UMicast

Richard Bearman is the Managing Director of British Business Bank and overseer of the Start-Up Loans Programme which aims to help start-up businesses across the UK get access to funding and support. In this conversation he shares details of the funding and support available to new businesses, as well as the value of mentorship from industry experts.

Jim Holland is the CEO and Co-Founder of Carma, a business which partners with veterans and service leavers to plant trees in the UK. After serving in the Royal Navy for 13 years, followed by 16 years in large corporations, Jim was moved to create Carma to support fellow veterans while making a positive impact on the environment. In this conversation, Jim shares key lessons and personal insights from his journey to offering customers social impact from the palm of their hand. 

Steve Pugh is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and Management Consultant, author, GB basketball player, and Founder of social impact start-up Roadmap MBA. With more than 20 years’ learning and board-level experience leading organisations through stock market floatation, recession and the pandemic, Steve is passionate about making business education more accessible for all. In this conversation, he shares how authentic and transparent leadership can positively impact people’s lives, and the importance of drawing on support to accelerate your learning.    

Kat Sykes has been described by clients as the Mary Poppins of Business Change. As the Founder of GameChanging Outcomes Ltd, Kat has drawn on her varied career as a primary school teacher, construction project manager and digital change manager to create a completely new type of service that encompasses the best of all worlds. In this conversation, she explains why it’s important to understand people’s ‘real KPIs’ in business, how play can encourage creativity and break down barriers to change in organisations, and the work she’s doing with Durham University on supporting entrepreneurs’ self-worth. 

Listen to this episode to learn how you can improve your self-awareness and understanding of yourself and colleagues, and ultimately create a more confident and resilient you/workforce.

Ian Kinnery, a multi-accredited business coach, has made it his mission to help entrepreneurs experience what he calls ‘true entrepreneurial freedom’ through a mixture of industry techniques and personal experience. Listen to this episode to hear how you can achieve your goals, grow you business and become a great leader, all whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Amanda Rowan, International Trade Advisor and Caroline Wilson, Strategic Partnership Manager from the Department for Business and Trade delve deep into the exciting world of exporting within the Northern Powerhouse region. The Northern Powerhouse, renowned for its economic vibrancy, encompasses a network of dynamic cities and regions, boasting a diverse range of industries and resources. We shed light on the key aspects of exporting and how businesses can leverage the unique advantages offered by the Northern Powerhouse. Exploring the various trade opportunities available to entrepreneurs and established companies alike, showcasing success stories of businesses that have thrived through international expansion from this thriving economic hub.

Jessica Williams, Founder and CEO of Just Williams, launched her business 2015 as a go-to solution to the age-old issues of hiring, training, managing and retaining sales professionals. In 2019 she created The Just Williams Sales Academy during the pandemic to create an entry level for all sales professionals which has now trained over 1000 delegates. Hear about hear journey and learn from her driving passion for all things sales.

Elaine Morris is the Founder of Curious Edge, which she set up to make research more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses. She’s an experienced leader of high achieving teams, a coach and sounding board for managers and leaders. With demonstrable experience as a researcher, Elaine brings a deep understanding of consumer behaviour to her work. In this conversation, she explains why it’s beneficial for businesses to stay curious about themselves and their customers, and shares some tips for getting started with customer research.  

Minister Ivan McKee is a member of Scottish Parliament, and Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise. Prior to embarking on a full-time political career in 2016, Minister McKee enjoyed a 30-year career in manufacturing and consulting where he lived, owned and ran businesses in many countries. In this conversation, he reflects on the progress of Scotland’s trade ambitions and the opportunities for businesses in the future.