Robson & Robson are a creative agency specialising in multidisciplinary design - elevating brands, packaging, and products. led by Dan and Joe Robson in the northeast of England, they've spent over a decade helping businesses across sectors and partnering with leading global brands.

Not only that but they're not the pressures of launching a product first hand. In 2023 they appeared on Dragons Den where they successfully received investment into their SeedCell technology from Sara Davies. In this podcast hear the long road they had to travel to get to that point, with Brexit and Covid thrown in for good measure.

This is the first part of 2 episodes with Dan & Joe, so be sure to follow Why Small Business Matters on your favourite podcast app to get the next episode!

This podcast is brought to you by the Help To Grow Management course, at Northumbria University. To find out more visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

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In this episode we team up with Rachel Clarke of Bournemouth University Business School, and Liam Toms, and SME owner in Dorset.

Liam Toms is a communications and engagement manager at Grapevine, a company based in Dorset. He has a background in marketing and business engagement, having previously worked with Bournemouth University, where he facilitated projects connecting students with real-world business challenges. He has also been involved in alumni networking events, supporting local business communities

Employee ownership is a powerful business model that gives workers a direct stake in their company, often through shares or an employee-owned trust. This approach has several key benefits:

1. Increased Motivation & Productivity: When employees have a financial and personal investment in the company’s success, they tend to be more engaged and committed to their work.

2. Stronger Workplace Culture: Employee ownership fosters collaboration, trust, and transparency, leading to a more positive and cohesive company culture.

3. Long-Term Stability: Since employee-owned businesses aren’t as vulnerable to external investors or sudden corporate takeovers, they often demonstrate greater resilience over time.

4. Better Retention & Recruitment: Employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers shared benefits, and the model is attractive to skilled workers looking for long-term security.

5. Greater Wealth Distribution: Rather than concentrating profits among a small group of executives or shareholders, employee ownership helps distribute financial rewards more fairly across the workforce.

Companies like John Lewis Partnership in the UK have successfully implemented employee ownership, proving that this model can drive both profitability and worker satisfaction.

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In this episode Sarah Stephenson explores the importance of business leadership and mentoring, and why finding time to work ON and well as IN your business is crucial.

Jenny Cairns is owner or North East startup The Doggy Daycare Centre, as is a former participant of the Help To Grow Management programme. There she was partnered with Simon Read, also known as The Business Skipper, and has helped Jenny's business navigate the choppy waters of entrepreneurship.

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In this episode, Dr Matt Sutherland delves into the vital role small businesses play in the economy with Richard Bearman, Co Chief Banking Officer at the British Business Bank.

Discover how the bank supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UK through tailored financial solutions, including startup loans, and learn about the innovative programs designed to help businesses thrive.

Join us as we explore the challenges faced by small firms and the strategies to secure the right funding at the right time.

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In this episode Sarah Stephenson talks to a Northumbria Allumni and Director of 360 Growth Partners Andrew Silver.

Together, they explore the crucial aspects of business partnering, performance management, and transforming strategy into tangible results.

Andrew shares his extensive experience in mentoring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and emphasises the importance of collaboration and feedback in driving business growth. Listen for practical insights and strategies that can help your business thrive, with some big questions you can as about your business today..!

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This episode truly reaches for the stars, as Dr Matt Sutherland sits down with the CEO of one of the UK's most unique attractions situated in one of the most remote parts of Northumberland.

Leigh Venus has just marked his first year as CEO of Kielder Observatory, and discusses the challenges and the wonder this fantastic attraction brings to visitors. Leigh also has a long history of working in the NE cultural sector, and discusses with Matt why culture is so important to the economy of the region overall. 

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In this episode we once again go on tour to University of Salford, with our guest host Prof Mandy Parkinson, and her guest Bassel Ounah.

Bassel is the visionary behind APNA Diving School and Neptune Submerge Limited. Discover how Bassel transformed his passion for diving into a pioneering venture using augmented and virtual reality to create immersive underwater experiences.

Learn about the innovative ways Neptune is raising environmental awareness and mental health support through technology, and the challenges faced in adopting these cutting-edge solutions.

Dive into this fascinating discussion on sustainability, education, and the future of diving, proving water and technology can mix!

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Many questions business owners have begin with "Do you know someone who?" or "How can I..?". And someone who aims to answers some of those questions is Reshma Begum, Development Manager of the North East branch of the Federation of Small Business.

Celebrating 50 years of advocating for small businesses, Reshma shares the FSB's journey from its inception in 1974 to its current role as a vital support system for SMEs and the self-employed. Discover how the FSB supports its members with legal protection, financial advice, and a strong voice in government.

Explore the challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses today, from evolving technology to new trading regulations. Learn about the importance of community building, networking, and mentorship in the small business ecosystem. Whether you're looking to start, grow, or exit your business, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. 

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Celebrate the third anniversary of "Why Small Business Matters" with us as we take a retrospective journey through the wisdom shared by our esteemed guests over the years.

In this special episode, we revisit 10 key lessons learned, focusing on the power of networking, communication, and collaboration. Join hosts Dr Matt Sutherland and Sarah Stephenson as they delve into insights from Oli Barrett, Caroline Theobold, John McCabe, Jeni Smith, Scott Gould, and more.

Discover practical tips on expanding your network, enhancing communication, and leveraging university partnerships for business growth. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your small business thrive, plus it's a great taster for what you've missed if you've recently started listening!

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We delve into the critical world of intellectual property (IP) and patents, exploring why small businesses must consider legal protection for their innovations, creative works, designs, or software.

Host Sarah Stephenson is joined by intellectual property experts Charlotte Watkins and Jason Boakes, founders of York based patent law firm Secerna.

They discuss the importance of IP rights, common pitfalls for SMEs, and how businesses can strategically safeguard their valuable assets. Discover practical advice on IP strategy, tax relief benefits, and how to handle potential infringements effectively.

This episode is brought to you by the Help To Grow Management programme from Northumbria University. To find out how your business could benefit visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

Intellectual Property, Patents, Trademarks, Copyright, Ip Strategy, Small Business, Sme, Legal Protection, Innovation, Creative Works, Design Protection, Secerna, Northumbria University, Tax Relief, Ip Infringement, Business Assets, Legal Rights, R&D Tax Credits, Ip Management, Entrepreneur

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