Finding Your Niche in Tough Times – Graeme Richardson (The White Room Café) | About Small Business PodcastIn this follow-up interview, we catch up with Graeme Richardson, owner of The White Room Café in Stanley, County Durham. Graeme opens up about the realities of running a café in 2025, navigating rising costs, staffing challenges, and shifting customer habits. Despite the tough climate, The White Room Café is carving out its own niche in the local hospitality scene — and Graeme shares how!Whether you're a café owner, aspiring food entrepreneur, or just love small business success stories, this episode is packed with insights on:☕ Surviving and thriving in a cost-of-living crisis📈 Finding and refining your niche💬 Building customer loyalty in your local community🔥 Staying motivated when the odds are stacked against youIf you're looking for real, honest conversations about the ups and downs of small business in the North East of England, hit play now.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring interviews from the About Small Business podcast.#SmallBusiness #HospitalityBusiness #WhiteRoomCafe #StanleyCafe #NorthEastEngland #FoodEntrepreneur #LocalBusinessUK #CafeOwnerLife #AboutSmallBusinessPodcast #GraemeRichardson #BusinessInToughTimes

In this powerful follow-up interview, we reconnect with Simon Bourne, former owner of Jim Charles Shoes, who shares how the past year has completely transformed his professional journey.After realising that his handcrafted shoe business wasn’t financially sustainable, Simon made the bold leap into a brand-new industry. Now the proud owner of Bourne & Co Estate Agents, based in the North East of England, Simon opens up about the challenges of starting over, the thrill of working closely with clients in property sales, and why he’s never looked back.We also chat about his brilliant marketing strategy—featuring a quirky duck on every "For Sale" board—that's been turning heads and making his brand unforgettable in a crowded estate agent market.🔥 Topics covered in this episode:Why Simon left the shoe businessThe realities of running an estate agencyThe importance of customer relationshipsHow creative branding (yes, including ducks!) boosts visibilityAdvice for entrepreneurs facing a pivotWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, small business owner, or fascinated by career reinvention, this interview is packed with inspiration, honesty, and practical tips.📍 Location: North East England🏠 Business: Bourne & Co Estate Agents🦆 Unique Selling Point: Ducks on signs – you’ve got to hear this one!

In this episode of **About Small Business**, we sit down with **Sophie Dodgson**, the founder and Managing Director of **BeeSure HR**. Sophie shares her inspiring journey from a seasoned HR professional to establishing her own firm, which specialises in providing practical and accessible HR support to startups and SMEs.With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Sophie discusses the challenges and triumphs of launching BeeSure HR, her mission to demystify HR for small businesses, and the unique approach her company takes in offering fractional HR services. If you're interested in understanding how tailored HR solutions can empower small businesses, this episode is a must-watch. Sophie's story offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship, the importance of strategic HR, and the impact of dedicated support on business growth.Don't forget to **like**, **subscribe**, and **hit the notification bell** for more inspiring business stories!#AboutSmallBusiness #BeeSureHR #Entrepreneurship #HRSupport #SmallBusinessSuccess

In this episode of About Small Business, we meet Dan Bowes, the man behind Mr Mixologist—or as he's better known, Mr Mix! Dan has turned his bar expertise and love for cocktails into a thriving business, hosting Hen Parties across the North East of England with his signature flair.With over a decade of experience, Dan has built a strong personal brand and now uses his skills to support other small businesses in the Consett area. We dive into the highs and lows of his journey, from perfecting his craft to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more inspiring small business stories!#AboutSmallBusiness #MrMixologist #Entrepreneurship #Cocktails #BusinessSuccess

In this episode of About Small Business, we chat with Jemma Bushby, the owner of Creative Kitchen in Consett. Jemma’s journey began as a Business Studies graduate with a passion for working with children, leading her into teaching. However, the demands of family life pushed her to seek a better work-life balance, and entrepreneurship was the answer.Jemma shares how she turned her love for nutrition, education, and creativity into a thriving business. We discuss the connections between diet, fitness, and learning, making this episode a must-watch for anyone passionate about healthy living and self-employment.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more small business insights!#AboutSmallBusiness #CreativeKitchen #Entrepreneurship #Nutrition #WorkLifeBalance

In this episode of **About Small Business**, we meet **Emma Driver**, the owner of **Ivy Rose Bridal Company** in Consett. Emma has carved out a niche in the **bridal wear industry**, taking her idea from concept to a successful **brick-and-mortar shop**—all without formal business training. Emma shares her **entrepreneurial journey**, revealing the key principles she followed to build her business from the ground up. This episode is a must-watch for **aspiring business owners**, especially those looking to turn **passion into profit** without a traditional business background. Hit **like, subscribe, and turn on notifications** for more small business success stories! #AboutSmallBusiness #BridalWear #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #WomenInBusiness

In this episode of **About Small Business**, we talk to **Jake Thirlaway**, the owner of **Houghton Thai Boxing Academy**, about how martial arts changed his life and became his career. After an uninspiring time at school, Jake found **direction and focus** through Thai Boxing. Balancing multiple jobs to support his demanding hobby, he eventually realized he wanted to **turn his passion into a profession**. The result? Houghton Thai Boxing Academy—a place where he could train, teach, and compete on a global stage. Jake shares his journey from student to **business owner and world-class athlete**, offering insights into **resilience, dedication, and making a living from what you love**. If you've ever thought about turning your passion into a career, this is an episode you can’t miss! Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring business stories! #AboutSmallBusiness #ThaiBoxing #MartialArts #PassionToProfession #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of About Small Business, we meet Ann English, a visual strategist from the North East of England with a fascinating career journey.

In this episode of About Small Business, we chat with Sarah Jane Phelps, founder of Practically Positive in Every Way, a North East-based business dedicated to helping people harness the power of the mind.Sarah Jane’s journey began in retail, where she mastered the art of sales, before transitioning into entrepreneurship as a nail technician. Along the way, she discovered the transformational power of mindset and is now on a mission to share her insights with others.We explore her career path, the lessons she’s learned, and how a positive mindset can change both business and life. If you're looking for inspiration and practical ways to boost your own success, this is a must-watch!Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more small business stories!#AboutSmallBusiness #MindsetMatters #PositiveThinking #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSuccess

In this episode of **About Small Business**, we sit down with **Dr. Kelly Smith**, the founder of **SPELK Studios**, a North East-based furniture manufacturer with a strong focus on ethics and sustainability. Kelly’s journey is a fascinating one—starting as a **Physics graduate**, driven by a passion for understanding how things work, before making a career shift into **design**. Now, through **SPELK Studios**, she’s making a real impact on the world with her unique, sustainable approach to furniture craftsmanship. We discuss her career transition, the importance of sustainable design, and how she’s redefining the way furniture is made. If you’re interested in ethical business, design, or entrepreneurship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring business stories! #AboutSmallBusiness #SustainableDesign #EthicalBusiness #FurnitureMaking #SPELKStudios #Entrepreneurship