Staying Afloat

Alex Watson is a Director in the employment team with Fieldfisher, a European law firm, and our favourite lawyer.

He talks us through the latest changes to the Furlough Scheme, which is now known as the 'Flexible' Furlough Scheme (FFS). How are businesses responding to the challenges of taking people off-furlough? What risks are employers taking on?

This is the final episode of Staying Afloat - Season One, we've loved every minute of it so a huge thanks to all our guests and of course YOU our dear listener. We're planning to come back soon, with a less Coronavirus-centric approach, so keep your eyes open!

Staying Afloat is a podcast from Jist Studios.

John Owens is the Founder & Creative Director at Instruct Studio AND the Founder & Artistic Director of Design Manchester.

Instruct are a brilliant example of a small company that are working with some serious brands and companies around the world.

We talked about how the world is shrinking, as technology enables collaborations across borders and timezones. The coronavirus pandemic is ushering in that world more quickly than ever. Clients in the US or in Hong Kong are essentially as accessible as a client in the same city as you right now - besides the time difference, the way meetings happen is the same - it’s all on Zoom innit!

Listen and enjoy this episode, drink it in and feel inspired. Then go out and bag a new client in a far flung place you never considered collaborating with.

Staying Afloat is a podcast from Jist Studios.

Gillian Long is a Saville Row trained tailor and the founder of Cock of the Walk, a bespoke tailor in Hull.

As a business that centres around its in-person service; customers have to visit the shop for multiple fittings as their suit is made, something that's obviously impossible at the moment; Cock of the Walk are not taking on new customers.

But tailoring has always adapted, as war, famine, and technology have all wrought changes. This moment is just a blip in historic terms. Owner and founder Gillian is using the time to develop 'unstructured casual tailoring' and learn how to use Zoom!

Since lockdown began, Cock of the Walk have instead devoted their skills and time to making PPE for local NHS staff. To see more, visit their instagram page @CockOfTheWalkBespoke

Staying Afloat is a podcast from Jist Studios.

Harrison Woods is the CEO of Your Parking Space, a company that helps drivers find parking space and people rent out their driveway to anyone that needs one.

Jon spoke to Harrison about how knowing your customer can open up several other revenue streams, the incredible value of having a business partner and fundraising.

Staying Afloat is a podcast from Jist Studios.

The warehouse that stocks all of Sous Chef's produce must be a strange and magical place. You can find jellyfish, edible flowers and a tabletop BBQ smoker in there!

Jon talked crumb structures, supply chains and forecasting for what will be one of the strangest Christmas's ever with co-founder Nicola Lando.

Staying Afloat is a podcast from Jist Studios

When Josh Valman was 13 he began designing parts and trying to get them made in China, he was soon consulting and managing a multi-million dollar supply chain.

Josh started from scratch and has built an enviable business so Jon was excited to find out if his approach to business is putting him on the front foot in a time of great uncertainty.

Josh Valman is the founder and CEO of RPD International.

Staying Afloat is a podcast from Jist Studios

On Staying Afloat we talk to Alex Clifton, the artistic director of Storyhouse in Chester.

Storyhouse is a theatre, cinema, library and restaurant but as we hear, it’s so much more. We talked about the power of connecting with people, reaching those who aren’t online and squeezing positivity out of the pandemic.

Alex Clifton is the artistic director of Storyhouse storyhouse.com

Staying Afloat is a podcast from Jist Studios

The coronavirus has precipitated some remarkable stories. One story we particularly liked was the story of seven people in the Scottish Highlands who decided to continue their work: planting trees and rewilding an ancient forest. We spoke to one of them for the podcast. So breathe in and enjoy this special episode.

You can find out more about Trees for Life at treesforlife.org.uk

Staying Afloat is a podcast from Jist Studios

Cashflow is an essential element to all functioning businesses. So what can be done when there is none? Talking investment, the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and not paying suppliers for as long as you possibly can it's the Staying Afloat: Cashflow edition!

Jon was joined by Pete Casson, co-founder and CTO of Collctiv, a group payments app and Viv Parry, an accountant and the founder of ‘Be Amazing’, where she mentors and coaches business leaders.

You can find our guests’ podcasts: Pete Casson’s ‘Diary of a CTO’ and Viv Parry’s ‘Be Amazing; At Home’ on all good podcast platforms.

Staying Afloat is a podcast from Jist Studios

Jon talks to the co-founder of a company that has faced the opposite challenge to most companies. Pasta Evangelist are concentrating on keeping up with demand.

He was joined by Finn Lagun, co-founder of Pasta Evangelist and is responsible for marketing, sales & business development.

Staying Afloat is a podcast from Jist Studios.