In this episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley explores the growing role of AI in business and why it’s both a powerful tool and a potential pitfall.

Farley breaks down:

• The biggest benefits of AI for small businesses, from saving time to streamlining workflows
• Why AI can’t replace your experience, judgment, and personal touch
• The risks of relying on AI’s “people‑pleasing” answers that aren’t always accurate
• How to use AI as a support system, not a substitute, for decision‑making
• Practical tips to integrate AI into your business without losing authenticity

Whether you’re curious about using AI for content, admin, or customer service, this episode will help you understand how to work smarter with AI while keeping your expertise front and centre.

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In this episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley sits down with Oli Cooke, a mindset and anxiety coach for high achievers, to explore his powerful ‘Fear to Clear’ method. Oli specialises in helping entrepreneurs and leaders rapidly shift at the root level—removing the mental blocks, lost time, and wasted energy that hold them back.

Together, they discuss:

• How fear impacts decision‑making and business growth
• The process Oli uses to help clients gain clarity fast
• Why root‑level shifts create lasting change
• How to reduce stress while increasing focus and productivity
• Practical ways to apply this approach to your own business challenges

If you’ve ever hesitated on a big decision, felt stuck in analysis paralysis, or struggled to move forward with confidence, this conversation will give you the tools and mindset to act decisively, without burning out.

Ready to move from Fear to Clear? Sign up to Oli's free resources via olicookecoaching.com or follow Oli on instagram.com/olicooke.coaching or linkedin.com/in/oli-cooke-coaching

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Running a business isn’t just about strategy and sales, it’s about who’s really in your corner. 

In this episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley explores the emotional side of entrepreneurship.

How to identify your true friends in business...

And why surrounding yourself with the right people can make or break your journey.

Farley shares:

• The subtle signs of genuine support vs fake encouragement
• Why some friendships shift when you start a business and what to do about it
• How to build a circle of trust that fuels your growth
• The importance of boundaries, honesty, and shared values
• Real stories from business owners who found clarity in their relationships

Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this episode will help you protect your energy, nurture authentic connections, and stay focused on what matters most.

Let us know if you need help and support if you're struggling with this or to just chat about how to build a business with the right people by your side.

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In this episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley is joined by Laura from Get Set UK to shine a light on a topic that’s often overlooked ... good health at work.

Funded by Suffolk County Council, this initiative supports small, medium, and large businesses to make simple, practical changes that have a big impact on staff wellbeing and business success. And it’s not just about healthy eating or mental health. Laura explains how the programme also covers financial wellbeing, policies and procedures, and signposting to specialist support.

Discover:

• Why workplace wellbeing is a business growth strategy, not just a “nice to have”
• How small changes can improve productivity, retention, and morale
• The free resources and support available to Suffolk businesses right now
• How to create a healthier, more resilient workplace culture

Whether you have one employee or one hundred, this conversation will inspire you to take action that benefits both your people and your bottom line.

Checkout the free resources provided by GetSetUK, covering 6 key topics, that can help make your business a great place to work.

If your keen to learn more about how Good Health @Work supports, recognises, and celebrates SMEs across Suffolk that want to create a happier, healthier workplace. 

Be sure to follow their work or visit their website using the links below, thanks again to Laura, we can't wait to sign up and report back on our progress and experience. 

Laura Graham-Clarke - Employer Consultant - Get Set UK - LinkedIn

instagram.com/lauragetsetuk facebook.com

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In this inspiring episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley sits down with Sophie from Berries and Basil, a local florist who’s redefining what it means to run a “small” business.

Over the past five years, Sophie has grown her one-woman operation into a thriving brand, culminating in her dream role as the floral designer for a celebrity wedding this year. 

She shares the behind-the-scenes story of getting that call from a famous actress, Millie Bobby Brown. 

Sophie brakes down her creative process of designing for high-profile guests, and the lessons she’s learned about thinking big, no matter your team size.

Farley and Sophie also dive into:

• Why “small” doesn’t have to mean small ambitions
• The mindset shifts that help you grow beyond your comfort zone
• How to seize opportunities when they come knocking
• The power of passion and persistence in building your version of success

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing team, this episode will inspire you to see your business potential in a whole new way.

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Farley breaks down how small business owners can build a healthy, high‑trust community, online, at networking events, and in local meetups. Without letting cliques take root. She explains why cliques quietly damage growth, how to design inclusive spaces, and practical ways to turn community into collaborative momentum.

What you’ll learn

• Why cliques hurt growth: How gatekeeping erodes trust, diversity of ideas, and referrals.
• Signals of a healthy community: Clear norms, rotating voices, and visible on‑ramps for newcomers.
• Inclusive design tactics: Simple structures that make participation easy online and in person.
• Collaboration systems: Repeatable practices that turn connections into shared wins.
• How to course‑correct: What to do when exclusion shows up.

Key topics and takeaways

• Define the purpose: A community exists to create value for members, not to be a social club. Write a one‑sentence purpose and share it everywhere.
• Set clear norms: Publish simple guidelines (welcome newcomers, no hard selling, credit collaborators, disagree respectfully). Refer to them consistently.
• Design for inclusion:
  • Online: pinned intros thread, monthly “ask/give” post, themed discussion days.
  • In person: name badges with “ask” and “offer,” mix‑and‑match small groups, facilitator-led rotations.

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In this episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley sits down with David Rudd of Steven Burton & Co Limited to uncover a new approach to accounting. 

David believes that accounts should be done differently, if you want to run a successful business. Rather than just delivering bad news about what you owe, David’s team collaborates with business owners to anticipate challenges, diagnose root causes, and navigate solutions together. This forward-looking partnership puts you in control of your finances and your future.

David also shares how, when things are going well, his firm helps you spot profit hotspots and spend smarter, so you don’t overpay on tax or miss growth opportunities. While no formal advice is given in this conversation, you’ll walk away with powerful ideas for making your numbers work harder for you.

Tune in to discover how turning your accountant into a strategic ally can transform your business and why knowing what your Corporation Tax, VAT and Tax bill before it's due.

Work with Steven Burton stevenburtonandco.com

Find David on LinkedIn.com/in/david-rudd-david-rudd-%F0%9F%8F%98%F0%9F%8F%97%F0%9F%92%B8%E2%8F%B3%EF%B8%8F-0a286b4a/

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In this week’s episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley tackles the hot topic of AI vs authenticity. With everyone pasting the same templated content, how can your brand stand out?

Farley explores:

• Why copy-paste AI content falls flat
• Smart ways to integrate AI into your workflow
• Common pitfalls to avoid when automating
• Strategies to keep your unique voice and values front and centre
• Building a brand that leverages tech without selling out

Whether you’re curious about ChatGPT, image generators, or workflow automation, this episode gives you the insight and inspiration to use AI as a tool, not a crutch. Tune in to protect your brand’s authenticity while embracing innovation.

Keen to talk about how to get AI to work in your business? Book a FREE 15-minute call for personalised support and guidance: breakoutservices.co.uk/links

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In this week’s episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley shares why waiting until January to review your business is a missed opportunity. 

A mid-year check-in helps you stay agile, spot what’s working (and what’s not), and make smart decisions while there’s still time to pivot.

Farley walks through:

• What to review at the halfway mark
• How to spot trends and red flags early
• Why adaptability is key to long-term success
• Simple steps to realign your goals and strategy

Whether you're flying or floundering, this episode will help you take control of the second half of your year with clarity and confidence.

Ready to reflect and refocus? Tune in now and start your half-year review today.

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Thinking of using social media influencers to promote your business? In this episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley unpacks the truth behind influencer marketing. Learn how it works, why it's so powerful, and what you need to watch out for.

From micro-influencers to viral partnerships, she shares the pros, cons, and key questions to ask before diving in. Learn how to choose the right influencer for your brand, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your investment supports real growth.

If you're considering using an influencer, make sure you ask yourself the following:

Should your business work with influencers?
What could go wrong if you don’t do your homework?
How can small businesses use influencer strategies effectively?

Agree that this is one of the fastest-growing marketing trends around? Or do you think that influencers are over rated? 

We'd love to hear what you think, and who knows, we may even invite you on the show. 

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