Here’s the final episode of the BizFest SW Takeover, and it’s a proper mix of insight, energy, and real-world business conversations.

I’m joined by Lisa Bailey-Brown, Jannice Jones, and Rachel Pearce, all of whom are gearing up for Business Fest South West. Each of them brings a completely different perspective, which makes this episode such a good listen. From life-saving innovation to workplace wellbeing and family support, this one covers more than you’d expect in a short space of time.

We get into some important topics. Lisa shares how LifeVac works and why choking emergencies need more awareness, especially when traditional first aid doesn’t always work. Jannice breaks down what businesses are getting wrong when it comes to burnout, neurodiversity, and inclusion, and more importantly, what they can do about it without overcomplicating things. Rachel talks about building a family hub alongside nurseries and why early support for parents is something that’s needed now more than ever. It’s practical, honest, and full of real examples from people actually doing the work.

What I love about this episode is how grounded it is. No fluff, just people who care about what they do and want to make a difference. If you’re heading to BizFest, this gives you a great preview. If you’re not, you’ll still walk away with ideas you can use straight away in your business or life.

Timestamps

00:00 The chaos and energy of going live

00:39 Introducing the guests

01:49 Lisa Bailey-Brown and LifeVac explained

03:08 How the LifeVac device works

04:00 Why first aid is not always enough

05:31 Jannice Jones on neurodiversity and workplace change

07:03 Preventing burnout in business

08:07 Rachel Pearce and the family hub model

10:46 Supporting families beyond childcare

11:27 The bird question

12:01 LifeVac myths and misconceptions

15:58 First aid awareness reality check

17:58 Jannice on EDI and business impact

20:07 Practical ways to avoid burnout

22:07 Rachel’s business journey

24:46 Why they’re attending BizFest

28:20 How to connect with each guest

Connect with Ashley:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/Website: https://just.15mins.dayLive & Linking Hub: https://just.15mins.day

Guest contact details

Gavin Harris

Email: [email protected]

Website: businessfestsw.co.uk

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gavinharris6230

Phone: 01726982197

Lisa Bailey-Brown

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.lifevac.uk

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-b-860949397

Phone: 07306 750736

Rachel Pearce

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.elihouse.co.uk

Instagram: eli_house_familyhub

Jannice Jones MSc

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.jannicejones.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannicejones-neurodiversity-consultant/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannicejonescoaching/

BizFest SW Takeover – Week 11 | Ethical Sales That Actually Work with Richard Palmer

Tickets for Bizfest - Website: businessfestsw.co.uk

I’m Ashley Leeds, The 15-Minute Guy. I help business owners get more visibility on LinkedIn using simple daily habits that take 15 minutes a day.Want more visibility on LinkedIn (in just 15 minutes a day)? Then get a detailed report to show your strengths and things you may be missing. Take my Visibility Quiz and get a clear plan to improve your profile, content, and daily habit.Visibility Scorecard (start here): https://15mins.day/scoreIf the word sales makes you feel uncomfortable… this episode is for you.

In Week 11 of the BizFest SW Takeover, I’m joined by Richard Palmer, sales trainer, author, and founder of SureTrain and Sales Station.

Richard has spent years helping small business owners learn how to sell without feeling pushy, awkward, or “salesy”.Because here’s the truth.

Most people don’t start a business because they want to sell.They start because they’re passionate about what they do.But if you can’t communicate your value, your business simply won’t grow.In this conversation, Richard breaks down what ethical sales actually means and why the traditional view of selling is completely wrong.

We talk about the simple frameworks that help you have better conversations with clients, qualify the right customers, and turn everyday chats into consistent sales.We also dive into his book The Ethical Sales Handbook, where he shares practical techniques to help business owners sell confidently, ethically, and profitably.If you’re heading to Business Fest South West, Richard is also running a series of masterclasses designed to help small businesses win more work without pressure or gimmicks.

This episode is packed with practical advice you can start using immediately.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and BizFest Takeover Week 11

01:13 Meet Richard Palmer

02:20 Why small businesses struggle with sales

04:25 The Ethical Sales Handbook explained

06:10 The two most important sales questions

09:26 Common sales mistakes business owners make

11:22 Why fear of selling holds businesses back

12:50 The importance of discovery conversations

15:18 Structuring a simple sales process

17:10 Why commitment matters before price

18:50 Should you put prices on your website?

19:02 Presenting your solution the right way

21:50 The most common objections in sales

23:04 Handling “It’s too expensive” properly

25:26 Value vs cost in sales conversations

27:10 Richard’s masterclasses at BizFest SW

30:44 How to connect with Richard

Watch the full episode and learn how to sell in a way that feels natural and authentic..

Guest contact detailsGavin HarrisEmail: [email protected]

Phone: 01726982197

Website: businessfestsw.co.ukLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gavinharris6230

Richard PalmerEmail: [email protected]

Phone: 07831172022

Website: https://www.suretrain.co.uk/sales-station

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-palmer-8466144/Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://15mins.day/ashleyBook a quick call with me: https://tidycal.com/ashleyleeds/New videos weekly on LinkedIn visibility, content, and small actions that build trust.

This week’s BizFest South West Takeover episode is all about the real stories behind the businesses exhibiting at the event. I’m joined by Steve King from Exec Transfer, Laura Cubeddu from LC Virtual Admin, and Sara Watkins-Schmidt from Rent Assured and Sourced Living.

Each of them is building a business in a very different space, but they all share the same goal. Helping people, growing through networking, and making the most of opportunities like Business Fest South West.

Sara kicks things off by explaining how she built her letting agency from scratch and how the industry is about to change with the incoming Renters Rights Act. She talks about the balancing act between landlords and tenants and why having a knowledgeable agent in the middle matters more than ever. Laura then shares what it really means to be a virtual assistant, why so many business owners are drowning in admin, and how outsourcing even small tasks can free up time to focus on the work that actually grows a business.

We also hear from Steve, who runs Exec Transfer, a chauffeur and executive airport transfer service covering the South West and beyond. From luxury airport runs to multi day trips around the UK, Steve explains what people expect when they book executive transport and why professionalism and presentation matter in his industry. The conversation then shifts to BizFest South West, where all three guests will be exhibiting, and we chat about networking, building relationships before the event, and even what exhibitors should wear to make the right impression.

If you are heading to Business Fest South West or simply curious about how small businesses grow through connections, this is a great conversation to tune into.

Steve King

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01392 327777

Website: www.exectransfer.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-king-81041961?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android

Laura Cubeddu

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.lcvirtualadmin.co.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-cubeddu-2157ab354

Sara Watkins-Schmidt

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07747604665

Website: https://living.sourced.co/rent-assured

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-watkins-schmidt-celap-b90169156/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565741413753

Other: https://www.facebook.com/sourcedpropertygroup

Here’s Week 9 of the BizFest SW Takeover and this one is all about people. The people you network with, the people you sit next to at events, and the people you support when life gets tough. I’m joined by Alistair Gleave from G12 Business Networking, Paul Skinner from Backworld, and Maria Bailey from Grief Specialists as we count down to BizFest SW on 1st April. Three very different businesses, one common theme: relationships matter.

We talk about what makes networking actually work, and why it is not about shoving business cards into hands. Alistair shares how G12 has built a decade of trusted relationships. Paul explains why most of us are working in completely the wrong setup and how small ergonomic changes can stop long term pain. Maria opens up about her personal story of loss and how that led to building a national grief support network that gives people immediate help when they need it most. It is honest, practical and packed with real-world insight.

If you are nervous about networking, thinking about exhibiting, or just want to understand how better conversations lead to better business, this episode will give you plenty to think about. BizFest SW is shaping up to be something special and this chat shows exactly why.

Connect with me here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/

Website: https://just.15mins.day

Live & Linking Hub: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13981378/

This week’s BizFest SW Takeover is full of energy, honesty and proper business chat. I kick things off with Gavin Harris who joins me on his birthday to share the latest BizFest update.

We’re just weeks away, there are fewer than 15 stands left, and the momentum is building fast. We talk about the pre-show networking events, the growth of BizFest South West, and why this is becoming the biggest business show the region has ever seen.

Then I’m joined by three fantastic exhibitors who are bringing something different to the event. Chris Bentley shares why networking should be about human connection, not hard selling. His “not working networking” philosophy flips the traditional expo model on its head.

Ollie O’Meakin dives into leadership and team performance, explaining why culture and psychological safety matter more than another strategy document.

Georgia Parker rounds things off with a powerful reminder that life is too short not to protect your business, your family and your legacy properly.

If you care about relationships, leadership, growth and doing business the right way, this episode is for you. Whether you’re exhibiting, attending or just curious about BizFest SW, you’ll get real insights you can use straight away.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and BizFest update

07:30 Meet the exhibitors

13:58 Leadership and culture insights12:52 Business protection deep dive

27:59 What to expect at BizFest

Connect with Ashley:

I’m Ashley Leeds, The 15-Minute Guy. I help business owners get more visibility on LinkedIn using simple daily habits that take 15 minutes a day.

Want more visibility on LinkedIn (in just 15 minutes a day)?Take my Visibility Scorecard and get a clear plan to improve your profile, content, and daily habit.

Visibility Scorecard (start here): https://15mins.day/scoreConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://15mins.day/ashleyBook a quick call with me: https://tidycal.com/ashleyleeds/

Gavin HarrisEmail: [email protected]: 01726982197Website: businessfestsw.co.ukLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gavinharris6230

Ollie O’MeakinEmail: [email protected]: 07739063458Website: www.revelation-consultancy.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ollie-omeakin/

Chris BentleyEmail: [email protected]: nwclub.co.ukWebsite: thenottys.co.ukWebsite: buildingbrands.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbentley4/Instagram: @ccbentos

Georgia ParkerEmail: [email protected]: www.life-is-too-short.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-parker-47349573

Subscribe to the podcast, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and I’ll see you on the next episode.

BizFest SW is building serious momentum… and this week’s takeover proves it.

In this episode, I’m joined by Gavin Harris from Business Fest South West, plus three brilliant exhibitors who are getting ready to make an impact this April.

We talk about:

• The race to a sell-out show

• The brand-new 2027 free stand competition

• Why standing out at events actually matters

• Websites that work properly, not just look pretty

• Why translation is about trust, not just tech

• How the Help to Grow programme is backing ambitious SMEs

There is real energy building around this event. New exhibitors signing up weekly. Big conversations happening. And a genuine buzz across the South West business community.

If you are running a business and want better marketing, clearer messaging, stronger systems, or smarter growth strategies, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Watch until the end and let me know in the comments:Are you coming to BizFest SW?

Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/Website: https://just.15mins.dayLive & Linking Hub: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13981378/

Guest contact details

Gavin HarrisEmail - [email protected] - businessfestsw.co.ukLinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/gavinharris6230Phone - 01726982197

VirginiaEmail - [email protected] - https://viso-communications.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiafdvInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/viso_communications

Diane ReesEmail - [email protected] - 01392 661000

Nick JacksonEmail - [email protected]

Bizfest Takeover Wk 6 Sarah, Ricci and Leanda

Get your Bizfest Tickets HEREhttps://bizfestsw.co.uk/

Are you running your business… or is it running you?

In Week 6 of the BizFest South West Takeover, we get into the real stuff business owners are dealing with right now.

Money worries.

Marketing overwhelm.

Event visibility.

And how to stop winging it and start making clearer decisions.

I’m joined by three brilliant business owners who are all exhibiting at BizFest SW 2026 and who genuinely know their stuff.

Leanda Daddow from Celtic Bookkeeping breaks down Making Tax Digital in plain English and explains why knowing your numbers in real time changes everything.

This isn’t about ticking boxes for HMRC. It’s about making better decisions and building a business that supports your life.

Ricci Colla from Those Collaborations talks about early-stage business overwhelm, why so many founders feel stuck, and how clarity beats complexity every time. If you’re spinning plates and not sure what to focus on next, this part will hit home.

Sarah Ralph from Circle HR shares the most common HR mistakes small businesses make without realising it and what you should put in place before things go wrong. Prevention is always cheaper than the fix.

We also talk about BizFest SW, what makes it different, why it’s growing fast, and why you should already be thinking about how you show up at events this year.

Watch this if you want practical advice, straight talking, and a better grip on how your business actually works.

Connect with me on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/

My websitehttps://just.15mins.day

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 01202 007773

• Website: www.thosecollaborations.co.uk

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/riccicolla

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://www.celticbookkeeping.co.uk/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanda-daddow-82a8a195?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aventur_teylu?igsh=MTlja3ZpeDJic2k4dg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 01297 533003

• Website: www.circlehr.co.uk

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ralph-790b272a1/

Bizfest Takeover Wk 5 with Emily, Terry and Sharon

It’s Monday at 12.30 and we’re back with another Business Takeover as the countdown to BizFest South West continues.

This week I’m joined by four brilliant people who all care deeply about how businesses communicate, lead and show up in the world.

First up, Jamie O’Neill from BizFest South West joins me to share what’s coming up at this year’s event. We talk about keynote speakers, seminar halls, new feature zones, and why BizFest is so much more than just rows of exhibition stands.

Then I’m joined by three exhibitors who know a thing or two about people and communication.

Emily McGuirk from Small Steps Big Vision talks about confidence, nerves and why public speaking is not just standing on a stage.

From networking to pitching to podcasts, Emily shares practical insights on how to feel more confident even when you feel nervous.

Terry Neild from Propel Business Consultancy dives into leadership, purpose and why clarity of expectations is one of the biggest challenges business owners face.

We talk about coaching, culture and why purpose has to come before the process.

And Sharon Clapp from Investor in Customers brings it back to customer experience.

We discuss communication, managing expectations and the simple mistakes businesses make that damage trust without even realising it.

If you’re exhibiting at BizFest, thinking about attending, or just want to improve how you communicate with your team, your customers and the world around you, this one’s for you.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro and Business Takeover welcome

01:00 Jamie O’Neill on BizFest South West updates and speakers

05:16 Meet this week’s exhibitors

05:32 Emily McGuirk on confidence and public speaking

13:11 Terry Neild on leadership, purpose and coaching

16:40 Sharon Clapp on customer experience and communication

25:40 Why each guest is exhibiting at BizFest

29:07 Where to find today’s guests

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://www.smallstepsbigvision.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-mcguirk-helping-people-build-confidence-presence-impact

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://www.propel-business.co.uk

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryneild/

• Email: [email protected]

• Website:https://www.investorincustomers.comhttps://www.acompanythatcares.co.uk

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonclapp1/

• Email: [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/ 

My website

https://just.15mins.day 

If you found this useful, make sure you watch to the end, like the video, drop a comment, and subscribe to the channel for more straight-talking conversations every week.

BizFest SW Takeover Week 4 is here, packed with practical advice for business owners who want clarity without the chaos.

Free Bizfest Tickets https://eventdata.uk/Forms/Form.aspx?FormRef=BSW46Visitor
Exhibit at Bizfest. - https://bizfestsw.co.uk/get-involved/

Ashley is joined by three guests:

Jaiyé (reThink Your Perspective), Productivity Coach helping you manage what you do with your time (not “time management”).
Sarah Edwards (Frog Marketing), Certified StoryBrand Guide focused on marketing that drives revenue.
Keisha-Ann Down (Yes & Co), master coach helping high achievers get unstuck through bespoke coaching around belonging, uniqueness, and freedom.

What we cover:

Choosing the right coach (and why speaking to more than one helps)
Activity management, habits, and simple focus tools like Pomodoro
ROI-led marketing, clearer messaging, and cutting wasted effort
How to make your stand stand out at BizFest, plus what each guest is bringing

Find them at BizFest:

Jaiyé: Stand 88 (spin the wheel and win productivity goodies)
Sarah: Stand 86 (free marketing strategy guides + live website reviews)
Keisha-Ann: Stand 150 (tea, planner access giveaways, and coaching offers)

Connect with the guests:

Jaiyé: https://rethinkyourperspective.com
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaiye-cordory/

Sarah: https://frogmarketing.co.uk
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-edwards-marketing-that-works/

Keisha-Ann: https://yesandco.uk
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/keishmycoach/

More from Ashley:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/
Website: https://just.15mins.day/
Visibility Score Quiz: https://15mins.day/score

Subscribe for more Live & Linking episodes. New conversations every week.

MODE 3: YouTube Chapters (00:00 copy/paste)

00:00 BizFest SW Takeover Week 4 intro
01:20 Keynote lineup and what to expect on the day
05:54 Three guests join the studio
06:30 Quick intros: productivity, ROI marketing, bespoke coaching
09:41 Who should be your first hire as a business owner?
14:30 How Jaiyé got into productivity and activity management
17:34 Sarah on ROI, StoryBrand, and cutting the marketing waffle
21:44 Keisha-Ann’s journey and coaching values (belonging, freedom, uniqueness)
25:41 Which stand are you on and what’s the giveaway?
31:08 Where to find each guest online
31:57 Wrap up

Podcast Show Notes

BizFest SW Takeover Week 4 is all about reducing overwhelm with practical moves that create clarity. Ashley is joined by three guests covering productivity, marketing, and coaching for business owners who want results without the chaos.

Jaiyé (reThink Your Perspective) breaks down why “time management” is a myth, and what actually works: managing your actions. Expect simple focus strategies like Pomodoro and the power of small habit shifts. Keisha-Ann Down (Yes & Co) shares why coaching only works when there’s a real fit, and why it’s smart to speak to more than one coach before committing.

Sarah Edwards (Frog Marketing) brings the marketing reality check: your marketing should drive revenue, not random activity.

She talks messaging clarity through a StoryBrand lens, and how to stop wasting effort on the wrong things.

If you’re heading to BizFest, you can meet them on the day: Jaiyé on Stand 88, Sarah on Stand 86, and Keisha-Ann on Stand 150.

Bizfest Takeover WK 3 with  Tia, Adrian and Rebekah

BizFest South West Takeover Week 3 is packed with the stuff business owners actually talk about when the cameras are off: AI that saves time (not just fancy tools), getting your head clear enough to make better decisions, and sorting the anxiety that shows up when you have to walk into a room full of strangers and “network”.

Gavin kicks us off with a BizFest update: we’re a little over 71 days out from the doors opening on 1 April, there are around 30 exhibitor stands left, and the exhibitor-only networking event is happening on 28 January at Dartington Hall.

He also shares why they’ve shortened the speaker schedule this year: fewer talks, more time on the floor, more real conversations and more networking.

More information - https://bizfestsw.co.uk/

Then we meet three exhibitors:

Tia Collard from fiftyminds breaks down the biggest AI myth for SMEs. If your business runs on vibes and messy processes, AI won’t fix it, it’ll just accelerate the chaos. She talks about cancelling the “million tools”, mapping what you actually do day to day, and using AI in the back end where it quietly makes you more efficient.

Adrian Ferraro from The Bioasis explains why the best business ideas don’t happen in four square office walls. His off-grid retreats and team days in South Devon are designed for resilience, teamwork, leadership and clearer strategy, with proper outdoor experiences, not just a walk and a chat.

Rebekah Gabrielle clears up what hypnotherapy is really like. No stage-act nonsense, no clucking like a chicken. Just working with the subconscious, the part of the mind “running the show”, to help with anxiety, self-worth, relationships, and even smoking.

• Website: https://www.thebioasis.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ferraro-18048814/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebioasis/

• Email: mailto:[email protected]

• Phone: tel:+441392984878

• Website: https://www.fiftyminds.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-collard/

• Book a call: https://fiftyminds.com/contact-2/

• Email: mailto:[email protected]

• Website: https://www.investorincustomers.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonclapp1/

• Email: mailto:[email protected]

Watch the show on YouTube

Connect with Ashley on⁠ LinkedIn ⁠

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day 

How visible are you on LinkedIn?  Get your free report here. e ⁠https://15mins.day/score