Shows
Essex Business PodcastSustainable Essex: Ethical businesses leading the way The focus on sustainability, along with ethical and environmental working practices, has become increasingly important for businesses of all sizes in recent years. In this episode, we explore sustainable development and ethical business practices in Essex with four inspiring guests. We highlight their significant contributions to sustainability and how they have effectively incorporated eco-friendly and ethical practices into their operations. Tune in to gain valuable inspiration and practical tips for driving positive environmental and social change in your own business endeavours. First, Alex Holliman, Managing Director at Climbing Trees, speaks with our reporter Chris Penhall about the...2024-07-2953 min
Essex Business PodcastNavigating the sale process: Tips and pitfalls Selling a business involves more than just finding a buyer; it requires meticulous planning, negotiation skills, and an understanding of a range of legal and financial implications. In this episode, we focus on the intricacies of navigating the sale process, discussing common challenges and best practices to ensure a successful transaction. First, Paul Forsyth, Partner at Ellisons Solicitors, speaks with our reporter Chris Penhall about key legal aspects of the sales process. He discusses complex areas such as contract negotiations, legal due diligence, and minimising legal risks for sellers. We also hear from Craig Hubert...2024-06-0542 min
Essex Business PodcastThe power of networking: Nurturing relationships for success In this episode, we explore the power of networking with three Essex-based networkers and relationship-building experts. From leveraging social media to attending industry events, our guests share practical tips and strategies for expanding your network, nurturing meaningful relationships, and unlocking new opportunities. To kick things off, Aaron Desmond, Founder of Networking Essex, the largest networking group in the county, speaks to our reporter Chris Penhall about how his journey began with Networking Essex and the importance of effectively networking to harness new business opportunities. We also hear from Matthew Rowe, Director of MJR Marketing and PR Consultancy...2024-04-3038 min
Essex Business PodcastLeadership lessons: Inspiring success in a dynamic business world In this episode, we talk to three Essex-based business leaders about their personal stories, the challenges they have overcome, and the leadership principles that have guided them to success. This episode offers valuable insights into effective leadership strategies that you can implement in your own business pursuits. Reporter Chris Penhall speaks to Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd, about her roles as both a leader and a consultant, as well as offering invaluable insights into overcoming common challenges and fostering effective leadership practices. Also, David Malthouse, Managing Director of First Intuition Chelmsford, recounts his evolution from...2024-03-2859 min
Essex Business PodcastDigital transformation: Leveraging technology for business success In this episode, we explore the digital landscape alongside three Essex business leaders who have embraced technology to drive growth and innovation. Learn about their digital transformation journeys, the tools and strategies they found most effective, and how technology has become a crucial component of their overall business strategy. Reporter Chris Penhall speaks to Matt Carr, Co-Founder of ECOedge, who explains how their start-up company is leveraging technology to propel its journey. Also, Stuart Belbin, Senior Account Executive at Ascend Broking Group Ltd, talks about the increasing integration of technology in the insurance sector. Plus, H...2024-02-2940 min
Essex Business PodcastFrom local to global: Expanding your business horizons In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we dive into the dynamic world of business expansion, exploring the journeys of three successful entrepreneurs from Essex to uncover the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the strategies they employed to successfully grow their business on a national and international level. Reporter Chris Penhall talks to Alistair Hunter, Managing Director of The DS Group, about the company’s transition from a local to a national presence. Additionally, Nicky Crisp, Managing Director of Impamark, shares a captivating narrative detailing the evolution of a solo enterprise into an aw...2024-01-3037 min
Get Better in ChelmsfordS1 Ep 4: Fish Where The Fish Are With Steve RevillIn this episode, Steve Revill shares his journey as Managing Director at Rickard Luckin. From the enduring relevance of the four P's to the importance of workplace values, join us as we uncover the secret to crafting a culture of continuous improvement within a well-established brand.Rickard Luckin: www.rickardluckin.co.ukGet Better in Chelmsford LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/get-better-in-chelmsford Get Better in Chelmsford Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/get-better-in-chelmsford-digital-marketing-2824269 🎬 Created in collaboration with:Better Agency: @betteragencyChelmsford City Council: @chelmscouncil🎤 Recorded at...2024-01-3040 min
Essex Business PodcastCrystal-ball gazing into 2024 – if we dare! Predicting the future landscape of the business world is becoming increasingly difficult, but strategic planning for what lies ahead remains vital for organisations of all sizes. In this episode, we've asked three experts to gaze into their crystal balls and share their opinions on what’s in store for the Essex business scene in 2024. Ann Scott is Essex Development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses. Following her predictions at the onset of 2023, she spoke to our reporter, Chris Penhall about both potential challenges and opportunities for small businesses in the coming year. Plus, Ashton Hun...2023-12-2938 min
Beanies In A PodMGI Worldwide, Lunch boxes & JokesWhile at MGI Edinburgh, we caught up with two fantastic partners Kevin Thomas (Rickard Luckin) and Sarah Squires (Midgley Snelling).Both guests shared some stories of interesting clients they've been involved with, their path into the industry and some experiences and jokes they've had along the way!Sarah’s SocialsLinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-squires-29a18022/Twitter -https://twitter.com/midgleysnellingKevin’s SocialsLinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinthomastax/Twitter -https://twitter.com/rickardluckinMGI socialsIn...2023-12-0544 min
Essex Business PodcastChristmas trading – still the saviour of the retail and hospitality year?In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, amidst the festive aroma of mince pies and satsumas, we explore the significance of Christmas as the pivotal lifeline for the retail sector. The widespread belief suggests that the holiday season is a decisive make-or-break period for many businesses. However, we examine whether this notion still holds true, or if it has evolved into something of a myth. Reporter Chris Penhall talks to Sara Tupper, Chelmsford BID Manager, on how the city centre retail scene gears up to get tills ringing during the Christmas season, and Helen...2023-11-3032 min
Essex Business PodcastGetting the best out of hybrid workingHybrid working is now considered to be the new norm in many sectors, so in this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we explore how employers can get the right balance and maximise productivity whilst simultaneously ensuring their employees are fully engaged with the business. Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd talks to our reporter, Chris Penhall about the multifaceted challenges that companies face when navigating the world of hybrid working and Sarah Humphryes, Assistant Marketing Manager at Birkett Long, shares her experiences. Plus, Maldon-based elite performance coach, Dr Stephen Simpson, discusses effective ways...2023-11-0544 min
Essex Business PodcastApprenticeships: the answer to our skills prayers?As another batch of apprentices embark on new careers, and with apprenticeships available in just about every subject you can imagine, we ask whether apprenticeships are key to solving the skills shortages affecting so many sectors of business. In this episode, we hear from Hannah O’Brien and Toni Parrish, Employer Engagement Officers at Adult Community Learning Essex, which oversees hundreds of apprenticeships every year, and Debianne Messenger, Work Based Learning Manager at Career Track, an apprenticeship training provider working with local authorities and businesses in the Essex, Suffolk and Kent areas. Plus, our reporter, Ch...2023-09-2937 min
Essex Business PodcastTown/city centres: open for business?In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we discuss the future of town and city centres, focusing specifically on Colchester where town centre businesses have just voted for the renewal of the Our Colchester BID (Business Improvement District). Are town and city centres dying on their feet or are they merely going through a period of reinvention? We hear from Peter Richardson, Colchester-based business owner and resident, about the changes he has seen in centre of this new city, Sam Good, Our Colchester BID Manager, on what difference the BID has made these past five years a...2023-09-0136 min
Essex Business PodcastCrowning Glory: The King’s AwardsWe dive into the glitz and glamour of the highly anticipated King’s Awards for Enterprise, a prestigious event that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of local businesses, and explore the profound impact that awards have on the growth and development of businesses within the Essex community. In this episode our reporter, Chris Penhall, talks to Keith Attwood, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, about the upcoming King’s Awards for Enterprise and the positive effect they can have on the overall business ecosystem. Plus, we hear from Martin Series, Director of Services at Global Resale, Melis...2023-07-2839 min
Essex Business PodcastWhy work five days when four will do?A recent trial in the North-East found employers and employees alike favoured a four-day week. In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we ask if this could be the future and are we about to see a seismic shift in traditional working patterns. Our reporter, Chris Penhall, talks to Carla Beard, Director at Colchester-based Koala Digital, who has successfully implemented a four-day work week in their company, and Catherine Hodds, HR Consultant in Birketts' Employment Team, provides a comprehensive understanding of how a four-day work week can enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention, including tips on...2023-06-3037 min
Essex Business PodcastIt's a family affair In an age when multinational conglomerates grab most of the headlines, for good or bad, family-run businesses are still the bedrock of most communities. With the search on by Family Business United to find the top 50 family businesses in Essex, this episode looks at the continuing important role played by family businesses, not just in term of direct employment, but in the broader supportive role they play within the local community. In this episode, we talk to Paul Andrews, Managing Director at Family Business United, about what the organisation is setting out to do. Plus, we hear...2023-05-3036 min
Essex Business PodcastThe next budding Alan Sugar - Exploring the ambitious entrepreneurs of EssexAre there still up-and-coming and highly ambitious entrepreneurs rising through the ranks across Essex? In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast we speak to some of the people in the county making their mark, and find out about the support they are receiving to realise their potential and what they are learning along the way. Offering their thoughts are Ben Smyth, CEO and founder of Colchester-based insurance company with a difference, Arma Karma, talks about his award-winning journey to date and Dan Hugo, Managing Director at Outline Media Productions, shares his experiences of the challenges and s...2023-04-2838 min
Essex Business PodcastFinding your business a homeParticularly in the aftermath of Covid and the increase in hybrid working, settling on the right size and type of office premises is quite a challenge. This episode of the Essex Business Podcast looks at what people are searching for, what is available in Essex, what will it cost and how do you best source it? Offering their views are Mike Gray, Managing Director at south Essex-based property consultants, Dedman Gray and Joshua Warren, Managing Director of Lodge Park Business Centre just outside Colchester. Plus, we hear from Kate Everett, Managing Director at...2023-03-3037 min
Essex Business PodcastAI - is the future already here?Artificial Intelligence has been talked about for a while now, but still often with an air of what could happen in the future. The reality is somewhat different, and AI is playing an increasingly key role in business life. In episode 31 of the Essex Business Podcast, we talk to Dr Faraz Janan, Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, who discusses artificial intelligence in medicine. We also hear from Daniel Freer, Head of Software, and Marc Jones, Business Director at Chelmsford-based Antobot, an award-winning start-up providing affordable robotics for sustainable agriculture. Plus, Alex Lowe, T...2023-02-2833 min
Essex Business PodcastR&D investment - Building an innovative economy in EssexResearch & Development (R&D) investment has fallen by over 300% in Essex since 2002, which is now hindering productivity growth of the county’s businesses. With Rishi Sunak declaring his desire to make the UK the most innovative economy in the world, how can Essex businesses play their part in growing a culture of creative thinking and supporting innovation? In the latest episode of the Essex Business Podcast, David Rose, Tax Associate at Rickard Luckin, discusses the changes to R&D tax reliefs coming this April, as well the actions HMRC are taking as part of their fraud prevention me...2023-01-3132 min
Essex Business PodcastCrystal ball gazing - what will 2023 hold for Essex businesses?As 2022 comes to an end (hooray will be the cry of many!), what challenges will 2023 offer and how will Essex likely rise to these challenges? With at least a whiff of uncertainty still likely to be hanging in the air, what will 2023 hold in store for the under-pressure Essex businessperson? Will we be soaring skyward or bumping along the runway? In this episode we hear from Ann Scott, Development Manager at the Essex Federation of Small Businesses, who gives a county-wide perspective of what 2023 might look like for businesses, and Sarah McKee-Harris, Managing Director at the Kingswood...2022-12-2336 min
Essex Business PodcastHunkering down for winter - business winter survival guideWith endless talk of soaring energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis, which hit businesses as much as individual consumers, what can businesses do to save on costs and protect their bottom line? In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we speak to Paul Hughes from PLH Utilities, who offers advice on ways for businesses to reduce energy and water bills, and Neil Griffin, Director at the Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, explains how their range of flexible working accommodation models help keep office costs down. Plus, Dean McCormack, Associate at Rickard Luckin, discusses why it’s...2022-11-2539 min
Essex Business PodcastA county of three cities – but what’s in a name?After so many years of being a city-less county, Essex now boasts three, following this year’s news that Southend and then Colchester were to join Chelmsford as having city status bestowed upon them. But what does this mean economically for the county? A path to new riches or simply a name-change? In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we look at what city status has done for the Chelmsford business scene as it celebrates its tenth anniversary as a city, and we explore the potential for Southend and Colchester. Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford Ci...2022-10-3128 min
Essex Business PodcastStrength in partnerships – does charity now begin in the boardroom?There was a time when businesses supported charities out of the goodness of their hearts, sustaining not much more than a warm glow in the process. Times, though, have moved on. Nowadays, supporting charities is an important business decision and the ongoing relationship which ensues is very much a strong two-way partnership designed to benefit both the business (be it from the private or public sector) and the charity. Discussing these mutual benefits is Lyndsay Wood, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, who describes how corporate partners can help EHAAT as a charity and...2022-09-3030 min
Essex Business PodcastFunding – make it your business to uncover the many optionsWhen it comes to funding for your business, the days when a meeting with your bank manager was the best or only option are long gone. Crowdfunding, tokenization and special purpose acquisition companies are just some of the avenues you can now explore, in addition to the more traditional routes. In this episode, we talk to Jacqui Stimpson from Best Growth Hub, a government-backed organisation that guides business owners through many of the funding streams that may be available to them, and Paul Mumford from Monoki Media explains how he found the right funding for...2022-09-0133 min
Essex Business PodcastPassing it down - celebrating family businesses throughout EssexRickard Luckin has teamed up with Family Business United to find the oldest family firms across Essex and celebrate family businesses throughout the county. To mark the occasion, episode 24 of the Essex Business Podcast features Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, and James Boustead, Tax Director at Rickard Luckin, who highlight why they’re running this inaugural piece of research, what makes this sector so special and some of the challenges that this community face, such as succession planning, family conflict and tax planning. If you know of any family businesses that we...2022-07-1128 min
Essex Business PodcastHome, office or hybrid – which works best?Now the dust appears to have mostly settled on the COVID crisis, one debate still rages: where should we all be working? Should we by now be back in the office 100% of the time, should we still have the freedom to work from home, or should we be combining the best of both worlds? Views vary, but in episode 23 we discuss the options for employers and employees alike. Jessica Douglas, Strategic People and Performance Manager at Colchester Borough Council, talks about the ground-breaking flexible working policy they introduced in 2011 and we hear from Ann Scott, Associate Regional...2022-06-3038 min
Essex Business Podcast#22 Energise your thinking to save on costsThe current cost of living crisis is impacting on businesses every bit as much as it is on individuals. Soaring energy costs are a major contributory factor to the headaches faced by business owners as they try to keep overheads under control. In Episode 22 of the Essex Business Podcast we talk about viable solutions to the issues we currently face, with organisations who are helping to make difference. Neil Fright, CEO at Carbon Numbers, discusses how companies can make their energy consumption smarter and Marialena Papadopoulou-Kipou, Business Energy Advisor at LoCASE (Low Carbon Across the South and...2022-06-0624 min
Essex Business PodcastThe importance of company cultureThe pandemic brought about swift change and company culture was thrust firmly into the spotlight. Remote working, coupled with the accelerated adoption of digital tools, and individuals evaluating work/life balance all became the norm and business leaders were tasked with keeping everything on track. In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we look at how a strong organisational culture, clear vision and robust company values can have a huge impact on everything from recruitment and retention, right through to the bottom line. Jonathan Austin, CEO at Best Companies, explains the importance of a s...2022-04-2949 min
Essex Business PodcastMind the skills gap – it’s getting bigger!Ask any business owner the biggest challenge they face, the chances are the answer will be the skills gap. Recruiting people with the necessary skills to keep a business moving forward is becoming increasingly difficult. Episode 20 of the Essex Business Podcast seeks to answer the question: why has it become so difficult to find the right people to fill that job vacancy. We speak to Andy Hilliard, Managing Director of accountancy and law private practice recruitment consultancy AJ Chambers, about the underlying gap between the skills and experience that employers are looking for in comparison to the...2022-03-3128 min
Essex Business PodcastSustainability – why businesses must be at the forefront of the battlePerhaps the most important issue facing all of us as individuals – the sustainability of our planet - is also an essential issue for every business owner. Increasingly, the ‘green credentials’ of a business are being scrutinised by both customers and would-be employees alike, and so we take a closer look at what companies can do to improve their sustainability credentials and how Essex businesses are leading the way. In this extended episode of the Essex Business Podcast, Essex County Council's Climate Czar, Cllr Peter Schwier explains his role and highlights what is being done in Essex in the...2022-02-281h 06
Essex Business PodcastApprenticeships – are they a cost-effective way of investing in your business’s future?Over the past few years apprenticeships have begun to increase in popularity again, and with skills shortages often quoted as a key issue facing organisations in a range of sectors, we look at what is involved in taking on an apprentice and the long and short term benefits they can bring to an organisation. In this episode we talk to Toni Marshall, Employer Engagement Officer for Adult Community Learning in Essex, about how they support both apprentices and employers, and David Malthouse from First Intuition, who specialise in high quality accountancy training, explains how apprenticeships offer excellent...2022-02-0325 min
Essex Business PodcastIs failing to plan, planning to fail?As a challenging 2021 turns into a hopefully more optimistic 2022, episode 17 of the Essex Business Podcast examines the issue which most of us know is important, but too often never get round to doing - strategic planning. We hear from experts who will discuss the importance of planning ahead, why plans sometimes go amiss and what can be done to get them back on track. Daniel Kirby, owner of Trade Price Cars, explains how he has adapted his short and long term business planning in order to maintain an award winning dealership; Graham Broughton, co-lead of the Group2...2022-01-0740 min
Essex Business PodcastHealth in the workplace – The employer’s responsibility?The issue of health, particularly mental health, in the workplace is increasingly a headline-maker. To what degree should employers be held responsible for their employees’ health and wellbeing, other than fundamental health and safety at work issues and how have attitudes to employee health and wellbeing changed? In this episode of The Essex Business Podcast we talk to Rob Whitaker, Executive Partner and Head of Employment at Tees Law about the legal responsibilities of employers; Anna Trudgian from Open Road gives an overview of what that organisation can do to support both businesses and their staff if so...2021-12-0326 min
Essex Business PodcastManufacturing – can Essex can lead the UK turnaround?The UK – and particularly Essex – is no longer renowned as a world-leading manufacturing hotspot, but could that be about to change? In episode 15 of the Essex Business Podcast, three leading Essex business people offer their opinions on the recent supply-chain issues, the benefits of bringing manufacturing back to the UK and the county, and the support available to manufacturing companies of all sizes. Andy Mair, Managing Director of Challenger Solutions discusses the issues and challenges the company has faced; John McCallion, Business Development Manager at the MTC talks about the support and initiatives available and Dave Atkinson, Head...2021-10-2933 min
Essex Business PodcastOpen all hours – the fate of the 21st century business personEver since the advent of mobile phones, it has become increasingly difficult for anyone in business, but particularly managers and directors, to switch off from work at the end of the working day. Have we become 24/7 slaves to our job, with premature burnout the price we'll end up paying? In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast we look at the implications – positive and negative – of constantly being in touch with the business. Neil Lloyd, Director at Techtimeout discusses the impact of technology addiction on productivity, mental health and relationships, and how to create healthier relationships with tech...2021-09-2833 min
Essex Business PodcastDiversification – the key to economic rural sustainabilityMaking a living from the land is proving increasingly challenging for the farming community, however many Essex farmers are demonstrating that diversification is a positive way forward and plays an important part in economic rural sustainability. In Episode 13 of the Essex Business Podcast, we look at some of the creative ways farmers are adapting their businesses to ensure they have more streams of income, as well as some of the challenges they are having to overcome. Jake Richards, Essex County Adviser at the National Farmers’ Union explains how farm diversification works, and we talk to Hannah Buckenham, Ha...2021-08-2733 min
Essex Business PodcastEssex – the place to be for start-up businessesIn a recent survey by Tide, the UK’s leading business financial platform, two Essex locations were voted in the top 10 places to start a business outside of London, with Chelmsford at number 4 and Colchester at number 5. In this episode of the Essex business podcast, we look at what factors draw organisations into these areas. Stuart Edmonds, Founder and Creative Director at marketing agency Strive explains why he set up his new business in Chelmsford. Plus, we talk to Helen Quinnell, Economic Development Officer at Chelmsford City Council, and Councillor Darius Laws, Colchester Co...2021-08-0329 min
Essex Business PodcastEquality in the workplace – the journey so farA recent major survey found that while remote working has improved, pressures around appearance and health for women within the workplace, issues of fair representation and equal pay remain prevalent. We talk to Kate Everett, Managing Partner of The Write Impression about her own experiences and Julie Temple, Partner and Head of BLHR and Employment Team at Birkett Long discusses the legislation and what it means. Dr Wanda Wyporska, Chief Executive of The Equality Trust also explains the work the charity is doing to improve equality within the workplace Recorded June 2021 Guest speakers:...2021-07-0237 min
Essex Business PodcastTown centres – will they still mean business in the future?The lockdowns over the past year have piled even more pressure on town and city centre businesses already dealing with the growing popularity of online shopping, and with big names like Debenhams closing down, what could the future look like for the high street? Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, Consumer Psychologist at Anglia Ruskin University, spoke to our reporter, Chris Penhall about the problems high street retailers were already dealing with before the pandemic hit. Mike Wray, Chelmsford’s Business Improvement District Manager, explains how the city centre is bouncing back, and Tillie Peel, founder of The Pop Up Club, tal...2021-06-0129 min
Essex Business PodcastAre you future-ready? Will your organisation and its spaces sufficiently support your workforce?In this episode we explore the issues employers need to consider when preparing their teams for the return to office a year after many people were told to work from home where possible. We hear from Leesman’s Chief Insight and Research Officer about their most recent survey on peoples’ working experience and what that could mean for the future of the workplace. Angela Steadman, Sales Director at Spacio explains how their clients are preparing for the future with their requirements for office design, and William Winstone from Mezzana Partners talks about his role as Performance Psychologist at E...2021-04-2732 min
Essex Business PodcastBudget reflections – now the dust has settledAs if Brexit and Covid weren’t enough, businesses have now had a Budget to deal with. In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we talk to people within the business community about how they feel it will affect them, and get an overview of the tax implications. Tej Parikh, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors reflects on how the Chancellor’s Spring Budget could affect the economy, and Rickard Luckin’s head of Tax and Financial Planning, Jamie Nice, gives an overview of the key policy announcements and their implications for corporate and personal taxati...2021-03-3135 min
Essex Business PodcastBrexit – the good, the bad and the indifferentBrexit has finally happened, and whether you were for it or against it, the way companies in the UK work with others within the EU has changed. So, what are the challenges and the benefits of the changes? We speak to Allie Rennison, Head of EU and Trade Policy at the Institute of Directors about the feedback she’s had so far from the business community. Plus, Iain Rowlands, Executive Director of Woodland Group, gives an insight into how Brexit is impacting the logistics sector, and Ian Marrow, VAT Director at Rickard Luckin provides an overview of so...2021-03-0237 min
Essex Business PodcastMarketing: a food, not a medicine, for your businessIn the current Covid-impacted world, marketing has never been more important for businesses to show they are alive and kicking – but when budgets are more squeezed than ever, how should marketing be approached? We speak to Sarah Brockwell of SarahBee Marketing about what marketing actually is and how businesses can adapt, Allistair Hunter of The DS Group about the importance of the right marketing mix, and Neil Heather from Storm Creative explains why planning should be an integral, ongoing part of your marketing strategy. Recorded: January 2021 Guest speakers: Sarah Brockwell, Founder and...2021-01-2733 min
Essex Business PodcastFunding lifeline – How and where to reach outIn a particularly challenging year for many businesses, access to guidance and support has been vital. There is help out there, but it’s not always easy to know where to look. The latest episode of the Essex Business Podcast aims to unravel the maze and demystify the procedures standing in the way of receiving what could be lifeblood to a business's future. Advisers who specialise in grant-funding offer practical advice on the many routes and opportunities open to businesses. We talk to Rachael Giordani of Chelmsford-based, Pioppo about how her company has benefited from so...2020-12-2333 min
Essex Business Podcast2020 – a game-changing year for employee ownershipWhen a business-person wants to sell their company, there are many ways that this can be done. One of these is by forming an Employee Ownership Trust. Interest in EOT’s is thriving and the number of employee-owned businesses in the UK is growing at an annual rate of ten per cent. We talk to Lisa Hayward, Head of Employee Incentives at Birketts, about the legal side of EOTs, and Rickard Luckin Tax Director James Boustead, who is an expert in Employee Ownership Schemes. Plus, Dave Perry, Technical Director of Peregrine Livefoods based in Chipping On...2020-11-2732 min
Essex Business PodcastEconomic update and perspectives on the property marketSome sectors are doing very well at the moment, and we hear from Graham Cherry from luxury house builder, Stonebond Properties about how the house market is doing, and Steve Ayers, of Ayers & Cruiks talks about commercial sales and lettings. Plus, Tej Parikh, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, reflects on how the pandemic has affected the economy as a whole. Recorded: October 2020 Guest Speakers: Graham Cherry, co-CEO of Stonebond Properties, https://www.stonebondltd.com/ Steve Ayers, Director of Ayers & Cruiks, https://www.ayerscruiks.co.uk/2020-10-2030 min
Essex Business PodcastLessons from Lockdown – How businesses have survived and thrived by adapting their business modelAs we learn to adjust to the changes in our working lives, we speak to three business people about how their businesses have adapted. We hear from the CEO of VegTrug, Joe Denham, about how his business has grown and Stephen Wright, owner of the Blue Strawberry Bistrot discusses the challenges the hospitality industry faces. Plus, Peter Richardson, publishing editor of Business Time In Essex, talks about his campaign launched at the beginning of the year to get more people working from home. Recorded: August 2020 Guest speakers: Stephen Wright, owner of...2020-10-2029 min
Essex Business PodcastThe future of working from homeMany people in the UK had to change the way they worked as a result of the lockdown in March. We hear from Method IT’s Matt Sullivan about the technical challenges for businesses and Jonathan Insley from Tees Law talks about the legal implications for organisations. Plus Peggie Rothe, Chief Insight and Research officer from Leesman discusses the result of their global Home Working Survey. Recorded: June 2020 Guest speakers: Jonathan Insley, Senior Associate at Tees Law, https://www.teeslaw.com/ Matt Sullivan, Managing Director of Method IT,2020-10-2037 min