In the frame

Starting out as a distributor in the office furniture space, OE Electrics have evolved - through investment, acquisition and ambition - to become a manufacturer that’s reshaping how we think about power and charging solutions. From lecture halls to airport lounges and beyond, their goal is to enable people to charge their devices wherever they can sit, stand or walk. So, tune in to draw power from their growth story that could spark an idea for yours!

From humble beginnings as a mechanic on his family’s pig farm, Robert Collard started out with nothing more than a set of spanners to his name. Utilising his mechanical know-how, combined with a focused, disciplined mindset honed through his racing career, he has built his business to become one of the leading demolition contractors in the UK and largest privately-owned waste management business in the South. You won't want to skip this episode!

With a decline in Northern Ireland’s textile and garment industry, Celia & Bernard Birt had a decision to make – move overseas to follow the opportunities or create their own at home. More than 25 years later, they are managing their own successful business specialising in corporate uniform design across a number of diverse industries. So, pin back your ears as we unravel their story and hear how they are weaving innovation throughout the fabric of their business.

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed ride into the world of Philip Miller MBE – owner and CEO of the Stockvale Group. With a number of diverse, but linked, businesses - including the iconic Adventure Island theme park, bars & restaurants, a ‘zooquarium’, Radio Essex, and a property development portfolio - he shares his thoughts and experiences on the ups and downs of his professional life. Here’s your free ticket to the tale of an East End boy who built a Southend-on-Sea family empire and those who have helped him on the way.

In 1987, when district nurse, Ruth Appleby, was looking to

What happens when a passion for history and storytelling collides with the hospitality & leisure industry? Rob Cox, CEO, talks to us about the development of the heritage sites in their collection, including the trials and rewards of transforming an 18th century derelict prison into a luxury hotel and visitor attraction. The ethos of this business is to give guests an experience which can be educational, emotional and will stay with them for life, underpinned by both luxury and sustainability. But is this all achievable? Listen in to find out.

This cultural music venue based in the north east of England is run as a charity for music lovers of all sorts, but it can’t rely on tickets sales alone. It needs to provide a diversified offering and evolve to remain relevant to audiences young and old. Sara Vening, Director of Finance and People at The Glasshouse ICM talks to us about the business strategy, product development and brand evolution that ensures The Glasshouse ICM remains a place where music lives and grows.

From economic recessions, wars and a global pandemic, to developing technology, sustainability and diversity opportunities, there are multiple challenges and changes in the wider world that businesses need to navigate. We speak to Lee Spong, Financial Director of Mala Engineering, about her experiences – not just about how Mala is evolving for the future and the strategies it adopts to protect itself financially in challenging times, but also how it feels being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

When you’re growing a company, you need the right team around you. But how do you evolve and build that team to keep pace with the company’s progression? What strategies can you put in place to ensure the team moves forward with a shared mindset that allows the business to flourish? On this episode, Steven Cartlidge, Managing Director, talks to us about his business, Lake – the growth journey, its innovative learning management system and much more besides.

The Wemyss business has been operating not just through the generations, but through the centuries too. So, what’s the family secret to success? In this episode, William Wemyss talks openly about the history of the business and their approach to risk management, growth and sustainability. Tracing back to the 16th century, the business has more recently diversified its operations, and risk, into renewable energy, superfood farming, property development, whisky distilling and even owns a vineyard – spread across several continents. The breadth of this business is extraordinary and William has a wealth of insights to share.