Rural Business Focus (Ben Eagle, RuralPod Media)

Link to the Sleep Foundation

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Nuffield scholar and founder of Cultivate Success joins Ben on the podcast today to talk about the potential for mentoring in agriculture and the rural sector. Have you thought about being a mentor or having a mentor? 

Helen also talks about 'balcony moments' - worth listening to this near the end. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

In this episode, Ben Eagle is joined by Eric Elgersma and Natasha Foote to discuss the macro and global issues that will shape the world of rural businesses. They explore topics such as transition, connection, and the impact of European and global politics on rural businesses. They also discuss the trends of size and scale, collaboration, and the importance of being fit for purpose in the rural business sector. The conversation touches on the recent EU elections and the potential implications for rural businesses. Overall, the episode provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing rural businesses in the coming years. The conversation explores trends and themes in rural businesses. Key trends identified include a focus on sustainability, diversification of business models, local consumption, digital transformation, and generational renewal. The importance of infrastructure, both digital and physical, is highlighted. The discussion also touches on the role of government in rural areas, with a potential shift towards more regional and national decision-making. The concept of sustainability is discussed, emphasizing the need for both environmental and economic sustainability. The future of the rural workforce is explored, with a focus on automation and improving working conditions. The conversation concludes with a reflection on confidence levels in rural businesses, highlighting the passion and innovation of young farmers.

Takeaways

• Transition is a key factor that will shape rural businesses in the coming years, particularly in terms of food quality, consumer needs, environment, climate, and ownership consolidation.
• Connection is another important theme, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between EU policy and rural areas, as well as fostering connections within the agri-food chain and promoting sustainability.
• The recent EU elections have seen a rise in right-wing and far-right parties, which may have implications for the direction of green policies and the allocation of funds for rural areas.
• The trend of consolidation and the importance of being fit for purpose are key considerations for rural businesses. Being able to meet consumer needs, retain local support, and demonstrate sustainability are crucial for long-term success.
• The EU's focus on food security and the lessons learned from recent crises highlight the need for a re-evaluation of the role of agriculture and self-sufficiency within the EU.
• The de-ruralisation of the political voice in the UK and the growing divergence between political rhetoric and actual support for rural businesses is a challenge that needs to be addressed.
• Winners in the agri-food sector are those who can meet consumer needs, demonstrate sustainability, and invest in the future, while losers are those who fail to adapt to changing market demands and regulations. Trends in rural businesses include a focus on sustainability, diversification of business models, local consumption, digital transformation, and generational renewal.
• Infrastructure, both digital and physical, is crucial for the success of rural businesses.
• Sustainability encompasses both environmental and economic aspects and is essential for the resilience of rural businesses.
• Automation and improving working conditions are key considerations for the future of the rural workforce.
• Confidence levels in rural businesses are influenced by challenges but are also driven by the passion and innovation of young farmers.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Image credit: Femme Country Magazine

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Ben's website. 

Link to Auction Torque Podcast

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Virtual Office Gem (Gemma's website)

Gemma promotes at the end:

Jenny Bush ('The Equine Business Assistant')

Hannah ('Apex VA')

Today’s episode is mostly for farmers looking to diversify their businesses and thinking of how to finance these ventures.

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

2:03 Andrew comes in.

2:55 Andrew talks about himself and his business.

4:11 Today we are talking about farm diversification. Staying broad, what are some typical enquiries that Andrew gets from farmers?

6:09 Has there been a spike in interest in diversification from a finance point of view?

7:26 How have farmers historically viewed debt and has that shifted?

10:36 What are lenders looking for and considering?

13:59 How do lenders view established businesses and new businesses?

16:39 Taking an example farm and how they might diversify.

21:47 Message about RuralPod Media.

22:36 Financial planning and projections.

24:20 What time process does it take?

26:26  Attitudes to risk.

29:56 What does Andrew do to keep focussed?

32:30 How to get in touch with Andrew - ahs@ahsfinance.co.uk 

33:17 Ben rounds up.

Ben speaks to PR and social media expert Rhea Freeman about her new book. Rhea gives her top tips as to how best to promote your brand without breaking the bank. 

Buy the book here

Rhea's website here

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Katie Bateman is the founder and Director of the Equine Show 247 as well as Head of Community Engagement, Sales and Operations at Virtual Expo 247.  

Equine Show 247 website

1. Let go of past regrets.
2. Set goals.
3. Find a mentor.
4. Choose a form of exercise or a sport to focus on in 2023.
5. Make a morning routine. 

You can find out more about what Ben does by visiting benjamineagle.co.uk

Find out more about Pinstone here. 

1:03 Ben introduces today's show

2:20 Hannah comes in

2:45 Hannah talks about her background

4:50 Hannah introduces Pinstone

6:58 The Business Barn survey

7:40 Hannah explains what we mean by public relations

9:52 PR as 'the dark arts' - is that fair?

12:40 Keeping up to date and knowledgeable

14:45 Is rural PR any different?

22:12 Consistency

22:49 Pinstone's podcast - the agri-food comms cast

25:39 The media and how PR and the media interact

29:00 Hannah's tips for working in PR

30:20 What does Hannah do so she keeps focussed on her goals?

32:16 Innocent Drinks and Aldi

33:06 More info on Pinstone

33:40 Ben wraps up the episode.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

You can find out more about Joe's business at craftandscale.com

Image credit: Joe Morrison

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Website for the Rural Travel Guide

Megan's LinkedIn page

Megan mentions Hoe Grange Holidays and Hoppickers Rural Retreats as her shout outs. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

How are your motivation levels? Do you find yourself sometimes more motivated than at other times? This episode explores this and more. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk

This week's challenge

Think about your why. Why are you doing what you're doing? This should help you to keep motivated. 

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

1:47 It is normal to not be motivated all of the time. 

2:05 Definition of motivation: the desire to act in service of a goal. 

2:58 Motivation is about finding your why. 

3:24 Why is it important to think about motivation?

4:54 intrinsic v extrinsic motivation.

6:30 How to improve your motivation - make sure your goal aligns with your values. 

7:34 Learning new things.

7:45 Progress takes time. 

8:16 Remember your why.

8:25 Find an accountability partner.

8:48 Do the simple things well - eating, sleeping, resting, exercise. 

9:04 Round up 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

You can find out more about the Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Happy new year!

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can contact us over email at hello@ruralpodmedia.co.uk

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Ex-SAS military adviser Mick Hawkes and his daughter have launched a new business specialising in improving farm security and preventing rural crime. After 22 years working in corporate security following 24 years in the military, Mick Hawkes returned to rural Herefordshire and realised how much of an issue rural crime was. Rural theft across the UK cost an estimated £40.5m in 2021, according to NFU Mutual’s annual report, with thieves targeting fuel, livestock and machinery. And, the cost increased by over 40% in the first quarter of 2022. Mick offers advice on farm safety as well as personal safety training for farmers and farm workers. 

www.hawkesandco.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

We talk about community interest companies and the importance of food in this episode. Milly Fyfe is a digital marketing expert, blogger, podcaster, farmer’s wife, mum of 2, food producer and the founder of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC. She’s formerly worked for the Shorthorn Society and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution amongst others. All in all she has a passion for flying the flag for British agriculture. 

No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents website - No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents - Milly Fyfe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoFussMealsForBusyParents

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nofussmealsforbusyparents/

Hero video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/882150057

Podcast: https://feeds.captivate.fm/the-countryside-kitchen/

Crowdfunding link: https://gogetfunding.com/seedcorn-fund-to-assist-no-fuss-meals-for-busy-parents-cic/

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

You can find Hannah's website here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Becki Leach is a Senior Consultant at Kite Consulting and in charge of their 'people' team. 

Kite Consulting website - Kite Consulting - The UK’s leading dairy consultancy

01:04 Intro begins

02:54 Becki Leach enters and talks about Kite Consulting, her role in it and her experience when it comes to people management.

04:52 Ben and Becki discuss recruitment

08:14 How important is setting the right salary?

09:45 What are candidates looking for now?

13:29 How regularly should you be checking in with staff?

16:16 How important is listening?

19:25 What are the key mistakes that employers and managers make?

23:25 Working environment

26:11 Becki's book recommendations

28:49 Becki promotes Future Farmers of Yorkshire

Rural Living Show

Game Bird Feathers

Boo Cottage Botanicals

Incredible Brewing Company

Curworthy Cheese

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Pomodoro Technique website - The Pomodoro® Technique | Cirillo Consulting GmbH (francescocirillo.com)

You can find further information regarding making tax digital at Overview of Making Tax Digital - GOV.UK

For more on Ceandice's company visit Main Tax Co – A unique accountancy, tax and business advisory company.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Today is all about combining growth and strategy and getting ourselves into that mindset of thinking about where we’re going but putting that through a commercial lens. 

Veronica Still has vast amounts of experience in sales and commercial strategy across the media, events, technology and information services sectors. She has led large sales teams, managed budgets of over £15 million and has a broad skill set from negotiation to change management, advertising, sales, digital media and marketing. Apart from anything else she has a passion for success and driving things forwards and has given huge amounts of value to the teams that she has worked on and built. Currently at CH4B Vron has worked for many years in the agricultural world including nearly 10 years at Reed Business Information where she rose to the role of sales director for their agriculture portfolio, which included Farmers Weekly. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

This week's call to action

Create or update your strategic plan for growing your business using the tips that Vron gives. 

Contact Vron

CH4b - Central Hub For Business - The Business Success Community (ch4b.co.uk)

Find Vron on Linkedin - Veronica Still

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

2:37 Vron comes in. 

2:55 Vron explains her background in sales.

3:57 Is a commercial strategy any different to any other kind of strategy?

6:26 Why have a strategy in the first place?

7:42 Is a commercial strategy any different if you're a start up or a commercial business?

10:42 The GROW model. 

14:27 Roadmapping

15:37 Sponsor message from RuralPod Media

16:28 SWOT analysis.

18:44 How regularly to update your strategy?

21:10 People and teams - how best to manage your team with goals and strategy in mind? And finding the right people to undertake certain actions as well as training and coaching people.

24:20 Understanding your customers.

27:16 Funnels.

29:20 Approaching your customer with your funnel. 

30:39 Farmers - is it relevant to us? 

33:13 Getting in touch with Vron - CH4B 

34:19 Ben rounds up. 

Ben's website.

@ruralbusinessfocus

@ruralbf_pod

@benjy_eagle

https://www.simplecast.com/

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

You can find out more about Charles at Charles Rose 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Ben sets out how you can be more efficient and focused with achieving your goals through the 12 week year process.

Brian Moran and Michael Lennington 'The 12 week year: get more done in 12 weeks than others do in 12 months' 

You can contact us by emailing hello@ruralpodmedia.co.uk

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

In this episode of Rural Business Focus, Ben interviews James Alcock, CEO of Plunkett UK (formerly the Plunkett Foundation), a national charity that supports rural communities in the UK to set up and run community-owned businesses. They discuss the role of community-owned businesses in empowering rural communities, promoting local supply chains, boosting employment and training opportunities, and creating positive environmental impact. James shares his personal journey and the importance of leadership in the organization. He also provides advice for those looking to start a community-owned venture and discusses the future evolution of Plunkett UK.

Takeaways

• Community-owned businesses play a vital role in empowering rural communities, promoting local supply chains, boosting employment opportunities, and creating positive environmental impact.
• Leadership in community-owned businesses should be relatable, accessible, and uphold the values of the organization.
• Strategy and planning are essential for the growth and sustainability of community-owned businesses.
• To start a community-owned venture, it is important to seek advice from organizations like Plunkett UK and visit existing community-owned businesses for inspiration.
• Plunkett UK aims to continue growing the sector, working with a range of partners, and supporting the development of new communities.
• Individuals can get involved with Plunkett UK by becoming members, volunteering, or supporting the organization's initiatives.
• The personal why for James Alcock is the inspiration and energy he derives from working with communities and witnessing the positive impact of community-owned businesses.

Today Ben is joined by skier, four-time Winter Olympian for Great Britain, presenter of Ski Sunday and much more besides: Chemmy Alcott. With a career high ranking of 8th in the World, 7 times as British National Overall Champion and the only British female skier to ever win a run in a World Cup, Chemmy is widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest ever skiers.

East Sussex, where she was born, isn’t perhaps your typical start for a pro skiier but Chemmy began the sport from an early age and her talent was clear as a junior. At the age of 12 she became a member of the British Junior Alpine team and she spent every British summer between the ages of 11 and 19 out in New Zealand to train during their winter. As well as skiing Chemmy was a talented tennis player, but it was the winter sport that she chose to specialise in. She went on in her senior career to win numerous titles. 

Threaded throughout this journey of sporting prowess however has been a tale of injury and overcoming this adversity. She has broken 49 different bones, including her neck at the age of just 11 and her leg following a severe crash whilst training in Canada in 2010. That accident required over 1000 minutes of surgery. Again and again Chemmy picked herself up and battled through the adversity to reach success once again. Since retiring from competing on the world stage after The Sochi Olympics in 2014, she has immersed herself in the world of broadcasting and the media. Among other things she now presents for the BBC on Ski Sunday and commentates on the World Cup Ski Series for Eurosport. Furthermore, she competed in ITV’s Dancing on Ice in 2012, finishing 5th. She continues to push herself to tackle and achieve many new physical challenges and has completed the 100 mile road race in London for example and has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Her passion for encouraging girls confidence is immense and her ‘X-elle’ scheme aims to develop girls confidence through sport.

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

This week's call to action

To assess your own state of resilience as it is at the moment and remember an occasion when you overcame adversity. Be as present as you can. 

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

3:57 Chemmy comes in. 

4:39 What is resilience for Chemmy?

6:15 Skiing dominated Chemmy's life growing up - she explains more about how her childhood experiences prepared her for life. 

8:50 Chemmy wants to be a great downhill skier.

10:19 How did Chemmy grow up to know how to keep picking herself up, dusting herself down and moving forwards?

12:48 Chemmy didn't think that she could release her full potential.

15:25 Channelling fresh thinking - but continued breakage of bones.

16:20 The rest of the team believes in Chemmy.

18:20 Chemmy's accident in 2010 and why it had such an impact. 

22:10 Dancing on Ice.

23:45 It's ok to not win. 

24:00 Goal setting.

25:50 What changes can you make on a daily basis?

26:04 What drives Chemmy?

28:36 What about advice for someone who is going through change?

30:46 Chemmy's broadcasting career and BBC Ski Sunday.

32:50 Chemmy's retirement from skiing. 

34:50 What has Chemmy found most effective in encouraging others to perform at their best?

37:08 What does Chemmy do to keep focussed?

39:05 What does Chemmy have coming up this year in 2023?

40:27 Ben rounds up. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

How far along are you on your business’s journey towards achieving net zero? Have you already got there? Or is it something that you haven’t thought about. How are your energy costs looking and how sustainable is your energy source moving forwards? Have you already transitioned towards renewable sources, considered it or again, not even thought about it yet? That is what we discuss on this episode.

Ben Tansey and Neil Harrison are co-directors of ReHeat, based up in the north east of England. ReHeat was founded in 2011 to help businesses and communities transition towards renewables and indeed flourish without the environmental and financial costs of fossil fuels. From in house consultancy to project and engineering teams offering practical solutions for businesses Ben and Neil have built a very exciting rural business. Their client base is varied and includes businesses in various sectors from food and drink to local authorities, education, charities, hospitality, historic estates and rural communities. As well as discussing future energy challenges and solutions I want to hear a bit about Ben and Neil’s own business journey.

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk

This week's call to action

Put some time in your diary to consider your energy costs and sources and how you could adapt. 

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

2:38 Ben Tansey comes in. 

2:54 Ben Tansey talks about his background.

3:46 Neil Harrison talks about his background. 

5:22 How has ReHeat developed over time?

6:57 Neil discusses the local source of a fuel and the end use. 

8:10 Rural businesses are good at spending money locally.

9:05 What does 'sustainable, secure and affordable energy' mean to Ben and Neil?

10:50 The benefits of wood fuel.

11:40 If you are generating your own heat the cost will remain fairly constant.

13:48 Ben and Neil work with a wide variety of businesses - what is their take on how the rural sector is doing when it comes to the transition towards net zero?

16:54 What about the pace of change and the appetite for the uptake to change sources? 

19:30 The upcoming ban on new fossil fuel based heating systems.

21:50 Working in some amazing places.

22:08 The challenges of working in remote areas.

23:50 Which business sectors are further along the net zero path than others?

25:23 What is holding people back from making the transition?

29:50 Supply of biomass.

32:12 We need to be planting more. 

36:15 Recruitment and the wider business at ReHeat

40:50 Where is the business heading?

43:15 What do Ben and Neil do to keep focussed on their goals?

44:53 How do listeners get in touch - @reheatRT on twitter or visit www.reheat.uk.com 

45:58 Ben rounds up. 

Lucy Reeves, co-founder of Muddy Matches, shares her journey of starting a niche dating site for people in the countryside. She discusses the challenges of starting a dating site in the early 2000s and the stigma associated with online dating in rural areas. Lucy emphasizes the importance of persistence and the need to manage expectations in a niche market. She also talks about the evolution of Muddy Matches, from being a community platform to focusing solely on dating. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by niche dating sites and the importance of staying true to their niche. Muddy Matches is a unique online dating platform for people who love the outdoors and rural lifestyle. The founders, Lucy Reeves and Emma Royall, started the business in 2006 and have since created thousands of success stories, including long-term relationships, marriages, and even babies. The success of Muddy Matches is attributed to its focus on a specific niche and its commitment to providing a high-quality service. The business has grown organically through word of mouth and has recently launched a mobile app to reach a younger audience. The future plans for Muddy Matches include further development of the app and potential expansion into overseas markets.

Takeaways

• Starting a niche dating site in the early 2000s came with challenges and stigma, especially in rural areas.
• Persistence is key in the early years of a startup, and it remains important even as the business matures.
• Managing expectations is crucial in a niche market, where quality and quantity may be limited.
• The evolution of Muddy Matches involved focusing on dating and letting go of other community features.
• Niche dating sites face unique challenges and must stay true to their niche to differentiate themselves. Focus on a specific niche and provide a high-quality service to stand out in a crowded market.
• Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and happy customers are the best form of advertising.
• Be prepared for unexpected challenges and adapt your strategy accordingly.
• Maintain a strong connection with your target audience and listen to their feedback to continuously improve your business.
• Stick to what you know and do it well, rather than getting distracted by other potential ventures.

Image credit: Lucy Reeves, Muddy Matches. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/

Matt's LinkedIn Page

Lucy's website - Lucy Williamson Nutrition- Nutritionist based in Greater London (lwnutrition.co.uk)

You can follow Lucy on Instagram here

Or on twitter here.

Or facebook here. 

Today we're talking about staying well this winter. Lucy Williamson is a registered nutritionist and former vet based in Hertfordshire. Lucy was named as Freelance Nutritionist of the Year 2020 by the Caroline Walker Trust, and she has previously been a visiting lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Hertfordshire, an Ambassador for The Real Food Campaign and Love British Food.

Lucy's website - Lucy Williamson Nutrition- Nutritionist based in Greater London (lwnutrition.co.uk)

Lucy's gut health course - The Gut Health Course - LWNutrition

Episode on Diary of a CEO podcast on fasting - The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett: E256: The Miracle Doctor: EVERYONE should start Fasting right now! (NEW SCIENCE) Dr. Mindy Pelz on Apple Podcasts

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

You can find out more about the Countrywoman's Guide here.

Listen to the fascinating story of PastureTec in this week's episode.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

How to Succeed at Networking 

Today on the podcast Ben is joined by Milly Fyfe to discuss networking and some tips for how you can become a better networker. 

Milly Fyfe is a digital marketing and social media consultant and food and farming ambassador based in Northamptonshire. She writes the No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents blog and hosts the Countryside Kitchen Meets Podcast. You can buy her e-cookery book 'No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents' here.

You can find all of Milly's links, including her website on her linktree here.

You can follow Rural Business Focus on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk

Timestamps for today's episode

1:03 Ben introduction to networking

2:15 Milly comes in.

2:48 Does Milly enjoy networking?

4:05 What do you want to achieve from networking?

5:40 There are lots of organisations that have opportunities to network - what are some of them?

8:52 Ben explains how there is the temptation to be everywhere and do everything, so how to prioritise? 

11:57 Ben and Milly discuss tips for successful networking. Never dismiss anyone in a room. Every conversation could be useful. 

13:40 Milly goes to Coventry

16:34 Tips for before, during and after the networking event. 

16:55 What to wear to the networking event?

19:10 What questions to ask at networking events?

21:29 Where to stand?

24:40 After the event - what to do?

28:30 Networking on social media - facebook, instagram, twitter

31:29 LinkedIn

34:39 What does Milly do to keep focussed on her goals?

36:11 Milly's shout out's for the week.

37:14 How to follow Milly

38:12 Ben rounds up.

Shout outs this week to: Young Farmers; Ladies in Beef; Ladies in Pigs; Daventry Farmers Discussion Group

Jez Fredenburgh has written for BBC Future, National Geographic, Farmers Guardian and Farmers Weekly, among others. She was Deputy Business Editor at Farmers Weekly for 2 years and she recently produced and hosted the main interview on Farmers Guardian’s weekly podcast, Over the Farm Gate. 

You can find here jez-fredenburgh.com

Anna Jones has worked as a journalist and programme maker across a range of different media, including 15 years at the BBC, working on shows such as Countryfile, Farming Today and Costing the Earth. She has also produced documentaries for the BBC World Service and written articles and opinion pieces for a range of publications including The Guardian, Farmers Guardian, Farmers Weekly, Pig World and Farm Business. In 2018 she founded Just Farmers, which is a communications project for British agriculture, working to build confidence among farmers and growers about talking to the media, while also helping journalists and programme makers to find independent authentic voices at the grassroots of farming. 

Anna's book, Divide: The Relationship Crisis Between Town and Country is available is all good book shops or on amazon. 

You can find her at jonesthejourno.com

Anna's shout out was for Parc Carreg . 

Timestamps

01:04 Ben introduces the show.

03:11 Anna and Jez come in. 

03:30 Anna and Jez give more information about themselves ' 'why journalism?'

03:45 Anna knew what she wanted to do from the age of 12. 

06:16 Jez answers the question 'why journalism'? for her. 

10:30 A story that Anna is proud of - series produced and presented for the BBC World Service in 2018/2019. 

11:49 A story that Jez is proud of - a story on coffee in Colombia.

13:55 Understanding context.

15:00 Challenging as well as helping your interviewee feel comfortable. 

15:24 Anna discusses her Nuffield and how agriculture is covered in the mainstream media. 

16:32 Just Farmers

18:00 Jez uses Just Farmers.

19:40 The challenges that journalists are under. 

22:08 The pressures as a programme maker. 

25:10 How do you decide what makes a good story? 

28:10 The challenge of covering the same stories each year and every year, using examples from Countryfile. 

30:10 Jez discusses explainers and guides and how tos, especially in the trade press. 

31:30 How can listeners prepare themselves for when a journalist approaches them?

32:29 Would man on bus find this interesting?

33:20 The media does not have an agenda. The media does a lot of good. 

35:22 Jez explains how the media is essential. Tips for dealing with journalists. 

37:17 Jez explains how she remains focussed on her goals. 

39:08 Anna claims that she 'just bumbles along'. 

42:00 Jez and Anna's promotions. 

Wim Hof Method

The Power Hour Podcast

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

One of the challenges we face as rural businesses is how to connect with each other when we’re so geographically far apart. Herefordshire Rural Hub was founded in September 2004 to support economic, social and environmental improvements in the farming and rural business community in Herefordshire. From events and workshops to 1:1 business advice the hub works to ensure that local delivery and support is joined up. Today we hear more about the Hub’s work.

Ben is joined by Kate Speke-Adams who is Managing Director of Herefordshire Rural Hub. Kate was a voluntary Director of the Hub since 2018, and in January 2023 she was appointed as MD to lead on the development of the Hub, made possible by the Prince’s Countryside Fund Farm Support Group initiative.

Follow Herefordshire Rural Hub here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

To discover more about Change in Nature visit their website here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

A solo episode with Ben on happiness in life and work and why checking in on what we are grateful for is important. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

This week's call to action

Write down 3 things that you are grateful for in life. 

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

1:47 Checking in with yourself. 

3:00 Continue to push yourself. 

3:18 The problem with goals. 

4:31 RuralPod Media message.

5:23 How to improve our daily wellbeing. 

5:39 Be kind.

5:52 Practising gratitude. 

6:48 Happiness is a choice. 

7:23 Conclusions.

8:13 Today's call to action. 

1:03 Intro from Ben

2:20 Milly introduction

2:52 Milly discusses her own brand

4:38 Remaining consistent

6:53 Trademarking

9:37 What is a brand?

13:50 How to benchmark your brand?

15:48 Rebranding

17:05 Logos

18:56 Recognisable brands

21:31 Building a Brand on a Budget

24:47 Gifs

27:34 Grants

28:45 Good countryside brands

31:00 Round up

Milly's website - Milly Fyfe Marketing and PR Services - Food and Farming

Milly's LinkTree - MillyFyfe | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

Milly's blog post on why she decided to trademark her name and an explanation of the process that she went through.

Mentioned:

Muddy Matches - Online dating site for the countryside in the UK and Ireland

Farm Safety Foundation / Yellow Wellies - YellowWellies.org

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Rachel Eunson is the founder of the UK’s first garden wear brand designed exclusively for women. - Feverfew Garden Company. 

We learn many lessons in the episode including the power of community, giving away free products and making your idea reality. 

Image credit: Rachel Eunson

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Check out pitch up at Pitch Up! Annual call-out to join our growing circular communities.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Ben chats to Amanda Marshall, the founder of Devon based outdoor clothing business 3 Donkeys. 

You can find 3 Donkeys on their website here. 

Insta and facebook @3donkeysclothing ; 

twitter @3donkeysltd

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

2:02 Amanda comes in

2:14 The 'why' of 3 donkeys and how Amanda spotted a gap in the market.

4:48 Was Amanda surprised when she realised there wasn't anything else out there to fit the need...

6:40 After the prototype.

7:28 What's in the name - Amanda's three donkeys/

9:20 Some things happen without planning - spotting new opportunities. 

10:44 Amanda's advice to new entrepreneurs

12:30 Go for it!

13:00 You have to have resilience.

13:22 RuralPod Media message.

14:12 The exciting and positive side of running a business for Amanda.

16:07 Starting  a business during Covid.

17:35 All 3 donkeys' coveralls are made in the UK

18:27 As a rural business are there any particular challenges or opportunities by being a rural business?

20:44 The size of the market.

22:12 What drives Amanda?

23:30 Inspiring stories.

23:48 Five years time. 

25:00 What does Amanda do so she keeps focussed on her goals?

26:18 www.threedonkeys.co.uk ; all social media platforms @3donkeysclothing ; twitter @3donkeysltd

27:12 Ben rounds up

Today we’re focusing on your numbers and keeping on top of everything – namely your book keeping. Now if you do your book keeping yourself you’ll know how much time it takes up and how keeping on top of it all can sometimes be a challenge when you’re trying to do everything else. 

Ben's guest today is Mary Faber, who works with rural entrepreneurs of all kinds to help prevent that sense of overwhelm and take them from overwhelm to awareness. She does this through a virtual book keeping service and training. 

Mary is based 90 minutes outside of Chicago in the US. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Peter and Emma's website

Byre's Farm

Joanna at Farm Ness on Instagram 

Long Island Retreats

Macbeths farm

Growbiz Scotland

Ben is joined today by Aly Robins who is a business coach and marketing consultant from Montana in the US. Aly also runs a website design agency called Snowy Mountain Marketing. More than anything Aly is completely passionate about agriculture and rural business and has a drive to help rural businesses flourish and people to be their very best. You can also find her over on the Agriculture and Rural Business Podcast .Today, we’ll be talking about getting an idea off the ground but also hear more about Aly’s business journey and some of her events and projects including Rural Reimagined. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

This week's call to action

How can you 'think bigger' in your business? 

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

2:54 Aly comes in. 

3:22 Aly talks about her background.

4:42 Aly's first business.

6:30 Hiring a business coach.

7:07 Business is about problem solving.

11:10 Change your beliefs and change your life; change your mindset and you will change your life. 

12:37 Rural stereotypes and how rural people see themselves.

15:00 Society has skewed the way we think and our beliefs and created a system that doesn't allow you to build wealth.

17:00 People who have an idea for a business but don't act on it.

19:25 Take a small action each day - what is the first step to take to make an idea reality? 

20:10 Mindset

24:00 When something is questioned that is huge.

27:00 Is there anything unique about rural?

29:00 What main piece of advice would Aly give to someone trying to get their idea off the ground?

29:34 What is your business offer and how can you make your first sale?

30:50 Rural Reimagined

33:14 Aly's podcast

37:00 Where is Aly heading?

38:49 What does Aly do to keep focussed on her goals?

43:00 Ben wraps up the episode. 

43:40 Today's action: think big.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Includes a brief introduction to most social media platforms as well as tips on what to do and what not to do. 

Just Farmers (click here)

Emily is on twitter and instagram @emilyempower

Emily's LinkedIn page (click here)

Emily's website (click here)

Jiggle Jiggle (!)

You can find Jo on LinkedIn here or on Instagram here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

You can find out more information about Perennial CFO here.

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. RuralPod Media or Perennial CFO accept no responsibility for using any of the information contained in this podcast. 

Joey's handles:

Twitter - @JoeydeWit_

Email -  joey@perennialcfo.com 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

2:40 Joey comes in and talks about his family farming background and his interest in numbers.

5:10 Joey's background in banking.

6:30 Joey recognises the opportunity for the new business.

7:07  Why work with an advisor?

8:23 What is a fractional CFO? What services does Joey provide?

10:30 Joey's system of 6 steps  - baseline requirement starting with a financial health check. 

12:45 Cashflow.

14:52 Costs and keeping  a handle on them.

15:40 Book keeping as a bottle neck for the business.

18:00 Chart of account. 

20:10 Reconciliation of accounts.

22:40 Message about RuralPod Media.

23:31 Using and understanding your numbers and the benefits of this.

26:46 Going beyond a basic cashflow forecast.

28:40 KPIs

31:00 Keeping accountability

32:14 Forecasting and how far ahead is it useful to forecast?

36:03 How do banks look at a business? 

36:36 The 5 C's of Credit

41:16 The Amazon Business Fly Wheel (Joey's interpretation)

46:00 Joey's handles - twitter @JoeydeWit_; Linkedin ; joey@perennialcfo.com 

46:56 Ben rounds up the show. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Aly Robins is CEO at Snowy Mountain Marketing in Montana, USA.

The Ultimate Website Checklist download: https://snowymountainmarketing.ac-page.com/theultimatewebsitechecklist

The Ultimate Website Course for Your Business: https://snowymountainmarketing.com/the-ultimate-website-course/

Snowy Mountain Marketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snowymountainmarketing/

Aly Robins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyrobins1/

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Milly's website

Milly's podcast (on Apple Podcasts)

Milly's blog (No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents)

You can follow Bizza on Instagram @adventuresofashepherdess

You can find out more about Eileen by visiting her website or find her on instagram @coachingwitheileen

Find out more about the retreat here.

01:04 Intro from Ben

01:38 Bizza introduces herself

02:44 Bizza explains how she came to go on a mindset retreat

05:20 Bizza explains what the retreat involved

06:03 Bizza looks at an obstacle or challenge that she has experienced in the past.

07:55 Overthinking

09:45 Procrastination and overuse of social media

11:23 What gets in your way of your goal?

14:52 Risks to take in 2023

15:41 Mood board

16:29 Who was there?

18:05 Values and opinions of others will differ from yours

You can follow Rebecca on instagram @myoutdoorsadventures ; @vampireoutdoors

Rebecca also gives a plug for the campaign group that she co-founded - EveryBody Outdoors (@everybodyoutdoors)

To find out more about Ben visit benjamineagle.co.uk

Ben speak to Ray Jenkins from RJ Trees and Hedging in Herefordshire. 

Re the Open Farm Sunday shout Out click here to find out more about the breakfast meetings. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

2:31 Ray comes in.

2:54 What is Ray's business? 

3:55 High demand which is driven by British grown and grant funding. 

4:20 Ben asks Ray to talk about his career before.

5:10 How did Ray get into growing in the first place?

6:15 Why did Ray decide to start his own business?

8:06 What advice would Ray give to somebody who is considering taking the leap to start their own business?

9:15 Shout out for Open Farm Sunday. 

10:25 What is the why for Ray? What are his goals?

11:28 A typical week for Ray and the importance of planning and thinking ahead.

13:11 The challenge of inflation and cost of inputs.

14:13 Other challenges, including the weather.

14:55 Opportunities.

16:05 Managing people.

17:02 The nuts and bolts of the startup phase - what were the challenges at the startup?

18:43 Where would Ray like the business to be in 5 years time?

19:14 How does Ray stay focussed on his goals? 

20:08 LinkedIn

21:14 Ben rounds up

21:25 Finish.

Link to the Women in Food and Agriculture Mentoring programme - deadline 14th July .

Link to Henry Plumb Foundation. 

Contain's Milly's 'big reveal' - listen on for an exclusive update about where Milly is going next...

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

2:53 Milly comes in. 

3:26 Clare comes in. 

3:46 Milly introduces herself. 

4:21 Clare introduces herself. 

5:36 The Women in Food and Agriculture Mentorship Programme.

6:39 How did Milly get involved with it?

8:00 Milly and Clare's first meeting.

9:40 How does Clare and Milly's mentoring relationship work?

10:58 Monthly meets.

11:26 Clare introduced Milly to another business owner in Ireland. 

13:09 The benefits of mentoring for Milly.

14:53 The benefits for Clare as a mentor. 

16:00 Rural Pod Media promo message.

16:52 What is the right time to take on a mentor?

19:20 Setting expectations.

22:00 Mentoring can be in all areas of life or business.

22:10 Milly's 'big reveal'

27:08 Focus on the listeners - what advice would Milly and Clare give to someone looking at mentoring?

30:05 What do Milly and Clare do so they are focussed on their goals? 

32:42 Shout outs - Milly is on @millyfyfe (all the platforms); CIC is No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents. Alltech is @alltech. Clare is on LinkedIn.

34:45 Ben rounds up the episode. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Today we’re talking about B Corporation Movement. B Corp certified companies are businesses verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. B Corps commit to positively impact all stakeholders that they are involved with – from their workers, to communities, customers, and the planet. There are now over 6800 B Corps around the world across 161 industries and 89 countries. 1300 of these B Corps are in the UK. Today Ben is meeting the Managing Director of a newly certified B Corp. Duncan Murray-Clarke is MD of The Ad Plain – an agency with several wings to its bow – from content creation to publishing, social media, branding, design and media planning. TAP, as The Ad Plain is known, has bases in the UK and in Spain and its specialism is agriculture. 

Find out more about TAP here - The Ad Plain - Content Specialist Agency

and BCorp here - What is a B Corp? - B Lab UK (bcorporation.uk)

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Today is about reviewing the overall picture for rural businesses in 2024. Ben is joined by financial broker Andrew Hepworth Smith, owner of AHS Finance. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

From the 14th to the 16th November hundreds of people will be gathering in Exeter for the Nuffield Conference and dozens of Nuffield scholars will be presenting their findings from their global travels. If you haven’t heard of Nuffield I suggest you go and visit the website which is nuffieldscholar.org but in short Nuffield, or ‘The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust’ as it is formally called is a charity organisation whose aim is to bring positive change to agriculture through the development of its future leaders, sending them overseas to learn from others and helping them share their ideas when they return home. Since 1947, Nuffield has awarded Scholarships to over 1,000 members of the food, farming, horticulture and rural industries to study a topic that they are passionate about.

Today Ben is joined by two scholars from the 2022 cohort who will be presenting in a couple of weeks time and we talk about their findings and where they go from here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

01:05 Ben starts the episode

02:12 Tony introduces himself

03:17 Tony's approach to understanding how people work

05:19 What are the benefits of getting out into the outdoors?

06:23 Stress - a good or bad thing?

08:10 You've got too much on to do exercise...think again

09:00 Even if you have a physical job - shouldn't you still be exercising?

16:20 How to start?

19:05 Stage it and don't try to do everything at once

23:51 How to find a good PT that works for you?

27:00 Should you have a fitness element in your morning routine?

31:22 Book recommendations from Tony . Ross Edgley 'The World's Fittest Book';  David Goggins 'Can't Hurt Me'.

35:44 Tony sums up

Get your free copy of '101 things you need to know about PR' - click here.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

For the Rural Planning Co visit their website here. 

Have you ever experienced burnout? Have you had work related stress? It's really important we look out for it in ourselves and other people and take steps to prevent it. This is what we discuss in today's episode. 

References

Episode 19 with Tony Ilett on physical and mental fitness

Episode 21 with Lucy Williamson on nutrition

Article in the Journal of Rural Studies on farmer burnout

The Warning Signs of Unhealthy Stress (in Farmstrong)

About burnout on Farmstrong

Business Health Institute piece with stats on burnout. 

Mental Health UK page on burnout

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk

This week's challenge

Think about whether you are experiencing work related stress and what action you could begin to take to prevent it. 

Timestamps for today's episode

1:04 Ben introduces the show.

2:37 What is burnout?

3:04 Common signs of burnout.

4:08 Awareness of burnout is building.

4:25 Statistics to do with burnout. 

5:50 Burnout in farming.

7:54 You may not recognise that you are burnt out.

8:36 Signs of unhealthy stress.

9:31 The twelve stages of burnout.

13:24 How to prevent burnout?

15:45 Talk about your feelings and check in with others.

17:09 Take breaks.

19:06 Have a good community around you.

21:30 Roundup of the show and call to action. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

In this episode of FarmGate podcast, host ffinlo Costain talks to Graham Harvey, former scriptwriter and farming story editor for the long-running BBC Radio drama, The Archers - And Ben Eagle who runs RuralPod Media and hosts two farming podcasts: Rural Business Focus and Meet The Farmers.

They talk about the public perception of farming, the stories the industry chooses to tell, and how storytelling helps to shape the political, scientific and practical choices of farmers and policymakers.

They also talk about The Archers and the role that it's played in shaping the public and political perception of farming issues.

Graham's book, Underneath the Archers can be found at Waterstones and on Amazon [https://www.waterstones.com/book/underneath-the-archers/graham-harvey/9781800182653]
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Underneath-Archers-Undercover-Britains-longest-running/dp/1800182651]

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Business Finance Brokers website - Home - Business Finance Brokers Ltd

01:04 Ben starts the show

02:37 Georgina introduces herself and her background

04:36 Georgina talks about Business Finance Brokers

05:46 Commons reasons for sourcing finance

07:52 A look at interest rates historically

10:04 What are the options for taking out finance?

12:35 Georgina explains the process of taking out a finance agreement

Get a pen and notepad ready to list out some of these events for your 2023 diary.