An Hour With An Indie

Dan started Blinker Bar in Manchester just 18 months ago and has quickly become of the best and most recognised cocktail bars in the UK. 

Don't take our word for it, Blinker Bar has recently been included in the Top 50 cocktail bars in the UK list! An awesome award which is voted for by other cocktail bar operators. 

On this podcast Dan joined us to talk us through his journey so far, what he has learned from his first 18 months in business and what the future holds for him and the business.

An Hour With An Indie is created by Pilla - the app where retail and hospitality work happens.

Scheduling shifts is just the start - Pilla's automation and work templates make sure teams get the right work done, at the right time, in the right way.

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Felix started Free Star a few years ago and unfortunately the project recently failed.  It's incredibly tough to start a new food/drink business and Felix on to the podcast to talk to us about the lessons he's had. 

On this episode Felix talks to us about the experience of being an entrepreneur, the highs, the lows, the difficult moments and everything in between. 

An Hour With An Indie is created by Pilla - the app where retail and hospitality work happens.

Scheduling shifts is just the start - Pilla's automation and work templates make sure teams get the right work done, at the right time, in the right way.

Try Free

Here's a memorable journey that's testament to resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Kath, founder of Think Wine, takes us through her voyage of building a unique Prosecco wine brand that is low sugar, vegan, and low calorie. An honest reflection on the highs and lows, the triumphs and setbacks, Kath's journey is a true inspiration for anyone standing on the precipice of their entrepreneurial dreams.

Imagine rising from staff theft, tackling clients demanding 60-day terms, and still being able to build a successful brand in just four years. Kath's story is an embodiment of courage and determination, a lesson in how resilience can transform the face of adversity. We also talk about how the recent pandemic has pushed many business owners to the brink, and yet, allowed us to discover our own resilience. As we delve deeper, we explore the world of wine business, the challenges in product pricing, and the exciting rise of UK sparkling wine. 

Influencer marketing, LinkedIn, and organic growth - these aren't just buzzwords but integral elements of Kath's success. We uncover the potential of influencer marketing in a saturated market and its immense potential to capture a Gen Z audience. Offering practical advice, Kath shares her experiences, tips, and tactics on using social media for immediate sales and business growth. Whether you're a retail or hospitality entrepreneur, or simply someone with a dream and the determination to pursue it, this episode has something to offer you. So, sit back, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let's embark on this journey together!

An Hour With An Indie is created by Pilla - the app where retail and hospitality work happens.

Scheduling shifts is just the start - Pilla's automation and work templates make sure teams get the right work done, at the right time, in the right way.

Try Free

For the past few years Jack has been building a new pub concept which sadly didn't work out. 

Jack came on the podcast to talk us through the reasons why the project didn't work and what he has personally learned about launching a business.

An Hour With An Indie is created by Pilla - the app where retail and hospitality work happens.

Scheduling shifts is just the start - Pilla's automation and work templates make sure teams get the right work done, at the right time, in the right way.

Try Free

Victoria Poon runs Alpaca Coffee. Started in 2020 via a kickstarter,  Alpaca is one of the coolest new coffee brands around. 

Victoria and here team are passionate about demystifying the coffee industry and dealing with the awkwardness that can sometimes occur for consumers. 

Alpaca also aims to make an impact on the industry by helping it become more sustainable, eco-friendly and ethcal. 

An Hour With An Indie is created by Pilla - the app where retail and hospitality work happens.

Scheduling shifts is just the start - Pilla's automation and work templates make sure teams get the right work done, at the right time, in the right way.

Try Free

Karim AKA The Fresh Prince Of Retail has been leading retail teams for over 25 years. Including teams in popular high street brands such as Harrods and Selfridges. 

On this episode, Karim talks us through the ways that retail operators can improve sales by focussing on their teams. He also talks to us about the current challenges facing retail and some ways to overcome these.

An Hour With An Indie is created by Pilla - the app where retail and hospitality work happens.

Scheduling shifts is just the start - Pilla's automation and work templates make sure teams get the right work done, at the right time, in the right way.

Try Free

Phil Street is the host of Hospitality Meets podcast and a hospitality recruiter. Finding staff for a hospitality business is a challenge right now. The sector is hugely understaffed and there aren't enough young people entering the industry.  

But there are few things you can do to increase your chances of finding great people and Phil Street joined us to talk them through. 

An Hour With An Indie is created by Pilla - the app where retail and hospitality work happens.

Scheduling shifts is just the start - Pilla's automation and work templates make sure teams get the right work done, at the right time, in the right way.

Try Free

Adam Lamb coaches Chefs on leadership, communication, culture and relationship building.  Some of the skills which usually aren't focussed on in culinary school. 

On the podcast, Adam shares his thoughts on what it means to have a sustainable cheffing career.

An Hour With An Indie is created by Pilla - the app where retail and hospitality work happens.

Scheduling shifts is just the start - Pilla's automation and work templates make sure teams get the right work done, at the right time, in the right way.

Try Free

David Boyle teamed up with The Nighttime Industries Association to create this report which quantifies the significance of the UK electronic music industry. 

The report highlights how big of an impact the industry makes to UK GDP and also to the nighttime industry including bars, restaurants, clubs, taxi drivers, security and a whole host of other jobs.

An Hour With An Indie is created by Pilla - the app where retail and hospitality work happens.

Scheduling shifts is just the start - Pilla's automation and work templates make sure teams get the right work done, at the right time, in the right way.

Try Free

Michael is a Co-Founder of Sud Pasta, (formerly Sugo Pasta Kitchen) which is a very popular independent restaurant chain in Manchester. 

Michael came on to the podcast to talk to us about management principles and how they can help your leadership team get the best out of every situation. 

An Hour With An Indie is created by Pilla - the app where retail and hospitality work happens.

Scheduling shifts is just the start - Pilla's automation and work templates make sure teams get the right work done, at the right time, in the right way.

Try Free