Why Small Business Matters

In this episode Dr Matt Sutherland  is joined by 2 very special guests to discuss the topics of "Duty of Care" in sport, and look at the parallels between being a professional athlete & being a small business owner.

Baroness Grey-Thompson is an 11 time Paralympic medalist, and has claimed her place among the all time greats in British athletics. She's also the Chancellor of Northumbria University, as well as sitting on the boards of numerous organisations across the North East and the wider UK. 

Colin Allen is National Operations Lead at TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) and is responsible for overseeing the both the strategic and day-to-day TASS operations. Another aspect of his role involves leading on programme and project work to support the development of NGB’s England Talent Pathways. He's overseen the progression of a number of talented young athletes such as Tom Daley, into Olympic champions.

In this episode Tanni talks about her life and recent work to improve Duty of Care in sport. Her work in this area prompted a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (funded by the ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council) between Northumbria University and SportsAid.

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To mark 1 year of the Help To Grow Management programme, this month we find out more about the course from some of those who have undertaken it.  

This show was recorded live at the iconic Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, and featured a panel chaired by northeast entrepreneur and connector Caroline Theobald CBE. Learn how business support organisations in the region can help your business and listen to some inspirational business leaders who have turned their businesses. Plus see how support organisations can help inspire you to grow your business even further. 

The Panel

The Chair: Caroline Theobald CBE

Rhiannon Bearne: Policy and Representation Director North East Chamber of Commerce

Reshma Begum: Regional Development Manager Federation of Small Businesses

Elaine Stroud: CEO Entrepreneurs Forum

Kelly Maxwell: Owner of Kelly’s Heroes Private Tuition

Phil Robinson-Artley: Operations Manager Pondkeeper

Nick Downing: Director of Operations and Transformation NPH Group

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In this episode Matt Sutherland is joined by Lucy Winskell OBE and Emma Gaudern.

Lucy until recently has been Pro Vice Chancellor of Northumbria University, with a focus on employability and strategic partnerships. Prior to joining Northumbria over a decade ago Lucy was a top litigation lawyer, and has extensive non executive director experience. Her journey is about to continue in a different direction as in the summer she will become Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, serving her Majesty in the region.

Also joining Matt in this episode is Emma Gaudern, founder of EMG Solicitors in the North East. Emma also has breadth of business experience, with EMG making impactful contributions to both their clients and broader society.

This podcast is in association with Northumbria University's Help To Grow Management Programme. Find out more at northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

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In this episode hosted by Matt Sutherland, we explore the topic of internationalisation, with a man who has spent over 35 years working in global business.

Richard Swart grew up in South Africa, but seeking a life away from the troubles in that country at the time he moved to America, before finding himself in at the deep end of the business world  and heading for Peterlee in County Durham to establish Berger UK.  

He knows first hand what it is like beginning a new life is a strange country, but in business he has been responsible for working on deals in international markets such as China, where expectations differ greatly from those of the UK and Europe.

In this episode find out more about Richard's journey, how he has gained the respect of business leaders around the globe, why Peterlee is a great place to build a business, and the impact Covid and Brexit has had on his own company. 

Richard is also chair fo the Open North Foundation, and the Advanced Manufacturing Forum, and is hugely passionate about success of businesses in the North East.

This podcast is in association with Northumbria University's Help To Grow Management Programme. Find out more at northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

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To coincide with International Women's Day 2022, this episode of Why Small Business Matters speaks to Kirsty McDine-Daniels and Shelley Haque, 2 of the women behind The Millin Charity based in the North East.

They help women set up their own businesses, gain employability skills, access training and be part of a supportive community of women working towards financial independence. Through working with the charity women gain the confidence and skills to not only achieve their goals but also improve their wellbeing, connections and opportunities.

Hosted by Sarah Stephenson from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University.

Brought to you by the Help To Grow Management Programme at Northumbria University, Why Small Business Matters provides SMEs and small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and what it means to be a successful modern SME.

To find out more about the Help To Grow Management programme, visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow 

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Family, Ambition Curiosity & Innovation - Those are the values which run though North East tech company NBT, led by Executive Chairman Toby Bridges. NBT is a family business dating back to 1908 and some good old family values run through the company ethos. Toby explains why you should put trust in your team to make some big calls, and why there is no such thing as a stupid question.

Also joining us in this episode is Jessica Williams, founder and MD of JustWilliams, a sales and marketing agency based on Teesside. She has recently launched a new sales academy to help bring more professionalism to selling, and together with Toby she sits on a number of boards involved with small business in the region.

And we learn about how small business owners can find those all important ways to grow and get help to move their enterprise on, and why simply meeting people can transform your future.

Hosted by Sarah Stephenson from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University.

Brought to you by the Help To Grow Management Programme at Northumbria University, Why Small Business Matters provides SMEs and small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and what it means to be a successful modern SME.

To find out more about the Help To Grow Management programme, visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow 

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Brought to you by the Help To Grow Management Programme at Northumbria University, Why Small Business Matters provides SMEs and small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and what it means to be a successful modern SME.

In this episode Hannah Hesselgreaves speaks to the new CEO of the North East England Chamber Of Commerce, John McCabe. He started his career in PR with Northumbrian Water, before moving into communications roles with Transco and Newcastle Building Society among others. 

Now with that executive experience, becoming an entrepreneur and now moving into an influential role leading the region, John has a valuable perspective on what it means to do business in the North East.

To find out more visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

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Brought to you by the Help To Grow Management Programme at Northumbria University, Why Small Business Matters provides SMEs and small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and what it means to be a successful modern SME.

In this episode Matt Sutherland speaks to Craig Skillicorn, a Northumbria University illumni about his journey from the North East, to Managing Director of international electronics business DDC Electronics. Specialising within the aviation and defence sector, you might not be familiar with the company name, but if you've ever been on a plane you're probably encountered their work..!

Craig explains more about his philosophy around managing a team, and ensuring you get the best out of great people. And why there's more to hiring the right person than just an impressive CV, and thinking about long term development of your team.

To find out more visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brought to you by the Help To Grow Management Programme at Northumbria University, Why Small Business Matters provides SMEs and small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and what it means to be a successful modern SME.

In this episode Dr Matt Sutherland explores the topic of connectivity and the importance of establishing a wide network. Joining him are to of the most connected people in British business today, Oli Barrett MBE and Caroline Theobald CBE. They explain in more detail why in the digital age, it's our human connections that count, and give tips on how we can all be better and more helpful networkers.

Oli Barrett is a serial entrepreneur and founder or co founder of many businesses, including Tenner, Start Up Britain and Turn On the Subtitles. He's also a connector, with the Independent calling him "the most connected man in Britain". He's been involved in more than 10 international trade missions, and sits on the advisory boards including Tech London Advocates and One Million Mentors.

Caroline Theobald CBE is one of the most connected people in the North East of England and has a breadth of business experience. In 2000 she established The Bridge Club as a place for businesses to connect and partner. She's involved with women's business networks with Gabriel Investors and champions gender equality, and ethical & responsible business. In 2014 she co founded First a dedicated learning and development agency specialising in entrepreneurial skills.

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We're excited to bring you an entertaining new podcast for business owners and managers : Why Small Business Matters.  This new podcast will provide a platform for successful small business leaders to tell their stories, offer advice and unravel what it means to be a successful SME in 2021.
Brought to you by the Help to Grow Management delivery team at Northumbria University, Small Business Matters takes a light-hearted but inciteful look behind the scenes with contributions from rising entrepreneurs and leaders of established SMEs that have been trading for many years.  It will find out what gets them up in the morning, how they've navigated the challenges of the last 15 months and their vision for small business in the region, the country and across the globe. 

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