Jack Spittlehouse has lived in Bishop’s Stortford all his life and is now bringing that local knowledge into a new business venture with Hammond & Smith, an estate agency based in Florence Walk. With an existing branch already established in Epping, the business has now opened in town with a focus on modern marketing, honest service and a more personal way of working.

In this conversation, Jack explains why Bishop’s Stortford continues to attract people from outside the area, especially buyers moving out from parts of Greater London in search of stronger community, schools, transport links and quality of life. Rather than seeing the town simply as a property market, he talks about it as a lifestyle, shaped as much by its clubs, cafés, parks and independent businesses as by the homes themselves.

The episode also explores the role Hammond & Smith wants to play locally. Jack talks about supporting schools, planting a tree for every sale, working with local charities and trying to be a business that contributes to the town rather than just trading in it. What comes through is a strong sense that Bishop’s Stortford’s appeal lies not just in what it has, but in the people continuing to invest in it.

Links

Website
https://www.hammondandsmith.co.uk

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/hammondandsmith/

Email
[email protected]
[email protected]

Phone
01992 919007

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Be grateful”

Jack’s message is for everyone in town. His view is that while it is easy to focus on traffic or change, people sometimes forget how much Bishop’s Stortford already offers in terms of schools, transport, community and everyday quality of life.

Secret Spot

Pav’s Coffee at Castle Park

Jack highlights Pav’s Coffee as one of those places people discover through real life rather than social media. He praises the coffee, homemade cakes and the simple charm of finding it tucked into Castle Park at weekends.

Local Legends

Bailey Hills - https://baileyhills.co.uk/

Jack gives a shoutout to Bailey Hills, praising the people behind it and the fact Bishop’s Stortford can now claim its own vineyard.

Katie from ThisIsBS.CM23 - https://www.instagram.com/thisisbs.cm23/

He also mentions Katie from This Is BS CM23 for everything she does behind the scenes to support and spotlight the town.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

Catherine Trillo-Blanco runs Acorn Life Coaching and Hypnotherapy, a Bishop’s Stortford-based practice built around helping people change patterns, build confidence and move forward in life with more clarity. Her work combines coaching with tools including NLP, EMDR and hypnotherapy, with an approach shaped by both professional training and personal experience.

In this conversation, Catherine explains why there is no single method that works for everyone. Rather than forcing people into a set system, she focuses on the individual in front of her, whether that means working with adults, children, teenagers, couples, corporate clients or education settings. What comes through clearly is that trust, rapport and adaptability sit at the centre of how she works.

The episode also explores what hypnotherapy actually is, and what it is not. Catherine talks through the common misconceptions people have, the importance of feeling safe and in control, and the way coaching and hypnotherapy can work together to help people with confidence, anxiety, habits, family relationships and everyday challenges. Alongside her private practice, she also shares more about her work in education and her growing involvement in local wellbeing workshops and retreats.

Links

Website
https://www.acorn-life-coaching-and-hypnotherapy.co.uk/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560385255719

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/acornlifecoaching_hypnotherapy/

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-trillo-blanco-b0694223/

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Connection is key”

Catherine’s message is for everyone. For her, connection helps people feel seen, heard and supported, and she sees that as a vital part of healthier lives and stronger communities.

Secret Spot

Paisa - https://paisawinebar.com/

Catherine highlights Paisa as a favourite place in town, especially for a quick coffee, lunch or a moment to sit and watch the world go by from the corner of North Street.

Local Legends

Bishop’s Stortford Child Contact Centre - https://bsccc.co.uk/

Catherine gives a strong shoutout to the Bishop’s Stortford Child Contact Centre, where she volunteers. She highlights the important role it plays in giving children and parents a safe space to spend time together when families are living apart, and encourages more people to support it through volunteering.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Seb Scilly is CEO of the Strongbox Charity, the organisation behind Strongbox Gym, a community boxing gym based in Twyford in central Bishop’s Stortford. Open for six months, the gym is already attracting a steady flow of people from across the town and beyond, offering affordable boxing and fitness in a welcoming environment.

In this conversation, Seb explains how the gym came to life after a long search for the right premises. The building itself had previously been badly damaged and needed major work, but with the help of volunteers, tradespeople and local support, it was transformed into a fully equipped training space with room for both fitness and competitive boxing.

The episode looks at both sides of the project. On one hand, Strongbox is a community gym offering children’s classes, women-only sessions, fitness classes and support for people who need extra encouragement. On the other, it is also an England Boxing registered club, giving local boxers a proper pathway into amateur competition. What comes through clearly is that the gym is not just about boxing. It is about discipline, confidence, community and giving people a place to grow.

Links

Website
https://www.strongboxgym.co.uk

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Be kind to all men and have a great Easter”

Seb’s message is a simple seasonal one, offering warmth and kindness to the wider community.

Secret Spot

Green Dot Café - https://www.greendotcafe.co.uk/

Seb highlights Green Dot Café in Hockerill for the coffee, the food and the fact there is something there for everyone, whether you are after a full meal or just a coffee and cake.

Local Legends

Volunteer sports coaches across Bishop’s Stortford

Seb gives a broad shoutout to the unpaid volunteer coaches across the town who help hold clubs and communities together through football, rugby, cricket, boxing and more.

Koru Gym - https://www.korugym.com/

He also highlights the team at Koru Gym, praising the community they have built and the support they offer through their strength and fitness sessions.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Ann Scott is a regional business and stakeholder manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, the long-running national not-for-profit organisation representing small business owners across the UK. Her role connects policy, practical support and the day-to-day realities facing the people running small businesses in places like Bishop’s Stortford.

In this conversation, Ann explains how the FSB supports business owners through lobbying, networking, advice and member benefits. With cost pressures continuing to mount, from national insurance and business rates through to energy bills and employment changes, she makes the case for why many small business owners need more support than ever.

The episode also highlights the value of community. Ann talks about the importance of local networking, learning from other business owners and feeling part of something bigger when times are tough. It is a useful conversation for anyone running a small business, thinking of starting one, or trying to understand what help is already available.

Links

Website - https://www.fsb.org.uk
Ann Scott - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-scott-fsb-essex/

Support near you: https://www.fsb.org.uk/membership/support-near-you

Benefits: https://www.fsb.org.uk/membership/benefits

Free support: https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Let us support your small business with its big ambitions”

Ann’s message is aimed at small business owners who may not yet know what support is available. Her point is that smaller businesses are not just important locally, but central to the wider economy too.

Secret Spot

Independent cafés, shops and small local businesses

Rather than naming one place, Ann talks about the value of Bishop’s Stortford’s independent businesses more broadly. For her, the appeal is getting to know the people behind the business and the extra care that often comes with that.

Local Legends

FSB members and volunteers across Bishop’s Stortford.

Ann highlights the small business owners and volunteers she works with who support each other, share knowledge, speak up in the media and help represent the pressures facing smaller businesses more widely.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Charlie Ramnani runs women’s circles in Bishop’s Stortford, creating free spaces where women can gather, talk, support each other and build real connection. Her work began with Stroll for Your Soul, a walking and talking group she started 10 years ago, before growing into women’s circles, empowerment workshops and drum circles.

In this conversation, Charlie explains how the circles began and why they matter. For her, the goal is simple: to recreate some of the village feeling that many people feel has been lost. The circles are open, supportive and designed to be accessible, especially for women who may be craving connection or going through a difficult period in life.

The episode also touches on the wider importance of community in Bishop’s Stortford. Charlie reflects on the women she has seen form friendships, find support and grow in confidence through the circles, and on why affordable, welcoming community spaces matter more than ever.

Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlie.pinky.ramnani/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004716348082

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Together we rise”

Charlie’s message is for everyone. For her, it speaks to the power of community and the way people are stronger when they have support around them.

Secret Spot

Belle’s Place - https://bellesplaceholistic.co.uk/

Charlie highlights Belle’s Place for the way Dave and Belle support the wider community. She talks about their generosity, including helping host International Women’s Day activity and backing local groups and causes.

Local Legends

Red Kite - https://redkitesupport.org.uk/

Charlie shines a light on Red Kite, the local charity supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse. She describes their work as vital and encourages more people to know about them and support them.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Duncan Vincent is a local personal trainer and fitness coach who works with clients in their homes and online. His focus is on helping people build strength, move more freely and feel more confident, especially those who may feel unsure where to start or uncomfortable in a traditional gym setting.

In this conversation, Duncan talks about how his approach has been shaped by years in the fitness industry, from his early days working in a local gym through to university study in sports science and professional football coaching. What comes through clearly is that, whatever a person’s background or starting point, the real challenge is often confidence rather than capability.

The episode looks at how fitness can be made more accessible and less intimidating. Duncan explains how he works with people at home, how his online classes are structured, and why exercise does not have to mean forcing yourself into a gym environment that does not suit you. It is a practical conversation about building momentum, finding what works, and getting fit in a way that feels sustainable.

Links

Website:

www.DVpersonaltraining.com

Youtube - https://youtube.com/@duncanvincentpt

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/duncanvincent.pt/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DvPersonalTraining

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Find balance, build strength, move freely”

Duncan’s message is for people who are low in confidence and do not know where to start with fitness. His view is that building simple foundations and small bits of momentum can lead to much bigger changes over time.

Secret Spot

Southern Country Park - https://www.facebook.com/foscp.bs/

Duncan highlights Southern Country Park as a great local place to get out with children, walk, explore, and enjoy some green space.

Local Legends

Robbie Linsell at Paragon Fitness - https://paragonfitness.co.uk/

Duncan gives a shoutout to Robbie Linsell at Paragon Fitness for the way they bring people together around weight loss and support.

AbFab Fit Club - https://www.abfabfitclub.co.uk/

He also highlights AbFab Fit Club for creating a welcoming space where women can train confidently, including mums who want to bring their children along.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Kate Turner is the editor of The Bish Magazine and a copywriter at Douglas, the Bishop’s Stortford print and design business behind it. Having lived in the town for the last 14 years, she has become one of the people helping document and celebrate what makes Bishop’s Stortford distinctive.

The Bish began after lockdown, when the team at Douglas started thinking about how they could use their in-house design, print and writing skills to support the local community while also showing the kind of work they do. The result was a free quarterly magazine focused on local stories, independent businesses and the people helping shape the town.

In this conversation, Kate talks about the thinking behind the magazine, the process of producing it locally, and the pleasure of building each issue around the seasons and the town’s rhythms. She also reflects on what makes Bishop’s Stortford special, from its independent businesses and food culture to the way local people continue to back new ideas and community stories.

Links

Website
https://thebishmag.co.uk

Email
[email protected]

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thebishmag/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/thebishmag

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Love your town”

Bishop’s Stortford has a lot to celebrate, from its independent businesses to the quality and character of what is on offer locally.

Secret Spot

Le Pêche Mignon - https://www.lepechemignon.co.uk/bishopsstortford
Paisá - https://paisawinebar.com/
Nostimo Delicatessen - https://www.facebook.com/DelicatessenUK/
Pasticceria Di Leo - https://pasticceriadileo.co.uk/

Local Legends

Katie Wicks - https://www.instagram.com/thisisbs.cm23/

Kate gives a strong shoutout to Katie Wicks, for consistently sharing useful local information, good news and recommendations. Katie is someone deeply plugged into the community and generous in the way she supports local stories and businesses.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Josh Dean is the Member of Parliament for Hertford and Stortford, elected in July 2024. In this conversation, he reflects on his own local journey, from leaving school early and working in local jobs, to finding direction through youth work and eventually stepping into politics.

A big part of the discussion focuses on representation and local voice. Josh talks about his role as helping make the area an even better place to live, work and learn, and explains why he sees listening to residents as a core part of the job. That comes through most clearly in the conversation around current consultations on SEND reform and young people’s experience of the digital world.

The episode gives a useful sense of how national policy connects back to local lives. Josh discusses plans to gather views from parents, carers, educators and young people through roundtables and public discussion, with the aim of feeding those experiences back into Parliament. It is a practical conversation about democracy, community and the importance of making sure local people feel heard.

Links
https://www.joshdean.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshdeanmp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshdeanmp/

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Your voice matters.”

Josh says this is for everyone. His message is that the future of the community should be shaped by the people who live in it, and that more people should get involved in local democracy.

Secret Spot

The Toaster - https://www.instagram.com/wearethetoaster/

Josh highlights The Toaster on South Street as a favourite local spot, praising the menu and saying it is a regular choice for him and his team.

Local Legends

Thirst Youth Café - https://www.instagram.com/thirstyouthcafe/

Josh shines a light on Thirst Youth Café for the work it does to support young people in the town. He describes it as a fantastic organisation providing a safe space and making a real difference in the community.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Paul Cowen has spent more than 20 years working in IT, including roles in banking and automotive technology, before shifting fully into AI consultancy and training. Over the past year he has focused on helping people understand how AI can be used more practically, whether for business systems, content, problem-solving or day-to-day productivity.

In this conversation, he talks about the gap between how much AI is discussed and how little it is still being used well in everyday life. For small businesses, his view is that the real opportunity is not chasing hype but reducing friction, removing drudgery and finding the areas where AI can make work easier, more focused and more effective.

The episode also gets into the risks. Paul reflects on the rise of low-quality AI content, the temptation to automate without thinking, and the importance of keeping human judgement, creativity and care in the process. Alongside that, he shares how he is using AI in his own life, from coaching and accountability through to health, productivity and workshop delivery.

Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theaiconsultantuk

Email: [email protected]

Workshop
"AI Unlocked: Make AI Actually Work for You"

Wednesday 15th April, 12pm–5pm, Bishop's Stortford

Participants bring real work challenges and leave with AI workflows they can use straight away.

Booking link: https://go.theaiconsultant.co.uk/aiw-james

[Listener discount code: PODCAST saves £200 off the price, effectively making it half price. This offer is extended to 31st March so book before April to get the saving]

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Be curious and learn and grow with AI”

Paul says this is especially for young people and anyone who has ever been made to feel they are not good at certain subjects. His point is that AI can help people learn in a way that suits them and remove some of the fear around starting something new.

Secret Spot

Paddy Lennox’s Comedy Club at Home and Eat - https://www.paddylennox.com/events

Paul highlights the local comedy night as a place he loves going with friends, and one he secretly hopes does not become so popular that tickets become impossible to get.

Local Legends

The Residence - https://theresidencecoworking.co.uk/

Paul gives a strong mention to The Residence, both as a workspace and as a supportive local business community. He talks about the way they supported his son on a work experience placement and describes it as a welcoming place for local business owners to work, meet people and change pace.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:

True Tone Media – Business video without the cringe.
https://truetonemedia.carrd.co/

Sam Poyser has been teaching in Bishop’s Stortford for more than 15 years, building a community around dance, yoga and what she calls radical self-love. Through Own Your Joy, she creates spaces where people can move, breathe, laugh and reconnect with themselves without the pressure to perform or fit a certain mould.

Her work is shaped by her own experience. Sam talks openly about growing up dancing, losing confidence in a professional environment, and then finding her way back to movement on her own terms. What emerges in this conversation is a clear philosophy: movement is not about shrinking yourself or chasing perfection, but about confidence, wellbeing, self-expression and community.

The episode also touches on loneliness, mental health, midlife, and the importance of finding spaces where people feel seen and accepted. Whether through energetic dance classes, restorative yoga or deeper self-love work, Sam’s message is consistent: joy matters, and people are allowed to make space for it.

Links

Website
ownyourjoy.co.uk

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/own.your.joy/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Joydancefit

TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@ownyourjoy

Stortford SpotlightBillboard in Jackson Square

“Own Your Joy”

Sam says this is especially for people in midlife and beyond, when life can become serious, demanding and focused on everyone else. Her message is a reminder that people are allowed to have fun and make space for what fills them up.

Secret Spot

Consciously Hair - https://www.instagram.com/consciouslyhair/

Sam highlights Leslie at Consciously Hair, based in the shepherd’s hut at Millers Three. She describes it as much more than a hair appointment, with a calm, restorative feel that gives women a chance to take time for themselves.

Local Legends

The Nest - https://www.instagram.com/thenestherts/

Sam shines a light on Kim and River at The Nest, especially for the men’s circle they run. She sees it as an important space for connection and support, particularly at a time when more men are openly reaching out for help.

Support the Podcast

You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.

Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.

Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic