Swim Against The Tide

In this conversation, James Wright shares his extensive experience in the drinks industry, detailing his journey from working with major brands like Red Bull and Corona to his current role as CEO at Wrexham Lager.

He emphasises the importance of community engagement, the rich history of Wrexham Lager, and the strategic planning necessary for brand growth. He shares his  thoughts on how the success of the Disney TV series We Are Wrexham, has propelled the brand back into the global spotlight, and best to leverage this new found fame.

Finally, James discusses the challenges of navigating a competitive market, while maintaining a focus on quality and innovation, ultimately aiming to build a sustainable brand model that resonates with consumers.

Swim Against The Tide:

The idea behind Swim Against The Tide podcast is to meet founders and leaders of businesses who have launched and operate in competitive markets, taking the bigger, more established players head on. It is about exploring what drove them, how their brand stood out, what they had to do to win and what lessons they have learned that they can share with the listeners to hopefully inspire them to take their own journey.

The show is presented by Steve Henry, Co-Founder of the specialist marketing group Audience Collective. Steve has enjoyed a 30-year career in advertising helping 100s of brands win and grow. He is passionate about telling these stories and sharing their journeys, both good and bad, to help the next generation learn and encourage them to one day start their own challenger brand.

If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email [email protected] and we will be in touch.

We hope you enjoy this podcast, if you do, please leave a like and subscribe to our channel!

The SATT Team :) 

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship

In this conversation, Neil Bartholomew, MD of Kcom's retail division, shares his journey from a working-class background in South Yorkshire to leading a telecommunications company. He discusses Kcom's rich history, its evolution in the broadband market, and the challenges it faces from larger competitors. Neil emphasises the importance of customer experience, innovation, and adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. He also reflects on his leadership style, the significance of purpose-driven leadership, and the need for continuous learning and development in both personal and organisational contexts.

Swim Against The Tide:

The idea behind Swim Against The Tide podcast is to meet founders and leaders of businesses who have launched and operate in competitive markets, taking the bigger, more established players head on. It is about exploring what drove them, how their brand stood out, what they had to do to win and what lessons they have learned that they can share with the listeners to hopefully inspire them to take their own journey.

The show is presented by Steve Henry, Co-Founder of the specialist marketing group Audience Collective. Steve has enjoyed a 30-year career in advertising helping 100s of brands win and grow. He is passionate about telling these stories and sharing their journeys, both good and bad, to help the next generation learn and encourage them to one day start their own challenger brand.

If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email [email protected] and we will be in touch.

We hope you enjoy this podcast, if you do, please leave a like and subscribe to our channel!

The SATT Team :) 

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship

In this conversation, Lucy Barbor shares her journey from working in media agencies with some of the World's biggest brands to recently launching her own consultancy - We Are Masterplan.

She emphasises the importance of strategic thinking in businesses, the role of marketing as a real growth engine, and the differences between challenger brands and market leaders and how their position in the market drives very different behaviour.

Lucy shares insights on how brands can navigate competition, the evolution of marketing strategy, and the need for a culture that fosters deep strategic thinking.

She also discusses her passion with her new consultancy outlining her vision for the business and the training programs aimed at helping individuals and businesses improve their strategic capabilities.

Swim Against The Tide:

The idea behind Swim Against The Tide podcast is to meet founders and leaders of businesses who have launched and operate in competitive markets, taking the bigger, more established players head on. It is about exploring what drove them, how their brand stood out, what they had to do to win and what lessons they have learned that they can share with the listeners to hopefully inspire them to take their own journey.

The show is presented by Steve Henry, Co-Founder of the specialist marketing group Audience Collective. Steve has enjoyed a 30-year career in advertising helping 100s of brands win and grow. He is passionate about telling these stories and sharing their journeys, both good and bad, to help the next generation learn and encourage them to one day start their own challenger brand.

If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email [email protected] and we will be in touch.

We hope you enjoy this podcast, if you do, please leave a like and subscribe to our channel!

The SATT Team :)

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship

This week we meet Brad Cummings, the co-founder of Tiny Rebel Brewery. He shares his journey of building a successful craft beer brand in a competitive market from home brewing in the bedroom, to building one of the most successful beer brands on the market.

He discusses his background of growing up in a big, noisy family, to the passion that drove him to start the brewery. He explains about the importance of community and quality in their products and the significance of gaining B Corp status for the brewery.

Brad also reflects on the challenges of leadership, the significance of purpose, the future growth of Tiny Rebel in the evolving craft beer landscape and his DJ'ing skills.

Swim Against The Tide:

The idea behind Swim Against The Tide podcast is to meet founders and leaders of businesses who have launched and operate in competitive markets, taking the bigger, more established players head on. It is about exploring what drove them, how their brand stood out, what they had to do to win and what lessons they have learned that they can share with the listeners to hopefully inspire them to take their own journey.

The show is presented by Steve Henry, Co-Founder of the specialist marketing group Audience Collective. Steve has enjoyed a 30-year career in advertising helping 100s of brands win and grow. He is passionate about telling these stories and sharing their journeys, both good and bad, to help the next generation learn and encourage them to one day start their own challenger brand.

If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email [email protected] and we will be in touch.

We hope you enjoy this podcast, if you do, please leave a like and subscribe to our channel!

The SATT Team :) 

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship

In this conversation, Dom Dwight, Director of Strategy, Insight, Innovation and Diversification at Bettys and Taylors, shares his journey with taking the national treasure that is Yorkshire Tea to No.1 in the UK.

He shares how his love of Leeds, post his university studies, and the local food scene saw him land at Yorkshire Tea's HQ in Harrogate over 14-years ago.

In explaining how they got to "Let's have a proper brew" he discusses the brand's evolution, marketing strategies, and the importance of social media in engaging with consumers. He reflects on the cultural identity of Yorkshire, the balance between confidence and humility in branding, and the significance of humour in advertising.

Dom also offers valuable insights for future generations in the industry, emphasising the need for listening to consumers and adapting to market changes.

Swim Against The Tide:

The idea behind Swim Against The Tide podcast is to meet founders and leaders of businesses who have launched and operate in competitive markets, taking the bigger, more established players head on. It is about exploring what drove them, how their brand stood out, what they had to do to win and what lessons they have learned that they can share with the listeners to hopefully inspire them to take their own journey.

The show is presented by Steve Henry, Co-Founder of the specialist marketing group Audience Collective. Steve has enjoyed a 30-year career in advertising helping 100s of brands win and grow. He is passionate about telling these stories and sharing their journeys, both good and bad, to help the next generation learn and encourage them to one day start their own challenger brand.

If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email [email protected] and we will be in touch.

We hope you enjoy this podcast, if you do, please leave a like and subscribe to our channel!

The SATT Team :) 

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship #yorkshire #yorkshiretea #bettysandtaylors

In this conversation, Narinder Khattoare shares his experience in the peer-to-peer lending market and his journey as the Chief Executive of a lending company. He discusses the unique aspects of their business model, such as lending against property, and the challenges they face in a competitive market. Narinder emphasises the importance of building trust and relationships with borrowers and investors, as well as the need for due diligence when investing in peer-to-peer lending platforms. He also highlights the significance of succession planning and creating a strong team culture within the organization. In this conversation, Narinder Khattoare emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's health and physical appearance in order to perform well at work. He shares a story about a manager who advised him to look and feel the part in order to succeed. Narinder also discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how his business adapted and grew. He emphasises the value of not giving up, surrounding oneself with the right people, and finding happiness and freedom in one's work. He also cautions against chasing material possessions and the importance of trusting one's gut instinct.

Swim Against The Tide:

The idea behind Swim Against The Tide podcast is to meet founders and leaders of businesses who have launched and operate in competitive markets, taking the bigger, more established players head on. It is about exploring what drove them, how their brand stood out, what they had to do to win and what lessons they have learned that they can share with the listeners to hopefully inspire them to take their own journey.

The show is presented by Steve Henry, Co-Founder of the specialist marketing group Audience Collective. Steve has enjoyed a 30-year career in advertising helping 100s of brands win and grow. He is passionate about telling these stories and sharing their journeys, both good and bad, to help the next generation learn and encourage them to one day start their own challenger brand.

If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email [email protected] and we will be in touch.

We hope you enjoy this podcast, if you do, please leave a like and subscribe to our channel!

The SATT Team :) 

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship

Jason Howlett, the Global Chief Executive of GivEnergy, shares his story and the mission of the company. GivEnergy is a renewable energy company that focuses on energy storage and software solutions. They aim to make a difference by offering products that help the grid, maximise self-generation, and increase energy independence.

The company is unique in its approach, prioritising data security and compliance with GDPR regulations. Jason discusses the challenges and opportunities in the energy storage industry, as well as the importance of understanding one's strengths and working in partnership.

Jason Howlett discusses the importance of being authentic and finding an organisation that allows you to be yourself. He emphasises the value of engaging with people, talking to managers and senior leaders, and learning from the experiences of others. Jason also highlights the significance of finding a role and company that align with your values and interests.

He shares his own experiences of working with supportive managers and the impact they had on his career development. Overall, Jason encourages individuals to trust the courage of their convictions and make decisions that align with their authentic selves.

Swim Against The Tide:

The idea behind Swim Against The Tide podcast is to meet founders and leaders of businesses who have launched and operate in competitive markets, taking the bigger, more established players head on. It is about exploring what drove them, how their brand stood out, what they had to do to win and what lessons they have learned that they can share with the listeners to hopefully inspire them to take their own journey.

The show is presented by Steve Henry, Co-Founder of the specialist marketing group Audience Collective. Steve has enjoyed a 30-year career in advertising helping 100s of brands win and grow. He is passionate about telling these stories and sharing their journeys, both good and bad, to help the next generation learn and encourage them to one day start their own challenger brand.

If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email [email protected] and we will be in touch.

We hope you enjoy this podcast, if you do, please leave a like and subscribe to our channel!

The SATT Team :) 

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship

In this week's episode of Swim Against the Tide, we meet Alex Saint, co -founder of thriving travel brand Secret Escapes. He discusses his journey of building a successful luxury hotel booking platform, sharing insights into the unique business model that offers exclusive deals to its members, the challenges of navigating different European markets, and the importance of ensure your brand has an unfair competitive advantage in business.

Alex then goes on to reflect the impact COVID -19 had on the travel industry and his fellow directors and the lessons they learned from this adversity. Focusing on the importance of always ensuring he had great partners around him to share the journey – both highs and lows.

He also shares some great insights into how he has used external investment to help the business scale and move seamlessly into new markets, understanding it is a required necessity to scale properly in a diverse market.

We finish by Alex reflecting on the future of Secret Escapes, emphasising the need for innovation and growth, while maintaining a focus on customer loyalty and satisfaction. He also hints at some exciting innovations that are on the horizon.

Swim Against The Tide:

The idea behind Swim Against The Tide podcast is to meet founders and leaders of businesses who have launched and operate in competitive markets, taking the bigger, more established players head on. It is about exploring what drove them, how their brand stood out, what they had to do to win and what lessons they have learned that they can share with the listeners to hopefully inspire them to take their own journey.

The show is presented by Steve Henry, Co-Founder of the specialist marketing group Audience Collective. Steve has enjoyed a 30-year career in advertising helping 100s of brands win and grow. He is passionate about telling these stories and sharing their journeys, both good and bad, to help the next generation learn and encourage them to one day start their own challenger brand.

If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email [email protected] and we will be in touch.

We hope you enjoy this podcast, if you do, please leave a like and subscribe to our channel!

The SATT Team :) 

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship Secret Escapes, luxury travel, business growth, market strategy, investment, European markets, COVID-19 recovery, entrepreneurship, unfair advantage, acquisitions

Graham Beales, CEO of Hip Pop, a range of kombucha and healthy soft drinks, discusses his journey and the brand's success in the market. The conversation covers topics such as personal growth, the importance of enjoying the drink whilst also reaping health benefits, the changing consumer demand for healthier options, and the challenges of distribution.

The brand aims to provide refreshing, flavour-led drinks that appeal to a wide range of consumers, from younger generations to those seeking gut health benefits. The founders have transitioned to a supportive role, trusting Graham to take the brand to the next level. In this conversation, he discusses the potential for expanding the product range of Hip Pop drinks. He draws a parallel with the success of Red Bull, which started with a single flavour and gradually expanded its offerings.

Graham also reflects on his time at Grenade and how he leveraged his experience in the protein world to drive the growth of Hip Pop. He emphasises the importance of gut instinct in decision-making and the value of having mentors and a strong support network. Graham describes his leadership style as laid-back, collaborative, and focused on empowering his team. He encourages experimentation and learning from failure. He advises focusing on what you can control and not wasting time on things you can't change. Finally, he emphasises the importance of physical fitness for mental health and longevity.

Swim Against The Tide:

The idea behind Swim Against The Tide podcast is to meet founders and leaders of businesses who have launched and operate in competitive markets, taking the bigger, more established players head on. It is about exploring what drove them, how their brand stood out, what they had to do to win and what lessons they have learned that they can share with the listeners to hopefully inspire them to take their own journey.

The show is presented by Steve Henry, Co-Founder of the specialist marketing group Audience Collective. Steve has enjoyed a 30-year career in advertising helping 100s of brands win and grow. He is passionate about telling these stories and sharing their journeys, both good and bad, to help the next generation learn and encourage them to one day start their own challenger brand.

If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email [email protected] and we will be in touch.

We hope you enjoy this podcast, if you do, please leave a like and subscribe to our channel!

The SATT Team :)

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth