In this episode of the Small Actions, Big Ripples podcast, I am joined by Johnny Themans, co-founder of Good2Great, a purpose-driven organisation on a mission to boost local economic prosperity by helping businesses thrive through coaching, training and consultancy.

Johnny shares what drove him to co-found Good2Great and the personal experiences that shaped his passion for supporting founders on their journey.

We also explore:

• The recurring challenges founders face in the early stages of building a business.
• Why Good2Great’s, people-first approach to business support is so crucial in the early stages of a business journey.
• How equipping founders with the right tools, confidence and know-how strengthens not just individual companies, but creates a powerful ripple effect across the wider local economy.

If you’re starting out, scaling up, or supporting others on their business journey, this episode is for you.

Find out more about Good2Great and their work here https://good-2-great.co.uk/

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What happens when purpose, collaboration, and vision lead to national recognition?

In this episode of the Small Actions, Big Ripples podcast, I sit down with Seb Slater and EJ Hopson-VandenBos, the driving forces behind two award-winning Shrewsbury-based not-for-profit partnerships: Shrewsbury BID (Business Improvement District) and Work in Shrewsbury.

In this episode, Seb and EJ share behind-the-scenes insights into the ideas and actions that, over the past 12 months, led to:

• Shrewsbury being shortlisted twice in the prestigious Visa “Let’s Celebrate Towns Awards”
• Securing nearly £800,000 in UKSPF funding for the Work in Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury Moves initiatives

We explore how the projects and services delivered by Shrewsbury BID and Work in Shrewsbury:

• Promote the town nationally
• Improve the local environment
• Support businesses
• Give the business community a strong, united voice on key issues

We talk community impact, purpose, collaboration, and what it truly takes to create meaningful, lasting change for Shrewsbury and its people.

If this episode inspires you, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps the message reach even further.

In this special ep. of the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast, I welcome to the Opus Media Productions studio Dr. Julia Buckley, Member of Parliament for Shrewsbury, for a candid conversation about her life and work in public service.

Julia speaks passionately about community, leadership, and the deep ties that guide her work in Shrewsbury.

Highlights include:

➡️ Her journey into politics and commitment to local representation.

➡️ A powerful story of saving a local youth club from closure, through a community crowdfunding campaign.

➡️ Honest reflections on challenges and what keeps her motivated.

She also revealed exciting plans and insights into upcoming projects that will shape the town's future. If you ever wondered what it takes to step into public service, and find out what sacrifices sit behind that choice, this ep is for you.

Like, subscribe, and share if this episode inspired you. Your support helps the message reach even further.

What happens when people dedicate their lives to helping others rebuild theirs?

In the latest ep of the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast, I am joined by Sam Perry and Paul Wilson from the charity Aquarius https://aquarius.org.uk/ for a powerful and uplifting conversation about community, recovery and hope.

We find how Paul and Sam, turned their personal struggles with addiction, into a powerful source of inner strength and courage. Their decision to seek help didn’t just transform their lives. It sparked a ripple effect that’s now empowering them to help others overcome addiction, and turn their lives round.

In this ep, we discuss:

- Sam's and Paul's own personal journey to recovery and what led them to become involved with Aquarius and its mission.

- The life-changing impact of free, confidential support on individuals and communities.- The challenges of stigma attached to addiction.

- How Aquarius continues to reach and help more people who need support to overcome addictive behaviours.

Our conversation left me feeling hopeful, energised, and reminded of the ripple effect we all create when we use our own lived experiences to help others.

Like, subscribe, and share if this episode inspired you. Your support helps the message reach even further.

🎹 What does it take to keep a Manchester cultural icon alive since 1857?

In this special episode of Small Actions Big Ripples, recorded on location in Manchester, I sit down with Emma Loat, 5th-generation owner of Forsyth Brothers, the legendary music store on Deansgate in Mcr city centre.

We recorded right on the piano floor, surrounded by the rich and illustrious history, atmosphere, and melodies that have been a feature of Manchester’s music scene for over 160 years.

As a former RNCM student who spent countless hours here browsing sheet music, chatting with musicians, and soaking up the vibe, this conversation felt like a homecoming.

Emma shares candid insights into:

🎶 The triumphs & challenges of running a family business in a changing retail world

🎶 How Forsyths thrives despite online competition

🎶 The store’s remarkable history & vision for the future

🎶 The power of music to strengthen community spirit

This is a story of resilience, heritage, and keeping culture alive through a genuine love of music.

Learn more about Forsyths: https://www.forsyths.co.uk/

🎥🎧 Follow the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mLm5ROJMfjjPq9eeFPnjr

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpusMediaProductionsUK/podcasts

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-actions-big-ripples/id1796370318

Want to appear as a guest in a future episode?

The Small Actions Big Ripples podcast is all about creating social value, championing positive change, and showing that everyday actions can make a meaningful impact. If your work resonates with these themes and you'd like to be featured as a guest, send an email to [email protected] with a short description of your work and why you think it’s a good fit.

Because small actions can create big ripples!

In this episode of the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast, we welcome to the Opus Media Productions podcast studio Adam Elshaw, founder of Adam’s Acre, a gardening service with a difference, along with his two adorable pug puppies, Otis and Milo.

We explore Adam’s unique approach to gardening, where it’s not just about transforming outdoor spaces, but about creating social impact and changing lives. Adam shares how his work helps people connect with nature and how his therapy dogs play a vital role in supporting clients struggling with anxiety, social isolation and life’s challenges.

Adam opens up about the deeply personal stories that have shaped his journey, the moments that reaffirm his mission, and the small but powerful ways his work is bringing comfort to his clients, by helping them to connect with nature and pets. We hear about the surprising ways his pug puppies Otis and Milo have helped some of his clients open up, release stress, and find moments of genuine happiness.This episode is full of heart, hope, and a powerful reminder that small actions, like tending to a garden space or losing oneself to a playful moment with a furry friend, can create ripples of positivity and joy.This podcast series is produced by Stavros Kokkinos @opusmediaproductions.Subscribe and follow to hear stories that uplift, inspire, and might just spark your own ripple effect.Follow us on:

YouTube – @opusmediaproductions

Instagram – @opusmediaproductions

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61559557472820

LinkedIn – opusmediaproductionsUK

Want to appear as a guest in a future episode?The Small Actions Big Ripples podcast is all about creating social value, championing positive change, and showing that everyday actions can make a meaningful impact. If your work resonates with these themes and you'd like to be featured as a guest, send an email to [email protected] with a short description of your work and why you think it’s a good fit.

Because small actions can create big ripples.

In this special episode of the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast, we welcome to the Opus Media Productions podcast studio Gwynneth Slavin, a dedicated force behind the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, along with guest host Sian Brennan Todd, professional presenter and keynote speaker.

We find out about Gwynneth’s passion for supporting local businesses and building a strong, sustainable business community across Shropshire. We explore what inspired her to join the Chamber, the real impact of her work on local enterprises, and the small moments of kindness and resilience that have shaped her personal and professional journey.

Gwynneth shares the accomplishments she’s most proud of, as well as heartfelt stories of how the Chamber has made a tangible difference in the lives of local business owners. We also get a glimpse of her vision for the future, and even a few fun facts you wouldn’t expect!

This is an episode filled with inspiration, practical wisdom, and a reminder that small acts of support, can lead to big ripples in our communities.

This podcast series is produced by Stavros Kokkinos @opusmediaproductions.
Subscribe and follow to hear stories that will uplift, inspire and maybe even spark your own ripple effect.

Follow us on:
YouTube – @opusmediaproductions
Instagram – @opusmediaproductions
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559557472820&sk=about

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/opusmediaproductions/Want to appear as a guest in a future episode?
The Small Actions Big Ripples podcast is all about creating social value, championing positive change, and showing that everyday actions can make a meaningful impact. If your work resonates with these themes and you'd like to be featured, send an email to [email protected] with a short description of your work and why you think it’s a good fit.

Because small actions can create big ripples.

In this special episode of the 'Small Actions Big Ripples' podcast, I welcome to the Opus Media Productions podcast studio, Amanda Jones, the founder and visionary behind the social enterprise that is Shropshire Supports Refugees. We delve deeper into Amanda's why and mission to try and successfully integrate refugees, asylum seekers and migrants into the vibrant fabric of rural Shropshire. We’ll find out what inspired her to found the charity Shropshire Supports Refugees, the impact it has had on people's lives and her vision for the future. To find out more about the charity Shropshire Supports Refugees, visit https://www.shropshiresupportsrefugees.org/This podcast series is produced and presented by Stavros Kokkinos @opusmediaproductionsSubscribe and follow to hear stories that will uplift, inspire and maybe even spark your own ripple effect.Follow onhttps://www.instagram.com/opusmediaproductions/https://www.linkedin.com/in/opusmediaproductions/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559557472820Do you fancy appearing as a guest in a future ep?The podcast's core themes centre around creating social value and impact, for the community and our planet, and the belief that small everyday actions can make a big difference. Collaborating with people whose work resonates with the podcast's theme, is simply the main criteria when selecting potential guests.If you believe that your work aligns with the podcast's theme and would like to appear as a guest in a future episode, email [email protected] with a brief description of what you do and why you think your project, or initiative, would make a good match.

In this first episode of the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast, I welcome to the Opus Media Productions podcast studio, Chris Taylor, the visionary behind SY.gigs, a series of alternative music events in Shrewsbury, with a mission to promote mental wellbeing and foster community connections through live music and the creative arts. We’ll find out what inspired Chris to start SY.gigs, the impact of these special live music events on the local community and his vision for the future.

Music tracks featured in this ep (we are grateful that all artists kindly agreed for their music to be featured in this ep)

- Audrey Carmes: 'Micro-Macro' from the album Quelque chose s'est dissipé https://audreycarmes.bandcamp.com/album/quelque-chose-sest-dissip & https://www.instagram.com/audrey_carmes/

- Martin Rebelski: 'Eternal' from the album Monochrome https://rebelski.bandcamp.com/album/monochrome

- Adam Scrimshire: 'Hawthorn' from the album Music for Autumn Lovers https://www.scrimshire.com/ & https://scrimshire.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-autumn-lovers-2

To find out more about SY.gigs, visit https://sygigs.com/

Produced and presented by Stavros Kokkinos @opusmediaproductionsSubscribe and follow to hear stories that will uplift, inspire and maybe even spark your own ripple effect.Follow on

https://www.instagram.com/opusmediaproductions/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/opusmediaproductions/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559557472820

Do you fancy appearing as a guest in a future ep?

The podcast's core themes centre around creating social value and impact, for the community and our planet, and the belief that small everyday actions can make a big difference. Collaborating with people whose work resonates with the podcast's theme, is simply the main criteria when selecting potential guests.If you believe that your work aligns with the podcast's theme and would like to appear as a guest in a future episode, email [email protected] with a brief description of what you do and why you think your project, or initiative, would make a good match.

Have you ever wondered how one small action can lead to something so much bigger? And who are the changemakers who work tirelessly behind the scenes, proving that the smallest actions can leave the greatest ripples, shaping a better world for us all?

These are the Qs at the heart of my new series Small ActionsBig Ripples, a podcast that shines a spotlight on individualswhose small, intentional actions create waves of positive change. In every episode, we celebrate the innovators and problem-solvers working within their organizations or purpose-driven businesses to make a meaningful difference in the wider community.

From sustainable initiatives that protect our planet to community support programs that uplift lives, I will explore the inspiring stories of people whose efforts—big or small—create lasting impacts.

Small Actions Big Ripples, stories that will uplift, inspire, andmaybe even spark your own ripple effect.

Produced and presented by Stavros Kokkinos @opusmediaproductions

Subscribe and follow to hear stories that will uplift, inspire and maybe even spark your own ripple effect.

Follow on

https://www.instagram.com/opusmediaproductions/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/opusmediaproductions/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559557472820

Do you fancy appearing as a guest in a future ep?

The podcast's core themes centre around creating social value and impact, for the community and our planet, and the belief that small everyday actions can make a big difference. Collaborating with people whose work resonates with the podcast's theme, is simply the main criteria when selecting potential guests.If you believe that your work aligns with the podcast's theme and would like to appear as a guest in a future episode, email [email protected] with a brief description of what you do and why you think your project, or initiative, would make a good match.