About Small Business

About Small Business

By Barrie McDermidBusinessEntrepreneurship
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About Small Business episodes

  • About Small Business Season 2, Episode 17 - Brian McElderry - Unichef

    In this episode of About Small Business, we meet Brian McElderry, founder of UNICHEF, the National Union for Chefs in the UK. With a career spanning over 50 years, Brian shares stories from his journey—from working in Newcastle’s restaurants to fine dining in exotic locations like Libya.Brian recounts the pivotal moment during his travels that inspired him to establish a union dedicated to the chef profession. We discuss the demographics of the typical chef, the challenges they face, and Brian’s unique take on the detrimental impact of celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay on the industry.Whether you’re in hospitality or curious about the life of a chef, this episode is full of insights and inspiration. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more! #AboutSmallBusiness #UNICHEF #ChefLife #HospitalityIndustry #ChefUnion #SmallBusinessStories

    47 min
  • About Small Business Season 2, Episode 16 - Mandy Forster - AA Flags

    From Flags to Family Legacy | Mandy Forster on Running a 30-Year Business

    In this episode of About Small Business, we talk with Mandy Forster, the driving force behind AA Flags, a flag manufacturing business based in Consett, North East England. With over 30 years of experience, AA Flags is a true family business, employing many of the same dedicated staff and preparing for the next generation as Mandy’s daughter Ashleigh steps into a leadership role.
    Mandy shares her thoughts on evolving attitudes to work, the early days of viral marketing and SEO before they were even defined, and the resilience needed to navigate the ups and downs of the pandemic. This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of running a long-standing local business.
    For anyone interested in family businesses or marketing strategies, this is a must-watch! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more small business stories. #AboutSmallBusiness #AAFlags #FamilyBusiness #ViralMarketing #SEO #ConsettBusiness #BusinessLegacy

    42 min
  • About Small Business Season 2, Episode 15 - Jo Long - Jo Long Consulting

    In this episode of About Small Business, we chat with Jo Long, a strategic marketing consultant and the founder of Jo Long Consulting, based in Barnard Castle, North East England. Jo shares how her private education helped build her networking skills and confidence early on, shaping her approach to business and relationships.

    We delve into topics like balancing careers within a couple, managing work-life harmony, and the evolving role of AI in marketing. Jo also emphasizes the importance of looking at the bigger picture when crafting an effective marketing strategy.

    If you’re a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur looking to improve your marketing or understand how to leverage AI, this episode is a must-watch. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more small business insights! #AboutSmallBusiness #MarketingStrategy #JoLongConsulting #AIInMarketing #WorkLifeBalance #BarnardCastleBusiness

    59 min
  • About Small Business Season 2, Episode 14 - Kim Davis - CasaLingua

    In this episode of About Small Business, we meet Kim Davis, the founder of a thriving language school in Consett, North East England. After starting her career as a teacher, Kim realized she needed a better work-life balance and discovered it by sharing the joy of learning foreign languages with both children and adults.


    Kim discusses her journey from traditional teaching to entrepreneurship and offers insights on running a successful education business while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in starting a language school or seeking inspiration for your own entrepreneurial journey, this episode is filled with valuable lessons.


    Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring business stories! #AboutSmallBusiness #LanguageSchool #Entrepreneurship #ConsettBusiness #WorkLifeBalance #LanguageLearning

    54 min
  • About Small Business Season 2, Episode 13 - Hazel Oakes - Nocciola the Drawer

    In this episode of About Small Business, we talk with Hazel Oakes, the artist behind Nocciola the Drawer, based in the North East of England. After traveling the world and training as a designer, Hazel found her true calling in street art. Her business specializes in creating stunning murals, running workshops with children, and championing themes of female empowerment.

    Hazel shares her journey from design to art, her experiences around the globe, and how she uses creativity to inspire and empower communities. If you’re passionate about art, education, or making an impact through business, this episode is for you.
    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more small business success stories! #AboutSmallBusiness #NocciolaTheDrawer #StreetArt #EmpoweringWomen #Murals #CreativeBusiness #northeastbusiness

    54 min
  • About Small Business Season 2, Episode 12 - Dave Head - Northern Design and Digital Marketing

    In this episode of About Small Business, we sit down with Dave Head, the dynamic and enthusiastic founder of Northern Digital Design and Marketing, based in the North East of England. With a wealth of experience designing for various brands across different countries, Dave combines his global perspective with local expertise to deliver measurable results for his clients.

    Dave shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights on what makes design impactful, and his determination to make his business a success. If you’re looking to learn from a young entrepreneur or seeking inspiration for your own business journey, this episode is a must-watch.
    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to hear more stories from inspiring entrepreneurs! #AboutSmallBusiness #NorthernDigital #DigitalDesign #MarketingSuccess #Entrepreneurship #NorthEastBusiness #DesignAndMarketing

    48 min
  • About Small Business Season 2, Episode 11 - Clare Davis, Travel Counsellor

    In this episode of **About Small Business**, we meet **Clare Davis**, a dedicated Travel Counsellor based in the North East of England. Clare started her career with dreams of becoming a vet, but it wasn’t long before she discovered her true passion for travel. After a successful career in the travel industry, Clare decided to take the leap into self-employment, craving the flexibility to work around her family.

    Clare shares how she started with no clients and built a thriving business from scratch. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and following your passion. If you’ve ever considered starting a business in travel—or any industry—this episode is full of insights and inspiration.
    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more small business stories! #AboutSmallBusiness #ClareDavis #TravelCounsellor #Entrepreneurship #TravelIndustry #WorkLifeBalance #NorthEastBusiness

    39 min
  • About Small Business Season 2, Episode 10 - Helene Castel from LN Creator

    In this episode of About Small Business, we’re joined by Helene Castle, an online PA and web designer based in the North East of England. Born in France to a French father and English mother, Helene grew up bilingual and used her language skills and love for organization to build a successful career in travel. After traveling the world herself, she decided to venture into self-employment, offering services as an online PA and web designer.

    Helene shares her story of leaving the traditional workforce to follow her passion for helping businesses thrive. Her journey is an inspiring example of turning personal strengths into a fulfilling career.
    If you’re interested in freelancing, web design, or discovering how to blend skills into a unique career path, this episode is a must-watch! Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more small business stories. #AboutSmallBusiness #HeleneCastle #OnlinePA #WebDesign #Freelancing #NorthEastBusiness

    47 min
  • About Small Business Season 2, Episode 9 - Deborah Wyn from Lotus Aesthetics

    In this episode of About Small Business, we chat with Deborah Wyn, founder of Lotus Aesthetics in the North East of England. Deborah shares her unique journey from working as a project manager at Sun Microsystems, to launching her own estate agency business, and ultimately entering the world of aesthetics after a poor personal experience with treatments inspired her to do better.

    Deborah talks about sourcing the perfect shop location, recognizing niche opportunities in the aesthetics industry, and how she built her business from the ground up. Her story is full of practical advice and entrepreneurial insights, perfect for anyone considering a leap into a new industry or looking for inspiration in business development.
    If you’re interested in aesthetics or thinking of starting your own business, this episode is a must-watch!
    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring stories from small business owners! #AboutSmallBusiness #LotusAesthetics #AestheticsBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessJourney #NorthEastBusiness

    44 min
  • About Small Business Season 2, Episode 8 - Matthew James Author

    In this episode of About Small Business, we’re joined by Matthew James, an author and creative entrepreneur based in the North East of England. Matthew’s journey has taken him from an early interest in journalism to ventures across industries, including running an American Sweet Shop, launching an escape room in Hull, and now working as a writer and greeting card producer.

    Matthew shares the unique formula he’s developed for success, outlined in one of his books, and offers tips for anyone looking to blend creativity with entrepreneurship. His story is an inspiring example of how varied interests can come together to fuel a fulfilling career.
    If you’re interested in writing, creative business, or finding your own path, this episode is packed with insight. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more inspiring small business stories! #AboutSmallBusiness #MatthewJamesAuthor #CreativeEntrepreneur #SweetShop #EscapeRoom #NorthEastBusiness

    49 min

About About Small Business

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to 'About Small Business,' the UK podcast celebrating ordinary people behind extraordinary small businesses! 🇬🇧✨