Michael Hayman sits down with Robert White, CEO of Brabners and co-chair of True North, to explore how purpose-led, independent businesses are driving a new era of northern ambition. Robert reflects on the power of collaboration, devolution and long-term thinking to unlock the North’s full potential, and shares why the region's entrepreneurial energy continues to inspire him.

In this special series of Change Makers, host Michael Hayman meets the business owners delivering positive impact for their people, their communities and the northern economy: leaders driving growth in unexpected places and sectors, nurturing skills for the future, leveraging innovation strategies, investing in nature, and fostering inclusive social change.

A&E doctor-turned-entrepreneur Ed Lynch explains how years on the NHS frontline pushed him to create a longevity platform to prevent chronic disease. He discusses navigating family scepticism, an accidental breakthrough with CBRE, and his ambition to take Northern-led preventative healthcare global.

In this special series of Change Makers, host Michael Hayman meets the business owners delivering positive impact for their people, their communities and the northern economy: leaders driving growth in unexpected places and sectors, nurturing skills for the future, leveraging innovation strategies, investing in nature, and fostering inclusive social change.

Michelle Laithwaite built FuelHub with her husband James to solve a problem in their own home: clean, high-protein meals without the prep. She talks about launching while eight months pregnant, the huge COVID-driven surge, earning trust from elite athletes and fans nationwide, and why authenticity, provenance and Northern identity are central to the brand’s success.

In this special series of Change Makers, host Michael Hayman meets the business owners delivering positive impact for their people, their communities and the northern economy: leaders driving growth in unexpected places and sectors, nurturing skills for the future, leveraging innovation strategies, investing in nature, and fostering inclusive social change.

In this episode, Entrepreneur and early-years specialist Anita Frost shares how her under-fives character Green Bean is helping children learn, play and switch off from screens. She reflects on building an IP brand from Manchester during the pandemic, the power of dyslexia in her entrepreneurial journey, and winning KPMG’s Black Entrepreneurs Award.

In this special series of Change Makers, host Michael Hayman meets the business owners delivering positive impact for their people, their communities and the northern economy: leaders driving growth in unexpected places and sectors, nurturing skills for the future, leveraging innovation strategies, investing in nature, and fostering inclusive social change.

In this episode, Oonagh Simms, Founder of the Marshmallowist, shares how her story began training as a chocolatier in Paris. From a Portobello market stall to Harvey Nichols, Vogue and a move back to Leeds, she explains the craft and chemistry behind luxury marshmallows, working with her sister, and why flavour layering is redefining modern confectionery.

In this special series of Change Makers, host Michael Hayman meets the business owners delivering positive impact for their people, their communities and the northern economy: leaders driving growth in unexpected places and sectors, nurturing skills for the future, leveraging innovation strategies, investing in nature, and fostering inclusive social change.

In this episode, he speaks to Rachael Baker, Managing Director at JJ Smith & Co Ltd. A fourth-generation leader, Rachael reveals how she pivoted from a PhD in veterinary parasitology to running a century-old family firm. She shares what it means to lead a Merseyside manufacturer with employees who’ve stayed for nearly 50 years, how offsite construction can cut waste, and why inspiring the next generation is key to building the homes of the future.

In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman is joined by designer and author Anya Hindmarch. A defining voice in British fashion, Anya brings a lifelong love of music to her creative life.

Recorded at Cadogan Hall in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Anya reflects on starting her business at 19, the craftsmanship and curiosity that drive her, and why self-doubt can be a surprising source of strength.

In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman sits down with Andrew Bleeker, founder and CEO of the BPI Group, a trusted counsellor to leaders navigating moments of profound change and transformation.

Andrew's career bridges the worlds of business and policy, notably as the lead digital marketing strategist on both of President Obama's presidential campaigns. Now, he works globally as the first chair advisor to corporations and leaders building resilience, managing risks, and running campaigns that power change.

Drawing on his experience using data insights and state-of-the-art communications techniques, Andrew shares what it takes to lead change and not be consumed by it.

In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman is joined by journalist and author Cathy Newman. Best known as one of Channel 4’s leading broadcasters, Cathy shares the lesser-known story of her lifelong love affair with music - and it’s one with strings attached. 

From a childhood spark - a stray violin brought home during a bout of chickenpox - to performing in the parliamentary String Quartet, music remained a constant companion. Yet journalism became her stage, and Cathy reflects on the rhythm, focus, and listening both disciplines demand.

Recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Cathy reflects on her early musical experiences, the challenges of being a woman in media, and her advocacy for music education through Music for All. Along the way, she shows how passion, perseverance, and listening deeply - whether to a piece of music or a person - can shape both life and work.

In this episode of Journeys of Discovery, Michael Hayman sits down with internationally renowned violinist and author, Min Kym. A child prodigy who found her voice through the violin, Min shares the extraordinary story of her deep connection to music - from growing up in a traditional South Korean home to the devastating theft of her beloved Stradivarius.

Min reflects on the pressures of early success, the identity crisis that followed the loss of her violin, and how she ultimately found her way back to music. She and Michael discuss the profound relationship between musician and instrument, the emotional weight of artistry, the reality of perfectionism, and the cathartic process of writing her memoir, Gone: A Girl, a Violin, a Life Unstrung. 

Recorded at Cadogan Hall in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, this is a conversation about music, talent, and what it takes to begin again.