In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent is joined by Charlotte Melia, the inspiring founder of D&F Creative, to explore how she scaled her international events business across London, New York, and Riyadh. Charlotte shares her entrepreneurial journey, including her evolution from organising children's parties to delivering high-profile corporate events globally. She opens up about the challenges of scaling internationally, from managing cash flow to hiring senior leadership and balancing the demands of running a business as a single mother.

This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, female founders, and anyone navigating international growth. Charlotte also shares valuable advice on building networks, refining pitches, and embracing bold decisions when scaling up.

1. D&F Creative’s Business Evolution:
   • Originated as a children’s party business before pivoting to corporate events
   • Expanded into corporate events, focusing on sports fan zones, internal communications, and brand activations.
   • Achieved international growth with offices in London, New York, and Riyadh, delivering results faster than expected, including three events in Riyadh within ten weeks.

1. Challenges of Scaling Internationally:

• Transitioning from upfront private event payments to 30-60 day corporate payment terms caused cash flow strain.
• Seasonal revenue fluctuations led to opening a Middle East office to bridge gaps in Q1 business.
• Hiring senior roles, such as a Financial Director and operations leads, to address leadership gaps.
• Balancing international travel demands while parenting a son with severe autism.

1. Advice for Female Founders:

• Build strong networks and learn from connections.
• Practice your elevator pitch through competitions to refine your message.
• Be bold in pursuing international opportunities and pivoting when needed.
• Surprisingly, the Saudi market has proven to be very supportive of women-owned businesses.

1. Sustainability Initiatives:

• Prioritising local supply chains in all regions.
• Vetting vendors based on sustainability credentials.
• Implementing a no single-use plastics policy worldwide.
• Investing profits into a biodegradable balloon research project with Imperial College London.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Charlotte.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

[email protected]

[email protected]

 

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

 

Charlotte can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/charlotte-melia-4553a296

https://dazzleandfizz.co.uk/

[email protected]