Altrincham Talks: The Business Edit

In this episode of Altrincham Talks: The Business Edit, we sit down with Jennifer Jameson, founder of Jameson and Partners. Jennifer shares her background in architecture and design and how she unexpectedly found her way into estate agency while renovating her own home.

She reflects on the pivotal moment that led her to launch Jameson and Partners, a now-or-never decision to build her own business. Choosing Altrincham as the base 10 years ago was a strategic move, drawn by its strong schools, excellent transport links and clear potential for growth.

Jennifer also discusses standing out in a competitive market, explaining why delivering a high-quality, detail-driven service is key. As a small, independent agency, Jameson and Partners can pivot quickly and respond to changing market conditions offering a personal and agile approach that sets them apart.

In this episode of Altrincham Talks: The Business Edit, we chat with Jo Cushing, CEO of OYEZ Arts, the community arts organisation based at Altrincham Town Hall. Jo shares the story behind how OYEZ Arts began, its exciting future plans, and what it means to have made the Town Hall its new home in September 2024.

We explore how this stunning historic building has been transformed into a vibrant place to meet, create and thrive through the arts - hosting everything from workshops, exhibitions and classes to choir rehearsals, children’s groups and even weddings. Jo also explains how local people can play a part in OYEZ’s future through the Community Share Offer and help shape and support this exciting cultural hub for Altrincham.

In Episode 14 of Altrincham Talks the Business Edit, we’re joined by Duncan Swainsbury, founder of Bounceback Food, a not-for-profit social enterprise with a powerful mission to tackle food poverty while creating opportunities for people to thrive. Duncan’s journey is anything but conventional, starting his career as a school teacher before following a clear passion for food, community and social impact.

We explore how Bounceback Food was born, how the organisation pivoted and scaled during Covid, and why Altrincham became home to their first community kitchen. Duncan shares how Bounceback now runs community cookery schools, distributes non-perishable food and freshly prepared meals, and works at the heart of local communities to create lasting change.

With a bold vision to see Bounceback Food operating in every major city in the UK, this episode is an inspiring conversation about purpose-led enterprise, resilience, and the power of community, all rooted right here in Altrincham.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sara and Jeremy Fixter, the husband-and-wife team behind Circle Funerals. With professional roots in law and in-house recruitment, Sara and Jeremy reached a point in their careers where they were ready for a new direction, one that placed care, compassion, and community at its heart.

Their search led them to Full Circle Funeral Partners, whose modern, light, and person-centred approach to funerals resonated deeply with them. The franchise model offered both a proven foundation and the support they needed to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Together, Sara and Jeremy share the story of first launching Full Circle Funerals and recently establishing Circle Funerals: the skills they’ve brought with them, the compassion and steadiness the role demands, and the profound privilege of being trusted to care for someone who has died on behalf of their family. They also discuss the importance of offering genuine funeral choice ensuring every family feels supported, informed, and empowered at an incredibly difficult time.

It’s a thoughtful, human conversation about purpose, service, and building a business shaped by care. 

Welcome to the tenth episode of Altrincham Talks: The Business Edit, the podcast where we celebrate the people, places, and passions that make Altrincham such a vibrant hub of creativity and enterprise.

In this episode, we’re joined by Catherine Connor and Aidan Monks, the inspiring duo behind Lovingly Artisan, an award-winning bakery known for its dedication to sourdough, ancient grains, and the art of real breadmaking.

Aidan shares his journey as a baker since the age of 24, following in the footsteps of his grandfather who once baked in Ambleside. Together, Catherine and Aidan reflect on founding Lovingly Artisan 15 years ago, driven by a shared passion for honest food and community.

Their connection to Altrincham began in the aftermath of Storm Desmond, when the Lake District was so badly hit, leading them to forge a new chapter here in the market town. They talk about how their complementary skills, Catherine’s business acumen and Aidan’s craft, have dovetailed perfectly, working shoulder to shoulder to build something truly special.

We also hear about their long-standing relationship with Nick and Jenny from Altrincham Market, the privilege of being part of that thriving community, and what makes Altrincham such a magical place to work and create. And, in a powerful reflection on food security and sustainability, Catherine and Aidan discuss how their journey has come full circle, now farming their own land and milling their own grain.

It’s a story of passion, purpose, and the power of good bread to bring people together.

In this inspiring episode of Altrincham Talks: The Business Edit, we sit down with Hannah Norburn - founder of Project You, reality TV personality, personal trainer, and passionate ADHD advocate.

After realising the corporate world wasn’t the right fit, Hannah retrained as a PT a decade ago, setting the foundation for what would eventually become Project You - the innovative, inclusive fitness space she launched during lockdown, just four years ago. What began as a bold pivot in uncertain times has since grown into a thriving community that’s redefining what a gym can be.

Hannah shares her personal journey, including her recent ADHD diagnosis just 12 months ago, and opens up about how it impacts her as a business owner - from the challenges of overwhelm and scattered focus to the superpowers of hyperfocus, creativity, and deep passion for her work.

We also explore what makes Project You truly different: a space built around real people, not just fitness goals - where mental wellbeing, support, and individuality are just as important as physical transformation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating business, neurodiversity, or looking to create something that genuinely reflects who they are.

In this episode of Altrincham Talks: The Business Edit, we sit down with Anthony Josephson of Maskell & Josephson Optometrists, a long-standing Altrincham business with a reputation for clinical excellence and exceptional customer care.

Anthony shares his journey from qualifying as an optometrist 17 years ago to joining the business in 2011, right in the aftermath of the recession. He talks candidly about the challenges of stepping into leadership during uncertain times, the lessons he’s learned along the way - often by listening to others and learning from his own mistakes, and how the business has grown and evolved since.

At the heart of that growth is a passionate and talented team. Anthony highlights not only their clinical expertise but also their eye for style, helping clients find glasses that suit both their vision needs and personal look. He also touches on the business’s commitment to going the extra mile, whether that’s through bespoke contact lenses for complex prescriptions or delivering a personalised service that puts people first.

In this episode, Paul Limb sits down with local entrepreneurs and brothers Anthony and Ed Prophet, two dynamic forces behind Altrincham’s thriving music and hospitality scene.

From their early ventures in the industry to founding the much-loved Green Room, Anthony and Ed share the journey of turning passion into enterprise right here in Altrincham. We’ll explore how their creative vision has helped them build not just a venue, but to the creation of the Brit Fest, a major and fast-growing festival which is now in its second year.

Hear how two local lads turned bold ideas into a successful business, and what’s next for this entrepreneurial duo.

In this edition of Altrincham Talks: The Business Edit, we’re joined by Carl Newton, CEO of Myerson Solicitors, who shares his inspiring journey from newly qualified solicitor to leading one of the region’s most respected law firms. Carl reflects on the transition from practicing law to running a business, highlighting the distinct skill sets required and the challenges – and rewards – of leading a firm through growth and change.

Carl also speaks about the value of continuity in Myerson’s senior management team, which has been a key factor in their sustained development. Always on the lookout for emerging talent, Myerson runs a successful apprenticeship scheme to nurture the next generation of legal professionals. Looking ahead, Carl discusses future plans and the firm’s vision, including the significance of becoming Manchester’s first employee-owned law firm. He also shares why being based in Altrincham plays such an important role in their success – a thriving town that’s not only a fantastic place to work but also to welcome and entertain clients.

In this edition special edition of Altrincham Talks: The Business Edit, recorded to coincide with A Taste of Altrincham, Paul Limb from ActionCOACH sits down with Matt and Suze Townley, the passionate duo behind MOST Bakery in Altrincham. They share their inspiring journey from careers as a schoolteacher and commercial solicitor to pursuing their love for artisan baking.

Starting with a One Mile Bakery franchise, offering baking classes and home deliveries, Matt and Suze took the leap to establish MOST Bakery—now a thriving independent business in the heart of Altrincham. From handcrafted, all-natural breads and viennoiseries to patisseries, sandwiches, and expertly brewed coffee, MOST has grown into a 20-strong team dedicated to quality and craftsmanship.

Looking ahead, the couple reveal exciting plans for expansion, including a new location at MOVE Altrincham, the town’s newly refurbished leisure hub, where they will launch a 75-seat café. Join us as we explore the challenges of entrepreneurship, and their vision for the future of MOST Bakery.