In this episode, I sit down with Ben Alderton, a local entrepreneur and the driving force behind multiple Brackleybusinesses.

From growing up locally, studying architecture, travelling Australia, working on a prawn trawler, getting run over by a tractor, and finding his way through the construction industry, Ben shares the twists, failures, lessons and decisions that shaped him as a business owner.

We talk about what it really takes to build a business, why failure can become part of the foundation, the challenge of working with family, spotting gaps in the market, jugglingmultiple businesses, and the importance of having the right people around you.

Ben also opens up about the Brackley Horror House event he created to raise awareness for Parkinson’s UK, a small idea that grew into a huge community project involving over 170 people and millions of online views.

This is a brilliant conversation about resilience, creativity, community, family and business.

In this episode of The Diary of a Brackley Business Owner, I’m joined by Carlo Colucci, founder of Colucci’s Barbershop.

Carlo shares how he went from trying a mix of differentjobs, to discovering barbering and building a business with shops in Milton Keynes and Brackley.

Carlo opens up about the early days of business, scrapingtogether money to keep the doors open, taking a leap with the Brackley shop, building confidence through books and mindset, and why discipline, education and systems have played such a big role in his growth.

We talk about what makes Colucci’s different from atraditional barbershop, why Carlo wanted to create more of a relaxed, social experience for men, and how he has built a team by hiring based on personality, values and attitude.

A brilliant conversation about barbering, ambition,resilience, creating a standout experience, and building something different in Brackley.

In this episode, I’m joined by Tom Marchant, owner of 20 Arches on Brackley High Street.

Tom shares the story behind building Brackley’s most unique bar, from spotting a gap in the town for craft beer, to growing the business from one small unit into the bigger space so many locals now know and love.

But this episode is about much more than beer.

We talk about Tom’s unusual route into business, from computer programming and video game testing to his role as Watch Manager in the fire service, and how he balances the pressure of both worlds while building a business with real community at its heart.

Tom also opens up about the realities of running an independent hospitality business, the challenges of learning on the go, the power of trusting your gut, and why valuing your time properly is one of the most important lessons any business owner can learn.

A brilliant conversation about business, resilience, community and bringing something different to Brackley.

I sit down with Katie Winters - powerhouse businesswoman, skincare expert, and mum of three - who somehow manages to run thriving businesses without missing a beat.

Katie relentless pursuit of success, combined with her down-to-earth approach, has inspired women across the UK and beyond. From her private skincare clinic in Brackley, she’s built a fiercely loyal client base, with people travelling from all corners of the country for her expert treatments and honest advice.

But Katie’s impact doesn’t stop at the clinic door. She’s changing the narrative with a bold new approach to business - mentoring other professionals to launch and grow their own ventures in the beauty and wellbeing industry.

This is an inspiring story of grit, vision, and what it really takes to be successful in business while juggling family life and staying grounded in what matters most.

In this episode, I catch up with Stephen and Laura Brand, the husband-and-wife duo behind Eleness Events.

This bespoke catering business brings top-quality food to events from their stylish kitchen on wheels.

With years of experience in the hospitality industry, Stephen and Laura know what it takes to deliver exceptional food. But stepping into the world of a business owner has brought awhole new set of challenges.

From learning how to run a business to navigating the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship, they share what it’s really been like behind the scenes.

We talk about the pressure of staying consistent in such a competitive industry, the personal sacrifices they’ve made to get their business off the ground, and how they’re juggling itall while raising a family.

It’s a raw and honest conversation about ambition, resilience, and cooking up success - one plate at a time!

In this episode, I chat with Francesca, the talented business owner behind HAUS – The Home of Nails and Beauty.

Francesca shares her whirlwind journey of buying a house,getting married, and launching her dream business all within a short space of time.

We explore what inspired her to step away from employmentand create something of her own, and what it’s like to work from her home salon. Francesca gives an honest insight into the pros and cons of running a beauty business from your own space.

Francesca also talks about the strong, personalrelationships she’s built with her clients - bonds that keep people coming back time and time again.

She opens up about the pressure of being a solo business owner and how the anxiety that comes with it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

It’s a real and relatable conversation with someone who'smaking a name for herself by doing things her way.

In this episode, I sit down with Lewis Baldwin, the founder of LB Fitness & Coaching.

Lewis takes us through his inspiring journey, from working part-time as a personal trainer while holding down a retail job to leaping into full-time fitness coaching during the pandemic. With the support of his friends, family, anddedicated team, Lewis tells me how he has grown his business into a thriving fitness hub in Brackley.

We discuss imposter syndrome, how fitness enhances workperformance, and the essential role his team has played in his business's success. He shares valuable insights on personal growth, the challenges of building a business, and the importance of community support.

Join us for a candid conversation about taking risks,finding purpose, and how fitness can transform not just physical health, but also mental resilience and career performance.

In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Garrett, the founder of Lucy G Music, who turned her lifelong passion for music into a thriving business.

From telling her mum at 16 that she wanted to teach music to now being fully booked most days, Lucy shares her journey of launching her business in August 2022 and how she lives her dream, day in-day out.

We dive into how she adapts her teaching style for different ages and the challenges and rewards of running a music teaching business.

Lucy’s story is an inspiring example of turning talent into a successful career.

Tune in for an insightful chat about music, business, and making a dream a reality!

In this episode, I’m joined by Lucy Higson, co-owner of Brackley Paws, a thriving pet services business offering everything from dog walking and pet sitting to caring for exotic animals like snakes and African snails.

Lucy shares how the pandemic threatened to bring everything to a halt. We discuss how the business adapted, becoming stronger and more resilient as a result. Lucy also talks about the importance of choosing a strong brand name, the unglamorous side of the job—like dealing with van breakdowns and what it takes to run a successful pet services business.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at Brackley Paws and the determination that keeps it thriving in the local community.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ash Corbett, a talented videographer and photographer specialising in bespoke content solutions. Ash shares his inspiring journey of taking a leap of faith, leaving his employed role to pursue his passion full-time.

We dive into the vital role social media and marketing play for small businesses, the challenges and rewards of working for yourself, and the power of saying no to projects that don’t align with your vision. Ash’s story is a testament to the importance of doing what you love and going all in on your passions.

Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice for business owners and creatives alike.