Finding your North Star: Recent Episodes
hgkc
hgkc in conversation with prominent business people about their experiences and challenges of strategy, innovation, leadership, employee engagement, and building a thriving business - even during difficult times.
In this episode of the HGKC podcast, Finding your North Star, host Kim Jones of hgkc welcomes Stacey Mead, HR Department Bristol, to discuss significant proposed changes in UK employment legislation following the election of a Labour government. They explore key topics such as the transformation of unfair dismissal rights to a day one entitlement, the clarity sought for employment statuses, and potential regulations on 'fire and rehire' practices. Other subjects include the implications of zero-hours contracts and the fundamental 'right to switch off' for work-life balance. The discussion emphasizes the need for businesses, particularly smaller firms, to educate and adapt to these changes for fairer employee treatment and competitive advantage.
If you would like more information about any of the upcoming changes to employment legislation, you can contact Stacey Mead here.
If you would like more information about hgkc help clients navigate their business towards their goals, please contact us here.
Stacey Mead’s career began in the recruitment industry before moving into HR. Having joined The HR Dept in 2007 Stacey is now a trustee and member of The HR Dept Group board and a Director of The HR Dept Bristol. Stacey’s role involves developing and growing the business and The HR Dept's internal HR strategy whilst supporting clients with their HR.
Stacey and her team at HR Dept have a wealth of expertise and offer a friendly service for businesses seeking practical advice and support on all people matters. Get in touch with Stacey Stacey.Mead@hrdept.co.uk or via her website. https://www.hrdept.co.uk/bristol-north-somerset/ don’t forget to connect with her on LinkedIn and read her excellent BLOG on all things peopley!
People are the Key is a collaboration between hgkc, Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace and DISCsimple, experts who work with businesses and other organisations that have issues with conflict and employee engagement.
In this prerecorded conversation, Kim Jones and Jeremy Marchant explore why conflict can sometimes be perpetuated within the organisation when the cause of it is outside; what is meant by trust and trustworthiness, and why for some people it is so difficult to make that first step towards trust; conclude that without any conflict – grist in the mil – decision making becomes ineffective; and discuss the difference between stress and pressure.
Peter Quintana talks to David Macdonald, founder of Path Financial, a wealth management firm that only invests client money in funds committed to positive impact. In a wide-ranging and inspirational conversation, David talks about the moment he realised he could no longer continue what he was doing and remain true to his values, how the Path is firmly focused on doing good for the planet and earthlings, his thoughts about the future of impact investment, and the problem that is green-washing.
Peter Quintana from hgkc talks to brothers Andy and Tim Fussell about their farming heritage, their pioneering move into producing cold-pressed, virgin rape seed oil and earning a place for it alongside olive oil in the culinary world, how buying steel is like buying a coffee, and why there is only one ‘l’ in fussels fine foods. The way that they have developed the fussels brand, to the point that is has become associated with rape seed oil, is an excellent example of the power that brand can have for your business.
Peter Quintana from hgkc talks to Carol Massay, Head of Construction at the Access Group, about her career in construction stretching over 30 years, the challenges she has faced in becoming recognised for what she knows, and her drive to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in a sector that has traditionally been dominated by white males.
Kim Jones in conversation with Paul Netto, hgkc Associate partner, Accountant, Business Advisor and owner of Equifino.
Paul has a long track record helping independent business owners achieve their goals, and in this podcast shares his strategic and practical advice to help independent business owners realise better exits from their businesses by starting early, focusing on their goals and getting a good understanding of value and the range of options to achieve a good deal.
Kim Jones of hgkc in conversation with Sam Talby of undebt, a turnaround specialist, qualified mediator and insolvency practitioner, Sam shares his practical and thoughtful advice to help directors and owners get the best possible outcome when they hit their lowest point. We delve into the essential tests of viability, why transparency matters and options open to businesses facing failure. His compassionate approach is refreshing and reassuring when dealing with the most difficult of times.
The dynamic team heading up ZiaBia embraced digital disruption in their corporate events company with the same creativity and “can do" approach that has fuelled their business since starting out in 2012. They have re-imagined events for clients and introduced new clients to the world of hybrid and virtual formats. Creating events that have an impact and their client’s love, from a mind-reading magician, escape rooms and cocktail making to whole company corporate conferences, events and charity fundraisers. A pacy conversation filled with hints, tips and insights about events and running a successful business.
Peter Marchbank MD of Rotary Precision Instruments was interviewed by Kim Jones from hgkc as he reflects on his four-year journey at RPI UK, bringing a specialist engineering company with a long history of innovation in rotary measurement into its next generation – of products and people. He generously shares his lessons learned along the way and some of his blueprint for success. His enthusiasm and lifelong passion for engineering shines through this interview as does his desire to inspire and invest in the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Helen Moloney from All Things Web and Rich Kersey from ker-Z creative talk to Peter Quintana from hgkc about the five pillars of a good brand - Customer, Consistency, Creativity, Connection and Competition - and how the work they do with their clients in these areas leads to the Holy Grail of brand advocacy.
Many thanks to Andrea Sexton of AdmirePR for hosting this interview with Kim Jones of hgkc about planning and resilience on times of uncertainty, and for agreeing that we can share it as part of Finding your North Star, season 4 conversations. Kim talks about how important it is to care - not just about your people, but also about yourself.
James Short of hgkc speaks to Mark Watts, owner and founder of Yumo Finance,about the importance of understanding the financial flows through a business, and of planning in advance even in times of uncertainty. As an independent broker with a background in banking, Mark offers invaluable advice for how business owners can improve their cash flows and shorten their working capital cycles without resorting to borrowing, but also makes the case for borrowing at a time when loans are such a cheap form of money.
Kim Jones from hgkc speaks to Helen Isherwood is the Innovation Director at Adey, Queen’s Award-winning company recognised for their pioneering work in maintaining and protecting central heating systems in the UK and around the world. Helen leads an ambitious team focused on product development and commercialisation of new products and services. It’s an exciting time at Adey’s and Helen shares their secrets of success and how they are re-framing their innovation for a more disrupted future; from the customer-centric orientation of the business working with engineers and consumers to the collaborative and engaged mindset of the people at Adey. It’s a case study on the benefits of putting innovation at the heart of your culture.
Courage to lead with compassion and conviction - Mark Colbourne talks to James Short of hgkc about his journey of personal challenge and courage from the world of elite sport into business life. His enthusiasm and drive are infectious as he shares his insights on building confidence, mindset, and wellbeing from his earliest days through to his world record breaking achievements at the 2012 Paralympics and his international speaking career.
To find out more about Mark’s story, www.markcolbourne.com or follow him on Twitter MarkColbourne.
Continuing our series of Short Conversations, Sarah Owen of DISCsimple speaks to Kim Jones of hgkc and the most important cultural and people characteristics clients must have as we move into the second national lockdown in England, and how crucial it is that leaders keep thinking about the long term for their people.
In this, the first in our new Conversations podcast series, Sarah Owen, founder of DISCsimple, talks to James Short of hgkc about how he brings his experience of leadership and planning from the military and also from his own business that he set up and ran profitably throughout the last financial crisis in 2008. This advice is individually tailored to help hgkc clients battling with the current crisis and who are now facing a second national lockdown in England.
As we move into the second phase of national lockdown in England, Sarah Owen of DISCsimple is in Conversation with Peter Quintana of hgkc about the impact significant disruptive change can have on the social, financial and emotional capital reserves of a business, and the urgent need for leaders to embrace planning as part of the solution.
Kim Jones shares insights into the research that she's been doing into how business owners are approaching the need to innovate in a world that's changed not only by technology, but also by these extraordinary circumstances of social and commercial upheaval.
Reframing is about having a plan for a disruptive future at the same time as delivering in a disruptive today.
Kim’s insights include how business leaders and their workforce are getting more comfortable with making decisions to flex, becoming more human centric - putting people first – and then deploying technology at speed to innovate at scale. In doing so, they are developing workplaces and market offerings that really resonate with workers and consumers.
We are living in complex times. People are becoming comfortable with digital communication and collaboration platforms; remote working and reduced social interaction are becoming the norm. In this webinar, hosted by Weston Chamber of Commerce, Peter Quintana and James Short of hgkc talk about the challenges of planning in uncertain times, why we believe it is critical that you do plan, and offering you some tips on how to do it.
Experiencing more than a 90% drop in turnover overnight would be daunting for any business owner. Graham Preston of SFL Group talks candidly about their experience as an events production company facing exactly this situation, and how they have not only survived, but found new ways to do business with their clients. Viewing risk as an opportunity instead of a threat doesn’t mean being reckless, but moving forward carefully to ensure survival into the future. This interview was recorded at an hgkc round table on Business Risk, and was not conducted live for this podcast. Visit our events page for details of future round tables and other events that we run.
Chris founded financial planning company Ovation Finance in 2000, selling a majority to an Employee Ownership Trust in March 2018. For entrepreneurs like Chris, employee ownership is a new and innovative way of preserving their achievements. Done the right way, it will release fair value, preserve legacy and pass on control to employees without them having to raise finance. Chris talks candidly about his experience and gives some great insights into how you could prepare your company for an exit to an EOT. Find our more at https://theeternalbusiness.com/ or contact hgkc to talk about your options.
As a founding Director of a digital creative agency Gavin Jones shares his insights from the early days of a graduate start-up to a fully-fledged firm. Elixel has a highly collaborative way of working. Through design-led thinking, they create powerful digital experiences in websites and apps for their clients.
Our conversation is a people-centred approach, exploring creative thinking, collaboration, problem- solving, trust, decision-making and that digital is not always the answer. Gavin and the team have grown a strong network of partners and a skilled local talent pool in Plymouth has enabled a thriving ecosystem to develop around them. Sharing the challenges of selling a digital product.
Follow the story https://www.elixel.co.uk/
Modern have only ever known digital disruption and embrace the twin drivers of being technology-propelled and hyper-relevant to deliver success for their clients and their agency.
How Modern is run is at the heart of their success. Kim Jones of hgkc, in conversation with Nicola Ray MD, used the seven strategies of high performing businesses from Accenture’s recent book “Pivot to Future” to frame our discussion. They have a well-balanced approach of being customer-centric and working collaboratively, a talented team supported by strong internal processes and a culture of innovation and experimentation. A focused and energetic peek into an exceptional business.
Brent Oldfield, co-founder and Head of Operations at Voltric Electric Vehicles shares with hgkc's Kim Jones his vision for transport of the future and how their business’s customer centric strategy has enabled Voltric to flex their business model and keep their pilot project on track. Brent is focused on operations and strong processes to support the intrapreneurial team at Voltric as they enter a fiercely competitive marketplace with energy and determination. Their innovative and collaborative approach has secured them partnerships with private and public organisations as they embark on their pilot project.
John Dray, founder of Cloud Genius shares his insights on running a remote business during the lockdown and the opportunity this created for developing new products and services. John has a uniquely empathic approach to solving problems and helping his customers focus on what matters most to them - the relationships with their customers rather than their IT. Our conversation is peppered with stories, practical tips, and a little laughter. John has kindly created a Tip Sheet too which can be found on Cloud-Genius website and on our hgkc blog.
Kim Jones talks to John Rees, Head of New Technologies at Novel Engineering, who shares a personal reflection on scaling a robotics start-up and his take on how it can apply to any business.
A strong engineering background made John a “builder at heart”. As a co-founder of Reach Robotics he shares in this engaging conversation how much he likes building businesses and the critical factors that make a tech business successful. He doesn’t shrink from the challenges and shares his learning with candid insights.
Ed Palmer of 212 Radio interviews James Short, Director of hgkc about the key to virtual, but not remote, leadership - courage, confidence and communication.
Investing in data and technology to help clients optimise building performance - Phil Warren of ETS talks about improving building connectivity, healthy buildings, employee productivity and customer experience, and greatly easing the process of mothballing buildings and then bringing them back into service as we come out of lock-down.
Leading an SME, managing people in difficult times, staying legal, keeping people safe and staying in business are the topics in our latest Risk Management in a Crisis series of podcasts for leaders of businesses.
Kim Jones runs a Q&A session with an expert panel that is packed with insights, hints and tips for dealing with the current situation and some thoughts about the future. Sarah Whittock of Whittock Consulting gave us some practical guidance and insight to ensure stay within the law and follow good practice; Lisa Jones of HeadStrong Training helped us understand how best to look after our employees, managers and our leaders experiencing stress; and Simon Kelly of Excellect encouraged us to review our existing employee benefits and activate them for our employees and think about the future. The powerful thread running through our conversation was communication and listening to your people. Being proactive and responsive, consistent, factual and fun.
Please get in touch if you'd like to talk about how to survive and thrive through this crisis.
The Government has announced a range of measures to support businesses during this very challenging period, but the rules are evolving, and new announcements are regularly being made. James Short of hgkc talks to Matt West of Metro Bank about the support that is available, and discusses what you can do to manage short term cash flow problems.
James Short, an expert in strategic planning, leadership and change management, talks from his experience about successful risk management and leadership in times of a crisis. James joined hgkc after being tempted out of retirement, having spent several years sailing around the world. He rose to Major General in the army following a highly successful military career in which he was honoured with CB and OBE; he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management, and founded his own advisory business after leaving the army, which he successfully navigated through the 2008 financial crisis.
In this second presentation in response to the Covid 19 pandemic, James Short of hgkc talks about leadership and how important it is to differentiate between leadership and management. Leadership is transformational, and the key quality of a leaders is the ability to communicate. For further information or support, contact us on hello@hgkc.co.uk, 0117 332 1002 or via www.hgkc.co.uk.
Keep safe.
James Short of hgkc offers practical advice and guidance on how to survive the next few months with your business intact. Every business must find a way of continuing to do business, and vital to this is a SOAP - strategy on a page - and a communications action plan. For further information or support, contact us on hello@hgkc.co.uk, 0117 332 1002 or via www.hgkc.co.uk.
Keep safe.
Emily Kenna, founder of Sense Risk Solutions, talks about her passion for all things insurance, the mindset and attitude that drives her to deliver a level of care that is unusual in a complex and highly competitive sector, and which has led her to set up a business that embraces diversity and inclusion, and genuinely listens
Zak Daud, founder and CEO of Eazi-Apps, talks about his mission to help entrepreneurs establish and build their mobile app businesses using an innovative drag and drop, ‘business in a box’ platform and a comprehensive package of support services, the satisfaction that he gets from seeing his partners successful, and his drive to change the very essence of capitalism for good.
David Nicholson, founder and Director of DNA Worldwide Group with his partner Hannah Nicholson, talks about his driving purpose, the science of DNA, living the potential of what you do, and how through the work the company does it helps people recognise their similarities rather than their differences
Kate McEwan, owner and founder of Lotus Reflexology explains why she thinks people need to love their feet, and talks about how she is working towards making reflexology a serious alternative to some traditional drug treatments
Jeremy Hymans, CEO of the Claims Consortium Group talks about how empowering people, with the right training tools and innovative technology, can disrupt the household claims sector and establish a new benchmark for how employees and customers are treated
Fourth generation family firm Managing Director, Martin Thatcher, talks about continuous change, the desire to win, and how innovation is shaping the past, present and future of Thatchers cider and his family.
Acclaimed author, innovation coach and organisation development expert Rob Sheffield from Bluegreen Learning talks about how he has helped leaders boost creativity in their teams, and how his book of the same name came to be written.
Andy Bounds is a leading author, consultant and communication expert. In this interview he focuses on how leaders can communicate better and get people confidently to ACTION by finding their “AFTERS”. From asking great questions to top tips on effective proposals, emails and meetings using a simple ABC method. To find out more visit https://www.andybounds.com/.
Pia Gonzalez-Nazareno, CEO and Managing Partner of award-winning strategic marketing, communications and business development consultancy Ideas and Action, talks about how she has led her company to success in the complex and highly competitive world of financial services.