastle Eagles 💛 Sam Blake – CEO, Eagles Community Foundation Together, they talk openly about resilience, leadership, and what it means to build an organisation that can thrive long after you step back. From learning...

Budget Breakdown – What Rachel Reeves’ Tax Changes Mean for You In this Budget special, Josh and Steve unpack the key announcements affecting business owners, employees, landlords, and savers across the UK. They cover: • Dividend tax increases from April 2026 • Savings and rental income tax rises from April 2027 • A new annual tax on properties over £2M starting 2028 • Salary sacrifice changes for...

Founders, Funding & Fallout What happens when startup founders fall out? In this episode, Jon and Steve sit down with three North East business leaders, Tristan Watson (Field Trip Supplies, Ignite Accelerator), Neil Stephenson (Stephenson Capital), and Dave Gibson (Blu Sky), to talk about the highs, lows, and hard truths of growing and selling companies. From cap tables and paperwork to founde...

Jon and Steve chat with three founders about the real-world impact of AI on creativity, leadership, and building products: Ellie Chapman – Founder, Lim (live visualisation & facilitation) Alistair McLeod – Founder, Gray Fox Consulting (fractional CIO/CTO) Stephen “Mitch” Mitchell – Founder & CEO, SQCDP.co.uk (factory digitisation) In this episode: How AI is reshaping creative work—without...

In this episode, Jon and Steve are joined by three North East founders who’ve each taken very different paths to building a business: 💻 Mark Renney – Managing Director, Wubbleyou 🧠 Billy Webber – CEO, XR Therapeutics ⚙️ Jarek Rosinski – Founder, Transmission Dynamics Together, they share candid stories about the highs, lows, and lessons of entrepreneurship – from turning university spinouts into...

In this episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet , Jon and Steve are joined by three leaders who know what it takes to build – and keep – a thriving team: 👥 Sam Spoors – Founder, Talentheads 🔗 Di Gates – Founder, Connection Heroes 💡 Trevor Norman – Founder, Tribero They get honest about why engagement levels have been flat for years and explore what it will really take to change that. Fr...

In this episode, Jon and Steve are joined by three people working across investment, education, and business support — all with a front-row seat to the founder journey: 💼 Alasdair Greig – Director, North Star Ventures 🏛️ Lizzie Withington – Head of Enterprise, Newcastle University 📈 Julie Cuthbertson – Head of Client Delivery, UMi Together, they explore what founders really need – beyond just ca...

🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet In this episode, Jon and Steve are joined by three North East founders who believe storytelling is more than marketing — it’s how we make sense of who we are and what we’re building: 📖 David Broom – Founder of B7 🎨 Ellen Hedley – Co-Founder of Vida Creative 📣 Rachel McBryde – Founder of McBryde & Co Together, they explore how the stories we tell — and...

🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a SpreadsheetIn this episode, Jon and Steven are joined by three of the North East’s finest minds in tax: Adrian O'Connell, Gary Smith and Nick Gray. Together, they unpack the myths around tax advice, explain why you can’t afford to DIY your tax planning, and give some home truths about how bad decisions—or no decisions—can impact your exit valuation.👥 They cover: •...

In this episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet , Jon and Steve are joined by three powerhouse women from the North East business scene: 💚 Clare Blunt – Founder of Venture Zero 🌍 Sarah Thackray – Co-Founder of BeaconHouse Events ♻️ Mandy Barker – Founder & Creative Director of Sail Creative From climate anxiety to cultural shifts, this is a conversation that goes far beyond balance s...

🎙️ Welcome to a brand-new season of Two Pints of Lager and A Spreadsheet ! In this episode, we’re joined by Gill Hunter (Square One Law), Elaine Stroud (The Entrepreneurs Forum), and Dave Gibson (Blu Sky Co-Founder & Chairman) as we dive into the world of business podcasting . We explore: 🔹 What they’ve learned from starting and running their own podcasts 🔹 The biggest surprises and challeng...

We're joined by Co-founder of Jena and LeSalon, Jean-Michel Chalayer. We explore the link between growing up multilingual and thriving in the world of business. We delve into the importance of empathy, problem-solving, and a growth mindset. The conversation also covers the power of MVPs for testing ideas and managing risk, the importance of adaptability, and the challenges faced when building...

We're joined by Fractional CIO, CTO, IT Director and founder of Gray Fox Consulting, Alistair McLeod. Hear about his journey as a programmer, from joining Sage in the early days when they were still a start up, to launching his own business. We discuss a whole range of topics including, being mindful of the change that comes with growth, expanding your horizons, determination and putting your...

We’re joined by Co-founder and CEO of Macrofin, Ross Latta. You’ll hear us discuss the FinTech space, NetSuite consultancy, and ERP implementations. We also discuss fostering a growth mindset, building a collaborative work environment, emotional intelligence, and the befits of a hybrid work model.

We're joined by Ride the Tide Founders Tom Hebden and Jodie Pepper who tell us why they left their corporate jobs to start building their personal growth and wellness business. You'll hear us cover several important topics including workplace wellbeing, tackling stress, personal growth, dealing with conflict and finding your purpose.

We’re joined by fractional CFO and best-selling author Andy Cristin. You’ll hear us discuss a whole range of topics including how being niche can help you be profitable and saleable, accountability, remaining focused, the importance of having a good mentor and a sounding board. You’ll also hear our top tips for setting up a successful business, and everything you should expect when you exit it.

We're joined by Square One Law’s Gill Hunter. We chat through Gill’s career, from studying geography, to becoming one of the North East’s first tech lawyers. Together we cover tackling challenges and fearlessness, the need for prioritising team well-being, and creating an inclusive culture within the professional services industry.

We're joined by founder and CEO of Just Williams, Jessica Williams. In this episode you’ll hear us discuss a whole range of topics including, sales psychology, building relationships, B Corp certification, emotional intelligence and business leadership. We also cover high performing teams, grit, resilience, physical and mental fitness.

We're joined by strategy and sustainability expert Katrina Appleyard of Appleshed Consulting. This episode covers ESG and implementing a strategy, the B Corp process and building a better future. Together we cover the importance of making better decisions now to help future generations. Along with why climate education and a hands on approach will shape future connections with the planet and t...

We’re joined by co-founder and executive chairman of The Disruption House, Rupert Bull. Within this episode you’ll hear about all things environment, social and governance (ESG). Rupert talks us through the importance of sustainability, challenges to business owners and the small steps you can take to make a difference. We also discuss why sustainability is so important for both market and talent...

We’re joined by Chief Executive of Entrepreneurs Forum, Elaine Stroud. You’ll hear us discuss several topics including: creating a supportive, diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial community, creating engaging content, scaling up and sustainable enterprises. We also cover the North East vs New Zealand, keeping your energy levels high, the importance of embracing a growth mindset and trying new thi...

We’re joined by founder and director of Beaconhouse Events, Sarah Thackray. In this episode we cover all aspects of events planning and management including organising sustainable events. You’ll hear us discuss varying topics including: reducing your carbon footprint, having a supportive team around you, learning as you go, maintaining a positive mindset, giving back to the community and so much m...