How do you start a business?

In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Emma Jones, serial entrepreneur, founder of Enterprise Nation, and the UK?s Small Business Commissioner. This is part one of a three-part masterclass on starting a business from scratch. Emma delivers practical, step-by-step advice on how to spot market gaps, validate ideas through smart market research, and build a focused niche.

Emma shares insight on why testing a business as a side hustle gives you the space to refine your model, how to navigate early-stage co-founder decisions, and why sharing your idea early brings crucial feedback rather than stolen IP.

This short episode gives a clear, realistic blueprint for knowing if your business idea is worth pursuing, leveraging free resources to test demand, and cultivating the daily resilience needed to keep going.

Timestamps

02:48 Why Start a Business

09:03 Test and Hustle

11:03 Common Early Mistakes

16:54 Skills and Resilience

19:16 Co-Founders and Mentors

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Emma Jones on LinkedIn

Find out more about Enterprise Nation and the support they offer here

Find out more about the Small Business Commissioner here

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

When do you hire, when do you raise, and when is expansion actually the right move?

In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Forest co-founder Caroline Seton to pull back the curtain on how a London startup scaled to over two million rides a month. From using smart pricing to make customers do the heavy lifting in logistics, to navigating 33 separate sets of local regulations, Caroline breaks down the raw operational tactics and tough strategic trade-offs required to build, survive, and scale an asset-heavy business.

Caroline gives a clear blueprint for turning operational headaches into profit drivers as they explore protecting margins through relentless asset care, knowing exactly when to double down, or kill an idea that isn't working.

Timestamps

01:38 Why Forest Started

10:32 Expanding Across London

15:09 Maintenance at Scale

21:38 Proof It Was Working

31:33 ULEZ and Space Reallocation

38:26 Making London Cycle Capital

44:50 Founder Advice and Tailwinds

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Caroline Seton on LinkedIn

Find out more about Forest Bikes and their services HERE

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

If your industry is facing a talent shortage or failing to prepare the next generation of workers, the solution isn't to wait for traditional institutions to adapt, it's to build the training infrastructure yourself.

In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Oscar-nominated film producer Lisa Bryer OBE, and Day One Trust CEO Charlie Kennard MBE. Together, they break down a practical masterclass in rapid business execution, industry-led talent pipelines, and building teams that deliver under high-stakes pressure.

Lisa shares how turning a 24-hour corporate bankruptcy into the birth of Cowboy Films, proved that operational agility outweighs legacy credentials. Charlie details how partnering directly with major global enterprises created a sustainable, job-ready workforce model that prioritizes work-ethic discipline, and real-world execution over academic theory.

This episode gives a clear blueprint for building talent pipelines in your own sector, turning unexpected crises into business momentum, and instilling non-negotiable professional behaviors across your workforce.

Timestamps

02:46 Lisa Builds Cowboy Films

06:17 Charlie Starts The Schools

17:47 Who The School Is For

25:14 Behaviours For Career Success

36:07 Industry Led Curriculum

38:59 Alumni Success Stories

56:26 Advice For Creatives

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Charlie Kennard MBE on LinkedIn

Find out more about London Screen Academy and their work

Find out more about Comby Films and their work

Find out more about Day One Trust and their work

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Are you exhausting resources trying to build every system from scratch? You could achieve faster, safer, scale by taking a proven playbook. And executing it better than anyone else.

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jake Wilmot-Sitwell, co-founder and COO of Sandbox VR UK. Jake shares how he transitioned from venture capital to entrepreneurship, taking on £10M in capital to scale full-body, immersive VR experiences across the UK and Ireland.

Jake breaks down the core mechanics of their expansion strategy, explaining how a master franchise model eliminated the initial tech-development risk. He details their shift from capital-intensive flagship locations to lean, plug-and-play concession hubs, while sharing actionable frameworks for optimizing yield per square foot, leveraging media partnerships like Netflix, and scaling a frontline workforce.

Timestamps

01:56 Why VR and Entrepreneurship

09:57 Who Comes and Why It Works

22:40 High-End Tech Meets Hospitality

32:42 Hiring Young Teams

41:26 Fixes VAT Wages Rates

51:58 Future IP Partnerships

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Jake Wilmot-Sitwell on LinkedIn

Find out more about Sandbox VR and their experiences here

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

When your business hits an existential wall, are you willing to rethink your entire financial structure to protect your vision, or will you compromise the mission just to survive?

Most founders believe scaling requires bowing to traditional venture capital and prioritizing short-term margins. COOK proved there is another way by surviving near-bankruptcy, funding its own expansion through an unexpected subsidiary, and scaling past £100 million while keeping absolute control over its mission.

In this episode of All About Business, James Perry, co-founder of COOK and co-founder of B Corp UK joins as guest, and he pulls back the curtain on the messy, high-stakes reality of building a national consumer brand from scratch without burning out or selling out.

They unpack the reality of operational risk, the hard lessons of founder resilience, and how building an inclusive hiring model through the RAW initiative turned a perceived workplace risk into one of their strongest operational assets.

James shares the gritty mechanics behind COOK?s early years: how a loss-making enterprise was kept afloat by a cash-generating bakery, why he turned away standard venture capital, and how leveraging national media attention led to finding the patient, long-term private capital that saved the business. He breaks down how the 2008 financial crash tested their model and why a relentless focus on product integrity built a moat that traditional competitors couldn't cross.

Timestamps

02:08 Cadbury Lessons

10:00 Family Bakery Origins

12:56 Founding Cook

28:48 B Corp Beginnings

37:10 Certifying and Building UK

41:05 RAW Talent Hiring Program

49:19 Systemic Capitalism Glitch

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow James Perry on LinkedIn

Find out more COOK and their products here

Find out more about B Lab UK and their work here

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Most consumer goods brands ask you to buy more - SURI does the opposite. They designed a sustainable, electric toothbrush made from plant-based materials that is fully recyclable. As a result they scaled to over £50 million worth of sales in just four years.

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Mark Rushmore, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Sustainable Rituals, SURI. The fast-growing personal care brand that?s disrupting a defended, multi-billion-pound market by proving that daily wellness routines don't have to come at the cost of the planet.

Mark shares his journey from the corporate training ground of Procter & Gamble to navigating extreme burnout after his first agency exit. He explains the business mechanics behind SURI?s rapid scale, and why focusing on a "minimum lovable product" unlocked a viral wave of word-of-mouth growth.

James and Mark explore the strategies behind scaling a highly productive 50-person team, using AI as an operational accelerant rather than a replacement, and the practical frameworks for making tough business decisions. They examine how to establish a values-led culture, why investing in founder relationships with business psychologists is critical to preventing scale-up failure, and what the next generation of consumer brands must do to win.

This leaves us with a compelling question: when building a product for the long term, are you treating your business decisions like a temporary hat, a reversible haircut, or a permanent tattoo?

Timestamps

04:19 Burnout and Life Reset

16:36 Origin Story of SURI

25:08 Pricing Strategy and Lovable Product

31:42 Competing with Giants and Expert Team

37:51 Hiring Values Framework

46:13 Brand Expansion Vision

51:55 Decision Making Lessons

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Mark Rushmore on LinkedIn

Find out more SURI and their products here

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Most charities are told to secure funding before they spend. Bloomsbury Football did the opposite ? investing in fundraising before the money existed, and growing from four children to 7,000 a week as a result.

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Charlie Hyman, founder and CEO of Bloomsbury Football. His fast-growing social enterprise harnesses the universal power of grassroots football to tackle major societal challenges for young people, providing thousands of disadvantaged youth with vital role models, mental health support, and a true sense of belonging.

Charlie shares the 7 steps in starting, building and scaling a charity. He explains the business mechanics behind this scale: how diversifying income with brands like Mastercard and Adobe, and treating a charity like a high-growth private company unlocks true scale.

James and Charlie explore the strategy behind taking Bloomsbury national and how Charlie built a proprietary AI tool to scrape Charity Commission data for fundraising intelligence. They examine how to close high-value deals, attract top-tier corporate talent with pure purpose, and what commercial businesses can learn from high-ambition social enterprise models.

This leaves us with a compelling question: when building a company designed for impact, do your growth strategies reflect the actual size of the problem you are trying to solve?

Timestamps

03:05 Origin story volunteering

11:47 Income streams and bids

15:53 Charities vs businesses

21:23 Scaling leadership and coaches

32:12 Opportunistic Expansion Plans

38:12 AI Boosting Charity Impact

44:59 Fundraising Skills for Youth

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Charlie Hyman on LinkedIn

Find out more Bloomsbury Football here

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Most people underestimated lab-grown diamonds. Conventional wisdom says that luxury is about heritage, exclusivity and the power of a brand. So why are consumers embracing them so quickly?

And what does that tell us about the future of luxury businesses and the shift in consumer values?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Nathalie Morrison, founder and CEO of Astrea London. Her high-end jewellery brand focuses on ethical luxury, using the top 1% tier of lab-grown diamonds and 100% recycled gold to offer flawless purity that gives consumers more carats and less weight on their conscience.

Within just one year of launching, Astrea hit $1 million in sales, prompting Nathalie to leverage her banking network to raise £4 million at a £14 million valuation. The company has since attracted celebrity backing from Sarah Jessica Parker, who became both an investor and creative director after meeting Nathalie in New York.

Together, James and Nathalie explore the rapid shifts in consumer behaviour and the strategy required to position a disruptive brand at the highest end of a competitive market. They discuss the unique marketing channel she created by opening luxury boutiques inside world-renowned hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental, and the realities of challenging a century-old industry monopoly.

They also examine the changing values of the next generation of consumers, why diamonds are built for emotional enjoyment rather than financial investment, and the power of cold outreach?even when it leads to one of the world's most influential style icons becoming a business partner.

Timestamps

02:07 Nathalie Finance Background

06:45 How Lab Diamonds Are Made

14:43 Diamond Pricing Myths

22:27 Celebrity Investor Partner

29:10 Supply Chain And Quality

36:25 Scaling Challenges And Hiring

Links:

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Nathalie Morrison on LinkedIn

Find out more Astrea London and their products here

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Financial crises can hit any business- especially in today's economy. Selling might feel like the only option. But is it?

What should founders do when things look bleak? How do you rebuild momentum, and give your business the best possible chance of surviving and thriving? When one pair of siblings were running The End nightclub, they found themselves £1.5 million in debt and facing enormous pressure to sell.

Instead, they chose a different path, and turned the business around.

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Zoë Paskin, co-founder and managing director of Studio Paskin. They are the independent powerhouse behind legendary London destinations like The Palomar, The Barbary, and the Michelin-starred Evelyn's Table, celebrated for maintaining flawless standards in a brutal industry.

Zoë shares the remarkable story of turning around a legendary 90s nightclub facing massive debt, stepping into leadership when no one expected her to, and the reality of selling a business at its peak.

James and Zoë explore how to scale when the broader market is struggling, how to strip down operational expenses to rescue a business, and why the best career advice may be to simply : go wherever the biggest problems are.

Links:

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Zoë Paskin on LinkedIn

Find out more Studio Paskin and their work here

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Scaling a business seems like the obvious goal. But what if growth without the right strategy leads to losing control?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with David Palmer, founder of Life of Fish, the modern London fishmonger that started as a lockdown pop-up outside a Peckham cafe, and has now grown into a multi-site retail and wholesale business built on sustainability, craft, and genuine customer service.

Together James and David explore the harder lessons of growth: why expanding too fast almost broke the business, how to know when to consolidate rather than chase new opportunities, and what it means to build something that runs on profit rather than debt.

David shares what he learned starting work at Billingsgate Market at the age of 14 with no qualifications and no plan. Climbing into bins at 2am and learning to fillet fish under pressure, allowed David to slowly piecing together a skillset he didn't realise he was building. The lesson he took from those years is simple: nothing you learn is wasted, and starting from the bottom teaches you things no shortcut ever could.

They also discuss what it really takes to build a product business in a traditional industry that nobody had modernised.

Timestamps

2:11 Leaving school at 11

12:56 The entrepreneurial pivot question

15:14 The breakthrough moment

17:26 The gap in the market

19:33 COVID lockdown launch

21:15 70 people queue

38:55 Lesson on over expansion

39:57 Turning down free rent

43:39 Hiring philosophy

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow David Palmer on LinkedIn

Find out more Life of Fish and their products here

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Thirty years of building a business without a board, without investors, and without ever wanting to sell, and it just keeps growing, there?s something to learn from that.

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Victoria Stapleton, founder of Brora, the British luxury cashmere and clothing brand. Victoria has built Brora over 30 years from a single supplier and a home phone number into a business with shops across the UK, a store on Madison Avenue, and a fiercely loyal customer base.

Victoria shares what she learned from building slowly and deliberately, and why organic growth gave her control, quality, and a life outside work. She also gives insight about why every founder considering outside investment should think carefully about what they are actually giving if they take it.

Together they explore what it really takes to run a product business built on craft and quality: how to manage suppliers, why the shop experience matters more than ever, and what you actually learn about your business by walking the warehouse floor every morning.

Victoria's tells is about who she transitioned Brora into an Employee Ownership Trust, one of the most underused business succession models in the UK, and how it works.

Timestamps

11:25 First Shop and Doing It All

18:49 Hiring and Building a Loyal Team

20:52 Organic Growth and Staying Independent

30:21 In Store Styling Magic

38:21 Bonuses Profit And Legacy

47:05 Store Locations And New York

54:19 Glasgow Store Failure Lessons

56:14 Final Questions And Farewell

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Brora on LinkedIn

Find out more Brora and their products here

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Most people think successful entrepreneurs spot brilliant ideas.

Sahar Hashemi believes the opposite.

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Sahar Hashemi, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Buy Women Built. They talk about Sahar?s journey over three decades building businesses, backing herself, and why entrepreneurship is far simpler than most people make it.

Sahar shares the hard lessons from scaling Coffee Republic to 110 stores and what happened when they handed the business to the professionals. What she learned about founders staying close to their customers, why bureaucracy is the silent killer of entrepreneurial culture, and why the moment you lose sight of who you are serving, is the moment a business starts to decline.

Together they explore what a startup mindset actually looks like in practice, how to know when a growing business is quietly losing its edge, and why the single most important thing any leader can do is keep their people connected to the customer. Sahar also makes the case that something done badly is better than if it?s not done at all, and that the best thing any aspiring entrepreneur can do is start somewhere, however small.

Timestamps

3:13 Discovering New York-style coffee

9:30 The decision to leave law

12:19 First Coffee Republic

16:54 Going public

26:39 The tweet that sparked Buy Women Built

35:05 The Rose Review of Entrepreneurship

40:43 The startup mindset

51:17 No plan, just purpose

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Sahar Hashemi on LinkedIn

Find out more Buy Women Built

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

60% of the UK diet is ultra-processed. And the food industry is manufacturing your addiction. So why is this public health crisis continuing in plain sight, and what it would actually take to change it?

Two things are clear. Britain's food system is more broken than most people realise. And Gousto is far more interesting a business than its recipe boxes suggest.

In today?s episode, James speaks with Timo Boldt, founder and CEO of Gousto, about building one of the UK's most ambitious food businesses from scratch and why, 14 years and 80 million meals later, he's only just getting started.

Timo shares how he left a career in investment banking to start again. With no money, no network, no customers, he shares what that journey has taught him about fundraising without connections, growing with your customers and building a business around a problem genuinely worth solving.

They also discuss how Gousto has used AI intelligently from the beginning, not as a replacement for people, but as a tool that makes the whole operation sharper; from cutting food waste and optimising factory logistics to building fully personalised menus that 80% of customers now rely on.

Timestamps:

01:37 What Gousto Does

06:23 From Banking to Entrepreneurship

13:24 Scrappy Startup and First Orders

25:35 Affordability Taxes and Transparency

31:16 Healthy Without Preaching

34:33 Factories And Delivery Network

42:12 China Trip AI And Robotics

Links

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Timo Boldt on LinkedIn

Find out more about Gousto and their products

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

What does it take to build a luxury brand by accident and keep it thriving for 30 years without ever taking outside investment?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Tom Faulkner, award-winning British furniture designer and founder of Tom Faulkner Limited. They talk about the unlikely journey from redundancy at a record label to running one of the UK's most distinctive handcrafted furniture brands, with showrooms in London and New York, and a workshop in Swindon that has been making things by hand since 1996.

Tom shares the story of how a side hustle in hand-painted tabletops became a serious business the moment he discovered what you could do with metal. He talks about buying a Swindon fabrication workshop for £5,000, inheriting two employees, slowly building a loyal team and a global client base. All through organic growth, word of mouth, and relationships with interior designers.

They explore what it really means to build a premium, handcrafted brand in the modern world: the growing appetite among wealthy clients to understand how things are made, why British manufacturing remains a genuine selling point in the American market, and how Tom navigated the early months of US tariffs with a decision that cost him margin but protected his customer relationships.

Together they also discuss the challenge of succession and legacy for founder-led businesses, why Tom has never chased scale for its own sake, and what he hopes to do next.

Timestamps

4:56 From Chrysalis Records to Hand-Painted Furniture

8:40 Buying the Swindon Workshop (The £5,000 Decision)

12:56 The Pimlico Road Showroom & London's Design Cluster

15:53 Expanding to New York

20:24 Staying Artisan: Organic Growth & British Manufacturing

25:20 Signature Pieces: Capricorn & the Collections

36:13 Navigating Business Challenges & US Tariffs

43:01 Future Plans: Collaborations, Sculpture & What's Next

57:04 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Tom Faulkner on LinkedIn

Find out more about Tom Faulkner LTD and their products HERE

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How can a major museum be run with the same entrepreneurial mindset as a high-growth business?

In today's episode, James Reed speaks with Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of the London Transport Museum. While many perceive museums as static archives, Elizabeth explains how she applies commercial strategy to ensure one of London?s most iconic cultural landmarks remains financially sustainable and relevant in a modern economy.

Elizabeth shares insights from her unconventional career journey and explains why the museum identifies as the best in the world for urban transport. They explore the evolution of work through the lens of London?s history, from the original "chairmen" who carried sedan chairs to the "navvies" who hand-dug the first underground network.

Together they discuss the balance between preserving heritage and driving innovation, including the story of Harry Beck?s revolutionary Tube map and how it was initially rejected for being too radical. Elizabeth also outlines the realities of leading a cultural institution that functions as both a charity and a successful commercial entity.

Timestamps

01:48 Transport history highlights

09:50 Young entrepreneurs message

20:04 Design DNA of TFL

24:26 Running the museum business

33:27 Leading through uncertainty

40:21 Funding model explained

45:10 Youth skills pipeline

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Elizabeth McCay on LinkedIn:

Find out more about TFL Museum and their exhibitions here:

Submit your application to Reed?s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Why are millions of jobs going unfilled in one of the UK?s biggest industries, while so many young people are struggling to find work?

In this episode of all about business, James Reed speaks with Sarah Bradbury, CEO of the Institute of Grocery Distribution, about the future of the UK food industry, the growing challenge of attracting young talent, and why the sector may offer far more opportunities than people realise.

Sarah shares insights from her 25-year career across major retailers, before stepping into one of the most influential leadership roles in the UK food sector. She explains how IGD works across the entire food system and how they help competitors collaborate on the biggest long-term challenges facing the industry.

They explore the pressures reshaping food and retail, including changing consumer habits, climate change, AI, automation, workforce shortages, and the potential impact of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, on the future of food consumption.

Together they also discuss leadership, collaboration between rival businesses, and why the UK food industry remains one of the country?s most important, and underestimated, economic forces.

Timestamps

02:00 What IGD does

08:43 Retail tech and AI trends

12:27 UK food system challenges

18:36 Land use and solar farms

23:47 Hidden food careers

31:29 Youth unemployment urgency

43:27 Closing reflections and CEO Forum

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Sarah Bradbury on LinkedIn

Find out more about IGD and their impact HERE

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Running a business is hard, but what is it like when your work sits at the centre of people?s most emotional moments?

In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Damian Melville, Managing Director of Melville & Daughter Funeral Directors. Together they explore leadership in one of the most emotionally demanding industries there is.

Damian shares his journey into the family business, reflecting on the responsibilities that come when helping people in their most vulnerable time, and how that shapes both leadership-style and company-culture. He shares what balancing tradition with modernisation means, the realities of running a business where empathy is as important as efficiency, and the discipline required to maintain high standards in sensitive circumstances.

The conversation explores what it means to lead with care while still making clear commercial decisions, how to build trust within communities, and why consistency and professionalism matter more than ever, in a service built on reputation. Damian also discusses the challenges of succession in a family-run business and the importance of supporting both clients and staff through emotionally complex work.

A thoughtful, grounded conversation about leadership, responsibility, and building a business where purpose and performance have to coexist every step of the way.

Timestamps

01:04 Finding a niche market

06:36 Going solo challenges

12:50 Winning trust locally

23:18 COVID shock to the system

36:27 Hiring costs and NI

43:25 A Funeral director day

01:00:26 Memorial innovations and burials

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Follow Damian Melville on LinkedIn

Find out more about Melville & Daughters Funeral Directors here

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Is an awkward conversation the only thing standing between you and the salary you deserve?

In this episode of all about business, Connor Scully, Senior Executive Consultant at Reed Specialist Recruitment, sits down with James to discuss how professionals can effectively secure a pay rise in their current role.

Connor shares practical advice on how to move beyond the discomfort of pay discussions by focusing on preparation, timing, and proving your worth. The conversation explores how to assess whether you are truly due a salary increase, emphasizing the need to align your output with business goals and quantify your impact through measurable KPIs. Connor explains why being proactive, taking on extra responsibilities during company hardships, or "saying yes" to complex projects, is key to becoming an indispensable asset.

Whether you feel underpaid or are looking to take the next step in your career, this episode offers a step-by-step guide to navigating pay conversations with confidence and a growth mindset

Timestamps

02:00 Are You Due More

04:42 Prep And Timing Mistakes

09:38 When To Job Hunt

12:19 Ask In Person

15:36 Say Yes More Often

20:22 Employer Perspective on Pay Requests

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Find out how Reed can help you advance your career here:

Find out more about Reed Specialist Recruitment here:

Find out more Number Eight restaurant here:

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you know if you?re being offered what you?re worth?

In this episode of all about business, Leanne Appleton, recruitment expert at Reed, speaks with James about how professionals can increase their earning potential and achieve a higher salary.

Leanne shares practical insights into what really drives salary growth, from understanding your market value to building in-demand skills and positioning yourself effectively in the job market. She explains why working harder isn?t always enough, and how being more strategic about your career decisions can significantly impact your long-term earnings.

The conversation explores how to approach salary negotiations with confidence, including when to ask for a pay rise, how to benchmark your worth, and why timing plays a critical role. Leanne also highlights the importance of demonstrating impact through measurable results, rather than relying on tenure or job titles alone.

Timestamps

02:10 Know Your Worth

04:15 Recruiter Advantage

05:41 Benchmark Beyond Salary

08:36 Reading Job Ad Salaries

11:14 Negotiation Prep

14:20 Avoid Over Underselling

17:37 Benefits That Matter

19:36 Perks Employers Can Add

21:52 Probation Pay Reviews

24:39 Counteroffers Warning

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

Find out how Reed can help you advance your career here:

Find out more about Reed Specialist Recruitment here:

Find out more Number Eight restaurant here:

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you grow an idea into a multi-million pound business before the age of 40?

In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Andrew Hulbert, entrepreneur and founder of Pareto Facilities Management, a company he built from his bedroom into a £50 million business before successfully exiting in his thirties.

Andrew shares the journey from a difficult start in Oxford and an unconventional path into business, to scaling rapidly in a competitive industry and navigating the realities of high-growth entrepreneurship. He reflects on the mindset required to build something from nothing, the importance of winning (and keeping) customers, and why consistency and execution matter more than ideas.

The conversation explores what it really takes to scale a business, from landing pivotal contracts that accelerate growth, to building a leadership team strong enough to step back from. Andrew also speaks candidly about the personal cost of success with long hours, burnout, and the moment he realised the business he built was no longer sustainable for the life he wanted.

Now focused on family, investing, and sustainability, Andrew offers a different perspective on success that goes beyond financial outcomes.

This is a grounded and honest conversation about entrepreneurship, growth, and what success really looks like once you?ve achieved it.

Timestamps

02:17 Council estate roots

09:20 Knife lesson turning point

22:06 Bedroom startup launch

34:14 Why sell the business

42:57 Health reset and purpose

46:50 Sales tricks that work

54:47 Advice for entrepreneurs

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Could the answer to a more sustainable handbag or wallet lie at the bottom of your pint glass?

In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Dr. Edward "TJ" Mitchell, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Arda Biomaterials, a London-based startup redefining the future of leather. Using cutting-edge technology, Arda transforms waste grain from brewers and distillers into sustainable, animal-, and plastic-free leather alternatives that are poised to disrupt the fashion and materials industries.

TJ shares his remarkable journey from a PhD in radioactive waste storage to the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. He opens up about the pivotal moments that led to founding Arda Biomaterials, meeting his co-founder, and the bold decision to pivot from food-based protein products to sustainable materials. TJ also talks about the challenges of scaling a deep tech startup, from overcoming scientific and engineering hurdles, to building a team, and navigating the complexities of fundraising.

TJ reflects on the importance of networking and immersing yourself in the right communities, the art of storytelling as an entrepreneur, and why asking for advice often leads to unexpected opportunities.

Timestamps

02:39 From PhD research to entrepreneurship

06:22 Discovering the value of waste grain

12:15 Pivoting from food-based protein to leather alternatives

14:19 Using chemistry to mimic collagen for sustainable leather

20:33 The science behind transforming waste into leather-like materials

21:20 Why communication and storytelling are key for entrepreneurs

24:47 Advice for scientists: finding co-founders and startup programs

35:00 The future of plastic-free, animal-free materials in fashion

39:49 Arda Biomaterials? vision as a waste transformation company

42:13 Scaling globally and creating local production facilities

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How do you turn a single idea into a global brand and keep winning in an industry where most products fade away?

In this episode of all about business, James sits down with Steve Perez, founder of Global Brands, to unpack the reality behind building one of the UK?s most successful drinks businesses from scratch.

Steve shares how he identified a gap in the market early on, and backed his instincts to create products that would resonate with a new generation of consumers, most notably the breakout success of VK. But Steve?s story isn?t just about spotting an opportunity, it?s about the discipline required to execute, the risks that come with backing your own judgement, and the resilience needed to navigate inevitable setbacks along the way.

The conversation goes deeper into what actually drives success in a highly competitive, fast-moving industry. Steve explains why understanding your customer better than anyone else is a non-negotiable, how to stay relevant as trends shift, and how many businesses fail not because of bad ideas, but because of poor execution.

He also reflects on leadership as a business scale. From making tough commercial decisions under pressure, to building a team you can trust, and knowing when to adapt, versus when to stay the course.

This is a grounded, experience-led conversation about entrepreneurship without the fluff that covers risk, resilience, execution, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

Timestamps

02:56 From pub manager to van hustle

08:43 Business bust and rock bottom

14:33 Inventing VK

25:16 Keep your equity keep control

38:27 Building a hotel empire

43:36 High Court tax challenge

57:34 Multi-generational mindset

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Why do some candidates succeed in interviews while others fail, even with the same experience?

In this episode of all about business, James speaks with Will Moore, Senior Area Manager at Reed Specialist Recruitment, about how to effectively prepare for a job interview.

With more than a decade of experience in recruitment, Will shares practical advice on how candidates can approach interviews with confidence and structure. He explains the four key steps to interview preparation, from researching the company and reviewing the job description, to understanding the people you?ll be meeting, and preparing examples from your own experience.

The conversation also explores how candidates can structure answers clearly and communicate their achievements with confidence. Will highlights why using facts and measurable results is far more effective than exaggeration, and how practising answers out loud can dramatically improve performance on the day.

They also discuss some of the most common mistakes candidates make; asking vague questions that reveal a lack of research, failing to prepare real examples of past work, and overlooking the importance of preparation for virtual interviews, where technology, environment, and presentation still matter.

Whether you're preparing for your first interview, or your next career move, this episode offers practical insights to help you present yourself clearly, confidently, and authentically.

Timestamps

01:12 Four step interview prep

06:26 Nailing tell me about you

08:59 STAR method

14:41 Handling weaknesses questions

19:16 Practice and common mistakes

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What is the biggest mistake people make when writing a CV? And how can yours land you an interview in 7 seconds?

In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Libby White, Senior Consultant at Reed specialising in marketing, communications, PR and design recruitment.

While some people claim the CV is becoming outdated, Libby explains why it remains a critical tool for getting interviews and how small changes can dramatically improve your chances of standing out.

Drawing on her experience screening CVs every day, Libby shares practical advice on how candidates can present their experience more effectively, highlight measurable achievements, and tailor their CV for different roles.

From structuring your professional summary to avoiding common mistakes (including over-reliance on AI-generated CVs), this episode is packed with actionable tips for job seekers at every stage of their career.

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What?s the difference between chasing the next job and building a long-term career?

In this episode of All About Business Shorts, James Reed speaks with Sophie Clarke, recruitment expert at Reed, about how professionals can think more strategically about their careers.

Sophie explains why focusing only on job titles or salary increases can sometimes distract from long-term career growth. Instead, she argues that understanding your strengths, motivations, and the skills you want to develop is key to making smarter career decisions.

The conversation explores how building a strong personal reputation ? through reliability, communication, and trust ? can open doors throughout your career. Sophie also shares why asking better questions when considering new opportunities, and thinking beyond the immediate job move, can help professionals make decisions that compound over time.

This is a practical discussion about career strategy, personal brand, and making job moves that support long-term professional growth.

Timestamps

01:37 Progression not job hopping

04:44 CV turnoffs and AI

08:35 Numbers beat responsibilities

13:15 Formatting and what to remove

17:29 Hobbies out systems in

21:44 Junior CVs and early experience

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How do you build world-class standards in hospitality and then lead at the highest level of business?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Stuart Gillies, chef, restaurateur, and former CEO of the Gordon Ramsay Group, about building excellence in hospitality and leading through growth, crisis, and reinvention.

Stuart shares his journey from starting out in kitchens through international experience in Sweden, Italy, and New York, to becoming a senior leader at the Gordon Ramsay Group. He reflects on the discipline, attention to detail, and resilience he developed early in his career, and how those lessons shaped his transition from chef to CEO during one of the toughest periods in hospitality.

The conversation explores leadership under pressure, making hard commercial decisions, closing and opening businesses, and why devolving responsibility builds stronger teams. Stuart also shares what it?s really like to run a family hospitality business with his wife Cecilia, navigating COVID as founders, and why consistency, standards, and purpose matter more than ever in building a business that lasts.

A grounded conversation about leadership, craftsmanship, and building high-performance teams in one of the toughest industries in business.

Timestamps

00:00 Start: Stuart Gillies Former CEO Gordon Ramsay Group & Restaurateur

04:30 Early Career Journey: YTS Scheme to International Kitchen Experience Sweden Italy

15:43 New York Daniel Restaurant: Career Catalyst Working With Top French Chefs

22:17 CEO Transition: Leading Gordon Ramsay Group Business Strategy & Restaurant Decisions

36:43 COVID Challenge: Launching Bank House Chislehurst & Number Eight Sevenoaks

38:30 Family Business Success: Working With Wife Cecilia & Teaching Kids Work Ethic

50:00 Couple Business Partnership Advice: Building Strong Marriage Before Business Venture

59:00 Leadership Lessons: Comfort Zone Growth Mindset & Future Hospitality Vision

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How do you build a creative agency that cuts through in a crowded, fast-changing media landscape?

In this episode of All About Business, James talks with Gregory Nice and Jack Stanton, co-founders of NICE Productions. Together they discuss growing a modern creative agency in the age of social-first content, multi-channel marketing, and AI disruption.

Gregory and Jack share how they built NICE Productions from weekend side projects into a London-based creative agency producing campaigns across TV, social, radio, cinema, and out-of-home. They reflect on starting young, balancing creativity with commercial reality, and how long-term client relationships helped them survive industry shocks, from COVID, to strikes, and shifting media budgets.

The conversation explores how creative agencies can stand out in a saturated market, why multi-channel campaigns now matter more than single-format ads, and how low-budget, high-impact content can outperform expensive campaigns when it connects culturally. They also discuss the real impact of AI on creative work, why human creativity still matters, and how young people can break into the industry with fewer barriers than ever.

This is a candid conversation about building a creative business, staying relevant in a disrupted industry, and creating work that cuts through in a noisy world.

Timestamps

02:42 Launching Nice Productions

08:12 Rebrand to ?Nice?

18:44 Standing out in a crowded market

22:05 AI disruption in content

37:53 Why big ideas cost big money

46:43 Turning virality into new business

57:34 Landing big clients

01:02:38 How they generate ideas

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How do you turn a bold idea into a national institution that changes lives?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jenifer Rosenberg OBE, entrepreneur in fashion and social impact leader, about building purpose-driven organisations that create lasting change.

Jenifer shares her journey from spotting a gap in support for families facing serious illness, to co-founding Heart Cells Foundation and growing it from a kitchen-table startup into a nationally recognised charity. She reflects on navigating funding challenges, building credibility with clinicians and policymakers, and leading through the emotional realities of mission-led work.

The conversation explores scaling a purpose-driven organisation sustainably, balancing commercial discipline with social impact, and the importance of governance, partnerships, and long-term strategy. Jenifer also shares lessons from stepping back from founder leadership, earning an OBE, and staying resilient while driving systemic change.

A thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship with purpose, leading with conviction, and building something that truly lasts.

Timestamps

02:18 From post room to senior role

08:07 Quality and innovation with Marks & Spencer

16:28 Branching out into fashion

26:40 The power of innovation

30:23 A personal journey with heart failure

35:24 Founding the Heart Cells Foundation

48:37 Maintaining energy and health

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What if becoming mortgage-free wasn?t about earning more money, but about using what you already spend more intelligently?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jinesh Vora, Founder and CEO of Sprive, the UK fintech app helping homeowners pay off their mortgages faster without changing their lifestyle.

Jinesh shares his journey from a 14-year career at Goldman Sachs to fintech founder, shaped by a three-generation family legacy of entrepreneurship. He reflects on leaving a high-paying corporate role, bootstrapping a startup through the pandemic, and building trust with banks and lenders in a highly regulated industry.

The conversation explores scaling a fintech responsibly, from angel and venture funding to securing a major TV-for-equity deal with Channel 4. Jinesh also shares candid lessons from pitching on Dragons? Den, alongside insights on leadership, resilience, AI, and avoiding growth at all costs.

This is a practical conversation about financial freedom, fintech innovation, and building a purpose-led business that helps people take control of their money.

Timestamps

01:49 The birth of Sprive: A mortgage app revolution

11:10 Jinesh's entrepreneurial journey and family legacy

14:39 The Goldman Sachs experience

24:01 Navigating the pandemic and launching Sprive

32:09 Networking and angel investors

34:11 Dragon's Den experience

41:15 Hiring strategies and team building

48:49 Future vision and personal goals

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How do you build a creative business from scratch and ensure it steadily grows without compromising on quality, craft, or values?

In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Penelope Chilvers, English footwear designer and founder of the eponymous luxury brand, and they talk about building a resilient business rooted in craftsmanship, customer closeness, and long-term thinking.

Penelope shares her unconventional journey from training as a painter to launching a footwear business in London as a single parent. She reflects on learning her trade from the ground up, building a brand without formal business training, and why necessity ? not strategy ? drove her early entrepreneurial decisions.

Penelope talks about the importance of craftsmanship, materials, long-term supplier relationships, and how staying close to customers has shaped everything from design to retail strategy.

James and Penelope discuss growth, from opening stores and expanding internationally, to raising investment and introducing clothing alongside footwear. Penelope shares why steady, organic growth has served her better than chasing trends, how slow fashion has become a competitive advantage, and why durability, purpose, and trust now matter more than ever.

This is a thoughtful conversation about learning your craft, respecting the people who help you build, and creating a business designed to last.

Timestamps:

02:59 From painter to designer

07:59 The first big orders

15:00 Sustaining quality and craftsmanship

22:52 Family and business dynamics

29:50 Expanding into the American market

35:52 Men's range and iconic products

47:58 Slow fashion and ethical production

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How do you create a modern PR strategy that builds brand relevance and marketing-led businesses able to thrive through cultural and technological change?

In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Francesca Gamble, founder of GTN Consultancy, to explore the future of PR, marketing, and business in an AI-driven world.

With a career spanning global agencies, luxury fashion brands, and major cultural moments ? including Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, and the London 2012 Olympics ? Francesca shares her journey from agency leadership to launching her own independent consultancy. She explains what it really takes to build a modern PR and marketing business without hype, awards, or ego, and why so many agencies fail by prioritising image over impact.

The conversation dives deep into brand partnerships, celebrity collaborations, and equity-based deals as powerful growth strategies for challenger brands. Francesca breaks down why great products still fail without strong marketing, how cultural relevance directly drives sales, and why results matter far more than industry accolades.

Looking ahead, Francesca offers a bold and timely perspective on the future of PR and advertising in the age of AI. As automation accelerates across marketing, media, and communications, she argues that being human, authentic, and culturally aware will become the ultimate competitive advantage. A no-nonsense conversation about entrepreneurship, independence, brand relevance, and building a business that lasts in a rapidly changing world.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:38 Starting a PR business

10:08 The role of PR in modern marketing

17:54 Celebrity partnerships and brand collaborations

32:28 The importance of flexibility and client relationships

42:24 The reality of entrepreneurship

51:03 Successful celebrity brand partnerships

58:00 The future of PR and female founders

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What if the future of food isn?t bigger, faster, and more centralised, but local, decentralised, and community-powered?

In this episode of the All About Business podcast, James is joined by Pete Russell, Founder of Ooooby and Co-Founder of DECENT, to explore how technology, ethical entrepreneurship, and optimism can transform the global food system from the ground up.

Pete shares his journey from running a highly profitable industrial food business to building one of the UK?s leading local food platforms, connecting independent farmers and producers directly with their communities. The conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, scaling purpose-led businesses, and the challenges of building alternatives to industrial food supply chains.

A key theme of the episode is steward ownership, a business model that separates profit from control. Pete explains how steward ownership protects mission, prevents mission drift, and ensures long-term impact over short-term returns, offering a compelling alternative to traditional shareholder capitalism.

James and Pete also explore the future of commerce and AI, with Pete presenting a bold vision of a shift from the attention economy to the intention economy. As artificial intelligence reshapes how we discover and buy products, Pete argues that traditional marketing and advertising may become obsolete, replaced by systems that prioritise values, trust, and genuine human needs.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:03 Meet Pete Russell: The Visionary Behind Oooby?s Food Revolution

03:06 What Is Oooby? Decentralizing the Global Food Supply Chain

06:25 Farm-to-Table Logistics: How Oooby Empowers Local Farmers

10:12 The 1.9% Disruptor: Why Low-Margin Tech is Saving Small Farms

14:45 Debunking the Myth: Why Local Food Costs Less Than Supermarkets

19:30 The Awareness Gap: Why Traditional Food Systems Still Dominate

27:05 17 Years of Resilience: Pivoting Through Near-Death Business Challenges

33:40 The Software Pivot: Solving the Logistics Nightmare of Local Food

40:00 Future of Food: AI, Agentic Commerce, and Decentralized Platforms

56:15 What wakes you up on a Monday?

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Building a billion-pound business is one thing, but what does it take to scale globally, exit successfully, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Sir Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe, the home emergency repairs and improvements launched in 1993. Sir Richard talks about his journey from early failures to growing a FTSE 100 multinational across the UK, France, Spain, the US, Canada, and Japan that sold for £4.1 billion in 2022.

Sir Richard shares how a plumbing insurance model sparked the subscription-based affinity partnerships, the challenges of international expansion, and why copying successful ideas while focusing on execution was key to cracking markets and achieving organic growth.

Together they discuss Sir Richard?s post-exit ventures including Growth Partner, Business Leader magazine, and his bestselling book "How to Make a Billion in Nine Steps". The conversation also explores Sir Richard's passion for inspiring breakthroughs, the role of optimism in navigating setbacks, and why doubling the UK's large companies through community-driven support, matters more than ever in a challenging economic landscape.

Timestamps

01:00 The early struggles and pivots

06:42 The breakthrough: Plumbing insurance model

17:40 The power of copying and mentorship

28:53 Challenges and opportunities for mid-size businesses

37:55 Introducing growth partner: investment in retail

48:10 The not-to-do list for entrepreneurs

01:02:29 Recruitment: Hiring your replacement

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Winning Olympic gold is one of the highest achievements in sport, but what are the skills that you can apply to build an elite team in your business?

In this episode of All About Business, James meets Adrian Moorhouse MBE, three-time Olympian and gold medalist. Adrian talks about his journey from the pool to the boardroom, exploring big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs), the power of curiosity, and heart-driven leadership in challenging times, and why mindset, meaning, and community matter more than ever for sustained success in sport and business.

Adrian discusses his entrepreneurial transition, launching Lane Four in 1995, growing it through high-performance culture and client impact, and navigating its sale to EY in 2021, while confronting common entrepreneur pitfalls. He also shares how escaping school bullying through swimming ignited his drive and why choices over sacrifices defined his path.

Timestamps

01:20 Transition to business

04:44 Challenges and learnings

07:58 Creating a winning team

12:41 Resilience and focus techniques

17:16 From athlete to entrepreneur

32:30 Navigating the 2008 financial crisis

36:46 Mentoring and leadership insights

48:53 The intersection of sports and business

57:09 The importance of curiosity in leadership

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Building a career in television is one thing, but what does it really take to produce global hits like The Crown and Outlander while building and scaling a production empire?

In this episode of 'All About Business,' James speaks with Andy Harries, co-founder and CEO of Left Bank Pictures. Together they discuss Andy's 50-year journey from a promotion scriptwriter at Granada Television, to launching his own company, selling it to Sony, and navigating the streaming revolution.

Andy explains how being rejected at 26 became the fuel for his ambition, how his early documentary work took him around the world, and what he learned directing cultural icons including the Sex Pistols, Malcolm McLaren, and Truman Capote. The conversation dives into the business of creativity, including the high stakes Netflix pitch that led to a 100 million pound deal for The Crown, what global streamers look for when backing premium drama, and how British television has scaled to a global audience.

Andy also reflects on his transition into an executive chairman role, mentoring the next generation of talent, and why protecting British creativity and a strong BBC matters more than ever.

Timestamps

02:26 Journey through Granada

06:02 Transition to comedy and drama

09:34 The Queen and Prime Suspect

12:47 Founding Left Bank Pictures

39:35 Reaching out to Ken Braner

50:17 The Crown and Netflix partnership

01:04:35 Transitioning roles and future projects

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, is one of the most famous houses in the world. But what does it really take to run it as a modern business?

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Fiona, Lady Carnarvon, custodian of Highclere Castle, about managing a 1,300-year-old heritage estate with roots dating back to 749 AD. She shares how Downton Abbey transformed Highclere?s global profile, what it is like to live and work alongside a major film production, and how the castle evolved into a year-round destination.

Lady Carnarvon discusses her entrepreneurial approach, from Christmas events and behind-the-scenes tours to virtual experiences, bestselling books, and Highclere Castle Gin, while confronting the hard economic realities of British farming and long-term stewardship.

The conversation also explores Highclere?s ghost stories, its sense of community, and why heritage, kindness, and authenticity matter more than ever in a changing world.

Timecodes

04:29 Christmas at Highclere

09:56 Tutankhamun and Downton Abbey

18:41 Challenges of modern farming

27:11 Ghost stories and blessings

36:45 The mysterious death of Lord Carnarvon

43:38 The success of Highclere Castle Gin

48:03 Building a brand and community

56:43 Final thoughts and future plans

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Some of the biggest global businesses started the same way: someone spotted an opportunity early- and then chose the right partner.

In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with serial venture builder James McHugh, founder and chairman of Tquila. James reveals the ?build-operate-transfer? playbook behind multiple eight-figure exits and how he?s now riding the AI wave with agentic systems and post-keyboard CRMs.

He also  shares how he spotted the Salesforce gap in Europe in 2010, repeatedly building (and exiting) high-growth tech-services including joint ventures with Salesforce, ServiceNow and now AI leaders like Anthropic and you.com. 

A candid conversation on scaling fast, choosing truth-seeking AI, why governments are dangerously unprepared for mass unemployment, and what abundance on the other side might actually look like.

Timecodes

02:31 The Salesforce Opportunity: Building a Business in Europe

05:21 The tquila Story: Naming and Early Success

08:29 The Role of Partnerships in Business Success

11:13 AI and the Future: Opportunities and Challenges

23:22 The Impact of AI on Employment and Society

33:55 The Future of AI and Human Values

38:45 Driverless Cars and the Future of Transportation

47:04 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society

49:15 The Future of Human Longevity with AI

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How do you build a culture where risk-taking is celebrated, bureaucracy is banished and everyone thinks like an entrepreneur?

In this episode, James is joined by Chris Hulatt, Co-founder of Octopus Group, a multi-billion-pound investment and energy business that started in a living room and grew into a global force spanning fund management, renewable energy and technology.

Chris shares how Octopus went from backing UK startups to creating Octopus Energy, now valued at $9 billion, and why initiatives like Springboard are helping employees become founders themselves. We talk about how to make fast decisions without perfect data, why bureaucracy kills creativity and what it really takes to scale up without losing your entrepreneurial spark.

Timecodes:

02:43 - Octopus Energy: The Startup Story

09:16 - The Importance of Financial Literacy

12:21 - Octopus Group Funds & Investment Approach

17:21 - Culture of Entrepreneurship at Octopus

21:40 - The Springboard Scheme for New Ventures

25:08 - Success Stories & Learning from Failure

28:44 - Barriers to Entrepreneurship in the UK

31:13 - Octopus Group?s Shared Purpose

34:05 - Decision Making & Avoiding Bureaucracy

41:05 - Customer-First Philosophy

44:05 - The Future of Octopus Group

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Building a career in food is one thing - but what does it really take to become one of the UKs most famous chefs? 

In this episode of 'All About Business,' James Reed speaks with renowned British chef Tom Carriage, exploring Tom?s journey from washing dishes in small kitchens to becoming a Michelin-starred chef and a successful business owner with a portfolio of restaurants. 

Tom discusses his approach to leadership, the ethos behind mentoring young professionals, and his thoughts on balancing passion with business acumen. They also delve into Tom?s personal transformation, including his significant weight loss and sobriety, and discuss the broader challenges facing the hospitality industry, including taxation and workforce management. 

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction

02:40- Early career and challenges

08:52 Building a culinary empire

13:10 Philosophy and success

17:11 Mentorship and team building

27:18 Journey to sobriety

31:29 Embracing neurodiversity in the kitchen

40:52 Challenges in the hospitality industry

47:16 Future plans and reflections

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How can businesses gain a true understanding of what drives customer decisions? And how can science be applied to create marketing that not only feels deeply human but also delivers measurable results?

Today on All About Business, James is Raphy March, Managing Director at Cowry Consulting, a pioneer in combining behavioral science with AI to help global brands like Coca-Cola, EasyJet, and Sky, influence behavior at scale.

They explore practical insights on building human-centered AI strategies, the ethics of shaping customer experiences, and how entrepreneurs can use data and psychology to stand out, scale, and grow with purpose.

Timecodes:

02:16 Introduction to Raphy March and Cowrie Consulting

08:27 The Nudge Unit and Government Applications

09:08 Behavioral Science in the Private Sector

17:53 Case Study: Keep Britain Tidy

26:51 Ethics in Behavioral Science

29:31 Practical Applications of Behavioral Science

33:37 Using Physical Evidence to Justify a Pay Rise

36:09 Improving Customer Retention at Sky

43:50 Behavioral Science in Brand Perception

49:16 The Role of AI in Behavioral Science

01:07:02 Future of Behavioral Science and AI

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Being successful in hospitality is incredibly tough. But how do you keep a focus on quality and authenticity whilst expanding into multiple new locations?

In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Sir Rocco Forte, titan of the luxury hospitality and hotel industry. They explore his incredible journey as an entrepreneur within a family whose history in hospitality spans over a century.

They also delve into how he has prioritised community impact in his work as well as maintaining a family-oriented approach to make something special that lasts.

Timecodes:

02:23 Building Iconic Hotels

09:43 The Forte Family Legacy

11:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Business

21:46 Expanding the Hotel Empire

38:54 Family Involvement in the Business

43:53 Leadership and Decision Making

01:00:25 Economic Views and Government Policies

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Socialism doesn?t work. Hyper-capitalism doesn?t work. Is this the answer?

What happens when the DNA of a corporation changes?

In this episode of 'All About Business', Alex interviews the usual host, James Reed, about his new book, 'Karma Capitalism.' The discussion revolves around the concept of Karma Capitalism, which James defines as a people-centric variant of capitalism where companies, known as Philanthropy Companies or 'Philcos,' allocate at least 10% of their shares to a charitable foundation.

James shares personal experiences, including a life-changing accident, that catalyzed his belief in businesses having a purpose beyond profit. He outlines the benefits of this business model, such as improved longevity, increased profitability, and enhanced corporate citizenship.

The conversation also touches on the challenges in current capitalism, the limitations of ESG, and the practical steps for companies to become Philanthropy Companies. James emphasises the potential for this philosophy to create a significant positive impact on business and society.

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Timecodes:

03:45 The wake-up fall story

12:01 The Big Give and philanthropy

17:14 The benefits of being a Philco

22:16 Legacy and longevity of Philcos

28:55 Examples of successful karma capitalism

31:15 How to transition to a Philco

34:59 The impact of Philco on business

47:15 Challenges and opportunities for family businesses

51:09 Final thoughts and reflections

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

The question is...are you a faithful, or are you a traitor?

Television is something we all enjoy. But few of us get to see how the shows we love actually come to life and why some of them grip the nation in what can only be described as a phenomenon. 

Today on All About Business, James is joined by Stephen Lambert OBE. Stephen is a producer and founder of Studio Lambert, the production company behind some of the UK?s most successful shows like The Traitors, Gogglebox, Squid Game: The Challenge and Race Across the World. 

In this episode, they explore how Stephen built the UK?s most successful independent production company, what goes into producing formats that connect with audiences around the world, and why encouraging risk-taking and innovation is so important in TV.

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction

01:09 How Stephen Lambert Started His Career

03:27 The Evolution of the TV Business

20:00 Studio Lambert ? Sued by Michael Jackson

20:50 Undercover Boss

25:51 Gogglebox

29:02 Celebrity Traitors

35:08 Celebrity Race Across the World

38:34 Squid Game: The Challenge

42:48 Confidentiality ? Avoiding Leaks & Spoilers

47:09 How to Find Work in Television

55:28 Developing a Show

1:01:05 The Future of Unscripted Television

1:08:43 Interview round

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Is it possible to be a highly successful entrepreneur without compromising your commitment to customers, staff, and society?

In this episode of All About Business, we?re joined by John Spiers, entrepreneur, philanthropist, veteran of the wealth management industry, and Chairman of EQ Investors, one of the UK?s leading B Corporations. John shares why he returned to the sector to found EQ Investors, how he deliberately built its culture around putting the client first, and why the bottom line will look after itself if you do things correctly.

He reveals the unique structure of EQ Investors, with a foundation owning a quarter of the shares, giving clients and staff confidence in the company?s long-term stability and purpose. This purpose-led structure earned the company the highest B Corp score in the UK. John also shares his critique of shareholder-focused capitalism and the short-term pressures of private equity, arguing why a long-term, stakeholder-first model creates greater business resilience.

John shares his immense knowledge on how to be an effective philanthropist, explains the creation of his platform, Giving Is Great, and offers vital advice on what to look for, and what not to look for, when assessing a charity?s effectiveness.

This episode is packed with valuable insight if you?re an entrepreneur interested in purpose-driven business, investment strategy, and how to build a company that prioritises all its stakeholders for long-term success.

Timecodes:

03:52 The concept of philanthropy companies

05:14 Challenges and benefits of philanthropy companies

12:34 The importance of early years and environmental causes

21:24 The creation and impact of giving is great

33:12 The power of matching donations

39:59 Challenges in charity data and impact reporting

47:58 Evaluating charity leadership

54:17 The rewards of philanthropy

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

What is the secret to building an iconic brand that resonates with millions of customers on a global scale?

In this episode of All About Business, we're joined by Johnnie Boden, founder and creative director of the iconic British clothing brand, Boden. Johnnie shares his unconventional journey from an unfulfilling career in the city, to founding a fashion brand that now generates over £350 million in annual revenue.

He talks about how to discover your true passion, and the importance of self-awareness and being honest about what you are good at. He also explains the three-part "magical Venn diagram" from Jim Collins' book, Good to Great, and the impact it had on him.

Johnnie also shares the story of the difficult but necessary decision to pivot the business from menswear to the more profitable women's wear, and the importance of listening to your customers.

This is a great episode for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to find their true calling, build a brand with clear values, and learn how to make the tough decisions that drive long-term success.

Timecodes:

02:33 Johnny's early career struggles

04:20 The birth of Boden

07:56 The importance of passion and self-awareness

15:17 The evolution of Boden's Brand

25:23 Managing and growing a business

30:34 The tough decisions in business

36:31 The importance of having a coach

41:38 Expanding business in America

57:59 The role of AI in fashion

59:43 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

How do you balance innovation with ethical responsibility?

This week on All About Business, we?re joined by Felix Henderson, Co-founder and COO of Ohchat, a generative AI business that builds "digital twins" of real-world content creators. In this episode, Felix shares his journey of building a business from the ground up, and provides insight into the AI future of adult entertainment and how an early venture in student housing, and a strategic pivot during the pandemic, led to a service-based business which became a launchpad for his current AI-powered tech venture. Is this the new OnlyFans?

Felix explains how they are building a generative AI business in the sensitive "spicy content" industry. He addresses the critical and controversial challenges of building a company in this space, discussing how they approach user safety and ethical considerations, and why transparency and accountability as founders are key to their mission.

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

How do you build a resilient brand and lasting reputation and control chaos when a PR crisis hits?

This week on All About Business, we?re joined by Sarah Woodhouse, co-owner and director at Ambitious PR. With over 25 years of experience in strategic communications, Sarah helps high-growth businesses manage their public image and tell their story with transparency.

In this episode, Sarah offers practical lessons on how to communicate with purpose, prepare for unexpected crises, and tailor your message to connect with the audiences that matter most. She discusses the critical differences between marketing and strategic communications, the importance of a founder's personal brand, and how to avoid the "bear traps" of controversy.

Sarah also provides insight into crisis management, drawing on real-world examples to demonstrate how to take back control of the narrative. She also explores the impact of AI on how businesses are found and evaluated online, and what entrepreneurs can do to adapt.

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Dame Irene Hays built Hays Travel with her husband John, growing it from a small counter at the back of a babywear shop into the UK?s largest independent travel agency with 512 branches nationwide. Along the way, she navigated major industry shifts, acquired the legendary Thomas Cook brand, founded the Hays Travel Foundation, and built a leading apprenticeship programme that now employs hundreds of apprentices. But this isn't come without massive hurdles, heartbreak and sheer determination to turn crisis into a success.

In this week?s episode of All About Business, Irene shares the leadership principles and bold decisions behind her success. She reveals how she scaled without outside investors, why she risked everything to save thousands of jobs at Thomas Cook, and how she rebuilt stronger than ever after COVID-19 brought global travel to a standstill.

Irene also explores the ?soft infrastructure? behind Hays Travel?s five star customer experience and why apprenticeships and investing in young talent are central to her long term vision.

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

Reed's Report: Employer Attitudes to Hiring People with Criminal Convictions

Resettling into society after prison is a huge challenge ? especially when employers are reluctant to hire people with a criminal record. Too often, talented individuals are overlooked, leaving skills and potential untapped, and making them far more likely to reoffend.

In this episode, we dive into the findings of the latest REED report; "Employer attitudes to employing people with criminal convictions.?, and its findings. The report reveals a concerning trend where one in five employers would not consider a candidate with a conviction at all, and the willingness to hire individuals with criminal records has dropped sharply across various offenses.

We?re joined by Alex Head, the owner and founder of Social Pantry, a leading independent catering company known for its work with prison leavers.

Alex shares her journey from starting a sandwich delivery service as a teenager, to building Social Pantry into a leading employer of prison leavers in the hospitality industry. She provides practical insight into the successes and challenges of this great work, demonstrating how giving people a second chance can lead to a compelling and persuasive workforce.

This is an essential listen for any business leader looking to build a resilient and socially conscious company and challenge the stigma of employing ex-offenders.

Timecodes:

04:18 Social Pantry's business model and success

06:14 Challenges and support for hiring prison leavers

13:09 The role of charities and probation services

23:39 Employment boards and training opportunities

29:58 Empathy and communication in the workplace

34:45 Challenges and benefits of hiring prison leavers

38:31 Addressing employer hesitations

44:06 Success Stories and Future Plans

If you are interested in supporting prison leavers back into employment and joining Social Pantry's working group, please email [email protected]

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

Education is changing fast, and the old ways of running learning institutes are no longer working. Philippa De?Ath set out to solve this when she co-founded Arbor Education, a platform designed to shift the focus of teachers away from admin work and back to what matters most: the students.

In this week?s episode of All About Business, Philippa shares how she and her co-founder built a mission-driven company that is both profitable and has a significant social impact. She reveals the secrets to scaling in a complex, highly regulated industry, from automating routine tasks with AI, to empowering educators with real-time data and insights.

Philippa breaks down what it takes to turn a passion for impact into a sustainable enterprise. She unpacks the challenges of scaling, the importance of listening to end users, and how to keep your purpose at the core while building a business that delivers both explosive growth and positive change.

Whether you're starting a company or looking for a mission-driven strategy that actually works, Philippa's journey is packed with practical insights you can borrow and scale.

01:03 The Mission and Impact of Arbor Education

02:14 Understanding Arbor's Management Information System

03:03 The Growth and Success of Arbor Education

06:07 The Role of AI and Cloud in Modern Education

13:23 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Schools

20:40 Philippa's Journey: From IBM to Founding Schools

25:06 Reflecting on the Journey

25:32 Building a School from Scratch

26:15 Opening the Schools

26:43 Challenges and Growth

27:59 Founding Arbor Education

31:44 Expanding Arbor's Reach

34:38 Improving School Efficiency

39:55 Future Ambitions and Reflections

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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk