Chris Fox: The Truth About AI, Startups & What’s Coming NextIn this episode of The Chester Centurions Podcast, Alan Bark sits down with AI consultant and entrepreneur Chris Fox to unpack the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and what it means for SMEs today.Chris shares his journey from innovation and R&D into launching his own AI consultancy, helping businesses implement frameworks and governance for AI adoption. They explore: • How AI is transforming business processes • The moment Chris realised AI’s potential • Where SMEs sit on the AI adoption curve • Common misconceptions around running a business • Risks of unmanaged AI use (including real-world law firm case studies) • Automation, data governance, and the future of sovereign AI • The power of work-life rituals and staying grounded • Apprenticeships, talent development, and how startups are outpacing tech giants • What’s next in the world of AI infrastructure, energy, and language-based modelsWhether you’re curious about how AI can give you a competitive edge, or you’re navigating the ups and downs of running a business, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Subscribe for more conversations with business leaders who are shaping the future.#AI #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ChesterCenturions #Innovation #Automation #WorkLifeBalance #Leadership #AIConsulting

DON’T MISS THIS WEEK’S EPISODE

From Police Work to Peak Performance – Building a Life-Work Balance in the Mountains

In this week’s Chester Centurions Podcast, I speak with Ross Worthington, co-founder of RAW Adventures, a thriving outdoor adventure business based at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). What started as a side hustle with his wife Kate became a full-time mission to help people experience the power of the outdoors—through mountain adventures, leadership training, and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

🎙️ Key takeaways:

✅ Why necessity and passion were the catalysts behind RAW Adventures

✅ The truth about being your own boss—and the hidden challenges no one tells you

✅ The power of flipping “work-life balance” to life-work balance

✅ How RAW is shaking up the adventure space by removing barriers for small charities

✅ Why saying “no” can be as powerful as “yes” in business growth

✅ Practical tips for staying adaptable, even when the terrain gets rough

Ross shares candid insights from his journey—from detective work in the southeast to leading people up mountains in North Wales—offering inspiration and wisdom for anyone looking to build a business around what they love.

Subscribe now and catch a new episode every Wednesday.

#ChesterCenturions #BusinessPodcast #OutdoorAdventure #Entrepreneurship #LifeWorkBalance #DoWhatYouLove #LearnFromFailure

In this episode of the Chester Centurions Podcast, I sit down with John Farrell, Partner at Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants, to discuss the realities of running a business, financial planning, and the key strategies business owners need to stay ahead.

We cover:

🔹 The growth of Ellis & Co from a small firm in 1989 to a thriving accountancy practice with offices in Chester and Wrexham

🔹 The common misconceptions about running a business, including why it’s not always as easy or profitable as it looks from the outside

🔹 Why understanding your numbers is critical for business success and the biggest financial mistakes business owners make

🔹 The importance of financial forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management

🔹 How to stay adaptable in a changing economic landscape, from tax changes to digital accounting requirements

🔹 The biggest pitfalls for startups and how to avoid them, from unrealistic financial projections to taking on unnecessary costs

John also shares his top three pieces of advice for business owners, including:

The importance of realistic financial planning

Why keeping overheads low is crucial in the early days

How to handle business partnerships and shareholder agreements the right way

This episode is packed with practical financial advice for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to grow sustainably while avoiding common financial traps.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and learn why knowing your numbers is the foundation of business success.

Watch now and subscribe to the Chester Centurions Podcast for more expert business insights!

#BusinessFinance #Entrepreneurship #KnowYourNumbers #ChesterCenturions #AccountingTips

In this episode of the Chester Centurions Podcast, I sit down with Robbie Davison, founder of Can Cook, a social food business dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, has access to fresh, healthy meals. Robbie shares the story behind his mission, the staggering statistics on food poverty in the UK, and how his business is tackling the challenges of affordability and nutrition.

We discuss:

🔹 The shocking reality that 54% of the UK cannot afford fresh food

🔹 The connection between poor diet and rising health issues like obesity and diabetes

🔹 What inspired Robbie to launch his business—starting with a powerful moment in a community café

🔹 The biggest misconceptions about running a business and why market research is key

🔹 How Robbie stays motivated, adaptable, and focused in a constantly evolving industry

🔹 The innovative solutions Can Cook is bringing to schools, hospitals, and workplaces

Robbie also shares his top three pieces of advice for entrepreneurs, including why hard work, luck, and resilience are critical for success.

Tune in to hear Robbie’s inspiring journey and why he believes that food should never be a privilege.

Watch now and subscribe to the Chester Centurions Podcast for more inspiring business stories!

#FoodForAll #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #SocialImpact #ChesterCenturions

Building a Greener Future: The Truth About Energy-Efficient HomesIn this episode of the Chester Centurion Podcast, I sit down with Tim from EcoVert Solutions, a business dedicated to reducing energy consumption in domestic and commercial buildings. For the past 14 years, Tim has been at the forefront of sustainable construction, helping homeowners and businesses build low-carbon, high-efficiency properties.In this episode, we discuss:The reality of starting and running a sustainable construction businessThe true cost of building a Passive House (Hint: It’s not as expensive as you think!)Why traditional building methods need to change—and fastHow solar panels and heat pumps are reshaping the industryThe biggest misconceptions about running a businessWhy cash flow is king and how to survive in a volatile industryIf you’re interested in sustainable housing, green technology, or just learning from a business leader who’s making a difference, this episode is packed with insights and real-world lessons.Drop a comment below: What do you think about Passive Houses? Would you ever build one?Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more entrepreneurial insights!

In this episode of the Chester Centurions Podcast I’m joined by Phil, the founder of RibRide UK  one of North Wales’ top adventure tourism businesses. What started with one boat in Caernarfon has grown into a fleet of 11, carrying over 20,000 passengers a year along the stunning Anglesey coastline.But Phil’s journey to success wasn’t straightforward. From working as a yacht skipper in the Caribbean to sitting on his first boat wondering why customers weren’t showing up—his story is one of persistence, adaptability, and entrepreneurial grit.In this episode, we dive into:The reality of starting a business—why customers don’t just show upHow to recognise the real growth opportunity (it might not be what you expect!)Why balancing work, family, and personal passions is the key to long-term successHow to challenge yourself to innovate and keep your business freshThe future of RibRide and why corporate team-building on the water is a game-changerIf you’re an entrepreneur, outdoor enthusiast, or someone who loves hearing about bold business moves, this episode is packed with real-world lessons.Like & Subscribe for more business insights from top business owners.

Welcome to The Chester Centurions Podcast. Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with Jason Wittenbrink, a local Chester entrepreneur who’s making waves in the electrical infrastructure industry.In this episode, Jason shares his journey with B&S Group—a company specialising in switchgear, substations, and other critical infrastructure products for major players like Scottish Power, UK Power Networks, and Schneider. From his roots in the local community to his role in driving green energy projects and innovative industrial applications, Jason offers invaluable insights into leadership, team-building, and what it really takes to stay agile in a rapidly evolving market.• Building a high-performing team• Navigating legacy and change in a 30-year-old business• Balancing customer expectations, stakeholder accountability, and personal well-being• Embracing continuous learning and innovationJason dives deep into his entrepreneurial journey—from joining a legacy business as its next-generation leader to expanding its capabilities with cutting-edge projects in green energy. He explains how his team’s performance, effective communication, and a relentless drive to innovate have helped B &S Group grow and stay ahead in a competitive market.“…if you surround yourself with high-performing, agile people, your business isn’t just about what you do—it’s about what your team achieves together.”If you’re an entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply passionate about innovation and sustainable energy solutions, this episode is a must-watch. Make sure to hit that like button, subscribe for more real-world business insights.

Welcome to the Chester Centurions Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Peter Goddard, co-owner of Daulby Read Insurance Brokers, a Chester-based firm with a rich history dating back to 1975. Peter shares how the business has evolved, especially during the challenges of COVID-19, growing from £3 million to £14 million in GWP.We dive into his entrepreneurial journey, the mindset shifts that fueled their success, and the importance of strong habits over fleeting inspiration. Peter also discusses how he balances business growth with maintaining high-quality service in an industry increasingly dominated by private equity.If you're a business owner looking for insights on scaling, leadership, and staying adaptable in a changing world—this one's for you!Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs.

Chester Centurions Podcast – Excel TM Group: Taking the Leap into EntrepreneurshipIn this episode of the Chester Centurions Podcast, Alan Bark sits down with Mike and Sian from Excel TM Group to discuss their journey into entrepreneurship. They share how they identified a gap in the construction and built environment sector, the challenges of starting a business with no safety net, and the mindset shifts that helped them push past fear and uncertainty.Mike and Sian open up about the realities of running a business—dealing with late payments, overcoming setbacks, and the misconceptions people have about entrepreneurship. They highlight the importance of resilience, trust, and learning from failure, as well as the dynamics of working together as a couple in business.Tune in for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a results-driven business and how Excel TM Group is making an impact in the industry.Subscribe now to catch this and future episodes of the Chester Centurions Podcast!

Welcome to The Chester Centurions Podcast!Today’s episode is packed with hard-earned insights, business lessons, and real talk about entrepreneurship. My guest is Jack Mitchell, founder of Staff 86, a recruitment agency specialising in temporary and permanent staffing for the hospitality, events, sales, and marketing industries.Jack’s journey is one of resilience, strategic growth, and building a business from the ground up—twice. From running his first staffing business at just 21 years old to selling it and eventually launching Staff 86, Jack has learned what it really takes to scale a company in a fast-moving industry.In this episode, Jack shares:The truth about starting a business (and why it’s not all freedom and flexibility)Lessons from selling his first company and what he did differently the second timeWhy listening to clients and industry trends is the key to staying aheadHow to build a team that drives growth while maintaining work-life balanceHis top three pieces of advice for aspiring entrepreneursIf you’re thinking of launching your own business, struggling with scaling, or just want to hear from someone who’s walked the path and built a thriving company, this episode is for you.Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway from Jack’s insights!Like & Subscribe for more real conversations with successful entrepreneurs.Now, let’s dive in!