"5 Things I Know Now" A Dorset Growth Hub Podcast (Dorset Growth Hub)

Regardless of your industry, small businesses are all forced to become social media experts to some extent, so how do you beat the algorithm and gain a following?

James Wythe’s blog, Healthy Living James, is a great example of how to put your story and personality front and centre, even if it means leaping well beyond your comfort zone!

Find out James’ 5 Things He Knows Now on the latest episode of The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast, recorded live at January’s wonderful We Are F_ND event, where we hear how to gradually push yourself, build a following, and create content that you can keep up for the long term.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• How to expand your comfort zone and become a more confident presence on social media
• Which content is likely to help grow your business’ following
• Capitalising on emerging platforms & technologies, and directing followers to your own services

Dorset Growth Hub:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dorset-growth-hub/
https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

James Wythe:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wythe/
https://www.instagram.com/healthylivingjames/
https://healthylivingjames.co.uk/

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

Business ownership is no easy task, so saving your energy to tackle what really matters is absolutely vital for The Happy Blossoms Co-Founder, Lauren Hooper.

We’ve another wonderful episode of the 5 Things I Know Now recorded at We Are F_ND in February, where Lauren shares why finances - boring as they might be - are essential to get right, how to handle copycats, and how she’s grown in confidence & overcome self-doubt.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Preserving your energy for the most fulfilling parts of your business
• Coping with copycats and using it to catalyse your own progress
• The huge impact of choosing the right social media channels
• Strategies for achieving your goals quicker

Welcome back to Coffee & Catchup! September marks the grand return of the hugely popular live online events hosted by Dorset Growth Hub’s Nick Gregory, answering questions and offering advice to hundreds of local businesses.

With an economic downturn on the horizon and energy prices at the centre of conversation, it’s high time to offer support to businesses needing assistance with the trying times ahead.

We bring together Low Carbon Dorset’s Heather Kiel, Barclays’ Danny Jones and Dorset Business Mentors’ Charles King to discuss the rising inflation, what we can learn from previous recessions, and what support is available for businesses’ energy costs.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Implications of the recent ‘Mini-Budget’ on inflation
• Looking at prior recessions to help overcome the next one
• Energy price assistance available up until April 2023
• Details of resources for business support

The past month has proven to be most uncertain, but if you owned a business at the start of the pandemic and it’s still running, then you have the tools to tackle the bumpy road ahead.

From staying on top of accounts to keeping your staff front of mind and showing them that you care, the latest episode of The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast shines a light on the abundance of resources at your disposal that you need to take advantage of!

Recorded at the latest Coffee & Catchup online event in October, Nick Gregory is joined by a wonderful panel consisting of Debbie Greenwood, Elizabeth McCormick, Andy Headington and Steve Bulley.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• What we can do day-to-day that helps businesses and staff with current challenges
• Strategies to tackle the uncertainty ahead
• What a business mentor can offer you
• An array of tools and advice available to business owners

The only certainty in 2023 is some degree of uncertainty, so as we wrap up the year it’s a vital time to protect the health of both your business, and yourself.

Whether you’re looking for sources of funding to keep up the cash flow, or mental wellbeing support to manage the challenges ahead, we ran through some essential resources on the latest Coffee & Catchup event!

The wonderful Marie-Clare Gale from Dorset Mind shares a wealth of information on access to mental health services, and we also dive into the energy price guarantee and what the Autumn Statement means for you.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• What the Autumn Statement really means for businesses
• Energy price guarantees & other financial reliefs
• How to stay on top of mental wellbeing through upcoming uncertainty
• Why cash flow is a key issue to stay on top of this Winter
• Invaluable sources of advice and support available
• Where to seek information on upcoming grants

Much of the media may be awash with dour predictions for the economy, but as business owners there’s plenty to do, and new initiatives to be excited about in the BCP area.

At last month’s Coffee & Catchup, we were joined by the Co-Founder of Foundry, Adam Walker, and Managing Director of digital marketing agency Uprated, John Darch.

We hear how Foundry is bringing a fantastic new curated co-working space to spruce up the Dolphin Centre, and John’s insightful tips to pick the right marketing channels at a time where they all matter most.

In this episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast:

• The latest on movements in the energy price market
• Adam Walker shares news on Foundry’s new development in the Dolphin Centre, and its hopes to elevate the local area
• Tips on effective marketing channels for your business from Uprated’s John Darch
• The future of the Dorset Growth Hub

The money available for businesses now might not have decreased materially, but the hurdles to securing that funding are certainly larger than they once were.

Looking in the right place is key to finding finance for your business at such a time of need, and British Business Bank’s Ed Tellwright joins us on The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast to help you increase those chances.

We’re also joined on this special live episode by Street Agency’s Founder, Katie Street, who offers some cutting insights on how to strategize your content, boost your marketing and even find growth overseas.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Various avenues of financial support for SMEs
• British Business Bank’s potential to enable new sources of funding for your business
• How to find new customers and expand abroad, with content strategies to enable that growth
• What you need to know to be ‘investor-ready’, whether it’s grants, equity investments or bank loans

With the recent budget, finance and investment are top of mind for businesses traversing the challenges of 2023.

Whether you’re looking for a loan away from the high street banks, or a new way to create business connections, we’ve got you covered - SWIG Finance’s Steve Mayell and Podcast Labs’ Kelly Butler are this week’s guests on The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast.

Tune into this week’s episode, recorded at our live business breakfast in March, to hear how podcasts are an evolving medium in which to network and build brands, and what a CDFI can do to provide new avenues for funding.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Impacts of the recent budget on SMEs
• What a CDFI is and how they support financing small businesses
• Utilising the podcasting platform to reach new audiences and build bonds within your network

Funding, staff and marketing: a holy trinity which covers most top-of-mind issues for businesses right now, all of which are better tackled together.

As we convene for another wonderful Coffee & Catchup event, this week Jacqui Rock shares Poole BID’s new schemes and how the local area is evolving for SMEs.

Elsewhere in the episode, Steve Mayell covers the opportunities that SWIG Finance can offer, and we chat with ‘TikTok Queen’ Michelle Haslam about how to take on a platform which is daunting to many, but powerful to all.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Three key business issues right now, and how to get on top of them
• Poole BID’s new initiatives and how the BCP area is evolving for businesses
• How to break into the TikTok space to find your audience
• SWIG Finance’s alternative route for those struggling with obtaining funding

Moving forwards and having the right people on your team are two elements of every business’ dream, and between Maggie Lawrie & Toni Taylor, we have two of the most comprehensive answers.

Being an Executive Coach with MLA International places Maggie perfectly to share strategies to go above and beyond your business goals, and Tru Talent Founder, Toni, is finely tuned into the talent market.

Join us on The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast as we break down the answers to two of every entrepreneur’s most pressing questions, in an episode recorded at our latest Coffee & Catch Up event!

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Riding out recent movements in the market with inflation
• A fun and innovative way to motivate yourself with stretch goals
• How to inject passion and energy into your business plans
• Generational shifts and values in the workforce
• Why retainment is about asking the right questions of your team

Funding and friends are invaluable assets to any small business, and in this episode of The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast, we’re focusing on boosting finances and building a community.

Recorded at our Coffee & Catch Up event in July, Steve Bulley hosts BCP Council’s Charles Fynn, Mercia Asset Management’s Max Slinger and FOUNDRY’s Ema Armstrong.

The panel takes us through a new fund open to businesses in the BCP area, how best to seek venture capital funding, and how the Dolphin Centre’s new coworking space is catalysing collaboration.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and how to apply for some of BCP Council’s allocation of the fund
• Maximising your chances when seeking financial backing from venture capital
• FOUNDRY’s stellar opening in Poole’s Dolphin Centre and the community being built around it

With an ever-changing economic landscape, any support for small businesses is absolutely vital, a huge focus for this latest Coffee & Catchup episode of The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast.

Nick Gregory guides us through the latest in finance, funding and mentorship with Dorset Business Mentors’ Alistair Bayliss sharing more on the process, and Steve Mayell sharing some grant and loan opportunities for SMEs in the local area.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• How mentors can help small businesses, particularly at an early stage
• Low Carbon Dorset’s pot for funding green and energy saving projects
• Recent economic developments to stay aware of as SMEs
• A raft of resources from Dorset Business Mentors and SWIG Finance

The art of marketing in the wine industry is a challenge when bottles look so similar, which makes this Coffee & Catchup’s lineup ideal for anyone looking to stand out.

Fran Bridgewater FCIM and Garry James, CMO of FOUNDRY, both join us to share in the latest from Fran’s new brand Volcanic Wines, the latest developments with Poole’s FOUNDRY and Podcast Labs, and even share a few tipple tips ahead of the Christmas period…

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• FOUNDRY and Podcast Labs’ latest collaborations at FOUNDRY Poole and beyond
• Fran’s latest venture with Volcanic Wines, and how they’re crafting their latest selections
• How vital it is to nail marketing in an industry with lookalike products
• Tips for wine connoisseurs to enjoy wine at its very best

Anna Frizzell is part of the Sustainability Team at the Dorset-based RNLI - the largest UK charity that saves lives at sea through lifeboat search and rescue, lifeguards, water safety education and flood rescue. Anna spends her times analysing at all areas that the charity can improve their impact on the earth including the materials that the lifeboats are made with, the fuel they use to be powered and even the materials of the volunteers uniform and protective equipment.

With a background working with small and medium sized businesses to analyse where they can make improvements within their day-to-day operations, Anna provides her top tips for making sustainable changes.

This episode was recorded as part of the BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-frizzell-41a6bb24/
Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

John Featherby is the owner of Shoremount, a Founding UK B Corp, a certification for meeting the highest standards of social and environmental impact and honoree in B Corp “Best For The World” list. They help companies explore and improve their impact across workers, community, environment and customers, improving performance and lowering risk.

He is also Senior Advisor to Blueprint for Better Business for large corporates and institutions. He sits on the Investment Committee for Resonance’s multi-award winning impact funds. He contributes to the Land Stewardship & Faith working group. He’s Contributing Editor of The Guide to C21st Organisations and is pioneering Teylus: a model for workplace community

As a B Leader, John provides advice on “Being More B Corp” and the organisational benefits from being so... #BTheChange!

This episode was recorded as part of the BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find John here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfeatherby/
Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

Nikki Webb is the founder of ETHICLY - a Dorset-based digital agency on a mission to make a difference. They work with like-minded brands who are changing the status quo, businesses who care about how they create things and who source materials sustainably and neutralising carbon as they go.

Nikki will discusses consumer’s appetites to live more sustainably post the pandemic and what help they want from brands and businesses to achieve just that.

This episode was recorded as part of the BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Nikki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-webb/
Learn about Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

Sukanya is passionate about the importance of the entrepreneurial journey, practice and its place in our wider society and is a strong believer in the power of enterprise in bringing about positive change.

Sukanya is one of the Founders of BU Social Entrepreneurs Forum (Launched in June 2019), in association with Poole Bay Rotary Club and the Association of Sustainability Practitioners (ASP), a collaborative space for knowledge exchange between academia and the business community to support the development of socially focused businesses in the region. The Forum BUSEF provides free skills-based support services to the aspiring and existing social enterprises in the region and offers networking and career opportunities for our students and members of the community.

This episode was recorded as part of the BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Sukanya here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukanya-ayatakshi-sfhea-fcmi-a173111b/
Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

Ro Hulston has a passion for driving the agenda for diversity and inclusion within the procurement & supply chain industry. In her role as Head of Procurement at ITV she believes we should all have a commitment to educating ourselves and others about diversity building it within the teams we create around us as business leaders.

Ro discusses changes being made within ITV to improve diversity and inclusion, as well as providing tips for businesses to do the same within their organisations.

This episode was recorded as part of BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Ro here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ro-h-1473a71a/
Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

As Head of Operations at the award-winning app development company and digital tech agency, 3 Sided Cube, Jen Swain has a passion for making the agency an inspiring place to work so that their people are always at their best.

She uses her skills in people and process to deliver outstanding work with their team, solving some of the world’s biggest challenges and using tech for good whilst nurturing long-term client relationships.

Jen will be shares her key strategies for motivating teams and developing agency culture, and how she’s navigated this during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This episode was recorded as part of BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Jen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-swain-3b49a190/
Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

As CEO & Founder of Mahogany Inclusion Partners, Aggie partners with organisations on their inclusion journey, giving them the tools to create inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive.

While most organisations recognise the moral and commercial business case for inclusion, the journey towards a diverse and inclusive culture is one that many leaders find challenging. Aggie delivers inclusion across the whole business and is a specialist on race, anti-racism and engaging black talent.

Aggie provides guidance on embedding inclusion through culture and values within your organisation.

This episode was recorded as part of BEYOND2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Aggie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aggie-mutuma-fcipd-6a120ba/
Connect with Dorset Growth Hub here: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

Founder of new business agency, Street, Katie Street helps agencies get noticed and win work with the brands that need them. She specialises in helping drive more new business faster, by cutting through the noise, and providing frameworks for your team to set you up for future success.

She's been named by The Drum, Brand Republic and BIMA as one of the most influential leaders in new business and marketing today. Over the past 20 years she's worked within teams both client and agency side from Pernod Ricard, leading strategies for brands including Malibu and Havana Club, to start up brands and on the agency side she has worked for Global Networks like Omnicom & Kin & Carta as well as smaller boutique agencies.

Katie provides her top tips for winning new business and how pitching and marketing has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This episode was recorded as part of the BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestreet/

Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

Managing Director and Founder at Liz Lean PR, President & Chair of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Non-Executive Director at the British Chambers of Commerce, Liz Willingham has a wealth of experience in helping Dorset Business’ thrive.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Liz reacted quickly due to her experience with the 2008 financial crisis, to help her clients adapt, pivot and ensure their communications with their own customers were front and centre throughout.

In this episode, Liz provides guidance and advice on your communication strategy to win new business and managing your external reputation through a crisis.

This episode was recorded as part of the BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/

Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

Adam Perry heads up National Business Development at Wessanen, multinational food company with a focus on organic with brands including Clipper Teas, Kallo Foods, Whole Earth and Mrs Crimble’s.

Adam is responsible for circa 70 wholesalers across the UK and managing the Foodbuy and the Compass Group, Elior, National Trust, Gate Retail for EasyJet and Vueling, Eurostar, Gather & Gather, Nando's, Zizzi/Ask Restaurants and Virgin Active relationship and contracts to name a few along with two direct reports.

In this episode Adam will be providing his top tips for attracting and winning new business within the food and drink sector.

This episode was recorded as part of the BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-perry-5589a831/

Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

CEO of Digital Voices, YouTube influencer marketing agency Jennifer Quigley Jones is passionate about telling stories. She builds powerful YouTube creator campaigns for brands such as Rolls-Royce, the Royal Air Force, Universal Music Group, the Post Office and the Trainline, balancing data and creativity to make memorable content that develops customers into brand advocates.

As a speaker at BEYOND 2020, Jennifer will provide an insight into influencer marketing, the opportunity it creates for brands and how to start implementing it within your own marketing strategies.

This episode was recorded as part of the BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-quigley-jones-66626446/
Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

Cas Paton is the Founder of OnBuy.com, the fastest growing marketplace in the world and Amazon alternative, who have seen a record 24,000% growth in the past four years since the company’s launch.

They boast an 8 million strong customer base and have recently secured an exclusive £1m deal with ITV to reach 44 million consumers across the nation.

This episode was recorded as part of the BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Cas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caspaton/
Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

Samantha Kingston is the Co-Founder & CEO at Virtual Umbrella, a marketing consultancy helping businesses tap into the commercial and creative potential of immersive technology. They provide support with immersive marketing, consultancy and events for brands such as DHL, SKY, UBER, Gucci and San Miguel to name a few.

Samantha is part of the BIMA100, has been nominated for Unsung Hero in MCV Women in Game Awards 2016, was featured in The Drum’s 50 under 30 - Women disrupting the status quo and one of the evening standard’s #Progress1000 2017.

This episode was recorded as part of the BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Samantha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-kingston-a4811686/
Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

In this special bonus episode, we are delighted to run a live Q&A with all of the guests from episode 1-4 to answer your key questions surrounding sustainability in business.

This episode was recorded as part of BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-frizzell-41a6bb24/
Find John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfeatherby/
Find Nikki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-webb/
Find Sukanya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukanya-ayatakshi-sfhea-fcmi-a173111b/

Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

In this special bonus episode, we are delighted to run a live Q&A with all of the guests from episode 5-8 to answer your key questions surrounding culture, diversity and inclusion in business.

This episode was recorded as part of BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Aggie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aggie-mutuma-fcipd-6a120ba/
Find Jen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-swain-3b49a190/
Find Sarah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahalieasycurry/

Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

In this special bonus episode, we are delighted to run a live Q&A with all of the guests from episode 10-12 to answer your key questions surrounding "Winning New Business"

This episode was recorded as part of BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Find Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-perry-5589a831/

Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

In this special bonus episode, we are delighted to run a live Q&A with all of the guests from episode 14-16 to answer your key questions surrounding "Future Thinking".

This episode was recorded as part of BEYOND 2020 audio conference in October 2020.

Find Samantha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-kingston-a4811686/
Find Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-quigley-jones-66626446/
Find Cas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caspaton/

Connect with Dorset Growth Hub: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/

Welcome to the start of Series 2 of the Dorset Growth Hub podcast! Joining us to kick off the series is Stephanie Carswell, Founder and Creative Director of Hawthorn Handmade, whose offering of embroidery kits has found domestic and international success, particularly within the last year as their sales flew! 

Stephanie shares the high points and valuable lessons from her journey building a team which has grown to accommodate Hawthorn Handmade’s increasing demand. From ensuring authentic marketing material on social media and standing out on Etsy, to partnering with giant brands like John Lewis and negotiating the best deal with suppliers, this episode kickstarts our Sales and Marketing month with a variety of tips to upgrade your marketing strategies. 

This episode of the Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Partnering with large brands as an SME
• Negotiating with suppliers to reach the best deal for all
• Maintaining authenticity in marketing material
• Overcoming fear of marketing yourself on social media
• Benefits of delegating more responsibility to your team
• The impressive jump to selling overseas
• Various methods of getting your products in front of people

Join our supporting events at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

Creating a brand is often considered as the customer-facing image of the business, but the visuals are just the tip of the iceberg. Associating the right values with your imagery, and backing that up through business operations and decisions is equally vital to create a brand that people know, remember and, most importantly, trust.

In episode 2 of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast, we hear from Associate Professor in Societal Marketing, Dr Chris Chapleo from Bournemouth University, whose extensive career in academia, industry and research has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of societal marketing, and the co-creation that occurs in the branding process.

This episode of the Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Creating associations with brand image
• Measuring a brand through awareness, finance and distinctiveness
• Personal vs corporate branding
• How branding can help struggling sectors right now
• Telling a story through branding
• The issue with trying to appeal to everyone

Join our supporting events at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast was recorded shortly before the passing of Mr Lee’s Noodles’ Founder, Damien Lee, whose enthusiasm, energy and inspiration runs tangibly through the business, through to the highly dedicated members of the team. Speaking of the growing international presence of Mr Lee’s Noodles and the innovation taking place at Mr Lee’s Pure Foods Co. is their Marketing and Communications Director, Kasia Bigda.

Rounding out the podcast’s contribution to Dorset Growth Hub’s sales and marketing month, Kasia shares an emphatic view on how the relatively small team has made a global impact in markets which require a tailored approach to marketing campaigns and product development. She also details the level of personal investment and ownership which contributes to the success of the multi-award winning team.

This episode of the Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Methods of measuring success of marketing campaigns
• Building a brand for more than just return on investment
• Tips for marketeers starting their career
• Nurturing an open-minded, passionate marketing team
• Navigating differences in marketing internationally
• In-house marketing teams versus agencies
• Revising the business’ focus on different revenue streams

Join our supporting events at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

It takes an admirable degree of confidence to launch a business at the best of times, let alone launch a sports brand while team sports aren’t being played. But becoming netball’s #1 brand is a goal which, with the advocacy of England’s finest players, is well within reach for Bournemouth-based Flyhawk.

Having been her own target market, Stephanie Essex has Founded what promises to be the brand to fly the flag for netball, breaking down barriers to entry to the sport, and strengthening the community around it. Hear how Stephanie created Flyhawk, and the promising future that lies ahead for the business, on episode 4 of The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast!

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Launching an ambitious sports startup in lockdown
• Removing barriers to entry with a varied product range
• Creating natural brand partnerships with international players
• Raising the profile of netball and women’s sport
• Being your own target market

Join our supporting events at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

If the past year has done anything to business strategies, it’s ripping up the playbook that we might have taken so much care in writing up. The key to staying on top of the times, according to Aetha Design’s Director Sophie Parsons, is staying agile, flexible, and keep moving forward. 

Having secured a number of valuable clients well outside of their original scope, Aetha Design is a perfect example of how taking projects which initially may seem ill-fit could actually lead to a thriving, family-like business partnership!

Sophie also delves into their tailored approach to new product development, the amazing opportunities on offer from crowdfunding sources, and the ‘dating game’ of identifying the right client relationships to nurture.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Approaching new product development fresh each time
• Taking on challenges outside of initial targeted sectors
• Considering a business strategy with agility in mind
• Making best use of crowdfunding platforms
• Identifying good and poor client fits for your business
• The lessons learned from failing fast
• Sophie’s advocacy for university placement years

Join our supporting events at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

On the growth journey that many SMEs take, it’s easy to overlook corporate governance as an area that keeps you on the right track. To some it feels like an unnecessary barrier, but consider Dr Donald Nordberg’s alternate approach; it helps you in the same way brakes on a car help you drive faster...

Donald, Associate Professor of Strategy and Corporate Governance, joins Rich Burn to round out this month’s in-depth focus on Strategy and Planning. Vouching for the benefits of having a board behind you, Dr Nordberg considers how corporate governance is a broad category into which we throw a variety of operations, and the ideal ways to set a strategy and have it permeate through a small business.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Corporate governance’s role in keeping directors in check
• The potential danger of obstructing opportunities
• A need for cognitive dissonance and diversity of opinion on a board
• The role of a cash cow and the origin of the dog in a Boston Matrix
• Propagating your strategy through the business
• How often SMEs should self-evaluate their position and direction

Join our supporting events at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

Growth is a journey that requires you to understand two things: where you want to be and, perhaps more importantly, where you are now. Choosing the right type of coach to help you achieve your goals is vital, and forms the foundation of Lee Groombridge’s 7PM2 Coaching.

With a fascinating dive into understanding the mindset and motivations of your team to help you grow your business, Lee shares his early business journey and uncovers the principles he learned from this, which led him to write his book, Get Resilience.

Listeners of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast can grab a free copy of Lee’s book by visiting leegroombridgefreebook.com/dgh to download the PDF.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Achieving growth through goal-setting
• Catering to the internal motivations of you and your team
• Lee’s approach to coaching, mentoring and tutoring
• Lessons learned from early business ventures
• Lee’s understanding of Neurolinguistic Programming

Join our supporting events at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

The world has been made smaller than ever before. With a global uptake in digital technologies that keep countries connected, the way to provide insight that nobody else has is with a team in the target territory. Nurturing a strong team with dozens of staff in 7 countries and counting, Crowd’s Founder & Global CEO, Jamie Sergeant, harnesses the power of a culturally diverse team.

Joining Rich on The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast, Jamie shares how Crowd made their global growth through a mix of person-led and strategic opportunities, the agility that comes with keeping each office’s team small, and the vital cultural experience of Crowd’s overseas offices.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Helping businesses break into new territories
• Adapting to local cultures in marketing campaigns
• Jamie’s ‘Rule of 15’ for staff numbers
• Crowd’s exciting future with new countries and technologies
• The benefit to having people on the ground in each locale
• Managing high expectations from clients
• The rise of virtual events platforms and hybrid events
• Mixing strategic growth with person-led opportunities and projects

Join our supporting events at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

With VFX credits on massive TV and Film projects like Black Mirror, Watchmen and Jason Bourne, to name just a few, you’d be forgiven for missing the fact that Outpost VFX are based in the very heart of Bournemouth.

As a business with teams as far afield as Montreal and LA, they’ve been ahead of the curve when it comes to utilising the tools that bring teams closer together. 

Kicking off our month on Culture & The Future Workplace, we welcome Outpost VFX’s Head of Marketing, Steve Holmes, to discuss how the team collaborates across time zones, maintaining togetherness in the current age, and Oupost’s unique challenges in a particularly B2B market. 

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Outpost’s role in a global market of film and episodic content
• Keeping a strong relationship with Bournemouth’s University community
• Steve’s helpful tips for remote working and online meetings
• Keeping togetherness through regular content and celebrating successes
• Raising Output VFX’s profile in a low-key, B2B market

Join our supporting events at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

In today’s world where hybrid models of working seem inevitable for a majority of businesses, implementing the best practices for both your business and your team is vital to your continued success!

ViewHR’s Heidi Roper has seen the impact of 2020 on a great number of businesses, and is well aware of the risks around new hires, remote working and tweaking meetings for virtual platforms.

Heidi joins Nick Gregory for this edition of The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast as part of the Culture & The Future Workplace month to share her insights into the fresh challenges faced in the HR space.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast covers:

• The value of trust in a successful remote team
• Considering staff in your business plans, not just the business itself
• Addressing a shortage in workforces in the wake of furlough schemes
• Hiring new staff virtually
• Focussing on an infrastructure that avoids discrimination or bias
• An outlook on future hybrid models of remote working

Join our supporting events at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

If there’s one thing businesses can do to extend a product life cycle, it’s innovate. Whether it be small and iterative, or a massive shift to expand your service offering, it pays to be ahead of the game on fresh developments in your sector.

Keeping innovation at the heart of Actisense’s offering of boat electronic systems, their Head of Commercial, Justin Cohen, joins Rich Burn on episode 11 of The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast to break down the partnerships and programmes that keep Actisense on the cutting edge with their product range, and how they’ve maximised their impact on the sector with digital transformation and cloud computing.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Justin’s views on Iterative innovation vs ‘Loon Shot’ innovation
• Implementing cloud computing to improve Actisense’s service offering
• Enhancing the effectiveness of funding through digital transformation
• Developing unique, interesting partnerships to demonstrate your products
• Actisense’s constant evolution around new technological developments 

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

The lava lamp is a legendary product that, while recognisable when compared with its original 1963 design, has continued to be iterated upon throughout its illustrious history. Who better to divulge how such a long-standing business like Mathmos continues to innovate well into the future than Cressida Granger, who’s owned the Poole-based company for over 30 years.

In this episode of The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast, themed around innovation, we learn how inspiration for new products can come from anywhere, the business’ solutions to Brexit barriers as a D2C brand, and the support available to manufacturing businesses in the Dorset area.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• How Mathmos developed the legendary lava lamp design
• Mitigating Brexit’s effects on the business’ D2C model
• Advice for selling into Europe, and which markets are experiencing major growth
• Cressida’s experience hiring talented staff in the Dorset area

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

We’re all tired of hearing how tired we are of Zoom events by now - 2021 is the year that events change forever. Whether you’re together in an auditorium or halfway round the globe, Mark Masters’ vision is to craft an experience that’s equally engaging for both parties with the advent of hybrid events.

Having staged the first of the ‘You Are The Media Online Offline’ events at the start of July which, very conveniently, is our Future Events month, we hear Mark’s debrief on the lessons learned about this pioneering format, the dangers to consider if you’re planning your own hybrid event, and how he managed to drum up such enthusiasm from both sets of attendees.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• The inception of Mark’s innovative hybrid event at The Lighthouse, Poole
• Combining the familiarity of Zoom with the extravagance of an exciting physical setting
• Striking the difficult balance between too much or too little interaction with Zoom attendees
• Retaining an audience for events by being continually present week in, week out
• Finding new ways to engage with audiences both online and offline

Welcome to 5 Things I Know Now: A DGH Podcast - the innovative and practical new series from the Dorset Growth Hub. Following on from the first two series of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast, we’re bringing an exciting spin to the format, where top business leaders share the five lessons that helped them find success.

Kicking off this series are the Dorset Growth Hub’s very own Nick Gregory, Mary Lloyd & Rich Burn, each of whom have brought their own thought-provoking lists in a series premiere that lauds the importance of confidence, creativity, empathy, and travel. 

This episode covers:

• The various types of confidence you should try to exhibit
• Embracing change and adapting to it
• The value of empathy in business
• Following through on creative ideas
• The importance of constantly learning

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

Welcome back to 5 Things I Know Now: the latest podcast series from Dorset Growth Hub!

Condensing the spirit behind Nathan Roach’s successful route into business ownership down to just 5 tips is a difficult task, especially for someone whose innate mindset had him catching ragworms and selling them to tackle shops at just 12 years old...

Now the Founder of Founders, a brand creating ‘Cloud Kitchens’ which are facilitating small food businesses and giants in the delivery space alike, Nathan brings a whole host of tales from his journey so far, as he shares his 5 things that helped him become a successful business leader.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• The recent success of the cloud kitchen model
• 5 areas of life that Nathan considers it vital to balance
• Working hard vs working smart
• The importance of having an overall vision and drive

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

The beauty behind Blink Lettering’s captivating calligraphy is the passionate Milly Withers, an aspirational young business owner applying her design skills in a variety of aesthetic applications.

As it happens, variety is one of the 5 key things that have helped guide Milly’s exciting career so far. On this week’s ‘5 Things I Know Now’, Milly joins Mary Lloyd to discuss the value of support & community, the indispensable tools available with the latest social media platforms, and her commitment to creating a life she’s passionate about.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Creating a life that you enjoy
• Sharing your knowledge and support with your community
• Maintaining variety in what you do
• Taking an optimistic leap of faith

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

The marketing landscape is worlds away from where it was at the turn of the millennium, so for Matt Lawrence (who graduated with a degree in business & marketing in 2000) to stay on top of his game as Head of Marketing with Passenger, consistent learning is foundational to his successful journey.

Matt features alongside Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Nicki Cluley on this week’s episode of ‘5 Things I Know Now’ to discuss the essential lessons on their business paths.

We dive into why you should ‘eat the frog’ when it comes to gruelling tasks & never stop taking learning opportunities, as well as how Nicki has nurtured her ability to stay adaptive & agile, and the importance of surrounding yourself with trusted, supportive people.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Visualising where you spend your time
• How to start building your network
• The vital two-way street of communication
• Benefits of trusting your gut & intuition

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

The digital landscape is ever-changing, so to stay at its precipice it’s vital to step out of your comfort zone. Whether by choice or by necessity, accomplished Digital Content Creator Brogan Tate has taken that leap to diversify the videos she makes for her 80k YouTube subscribers, while creating exciting collaborations with the likes of Disney, EE and M&S!

Recorded at the fabulous launch event for WeAreFND, a brand new community for supporting young founders & entrepreneurs, Mary chats with Brogan on episode 5 of The Dorset Growth Hub Podcast about overcoming the fear of failure, broadening the scope of your offering, and setting huge goals based on your own definition of success.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Breaking away from the crowd & stepping out of your comfort zone
• Setting ambitious goals and celebrating those successes
• Overcoming a fear of failure
• Choosing to niche vs staying broad

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

Although we’re firmly within the world of business, it’s important not to forget the human element behind it all, and the personal values that stand to help us all to make better connections.

Andy Brown, a part-time FD/CFO and Founder of 3D FD with experience at Passenger, Armadillo, Salad and many more companies, is well-versed in collaborating with a wide variety of teams. 

Andy shares the 5 things he knows now, from the age-old adages that stand true like treating others how you’d like to be treated, to the more business-focused premise that a lack of cash should never force you into a bad decision.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Staying memorable through surprising kindness
• Following through on your goals
• Not allowing financial difficulty to force a bad decision
• Making everyone feel valued in business conversations

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

Building a business from scratch presents common pitfalls that many have learned to avoid, but there’s a unique set of challenges and pressures that come with taking the wheel of a brand with a lengthy history.

Rosie Lees has been at the helm of The Embroidery Barn for the past 3 years, building on 20 years of legacy and evolving its mission for premium & eco-friendly embroidery.

On this episode of 5 Things I Know Now we learn the value in staying firm & believing in what you do, growing a support network both within and beyond the business, and even a story about her surprisingly speedy pet tortoise.... 

This podcast is kindly supported by Bournemouth University, so we’re joined in the studio by Tilly, a 1st year Business & Management student for an interesting live Q&A session.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Sticking to your guns and backing yourself
• Surrounding yourself with the right people, both within the business and your external support network
• Taking time out to focus on your mental wellbeing

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

Whether it’s putting faith in yourself or believing in your team, the power of confidence can truly bring the best out of your business.

It takes a great deal of confidence to set up a business in the midst of uncertainty, but Susannah Brade-Waring did just that in the wake of 2008’s financial crisis, and Aspirin Business Solutions has been co-creating success for leaders ever since.

Susannah joins us to share the 5 things she knows now having seen her business through thick and thin, with a focus on emotional intelligence, relationship building, and being selective in the technological innovation you adopt.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• Having greater confidence in yourself and your team
• The value of self-awareness, respect and empathy in business scenarios
• How to be ‘T-shaped’ and communicate with anyone
• Where to innovate and adopt new tech in meaningful ways

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast

Productivity in a digital age is a hot topic, with hybrid workplaces creating opportunities to take advantage of technology - but it’s not without its caveats to look out for…

Carolyn Freeman’s background in marketing followed by a career shift into the intriguing world of CyberPsychology provide her with a myriad of experiences, from the corporate world to mature education to self-employment.

Carolyn, Founder of Cybercology, shares with us her unique take on the 5 things she knows now, from spotting burnout and the self-employed community, to work life balance and de-slaving from our tech.

This episode of The Dorset Growth Hub podcast covers:

• The early signs of burnout & how to stop it
• Making career changes at any stage of your life
• Achieving work-life balance on our own terms
• Reforming your relationship with technology

Links and references at: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/podcast