Carl Swansbury - Podcast Details

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Confessions of a CEOImposter Syndrome, Setbacks & Success: The Sergio Petrucci ConfessionIn this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl sits down with enigmatic entrepreneurial charity fundraiser Sergio Petrucci MBE. Founder and CEO of North East England-based Red Sky Foundation, which each year raises millions of pounds to help people with heart defects and life threatening illnesses, Sergio also has a number of other business interests. A true life saver, who was awarded the MBE by King Charles for his significant contribution to charity, Sergio opens up about growing up in an entrepreneurial family and how that has imprinted on his life and...2025-07-011h 23

Confessions of a CEOFrom PwC to The Lakes Distillery: Entrepreneurial lessons from Nigel Mills CBEIn this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with Nigel Mills CBE, a champion for business and entrepreneurialism in the North of England.Like Carl, Nigel began his career as a Chartered Accountant. He qualified at PriceWaterhouseCoopers before leaving to buy an independent convenience store business, which he scaled to a portfolio of 77 stores, before selling it to Tesco PLC.After selling, Nigel set up, developed and subsequently sold highly regarded The Lakes Distillery, which was acquired by English sparkling wine producer, Nytimber in a deal, which valued The Lakes Distillery at £...2025-06-101h 16

Northern Business PodcastHow can innovation bridge campus and commerce? Welcome to the Northern Business Podcast, a regular discussion with people in the North of England who lead businesses, employ people and have new ideas to help our economy grow. The Northern Business Podcast is produced by Recognition PR, which serves scores of companies in different sectors across the country, some of which occasionally contribute.We are kindly sponsored by Vertu Motors plc, one of the top automotive retailers in the UK, with a network of dealerships representing some of the world’s most popular brands.Our ho...2025-06-0530 min

Confessions of a CEOFrom Accidental Recruiter to Global Game-ChangerIn this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with inspiring global recruitment specialist Steve Carter. Australian entrepreneur, who has been in the UK for almost 30 years, Steve rose from recruitment industry novice to a CEO position and subsequently become a board advisor helping firms in the sector from start-ups, scale-ups and those looking to internationalise their operations. An accidental recruiter and accidental ‘Aussie export’, having only originally planned to be in the UK for two years, Steve has made Britain his home and the base for his entrepreneurial endeavours. 2025-05-271h 05

Confessions of a CEOGrit, Graft & Game-Changing: Helen’s unfiltered journeyIn this episode of ‘Confessions of a CEO’, Carl sits down with straight-talking, networking and recruitment specialist entrepreneur Helen Trueman-Howe.Helen is the co-founder of Northeast Network, a thriving networking hub in North East England, and the founder and Managing Director of Heels & Brogues Group, which specialises in recruiting talent across manufacturing, engineering, renewables, HVAC and professional services.A reunion of secondary school friends, Helen and Carl reminisce about growing up in Sunderland and how her formative years in education had no bearing on her future success.Rather than sitting her GCSEs, Helen was...2025-05-1345 min

Confessions of a CEOFrom the pulpit to presenting – a unique business journeyIn this episode of ‘Confessions of a…’, Carl has a unique entrepreneur in the hot-seat; broadcaster, TedTalk speaker, author, comedian, impressionist, artist and business founder, Alfie Joey. Having spent 15 years practicing as a priest in his native North East, Alfie made the decision to take a unique path that has led to him being behind a BBC microphone, becoming a successful comedian, compering large and high-profile events, a speaking coach and even the Britain’s Got Talent stage! Alfie talks about how the microphone is the tool of his trade and helps ma...2025-04-291h 06

Confessions of a CEOA royally unique journey In this episode of Confessions of a CEO, Carl sits down with the fascinating and sometimes controversial Gary Goldsmith. A multi-millionaire from his business career in IT recruitment, Gary is known to most people as uncle to Catherine, Princess of Wales and the first evictee from the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2024. However, his story goes much deeper than that and in this detailed and frank conversation with Carl, Gary reveals the challenges and struggles of his life, that have included a police conviction and drug issues. ...2025-04-171h 47

Confessions of a CEOThe Power of Attitude and PurposeIn this episode, Carl Swansbury chats with Paul Cheetham Karcz, founder and Managing Partner of Sedulo, to discuss his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building a respected and privately owned independent accounting advisory business.Paul shares how his working-class background and early education shaped his ambition and fuelled his drive to build a successful business. He reveals why attitude beats process every time, why workplace culture isn't just a buzzword, and how a little bit of honest feedback (even when brutal) can be a game-changer for personal and professional development.As a passionate advocate...2025-04-071h 13

Confessions of a CEOThe Secrets to Celebrity ServiceIn this episode of Confessions of a CEO, Carl chats with internationally renowned keynote speaker and author, Geoff Ramm.Geoff’s journey is one of grit, creativity, and an unwavering passion for exceptional customer experiences. From his humble beginnings in the North East of England to running a successful agency, OMG Marketing, and becoming a globally sought-after speaker, he understands the power of delivering celebrity-level service.Geoff shares why treating every customer like a VIP isn’t just a nice-to-have but the secret sauce to business success. He also opens up about the evolution of his...2025-03-211h 18

Confessions of a CEOFrom Crafter Den to Dragons’ DenEver wished you could get some top business tips from a real-life Dragon? Carl Swansbury sits down with TV star and business icon Sara Davies to delve into her extraordinary journey from launching her crafting business Crafters' Companion, to becoming a household name in our stores and on our screens. Sara opens up about her entrepreneurial triumphs, the challenges she faced in overcoming self-doubt, and her unwavering passion for helping others embark on their own business ventures. Her journey has even led her to the Den, where she’s inspired and in...2025-03-0450 min

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a CEO with Sara Davies MBEIn this special episode Carl sits down with Dragons’ Den star and CEO of Crafter’s Companion Sara Davies at her home in the North East. They discuss her career, balancing business and home life, and becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable business personalities. In this unique insight into her life and career, Sara offers advice and experience that will be invaluable to entrepreneurs and business professionals. 2025-02-2650 min

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of an Entrepreneur with Peter KirkhamIn this episode Carl Swansbury sits down with entrepreneur Peter Kirkham. A former professional footballer, Peter built a property portfolio before losing it all and being declared bankrupt due to the ‘credit crunch’. He bounced back to build a successful business which he sold for millions of pounds just a few years later.This is a fascinating insight into the challenges of overcoming adversity in business to become successful for the second time. 2025-01-311h 13

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of an Entrepreneur/Founder with Jeremy MiddletonIn this episode Carl sits down with serial entrepreneur and investor Jeremy Middleton. Co-founder of the multi-billion-pound Homeserve, Jeremy established a private equity business, Middleton Enterprises, supporting founder-led entrepreneurial businesses across a range of sectors including tech, hospitality and leisure. During the podcast Jeremy tells his story and offers insight into business success, and advice to start-ups, growing enterprises and the investment landscape for firms targeting growth.2024-12-1859 min

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a Chair with Lucy ArmstrongIn this latest episode, Carl sits down with Lucy Armstrong, one of the North’s most successful chairpersons. She supports CEOs and boards of a range of businesses across the public and private sectors, as well as not-for-profit organisations.She is also CEO of The Alchemists, a boutique consultancy focused on supporting fast-growing entrepreneurial businesses. Currently chair of a number of companies and organisations including the Port of Tyne and Everflow, Lucy has a significant amount of experience helping CEOs scale businesses.Lucy has a high level of interest and knowledge in helping CE...2024-12-101h 14

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a Non-Exec with Mark DixonIn this latest episode, Carl chats with successful businessman and Non-Exec Director Mark Dixon, From the beginnings of his career with Rolls Royce through to starting his own business, which went through two private equity transactions before eventually being sold to Costain.Having then, unsuccessfully trying to retire, Mark continued his business life working as interim chair, a NED and interim CEO of several enterprises, he gives a detailed and fascinating insight into his career and what inspires him to work with boards, shareholder groups and management teams.2024-11-011h 01

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a CEO with Kevin BealesIn this episode, Carl chats with Kevin Beales, the founder and CEO of MySalesCoach, the expert sales coach, which is offered as a subscription service.Kevin gives an insightful look into his entrepreneurial career, providing a very interesting and highly personal view on taking a business from start up to sale and the sometimes emotional stories that come with that process.2024-08-201h 12

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a Professor with Professor Nick Bacon & Professor Kim HoqueIn this episode, Carl Swansbury chats with Professor Nick Bacon, Professor of Human Resource Management, Bayes Business School, City, University of London and Professor Kim Hoque, Professor of Human Resource Management, King’s Business School, King’s College London. The academics discuss how leveraged buy outs and not only how they benefit Senior Management Teams and workforces, and some of the key differences between leveraged MBOs, funded by private equity or those funded by debt. They also discuss the impact leveraged buyouts have on the workforce and the cultural changes they can...2024-05-231h 01

The Mike Ames Recruitment ShowHow to value and sell your recruitment companyWhen you run a recruitment firm the dream is to sell it but, how likely is this to happen and how much will it be worth? In this episode of the #MARShow we will answer both questions. We’ll also share the characteristics of recruitment companies that are particularly attractive to potential buyers. Well, when I say “we” I mean our special guest, Carl Swansbury, founder and Head of Corporate Finance of corporate finance house Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance. Carl has bought and sold dozens of recruitment companies on behalf of his cl...2024-04-0433 min

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a CEO with Joanna Kingston-DaviesIn this episode Carl chats with Joanna Kingston-Davies, the co-founder of the MAPD Group, which powers the growth of local law firms nationally, through acquisition.Following more than 20 years in leadership and management roles within the legal sector in both France and the UK, she set up the MAPD Group in 2020.In her conversation with Carl, she tells a very personal and fascinating story about her life and career and how she, through the business, aims to make a positive difference for its people, clients and communities.2024-03-251h 17

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a Non-Exec with Andy LeslieAndy has been an MD and CEO in a variety of businesses throughout his career, before more recently pursue a career in becoming a NED and advise to a number of high growth, predominantly privately owned businesses.He tells Carl about his transition from full time MD to NED, that many people look to try and achieve and in this episode he gives his insight into that journey and what others can learn from his experiences.2024-03-211h 03

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a CEO with Jo Whitfield In this episode Carl sits down with Jo Whitfield, fund director at FW Capital. Jo has built a successful business in the North East of England within FW Capital providing much needed funding to privately owned, high growth, aspirational SMEs as they make their next steps in their scale-up journeys.They discuss Jo’s career history, what drives her and her passion for helping SME’s achieve their growth ambitions. 2024-03-2155 min

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a CEO with Alastair BrownCEO of Shard Credit Partners, Alastair Brown has a wealth of experience is supporting the growth of SMEs. He founded the direct lending fund, which provides transformational capital to SMEs. Carl and Alistair have worked closely on a range of business transactions, including MBOs and MBIs, and helping business fund growth, but in this episode they go deep into Alastair’s background, to discover why he went from big corporate institution to setting up a small and dynamic direct lending fund. They also discuss his aspirations and ambitions as an individual as the leader of a business tha...2024-03-2149 min

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a Chair with Charlie HoultCharlie Hoult is one of the North of England’s most prolific and successful entrepreneurs. A specialist in leadership, investment finance, strategy, entrepreneurship, tech and marketing, Charlie speaks to Carl about his fascinating career and his core beliefs to create, challenge and drive, which has helped not only his businesses, but others he supports.2024-03-2151 min

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a CEO with Ian KinneryIan Kinnery is the Scale Up Coach. Since 2005, he’s been helping business leaders to grow themselves and their businesses with highly personalised coaching solutions that guarantee results.As a Scaling Up certified coach with over three decades of personal experience starting and scaling businesses, Ian has, in this episode, volumes of advice and experience to share with listeners.2024-03-0851 min

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a CEO with Michael HallIn this episode Carl speaks to Michael Hall, CEO of eQS Group. Interesting ind 10 years a Barclays before choosing to treain to become a qualified accountant, which enabled him to move into a Finance Director role at a facilities management business before more recently becoming CFO and now CEO of eQS Group, which is a leading national equality, inclusion and diversity consultancy.It’s not common for CFO’s to make the move to become CEO, so Carl gains an insight into Michael’s journey and how he managed a significant acquisition programme.2024-03-081h 01

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a Non-Exec with Gary Lumby MBECarl chats with Gary Lumby MBE, one of the most prolific Non-Execs in the North of England. As MD of Focus on Success Ltd he acts as a Non-Executive Chairman or Director for several SMEs in the North East, Yorkshire and London.He also runs three other family businesses and mentors on the Goldman Sach 10000 Small Business Programme.In this episode Carl delves into Gary’s life and career to discover what drives him, how he helps SMEs and what advice he has for small business owners.2024-03-0848 min

Manufacturing Leaders9 Levers To Pull To Increase Value in Business: Corporate Finance Expert Carl SwansburySend us a textUnlock the secrets to elevating the value of your business with corporate finance maestro Carl Swansbury from Ryecroft Glenton. Our conversation takes you through the critical strategies of crafting robust exit plans, fortifying senior management teams, and distinguishing your business in the market. Carl's sharp insights guide you through the maze of maximizing your company's worth, with a particular focus on the manufacturing and engineering spheres. If you're contemplating a sale or preparing for a management buy-out, this episode is your roadmap to a lucrative exit.As Carl delves into the...2024-03-0752 min

Confessions of a CEOConfessions of a Non-Exec with Neil StephensonCarl sits down with Neil Stephenson, a highly experienced NED who helps tech founders unlock their potential and build great businesses as a coach, investor and advisor. Neil helped build and subsequently sell IT Services business Onyx and has gone on to become a serial investor, NED and board advisor working with a range of businesses. He tells the story behind his entrepreneurial career….2024-02-1544 min

PRsonalEP27: ‘I didn’t care that I was the black sheep’: Meet Carl Swansbury from Rycroft GlentonCarl Swansbury didn’t take the traditional route to the top. He tells PRsonal host Charlotte Nichols how he became one of the UK’s youngest ever chartered accountants – and didn’t go to university.Having turned down the chance to study law at Durham University, he instead joined PwC on-route to his current role as head of corporate finance at Rycroft Glenton In this episode, the pair discuss everything from the challenges of the covid pandemic, jumping out of an airplane, the value of hard work and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for...2024-01-031h 10

Northern Business PodcastEconomic OptimismJoin our host Graham Robb as he looks into this year's second quarter alongside a panel of business leaders. The panel for this episode includes Patrick Lonergan of Patrick Lonergan Recruitment, Carl Swansbury of RG Corporate Finance and Ben Quiantrell of My Property Box.2021-04-0908 min

The Growth Strategy Podcast with Steve PughFull Interview with Carl Swansbury FCA, Partner and Head of Corporate Finance at Ryecroft Glenton - Growth Strategy RoadmapMany thanks to my wonderful guest earlier Carl Swansbury FCA from Ryecroft Glenton. 🙌🏻 Within the interview Carl shared his career history to date, before an excellent discussion on corporate finance, business valuations, the process of growing and selling a business, and the things owners can do to maximise value. 📈 An honest and genuine 45 minute conversation you will get real value out of. The link to the full interview is available in the comments. The podcast is also available shortly on iTunes, Spotify and Google. 🗣 Carl thank you for your time and sharing your expertise with the network. 🏆 The aim of th...2020-12-0146 min

The Mike Ames Recruitment ShowUsing your recrutiment business to become financially independentIn the UK, 0.2% of recruitment business are sold via Trade Sale - those aren't great odds. So what can you do to be more appealing to a buyer? How can you maximise the value you get? What can you do if trade sale isn't an option? All these questions will be answered in this Podcast version of our webinar with guest panelist Carl Swansbury, Head of Corporate Finance for Ryecroft Glenton. Carl has helped over 100 owners of recruitment and staffing businesses to exit their companies, and Mike has been one of the 0.2% twice, with combined h...2019-11-2934 min