The focus on sustainability, along with ethical and environmental working practices, has become increasingly important for businesses of all sizes in recent years. In this episode, we explore sustainable development and ethical business practices in Essex with four inspiring guests. We highlight their significant contributions to sustainability and how they have effectively incorporated eco-friendly and ethical practices into their operations. Tune in to gain valuable inspiration and practical tips for driving positive environmental and social change in your own business endeavours.

First, Alex Holliman, Managing Director at Climbing Trees, speaks with our reporter Chris Penhall about the benefits of winning a 2024 King's Award in the 'Sustainable Development' category. He details the sustainable practices that led to this recognition for their Essex-based B Corp business.

Next, we hear from Portia Patel, Co-Founder of ESGmark, who shares her insights on the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance standards and discusses how businesses can integrate these principles to drive sustainability and ethical practices.

Additionally, Chris Penhall talks with Joe Benton, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Essex Wildlife Trust, about the charity's work and how organisations of all sizes can make a real difference to the environment while supporting wildlife conservation efforts.

Finally, Jill Poet, CEO of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses, discusses how she has been guiding companies of all sizes toward ethical and sustainable practices for nearly 15 years.

The Essex Business Podcast will be taking a short break over the summer period, but we will return soon with another episode. Stay tuned.

Recorded July 2024

Guest speakers:

• Alex Holliman, Managing Director at Climbing Trees climbingtrees.com
• Portia Patel, Co-Founder of ESGmark esgmark.com
• Joe Benton, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Essex Wildlife Trust essexwt.org.uk
• Jill Poet, CEO of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses orbuk.org.uk

Selling a business involves more than just finding a buyer; it requires meticulous planning, negotiation skills, and an understanding of a range of legal and financial implications. In this episode, we focus on the intricacies of navigating the sale process, discussing common challenges and best practices to ensure a successful transaction.

First, Paul Forsyth, Partner at Ellisons Solicitors, speaks with our reporter Chris Penhall about key legal aspects of the sales process. He discusses complex areas such as contract negotiations, legal due diligence, and minimising legal risks for sellers.

We also hear from Craig Hubert, a Multiple Business Owner in the Hair and Beauty industry, who shares his first-hand experience of selling The Vintage Cosmetic Company, a business he founded in 2011. Craig provides insights into the sale process, highlighting the nuances of negotiating with buyers and managing unexpected obstacles that may arise.

Finally, Mark Brooks, Corporate Finance Director at Rickard Luckin, explains the various financial elements to consider when selling a business. Mark delves into topics such as deal structures and negotiation tactics, the emotional and mental aspects of selling a business, and ensuring a smooth exit strategy.

Recorded June 2024

Guest speakers:

• Paul Forsyth, Partner at Ellisons Solicitors ellisonssolicitors.com
• Craig Hubert, Multiple Business Owner in the Hair and Beauty industry
• Mark Brooks, Corporate Finance Director at Rickard Luckin rickardluckin.co.uk

In this episode, we explore the power of networking with three Essex-based networkers and relationship-building experts. From leveraging social media to attending industry events, our guests share practical tips and strategies for expanding your network, nurturing meaningful relationships, and unlocking new opportunities.

To kick things off, Aaron Desmond, Founder of Networking Essex, the largest networking group in the county, speaks to our reporter Chris Penhall about how his journey began with Networking Essex and the importance of effectively networking to harness new business opportunities. We also hear from Matthew Rowe, Director of MJR Marketing and PR Consultancy Ltd, who provides valuable insights into how he is utilising networking and relationship building to drive the growth of his own start-up.

Finally, Eve Calderbank, Creator of Ambitious Women in Essex, an initiative affiliated with Essex County Council, shares her experiences in establishing this network. Renowned for supporting local women throughout their careers and its highly coveted networking events across Essex, Ambitious Women in Essex has become a beacon of empowerment and opportunity in the county.

Recorded April 2024 

Guest speakers: 

• Aaron Desmond, Founder of Networking Essex networking-essex.co.uk
• Matthew Rowe, Director of MJR Marketing and PR Consultancy Ltd mjrmarketingandpr.co.uk
• Eve Calderbank, Co-Chair of Essex County Council’s Women’s Network and Creator of Ambitious Women in Essex essex.gov.uk

In this episode, we talk to three Essex-based business leaders about their personal stories, the challenges they have overcome, and the leadership principles that have guided them to success. This episode offers valuable insights into effective leadership strategies that you can implement in your own business pursuits.

Reporter Chris Penhall speaks to Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd, about her roles as both a leader and a consultant, as well as offering invaluable insights into overcoming common challenges and fostering effective leadership practices. Also, David Malthouse, Managing Director of First Intuition Chelmsford, recounts his evolution from accountant to trainer to business owner. David discusses the obstacles he has faced on his path of personal and professional development.

Plus, Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, reflects on her journey to her current position, sharing the lessons she has learned along the way. Jane also sheds light on the unique challenges faced by leaders in the charitable sector.

Recorded March 2024

Guest speakers:

• Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd mccormick.ltd
• David Malthouse, Managing Director of First Intuition Chelmsford firstintuition.co.uk
• Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust ehaat.org

In this episode, we explore the digital landscape alongside three Essex business leaders who have embraced technology to drive growth and innovation. Learn about their digital transformation journeys, the tools and strategies they found most effective, and how technology has become a crucial component of their overall business strategy.

Reporter Chris Penhall speaks to Matt Carr, Co-Founder of ECOedge, who explains how their start-up company is leveraging technology to propel its journey. Also, Stuart Belbin, Senior Account Executive at Ascend Broking Group Ltd, talks about the increasing integration of technology in the insurance sector.

Plus, Hilary Collins, Founder of Colchester-based Big Wave PR, engages in conversation with Chris Penhall regarding the influence technology has had on the operations of the PR and marketing world, and how AI can be of assistance… on occasions!

Recorded February 2024

Guest speakers:

• Matt Carr, Co-Founder of ECOedge myecoedge.com
• Stuart Belbin, Senior Account Executive at Ascend Broking Group Ltd ascendbroking.co.uk
• Hilary Collins, Founder of Big Wave PR wearebigwavepr.co.uk

In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we dive into the dynamic world of business expansion, exploring the journeys of three successful entrepreneurs from Essex to uncover the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the strategies they employed to successfully grow their business on a national and international level.

Reporter Chris Penhall talks to Alistair Hunter, Managing Director of The DS Group, about the company’s transition from a local to a national presence. Additionally, Nicky Crisp, Managing Director of Impamark, shares a captivating narrative detailing the evolution of a solo enterprise into an award-winning family-run company, boasting office locations in both Burnham-on-Crouch and Spain.

Plus, we hear from David Bell, founder of Simboc, a UK-based consultancy firm specialising in business and technology that has expanded its reach internationally.

Recorded January 2024

Guest speakers:

• Allistair Hunter, Managing Director at The DS Group thedsgroup.co.uk
• Nicky Crisp, Managing Director at Impamark impamark-promotional-merchandise.co.uk
• David Bell, Founder of Simboc simboc.com

Predicting the future landscape of the business world is becoming increasingly difficult, but strategic planning for what lies ahead remains vital for organisations of all sizes. In this episode, we've asked three experts to gaze into their crystal balls and share their opinions on what’s in store for the Essex business scene in 2024.

Ann Scott is Essex Development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses. Following her predictions at the onset of 2023, she spoke to our reporter, Chris Penhall about both potential challenges and opportunities for small businesses in the coming year. 

Plus, Ashton Hunt, Group Managing Director at Tees, provides a comprehensive overview of factors poised to impact businesses in the next 12 months and Andy Turner, Essex Director at Let’s Do Business Group, discusses some of the challenges ahead and the support they can provide.

Recorded December 2023

Guest speakers:

• Ann Scott, Essex Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses fsb.org.uk
• Ashton Hunt, Group Managing Director at Tees teeslaw.com
• Andy Turner, Essex Director at Let’s Do Business Group letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk

In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, amidst the festive aroma of mince pies and satsumas, we explore the significance of Christmas as the pivotal lifeline for the retail sector.

The widespread belief suggests that the holiday season is a decisive make-or-break period for many businesses. However, we examine whether this notion still holds true, or if it has evolved into something of a myth.

Reporter Chris Penhall talks to Sara Tupper, Chelmsford BID Manager, on how the city centre retail scene gears up to get tills ringing during the Christmas season, and Helen Wood, Manager at Colchester Waterstones looks at the importance of Christmas on the retail/hospitality sector.

Plus, Laura Muncey, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Anglia Ruskin University, provides a broader economic context to the discussion, exploring how external factors such as inflation and global events may be influencing Christmas trading in Essex.

Recorded November 2023

Guest speakers:

• Sara Tupper, Chelmsford BID Manager chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/chelmsford-bid
• Helen Wood, Manager at Waterstones, Colchester waterstones.com
• Laura Muncey, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Anglia Ruskin University aru.ac.uk/people/laura-muncey

Hybrid working is now considered to be the new norm in many sectors, so in this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we explore how employers can get the right balance and maximise productivity whilst simultaneously ensuring their employees are fully engaged with the business.

Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd talks to our reporter, Chris Penhall about the multifaceted challenges that companies face when navigating the world of hybrid working and Sarah Humphryes, Assistant Marketing Manager at Birkett Long, shares her experiences.

Plus, Maldon-based elite performance coach, Dr Stephen Simpson, discusses effective ways to manage performance and stress when people are working in different locations.

Recorded October 2023

Guest speakers:

• Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd mccormick.ltd
• Sarah Humphryes, Assistant Marketing Manager at Birkett Long birkettlong.co.uk
• Dr Stephen Simpson, Elite Performance Coach drstephensimpson.com

As another batch of apprentices embark on new careers, and with apprenticeships available in just about every subject you can imagine, we ask whether apprenticeships are key to solving the skills shortages affecting so many sectors of business.

In this episode, we hear from Hannah O’Brien and Toni Parrish, Employer Engagement Officers at Adult Community Learning Essex, which oversees hundreds of apprenticeships every year, and Debianne Messenger, Work Based Learning Manager at Career Track, an apprenticeship training provider working with local authorities and businesses in the Essex, Suffolk and Kent areas.

Plus, our reporter, Chris Penhall, talks to Carol Magnus from Tendring District Council about what the experience is like for organisations who take on apprentices.

Recorded September 2023

Guest speakers:

• Hannah O’Brien and Toni Parrish, Employer Engagement Officers at Adult Community Learning Essex aclessex.com
• Debianne Messenger, Work Based Learning Manager at Career Track tendringdc.gov.uk/jobs/career-track-apprenticeships
• Carol Magnus at Tendring District Council tendringdc.gov.uk/atoz/apprenticeships