Dan Boardman-Weston, the Chief Executive of BRI Wealth Management plc, shares his journey from an unexpected start in wealth management to leading a thriving financial planning firm in the West Midlands.  

After gaining experience at his father’s firm, he pursued an MBA before returning to BRI, where he became CEO in 2022. His leadership has driven internal transformation, strengthening the firm’s client impact and future growth.

Dan emphasises the power of a strong team, open communication, and industry alignment in business success. He reflects on overcoming challenges and highlights the importance of mentorship and peer support in leadership.

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Mel Hall, an area fundraiser for Acorns Children's Hospice, shares her inspiring journey with the organisation, which provides vital support to life-limited children and their families across the West Midlands. She highlights the hospice’s uplifting environment, focused on making memories and celebrating life.

Reflecting on challenges such as the pandemic’s impact on fundraising, Mel emphasises the importance of community support. Drawing from her own experience, she highlights the profound impact of Acorns’ work and encourages greater awareness of its essential services.

If you'd like to help support Acorns Children's Hospice by donating, you can do so here - https://www.acorns.org.uk/donate/

If you'd like to be a guest on The West Midlands Business Podcast, drop us an email at  [email protected]

Visit our website to discover more about us and access free resources for business owners: blackcountry.actioncoach.co.uk

Samantha Cerrone, the founder of Cerrone Estates, shares her inspiring journey of launching a self-employed estate agency during the pandemic in 2020. With 15 years of industry experience, she took the leap into entrepreneurship after years of running businesses for others. 

Emphasising the importance of building strong client relationships through empathy and support, her business culture prioritises people over transactions, building trust and long-term referrals.  

Samantha reflects on the challenges of balancing work and family life while managing client expectations and explains how leveraging social media has helped her stand out in a highly competitive market.

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Emma Cromarty, founder of EC Human Resources Ltd., shares her journey of running a successful HR business for the last 12 years. Rooted in the Black Country, she takes pride in the region’s hardworking culture and rich heritage. Originally seeking a better work-life balance, she has built a thriving company with a strong client retention rate.

 Emma highlights the importance of trust, networking, and clear communication in HR. She discusses common challenges faced by business owners, emphasising the need for open conversations. 

 Listen as Emma encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap, dream bigger, and seek support from mentors and peers to grow their businesses.

Discover more about EC Human Resources Ltd at: www.echumanresources.co.uk

www.echumanresources.co.uk

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In this episode we dive into the inspiring journey of Tim Dunkley from Brew 61, an award-winning micro-brewery based in Bromsgrove.

From farming to brewing, discover how passion and perseverance turned a hobby into a thriving business. 

Discover more about Brew 61 at: https://brew61.co.uk

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Andy Toms, founder of TLM Laser, reflects on the company’s impressive evolution since its inception in 2005. Originally a service-led business specialising in marking lasers, TLM has transformed into a product-driven enterprise offering laser welding, plastic welding, and laser cleaning solutions. Andy attributes their success to adaptability and strong customer relationships.

Listen as Andy shares inspiring lessons on perseverance, resilience, and never giving up.

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Irfan, James, and Manish, founders of Margenii, share their inspiring journey in building a SaaS company transforming the logistics industry with AI. Drawing from deep expertise in consulting and technology, the trio has tackled long-standing challenges in logistics, creating innovative solutions often overlooked by established companies. Their global team’s connectivity and focus on customer needs have been key to their success.

Listen as they explore their shift from technical consulting to a sales-driven approach, emphasising the importance of upskilling in sales and marketing. Their story illustrates the power of mindset, adaptability, and collaboration in driving success in a competitive industry.

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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.