In this empowering episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Danielle Walling, the inspiring entrepreneur behind Bella Sorella Hair & Beauty in Consett and founder of the rapidly growing North East Hair & Beauty Awards.Danielle started her career in the care industry, where she quickly excelled—but her passion for eyelash extensions sparked a bold decision: to dive head-first into the hair and beauty business. Today, she’s not only built a thriving salon, but she’s also championing the industry through a prestigious awards event that shines a spotlight on the region’s top beauty professionals.We discuss:💅 How Danielle transitioned from care work to the beauty industry🚀 The rapid rise of Bella Sorella and the North East Hair & Beauty Awards🏆 Why the awards are helping elevate standards and celebrate talent👨‍👩‍👧 The importance of family support and her husband's role in the journey🔥 Ambition, resilience, and the reality of growing a beauty brandWhether you run a salon, dream of starting your own beauty business, or love hearing raw, inspirational business stories, this episode is packed with value and motivation.👉 Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with entrepreneurs from across the North East.#HairAndBeautyBusiness #BellaSorella #NorthEastHairAndBeautyAwards #BeautyEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #EyelashExtensions #SalonOwner #SmallBusinessStories #EntrepreneurLife #ConsettBusiness #AboutSmallBusiness

In this inspiring episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Simon Cataldo, former Firefighter and Royal Navy serviceman, and now the owner of Cataldo Training, based in the North East of England.Simon brings a refreshing perspective on success, business, and life — one that values time, freedom, and fulfilment over chasing money. Drawing from his background in the emergency services, Simon shares how those experiences shaped his mindset and led him to build a business that aligns with his values.We discuss:🔥 How a career in the Fire Service and Navy shaped Simon’s approach to business💭 Why time is the most valuable currency💡 The importance of creating a business that supports your lifestyle — not the other way around🌍 How the world might look if more people adopted this philosophyIf you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or simply someone rethinking what “success” really means, this episode will give you a powerful dose of perspective and motivation.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more authentic conversations with real business owners from the North East of England.#SmallBusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkLifeBalance #TimeOverMoney #LifestyleBusiness #Motivation #NorthEastBusiness #BusinessPhilosophy #Entrepreneurship #SuccessMindset #AboutSmallBusiness

In this brand-new episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we welcome back Dave Head, owner of Northern Design and Digital Marketing, to talk about his exciting new direction — helping small businesses embrace AI and automation to save time, boost productivity, and scale smarter.Since his last appearance, Dave’s business has evolved rapidly. Now a proud dad to a six-month-old baby boy, he’s finding innovative ways to balance entrepreneurship and fatherhood, using AI tools and workflow automations to streamline his own company.We discuss:💡 How AI can transform everyday business operations⚙️ The real benefits of automation for time-poor entrepreneurs👶 Balancing parenthood and running a growing business🌍 The future of digital marketing and what small businesses should prepare forIf you’re a small business owner, digital marketer, or anyone curious about how AI can simplify your workload, this episode is packed with practical insights and relatable experiences.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs from across the North East.#SmallBusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #AIAutomation #DigitalMarketing #BusinessGrowth #NorthernDesign #Productivity #NorthEastBusiness #Parentpreneur #BusinessTips #AIForBusiness

In this episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Kris Murray, founder of KRS Fire Safety Solutions, to talk about his fascinating journey from the Royal Air Force and Fire Service to becoming a successful fire safety consultant and business owner.Kris shares how his early ventures in car valeting and mobile mechanics taught him the value of door knocking, referrals, and resilience — lessons that still guide his work today. We also dive deep into the importance of compliance, regulation, and safety in business, and how structure and discipline can help entrepreneurs thrive.Whether you’re a small business owner, ex-forces entrepreneur, or someone looking to turn their passion into a business, Kris’s story is full of motivation, grit, and practical advice on staying compliant while building something meaningful.👉 Subscribe for more interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs from the North East and beyond.#SmallBusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #FireSafety #VeteranBusiness #KRSFireSafety #BusinessCompliance #NorthEastBusiness #Motivation #Leadership #BusinessJourney #ExForcesEntrepreneur

Surviving 32 Years in Business | Michael Knowles of MK Print Solutions | About Small Business Podcast

In this episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Michael Knowles, owner of MK Print Solutionsin Lanchester, County Durham — a man who’s been in business for over 32 years and is still going strong.

Michael shares his incredible journey through one of the fastest-changing industries in the world. From the days when Apple was just a name in printing to the rise of the digital revolution, he’s seen it all — and learned what it really takes to adapt, survive, and thrive as a small business owner.

We discuss:
✅ The evolution of the printing industry and technology
✅ How to maintain strong business values over decades
✅ The importance of customer relationships and trust
✅ Lessons in adaptability, perseverance, and innovation

Michael’s insights are a masterclass in long-term business survival, offering practical advice for anyone looking to build something that lasts.

🎧 Whether you’re a startup founder, creative professional, or seasoned entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with timeless wisdom.

👉 Subscribe to About Small Business for weekly interviews with real entrepreneurs across the North East and beyond.

#SmallBusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #MKPrintSolutions #BusinessLongevity #NorthEastBusiness #PrintingIndustry #AdaptToChange #BusinessSurvival #UKEntrepreneurs #AboutSmallBusiness

Michelle opens up about living with invisible illnesses and how they’ve shaped her incredible resilience, empathy, and determination to succeed in business. Her story is a powerful reminder that kindness can be a currency — and that doing good can also be good for business.We explore the future of socially responsible entrepreneurship, the importance of mental health and self-care in leadership, and how Keepl Social is creating real, measurable impact across the UK.If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or changemaker looking to combine profit with purpose, this episode will leave you motivated to take action.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with inspiring business owners across the North East and beyond.#KindnessInBusiness #FemaleEntrepreneur #SocialImpact #KeeplSocial #InvisibleIllness #SmallBusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #PurposeDrivenBusiness #NorthEastBusiness #MentalHealthAwareness

In this episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Mark Flood, an experienced chef, publican, and entrepreneur who owns Crinnions of Lanchester and The Traveller’s Rest in Belmont, both in County Durham.Mark shares his journey growing up around pubs and kitchens, how he followed his passion for food, and why family values and hard work remain at the heart of everything he does.We discuss the challenges facing the British pub industry, the impact on local communities, and why pubs are such a vital part of British culture and social life. Despite the pressures, Mark has built thriving venues by keeping a cool head in the kitchen and leading with empathy — not anger.If you care about local business, hospitality, or the future of the British pub, this is a must-watch conversation.👉 Subscribe for more inspiring stories from real business owners across the North East and beyond.#BritishPubs #HospitalityIndustry #SmallBusinessPodcast #NorthEastBusiness #ChefLife #CrinnionsOfLanchester #LocalBusinessUK #FoodIndustry #Entrepreneurship #PubCulture

In this episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Knowles, founder of Roar Digital, a niche digital marketing agency based in the North East of England.

Michael shares why he focuses only on the areas where he can deliver better than anyone else, and how outsourcing the rest has been key to his success.

We dive into the specifics of SEO, the importance of setting up analytics early, and why knowing your strengths (and weaknesses) is essential in both marketing and entrepreneurship.If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or content creator looking to understand SEO, analytics, and how to scale without burning out, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement today.👉

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly insights from business leaders and entrepreneurs across the UK.

#DigitalMarketing #SEO #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessPodcast #NorthEastBusiness #RoarDigital #Outsourcing

In this inspiring episode of the About Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Aran Embleton, founder of Aran Embleton Coaching, based in County Durham.Aaron shares her journey of determination as a female football player long before women’s football became fashionable. We discuss the challenges she faced growing up in the North East of England, the difficulties of being discovered as a player outside the spotlight, and how she turned those experiences into a successful football coaching business.

This conversation is packed with insights about resilience, passion, and carving your own path in both sport and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an aspiring footballer, a coach, or a small business owner, Aran’s story offers powerful lessons on perseverance and building opportunities.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.#FootballCoaching #WomensFootball #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessPodcast #NorthEastBusiness #AranEmbleton #footballjourney

In this episode of About Small Business, we sit down with Emma Weatherburn, founder of Mint Moments, a growing social media business based in Lanchester, County Durham.Emma shares her journey of transitioning from a teaching career into the world of social media management, working with a range of corporate clients and developing strategies that drive engagement and growth.We also dive into Emma’s success helping to promote her husband’s family business – Grandpa’s Fish Bar, who featured in an earlier podcast episode – and how effective social media can transform a local business.Now expanding into capturing weddings and special occasions, Emma discusses her passion for storytelling, building authentic connections online, and the exciting future of Mint Moments.💡 If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this episode is packed with insights on social media marketing, content creation, and finding the courage to pivot your career.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs from the North East and beyond.#SocialMediaMarketing #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #MintMoments #BusinessGrowth #ContentCreation #WeddingMarketing #NorthEastBusiness #MarketingTips #AboutSmallBusinessPodcast