Rainer Derry shares her inspiring journey from a career in commercial finance to joining Walsh Funerals and Memorials, a family-run business in the Black Country. She highlights the business’s multifaceted operations, including bespoke funerals, retail memorials, and wholesale services. Central to their mission is a deep commitment to community, exemplified by initiatives like the Little Angels campaign, which provides memorials for families in need, and their bereavement support services, setting them apart in the industry.

Rainer attributes Walsh's success to their dedicated team, family-oriented culture, and strong community ties. She emphasises the challenges of managing growth in a no-second-chances industry, stressing the importance of quality and preparation.

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Stuart Hobbs, the driving force behind Rothley, shares his transformative five-year journey with the historic 200-year-old metal manufacturing company. Facing global competition in 2018, Stuart introduced a cultural revolution, empowering employees with ownership and engagement, which fuelled a remarkable 350% turnover growth.

Listen as Stuart highlights the role of consumer psychology in driving sales and offers valuable leadership insights, including self-analysis and leveraging strengths. 

His story underscores the impact of cultural change, innovation, and resilience in achieving business success.

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Tom Cash, the co-founder of Foxmere, shares the story of his company's impressive rise from humble beginnings to becoming a global player in the automation parts industry. Starting the business with his partner James in a bedroom, they grew it into a thriving enterprise with eight employees, nearly £2 million in revenue, and customers in 60 countries. 

Tom reflects on his deep connection to the Black Country, praising the honest, hardworking people who have shaped his leadership style and the success of his team.

Tom's focus on teamwork, open communication, and work-life balance serves as a powerful lesson for fellow business owners navigating their own challenges.

Tom Williams shares the remarkable evolution of Coinadrink, a family business rooted in the Black Country since 1962. Under his leadership, the company has transformed from £4.5 million to nearly £8 million turnover in just two and a half years, shifting its focus from hot drinks to a diverse range of snacks, cold beverages, and fresh food. Tom emphasises the importance of community support and collaboration among local businesses, which has been instrumental in their success.

In this episode, Tom discusses the challenges of rapid growth, including the growing pains associated with hiring and training new staff. He reflects on the influence of mentors in his life and shares valuable insights on creating a positive workplace culture.

Tune in to discover the inspiring journey of Coinadrink and Tom's ambitious vision for the future.

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Claire Downes shares the fascinating journey of her diverse career in the creative arts sector. From launching her first business at the age of 19, to making her mark in the film and television industry through casting and coaching young talents, and even penning an ITV series set in the Black Country. Today, she stands as the CEO and Co-Founder of Virtual Decisions, a ground-breaking company dedicated to changing minds and saving lives through experiential VR learning.

Listen as Claire discusses the explosive growth Virtual Decisions is undergoing, their exciting plans to break into the US market, and the vital role her team has played in driving the company’s success.

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Chris Carter, the Co-founder and Managing Director of Void Applications, is Black Country born and raised and explains why he believes the region is a great place to start a business. 

Listen as Chris shares his exciting twelve-year business journey, beginning as a gaming start-up fresh out of university, to changing the business focus to web and app development, and more recently winning the prestigious Black Country Chamber of Commerce award for ‘Excellence in Professional Services’ in November 2023.

Today Chris believes firmly in the importance of continuous learning, building knowledge, and seeking guidance from others.

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Son of the founder of The Big Pet Store, Darren Burke has been part of the Black Country ‘Pet Parent’ community since 1991.

Today, in his role as Director, Darren explains how a shift in mindset and behaviour along with the introduction of business processes, helps him to make decisions based on data rather than emotion and how not panicking or reacting to short-term issues has brought stability to the team, the customers, and the business.

Listen as Darren takes us on a journey through his career from shop assistant to manager to owner.

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Nicola Price, Licensed Accountant and owner of Six Wands Accountants & Book Keepers, talks about the effect of being in charge of her own destiny for the first time in her life and discusses the challenges she’s faced as her business has grown, including recruiting the right people, investing time in training them and creating a structure that works. 

Listen as Nicola talks about how her experience of being a female in the manufacturing industry during the 90s has stood her in good stead and how by making the decision to leave manufacturing and venture into a completely new industry proves that you never stop learning!

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Have the best people, delivering the best projects and listen to your clients. These are the key messages from Daniel Williams, Director of Rubix MEP.

Today, Daniel talks about how a mix of skill and attitude has helped shape the culture of the business and how being solutions focused and not prescriptive has attracted new clients and accelerated growth beyond expectation. 

Listen as Daniel explains how, as a relatively new business, they were able to react, adapt and expand quickly by having a formalised business plan, vision, and processes in place. 

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Lucy Cashmore, MD and owner of Daniel-Scott Recruitment Ltd. shares her experience of working in the recruitment industry, from ‘falling into it’ as a junior receptionist at the start of her career through to taking the plunge to set up her own business in 2020.

Listen as Lucy talks about how her business is bucking the trend by prioritising the importance of a work-life balance for her team, and how by following the advice of her late father to work hard, be honest and have humility, she builds strong and lasting relationships with clients.

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