ScaleUp Radio: Recent Episodes

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Growing a business beyond founder-led sales is one of the biggest challenges many SMEs face.

In this special ScaleUp Club edition of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined once again by returning guest Dhanushka Tennakoon from RE24 for an interactive Q&A session exploring one of the biggest questions facing growing businesses:

How do you create a predictable flow of new opportunities instead of relying on referrals and hope?

Alongside the discussion, Kevin also shares this month's AI Pulse update, covering one of the most talked about AI stories of recent weeks and what it means for business leaders.

Whether you're approaching your first £1 million in turnover or looking to build a more scalable commercial engine, this session is packed with practical ideas you can implement immediately.

In this episode

• AI Pulse: What happened when Anthropic's latest language model was reportedly withdrawn shortly after launch and what founders should take from the rapid pace of AI development.
• Why so many businesses become trapped by founder dependency.
• Understanding Aaron Ross's Seeds, Nets and Spears framework for predictable lead generation.
• Why referrals alone rarely create a scalable business.
• How targeted outreach can open entirely new markets.
• The importance of balancing new customer acquisition with growing existing client relationships.
• Why choosing the right niche can transform growth.
• How RE24 pivoted from multiple industries to becoming specialists in data centres.
• Practical advice for reducing reliance on founder-led sales.
• Live coaching with ScaleUp Club members on applying the framework to their own businesses.

Key discussion points

AI Pulse

Kevin shares the latest developments from the AI world, including the reported security concerns surrounding Anthropic's latest model and what this tells us about the extraordinary pace of AI capability.

Rather than simply chasing every new tool, founders should focus on understanding where AI can genuinely improve decision making, productivity and business performance.

Seeds, Nets and Spears

The central discussion explores Aaron Ross's well-known framework:

Seeds High trust opportunities generated through referrals, introductions and existing relationships.

Nets Scalable marketing activities including content, SEO, social media and broader awareness campaigns.

Spears Highly targeted outreach aimed at carefully researched organisations where there is a strong strategic fit.

The key message is that healthy businesses develop all three rather than relying on a single source of leads.

Why niche matters

Dhanushka shares RE24's journey from trying to serve multiple industries to focusing specifically on data centres.

That decision created:

• a clearly defined customer profile
• faster buying decisions
• stronger market positioning
• more effective sales conversations
• predictable growth opportunities

Rather than chasing every opportunity, focusing on one market allowed the business to build genuine expertise and competitive advantage.

Live ScaleUp Club coaching

A highlight of the session is the discussion with Paul Rhodes from Green Gorilla Automation.

Like many growing businesses, sales currently depend heavily on the founder and warm introductions.

Together, the group explores how carefully researched "Spears" could help create a more repeatable sales process while reducing founder dependency.

Practical actions

After listening, consider these three actions:

• Review where every lead has come from over the last six months.
• Categorise your activities into Seeds, Nets and Spears.
• Identify one repeatable activity within each category and commit to executing it consistently.

One standout message

Predictable growth doesn't come from doing more marketing. It comes from building a balanced system that consistently creates new opportunities.

The one key thing

If your pipeline depends mainly on referrals or the founder, your business isn't yet scalable. Creating a deliberate mix of Seeds, Nets and Spears is one of the fastest ways to build predictable growth.

Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

Smart90.co.uk/summit

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Choose Less. Scale Better.

Three founders. Three wake up calls. One lesson every business owner needs to hear.

What do an authority strategist, a sales leader and an AI entrepreneur have in common?

Far more than you might think.

In this special edition of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt reflect on three recent conversations with Erica Holthausen, Gulliver Burns and Lee Nazari.

Despite completely different industries and experiences, all three arrived at the same conclusion: sustainable growth doesn't come from doing more. It comes from choosing less, focusing better and building the systems and trust that allow businesses to scale.

Along the way they discuss burnout, delegation, profit, purpose, AI, authority and why execution beats endless learning every time.

In this episode

• Why revenue without profit is one of the biggest traps founders fall into
• The hidden cost of chasing "more" instead of focusing on what matters
• Why authority beats endless content marketing
• The difference between learning and implementation
• How burnout forced both Gulliver Burns and Lee Nazari to completely rethink success
• Why trust and delegation sit at the heart of every scalable business
• How AI should challenge your thinking rather than replace it
• The importance of execution rhythms, deep work and disciplined focus

One standout message

The founders who scale don't do more. They choose less, then execute brilliantly.

Key takeaway

The businesses that grow sustainably are built on clarity rather than complexity. Profit matters more than turnover. Delegation matters more than control. Focus matters more than activity.

Featured Episodes

• Erica Holthausen — Building authority without the content treadmill
• Gulliver Burns — From burnout to better business foundations
• Lee Nazari — Using AI to make recruitment more human

If you haven't already listened to the full interviews, they're well worth adding to your playlist.

Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck. Plenty happening, but no real clarity on what matters most this quarter.

Here's what more than 500 interviews on this show have taught me: the founders who scale choose less, and deliver all of it.

That's what the G90 Summit is for.

A structured half day where we cut through everything competing for your attention, agree the three to five priorities that matter over the next 90 days, and build the rhythm to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly • Virtual • £97 per seat

Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit

About ScaleUp Radio

ScaleUp Radio is hosted by Kevin Brent and brought to you by Smart90, sharing practical conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders who have successfully scaled their businesses.

This episode was produced with the aid of AI, with editorial review by the ScaleUp Radio team.

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What happens when you build multiple multi-million-pound businesses... but almost lose yourself in the process?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by entrepreneur Gulliver Burns, who has experienced both extraordinary growth and devastating setbacks. From building a call centre with over 200 employees before the age of 25 to creating a multi-million-pound automotive business, Gulliver has learned the hard way that scaling without strong foundations comes at a significant cost.

Rather than another success story, this conversation is a refreshing look at how not to scale a business.

Gulliver shares why chasing revenue instead of profit, tying your identity to your business and growing without financial discipline can ultimately lead to burnout, poor decisions and unnecessary risk.

The discussion also explores leadership, developing people, creating resilient systems and why the greatest investment a founder can make is often in themselves.

One standout message

"Revenue is vanity. Profit, cash flow and freedom are what actually allow a business to scale sustainably."

In this episode you'll discover

• Why rapid growth without financial foundations often creates bigger problems instead of bigger businesses.
• The dangerous trap of measuring success by turnover, employee numbers and external recognition.
• Why every founder should build cash reserves before chasing further growth.
• How paying yourself properly creates long-term wealth rather than simply owning an expensive job.
• The importance of separating your personal identity from your business.
• Why emotional decisions cost founders millions.
• How to create a team that genuinely believes in the vision.
• Practical leadership techniques for motivating people every day.
• Why every conversation with a team member is an opportunity for coaching and development.
• How simple daily systems create consistency even in high-pressure sales environments.
• The importance of building leaders who can run the business without constant founder involvement.

About Gulliver Burns

Gulliver Burns is an entrepreneur, business mentor and speaker who has built and exited multiple seven-figure businesses.

His entrepreneurial journey has included building one of Australia's largest telecommunications call centres before creating a highly successful automotive business through innovative digital marketing.

Today he openly shares both the successes and failures from those experiences, helping founders avoid the common mistakes of scaling too quickly, neglecting financial fundamentals and allowing business success to define personal identity.

Key Takeaways

✅ Slow down before you speed up.

Scaling weak systems simply magnifies existing problems.

✅ Revenue doesn't equal success.

Profit, cash flow and financial resilience are the real scorecard.

✅ Pay yourself properly.

Your business should create personal wealth, not just impressive turnover.

✅ Build cash reserves.

Financial buffers give founders choices during difficult periods.

✅ Don't let your business become your identity.

Objective decisions become much easier when your self-worth isn't attached to business performance.

✅ Leadership is development.

Every interaction with your team should help someone become better.

✅ Great businesses run on systems.

Consistency, accountability and strong leaders create sustainable performance.

The one key thing...

Don't build a business that looks successful. Build one that actually creates freedom.

G90 Summit

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 per seat.

www.smart90.co.uk/summit

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Gulliver can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gulliver-burns-a2306488/

https://gulliverburns.com/

Resources

Claude - https://claude.ai/new

Sabri Suby - https://www.youtube.com/@SabriSubyOfficial

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Artificial Intelligence has made applying for jobs easier than ever. It has also made it much harder for employers to identify the best candidates.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with entrepreneur Lee Nazari, founder of Interviewa, a platform using conversational AI and on camera interviews to help recruiters, universities and job seekers cut through the growing noise created by AI generated CVs.

Following a life changing personal tragedy, Lee chose to build something with genuine purpose. The result is Interviewa, a business focused on creating fairer, faster and more authentic recruitment and admissions processes while helping candidates prepare for interviews with confidence.

One standout message from this conversation is:

"The CV is becoming less valuable. The conversation is becoming more valuable."

Lee explains why businesses need to rethink how they assess talent and why execution, partnerships and data are becoming the real competitive advantages in an AI powered world.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why AI generated CVs are creating huge challenges for recruiters
• How Interviewa uses conversational AI to screen every candidate through video interviews
• The importance of follow up questions and authentic conversations
• How anti cheat technology helps maintain interview integrity
• Why transparency builds trust when candidates know they are speaking with AI
• How universities are using Interviewa to improve admissions and student employability
• The new AI Job Consultant helping people identify career opportunities they may never have considered
• How one recruitment agency achieved a 25 times return on investment using Interviewa
• Why execution is now a stronger competitive advantage than simply having a good idea
• Building defensibility through partnerships, proprietary data and compliance
• Lessons in leadership, delegation and trusting great people
• Why every business owner now needs AI literacy

About Lee Nazari

Lee Nazari is the Founder of Interviewa, an AI powered interview platform transforming recruitment, university admissions and interview preparation.

Interviewa combines conversational AI, intelligent screening and personalised interview summaries to help organisations make better hiring decisions while giving candidates a fairer opportunity to demonstrate their potential.

The one key thing

The businesses that win with AI will not simply automate existing processes. They will redesign them around better conversations, faster decisions and stronger human outcomes.

Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck. Plenty is happening but it is not always clear what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

It is a structured half day virtual workshop where we work through everything competing for your attention, identify the three to five priorities that will have the biggest impact over the next 90 days, then build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual and just £97 per seat.

Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Lee can be found here:

https://www.interviewa.com/

lee@interviewa.com

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Most business owners know they should be creating content. Yet many find themselves stuck on a relentless treadmill of blogs, social posts and newsletters that consume huge amounts of time without generating meaningful opportunities.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Erica Holthausen, founder of Catchline Communications, to challenge one of the biggest assumptions in modern marketing: that more content equals more business.

Erica argues that authority doesn't come from publishing more. It comes from having a clear point of view, writing with conviction and building a body of work that demonstrates genuine expertise.

Drawing on her own journey from attorney to marketing strategist and writer, Erica explains why founders should stop chasing algorithms and instead create fewer, more valuable pieces of content that position them as the obvious expert in their field.

Along the way they explore why narrowing your focus actually creates more opportunity, how founders can avoid hiding behind marketing instead of selling, and why AI should enhance your thinking rather than replace it.

One standout message from this episode:

Your perspective is your greatest competitive advantage. AI can imitate information, but it cannot replicate your lived experience, judgement or point of view.

In this episode you'll discover

• Why the traditional content marketing model often fails founder-led businesses.
• The difference between content marketing and a genuinely content-driven business strategy.
• How creating less content can produce significantly better commercial results.
• Why your unique perspective builds authority faster than generic expertise.
• What Erica calls the "Credibility Chasm" and how founders can bridge it.
• Why narrowing your niche is often the fastest route to growth.
• How writing becomes a powerful business development tool rather than simply a marketing activity.
• Why many founders unconsciously use content creation to avoid having sales conversations.
• How to use AI intelligently without losing your authentic voice.
• The daily habits Erica uses to produce consistently high-quality work.

Key Takeaways

Stop running on the content treadmill

Many founders have been taught that success comes from publishing constantly across multiple platforms.

Erica believes this approach creates exhaustion rather than authority.

Instead of producing endless content simply to stay visible, invest your time creating thoughtful pieces that demonstrate genuine expertise and create lasting value.

Quality consistently beats quantity.

Your perspective is your real differentiator

Expertise alone is rarely enough.

The businesses that stand out have a distinctive point of view on the problems they solve.

By identifying the industry assumptions you disagree with and confidently presenting a better way, you create trust, memorability and stronger client relationships.

This is something AI simply cannot manufacture.

Cross the Credibility Chasm

Many founders win their first clients through personal relationships and referrals.

However, scaling beyond those early adopters requires a different level of authority.

Erica explains how businesses often become trapped by taking work that isn't quite aligned with where they want to be, gradually building the wrong reputation.

The solution is to become known for one thing exceptionally well.

As Kevin shares from analysis of more than 300 ScaleUp Radio interviews, the most consistent theme among genuinely differentiated businesses is a willingness to narrow their focus.

Writing should support business development

Rather than publishing content simply to attract attention, use it to strengthen existing relationships and create meaningful conversations.

A well-written article can:

• Demonstrate expertise.
• Nurture prospects.
• Give clients confidence.
• Open sales conversations.
• Reinforce your positioning.

Content should support revenue generation, not become an end in itself.

Action beats endless learning

One of the biggest barriers to growth is confusing learning with progress.

Founders often consume books, podcasts and courses while delaying the difficult work of speaking to prospects or implementing new ideas.

Knowledge only creates value when it's applied.

AI is an editor, not the author

Erica isn't anti-AI.

She simply believes it should support human thinking rather than replace it.

Use AI to:

• Edit.
• Challenge assumptions.
• Improve clarity.
• Test ideas.

Don't ask AI to generate your original thinking.

Your insights and experience remain your biggest competitive advantage.

Erica's ScaleUp Story

Erica's career has taken an unusual path.

Beginning as an attorney, she moved into nonprofit marketing before building a successful freelance writing business and eventually founding Catchline Communications.

A pivotal project involved helping consultant Roger Dunn reposition his business from an implementation provider to a trusted strategic adviser.

That experience fundamentally changed Erica's thinking about writing.

She realised the real value wasn't producing content.

It was helping experts change how the market perceived them.

Today she works with founders, consultants and experts who want to become recognised authorities in their field.

Books and Resources Mentioned

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

A practical guide to focusing on what matters most through the disciplined pursuit of less.

Deep Work by Cal Newport

The inspiration behind Erica's daily commitment to two hours of uninterrupted focused work.

OnePageCRM

A deliberately simple CRM that keeps business development focused on taking the next action.

The One Key Thing

Stop trying to be everywhere. Become known for something.

Authority isn't built through volume.

It's built through clarity, consistency and the confidence to share a distinctive point of view.

About Erica Holthausen

Erica Holthausen is the founder of Catchline Communications, where she helps consultants, founders and subject matter experts use strategic writing to build authority, differentiate themselves and attract higher-value opportunities.

Her approach replaces high-volume content marketing with thoughtful, perspective-led writing that strengthens reputation and supports business growth.

Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

It's a structured half day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual and just £97 per seat.

Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit.

Don't miss future episodes

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you know someone with an inspiring ScaleUp story, we'd love to hear from you. Details on how to nominate a future guest are available in the show notes.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Erica can be found here:

https://catchlinecommunications.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericaholthausen/

Resources:

Essentialism by Greg McKeown - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/essentialism-the-disciplined-pursuit-of-less-greg-mckeown/6b761bbdac7af91b?ean=9780753558690&bkshp-astro=t

Deep Work by Cal Newport - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/deep-work-rules-for-focused-success-in-a-distracted-world-cal-newport/c94a5149c513d9c5?ean=9780349411903&bkshp-astro=t

Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/steal-like-an-artist-10-things-nobody-told-you-about-being-creative-austin-kleon/fef55113038120d8?ean=9780761169253&bkshp-astro=t

OnePage CRM - https://www.onepagecrm.com/

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What do artificial intelligence and cost optimisation have in common?

At first glance, not much.

But when Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt compare two recent ScaleUp Radio interviews, a clear theme emerges. Whether you're using AI to remove administration or reviewing supplier contracts to eliminate unnecessary costs, the goal is exactly the same:

Freeing founders to spend more time doing what only they can do.

In this ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin and Louise explore the practical lessons from conversations with Julie Begbie, founder of the AI Confidence Club, and Ryan Olson from ERA Group, uncovering how better systems create more time, more profit and better businesses.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why most business owners still aren't getting the best from AI
• How to create an AI "Business Brain" that produces content in your own voice
• Why AI should replace admin, not the work you genuinely love doing
• How to identify your own Zone of Genius and spend more time there
• The million-dollar donut story and what it teaches about supplier relationships
• A simple three-step framework for finding hidden profit in your business
• Why delegation without monitoring quickly becomes abdication
• How unconscious bias affects recruitment and limits growth
• Why scaling successfully starts with recognising your own limitations

One standout message

Scaling isn't about doing more. It's about removing everything that stops you doing what matters most.

Key takeaway

The biggest opportunities to improve your business are often already there. AI can give you back valuable time, while reviewing operational costs can release cash that's already inside your business. Together, they allow founders to focus on the work that creates the greatest value.

Resources mentioned

• AI Confidence Club
• Julie Begbie's AI Super Sheet
• ERA Group
• Gallup StrengthsFinder
• Greg McKeown's Essentialism

About Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck. Plenty is happening, but it's not always clear what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

It's a structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, identify the three to five priorities that matter over the next 90 days, then build the accountability and execution system to make sure they happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 per seat.

Visit Smart90.co.uk/summit to find out more.

ScaleUp Radio Shorts is hosted by Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt and is brought to you by Smart90.

This episode was produced with the aid of AI, with final editing and review by the ScaleUp Radio team.

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Can AI actually make your business happier?

Many business owners hear about AI and immediately think about efficiency, automation or replacing people.

Julie Begbie takes a very different view.

Her philosophy is simple. AI should remove the work you don't enjoy so you can spend more time doing the work that gives you energy. That creates a happier founder, a better customer experience and ultimately a stronger business.

In this episode Julie shares practical ways any SME owner can start using AI without becoming a technology expert, whilst also explaining how to build systems that genuinely support business growth.

One standout message from our discussion:

"AI isn't here to replace your people. It's here to free your people to do more human work."

In this episode we discuss

• Why every business needs an AI "Super Sheet" before expecting good AI results
• How AI becomes another member of your team rather than just another piece of software
• The simple daily habits that consistently grow visibility and audiences
• Why founders should spend more time in their Zone of Genius
• Using AI to improve delegation and hiring decisions
• Building systems that support scale instead of creating more work
• The importance of giving AI context before expecting quality output
• Practical rules around confidentiality and protecting sensitive business information
• Common misconceptions that stop business owners getting started with AI

The AI Super Sheet

One of Julie's biggest recommendations is creating what she calls an AI Super Sheet.

Rather than starting every prompt from scratch, the Super Sheet becomes the business brain behind every AI conversation.

It includes:

• Your products and services
• Your ideal customer
• Your brand voice
• Your values
• Your unique difference
• Your offers
• Frequently asked questions
• Common customer problems

Instead of repeatedly explaining your business, AI already understands how you work, who you serve and how you communicate.

The result is dramatically better outputs, faster content creation and far more consistent messaging.

AI as another team member

Julie encourages business owners to think about AI exactly as they would a new employee.

A new recruit cannot perform well without onboarding.

Neither can AI.

Once you've given it context, clear instructions and feedback, it becomes an incredibly scalable member of the team.

It can:

• Draft marketing content
• Produce first drafts
• Help create systems
• Build job descriptions
• Assist with planning
• Support customer communication

Leaving your human team free to focus on creativity, relationships and higher-value activities.

Daily habits that compound

Julie is a big believer in consistency over intensity.

Rather than spending one afternoon every few weeks on marketing, she recommends simple daily habits.

Her AI-generated weekly content framework includes:

Monday Behind-the-scenes stories that build trust.

Tuesday Questions that encourage audience engagement.

Wednesday Short educational videos explaining what you do.

Thursday Clear calls to action.

Friday Testimonials and social proof.

Combined with just 10 to 30 minutes of daily audience-building activity, these habits create consistent long-term growth.

Scaling through delegation

Julie also shared her "Skills for Scale" thinking.

Many founders accidentally become the bottleneck because they continue doing work they have simply become good at rather than work only they can do.

She recommends defining your true Zone of Genius before deciding:

• What AI should handle
• What should be delegated to people
• What only the founder should retain

Interestingly, Julie follows exactly the same delegation process whether assigning work to AI or another employee.

Responsible AI

Julie also addressed two common concerns.

Confidentiality

Never upload anything you wouldn't be comfortable discussing on a public train.

Where confidential material is involved, anonymise names and sensitive information before using AI.

She also recommends turning off model training where AI platforms allow this.

Environmental impact

Julie explained that a typical AI prompt uses roughly similar electricity to boiling a kettle or watching around an hour of Netflix. While AI does consume energy, understanding the context helps business owners make informed decisions.

The one key thing

Treat AI like a team member, not a magic tool. Give it context, train it properly and it becomes one of the most scalable assets in your business.

About Julie Begbie

Julie Begbie helps small business owners confidently use AI to simplify marketing, automate repetitive work and build happier businesses through practical, accessible systems.

Her AI Confidence Club provides ready-made AI tools, templates and coaching designed specifically for non-technical business owners.

Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

Smart90.co.uk/summit

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Resources:

Mel Robbins - "Let Them: The Let Them Theory"Streamyard - https://streamyard.com/

Zoom/Teams but with addition of an A.I. transcription service.

Julie can be found d here

JulieBegbie.com

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What happens when a successful corporate executive decides he wants more control over his future?

After 22 years at Intel, Ryan Olson had built an impressive career leading business development teams, managing global partnerships and helping create a billion-dollar pipeline. But two rounds of corporate layoffs became the catalyst for a very different path.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Ryan shares how he transitioned from corporate leadership into business ownership through the ERA Group franchise, helping mid-sized businesses uncover hidden costs, improve profitability and free up cash for growth.

One of the strongest insights from this discussion is that many businesses focus relentlessly on generating more revenue while overlooking significant opportunities to improve profit through smarter cost management.

Along the way, Ryan shares the memorable "million-dollar donut" story, explains why franchise ownership appealed more than launching a startup from scratch, and reveals some of the hidden expenses many businesses fail to spot.

In this episode:

Ryan's journey from Intel to entrepreneurship

• Spending 22 years building a successful corporate career at Intel
• Managing global teams and strategic partnerships
• Why two layoffs changed his perspective on career security
• Deciding to pursue entrepreneurship through a franchise model
• Lessons learned about building credibility outside a major global brand

Why Ryan chose a franchise model

• The appeal of a proven system and established methodology
• Access to marketing support, technology and training
• Building a business while reducing startup risk
• The long-term value of creating a saleable asset
• Why the ERA Group mission resonated personally

Understanding the ERA Group model

• Helping businesses optimise operational expenses
• Working primarily with companies between £8m and £250m turnover
• A contingent fee structure that aligns incentives
• Only getting paid when savings are successfully delivered
• Creating win-win outcomes for clients

The power of specialist expertise

• Leveraging a network of over 1,000 consultants worldwide
• Accessing deep category specialists across multiple industries
• Collaborating rather than competing within the franchise network
• Delivering expertise beyond a single consultant's background

Hidden costs that impact business growth

• The million-dollar donut freight story
• Why supplier relationships sometimes hide inefficiencies
• Insurance cost optimisation opportunities
• Technology subscriptions for employees who have already left
• Missed warranty reimbursement revenue
• The importance of regularly reviewing supplier contracts

Ryan's practical 3-step approach to cost optimisation

1. Know your spend

   • Audit vendors, contracts and payment terms
   • Understand exactly where money is going

2. Focus on high-impact opportunities

3. Prioritise one or two categories first

4. Concentrate effort where returns are greatest

5. Monitor and verify results

6. Ensure negotiated savings are actually realised

7. Build ongoing accountability into the process

Key Takeaways

• Growth isn't always about increasing revenue; improving profitability often starts with understanding existing costs.
• Hidden expenses frequently exist in long-standing supplier relationships.
• External expertise can uncover opportunities internal teams simply don't have time to investigate.
• Franchise ownership can provide an attractive route into entrepreneurship through proven systems and support.
• Cost optimisation creates additional cash that can be reinvested into strategic growth initiatives.

One Key Thing

The quickest route to improved cash flow is often not finding more customers but uncovering the costs hiding in plain sight inside your existing business.

About Ryan Olson

Ryan Olson is a Cost Optimisation Consultant with ERA Group. Following a 22-year corporate career at Intel, he transitioned into entrepreneurship through the ERA Group franchise model. Ryan helps mid-sized businesses identify hidden costs, improve profitability and unlock cash that can be reinvested into growth.

About ERA Group

ERA Group helps organisations improve profitability through operational cost optimisation. Using a performance-based fee structure, the business works with clients to identify, validate and implement sustainable cost savings across a wide range of expenditure categories.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Resources

Libby -

What happens when a successful corporate executive decides he wants more control over his future?

After 22 years at Intel, Ryan Olson had built an impressive career leading business development teams, managing global partnerships and helping create a billion-dollar pipeline. But two rounds of corporate layoffs became the catalyst for a very different path.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Ryan shares how he transitioned from corporate leadership into business ownership through the ERA Group franchise, helping mid-sized businesses uncover hidden costs, improve profitability and free up cash for growth.

One of the strongest insights from this discussion is that many businesses focus relentlessly on generating more revenue while overlooking significant opportunities to improve profit through smarter cost management.

Along the way, Ryan shares the memorable "million-dollar donut" story, explains why franchise ownership appealed more than launching a startup from scratch, and reveals some of the hidden expenses many businesses fail to spot.

In this episode:

Ryan's journey from Intel to entrepreneurship

• Spending 22 years building a successful corporate career at Intel
• Managing global teams and strategic partnerships
• Why two layoffs changed his perspective on career security
• Deciding to pursue entrepreneurship through a franchise model
• Lessons learned about building credibility outside a major global brand

Why Ryan chose a franchise model

• The appeal of a proven system and established methodology
• Access to marketing support, technology and training
• Building a business while reducing startup risk
• The long-term value of creating a saleable asset
• Why the ERA Group mission resonated personally

Understanding the ERA Group model

• Helping businesses optimise operational expenses
• Working primarily with companies between £8m and £250m turnover
• A contingent fee structure that aligns incentives
• Only getting paid when savings are successfully delivered
• Creating win-win outcomes for clients

The power of specialist expertise

• Leveraging a network of over 1,000 consultants worldwide
• Accessing deep category specialists across multiple industries
• Collaborating rather than competing within the franchise network
• Delivering expertise beyond a single consultant's background

Hidden costs that impact business growth

• The million-dollar donut freight story
• Why supplier relationships sometimes hide inefficiencies
• Insurance cost optimisation opportunities
• Technology subscriptions for employees who have already left
• Missed warranty reimbursement revenue
• The importance of regularly reviewing supplier contracts

Ryan's practical 3-step approach to cost optimisation

1. Know your spend

   • Audit vendors, contracts and payment terms
   • Understand exactly where money is going

2. Focus on high-impact opportunities

3. Prioritise one or two categories first

4. Concentrate effort where returns are greatest

5. Monitor and verify results

6. Ensure negotiated savings are actually realised

7. Build ongoing accountability into the process

Key Takeaways

• Growth isn't always about increasing revenue; improving profitability often starts with understanding existing costs.
• Hidden expenses frequently exist in long-standing supplier relationships.
• External expertise can uncover opportunities internal teams simply don't have time to investigate.
• Franchise ownership can provide an attractive route into entrepreneurship through proven systems and support.
• Cost optimisation creates additional cash that can be reinvested into strategic growth initiatives.

One Key Thing

The quickest route to improved cash flow is often not finding more customers but uncovering the costs hiding in plain sight inside your existing business.

About Ryan Olson

Ryan Olson is a Cost Optimisation Consultant with ERA Group. Following a 22-year corporate career at Intel, he transitioned into entrepreneurship through the ERA Group franchise model. Ryan helps mid-sized businesses identify hidden costs, improve profitability and unlock cash that can be reinvested into growth.

About ERA Group

ERA Group helps organisations improve profitability through operational cost optimisation. Using a performance-based fee structure, the business works with clients to identify, validate and implement sustainable cost savings across a wide range of expenditure categories.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Resources

Libby -

What happens when a successful corporate executive decides he wants more control over his future?

After 22 years at Intel, Ryan Olson had built an impressive career leading business development teams, managing global partnerships and helping create a billion-dollar pipeline. But two rounds of corporate layoffs became the catalyst for a very different path.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Ryan shares how he transitioned from corporate leadership into business ownership through the ERA Group franchise, helping mid-sized businesses uncover hidden costs, improve profitability and free up cash for growth.

One of the strongest insights from this discussion is that many businesses focus relentlessly on generating more revenue while overlooking significant opportunities to improve profit through smarter cost management.

Along the way, Ryan shares the memorable "million-dollar donut" story, explains why franchise ownership appealed more than launching a startup from scratch, and reveals some of the hidden expenses many businesses fail to spot.

In this episode:

Ryan's journey from Intel to entrepreneurship

• Spending 22 years building a successful corporate career at Intel
• Managing global teams and strategic partnerships
• Why two layoffs changed his perspective on career security
• Deciding to pursue entrepreneurship through a franchise model
• Lessons learned about building credibility outside a major global brand

Why Ryan chose a franchise model

• The appeal of a proven system and established methodology
• Access to marketing support, technology and training
• Building a business while reducing startup risk
• The long-term value of creating a saleable asset
• Why the ERA Group mission resonated personally

Understanding the ERA Group model

• Helping businesses optimise operational expenses
• Working primarily with companies between £8m and £250m turnover
• A contingent fee structure that aligns incentives
• Only getting paid when savings are successfully delivered
• Creating win-win outcomes for clients

The power of specialist expertise

• Leveraging a network of over 1,000 consultants worldwide
• Accessing deep category specialists across multiple industries
• Collaborating rather than competing within the franchise network
• Delivering expertise beyond a single consultant's background

Hidden costs that impact business growth

• The million-dollar donut freight story
• Why supplier relationships sometimes hide inefficiencies
• Insurance cost optimisation opportunities
• Technology subscriptions for employees who have already left
• Missed warranty reimbursement revenue
• The importance of regularly reviewing supplier contracts

Ryan's practical 3-step approach to cost optimisation

1. Know your spend

   • Audit vendors, contracts and payment terms
   • Understand exactly where money is going

2. Focus on high-impact opportunities

3. Prioritise one or two categories first

4. Concentrate effort where returns are greatest

5. Monitor and verify results

6. Ensure negotiated savings are actually realised

7. Build ongoing accountability into the process

Key Takeaways

• Growth isn't always about increasing revenue; improving profitability often starts with understanding existing costs.
• Hidden expenses frequently exist in long-standing supplier relationships.
• External expertise can uncover opportunities internal teams simply don't have time to investigate.
• Franchise ownership can provide an attractive route into entrepreneurship through proven systems and support.
• Cost optimisation creates additional cash that can be reinvested into strategic growth initiatives.

One Key Thing

The quickest route to improved cash flow is often not finding more customers but uncovering the costs hiding in plain sight inside your existing business.

About Ryan Olson

Ryan Olson is a Cost Optimisation Consultant with ERA Group. Following a 22-year corporate career at Intel, he transitioned into entrepreneurship through the ERA Group franchise model. Ryan helps mid-sized businesses identify hidden costs, improve profitability and unlock cash that can be reinvested into growth.

About ERA Group

ERA Group helps organisations improve profitability through operational cost optimisation. Using a performance-based fee structure, the business works with clients to identify, validate and implement sustainable cost savings across a wide range of expenditure categories.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Resources

Libby - https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#do-you-have-a-card

Ryan can be found here

Email: ROlson@EraGroup.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankolson/

View Details

In this edition of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt reflect on two fascinating conversations with leadership expert Melissa Thornley and social entrepreneur Vicki Ayton.

Although their businesses couldn't be more different, both guests arrive at remarkably similar conclusions. Sustainable growth isn't driven by working harder or adopting the latest technology. It's built by developing better leaders, creating resilient teams, maintaining genuine human connection, and focusing attention on what matters most.

From emotional intelligence and feedback cultures to AI, climate resilience and practical productivity systems, this episode explores what founders should really be investing in as they scale.

In this episode

You'll discover:

• Why trying to do everything yourself is one of the biggest barriers to scaling
• The importance of emotional intelligence alongside artificial intelligence
• Why managing your attention is far more important than managing your time
• How resilient businesses are built through resilient people
• Practical ways to build accountability without creating blame
• Why community, collaboration and purpose create stronger organisations
• How technology should support human judgement rather than replace it
• Why writing things down can still outperform another productivity app
• The role of kindness and self-compassion in high-performing teams

One standout message

"Wherever your AI skills are, your emotional intelligence needs to be at the same level."

It's a simple reminder that as technology accelerates, the businesses that thrive will still be the ones that communicate well, build trust and genuinely understand people.

The one key takeaway

Technology may improve efficiency, but people create sustainable growth. Invest in leadership, relationships and focus first.

About our guests

Melissa Thornley is a leadership and emotional intelligence consultant who helps organisations develop resilient leaders, stronger communication and healthier workplace cultures across industries ranging from manufacturing to emergency services.

Vicki Ayton is the founder of BizEd Projects, a Community Interest Company helping communities improve digital inclusion, employability, environmental resilience and local skills development.

Resources mentioned

• Emotional Intelligence (EI)
• Artificial Intelligence tools including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini
• Focused Space virtual co-working
• Smart90
• G90 Summit

Smart90

Most founders we speak to feel busy but stuck. Plenty is happening, but it's not always clear what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

It's a structured half-day session where we work through everything competing for your attention, identify the three to five priorities that will move your business forward over the next 90 days, then build the systems and accountability to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual and just £97 per seat.

Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit.

Produced with the aid of AI

This episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts was researched, structured and produced with the aid of artificial intelligence, with editorial review and final approval by the ScaleUp Radio team.

View Details

ScaleUp Radio Show Notes

Melissa Thornley: Why Resilience is the Missing Link in Accountability

What if the reason accountability isn't sticking in your business has nothing to do with performance management and everything to do with resilience?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Melissa Thornley, leadership coach, consultant and founder of Melissa Thornley Consulting. Melissa works with leaders operating in high-stakes environments including emergency services, government agencies, manufacturing, construction and technology businesses. Her mission is simple but powerful: helping people improve "how we human together".

Drawing on more than 20 years in the film and advertising industry, including leading teams through significant organisational change, Melissa shares why resilience and accountability are inseparable, why self-compassion is an underrated leadership skill and how leaders can create stronger, more accountable teams through better conversations.

In this episode:

• Why accountability and resilience are two sides of the same coin
• The shift from time management to attention management
• How self-awareness helps leaders make better decisions under pressure
• Why asking "What happened?" creates better accountability than asking "Why?"
• A simple framework for giving effective feedback
• The importance of assuming positive intent in your team
• Why self-compassion creates stronger leaders than self-confidence alone
• How emotional intelligence becomes even more important in the age of AI
• Practical techniques for managing energy, focus and resilience
• Lessons from leading through change and conflict

Melissa's journey

Melissa spent more than two decades working in film and advertising, including twelve years at an international editing company. At the age of 34, she found herself managing a business, navigating complex change and handling team conflict with little formal leadership training.

Working with an executive coach transformed her approach. The frameworks and support she received became the catalyst for a complete career change. Since launching her consultancy in 2013, Melissa has built a thriving business almost entirely through referrals and community relationships.

Practical leadership tools from Melissa

Focus on attention, not time

Rather than trying to manage every minute of the day, Melissa encourages leaders to manage their attention. Regularly checking in on your energy levels and identifying the next best use of your time creates better results than simply working harder.

Assume good intent

Most people come to work wanting to do a good job. Starting from this assumption changes the quality of conversations and reduces unnecessary conflict.

Replace "Why?" with "What?"

When something goes wrong, asking "Why did you do that?" often creates defensiveness.

Instead ask:

• What happened?
• What was challenging?
• What got in the way?
• What support would have helped?

These questions create learning rather than blame.

Use the 1-2-3 feedback loop

Melissa's simple review framework:

1. What worked?
2. What would we do differently?
3. What should we stop doing?

Used consistently, this creates continuous improvement without complexity.

AI requires EI

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in our organisations, Melissa believes emotional intelligence must develop alongside it.

Empathy, resilience, communication, conflict resolution and assertiveness remain critical human capabilities. The more technology advances, the more valuable these distinctly human skills become.

One key takeaway

Resilience is not something you need after accountability fails. Resilience is what makes accountability possible in the first place.

Standout quote

"Self-compassion is a more useful foundation for growth than self-confidence because confidence is built through action, while self-compassion allows us to keep moving when things don't go to plan."

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

G90 Summit

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

http://Smart90.co.uk/summit

Melissa can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-thornley/

https://www.melissathornley.com/

Bonus Download Page - https://www.melissathornley.com/bonus-download/

Resources:

Permission To Feel by Marc Brackett - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/permission-to-feel-unlock-the-power-of-emotions-to-help-yourself-and-your-children-thrive-marc-brackett/c8887740cb495774?ean=9781787478817&bkshp-astro=t

Ten Percent Happier Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/TenPercentHappier

Focused Space - https://www.focused.space/

View Details

What happens when academic research, climate resilience, digital inclusion and community development all collide?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Vicki Ayton, Founder of BizEd, a Community Interest Company (CIC) that exists to bridge the gap between research and real-world community impact.

What started as a response to a local library closure has evolved into a growing community hub delivering digital inclusion support, climate resilience education, research projects and policy work across Shropshire and beyond.

Vicki shares the realities of building a sustainable CIC, the challenges of balancing commercial income with social impact, and why digital skills are now fundamental to both business success and community resilience.

In This Episode

From Research to Real Impact

Vicki explains how her background in climate and environmental research highlighted a common challenge: excellent research often fails to reach the people who need it most.

BizEd was created to translate knowledge into practical support for communities and businesses.

A pivotal moment came when the local council approached BizEd to replace services lost when a library closed due to RAAC concrete concerns. That request became the catalyst for creating a physical community hub.

Why BizEd Chose a CIC Structure

One of the most fascinating discussions centres around the decision to become a Community Interest Company rather than a charity.

Vicki explains:

• Why financial resilience matters for community organisations
• How BizEd generates 60–70% of its income through trading activities
• The dangers of becoming overly reliant on grant funding
• How organisations can lose community trust when grant-funded projects disappear

The CIC model provides greater flexibility to trade and generate sustainable income, helping create long-term impact rather than short-term projects.

The CIC Catch-22

The conversation highlights a significant challenge faced by many social enterprises.

While CICs are encouraged to trade and become self-sustaining, they are often excluded from support programmes available only to registered charities.

Examples include:

• Free software licences
• Digital infrastructure grants
• Technology support programmes

Meanwhile, charities often have access to these benefits but face restrictions on how much income they can generate through trading activities.

It's a structural challenge that many social enterprises continue to face.

Climate Resilience is a Business Issue

Climate change is no longer a future concern.

Vicki explains why businesses need to focus on resilience today, including:

• Managing disruption caused by extreme weather
• Protecting supply chains
• Supporting employee wellbeing during heatwaves
• Preparing for changing customer and community needs

Rather than focusing solely on sustainability, businesses must also prepare for adaptation and resilience.

Digital Skills are Now Essential

A major theme throughout the conversation is the importance of digital capability at every level.

Vicki breaks digital skills into three areas:

Foundation Skills

• Email
• Online services
• Digital communication
• Accessing information safely

Workplace Skills

• Productivity software
• Collaboration tools
• Digital workflows
• Data management

Advanced Skills

• Artificial Intelligence
• AI risk management
• Data analysis
• Automation opportunities

She also highlights the growing overlap between green jobs and digital capability, where data and technology skills are becoming increasingly valuable.

Why Young People May Hold the AI Advantage

For many small businesses, hiring experienced AI specialists isn't realistic.

Vicki argues that younger people often bring natural AI fluency and experimentation skills that SMEs can benefit from immediately.

For owner-managers looking to improve productivity, younger team members may already hold valuable expertise that businesses are overlooking.

Building Community Hubs That Actually Work

One of BizEd's biggest lessons is that community needs rarely exist in isolation.

Someone seeking digital support may also need:

• Benefits advice
• Banking assistance
• Employment support
• Access to other local services

Vicki shares her vision for integrated community hubs that bring multiple services together under one roof, making support more accessible and effective.

Productivity Tools and Personal Effectiveness

Despite operating in a highly digital world, Vicki's favourite productivity tool is surprisingly simple.

Her trusted Busy Bee physical diary remains the cornerstone of her planning system.

The discussion explores:

• Why writing things down improves thinking
• Managing the overlap between work and home life
• The importance of finding tools that suit your working style

BizEd itself takes a tool-agnostic approach, using Trello, Notion, Planner and other platforms depending on team and client preferences.

The focus is on removing barriers to collaboration rather than enforcing a single system.

The One Key Thing

Building sustainable impact requires balancing purpose with commercial reality. The organisations that create lasting change are the ones that develop the resilience to generate income while staying true to their mission.

Standout Quote

"Digital skills are no longer optional. They are the foundation of resilience for individuals, communities and businesses alike."

About Vicki Ayton

Vicki Ayton is the Founder of BizEd, a Community Interest Company focused on climate resilience, digital inclusion, research translation and community impact. Through education, community engagement and policy work, BizEd helps bridge the gap between knowledge and practical action.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

G90 Summit

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

http://Smart90.co.uk/summit

Vicki can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickiayton/

https://www.bizedprojects.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bized_projects/

https://www.facebook.com/BizEdProjects

Resources:

The Good Growth Podcast - https://www.bgf.co.uk/good-growth-podcast/

David Gallagher on Substack - https://gallagherjdavid.substack.com/

Jenny Anderson on Substack - https://howtobebrave.substack.com/

BusyB Diaries - https://busyb.co.uk/

Trello - https://trello.com/

Notion - https://app.notion.com/

Monday - https://monday.com/

Google Meet - https://meet.google.com/landing

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt bring together three powerful conversations from recent ScaleUp Radio guests: Dan Glyde, Megan Robinson and Sam Eaton. Whilst their businesses are very different, they all arrived at remarkably similar conclusions about what it really takes to build a business that grows sustainably.

From avoiding burnout to empowering your team and creating systems that scale, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can implement straight away.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why founders should think of themselves as cognitive athletes
• How burnout often arrives long before we recognise it
• Why people pleasing damages both relationships and business performance
• Setting boundaries that improve focus and client expectations
• Megan Robinson's approach to taming the "Advice Monster"
• Why asking three questions is often better than giving one answer
• How empowering managers creates better leaders
• Sam Eaton's counterintuitive advice to build an unscalable business first
• Why simple systems outperform complicated ones
• How scorecards and ownership create accountability
• The leadership transitions every growing business must navigate
• Why treating employees as career partners builds stronger businesses

Key Takeaways

• Sustainable growth starts with looking after yourself before your business.

• Great leaders ask more questions than they answer.

• Boundaries aren't selfish. They create better service, better focus and better decisions.

• The strongest businesses are often built on simple, repeatable systems rather than complexity.

• As your business grows, your leadership style has to evolve with it.

The One Key Thing...

Scaling isn't about doing more. It's about creating the habits, systems and leadership that allow your business to grow without burning you or your team out.

Mentioned in this episode

• Dan Glyde – Positive Masculinity
• Megan Robinson – eLeader Experience
• Sam Eaton – MindAbility Consultancy

If you enjoyed these insights, make sure you also listen to each of the full-length interviews where we explore their stories in much greater depth.

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly • Virtual • £97 per seat

Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit

Know someone with an inspiring ScaleUp story? We'd love to hear from them. Visit ScaleUp Radio to nominate a future guest.

This episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts was produced with the aid of AI.

View Details

Why do so many talented managers struggle when they step into leadership roles?

It's a challenge that affects businesses of every size. High performers are often promoted because they're brilliant at what they do, yet they're rarely given the skills, tools, or support needed to lead people effectively.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Megan Robinson, Founder of eLeader Experience, about what she calls the "Leadership Expectation Gap" and why it is costing organisations far more than they realise.

Megan shares how businesses can move leaders from being stuck in the weeds to becoming influential people developers who create stronger teams, better performance and higher retention.

In this episode:

• Why leadership and management are not the same thing
• The hidden cost of promoting technical experts into leadership roles without support
• Why poor leadership can account for significant revenue loss
• How a coaching-first approach develops leaders rather than simply training them
• The importance of moving from giving answers to asking better questions
• Why influence is the true measure of leadership
• The practical habit that can instantly improve your leadership effectiveness
• Lessons from scaling a coaching business beyond founder capacity
• Why pricing for future growth matters from day one

The Leadership Expectation Gap

Many businesses promote their best salesperson, engineer or technical specialist into management.

The problem?

Success as an individual contributor requires a completely different skill set from success as a leader.

Without support, managers often continue doing the work themselves rather than developing their people. They become trapped in day-to-day operations, limiting both team performance and business growth.

Megan explains how this expectation gap contributes to employee turnover, disengagement and significant financial costs for organisations.

Developing Leaders, Not Just Training Them

Megan founded eLeader Experience with a mission to make leadership development accessible to everyone.

Her approach combines the depth of executive coaching with the structure of leadership training through a flexible blend of workshops, group coaching and one-to-one support.

The goal is simple:

Develop leaders who can think, influence and empower others rather than simply complete tasks.

Stop Feeding the Advice Monster

One of the most practical insights from this conversation comes from Michael Bungay's concept of the "Advice Monster".

Many leaders believe they add value by providing answers.

The reality is often the opposite.

By immediately offering solutions, leaders reduce accountability, limit team growth and miss opportunities to uncover the real issue.

Megan shares a simple challenge:

Ask at least three questions before giving advice.

This creates better conversations, develops critical thinking and empowers people to take ownership of their own solutions.

The One Key Thing

The one key thing from this episode is that leadership is influence, not expertise. The moment leaders stop trying to have all the answers and start asking better questions is the moment their teams begin to grow.

A Standout Quote

"Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less."

This simple principle underpins Megan's entire approach and provides a powerful framework for anyone looking to become a more effective leader.

Megan's ScaleUp Essentials

Book Recommendation

American Icon by Bryce G. Hoffman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/american-icon-alan-mulally-and-the-fight-to-save-ford-motor-company-bryce-g-hoffman/a4846b61b5d9588d?ean=9780307886064&bkshp-astro=t

Podcast Recommendation

The Look and Sound of Leadership - https://essentialcomm.com/podcast/

Technology Recommendation

HubSpot - https://www.hubspot.com/

Zapier - https://zapier.com/

Client Acquisition Strategy

Relational networking and meaningful conversations.

No magic formula. No shortcuts. Just building genuine relationships.

About Megan Robinson

Megan Robinson is the Founder of eLeader Experience, helping organisations develop leaders through a coaching-first approach that combines leadership training, executive coaching and practical development programmes.

Megan can be found here

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tritcak/

https://www.eleaderexperience.com/

Smart90 and the G90 Summit

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

Smart90.co.uk/summit

Connect

To learn more about ScaleUp Radio, nominate a future guest or explore further resources, visit Smart90.co.uk.

Make sure you subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

View Details

What happens when the very traits that helped you succeed become the ones that push you towards burnout?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Daniel Glyde, founder of Positive Masculinity, to explore how business owners and leaders can build sustainable success by developing a healthier relationship with themselves first.

Daniel shares his personal journey from BBC producer to coach, following a severe burnout and panic attack in 2018. His experience led him to challenge the traditional expectations many men place on themselves and ultimately build a business focused on helping men create authentic identities, stronger self-belief and healthier lives.

The conversation explores why so many founders fall into people-pleasing, perfectionism and overwork, and how setting boundaries can actually improve performance, leadership and business growth.

In this episode:

Daniel's journey from burnout to business owner

• How years of emotional suppression and people-pleasing led to chronic anxiety and burnout
• The wake-up call that forced him to reassess his priorities
• Why putting yourself first is not selfish but essential

Understanding Positive Masculinity

Daniel's framework is built around three core principles:

• Know yourself
• Be yourself
• Love yourself

Together these help men develop an authentic identity based on values rather than external validation.

The hidden cost of people-pleasing

Daniel explains the difference between:

• Being kind and supportive
• Saying yes when you really mean no

He shares why many founders unintentionally create stress, resentment and poor performance by failing to establish healthy boundaries.

Building a business through community

Daniel has created a three-level business model:

• A free WhatsApp community with weekly accountability and support
• A paid mastermind programme focused on peak performance
• Premium one-to-one coaching helping clients overcome procrastination, perfectionism and self-doubt

What leaders can learn from authenticity

The discussion explores:

• Why vulnerability builds trust
• The power of saying "I don't know"
• How leaders can model healthier behaviours for their teams
• Creating cultures that support wellbeing without sacrificing performance

Daniel's non-negotiables for peak performance

• 8+ hours sleep
• 30+ minutes meditation daily
• 30+ minutes walking daily
• 2+ hours of genuine rest every day

Daniel can be found here

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danglydecoach/?skipRedirect=true

https://danglydecoach.co.uk/

Books that shaped Daniel's thinking

• Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself – Dr Joe Dispenza - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/breaking-the-habit-of-being-yourself-how-to-lose-your-mind-and-create-a-new-one-dr-joe-dispenza/6fd49b57c6281cf2?ean=9781848508569&bkshp-astro=t
• The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-power-of-now-the-global-phenomenon-a-guide-to-spiritual-enlightenment-eckhart-tolle/45ac3c2e9da05aa3?ean=9780340733509&bkshp-astro=t
• A Return to Love – Marianne Williamson - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/a-return-to-love-reflections-on-the-principles-of-a-course-in-miracles-marianne-williamson/c3694c5bdc882349?ean=9780722532997&bkshp-astro=t
• Conversations with God – Neale Donald Walsch - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/conversations-with-god-neale-donald-walsch/fd5674b3bef4bbd3?ean=9780340693254&bkshp-astro=t

Technology helping Daniel scale

Daniel uses Claude AI extensively for research, content creation and automating parts of his outreach process. - https://claude.ai/

The one key thing

Many founders believe they need to sacrifice themselves to build a successful business. Daniel argues the opposite. Sustainable growth starts when you stop abandoning your own needs and begin leading from a place of authenticity, energy and self-respect.

Standout Quote

"Your business can only grow sustainably to the extent that you look after yourself."

Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

Smart90.co.uk/summit

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Why should founders start planning their exit years before they intend to leave?

That was the theme of this month's ScaleUp Club, where members explored one of the most misunderstood areas of business growth: exit planning.

Joining Kevin Brent was returning guest Helen Bower, former owner of Adder Bookkeeping, who successfully sold her business to Fresh Financials Group in 2025 after deliberately building it with a 10-year exit strategy in mind.

Helen shared a refreshingly honest account of how she transformed a self-employed role into a scalable business, the systems she put in place, how the acquisition unfolded, and what life looks like after the sale.

Alongside Helen's Q&A, members also received an AI Pulse update from Tim Wynn-Stanley of Resolve IT, covering one of the hottest developments in AI right now: Vibe Coding.

The session explored why exit planning is not really about selling your business. Instead, it is about creating a stronger, more scalable and less founder-dependent company today.

Key Takeaways:

• Exit planning is growth planning in disguise • The same disciplines that increase business value also improve day-to-day performance • Most businesses are worth significantly less than owners expect because they remain too dependent on the founder • Systemisation is one of the biggest drivers of business value • Buyers look beyond profit and consider factors such as recurring revenue, client retention, staff retention, reputation and operational independence • Helen achieved a four-times EBITDA valuation after years of deliberate preparation • Strong processes allowed her business sale to complete in just six weeks • Remaining in the business after acquisition helped maintain client retention and protected earn-out payments • Brand reputation can significantly influence attractiveness to buyers • AI-generated software can be powerful but requires careful testing and governance

AI Pulse: Vibe Coding and Hidden Risks

Tim Wynn-Stanley shared insights into the rapidly growing world of Vibe Coding, where AI tools can create functioning software applications simply through conversation.

While the speed and accessibility are impressive, Tim warned that many founders are unknowingly creating security and compliance risks.

His practical checklist included:

• Checking whether passwords or API keys are exposed • Ensuring databases are properly secured • Testing for unintended access points • Reviewing GDPR and compliance obligations • Running comprehensive security testing

As Tim put it:

"Just because it works doesn't mean it's safe."

Helen's Exit Journey

Helen began Adder Bookkeeping as a sole trader before intentionally building a team and creating a business capable of operating without her day-to-day involvement.

Her preparation included:

• Documenting every core process • Building detailed client onboarding systems • Implementing strong CRM workflows • Creating repeatable operational procedures • Developing a trusted second-in-command • Building a strong personal and business reputation within the bookkeeping sector

When the opportunity arose to join Fresh Financials Group, the business was already highly systemised, enabling a remarkably fast acquisition process.

The One Key Thing

If your business cannot operate without you, you don't yet own a sellable asset.

Every step you take to reduce founder dependency makes your business more valuable, more resilient and ultimately more enjoyable to run.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

G90 Summit

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

http://Smart90.co.uk/summit

Helen Bower can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenbowerbookkeepingpractice/

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Many founders dream of building a business that gives them freedom, impact and financial success. The challenge is that what gets a business to £1m rarely gets it to £4m and beyond.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Sam Eaton, founder of MindAbility, a business that helps HR and talent entrepreneurs build successful businesses on their own terms.

Sam shares lessons from scaling her own HR business from £650k to £4.3m, the systems that made growth possible, and why founders need to rethink leadership, culture and accountability as their organisations grow.

From creating scorecards that drive performance to navigating the difficult £3m to £4m growth stage, this conversation is packed with practical advice for founders looking to scale sustainably.

In this episode:

• Why every scalable business should start with an unscalable service
• How MindAbility evolved from one-to-one coaching into a scalable membership model
• The biggest mistakes HR professionals make when launching their own businesses
• Lessons learned from scaling an HR company from £650k to £4.3m
• Why weekly scorecards transform business performance
• The difference between lagging indicators and controllable metrics
• How to spot problems before they become business-threatening
• Why the £3m to £4m stage is one of the hardest phases of growth
• The leadership changes required as businesses become more complex
• How culture evolves and sometimes fractures as organisations scale
• Why founders need to transition from operator to CEO
• The growing strategic role HR can play in AI adoption
• How to align employee ambitions with business success
• The value of building an alumni network rather than simply managing staff turnover

One standout message from Sam

"What gets you from £1m to £2m won't get you from £3m to £4m."

As organisations grow, founders must continually reinvent systems, leadership structures and ways of working. Growth requires evolution.

The one key thing

Scale by starting unscalably.

Many founders try to automate and scale too early. Sam's experience shows that the fastest route to sustainable growth is often through delivering exceptional high-touch service first, proving the model, building credibility and understanding exactly what customers value before creating scalable systems around it.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

G90 Summit

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

http://Smart90.co.uk/summit

Sam can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaeaton1450/

Resources:

Loving What Is by Byron Katie - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/loving-what-is-four-questions-that-can-change-your-life-byron-katie/3753208?ean=9781846046971&next=t

Alex Hormuz books - https://www.acquisition.com/books

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

Claude - https://claude.ai/new

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This episode is created using AI

What do a wine entrepreneur, a decision-science expert, and an occupational psychologist have in common?

More than you might think.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt revisit three fascinating conversations with Jamie Smith of EcoSip, Dr Magda Du Preez of GetSense.net, and Tameron Chappell of athinka. Together, they uncover a common theme that sits at the heart of so many scaling challenges: founder psychology.

From letting go of the superhero mindset to building decision-making guardrails and avoiding emotionally-driven mistakes, this episode explores the habits, behaviours and systems that allow founders to scale successfully without becoming the bottleneck.

In This Episode

Why founders must retire the superhero cape

Tameron Chappell explains why no founder can continue doing everything as their business grows. Scaling requires self-awareness, delegation and recognising when someone else may be better suited to a role than you are.

The dangers of hiring purely on experience

A strong CV is not enough.

Tameron shares why personality fit, team dynamics and behavioural understanding are often more important than technical expertise when building high-performing teams.

Jamie Smith's journey from kitchen table startup to scaling manufacturer

Jamie Smith shares how EcoSip evolved from hand-packing wine pouches at home to producing millions of units. Along the way, he learned the importance of bringing in specialist expertise and focusing on what he does best.

How emotions distort business decisions

Dr Magda Du Preez reveals how emotions influence decision-making in as little as eight milliseconds.

Whether it's excitement, anger or sadness, every emotion creates predictable biases that can affect hiring, investment and growth decisions.

Why excitement can be the most dangerous emotion for entrepreneurs

While enthusiasm drives innovation, excessive excitement can lead to overconfidence, poor judgement and costly mistakes.

Jamie's experience with handshake agreements and failed growth opportunities highlights the risks of making decisions without proper safeguards.

Building decision-making guardrails

Magda introduces the concept of decision rules. These simple, contextual guardrails help teams make decisions confidently while reducing the risk of emotional bias.

Rather than constantly seeking founder approval, teams can move faster because they understand the boundaries.

Practical tools to improve decision-making

The discussion includes several practical frameworks founders can use immediately:

• The FIRE Method: Feel, Inspect, Respond, Don't React
• The 10-10-10 Framework: Consider consequences in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years
• Identifying whether a decision is reversible before acting
• Creating peer groups that challenge thinking and expose blind spots

AI as a thinking partner, not a replacement

Both Magda and Tameron discuss how AI can support founders as a thinking partner while warning against becoming overly dependent on automated outputs.

The best leaders use AI to enhance their thinking rather than replace it.

Key Takeaways

• Scaling requires founders to let go of the belief they must do everything themselves.
• Team fit matters as much as technical capability when hiring.
• Emotional biases influence business decisions more than most leaders realise.
• Decision rules create confidence, autonomy and consistency across teams.
• Peer groups provide critical external perspectives that reduce blind spots.
• AI is most valuable when it supports human judgement rather than replacing it.

One Standout Message

"Guardrails create freedom. When teams understand the boundaries, they can make better decisions without waiting for permission."

The One Key Thing

The founders who scale most successfully are not the ones who work harder or make faster decisions. They are the ones who build systems, guardrails and teams that allow good decisions to happen consistently without relying on themselves.

About Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit

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What happens when a pandemic destroys your original business model?

For Jamie Smith and his co-founder Alex, it became the catalyst for creating an entirely new category within the wine industry.

Starting as a wine retailer and tasting club, they quickly discovered that shipping glass bottles was expensive, inefficient and environmentally problematic. Rather than accept the challenge, they spent three years developing a proprietary wine pouch capable of preserving and ageing wine in a way that mimics a traditional glass bottle and cork.

Today, EcoSIP works with major brands including Naked Wines and The Wine Society, providing innovative sustainable packaging solutions that reduce cost, waste and environmental impact while maintaining wine quality.

In this episode, Jamie shares the journey from startup retailer to specialist co-packer, the realities of bootstrapping deep product innovation, and their ambitious plans to make sustainable wine packaging a global standard.

In this episode:

A pandemic pivot that changed everything

When lockdown disrupted their newly launched wine retail business, Jamie and Alex quickly shifted towards direct-to-consumer wine tasting experiences.

The challenge soon became obvious.

Shipping wine in glass bottles was expensive, heavy and fragile, often costing more than customers expected and creating significant environmental impact.

The solution started with a prototype made using hair straighteners and a cereal box.

That simple idea ultimately evolved into EcoSIP's proprietary wine pouch technology.

Solving a problem others couldn't

The team identified a major issue with existing alternatives.

Cans prevent oxygen transfer completely, affecting wine development.

Traditional bag-in-box solutions allow too much oxygen exposure, impacting quality.

EcoSIP set out to create packaging that behaves more like a glass bottle with a cork.

After three years of research and development, multiple material generations and constant reinvestment of profits, they developed a pouch capable of replicating the oxygen transfer characteristics needed for wine ageing.

Building a defensible business

One of the most fascinating aspects of the conversation is how Jamie and the team built genuine barriers to entry.

Their competitive advantage now includes:

• Proprietary pouch design

• Trademark protection

• Patent-pending processes

• Specialist filling and preservation methods

• Deep operational expertise developed through years of experimentation

The result is a packaging solution that many competitors would struggle to replicate.

Quality control at scale

Protecting wine quality remains central to EcoSIP's proposition.

Their process includes:

• HEPA-filtered clean room environments

• Individual bottle quality checks before decanting

• CO₂ blanketing to minimise oxidation

• Nitrogen purging to reduce oxygen levels before filling

• Carefully engineered packaging materials designed for long-term wine preservation

These systems allow clients to maintain product quality while benefiting from a more sustainable delivery model.

Growing through reputation

Unlike many startups, EcoSIP has achieved growth primarily through referrals and word of mouth.

Satisfied customers have become advocates, creating a strong pipeline without significant marketing investment.

This organic growth has helped the business scale while remaining fully self-funded.

Funding growth without losing focus

The company has been built using:

• Trading profits

• R&D tax credits

• A Bounce Back Loan

Every available resource has been reinvested into developing the technology and refining the process.

Now, with the product proven and commercial demand growing, the next step is investment in sales and marketing capability.

The global vision

Jamie's ambition extends far beyond UK wine packaging.

The long-term vision is to establish packaging hubs close to wine production regions around the world.

Instead of shipping heavy glass bottles internationally, wine could be packaged near source and distributed more sustainably.

Eventually, EcoSIP aims to transition from co-packing to licensing its technology directly to wineries globally.

The One Key Thing

Innovation becomes far more valuable when it solves a genuine customer problem.

EcoSIP's success didn't come from creating new technology for its own sake. It came from relentlessly solving the challenges of cost, sustainability and quality in wine distribution until they created something genuinely difficult to copy.

Standout Quote

"We spent three years reinvesting everything back into the product until we had a solution that genuinely worked."

About EcoSIP

EcoSIP provides innovative sustainable wine packaging solutions through its proprietary pouch technology, helping wine brands reduce costs, improve sustainability and deliver high-quality products to consumers in a more flexible format.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

G90 Summit

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

http://Smart90.co.uk/summit

Jamie can be found here:

https://www.ecosip.co.uk/

https://onlinewinetasting.club/

jamie@onlinewinetasting.club

Resources:

The Maker & The Merchant Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/51mYMnpuCR9UKxydI1OgXT?si=c75509dfa1f14124

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How often do business owners make decisions they later regret?

Whether it's hiring, investment, strategy, pricing or growth, most founders like to believe they make rational decisions. Yet the reality is that emotions influence almost every business decision we make.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by psychologist, researcher and entrepreneur Magda Du Preez, founder of GetSense.net. Following years of academic research into decision-making and cognitive bias, Magda has developed practical tools that help entrepreneurs and leaders make better decisions under pressure.

The conversation explores why emotions are not the enemy of good decision-making, how confidence impacts business performance, and why creating clear decision rules can dramatically improve organisational effectiveness as businesses scale.

In This Episode

How one hiring decision nearly bankrupted a business

Magda shares the story that sparked her research journey. A client faced intense investor pressure to make a senior hire quickly. The decision was driven more by emotion than evidence and almost resulted in the collapse of the business.

That experience led Magda to investigate how emotions influence judgement and trigger cognitive biases, ultimately resulting in the creation of GetSense.net.

Why emotions matter in business decisions

Entrepreneurs rely on emotional energy to move quickly and seize opportunities. The challenge is not eliminating emotion but understanding how it affects thinking.

Magda explains that when emotions go unchecked, they can distort judgement, increase bias and create blind spots. Learning to recognise and manage these emotional influences is a critical leadership skill.

The FIRE framework for better decisions

Magda introduces her practical four-step framework:

F – Feel Recognise and acknowledge the emotion you are experiencing.

I – Inspect Examine what is triggering the emotion and how it may be affecting your thinking.

R – Respond Choose a deliberate response rather than reacting automatically.

E – Evolve Learn from the experience and continually improve future decision-making.

This process helps leaders create a pause between emotion and action, allowing better choices to emerge.

The one key thing

Appropriate confidence is the foundation of better decision-making.

According to Magda, appropriate confidence is the ability to accurately distinguish between what you know and what you think you know.

It acts as the gatekeeper to many other cognitive biases and can significantly influence business performance. Research highlighted in the discussion suggests that even modest improvements in appropriate confidence can correlate with substantial improvements in business growth.

Four decision-making capabilities every founder should develop

Magda identifies four critical areas:

1. Appropriate Confidence Accurately assessing your own knowledge and certainty.
2. Risk Appraisal Evaluating risk objectively rather than emotionally.
3. Objectivity Seeing through framing effects and cognitive distortions.
4. Decision Rules Creating clear guardrails that simplify and improve decisions.

Decision rules: the scaling tool most leaders overlook

One of the most practical discussions centres around decision rules.

Unlike values, which remain relatively stable over time, decision rules are temporary and contextual. They create clarity around priorities and empower teams to make aligned decisions without constantly seeking approval.

Examples include:

• No capital expenditure this quarter
• No hiring unless revenue targets are achieved
• Customer retention before customer acquisition
• Focus on recurring revenue opportunities only

By creating clear decision rules, founders reduce decision bottlenecks and free themselves from becoming the centre of every choice.

Practical tools you can use immediately

Magda shares several simple but powerful techniques:

The Reversibility Test

Ask yourself:

"Is this decision reversible?"

If it is not, slow down and spend more time evaluating options.

The 10-10-10 Method

Consider the consequences:

• In 10 minutes
• In 10 months
• In 10 years

This creates perspective and reduces emotional overreaction.

Behavioural Circuit Breakers

Create simple interruptions when emotions are running high:

• Take a sip of water
• Step outside the room
• Use visual reminders such as a FIRE note on your desk

Small actions can create enough space for better thinking.

AI as a thinking partner, not a replacement

Magda also discusses the role of AI in decision-making.

Rather than outsourcing thinking, leaders should use AI to challenge assumptions, surface blind spots and ask better questions.

One particularly useful technique is asking AI to critique its own recommendations from the perspective of a recognised expert. This helps improve the quality of insights while keeping the human firmly in control of the final decision.

Key Takeaways

• Emotions drive far more business decisions than most leaders realise.
• Appropriate confidence is a critical predictor of decision quality.
• Better decision-making can be learned and improved systematically.
• Decision rules help teams move faster while remaining aligned.
• AI works best as a thought partner rather than a decision-maker.
• Small behavioural interventions can dramatically improve judgement under pressure.

About Magda Du Preez

Magda Du Preez is a psychologist, researcher and entrepreneur. She is the founder of GetSense.net, a platform designed to help individuals and organisations improve decision-making through evidence-based frameworks, AI-assisted coaching and practical learning tools.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

G90 Summit

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

http://Smart90.co.uk/summit

Magda can be found here:

https://getsense.net/contact - Don't forget to mention ScaleUp Radio to get a free trail!

Resources:

Noise by Daniel Kahneman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/noise-daniel-kahneman/1584645?ean=9780008309039&next=t

Hammock Way of Life by Janet Tanguay - https://hammockwayoflife.com/store/

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Most business owners spend years building their company, yet very few spend any time building an exit strategy.

In this month's ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt explore why exit planning isn't really about leaving your business. It's about creating a stronger, more valuable, and less owner-dependent company today.

The reality is sobering. For many founders, their business is their most valuable asset after their home, yet the vast majority have no formal exit plan. Even fewer achieve the outcome they hoped for when they eventually sell.

The good news? The same disciplines that increase business value are the very things that help you scale more effectively, improve profitability, and create greater freedom as an owner.

In This Episode

Why Exit Planning Is Really a Growth Strategy

An exit plan should not be something you create a few years before retirement.

Instead, it should become a framework for building a stronger business today. The systems, processes, leadership capability and recurring revenues that make a company attractive to buyers are exactly the same things that make a business easier to run and scale.

Understanding What Your Business Is Really Worth

Many founders significantly overestimate the value of their business.

Kevin and Louise discuss:

• Typical valuation methods for SME businesses
• Profit multiples and how they influence value
• The difference between EBITDA and Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE)
• Why two businesses with similar profits can command very different valuations

The Eight Drivers of Business Value

The Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System identifies eight key drivers that influence valuation, including:

• Financial Performance
• Growth Potential
• Recurring Revenue
• Customer Satisfaction
• Monopoly Control
• Switzerland Structure
• Hub and Spoke
• Transferability and independence from the founder

Improving these areas can significantly increase both the value and attractiveness of your business.

The Most Important Driver: Hub and Spoke

One of the biggest value destroyers is founder dependency.

If every key decision, relationship and process relies on the owner, the business becomes difficult to sell and difficult to scale.

Kevin and Louise discuss how founders can:

• Document key processes
• Develop leadership capability
• Delegate responsibilities
• Build systems that reduce reliance on the owner

The ultimate goal is to create a business that continues to thrive without you.

Finding the Right Buyer

The discussion also explores:

• Strategic buyers versus financial buyers
• Why existing customers, suppliers and competitors are often the most likely acquirers
• How strategic buyers can pay significant premiums
• Why businesses roughly ten times your size may represent ideal acquisition targets

Creating a Practical Exit Plan

Your exit strategy does not need to be complicated.

A simple two or three-page document can cover:

• Personal objectives
• Current business valuation
• Investment story
• Target buyers
• Improvement priorities across the value drivers
• 12 to 24-month action plans

Key Standout Message

"An exit plan is actually a growth plan in disguise." The actions that increase business value are the same actions that improve scalability, profitability and owner freedom.

The One Key Thing

Build a business that can thrive without you.

The biggest factor influencing both valuation and scalability is reducing founder dependency. The sooner you start transferring knowledge, developing leaders and creating systems, the more options you'll create for your future.

90-Day Action Challenge

Block out 90 minutes and:

1. Score your business against the eight value drivers.
2. Identify your three weakest areas.
3. Map potential future buyers.
4. Create your investment story.
5. Commit to three actions for the next 90 days.

Smart90 Feature

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.

Smart90.co.uk/summit

This episode was created using AI

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Why do so many businesses hit a ceiling at around 10 employees?

Many founders start their business because they're brilliant at what they do. In the early days, decisions are fast, communication is simple, and the founder sits at the centre of everything.

Then the business grows.

Suddenly, what made the business successful starts to become the thing holding it back.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Tameron Chappell, founder of Athinka, a business psychology consultancy that helps organisations build healthier, higher-performing teams using evidence-based psychology rather than management fads and airport business books.

Tameron explains why the transition beyond 10 employees is one of the most challenging moments in a founder's journey, how personality dynamics influence team performance far more than technical capability, and why shared leadership is critical for sustainable growth.

About Tameron Chappell

Tameron is the founder of Athinka, a consultancy specialising in business psychology and team effectiveness.

Working primarily with startups and scale-ups, Tameron combines psychodynamic and systemic approaches to help founders and leadership teams understand the hidden patterns, behaviours and relationships that influence performance.

His work often begins when traditional consulting approaches have failed to deliver lasting results, helping organisations uncover the deeper causes of team dysfunction and leadership challenges.

In this episode:

Why businesses often stall at 10 employees

Many founders unknowingly create a business model that relies entirely on them.

As the team grows, this becomes unsustainable. The founder becomes the bottleneck for decisions, problem-solving and accountability.

Tameron explains why the 10-person mark is a critical inflection point and why leaders must begin building shared ownership and leadership much earlier than they think.

The uncomfortable reality of scaling leadership

One of the biggest mindset shifts for founders is recognising that they may not always be the best person for their current role.

Growth requires leaders to continually evolve and sometimes redefine their responsibilities.

Tameron discusses why succession planning, delegation and leadership development should be part of the scaling conversation from day one.

Why personality matters more than technical skills

Recruitment often focuses heavily on experience, qualifications and technical competence.

However, Tameron argues that personality fit, behavioural tendencies and stress responses are often far better predictors of long-term success.

Past performance in one environment does not guarantee success in another.

Understanding how individuals naturally operate under pressure can significantly improve hiring decisions and team performance.

Understanding the psychology behind team dynamics

Rather than viewing personality through simplistic labels and categories, Tameron describes personality as a complex mixing deck of traits that interact differently depending on circumstances.

Helping team members understand their own preferences and those of colleagues can reduce conflict, improve communication and increase trust.

Evidence-based business psychology

Athinka's approach is grounded in established psychological theory and research.

The consultancy combines:

• Psychodynamic approaches to explore the relationship between an individual's inner world and workplace behaviour.

• Systemic approaches to uncover hidden organisational patterns and group dynamics.

The result is practical insight that helps teams function more effectively and leaders make better decisions.

Standout Quote

"Most businesses don't stop growing because of strategy. They stop growing because the founder's control model no longer works."

Key Takeaways

• The 10-employee mark is often the first major scaling challenge.

• Founders must evolve their leadership style as the business grows.

• Shared leadership creates stronger, more resilient organisations.

• Personality and behavioural fit matter more than technical skills alone.

• Team effectiveness improves when people understand how others naturally operate.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Internal Family Systems - https://ifs-institute.com/

Lumina Splash App - https://luminalearning.com/our-products/lumina-splash-app

Co-Pilot -

Claude -

From Tameron:

If you're a founder and you're curious about the psychology underneath your business — the patterns, the dynamics, the parts of you that show up under pressure — here are some resources I often recommend:

• Edgar Schein's work on Humble Leadership for the fundamental shift from 'expert' to open-minded curiosity which is the foundation of all relational leadership.
• Mike Hohnen's practical interpretation of Dave Snowden's Cynefin model, especially for founders navigating complexity, pace and ambiguity. Mike makes complexity human and usable.
• Richard Schwartz's Internal Family Systems (IFS) for understanding your inner architecture, your triggers, and how to lead yourself with more clarity and compassion. His book No Bad Parts is a great entry point.
• Systemic thinking for teams and organisations = anything that helps you uncover the hidden patterns around you. John Whittington's blogs (start with his views on Founders and their Origin Story https://www.linkedin.com/posts/johntkwhittington_systemiccoaching-founders-theoriginstory-activity-7452030365994569728-s7wJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAC1NiYBYHjcV1QthjsMa96N6IIja61N-Mo ), Jan Jacob Stam's Systemic Leadership, and Tess Cope's Harness and Your Team Is Not The Issue are excellent.
• Trait‑based personality models such as Lumina Spark, Hogan, or NEO Primary Colours. These help you understand behaviour under pressure and in context. (N.B. Not Type tools like MBTI, DISC, Insights or Strengths, they're fun and ubiquitous, but they don't stand up to psychological scrutiny.
• If you want something highly practical, David Marquet's intent‑based leadership work (Turn the Ship Around, Leadership is Language) and his short Leadership Nudges videos on YouTube are brilliant for everyday behavioural shifts.

And of course… if you've got humans in your business and don't fancy reading all these theories and ideas come and find me - I'm always curious about your world, your successes and challenges. Find me on LinkedIn or at Tameron.Chappell@athinka.com and if you mention you came across me via Kevin's podcast I can offer you a no-strings-attached Diagnostic Conversation where we can focus on your situation, leadership, team and organisation.

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In this special edition of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt revisit three standout conversations from recent ScaleUp Radio episodes to uncover a common thread running through them all.

At first glance, these guests appear to operate in completely different worlds. Maritsa Inglessis specialises in people and HR. Peter Juhasz helps businesses generate growth through AI-powered revenue systems. Simon Bird works with founders on strategy, creativity and mindset.

Yet all three are helping business owners solve the same challenge: escaping the founder trap.

Whether you're struggling with people issues, feeling overwhelmed by growth challenges, or finding yourself stuck in the day-to-day running of the business, this episode offers practical insights to help you regain control and create a business that works for you, rather than because of you.

In this episode:

Why founders often become the biggest bottleneck in their own business

Simon Bird explores the psychological challenges many founders face after years of building their companies. What starts as passion and excitement can gradually become pressure, responsibility and a sense of being trapped by the very business they created.

The power of "Permission to Pause"

Maritsa Inglessis introduces a powerful concept: giving yourself permission to stop, reflect and assess what your business actually needs before adding more people, processes or complexity.

How poor onboarding and founder dependency drive employee turnover

Learn how one business transformed from 100% staff turnover to retaining every employee for two years by improving onboarding, communication and delegation.

Why drawing your business can reveal more than months of meetings

Simon shares a fascinating exercise where founders visually represent their business challenges, uncovering hidden operational issues and alignment problems that traditional discussions often miss.

Why most AI and growth initiatives fail

Peter Juhasz explains why overcomplicating growth through multiple agencies and disconnected tactics often leads to frustration and burnout, and why combining AI with human expertise is critical for success.

The role fear plays in leadership

From difficult conversations with employees to making strategic decisions, all three guests highlight how fear can prevent founders from taking the actions their businesses need most.

Key lessons from the discussion

• Stop trying to solve every problem yourself.
• Build systems rather than relying on heroics.
• Invest in proper onboarding and people development.
• Create space for strategic thinking.
• Don't confuse activity with progress.
• Use AI as an amplifier, not a replacement for expertise.
• Seek outside perspectives through coaches, advisors and trusted partners.
• Focus on building a business that can operate successfully without constant founder intervention.

Standout Quote

"Get the problem out of the founder's head and onto the table."

About Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 per seat.

Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit.

Listen to the full interviews

If you enjoyed these insights, make sure you also listen to the full conversations with:

• Maritsa Inglessis
• Peter Juhasz
• Simon Bird

Each episode explores these topics in far greater depth and provides practical advice you can apply immediately within your own business.

Production Note

This episode of ScaleUp Radio was produced with the aid of artificial intelligence to support content preparation, editing and production workflows.

ScaleUp Radio is brought to you by Smart90 and inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System, helping ambitious business owners scale with greater clarity, focus and confidence.

LinkedIn & Instagram Post

Have you accidentally become the biggest bottleneck in your own business?

In this latest ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Louise Blunt and I reflect on three brilliant conversations with Maritsa Inglessis, Peter Juhasz and Simon Bird.

They each approach business growth from a completely different angle:

People and HR. AI and lead generation. Strategy and founder mindset.

Yet they all uncovered the same challenge.

The Founder Trap.

The point where the business starts depending on you for everything, leaving you busy, overwhelmed and struggling to focus on what really matters.

A few key lessons from the discussion:

✔️ Give yourself permission to pause before adding more people, processes or complexity

✔️ Great onboarding and clear expectations reduce turnover and increase performance

✔️ AI works best when combined with human expertise and accountability

✔️ The best leaders don't carry every problem themselves

If you're trying to scale while feeling stuck in the day-to-day, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Listen here: [Insert Episode Link]

#ScaleUpRadio #Smart90 #StopTheDrift #G90Summit #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #FounderMindset #NinetyDayPlanning

BizSmart Comment

A brilliant ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode that brings together three very different perspectives on one challenge most founders face. Well worth a listen if you're trying to create a business that scales without depending on you for everything.

Smart90 Comment

Most business owners don't need another tactic. They need clarity on what matters most next. This ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode is full of practical insights to help founders step back, refocus and build a business that can grow sustainably. :::

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Maritsa, founder of The People Keeper, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing growing businesses: keeping great people.

Maritsa shares how her business evolved from offering a single employee retention service into a comprehensive framework that helps companies with between 2 and 50 employees build the people foundations needed for sustainable growth.

Together they discuss why staff turnover is rarely a recruitment problem, how founders can overcome the fear of delegation, and why strong people systems create the stability every growing business needs.

In this episode:

• Why The People Keeper completely restructured its service offering to better support growing SMEs
• The Three-Legged Stool Framework for building a stable people foundation
• The hidden costs of employee turnover and why prevention is significantly cheaper than replacement
• How outdated processes and founder dependency create retention problems
• The role of leadership development in successful delegation
• Practical ways founders can overcome the fear of letting go
• How effective onboarding accelerates performance and retention
• Why retention is an outcome of good systems rather than a standalone objective

The Three-Legged Stool Framework

Maritsa explains that every business needs three critical foundations in place:

1. Legal and Operational Basics

Contracts, policies, procedures and templates that provide clarity and consistency.

1. Day-to-Day Operations

Effective hiring, onboarding, management capability and communication systems.

1. Future-Facing Strategy

Aligning people plans with business objectives, whether that's growth, acquisition, succession or exit planning.

When all three legs are working together, businesses create the stability that naturally improves retention.

Case Study: Solving 100% Annual Staff Turnover

One recruitment agency approached Maritsa with a serious challenge. Despite employing only four people, the business was experiencing 100% annual staff turnover.

After investigating, three core issues emerged:

• Processes had not adapted to a fully remote working environment following Covid
• The founder was heavily involved in every decision, creating bottlenecks and dependency
• New hires were expected to learn through an overwhelming two-week virtual shadowing process

Rather than focusing solely on recruitment, Maritsa addressed the underlying systems.

A promising team member was developed into an Office Manager role, receiving training in leadership, performance management and conducting effective one-to-ones.

The onboarding process was redesigned with clear success measures and structured milestones.

The founder was supported in stepping back and delegating responsibility more effectively.

The result?

Staff turnover fell from 100% to 0% and has remained there for more than two years, saving the business an estimated £150,000 or more in replacement costs.

Founder Delegation: The Real Barrier

A key theme throughout the conversation is that delegation is rarely a capability issue. More often it is a psychological one.

Many founders worry:

• What if someone makes a mistake?
• What if standards drop?
• What if customers are affected?

Maritsa encourages founders to explore those fears openly.

By asking, "What's the worst that could happen?" founders can identify realistic risks and put mitigation plans in place.

The solution is not simply handing work over. It is about creating the conditions for success through training, authority, accountability and clarity.

One Key Takeaway

High turnover is usually a symptom, not the problem itself.

When founders build strong systems, develop capable managers and create clear expectations, retention improves naturally. Great people stay where they can succeed.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at http://Smart90.co.uk/summit .

Maritsa can be found here:

https://thepeoplekeeper.com/

https://thepeoplekeeper.com/resources

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maritsai/

Resources:

PX Espresso with Luke O'Mahoney - https://open.spotify.com/show/1M3SBzxJpogaR5aG6JL0eN

Claude - https://claude.ai/

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What happens when founders get fed up with fragmented agencies, disconnected marketing tactics, and expensive growth projects that fail to deliver?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Peter Juhasz, co-founder of Syrvi.ai, to explore how they are reinventing go-to-market support for SMEs through what they call "Service as Software".

Peter shares the scaling journey behind Syrvi.ai, from bootstrapping a tech platform with no previous software experience to building a 12-person team supporting around 30 active clients across the UK and beyond.

The discussion dives into why traditional agency models often fail scaling businesses, how AI is changing the way SMEs approach growth, and why guarantees and trust are central to Syrvi.ai's model.

A standout message from this episode:

"Most SMEs don't need more agencies. They need one joined-up revenue system."

In This Episode

Why SMEs Struggle to Scale

Peter explains the challenge many growing businesses face between:

• Trying to learn and implement AI internally
• Hiring multiple specialist agencies that rarely work cohesively together

The result is often:

• High costs
• Conflicting strategies
• Founder burnout
• Poor ROI
• Fragmented accountability

Peter references research suggesting over 95% of growth projects fail because businesses focus on isolated tactics instead of integrated systems.

The "Service as Software" Model

Syrvi.ai combines:

• Human expertise
• AI automation
• Proprietary software
• Integrated go-to-market execution

Their Revenue Engine platform supports:

• Multi-channel outreach campaigns
• LinkedIn and email pipeline generation
• AI-assisted thought leadership
• SEO and content creation
• Generative AI Engine Optimisation (GAIO)

Rather than replacing humans with AI, Peter explains how AI enables SMEs to execute more consistently and strategically without needing multiple suppliers.

Earning Trust Through Guarantees

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is how Syrvi.ai reduces client risk.

Their process includes:

• A free 45-minute strategy session
• A bespoke 25-page go-to-market plan
• A 90-day pilot programme
• Guaranteed qualified opportunities

If targets are missed:

• They continue working free of charge until achieved
• Or refund the client

Peter explains why demonstrating value before asking for long-term commitment has been critical to their growth and retention.

Building a Tech Company Without a Tech Background

Peter openly shares the challenges of:

• Bootstrapping the business
• Building software from scratch
• Recruiting the right CTO
• Learning AI and technology fundamentals as non-technical founders

The company has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into developing their platform while staying founder-funded.

Today:

• The business has 12 team members
• Supports around 30 active clients
• Is approaching break-even

Leadership Lessons and Founder Advice

Peter shares lessons he would give his younger self:

• Take balanced risks
• Learn business management earlier
• Understand M&A sooner
• Invest time learning technology and AI fundamentals

He also discusses:

• Founder mindset
• Sustainable scaling
• Managing growth pressure
• Long-term vision

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at http://Smart90.co.uk/summit .

Peter can be found here:

https://syrvi.ai/

Resources:

Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/think-and-grow-rich-the-original-classic-hill/2073500?ean=9781906465599&next=t

Good To Great by Jim Collins - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/good-to-great-collins-jim/5255326?ean=9780712676090&next=t

Claude AI - https://claude.ai/

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What happens when the business you built to create freedom starts feeling more like a trap?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Simon Bird, founder of SEON, about one of the most common but least discussed challenges facing growing SME owners: the "Owner's Trap". Simon shares practical frameworks and diagnostic approaches designed to help founders step back, regain clarity, and reconnect with the purpose and direction of their business.

Drawing on more than 25 years in global marketing leadership and seven years advising business owners through SEON, Simon explains why many leaders become overwhelmed as their businesses grow, and how structured thinking, visual frameworks, and better conversations can unlock progress.

This conversation is packed with practical guidance for founders who feel busy, stretched, and stuck in operational complexity.

In this episode:

• Why successful founders often become disconnected from the part of the business they originally loved
• The warning signs that operational pressure is beginning to affect performance and motivation
• Why trying to "solve" problems too quickly often creates more confusion
• How a "thinking partner" can help founders gain clarity and make better decisions
• The power of visual frameworks and metaphor to expose hidden business issues
• Why alignment problems inside leadership teams are often invisible until surfaced properly
• The importance of stepping back before jumping into strategy or restructuring
• How productising advisory services creates clearer value for clients
• Practical lessons Simon learned from building SEON from scratch
• Why consistent business development habits still matter, even for experienced advisers

A standout insight from the episode

One of the most powerful moments in the discussion is Simon's example of a husband-and-wife leadership team drawing their business as a car.

One leader saw a polished, high-performing vehicle. The other saw it sitting in the garage with three wheels missing.

That single exercise exposed a major operational disconnect that traditional meetings and reports had failed to uncover.

It is a reminder that many business problems are not purely strategic or financial. Often, leaders are operating from completely different realities.

The one key thing

If your business feels harder to run than it should, resist the temptation to immediately fix symptoms. Pause first, diagnose properly, and create the space for honest thinking before choosing solutions.

Simon can be found here:

https://www.seongrowth.com/

simon@seongrowth.com

Resources:

The Long Game by Dorie Clark - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-long-game-how-to-be-a-long-term-thinker-in-a-short-term-world-dorie-clark/6104653?ean=9781647820572&next=t

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In this special ScaleUp Radio episode, recorded live at our monthly ScaleUp Club Q&A session, Kevin Brent is joined once again by returning ScaleUp Radio guest Jennifer Appleton to explore one of the most powerful strategic concepts for growing businesses: the Hedgehog Concept from Jim Collins' Good to Great.

Alongside the main discussion, members also heard an AI Pulse update from Paul at Green Gorilla Automation, showcasing how agentic AI tools like Claude can move from generic chatbot responses to genuinely useful strategic analysis when given the right business context.

The conversation explores how founder-led businesses can avoid becoming "busy fools", stay focused on what truly drives profit, and use AI to enhance capability without losing the human insight that creates value.

One standout theme throughout the session was this:

"AI without context gives generic answers. AI with business context becomes a strategic thinking partner."

In this episode

The Hedgehog Concept explained

We break down the three circles behind the Hedgehog Concept and why it matters for scaling businesses:

• What you are deeply passionate about
• What you can genuinely become best at
• What drives your economic engine

The discussion highlights why businesses often lose momentum by saying "yes" to too many opportunities and how the Hedgehog acts as a practical filter for strategic decisions.

ISO QSL's real-world Hedgehog

Jennifer shares how ISO QSL defines its own Hedgehog:

• Passion: helping SMEs implement ISO systems
• Best at: implementing management systems for SMEs
• Economic engine: a recurring monthly retainer model

She also explains how the business adapted after a major Google algorithm change impacted lead generation, including:

• Building a stronger referral strategy
• Exploring Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO)
• Protecting focus by avoiding distracting projects outside the core offer

AI Pulse update – finding your Hedgehog with Claude

Paul from Green Gorilla Automation demonstrated a live AI experiment comparing two Claude projects:

• One with no business context
• One connected to real company data including P&L, client lists and strategy documents

The difference was dramatic.

The context-rich AI project produced:

• Evidence-based strategic analysis
• SWOT recommendations
• Notion tasks
• Automated review scheduling
• A working hypothesis for the company's Hedgehog

The session also introduced the practical "10/80/10" principle:

• 10% setup and context
• 80% AI execution
• 10% human review and refinement

AI and the future of ISO auditing

Jennifer also shared how ISO QSL is exploring AI-assisted auditing.

Rather than replacing auditors, AI may:

• Pre-scan documents
• Identify gaps and trends
• Reduce low-value admin
• Allow auditors to focus on higher-value insight and improvement work

The outcome:

• Increased capacity
• Better client experience
• Improved profitability without increasing fees

Key Takeaways

• Strategic focus is often about deciding what not to do
• AI is only as valuable as the context you provide it
• Founder distraction is one of the biggest blockers to scale
• Recurring revenue models create stability and scalability
• AI works best as an enhancer of expertise, not a replacement for it

The One Key Thing

The businesses that scale most effectively are the ones disciplined enough to focus relentlessly on the few things they can genuinely become exceptional at.

About ScaleUp Club

ScaleUp Club is our monthly peer-to-peer session for ambitious business owners looking to scale with more clarity, structure and accountability.

Each session combines:

• Strategic learning
• Practical workshops
• Peer discussion
• Expert guests
• AI and leadership updates

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at http://Smart90.co.uk/summit .

Jennifer can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/iso-certification-iso9001/

https://www.isoqsltd.com/

https://oakhouseworkspace.co.uk/

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What happens when you put a brand strategist and a leadership development expert side by side?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt reflect on two recent ScaleUp Radio conversations with Giles Etherington, founder of Brand Satellite, and Meredith Bell, co-founder of Grow Strong Leaders.

At first glance, branding and leadership may seem like very different disciplines. But both guests shared remarkably similar lessons about feedback, self-awareness, founder blind spots and the importance of gaining an outside perspective.

The central theme running through both discussions is simple:

When you're inside the jar, you can't read the label.

Whether it's understanding how customers perceive your brand or recognising the impact your leadership style has on your team, scaling successfully requires the humility to seek honest feedback and the willingness to act on it.

In this episode:

Why founders struggle to see their own blind spots

Giles shared a powerful analogy that many business owners will recognise. We become so immersed in our businesses that we often lose sight of how customers actually experience them.

Similarly, Meredith explained how leaders frequently remain unaware of the signals they send to their teams and the unintended consequences those behaviours create.

The value of independent feedback

Both guests emphasised the importance of creating systems that reveal the truth.

Giles uses independent customer interviews to uncover the emotional drivers behind buying decisions.

Meredith uses 360-degree feedback tools to help leaders understand how their behaviour impacts those around them.

Both approaches provide insights that founders simply cannot generate on their own.

Why emotion matters more than features

One of Giles' key messages was that customers rarely buy based on rational arguments alone.

Businesses that focus only on services and features often end up competing on price.

The strongest brands understand the emotional challenges their customers face and communicate how they help solve them.

Hiring for fit, not just capability

Meredith reflected on lessons learned during periods of rapid growth.

Technical expertise alone does not guarantee success. Hiring decisions must consider culture, values and long-term fit.

Structured onboarding, clear expectations and regular conversations create a much stronger foundation for success.

Branding versus brand

Many founders assume their logo is their brand.

Giles challenged this thinking by explaining that logos, colours and visual identity are simply branding.

Your brand is what people think and feel about your business once they experience it.

Without a clear strategy behind it, even the most attractive branding becomes little more than decoration.

Why values need systems

Meredith highlighted how many organisations invest heavily in defining mission statements and values, only for them to become forgotten words on a wall.

The difference comes when leaders intentionally build systems and behaviours that bring those values to life every day.

Developing leaders instead of creating dependency

As businesses grow, founders must move beyond solving every problem themselves.

Rather than providing answers, Meredith encourages leaders to coach their teams by asking better questions and helping people develop their own judgement.

This creates stronger leaders throughout the organisation and reduces dependency on the founder.

AI is a tool, not a shortcut

Both guests discussed the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in their work.

Giles uses AI daily but warns that it cannot replace genuine customer understanding and emotional insight.

Meredith uses AI as a coaching and reflection tool, helping her identify leadership habits and areas for improvement.

In both cases, AI enhances expertise rather than replacing it.

The One Key Thing

The businesses that scale fastest are led by founders who actively seek perspectives beyond their own.

Whether it's customer feedback, team feedback, leadership coaching or AI-assisted reflection, growth begins when we stop assuming we already know the answer.

Key Quote

"When you're inside the jar, you can't read the label."

Resources Mentioned

• Brand Satellite
• Grow Strong Leaders
• 360 Degree Feedback
• Smart90
• G90 Summit

About Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 per seat.

Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit

Production Note

This episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts was produced with the aid of Artificial Intelligence to help analyse themes, identify key insights and support the creation of episode summaries and content.

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What happens when the founder becomes the bottleneck in their own business?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with leadership expert and co-founder of Grow Strong Leaders, Meredith Bell, about why leadership is often the hidden constraint preventing businesses from scaling.

Meredith shares how founders unintentionally create dependency cultures by solving every problem themselves and explains the mindset shift required to build confident, high-performing teams that can operate independently.

She also reveals how Grow Strong Leaders evolved from a consulting business into a SaaS platform long before software subscriptions became mainstream, and how AI is now accelerating leadership development through continuous self-coaching and reflection.

In this episode:

• Why leadership is the number one reason employees leave businesses
• How founders unknowingly become the scaling bottleneck
• The power of asking better questions instead of giving answers
• Why self-awareness is critical for effective leadership
• How 360° feedback exposes blind spots leaders cannot see themselves
• The habit-building system behind sustainable leadership development
• Lessons from pivoting from consulting into software in the 1990s
• Why vulnerability builds trust and stronger cultures
• A practical framework for giving constructive feedback
• How to hire for character and culture fit, not just capability
• Why 90-day trial periods protect both employer and employee
• How Meredith uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude for personal coaching and development

Key Insights from Meredith Bell

Leadership is the real scaling constraint

Many founders hit a growth ceiling because the business depends too heavily on them. Meredith explains that scaling requires leaders to stop being the person with all the answers and instead become someone who develops the capability of others.

Rather than immediately solving problems, leaders should ask:

• What options have you considered?
• What are the pros and cons?
• What would you recommend?

This shift creates ownership, confidence and accountability across the team.

Feedback only works when it becomes a system

Most organisations treat feedback as occasional and uncomfortable. Meredith believes feedback should become part of everyday culture.

Her recommended framework for constructive feedback:

1. Describe the behaviour
2. Explain the impact
3. Clarify the desired behaviour
4. Gain commitment moving forward

Positive feedback is equally important. Specific appreciation helps employees feel valued and increases the likelihood of repeating productive behaviours.

The strongest leaders are willing to be vulnerable

Meredith shares how leaders who openly admit mistakes create psychological safety for their teams. When people feel safe acknowledging problems quickly, businesses solve issues faster and avoid blame cultures.

AI is changing leadership development

One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation explores how Meredith uses AI tools to analyse sales conversations and podcast interviews.

By reviewing transcripts with AI, she identified:

• A tendency to avoid being direct in sales conversations
• Missed opportunities to ask deeper follow-up questions
• Areas where communication clarity could improve

This continuous, unbiased feedback loop is helping accelerate personal growth in a way previously unavailable to most leaders.

The One Key Thing

"The moment founders stop being the answer to every problem is the moment their business becomes capable of truly scaling."

A standout quote from Meredith Bell

"Self-awareness is impossible to achieve alone. We all have blind spots."

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at http://Smart90.co.uk/summit .

Meredith can be found here:

Meredith@GrowStrongLeaders.com

(757) 656-4765 (office)

(804) 824-4958 (mobile)

Website: https://growstrongleaders.com/

Books:

Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills https://amzn.to/3jL0pEI

Peer Coaching Made Simple https://amzn.to/37iq3MP

Social

Website: https://growstrongleaders.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeredithMBell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredithmbell/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/meredithmbell

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/meredithbell.bsky.social

Grow Strong Leaders Podcast: https://growstrongleaders.com/podcasts/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Yqt-i8ehRSj5pEb1VEgSA

Resources:

"The Power of Systems" - Steve Chandler & Trevor Timbeck

PODCAST -

"Caffeine for the Soul"

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What actually makes customers choose your business over a cheaper competitor?

For many SMEs, the answer is unclear because their messaging sounds exactly the same as everyone else in the market. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by brand strategist Giles Etherington to unpack why so many businesses fall into the trap of competing on rational features and services instead of emotional connection and customer transformation.

Drawing on experience from global agencies including JWT, Giles shares a practical framework for building a brand strategy that helps scaleup businesses stand out, increase trust, and avoid the race to the bottom on price.

This conversation is packed with actionable advice for founders and leadership teams who want their brand to become a strategic growth asset rather than simply a logo or visual identity.

In this episode:

• Why competing on services alone pushes SMEs into price wars
• The difference between "brand" and "branding" and why it matters
• How emotional positioning influences customer buying decisions
• The role trust plays in high consideration purchases
• Why most values workshops fail to create a meaningful brand
• The step by step process Giles uses to uncover a company's Brand DNA
• How customer interviews reveal emotional drivers founders often miss
• Why AI currently creates "average" brands rather than distinctive ones
• How expert-led positioning creates clearer messaging and stronger differentiation
• The importance of understanding customer transformation, not just customer problems

Key Takeaways

Brand is emotional, not rational

Most SMEs describe themselves through services, products, or technical capability. The challenge is that competitors often say exactly the same thing. Giles explains why customers make decisions emotionally first and rationally second, and how founders can position their business around trust, transformation, and emotional outcomes.

Branding is not the same as brand

A logo, colour palette, and website are branding assets. A brand is the emotional perception customers hold about your business. Without strategic clarity first, visual branding alone rarely creates differentiation.

Customer insight should drive strategy

Instead of relying on internal assumptions, Giles advocates direct customer research and interviews to uncover the emotional concerns and aspirations driving buying behaviour.

AI supports expertise but does not replace strategy

AI can speed up execution and support ideation, but it lacks the nuance, emotional understanding, and strategic judgement needed to build distinctive positioning.

Giles Etherington's Brand Strategy Framework

Giles shares the structured process he uses to help SMEs clarify and strengthen their market position:

1. Deep strategic questionnaire
2. Independent customer research and interviews
3. Collaborative workshop to challenge assumptions
4. Development of a Brand DNA Blueprint
5. Messaging aligned to customer emotion and transformation
6. Branding execution built on strategic foundations

One standout message from the episode

"Businesses that compete on rational services alone end up in a race to the bottom. The brands that scale are the ones customers emotionally connect with."

The one key thing

The one key thing scaleup leaders should take away from this episode is this:

Customers rarely buy purely because of what you do. They buy because of how you make them feel, the confidence you create, and the transformation they believe you can deliver.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at http://Smart90.co.uk/summit .

Giles can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilesetherington/

Resources:

MEDIA

Simon Sinnick Ted Talk "Find Your Why"

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iFkCMeEhs0Y

APPS

Otter

Chat GPT

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt reflect on two fascinating conversations from the main ScaleUp Radio podcast. One with entrepreneur Lucy Robins, founder of Amp Wellbeing, and the other with leadership expert Mike Mair.

At first glance, their worlds seem completely different. Lucy built a premium fitness equipment brand from scratch using her own savings, navigating supply chain chaos, inventory pressures, and the realities of scaling a product-based business. Mike spent years developing leaders inside major organisations before launching his own consultancy focused on strategic leadership and culture.

Yet despite their different paths, both conversations point to the same core truth: sustainable scale comes from focus, consistency, and building people around you who can carry the business forward.

In this episode:

Why founders become the bottleneck

Lucy Robins openly shares how every stage of growth required her to let go of another operational responsibility. From packing orders in her garage to outsourcing logistics and hiring specialist support, she realised that growth only happened when she stopped trying to do everything herself.

The danger of "shiny object" scaling

Lucy also reflects on expensive lessons around marketing spend, product range expansion, and trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, she found growth by narrowing focus, simplifying product lines, and concentrating on what customers valued most.

Why accidental managers hold businesses back

Mike Mair shares the striking statistic that 82% of managers are "accidental leaders" — promoted for technical skill rather than leadership capability. As businesses scale, this becomes a major challenge for founders trying to build sustainable teams.

Creating a culture of feedback and trust

Mike explains why feedback should become part of everyday culture rather than something reserved for annual reviews. He explores the importance of psychological safety, consistent communication, and helping teams feel safe enough to improve openly.

Consistency versus intensity

One of the standout lessons from the discussion is the idea that long-term success comes from consistency rather than occasional bursts of intensity. Whether in leadership, fitness, culture, or strategy execution, small repeatable actions create lasting momentum.

Key Takeaway

The one key thing: Scaling a business is not about doing more yourself. It is about building the systems, culture, and leadership capability that allow the business to grow beyond the founder.

Standout Quote

"Every stage of growth comes when I've realised that I'm now the next bottleneck." — Lucy Robins

Another Powerful Insight

Mike Mair shared a simple but powerful equation:

The effectiveness of any strategy = the quality of the solution × the acceptance of the people.

A brilliant strategy with poor team buy-in will almost always fail. Strong leadership and engagement matter just as much as the strategy itself.

Smart90 Mention

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Smart90.co.uk/summit.

About ScaleUp Radio

ScaleUp Radio is the podcast for ambitious business owners looking to grow with clarity, confidence, and fewer costly mistakes. Hosted by Kevin Brent and brought to you by Smart90.

This episode was produced with the aid of AI to support content preparation and production efficiency.

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Lucy Robins to explore how she has built a premium wellness and fitness brand from scratch with a £50,000 personal investment and a clear mission: making movement part of everyday life.

Lucy shares the realities of bootstrapping a product business in today's market, from managing long lead times and cash flow pressures to building a brand that sits comfortably between wellness interiors and fitness. With Amp Wellbeing growing rapidly across both direct-to-consumer and studio partnerships, this conversation is packed with practical lessons for founders navigating operational complexity while scaling sustainably.

One standout message from the episode:

"You have to keep identifying your own bottlenecks as a founder and systematically remove them if you want the business to grow."

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why Amp Wellbeing deliberately positioned itself between fitness and interior wellness
• How Lucy validated the concept before launch through instructor feedback and market testing
• The realities of bootstrapping a physical products business
• Why inventory management becomes critical when scaling B2B alongside D2C
• How outsourcing operational bottlenecks accelerated growth
• The importance of staying focused on core products and avoiding dead stock
• How partnerships, ambassadors and community marketing fuel brand awareness
• Why B2B partnerships with studios, retreats and hospitality brands represent the next stage of growth

About Amp Wellbeing

Founded 3.5 years ago, Amp Wellbeing creates premium, design-led fitness equipment designed to integrate seamlessly into home and studio spaces. The business currently operates with a 75% D2C and 25% B2B revenue split, with ambitions to grow the B2B side significantly over the next five years.

Amp Wellbeing's products are manufactured in China and India, with a curated range focused heavily on Pilates equipment and neutral aesthetics designed to encourage sustainable movement habits.

Key Takeaways

• Scaling often means letting go of tasks rather than holding onto them
• Inventory can become the biggest growth constraint in product-based businesses
• Niche focus can create operational simplicity and stronger profitability
• Community-led marketing can outperform large advertising budgets
• Cash flow discipline matters even more than revenue growth during scale-up

The One Key Thing

The one key thing from this discussion is that growth often stalls not because of lack of demand, but because founders become the operational bottleneck. Sustainable scaling requires systematically removing yourself from the areas slowing the business down.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at http://Smart90.co.uk/summit .

Lucy can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-robins-ampwellbeing/

https://www.instagram.com/ampwellbeing/

Resources:

PODCASTS

Founder Stories

Working Hard/Hardly Working

Ladies Who Launch

BOOKS

Shoedog - Phil Knight

This Is Marketing - Seth Godin

Finance Intelligence - Karen Berman, Joe Knight

APPS/TECH

Claude.ai

Notion

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What if the real reason your business isn't scaling isn't strategy, systems, or sales… but the way you develop your people?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by leadership and strategic L&D expert Mike Mair to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of sustainable growth: building engaged, high-performing teams through intentional leadership and culture development.

Mike shares practical frameworks and real-world advice for SME leaders who want to create stronger cultures, develop future leaders, improve accountability, and unlock better performance across their teams. The conversation challenges the common perception of learning and development as a "nice to have" cost centre and instead positions people development as a core strategic growth lever.

This episode is packed with practical guidance for founders, directors, and leadership teams navigating growth, culture challenges, and leadership complexity.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why proactive people development is cheaper and more effective than reactive firefighting
• The "Permission to Pause" framework and how leaders can use it to make better strategic decisions
• Why culture is always a reflection of leadership
• The difference between high performers and high-potential future leaders
• How engaged employees create innovation, accountability, and sustainable productivity
• A simple but powerful formula for improving team effectiveness
• Practical ways to handle poor performance without damaging morale
• How to deliver feedback that encourages ownership instead of defensiveness
• Why onboarding is one of the most important cultural touchpoints in your business
• The role self-care and energy management play in effective leadership

Key Insight from Mike Mair

"A good strategy people believe in will outperform a brilliant strategy nobody buys into."

Mike explains that leadership effectiveness is not just about having the best ideas. Sustainable results happen when people understand, accept, and engage with the direction of the business.

One of the standout concepts discussed is:

Quality of Solution × People's Acceptance = Effectiveness

A strategy with moderate quality but strong team buy-in often creates significantly better outcomes than a technically perfect strategy with low engagement.

For scaleup leaders, that means culture, communication, and leadership capability are not soft skills. They are commercial growth drivers.

Practical Frameworks Discussed

The "Permission to Pause" Framework

Leaders often stay trapped in operational firefighting. Mike shares why stepping back to assess data, team capability, and culture is essential for making strategic decisions that support sustainable scaling.

Building a Leadership Pipeline

Instead of promoting only the strongest technical performers, Mike explains how businesses should proactively identify and nurture future leaders with the right mindset, behaviours, and potential.

Creating a Strong Culture

Mike outlines a simple three-step approach:

1. Define the culture you want
2. Assess the current reality honestly
3. Build consistent incremental actions that bridge the gap

Feedback as a Gift

One of the most actionable leadership tools shared in the episode is replacing immediate criticism with the question:

"How do you think that went?"

This simple shift encourages reflection, ownership, accountability, and more productive conversations.

The One Key Thing

If you want better business performance, stop treating people development as an expense and start treating it as a strategic growth investment.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at http://Smart90.co.uk/summit .

Mike can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mair/

https://www.mairdevelopment.co.uk/

Resources:

• The Truly Strategic L&D Leader bt Mike Mair
• SUMO - Paul McGee
• Daydreaming - Simon Clarkson
• Blue Ocean

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt unpack the powerful overlap between mindset and operational scale-up challenges through insights from two exceptional guests: Jacqueline Wales and Jules Herd.

While Jules Herd brings practical expertise from the world of strategic communications and scaling technology businesses, Jacqueline Wales explores the deeper psychological patterns that often hold founders back.

Together, their lessons reveal a critical truth: many operational bottlenecks are actually rooted in fear, control, and limiting beliefs.

This episode explores:

• Why founders struggle to delegate effectively
• The difference between building a scalable business and creating a stressful job
• How fear of loss and fear of inadequacy affect leadership decisions
• Why "calculated risk" is essential for sustainable growth
• The dangers of promoting loyalty over capability
• Creating psychological safety within leadership teams
• Why clarity of audience and positioning matters more than ever
• The hidden link between mindset and operational execution

One standout message from the discussion:

"What got you here won't get you there."

Kevin and Louise also discuss:

• Jules Herd's decision to move manufacturing from China to the UK to protect quality and supply chain resilience
• Jacqueline Wales' FEAR framework: Face it, Explore it, Act, and Rise
• The importance of hiring true experts as businesses scale
• Why founders must challenge their own assumptions and comfort zones
• The role of communication, trust, and self-awareness in building high-performing teams

Key Takeaway

The one key thing: Many scale-up problems that look operational on the surface are actually psychological underneath. Better strategy starts with better self-awareness.

About the Guests

Jacqueline Wales is an internationally recognised coach, speaker, and author specialising in Fear Intelligence and leadership transformation.

Jules Herd is the founder of strategic communications agency Five in a Boat and host of On the Edge. She advises scaling businesses on communications, positioning, and operational growth strategy.

Smart90 Mention

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter.

If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look.

A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen.

Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Smart90 Summit

Production Note

This episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts was produced with the aid of AI to support research, structure, and content development.

Listen to the full episodes featuring Jacqueline Wales and Jules Herd on ScaleUp Radio wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by expert advisor Jacqueline Wales, a leading authority on Fear Intelligence. This conversation reframes one of the most misunderstood forces in business, fear, and turns it into a practical leadership tool.

Rather than trying to eliminate fear, Jacqueline explains how scaleup leaders can use it as valuable data to make better decisions, build stronger teams, and unlock growth.

If you are navigating uncertainty, leading through change, or feeling stuck at a plateau, this episode offers clear frameworks and actionable insights to help you move forward with confidence.

The One Key Thing

The one key thing is this: fear is not the enemy of growth, it is the signal that tells you where growth needs to happen.

Key Insights & Practical Frameworks

1. Fear is Data, Not Danger

Jacqueline introduces the concept of Fear Intelligence – the ability to recognise fear as information rather than a threat.

• Fear is a natural neurological response, not a weakness
• It often hijacks decision-making by bypassing rational thinking
• The goal is not to be fearless, but to respond intelligently

For scaleup leaders: If you ignore fear, it drives behaviour unconsciously. If you understand it, you can use it strategically.

1. The Four Core Fears Limiting Growth

Most leadership hesitation and stalled growth can be traced back to four universal fears:

• Inadequacy – "Am I good enough?"
• Rejection – "What will others think?"
• Uncertainty – "What if this goes wrong?"
• Loss – "What might I lose if I try?"

These fears quietly influence hiring, pricing, strategy, and decision-making.

Practical application: Identify which fear is driving hesitation in your current business decisions.

1. The FEAR Framework: A Practical Tool for Leaders

Jacqueline shares a simple but powerful framework to manage fear in real time:

F – Face it Challenge the belief. Ask: Is this actually true?

E – Explore the story Reframe your internal narrative. Move from doubt to possibility.

A – Act differently Take action aligned with the new, more empowering belief.

R – Rise with courage Lean into discomfort and treat challenges as growth signals.

This is not theory, it is a repeatable process leaders can use daily.

1. Leadership Requires Strategic Vulnerability

High-performing teams are built on trust, and trust starts with leadership behaviour.

• Admit when you do not know
• Encourage open dialogue
• Replace criticism with constructive "feed forward"
• Create psychological safety so people speak up

Strong leaders do not project certainty at all times. They create environments where better thinking can emerge.

1. The Hidden Cost of Fear in Business

Fear is not just emotional, it is financial.

Jacqueline highlights how tools like the Fear Cost Calculator reveal millions in lost revenue caused by:

• Delayed decisions
• Avoided risks
• Missed opportunities
• Resistance to change

The biggest risk in scaling is often staying comfortable.

1. Navigating Fear in the Age of AI

A growing concern for leaders and teams is relevance in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.

• Fear of being replaced is widespread
• Leaders must separate hype from practical tools
• Upskilling and clarity are essential

The role of leadership is to guide teams through change, not avoid it.

Standout Message

"Fear does not mean stop. It means pay attention."

Practical Takeaways for ScaleUp Leaders

• Treat fear as a diagnostic tool, not a blocker
• Use the FEAR framework in decision-making moments
• Identify which of the four fears is influencing your leadership
• Build psychological safety through openness and trust
• Address fear proactively to unlock performance and growth

About Smart90

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, I run a quarterly planning session called the G90 Summit, a structured half-day where founders and leadership teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and commit to them. I run them quarterly. Find out more and reserve your place at Smart90.co.uk/summit.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at http://Smart90.co.uk/summit .

Jacqueline can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinewales/

https://fearintelligence.co/

jacqueline@jacquelinewales.com

Resources:

Fear Intelligence by Jacqueline Wales - https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Fear_Intelligence.html?id=-Mij0QEACAAJ&redir_esc=y

An Everyone Culture by Lisa Laskow Lahey- https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/an-everyone-culture-robert-kegan/717142?ean=9781625278623&next=t

Claude - https://claude.ai/

Gamma - https://gamma.app/

Notebook LM - https://notebooklm.google/

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Jules Herd, founder of Five in a Boat, to unpack the real reasons scale-ups stall and what founders must do differently to grow sustainably.

Jules shares hard-earned insights from working with Series A to C tech businesses, revealing why marketing often isn't the real problem and what actually needs fixing underneath.

Key Takeaway

The one key thing: Growth stalls when founders try to scale without upgrading their thinking, their team, and their focus.

Standout Message

"Marketing doesn't fail because marketing is broken. It fails because the business behind it isn't ready."

The Problem: Founder Mistakes That Stall Growth

Many scale-ups hit a ceiling not because of market conditions, but because of internal decisions:

• Treating the business like a job Founder dependency limits scalability and prevents the business from operating independently.
• Lack of audience focus Trying to target everyone results in wasted time, budget, and diluted messaging.
• Promoting loyalty over capability Early team members are elevated beyond their skillset, creating gaps at senior level.
• Avoiding calculated risk Founders hesitate to invest in key roles or decisions, ignoring the bigger cost of inaction.

The Solution: What Founders Must Do

Jules outlines practical steps to unlock growth:

1. Bring in Experience

2. Secure mentors and non-execs

3. Gain external perspective to challenge assumptions

4. Take Calculated Risks

5. Assess upside vs downside properly

6. Make informed decisions rather than avoiding them

7. Invest for Resilience

8. Example: UK manufacturing shift to reduce supply chain risk

9. Focus on long-term stability, not short-term savings

10. Build a Scalable Team

11. Hire specialists (CFO, CMO, Ops leaders)

12. Delegate effectively
13. Balance scrappy startup mindset with professional expertise

The Pivot: Five in a Boat's 360° Model

Jules explains how Five in a Boat evolved:

• Clients paused comms work due to deeper business issues
• The business pivoted to a 360° advisory model
• Built a flexible structure combining core team + specialists
• Positioned as a practical, accessible alternative to large consultancies

What makes it different:

• Integrated approach across growth challenges
• Deep operator experience
• Radical honesty with clients

Passion Project: On the Edge

Outside of her advisory work, Jules hosts On the Edge:

• Focused on resilience and defining life moments
• Explores when people chose to jump, were pushed, or stayed
• Aims to turn stories into a wider podcast platform

Personal Motivation

Jules is driven by a powerful legacy goal:

To show her daughter the importance of ambition, resilience, and learning through failure.

Smart90 Recommendation

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, I run a quarterly planning session called the G90 Summit, a structured half-day where founders and leadership teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and commit to them.

I run them quarterly. Find out more and reserve your place at Smart90.co.uk/summit.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at http://Smart90.co.uk/summit .

Jules can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaherd/

https://www.fiveinaboat.com/

Resources:

Traction by Gino Wickman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/traction-get-a-grip-on-your-business-gino-wickman/3561744?ean=9781936661831&next=t

Crossing The Chasm by Geoffrey A Moore - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/crossing-the-chasm-ga-moore/1986221?ean=9781841120638&next=t

View Details

This week on ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt unpack two fascinating conversations with founders operating in completely different worlds — yet connected by one powerful idea:

Business success still comes down to people.

On one side is Bob Ferguson — city councilman, long-standing business owner, and leader of what he calls an "all-volunteer army" through his network marketing organisation in Fairfield, Iowa.

On the other is Priyanka Rao — immigrant tech founder and creator of MicroInterns, an innovative platform connecting students with startups through short-term, skills-based micro-internships.

Together, their stories reveal extraordinary lessons around:

• AI and the future of hiring
• Leadership without ego
• Mental fitness and resilience
• Building ecosystems that scale
• Why culture matters more than credentials
• The importance of asking for help
• Interdependence in business growth

Key Talking Points

AI is changing recruitment — but not necessarily for the better

Priyanka explains how businesses are increasingly using AI to write job descriptions while candidates use AI to create CVs — leaving "bots talking to bots".

Her solution? Creating "tamper-proof micro-skill passports" through real-world startup projects that prove capability beyond keyword matching.

Leadership is about making people want to be there

Bob Ferguson shares why traditional command-and-control leadership simply doesn't work when leading independent teams and volunteers.

He explores:

• Adam Grant's concept of "other-ish givers"
• Jim Collins' "Level 5 leadership"
• The importance of creating workplaces where people feel valued and included

Resilience forged through adversity

Priyanka shares the deeply personal story behind launching MicroInterns — including the Christmas period where she had just £5.45 left in her bank account while struggling to find work after university.

From that experience came her powerful S.A.F.E framework:

• Start before you're ready
• Ask for help
• Fail fast
• Experiment

Why ecosystems matter

Both guests highlight the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, partnerships and communities.

Whether it's:

• Scottish startup support networks
• University partnerships
• Civic ecosystems
• Peer collaboration
• Arts and entrepreneurial communities

…neither founder believes success happens in isolation.

Memorable Quotes From The Episode

"You can't have bots talking to bots and expect to truly understand people."

"Make your workplace somewhere people want to be — not somewhere they have to be."

"The only thing that is certain is change."

"If you want something, ask for it. The worst they can say is no."

Resources & Mentions

• Give and Take — Adam Grant
• Level 5 Leadership — Jim Collins
• Stephen Covey's concept of interdependence
• Transcendental Meditation (TM)
• MicroInterns
• Smart90®
• G90 Summit

About ScaleUp Radio

ScaleUp Radio brings together founders, entrepreneurs and scale-up leaders to share practical insights, honest experiences and lessons from building ambitious businesses.

Produced with the aid of AI

This episode and its supporting content were produced with the aid of Artificial Intelligence tools, alongside human research, editing and creative direction.

View Details

Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by Priyanka Rao, founder of MicroInterns.

Now if you've ever struggled with hiring or wondered whether CVs really tell the full story anymore, this one's for you. With AI now writing CVs and even running interviews, there's a growing question around trust in the hiring process.

Priyanka is tackling that head on by connecting students with startups through short micro-internships, and creating something called a Micro-Skill Passport – a way to actually prove skills, not just claim them.

What I really liked in this conversation was her mindset. From hitting a low point with just £5.45 in the bank, to building a platform that's already led to multiple full-time hires, all guided by her SAFE framework – Start, Ask, Fail Fast and Experiment.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, I run a quarterly planning session called the G90 Summit, a structured half-day where founders and the leadership teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and commit to them. I run them quarterly. Find out more and reserve your place at Smart90.co.uk/summit.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Priyanka.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Priyanka can be found here:

https://microinterns.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyankaraor/

Resources:

Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/steal-like-an-artist-10-things-nobody-told-you-about-being-creative-austin-kleon/566510?ean=9780761169253&next=t

Mel Robbins Podcast - https://www.melrobbins.com/podcast/

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Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by Bob Ferguson.

Bob brings a fascinating perspective on leadership - combining decades of experience in business, community building, and global networks - and at the heart of it all is one powerful idea: mental fitness.

We explore why your effectiveness as a leader is shaped less by what you know, and more by your internal state - your ability to stay calm, open, and in control, especially under pressure.

One standout message that really stayed with me was this: "In leadership, the state of the knower is just as important as the knowledge itself."

We also talk about what it really takes to lead an "all-volunteer army," why inspiring people beats managing them, and how a small city of under 10,000 people became one of the most recognised intelligent communities in the world.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, I run a quarterly planning session called the G90 Summit, a structured half-day where founders and the leadership teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and commit to them. I run them quarterly. Find out more and reserve your place at Smart90.co.uk/summit.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Bob.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Bob cab be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobferguson/

https://appliedintelligencecoaching.com/

bob@fergleads.com

913-208-6357

Resources:

Civic Intelligence Hub - https://civicintelligencehub.com/

Lifestyle Intelligence Hub - https://www.lifestyleintelligencehub.com/

View Details

This episode is created with the use of AI

In this ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt unpack two recent interviews with very different leaders operating in very different sectors, yet facing strikingly similar scaling challenges.

On one side, Paul Patras, a deep-tech founder translating complex AI into commercial value. On the other, Greg Baldwin, scaling a fast-growing operational business through practical, data-led leadership.

This episode focuses on the practical shifts in thinking, communication, and leadership that enable businesses to move from complexity and instinct to clarity and scalable performance.

💡 The One Key Thing

The one key thing is this: if your message is not clear and your decisions are not grounded in data, growth will stall no matter how strong your product or service is.

⭐ Standout Message

"You have to stop selling vitamins and start solving painkillers."

🔍 Key Insights & Practical Guidance

1. Speak the Language of the Customer

One of the biggest barriers to growth is not capability, it is communication.

Paul Patras had to shift from academic, technical explanations to clear, commercially relevant messaging.

• Customers do not buy complexity
• They buy solutions to painful problems
• Your value must be immediately understood

👉 Practical application: Review your messaging. Are you explaining features or solving urgent problems?

1. Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution

A critical mindset shift for scaleup leaders:

• Stop leading with what your product does
• Start with the customer's biggest pain point
• Align everything to that outcome

👉 This is the difference between interest and revenue.

1. Move from Gut Feel to Data-Led Decisions

Greg Baldwin's growth journey highlights a common scaling challenge, relying on instinct for too long.

• Early-stage businesses can operate on intuition
• Scaling businesses require measurable insights
• Data does not need to be complex to be valuable

👉 Start simple. Even manual tracking creates clarity and better decisions.

1. Build Before You Automate

A powerful operational lesson:

• Do not wait for perfect systems
• Create manual processes first
• Learn what matters
• Then automate

👉 Progress beats perfection every time.

1. Leadership Evolution is Non-Negotiable

Both leaders had to fundamentally change how they lead:

• From reactive to considered
• From individual contributor to strategic leader
• From doing to enabling

👉 Growth demands a different version of you as a leader.

1. Resilience is a Leadership Responsibility

Scaling a business brings external and internal pressures:

• Funding challenges
• Personal setbacks
• Market uncertainty

Greg Baldwin's experience highlights that leadership resilience directly impacts team resilience.

👉 Your energy, mindset, and wellbeing set the tone for the business.

1. Cash Flow and Adaptability are Critical

Paul Patras' experience navigating funding challenges reinforces:

• Cash flow is always a priority
• Funding environments change quickly
• Leaders must adapt funding strategies

👉 Diversification and creativity in funding can be the difference between survival and growth.

1. Culture is Built Early and Protected Intentionally

Both businesses emphasised culture, but in different ways:

• Greg focused on maintaining values during rapid growth
• Paul focused on embedding values early in a small team

👉 Culture does not scale by accident. It requires clarity and consistency.

📈 Practical Takeaways for ScaleUp Leaders

• Simplify your message to focus on customer pain points
• Start measuring key metrics, even manually
• Build systems after understanding the process
• Invest in your own resilience and performance
• Be intentional about culture from day one

📢 About Smart90

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days Then commit to them; and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Smart90.co.uk/summit.

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Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by Greg Baldwin, Managing Director of Highway Traffic Management.

Now this is a special one; because we're revisiting Greg's journey five years on to see what's actually happened since our last conversation. And it's a fascinating look at what real scaling looks like in practice.

From rapid 65% growth to deliberately slowing things down, Greg shares why choosing control over speed has been critical to building a stronger, more sustainable business.

One standout message really hit home for me: "We realised growth was putting too much pressure on the business and the people; so we chose control over speed."

We also talk about leadership through personal loss, how to protect culture as you scale, and why starting simple with data beats jumping straight into technology.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Greg.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Greg can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/greg-baldwin-75497990

https://htmltd.co.uk/

greg.baldwin@htmltd.co.uk

Resources:

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-miracle-morning-updated-and-expanded-edition-the-6-habits-that-will-transform-your-life-before-8am-hal-elrod/7737402?ean=9781399816052&next=t

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Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences. I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by returning guest Rafmary for a live Q&A session recorded at our ScaleUp Club.

This episode is structured a little differently and brings together three key elements. First, our latest AI Pulse update, where we explore how tools like Claude Co-Work are moving AI beyond content into real workflow automation. Second, a look at this month's ScaleUp theme around building teams for outcomes, not roles. And third, a live Q&A with Rafmary, sharing practical insights and answering real scaling challenges from the room.

One standout message really captures the discussion — most businesses don't struggle because of lack of effort, but because the founder becomes the bottleneck.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with our ScaleUp Club panel.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Rafmary can be found here:

https://www.cambridgebusinessonline.com/

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Paul Patras, co-founder of Net AI, a University of Edinburgh spin-out transforming how telecom networks manage energy and capacity.

What started as deep academic research has evolved into a commercial AI engine helping telecom providers reduce energy costs by up to 35% - potentially saving tens of millions annually - without compromising service quality.

This is a fascinating conversation about the realities of moving from research to revenue, the mindset shift required, and the challenges of scaling a highly technical innovation into a viable business.

One of the standout insights from this conversation is this: the shift from something interesting to something essential is what makes a business scalable.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Paul.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Paul can be found here:

https://netai.tech/

paul@netai.tech

View Details

This episode is AI generated

In this ScaleUp Radio Shorts edition, Kevin and Louise revisit two powerful conversations exploring one of the biggest constraints in scaling a business: people.

Drawing insights from Mike Moorhouse and Anita Čavrag, this episode unpacks how leadership, culture, and self-awareness shape your ability to grow beyond the founder-led phase.

This episode was produced with the aid of AI to help bring together key insights and actionable takeaways.

🔍 What You'll Learn

1. Why People Are the Real Bottleneck

Both guests highlight that while strategy and finance can be structured, execution depends entirely on people.

• Mike focuses on aligning business strategy with human capability

• Anita focuses on eliminating disengagement and building thriving cultures

• The Trap of the "Hero Founder"

Early-stage hustle doesn't scale.

• Founders often stay stuck in control mode
• Micromanagement and fear of failure limit growth
• What got you here will not get you to the next stage

Standout insight: 👉 "Your job isn't to be right. Your job is to move people."

1. Leadership vs Management

2. You can manage processes and tools

3. You must lead people through inspiration and trust

Traditional hierarchies often create dependency and disengagement. Modern teams need autonomy and ownership.

1. Building Psychological Safety

If you suddenly ask your team for ideas and get silence, that's normal. People are conditioned not to challenge authority.

To unlock contribution:

• Invite disagreement explicitly
• Ask your team to challenge your thinking

• Create structured ways to critique ideas

• Practical Tools to Unlock Better Thinking

• "Kill the company" exercise to stress-test strategy

• Encourage teams to think like competitors

• Use frameworks and checklists to avoid emotional decision-making

• The Role of Ego in Scaling

Ego blocks learning and adaptability. Great leaders:

• Admit when they are wrong
• Change direction quickly

• Focus on outcomes, not being right

• Self-Awareness is the Foundation

If performance or culture is off, look in the mirror first. Leadership is a learnable skill, not an innate trait.

1. AI vs Human Thinking

A powerful contrast:

• Mike warns against outsourcing thinking to AI
• Anita leans into human connection and simplicity

The risk: 👉 Losing "organisational knowledge" and becoming indistinguishable from competitors

💡 The One Key Thing

Scaling your business means scaling your leadership capacity first.

🔥 Key Takeaway Quote

"Your job isn't to be right. Your job is to move people."

📌 About Smart90

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. 👉 Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

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Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by Michael Moorhouse, a leadership expert and advisor who works with scaleup businesses to align their strategy, systems, and people for high performance.

In this episode, Michael shares practical frameworks to help you break through one of the biggest scaling barriers — founder dependency. We explore how to move from building a team of helpers to developing real leaders, how to make better decisions under pressure using simple but powerful frameworks, and why over-reliance on AI could actually be weakening your competitive edge.

One standout insight from the conversation is this: your job as a leader isn't to be right — it's to move people. That shift alone can completely change how your business grows.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Michael.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Michael can be found here:

https://moorhousegroup.com/

Resources:

The Expectation Effect by David Robson - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-expectation-effect-how-your-mindset-can-transform-your-life-david-robson/6418446?ean=9781838853303&next=t

Simply Put by Ben Guttmann - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/simply-put-why-clear-messages-win-and-how-to-design-them-ben-guttmann/7509635?ean=9781523004683&next=t

Tools from Michael:

Critical Thinking & Decision-Making Tool

This tool provides a simple, practical way to improve decision quality by bringing structure to how you think. It helps clarify what decision is actually being made, separates facts from assumptions, and walks through options and tradeoffs so you can move forward with greater clarity and intention.

To request the tool, visit the website contact form and enter "Tools" in the subject line.

Operating Conditions Tool

This tool helps identify the underlying conditions influencing performance, including cognitive load, clarity, environment, and stress. It surfaces where friction is present and where conditions are either supporting or undermining effective execution, so you can make targeted adjustments that actually improve how work gets done.

To request the tools, visit the website contact form (https://moorhousegroup.com/contact) and enter "Tools" in the message body.

Note: We will send them the tools, but they will not be added to any marketing lists. When we send the email out, within the body of the email there will be an option to subscribe, but that will be their choice.

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Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by Anita Čavrag, a leadership expert who specialises in helping founders overcome burnout and build high-performing, engaged teams.

In this episode, Anita shares practical frameworks to help you make the critical shift from operator to leader — and why failing to do so is one of the biggest hidden barriers to scaling a business. We also explore how burnout at the top impacts the entire organisation, and what you can do to create psychological safety so your team can truly perform.

One standout insight from the conversation is this: leadership isn't about doing more — it's about becoming someone your business no longer depends on.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Anita.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Anita can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-cavrag-career-coach/

https://www.fireflycareer.com/

Downloadable Resource - https://www.fireflycareer.com/5-deadly-habits

Resources:

The Inventing Organisations by Frederic Lalouix - https://www.reinventingorganizations.com/-

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What's really stopping your business from scaling; poor decisions or poor execution?

In this ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin and Louise distil expert insights from two leading advisors working at the heart of scaleup challenges.

Drawing on conversations with Lis Hubert and Diane Mentzer, this episode brings together practical frameworks to help founders cut through overwhelm, make better decisions, and build the operational capability required to execute effectively.

This episode is produced with the aid of AI to help surface the most valuable insights and make them easier to apply.

💡 Practical Insights for ScaleUp Leaders

1. Busyness Is a Decision Problem

Feeling constantly busy is often a symptom of unclear priorities.

Lis Hubert highlights that overwhelm comes from failing to decide:

• What matters most
• What gets deprioritised

Framework: "Now, Next, Later" Evaluate initiatives based on:

• Business impact
• Customer impact
• Available resources

This creates clarity and removes emotional bias from decision-making.

1. Stop Doing Everything; Start Making Trade-Offs

Scaling requires saying no.

A key discipline for founders is moving ideas into the "Later" category with confidence; without guilt or second-guessing.

Practical tip: Set milestones early to avoid the sunk cost trap. If something isn't working, stop.

1. Execution Breaks When Operations Lag Behind Growth

Diane Mentzer's race car analogy is clear:

A powerful engine with weak tyres will crash.

In business terms:

• Sales and marketing = engine
• Operations = tyres

If your delivery can't keep up with growth, scaling will fail.

1. You Don't Need More Ideas; You Need Better Alignment

Many founders operate as "idea generators", constantly introducing new initiatives.

The challenge isn't creativity; it's execution.

Solution:

• Build operational leadership (COO / integrator role)
• Create structure and follow-through

• Align vision with delivery

• The CEO–COO Relationship Is a Scaling Multiplier

Misalignment between leadership roles creates friction, confusion, and cost.

Key principles:

• CEOs focus on vision and direction
• COOs focus on execution and delivery

Practical communication framework:

• Start with the outcome
• Summarise key points

• Provide detail only when needed

• Miscommunication Is Costing You More Than You Think

Leadership misalignment isn't just frustrating; it's expensive.

Poor communication can result in:

• Lost productivity
• Rework
• Delayed decisions

In some cases, this equates to weeks of lost payroll each year.

1. Delegation Requires Letting Go Properly

Delegation fails when responsibility is handed over without authority.

A powerful framework discussed:

Write down your fears. Then share them with your leadership team.

This creates:

• Clear expectations
• Defined boundaries
• True ownership

🎯 Standout Message

Scaling isn't about doing more; it's about deciding better and executing through others.

🎯 The One Key Thing

If you don't choose what to stop, your business will choose for you; through overwhelm.

⚡ Smart90

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

NOTE: This episode is AI generated

View Details

Welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by Lis Hubert, founder of CX by Design, who helps leaders make smarter, more intentional decisions using customer evidence.

Now, if you've ever felt like you and your team are incredibly busy but not actually moving forward, this episode is going to hit home. Lis shares how that busyness is often a symptom of decisions not being made, and how introducing customer insight into the process can completely change the outcome.

We break the conversation into three parts. First, we explore Lis's business, her model, and where she is on her scaleup journey. Second, we dive into the real challenges of scaling and her perspective on decision-making, including her thoughts on the ScaleUp Challenges Report. And third, we wrap up with some quickfire questions.

One standout message from this episode is this: busyness is often just a sign that we haven't made the hard decisions yet.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Lis.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Lis can be found here:

lis@cxby.design

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lishubert/

Resources:

Now-Next-Later Framework - https://cxby.design/category/blog/now-next-later-framework-prioritize-goals/

Will It Make The Boat Go Faster? by Ben Hunt-Davis - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/will-it-make-the-boat-go-faster-olympic-winning-strategies-for-everyday-success-second-edition-ben-hunt-davis/8decd943d78e6f35?ean=9781838592967&next=t

The Prediction Machine by A. Agrawal - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/prediction-machines-the-simple-economics-of-artificial-intelligence-a-agrawal/3557233?ean=9781633695672&next=t

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-48-laws-of-power-robert-greene/7310383?ean=9781861972781&next=t

Claude - https://claude.ai/

Google Gemini - https://gemini.google.com/app

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

Fathom Notetaker - https://www.fathom.ai/

View Details

Welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by Diane Mentzer, an expert in the CEO–COO dynamic and how leadership teams can unlock the next stage of growth.

If you've ever felt like your business has hit a ceiling; where growth slows, complexity increases, and everything still seems to depend on you; then this episode is for you.

Diane shares practical insights on when to bring in a COO, how to make that relationship work, and why letting go of execution is often the key to unlocking scale.

One of the standout ideas from this conversation is simple but powerful: hiring a COO without truly empowering them isn't delegation; it's just expensive frustration.

Diane has provided a toolkit for managing the COO-CEO relationship – you can download it using the link in the shownotes

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow. You can also nominate a guest for ScaleUp Radio if you know someone with an interesting ScaleUp story – you can find how in the shownotes.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Diane.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Diane can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-integrates/

diane@dianeintegrates.com

Toolkit - www.dianeintegrates.com/toolkit

Resources:

Just Listen by Mark Goulston - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/just-listen-discover-the-secret-to-getting-through-to-absolutely-anyone-m-d-goulston-mark/5800738?ean=9780814436479&next=t

Own The Room by Jake Stahl - https://www.waterstones.com/book/own-the-room/jake-stahl/9781968318253

90.IO - https://app.ninety.io/login?redirectUrl=%2F

Rocket Fuel app - https://rocketfuel.inc/

Mem.ai - https://get.mem.ai/

View Details

What can we learn from our latest 90 days of ScaleUp journeys?

In this special ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt step back and reflect on the standout lessons from an incredible line-up of founders, CEOs, and investors interviewed in Q1 2026.

From simplifying strategy to navigating resilience, embracing AI disruption, and building high-performing teams, this episode distils three months of conversations into a powerful, practical masterclass for scaling businesses.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure what to prioritise next, this episode will help you refocus on what actually drives growth.

🔑 Key Themes & Insights

1. Simplicity Scales. Complexity Kills Progress.

A recurring theme across multiple guests was the danger of overcomplicating business.

• Doing more does not equal progress
• Clarity beats activity
• 90-day planning creates focus and momentum

As highlighted in the discussion, many founders confuse busyness with effectiveness. The real shift comes from simplifying strategy and focusing on what truly moves the needle.

1. The Execution Gap: Why Most Plans Stall

Even with the right strategy, execution often fails.

Key blockers:

• Procrastination
• Information overload
• Lack of clarity on outcomes

A simple but powerful approach emerged:

• Define what success looks like (personally and in business)

• Take one meaningful action immediately

• Resilience is Non-Negotiable

The reality of scaling is far tougher than most expect.

Standout lessons:

• Persistence in B2B sales can take months or even years
• Setbacks are inevitable
• The ability to keep going is a competitive advantage

From extreme operational challenges to relentless sales cycles, resilience repeatedly showed up as a defining trait of successful founders.

1. People Drive Performance (But Are Often Ignored)

Despite being critical to growth, people metrics are rarely tracked.

Insights:

• Culture and engagement directly impact profitability
• Scaling requires intentional team design
• Hiring vs outsourcing is a key strategic decision

Businesses that align people, purpose, and profit outperform those that don't.

1. Technology is Reshaping Entire Industries

Several guests highlighted how digital transformation and AI are disrupting traditional models.

Key takeaways:

• Markets with friction create opportunity
• AI is changing how customers find and choose businesses
• "Information gain" is now critical for visibility

If your business isn't evolving with technology, it risks becoming invisible.

1. Know Your Edge or Get Lost in the Noise

A strong, defensible position in the market is essential.

• A weak or unclear USP is a major growth blocker
• Deep customer understanding beats broad targeting
• Predictability and cash flow matter to investors

💡 Standout Message

"If you aren't saying something genuinely new, you're invisible."

🎯 The One Key Thing

The one key thing is this: scaling successfully isn't about doing more; it's about focusing on fewer things that truly matter and executing them consistently.

🔄 Why This Episode Matters

This Q1 review is more than a recap. It's a blueprint.

It brings together:

• Strategy clarity
• Execution discipline
• Founder mindset
• Real-world scaling lessons

If you recognise any of these challenges in your own business, this is your signal to pause, simplify, and refocus.

📣 Explore More

If any of these stories resonate, go back and listen to the full interviews on ScaleUp Radio.

⚙️ Smart90

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. 👉 Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Make sure you don't miss future episodes of ScaleUp Radio by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.

View Details

Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by Hannah Lanel, founder of The Fore; a business on a mission to disrupt the diet and fitness industry by focusing on long-term, sustainable wellbeing rather than quick fixes.

In this conversation, we explore three key areas. First, Hannah shares how The Fore works as a holistic wellness platform and how the business model is evolving as it scales. Second, we dig into the real challenges of scaling up; from surviving co-founder exits to navigating controversial decisions during lockdown. And third, we finish with some quickfire questions to uncover Hannah's personal insights on leadership and growth.

One standout message from this episode is simple but powerful: "Eat what you love, do what you love; and make it sustainable."

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts; and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Hannah.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Hannah can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/hannahlanel/

https://www.instagram.com/thefore_london/

https://www.the-fore.co.uk/

Resources:

Simon Sinek - https://simonsinek.com/

Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/building-a-storybrand-clarify-your-message-so-customers-will-listen-donald-miller/4099240?ean=9781400201839&next=t

The One Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-1-page-marketing-plan-get-new-customers-make-more-money-and-stand-out-from-the-crowd-allan-dib/4613623?ean=9781989025017&next=t

How I Built This podcast - https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/

IdeasFest - https://ideas-fest.com/

Quickbooks - https://quickbooks.intuit.com/

Canva - https://www.canva.com/

View Details

Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode we are doing something slightly different.

This episode was recorded live during one of our ScaleUp Club sessions, where we bring together founders and leadership teams to explore the real challenges of scaling a business.

The session included our regular AI Pulse update, a live Q&A discussion, and a returning guest to the podcast, Victor Carpio, founder of Inventor SmartCare and creator of the Dental Wand.

Victor shared how a sudden 10x surge in demand after appearing on Dragon's Den forced the business to rethink its operational foundations, and how they are now expanding across Europe with a far more focused strategy.

One standout message from the conversation was this:

Focus is the ultimate scaling tool.

Victor talked about filtering every opportunity and partnership against clear strategic priorities so the business avoids distraction while scaling.

You will also hear how AI is acting as a human multiplier for small teams, including a system producing content for eleven channels in just two hours per week.

And our ScaleUp Club theme this month is The Checklist Advantage; how simple checklists can free up leadership bandwidth for higher value work.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Victor.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Victor can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-carpio-404914125/

meow@inventorcat.co.uk

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt dive into two seemingly contrasting, but ultimately aligned, scaling philosophies from recent guests Jeremy Middleton and John Hibbs.

On the surface, one is a data-driven investor focused on predictable growth and cash flow. The other is a people-first founder measuring culture, wellbeing, and connection.

But the real insight?

👉 You cannot scale what you do not measure.

This episode unpacks why both financial discipline and people metrics are essential if you want to build a resilient, scalable business.

What You'll Learn

📈 Predictability Drives Scalable Growth

• Proven business models beat risky innovation when scaling
• Repeatability is the foundation of sustainable expansion
• You don't need to win everyone, just your target market

💰 Cash Flow is King (and Needs Managing Properly)

• Many founders underestimate the importance of a Finance Director
• Revenue alone is meaningless without clear financial visibility
• Poor data leads to poor decisions, and often hidden losses

👥 People Metrics Are the Missing KPI

• Only 4% of businesses track people-related metrics in their top KPIs
• Culture, engagement, and psychological safety are leading indicators
• Disengaged teams cost far more than most realise

🔁 Alignment is the Real Growth Lever

• Successful businesses align founders, teams, and investors
• Motivation, retention, and shared purpose drive long-term success
• Both guests highlight that people, not product, are the differentiator

Standout Moment

"You cannot scale what you do not measure."

The One Key Thing…

👉 The one key thing is this: scaling successfully requires balancing financial discipline with people insight, ignore either, and growth will eventually stall.

Why This Matters for ScaleUps

Too many businesses lean too far in one direction:

• All numbers, no culture → burnout and churn
• All culture, no numbers → no profit and no sustainability

The real opportunity lies in integrating both.

Referenced Guests & Episodes

• Jeremy Middleton – Investor and Co-founder of HomeServe
• John Hibbs – CEO & Co-founder of Coefficient

(Be sure to listen to their full episodes for deeper insights.)

About Smart90

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you.

It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters.

👉 Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

View Details

Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by John Hibbs, founder of Coefficient, a platform designed to help leaders measure the human side of their business — things like culture, psychological safety and engagement.

In this conversation John explains why so many businesses track revenue and profit but struggle to measure the people factors that actually drive those results. Through anonymous staff surveys and intelligent analysis, Coefficient helps leaders surface the data behind culture so they can act on it.

Our discussion follows the usual ScaleUp Radio structure. First we explore John's business, his model and where Coefficient is on its scaleup journey. Second we dive into the challenges of scaling businesses and John's perspective on the ScaleUp Challenges Report. And third we finish with a few quickfire questions.

One standout message from this episode is simple but powerful: ""If you believe people are the biggest challenge in business, then measuring people should be a leadership priority."

John also shares his philosophy of "The Monergy Flow" — where profit is reinvested into people, creating a positive cycle of happier staff, families and communities.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with John.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

John can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hibbs-coefficient/

Resources:

Article on Monergy Flow - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-hibbs-coefficient_in-almost-every-organization-ive-worked-activity-7366126031436480512-dFE4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAA8oKXoBUnKwlYzREAmibfWMBm02qwtKAtg

American Icon by Bryce Mulally - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/american-icon-alan-mulally-and-the-fight-to-save-ford-motor-company-bryce-g-hoffman/2062710?ean=9780307886064&next=t

Start With Why by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-15th-anniversary-edition-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/7820616?ean=9781405977593&next=t

Briskine (Chrome plugin) - https://www.briskine.com/

Thunderbird - https://www.thunderbird.net/en-GB/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist Jeremy Middleton.

Jeremy is best known as one of the early backers of HomeServe, a business that grew from a struggling plumbing service into a FTSE-100 company before its eventual acquisition.

Today he leads Middleton Enterprises, investing in profitable founder-led businesses and helping them scale from around £500k profit to £5m and beyond.

This episode explores the real lessons behind scaling successfully: pivoting business models, building predictable revenue, hiring the right people and making smart funding decisions.

As always, our discussion breaks down into three parts.

First, we explore Jeremy's journey with HomeServe and the lessons from building and scaling the business.

Second, we dig into the real challenges founders face when scaling including hiring the right people, building predictable revenue and why one of the most important early hires is a strong Finance Director.

And third, we finish with some quickfire questions to wrap things up.

One standout message from the discussion is this: a small share of a big business is far better than a big share of a small one.

If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, Smart90 might be for you. It's a simple 90-day execution rhythm with an AI alignment check that keeps your daily focus tied to what actually matters. Try it free at Smart90.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Jeremy.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Jeremy can be found here:

https://middletonenterprises.com/

Resources:

What's Your Dream by Simon Squibb - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/what-s-your-dream-the-workbook-simon-squibb/6813f9e8fe08fb8b?ean=9780241798140&next=t

Be Useful: 7 Rules For Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/be-useful-seven-tools-for-life-arnold-schwarzenegger/236bd6af36cfed17?ean=9781529146554&next=t

View Details

In this special ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt distil some of the most powerful insights from three recent interviews with founders working at the cutting edge of marketing, AI, and business growth.

Featuring lessons from Andreas Voniatis, Benjie Hughes, and Serge Nguele, the discussion explores what really drives successful scaleups and where many businesses go wrong when trying to grow.

While each founder operates in a different space, a common theme runs through all three conversations: clarity of strategy beats blind activity every time.

From diagnosing marketing problems properly, to understanding the future of AI search, to building systems that allow founders to step back from the day-to-day, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone navigating the scaleup journey.

This episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts is produced with the aid of AI to help capture and share the key insights from our founder conversations.

In this episode we explore

1. Why marketing without strategy wastes money

Serge Nguele, founder of Your PPC Doctor, brings a medical mindset to digital marketing.

His core philosophy is simple but powerful:

"We can't prescribe what we didn't diagnose."

Too many businesses assume the answer to poor results is simply spending more on advertising. But without diagnosing the underlying strategy, messaging, and positioning, more budget just amplifies the problem.

Serge focuses first on understanding the full marketing picture before recommending any spend.

1. The power of a clear and focused message

Benjie Hughes, founder of Hopeless Marketing, believes many businesses fail to scale because they try to say too many things at once.

He describes the difference as being:

"An ice pick versus a snowshoe."

The ice pick breaks through the noise with a sharp message about one thing that matters.

The snowshoe spreads the message across too many ideas and fails to create traction.

For scaleups especially, clarity becomes essential because the founder can no longer be the only person explaining the business.

The team needs a simple, repeatable story.

1. Why AI search will change how customers find you

Andreas Voniatis, founder of Artios, has been building machine learning models since before the recent AI boom.

His view is that traditional SEO is rapidly changing.

Instead of competing for the classic "ten blue links", businesses now need to create content with genuine "information gain".

In other words, AI systems reward insights that bring new thinking or original data, not recycled content.

As Andreas puts it, asking AI to generate content that another AI will rank is like asking it to "drink its own sweat."

Businesses that win in this new world will be those producing genuine insights.

1. The personal realities of the founder journey

Beyond the tactics and technology, the episode also explores the personal challenges founders face.

Serge shared how trying to wear every hat in the business pushed him close to burnout. His recovery involved asking for help, building healthier routines, and embracing a mindset he calls the Three Nos:

• No excuses
• No complaint
• No self-pity

It's a reminder that founder wellbeing and business performance are closely linked.

1. Building a business that can scale beyond the founder

Benjie also shared a powerful lesson from a previous business he scaled to 250 events per year.

His approach centred on what he calls the Trifecta of Scalability:

• Teachable
• Valuable
• Repeatable

By systemising how the business delivered value, he was able to empower others to deliver the experience while stepping away from daily operations.

This is the classic shift many founders must make: from doing the work to building the system that does the work.

Key takeaway

The one key thing: Scaling a business requires clarity. Whether it's marketing strategy, your core message, or the systems behind delivery, growth happens when founders move from activity to intentional design.

Standout quote

"We can't prescribe what we didn't diagnose."

Smart90 Lite – Help Us Test It

Quick heads-up — we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app.

It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals in just a few minutes a day.

It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version.

You can request access by emailing:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Listen to ScaleUp Radio

If these insights resonate, make sure you check out the full interviews with Andreas Voniatis, Benjie Hughes and Serge Nguele.

And don't miss future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can also nominate a guest if you know someone with a great scaleup story.

View Details

What happens when a former medical student applies diagnostic thinking to marketing?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Serge Nguile, founder of Your PPC Doctor, a PPC and digital strategy agency built around one powerful idea: diagnose before you prescribe.

Serge shares his fascinating journey from medical studies in Ukraine to becoming a PPC Director, and ultimately launching his own agency after redundancy. He also opens up about founder burnout, mindset shifts, and why purpose now sits at the heart of his business model.

As always, our discussion is structured in three parts. First, we unpack the business, the model and where it sits on its ScaleUp journey. Second, we explore Serge's views on the challenges of scaling, including his own experience of burnout. And third, we close with some quickfire questions.

Quick heads-up — we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's designed to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals in just a few minutes a day. It's free during testing and your feedback will shape the final version. Just email kevin@biz-smart.co.uk to get access.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Serge.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Serge can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/serge-nguele/

https://www.yourppcdoctor.com/

Resources:

Search Engine Journal - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/

Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/think-like-a-monk-the-secret-of-how-to-harness-the-power-of-positivity-and-be-happy-now-jay-shetty/7738991?ean=9780008746018&next=t

Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/think-and-grow-rich-the-original-classic-hill/2073500?ean=9781906465599&next=t

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

Google Gemini - https://gemini.google.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Andreas Voniatis, founder of Artios.io, to explore what might be the biggest shift in search since Google began.

Traditional SEO as we know it is fading. AI search is changing how content is discovered, prioritised, and rewarded. And Andreas saw it coming early.

In fact, Artios built its own Large Language Model back in 2019; years before ChatGPT entered the mainstream.

This conversation dives into:

• Why traditional SEO is becoming a back-office function
• Why most AI content strategies are fundamentally flawed
• What "information gain" really means; and why it's now critical
• How Andreas bootstrapped deep-tech R&D without external investors
• The founder mindset shifts that helped him scale without burning out

As always, we break the discussion into three parts. First, the business, the model and where Artios.io is on its ScaleUp journey. Second, Andreas' views on scaling challenges and the future of AI search. And third, a few quickfire questions to close.

Quick heads-up; we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's designed to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will shape the final version. Just email kevin@biz-smart.co.uk to get access.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Andreas.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Andreas can be found here:

http://artios.io/guaranteed-winning

Resources:

The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-story-of-philosophy-will-durant/201405a61e221106?ean=9780486848556&next=t

View Details

This ScaleUp Radio episode is a ScaleUp Club special — recorded live in February — and it's packed with practical ideas you can apply immediately.

Kevin Brent opens with the month's theme: gaining control of your week, moving away from reactive firefighting and towards deliberate, high-value leadership time. You'll hear a simple framework to help you protect the work that really moves the business forward, rather than letting your diary become "a democracy".

Then we switch gears into a short AI Pulse update from Paul Rhodes, founder of Green Gorilla Software, who shares a genuinely useful productivity shift: stop typing and start talking. Paul explains why AI needs context, why dictation creates richer prompts, and how tools like Granola and WhisperFlow can turn messy spoken thoughts into structured, usable output.

Finally, we move into a live Q&A session with Ryan Slaney, Managing Director of iLockerz, who shares the realities of scaling a product business — including the mistake that "nearly killed" them: trying to build the perfect product from day one. Ryan talks candidly about payroll reality, customer-led development, the value of weekly all-hands alignment, and spotting issues early through "Potential Red Flags".

You'll hear:

• How to redesign your week around green time (strategic), red time (operational) and grey time (low value)
• Why you must put the rocks in first (or the sand will swallow your week)
• Paul's AI Pulse: why dictation creates better prompts and faster output
• Ryan's hard-won lesson: MVP, revenue and feedback loops beat perfection
• A simple scaling discipline: weekly all-hands, shared visibility and "PRFs" before they become fires

Quick heads-up — we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals — in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Ryan.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Ryan can be found here:

https://www.ilockerz.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanslaney/

ryan.slaney@ilockerz.com

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Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences. I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by Benjie Hughes, founder of Hopeless Marketing.

Benjie works with B2B service businesses turning over between one and thirty million pounds who feel stuck, plateaued or unclear about their positioning. His philosophy is simple but powerful; hope is not a strategy. Most businesses do not need more marketing. They need more clarity.

In this episode we explore his Ice Pick Strategy; why being focused and sharp beats being broad and busy; and we talk honestly about the challenge of separating the founder from the business. Benjie shares how he scaled his first company to run without him, and why his current business requires a very different approach, including hiring a fractional COO for accountability.

As always, our discussion is structured in three parts. First, we look at the business, the model and where it sits on the ScaleUp journey. Second, we explore Benjie's perspective on the challenges of scaling, including growth plateaus and founder psychology. And finally, we close with a few quickfire questions.

One standout message from this episode is this: most marketing problems are not visibility problems; they are clarity problems.

Quick heads-up; we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Benjie.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Benjie can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjiehughes/

https://hopelessmarketing.com/unvisible

Resources:

E-Myth Revisited by Michael E Gerber - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-e-myth-revisited-why-most-small-businesses-don-t-work-and-what-to-do-about-it-michael-e-gerber/82114?ean=9780887307287&next=t

Predictable Success by Les McKeown - https://www.waterstones.com/book/predictable-success/les-mckeown/9781608320318

Getting Things Done by David Allen - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/getting-things-done-the-art-of-stress-free-productivity-david-allen/2593335?ean=9780349408941&next=t

Remarkable - https://remarkable.com/

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Welcome back to ScaleUp Radio Shorts, where Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt distil the best insights from our recent full-length interviews and turn them into practical, actionable takeaways for ambitious business owners.

This week, we're bringing together two very different voices with a surprisingly aligned message:

• Jack Molyneux – former Merchant Navy Master Mariner turned tech founder, building a disruptive superyacht platform, IDOSY.
• Lindsey Burden – Intuitive Business Coach with over a decade of experience helping founders stop overcomplicating and start executing.

Different industries. Different journeys. The same core lesson: scaling successfully comes down to clarity, courage and focused execution.

1. Simplicity Scales. Complexity Distracts.

Jack built IDOSY around a clear mission: fix a broken, opaque system in the superyacht charter industry. His entire platform centres on three things:

Live price. Live availability. Live booking.

In an industry dominated by phone calls, PDFs and delayed email chains, that simplicity is the disruption.

Lindsey shared the flip side. In her early days, she described herself as the "Queen of Overcomplication". Busy work felt productive. Complexity created the illusion of progress.

But when business owners panic, they often abandon the plan and chase shiny objects. A new platform. A new offer. A new strategy. Instead of staying focused on the destination, they start reprogramming the sat-nav mid-journey.

The lesson? Simplicity creates traction. Complexity creates noise.

1. The Right Team Will Challenge You

Jack made a powerful point about leadership: as a founder, you must have someone around you who is prepared to say no.

Founders are persuasive. Vision-driven. Convincing. But without challenge, conviction can turn into blind spots.

Having led crews of over 100 people as a Master Mariner, Jack understands operational discipline. In a scaling business, strong teams aren't just compliant. They question. They test. They refine.

Lindsey sees this transition from another angle. When you move from solopreneur to employer, you quickly realise:

• No one will care quite as much as you.
• You cannot hire only "doers".
• You need a mix of reliable executors and people who think, lead and innovate.

Scaling requires a shift in identity. From being the person with all the answers… To being the person who sets the intent and trusts others to execute.

1. The 90-Day Sweet Spot

One of the strongest overlaps between both conversations was execution rhythm.

Lindsey is a huge advocate of 90-day planning. She calls it the sweet spot:

• Long enough to deliver meaningful results
• Short enough to stay focused and accountable

Without that rhythm, founders get trapped in what she calls the "octopus business" – tentacles everywhere, constant activity, little progress.

Jack demonstrated this mindset in action when raising capital. Instead of being overwhelmed by the enormity of fundraising, he broke it down step by step.

His advice? Start with friends and family.

If you cannot convince the people who know and trust you, persuading strangers will be even harder. It builds confidence, momentum and belief.

And when the rejections come, as they always do, remember:

Every "no" is one step closer to the next "yes".

1. Pricing, Confidence and Backing Yourself

Lindsey delivered some tough but essential advice on pricing.

When things get quiet, the temptation is to drop your prices or accept the wrong-fit clients for quick cash. But that decision shapes your future pipeline.

Do premium work at bargain prices and you attract more bargain buyers.

She challenges founders to stop pricing by the hour. Clients do not pay for time. They pay for outcomes. They care about getting from A to B, not how many hours it takes.

Her practical tip for selling high-ticket services:

"Nail your pricing, say it with confidence, and then don't say another word."

Confidence is built through repetition. Through experience. Through backing yourself.

Which mirrors Jack's advice to his younger self:

Back yourself. Be brave. It's okay if people don't like it.

He also challenged the idea of overprotecting your concept. You do not have a business until you build it. Talking about your idea creates momentum. Silence does not.

The One Key Thing

The one key thing this week:

Focus on execution over emotion. Keep it simple, commit to a 90-day rhythm, price with confidence, and back yourself even when it feels uncomfortable.

Standout Message

"You can have 100% of nothing, or you can start talking to people and see what happens."

Quick Heads-Up: Smart90 Lite

We're currently looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 app.

It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version.

If you would like early access, take a look at smart90.co.uk

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Jack Molyneux, Founder of IDOSY – a new digital marketplace set to disrupt the superyacht charter industry.

Jack's journey is anything but conventional. From qualifying as a Master Mariner at just 26 and commanding cruise ships and superyachts around the world, to managing fleets of luxury yachts for a family office, and now launching the first live-booking superyacht platform – this is a true ScaleUp story grounded in deep operational credibility.

IDOSY launches mid-April with a bold ambition: to bring live pricing, live availability and instant booking to a market that still runs on emails, brokers and PDF brochures.

And yes – it is as complex as it sounds.

Our discussion is structured in three parts. First, we explore the business, the model and where IDOSY sits on its ScaleUp journey. Second, we dig into Jack's views on the real challenges of scaling, including raising capital from industry insiders and navigating complex global regulations. And third, we close with a few quickfire questions.

One standout message from this episode is this: if you are going to disrupt a market, you need deep operational understanding before you digitise it.

Quick heads-up — we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Jack.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Jack can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-m-3580bb7b/

https://www.idosyyachts.com/

Resources:

Close To The Wind by Pete Goss - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/close-to-the-wind-an-extraordinary-story-of-triumph-over-adversity-pete-goss/2215269?ean=9780747259381&next=t

Turn The Ship Around by L. David Marquet - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/turn-the-ship-around-a-true-story-of-building-leaders-by-breaking-the-rules-l-david-marquet/3549368?ean=9780241250945&next=t

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent is joined by experienced business coach Lindsey Burden, whose intuitive and deeply personalised approach to coaching breaks the mould of cookie-cutter programmes. Lindsey helps her clients build a business that aligns with their version of success, not someone else's template.

Whether you're overwhelmed by doing too much, struggling to price your services confidently, or need to make your goals more achievable, this conversation is packed with sharp insights and practical tools to move your business forward.

Key Themes in This Episode

Tailored Coaching Based on Intuition

Lindsey shares how she tunes into the unspoken, body language, word choices, hesitations, to help clients uncover the real blocks to growth. Her coaching isn't about handing over a rigid system; it's about building a flexible path around the client's unique strengths and context.

Standout Quote: "The problem isn't usually that you need to do more, it's that you've forgotten what works and stopped doing it."

Avoiding the Busy Trap

Busy doesn't always mean productive. Many founders fall into the trap of overcomplication or jumping onto the next trend (new channels, shiny tools), when the real power comes from simplifying and refocusing.

Strategic Pricing & Confident Selling

Discounting under pressure is a quick road to burnout. Lindsey's advice? Price based on the value and outcomes you deliver, not the hours. Start with a figure you can say confidently, then stop talking.

The Power of 90-Day Planning

Long-term goals feel overwhelming; 90-day plans create the perfect runway. Lindsey explains how this rhythm helps bring structure to entrepreneurial creativity, so you stop half-finishing great ideas and start delivering real progress.

Building the Right Team

The founder mindset must evolve, leading a team takes intentional effort. Lindsey shares tips on balancing operators and innovators in your team, and why reaching out to HR experts or trusted networks is a game-changer.

Quick heads-up, we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts, and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Lindsey.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Lindsey can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-burden/

https://lindseyburden.com/

Resources:

The Inside Out Revolution by Michael Neill - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-inside-out-revolution-the-only-thing-you-need-to-know-to-change-your-life-forever-michael-neill/2370700?ean=9781781800799&next=t

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/atomic-habits-the-life-changing-million-copy-1-bestseller-james-clear/2458373?ean=9781847941831&next=t

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks - https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-big-leap/gay-hendricks/9780061735363

Heartbeat online platform - https://www.heartbeat.chat

View Details

The Art of Sales, Self-Awareness and Scaling

Featuring Dr Muddassir Ahmed (SCM DOJO) and Rachael Jackson (WIBN Birmingham) Produced with the aid of AI

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt reflect on two powerful – and very different – scaling journeys.

On one side, Dr Muddassir Ahmed, founder of SCM DOJO, who built a global AI-enabled learning platform from scratch. On the other, Rachael Jackson, who chose a franchise route with WIBN Birmingham to create structure, community and flexibility – while building her passion project, Array of Light.

Two contrasting models. One shared truth: scaling demands self-awareness, discipline and resilience.

Sales Is Not Optional

Muddassir learned a hard lesson early:

You can outsource HR. You can outsource accounting. You can outsource marketing.

But you cannot outsource sales as a founder.

Despite being highly technical and data-driven, he had to personally master enterprise sales – including sending 72 emails over 18 months to land a major global brand.

The takeaway?

Polite persistence wins. Enterprise sales cycles are long. And founders must own the conversation.

Cash Flow Is Reality

Rachael's scaling journey exposed a different challenge.

Moving from corporate retail into a franchise networking model meant adjusting to the unpredictability of SME payments.

Her response?

• Save upfront
• Take no salary for 12 months
• Prioritise reinvestment and resilience

It is a disciplined approach that many founders underestimate.

Self-Awareness as a Strategic Advantage

Rachael openly discussed being diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD traits in adulthood.

Instead of seeing this as a weakness, she built systems around it:

• Time-blocked email checking
• Turning off notifications
• Choosing tools designed for dyslexic thinkers
• Delegating dense information into top-line bullet points

Self-awareness became a scaling tool.

Meanwhile, Muddassir applies "lean accountability" and daily stand-ups to manage a global team across time zones, backed by documented SOPs.

Different personalities. Same principle: structure enables scale.

AI – Tool or Transformation?

Muddassir is building agentic AI into SCM DOJO – not just generative AI that writes text, but AI agents that:

• Plan
• Analyse
• Execute workflows
• Run forecasting models
• Evaluate supplier responses

Yet even with advanced AI, he still had to build human relationships the hard way.

AI enhances. It does not replace resilience.

Two Definitions of Success

Muddassir wants SCM DOJO to become the industry standard for supply chain learning.

Rachael defines success as happiness, impact and helping women grow in confidence.

Different ambitions. Both completely valid.

The One Key Thing

Scaling is not about copying someone else's model.

It is about knowing yourself, managing your cash carefully, building repeatable systems, and staying resilient long enough to win.

Quick Heads-Up

If you want more structure and accountability in your own ScaleUp journey, explore Smart90 – our proven 90-day execution system.

And if you'd like to stay focused and actually deliver each week, try our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite. It's free while we're testing it – just email kevin@smart90.co.uk for access.

View Details

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Dr. Muddassir Ahmed, the founder of SCMDOJO, a platform revolutionising access to supply chain training and consultancy.

From launching a $99/month subscription model to developing a proprietary AI consultant set to launch in March, Dr. Ahmed shares how he's turning SCMDOJO from a content platform into a cutting-edge supply chain technology business.

Highlights

• Business Model Mastery: SCMDOJO began with low-ticket courses and evolved into a hybrid model blending community, content, and consultancy.
• AI Leap: SCMDOJO Sensei is an AI agent trained on proprietary content to analyse problems, deliver expert advice, and even automate sourcing.
• Sales Wisdom: Dr. Ahmed closed a deal with LVMH after 72 emails over 1.5 years; proof that persistence pays.
• Remote Execution vs Creativity: While the team excels operationally, fostering innovation in a lean, remote setup remains the next hurdle.

Quick heads-up; we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals; in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. 👉 Get access by emailing: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Muddassir.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Muddassir can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/muddassirism/

https://www.scmdojo.com/

Resources:

https://claude.ai/login

https://gemini.google.com/

https://grok.com/

https://notebooklm.google/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Rachael Jackson, a dynamic entrepreneur who has turned personal challenges into entrepreneurial strengths. From launching her business through a franchise model to reframing dyslexia as a leadership asset, Rachael's story is all about strategic thinking and relentless focus.

Key Highlights

• Franchise as a Strategic Launchpad: Rachael chose a WIBN franchise to de-risk her startup journey, gaining crucial business experience and a peer network before launching her dream venture.
• Relentless Focus = Results: She became Franchisee of the Year by intentionally managing her time, prioritising member value, and building financial resilience through reinvestment.
• Neurodiversity as Strength: Diagnosed with dyslexia at 30, she harnessed it as a leadership superpower—mastering delegation, systems, and people management.
• Tech for Inclusion: She uses a dyslexia-friendly CRM (POP) to boost productivity and sidestep complexity.

The one key thing: A franchise can be more than a business – it can be a confidence-building launchpad for your bigger vision.

Quick heads-up; we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals; in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version.

Get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Don't forget to subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us for new episodes every week. For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Rachael.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Book Is Here!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Rachael can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-jackson-507608304/

https://arayoflight.co.uk/

https://wibn.co.uk/page/Rachael_Jackson

View Details

This week on ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin and Louise unpack two fascinating recent conversations, one with Samantha Thurlow of In Collaboration, and one with Graeme Tennick of Tennick Accountants.

Different sectors. Same pivotal moment.

Both guests hit a point where "business as usual" stopped working, and had to rethink structure, mindset, and action to move forward.

🔎 What We Cover

1️⃣ The Associate Trap

Samantha built her agency on a flexible associate model. It worked, until it didn't.

Growth meant more work… but not more profit. Flexibility became a ceiling.

Her pivot? Moving towards an employee model to build stability, culture, and long-term asset value.

Lesson: Convenience can quietly cap your growth.

2️⃣ Strategy Over Volume

Samantha also shared a key observation about marketing.

AI-generated content is everywhere. But engagement is dropping when there's no strategy behind it.

More posts ≠ better marketing. Clear positioning and thinking wins.

3️⃣ The Real Reason Businesses Don't Scale

When Kevin asked Graeme the biggest barrier to growth, his answer wasn't cash flow.

It was procrastination.

We are drowning in knowledge but starved of action.

His advice is simple: Identify the biggest challenge in front of you, then take one immediate action to move it forward.

One action is progress.

4️⃣ 10x Requires Reinvention

Graeme referenced 10x Is Easier Than 2x, the idea that small growth can come from working harder, but exponential growth requires fundamentally changing how you operate.

You cannot 10x with yesterday's structure.

🎯 The One Key Thing

If you feel stuck, don't just push harder.

Change the structure or behaviour that's holding you back.

🎧 Want More?

To hear Samantha's full transition story and Graeme's Client Impact Tree framework in detail, listen to their full episodes of ScaleUp Radio.

Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode.

This episode was created using AI

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Samantha Thurlow, founder of In Collaboration, a business support agency that's grown from offering virtual assistant services to delivering full-service strategy, admin, and marketing.

As her business evolves into a two-brand model, with the launch of Creative Bean Studios, Sam shares how she's adapting to market shifts, overcoming growing pains, and preparing for the next stage of her scaleup journey.

Key Takeaways

• Pivoting the Business Model: Sam transitioned In Collaboration from a flexible associate model to a hybrid employed team, following clear advice from her accountant. This shift was vital to improving profitability and enabling scale.
• New Brand, Same Vision: The launch of Creative Bean Studios allows her to expand specialist marketing services while focusing In Collaboration on strategic support for clients.
• Strategy Over Service: Clients are moving away from generic VA tasks to valuing strategic insight, SEO, branding, and business positioning are now in high demand.
• The Power of Vulnerability: Sam's standout message? Being open about challenges attracts support and builds trust, both in business relationships and team culture.
• AI Done Right: AI isn't a silver bullet, real results come when it's used as a tool by experienced humans, not a content factory.

The One Key Thing

Building a scalable business model sometimes means letting go of what's worked in the past. For Sam, it was moving beyond the associate model to unlock long-term sustainability and growth.

Quick heads-up, we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow?

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Sam.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Samantha can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthathurlow/

https://www.instagram.com/incollaboration/

https://www.facebook.com/InCollaborationAgency

https://incollaboration.co.uk/

Resources:

Blockworks - https://blockworks.co/

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/atomic-habits-the-life-changing-million-copy-1-bestseller-james-clear/2458373?ean=9781847941831&next=t

Dear Female Founder by Lu Li - https://amzn.eu/d/0ikvYiaG

Brene Brown - https://brenebrown.com/

Asana - https://asana.com/

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This episode of ScaleUp Radio is part of our Scale-Up Club spotlight series – a special format where we welcome back a previous guest to go deeper in a live Q&A session with our Scale-Up Club members.

This time, we shine the spotlight on Dr. Serge Santos, also known as The Business Physicist – and for good reason. Serge brings a rare blend of financial acumen, physics-trained problem solving, and a deep passion for business legacy.

From being made redundant in 2013 to raising £700 million and running three growing businesses under his Bedrock Enterprises group, Serge speaks with refreshing honesty about the real challenges of scaling – and the mindset shifts required to succeed.

This engaging Q&A covers wide-ranging questions from the audience, including:

• How Serge transitioned from founder to multi-business leader
• His approach to building empowered leadership teams
• Why culture is the bedrock – and how to enforce a "no dickhead policy"
• Letting go of control, and why founders often become their own bottleneck
• Balancing long-term investment with short-term performance
• His thought process for setting strategic direction across multiple businesses
• And why legacy matters more than ego

Expect practical advice, candid reflections, and a healthy dose of inspiration.

The standout message? "You can't build legacy if the business is still about you. Step back, empower others, and invest in a culture that can thrive without you."

The one key thing you'll take away? If you want to scale, you have to learn to let go – and build a team and culture that doesn't rely on you.

Quick heads-up, we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full Q&A session with Serge.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Serge can be found here:

serge.santos@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/santosserge/

View Details

In this punchy episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, hosts Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt unpack the sharpest lessons from two remarkably different guests – and the surprising connections between them.

On one side: 🧠 Andrew Bloch; seasoned PR expert, co-founder of Frank PR, and now high-level "fixer" and M&A advisor. On the other: 🚀 Claudiu Cogalniceanu; scrappy startup founder of Sentrya, fighting phishing with tech while driving Uber to fund his dream.

Despite being at opposite ends of the business spectrum, their journeys share deep truths about scaling, resilience, and self-awareness.

🔑 What You'll Learn:

• 💸 Why charging for value, not time, unlocks revenue and sanity
• 🚫 How saying "no" can be your most powerful growth strategy
• 🧪 Why building fast and testing early beats perfection every time
• 📣 The 70/30 rule: why marketing must outweigh product dev in a startup
• 🧠 How continuous learning fuels both founders; from ChatGPT to Python

💥 Standout Quote:

"Marketing needs to be 70% of your focus, not 30%. You can build the best product, but if no one knows it exists, it doesn't matter."

🎯 The One Key Thing: No matter where you are on your scaleup journey; early grind or post-exit; understanding your value and protecting your time is everything.

🧠 Want to sharpen your own execution? Quick heads-up; we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals; in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. 👉 Get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

🎙️ Don't miss the full interviews with Andrew and Claudiu on ScaleUp Radio. Find them wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Graeme Tennick, the founder of Tennick Accountants – a firm that's challenging the traditional view of accountants as compliance providers by driving real strategic impact for clients and the wider community.

Graeme shares how his firm has rooted itself in a compelling mission: to make lives better – for their team, their clients, and even the world. And this isn't just a tagline. From the way they set goals with clients to how they measure internal performance and reward behaviour, it's clear that purpose drives everything they do.

We explore how Graeme is tackling one of the biggest scaleup blockers – procrastination – by introducing frameworks for action and accountability, both for himself and his clients. There's plenty to take away from this episode about habit formation, purpose-driven strategy, and creating a values-led team culture.

Quick heads-up, we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Graeme.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Graeme can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/graeme-tennick-xero-expert-virtual-finance-director/

graeme@tennick.co.uk

Resources:

The Flight Of The Buffalo by James Belasco - https://www.waterstones.com/book/flight-of-the-buffalo/james-belasco/ralph-c-stayer/9780446670081

10 X is easier than 2 X by Dan Sullivan - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/10x-is-easier-than-2x-how-world-class-entrepreneurs-achieve-more-by-doing-less-dan-sullivan/7411822?ean=9781401969950&next=t

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In this special ScaleUp Club VIP session, we're joined by Alina Stancu, co-founder of The Orange Notebook, for a focused and interactive discussion on what it really takes to build a high-performing team culture, even with a remote team or contractors.

Through practical frameworks, lived experience, and powerful case studies, Alina guides us through how culture is either fuelling or silently stalling your business, and what you can do about it.

You'll hear:

🔸 Why most cultural breakdowns stem from missing safety and purpose – and why these two ingredients are non-negotiable. 🔸 How to lead by agreement, not expectation – making values real through clear, defined behaviours. 🔸 What "positive ownership" looks like in action – and why it frees leaders from needing to control everything. 🔸 How to build a consistent culture with contractors – through inclusion, security, and care.

Quick heads-up, we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full session with Alina.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Alina can be found here:

https://theorangenotebook.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-stancu/

Resources:

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/extreme-ownership-how-u-s-navy-seals-lead-and-win-jocko-willink/651009?ean=9781250183866&next=t

View Details

In this special edition of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Granger Forson dive into two recent interviews that couldn't be more different on the surface; but reveal some remarkably similar lessons underneath.

On one side, we have Aqeel Shamsul, founder of cutting-edge space biotech startup Frontier Space, turning microgravity into a drug development advantage.

On the other, Tom Perry and Ella Chapman from Holloway Bond, redefining the approach to business rates recovery through data-led outreach and customer-first practices.

From rocket science to rateable values, this episode is a compelling breakdown of the shared truths behind successful scaleups.

💡 Key Highlights:

✅ Solve a Real Problem, Build the Right Team Whether in outer space or in high-street offices, the guests focused on one key thing: identifying a genuine pain point and assembling the right people to solve it.

✅ From Hustle to Systems Aqeel bootstrapped his first space mission while washing dishes during his PhD. Tom & Ella took on every business function until they hit bottlenecks—then learned to outsource and scale smart.

✅ Proactive Sales Is King Frontier Space invests heavily in Business Development, even in deep-tech. Holloway Bond flips the model by finding clients through data, rather than waiting for them to call.

✅ Culture and Hiring Matter More Than Ever In both businesses, early hires define the culture. Whether it's recruiting for attitude in a niche field or insisting on in-person interviews to gauge culture fit—getting the right people on board is non-negotiable.

✅ Stay Focused on Your Core Tom & Ella are weighing up diversification. Granger's advice? "Stick to the knitting" until systems and leadership layers are strong enough to expand.

🚀 Standout Message:

"Whether you're dealing with the European Space Agency or your local council's valuation office, business always comes down to: Do you solve a real problem? Do you have a team that can deliver? And can you sell it?"

🔑 The One Key Thing:

Proactive, focused execution; not the industry you're in; is what drives scale.

🎁 Quick heads-up…

We're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals; in just a few minutes a day.

It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will help shape the final version. 📩 Just email kevin@smart90.co.uk to get access.

This episode has been created utilising AI technology

View Details

Granger Forson here from www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk and on LinkedIn, and in this episode of ScaleUp Radio I'm joined by Tom Perry and Ella Chapman, founders of Holloway Bond.

In just three years, Tom and Ella have quietly built a specialist business that champions companies who are unknowingly overpaying business rates. Rather than chasing every prospect, Holloway Bond flips the model on its head by using data to proactively identify who they can truly help, before ever picking up the phone.

What stands out immediately is their integrity. Operating on a no-win-no-fee basis, they only take on cases where they are confident they can deliver meaningful results. That clarity has shaped not just their business model, but also their culture, their growth decisions, and the deep trust they've built with clients.

We explore their journey from industry insiders to business owners, the lessons learned from early cash flow challenges, and why outsourcing marketing, HR, recruitment and IT helped unlock their next phase of growth. Along the way, Tom and Ella share honest reflections on recruitment mistakes, the importance of face-to-face conversations, and why building a happy, knowledgeable team matters more than chasing size.

This episode is a powerful reminder that you don't need to be the biggest to be brilliant, and that doing things differently, with care and conviction, can create both commercial success and genuine joy in the workplace.

To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of trust, thoughtful growth and doing business differently with Tom Perry and Ella Chapman.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Tom & Ella can be found here:

https://www.hollowaybond.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-perry-49149b261/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-chapman-841a31203/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573757277571

https://www.instagram.com/hollowaybondltd/

info@hollowaybond.co.uk

01285 42100

Resources:

Free Agent app - https://www.freeagent.com/features/mobile/

Time Tree app - https://timetreeapp.com/intl/en

Web X - https://www.webex.com/

Zoho CRM - https://www.zoho.com/crm/

DotSquares - https://www.dotsquares.com/

View Details

What if the future of drug discovery isn't on Earth?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Aqeel Shamsul, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Frontier Space, a UK-based space biotech company developing shoebox-sized biolabs to unlock the power of microgravity for pharmaceutical R&D.

Spun out of Aqeel's PhD at Cranfield University, Frontier Space is on a mission to make in-space research and biomanufacturing accessible, affordable, and impactful, and they've already achieved what few startups can: bootstrapping two space missions and securing over £1.3M in non-dilutive grant funding.

🚀 Key Takeaways:

• Biotech in Orbit: Frontier's SPACELAB and XSB platforms allow pharma companies to run high-impact experiments in microgravity, accelerating research and unlocking new drug formats.
• Funding Smart, Growing Lean: With 80% of its £1.3M in funding coming from the UK Space Agency, Frontier Space has scaled a 12-person team across biotech, engineering, and commercial functions.
• Why Microgravity Matters: It accelerates biological processes like ageing, enables superior crystal growth, and creates more realistic 3D cell models, giving pharma faster, more accurate R&D.
• Creating a New Market: As early pioneers, Frontier must educate pharma clients while selling the value of space-based R&D, a complex, high-trust B2B sales challenge.
• The Long Game: While contract research funds their early growth, the real goal is building a proprietary therapeutic pipeline leveraging their own in-orbit data.

💡 The One Key Thing:

When you're creating something truly new, educating your market is as critical as building the tech.

Quick heads-up, we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts, and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Aqeel.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Aqeel can be found here:

https://www.frontier-space.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aqeelshamsul/

Resources:

Y Combinator - https://www.ycombinator.com/

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

Google Gemini - https://gemini.google.com/

View Details

In this ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin Brent and Granger Forson compare the fascinating journeys of two recent guests: Samantha Mant, founder of Halcyan Water, and Sarah O'Neill, founder of The Cotswold Collective.

While their businesses couldn't be more different, one focused on water sustainability and the other on community-driven rewards, what unites both founders is their deep sense of mission and their ability to scale with authenticity.

The conversation dives into:

• Why they started: One sparked by environmental impact, the other from a need for community.
• Marketing with heart and strategy: Samantha leads with education and clarity, while Sarah leans into authenticity and presence.
• Scaling teams smartly: Samantha has built a cohesive network of elite freelancers; Sarah brought in a co-founder to fuel growth.
• Financial philosophy: Samantha runs a tight ship using the Profit First method; Sarah is pivoting to B2B for scale.
• Mindset shifts: Both have embraced full responsibility, a key trait in scaling successfully.

Standout Quote:

"If you won't work as a team player, you're not on the team – even if you're a freelancer." – Samantha Mant

The One Key Thing:

Clarity of mission drives everything, marketing, operations, financial choices, and ultimately, sustainable growth.

👀 Quick heads-up…

We're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. 👉 Get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

View Details

Find me, Granger Forson, at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn.

Sarah O'Neill's journey began with a simple, heartfelt need: to feel part of a community again. What started as a personal response to the isolation of lockdowns grew into Cotswold Collective, a thriving rewards-based membership platform dedicated to supporting local businesses and bringing people together. Her background in marketing and events became the spark that helped transform a difficult season of life into something meaningful for thousands of others.

In our conversation, Sarah shares the early days of the Collective, from persuading the first 40–50 local brands to take a chance on an unproven idea, through to today's network of more than 450 businesses and a rapidly growing membership. Her energy is infectious, and her belief in conscious shopping, shared experiences, and celebrating the stories behind local businesses shines through every step of her journey.

We also explore how the Collective has evolved into a sophisticated digital product, recently launching an app that already has hundreds of downloads. Sarah explains how she designed the offers to be completely bespoke, ensuring that brands feel valued while consumers enjoy something genuinely special each time they use their membership.

What really stands out is Sarah's deep commitment to purposeful connection. Whether through events, collaborations, or simply encouraging people to rediscover the high street,

Cotswold Collective is about more than rewards. It's about belonging, supporting independents, and creating those magical moments when people meet, collaborate, and flourish together.

Finally, Sarah opens up about the realities of building the business while raising two young children, the power of saying yes, and what it means to grow something with heart. This episode is packed with inspiration for founders, community-builders, and anyone who believes small actions can create big impact.

To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of community, connection and conscious shopping with Sarah.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Sarah can be found here:

https://cotswoldcollective.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjayneoneill/

https://www.instagram.com/cotswold.collective/

Resources:

Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone by J K Rowling - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/harry-potter-and-the-philosopher-s-stane-harry-potter-and-the-philosopher-s-stone-in-scots-j-k-rowling/3277111?ean=9781785301544&next=t

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Cotswold Collective podcast - https://rephonic.com/podcasts/the-cotswold-collective-podcast

Cotswold Collective app - https://cotswoldcollective.co/

View Details

Welcome to another inspiring episode with me, Granger Forson find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn as I sit down with Samantha Mant, CEO and Founder of Halcyan Water, a business transforming the way homes and companies manage hard water and energy efficiency.

Samantha's journey began in the world of beautiful bathroom design, where she repeatedly saw installations deteriorate in just months. Instead of accepting that frustration, she experimented. She searched globally, discovered a technology that could turn badly behaved hard water into nicely behaved hard water, and tested it for years before she ever went to market. That curiosity launched the business that is now helping homes and industries reduce limescale, protect equipment, and dramatically cut energy use, all without chemicals or salt

In this conversation, she shares openly the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, from learning to trust her instinct when it comes to people decisions, to bootstrapping through recessions, and discovering the power of accountability and Profit First principles. Her values are clear throughout: environmental impact, transparency, education before sales, and building a team culture where collaboration beats hierarchy.

Today Halcyan is celebrating 10 years, backed by a global growth vision, expanding into commercial and international markets, and building a freelance powerhouse of specialist marketers working seamlessly as one team. It's a story full of experimentation, ownership, resilience and deep belief in making a real difference.

If you care about scaling a purpose-driven business, reducing carbon footprint, or simply want your shower glass to stay clean and your bills lower, this is one to listen to.

To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of energy saving, environmental impact and scaling with Samantha Mant.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Samantha can be found here:

https://halcyanwater.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthamant/

For the FREE resources - commercial@halcyanwater.com

Resources:

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/profit-first-mike-michalowicz/400a882cfa85766b?ean=9780735214149&next=t

They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/they-ask-you-answer-a-revolutionary-approach-to-inbound-sales-content-marketing-and-today-s-digital-consumer-revised-upd-m-sheridan/3181632?ean=9781119610144&next=t

The Richest Man In Babylon by George S Clason - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-richest-man-in-babylon-george-s-clason/f1b3d47f69a792be?ean=9780143448037&next=t

Focus On The Fun Stuff podcast - https://mi-pa.co.uk/podcast/welcome-to-focus-on-the-fun-stuff/

Seth Godin podcast - https://www.akimbo.link/

Tony Robbins podcast - https://www.tonyrobbins.com/podcasts?srsltid=AfmBOopKYd3pvIBW6b1UX2LN1k9c8mclRNnoPrs3Sy9odR8_qDFA3v53

Tradeswomen Together podcast - https://www.fixradio.co.uk/shows/tradeswomen-together/

Retrofit podcast - https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/podcasts/

Brain Toss app - https://braintoss.com/

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

View Details

This week on ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin and Granger dive into two powerful conversations from recent episodes, with leaders who've scaled very different businesses, but who share strikingly similar philosophies.

👉 Hugh Taylor took Roadnight Taylor from burnout to brilliance by radically niching down, cutting 80% of his client base and doubling fees through a bold auction model. 👉 Michael Yorke of Prime dcm discovered the sweet spot in not trying to grow too big, instead focusing on lean, trust-led delivery with full transparency and hands-on leadership.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

🔹 Why less is more when it comes to scaling 🔹 The surprising power of value-based pricing (even in construction!) 🔹 How radical transparency builds deeper client trust 🔹 The importance of culture in creating self-managing teams 🔹 Why continuous learning (and tech like AI) can set you apart

Key takeaway: The one key thing: "Scaling up isn't about doing more, it's about doing better. Extreme focus, transparency and learning create true growth."

Standout moment: Hugh Taylor on pricing: "We ran an auction. The bids got so high, we actually had to bring them back down."

Want to go deeper? You can catch the full conversations with Hugh and Michael on the main ScaleUp Radio podcast feed.

🚀 Quick heads-up, we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. 👉 Just email kevin@smart90.co.uk to get early access.

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I'm Granger Forson and you'll find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. In this inspiring episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Hugh Taylor, CEO of Roadnight Taylor. His story is a masterclass in transformation, determination, and the power of experimentation.

Hugh shares the remarkable journey behind Roadnight Taylor's shift from a struggling generalist consultancy to a globally respected Independent Specialist Grid Consultancy, now recognised in the top 0.1 percent worldwide for client value perception and enjoying 100 percent team retention over six years.

What stands out is the extraordinary turnaround that began with a change in mindset. Hugh talks openly about the early years of intense struggle, working hand-to-mouth and facing burnout before discovering key ideas in books such as Good to Great by Jim Collins and Bounce by Matthew Syed. Those insights triggered bold decisions, including letting go of 80 percent of clients, doubling fees through an auction model, and going deeply niche to become world-leading experts.

Today, Hugh leads a thriving, joyful, four-day-week, self-managing team, working with major global names such as Amazon and Octopus Energy, helping eliminate barriers to the grid connections needed to decarbonise society and support the growth of renewable energy infrastructure.

If you're scaling a business, this conversation is packed with wisdom around focus, courage, culture, generating cash, and the joy that comes from building a business that works beautifully for everyone involved.

To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of focus, joy and transformation with Hugh Taylor.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Hugh can be found here:

https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hugh-taylor_roadnightocracy-activity-7255263155122049024-_lUc/

Resources:

Good to Great by Jim Collins - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/good-to-great-collins-jim/5255326?ean=9780712676090&next=t

Seth Godin podcasts - https://seths.blog/podcasts/

Rory Sutherland podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4DKv6WcFK61l32wXf1S0zv

Humanocracy by Gary Hamel - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/humanocracy-revised-and-updated-creating-organizations-as-amazing-as-the-people-inside-them-gary-hamel/7557026?ean=9781647826376&next=t

Bounce by Matthew Syed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/bounce-the-myth-of-talent-and-the-power-of-practice-matthew-syed/3584775?ean=9780007350544&next=t

Turning The Flywheel by Jim Collins - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/turning-the-flywheel-a-monograph-to-accompany-good-to-great-jim-collins/c94b83eccba67932?ean=9781847942555&next=t

Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned by Joel Lehman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/why-greatness-cannot-be-planned-the-myth-of-the-objective-joel-lehman/323aa2a67c9e23e3?ean=9783319155234&next=t

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Welcome to another episode of ScaleUp Radio with me, Granger Forson. You can connect with me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or find me on LinkedIn anytime.

Today I'm joined by Michael Yorke, co founder of Prime DCM, a construction and development business based just outside Gloucester. Michael's journey is a powerful example of what happens when you challenge industry norms and build a company rooted in openness, respect and genuine partnership with clients.

Starting just one month before the 2020 lockdown, Michael and his business partner James shaped Prime DCM around an open book financial model, completely removing the traditional conflict between builder and client. Instead of guarding information or chasing margin, they guide clients every step of the way, giving full transparency, daily communication and real accountability over cost, time and quality. It's the foundation that has created deep trust and consistent word of mouth referrals.

From delivering a complex seven story development of 38 apartments in Gloucester Docks to high end residential projects for private clients, Prime DCM focus not on being the biggest, but on being truly efficient and consistent. They choose to run only two or three sites at a time and invest in developing the next generation, training apprentices through degree pathways and passing forward the expertise and values that shaped their own careers.

If you're interested in building a business that values trust, lean thinking, long term relationships and the courage to grow people alongside results, this one is packed full of inspiration.

To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of open book transparency, efficiency over growth, and building trust through honesty with Michael.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Michael can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-yorke-aa60342b/

https://primedcm.co.uk/

Resources:

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

WhatsApp - https://www.whatsapp.com/

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, hosts Kevin Brent and Granger Forson dive into the powerful contrast and surprising common ground between two visionary founders: Lilia Stoyanov, CFO and Founder of HR-tech and fintech platform TFY, and Virtyt Pula, Creative Lead of boutique creative collective TOML.

Though their sectors, business models, and goals couldn't be more different, both leaders share an innovative approach to building remote-first, talent-led organisations that challenge conventional ideas about scaling.

🔑 In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Lilia scaled TFY to manage 350,000 contractors across 184 countries with a core team of just 25
• Why Virtyt rejected the idea of a physical agency HQ and built a fully remote creative collective serving top-tier clients
• The importance of clarity of vision, and how it shapes everything from team structure to decision-making
• How both founders are redefining leadership, from managing your ego to embracing "business therapy"
• The very different but equally compelling growth philosophies: automation for scale vs. curation for quality

🎯 The one key thing: Clarity of vision is everything. Whether you're building a unicorn or crafting a lifestyle business, your growth strategy must match your purpose.

🎁 Try Smart90 Lite, free during testing! We're looking for a few founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app, designed to help you stay accountable and execute your goals in just minutes a day. It's free while we're testing, and your feedback will help shape the final version. 📩 Email kevin@biz-smart.co.uk for early access.

📲 Subscribe to ScaleUp Radio so you never miss an episode – and why not give us a follow?

This episode is created with AI

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Andrew Bloch – one of the UK's most influential voices in the PR and marketing space. Best known as the co-founder of Frank PR and now the founder of a boutique consultancy, Andrew shares the story of building, scaling, exiting, and reinventing a business around his strengths and values.

We explore his fascinating career arc – from growing Frank into one of the UK's leading agencies, to selling it, buying it back, and eventually transitioning it to employee ownership. Andrew now operates a portfolio career that combines M&A advisory, pitch consultancy, high-profile PR, and mentoring.

This conversation is split into three parts: 1️⃣ We start by digging into Andrew's business journey – including Frank PR's scaling strategy, its multiple exits, and the evolution of his current solo consultancy. 2️⃣ Then, we explore his perspective on the biggest challenges to scaling a business – and why culture and value-based pricing are non-negotiables. 3️⃣ Finally, we wrap up with some quickfire questions to get a glimpse into his mindset and daily habits.

In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why charging by value not time unlocks higher growth and better client outcomes ✅ How Andrew transitioned to a portfolio career that's lean, high-impact and personally fulfilling ✅ What makes a good M&A deal – and why cultural fit matters more than financials ✅ The importance of legacy – and how culture can be your most enduring achievement ✅ Why staying curious and embracing AI is crucial for long-term relevance

The one key thing: 👉 Value-based pricing can completely transform how you grow and scale – by aligning your work with the results you deliver, not the hours you put in.

Quick heads-up: We're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals — in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. 🎯 Get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Andrew.

Andrew can be found here:

andrewbloch.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbloch/

Resources:

Chat GPT - https://chatgpt.com/

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On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Claudiu Cogalniceanu, the solo founder behind Sentrya, a revolutionary new approach to email protection.

What makes Claudiu's story so remarkable isn't just the tech, though that's impressive, but the journey. He built the first version of Sentrya in under a month while working as an Uber driver, launched it on Product Hunt, and grew to over 450 users in 25+ countries using organic Reddit marketing alone.

Sentrya flips the traditional spam filter model: instead of trying to detect spam, it creates a clean list of approved senders and deletes everything else by default. This privacy-first approach has blocked over 200,000 scam emails so far, and it's just the beginning.

We break down the conversation into three core parts:

1. The Business & Business Model: How Sentrya works, its current traction, and Claudiu's vision to compete with Gmail and Outlook by building a fully encrypted email service.
2. Challenges of Scaling Up: From bootstrapping to a viral setback when an influencer falsely accused the platform of being a scam, Claudiu shares how he overcame it.
3. Quickfire Questions: Insight into Claudiu's mindset, strategies, and how his psychology background shapes his approach to building a tech startup.

💡 The one key thing: You don't need massive funding to build something impactful, clarity of purpose and strategic simplicity can take you far.

🚀 Quick heads-up: We're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Claudiu.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Claudiu can be found here

https://sentrya.net/

Resources:

Alex Hormuz on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AlexHormozi

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Lilia Stoyanov, the CEO and cofounder of TFY (Transformify Ltd), a bootstrapped, AI-powered global workforce management platform.

TFY enables businesses to hire, onboard and pay contractors in 184+ countries – all from one platform. And it's not just another HR tool — it's a human-centred, AI-powered engine that automates compliance and payments, so finance and HR teams can focus on strategic growth.

In this episode, we cover:

• How TFY achieved 90% profit growth in 2024 with zero external investment
• The three-phase scaling strategy that took them from niche to global player
• Why they require a full business case for every new hire – and how that drives a near-zero attrition culture
• The systems behind managing 350,000 contractors with just 25 people
• Lilia's leadership approach – and why TFY avoids inflated job titles in favour of responsibility and results

We also explore how Lilia and her team avoided the "fake stability" of VC funding, and how they built a high-trust, global network by partnering with local legal and financial experts.

The one key thing? Scaling globally doesn't require massive headcount or funding — it demands laser focus, financial discipline, and relentless clarity on ROI.

Quick heads-up — we're also looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's designed to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will help shape the final version. Interested? Just email me at kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts — and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Lilia.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Lilia can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilia-stoyanov-tfy/

https://www.transformify.org/

https://www.instagram.com/ls_transformify/

Resources:

Blitzscaling by Chris Yeh - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/blitzscaling-the-lightning-fast-path-to-building-massively-valuable-companies-reid-hoffman/3593117?ean=9780008303631&next=t

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Granger Forson unpack the remarkable ScaleUp journey of Dr. Mark Kotter, a neurosurgeon, stem cell biologist, and founder of Bit Bio, a deep-tech biotech company that's raised over $200 million and scaled to 200+ people.

It's a story that starts with clinical frustration and leads to a cutting-edge company using AI to literally reprogram cells.

But beyond the science lies a business story that any entrepreneur can learn from, full of lessons on leadership, values, team alignment, and the bumpy road of scale.

💡 Episode Highlights

• From Surgeon to ScaleUp CEO: Mark didn't set out to start a company, he was driven by necessity. After realising he couldn't cure spinal damage with surgery alone, he went searching for answers in research, ultimately spinning out Bit Bio after university support fell short.
• A Painful Co-Founder Conflict: Mark's first attempt at scaling ended in near disaster. Misalignment in values and vision led to a business breakup that forced him to remortgage his house to buy back control.
• Hiring with Intention: After that, Mark built a recruitment process focused on alignment and values, Purposeful, Ambitious, Trustworthy, Empirical, with a "Secret Vote" used to prevent bias and protect culture.
• Recognising the Breaking Points: Mark shares how communication changes at 20, 50, and 100 people, and how he had the humility to step aside and hire experienced operators to build structure when it was time.
• Living Drugs & AI: Bit Bio is on the frontier of medicine, moving from traditional "dead molecules" to "living drugs". They use AI and machine learning to crack complex genetic programming challenges that could change the future of healthcare.

🚀 The One Key Thing

"Don't assume alignment, be explicit about your values from day one."

💬 Standout Quote

"I thought curing disease would be enough to align people, but it wasn't. You have to say the hard stuff upfront." – Mark Kotter

💡 Smart90 Lite – Try It Free

Quick heads-up , we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals , in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version.

👉 Email kevin@biz-smart.co.uk to get access.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Don't miss future episodes , subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you get your podcasts. And if you know a founder with an inspiring story, check the show notes to nominate them!

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Virtyt Pula, the founder of TOML, a talent-first creative agency that's reimagining how creative work gets done. Instead of a traditional in-house model, TOML operates as a global creative collective, blending a tight-knit core team with a flexible international network of creative specialists.

Founded in 2015, TOML was built to challenge agency norms, and when the pandemic hit, its remote-first model went from being questioned by clients to becoming its biggest asset.

We cover three key areas in this conversation:

1. The Business, how TOML operates with a hybrid model, builds bespoke teams for every brief, and maintains quality across a distributed network.
2. Scaling Challenges, from earning client trust to navigating cash flow with global freelancers and shifting to a 50/50 service-to-R&D business model.
3. Quickfire Insights, including Virtyt's views on mentorship, the importance of launching early, and why his biggest influences include Steve Jobs, Bob Iger, and The Beatles.

The one key thing? Your agency structure doesn't have to look like everyone else's to work, but you'll need to earn trust fast.

Quick heads-up — we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals — in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts, and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Virtyt.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Virtyt can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/virtytpula/

https://www.tomlcollective.com/

Resources:

Problem Solvers podcast - https://www.jasonfeifer.com/podcast/

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

The Future podcast - https://www.thefutur.com/podcast

Slack - https://slack.com/intl/en-gb/

Notion - https://www.notion.com/

Trello - https://trello.com/

Figma - https://www.figma.com/

Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/

Sortlist - https://www.sortlist.co.uk/

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In this exclusive ScaleUp Club session, Kevin Brent sits down with Dr Mark Kotter, the visionary neurosurgeon and founder of Bit Bio, a revolutionary deep tech company transforming how we produce human cells at scale.

Bit Bio has raised over £250 million, and what started as academic frustration with the limits of regenerative medicine has become a game-changing platform for industrial-scale cell production. But it hasn't been an easy ride.

From a near-collapse caused by co-founder misalignment to pioneering an intensive, values-driven hiring process, Mark shares a raw and honest look at what it takes to scale a company at the edge of biotech innovation.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Explicit Alignment Is Crucial: Co-founder misalignment nearly destroyed the company. Mark remortgaged his house to buy them out — and rebuilt with clear purpose and cultural values at the core.
• Fundraising Is a Full-Time Role: To scale such a novel tech, Mark handed off the science to a CSO and focused entirely on securing capital — over £250M to date.
• Hire People Smarter Than You: By sourcing key hires from VC due diligence teams and investing in deep expertise, Bit Bio gained the credibility and capability needed to scale.
• De-Risk Through Automation: Building biology, manufacturing, and QC processes from scratch is risky — automation and miniaturisation helped deliver £250M/year capacity from just 300m².

💡 The One Key Thing:

If your team's alignment isn't crystal clear — it's a ticking time bomb.

Quick heads-up — we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals — in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Mark.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Mark can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kotter/

https://www.bit.bio/

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This week on ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin and Granger reflect on two standout interviews that bring together the worlds of engineering precision and artistic expression in leadership.

On one side, we have Jono Taylor, a grounded product design engineer scaling his service-based business with a flexible freelance model. On the other, Nigel Hughes, a ballet-trained serial entrepreneur helping leaders inspire from within.

Despite their wildly different backgrounds, both guests shared strikingly similar insights around resilience, team dynamics, and the importance of values in scaling.

💡 In this 15-minute roundup episode, you'll hear:

• How Jono built a "freelance family" to scale without the pressure of full-time headcount
• Why Nigel believes great leadership combines Vision, Inspiration and Purpose ("VIP")
• How both founders have navigated setbacks, and what they'd tell their younger selves
• The power of combining structure (spreadsheets!) with spirit (vision + culture) to grow sustainably

Whether you're scaling a physical product business or leading through transformation, these contrasting but complementary stories offer real, actionable lessons.

🗝️ Standout Quote: "Responsibility isn't a heavy sack to carry – it's the ability to respond." – Nigel Hughes

💬 The one key thing: Scaling up successfully is about blending head and heart, managing the spreadsheet and inspiring with purpose.

Quick heads-up, we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. 👉 Get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to follow so you never miss an episode.

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Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I'm Kevin Brent, and in today's episode I'm joined by Nigel Hughes, a former professional performer turned leadership advisor and founder of Outstanding Global.

Nigel's journey is anything but ordinary. At just 13 years old, he chose ballet over the Marines — a decision that marked the beginning of a 20-year career on stage and eventually led him into the world of leadership development and sustainability advocacy.

We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, which is structured into three parts:

1. First, we dive into Nigel's business, the philosophy behind Outstanding Global, and where he is on his ScaleUp journey.
2. Then, we explore Nigel's unique approach to the challenges of scaling, including his thoughts on mindset, identity, and the ScaleUp Challenges Report.
3. And finally, we round off with a few quickfire questions to get to know Nigel that little bit better.

One of the standout messages from this episode is Nigel's call to "stand up for who you are" — a timely reminder for leaders navigating uncertain environments.

The one key thing I took away from this conversation? If you want to lead effectively, you must shift from being a reactive victim to a proactive chooser — and Nigel shares exactly how to do that with a practical framework you can use right away.

👉 Quick heads-up — we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals — in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. You can get access by emailing kevin@biz-smart.co.uk.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Nigel.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Nigel can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-hughes-outstanding-global/

https://www.outstanding.global/

Resources:

Becky Hemsley Poem 'Breathe' - https://www.thethinkingproject.co.uk/poemsofathinkingenvironment/breathebybeckyhemsley

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Hi, I'm Granger Forson find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect on LinkedIn and in this episode of ScaleUp Radio we dive deep into the world of product design engineering with Jono Taylor, founder of Relay Industries.

Jono has spent ten years building a business that brings breakthrough physical products to life, helping solve real-world problems in medical, industrial, scientific and connected technology sectors. From life-saving blood pumps and IoT telematics hardware to quantum physics instrumentation, Relay Industries stands out by combining creativity with deep manufacturing insight.

What makes Jono's journey special is the unwavering belief in humility, shared thinking and building long-term relationships. He openly discusses the rollercoaster of growth: winning major international contracts, expanding rapidly, then facing a six-month drought that forced difficult decisions. Through resilience and relentless networking, the company rebuilt stronger and now operates with a flexible team structure powered by freelancers treated like true teammates.

At the heart of Relay Industries sits a passion that shines through every story: designing products that genuinely improve lives, avoiding landfill for landfill's sake, and creating environments where people and ideas thrive.

If you want inspiration on navigating uncertainty, scaling with lean thinking, and finding joy in solving meaningful problems, this episode is a must-listen. 🎙️

To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of invention, resilience and collaboration with Jono Taylor.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Jono can be found here:

https://www.relayindustries.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonotaylor/

Resources:

The Designers Directory of Colour by Sean Adams - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/designer-s-dictionary-of-colour-uk-edition-sean-adams/4244311?ean=9781419726392&next=t

The Curious Bartender podcast - https://www.thecuriousbartender.com/

Timely app - https://www.gettimely.com/features/mobile-app/

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In this punchy ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin Brent and Granger Forson take a deep dive into two recent ScaleUp Radio conversations, one with Hamish Yates, founder of Neptune Infrastructure Associates, and the other with Steve Johnson, MD of Scaling Sales.

At first glance, managing offshore wind farms and building a sales team might seem worlds apart. But when it comes to scaling, the core principles of focus, systems, and people are universal.

🎯 Key Themes Explored:

• Niche Down, Scale Up Both Hamish and Steve highlight the importance of narrowing your focus to accelerate growth. Whether it's Hamish's "Control" phase in the PACE model or Steve's "Sales Gauntlet", it's all about precision and repeatability.
• From Founder-Selling to Sales Teams Steve maps the 3 stages of founder-led sales and warns against jumping too soon to hire a sales director. His benchmark: two reps consistently hitting quota.
• Attracting the Right People Hamish made Neptune an employee-owned business from day one, a bold move to bring in top talent. Steve, on the other hand, advocates for hiring overlooked talent, entrepreneurial minds from other sectors, like hospitality.
• Mindset & Resilience Both guests touch on the emotional journey of scaling. Hamish spoke of the eerie silence after leaving the corporate world, while Steve stressed protecting your energy: "Take care of the asset, yourself."

🔑 The one key thing: You can't scale chaos. Systems and the right people make scaling possible, but only if you protect your energy as a founder.

💬 Standout quote:

"No one really cares about you as much as you do. When you quit the corporate job, there is an eerie silence. You have to be the one to drive the noise and passion."

View Details

Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences. I'm Kevin Brent and in today's episode I'm joined by Steve Johnson.

Steve's a founder who's been in the trenches, he grew his SaaS business from £750k to over £5 million ARR in just three years. In this conversation, we break down his proven 3-stage framework for scaling sales the right way, starting with the founder doing the selling.

This episode is structured in three parts: First, we explore Steve's background, business model, and where he is on the scaleup journey. Second, we dive into the tough lessons of scaling sales, from hiring evangelists over mercenaries, to the critical role of positioning. And finally, we wrap up with a few quickfire questions to hear Steve's take on leadership and learning.

One key takeaway: "If the CEO hasn't sold it themselves, they've no idea what makes a good sales process, or a good hire."

Quick heads-up, we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will help shape the final version. 👉 You can try it now at email kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts, and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Steve.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Steve can be found here:

https://www.scalingsales.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevejohnsonactual/

https://scalingsales.kit.com/

Resources:

Thinking In Systems by Donella Meadows - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/thinking-in-systems-international-bestseller-donella-meadows/3265846?ean=9781603580557&next=t

The Goal by Jeff Cox - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-goal-a-process-of-ongoing-improvement-eliyahu-m-goldratt/55822?ean=9780566086656&next=t

The Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/brand-gap-the-revised-edition-marty-neumeier/4452437?ean=9780321348104&next=t

Octavo by Marty Neumeier - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/octavo-a-novel-marty-neumeier/7446775?ean=9798987158456&next=t

Simplicity by Edward de Bono - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/simplicity-edward-de-bono/4317445?ean=9780241257487&next=t

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

Gemini - https://gemini.google.com/

View Details

Hi, I'm Granger Forson, and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Hamish Yates, founder and CEO of Neptune Infrastructure Associates, a fast-growing advisory firm dedicated to helping asset managers optimise the performance of renewable energy projects across Europe. With experience advising on over £2 billion of projects powering more than two million homes, Hamish brings a rare blend of engineering rigour and entrepreneurial purpose to the clean energy space.

We explore how Neptune was built on a foundation of practical experience and values, offering something distinctly different to the consulting norm, a hands-on team of experts who've sat "in the hot seat" managing billion-pound wind farms. Hamish shares how his time at Orsted, where he led the world's largest offshore wind farm, shaped his mission to "accelerate the energy transition" by helping investors deliver greater returns while doing good for the planet.

Beyond business mechanics, we talk about the human side of scaling, the loneliness of the founder's journey, the lessons from hiring missteps, and the power of creating an employee-owned culture from day one. For Hamish, it's about aligning the team around a shared purpose and giving everyone a stake in the company's success.

We also unpack the global renewable energy landscape: the political headwinds, the opportunities in grid transformation, and why openness to change is crucial for the investment community to unlock real value.

If you're interested in leadership that blends commercial insight, culture-building, and impact, this conversation is for you.

To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. A

So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of renewables, resilience, and real leadership with Hamish Yates.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Hamish can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-yates-637a9583/

https://www.neptune-infra.com/

Free Assessment - https://nia-lxq2uqzu.scoreapp.com/

Resources:

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/atomic-habits-the-life-changing-million-copy-1-bestseller-james-clear/2458373?ean=9781847941831&next=t

Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/never-split-the-difference-negotiating-as-if-your-life-depended-on-it-chris-voss/3692653?ean=9781847941497&next=t

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Cleaning Up podcast - https://www.cleaningup.live/

Mile IQ app - https://mileiq.com/

The National Grid app - https://www.nationalgridus.com/Mobile-App

View Details

In this edition of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Granger Forson distil powerful insights from two recent ScaleUp Radio interviews with:

• Kat Wellum-Kent, founder of The Fractionals Group, and
• Phil Harding, founder and MD of BBB Drinks.

While their businesses differ in sector and style, finance/HR versus premium drinks distribution, both founders offer hard-earned lessons on how to scale smartly and sustainably.

🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The power of specialisation – Kat's fractional model brings strategic and operational finance/HR under one roof. Phil, meanwhile, flips the traditional distributor model by offering upfront retainers and full transparency in costs.

✅ Two very different approaches to team building – Kat's scaling an in-house team with cultural authenticity at its core. Phil relies on a lean, outsourced model supported by dedicated Brand Ambassadors and data-led tools.

✅ Efficiency through structure and systems – From Kat's time-blocking and letting go of perfectionism, to Phil's game-changing consignment stock model and custom Amazon dashboards, both founders know how to manage risk and cash flow.

✅ Vision with discipline – Kat aims to build a $7.5M multi-vertical fractional group, while Phil is creating an international machine for bringing drinks brands to market, despite the ever-present funding challenges in early-stage FMCG.

🧠 The one key thing: Scaling successfully isn't about doing more, it's about doing the right things with structure, focus, and control.

💬 Standout quote: "Don't wait for the website or business cards to be perfect – just go and do it." – Phil Harding

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast app by searching for ScaleUp Radio, and catch the full interviews with both Kat and Phil.

📩 Quick heads-up, we're looking for a handful of founders to test our new AI-powered Smart90 Lite app. It's built to help you stay accountable and actually deliver on your goals, in just a few minutes a day. It's free while we're in testing, and your feedback will directly shape the final version. 👉 Just email kevin@biz-smart.co.uk to get access.

👥 Know someone with a great ScaleUp story? Nominate them as a guest for a future episode! Details in the shownotes.

This episode is created with the help of AI

View Details

Hi, I'm Granger Forson, and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Kat Wellum-Kent, founder of The Fractionals Group. A business built on the powerful idea that scale-ups deserve fractional support that truly integrates into their teams.

Kat shares her inspiring journey from accountant to entrepreneur, revealing how a chance lunch with a friend in Australia sparked her leap into creating Fractional Finance and later Fractional Human Resources. From just an idea to a 12-person team working with over 22 clients, her story embodies courage, clarity, and purpose.

We explore how Kat has differentiated her business in an increasingly competitive market by blending strategic CFO-level insight with operational finance delivery and how she's applied the same model to HR. It's a blueprint for scale-ups seeking high-impact expertise without full-time hires.

What shines through most is Kat's authenticity. She speaks candidly about learning from early hiring missteps, building a culture of honesty and alignment in a remote team, and leading with empathy. Her leadership approach, grounded in openness, intuition, and continuous improvement has built a business where people grow together.

Whether you're considering the fractional model for your own business, exploring how to build stronger teams, or looking for inspiration to trust your instincts and take the leap, this conversation will give you both courage and practical insight.

To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of intuition, authenticity, and fractional growth with Kat Wellum-Kent.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Kat can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katwellum-kent/

Resources:

Traction by Gino Wickman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/traction-get-a-grip-on-your-business-gino-wickman/3561744?ean=9781936661831&next=t

Pitch Deck podcast - https://www.nicktelson.com/podcast

Opal app - https://www.opal.so/

Gabby Bernstein app - https://gabbybernstein.com/gabby-coaching-app/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Phil Harding, the founder of BBB Drinks, a business that's not only disrupting the traditional drinks distribution model but also redefining how emerging brands grow and scale in an evolving market.

From a shift in consumer drinking habits to a unique retainer-based model, Phil shares how BBB Drinks is tackling the industry's deep-rooted inefficiencies head-on – and helping new brands get the attention and traction they deserve.

This episode is structured in three parts:

1. The Business & Model: We explore BBB's innovative business model, their shift to brand ambassadors, and the market trends that are shaping the drinks industry.
2. Scaling Challenges: Phil shares his personal experiences of scaling, including how BBB is responding to the challenges of growth, cash flow, and the broader insights from the ScaleUp Challenges Report.
3. Quickfire Questions: We wrap up with some fast-paced insights that reveal what drives Phil and what he's learned on his journey so far.

🎯 The One Key Thing:

"Your business model is your greatest lever – disrupt the system, and you can unlock real scale."

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Phil.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Phil can be found here:

www.bbbdrinks.com

phil@bbbdrinks.com

Resources:

Gemini - https://gemini.google.com/

Grok - https://grok.com/

View Details

In this powerful ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin Brent and Granger Forson contrast two founders tackling very different ends of the healthcare and life sciences spectrum:

• Michael Colling-Tuck, founder of Agency Medical Marketing, is on a mission to ensure life-changing innovations get adopted by clinicians and patients.
• Prasun Chakraborty, founder of Genevation, is developing personalised cancer vaccines using cutting-edge AI and immunotherapy.

One is solving the problem of visibility and market traction. The other is solving for scientific possibility and clinical impact. Yet both share a relentless sense of purpose and founder resilience.

What You'll Learn:

✅ The commercial vs scientific ends of the innovation lifecycle ✅ How founder motivation shapes business strategy ✅ Different approaches to funding, operations and visibility ✅ Why isolation, pressure and resilience are universal for founders

Standout Quotes:

"Only 5% of life-changing medical innovations succeed – not because they don't work, but because no one knows about them." – Michael "I think like a patient so I can build for the patient." – Prasun

Key Takeaway:

Innovation dies without commercial traction, and commercial traction is meaningless without innovation. Founders must either build the bridge—or be the breakthrough.

View Details

Find me, Granger Forson, at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.

This episode of ScaleUp Radio features Michael Colling-Tuck, founder of Agency Bristol, a specialist marketing agency helping medical and technology innovators reach both patients and healthcare professionals. With over twenty years in healthcare, Michael has seen how even the most brilliant inventions can fail if no one knows they exist. His agency bridges that critical gap, giving groundbreaking products a fighting chance to reach the people whose lives they can transform.

What makes Michael's story stand out is the combination of deep industry experience, genuine humility, and the relentless curiosity of a founder who has seen the highs and lows of scaling. From watching masterclass marketing moments in China to almost getting it wrong twice with his own cash flow, Michael's honesty about resilience, learning, and leadership gives listeners a real and relatable founder story.

He shares how Agency Bristol crafts campaigns that empower advocates, surgeons, clinicians, and patients, to become the best storytellers for new technologies. It's a blend of creativity, structure, and empathy that transforms technical ideas into powerful messages that resonate with real people.

Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned business leader, this conversation is a lesson in balancing vision with reality. Michael shows that success doesn't just come from clever campaigns, but from finding joy in the grind, trusting your team, and always learning from the journey.

To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of innovation, resilience and purpose with Michael Colling-Tuck.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Michael can be found here:

https://www.agencybristol.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-colling-tuck-48529020/

Resources:

Why People Don't Buy Things by Harry Washburn - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/why-people-don-t-buy-things-five-proven-steps-to-connect-with-your-customers-and-dramatically-improve-your-sales-harry-washburn/43f9c7d071d7ddbc?ean=9780738201573&next=t

Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/black-box-thinking-growth-mindset-and-the-secrets-of-high-performance-matthew-syed/2e1b2c9c68295eb5?ean=9781399830379&next=t

Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/oversubscribed-how-to-get-people-lining-up-to-do-business-with-you-daniel-priestley/3262406?ean=9780857088253&next=t

Shogun by James Clavell - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/shogun-book-one-of-the-asian-saga-the-book-that-inspired-the-emmy-bafta-and-golden-globe-award-winning-tv-show-james-clavell/17dcf2869a8b1584?ean=9780340766163&next=t

Crystal Palace Podcast - https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-podcast/

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Totally Football podcast - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/200-the-totally-football-show/

Michael Colling-Tuck podcast - https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5OvrvVSySrhTXBJ6EalzY4?utm_source=generator&t=0

Spark app - https://sparkmailapp.com/

WhatsApp - https://www.whatsapp.com/?lang=en

Shazam - https://www.shazam.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're diving into the groundbreaking world of personalised cancer treatments with Prasun Chakraborty, founder of Genevation – a biotech startup on a mission to revolutionise how we treat and potentially prevent cancer.

Unlike the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to oncology, Genevation is using advanced AI and genetic sequencing to create custom mRNA cancer vaccines for individual patients – in just 14 days. Prasun shares the inspiring story behind the business, the massive challenges of scaling deep-tech biotech, and his clear vision of a future where cancer is not just treatable, but preventable.

The conversation unfolds in three parts:

1. Genevation's Business Model & Scaleup Journey From solo founder in 2022 to a lean but mighty team with key strategic partnerships, Prasun explains how Genevation is disrupting the cancer treatment space with a personalised, tech-first model that sidesteps the traditional limitations of clinical research.
2. Scaling Challenges in Biotech & Beyond Prasun reflects on the key hurdles facing deep-tech startups – especially the funding gap created by investors' lack of scientific understanding and the fixation on short-term ROI. He shares candid insights into how Genevation is navigating these barriers and what it will take to unlock their next phase of growth.
3. Quickfire Insights We round off with some powerful reflections from Prasun on leadership, mindset, and why it's essential to stay focused on the mission, even when the money and metrics don't align.

Key Highlights:

• Genevation's AI algorithm cuts vaccine candidate selection time from 4 hours to 5 minutes.
• Preclinical data shows a single dose prevented tumour growth for 13 days in lung cancer models.
• The company is raising $5M to fund its IND application and unlock further investment.
• Strategic partners like Google, NVIDIA, AWS, and Illumina are backing Genevation with substantial resources.

There's a lot in here – from AI innovation to biotech regulation, from strategic partnerships to the raw reality of raising millions in funding just to prove your concept.

"Every cancer is unique – and it's time our treatments reflect that."

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts – and why not give us a follow.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Prasun.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Prasun can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasun-chakraborty-5090851b6/

View Details

In this special ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin Brent and Granger Forson take a step back to reflect on two contrasting founder journeys shared recently on the podcast:

• Paul Wray, founder of Breakspeare Clinic, a values-driven physiotherapy business
• Joe van Gelder, founder of fintech firm Powdr, a fast-scaling tech company

Although these two founders operate in completely different industries and approach business from opposite ends of the personality spectrum, their journeys reveal powerful shared lessons about scaling, leadership and founder development.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How founder personality becomes the business operating system ✅ The contrasting pace and triggers of business transformation ✅ Different approaches to building teams: culture vs systems ✅ How both founders evolved their client acquisition models ✅ Why financial visibility is essential—even for accountants ✅ The emotional burden of leadership and why asking for help is not a weakness

Standout Insights:

"You start as a founder who does everything, but to scale, you have to become a leader who empowers others."

"Even accountants can lose control of their financial model when growth hits."

Key Takeaway: The way you think, lead and show up as a founder becomes embedded in your business. Whether you lead with empathy or intensity, scaling up demands that you evolve—or your business will stall.

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we welcome Paul Miller, the founder of Cornish Accounting Solutions, who shares his unique journey in the world of accounting and business. With over 40 years of experience, Paul is not your typical accountant; he is an author, a coach, and a passionate advocate for family businesses.

Paul takes us through his early days in the field, detailing how he transitioned from a traditional accounting role to building a thriving practice that prioritises relationships over mere numbers. He emphasises the importance of communication and emotional intelligence in fostering strong client connections, believing that understanding clients' needs is crucial for success.

As he reflects on the evolution of the accounting industry, Paul highlights the impact of technology and the necessity for accountants to adapt by offering more value-added services. He discusses the challenges family businesses face and the significance of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The importance of soft skills in business and accounting

• How to effectively transition from a technician to a business owner

• Strategies for building lasting client relationships

• The unique challenges faced by family businesses

• Insights on letting go and empowering the next generation

Join us for an insightful conversation that explores the intersection of accounting, family values, and long-term success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from Paul’s wealth of experience!

Make sure you subscribe to ScaleUp Radio to keep up with our latest episodes and insights into scaling your business.

For now, let’s dive into the journey of Paul Miller and discover the lessons he has learned along the way.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Paul can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmiller-cas/

paul@cornishaccounting.com

Resources:

Building a Legacy by Paul Miller - https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Building_a_Legacy.html?id=Mrar0AEACAAJ&redir_esc=y

Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/never-split-the-difference-negotiating-as-if-your-life-depended-on-it-chris-voss/3692653?ean=9781847941497&next=t

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Xero - https://www.xero.com/

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Dan Boardman-Weston, the CEO of BRI Wealth Management – a financial planning and investment management firm overseeing £700 million in assets for around 1,200 clients.

Dan’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. He joined BRI at just 18, took on various investment roles, and, after completing an MBA at 24, became one of the youngest CEOs in the sector at 28/29. Now, he’s steering the company through an ambitious growth phase, with sights set on hitting £1 billion in AUM within two years, and potentially doubling that within five.

This conversation is packed with valuable insights, and it's structured into three parts:

1. Understanding the Business: Dan explains what sets BRI apart – blending the expertise of a large firm with the personalised service of a boutique one. He shares their “no-dickhead” policy, the importance of team training, and how 75% of new business comes through client referrals.
2. Scaling Challenges & Strategy: From managing rapid change across people, processes, and proposition, to integrating acquisitions smoothly with a 98% client retention rate, Dan offers a transparent view of what it really takes to scale. He also shares how he's learning to let go of the day-to-day and focus more on strategy.
3. Quickfire Wrap-Up: Dan gives practical advice for business owners, emphasising the compounding power of early financial planning, staying diversified, and being bold in trying new approaches.

The standout message? “Be bold. Try new things. Don’t be afraid of failure.”

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Dan.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Dan can be found here:

https://brigroup.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-boardman-weston/

Resources:

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

View Details

This week on ScaleUp Radio we hear from two founders whose journeys couldn’t be more different, yet both offer powerful lessons for business owners.

On one side, Tom Hill, founder of Collina MEP, who took a bold leap from corporate life to build a boutique mechanical and electrical consultancy rooted in trust and long-term client relationships. On the other, Sarah Turner, founder of Little Beau Sheep, who turned redundancy and creativity into a flourishing craft-based brand that champions British wool and has captured the imagination of customers worldwide.

Their stories challenge us to ask: does scaling come from decisive strategic leaps, or from organic growth and resourceful problem-solving?

Meet the Guests

Tom Hill – The Calculated Risk-Taker

• Left a senior regional director role to start his own consultancy almost overnight.
• Built Collina MEP as a boutique alternative to big firms, where every client feels their project matters most.
• Learned the hard way about over-promising, describing his first two years as “lonely and tiring.”
• Broke free from the founder’s trap by hiring permanent staff, which he calls “the best decision I ever made.”
• Obsessed with culture, recruiting for personality and fit before skills to ensure a close-knit, approachable team.

Sarah Turner – The Creative Industry Ambassador

• Discovered felting after redundancy and turned a personal solution into Little Beau Sheep.
• First Etsy sale led to her post office staff becoming her first customer base.
• Defines her brand around provenance, proudly using 100% British wool to support farmers.
• Scaling turning point came when a BBC Countryfile feature left her swamped, leading to outsourcing fulfilment.
• Now a Freeman of the City of London, she has literally driven sheep across London Bridge to promote her industry.
• Her long-term ambition is to make a tangible impact on the price of British wool for UK farmers.

Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs

• Find Your Niche – Both founders thrived by creating a premium brand identity that avoided competing on price.
• Delegate to Grow – Tom built a team, Sarah outsourced fulfilment. Different routes, same outcome: freeing the founder.
• Culture is Everything – Tom proves people and personality drive service-based success.
• Champion a Cause – Sarah shows how aligning business with passion can build loyalty and influence an entire industry.

Leaps vs. Organic Growth – The Big Difference

Tom’s journey is a story of calculated risk, structure, and culture, creating a consultancy that competes with giants by feeling boutique and personal. Sarah’s is one of creative discovery, resilience, and industry advocacy, proving that passion and purpose can turn a craft into a brand with real impact.

This echoes findings from the BizSmart ScaleUp Challenge Report:

• 43% of ScaleUp businesses doubled turnover within three years, but only by moving beyond founder dependency.
• 31.6% headcount growth among SmartBoard® members shows the importance of building teams and systems to support scale.

Final Thoughts

Scaling a business is not about choosing between a leap or organic growth. It is about knowing when to take decisive action, when to let go, and how to build something bigger than yourself.

Listen and Learn More

🎧 Listen to the full interviews on ScaleUp Radio: https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/scaleupradio

📅 Book a call with Kevin Brent to discuss your scaling journey: https://c.bizsmart.co.uk/widget/bookings/kb-30

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Sarah Turner, the founder of Little Beau Sheep – a business that’s giving British wool a brand-new lease of life.

Sarah shares how she transitioned from corporate life into crafting sheep-inspired laundry and body care products, all enriched with lanolin and made from 100% British wool. What started as a creative hobby after becoming a mum quickly turned into a growing business with both consumer and trade success.

Now based in Ilkley in the old International Wool Secretariat building, Sarah and her small team are on a mission to not only scale their operations, but also raise awareness of wool’s incredible versatility and help bring greater value to UK sheep farmers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode How a handmade craft project turned into a thriving retail and wholesale brand The challenges of scaling a purpose-driven, product-based business Creative PR and marketing strategies that punch above their weight The untapped potential of British wool in modern life The balancing act between business growth and personal satisfaction

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Sarah.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Sarah can be found here:

https://www.littlebeausheep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/littlebeausheep/

https://www.instagram.com/littlebeausheep/

hello@littlebeausheep.com

Resources:

The Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/

Xero - https://www.xero.com/uk/login/

HubSpot - https://www.hubspot.com/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson. You can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Tom Hill, founder and director of Collina MEP, a mechanical and electrical design consultancy based in Bristol that has grown rapidly since its launch in 2021. Tom shares how he left behind corporate consultancy life to create a business with a difference, one that blends technical excellence with a genuine personal touch.

From the early lonely days of handling everything himself, through to building a thriving team of 11 in just a few years, Tom opens up about the highs and lows of starting and scaling a consultancy. He reveals the importance of culture, why leading by example is key, and how focusing on relationships rather than contracts has been central to their success.

What shines through is Tom’s deep commitment to client trust, sustainability, and the wellbeing of his team. From sending hampers at Easter to ensuring every project feels personal, his boutique approach sets Collina MEP apart in an industry often dominated by the “bare minimum.”

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance growth with culture, or how to create repeat business through trust and care, this conversation is full of golden insights.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of a caring culture, sustainability and stunning growth with Tom Hill.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Tom can be found here:

https://www.collinamep.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hill-4328b135/

Resources:

Start with Why by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-15th-anniversary-edition-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/7820616?ean=9781405977593&next=t

The Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Monday - https://monday.com/

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This week on ScaleUp Radio we hear from two founders whose journeys couldn’t be more different — yet both offer powerful lessons for business owners.

On one side, Ric Wilson, founder of ERP Experts, who built a seven-figure consultancy by focusing on systems, structure, and culture. On the other, Milo Pinckney, founder of Roller, who is redefining deodorant as a design-led ritual while navigating patents, investors, and the grind of start-up life.

Their stories challenge us to ask: does scaling come from mastering internal systems, or from sheer resilience in the face of external battles?

Meet the Guests

Ric Wilson – The Pragmatic Problem-Solver

• Former research chemist turned entrepreneur after years in sales and marketing.
• Founded ERP Experts to help companies escape the chaos of disconnected systems.
• Believes systemisation is the foundation of scale — “don’t have a dog and bark yourself.”
• Learned the hard way about hiring, moving from gut feel to a structured recruitment process.
• Now focuses on building culture, retention, and acquiring businesses with proven growth models.

Milo Pinckney – The Resilient Brand-Builder

• Founder of Roller, a direct-to-consumer deodorant brand on a mission to transform a chore into a ritual.
• Spent four years in gruelling product development before launching.
• Faced the toughest fundraising climate in decades, learning that investor FOMO is key.
• Secured backing from Broody London, a creative incubator tied to world-leading agency Mother.
• Protects his innovation with patents — “expensive and painful,” but vital for long-term success.
• Admits the loneliness of being a solo founder and regrets not having a co-founder from day one.

Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs

• Systemisation Builds Scale – Ric shows that freeing the founder from day-to-day tasks unlocks growth.
• Resilience is Non-Negotiable – Milo proves that belief and persistence carry you through funding battles and setbacks.
• Culture Matters – Ric’s “sticky” culture reduces turnover and drives client loyalty.
• Strategic Partnerships are Game-Changers – Milo’s link with Broody London gave him both credibility and expertise.
• Learn from Mistakes – Both highlight how costly missteps (bad hires, wrong approaches to investors) become turning points.

Systems vs. Resilience – The Big Difference

• Ric’s journey is a masterclass in operational maturity: systemise, delegate, and focus on culture to escape founder dependency.
• Milo’s is a raw account of early-stage grit: battling for validation, funding, and market traction with authenticity at the core.

This contrast reflects wider research from the BizSmart ScaleUp Challenge Report:

• 49% of business owners say their business would “suffer a lot” if they stepped away for three months.
• Just 7% of SMEs have a truly scalable model with recurring revenue, low founder reliance, and capacity to handle five times the volume.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s through resilient brand-building or robust systems, the truth is clear: scaling a business demands both determination and structure. The strongest founders blend the grit to keep going with the discipline to build businesses that can thrive without them.

Listen and Learn More

🎧 Listen to the full interviews on ScaleUp Radio: 🔗 https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/scaleupradio

📅 Book a call with Kevin Brent to discuss your scaling journey: 🔗 https://c.bizsmart.co.uk/widget/bookings/kb-30

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Hi, I’m Granger Forson — you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by Ric Wilson, founder of ERP Experts and now an active investor, who shares a remarkable journey of building, scaling, and transforming businesses.

Ric began his career in the pharmaceutical industry, before stepping into entrepreneurship in 2005. What started as a consultancy soon evolved into ERP Experts, a seven-figure business and Oracle partner, helping small and mid-market firms integrate their systems for a single version of the truth. But Ric’s story goes far beyond ERP. He talks candidly about the hard lessons of letting go, empowering teams, and why systemisation is the foundation of sustainable growth.

Culture sits at the heart of Ric’s leadership. With almost no staff turnover, he reveals how listening, development planning, and consistent HR processes created a workplace where people genuinely thrive. His “aftercare” approach to clients — going beyond support to deliver real peace of mind — is another hallmark of what makes ERP Experts stand out.

In more recent years, Ric has expanded into acquiring and turning around businesses with a buy-and-build strategy. He explains the critical markers he looks for when considering acquisitions — from proven lead flow to robust customer retention — and why the toughest thing in business will always be finding and keeping customers.

This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, focus, and practical wisdom. Whether you’re just starting out or leading a mature company, Ric’s journey shows that growth comes from the courage to try, the systems to support people, and the curiosity to keep improving.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of systemising, empowering, and scaling with Ric Wilson.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Ric can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/ricwilsonuk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ric-wilson-erp-expert/

Resources:

$100M Money Models by Alex Hormuz - https://www.amazon.co.uk/100M-Money-Models-Make-Acquisition-com-ebook/dp/B0FMXTZ4MH

The E-Myth Revisted by Michael Gerber - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-e-myth-revisited-why-most-small-businesses-don-t-work-and-what-to-do-about-it-michael-e-gerber/d88909d401dd1cc3?ean=9780887307287&next=t&next=t

Netsuite - https://6262239.extforms.netsuite.com/

Microsoft ToDo - https://to-do.office.com/tasks/

Tidal - https://tidal.com/

Tesla - https://www.tesla.com/

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In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Milo Pinckney, the innovative founder behind Rollr, a startup that's redefining something as everyday as deodorant—transforming it into a premium, sustainable, and aspirational product.

Rollr is not just another personal care brand—it’s a design-first, refillable system that reduces waste while delivering an experience that feels more like applying perfume than deodorant. Think gemstone roller balls, refillable sachets, and patent-pending technology—all designed to create an emotional connection with a product we use 22,000 times in our lifetime.

In just 10 months since launch, Rollr has already expanded into six countries, raised £500k in seed funding, and built significant brand momentum—despite the challenges of launching a pre-revenue D2C product in a tough market.

The one key thing from this episode:

“You have to be authentic to your mission—and find investors who genuinely believe in it.”

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Milo.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Milo can be found here:

https://rollr.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/rollrdeo/

milo@rollr.co.uk

View Details

This week on ScaleUp Radio we explore two very different but equally inspiring founder journeys. On one side, Gail Walker, founder of Diverse Minds Events, a purpose-driven entrepreneur building belonging for neurodiverse families. On the other, Sam Jukes, founder of CACTO Drinks, a determined innovator taking on the global drinks market with a product most people had never even heard of.

Their stories highlight a key question for every business owner: Is it passion or grit that truly scales a business?

Meet the Guests

Gail Walker – Purpose with a Mission

Gail founded Diverse Minds Events after struggling to find inclusive events for her autistic son. What began as a family venture with a converted double-decker bus is now a growing business providing sensory-friendly spaces at major UK events. Her mantra? “Breaking barriers, building belonging.”

• Tenacious, hands-on founder (she even gained an HGV licence to drive the bus herself).
• Turned setbacks, like a bus breakdown, into opportunities to diversify services.
• Now scaling through consultancy and advocacy to change industry standards.

Sam Jukes – Innovation Against the Odds

Sam launched CACTO Drinks from his kitchen after discovering the nutritional power of the prickly pear cactus. With no industry background, he bootstrapped his way into the crowded drinks market.

• Scrappy entrepreneur who sold door-to-door with a backpack of samples.
• Learned resilience through rejection and refined his product through real feedback.
• Backed by angel investors, now chasing global expansion with a bold growth vision.

Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs

• Cash Flow is King – Both Gail and Sam stress that managing cash flow is a constant battle.
• Resilience Builds Success – Each faced moments of near failure, but belief in their vision kept them going.
• The Power of People – Trusted mentors, family, and early team members were critical in both journeys.
• Learn by Doing – Neither had formal business training, but each learned through trial, error, and costly mistakes.

Passion vs. Grit – The Big Difference

• Gail’s story is rooted in purpose: solving a real problem for an underserved community and building a legacy.
• Sam’s is powered by grit: breaking into a resistant market with persistence and relentless energy.

This contrast reflects wider research from the BizSmart ScaleUp Challenge Report:

• Only 4% of UK SMEs ever scale beyond 10 employees.
• Founders who combine clarity of purpose with relentless execution are far more likely to break through.

Read the full ScaleUp Challenge Report here: 🔗 https://lp.bizsmart.co.uk/sacleupchallenge-page

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re driven by passion or fuelled by grit, both journeys remind us of a universal truth: scaling a business requires resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to learn fast.

Listen and Learn More

🎧 Listen to the full interviews on ScaleUp Radio: 🔗 https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/scaleupradio

📈 Explore BizSmart services and discover how we help SMEs scale: 🔗 https://www.bizsmart.co.uk/

📅 Book a call with Kevin Brent to discuss your scaling journey: 🔗 https://c.bizsmart.co.uk/widget/bookings/kb-30

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Sam Jukes, the founder of CACTO Drinks – the UK’s first cactus water brand using real prickly pear puree. What started as a spark of inspiration from a TV programme turned into a multi-year journey of innovation, market education, and bold ambition.

CACTO Drinks offers a sustainable, healthy alternative to coconut water and is on a mission to break into an industry dominated by big players – with an exotic but approachable drink that's already gaining nationwide traction.

This conversation is packed with insight and inspiration, structured in three parts:

1. The Business Journey – From bootstrapping and recipe development to navigating the competitive drinks industry and standing out with a completely new product.
2. Scaling Challenges – Including educating a sceptical market, raising SEIS investment in just 31 hours, and learning the ropes in a complex supply chain.
3. Quickfire Round – Where Sam shares thoughts on business, growth, and what he wishes he’d known earlier.

The one key thing from this episode? 👉 When you're disrupting an industry with something unfamiliar, education isn't optional – it's your biggest growth lever.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Sam.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Sam can be found here:

https://cactodrinks.com/

Resources:

Willow Talk podcast - https://www.everand.com/podcast-show/731153089/Willow-Talk-Cricket-Podcast

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

ZoHo - https://www.zoho.com/

Google Tasks - https://tasks.google.com/tasks/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Gail Walker, the inspirational founder of Diverse Minds Events Limited – a company dedicated to making events truly accessible and neuro-inclusive. Born out of Gail’s personal experience as the parent of an autistic child, the business has grown since its inception in 2019 into a recognised leader in inclusive event support, even in the face of the pandemic.

From mobile sensory buses to pop-up sensory spaces like igloo domes and bell tents, Diverse Minds Events is reshaping how event organisers think about accessibility. Gail shares the company’s journey, including how it navigated early challenges, scaled thoughtfully with a freelance team, and built a reputation through strong word-of-mouth recommendations.

This episode follows the usual three-part ScaleUp Radio structure:

1. Understanding the Business – What Diverse Minds does and how it began.
2. Scaling Challenges – Gail’s insights into ethical marketing, managing cash flow, and the future of neuro-inclusion.
3. Quickfire Questions – Gail’s entrepreneurial lessons and what’s next for the business.

Whether you're leading a business, organising events, or simply looking to understand inclusion on a deeper level, this episode is packed with honest reflections and practical advice.

The One Key Thing: Scaling with purpose and ethics is just as important as growth itself – Gail shows how doing good can drive real business success.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Gail.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Gail can be found here:

https://diversemindsevents.com/

Put ‘scaleupradio’ in the ‘Your Message’ section of the form on this page for your FREE guide - https://diversemindsevents.com/contact-diverse-minds-events/

Resources:

Zoom - https://zoom.us/

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Hi, I’m Granger Forson. You can always find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andy Western, founder of AJW Solutions and Sam Boards.

Andy’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable innovation. From a five-million-pound management buyout falling through to starting AJW Solutions in 2007, he carved a niche in the defence and aerospace industry. Supplying the MOD within months of launching, Andy built a trusted reputation in engineering, project management, and ground support equipment.

But Andy’s real pivot came when life introduced him to a new challenge — and opportunity. Inspired by the needs of autistic teenagers, he founded Sam Boards, creating sensory activity and motor skill products that were both discreet and effective. What started as 3D-printed prototypes quickly gained traction in schools, hospitals, dementia care homes, and even police custody suites, helping people manage anxiety, neurodiverse challenges, and recovery.

Today, Sam Boards products are used by 14 UK police forces, the NHS, and organisations as far away as Australia and Ukraine. Andy’s journey shows how adversity — from divorce to COVID setbacks — can be turned into purpose-driven innovation with global impact.

If you’re curious about creating products that solve real problems, growing businesses with integrity, and leaving a legacy of positive change, this episode will inspire and challenge you in equal measure.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of resilience, innovation, and life-changing impact with Andy Western.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.

https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Andrew can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-western-164b971a/

samboards19@aol.com

ajwsolutions@aol.com

https://www.samboards.co.uk/

Slide Pack can be found by emailing samboards19@aol.com

Resources:

The Caring View Podcast - https://thecaringview.co.uk/category/podcasts/

WhatsApp - https://www.whatsapp.com/

View Details

In this ScaleUp VIP Club session, we focused on the crucial topic of building high-performing sales funnels – and cutting through the noise to make your marketing really work.

We kicked off with our new monthly segment, the AI Pulse, delivered by Paul Rhodes. Paul shared actionable insights on building an “AI Brain” – using custom GPTs to extract knowledge from the founder’s head, reduce team dependency, and supercharge productivity. A standout quote: "AI is not about replacing humans, it's about humans with AI versus humans without." Paul highlighted how combining good documentation with a powerful AI assistant allows your team to make better, faster decisions – without relying on you for everything.

Then we dived into the main theme – Sales In, Sales Out – How to Build Funnels That Work, with guest speaker Mark Day, founder of Battle Group Training. Mark drew on his military and fitness industry background to give a practical, boots-on-the-ground view of what it takes to create a funnel that actually converts.

He broke down the funnel into actionable checkpoints:

• Awareness (be visible where your customers already are)
• Consideration (build trust with helpful content)
• Conversion (make buying effortless)
• Loyalty (keep them coming back)

Mark’s perspective was grounded and real – his business scaled through COVID, he rebranded based on changing search trends, and he’s used data to cut marketing waste and fix retention issues. His approach to marketing funnels is laser-focused on solving real problems and avoiding the fluff.

Standout Message: “Keep it simple, show up, be useful – and remember: a funnel is just a journey to build trust, not a sales trick.”

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Mark and Paul.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Mark can be found here:

https://battlebootcamp.co.uk/

mark@battlebootcamp.co.uk

View Details

This episode of ScaleUp Radio brings a fresh twist – a live Q&A from one of our ScaleUp Club sessions, featuring returning guest Kelly Cartwright, founder of Core Recruiter Ltd. Kelly joined us to share honest, down-to-earth insights on building a values-driven, specialist recruitment agency in the highly competitive construction sector.

Kelly first appeared on ScaleUp Radio to share her business journey – and this time, she’s back to dive deeper into the practical realities of scaling, culture-fit hiring, navigating economic cycles, and maintaining a human touch in an often impersonal industry.

🔍 What We Cover:

• Why Kelly chose to keep Core Recruiter small, focused, and high-quality – and how that’s become her competitive advantage.
• The real value of personal relationships in recruitment, especially when reputation is everything.
• How she hires for cultural fit and loyalty over flashy CVs or instant revenue promises.
• Staying resilient during sector volatility – from the pandemic to market dips – with smart agility and a lean mindset.
• Her mentorship work with young professionals and why it’s vital for emerging talent to feel supported.
• Real talk on DEI in the construction industry – progress, challenges, and what still needs to change.
• Why understanding compliance and industry know-how gives her team a critical edge.
• The evolving importance of knowing your numbers – not just turnover, but profit and sustainability.
• And yes, we hear about her favourite roles to fill – forklift drivers and bricklayers, and why they matter!

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Kelly.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Kelly can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/kelly-cartwright-🦺-8542202b

https://www.corerecruiter.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/corerecruiterltd/

https://twitter.com/corerecltd/

https://www.instagram.com/corerecruiter/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Matias Carpio, co-founder of Onlyscience – a soon-to-launch SaaS platform on a mission to make advanced marketing analytics accessible to agencies of all sizes.

Onlyscience is building an AI-powered analytics tool that enables marketing agencies to quantify and optimise campaign performance – all without needing a technical background. The platform, which includes a storytelling layer for actionable insights, aims to help agencies move beyond spreadsheets and guesswork with a simplified yet powerful solution.

Though the business is currently pre-revenue, the team has spent the last 18 months developing the product and recently secured investment – including a highly competitive Innovate UK grant – as they prepare for launch in August 2025.

Kevin and Matias dive into the journey so far, discussing the challenges of being a solo founder, the nuances of building and communicating a clear value proposition, and why self-care and continual learning are essential parts of startup life.

🧠 Key Highlights:

• Product Vision: A SaaS platform automating marketing analytics and forecasting, tailored for small to medium agencies lacking in-house data expertise.
• Startup Journey: Bootstrapped for the first year, now backed by investment and gearing up for launch.
• Go-to-Market: Three-tier pricing model, initial UK focus with eyes on US/EU expansion, and a strong waitlist strategy.
• Leadership Insights: Matias shares the emotional realities of entrepreneurship, from managing expectations to the importance of celebrating small wins.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Matias.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Matias can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matias-carpio/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/onlyscience-ltd/

https://www.onlyscience.io/

Resources:

Start With Why by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-15th-anniversary-edition-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/7820616?ean=9781405977593

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-hard-thing-about-hard-things-building-a-business-when-there-are-no-easy-answers-ben-horowitz/1410558?ean=9780062273208

The Art of Breakthrough by Stephen Staten - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Breakthrough-Collaborating-Audacious-Undertakings-ebook/dp/B07KY59FLQ

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent sits down with Aliza Ratnayaka, co-founder of Little Big Flavour Kits — a business that grew from humble beginnings during the pandemic into a multi-award-winning food brand bringing authentic Sri Lankan curry kits to UK kitchens.

Aliza shares how she transformed packaging spices for friends into a niche, sustainable product sourced directly from Sri Lankan farmers, including a long-standing partnership with SDS Spice, a family-run cinnamon plantation. Along the way, she’s tackled the challenges of educating customers on Sri Lankan cuisine, navigating the jump from direct sales to wholesaling, and balancing rapid growth with quality and ethics.

We explore:

1. The Business Journey – how a lockdown side project became an award-winning brand sold in farm shops and beyond.
2. Scaling Up Challenges – from cash flow pressures to shifting sales channels, and Aliza’s thoughts on the ScaleUp Challenges Report.
3. Quickfire Questions – where Aliza shares insights, tips, and a few personal favourites.

Aliza’s story is packed with lessons for food entrepreneurs and small business owners alike — from embracing networking and personal growth to creatively marketing through supper clubs and dinner kit experiences.

The one key thing: Building a business that’s both commercially viable and ethically sustainable takes patience, creativity, and a deep belief in your product.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Aliza.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Aliza can be found here:

aliza@littlebigflavourkits.co.uk

Resources:

Simon Sinek - The Optimism Podcast - https://simonsinek.com/podcast/

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Trevor Noah podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@WhatNowPodcast

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Wes Henstock, founder of Confid3ntial – a purpose-led design and brand strategy agency with a global reach and a truly distinctive structure.

Launched in 2006 after an unexpected layoff, Confid3ntial began as a white-label service provider for creative agencies. It has since evolved into a remote-first collective of creatives, united by the mission of delivering "pixels with purpose" – where branding is driven by meaning, not just aesthetics.

In their conversation, Wes shares his views on how purpose should infuse every part of a business – from culture and team communication to client strategy and design. He also highlights the power of relationship-building, revealing that most of Confid3ntial's clients come from long-standing personal networks rather than traditional marketing.

This episode is structured into three key parts:

1. The Business Journey – Wes walks us through Confid3ntial’s origins, remote operating model, and evolution from a behind-the-scenes support team to a values-driven agency.
2. Scaling Challenges – From staying lean and global to debating the need for physical offices, Wes shares what it means to grow a business around trust, flexibility, and authenticity.
3. Quickfire Round – Get a glimpse into Wes’s personal inspirations, mentors like Marty Neumeier, and his philosophy of learning and giving back.

🔑 The one key thing from this episode?

Purpose isn't a brand accessory – it’s the foundation of everything.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Wes.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Wes can be found here:

https://www.confid3ntial.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/weshenstock/

Resources:

Playing To Win by Roger L Martin - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/playing-to-win-how-strategy-really-works-a-g-lafley/4765636?ean=9781422187395

Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/brand-gap-the-revised-edition-marty-neumeier/4452437?ean=9780321348104

Zag by Marty Neumeier - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/zag-the-1-strategy-of-high-performance-brands-marty-neumeier/2575795?ean=9780321426772

The Power of Broke by Daymond John - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Broke-Greatest-Competitive-Advantage/dp/1101903619

Be More Pirate by Sam Conniff Allende - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/be-more-pirate-or-how-to-take-on-the-world-and-win-sam-conniff-allende/4061082?ean=9780241307885

WhatsApp - https://www.whatsapp.com/

Monday - https://monday.com/

View Details

This month’s special edition of ScaleUp Radio is a deep dive into what it really means to make customer service a powerful driver of business growth. Recorded live at our monthly ScaleUp Club session, we welcome back Logan Naidu, founder of Kernel Groups and a previous guest on the podcast, for an exclusive Q&A.

Logan shares powerful insights from his journey scaling a business that’s not just growing in numbers but creating real impact in the market — particularly through customer service excellence. His firm, Kernel Groups, operates with over 280 employees across the globe and is reshaping the recruitment industry with a strong emphasis on culture and client loyalty.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why Logan believes in creating "fans, not customers" — and how that mindset added £10 million to their valuation.
• How to maintain exceptional service standards and culture as you scale, especially across different office sizes and locations.
• The importance of "pace without compromise" when growing your team and footprint.
• Why listening — really listening — to clients and candidates is now a core differentiator.
• How to attract top talent when you're not yet a household name, and why storytelling and shared vision are just as important as salaries.
• How Kernel Groups develops future leaders through structured learning and a long-term mindset.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Logan.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Logan can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/logan-naidu-3b10b51

https://www.kernel-global.com/

logan@kernel-global.com

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Corina Calugaru and Alina Stancu, the dynamic duo behind The Orange Notebook – a business that started during the pandemic with just £10 in the bank and a whole lot of passion. From a modest marketing agency, it has evolved into a strategy-led consultancy offering business coaching, outsourced marketing, and rebranding services.

We delve into how they turned an idea sketched in an orange notebook into a thriving business, and the insights they’ve gained helping other entrepreneurs scale.

The conversation is structured in three parts:

1. Their business journey, including the pivotal shift from marketing to executive coaching and strategy
2. The recurring challenges their clients face in scaling – especially around leadership transitions, team alignment, and clarity of vision
3. Some quickfire insights and reflections, from time management hacks to overcoming self-doubt and staying aligned as co-founders

The One Key Thing: To scale successfully, founders must evolve from doing everything themselves to leading with clarity, culture, and confidence – and that often means redefining their own identity.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Corina and Alina.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Corina & Alina can be found here:

https://theorangenotebook.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-stancu/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/corina-cristina-calugaru-mba/

Resources:

Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/traction-get-a-grip-on-your-business-gino-wickman/3561744?ean=9781936661831

The E-Myth Revisted by Michael Gerber - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-e-myth-revisited-why-most-small-businesses-don-t-work-and-what-to-do-about-it-michael-e-gerber/82114?ean=9780887307287

Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/supercommunicators-how-to-unlock-the-secret-language-of-connection-charles-duhigg/7579843?ean=9781847943644

Riverside - https://riverside.fm/

Opus Clip - https://www.opus.pro/

View Details

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Edith Peterhegyi, the creative force behind Eden Collection, a rapidly growing wellness and lifestyle brand that began as a lockdown hobby and is now a thriving business offering beautifully crafted, all-natural products.

From Buzz Bombs to shower mists, facial oils, and home fragrances, Eden Collection has built a loyal customer base through a combination of aesthetic excellence, product quality, and uplifting hidden messages. But this isn’t just a story of pretty packaging—Edith shares the realities of scaling a product-based business, including how she tackled challenges such as cash flow, marketing, and evolving the brand for wholesale success.

The conversation is structured in three parts:

1. The Business Journey – Edith discusses how Eden Collection evolved from handmade gifts into a fully-fledged business with multiple sales channels including direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and markets.
2. Scaling Challenges – From learning the importance of packaging to shifting to upfront wholesale payments, Edith opens up about the lessons learned and her thoughts on the wider ScaleUp Challenges Report.
3. Quickfire Questions – Edith shares the books, habits, and advice that inspire her entrepreneurial journey.

The one key thing: If you’re looking to grow a product-based business, prioritising packaging and understanding your cash flow early on can be game-changing.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Edith.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Edith can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/theedencollections/

https://theedencollections.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/theedencollections

Resources:

Shopify - https://www.shopify.com/

Canva - http://canva.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Matthew Powell, the founder of WarmZilla – a fast-growing disruptor in the UK home services market. From boilers to EV chargers and air conditioning, WarmZilla has built a 24/7 online platform that delivers next-day installations across the nation.

Over just two and a half years, Matthew scaled the business to multi-million pound revenues, all without external funding - and they are now in their 7th year. But now, with an eye on £50 million turnover within five years, he’s exploring new frontiers – from international expansion to possibly bringing in a CEO to help take the business to the next level.

This episode is packed with valuable insights across three key sections:

1. The Business Model & Scaleup Journey: Discover how WarmZilla connects customers to a 700+ subcontractor network via a proprietary tech platform, and how its branding (featuring “Derek” the mascot) and TV campaigns have become household recognisable.
2. Scaling Challenges & Insights: Matthew shares candidly about the growing pains – from balancing customer and subcontractor needs to cash flow hurdles in a seasonal market – and how innovation and strategic hiring are helping him manage scale.
3. Quickfire Round: A punchy end to the episode with insights into Matthew’s mindset, leadership style, and lessons learned.

The one key thing to listen out for? How branding and customer experience – when done right – can truly transform an industry.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Matthew.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Matthew can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-powell-warmzilla/

Resources:

YouTube - www.youtube.com

Google Sheets - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Sameer Rahman, the CEO of Datamonet – a consultancy helping organisations build data and AI strategies that drive commercial value. With a background in data science and years of experience across sectors, Sameer shares his insights into how small and medium businesses can get smarter with data without needing to become tech giants.

Sameer founded Datamonet to tackle a problem he saw time and again – decision-makers who were data-rich but insight-poor. Through tailored consulting, from “power hours” to deep-dive strategy projects, Sameer helps businesses turn data into a growth engine.

Together, they explore:

• Why data literacy in boardrooms is often the biggest barrier to success
• How small businesses can use open-source and purchased data to craft powerful strategies
• The role of AI as an enabler, not a silver bullet – and why human insight still matters
• Why so many digital transformation projects fail, and what you can do to avoid the same fate

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Sameer.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Sameer can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameer-rahman-data/

Resources:

Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug - https://www.waterstones.com/book/dont-make-me-think-revisited/steve-krug/9780321965516

Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr Spencer Johnson - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/who-moved-my-cheese-dr-spencer-johnson/2195963?ean=9780091816971

Driven By Data podcast - https://driven-by-data-the-podcast.captivate.fm/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson, business coach at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk. You can also find me on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by Dave Allen, Managing Director of Square One Network, a B2B telecoms provider based in Bristol.

Dave’s journey is a great example of leadership growth in action.

Having fallen into the telecoms world in the late 90s, Dave has built his career around the belief that communication is at the heart of all good business. Since becoming MD of Square One Network, he’s steered the company through significant cultural shifts, focusing on building a local-first, people-centred telecoms business.

In this conversation, Dave shares how taking the time to properly define their ideal customer profile transformed their marketing and growth strategy. He speaks openly about the importance of getting the right people into the business, often hiring on personality first and skills second. His philosophy is simple: people buy from people.

We also dive into the financial disciplines Dave adopted after inheriting a company that had experienced several rounds of private equity investment. His lessons on forecasting, cash flow management, and building sustainable growth are invaluable for any business leader.

Finally, you’ll hear Dave’s vision for growing Square One Network organically, without losing the personal service that’s become its trademark. If you want inspiration for building a business that balances heart and performance, this episode is for you.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

S

o, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of communication, clarity and culture with Dave.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

David can be found here:

https://www.squareone.network/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-allen-03b3135b/

Resources:

The Go To Market Playbook by Paul Watson - https://www.amazon.co.uk/MARKET-HANDBOOK-B2B-SaaS-LEADERS-ebook/dp/B0CJ9BPCDK

Cookie Jar Golf podcast - https://www.cookiejargolf.com/podcast-episodes/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/

View Details

In this episode Kevin Brent looks back on 500 episodes of ScaleUp Radio, taking a moment to reflect on the invaluable lessons, insights, and stories gathered from hundreds of conversations with ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders.

With its mission rooted in making the scale-up journey easier by learning from others' experiences, ScaleUp Radio has consistently highlighted what it truly takes to build a valuable and scalable business.

💡 Core Takeaways from 500 Episodes

• Scaling vs. Growth: Real scale comes from optimising systems—not just adding more resources. Greg Baldwin's use of “swim lane” processes at Highways Traffic Management is a textbook example.
• Cash is King: Profitability trumps vanity metrics. From Russell Walters’ budgeting strategies to Mark Wright’s advice on financial planning, the message is clear: don’t operate too lean.
• People & Culture Matter: From Amy Marshall’s careful hiring to Serge Santos’s “no dickhead policy,” putting people first drives performance.
• Mentorship & Accountability: Leaders thrive when they learn from others and hold themselves accountable—through boards, coaches, or mentors.
• Customer-Centricity: Exceptional service leads to long-term loyalty. ALM Fitness and RB Walters Estate Agents have both built their reputations on this principle.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Pivoting during crises like COVID-19 has been a hallmark of many guests’ success stories.
• Vision Beyond Profit: Entrepreneurs like Himmat Rai built lasting value through long-term thinking—such as investing in infrastructure and developing scalable software.

🌟 Guest Highlights

• Serge Santos used acquisition as a stepping stone to launch a scalable business, emphasising discipline and operational excellence.
• Amy Marshall transitioned her business model to subscriptions and expanded online during the pandemic.
• Russell Walters redefined estate agency service standards, building deep trust and brand reputation.
• Greg Baldwin enhanced structure and social value in a traditionally hands-on industry.
• Himmat Rai innovated within health and safety consultancy by creating proprietary tech and structuring a scalable associate model.
• Mark Wright encouraged big thinking, investment in sales and marketing, and being known as an expert in your field.

🔭 Looking Ahead

ScaleUp Radio’s guests are not standing still. Future ambitions include:

• Continued growth with better balance (e.g., four-day workweeks).
• Product innovation and hybrid service models.
• A pursuit of professional pride and enjoyment alongside business success.

💬 Standout Quote

“You have to build a brand, not just a business.” – Mark Wright

🎯 The One Key Thing...

The one key thing from 500 episodes? Sustainable scale is built on systems, people, and vision—backed by resilience and a long-term mindset.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Victor Carpio, the innovative founder of Inventor Smart Care, to discuss how a passion for solving a common pet health problem led to the creation of a world-first product: the Dental Wand – a toothbrush designed specifically to let cats control their own dental care.

Victor shares the journey of launching a startup in a niche but high-potential market, including the challenges of developing a product for animals, bootstrapping through multiple prototypes, and preparing for national TV exposure on Dragons' Den. He also dives into the mindset shifts required for scaling – from selling directly to consumers to forging B2B partnerships and managing growing logistics demands.

This episode is a treasure trove for product inventors, early-stage entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by the mechanics of turning a big idea into a real-world solution.

Highlights From This Episode:

• Inventing With Purpose: Why Victor focused on solving a real health issue affecting 85% of UK cats, and why understanding your “why” is more important than just having a patent.
• From Cat Behaviour to Product Design: The surprisingly complex R&D behind the Dental Wand and how AI and 3D printing could help future inventors save time and money.
• Scaling Smartly: Transitioning from D2C to B2B, the growing pains of supply chain management, and the critical importance of not being reliant on a single supplier.
• The Dragons’ Den Effect: What happened when Victor pitched to the Dragons, and why the real win wasn’t the investment offer, but the brand exposure.
• Customer Insights: How deep psychographic understanding and a sophisticated email nurturing system helped Victor acquire customers for less than £5.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Victor.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Victor can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-carpio-404914125/

meow@inventorcat.co.uk

Resources:

Pet Industry Federation - https://petfederation.co.uk/

Start with Why by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-15th-anniversary-edition-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/7820616?ean=9781405977593

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/atomic-habits-the-life-changing-million-copy-1-bestseller-james-clear/2458373?ean=9781847941831

Headway app - https://makeheadway.com/onboarding

Mailchimp - https://mailchimp.com/landers

HubSpot - https://www.hubspot.com/products

Gather - https://www.gather.town/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson – find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. On this edition of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by Emma Burlow, founder of Lighthouse Sustainability and a leading voice in the world of circular economy and sustainable business.

Emma’s journey spans over 25 years in sustainability – and she’s not just talking the talk. From her early days in waste management to becoming head of circular economy at Resource Futures and founding her own business, she’s been on the front line helping organisations make a genuine, lasting impact.

In our conversation, Emma shares how Lighthouse Sustainability helps businesses scale by embedding sustainability in ways that are practical, measurable, and commercially viable. She challenges the myth that being ethical is expensive, showing instead how sustainability is a driver of innovation, customer loyalty, and investor confidence.

We dive into her #BeTheDifference campaign, her experience advising start-ups and multinationals alike, and the shift in mindset required to build a business that’s not just successful, but significant. With storytelling and clear frameworks, Emma shows business leaders how to take action that counts – and how to communicate it with credibility.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with purpose, balance commercial goals with climate responsibilities, or bring your team on board with sustainable growth, this episode is packed with insights and practical wisdom.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of impact, purpose and leadership with Emma Burlow.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Emma can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaburlow/

https://lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk/

50% off course for ScaleUp Radio listeners using the code SUR50 - https://lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk/upcoming-courses/

Resources:

Work Like A Woman by Mary Portas - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/work-like-a-woman-a-manifesto-for-change-mary-portas/1475832?ean=9781784163624

Outrage & Optimism podcast - https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/

Straight Talking Sustainability podcast - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/straight-talking-sustainabilit-5893904?

Frustrated & Exhausted podcast - https://resonateleadership.co.uk/podcast

Starling Banking app - https://www.starlingbank.com/download/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson – find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by Kevin Pope, the dynamic Managing Director of Protrack Solutions and Biostart Security.

Kevin’s story begins with a military mindset and a knack for spotting opportunity. After leaving the army, he entered the world of telematics and soon saw a gap he just had to fill. That leap of faith led to Protrack – a vehicle and fleet tracking business that’s now an innovation leader in compliance apps and software integration for businesses across the UK.

What stands out in Kevin’s journey is his relentless problem-solving spirit. From creating barcode-based vehicle safety checks to pioneering job scheduling and compliance management apps, his company helps clients save time, money and stress. Their standout system, OneCore Software (OCS), brings simplicity and centralisation to what’s often a fragmented operational nightmare.

But Kevin didn’t stop there. Enter Biostart – a biometric vehicle ignition and security system that stops theft before it even happens. This bold move, supported by over £1 million in smart funding, is set to disrupt the fleet management industry with its Fathom-approved, patent-protected innovation.

Through it all, Kevin has stayed true to his values: loyalty, camaraderie, and looking after his people. Whether it's unlimited holidays, flexible hours, or just asking, “What am I doing wrong?”, his leadership is as people-focused as it is pioneering.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of innovation, resilience and camaraderie with Kevin Pope.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Kevin can be found here:

https://protrack-group.com/

kevin@protrack-group.com

https://biostartsecurity.co.uk/

Resources:

Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNabb - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/bravo-two-zero-the-original-sas-story-andy-mcnab/4166493?ean=9780552168823

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/extreme-ownership-how-u-s-navy-seals-lead-and-win-jocko-willink/651009?ean=9781250183866

Waze app - https://www.waze.com/apps/

What3Words - https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the world of business networking with James West, the co-founder of Onle Networking – a platform that’s reimagining how small businesses connect, collaborate and grow through a fully online model.

Founded on the belief that great business relationships are built on authenticity and community rather than pressure and rules, Onle has grown impressively to 360 members across 25 UK groups, with recent expansion into Ireland and the US. Unlike traditional models, Onle operates entirely online and uses a flexible monthly subscription model designed to foster genuine connections without the rigidity often associated with networking groups.

James shares how his journey from IT journalist to business owner and networker led to the creation of Onle alongside his wife – whom he met at a networking event! His insights reveal the importance of culture, trust and systems in scaling a relationship-driven business.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Onle’s online-only structure and culture-first philosophy distinguish it from conventional networking platforms
• The practical and mindset challenges of scaling, including maintaining intimacy across a growing number of groups
• James’s approach to franchising via “pod owners”, and the importance of systems and community tools like Heartbeat
• The broader market opportunity, with over 5.5 million UK small businesses in Onle’s target range
• Why online networking can offer a more inclusive space for people with caring responsibilities or introverted personalities

We also delve into James’s personal story, including the mental health benefits he sees in meaningful networking and his belief that professional connections can be life-changing.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from James.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

James can be found here:

https://theonle.network/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesonlenetworking/

Resources:

Lost Connections by Johann Hari - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/lost-connections-why-you-re-depressed-and-how-to-find-hope-johann-hari/910739?ean=9781408878729

Stolen Focus by Johann Hari - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/stolen-focus-why-you-can-t-pay-attention-johann-hari/5052458?ean=9781526620224

Adventures In Networking podcast - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL37ujAqY1iCijdEECUgBc2THNVe6oKCE7

Heartbeat app - https://www.heartbeat.chat/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're joined by Guy Hayward, founder of Local Heroes Marketing – a business born from a mission to help independent companies compete against much larger rivals. With over 30 years of experience in global advertising for brands like Nike, Adidas, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola, Guy brings a wealth of insight into how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can level the playing field through smarter, more authentic marketing.

Local Heroes Marketing, launched just over a year ago, is all about enabling SMEs to “punch above their weight.” In our conversation, Guy outlines how storytelling, authenticity, and well-leveraged digital tools can empower smaller businesses to reach and resonate with their audience more effectively than ever before.

Key Themes Covered:

• The power of authenticity and founder-led storytelling in marketing
• Why PR and influencer marketing can be cost-effective growth levers for SMEs
• How AI can enhance marketing processes—but only with careful human direction
• The importance of breaking big goals into manageable actions and tracking progress

One standout message from this episode? "Small businesses have something corporates often lack—authenticity and real stories. That’s their superpower."

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Guy.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Guy can be found here:

guy@localheroes.marketing

Resources:

100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez -https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/one-hundred-years-of-solitude-gabriel-garcia-marquez/200038?ean=9780241968581

Xero - xero.com

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Claire Loftus, the dynamic founder of Evolve, a people-first HR consultancy operating across Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland.

Claire shares her journey from working in HR and navigating personal health challenges to founding Evolve in 2017. With a team of nine working remotely, Evolve offers flexible, pragmatic HR support tailored to a diverse range of clients – from startups to large corporates – across multiple jurisdictions.

🔍 Episode Highlights:

• The Evolve Ethos: A refreshingly human approach to HR that blends practical solutions with strong relationship-building.
• Unique Model: Evolve offers accessible, flexible retainers starting from just £100/month, as well as ad-hoc support and investigations.
• Entrepreneurial Roots: Claire draws inspiration from a family of entrepreneurs and shares how pregnancy just six months in and the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the business’s early growth.
• Facing HR Head-On: From managing employee disputes to leveraging personality profiling like DISC, Claire gives honest insight into common HR pitfalls – and how to avoid them.
• Growth & Self-Awareness: A recent ADHD diagnosis has shifted Claire’s perspective on leadership, leading to greater self-awareness and a stronger emphasis on autonomy for her team.
• Looking Ahead: Evolve is eyeing growth to a 20-person team, preparing for economic shifts, embracing AI cautiously, and exploring a five-year exit plan.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Claire.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Claire can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/claireloftus/

https://go-evolve.co.uk/

https://go-evolve.co.uk/contact/

Resources:

Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rebel-ideas-the-power-of-thinking-differently-matthew-syed/4848192?ean=9781529348408

Outwitting The Devil by Napoleon Hill - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/outwitting-the-devil-with-study-guide-original-1938-classic-napoleon-hill/7758595?ean=9781722507213

Breathe - https://www.breathehr.com/en-gb/hr-software/hr-management-app

Remarkable - https://remarkable.com/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson – you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by Chris Carter, founder of EventWise and long-time accountant behind In The Loop.

Chris shares an incredible five-year journey of building a startup in one of the most volatile industries – live events – all while raising a young family, getting married, and self-funding the entire venture. His software, EventWise, was born out of necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it's proving even more vital today. EventWise helps event organisers replace clunky, outdated spreadsheets with live financial data and smart scenario planning.

What stands out is Chris’s resilience and honest reflection. He didn’t follow conventional startup wisdom—he built out all five core functionalities before launch, learned the hard way about marketing, and now has over 800 events using the platform, including major names like Broadwick. EventWise isn’t just software; it’s a tool built by someone who’s lived the pain points of event planning.

Chris also opens up about managing burnout, the importance of team culture, and his transition from accountant to tech startup founder. His clarity of vision, perseverance, and deep love for the events industry shine through in every story he tells.

If you’ve ever doubted whether perseverance pays off, this is the episode for you. Whether you're scaling your business or just starting out, Chris’s story will leave you inspired and equipped with new ideas to try out in your own journey.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of bootstrapping resilience, financial innovation and industry transformation with Chris Carter.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Chris can be found here:

chris@eventwise.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-carter-6a9b24189/

Resources:

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-lean-startup-how-constant-innovation-creates-radically-successful-businesses-eric-ries/1171537?ean=9780670921607

AI & I podcast - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMcoKK9mKgHtW_o9h5sGO2vXrffKHwJL

Motion AI - https://www.usemotion.com/

ClickUp - https://clickup.com/

View Details

In this exclusive ScaleUp Club edition of ScaleUp Radio, we’re joined by Craig Hellen, founder of Bexmedia, a video and motion graphics agency with nearly two decades of experience.

This intimate discussion explores how Craig has implemented processes and built habits that help a small, creative team stay aligned, accountable, and productive – all while preserving a strong company culture.

What You’ll Learn:

• How building consistent internal systems (like naming conventions and structured meetings) can improve clarity and alignment across the business.
• Why clearly communicating the ‘why’ behind new processes is essential for buy-in – especially in smaller teams.
• The impact of weekly task reviews with a VA on productivity and follow-through.
• How reinforcing core values through weekly meetings strengthens company culture and morale.
• The benefits of using tools like monday.com and developing a Business Operational Manual to drive clarity and execution.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Craig.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Craig can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/craig-hellen-8020616

https://bexmedia.net/

hello@bexmedia.net

View Details

Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences. I’m Kevin Brent, and in today's episode, I’m joined by Ryan Slaney, Founder and Managing Director of iLockerz – a business that’s leading the way in smart locker solutions for a wide range of industries.

Our conversation today is structured in three parts:

1. First, we take a look at iLockerz as a business, including its smart locker technology, use cases, and how it’s carved out a niche in the B2B space.
2. Next, we discuss Ryan’s experience with the challenges of scaling, including a deep dive into lessons learned from product development, the evolution of their market offering.
3. And finally, we wrap up with some quickfire questions to find out more about Ryan’s personal approach to leadership and growth.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Ryan.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Ryan can be found here:

https://www.ilockerz.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanslaney/

ryan.slaney@ilockerz.com

Resources:

Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/your-next-five-moves-master-the-art-of-business-strategy-patrick-bet-david/1707850?ean=9781982154813

Pipedrive - https://www.pipedrive.com/

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

Co-Pilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/kQshweJbteqxKSCrwEjYG

View Details

Hi there, and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our scaleup journeys a little bit easier by learning from others' experiences. I’m Kevin Brent, and in today's episode, I’m joined by Karen Yates, founder of Taylor Yates, a luxury handbag and accessories brand based in the UK.

Our conversation today is structured in three parts:

1. We start by discussing the business itself, its model, and where it is on the scaleup journey.
2. We then explore Karen’s perspectives on the challenges of scaling up, including cash flow management and brand building, and hear her thoughts on the ScaleUp Challenges Report.
3. Finally, we close off with a few quickfire questions to gain deeper insights into Karen’s entrepreneurial mindset.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Karen.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Karen can be found here:

https://tayloryates.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tayloryates.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-yates-53885a12/

Resources:

Daniel Priestley Oversubscribed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/oversubscribed-how-to-get-people-lining-up-to-do-business-with-you-daniel-priestley/3262406?ean=9780857088253

Aspire with Emma Grede podcast - https://www.emmagrede.me/

Shopify - https://www.shopify.com/

Notion - https://www.notion.com/

WhatsApp - https://www.whatsapp.com/

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson – find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect on LinkedIn – and in this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I talk with Darrell Irwin, the visionary founder behind Cre8ion, Digital, and Humans.

Darrell’s story isn’t just about scaling multiple businesses – it’s about scaling with meaning. From walking away from a lucrative agency deal over ethical misalignment to founding Cre8ion, a brand marketing agency rooted in purpose, Darrell shows us what it looks like when personal values shape business success.

We explore how he built a tight-knit team through a unique pathway from volunteer to full-time employment, the surprising benefits of a four-day work week, and how constraint actually fuels creativity. His philosophy? Focus on people, purpose, and planet – and profit becomes a byproduct of meaningful impact.

His leadership approach shines through in Humans, a personal development company creating space for real, raw conversations. Their ‘Humans Talks’ are like TED Talks but unfiltered – sharing life, struggle, and breakthrough in ways that connect beyond business.

Darrell also reveals his grand plan: building an ecosystem of 12 businesses that cross-pollinate to serve the entrepreneur holistically – from branding to personal leadership. This episode is filled with insights, heart, and practical takeaways for anyone looking to scale with authenticity.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of purpose, people and playbooks with Darrell Irwin.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Darrell can be found here:

https://darrellirwin.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellirwin/

Resources:

Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rebel-ideas-the-power-of-thinking-differently-matthew-syed/4848192?ean=9781529348408

The Crisis Catalyst by Darrell Irwin - https://cre8ion.co.uk/product/best-entrepreneur-book-the-crisis-catalyst/

High Performance Podcast - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/

Joe Rogan podcast - https://www.joerogan.com/

High Performance app - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/hp-app

Duolingo - https://www.duolingo.com/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson – you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by the inspiring Alice Garrett, founder of Alice Caroline, a business built around the joyful art of quilting, Liberty Fabrics, and empowering creativity.

What began as a desire to make Liberty Fabric more accessible to fellow enthusiasts has grown into a thriving enterprise with 34 staff, global reach, and over 700 fabrics curated for quilters, makers, and creatives. Alice’s story is not just about fabric – it’s about passion, purpose, and reconnecting people with creativity through beautifully designed sewing kits, workshops, and books.

We talk about how Alice evolved from PhD chemist to entrepreneur, learning every day on the job, and growing a business that now runs five distinct yet interconnected operations – from e-commerce to manufacturing, and from subscription clubs to workshops. It’s a perfect example of “embrace problems” turning into a life’s mission.

Culture is key in the Alice Caroline team, and Alice shares how she’s cultivated open communication, safe learning spaces, and the importance of transparency and trust – even when scaling. Her reflections on overcoming her own conflict aversion and learning to love leadership will resonate with any founder navigating growth.

If you’re curious about creativity, passionate about purpose, or simply love hearing how businesses evolve through experimentation and joy in the workplace – this is an episode you’ll treasure 💡.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of creativity, culture and focus with Alice Garrett.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgra

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Alice can be found here:

https://alicecaroline.com/

https://www.instagram.com/alicecarolinefabrics/

Resources:

Never Eat Alone by Tahl Raz - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/never-eat-alone-expanded-and-updated-and-other-secrets-to-success-one-relationship-at-a-time-keith-ferrazzi/3834952?ean=9780241004951

The Code Of The Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-code-of-the-extraordinary-mind-10-unconventional-laws-to-redefine-your-life-and-succeed-on-your-own-terms-vishen-lakhiani/998624?ean=9780593135822

4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-4-hour-work-week-escape-the-9-5-live-anywhere-and-join-the-new-rich-timothy-ferriss/3785269?ean=9780091929114

Alex Hormozi The Game podcast - https://www.acquisition.com/podcast

Notion app - https://www.notion.com/

The Mind Valley app - https://www.mindvalley.com/apps

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/

View Details

In this inspiring episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Sheila Ako Glavee, the founder of Skilled Hands Organisation, a remarkable social enterprise dedicated to empowering women and children through craft workshops. From humble beginnings in Ghana to establishing a recognised organisation in the UK, Sheila shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and community impact.

Sheila recounts how her entrepreneurial path evolved — from publishing a lifestyle magazine in Ghana to creating social enterprises that uplift vulnerable communities. Skilled Hands started with a focus on unemployed women, providing them with valuable craft skills, and has since expanded to children and corporate workshops, generating new revenue streams for long-term sustainability.

We explore Sheila’s experiences navigating the funding landscapes in Ghana and the UK, the critical importance of mastering grant writing, and how she balances sustainability with social impact. Sheila also reflects on the challenges of scaling a charitable enterprise, the role of partnerships, and her aspirations to expand Skilled Hands across the East Midlands and beyond.

Highlights From the Episode

• Empowering through Craft: Skilled Hands has trained over 500 women in the past seven years and continues to grow.
• Entrepreneurial Resilience: From running In Thing Maglog to founding Skilled Hands, Sheila shares how self-reliance and perseverance have shaped her journey.
• Funding Realities: A candid look at the differences between securing funding in Ghana versus the UK, and the critical skills needed to succeed.
• Vision for Growth: Sheila's ambitious plan to create a global network of Skilled Hands hubs and make a lasting societal impact.
• Personal Legacy: Sheila’s passion for leaving a meaningful legacy for her family and future generations.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Sheila.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Sheila can be found here:

https://www.skilledhandsorganisation.org/

Resources:

Podcast with Sheila - https://www.facebook.com/podcastwithsheila

https://www.youtube.com/@PODCASTwithSHEILA

Archbishop Duncan Williams podcast - https://ndwministries.org/podcast/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson — you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. Welcome to another inspiring episode of ScaleUp Radio!

In this episode, I’m joined by Ben Lowndes, founder of Distinctive Communications, a fast-growing, purpose-led PR and communications consultancy based in the South West. Ben shares his unique journey — leaving a successful career without a set plan, building a business grounded in trust, flexibility, and impact.

We explore how Distinctive Communications stands out in a noisy world by telling powerful, human-cantered stories and putting strategy before tactics. Ben opens up about why understanding your real "why" is crucial before you take action — a lesson that resonates deeply for anyone on a scale up journey.

We dive into the joy and challenges of flexible and remote working and how creating "fixed points" of connection within a hybrid team can be the secret to building culture and momentum. Ben also shares a powerful story of social impact, where his team’s work raised vital funds to combat holiday hunger in their community — a real example of business making a difference.

If you want to learn how slowing down your planning can actually speed up your business success, and how great conversations lead to fabulous results, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with real-world takeaways.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of building trust, flexible culture, and authentic impact with Ben.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

Ben can be found here:

https://www.distinctivecomms.co.uk/our-offer/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/blowndes/

Resources:

The Nowhere Office by Julia Hobsbawm - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-nowhere-office-reinventing-work-and-the-workplace-of-the-future-julia-hobsbawm/6586497?ean=9781529396560

One Night In Turin by Pete Davies - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/one-night-in-turin-the-inside-story-of-a-world-cup-that-changed-our-footballing-nation-forever-pete-davies/3105396?ean=9780224083348

Anti Social from BBC Radio 4 podcast - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0018h15

Americast podcast - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz

Asana - https://asana.com/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson – you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Mark Nicholls, the founder of Tectona Partnership – a business that provides part-time Finance Director services to companies navigating financial complexity.

Mark’s story is one of perseverance, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build trust and a brand in a competitive market. Starting with just two people in 2012, Tectona has grown into a team of 17 highly qualified FDs, supporting businesses under £20m turnover who need strategic financial help but aren’t ready to bring someone in full-time.

We explore how Mark has learned the hard way about the value of delegation, why trying to do it all yourself is a false economy, and the slow but powerful growth that comes from building a reputation through networking and relationships – not just advertising spend.

Mark is passionate about helping businesses make better decisions through better data. He speaks candidly about the "price-volume matrix" and how understanding a few key levers in your business could dramatically boost your profitability.

And we dig into some rich insights on culture, growth pacing, and how having the right people – and only the right people – can make or break a service-driven business.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of decision-making, brand building and fractional finance with Mark Nicholls.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.

https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Mark can be found here:

https://tectonapartnership.com/

marknicholls@tectonapartnership.com

Resources:

The Rest Is Politics podcast - https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuSr/

Xero - https://www.xero.com/uk/login/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Jennifer Appleton, the dynamic Director behind ISO Quality Services, a Worcester-based business that's been helping companies achieve ISO certifications for over two decades. Jennifer shares the story of how this family business has scaled from a local consultancy to a global service provider, supporting clients in over 28 countries.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 The Business Model: ISO Quality Services thrives on a hybrid revenue model combining upfront implementation fees with a recurring client maintenance model—making for a stable and predictable cash flow. With around 550 clients and a team of 22 in-house employees, plus a network of 20-24 subcontractors, the company has reached a £1.5M turnover and is ambitiously heading toward £2M.

🔹 Challenges of Scaling: Jennifer opens up about the hurdles that come with growth, including staff retention, external impacts like Google algorithm shifts affecting lead generation, and the ongoing challenge of staying competitive with larger firms, especially on salary offerings.

🔹 Family Business Dynamics: Having joined the business her father started 25 years ago, Jennifer reflects on the complexities of leading a family-run company—balancing different viewpoints while always prioritising what’s best for the business.

🔹 Culture & Development: A robust six-month induction process, regular feedback cycles, and mental health support are just a few of the ways ISO Quality Services invests in its people. Jennifer emphasises the importance of aligning employees with the company’s values and long-term vision.

🔹 Strategic Leadership: From quarterly planning to bi-weekly ops meetings, Jennifer shares how structured leadership and planning have helped the business stay on course with its long-term goals.

🔹 Marketing Evolution: With lead generation once dominated by Google search, Jennifer talks about the pivot toward referral-based business and networking—especially as digital algorithms and AI tools like ChatGPT shift the landscape.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. Y

For now, continue listening for the full story from Jennifer.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Jennifer can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/iso-certification-iso9001/

https://www.isoqsltd.com/

https://oakhouseworkspace.co.uk/

Resources:

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Programme - https://www.goldmansachs.com/community-impact/10000-small-businesses/uk

Productivity Ninja by Graham Allcott - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/how-to-be-a-productivity-ninja-updated-edition-worry-less-achieve-more-and-love-what-you-do-graham-allcott/2491926?ean=9781785784613

7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-revised-and-updated-30th-anniversary-edition-stephen-r-covey/3555997?ean=9781471195204

Fireflies Notetaker - https://fireflies.ai/

HubSpot - https://www.hubspot.com/

View Details

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Lorraine Allman, a purpose-driven entrepreneur and the founder of Party Without Plastic – a marketplace for sustainable, plastic-free party supplies that launched in spring 2024 and is already on an exciting growth trajectory.

Lorraine brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, having built and scaled multiple ventures. In this insightful and honest discussion, she shares the highs and lows of her journey so far, from funding challenges to transitioning from founder-led to team-based operations, all while keeping a firm eye on purpose, sustainability, and profit.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Party Without Plastic curates sustainable party products from UK-based small businesses
• Why building a scalable technical infrastructure took nine months – and was absolutely worth it
• The commission-based marketplace model that only charges sellers when sales are made
• Lorraine’s top tips for securing external investment, including aligning on values and vision
• The power of social proof, including accreditations like the Global Good Market, in customer acquisition
• The challenges of scaling a team, maintaining brand consistency, and managing time effectively

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Lorraine.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Lorraine can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineallman/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/party-without-plastic/

https://www.instagram.com/plasticfreeparty/

lorraine@partywithoutplastic.com

Resources:

The Brand Is Female podcast - https://www.thebrandisfemale.com/

Let My People Go Surfing podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6KgNYkTEcBqLboNzX2AkJS

It Really Is Just Good Business By Jill Poet - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/it-really-is-just-good-business-the-art-of-operating-a-responsible-ethical-and-profitable-small-business-jill-poet/7354896?ean=9781803411941

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we’re joined by Matthew Naylor, the founder of Whitestone Financial Planning, an independent financial advisory firm that’s built around one core value – personal connection.

Matthew shares the fascinating journey of launching his own advisory firm just three years ago, following a career that began not in finance, but in law. After realising his passion for working directly with clients and demystifying the world of finance, Matthew stepped into entrepreneurship – and never looked back.

We explore how Whitestone stands apart by prioritising genuine conversations over automation, and why taking time to understand each client’s life and goals forms the backbone of their success.

🔍 In This Episode, We Cover:

• The origin story of Whitestone Financial Planning – and why Matthew chose to go independent after a major acquisition changed the culture of his previous firm
• The biggest hurdles of starting a financial advisory business, including navigating compliance and building credibility from scratch
• How referrals, relationships, and calm reassurance during market uncertainty have fuelled Whitestone’s growth
• Why trying to “time the market” is never the answer, and the long-term investment philosophy that guides their advice
• The realities of building recurring revenue in a client-focused business model – and planning for future succession
• Insights on marketing as a financial advisor, including the power of networking and learning when to outsource

Throughout the episode, Matthew also reflects on the value of continuous learning, his use of external support to deliver better client communications, and how staying true to his ethos has helped him build trust and loyalty with his clients.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Matthew.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Matthew can be found here:

https://www.whitestonefp.com/

matthew.naylor@whitestonefp.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-naylor-fpfs/

Resources:

Outlook - https://outlook.live.com/mail/about/index_en.html

View Details

In this ScaleUp Club exclusive Q&A edition of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Tom Hughes, CEO of Gemba Docs, for a practical and eye-opening discussion on Lean Thinking for SMEs. Tom brings decades of experience in operational excellence and process improvement and shares how small businesses can adopt lean principles without over-complicating things.

This session breaks down what lean really looks like in a small business context – and it’s not about cutting costs or mimicking manufacturing giants. It’s about reducing struggle, improving value flow, and making work life better for your team. From leadership behaviours to team rituals, Tom shares real-world tactics that any SME can start using today.

Episode Highlights:

• Why the traditional 8 wastes don't always translate to service businesses – and what to focus on instead
• The biggest enabler of lean success? Leadership behaviour and priorities
• How to kickstart a lean journey: Start with yourself, then pull others in
• The power of small wins and team celebrations to build momentum
• Simple tools that make a difference: team huddles, improvement channels, and documenting processes with Gemba Docs

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. You can also nominate a guest for ScaleUp Radio if you know someone with an interesting ScaleUp story – you can find how in the shownotes.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Tom.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Tom can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/tom-hughes-7222562

https://3rddigital.com/

Resources:

2 Second Lean Book by Paul Akers - https://paulakers.net/books/2-second-lean

Lean Made Simple by David Sykes - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/lean-made-simple-creating-pull-and-flow-david-sykes/4914053?ean=9781716549724

Improvement Starts With I by Tom Hughes - https://improvementstartswithi.com/

Ryan Tierney - Lean Mde Simple YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@leanmadesimple

View Details

Welcome to another episode of ScaleUp Radio with me, Granger Forson. You can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. This time, I had the true pleasure of talking to Bob Hayward, founder of two incredible ventures: Be More Effective and Key Performance Training.

Bob’s entrepreneurial journey is not only seasoned with decades of experience but fuelled by a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. His business Be More Effective is a consultancy designed to unlock human potential through the scientific blend of coaching, training and recruitment, all focused on helping businesses achieve sustainable high performance.

His second venture, Key Performance Training, is equally impressive — a regulated training provider using practical skill-building as a pathway to meaningful employment. Think forklift certifications leading to second chances, real jobs, and better futures.

What stands out about Bob is his unwavering belief that success in business is about more than strategy — it’s about understanding people. With a background in psychiatry, he brings a unique and compelling lens to leadership and hiring. From avoiding the pitfalls of ‘like bias’ in recruitment to treating people the way they want to be treated (not how youwant to be treated), Bob’s insights could change how you lead your team forever.

We also talk about the power of goals and structured onboarding, the mistakes many leaders make by not setting clear performance expectations early, and how just a few adjustments can change retention rates and team energy drastically.

If you're in the scale-up phase and you're wrestling with hiring the right people, motivating them, or building a culture that thrives — this episode is essential listening.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of employment transformation, human-centred coaching, and legacy building with Bob Hayward.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Bob can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobhayward/

https://www.bemoreeffective.com/

Resources:

The Profit Secret by Bob Hayward - https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-profit-secret/bob-hayward/nick-baldock/9781784529116

The Inside Advantage by Robert Bloom - https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-inside-advantage/robert-bloom/dave-conti/9780071495691

3Hag Way by Shannon Susko - https://www.metronomics.com/books-by-shannon

Zig Zigler - https://www.ziglar.com/

Create Motivation by Kate Turner - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/create-motivation-unlock-the-leader-within-kate-turner/558902?ean=9781781334546

Crucial Conversations by Emily Gregory - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/crucial-conversations-tools-for-talking-when-stakes-are-high-third-edition-joseph-grenny/6198176?ean=9781260474183

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/unreasonable-hospitality-the-remarkable-power-of-giving-people-more-than-they-expect-will-guidara/7110621?ean=9781529146813

Defeat Into Victory by William Slim - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/defeat-into-victory-pan-military-classics-series-william-slim/2549263?ean=9780330509978

Any Do app - https://www.any.do/

Remarkable app - https://support.remarkable.com/s/article/Desktop-app

Duolingo - https://www.duolingo.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the fascinating journey of Moksha Menon, the driving force behind &I Technologies Ltd and its flagship product, Moai – an AI-powered stress management app designed specifically for the workplace.

What began as a university project evolved over four years into a proactive SaaS solution aimed at revolutionising how organisations approach employee stress. Moksha shares how her team pivoted from a hardware concept to a software-first strategy, learning key lessons about resilience, product-market fit, and the power of community support along the way.

🔍 What we cover in this episode:

1. The Business & ScaleUp Journey

2. The origins of Moai at the University of Strathclyde

3. Shifting from a hardware concept to a SaaS solution
4. Targeting forward-thinking HR teams with a proactive stress management tool
5. Using gamification (think Tamagotchi!) to boost user engagement

6. Planning for their first paid pilot in June 2025 and setting sights on unicorn status

7. Scaling Up & Overcoming Challenges

8. Navigating early scepticism about chatbot technology

9. Building the product while the team worked full-time jobs
10. The impact of customer feedback on development iterations
11. Staying lean and leveraging grants and credits for bootstrapping

12. The surprise value of mentorship and peer support

13. Quickfire Insights

14. Lessons learned: The importance of visibility, resilience, and timing

15. If starting again: Build a social presence earlier
16. Biggest surprise: How willing people are to help

This is a great listen for aspiring tech founders, HR professionals exploring wellbeing initiatives, and anyone intrigued by how AI is transforming workplace health.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Moksha.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Moksha can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/andmoai/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/moksha-menon/

View Details

I’m Granger Forson and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. Today on ScaleUp Radio, I’m chatting with Louise Williams, co-owner of Solace Gym in Cheltenham and the warm personality behind the Pink Pear Bear blog.

Louise shares her inspiring journey from feeling frustrated by the unrealistic “insta-perfect” images of motherhood to embracing her own ADHD diagnosis and turning her desire to help others into a thriving community-centered gym. She believed wholeheartedly in creating a place where everyone, from teenagers to seniors, could comfortably work out and feel accepted.

Solace Gym’s motto is simple: “Be Yourself.” Whether you’re an avid gym-goer or stepping onto the mat for the very first time, you’ll discover a judgment-free environment that’s not about the most fashionable gear or perfect poses. Instead, it’s about showing up, moving your body, and finding mental clarity through exercise.

Through the highs and lows of launching a new venture, Louise highlights the power of patience, solid teamwork, and a healthy dose of creativity. And of course, she reveals how she balances running a gym without contracts, blogging about ADHD, and caring for her family all at the same time.

If you’ve ever wanted a supportive community to help you feel empowered, both physically and mentally, this is the episode for you. Tune in to be truly inspired by Louise’s drive and discover how breaking the “business as usual” rules can be a game-changer for your own entrepreneurial journey.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of community, wellbeing, and self-discovery with Louise

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Louise can be found here:

https://www.solacegym.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/solacegymchelt/

https://www.facebook.com/solacegymchelt/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/solace-gym/about/

https://pinkpearbear.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pinkpearbear

Resources:

ADHD AF podcast - https://www.adhdasfemales.com/

Canva - canva.com

View Details

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the story of Andrew Kelly, the founder of Eightyfive90, a dynamic digital content production company specialising in photography, videography, and drone services.

Andrew shares how he turned a crisis into an opportunity when the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to re-evaluate his business strategy – a move that led to significant growth. With turnover increasing by 48% in the last year, Eightyfive90 has expanded beyond Northern Ireland to work with clients in Southern Ireland and internationally.

Beyond the lens of content creation, Andrew is also passionate about business mentoring, having supported around 40 early-stage businesses over the past year. His insights into financial management, digital marketing, and subcontractor relationships are incredibly practical – and deeply rooted in authenticity and experience.

🔍 In This Episode:

• Discover how Eightyfive90 evolved during the pandemic and embraced unexpected growth opportunities.
• Learn the importance of authenticity in digital marketing and why Andrew prioritises platforms like TikTok for reaching audiences effectively.
• Get valuable advice on managing cash flow using Andrew's 40-40-20 financial split model to ensure business sustainability.
• Understand how Andrew approaches subcontracting, setting professional expectations to protect his brand.
• Hear how mentoring others has shaped his own business journey – from bank accounts to business basics.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Andrew.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Andrew can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eightyfive90/

https://eightyfive90.com/

https://www.instagram.com/eightyfive90

Resources:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Liz Graney, founder of Escape the Village, a marketing business born out of her own career pivot from corporate life. Based in rural Britain, Liz has a passion for helping small, often-overlooked rural businesses overcome unique challenges to thrive in a digital-first world.

Founded in October 2023, Escape the Village specialises in marketing support for what Liz describes as “well-kept secrets” – rural businesses that struggle with infrastructure limitations, visibility issues, and digital accessibility. From building websites and crafting social media strategies to offering tailored training, Liz and her small but growing team – including her daughter and two virtual assistants – are on a mission to bring rural businesses into the spotlight.

The conversation is structured in three parts:

1. The Business & the ScaleUp Journey Liz shares the story behind Escape the Village, how it came to life following a redundancy, and the specific services they offer to rural entrepreneurs. We explore the real-world hurdles rural businesses face, including patchy mobile coverage, poor road access, and even payment processing challenges – all of which make Liz’s work incredibly relevant and impactful.
2. Scaling Challenges & Entrepreneurial Insights Drawing from her corporate background, Liz outlines how she has applied high-level marketing strategies – like geo-targeting and awards recognition – to help small businesses grow. She talks candidly about the transition to entrepreneurship, the importance of outsourcing early, and the mindset shift needed to view support as an investment rather than a cost.
3. Quickfire Questions From work-life balance aspirations to her vision for the business (including her plan to make her daughter a director within the year), Liz offers insightful, honest reflections on scaling a purpose-driven company.

The one key thing from this episode? You don’t need to be in a city to build a strong brand – rural businesses can thrive by combining authenticity, digital tools, and community engagement.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Liz.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Liz can be found here:

https://www.escapethevillage.com/

Resources:

Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/eat-that-frog-get-more-of-the-important-things-done-today-brian-tracy/427987?ean=9781444765427

The Three Spoonies podcast - https://3spoonies.co.uk/watch/

To Doodle Do app - https://www.toodledo.com/

View Details

In this enlightening episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Nikki Butler, the dynamic founder behind The Autistic Joyologist. Nikki shares her powerful journey from corporate burnout to creating a thriving, purposeful business that supports neurodivergent entrepreneurs in finding joy, balance and authenticity.

Nikki was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 36, and what followed was a profound transformation. Through her personal experiences and professional insights, she now empowers others through coaching, mentoring and her innovative RADIATE model – a framework for self-reflection, acceptance, and sustainable change.

This conversation is full of thought-provoking perspectives on neurodiversity, entrepreneurship, and how to build a business that not only works with your strengths but also doesn't rely on your constant presence.

The one key thing you’ll hear from Nikki is the importance of building a business that doesn’t depend on you constantly being present – one that’s sustainable, scalable and aligned with your values.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Nikki.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Nikki can be found here:

https://www.autisticjoyologist.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkibutlerautisticjoyologist/

Resources:

Are You Maximising Your Business Potential? Quiz - https://nikkibutlerscaleup.scoreapp.com/

The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-obstacle-is-the-way-the-ancient-art-of-turning-adversity-to-advantage-ryan-holiday/321415?ean=9781781251492

Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rebel-ideas-the-power-of-thinking-differently-matthew-syed/4848192?ean=9781529348408

What’s Your Dream by Simon Squibb - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/what-s-your-dream-find-your-passion-love-your-work-build-a-richer-life-simon-squibb/7678552?ean=9781529935578

ChatGPT Voice App - https://openai.com/index/chatgpt-can-now-see-hear-and-speak/

View Details

In this inspiring episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Hayley Peacock, a pioneering educator and entrepreneur who is reshaping the way we think about learning, leadership, and scaling purpose-driven businesses.

From a single mother navigating life on benefits to building multi-million pound education ventures, Hayley's story is as powerful as it is practical. She is the founder of Little Barn Owls Nursery Group, with five thriving settings across West Sussex, and the trailblazing Atelia 21 Future School, offering inquiry-based education for children aged 4 to 16. Her approach is grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, viewing children as capable, curious learners who can shape their own educational journeys.

We cover Hayley’s entrepreneurial evolution, her innovative educational methods, and the challenges she’s faced scaling both culture and operations across her organisations.

🔍 In This Episode:

• The bold leap from journalism to education – and buying her first nursery with a loan using her house as security
• How Reggio Emilia and play-based learning can transform outcomes from birth to 16
• The shift from command-and-control leadership to collaborative, culture-driven growth
• Systemising for scale: lessons from expanding from one to five nursery locations
• Building a legacy: her mission to impact a million children's lives

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Hayley.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Hayley can be found here:

https://hayleypeacockeducation.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-peacock-208b26264/

hayley@atelier21schools.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/LittleBarnOwlsForestFarmSchool/?locale=en_GB

Resources:

What’s The Point Of School? By Guy Claxton - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/what-s-the-point-of-school-rediscovering-the-heart-of-education-guy-claxton/3806777?ean=9781851686032

Reggio Emilia - https://www.reggiochildren.it/en/reggio-emilia-approach/

The CoCo Note app - https://coconote.app/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Alexis Sikorsky, an experienced entrepreneur, coach, and author of the bestselling book Cashing Out. Alexis co-founded New Access in 2000, growing it into a €45-50 million business with 500 employees before successfully exiting to private equity between 2015 and 2019. Now, through Knight Scale, he provides coaching and advisory services to help fellow entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of scaling and exiting their businesses.

This conversation is packed with hard-won lessons on what it takes to build, scale, and ultimately sell a business for maximum value. Alexis shares the critical mistakes to avoid, how to prepare for an exit from day one, and what founders should know before working with private equity.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Focus on what's important, not just urgent – carve out time for strategic planning rather than just firefighting. ✅ Have a clear business strategy but be prepared to pivot when necessary. ✅ Maintain a "war chest" with at least 9 months' worth of expenses to ride out downturns. ✅ When seeking private equity, do your due diligence – vet firms thoroughly and create competitive tension.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Alexis.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Alexis can be found here:

https://www.asikorsky.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-sikorsky-consulting/

Resources:

Cashing Out by Alexis Sikorsky - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/cashing-out-the-business-owner-s-guide-to-selling-to-private-equity-alexis-sikorsky/7660646?ean=9781781338476

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we’re joined by Megan Stachini, the founder of Intrinsic, a business dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create fulfilling, values-driven businesses—without sacrificing their well-being or personal lives.

Megan’s approach is all about authenticity and self-discovery, ensuring that business owners align their work with their core values to prevent burnout, build strong teams, and create sustainable success. She shares her insights on flexible work environments, balancing business and family, and why success should be measured by impact and contentment rather than just financial growth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Authenticity as a Leadership Superpower – Why being true to yourself attracts the right staff, customers, and opportunities. ✅ The Power of Work-Life Balance – How flexible working and prioritising family can lead to a more motivated and productive business. ✅ Overcoming Common ScaleUp Challenges – From lead generation to staff alignment, how clarity in vision can solve key business hurdles. ✅ Personal Growth as a Business Strategy – Megan’s perspective on continuous learning and the importance of self-awareness.

Megan’s insights are particularly valuable for business owners who feel stuck in the day-to-day, struggle with hiring the right people, or want to build a business that genuinely aligns with their lifestyle and values.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Megan.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Megan can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-stachini-716510147/

Resources:

The Monk That Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-monk-who-sold-his-ferrari-robin-sharma/219986?ean=9780007179732

View Details

In this special Q&A episode, we welcome back Paddy White, founder of Virtual Diamond, to discuss the habits and strategies that drive great team engagement. Recorded as part of our monthly ScaleUp Club session, this episode features insightful discussions led by Granger, with audience participation bringing real-world challenges and experiences into the mix.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 Building a Strong Virtual Team Culture – The power of regular communication (weekly, monthly, and annual check-ins) and showing appreciation through personal gestures. 🔹 Creating Buy-in & Loyalty – How transparency around business goals and financials can strengthen engagement. 🔹 Aligning People to Roles – Matching team members’ skills and interests to the right roles for better satisfaction and retention. 🔹 Scaling with the Right Structure – How Paddy balances client work and business management, leveraging her team for maximum efficiency. 🔹 Handling Team Challenges – The importance of transparency and strategic intervention when a new hire isn't the right fit.

About Paddy White & Virtual Diamond

With over 11 years of experience, Paddy has built Virtual Diamond into a referral-driven business providing specialist virtual assistant (VA) services in areas like accounting, social media, and admin support. She has long-standing client relationships (some for over 9 years!) and a clear strategy for team engagement and business growth.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Paddy can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/paddywhitevirtualassistant

https://www.virtualdiamond.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/virtualdiamond

paddy@virtualdiamond.co.uk

View Details

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we’re diving deep into change management, leadership, and scaling impact with Simon Phillips—a seasoned expert in orchestrating change for both organisations and individuals.

With 25+ years of experience, including time at Accenture and over two decades running his own consultancy, Simon has developed powerful frameworks like the Delta Model for Change and the LACE Way for Human-Centric Leadership. His mission? To develop a million changemakers—people who can support others in making positive transformations.

What We Cover in This Episode:

🔹 The Psychology of Change – Why people don’t resist change itself but rather being changed, and how leaders can foster engagement. 🔹 Empathy & Leadership – The power of vulnerability, self-empathy, and active listening in building trust and high-performing teams. 🔹 Scaling a Knowledge Business – How Simon evolved his approach, from expanding teams to deepening value and leveraging AI tools. 🔹 Resilience & Growth – Simon’s personal journey, including lessons from surviving a severe car crash and overcoming imposter syndrome. 🔹 Business Development & Networks – The importance of long-term relationships and how platforms like LinkedIn have shaped Simon’s approach.

If you’re navigating change, leading a team, or looking to scale a business while maintaining impact, this episode is packed with insights and strategies you can apply right away.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Simon.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Simon can be found here:

https://www.simonphillips.co.uk/

https://changemakerpledge.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonphillips/

Resources:

The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-second-book-by-steven-bartlett-keep-it-to-yourself-steven-bartlett/7257436?ean=9781529146509

What’s Your Dream? by Simon Squibb - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/what-s-your-dream-find-your-passion-love-your-work-build-a-richer-life-simon-squibb/7678552?ean=9781529935578

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the power of writing a book as an entrepreneur with Danielle Hutchinson, Chief Creative Officer at Authors on Mission.

Authors on Mission is a done-for-you book writing service that helps business leaders and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into published books—without the hassle of writing themselves. With a team of over 30 core members, 750+ ghostwriters, and 50+ editors, they guarantee a seamless process, even promising Amazon bestseller status.

Danielle shares how a book can serve as the ultimate business card, build credibility, and create a lasting legacy. She also explains the company’s unique use of “angel writers”—collaborators who work closely with authors, rather than traditional ghostwriters.

Beyond book publishing, we discuss: ✅ How AI and remote work are reshaping the publishing industry ✅ The balance between technology and human creativity in writing ✅ Using books as a tool for marketing, lead generation, and authority building ✅ Challenges of running a global remote team and maintaining company culture

Whether you’ve ever thought about writing a book or just want to understand how storytelling can grow your business, this episode is packed with insights!

Make sure you don’t miss future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Danielle.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Danielle can be found here:

https://authorsonmission.com/

https://www.instagram.com/authorsonmission/

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsOnMission

https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

Resources:

Book Marketing Podcast - https://www.bestofbookmarketing.com/

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-hunger-games-suzanne-collins/205536?ean=9781407132082

Time Doctor app - https://www.timedoctor.com/

Encoda app - https://encoda.com/

Zoom - https://zoom.us/

Fathom - https://fathom.video/

View Details

Hey, I’m Granger Forson – find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn! In this special episode, we’re looking inward on my own business journey, from the days of engineering beer taps to embracing the power of continuous improvement.

I’ll be sharing the highs and lows of ditching the corporate path in favour of scaling up my own adventure. You’ll hear my learning from 100 recoding’s of ScaleUp Radio podcast and growing my own business, and how nurturing a culture of experimentation built a strong foundation for BizSmart Gloucestershire.

Listen in as I reflect on countless interviews with fellow entrepreneurs, each story helping me refine my approach to growth, strategy, and joyful leadership. My experience in Lean and 2 Second Lean shaped a coaching style that focuses on people-first development, from identifying strengths to leading with clarity.

Throughout this conversation, I’ll reveal the five key pillars that every business owner can use to strengthen their own enterprise, covering everything from repeatable processes to forging the right mindset in your team. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your passion into a sustainable future, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

By the end, you’ll be inspired to keep innovating, keep improving, and keep celebrating every milestone on your way to scaling your own dreams. Let’s keep going and growing together!

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Resources:

All episodes of ScaleUp Radio that Granger talked about can be found here:

https://www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk/scale-up-radio/

Robin Waite - Take Your Shot - https://www.robinwaite.com/books/take-your-shot

2 Second Lean by Paul Akers - https://paulakers.net/books/2-second-lean

The Road Less Stupid - https://keystothevault.com/the-road-less-stupid-advice-from-the-chairman-of-the-board/

No BS Marketing - https://magneticmarketing.com/

Turn This Ship Around - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/turn-the-ship-around-a-true-story-of-building-leaders-by-breaking-the-rules-l-david-marquet/3549368?ean=9780241250945

Extreme Ownership - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/extreme-ownership-how-u-s-navy-seals-lead-and-win-jocko-willink/651009?ean=9781250183866

Start With Why - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/239994?ean=9780241958223

The Infinite Game - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-infinite-game-simon-sinek/185827?ean=9780241385630

Lean Made Simple - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/lean-made-simple-creating-pull-and-flow-david-sykes/4914053?ean=9781716549724

ScaleUp by Nick Bradley podcast - https://highvalueexit.com/podcast/

Lean Made Simple podcast - https://www.leanmadesimple.com/podcast

Shut Up and Sit Down podcast - https://www.shutupandsitdown.com/

Russell Brunson podcast - https://www.russellbrunson.com/my-podcast

GMail - https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox

Mile IQ - https://mileiq.com/en-gb

Lead Connector app - https://www.leadconnectorhq.com/

The Rhythm90 Web App - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

View Details

Hello, I’m Granger Forson – you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or look me up on LinkedIn. In today’s episode, we shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurial journey of the remarkable Catherine Frankpitt, founder and Managing Director of Strike Communications.

Catherine has built a “small but mighty” PR agency dedicated to “comms for good.” What does that mean? It’s her creative way of describing how she elevates charities and not-for-profits by telling their stories authentically and powerfully, ensuring that important causes reach the right audiences.

From navigating the pandemic just weeks after launching, to bringing together a team that mirrors her passion for positive social impact, Catherine’s journey is a testament to strategic thinking and perseverance. She explains how being lean allows her agency to remain agile while delivering results that truly matter, especially in the charitable sector.

We also touch on the art of leadership in a growing team. Catherine candidly shares her lessons learned in people management and how striking the right balance between flexibility and accountability is crucial for success.

This conversation will leave you feeling inspired by Catherine’s drive to make the world a better place through strategic storytelling. I’m certain you’ll pick up a few gems on how to build a purposeful business while staying true to your core values.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of small but mighty, comms for good and creative problem-solving with Catherine.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Catherine can be found here:

https://www.strikecommunications.co.uk/

Resources:

Inside The Nudge Unit by David Halpern - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/inside-the-nudge-unit-how-small-changes-can-make-a-big-difference-david-halpern/4236590?ean=9780753556559

Thinking Fast & Slow by Daniel Kahneman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/thinking-fast-and-slow-daniel-kahneman/407361?ean=9780141033570

Media Storm podcast - https://mediastormpodcast.com/

Desert Island Discs podcast - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I speak with Elliot Riley-Walsh, founder and CEO of Valart, a platform revolutionising how collectors manage their prized assets.

Launched in September 2023, Valart provides an agnostic solution for collectors to catalogue, value, and manage their collections—whether it's fine art, classic cars, trading cards, or even Lego! With AI-powered valuation tools, end-of-life planning, and NFT creation for provenance, Elliot and his team are creating a much-needed digital solution for collectors worldwide.

What makes Valart’s growth strategy unique? Instead of relying on traditional direct marketing, Elliot is focusing on strategic partnerships with wealth managers, auction houses, and insurance companies to build trust and credibility. His goal? To reach 1 million users in the next five years—but the biggest challenge is convincing collectors to trust a new digital platform with their valuable assets.

During our conversation, we explore:

🔹 How Valart works – from its subscription tiers to its AI-driven valuation system 🔹 The bootstrapped journey – starting with a £40k investment and running a lean operation with just a £600 monthly burn rate 🔹 Why Elliot avoided VC funding and chose to grow through customer-driven development 🔹 The challenges of building a tech business as a non-technical founder 🔹 Elliot’s key lesson: Deep customer research before development is essential

If you’re scaling a tech startup, exploring alternative funding routes, or simply fascinated by the world of collectibles, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Elliot.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Elliot can be found here:

https://valart.co.uk/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/valart_collectibles?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaweIsxKnaMJuQ8D2oWPRCV8iWbgQIoERAq4nIDEs-AbxRYgdsENc0CDsI_aem_VU1m0fqwldawH6FnnCsBzQ

Resources:

How To Be A Founder by Alice Bentinck and Matt Clifford - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/how-to-be-a-founder-how-entrepreneurs-can-identify-fund-and-launch-their-best-ideas-alice-bentinck/6624300?ean=9781399411608

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/shoe-dog-a-memoir-by-the-creator-of-nike-phil-knight/1040030?ean=9781471146725

Miro - https://miro.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we delve into the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Suki Pantal, the founder of Suki’s Curries and Spices. Suki transitioned from a corporate career to building a thriving food-based business, turning her passion for Indian cuisine into a multi-faceted venture.

What started as an Instagram page during the COVID-19 lockdown has since expanded into cookbooks, online cooking classes, food festival demonstrations, and social media content creation. Suki even made a notable appearance on Jamie Oliver’s TV show, The Great Cookbook Challenge, which helped elevate her brand – but she shares how success still required persistence and hard work.

During our conversation, Suki takes us through:

✅ How she built her business from scratch – from Instagram posts to published cookbooks and interactive cooking classes ✅ The challenges of securing publishing deals – including how she faced numerous rejections and eventually secured deals through direct outreach ✅ Her revenue streams – including cookbook sales, virtual cooking classes, food festival demos, and social media partnerships ✅ The future of Suki’s Curries and Spices – with plans to launch spice mixes, meal kits, and even a YouTube channel ✅ Key lessons on scaling up – from balancing multiple revenue streams as a solo entrepreneur to the importance of passion and authenticity

Suki’s journey is a great example of how persistence, adaptability, and creativity can help entrepreneurs break into competitive industries. If you’ve ever thought about turning a passion into a business, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Suki.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Suki can be found here:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/suki_curries_spices/

Website - https://www.sukipantal.com/

Resources:

John Grisham - https://jgrisham.com/

Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/

Wix - https://www.wix.com/

View Details

I’m Granger Forson and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. On this episode, I talk with Steve Mason, the visionary behind Nova Blue Technologies, a remote-first cybersecurity company that grew from a solo startup during the lockdown to a 14-strong international team.

Steve shares how a “kindness is the default” ethos permeates Nova Blue’s culture, creating an atmosphere of trust, flexibility, and empowerment. Fueled by his GCHQ and defense industry background, Steve’s focus on proactively configuring systems – rather than just alerting – sets Nova Blue’s managed service apart.

Their hiring principle of “attitude, aptitude, and appetite” has seen Nova Blue attract dynamic, passionate individuals who fit perfectly into the “Nova Legion.” With 70% of leads coming from channel partners, Steve reveals how they are diversifying lead generation and why they are committed to organic growth before eyeing a potential exit.

You’ll be inspired by the bold international aspirations (Canada, Middle East, Indonesia) that guide Nova Blue’s expansion plans – and the “people-first” approach they’ll keep at every stage. Tune in for insights on building a vibrant culture, scaling organically, and protecting SMEs worldwide.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. Also, you can nominate a guest for ScaleUp Radio if you know someone with an interesting ScaleUp story – you can find how in the show notes. So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of kindness is the default, attitude-aptitude-appetite, and bootstrapped growth with Steve.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Steve can be found here:

steve@nova-blue.net

Resources:

Start With Why By Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/239994?ean=9780241958223

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-infinite-game-simon-sinek/185827?ean=9780241385630

The Rest Is Politics podcast - https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuSr/

Diary of a CEO - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Microsoft Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software

Stirling Bank app - https://www.starlingbank.com/download/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Peter Rucinski, co-founder of Assure Technical, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how his company has evolved to provide cybersecurity solutions for SMEs.

Originally focused on high-value military and infrastructure projects, Assure Technical pivoted in 2016 to serve small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them navigate the increasingly complex world of cybersecurity. Today, they offer services like Cyber Essentials certification, penetration testing, and security audits to businesses that may not have dedicated security expertise in-house.

Peter’s leadership style has been shaped by his Royal Navy background and a unique 18-month sailing adventure with his family, which forced him to balance running his business remotely while navigating the unpredictability of life at sea. His experience has given him deep insights into risk management, problem-solving, and maintaining resilience—all of which are critical in both sailing and cybersecurity.

During our conversation, Peter shares practical advice for SMEs looking to improve their cybersecurity posture, including: 🔹 Why simply acknowledging cybersecurity as a priority can make a significant difference 🔹 How adopting the UK government's Cyber Essentials standard can mitigate 80% of common cyber risks 🔹 Why AI security doesn’t require special treatment beyond standard IT best practices

We also dive into the challenges of scaling a cybersecurity business, from balancing sales and delivery capacity to attracting and retaining skilled talent in a competitive market. Peter explains how digital marketing, automation tools like Zapier, and strategic partnerships have helped Assure Technical continue to scale while maintaining high service standards.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Peter.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Peter can be found here:

https://assuretechnical.com/

hello@assuretechnical.com

Resources:

Zapier - https://zapier.com/

BitOffender - https://www.bitdefender.com/

https://gravityzone.bitdefender.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we explore the invisible forces that drive team success with Csaba Toth, the founder of ICQ Global. Csaba is an expert in psychological safety, cognitive diversity, and motivational drivers—three key factors that can make or break a scaling business.

ICQ Global operates in over 50 countries, with a network of more than 100 licensed partners, and is taught in 60 universities worldwide. The company focuses on measuring and optimising team dynamics to improve collaboration, innovation, and long-term performance.

Throughout our conversation, Csaba shares how businesses can build high-performing teams by fostering psychological safety, embracing cognitive diversity, and understanding the motivational drivers that fuel engagement.

Key Insights from This Episode:

🔹 Psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams – It’s not just about trust; it’s about ensuring people feel safe to take risks, challenge ideas, and contribute without fear of punishment.

🔹 Cognitive diversity acts like a team’s immune system – When teams embrace different ways of thinking rather than just surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals, they make better decisions and drive greater innovation.

🔹 Intrinsic motivation (Motivation 3.0) is the key to long-term performance – Traditional reward systems often fail to drive creativity and engagement. Understanding what truly motivates individuals can unlock a team’s full potential.

We also discuss the scaling challenges that come with building a strong team culture, the risks of taking on investors without strategic alignment, and how leaders can balance passion with clear, practical communication.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Csaba.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Csaba can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/csabatothinterculturaldisc/

Resources:

Uncommon Sense In Unusual Times by Csaba Toth - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Uncommon-Sense-Unusual-Times-Csaba/dp/1951503082

Adam Grant - https://adamgrant.net/

Amy Edmondson - https://amycedmondson.com/

Daniel Pink - https://www.danpink.com/

View Details

I am Granger Forson, and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this inspiring episode, I talk with the remarkable trailblazer, Ukponu Ayogu, who is dedicated to uplifting immigrant women and mothers through coaching, mentorship, and technology solutions.

We discuss her journey of starting a business born out of personal necessity – transforming her own struggle to find fulfilling work in a new country into a powerful resource for others. You’ll hear how her focus on helping women understand their ‘why’ and monetise their passions has fuelled incredible success stories.

From creating streamlined tech stacks that automate processes for work-life balance, to launching the Rising Phoenix Network, Ukponu is on a mission to bring robust support to thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs. She shows us the importance of proving a business model before seeking outside funding, and how email marketing can truly change the game.

If you’re ready to learn from someone who has mentored hundreds of women already, this is the conversation for you. Tune in and discover how to realign your motivation, build a supportive community, and set the foundation for a thriving business future! ✨

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of Passion, Persistence, and Global Empowerment with Ukponu.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Ukponu can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ukponuayogu/

Resources:

Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/think-and-grow-rich-the-original-classic-hill/2073500?ean=9781906465599

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-lean-startup-how-constant-innovation-creates-radically-successful-businesses-eric-ries/1171537?ean=9780670921607

Dare To Lead by Brene Brown - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/dare-to-lead-brave-work-tough-conversations-whole-hearts-brene-brown/406737?ean=9781785042140

The Female Start Up Club podcast - https://www.femalestartupclub.com/pages/podcast

Unfinished Business podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6y2bgkjQwaNqAVusotUFMo

Mindset Manifestation podcast - https://mikaylajai.com/podcast/

Structured app - https://structured.app/

Apple Podcast app - https://www.apple.com/uk/apple-podcasts/

Digest app - https://www.producthunt.com/products/digest-app

View Details

Hi there, and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90 and inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System. We aim to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences..

I’m Kevin Brent, and in today's episode, I’m joined by Sean Taylor, the founder of Zip World—one of the UK’s most exciting adventure tourism businesses.

In this episode, we’ll cover three key areas:

1. Sean’s entrepreneurial journey—how Zip World grew from a single tree-top adventure in 2007 to a multi-site operation employing around 1,000 people.
2. The challenges of scaling—including the impact of private equity investment, the difficulties of planning regulations, and why acquisitions are now key to growth.
3. Quickfire insights—including Sean’s leadership philosophy, how his military background shaped his approach, and what’s next for Zip World.

Sean’s story is packed with valuable lessons about resilience, strategic growth, and the importance of creating unforgettable experiences.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Sean.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Sean can be found here:

https://www.zipworld.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-taylor-1421a7b7/

View Details

Hi there, and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I’m Kevin Brent, and in today's episode, I’m joined by Chibuikem Osuchukwu, also known as Chibs, the founder of GuDee—a plant-based protein brand harnessing the power of West African superfoods.

Chibs’ journey is a fascinating one. He started his career in aerospace engineering but made the bold move into entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for nutrition, sustainability, and making a positive impact. GuDee is pioneering the use of egusi seeds, a high-protein, nutrient-dense, and allergy-free superfood that’s been consumed in West Africa for over 5,000 years.

In this episode, our conversation is structured into three parts: 1️⃣ First, we discuss GuDee’s products, business model, and where it is on the ScaleUp journey. 2️⃣ Then, we explore the key challenges Chibs has faced while scaling, including educating the market about an unfamiliar product, navigating complex logistics, and bootstrapping the business. 3️⃣ Finally, we wrap up with a few quickfire questions to get to know Chibs’ thoughts on entrepreneurship and business growth.

One key takeaway from this episode? 👉 Educating your market is just as important as having a great product. If customers don’t understand what you’re offering, they won’t buy it!

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Chibs.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Chibuikem can be found here:

https://gudee.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chibuikemosuchukwu/

https://www.instagram.com/getgudee/

Resources:

HubSpot - https://www.hubspot.com/

View Details

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we’re joined by Rhian Caffull, the founder of VegLife, a fast-growing plant-based food brand making waves with its signature plant-based scotch eggs. What started as a small idea has now grown into a business that has sold over 70,000 units, with a strong focus on sustainability, education, and community impact.

Rhian’s entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly when she was made redundant from her job as an expedition leader during the pandemic. She turned this challenge into an opportunity, creating a plant-based alternative to the classic scotch egg—first as a hobby and then as a full-fledged business. With bootstrapped growth through catering, events, and independent retailers, she is now preparing for her first round of investment to scale production and expand even further.

In this conversation, Rhian shares the reality of growing a food brand, from tackling the challenges of accessing capital to balancing product development and scaling production. She also talks about the importance of social impact, including community initiatives, education, and sustainability efforts that are embedded in VegLife’s mission.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Turning a crisis into an opportunity – how redundancy led Rhian to create and grow VegLife 🔹 Bootstrapping a food business – the power of starting small, selling at events, and building demand 🔹 The hidden challenges of scaling – why capital access, ingredient costs, and production limitations are key hurdles 🔹 The power of mission-driven entrepreneurship – how social impact and sustainability can be business drivers 🔹 Preparing for investment – what to look for in an investor and why alignment on values is critical

Beyond business growth, VegLife is about making an impact. Rhian shares how the company is involved in community fridge programs, educational talks, and work placements, with plans to launch a foundation to expand its social mission.

If you’re interested in scaling a food business, impact-driven entrepreneurship, or navigating the challenges of investment, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Rhian.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Rhian can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/veglifeeats/

https://www.facebook.com/veglifeeats

https://www.veglifeeats.com/

hello@veglifeeats.com

View Details

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we’re joined by Dan Burner, a successful entrepreneur who built and sold a multi-million-pound home care agency, scaling it from a spare bedroom operation to a business with over 1,000 staff and 1,500 clients. Today, Dan is using his experience to coach SMEs on business growth and scaling strategies.

Dan shares his hard-earned lessons on what it takes to grow and exit a business successfully, from investing ahead of growth and implementing strong systems to the emotional and strategic challenges of selling a company. Now, as a business coach, he works with a diverse range of SMEs, helping them understand their growth potential and navigate the hurdles of scaling.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Scaling successfully – why investing ahead of growth, having solid systems, and effective delegation are key 🔹 Exiting a business – the emotional and strategic challenges of selling and why competition among buyers is beneficial 🔹 Maintaining quality while growing – how a strong reputation and focus on service quality drive organic expansion 🔹 Lessons from coaching SMEs – why resilience, preparation, and the right mindset are critical for scaling up 🔹 The ‘say yes and make it happen’ approach – embracing the challenges of business growth with confidence

Dan’s insights are invaluable for any business owner looking to scale, prepare for an exit, or develop a long-term growth strategy. Whether you're in the care industry or any other sector, his experiences in building, scaling, and selling a business offer practical advice you can apply to your own journey.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you listen to podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Dan.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Dan can be found here:

danburnercoaching.com

https://www.instagram.com/danburnerbusinessstrategist/

View Details

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we bring you a special session from ScaleUp Club, where we had the privilege of speaking with Ian Morgan, founder of MBS Accountants. Ian shares invaluable financial strategies that can help business owners scale sustainably, improve profitability, and avoid common financial pitfalls.

In this conversation, Ian introduces his approach to business growth using the "3 Rs" – Retention, Repeat orders, and Re-engagement – as key drivers of marketing success and cash flow stability. He also dives deep into pricing strategy, warning against the hidden dangers of discounting, and shares practical tips for cost management and financial best practices.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The "3 Rs" framework – how focusing on existing clients and past customers can drive significant revenue growth 🔹 The real cost of discounting – why a small price cut can halve your profits and what to do instead 🔹 Expense management made simple – how to categorise and cut unnecessary costs to improve cash flow 🔹 The importance of regular financial reviews – how weekly tracking of key financial metrics can transform decision-making 🔹 Scaling challenges – how to spot when your business model isn’t built for growth and how to adjust

Whether you're looking to tighten up your financial processes, improve profitability, or scale your business sustainably, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you listen to podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Ian.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Ian can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/ian-morgan-mbs

https://www.youtube.com/@theleakybucket

https://www.mbsaccountants.co.uk/

View Details

Hi there, I’m Granger Forson, and welcome to another episode of ScaleUp Radio! You can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.

On today’s episode, I’m speaking with Andrew Hunt, the founder and CEO of Holiday Architects, a travel company that has gone from a bedroom startup to a £9 million turnover business, specializing in long-haul, tailor-made holidays. But this is not just a story of success—it’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and smart scaling.

Andrew shares how he built a business where deep customer relationships, an experienced team, and a strategic approach to marketing became the foundation of growth. He takes us through the challenges of scaling, surviving the COVID-19 crisis, and the decision to merge with another company—a move that ultimately made Holiday Architects stronger than ever.

We’ll also dive into Andrew’s approach to recruitment, financial management, and building a team that thrives in a remote-first world. He explains why he values trust and delegation and how he empowers his employees to take ownership of decisions.

And finally, we look ahead to the future—Andrew has ambitious plans to build a ‘house of brands’ within the travel industry over the next five years. He’s shifting his focus to group-level strategy and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of resilience, reinvention, and smart scaling with Andrew Hunt.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Andrew can be found here:

https://holidayarchitects.co.uk/

andrew@holidayarchitects.co.uk

Resources:

Eat Sleep Work Repeat Podcast - https://eatsleepworkrepeat.com/category/podcast/

Perplexity app - https://www.perplexity.ai/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we’re joined by Dan Tennakoon, CEO of RE24, a pioneering enterprise platform that helps large energy users, particularly data centres, manage renewable energy. Dan shares his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of scaling a business in the renewable energy sector, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Key Points:

🔹 How RE24 is revolutionising the renewable energy market with long-term contracts and a customer-first approach 🔹 The biggest challenges Dan faced in scaling RE24, including building credibility, managing cash flow, and navigating the loneliness of entrepreneurship 🔹 The key factors behind RE24’s success: persistence, simplicity in messaging, and working with young, adaptable talent 🔹 Why securing an 18-month cash runway is crucial for financial stability 🔹 Dan’s long-term vision for RE24, including an IPO by 2033 and making 24/7 carbon-free energy accessible to all

Make sure you subscribe to ScaleUp Radio so you never miss an episode!

For now, continue listening for the full conversation with Dan Tennakoon.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Dan can be found here:

https://re24.energy/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhanushka-tennakoon/

https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FRE24_energy

Resources:

Stanford University Thought Leaders Podcast - https://stvp.stanford.edu/podcasts/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we sit down with Raluca Epureanu, the founder of Flairmakers—a pioneering talent-on-demand platform designed specifically for the hospitality industry. Raluca shares her inspiring journey from concept to creation, revealing how Flairmakers is revolutionising the freelance talent landscape by integrating skills training directly into their platform.

Key Highlights:

• Innovative Business Model: Flairmakers connects hospitality businesses with freelance talent for short-term assignments, while also providing integrated training to expand the freelance talent pool.
• Funding Success: After raising an impressive £275,000 in a friends and family round, Flairmakers is now pursuing a pre-seed round with institutional investors to scale their impact.
• Challenges and Lessons Learned: Raluca discusses the delicate balance between product development and fundraising, along with the critical importance of defining a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) without falling into the perfectionism trap.
• Market Opportunity: With the travel and tourism industry representing 7% of global GDP, Flairmakers is tapping into a vast market, addressing the growing demand for skilled freelancers in the post-2020 world.
• Vision and Mission: Raluca’s goal is clear—establish Flairmakers as the global go-to platform for hospitality freelancers, empowering professionals through fair pay and lifelong learning.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Raluca.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Raluca can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/flairmakers/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/raluca-epureanu/

https://flairmakers.com/

Resources:

McKinsey Quarterly - https://www.mckinsey.com/quarterly/overview

The Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Cashing Out: How To Sell To Private Equity by Alexis Sikorsky - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/cashing-out-the-business-owner-s-guide-to-selling-to-private-equity-alexis-sikorsky/7660646?ean=9781781338476

Slack - https://slack.com/intl/en-gb/

Fathom - https://fathom.video/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson, and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I chat with Nick Hunt, the Chief Beer Officer and co-founder of Cotswold Lakes Brewery, a microbrewery redefining what it means to run a purpose-driven business.

Nick takes us through the journey of founding Cotswold Lakes Brewery in 2021 with a clear mission: creating “Beer with Purpose.” He shares how the business has grown from homebrewing experiments to an award-winning brewery that integrates sustainability, community, and quality into every pint.

You’ll hear how Cotswold Lakes Brewery uses surplus bread to craft their beers, harvests rainwater to reduce their environmental footprint, and hosts taproom events to engage with the local community. Their unique approach ensures that both purpose and profit thrive in harmony.

Nick also reflects on the challenges of growing a seasonal business, the lessons learned from early missteps, and the importance of testing, pivoting, and embracing curiosity to achieve sustainable growth.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of sustainability, community, and premium brewing with Nick Hunt.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Nick can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-hunt-a4006789/

https://www.instagram.com/nickcotswoldlakesbrewco/

Resources:

Start With Why by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/239994?ean=9780241958223

4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/four-thousand-weeks-the-smash-hit-sunday-times-bestseller-that-will-change-your-life-oliver-burkeman/6475932?ean=9781784704001

Build Your Purpose Podcast with Tom Hicks - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PZ6nlMeZOf3A2q99Xh9OZ?si=eMn0YKmbQPWNnqz9ESqbYA&nd=1&dlsi=c643f7b29b854644

Trello - https://trello.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Sarah Simons, co-founder of British Baby Box, a company dedicated to providing safe sleeping spaces for newborns while addressing social inequalities. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, British Baby Box is on the brink of delivering their millionth baby box.

Sarah’s journey began with a tough upbringing that instilled in her the resilience and drive to succeed. She shares how these qualities shaped her entrepreneurial path, culminating in the establishment of British Baby Box with her business partner. Inspired by Finland’s 90-year tradition of government-issued baby boxes, Sarah and her partner adapted the idea for the UK, tailoring it to meet the needs of families in poverty.

Throughout this episode, Sarah delves into:

1. Her entrepreneurial journey: From a challenging childhood to launching a business with no prior experience.
2. Establishing credibility: Securing the first British Standards certification for baby boxes after a rigorous four-and-a-half-year process.
3. Balancing profit and social mission: How British Baby Box partners with government agencies, local councils, and charities to distribute boxes to families in need, ensuring babies have a safe place to sleep.
4. Future aspirations: Expanding beyond the UK, with discussions already underway to bring British Baby Box to Europe.

The one key thing from this episode? Believe in yourself and your mission—it’s the foundation for building something meaningful.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Sarah.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Sarah can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/sarah-simons-93ab9598

https://www.britishbabybox.com/

sarah@britishbabybox.com

View Details

In this engaging episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent sits down with Dr. Serge Santos, a self-described "business physicist" and seasoned entrepreneur, to uncover his unique journey in business acquisition, scaling, and team building. Serge, with his multicultural roots spanning Switzerland, Portugal, and Britain, shares invaluable insights from his transformation from a management consultant to an independent business owner and investor.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

1. Business Acquisition Philosophy: Serge delves into why he transitioned from consulting to business ownership, highlighting his criteria for purchasing a company. His focus on profitability, recurring revenue, fragmented industries, and businesses requiring TLC offers a masterclass in selecting the right acquisition targets.
2. Lessons in Leadership and Team Building: He reflects on the challenges of taking over an established team, emphasising the importance of nurturing culture, trusting your staff, and adopting a "no dickhead policy" to maintain a collaborative and positive work environment.
3. Starting a Scalable Business: Serge shares how he balanced his venture into the compressed air industry with launching the Funding Alternative Group, a virtual lending business aimed at helping SMEs. His step-by-step strategy of securing financial stability before embarking on riskier ventures is an inspiring takeaway for any entrepreneur.
4. Pragmatic Insights on Cash Flow and Operational Excellence: With a strong focus on "cash is king," Serge discusses his approach to operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and building customer trust through reliable service delivery.
5. Key Challenges and Takeaways: Serge opens up about learning from setbacks, including a legal battle over unpaid work, and how those experiences shaped his approach to scaling businesses. His advice to entrepreneurs about maintaining focus, delaying gratification, and the value of mentors is invaluable.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Serge.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Serge can be found here:

serge.santos@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/santosserge/

Resources

"The Missing Billionaires" by Victor Haghani & James White - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-missing-billionaires-a-guide-to-better-financ-ial-decisions-v-haghani/4997533?ean=9781119747918

Podcast: The Storytelling Lab by Rain Bennett - https://www.rainbennett.com/thestorytellinglab/categories/podcast

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

Fireflies - https://fireflies.ai/

Perplexity - https://www.perplexity.ai/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent is joined by Charlotte Melia, the inspiring founder of D&F Creative, to explore how she scaled her international events business across London, New York, and Riyadh. Charlotte shares her entrepreneurial journey, including her evolution from organising children's parties to delivering high-profile corporate events globally. She opens up about the challenges of scaling internationally, from managing cash flow to hiring senior leadership and balancing the demands of running a business as a single mother.

This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, female founders, and anyone navigating international growth. Charlotte also shares valuable advice on building networks, refining pitches, and embracing bold decisions when scaling up.

1. D&F Creative’s Business Evolution:

   • Originated as a children’s party business before pivoting to corporate events
   • Expanded into corporate events, focusing on sports fan zones, internal communications, and brand activations.
   • Achieved international growth with offices in London, New York, and Riyadh, delivering results faster than expected, including three events in Riyadh within ten weeks.

2. Challenges of Scaling Internationally:

3. Transitioning from upfront private event payments to 30-60 day corporate payment terms caused cash flow strain.

4. Seasonal revenue fluctuations led to opening a Middle East office to bridge gaps in Q1 business.
5. Hiring senior roles, such as a Financial Director and operations leads, to address leadership gaps.

6. Balancing international travel demands while parenting a son with severe autism.

7. Advice for Female Founders:

8. Build strong networks and learn from connections.

9. Practice your elevator pitch through competitions to refine your message.
10. Be bold in pursuing international opportunities and pivoting when needed.

11. Surprisingly, the Saudi market has proven to be very supportive of women-owned businesses.

12. Sustainability Initiatives:

13. Prioritising local supply chains in all regions.

14. Vetting vendors based on sustainability credentials.
15. Implementing a no single-use plastics policy worldwide.
16. Investing profits into a biodegradable balloon research project with Imperial College London.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Charlotte.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Charlotte can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/charlotte-melia-4553a296

https://dazzleandfizz.co.uk/

info@dazzleandfizz.co.uk

View Details

In this insightful episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Doug Betts, the founder of Sure Betts HR Solutions. Doug shares his journey of creating a proactive HR consultancy tailored for charities and non-profits with up to 60 employees. Through his expertise and practical advice, Doug sheds light on the leadership challenges that growing businesses face and provides actionable strategies to overcome them.

Key Points In This Episode

1. Building a Proactive HR Framework: How Doug’s business improves workplace culture and leadership for smaller organisations in the non-profit sector.
2. Leadership Development: Why businesses struggle when promoting technically skilled employees to leadership roles and how to fix it.
3. Organisational Design: The importance of clear career paths and accountability in building a scalable business.
4. Scaling as a Founder: How to transition from managing everything to empowering teams and focusing on high-value tasks.
5. The Value of Writing a Book: Doug’s experience with his book From New Line Manager to Great People Leader and how it serves as a tool for thought leadership and business growth.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Doug.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Doug can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-betts-hr-reward-leadership/

https://www.surebettshr.com/

Resources:

Ben Sweeney (Corporate Sween) - https://www.instagram.com/corporate.sween/

Nick James Empire Builders - https://www.empire-builders.co.uk/ebphome

Breathe HR - https://www.breathehr.com/en-gb/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we sit down with Rafmary Baker, founder of the Cambridge Business Online Centre. This award-winning educational enterprise is transforming the way adult learners, particularly those from hard-to-reach groups, access skills training and education.

Rafmary shares her journey of building a business that not only helps individuals gain employment, start businesses, or pursue further education but also emphasizes the critical role of soft skills, digital literacy, and continuous learning in today's fast-paced world.

We delve into:

1. The innovative approaches Cambridge Business Online Centre employs to make education accessible and impactful for all.
2. The challenges of transitioning from grant funding to a sustainable revenue-based model while staying true to the mission of inclusivity.
3. Leadership insights, including avoiding accidental managers and the power of philosophies like Kaizen for continuous improvement.

Rafmary’s passion for education and technology shines as she discusses how AI integration is transforming the Centre's services and the importance of working alongside technology.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Rafmary.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Rafmary can be found here:

https://www.cambridgebusinessonline.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Fiona Wylie, the CEO and founder of Brand Champions, a dynamic marketing consultancy with a unique team of ex-clients. Brand Champions positions itself as an extension of its clients’ marketing teams, providing bespoke marketing solutions across industries ranging from healthcare to restaurants, including big names like Pizza Express.

Fiona shares the inspiring story of building a consultancy that not only delivers exceptional results but also maintains a laser focus on client satisfaction and team happiness – both exceeding 90%.

The conversation is divided into three key sections:

1. The Business: Fiona provides a detailed overview of Brand Champions, including its transparent pricing model, virtual team structure, and wide range of services.
2. Scaling Challenges: We dive into the obstacles Fiona has faced, such as generating new business and retaining a cohesive team, and the strategies she’s implemented to overcome them.
3. Quickfire Insights: Fiona shares her thoughts on consistent marketing strategies, balancing brand-building with sales activation, and what the future holds for Brand Champions, including their global ambitions.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Fiona.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Fiona can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fewylie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brand-champions-london-ltd/

Resources:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-alchemist-paulo-coelho/238009?ean=9780722532935

The Immortal Life of Agencies podcast - https://www.codefinery.com/podcast/

SparkToro - https://sparktoro.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Tess Cope, the founder of The Transformation Agency, to explore her systemic coaching framework, leadership development strategies, and the scaling journey of her business.

Tess shares her expertise in working with medium to large organisations to enhance leadership team dynamics and organisational culture. She also reveals how her coaching approach, HARNESS, helps leaders identify behavioural patterns and navigate complex transitions. Whether you're scaling a team, hiring new leaders, or trying to maintain your organisational culture through growth, Tess offers invaluable advice for founders and leaders alike.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The HARNESS Framework:

   • How unpacking personal and organisational history can lead to sustainable behavioural shifts.
   • The importance of addressing root causes, from stakeholder feedback to mapping family patterns.

2. Leadership Transition Challenges:

3. How to “clean the seat” for new leaders while honouring past contributions.

4. Managing allergic reactions to new hires and balancing autonomy with legacy relationships.

5. Advice for Founders Scaling Their Business:

6. Recruiting for cultural fit, involving your team in hiring, and using competency-based tools.

7. Staying consistent in business development efforts, even during tough times.
8. Practical tips for managing time and staying intentional about growth.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Tess.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Tess can be found here:

https://thetransformationagency.com/

linkedin.com/in/tesscope

Resources:

Harness by Tess Cope - https://www.waterstones.com/book/harness/tess-cope/9781784529628

Your Team Is Not The Issue by Tess Cope - https://www.waterstones.com/book/your-team-is-not-the-issue/tess-cope/9781915771230

The New Psychology of Winning by - https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-new-psychology-of-winning/denis-waitley/9781722503611

Otter app - https://otter.ai/

View Details

Hi there, I’m Granger Forson. You can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I speak with Adam Hopkinson, founder of PASHN Media Agency.

PASHN Media, founded in 2022, is a dynamic media planning and buying agency that connects brands with their ideal customers. Adam and his team specialize in the fashion, entertainment, and leisure sectors, catering to clients with advertising budgets of £1-1.5M per year. Within three years, Adam has grown PASHN to an impressive £8M in revenue with a team of 12 – all while maintaining profitability and a clear focus on innovation and client impact.

Adam shares how he built PASHN “cold,” relying on industry relationships, creative marketing, and a strong emphasis on empowering his team. From finding versatile “open water swimmers” to shaping roles as the business grows, Adam emphasizes a culture of adaptability and collaboration, ensuring the team is aligned and motivated to excel.

We also discuss the importance of financial discipline in scaling a business, with Adam highlighting the value of early financial planning and clear communication with clients. He offers invaluable insights into the challenges of startup life, including navigating difficult client relationships and maintaining a steady cash flow.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, whether you’re scaling your business or dreaming of building your own venture. Adam’s story is a masterclass in leveraging experience, staying flexible, and turning a vision into reality.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of growth, finding the right team, and vision with Adam Hopkinson.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Adam can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/h0pkin50n

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahopkinson1/

adam@pashn.media

07944 380323

Resources:

Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/ogilvy-on-advertising-david-ogilvy/3564717?ean=9781802794960

Let’s Do The Right Thing podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/67NZfyiPQ5D3i1kNQzH089?si=4ef73f6b455a40cd

Rydoo app - https://www.rydoo.com/mobile-expense-app/

Microsoft Suite - https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/microsoft-office

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the exciting world of geospatial AI and its transformative potential in real estate with Sebastian Boncu, the CEO and founder of Voolu. Sebastian shares how his company is using cutting-edge technology to make data analysis more accessible, smarter, and impactful for decision-making in real estate and beyond.

We discuss:

1. The Business and its Vision Voolu is developing a geospatial AI platform that aggregates various datasets, including real estate, census, and crime data, making it interrogable using natural language AI. Their goal? To refine property valuation with unprecedented accuracy and eventually become a leading geospatial analysis tool across Europe.
2. The Scaleup Journey Starting as a bootstrapped venture three years ago, Voolu has since raised £350k, led by SFC Capital, and is now laser-focused on securing larger contracts to de-risk future funding rounds. Sebastian talks about the challenges of navigating startup life, balancing a bold vision with lean methodology, and the critical role of the right team.
3. The Challenges and Lessons Learned From assembling a motivated, equity-incentivised team to learning through small failures, Sebastian underscores the importance of passion, continuous action, and finding experienced advisors in driving growth.
4. The Road Ahead With ambitious plans to scale operations across Europe in the next five years, Voolu is building out AI-powered tools to enhance property valuation accuracy, expanding datasets, and preparing to ramp up marketing once product-market fit is solidified.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Sebastian.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Sebastian can be found here:

https://voolu.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sboncu/

https://www.instagram.com/sebastian.boncu/

Resources:

Y Combinator - https://www.ycombinator.com/

Diary of a CEO - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/

Fathom - https://fathom.video/

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

Slack - https://slack.com/intl/en-gb

WhatsApp - https://www.whatsapp.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent dives into the fascinating intersection of motorsports and leadership with Dr. Tarek Jomaa. Dr. Jomaa’s journey from a PhD in vehicle dynamics and motorsports engineering to leadership training offers unique perspectives on building high-performance teams and scaling businesses.

Dr. Jomaa introduces the 4C Model – Consolidation, Clarity, Consistency, and Collaboration – a framework that parallels the precision of motorsports to create and sustain high-performing teams. From understanding non-linear thinking in decision-making to balancing the roles of technician, entrepreneur, and manager, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for scaling businesses.

We also explore how advanced AI tools could reshape the way we assess team performance while navigating ethical challenges. Whether you're a business leader or a motorsport enthusiast, this episode offers a fresh take on leadership and teamwork.

Key Highlights:

• Motorsports Meets Leadership: How vehicle dynamics concepts like tire grip and weight transfer inform team dynamics and leadership strategies.
• The 4C Model for Teams: Insights into team profiling and improving performance through shared vision, clear roles, consistency, and collaboration.
• Non-Linear Leadership Thinking: Why effective leaders must weigh trade-offs and make balanced decisions.
• Scaling Businesses with E-Myth Principles: Dr. Jomaa discusses balancing leadership roles and delegating effectively as businesses grow.
• AI in Team Performance: Exploring the potential – and ethical concerns – of using AI to track and optimise team dynamics.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Tarek.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Tarek can be found here:

https://www.synthosys.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtarekjomaa/

tarek@synthosys.co.uk

Resources:

Thinking Fast & Slow by Daniel Kahneman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/thinking-fast-and-slow-daniel-kahneman/407361?ean=9780141033570

The E-Myth by Michael E Gerbe - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-e-myth-revisited-why-most-small-businesses-don-t-work-and-what-to-do-about-it-michael-e-gerber/82114?ean=9780887307287

Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/predictably-irrational-the-hidden-forces-that-shape-our-decisions-dan-ariely/261583?ean=9780007256532

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

View Details

Hi there! I’m Granger Forson, and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. This episode of ScaleUp Radio features the inspiring journey of Robin Waite, founder of Fearless Business, a coaching practice helping service-based businesses thrive.

Robin’s story begins with running a successful web design and marketing agency for over a decade. Despite growing to 180 clients and generating nearly £250,000 in revenue, Robin faced burnout and made the courageous decision to close the business. What followed was a transformative shift into coaching, where Robin now empowers entrepreneurs to repackage their services, escape the time-for-money trap, and double their revenue while working with fewer clients.

In this episode, Robin shares the importance of strategic partnerships, focusing on marketing assets with long-term impact, and prioritizing health and meaningful work. His insights on pricing strategies—such as raising rates dramatically to attract better clients—are eye-opening and actionable for any business leader.

We also explore how Robin’s recent health challenges have shaped his approach to work and life, emphasizing joy, travel, and connections over the grind. With practical tips on building influential relationships and creating sustainable marketing strategies, Robin’s story is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone on a ScaleUp journey.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of resilience, transformation, and fearless growth with Robin Waite.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Robin can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/@RobinMWaite

https://www.robinwaite.com/

Resources:

Take Your Shot by Robin Waite - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/take-your-shot-how-to-grow-your-business-attract-more-clients-and-make-more-money-robin-waite/3520342?ean=9780995776807

Built To Sell by John Warrillow - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/built-to-sell/1892878?ean=9781591845829

The Road Less Stupid by Keith J Cunningham - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36653486-the-road-less-stupid

Key Person Of Influence by Dan Priestley - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/key-person-of-influence-the-five-step-method-to-become-one-of-the-most-highly-valued-and-highly-paid-people-in-your-industry-daniel-priestley/625472?ean=9781781331095

Oversubscribed by Dan Priestley - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/oversubscribed-how-to-get-people-lining-up-to-do-business-with-you-daniel-priestley/3262406?ean=9780857088253

The Futur by Chris Dove podcast - https://thefutur.com/content/curiosity-is-key-to-success-philip-van-dusen

Deep Dive with Ali Abdul podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@DeepDivewithAliAbdaal

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we sit down with Chloe Roberts, founder of Made Here With Love, a size-inclusive, custom gemstone jewellery brand that is making waves in the industry with its focus on mental health awareness and ethical practices.

Chloe shares the inspiring journey behind Made Here With Love, a business she started just two years ago after transitioning from a career as a management accountant. From creating beautiful bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings that fit everyone, to donating 10% of all sales to the mental health charity MIND, Chloe’s story is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance.

We delve into:

• The unique selling points of Made Here With Love, including its size-inclusive designs offered at no extra cost.
• The brand's dual focus on profitability and philanthropy.
• Chloe’s marketing success using Instagram and TikTok to share personal and honest content.
• The challenges of scaling a small family-run business while staying true to its core values.

Chloe also candidly discusses the lessons learned from an early investment misstep and the importance of building repeat customers through meaningful relationships.

• a brand with purpose, plus a few quickfire questions to close off.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Chloe.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Chloe can be found here:

https://madeherewithlove.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/made_here_with_love/

https://www.tiktok.com/@made_here_with_love

Resources:

We Can All Make It by Sara Davies - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/we-can-all-make-it-the-star-of-dragon-s-den-shares-her-secrets-of-success-sara-davies/7068199?ean=9781529177244

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In this special episode of ScaleUp Radio, we’re joined by Steve Rawlingson, a returning guest and the founder of Samuel Knight Group. With a remarkable scale-up journey under his belt, Steve shares insights on building a scalable team, maintaining a high-performance culture, and staying focused on strategic goals.

Samuel Knight Group, a global recruitment company specialising in the renewable energy sector, has achieved impressive milestones, including £35 million in sales in 2023 and the potential to reach £1 billion+ within five years. From hiring strategies to leadership approaches, Steve’s experience offers invaluable lessons for scale-up leaders navigating rapid growth and complex challenges.

Key Discussion Points

1. Scaling with a Focus on Values and Mindset:

   • The importance of hiring for values and a growth mindset over skills.
   • Lessons learned from early hiring mistakes, with only 2 of the first 20 hires remaining long-term.
   • Psychometric testing as a tool to align candidates with the mission of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050.

2. Creating and Sustaining a High-Performance Culture:

3. Transitioning from a management to a leadership-driven organisation, leading by example.

4. The move towards a 100% employee ownership model by 2026 to align mission and accountability.

5. Building a self-managing culture where every team member understands their role and contributions.

6. Strategic Focus and Execution:

7. Avoiding distractions by sticking to core market sectors and focusing on environmental impact metrics, such as megawatts of power created.

8. Utilising regular planning rhythms like 90-day plans and clear KPIs to maintain alignment and drive growth.

9. The significance of peer support networks like Smart Boards and the Smart90 program for effective planning and execution.

10. Overcoming Challenges with a Growth Mindset:

11. Viewing obstacles as opportunities and embracing change.

12. Steve compares the scale-up journey to climbing a mountain: persistence and belief in your mission are critical to achieving the next level.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Steve.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Steve Can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/stevenrawlingson

https://www.samuel-knight.com/

info@samuel-knight.com

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Jeremy Stern, the founder of PromoVeritas, a promotional compliance specialist that has grown from a one-person operation into a global leader with a team of 50 and operations spanning 88 countries.

PromoVeritas ensures that promotions, competitions, and prize draws run by some of the world’s biggest brands—like Cadbury, Pringles, and Amazon—are legal, fair, and effective. Jeremy shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey, from founding the business 20 years ago after being fired from Sega to recently transitioning the company to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

This episode is structured in three parts:

1. The Business and Its ScaleUp Journey: Jeremy discusses PromoVeritas' service offerings, business model, and impressive growth.
2. Challenges of Scaling Up: He reflects on overcoming ignorance about the need for compliance services, managing relationships with marketing clients, and adapting to hybrid working post-COVID.
3. Quickfire Questions: Jeremy shares his insights on leadership, maintaining culture, and the company’s plans for continued international growth.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Jeremy.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Jeremy can be found here:

https://www.promoveritas.com/

Resources:

Blinkist app - https://www.blinkist.com/

Eat, Sleep Work & Repeat by Bruce Daisley - https://eatsleepworkrepeat.com/

The Prince by Machiavelli - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-prince-the-original-classic-niccolo-machiavelli/3321256?ean=9780857080783

View Details

Hi there and welcome to another inspiring episode of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast designed to make navigating the ScaleUp journey a little easier by learning from the experiences of others. This week, I’m joined by Stephnie Gribble, founder and owner of Canine Collection, an innovative online dog store launched in January 2024.

Stephnie has achieved remarkable growth in less than a year, combining eco-conscious values with an eye for modern marketing strategies. In this episode, we’ll dive into the fascinating story behind Canine Collection, explore the challenges Stephnie has faced, and uncover her ambitious plans for the future.

Key Highlights:

• A Unique Selling Proposition: Canine Collection specialises in eco-friendly and vegan-friendly products, including toys made from recycled t-shirts and harnesses crafted from plastic bottles. Stephnie is committed to providing affordable, high-quality items for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
• Marketing Magic: Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Stephnie has created a strong online presence and even built a network of "dog reps" to promote her products. Her approach includes competitions, engagement tactics, and showcasing her own personality in the brand’s marketing.
• Early Success: Despite being a young business, Canine Collection has already been shortlisted for awards like the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and participated in major events such as Crufts just months after launching.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Stephnie.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Stephanie can be found here:

https://www.caninecollection.co.uk/

Resources:

Risk Roulette by Graham Ruddick - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/risk-roulette-the-surprising-reasons-why-some-businesses-work-and-others-fail-graham-ruddick/7642885?ean=9781398616059

The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-second-book-by-steven-bartlett-keep-it-to-yourself-steven-bartlett/7257436?ean=9781529146509

Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/clear-thinking-turning-ordinary-moments-into-extraordinary-results-shane-parrish/7419840?ean=9781804947036

Surrounded By Idiots by Thomas Erikson - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/surrounded-by-idiots-the-four-types-of-human-behaviour-or-how-to-understand-those-who-cannot-be-understood-thomas-erikson/1880113?ean=9781785042188

Photo Circle app - https://www.photocircleapp.com/

CapCut - https://www.capcut.com/

Tamsin Broster - https://tamsinbroster.co.uk/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Inge Hunter, founder of Clue Content, a fast-growing content marketing agency blending video production, social media management, and data analytics. Inge shares the innovative ways Clue Content is helping scale-ups harness the power of organic social media through a data-driven, cost-effective approach. From her entrepreneurial roots to her vision of democratising social media marketing, Inge offers insight into both her business philosophy and her impressive growth strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Unique Business Model: Clue Content offers a comprehensive content marketing package, combining a team of specialists with a proprietary data analytics tool that predicts content performance on social media.
• Funding and Team Culture: The company has successfully leveraged equity funding to drive rapid growth and technological innovation while creating a supportive, flexible work culture with a 4-day work week and ownership opportunities for employees.
• Entrepreneurial Vision: Inge’s journey includes an inspiring commitment to making organic social media a more predictable driver of growth for businesses, with a vision to invest in female entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Inge.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Inge can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingehunter/

https://www.instagram.com/clue.content/

https://cluecontent.com/

Resources:

Masterclass app - https://www.masterclass.com/

HMRC app - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/download-the-hmrc-app

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Kate Enters, the dynamic founder of ArtCan, a non-profit arts organisation designed to help artists find their voice and showcase their work beyond the traditional gallery system. Kate shares the remarkable story of ArtCan’s origins, its unconventional non-profit model, and the community it has built for artists seeking exhibition opportunities without gallery representation. With over 600 artists involved from 25+ countries, ArtCan has grown into a global community for artists, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers individuals to take control of their artistic careers.

We delve into Kate’s visionary approach to leadership, ArtCan’s unique volunteer structure, and the organisation’s plans for sustainable growth. She discusses the balance between flexibility and structure, aiming to keep ArtCan accessible to artists while also exploring monetization avenues such as corporate sponsorships and membership fees. Kate’s journey offers an inspiring look at how passion, adaptability, and a trust in her instincts have enabled her to build a thriving, artist-first network that challenges the status quo in the art world.

Key Topics:

1. ArtCan's Founding Vision and Unique Non-Profit Model

   • Discover how Kate founded ArtCan a decade ago as an inclusive alternative to the traditional gallery system, creating a space where artists without representation can exhibit their work.
   • ArtCan’s model eliminates sales commissions, with artists only paying small participation fees, making it a more accessible platform for emerging talent.
   • The organisation hosts 10-15 exhibitions per year, including a virtual gallery born from the pandemic, reaching audiences worldwide.

2. Volunteer-Driven Structure and Organisational Challenges

3. ArtCan operates entirely with a volunteer team, including a board of trustees, coaches, and an advisory committee, all dedicated to supporting the artists.

4. Kate explains the challenges of expanding the audience, securing funding, and planning to introduce membership fees to enhance ArtCan’s sustainability.

5. Kate's Approach to Leadership and Growth

6. Emphasising flexibility and intuition, Kate promotes a leadership style that empowers artists to own their process while maintaining a consistent framework for ArtCan’s operations.

7. She shares her aspirations to transition ArtCan’s business structure over the next few years, including creating paid roles for core volunteers and building a formal strategy around partnerships and funding.

8. Marketing and Community Engagement

9. ArtCan leverages social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to amplify its reach internationally and relies on word-of-mouth within the artist community.

10. The organisation’s creative fundraising initiatives, such as its annual postcard exhibition and holiday art quiz, also contribute to community building and awareness.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Kate.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Kate can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-enters-b685505/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/artcanorg/

https://www.instagram.com/artcanorg/

https://www.artcan.org.uk/

info@artcan.org.uk

View Details

Hi, I'm Granger Forson, and you can find me at BizSmart Gloucestershire or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by David Sloly, co-owner of HarveyDavid, a technology-driven B2B marketing agency. Over the past 11 years, David has built a unique agency that combines tech, content, and AI to transform how clients engage their markets. We discuss the unplanned approach to growth that’s at the heart of his entrepreneurial philosophy—starting small, iterating quickly, and focusing on action over extensive planning.

David shares how HarveyDavid has structured its business model around selective client partnerships, high-quality delivery, and robust financial management. They work only with clients who align with their vision, avoiding traditional pitches and instead fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. David also discusses their innovative approach to financial management, which includes separating funds for VAT, taxes, and daily operations to ensure a steady foundation for growth.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into AI's role in marketing. David’s latest venture, a groundbreaking AI-generated podcast sitcom called “Made in AI,” showcases the potential of AI in content production. He shares insights on how rapidly advancing AI is both challenging and reshaping the industry—raising ethical questions, creating new job possibilities, and bringing efficiencies previously unimaginable.

David’s advice for fellow entrepreneurs focuses on flexibility, resilience, and knowing when to delegate versus take ownership. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining direct control over core business functions, like new client acquisition, and advocates for a value-driven approach—one where creating meaningful connections with customers outweighs mere financial metrics.

Don’t miss this conversation packed with actionable insights and a unique perspective on the evolving world of marketing, AI, and agile business strategies. Join us as David highlights the importance of passion, timing, and keeping a close eye on market readiness. Whether you're a startup founder or an established business owner, David’s journey offers a fresh perspective on building and scaling with purpose and adaptability.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of unplanning, AI-driven creativity, and resilient growth with David Sloly.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

David can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sloly/

Resources:

The Incoming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-coming-wave-transformative-technology-catastrophic-risk-and-the-greatest-dilemma-of-the-twenty-first-century-michael-bhaskar/7404168?ean=9781847927484

Made in AI podcast - https://madeinaipodcast.com/

View Details

Hi, I’m Granger Forson, business coach and host of ScaleUp Radio. You can find me at BizSmart Gloucestershire or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this episode, I’m joined by Dorian Kirk, founder of Art Hospitality, whose restaurant group journey has transformed from humble pop-up beginnings to a powerhouse of chef-led concepts across multiple cities. Dorian’s experience in the industry—starting at the age of 14 as a dishwasher—has nurtured a deep-rooted passion for culinary innovation and authentic leadership.

Dorian shares how he and his brother began Art Hospitality with just £500 and a single concept, expanding into a multi-brand group with six thriving restaurants. He emphasizes the importance of empowering talented chefs by offering ownership stakes, creating what he calls “Chef-preneurs.” This innovative approach has become the heartbeat of Art Hospitality, blending creativity with entrepreneurship to drive each new concept's unique flair.

One of the highlights of Dorian's journey is his ability to adapt under pressure. Faced with the pandemic’s challenges, Dorian quickly pivoted, investing in outdoor spaces and launching fresh concepts to not only survive but thrive. His dedication to his team and his relentless pursuit of excellence have helped Art Hospitality come out stronger, with plans for significant growth in the coming years, including expanding their Maneki Ramen brand and new ventures into pub and fine dining sectors.

Leadership has been a transformative aspect of Dorian’s journey. Transitioning from a hands-on chef to a strategic leader, he has implemented a culture where “the best ideas win” and empowered his team to take charge. With a keen focus on operational excellence and team growth, Dorian continues to drive Art Hospitality forward while remaining true to his values of quality, resilience, and creativity.

Join us for an inspiring episode filled with lessons on navigating growth, adapting to adversity, and fostering an innovative workplace culture. Dorian’s story of growth and empowerment is a powerful example of what it means to build not just a successful business, but a legacy.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of resilience, creativity, and empowerment with Dorian Kirk.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Dorian can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-kirk-9516b53b/

dorian@arthospitality.co.uk

Resources:

The E-Myth by Michael E Gerber - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-e-myth-revisited-why-most-small-businesses-don-t-work-and-what-to-do-about-it-michael-e-gerber/82114?ean=9780887307287

The Surrender Experiment by Michael A Singer - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-surrender-experiment-my-journey-into-life-s-perfection-michael-a-singer/3695367?ean=9781473621503

The Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Monday - https://monday.com/

View Details

In this ScaleUp Club Q&A episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Jane James, the founder of Little Voices, a company she started 17 years ago to help children find confidence through drama and singing. What began as a single location has grown into a successful network of over 30 franchisees, positively impacting the lives of more than 100,000 children.

In this episode, Jane shares the pivotal moments and challenges she faced while scaling Little Voices and answers questions posed to her by members of our ScaleUp Club audience. Some of the key topics discussed include:

• The early vision behind Little Voices and its mission to empower children.
• How Jane had to 'get out of her own way' to allow her business to grow, which meant learning to trust and empower others.
• The franchising journey, from launching the first pilot to expanding the network to over 30 franchisees.
• The significant challenges posed by COVID-19 and how the business adapted to survive and thrive.
• Jane's evolution as a leader, including how understanding herself and her team better has contributed to the company's success.

This is an inspiring conversation for anyone considering franchising as a growth model or looking to build a resilient business that can navigate unforeseen challenges.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Jane.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Jane can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/janemaudsley

https://littlevoices.org.uk/

info@littlevoices.org.uk

View Details

Welcome to another insightful episode of ScaleUp Radio, hosted by Granger Forson! You can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Helen Tanner, the founder of Data3, a data AI consultancy that’s been transforming businesses for over seven years. DataCUBE helps organisations untangle their data and unlock powerful insights, paving the way for leaner, more efficient operations.

Helen shares how DataCUBE pivoted from a traditional setup to an ultra-lean model by eliminating all non-essential roles like administration and marketing. Now, DataCUBE is run exclusively by technical experts and powered by cutting-edge automation tools. This shift allowed the company to focus on what they do best—delivering bespoke data solutions that help businesses scale without the typical overhead.

We also explore how DataCUBE’s success is built on being tech-agnostic, tailoring solutions to meet each client’s unique needs. Helen discusses their effective marketing strategies, from C-suite events to SEO, and why they ditched cold outreach entirely.

Throughout the episode, Helen reflects on her personal growth as a leader, the lessons she’s learned from scaling, and her vision for the future of AI-powered businesses. It’s a candid, inspiring conversation that will leave you rethinking how to leverage technology in your own business!

If you’re passionate about innovation, leadership, or the potential of AI, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Helen’s journey to building a data-driven business for the future.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of automation, efficiency, and innovation with Helen Tanner.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Helen can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentanner/

helen@data-cubed.co.uk

Resources:

Million Dollar Leads by Alex Hormozi - https://www.waterstones.com/book/100m-leads/alex-hormozi/9781737475774

Million Dollar Offers by Alex Hormozi - https://www.waterstones.com/book/100m-offers/alex-hormozi/9781737475743

Solve For Happy by Mo Gawdat - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/solve-for-happy-engineer-your-path-to-joy-mo-gawdat/1350012?ean=9781509809950

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

View Details

In this insightful episode of ScaleUp Radio, your host Kevin Brent is joined by Vanessa Pozzali, the co-founder of Synthosys, a consultancy that specialises in unlocking the hidden aspects of organisations, including culture, leadership, and building high-performance teams.

Vanessa shares how Synthosys uses a unique "iceberg" model, focusing on the unseen yet critical elements that drive sustainable organisational success. Synthosys takes a deep dive into what she calls the 4C model, exploring collaboration, communication, clarity, and one crucial element she keeps under wraps! With this approach, Synthosys helps businesses transform their cultures and enhance leadership capabilities, making the invisible visible.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Synthosys' Approach to Organisational Culture:

   • Vanessa explains how they view organisations as icebergs, addressing the hidden, often ignored dynamics that affect long-term performance.
   • Synthosys assesses different culture types, using bespoke questionnaires to explore both conscious and unconscious company dynamics.
   • The consultancy implements tailored workshops, leadership programs, and coaching to align a company's culture with its core values.

2. Leadership Challenges and Development:

3. Vanessa highlights the difficulties leaders face when transitioning from founder-led to team-driven cultures. Many leaders are promoted for their technical expertise, not leadership abilities, which can lead to challenges.

4. She also discusses the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership and how it can be developed through feedback and practice.

5. Leaders need consistent support and supervision, especially to manage the feelings of isolation that can come with leadership roles.

6. Building High-Performance Teams:

7. Synthosys emphasises the importance of trust as the foundation for delegation and effective teamwork.

8. Vanessa touches on the importance of clear communication, including the need to share uncertainties and ambiguities, which fosters trust and cohesion within teams.

9. She discusses the necessity of balancing a results-driven approach with employee well-being to ensure sustainable high performance, particularly in light of changing work preferences, such as the need for flexibility and remote work options.

10. Cultural Differences in Business:

11. Vanessa also explores the influence of cultural differences on business dynamics, comparing the direct communication style in Italian businesses to the more diplomatic “sandwich” feedback approach common in the UK.

12. Understanding these cultural nuances, she explains, is vital for effective leadership and communication, particularly in today’s global business landscape.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Vanessa.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Vanessa can be found here:

Vanessa’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vanessapozzali

Synthosys Linktree: https://linktr.ee/synthosys

View Details

Supporting Artists Whilst Changing The Marketplace

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with John Sewell, founder of Cosimo, an innovative online marketplace designed to help early-career and emerging artists showcase and sell their work. With over 1,200 artists already on the platform, Cosimo aims to make art more accessible and affordable while supporting artists through e-learning resources and strategic partnerships.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Cosimo’s Unique Business Model Cosimo is designed to support artists in their early careers, offering free listings for artists with the option of paid subscriptions for enhanced features. Unlike traditional art marketplaces, Cosimo doesn’t charge commission fees (which can range from 30% to 50% in the art industry). Instead, the revenue comes from artist subscriptions and corporate sponsorships. Buyers pay for shipping, which includes protection, similar to the Vinted model.
2. Overcoming Fundraising Challenges As a first-time founder, John shares the tough lessons learned from raising funds through the Seedrs crowdfunding platform. It took two years to secure his first funding round, gaining 150+ investors who now form a valuable network. He also highlights the setbacks caused by delays from a micro VC and stresses the importance of contingency planning for future fundraising.
3. Focusing on Marketplace Development While the platform initially concentrated on acquiring artists, the focus has shifted towards attracting buyers and proving market demand. John shares how content creation and social media are key to showcasing the artists' work, and discusses the development of e-learning resources to help artists improve their business skills. This shift is essential as Cosimo aims to create a sustainable and profitable business model before further investment.
4. Technology and the Future John also looks to the future, exploring how technologies like AR/VR and AI can enhance the art-buying experience and create new revenue streams for artists. He envisions a world where AI helps more people tap into their creativity, ultimately expanding the market for Cosimo.
5. John’s Personal Growth as a Founder A lifelong learner, John relies on podcasts and mentorship to inspire new ideas and solve business problems. He finds walking while listening to podcasts particularly helpful and leverages AI tools like ChatGPT, Bard, and Midjourney to streamline various tasks. The support of other startup founders has also been instrumental in his journey.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from John.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

John can be found here:

https://www.cosimo.art/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnedwardsewell/

Resources:

Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@tetragrammaton_now

Canva - canva.com

ChatGPT - https://openai.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent speaks with Charlotte Giddings, founder of Brownie and the Bean, a business that started as a mobile café and has since grown into a multi-faceted company with a strong online presence. Charlotte takes us through her entrepreneurial journey, sharing the key decisions and challenges that have shaped the business since it launched in 2019.

Episode Highlights:

• Business Evolution: Charlotte explains how Brownie and the Bean began as a mobile café in a horse trailer and pivoted during the pandemic to embrace e-commerce. They now operate across several revenue streams, including online sales, wholesale, and a thriving corporate gifting division, particularly strong during Q4, where sales increase fivefold.
• Scaling Challenges: From managing seasonal demand to dealing with skyrocketing ingredient costs (e.g., a 300% increase in cocoa prices), Charlotte discusses the pressures of scaling up. She also reveals the difficulties of transitioning from a hands-on founder to a team manager, alongside navigating cash flow and financing growth.
• Product and Brand Differentiation: One of the keys to Brownie and the Bean's success is their handcrafted, high-quality products, including brownies, blondies, and cakes for wholesale. They’ve built a strong following on social media, leveraging their personal brand story and behind-the-scenes content to connect with customers.
• Future Ambitions: Looking ahead, Charlotte plans to grow their corporate gifting line to smooth out seasonal fluctuations, participate in larger festivals like Glastonbury, and ultimately work towards selling the business in the next decade.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Charlotte!

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

More on Brownie and the Bean

They are a Suffolk based family business that started life just before the pandemic. They specialise in handcrafted cakes, baked with the finest ingredients (locally sourced wherever possible). Corporate gifting is their main area of expertise and they work with businesses in lots of different ways. They have a huge range of gift ideas on offer from individually wrapped branded brownies, to festive feasting grazing tables. Their brownies are also dispatched all over the UK in gift boxes (which can also be branded with your logo and festive message). You can find out more about their corporate gifting here.

Charlotte can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/brownieandthebean/

https://www.facebook.com/brownieandthebean

https://brownieandthebean.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottegiddings/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Abid Jafri, the Director of AJ Sports, a family-run business specialising in cricket and hockey equipment with stores in the UK and UAE.

Founded by Abid’s father in the 1980s, AJ Sports has grown into a thriving retail business with a strong focus on community engagement and increasing sports participation at the grassroots level.

Throughout the discussion, Abid shares his insights on the challenges of scaling a family business, particularly in managing people and leadership development. He emphasises the importance of quick decision-making, effective delegation, and maintaining company culture across multiple locations.

A key part of AJ Sports’ success has been fostering transparency with staff by sharing financial information, which, as Abid highlights, can enhance employee motivation and understanding.

Abid also touches on the significance of mentorship in business growth, rethinking the concept of work-life balance, and the strategic use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva to improve business efficiency.

Key Highlights:

• AJ Sports operates multiple stores in the UAE and UK, with plans to increase its online sales to 15-20% over the next five years.
• Abid talks about the importance of leadership development and mentorship, particularly when it comes to scaling a business.
• One of the major challenges in growth has been people management, but setting clear performance metrics and quick decision-making has been key to overcoming these hurdles.
• AJ Sports prides itself on engaging with the local community to foster a love for sports, particularly cricket and hockey.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Abid.

=========================

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

===================

Abid can be found here:

https://ajsports.co.uk/

abid@ajsports.me

Resources:

Start With Why by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/239994?ean=9780241958223

Psychology Of Money by Jim Ware - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-psychology-of-money-an-investment-managers-guide-to-beating-the-market-j-ware/3049094?ean=9780471390749

Hard To Get Rich by Felix Dennis - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/how-to-get-rich-felix-dennis/3783747?ean=9780091921668

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/alchemy-the-magic-of-original-thinking-in-a-world-of-mind-numbing-conformity-rory-sutherland/4026901?ean=9780753556528

Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/

Chat GPT - https://chat.openai.com

Canva - https://www.canva.com/

View Details

Welcome to another episode of ScaleUp Radio! I’m your host, Granger Forson. You can learn more about my journey and mission at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk

or connect with me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com).

Today, we dive into the inspiring entrepreneurial saga of Roman Loban, the dynamic founder behind two innovative fintech companies, Xiva and FMPay. Both businesses aim to reshape how micro-businesses handle their financial transactions, with a special focus on inclusivity and local community support in Cheltenham.

In this episode, Roman shares how he bootstrapped his way to fintech innovation, starting with FMPay and later introducing Xiva, each complementing the other’s services. Roman’s approach to building a local yet expansive company—currently boasting about 30 staff members, with a core team in Cheltenham—illustrates his commitment to community and accessible business practices.

We’ll explore the challenges he faced in recruitment, culture cultivation, and lead generation, and how these experiences shaped his business philosophy.

Roman also discusses his future plans for FMPay and Xiva, focusing on expanding services and solidifying their status as the go-to payment providers for Southwest England. He shares valuable lessons on the importance of balancing technological advancement with human interaction, ensuring that every client feels connected and supported.

Roman’s journey is not just about building successful businesses but also about empowering others, fostering a sense of ownership among his team, and maintaining a deep commitment to his vision despite the hurdles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of technology, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of innovation, leadership, and community with Roman Loban.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Roman can be found here:

https://fmpay.me/

https://xiva.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-loban/

Resources:

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/extreme-ownership-how-u-s-navy-seals-lead-and-win-jocko-willink/651009?ean=9781250183866

Lex Fridman Podcast - https://lexfridman.com/podcast/

Chat GPT - https://chat.openai.com

WhatsApp - https://web.whatsapp.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent sits down with the inspiring Corrine Amos, an entrepreneur with a passion for business, sustainability, and adventure. Corrine is the founder of two diverse businesses—Coco and Kiki, an ethical fashion brand, and Cut Loose London, a video production company. She also holds the remarkable achievement of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean as part of a winning all-female team.

We explore Corrine's unique journey, from running two impactful businesses to surviving the physical and mental challenges of rowing 3,000 miles across the ocean. In her candid conversation, Corrine shares how her experience on the ocean deepened her understanding of resilience, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles, offering valuable lessons for her businesses and her entrepreneurial mindset.

1. Coco and Kiki - An Ethical Fashion Brand Corrine’s ethical dungaree brand, Coco and Kiki, not only creates practical and stylish designs but also gives back to the makers in India. Profits from the business help fund social projects, including children's education, with a focus on creating sustainable fashion that benefits vulnerable communities.
2. Cut Loose London - Video Production with a Purpose Starting from her background in film production, Corrine founded Cut Loose London, which works with high-profile clients like Nike and Ikea. Specialising in sustainable and ethical content, the business adapts to fluctuating demands by utilising freelancers, ensuring a flexible and successful business model.
3. Rowing Across the Atlantic As part of a 4-woman team, Corrine rowed across the Atlantic Ocean in just over 42 days, winning the women’s category. The intense mental and physical challenge gave her a unique perspective on tackling business obstacles, teaching her the power of small wins, resilience, and perseverance.

Whether you're looking for inspiration on building ethical businesses or seeking insights on mental resilience, Corrine’s story is packed with practical advice and motivational moments.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Corrine.

Corrine can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/corrine_amos/

https://cocoandkiki.co.uk/

Resources:

Secret Leaders Podcast - https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes

Grace Beverly Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/GraceFitUKtube

David Goggins Podcast - https://davidgoggins.com/

Wordpress - https://wordpress.com/

Shopify - https://www.shopify.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by David Murray-Hundley, better known as The Grumpy Entrepreneur. David brings his candid insights on entrepreneurship, investing, and the challenges of scaling businesses, particularly in the UK. With years of experience as a successful investor and entrepreneur, David has a wealth of knowledge to share about what it takes to grow a startup in today's climate.

During the conversation, David reflects on the unique challenges within the UK startup ecosystem, especially when compared to the more growth-focused US. He stresses the importance of communication between founders and shareholders, as well as the need for founders to take personal financial risks to show their commitment.

David also highlights the difficulties that many businesses face when transitioning from being founder-led to team-driven—a key phase in any scaleup journey. His investment firm, Pario Ventures, which he co-founded with Kevin Doyle, manages over $1 billion in assets and has invested in high-profile companies like Rivian and Bolt. His perspective as an investor further enriches the conversation, offering valuable advice for founders about how to position their businesses for long-term success, rather than focusing solely on rapid growth.

Key Discussion Points:

1. The Grumpy Entrepreneur Brand – Originating as a quirky nickname, this personal brand has evolved into a recognisable conversation starter and a reflection of David’s straightforward approach to business.
2. Pario Ventures – The journey of David’s investment firm, from its founding in 2010 to its public launch in 2021, and the notable companies in its portfolio.
3. Entrepreneurial Mindset – Why being a "maverick" and seeing opportunities where others see barriers is crucial for success in both startups and investments.
4. Challenges in the UK Startup Ecosystem – David discusses why scaling up is tougher in the UK compared to the US, with lower valuations and a more risk-averse investor base.
5. Advice for Investors – What to look for in startups: committed founders who have risked their own money and can demonstrate a clear path to profitability.
6. Advice for Founders – Key considerations when taking investment, including the shift from founder-led to team-driven, and why communication and managing expectations are critical.

David also touches on the current investment climate, with an improving UK market after a tough year, challenges facing the US market, and the impressive capital efficiency of African startups.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from David.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

David can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegrumpyentrepreneur/

dmh@parioventures.com

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Jaipal Naidu, the co-founder of Perse Technology, a company at the forefront of energy and carbon data infrastructure. They explore how Perse is enabling businesses to reduce costs and comply with regulatory requirements through access to critical energy and carbon data.

Jaipal shares insights into Perse’s recent Series A funding round and their ambitious plans to scale into new sectors, including finance emissions and embodied carbon. He discusses the unique challenges that arise as a company scales, particularly when transitioning from founder-led operations to empowering team leaders, while maintaining a startup mentality.

One standout element of Perse’s culture is the transparency they foster, allowing engineers to see the direct revenue impact of their work, which motivates the team and enhances accountability. Jaipal also delves into their growth strategy, leadership approach, and the continuous process of fundraising that keeps the business moving forward.

Key Highlights:

• Business Model: Perse Technology provides organizations with democratized access to energy and carbon data, with revenue streams that include transaction fees, Software-as-a-Service, and per-transaction fees for carbon reporting.
• Achievements: To date, they’ve processed 185 gigawatts of energy, saved £4 million for customers, and helped avoid 100,000 tons of carbon emissions.
• Growth Strategy: With plans to scale from 27 to over 100 employees, Perse is targeting financial institutions and has set ambitious goals for the next three years, including 1,000 gigawatts of energy procured and £10 million in customer savings.
• Leadership Insights: Jaipal emphasises the importance of daily catch-ups with key team members and balancing operational tasks with strategic planning. Perse focuses on hiring individuals with the right attitude, excitement about the vision, and a strong problem-solving approach.
• Fundraising: Raising funds is a continuous effort, with the CEO spending up to 75% of his time on investment-related activities.

The one key thing Jaipal leaves us with is that transparency and accountability are vital in driving motivation and success within the team—engineers can see the direct impact of their work on company revenue, which is a strong motivator for growth.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Jaipal.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Jaipal can be found here:

https://www.perse.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaipalnaidu/

Resources:

Acquired podcast - https://www.acquired.fm/

Motion - https://www.usemotion.com/

Atlassian - https://www.atlassian.com/

View Details

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent sits down with Mark Crane, the founder of Evolution Risk Group and CEO of Coachd, to explore his entrepreneurial journey, dive deep into his sales strategies, and share insightful leadership lessons from his experience in building and scaling businesses. Mark is a dynamic leader who brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, particularly around effective lead generation, hiring for startups, and leveraging technology to enhance business operations.