In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Ryan Clark, founder and CEO of Safer Group, to explore how a temporary job and a curiosity for technology turned into a fast-growing security business.

Ryan shares his journey from studying engineering to building an iPhone app, before realising there was a bigger opportunity to rethink how security services are delivered. He talks openly about the early days of the business, from turning up on construction sites asking for a chance, to sleepless nights spent personally monitoring alarms.

We also discuss the mindset required to turn down acquisition offers, why vision and culture matter more than chasing numbers, and how Ryan had to change personally as the company grew. From learning to trust a team, to becoming a stabilising force for both staff and customers, this conversation offers a rare look at the realities of scaling a business.

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, technology-led services, or the personal growth that comes with leadership, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Lisa Johnston, Managing Director of VWM Wealth, to talk about financial planning, leadership, and what it really takes to build trust with clients.

Lisa shares her journey into financial services, from studying the subject at university to working her way through administration, paraplanning and advice before stepping into leadership. She reflects on following a traditional path, learning the technical detail of the role, and why that foundation has shaped how she leads today.

We also explore how many business owners pour everything into their companies while neglecting their own personal financial planning, why understanding your spending is more important than most people realise, and how good advice can set you up for the long term without constant intervention.
Lisa talks openly about building a team with both technical skill and human connection, challenging the idea that financial advice should feel distant or inaccessible, and explaining who financial planning is really for in a world full of online opinions and influencers.

If you are a business owner, thinking about your finances, or interested in how professional services firms grow through people and relationships, this is an episode well worth your time.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Anne Marie and Melissa Cairney, mother and daughter and the Managing Director and Sales and Marketing Manager behind The Victor Pizza Co.

Anne Marie shares her journey from community focused work and an unexpected start in sales to building, selling and reinvesting in businesses that prioritise people, relationships and repeat customers. What began with learning on the job evolved into a clear vision around focus, simplicity and long term growth.

Melissa brings the next generation perspective, talking about growing with customers, knowing when infrastructure must catch up with demand, and making tough decisions to invest in the future of the business. Together, they offer a candid look at what it means to run a family business at scale while staying grounded in values, trust and teamwork.

From simplifying operations and building strong teams, to recognising when growth requires bold investment, this conversation is full of practical lessons for business owners navigating change.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with John Morris, founder of Prime Property Auction and one of Scotland’s most recognisable names in the fast-paced world of property auctions.

John shares how he went from having just 15 properties on the books to building one of the most active auction businesses in the country. He talks openly about the early pressure of finding deals, the moment he realised he needed to scale, and the mindset shifts that helped him push the business forward.

We dive into the realities of hiring staff, why he waited too long to bring people on, and how he balanced ambition with the day-to-day worries of paying wages and supporting his family. John also breaks down the hardest parts of scaling a business, from building a young hungry team to knowing when to invest in senior talent who can bring their own book of clients.

From tracking cash collected every month to fixing problems quickly when the team falls off track, John’s approach to processes, data and accountability offers huge lessons for anyone running or growing a business.

If you’re interested in property, entrepreneurship or the honest reality of scaling something from scratch, this is an episode you’ll get a lot from.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Jack McGill, founder and CEO of QTV, one of Scotland’s leading sports broadcast companies.

From humble beginnings filming local cricket matches to delivering major events like the Commonwealth Games, Jack’s journey is one of vision, innovation and persistence. He shares how QTV built its reputation through collaboration, creative problem-solving and a deep respect for the sports and communities they cover. We also discuss the future of live broadcasting, including how technology and AI are shaping the industry, and what it really takes to grow a values-driven business in a competitive field.

If you’re passionate about sport, media, or building a business rooted in purpose, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Sarah Haran, founder of the luxury handbag brand that bears her name and the woman who turned a creative side project into an award-winning business.

Sarah shares how her journey began while working in tech, creating handbags as a hobby before realising there was a real opportunity to blend function, beauty and innovation. What started as a website case study soon evolved into a brand built on craftsmanship, confidence and community.

From developing her unique modular design that lets women transform one bag into many looks, to building a loyal following through authentic connection and storytelling, Sarah talks honestly about creativity, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to stand out in a crowded market.

If you’re interested in fashion, business, or how passion projects can grow into powerful brands, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Abhishek Bhatia, Managing Director of IDEA and Distill-RE — two forward-thinking businesses at the intersection of engineering, whisky, and innovation. 

Abhishek shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading a company built on systems, structure and purpose. He talks about the power of recognition in the workplace, how one forgotten invoice led to a complete operational overhaul, and why hard work and efficiency are two sides of the same coin. We also explore how Abhishek and his team carved out their place in an industry where connections are everything — not through golf clubs or glad-handing, but through authenticity, consistency and trust.

If you’re a business owner looking to build culture, strengthen systems, and grow your network the right way, this is an episode packed with lessons you’ll want to take notes on.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Julie Moulsdale, director of Perceptive Communicators.

Julie shares her journey from working in large global organisations to founding her own business. She talks candidly about the risks of leaving a secure salary, the challenges of balancing early motherhood with entrepreneurship, and the transformative first client that helped set her business on the path to success. She also explains how she built a strong, capable team by trusting them with responsibility, giving them space to grow, and stepping back from the day-to-day to focus on strategic growth. Julie’s insights show the power of developing people, fostering talent, and knowing when to work on the business rather than just in it.

If you’re thinking about starting your own venture, building a high-performing team, or stepping into a more strategic leadership role, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and lessons learned from experience.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we chatted to Lorna McFarlane, Managing Director of Blantyre Fabrications, where every truck-mounted concrete mixer starts as a flat sheet of metal and ends as what Lorna calls “a beautiful lady”.

Lorna shares how she’s built more than just mixers, she’s built a team she can trust for the long haul, blending decades-long relationships with fresh talent from the next generation. She talks about rolling up her sleeves to transform a shell of a workshop into a thriving site, and how the support of suppliers and the reputation she’s earned over the years helped make it happen faster than anyone expected.

If you’re interested in building something that lasts, whether it’s a product, a team, or a reputation, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.