Essex Business Podcast
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44 episodes
In this episode, we talk to three Essex-based business leaders about their personal stories, the challenges they have overcome, and the leadership principles that have guided them to success. This episode offers valuable insights into effective leadership strategies that you can implement in your own business pursuits. Reporter Chris Penhall speaks to Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd, about her roles as both a leader and a consultant, as well as offering invaluable insights into overcoming common challenges and fostering effective leadership practices. Also, David Malthouse, Managing Director of First Intuition Chelmsford, recounts his evolution from accountant to trainer to business owner. David discusses the obstacles he has faced on his path of personal and professional development. Plus, Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, reflects on her journey to her current position, sharing the lessons she has learned along the way. Jane also sheds light on the unique challenges faced by leaders in the charitable sector. Guest speakers: __ __
In this episode, we explore the digital landscape alongside three Essex business leaders who have embraced technology to drive growth and innovation. Learn about their digital transformation journeys, the tools and strategies they found most effective, and how technology has become a crucial component of their overall business strategy. Reporter Chris Penhall speaks to Matt Carr, Co-Founder of ECOedge, who explains how their start-up company is leveraging technology to propel its journey. Also, Stuart Belbin, Senior Account Executive at Ascend Broking Group Ltd, talks about the increasing integration of technology in the insurance sector. Plus, Hilary Collins, Founder of Colchester-based Big Wave PR, engages in conversation with Chris Penhall regarding the influence technology has had on the operations of the PR and marketing world, and how AI can be of assistance… on occasions! Guest speakers: __ __
In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we dive into the dynamic world of business expansion, exploring the journeys of three successful entrepreneurs from Essex to uncover the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the strategies they employed to successfully grow their business on a national and international level. Reporter Chris Penhall talks to Alistair Hunter, Managing Director of The DS Group, about the company’s transition from a local to a national presence. Additionally, Nicky Crisp, Managing Director of Impamark, shares a captivating narrative detailing the evolution of a solo enterprise into an award-winning family-run company, boasting office locations in both Burnham-on-Crouch and Spain. Plus, we hear from David Bell, founder of Simboc, a UK-based consultancy firm specialising in business and technology that has expanded its reach internationally. Guest speakers: __ __
Predicting the future landscape of the business world is becoming increasingly difficult, but strategic planning for what lies ahead remains vital for organisations of all sizes. In this episode, we've asked three experts to gaze into their crystal balls and share their opinions on what’s in store for the Essex business scene in 2024. Ann Scott is Essex Development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses. Following her predictions at the onset of 2023, she spoke to our reporter, Chris Penhall about both potential challenges and opportunities for small businesses in the coming year. Plus, Ashton Hunt, Group Managing Director at Tees, provides a comprehensive overview of factors poised to impact businesses in the next 12 months and Andy Turner, Essex Director at Let’s Do Business Group, discusses some of the challenges ahead and the support they can provide. Guest speakers: __ __
In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, amidst the festive aroma of mince pies and satsumas, we explore the significance of Christmas as the pivotal lifeline for the retail sector. The widespread belief suggests that the holiday season is a decisive make-or-break period for many businesses. However, we examine whether this notion still holds true, or if it has evolved into something of a myth. Reporter Chris Penhall talks to Sara Tupper, Chelmsford BID Manager, on how the city centre retail scene gears up to get tills ringing during the Christmas season, and Helen Wood, Manager at Colchester Waterstones looks at the importance of Christmas on the retail/hospitality sector. Plus, Laura Muncey, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Anglia Ruskin University, provides a broader economic context to the discussion, exploring how external factors such as inflation and global events may be influencing Christmas trading in Essex. Guest speakers: __ __
Hybrid working is now considered to be the new norm in many sectors, so in this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we explore how employers can get the right balance and maximise productivity whilst simultaneously ensuring their employees are fully engaged with the business. Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd talks to our reporter, Chris Penhall about the multifaceted challenges that companies face when navigating the world of hybrid working and Sarah Humphryes, Assistant Marketing Manager at Birkett Long, shares her experiences. Plus, Maldon-based elite performance coach, Dr Stephen Simpson, discusses effective ways to manage performance and stress when people are working in different locations. Guest speakers: __ __
As another batch of apprentices embark on new careers, and with apprenticeships available in just about every subject you can imagine, we ask whether apprenticeships are key to solving the skills shortages affecting so many sectors of business. In this episode, we hear from Hannah O’Brien and Toni Parrish, Employer Engagement Officers at Adult Community Learning Essex, which oversees hundreds of apprenticeships every year, and Debianne Messenger, Work Based Learning Manager at Career Track, an apprenticeship training provider working with local authorities and businesses in the Essex, Suffolk and Kent areas. Plus, our reporter, Chris Penhall, talks to Carol Magnus from Tendring District Council about what the experience is like for organisations who take on apprentices. Guest speakers: __ __
In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we discuss the future of town and city centres, focusing specifically on Colchester where town centre businesses have just voted for the renewal of the Our Colchester BID (Business Improvement District). Are town and city centres dying on their feet or are they merely going through a period of reinvention? We hear from Peter Richardson, Colchester-based business owner and resident, about the changes he has seen in centre of this new city, Sam Good, Our Colchester BID Manager, on what difference the BID has made these past five years and what challenges still lie ahead, and Matthew Brown, Economic Regeneration Manager at Colchester City Council, who talks about what plans are in place to boost the city centre. Guest speakers: __ __
We dive into the glitz and glamour of the highly anticipated King’s Awards for Enterprise, a prestigious event that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of local businesses, and explore the profound impact that awards have on the growth and development of businesses within the Essex community. In this episode our reporter, Chris Penhall, talks to Keith Attwood, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, about the upcoming King’s Awards for Enterprise and the positive effect they can have on the overall business ecosystem. Plus, we hear from Martin Series, Director of Services at Global Resale, Melissa Aylott of Stockvale, which owns Southend’s Adventure Island and Sealife Adventure, and Marcus Watson, Non-Executive Director at Ground Control. These previous winners share their experiences with the awards, reflecting on the long-lasting benefits that their businesses have gained from being acknowledged. If you’re interested in applying for the King’s Awards for Enterprise, go to gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise for more details and to submit your application. Guest speakers: __ __
A recent trial in the North-East found employers and employees alike favoured a four-day week. In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we ask if this could be the future and are we about to see a seismic shift in traditional working patterns. Our reporter, Chris Penhall, talks to Carla Beard, Director at Colchester-based Koala Digital, who has successfully implemented a four-day work week in their company, and Catherine Hodds, HR Consultant in Birketts' Employment Team, provides a comprehensive understanding of how a four-day work week can enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention, including tips on reshaping company culture, fostering collaboration, and optimising time management. Plus, we hear from Karen Morovic, Senior Employment Law Solicitor at Birkett Long, who discusses the legal implications that employers and employees need to consider when transitioning to a four-day work week, such as wage and hour laws, benefits and compensation structures and employee contracts. Guest speakers: __ __
In an age when multinational conglomerates grab most of the headlines, for good or bad, family-run businesses are still the bedrock of most communities. With the search on by Family Business United to find the top 50 family businesses in Essex, this episode looks at the continuing important role played by family businesses, not just in term of direct employment, but in the broader supportive role they play within the local community. In this episode, we talk to Paul Andrews, Managing Director at Family Business United, about what the organisation is setting out to do. Plus, we hear from David Boyden, Managing Partner at Colchester-based Boydens Estate Agents and Robyn Holmes, Managing Director of recruitment firm Prime Appointments, about their family-owned and family-run businesses. Guest speakers: __ __
Are there still up-and-coming and highly ambitious entrepreneurs rising through the ranks across Essex? In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast we speak to some of the people in the county making their mark, and find out about the support they are receiving to realise their potential and what they are learning along the way. Offering their thoughts are Ben Smyth, CEO and founder of Colchester-based insurance company with a difference, Arma Karma, talks about his award-winning journey to date and Dan Hugo, Managing Director at Outline Media Productions https://outline-media.co.uk/, shares his experiences of the challenges and successes involved in transforming his video production business into a cutting-edge company. Plus, Kevin Thomas, Director at Rickard Luckin, stresses the importance of having an accountant who can offer practical advice, not just carry out number-crunching. Guest speakers: __ __
Particularly in the aftermath of Covid and the increase in hybrid working, settling on the right size and type of office premises is quite a challenge. This episode of the Essex Business Podcast looks at what people are searching for, what is available in Essex, what will it cost and how do you best source it? Offering their views are Mike Gray, Managing Director at south Essex-based property consultants, Dedman Gray and Joshua Warren, Managing Director of Lodge Park Business Centre https://www.lodgepark.co.uk/ just outside Colchester. Plus, we hear from Kate Everett, Managing Director at The Write Impression, who has recently relocated her business from Brantham to the Evolve Business Centre on the outskirts of Colchester. Guest speakers: __ __
Artificial Intelligence has been talked about for a while now, but still often with an air of what could happen in the future. The reality is somewhat different, and AI is playing an increasingly key role in business life. In episode 31 of the Essex Business Podcast, we talk to Dr Faraz Janan, Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University /aru.ac.uk/people/faraz-janan in Cambridge, who discusses artificial intelligence in medicine. We also hear from Daniel Freer, Head of Software, and Marc Jones, Business Director at Chelmsford-based Antobot, an award-winning start-up providing affordable robotics for sustainable agriculture. Plus, Alex Lowe, The Death of a Salesman https://alexanderlow.podbean.com/ Podcaster and Director at Beyond Sales https://www.beyondsales.co.uk/, discusses the impact of AI on his working life. Guest speakers: __ __
Research & Development (R&D) investment has fallen by over 300% in Essex since 2002, which is now hindering productivity growth of the county’s businesses. With Rishi Sunak declaring his desire to make the UK the most innovative economy in the world, how can Essex businesses play their part in growing a culture of creative thinking and supporting innovation? In the latest episode of the Essex Business Podcast, David Rose, Tax Associate at Rickard Luckin, discusses the changes to R&D tax reliefs coming this April, as well the actions HMRC are taking as part of their fraud prevention measures. Plus, Michael Veasey, Sector Development and Partnership Manager at Essex County Council https://www.essex.gov.uk/support-for-businesses, addresses the issue of the lack of innovation and R&D investment by Essex businesses and their aspirations to stop the rot. Andrea Reynolds, CEO of Swoop Funding https://swoopfunding.com/ also explains the financial support available to Essex businesses. Guest speakers: __ __
As 2022 comes to an end (hooray will be the cry of many!), what challenges will 2023 offer and how will Essex likely rise to these challenges? With at least a whiff of uncertainty still likely to be hanging in the air, what will 2023 hold in store for the under-pressure Essex businessperson? Will we be soaring skyward or bumping along the runway? In this episode we hear from Ann Scott, Development Manager at the Essex Federation of Small Businesses https://www.fsb.org.uk/, who gives a county-wide perspective of what 2023 might look like for businesses, and Sarah McKee-Harris, Managing Director at the Kingswood Group https://kingswoodgroup.org/, discusses hybrid working, employee wellbeing and how employers are adapting to new expectations. Plus, Councillor Marie Goldman, Deputy Leader of Chelmsford City Council and Chair of the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB), looks at what support is available for the Essex businesses who need it. Guest speakers: __ __
With endless talk of soaring energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis, which hit businesses as much as individual consumers, what can businesses do to save on costs and protect their bottom line? In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we speak to Paul Hughes from PLH Utilities https://www.plhutilities.co.uk/, who offers advice on ways for businesses to reduce energy and water bills, and Neil Griffin, Director at the Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, explains how their range of flexible working accommodation models help keep office costs down. Plus, Dean McCormack, Associate at Rickard Luckin, discusses why it’s never been more important for businesses to have a firm handle on cash flow. Read Dean's latest article on cash flow forecasts here. Guest speakers: __ __
After so many years of being a city-less county, Essex now boasts three, following this year’s news that Southend and then Colchester were to join Chelmsford as having city status bestowed upon them. But what does this mean economically for the county? A path to new riches or simply a name-change? In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we look at what city status has done for the Chelmsford business scene as it celebrates its tenth anniversary as a city, and we explore the potential for Southend and Colchester. Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, explains how has Chelmsford benefited from its promotion to city status in 2012 and Chris Hodson from Pitman Training in Chelmsford discusses how city status has changed business prospects and mentality in Chelmsford over the past ten years. Plus, Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester Council, highlights what city status means, or could mean, economically, for the newly appointed city of Colchester. Guest speakers: __ __
There was a time when businesses supported charities out of the goodness of their hearts, sustaining not much more than a warm glow in the process. Times, though, have moved on. Nowadays, supporting charities is an important business decision and the ongoing relationship which ensues is very much a strong two-way partnership designed to benefit both the business (be it from the private or public sector) and the charity. Discussing these mutual benefits is Lyndsay Wood, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust https://www.ehaat.org/, who describes how corporate partners can help EHAAT as a charity and what the charity gives back to the corporate sector in return. We also speak to Anastasia Simpson from Tendring District Council, who explains its role in supporting Community Voluntary Services Tendring https://www.cvstendring.org.uk/ (CVST) as the voluntary body in turns supports dozens of local charity and voluntary sector organisations. Plus, we hear from Sally Powell, Executive Partner at leading legal firm, Tees Law https://www.teeslaw.com/, which this year created the Tees Better Future Fund, offering grants up to £5,000 for projects that support learning and education and promoting good health and wellbeing in the areas where it conducts business. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
When it comes to funding for your business, the days when a meeting with your bank manager was the best or only option are long gone. Crowdfunding, tokenization and special purpose acquisition companies are just some of the avenues you can now explore, in addition to the more traditional routes. In this episode, we talk to Jacqui Stimpson from Best Growth Hub, a government-backed organisation that guides business owners through many of the funding streams that may be available to them, and Paul Mumford from Monoki Media explains how he found the right funding for his company. Plus, Paul Sullivan from the British Business Bank explains what the organisation does to help small businesses. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
We’ve teamed up with Family Business United to find the oldest family firms across Essex and celebrate family businesses throughout Essex. To mark the occasion, episode 24 of the Essex Business Podcast features Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, and James Boustead, Tax Director at Rickard Luckin https://www.rickardluckin.co.uk/. They highlight why we’re running this inaugural piece of research, what makes this sector so special and some of the challenges that this community face, such as succession planning, family conflict and tax planning. If you know of any family businesses that were formed before 1922 and continue under family ownership today, we want to hear from them. To take part in the campaign, simply visit bit.ly/FamilyBizEssex and complete the form. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
Now the dust appears to have mostly settled on the COVID crisis, one debate still rages: where should we all be working? Should we by now be back in the office 100% of the time, should we still have the freedom to work from home, or should we be combining the best of both worlds? Views vary, but in episode 23 we discuss the options for employers and employees alike. Jessica Douglas, Strategic People and Performance Manager at Colchester Borough Council https://www.colchester.gov.uk/, talks about the ground-breaking flexible working policy they introduced in 2011 and we hear from Ann Scott, Associate Regional Director for East of England CBI https://www.cbi.org.uk/, who has a firm finger on the flexible-working pulse of many businesses across Essex and the rest of the East of England Plus, Joann Kebbell, Partner and Director of HR & L&D at leading Essex law firm Birkett Long https://www.birkettlong.co.uk/, explains how they had to react to the strict COVID restrictions and how they sought to find a balance as the guidelines eased. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
The current cost of living crisis is impacting on businesses every bit as much as it is on individuals. Soring energy costs are a major contributory factor to the headaches faced by business owners as they try to keep overheads under control. In Episode 22 of the Essex Business Podcast we talk about viable solutions to the issues we currently face, with organisations who are helping to make difference. Neil Fright, Managing Director at Carbon Numbers, discusses how companies can make their energy consumption smarter and Marialena Papadopoulou-Kipou, Business Energy Advisor at LoCASE https://locase.co.uk/ (Low Carbon Across the South and East), provides advice on grants available to help businesses become more competitive and profitable, while protecting the environment and encouraging low carbon solutions. Plus, Peter Newson, Managing Director at Anglia Sports & Schoolwear Ltd, explains how the LoCASE grant helped him reduce his business’s electricity consumption and carbon emissions. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
The pandemic brought about swift change and company culture was thrust firmly into the spotlight. Remote working, coupled with the accelerated adoption of digital tools, and individuals evaluating work/life balance all became the norm and business leaders were tasked with keeping everything on track. In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we look at how a strong organisational culture, clear vision and robust company values can have a huge impact on everything from recruitment and retention, right through to the bottom line. Jonathan Austin, CEO at Best Companies, explains the importance of a strong company culture, how to create meaningful change and how the Best Companies employee engagement survey can encourage and celebrate an engaged workforce; Angela Dellar https://www.angeladellar.com/, Professional Certified Leadership Coach, offers advice and tips on how business leaders can build better workplace cultures and cultivate a clear organizational identity; and Stuart Burns, Managing Director at Dura Composites https://www.duracomposites.com/, talks about his firm’s company values, how their organisational culture has changed during the past few years, and the processes they have put in place to achieve their goals. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
Ask any business owner the biggest challenge they face, the chances are the answer will be the skills gap. Recruiting people with the necessary skills to keep a business moving forward is becoming increasingly difficult. Episode 20 of the Essex Business Podcast seeks to answer the question: why has it become so difficult to find the right people to fill that job vacancy. We speak to Andy Hilliard, Managing Director of accountancy and law private practice recruitment consultancy AJ Chambers https://aj-chambers.com/, about the underlying gap between the skills and experience that employers are looking for in comparison to the experience that jobseekers actually have, and how this current mismatch is creating challenges for employees and employers alike. John Stevens, Director of Excalibur Screwbolts talks about his experience of finding the right people for the jobs he has, and Professional Career Transformation Coach, Jimi Wall, explains how he works with individuals to identify skills gaps and mindset issues on their professional journey, and highlights the focus on softer skills that can help move people forward in their corporate career. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
Perhaps the most important issue facing all of us as individuals – the sustainability of our planet - is also an essential issue for every business owner. The ‘green credentials’ of a business are increasingly scrutinised by both customers and would-be employees alike, and so we take a closer look at what companies can do to improve their sustainability credentials and how Essex businesses are leading the way. In this extended episode of the Essex Business Podcast, Essex County Council's Climate Czar, Cllr Peter Schwier explains his role and highlights what is being done in Essex in the battle to address climate change, as well as the grant funds available to help businesses, and Professor Jules Pretty, Chair of the Essex Climate Action Commission explains why the voluntary body was set up and what the Committee are focusing on to become a net zero emissions county. Plus, we talk to Jill Poet, founder of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses about what companies of all sizes can to do play their part. Later on in the episode, we speak to four business leaders to find out what they are doing to make a difference: Andy King, Group Technical Director at Wernick Group discusses their recently launched carbon management plan, Kathryn Hughes, Director at The Big Bear Cider Mill, explains how sustainability is very much part of their business, Chris Squires, Senior Account Manager at FOS.net https://www.fos.net/ talks about how migrating to the Cloud can help reduce energy consumption and Sally Powell, Executive Partner at Tees Law https://www.teeslaw.com/ explains why they have signed up to the Brentwood Environmental Business Alliance as part of their broader CSR aims. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
Over the past few years apprenticeships have begun to increase in popularity again, and with skills shortages often quoted as a key issue facing organisations in a range of sectors, we look at what is involved in taking on an apprentice and the long and short term benefits they can bring to an organisation. In this episode we talk to Toni Marshall, Employer Engagement Officer for Adult Community Learning in Essex, about how they support both apprentices and employers, and David Malthouse from First Intuition, who specialise in high quality accountancy training, explains how apprenticeships offer excellent opportunities for individuals and companies. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
As a challenging 2021 turns into a hopefully more optimistic 2022, episode 17 of the Essex Business Podcast examines the issue which most of us know is important, but too often never get round to doing - strategic planning. We hear from experts who will discuss the importance of planning ahead, why plans sometimes go amiss and what can be done to get them back on track. Daniel Kirby, owner of Trade Price Cars, explains how he has adapted his short and long term business planning in order to maintain an award winning dealership; Graham Broughton, co-lead of the Group2Grow programme talks about the help available for SMEs in Essex; and Sara Marshall, founder of The Strategy Place, discusses the practical resources you need to develop effective, efficient and practical customer plans. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
The issue of health, particularly mental health, in the workplace is increasingly a headline-maker. To what degree should employers be held responsible for their employees’ health and wellbeing, other than fundamental health and safety at work issues and how have attitudes to employee health and wellbeing changed? In this episode of The Essex Business Podcast we talk to Rob Whitaker, Executive Partner and Head of Employment at Tees Law about the legal responsibilities of employers; Anna Trudgian from Open Road gives an overview of what that organisation can do to support both businesses and their staff if someone is experiencing addiction-related problems; and Rickard Luckin Director, Kate Bell talks about the wellbeing initiatives that have been put in place within the firm. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
The UK – and particularly Essex – is no longer renowned as a world-leading manufacturing hotspot, but could that be about to change? In episode 15 of the Essex Business Podcast, three leading Essex business people offer their opinions on the recent supply-chain issues, the benefits of bringing manufacturing back to the UK and the county, and the support available to manufacturing companies of all sizes. Andy Mair, Managing Director of Challenger Solutions discusses the issues and challenges the company has faced; John McCallion, Business Development Manager at the MTC talks about the support and initiatives available and Dave Atkinson, Head of Manufacturing and Regional Director for East England at Lloyds Bank explains what the Banking sector does to help develop the sector. GUEST SPEAKERS: __ __
