Finding the right space for your small business isn’t just about four walls and a roof- it’s about choosing an environment that supports your growth, your mindset, and the way you work. 

In this episode of The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, we take you behind the scenes of our own journey to find the perfect location.

We talk honestly about the challenges, (can you believe it was being too busy at one point - we'll explain in the episode) the wrong move (going from one extreme to the other), the “this will do” moments (taking a step back and regrouping)… and the moment we finally found a space that felt right! (Our new home) 

Whether you’re looking for your first office, a creative studio, a co‑working spot, or somewhere you can drop in ad‑hoc and get things done, this episode will help you understand what really matters when choosing a home for your business.

You’ll hear:

• Why the wrong space can quietly hold your business back
• The unexpected things we learned while searching
• How your environment affects productivity, creativity, and confidence
• What to look for when choosing a workspace (beyond the obvious)
• Why investing in the right location is an investment in your future

If you’re a small business owner dreaming of a space that actually works for you -not against you . . . this episode will give you the clarity and motivation you need to make the right choice

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This week on The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Farley and Liam dive into the real, practical benefits of co‑working and desk hire—and why it’s becoming a game‑changer for freelancers, remote workers, and small business owners across Suffolk.

With the relaunch of Suffolk Creative Spaces at the Stour Valley Business Centre in Sudbury, they explore what co‑working actually is (and what it isn’t), and why so many people are choosing it over working from home or sitting alone in a café.

In this episode, they break down:

Why co‑working boosts productivity

No more laundry staring at you. No more “I’ll just quickly…” distractions. A dedicated desk in a professional environment helps you get more done in less time.

How desk hire helps remote teams reconnect

Some people book desks together so they can work side‑by‑side once a week, even if they’re normally remote. It’s a simple way to collaborate, plan, and stay aligned.

The community advantage (without the chaos)

Co‑working isn’t a social club. It’s a supportive, professional space where solo business owners can:

• ask quick questions
• get feedback
• share ideas
• learn from others

It’s community without the cliques, noise, or pressure.

A better environment for focus and wellbeing

Being around other motivated people naturally lifts your energy and helps you stay on track.

Why Suffolk Creative Spaces is different

Liam and Farley talk about the newly relaunched hub in Sudbury—designed specifically for small business owners who want:

• a calm, productive workspace
• flexible desk hire
• a friendly, professional atmosphere
• access to meeting rooms, content spaces, and great coffee

Whether you’ve never tried co‑working before or you’re looking for a new place to work, this episode will help you understand how the right environment can transform your productivity and your business.

Tune in and discover why co‑working might be exactly what you’ve been missing.

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If you’re a UK small business owner who’s ever felt like your plans went sideways, this episode will remind you that sometimes the “wrong” goal is what leads you to the right destination.

🎧 Tune in and discover how to turn missteps into momentum.

This week on The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses, Liam and Farley get honest about goals that don’t go to plan . . .and why that’s not only normal, but often the catalyst for your biggest breakthroughs.

They share the full behind‑the‑scenes story of their whirlwind year of office moves:

• The beautiful but freezing or Meltingly HOT Long Melford office that looked perfect on paper but had the wrong footfall
• The much smaller business‑park office that turned out to be a better fit . . . and how they outgrew it in just three months!
• And now finally, they found their perfect home with the opportunity to move into a large, purpose‑built space at Stour Valley Business Centre in Sudbury, where everything clicked into place

Now, with the support of the onsite team, they’ve created:

• A welcoming co‑working space
• A fully equipped professional meeting room
• A dedicated podcast, video, and photography studio
• A kitchen serving coffee and local Suffolk produce

After a year where the goal was simply to survive, this new space marks the start of something bigger, better, and far more aligned.

Key Takeaways:

• Goals sometimes fail BUT . . . that’s not a sign to quit
• Pause when you recognise something isn’t working (even if it looks good from the outside)
• There is power in adapting quickly instead of forcing through the wrong fit
• Setbacks can redirect you toward the right opportunities
• Your environment matters more than square footage

Farley also share exciting news about the Breakout Networking Event, happening on the first Thursday of every month, and how this Thursday 4th February marks a special soft re‑launch where listeners can get a sneak peek of the new space and celebrate with them. 

Book your ticket here: https://breakoutservices.co.uk/events/

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After a short break (and a very chaotic office move involving more cardboard boxes than any sane business should own), The Small Business Podcast for Small Businesses is officially back ... bigger, better, and ready to bring you even more of the tips, tricks, and ideas that help UK small business owners thrive.

In this comeback episode, Farley shares what’s been happening behind the scenes:

• The move into our brand‑new office space with Liam and Suffolk Creative Spaces
• How the team has grown and why that means more episodes, more voices, and more support for you
• What’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what you can expect next

And of course, in true Farley style, she jokes that although this podcast has never been all about her… it’s absolutely all about you, the small business owner working hard to build something brilliant.

This refreshed season is designed to give UK entrepreneurs even more value, with extended team members hosting their own episodes and diving deeper into the topics that matter: marketing, mindset, money, operations, growth, and everything in between.

If you’re ready to grow your business with confidence, clarity, and a little company along the way, you’re in the right place.

 Hit play and join us as we kick off the next chapter.

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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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