How To Start Up by FF&M

In this episode we are joined by Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, Co-Founder & CEO of FLOWERBX and one of the UK’s most innovative entrepreneurs. Following a career of almost 20 years working for designer Tom Ford, Whitney then identified a market gap within the luxury sector that she set out to fill. She established FLOWERBX in London in 2015 and today Whitney’s company is the leading luxury flower service, having had clients such as Dior and Louis Vuitton, and is currently expanding across the United States. 

Having just announced an £8 million series A round of investment, Whitney shares advice on how to scale at pace but also why you should wait to find the right people to support your business. 

Whitney’s advice: 

• Surround yourself with a good team of supportive people who share your vision
• Know what you’re good at, and what you’re not
• Remember your responsibility to your shareholders
• Stay true to your vision and to the brand
• Accept you’ll make mistakes and move on
• “Fail fast” - if something, or someone, is not right then give up and move on, don’t waste time trying to make it work
• Don’t accept money from people you don’t feel are right - you will regret it
• A chairperson must share your vision, and be able to bring valuable experience
• Sustainability means no waste - set up rigorous standards at the outset.  Keep these at the centre of your business, even though it means taking the more difficult route
• Keep the people you employ motivated, and always invest in them
• You may be responsible for the failures in your business, but you can also relish the successes
• Brace yourself!  Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint-hearted

If you'd like to contact Whitney you can via Instagram.

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

• LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

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In this episode we hear from Rae, Founder of her eponymous brand Rae Feather, a personalised luxury accessories, homeware and versatile resort wear brand. Having founded her company in 2013 following a career in luxury travel marketing, Rae’s brand draws extensively on her passion for travel however it was the monogrammed straw basket with which the brand was propelled to notoriety on Instagram. 

Named in 2018 as one of the Walpole ‘Brands of Tomorrow’, Rae places great emphasis on sustainability and ethical production and works with many Fair Trade and social enterprise companies to make a positive impact around the world. 

Rae shares with us why you shouldn’t be put off starting a second career no matter what age you are and that really knowing your business through and through stands you in good stead when it comes to growth. 

Rae’s advice: 

• Being older gives you confidence; it doesn’t mean you have to be invisible or frumpy
• It’s useful to try to see things from the point of view of younger people, however
• When marketing, take care not to be aggressive; take the time to build a following with patience
• It’s helpful if you are creative and flexible
• Make sure you enjoy working with a team; be present for them
• Don’t try to do things too fast; take it slowly and know your limitations
• Don’t employ anyone you wouldn’t want to have dinner with
• Don’t overthink things and take one day at a time
• Surround yourself with positive people and people you can trust; listen to them

If you’d like to contact Rae you can reach her via Instagram. 

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

• LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

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• Test your product to make sure it’s as good as it can possibly be at the outset
• Be objective about your product; just because you are enthusiastic about it does not mean it will necessarily be a commercial success.  So find the balance between objectivity and passion
• If your product is a) good and b) commercially viable, you will succeed in getting retail space
• When running a company, keep good structures in place: daily / weekly / quarterly meetings
• Interacting with colleagues on a daily basis - even via Zoom - is valuable
• Sustainability and inclusivity should be assumed and not be one of your key selling points, unless you're doing something groundbreaking 
• Always look for innovations to inspire you
• Trade shows are a great way to get feedback on your product plus they can reinforce your own belief in it

• LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode I’m joined by Olga Beck-Friis, Co-Founder and CEO of PocketLaw, a Swedish startup now launching in the UK to enable SMEs to take care of their own legal matters. 

Having co-founded PocketLaw with her oldest childhood friend, Kira Unger (CEO), Olga explains how she and Kira separate work from their personal friendship and how they manage this dynamic within a business environment. Olga also offers her insights into improving gender diversity within startups alongside her thoughts on the future digitisation and automation of professional services.

PocketLaw provides small businesses with contract automation and management, access to usually-expensive legal documentation, and on-demand consultation with real-life lawyers. 

Olga’s advice:

• Take care to communicate; always be transparent about how you feel
• Listen carefully to each other and be willing to change your mind
• When looking for a partner, look for someone with similar values and ambitions for the company, but with different skill sets / experiences / enthusiasms, so that you will complement each other
• Remember, sharing the pressure relieves it
• As for gender diversity, go for the best candidate but concentrate your search in the right places
• You don’t need to define yourself as a business leader by gender
• When starting out, take the business seriously; follow the same protocols as large companies and be just as professional and organised
• A new company is vulnerable; don’t underestimate its equity, and only offer it to full-time employees or to cash investors
• Try not to worry too much; it will take time to build the company, so be kind to yourself

If you’d like to contact Olga you can reach her via LinkedIn  or Twitter. 

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

• LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode, we hear from James Pringle, Founder of Pringle Capital which has grown to become one of the UK’s most active angel networks. The Pringle Network has previously led raises in e-commerce, fintech and augmented reality startups, with James having become a leading figure within the UK tech space. 

We learn James’ advice for startups seeking investment from angel networks, his own experiences of launching a business and the challenges he has overcome on his entrepreneurial journey. 

James’ advice:

• “You’ve got to really want to do it” - but as long as you have energy and enthusiasm, go for it
• Never go into a meeting with anything that will shock or surprise people, because they will react and you will lose control of the meeting.  Make sure everyone is informed in advance and the meeting will be more constructive
• Concentrate on the basics: team, product and sales.  Worry about the admin later and don’t overcomplicate things.  Stay focussed.
• Administrative chores like tax returns are not that scary; you will be guided by HMRC
• Surround yourself with people who will celebrate your wins with you
• When managing people, concentrate on good communication at all levels
• Whether you need investment or not, putting together a 12-slide deck is a valuable exercise.  Air your pitch deck among friends/family/people in the industry as much as you can, and this will help you get a grasp of problems/solutions/market size/competition/business model etc.
• Keep the deck concise because this is more useful for a potential investor to make an informed decision about your product
• Speak to as many people as you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions

If you’d like to contact James you can reach him via LinkedIn 

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

• LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Today I am talking to Ben Ivey who, realising that successful people are not necessarily happy people, decided to work directly with entrepreneurs who might be feeling overwhelmed, in order to help them better manage their work-life balance, as well as succeed further in business.

Ben has spoken at over 200 events internationally on how to embrace living entrepreneurially via his company, The Entrepreneur Lifestyle for which he is founder and CEO.

Ben's advice:

• While it’s important to believe in what you are doing, remember to balance this with the need to market yourself and keep the cash coming in
• Pay attention to people you admire while understanding everyone will have failings.  “Understand the best of the best from different people”
• Set yourself small challenges and surprise yourself with what you will be able to achieve
• Be disciplined: carry through on your ambitions
• Focus on what you are good at, and delegate to others tasks you are less capable of
• Trust others and give them responsibility
• Establish boundaries in your personal life; give yourself time to relax and keep to a routine
• Don’t be too self-critical; it can be destructive and achieves nothing.  Be kind to yourself!

If you’d like to contact Ben you can reach him via [email protected]

• Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
• LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode we hear from Romanie Thomas who founded Juggle, the digital platform for companies to find, onboard, pay and manage experienced yet flexible professionals.

Romanie kept coming up against the same problem in her industry.  Witnessing the lack of flexible senior roles was preventing talented professionals from reentering the workforce, so she decided to leave her role in executive search to solve this problem and found Juggle.   Four years on, her company makes it possible for companies to hire outstanding professional talent in just a few clicks. 

Romanie shares advice on how important it is for founders to prioritise and own the recruitment process of their teams and continue to keep it really close even when the company scales and how putting self care first ensures that her professional self is in the strongest position to succeed. 

Romanie’s advice:

• When starting out, only take investment money from those you trust and respect; don’t just take it because it’s offered
• Try to build a group of like-minded founders around you for advice
• Always listen to your own instincts
• Hiring people can be tricky; be rigorous in your procedures and don’t assume it’s easy
• Prioritise hiring and fund-raising; a good product will follow on
• Accept you can’t do it all; focus on one thing at a time so you can do it well
• Take care of yourself; food and exercise are vital and your well-being is vital to the company
• When fund-raising, make sure you have good legal advice
• Take care of your team if you have one; you will find this rewarding
• Don’t put awkward things off but tackle them head on; be truthful early
• Aim high in your daily routine; if you can manage ten calls every morning it will soon become a habit

If you’d like to contact Romanie you can reach her via [email protected]

• Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
• LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

This week we hear from Helena Murphy, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Raising Partners. After receiving poor financial advice and having to wind up her first business, Helena experienced stress which greatly impacted her physical health. 

Helena subsequently established Raising Partners to support other early-stage entrepreneurs in raising investment and avoid the pitfalls she had previously encountered. Working with companies in sectors ranging from technology to healthcare, and consumer retail to renewable energy, Raising Partners seeks investment opportunities with companies positively impacting both people and the planet.

Helena’s advice:

• Begin with the very best financial model possible: numbers are the foundation of your business
• Don’t delegate all the finance - understand it yourself.  
• Be aware of the cash flow, look ahead, so that you operate from a position of strength and knowledge rather than trying to catch up when it’s too late
• Your accountant should be someone who not only deals with book-keeping/accounts/VAT/systems etc, but someone who acts as a finance director and can take a strategic look at your company’s progress, who understands the different stages of a company’s growth and can help you take the long view
• Never underestimate common sense
• Also never underestimate your capabilities
• Be firm with your boundaries
• When pricing, put a value on experience as much as on time
• Spend time judging the cultural fit of a client, as this will reflect on your company

If you’d like to contact Helena you can reach her via [email protected] or Twitter.

• Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
• LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode we hear from Laura Tenison MBE, the Founder and CEO of JoJo Maman Bébé . As a Certified B Corporation, the company has committed itself to evaluate a “triple bottom line”, putting people and the planet above profit.

Laura started her company in 1993 from her London flat-share, following on from an almost fatal accident whilst living in France. Having brought Breton-inspired clothing to the maternity market, today, JoJo Maman Bébé is widely considered the foremost maternity wear and baby clothing retailer in the UK, while also setting a great example for new founders to follow. 

Advice:

• Have a sense of responsibility for your team.  
• Be seen to be hard-working.  
• If you can be B Corp certified your customers will trust you and it will challenge you to make your company better and improve your business ethos. 
• Allow your employees some autonomy so that they can make mistakes and learn; delegating is important.  
• Brand consistency through all channels is vital for a successful company.  
• As the CEO, work out how to switch off.

If you’d like to contact Laura you can via Twitter or Instagram. 

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

• LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode, we hear from Kenyan-born, Bristol-based Audrey Migot-Adholla who founded jewellery brand Yala Jewellery in 2017. Named after the village in Kenya where her grandmother lived, the brand focuses on creating as little impact on the planet as possible. 

I wanted to speak to Audrey about why the mission behind her brand is so important to her plus ask for advice on what new founders should consider when planning to do the right thing by the planet when starting a company with a view to becoming B Corporation Certified in the future.

Audrey's advice:

• Think hard before turning a hobby into a business - it’s a big step
• Don’t underestimate how hard it is; expect to take some time before showing a profit
• Research your industry thoroughly; you will need to find the sweet spot between being true to your vision and producing a product people will want to buy
• When you set up, go to B Corp for guidance on sustainability in every area of your business; you will have to keep records and it will be exacting but they will help you.  Better to start by trying to match their high standards than try to retrofit your company’s systems later.  
• With B Corp, you will have to recertify every three years
• Also helpful with ideas on sustainability are Oxfam, the Ethical Trading Initiative and Progress out of Poverty
• If you are employing artisans to make your product, trust them to quote a fair price and be prepared to pay deposits in advance to help them source materials
• Get to know them as individuals, foster trust
• Invest in an accountant at the start, even if you think you can’t afford one
• Later, when you can afford to, start to delegate because you can’t do everything yourself

You can reach Audrey via [email protected] 

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory
Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
For contracts check out Law Depot.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show