Gareth Barton, Creative Director at Spacio, is on a mission to create remarkable workplaces that go beyond desks and design — crafting environments that inspire purpose, connection, and culture.

From post-conflict zones to boardrooms, Gareth’s career is anything but ordinary. Now Creative Director at Spacio, he channels 35+ years of experience in storytelling, strategy and design into building workplaces people actually want to be in.

In this episode, Gareth shares why branding belongs to the people, how workspaces can shape culture, and what it means to uncover a company’s “irreducible truth.” It’s an inspiring conversation about change, purpose, and falling in love with Mondays again.

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

Where to find Spacio
🌐 Website: https://www.spacio.co.uk/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spacio-design-&-build

Where to find Get Better in Chelmsford
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford 

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

What if your next best customer was already in your data?

In this episode, we dive into the world of business intelligence with James Neale, Co-Founder of Integra Data Solutions — the award-winning specialists who are changing how businesses find, understand, and reach their audiences.

From GDPR-compliant strategies to data enrichment and razor-sharp customer segmentation, James shares how Integra turns complex datasets into powerful, ROI-driven marketing campaigns. If you want to market smarter, not harder, this one's for you.

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

Where to find Integra Data Solutions
🌐 Website: www.integradatasolutions.co.uk
🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/integra-data-solutions/

Where to find Get Better in Chelmsford
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford 

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

How do you build prestige in a sport where history reigns supreme? 

Chelmsford City Racecourse may be the youngest in the UK, but it’s quickly making a name for itself — not just in horse racing, but as an all-star entertainment venue.

In this episode, we chat with Justin Deeny, Head of Marketing at Chelmsford City Racecourse, about the challenge of carving out a legacy, attracting top-tier racing talent, and expanding beyond the track with major concerts, B2B events, and private functions. 

Tune in to hear how they’re shaking up the scene and building a brand that lasts.

Where to find Chelmsford City Racecourse
🌐 Website: www.chelmsfordcityracecourse.com
🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/chelmsford-city-racecourse

Where to find Get Better in Chelmsford
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford 

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

How do you protect 600 acres of heritage while keeping it relevant in the modern world?

Join us as we sit down with Lorraine Thorne, Manager at Hylands House, to uncover how a near-derelict estate was transformed into one of Essex’s most sought-after venues.

From grand weddings and festivals to artisan markets and corporate retreats, Hylands is more than just a historic house — it’s a living, breathing part of the community.

Lorraine shares how her team balances history with innovation, taps into new markets, and builds strong partnerships to ensure Hylands thrives for generations to come.

Where to find Hylands House
🌐 Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk
🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hylandsestate/
🔗 Facebook: www.facebook.com/HylandsEstate

Where to find Get Better in Chelmsford
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford 

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

What if sport could do more than keep us fit — what if it could transform lives?

In this episode, we sit down with Jake Turner from Sport for Confidence to explore how they’re tackling health inequalities and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities and long-term conditions. From placing occupational therapists in leisure centres to collaborating with local authorities and healthcare teams, Jake shares how they’re making sport and physical activity truly inclusive.

We dive into the power of inclusive sport, the challenges of marketing a purpose-driven brand, and why Jake couldn’t love his job more.

Where to find Sport for Confidence
🌐 Website: www.sportforconfidence.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/sport-for-confidence-cic/

Where to find Get Better in Chelmsford
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford 

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

Great teams are built on talent, not labels. In this episode, we dive into how inclusive employment is changing lives and breaking down harmful prejudices against people with learning disabilities.

Caroline Giess from ECL shares how they connect skilled candidates with the right employers, while Hollie Austin from Moto Pizza explains why hiring inclusively is a game-changer. Plus, hear from Beth Corrigan, who landed her dream role at Moto with ECL’s support.

From challenging outdated stigmas to marketing inclusivity to both candidates and employers — this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about building stronger, more inclusive businesses and communities.

Where to find ECL
🌐 Website: https://www.ecl.org/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclcarecompany/

Where to find Get Better in Chelmsford
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford 

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

In this episode, Lisa Bone, Strategic Tourism Manager at Visit Essex, shares how they're redefining Essex’s identity. From vibrant cities and cultural hotspots to unspoilt coastlines and rolling countryside, Lisa and her team are on a mission to inspire civic pride and showcase Essex as a must-visit destination.

She also pulls back the curtain on the world of destination management — because tourism isn’t just about getting people through the door. It’s about shaping the infrastructure, managing the experience, and positioning Essex as a place people want to explore.

Ready to see Essex in a whole new light? Listen now!

Where to find Visit Essex:
🌐 Website: www.visitessex.com
🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/visitessex

Where to find Get Better in Chelmsford
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford 

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

Meet Jen Stanley and Laura Davis, the founders of Stanley & Davis, a modern HR consultancy redefining workplace culture. They're tearing up the old HR rule book to create high-performing, people-first businesses.

Forget the outdated, corporate view of HR — these two are all about humanising the workplace, aligning company culture with external branding, and building high-performing teams by balancing different skills and personalities.

Want to build a business where people thrive? This episode is packed with insights on transforming HR into a powerhouse for growth. Listen now!

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

Where to find Stanley & Davis
🌐 Website: www.stanleyanddavis.co.uk/
🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/stanley-davis-ltd/

Where to find Get Better in Chelmsford
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford 

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

It’s the season finale – and we’re ending things on a high with Eve Calderbank, creator of Ambitious Women in Essex.

Having experienced hostile working environments in the past, Eve was determined to be the change she needed for herself. And so she created the Ambitious Women in Essex community, a place where women can support women. And where networking is actually a whole lot of fun.

Eve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eve-calderbank
AWiE LinkedIn: @ambitiouswomeninessex
AWiE Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ambitious-women-in-essex-networking-events-2054529?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

Get Better in Chelmsford LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford
Get Better in Chelmsford Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/get-better-in-chelmsford-digital-marketing-2824269 

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_

In this episode, we speak to Paul Wilkinson, owner of Studio 808 – which, funnily enough, is where we record this podcast!

Starting as a DJ, Paul is now a producer with 25 years of expertise and has forged an inspiring space and creative community with access to first-class recording and editing equipment.

Join us as we delve into his journey, from overcoming challenges to building a successful business as a one-man band.

Studio 808: www.studio-808.com
Studio 808 Instagram: @studio808_

Get Better in Chelmsford LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford
Get Better in Chelmsford Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/get-better-in-chelmsford-digital-marketing-2824269 

🎬 Created in collaboration with:
Better Agency: @betteragency
Chelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil

🎤 Recorded at
Studio 808: @studio808_