Growth Stories with Martin Port: Recent Episodes
Martin Port, founder & chairman at BigChange
Growth Stories with Martin Port is all about success. In each episode, Martin meets a successful business leader to gain new insight into the smart strategies and personal stories that have helped their companies to thrive.
Honest, pragmatic and to the point, these podcasts shine a light on the unsung business heroes: leaders of trades businesses and other hidden gems that form the backbone of our economy. They offer the opportunity to learn the secrets of real business success, and the leadership lessons that help turn good organisations into truly great ones.
Martin Port is an entrepreneur and investor with a strong track record of business success. He is the founder and chairman of BigChange, the UK-based technology company whose software is used by thousands of trades businesses worldwide to manage jobs, their mobile workforces and support strong growth.
Julian Glasspole, managing director at Vehicle Weighing Solutions, details his commitment to UK manufacturing and how it powers company growth. Vehicle Weighing Solutions (VWS) specialises in the design, manufacture, installation and service of bin weighing, overload protection systems and waste management software. Julian founded the company 15 years ago. VWS now employs 150 people and is the market leader in its sector. Julian says a commitment to UK manufacturing is what sets the business apart. His ambition is to keep growing VWS, improve recycling rates and reduce global waste.
Aged 28, George Fairhall, founder and chief executive of WAC, is a tech superstar. WAC is a work/life and money management app. The app is designed for workers who are paid by the hour, whether on a zero-hours or a regular contract. George Fairhall started WAC in January 2019 with a £5,000 wedding gift from her parents, and in July 2021 the company raised £70,000 to develop the product further. WAC is now operational in 18 countries and is currently in the middle of a £1m funding round to expand further overseas. George says having a dedicated and loyal team is essential to the success of a tech start-up, as they genuinely want to see your business succeed and will stick with you. She is also motivated by the positive feedback that comes from users.
Richard Abrahams, managing director of Leeds-based Elmhurst Windows, explains how trust and quality set the company apart. Elmhurst Windows has been in business for 50 years and was set up by Richard’s father, Jack Abrahams. Richard joined the family firm in 1992 and is still there 30 years later. Elmhurst offers everything from double glazing to doors and conservatories. Richard says the company has maintained the same values since the 1970s: Top quality and great after-sales. This means customers trust the business and recommend it to others.
Charlene Lyons, chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire, explains how she is adapting and growing the company to meet changing consumer tastes and habits. Founded 30 years ago, Black Sheep Brewery is an important part of the community in Masham. Charlene Lyons, who joined the brewery in January 2020, tells Martin Port how she has expanded the company beyond core cask beer and has secured a major deal with UK airline Jet2. Charlene says her focus is on top-quality ingredients and excellent customer service.
Business guru Dr Lee Williams, founder Of Jowsa Consulting, shares his tips on how companies can get the most from their workers and products. Jowsa Consulting helps businesses and their leadership teams think differently, and Dr Lee Williams has worked with BigChange many times over the years. Lee tells Martin Port that recruiting the best talent is crucial for business growth. He says employers should look for people who are different from themselves and will bring a fresh perspective to the business.
Mark Albiston, Managing Director of Garic, tells Martin Port how the company has grown from a £15m business to become a £40m UK leader in plant hire solutions over the past six years. Mark says having the right team is crucial to business success. He looks for people that prioritise customer service and are passionate about what they do – whether it’s sales and marketing or business operations. Garic, which employs 270 people, uses the BigChange platform to manage job scheduling and to offer a quick turnaround for customers looking to hire its products.
Starting out as a computer shop in Huddersfield, Buy it Direct is now one of the UK’s largest online retailers, behind brands including AppliancesDirect and Furniture123. Chief Executive Nick Glynne explains how his strategy of buying distressed businesses and turning them around has helped him create a £500m business that prides itself on excellent customer service and top product knowledge.