The Joy of Real Indian Food is this week's brilliant discussion on the Business Awards Show. Founder of Tikka and Tadka, Roshni talks about her journey from NHS worker to award-winning Indian catering entrepreneur.

Roshni's Journey:

After years in the NHS, Roshni launched her authentic Indian home-style cooking business in April 2020 - right as lockdown hit. Instead of postponing, she pivoted to local curry nights in her village, which became so popular they evolved into her signature curry box service.

The Mission:

Roshni's passion is educating people about authentic Indian cuisine versus the Bangladeshi-influenced "Indian" food commonly served in UK restaurants. She uses family recipes passed down through four generations, techniques learned from her mother in Kolkata, and dishes collected from friends across different regions of India.

Business Model:

• Curry Boxes: Pre-ordered weekly meal boxes with five different curries, delivered fresh and chilled on Thursdays across Oxfordshire
• Weddings: 3-4 weddings annually (already booked three for next year)
• Corporate Catering: Specializing in Indian street food, not traditional curry
• Supper Clubs: Quarterly events showcasing Bengali cuisine, including fusion menus like English pub classics with Bengali spices

Award Success:

Roshni won silver at The Best Businesswomen Awards after being encouraged to apply by others - the recognition provided crucial local exposure and customer trust.

Future Plans:

Roshni aims to expand the catering business while opening her own café serving diverse authentic Indian dishes beyond curry.

About Roshni:

Roshni is the founder and chef behind Tikka & Tadka, an Oxfordshire-based Indian catering business. She brings homestyle, regional Indian cooking to local homes and events, specialising in weekly curry boxes, private catering, pop-ups, and supper clubs. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and authentic flavours, Roshni combines traditional techniques with a modern approach to delivering memorable dining experiences.

{2:14} The journey from the NHS to Indian cooking.

{4:36} The drive to start a food business.

{6:48} The difference between Indian and Bangladeshi food.

{9:24} The challenge of catering for weddings.

{9:50} Indian food is not just curry.

{10:46} Roshni's curry boxes.

{13:10} Running supper clubs.

{14:03} Turning supper club clients into curry box customers.

{14:53} How awards came on the radar.

{16:43} The challenges of building Tikka and Tadka.

{19:10} Roshni's marketing strategy.

{20:06} Longer term plans.

{21:54} Meeting Prue Leith.

{22:27} Roshni's approach to networking.

{23:46} Advice for setting up a food business.

{25:08} The challenge of running a business while having young children.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Roshni: https://www.tikkaandtadka.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshni-ray-8172342b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tikkaandtadka

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

Where's Your Social Proof? with Shehnaaz Latif is the latest edition of the Business Awards Show. We talked to Shehnaaz, the founder of TOOT Services Limited, about the critical importance of social proof for businesses and award entries. She also told us about her annual event in December, The Impact Showcase.

Shehnaaz's Journey: Despite being naturally shy, Shehnaaz built a 22-year career helping charities and businesses gather evidence of their impact. The name "TOOT" stands for "Tell Others Out There" - encouraging people to celebrate their successes rather than hiding their achievements.

Key Distinctions: Shehnaaz clarifies the differences between testimonials, reviews, and case studies:

• Reviews can be positive, negative, or neutral
• Testimonials are "mini stories with happy endings" - always positive
• Case studies are deeper, longer-term narratives tracking experiences over time with ripple effects

Best Practices:

• Ask the right questions at the right time in the right format
• Avoid leading questions like "How happy are you with my service?"
• Gather evidence throughout the client journey, not just at the end
• Follow up with clients 6-12 months later for case studies
• Use composite case studies when dealing with sensitive topics
• Ensure proper consent, especially for vulnerable clients

The Impact Showcase: Shehnaaz hosts an annual event (first Wednesday in December) where business owners celebrate their impact through client success stories.

Her Takeaway: Focus on service over sales - when motivated by genuine impact, the money follows naturally. Build authentic relationships with clients to gather meaningful testimonials that demonstrate real transformation.

About Shehnaaz

Shehnaaz Latif is an Impact Expert and Wellbeing Advocate with over 22 years' experience helping charities, commuinities and purpose-led businesses collect evidence of the difference their work makes and feedback to learn from. A trauma-informed social researcher and independent evaluation consultant, she's worked with leading funders and grassroots changemakers to design frameworks, capture outcomes, and celebrate real stories of change.

Through her business TOOT services, Shehnaaz now trains organisations and speakers to build ethical, independent social proof that turns quiet impact into visible influence. She is the founder of The Impact Showcase which is an annual event allowing changemakers to connect and share their impact, with heart.

{1:59} Shehnaaz's road to starting TOOT and where the name came from.

{5:30} How Shehnaaz works with clients.

{7:48} The difference between reviews, testimonials, and case studies.

{11:10} How to create a case study.

{13:55} Getting reviews in sensitive situations.

{17:42} Tailoring testimonial requests to get the right responses.

{22:00} Working with charities, corporates, solopreneurs, and SMEs.

{23:35} The Impact Showcase Event.

{25:45} What's next for Shehnaaz?

{31:20} Advice for other entrepreneurs.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Shehnaaz: https://tootservices.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toot-services-ltd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shehnaaz.latif

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shehnaazlatiftootservicesltd

The Impact Showcase: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-impact-showcase-registration-881249961357?aff=oddtdtcreator

"Yes - Your Business Can Make a Corporate Film" with Natalie Scarsbrook is this week's chat on The Business Awards Show. Natalie, co-founder of Blatella Films, discusses her fascinating 12-year journey in corporate filmmaking and documentary production.

She shares how she became an "accidental business owner" after graduating with a film studies degree in 2010 during the recession. Unable to find traditional employment, she and her fiancé (now husband) Ben started Blatella Films in their home borough of Thurrock in Essex, armed with just a second-hand camera and determination.

The big news? Their documentary "Our Journey to Pride" has won an incredible 27 awards at film festivals worldwide, screening everywhere from America and Canada to India, Dubai, and Serbia. The film chronicles Thurrock's first-ever Pride Festival and has become a powerful message about LGBTQ+ acceptance and community celebration.

Natalie reveals how corporate filmmaking doesn't have to be boring - Blatella Films brings cinematic techniques to business videos, working with clients from one-man bands to major organizations like C2C rail services and NHS trusts across Essex. Furthermore, she recently won a Silver Award for Best Creative Business at the Best Businesswomen Awards.

Looking ahead, Natalie's directing her next documentary "Witchcraft and Stilettos: Redefining the Essex Girl Narrative," exploring stereotypes from the 1600s witch trials to modern-day Towie culture.

Plus, get insider tips on working with your spouse, creating engaging business videos, and why film content is fundamental for modern businesses.

About Blatella

Blatella Films lives and breathes film. Combining experience in the industry and training in both film theory and production, they work closely with clients to interpret and bring their ideas to life. Their hands on approach and multi-disciplined team of camera operators, editors, sound engineers, and concept artists, with 40 years combined experience, gives Blatella near unrivalled facilities to craft the best films for clients.

Blatella pride themselves on excellent customer service and honesty with every client and on top of their top-of-the-line 4K cinema cameras and the most up to date editing facilities, offer truly cost effective and efficient film services.

At the core of the company is a drive and passion to make engaging, high-quality films that tell compelling stories. Blatella firmly believes that corporate filmmaking can and should be interesting, well-made and be able to grab audiences.

As a company they have garnered multiple award nominations and wins since setting up in 2012. They can adapt film to any industry or business. In that time, they have made 2045 films and have 238 unique clients (figs Jan 2025). They have worked with everyone from small one-man-band businesses to large regional stalwarts and even internationally renowned brands. As a result, Blatella produces on average, three hundred projects a year.

{1:30} Natalie's journey to starting Blatella Films.

{4:22} A documentary that won 27 awards!.

{7:10} Getting the film distributed at festivals.

{8:35} The impact and developing purpose of the film.

{9:52} Leaving a lasting legacy.

{11:47} The benefit of winning 27 awards in pitching for a new documentary.

{13:15} Why Natalie entered a business awards.

{15:57} Making corporate films more interesting.

{20:26} Why it's essential to have video on your website.

{22:05} The power of repurposing video.

{23:05} The typical Blatella client profile.

{25:15} Brainstorming ideas for your film with a professional film-maker.

{27:47} Tips for working with your life partner.

{32:00} What the future looks like for Blatella.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Natalie: https://blatella.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blatellafilms/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blatellafilms/

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

Welcome to the latest episode of The Business Awards Show, 'Why Numbers Count with the FD Consultant Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam'.

Romesh is a finance expert, podcast host and a long-time judge for the Best Business Women Awards. The conversation blends business wisdom, personal stories, and a good dose of humour about life as an accountant who once turned up to a barefoot office in a suit!

Romesh shares how, after a successful corporate career in FTSE 100 companies, he transitioned to working with start-ups and SMEs. He eventually launched The FD Consultant, which offers part-time "fractional" finance director services. His mission? To make top-level financial expertise accessible and affordable for growing businesses that can't yet justify a full-time FD.

Romesh's passion is helping business owners turn data into clear, simple insights that drive smarter decisions. He explains this is a much better alternative than getting lost in technical accounting jargon. As he puts it, "Numbers don't lie—they tell your story."

Additionally, the discussion dives into common financial pitfalls—like how SMEs can manage cash flow effectively and failing to spot profit opportunities. Throughout, Romesh manages to make numbers sound fun!

He also chats about his experience as a judge for the Best Businesswomen Awards. Initially unsure what to expect, Romesh says he was impressed by the integrity, robust process, and sense of community the awards foster. His insights illuminate the benefits of entering business awards and how to make your entry stand out.

Moving on, the conversation turns to Romesh's own business podcast, "Strive and Thrive," co-hosted with innovation expert Mike Oliver. The show explores all things entrepreneurship—from networking and leadership to time management and innovation—featuring guests who share lessons from their own business journeys.

It's an inspiring, warm, and practical conversation about the realities of running and scaling a business—with plenty of laughs, and some insightful learnings for entrepreneurs looking to scale or enter awards.

About Romesh

Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam brings warmth and clarity to the often intimidating world of business finance. As the founder of The FD Consultant, a collective of part-time finance directors, Romesh has spent over 15 years transforming how growing businesses approach financial leadership. With his engaging personality and deep expertise, Romesh bridges the gap between corporate financial best practices and the practical needs of SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups. His journey from qualifying at a Top 4 accounting firm and working in senior finance roles at FTSE 100 companies to supporting high-growth ventures gives him a unique perspective that resonates with business owners seeking both financial rigour and practical, commercial guidance.

{1:45} Why Romesh started The FD Consultant five years ago.

{5:30} Essential advice to owners about their numbers.

{7:48} The difference between The FD Consultant and an accountant.

{12:15} The service that Romesh delivers to clients.

{14:42} The point clients need Romesh's help.

{19:45} Being a judge of the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{26:34} The Strive and Thrive podcast.

{30:41} Romesh's one big tip.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Romesh: https://www.thefdconsultant.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rfjconsultingservices/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefdconsultant

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

X: https://x.com/ConsultantFd

Strive and Thrive podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@StriveAndThriveSeries

https://open.spotify.com/show/1aOiYxnQxaLnOWWIc2YAEE

Listen to our latest discussion Why you need a will with Nellie McQuinn.

Nellie addresses the misconception that wills are only for the wealthy. She notes that an estimated 72% of adults in the UK don't have a will. Young people in particular, believe they have no need to have one. Nellie soon explodes that myth!

She talks about the four key reasons why everybody needs a will.

• Guardianship - her number one priority. Any child under the age of 18 will be at the mercy of the courts without a will in place.
• "Common Law Partnerships" - there is no such thing in UK law, so without a will a surviving partner can be left with nothing.
• Blended families - A complex situation that needs the clarity a will offers.
• Avoiding family conflicts - a will ensures every family member knows where they stand whether they like it or not.

Poignantly, Nellie has designed an app to preserve the emotional legacies of loved ones. She explains the importance of passing on the stories of each family member from one generation to another and is currently raising funding to develop the concept.

But Nellie is not just a willwriter. She is an award-winning willwriter! She recently won a Silver Award for Best New Business at the Best Businesswomen Awards. And she was delighted to be a finalist in the British Will and Probate Awards. Discover why she entered at such an early stage of her business, and why she'll continue doing so.

This is a brilliant episode for anyone thinking of starting a business, wondering whether entering awards is a good idea at an early stage, or wants more information about wills and what they mean to you and your family.

About Nellie McQuinn

Nellie McQuinn is the Founder and CEO of AWAY Wills, a new kind of Will-writing company built for modern families. After a decade in children's television, most recently as Vice President, Head of Production at Moonbug Entertainment where she helped bring CoComelon and Blippi to global audiences, she had a major career pivot and retrained as a Will-writer whilst 6 weeks postpartum.

Becoming a mum of two shifted her focus from children's stories to family legacies. She saw that while media had embraced innovation and inclusivity, the world of Wills was still weighed down by tradition. AWAY Wills was born to change that, offering plain-English guidance for real, modern lives, from blended families to digital legacies.

{1:22} Why Nellie became a willwriter.

{3:45} Where the name "Away Wills" came from.

{4:35} Why everybody needs a will.

{8:01} The fallacy of "common law" partners.

{8:56} Why blended families must have a will.

{14:05} When not having a will can be disastrous.

{15:16} Nellie's app for preserving emotional legacies.

{18:25} Nellie's trip to Ireland to trace her Grandfather's journey.

{21:25} Why Nellie entered awards at such an early stage of her business.

{24:53} The challenges of starting a business and Nellie's tips for budding entrepreneurs.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Nellie: https://www.awaywills.com/

https://www.nelliemcquinn.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/away-wills/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570424698308

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

X: https://x.com/AWAYWills

Our latest episode features an interview with Kayleigh Lloyd, the founder of brand studio Lloyd Creative. She helps ambitious female founders build personality-packed brands that are unapologetically true to who they are. With over 15 years of industry experience and a passion for bringing bold ideas to life, she helps women show up with confidence, clarity and personality.

Kayleigh discusses how she grew her confidence and business acumen by surrounding herself with successful businesswomen. She found early support in female-focused networking communities like Found & Flourish and Six Degrees in Exeter. This focus on supporting and celebrating others inspired her to create the "Outrageously You" awards, which started as a party for her own clients. The awards are unique because they celebrate personality, passion, and community, with categories like "Brave," "Vibrant," "Confident," and "Magnetic".

Kayleigh tells us about next year's awards and how she is planning an expansion to include workshops, brand photoshoots, and is looking for collaborators.

Kayleigh, emphasizes that branding is about much more than a logo—it's a "cocktail of elements" including color, font, and consistency that reflects a brand's personality, instills confidence in the founder, and acts as a magnet for ideal clients. She explains her brand discovery process allowing business owners to get the result that truly reflects their owner's personality.

We also get some valuable business tips from Kayleigh, including the need to surround yourself with people you aspire to emulate.

Kayleigh proves to be a ball of positivity and energy, and her branding business and awards are a beacon of creativity and support for ambitious businesswomen. Anyone interested in understanding how to create impact with their brand, or looking for a different kind of awards, must listen to this discussion.

{1:30} What led Kayleigh to set up her own business five years ago.

{3:45} Having the flexibility to work around children.

{4:53} How Kayleigh grew her business.

{6:21} How Kayleigh learned to run a business.

{7:55} Being part of various communities.

{9:30} Tips for shy networkers.

{10:46} Setting up her own awards in 2024.

{13:48} Where the "Outrageously You" name came from for her awards.

{14:55} How to get involved in the awards in 2026.

{17:04} Where and when is the final.

{18:04} Why branding is so important to any business.

{20:15} How Kayleigh works with client to create their brands.

{21:34} Kayleigh's tips for entrepreneurs.

{25:53} Ensuring personal branding is looked after.

{26:21} Designing the OY Award branding.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Kayleigh: https://www.outrageously-you.com/

https://www.lloyd-creative.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-creative/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLloydCreative

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

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/lloydcreative/

Here is our latest interview with Tim Lee, founder of Collaborate MK Networking Community, a thriving family business based in Milton Keynes.

Tim shares the remarkable story of how he built a successful business networking community from the ground up—starting in the middle of lockdown in 2020 with just a few colleagues on Zoom. What began as an experiment quickly evolved into a powerful professional network now boasting 300 members and 10 monthly events, both in-person and online. There's even a knowledge-sharing workshop for Gold members.

Tim discusses his journey from retail management to community builder, describing how decades in customer-facing roles shaped his people-first approach to networking. He ensures a warm, welcoming environment—especially for those new to networking. He does it by focusing on genuine conversations rather than hard pitches. Furthermore, his ethos is based on a friendly and relaxed approach. As a result, these values have helped him build long-lasting connections and a loyal member base.

The episode also explores Tim's success on the awards circuit. After founding Collaborate MK, he entered and won both the SME Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire Award and the SME National Award for Best Networking Group. He reflects on what those wins meant for his credibility and confidence as a small business owner, and how the recognition gave Collaborate MK additional momentum. Now, as a judge for the SME National Awards himself, Tim reveals what stands out in an award entry. One of those crtieria is community impact - a significant priority for our guest.

Listeners also gain valuable business and networking advice as Tim shares lessons learned from early mistakes. He goes on to offer practical yet essential guidance for startups. And additionally he highlights the importance of professional etiquette—especially ensuring the host is notified if you cannot make an event.

In closing, Debbie celebrates Tim's journey from "selling washing machines to connecting people," underscoring how passion and perseverance can transform a simple idea into an award-winning enterprise. Ultimately, Tim's story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs seeking to grow their business through connection, community, and purpose.

{2:02} Why Tim set up a networking group.

{3:47} The scale of Collaborate MK today.

{4:22} The ingredients of a really good networking meeting.

{5:42} Tim's advice for newbie networkers.

{7:52} Tim's first experience of networking.

{12:20} Going from MK Dons to Business MK.

{14:12} Winning the first business award.

{15:14} The feeling of winning an award.

{16:08} National recognition from winning the National SME Awards.

{18:34} Becoming a judge for the SME Awards.

{19:59} What Tim looks for in an award entry.

{21:23} Tim's surprise about the judging process.

{22:07} The benefits Tim enjoyed from winning awards.

{23:36} Tim's tips for new entrepreneurs.

{25:40} Longer term plans for Collaborate MK.

{30:10} The frustration of 'no-shows'.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Tim: https://collaboratemk.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collaborate-mk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Collaboratemk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborate.mk/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@timlee7049/

Networking Events Monthly:

• MK Monthly Meet Up at different venues each month
• Knowledge Sharing Workshop at different venues each month
• Twice Monthly Virtual Events
• Lunch – YMCA MK
• Breakfast, Netwalks & Brunch at Willen Hospice Café
• Olney Rugby Club
• Mey Mediterranean Bar & Grill - Buckingham
• Leighton Town FC – Leighton Buzzard

In this interview with Jackie Groundsell, founder of the long-running 1230 Women's Company, we garner some brilliant insights based on over 25 years in business.

Celebrated as the Queen of Connections, Jackie shares the fascinating story behind building one of the UK's first female-only business networks at a time when the landscape was still dominated by men. She is a recognised business mentor, consultant, radio show host and international speaker.

Furthermore, listeners will discover how Jackie grew the network from a single London lunch to over 32 groups nationwide, offering training, collaboration, and support for women in business. Her events include regular lunchtime meetings, conferences, expos, speednetworking, and networking bingo events!

She also highlights the essential role of local business communities and how involvement can open doors to unexpected partnerships, collaborations, and even award-winning opportunities.

As an experienced awards judge, Jackie provides insider insights into what makes an entry stand out. From demonstrating passion and clarity to aligning applications with the right categories, she explains what judges really look for.

Jackie goes on to share her top networking tips – from avoiding common mistakes like "business card dumping" to the importance of meaningful follow-up. Essentially, her advice emphasises that effective networking is about building relationships, not making quick sales, and that even one well-nurtured connection can change the course of a business.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, awards entrant, or networking newcomer, this episode is packed with practical strategies, inspirational stories, and timeless advice from one of the UK's most respected business connectors.

{1:49} Why Jackie set up 1230 TWC.

{6:35} The changing perceptions of networking.

{7:50} The difference in how men and women network.

{9:22} Why you must get involved in the local business community.

{12:44} Starting a radio show.

{16:20} What Jackie looks for in awards entries.

{20:15} Engaging fully with a charity as a business.

{21:56} The challenge of putting on major events.

{24:52} Networking no-nos.

{27:08} Tips for networking newbies.

{29:32} How to follow up after networking.

{32:51} Business cards - yes or no?

{35:45} More about 1230 TWC.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Jackie: https://1230.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1230-the-women's-company-ltd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1230Jackie/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1230jackie/

Evolution of FInance for Businesswomen Event: https://1230.co.uk/events/evolution_of_finance_businesswomen_finance_mental_health_22october/?occurrence=2025-10-22

In this interview with Jennie Bayliss we learn about her extensive entrepreneurial journey and latest innovative venture, Letterbox Cocktails. Jennie shares how her path began over 15 years ago with an award-winning virtual PA company. Over the years, she has expanded with a portfolio across premium drinks, mentoring, and programme leadership.

A major turning point came when Jennie's team entered and won the Business Show £100,000 VIP Launchpad competition. This transformed Letterbox Cocktails from a side hustle into a fully-fledged business. Since then, the brand has gone on to win the Best New Business Award at the SME Bedfordshire Awards and has reached the finals of the Best Business Women Awards, recognised for its innovation, packaging, and product excellence. She also ran a successful crowdfunding campaign, which not only raised essential funds for branding and packaging, but also boosted visibility.

Jennie explains the inspiration behind Letterbox Cocktails: her desire to move away from service-based businesses to a tangible product, redefining luxury in the ready-to-drink cocktail market. The unique concept of cocktails that fit through a letterbox caters to time-poor consumers. The company has already expanded into weddings and seasonal gifting, and expects growth in corporate clients.

Looking ahead, Jennie shares her plans to secure investment, scale the business toward £8–10 million annual turnover, and exit within seven years. She is aiming to outsource production as a practical growth strategy and sees awards and PR as key tools for credibility and exposure.

Throughout the conversation, Jennie highlights the importance of building strong networks, staying adaptable, and avoiding perfectionism in the startup phase. Her advice for entrepreneurs is to focus on visibility, customer needs, and execution over details like logos. For her, success comes from persistence, risk-taking, and leveraging every opportunity, from awards to mentoring.

This is an episode with some impactful lessons for both budding and established entrepreneurs.

{2:05} How Jennie ended up in the world of cocktails.

{5:45} Going through a crowdfunding process.

{7:12} Why Jennie chose to start a cocktails business.

{9:12} The uniqueness of the product and the benefits of home delivery.

{10:55} The best-selling cocktails.

{11:32} Letterbox Cocktail's typical clients.

{12:25} The preparation for VIP Launchpad.

{14:28} Did Jennie expect to win at VIP Launchpad?

{15:21} Winning the Best New Business at the Beds SME Awards.

{16:33} The PR Jennie has gained through awards.

{18:22} Longer term plans for Letterbox Cocktails.

{19:22} Producing in-house v outsourcing.

{20:07} Jennie's business tips.

{22:30} The essential need to do something different.

{23:05} Jennie's advice for startups.

{25:46} Stop procrastinating - take action!

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Jennie: https://www.letterbox-cocktails.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.letterbox-cocktails.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letterboxcocktails1

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letterbox_cocktails

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LetterboxCocktails

In this episode of The Business Awards Show, our interview with Clare Haynes, coach, trainer, and founder of Wildfire, reveals her 20+ years' journey as a conversation coach. Clare shares how she transitioned from fundraising and sales into coaching, the challenges of starting a business before the age of social media, and the importance of networking and community.

She offers practical communication tips, such as the power of the pause and refraining from habitual apologies. Additionally, she reflects on gender differences in coaching, especially regarding men forced to attend.

Clare also reflects on her experiences entering and winning business awards, including the #iAlso 100 Awards, Ladies First Awards, and Women Who Awards, highlighting how awards encourage reflection and business growth. Furthermore, she tells us why entering the Best Businesswomen Awards this year was such a positive experience.

The conversation explores the value of authenticity, knowing your values, and continuous learning as keys to long-term business success. Clare and Debbie go on to discuss how technology impacts human connection and conversations, with Claire stressing the need to "pick up the phone" more often.

Looking ahead, Clare plans to expand into charity work, making coaching and communication support more accessible to vulnerable groups.

{1:29} Clare's business journey to starting Wildfire.

{3:30} Getting a coaching business off the ground.

{4:39} The importance of networking on the journey.

{5:22} Clare's tips for confident conversations.

{7:00} The difference working with men and women.

{8:34} Working with groups.

{9:39} When awards appeared on the radar.

{10:40} Being nominated for the #iAlso 100 and the brilliance of Small Business Britain.

{14:08} The Ladies First Awards.

{15:21} The difference between business awards.

{17:50} Providing a deep dive into your business for awards applications.

{19:40} Clare's secret to business longevity.

{22:30} Clare's top 3 values.

{22:45} Maintaining personal development and an ongoing commitment to networking.

{24:27} Meeting people on social media and then meeting them IRL.

{27:13} How the generations learn from each other in business.

{28:30} How tech is killing conversations.

{31:36} The benefit of coaching over the phone in some scenarios.

{33:31} Wildfire's future plans.

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