The Cashflow Show: Entrepreneurship Insights for Founders, CEOs and Business Leaders

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Cashflow Show, host Clayton M Coke speaks with Chantal McDowall, co-founder of TooTone London, an inclusive eyelash brand offering lashes beyond the traditional black options. Chantal shares the inspiration behind the business, the long journey from idea in 2023 to trading in 2025, the challenges of working with suppliers, the realities of launching as a side hustle, and practical advice for new founders.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and welcome
00:11 – About TooTone London
00:29 – The inspiration behind the brand
00:59 – From idea to trading
01:56 – Market research and consumer feedback
03:22 – Challenges of getting started
04:48 – Learning curves with suppliers and logistics
05:17 – Building without external support
05:47 – Support for UK startups
06:17 – What government support would help
07:14 – Lessons on planning and mentoring
08:11 – Current stage of the business
09:10 – Advice for new founders
10:39 – Where to find TooTone London 

Key Discussion Points

• Creating an inclusive eyelash brand with colours to match Auburn, blonde and brunette hair 
• Personal inspiration linked to supporting a friend undergoing cancer treatment 
• Long gestation period from idea (mid-2023) to launch (early 2025) 
• Low-budget market research through real-life conversations and colour matching 
• Steep learning curve with suppliers, samples, logistics and lost shipments 
• Challenges of running a business as a side hustle 
• Lack of accessible support, mentoring and guidance for small UK startups 
• Importance of financial planning, insurance, tax and strategy

Key Takeaways

• Most businesses take longer to launch than founders expect 
• Direct conversations with potential customers can be more valuable than expensive research 
• Supplier and logistics management is often the hardest part for first-time founders 
• Planning, financial preparation and seeking mentors early can smooth the journey 
• Social media and e-commerce require continuous learning and adaptation

Notable Quotes
“We were very much sailing by ourselves and very much building the plane as we were trying to fly the plane.” – Chantal McDowall 

“It’s not just making an Instagram page and creating some content. It’s also thinking about your supplier… logistics… corporation tax… insurance.” – Chantal McDowall 

Actionable Insights for Businesses

• Take time to plan thoroughly before launching — cover suppliers, logistics, tax, insurance and cash flow 
• Speak directly to potential customers for honest, low-cost market feedback 
• Seek mentors and support early rather than trying to do everything alone 
• Treat social media and e-commerce as strategic channels, not just content platforms 
• Build realistic timelines and financial buffers for delays

Resources

• TooTone London on Instagram and TikTok: @tootonelondon 
• Brand name spelling: TooTone London (T-O-O T-O-N-E London)

The Cashflow Show can be reached here:
Website: www.thecashflowshowpodcast.com 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecashflowshow 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowshowpodcast

To sponsor or advertise on The Cashflow Show Podcast, contact us at [email protected]

Clayton M Coke can be found here:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claytoncoke

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prmsltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmsltd/

Our theme music is called "The Mediator - aka Theme from The Cashflow Show" [PRS] and "Better Call Clayton" [PRS] 

“What are YOU like?”, “60 Second Shoot-Out” &"What About The Tech?" are all intellectual properties of Dialogue [London] Ltd

(c) Clayton M Coke/PRMS Ltd/Dialogue [London] Ltd | All Rights Reserved 

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Cashflow Show, host Clayton M Coke speaks with Damian Stirrett, UK and Ireland Group Vice President and General Manager of ServiceNow. They discuss the growing disconnect between what executives believe about customer experience and what customers actually feel, the limits of AI when used only for speed, the continuing need for human empathy, and how fragmented systems drive frustration and churn.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and welcome
00:26 – Damian’s role and what ServiceNow does
00:55 – Why businesses fail through poor processes
01:24 – Shifting customer expectations
01:53 – AI convenience vs lack of empathy
02:22 – Customers want both speed and human contact
03:18 – The risk of over-automating
04:17 – Time wasted on broken customer service
05:16 – Fragmentation and siloed systems
05:45 – Barriers to using AI for empathy
06:44 – Misdiagnosing the customer experience problem
07:43 – Why AI still fails in conversations
08:08 – Three shifts businesses need to make
09:32 – How ServiceNow addresses fragmentation
10:56 – Risks of not improving customer experience
12:51 – Is investing in better experience expensive?
13:49 – Where to find the research 

Key Discussion Points

• 47% of executives report high customer churn due to poor experience 
• 53% of UK consumers will switch after just one bad experience 
• 51% of UK consumers cite lack of empathy as a top frustration 
• 87% still want the option to speak to a human, yet only 7% of executives prioritise phone support 
• UK consumers lose 455 million hours a year to poor customer service 
• Only 16% of UK executives have made meaningful progress using AI to improve emotional connection 
• The need to design for experience first, then apply AI 
• Moving from siloed systems to a unified “system of action”

Key Takeaways

• Customers now expect both speed and human empathy 
• AI improves convenience but often fails on emotional connection 
• Fragmented systems and siloed data are major sources of customer frustration 
• Loyalty is lost faster than ever — one poor experience is often enough 
• The cost of not fixing customer experience is higher than the cost of investing in it

Notable Quotes
“Customers want the choice between speed… and talking to a human. They want both. And right now, most businesses are only delivering one.” – Damian Stirrett 

“AI is a tool… but on its own, it doesn’t build relationships or repair broken processes.” – Damian Stirrett 

“53% of UK consumers say that they would switch to a competitor after just one poor or slow experience.” – Damian Stirrett 

Actionable Insights for Businesses

• Design customer experience first, then deploy AI to support it 
• Use AI for routine tasks so human agents can focus on complex and emotional issues 
• Break down data and process silos so agents have full context 
• Empower frontline staff with the tools and authority to resolve issues first time 
• Treat customer experience as a commercial priority, not just a cost centre

Resources

• ServiceNow UK research and information: www.servicenow.com/uk
  
  

The Cashflow Show can be reached here:
Website: www.thecashflowshowpodcast.com 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecashflowshow 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowshowpodcast

To sponsor or advertise on The Cashflow Show Podcast, contact us at [email protected]

Clayton M Coke can be found here:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claytoncoke

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prmsltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmsltd/

Our theme music is called "The Mediator - aka Theme from The Cashflow Show" [PRS] and "Better Call Clayton" [PRS] 

“What are YOU like?”, “60 Second Shoot-Out” &"What About The Tech?" are all intellectual properties of Dialogue [London] Ltd

(c) Clayton M Coke/PRMS Ltd/Dialogue [London] Ltd | All Rights Reserved 

Episode Summary
For decades Black and brown women have worn “nude” tights that made their legs look grey and ashy. Tahlia Gray got tired of it. Eight years, one startup loan, six years of side-hustling, and a pivotal investor introduction from Wray Forward later — Sheer Chemistry is the UK’s leading inclusive hosiery brand (and heading to North America). Hear the raw story of self-funding, 98 % survey validation, trademark battles, and why mainstream retailers finally said “yes” after 2020.

Chapters
[00:00] Intro & Powerbook 2025 Spotlight
[00:45] The problem: “Nude” tights that make brown legs look ashy
[01:42] Bootstrapping for 8 years while working full/part-time
[02:36] How Wray Forward pitch night turned a loss into major investment
[03:34] 98 % of 100+ women surveyed said they’d buy — instant validation
[04:29] Real customer stories: First dress in 15 years, ballet exam confidence
[05:51] 10 years ago retailers said “no demand” — post-2020 they begged
[07:45] Start small, prove UK demand, then scale globally
[08:43] One event, one question → introduction to UK’s biggest hosiery distributor
[11:34] Why colours can’t be trademarked (but shade names & slogans can)
[12:56] Next 5 years: Raise investment → mainstream UK retail → 17× growth in North America 

Key Discussion Points 

• 8 years self-funded + side jobs before significant outside capital
• 98 % survey respondents ready to buy inclusive tights
• Post-2020 shift: retailers went from “no demand” to desperate partnerships
• North America = 17× bigger opportunity than UK
• One networking event question unlocked the perfect manufacturer

Key Takeaways 

• Your personal frustration is often the clearest market validation 
• Networking > protecting your idea — no one will steal it (execution is everything) 
• Post-2020 the appetite for inclusive beauty has permanently changed 
• Trademark names, slogans and stories — not colours

Notable Quotes 

• “I wanted tights that matched my skin tone… but they made my legs look grey and ashy.” – Tahlia Gray 
• “98 % of women said they would buy — that was my green light.” – Tahlia Gray 
• “One question at a fashion event led to the UK’s largest hosiery distributor introducing me to three manufacturers.” – Tahlia Gray 

Actionable Insights for Businesses & Investors 

• Retail buyers: Stock inclusive “nude” ranges now — the demand is proven and growing 
• Founders: Ask one bold question at every event — connections beat NDAs 
• Investors: Back proven consumer pain solutions (8 years bootstrapped + 98 % intent-to-purchase = low risk) 
• Network intentionally: Eventbrite + “fashion + business” keywords changed everything for Tahlia

Resources 

• Shop & discover shades → https://sheerchemistry.com
• Instagram & all socials → @sheerchemistry
• Wray Forward & Powerbook 2025 → https://www.wrayandnephew.com/wray-forwards

The Cashflow Show can be reached here:
Website: www.thecashflowshowpodcast.com 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecashflowshow 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowshowpodcast

To sponsor or advertise on The Cashflow Show Podcast, contact us at [email protected]

Clayton M Coke can be found here:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claytoncoke

Website: https://www.prmsltd.co.uk

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prmsltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmsltd/

Our theme music is called "The Mediator - aka Theme from The Cashflow Show" [PRS] and "Better Call Clayton" [PRS] 

“What are YOU like?”, “60 Second Shoot-Out” &"What About The Tech?" are all intellectual properties of Dialogue [London] Ltd

(c) Clayton M Coke/PRMS Ltd/Dialogue [London] Ltd | All Rights Reserved 

Episode Summary
What if every online purchase at a Black-owned business put cash back in your pocket – and doubled donations to charity? Matthew Addai, co-founder of Cash Black and Afrofiliate, reveals how three brothers turned a 2020 lockdown idea into the UK’s first cashback platform + affiliate network exclusively for Black-owned brands. Discover the AI-powered browser extension, real-life cashback events, and why “just talk to us” is the simplest way investors can unlock this £multi-billion opportunity.

Chapters
[00:00] Intro – Meet Matthew Addai, CEO of Cash Black & Afrofiliate
[00:51] Cash Black Explained: Earn real cashback shopping Black-owned brands
[01:13] Afrofiliate: The UK’s first affiliate network for Black brands & diverse creators
[01:43] Born in 2020: From sabbatical & redundancy to two tech companies
[03:36] “Cash Black” started as a joke between brothers – now it’s a movement
[04:33] Building partnerships: Easier in 2020 (BLM momentum), tougher in 2025
[06:46] Funding reality: Rejections, pop-up market pitches & accelerator wins
[09:40] Advice to investors: “Just communicate with us” – stop guessing what we need
[11:35] Brutally honest advice to aspiring founders: “Don’t start a business… unless ‘don’t’ isn’t enough to stop you”
[14:00] Where to join: Cashblack.com + Afrofiliate.com 

Key Discussion Points 

• Cash Black users earn cashback OR donate (100% matched) to charity 
• Afrofiliate connects Black brands with creators of all sizes – micro to mega 
• Built from scratch after 2020 anti-racism wave – now backed by Wray & Nephew 
• AI “Afrobot” Chrome extension shows Black-owned alternatives while you shop

Key Takeaways 

• Supporting Black businesses shouldn’t feel like charity – it should pay YOU 
• Investors: Talk directly to founders instead of assuming what we need 
• If “don’t do it” is enough to stop you – don’t. If it isn’t – welcome to entrepreneurship 
• Cashback + affiliate tech = scalable, sustainable Black wealth creation

Notable Quotes 

• “We reward members with cash back when they shop with Black-owned businesses.” – Matthew Addai 
• “I heard ‘don’t’ from everyone… and did it anyway.” – Matthew Addai 
• “Investors: Just communicate with us. That’s the bare minimum.” – Matthew Addai 

Actionable Insights for Businesses & Investors 

• Brands: List on Afrofiliate.com today – turn customers into paid ambassadors 
• Creators: Join Afrofiliate – monetise your audience with Black-owned + major brands 
• Investors: Stop guessing – DM or email Black founders directly 
• Consumers: Install the free Afrobot Chrome extension – discover & earn from Black alternatives instantly

Resources 

• Cash Black (shop & earn) → https://cashblack.com
• Afrofiliate (brands + creators) → https://afrofiliate.com
• Instagram & all socials → @cashblackhq | @afroaffiliate
• Free AI Chrome extension → CashBlack Afrobot

The Cashflow Show can be reached here:
Website: www.thecashflowshowpodcast.com 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecashflowshow 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowshowpodcast

To sponsor or advertise on The Cashflow Show Podcast, contact us at [email protected]

Clayton M Coke can be found here:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claytoncoke

Website: https://www.prmsltd.co.uk

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prmsltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmsltd/

Our theme music is called "The Mediator - aka Theme from The Cashflow Show" [PRS] and "Better Call Clayton" [PRS] 

“What are YOU like?”, “60 Second Shoot-Out” &"What About The Tech?" are all intellectual properties of Dialogue [London] Ltd

(c) Clayton M Coke/PRMS Ltd/Dialogue [London] Ltd | All Rights Reserved 

Episode Summary
From feeling like an outsider in fashion to founding Black Girls in Design London (now 570+ members across UK & Ghana), Sandra Adu reveals how lockdown workshops turned into flagship programmes with Canva, BrainStation and Akaya Foundation. Discover the raw truth about self-funding, getting rejected 3× for grants, and the mentorship + accountability strategies that finally unlocked multi-year funding to empower 300+ Black girls in design.

Chapters
[00:00] Intro & Powerbook 2025 Recognition
[00:51] Sandra’s Journey: Fashion → Graphic Design → Agency Art Director (Rolls-Royce, HSBC, Adobe)
[01:48] Lockdown Pivot → Lecturer at UAL & Royal College of Art → PhD
[02:15] Founding Black Girls in Design (2022) – The Community She Wished She Had
[02:44] Flagship Programmes: Design Her Skills (Canva), Design Her Futures (Ghana-UK), Mastering Your Skills (BrainStation)
[03:41] Self-Funding Reality: Building Everything Herself + Spending Thousands While Full-Time Employed
[05:01] Rejected 3× → Won Multi-Year Funding: The Power of Storytelling & Community Support
[06:30] Accountability Strategy: Mentorship Circles That Actually Work
[09:25] How Corporates & Investors Can Find & Fund Black-Led Impact Businesses
[11:50] Advice to Aspiring Founders: Purpose Over Profit, Start Small, Trade Skills for Access Key 

Discussion Points 

• 3 flagship programmes reaching UK + Ghana 
• Turned 3 lockdown workshops into partnerships with Canva, BrainStation & Akaya Foundation 
• Rejected 3 times for funding → finally won by leading with personal story & measurable impact 
• Built a 570+ strong global community in just 3 years 
• 79% of Black business owners feel unsupported — here’s how to change that

Key Takeaways 

• Your personal “why” and story are your strongest funding assets 
• Mentorship + accountability circles > life coaches 
• Write the vision, share it publicly, let the community hold you to it 
• Start where you are: Sandra traded logos for event tickets when she couldn’t afford entry

Notable Quotes 

• “Your story is what lands the funding.” – Sandra Adu 
• “I never wanted the next generation of Black girls to feel as isolated as I once did.” – Sandra Adu 
• “Profit-first founders give up in year one. Think purpose first.” – Sandra Adu 

Actionable Insights for Businesses & Investors 

• Corporates: Partner with visible community organisations (e.g., Black Girls in Design, Foundervine) instead of building your own pipelines 
• Recruiters: Tap into ready-made talent pools of Black creatives instead of asking “where are they?” 
• Founders: Write your goals publicly → join a mentorship circle → get rejected → refine → win 
• Trade skills for access when cash is tight (Sandra’s logo-for-ticket hack still works in 2025)

Resources 

• Black Girls in Design → https://blackgirlsindesign.com
• Instagram & LinkedIn → @blackgirlsindesign_ 
• Wray Forward & Powerbook 2025 → https://www.wrayandnephew.com/wray-forwards

The Cashflow Show can be reached here:
Website: www.thecashflowshowpodcast.com 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecashflowshow 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowshowpodcast

To sponsor or advertise on The Cashflow Show Podcast, contact us at [email protected]

Clayton M Coke can be found here:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claytoncoke

Website: https://www.prmsltd.co.uk

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prmsltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmsltd/

Our theme music is called "The Mediator - aka Theme from The Cashflow Show" [PRS] and "Better Call Clayton" [PRS] 

“What are YOU like?”, “60 Second Shoot-Out” &"What About The Tech?" are all intellectual properties of Dialogue [London] Ltd

(c) Clayton M Coke/PRMS Ltd/Dialogue [London] Ltd | All Rights Reserved 

Episode Summary
81% of Black & ethnic-minority founders find raising startup capital difficult — vs 56% of white founders. Cecil Adjalo (COO, Foundervine) reveals the hidden structural barriers, the power of community economics, and why Black founders who reach the same milestone have already proven 10× resilience. Discover the free programmes, corporate partnerships, and mindset shifts closing the multi-billion funding gap.

Chapters
[00:00] Intro & Cecil’s Role at Foundervine
[00:56] Wray Forward: Supporting 4,000+ Black Founders Since 2021
[02:19] The Shocking 81% vs 56% Funding Gap
[02:48] Structural Barriers: Networks, Wealth, Bias & Bank Lending
[04:16] Power Book 2025 – 25 Stand-Out Black UK Founders
[06:09] Doing More With Less: Beard Surgeon Hits £1.7M Sales
[07:34] The Power of Buying Black & Circulating the Pound
[09:54] Closing the Knowledge Gap (Free Programmes vs “10× Courses”)
[14:06] Confidence Crisis: Why Black Men Ask for Money Less
[16:32] Banks Reject Ethnic-Minority Firms Nearly 2× More (49% vs 32%)
[18:54] Corporate Partnerships That Actually Work
[20:23] The One Thing Lenders Must Understand About Black Resilience
[21:50] Resources & Close

Key Discussion Points 

• Black UK household wealth is up to 9× lower → less friends & family funding 
• Ethnic-minority firms 49% loan rejection rate vs 32% overall (British Business Bank) 
• Black founders operate ultra-lean, turning £100–£300 into million-pound businesses 
• Wray Forward (Foundervine + Wray & Nephew) has supported 4,000+ founders for free 
• Confidence gap: 53% of Black founders held back by fear of asking

Key Takeaways 

• Resilience is the hidden superpower: Black founders who reach the same point have jumped higher hurdles 
• Community economics works — keep the pound circulating inside before it leaves 
• Free, high-quality programmes beat paid “guru” courses every time 
• Corporates get better ROI by funding community-led organisations, not running their own schemes

Notable Quotes 

• “When a Black founder looks the same as a white founder on paper, they’ve already overcome 10× more barriers.” – Cecil Adjalo 
• “If communities don’t buy and sell from each other, they can never grow large.” – Cecil Adjalo 
• “We turned hundreds of pounds into £1.7 million in sales.” – Beard Surgeon example

Actionable Insights for Businesses & Investors 

• Lenders: Create dedicated funds or policies that score resilience & barriers overcome 
• Corporates: Partner with (and fund) grassroots organisations like Foundervine instead of direct programmes 
• Black consumers: Buy Black first — every pound spent multiplies inside the community 
• Founders: Join free programmes like Wray Forward for mentorship, finance access & community

Resources 

• Wray Forward programme & Power Book 2025 → https://www.wrayandnephew.com/wray-forwards
• Foundervine programmes → https://www.foundervine.com/our-programmes/wrayforward-pitchandrumpunch
• Free events, grants & community → foundervine.com

The Cashflow Show can be reached here:
Website: www.thecashflowshowpodcast.com 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecashflowshow 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowshowpodcast

To sponsor or advertise on The Cashflow Show Podcast, contact us at [email protected]

Clayton M Coke can be found here:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claytoncoke

Website: https://www.prmsltd.co.uk

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prmsltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmsltd/

Our theme music is called "The Mediator - aka Theme from The Cashflow Show" [PRS] and "Better Call Clayton" [PRS] 

“What are YOU like?”, “60 Second Shoot-Out” &"What About The Tech?" are all intellectual properties of Dialogue [London] Ltd

(c) Clayton M Coke/PRMS Ltd/Dialogue [London] Ltd | All Rights Reserved 

Episode Summary
90% of business leaders say they’re committed to inclusion — yet only half know how to support neuro-divergent staff. Dr Louise Morpeth reveals shocking research: 43% of neuro-divergent employees are ready to quit, but with the right adjustments businesses can unlock a 45% productivity boost, 24% higher retention, and £21,000 per person in savings. Discover the practical, low-cost steps that turn good intentions into profit.

Chapters
[00:00] Intro & Brain in Hand Overview
[00:29] 90% of Leaders Want Inclusion – But Only 50% Know How
[00:55] What Is Neuro-divergence? (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia + More)
[01:49] The Employee-Employer Disconnect
[02:16] 77% of HR Leaders Worried About Insufficient Support
[02:44] Creating Psychological Safety & Spotting Hidden Struggles
[03:44] 45% Productivity Boost + £21K Savings Per Person
[04:37] Simple Cultural Changes That Work for Everyone
[06:00] 43% Considering Leaving – How to Retain Neuro-Diverse Talent
[07:20] Cost-Effective Strategies (Start with Manager Training)
[08:18] First Steps to Build a Neuro-Inclusive Culture Tomorrow
[09:39] How Brain in Hand’s “Coach-in-Your-Pocket” Works
[11:05] Why Media Portrayals of Neuro-divergence Miss the Mark
[12:04] Resources & Close 

Key Discussion Points 

• 43% of neuro-divergent employees plan to leave in the next 12 months 
• Only 1 in 5 feel safe disclosing their condition to managers 
• Inclusive workplaces deliver 45% higher productivity, 24% better retention, 11 fewer sick days 
• Average financial saving: £21,000 per neuro-divergent employee per year 
• Simple fixes: “Work With Me” profiles, clear schedules, unambiguous communication 
• Manager confidence is the #1 barrier – and the biggest opportunity

Key Takeaways 

• Neuro-inclusion isn’t charity — it’s a proven profit driver 
• Start with psychological safety and manager training (biggest ROI) 
• Small adjustments (e.g., sending week-1 schedules early) reduce anxiety and boost performance 
• 3 in 4 employers admit they’re missing untapped potential

Notable Quotes 

• “45% increase in productivity, 24% increase in retention, and £21,000 saved per person.” – Dr Louise Morpeth 
• “Only 1 in 5 neuro-divergent employees feel confident disclosing to their manager.” – Dr Louise Morpeth 
• “We need nuance — neuro-divergence is neither tragedy nor superpower, it’s individual.” – Dr Louise Morpeth 

Actionable Insights for Businesses 

• Add a “Work With Me” section in onboarding for every employee (not just neuro-divergent) 
• Train managers on clear, unambiguous communication and reasonable adjustments 
• Join the Disability Confident scheme and signal adjustments in job ads 
• Run an anonymous staff survey to understand your neuro-diversity profile 
• Pilot Brain in Hand or similar digital + human coaching support

Resources 

• Full research & employer toolkit: https://www.braininhand.co.uk
• Brain in Hand platform: Digital + human coaching for neuro-divergent staff

The Cashflow Show can be reached here:
Website: www.thecashflowshowpodcast.com 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecashflowshow 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowshowpodcast

To sponsor or advertise on The Cashflow Show Podcast, contact us at [email protected]

Clayton M Coke can be found here:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claytoncoke

Website: https://www.prmsltd.co.uk

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prmsltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmsltd/

Our theme music is called "The Mediator - aka Theme from The Cashflow Show" [PRS] and "Better Call Clayton" [PRS] 

“What are YOU like?”, “60 Second Shoot-Out” &"What About The Tech?" are all intellectual properties of Dialogue [London] Ltd

(c) Clayton M Coke/PRMS Ltd/Dialogue [London] Ltd | All Rights Reserved 

Episode Summary

Host Clayton M. Coke interviews Craig Carson, Managing Director of Barratt London, on how London’s housing crunch is stalling Gen Z life goals and what developers are doing to help. From 40% delaying marriage/kids to deposit matches and new-build perks, discover Barratt’s “Step on the Ladder” campaign and practical paths to ownership. Ideal for first-time buyers, renters, and property professionals.

Chapters
[00:00] Intro & Barratt London Overview
[00:29] 40+ Years, 50K Homes, TfL Partnerships
[00:57] 36% Young Adults Held Back by No Home
[01:26] Gen Z Delays & “Step on the Ladder” Campaign
[02:21] London Land Squeeze & Lifestyle Shifts
[03:45] 29% Don’t Know How to Start Buying
[04:37] Cutting Through Negative Property Press
[05:05] Key Worker Deposits, Deposit Unlock, 5% Match
[06:50] Shared Ownership & Lifetime ISA (£1K Bonus)
[08:17] New-Build vs. Fixer-Upper Advantages
[10:10] Stamp Duty Explained & Broker Advice
[12:02] Tapping Buyer Excitement
[13:26] Government 1.5M Homes Target
[14:48] Entrepreneur Advice: Stay in the Market
[15:44] Resources & Close 

Key Discussion Points 

• Barratt London: 40+ years, 50,000 homes delivered, 2,000/year goal via TfL brownfield sites. 
• Gen Z Crisis: 40% delay milestones; 36% feel held back; 29% clueless on process. 
• Market Dynamics: Land scarcity, Elizabeth Line, hybrid work, 50% affordable homes. 
• Solutions: Mortgage brokers, Deposit Unlock (95% LTV), 5% deposit match, key worker schemes. 
• Shared Ownership (via partners), Lifetime ISA (£1,000 bonus on £4,000 saved). 
• New-Build Perks: Move-in ready, energy-efficient, 10-year NHBC warranty. 
• Stamp Duty/Mortgages: Hidden costs; brokers simplify. 
• Policy: 1.5M homes target; ambitious collaboration needed.

Key Takeaways 

• Mortgage often cheaper than rising rent—deposit access is key. 
• Lifetime ISA adds £1,000 free per £4,000 saved annually. 
• New homes = lower bills, no reno hassle, prime transport links. 
• Start with a broker to avoid surprises like stamp duty. 
• Optimism drives sales—focus on dream, not hard-sell.

Notable Quotes 

• “40% of Gen Z are putting off marriage, children, or travel because of the housing ladder.” – Craig Carson 
• “The difference between mortgage and rent is marginal—accessing deposit is key.” – Craig Carson 
• “Buying new: move in, put furniture down, start living—day one.” – Craig Carson 
• “Better being in the market than not in the market.” – Craig Carson

Actionable Insights for Businesses 

• Launch beginner guides like “Step on the Ladder” to build trust. 
• Offer deposit boosts (5% match, 95% LTV) to close rent-vs-buy gap. 
• Market new-build energy savings and 10-year warranties. 
• Partner with housing associations for shared ownership pipelines. 
• Train teams on empathy—guide buyers through nerves to excitement.

Resources 

• Barratt Homes Website
• Step on the Ladder Campaign 

The Cashflow Show can be reached here:
Website: www.thecashflowshowpodcast.com 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecashflowshow 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowshowpodcast

To sponsor or advertise on The Cashflow Show Podcast, contact us at [email protected]

Clayton M Coke can be found here:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claytoncoke

Website: https://www.prmsltd.co.uk

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prmsltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmsltd/

Our theme music is called "The Mediator - aka Theme from The Cashflow Show" [PRS] and "Better Call Clayton" [PRS] 

“What are YOU like?”, “60 Second Shoot-Out” &"What About The Tech?" are all intellectual properties of Dialogue [London] Ltd

(c) Clayton M Coke/PRMS Ltd/Dialogue [London] Ltd | All Rights Reserved 

Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of The Cashflow Show, hosted by Clayton M. Coke, Consumer finance and savings expert Sarah Pennells joins to discuss the findings of Royal London’s recent research on savings and ISAs. The episode dives into why millions of UK Entrepreneurs are missing out on financial opportunities due to confusion, risk aversion, and myths about investing. Sarah shares actionable insights on overcoming barriers to savings, understanding ISAs, and empowering diverse groups, including women, to invest confidently. Perfect for anyone looking to make their money work harder!

Key Discussion Points 

• Role of a Consumer Finance Expert: Sarah explains her work at Royal London, including webinars, research on financial resilience, and creating guides to demystify pensions and ISAs. 
• Royal London’s ISA Research: A survey of 4,000 UK adults revealed insights into savings habits, ISA usage, and barriers to investing, such as risk aversion and lack of understanding. 
• Risk Aversion in the UK: British savers tend to be cautious, often sticking to cash savings despite inflation risks, with myths about needing large sums to invest. 
• Stocks and Shares ISAs: 60% of cash ISA holders are open to moving funds to stocks and shares ISAs for better returns, but barriers like jargon and lack of confidence persist. 
• Gender Gap in Confidence: Women report lower confidence in understanding ISA rules, highlighting the need for jargon-free communication. 
• Financial Mindset Shift: Sarah emphasizes small, consistent investments and the power of compound interest for long-term wealth building.

Key Takeaways 

• Many UK adults have significant cash savings (average £15,000) but avoid investing due to myths about needing wealth to start. 
• Stocks and shares ISAs are accessible, starting at £50/month, and offer tax-free growth, ideal for long-term goals like retirement. 
• Inflation erodes cash savings over time, making investing a smarter choice for funds not needed for 5+ years. 
• Women face unique barriers in finance due to jargon; clear, simple communication can bridge this gap. 
• Compounding is a powerful tool for wealth creation, even with small, regular investments.

Notable Quotes 

• “Personal finance, savings, and investing can still be absolutely baffling to some people, even those making demanding decisions daily.” – Sarah Pennells 
• “You don’t invest to make yourself rich; you don’t need to be a millionaire to start investing.” – Sarah Pennells 
• “It’s about what that money will let you do… small shifts today, through the magic of time and compounding, can mean a different place in 10, 15, 20 years.” – Sarah Pennells 
• “Be fearful when everyone’s greedy, and greedy when everyone’s fearful.” – Sarah Pennells, quoting Warren Buffett

Actionable Insights for Businesses 

• Simplify Financial Communication: Use clear, jargon-free language to make investment products like ISAs accessible, especially for women and first-time investors. 
• Educate on Risk and Reward: Address risk aversion by highlighting long-term benefits of investing and the impact of inflation on cash savings. 
• Promote Accessible Entry Points: Market low-entry investment options (e.g., £50/month for ISAs) to dispel myths about needing large sums. 
• Leverage Digital Resources: Offer guides and webinars, like Royal London’s, to educate clients on financial tools and build trust. 
• Target Long-Term Goals: Position investments as solutions for future aspirations (e.g., retirement, dream holidays) to shift consumer mindsets.

Resources 

• Royal London ISA Guides: RoyalLondon.com/ISAsguides 
• Follow Sarah Pennells on Twitter/X 

The Cashflow Show can be reached here:
Website: www.thecashflowshowpodcast.com 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecashflowshow 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowshowpodcast

To sponsor or advertise on The Cashflow Show Podcast, contact us at [email protected]

Clayton M Coke can be found here:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claytoncoke

Website: https://www.prmsltd.co.uk

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prmsltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmsltd/

Our theme music is called "The Mediator - aka Theme from The Cashflow Show" [PRS] and "Better Call Clayton" [PRS] 

“What are YOU like?”, “60 Second Shoot-Out” &"What About The Tech?" are all intellectual properties of Dialogue [London] Ltd

(c) Clayton M Coke/PRMS Ltd/Dialogue [London] Ltd | All Rights Reserved 

Episode Summary :

Could the UK economy gain a £75 billion boost by empowering ethnic minority businesses?
In this episode of The Cashflow Show, host Clayton M. Coke interviews Professor Monder Ram OBE, Director of CREME at Aston University, about the Time to Change report. Professor Ram reveals how ethnic minority entrepreneurs, twice as entrepreneurial as their white counterparts, face barriers in finance, markets, and support, yet hold untapped potential for growth.
Learn how addressing these challenges can drive economic growth and how businesses can support inclusive entrepreneurship.
Listen in for actionable insights and visit CREME at Aston University for the full Time to Change report!

Key Discussion Points

• CREME’s Mission: The Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) researches and develops solutions for challenges facing UK ethnic minority businesses (00:28–01:26).
• Entrepreneurial Disparity: Ethnic minority communities are twice as entrepreneurial but face higher business failure rates after 3.5 years compared to white counterparts (01:26–04:22).
• Economic Potential: Ethnic minority businesses contribute £25 billion to the UK economy, with potential to reach £100 billion if barriers are addressed (03:23–03:52).
• Time to Change Report: A NatWest-backed study provides 10 evidence-based recommendations to boost growth through better finance, data, and support (07:18–11:11).
• Finance Barriers: Black and ethnic minority entrepreneurs are twice as likely to be discouraged from seeking finance despite having bankable propositions (04:52–05:50).
• Support Gaps: Current business support often misaligns with the needs of minority entrepreneurs, who require high-value networks and supply chain access (06:20–07:18).
• Government Strategy: The Backing Your Business strategy incorporates CREME’s recommendations, emphasizing the everyday economy and inclusive policies (13:08–15:32).
• NatWest’s Role: NatWest’s 10-year incubator program fosters inclusive support, creating mutual atmospheres for minority entrepreneurs (17:00–18:24).
• Regional SME Summits: Government summits aim to gather feedback, but success depends on implementation and community partnerships (19:20–20:49).
• Global Lessons: Long-term, well-funded initiatives in the US and Canada show the need for sustained investment, unlike the UK’s often short-lived programs (22:16–24:11).

Key Takeaways

• Ethnic minority businesses contribute £25 billion to the UK economy, with a potential £75 billion GVA boost if growth barriers are addressed.
• Key challenges include access to finance, high-value markets, and tailored support, with discouragement doubling the hurdle for bankable propositions.
• The Time to Change report, backed by NatWest, offers 10 evidence-based solutions, now part of the government’s Backing Your Business strategy.
• Community partnerships and long-term investment, as seen in NatWest’s incubators, are critical for inclusive entrepreneurship.
• Regional SME summits must focus on implementation to ensure minority businesses benefit from inclusive policies.

Notable Quotes

• “Minority communities are twice as entrepreneurial as their white counterparts for many decades... yet they continue to face challenges.” – Professor Monder Ram (01:26)
• “Ethnic minority businesses contribute £25 billion to the economy... That contribution could increase fourfold to £100 billion.” – Professor Monder Ram (03:23)
• “Black and ethnic minority entrepreneurs are discouraged from accessing the system... They’re twice as likely to be discouraged from raising finance.” – Professor Monder Ram (05:20)
• “Supporting black businesses isn’t preferential treatment, it’s simply levelling the playing field and realising an opportunity.” – Professor Monder Ram (14:35)
• “The first thing is believe in yourself... There’s a huge amount of support out there and people who want to give back.” – Professor Monder Ram (25:08)

Actionable Insights for Businesses

1. Enhance Finance Access: Partner with banks to create streamlined loan processes, reducing discouragement for ethnic minority entrepreneurs.
2. Build Inclusive Networks: Develop mentorship programs or incubators, like NatWest’s, to connect minority businesses with high-value supply chains.
3. Support Everyday Economy: Invest in retail, cafes, and other minority-dominated sectors to boost local economic growth.
4. Advocate for Data Collection: Push for a UK census of ethnic minority businesses to better understand and support their contributions.
5. Engage Community Organizations: Collaborate with groups like the Black Founders Collective to deliver tailored business support and increase visibility.

Resources

• CREME at Aston University: Access the Time to Change report and more at CREME at Aston 
• The Time to Change Report can be viewed HERE

The Cashflow Show can be reached here:
Website: www.thecashflowshowpodcast.com 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecashflowshow 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowshowpodcast

To sponsor or advertise on The Cashflow Show Podcast, contact us at [email protected]

Clayton M Coke can be found here:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claytoncoke

Website: https://www.prmsltd.co.uk

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prmsltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmsltd/

Our theme music is called "The Mediator - aka Theme from The Cashflow Show" [PRS] and "Better Call Clayton" [PRS] 

“What are YOU like?”, “60 Second Shoot-Out” &"What About The Tech?" are all intellectual properties of Dialogue [London] Ltd

(c) Clayton M Coke/PRMS Ltd/Dialogue [London] Ltd | All Rights Reserved