The Small Business Britain Podcast
The Small Business Britain Podcast, hosted by Small Business Britain, explores topics relevant to small businesses in the UK. Series 3 coincides with the 2024 General Election, discussing manifestos, policy, and featuring special guests. The podcast aims to support and inform small business owners.
Episodes
S4 E12: All The Small Business Stuff
So much going on in the world of Small Biz, so why not have a listen and get involved? Mich and Karen back with a run down
S4 E11: Small Business Statements And Days
This week we dip into the Chancellor's Spring Statement (it doesn't take long... ) and a bit about International Women's Day. Classic. We are hugely proud to be Patrons of The King's Trust so if you do one thing this week, do check out their good work. And
S4 E10: Starting A Business From Wherever
This week on the pod we talk about The Maple Review - our Government backed review into economic hardship and entrepreneurship. We believe everyone no matter their background or experience should have the opportunity to start and grow a business - but they do not. Please do have a listen in and do get in touch if you would like to get involved. Normal service, i.e. discussion about the new series
S4 E9 New Year New Small You
Kicking off the year with the usual fun from Small Business Britain, looking forward to 2026 and some cracking stuff (Small Business Saturday, The Small Awards, The Maple Review and more) and so Karen and Mich suggest 5 New Year Resolutions for you and your small business. And the odd cultural referral too... Enjoy
S4 E8: What A Small Business Year!
With an incredible Small Business Saturday DONE (and incredible scenes across the country, including Buckingham Palace!) we reflect on the highs of 2025 and all the small business excitement: Great British Pitch, The Small Awards (entries now open for 2026!), female entrepreneurs at Arsenal, trips to India, Innovate Access, Lilac Willow and Maple Reviews, and so much more. Join us for a reflect an
S4 E7: Small Business Saturday
This week we are joined by our great friends at American Express - Dan Edelman, VP and Country Manager - to talk all about Small Business Saturday and why it is so important to get out and support your local small businesses this 6th December. Enjoy!
S4 E6: Great British Small Businesses
This week on the pod, Karen and Mich reflect on the Great British Pitch (phenomenal), launching Female Founders Fundamentals with Starling at Arsenal (epic), and the importance of a shared cultural moment. Check out Mich's business of the week Rumsey's Chocolates now: https://www.rumseys.co.uk/Who doesn't love chocolate in the cold and festive season....
S4 E5: Small Business Goes Global
This week we talk all about the Prime Minister's Business Delegation to India and how Michelle got on. We also dip into our favourite small businesses, and get a little carried away with our ideal coffee shop... Always the Nation's Favourite Businesses!
S4 E4: Small Business On The Rise
This week Karen and Mich share their experience of Labour Conference, excitement at the return to growth in the number of small businesses in the UK after 5 years of decline, and reflect on a mega week full of the Small & Mighty businesses. A cracking listen if we do say so.
S4 E3: How To Start A Business
Join us this week with your quick guide to starting a business! With a few detours via The Summer I Turned Pretty, as we do love a cultural moment. Want to start a side hustle? Fancy finally turning that idea into a business? Have a listen and let's do this. #NewTerm
S4 E2: SmAll Change In Westminster
Back into the swing of things after the summer break, the SBB team talk through the Ministerial changes in particular in the Department for Business and Trade and what this means for small businesses. There is some mention of K Pop Demon Hunters and imminent Rivals, but what more do you expect of this team tuned into the big cultural moments....
S4 E1: Love It When A Small Business Plan Comes Together
Back for Season 4! This week we dig into the newly launched Small Business Plan from the Government, how it will impact small businesses, and try without much luck to find a link to Oasis. Bear with us on that one. Enjoy and drop us a line about what you want to hear about in this season (we have guests and specials a plenty!)
S3 E31: Tariffs, Steel, Usher, Espresso and a bit of Cybill Shepherd
We would be remiss if we did not address the Tariffs mayhem, so this week we talk through the essentials and hopefully make it all make sense for you, plus some Government schemes announced last weekend to help businesses. Drink Out To Help Out anyone? Just kidding... Stay tuned for Usher and British Steel and the joy that is Grimsby.
S3 E30: We Could All Use A Spring In Our Step
The sun is trying to come out, so we are looking to the Spring to bring us renewed optimism for small businesses... This week we look at the opportunity of export, exciting developments at Naidex and a smattering of Tom Hiddleston. Keep on small business-ing folks
S3 E29: All The Women, Independent Businesses
It is International Women's Day this week - when is it not at SBB? - and so we are discussing why women are starting businesses less (what??), our IWD research with Starling Bank, and what we really think about the DEI conversation... I don't think our position here will be much of a surprise! Championing all people to start and grow a business is our business. Not just on IWD but all year
S3 E28: Entrepreneurs: 10 Lessons For Living
This week on the Pod we share our lessons for living. It is all subjective of course, but this 10 (or 11? we lost count a bit in the middle there) will keep you and your small business on the right path. Remember - get sleep and take your vits. And No is a whole sentence.We may get t-shirts made...
S3 E27: Diary Of An Entrepreneur
This week we explore a day in the life of an entrepreneur - and let's be honest, it is not all early morning meditation and protein shakes. Though of course, you do you. The message is not to be put off by unrealistic expectations of what it means to be an entrepreneur - if you want to get up at 4am like Mark Wahlberg then go for it. But if you want to sleep until 10 and eat Deliveroo, feel fr
S3 E26: A Professor Walks Into A Bar....
Joining us this week is newly Professor-ed Professor Tom Williamson from ARU Peterborough, part of the team who set up the newest University in the UK. An entrepreneur by trade, Prof Tom has been part of our Small & Mighty Programme since the outset and also sits on the Steering Board of the Government backed Lilac Review into disability and entrepreneurship. A legend in expanding access to en
S3 E25: Is AI Welsh And Other Future Of Work Stuff
The team are joined this week by Garreth Hayes, Senior Marketing Director at Indeed, to talk about the future of work, are machines taking over jobs (spoiler no...) and how AI speaks to him in Welsh. Small businesses - fear not! The machines are not taking over yet...
S3 E24: How To Be An Entrepreneur
Welcome back to 2025 and the fab team at Small Business Britain welcome you back with energy and their best insights into How To Be An Entrepreneur. Spoiler, do NOT get up at 4am to meditate.... (well, you can if you like, but not a key recommendation). Enjoy and Happy New Year!
S3 E23: A Small Christmas Podcast
Mich and Karen reflect on a mega year, favourite events, people and small businesses. And a few recommends for last minute small Christmas shopping. Merry Christmas folks from our team to yours xx
S3: Treasury Special for Small Business Saturday
For this very special episode ahead of Small Business Saturday, Mich and Karen were kindly invited into HM Treasury to meet Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray MP. We talk Small Business Saturday (of course), Employer NI, the importance of local community and the joy of supporting small businesses - not just on Small Business Saturday, but all year round.
S3 E21: Something For The Small Weekend
A bit of a cold-infested catch up, covering Trump (sorry), Bridget Jones, the Small Business Saturday Tour, and how we will all rise like a Phoenix. We do not talk about the Budget.
S3 E20: The Budget retail reality
This week, Karen and Mich are joined by retail expert and founder of The Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly. Catherine gets down to it and looks at what exactly the recent Budget means for our bricks and mortar businesses. Great stuff!
S3 E19: A Mighty Small Business Chat
Joining Karen and Mich this week is Alexander von Schirmeister, MD for UK and Emerging Markets for Xero. We talk about his international man of mystery life (our words not his!), languages, wine, and just how special the Small and Mighty Programme at Small Business Britain is. Cracking
S3 E18: Supercharging your small business, the future is bright
This week, Mich and Karen chat to Erika Robinson, UK General Manager of Constant Contact and small business owner too, about supercharging small businesses. The future really is quite bright! And we even dip into a bit of Mr Motivator..... Yes it is a motivational week on the pod!
S3 E17: Small biz and are employee rights and robots going to kill them?
This week we get into employee rights and how they will impact small business, the Budget, are the robots taking over, all with a smattering of Jilly Cooper and some mad sporting endeavours. Never a dull moment
S3 E16: DoNUT miss this small business chat!
This week we talk to the awesome Ryan Panchoo, founder of Borough 22 specialist doughnut business about how he got started, how he has grown, the work required for a genuinely awesome gluten free doughnut, and how hard it is to get blue food dye....
S3 E15: Labour Conference: What's In It For Small Business?
This week the SBB team headed to Labour Conference to find out what the new Government is going to do for small business. We touch on the torrential rain, our karaoke choice, and why oh why are we still talking about equality in 2024? Lots of questions still outstanding but we recorded this on a boat, so we are feeling buoyant....
S3 E14: Small business, Big love
This week to combat the rain and to get us in the MOOD for Small Business Saturday, we discuss all the things - and people - that are bringing us joy at the moment. Hope it brings you a smile and some joy too! Happy small businessing
S3 E13: Small Business, Workers Rights, and Oasis Economy
This week we get into the latest proposed, and not proposed, changes to workers rights by the new Government. Keen not to scare the pants of small businesses, Michelle and Karen keep it real looking at what is really on the table, and how small biz offer flexibility that works for people in their community. And of course we discuss the Summer of Oasis and the impact on local economies
S3 E12: AI for small business - are the machines taking over?
This week we are joined by the fabulous Cheryl Laidlaw - London Web Girl - to talk about AI, what it can do, what it can't do, and are we all going to be obsolete? One little diversion into using Chat GPT for a dating profile... But otherwise, right on the money.
S3 E11: A bit of heat and why don't women start businesses?
This week we talk about the weather (again) and how it is impacting small businesses; mansplaining entrepreneurship; and we ask the question, why don't women start businesses? Hmm? If you have an answer, do get in touch hello@smallbusinessbritain.uk
And the benefits of being able to watch Jake Gyllenhaal on a Wednesday afternoon.
S3 E10: Finding some (small) positive in a bleak news week
This week Mich and Karen look for the good in a bad news week. We touch on the news of the day, the US election, strong strong women (as always) and what we are looking forward to after the endless school holidays end. Small businesses - take heart
S3 E9: Chancellor statement, Olympics, and SmallBiz100
Do we all need a bit more positivity? This week we talk about giving small businesses a bit of love, there is singing, and the spring in the business, and consumer, step that a summer of sport can bring. But will it?
S3 E8: The Women, The US, The Growth Guarantee (really?)
This week we look at the impact of a female US presidential candidate, the challenges of networking if you are short, and the opportunities, or not, of the new Growth Guarantee Scheme for small-ish businesses. Women are definitely doing it for themselves this week
S3 E7: Kings and Queens and What It Means For Smalls
This week, the dynamic duo discuss the King's Speech and what it means for small business. They also touch on blaming the Queen of Pop, Taylor Swift, for the rising inflation.... Is that really fair? This and more coming to you with extra summer sunshine
S3 E6: Election Done And All The Women
This week we reflect on the last week, early days of the new Government, all the women, and what we would do if we were the new Prime Minister. And Karen just about stops herself from singing D:Ream
S3 E5: Taylor Swift, Female Entrepreneur, and last throes of the election
With less than a week to go, can the election pick up the excitement levels for small business? We discuss Taylor Swift, the US Presidential Debate (ouch) and whether there can be some last minute UK election shizzle.
S3 E4: Farage, small business, and is it worth the price?
This week on the podcast as the election reaches fever pitch (spoiler - it really doesn't...) we discuss the "ambitious" proposals in the Reform manifesto for small businesses, what we would really like to see in the election (but likely wont) and how we are all a bit turned off it.
S3 E3: Can Leo sail in and spice up the Election?
In the latest episode, Mich and Karen discuss the manifesto promises for small business from the major parties this week, the gap of sustainability and whether DiCaprio could kick start things. With less than 3 weeks to go, is there enough for small businesses to get excited?
S3 E2: Small Business Manifestos & the Other 75%
This week Mich and Karen talk about a big weekend for small business, with Labour's Small Business Saturday, FSB's manifesto, filling in forms when drunk and what does the other 75% of the population need. As always, keeping it down to earth and honest. Get in touch with any questions on small business, policy, election promises or really anything you like
S3 E1: What does Election 2024 hold for small businesses?
Kicking off season 3, Karen and Mich dig into what small businesses are looking for in this election, and what we need from the next Government. They talk manifestos, levelling up, sustainability, AI, finance and more. Listen in and get involved in the conversation
S2 Ep 10: Challenging The Status Quo with Shaa Wasmund, MBE
Welcome to series 2 of the Small Business Britain podcast. This series we will be covering topics to help, inspire and support small businesses with a host of inspirational people.
For this 10th episode, we are joined by the inspiring Shaa Wasmund, MBE. Shaa is not only a best selling author, but is the founder of The Freedom Collective and online community, The 6 Figure Club, which works wi
S2, Ep 9: How To Do Less, Focus More and Grow Quicker with Andrew and Pete
Welcome to series 2 of the Small Business Britain podcast. This series we will be covering topics to help, inspire and support small businesses with a host of inspirational people.
For this 9th episode, we are joined by the fab Andrew and Pete who are dedicated to working with small business owners to work smarter and scale up in the best way for them. Having met at university, the two best friend
S2 Ep 8: The Winding Road To Success with BT's Kerensa Jennings
Welcome to series 2 of the Small Business Britain podcast. This series we will be covering topics to help, inspire and support small businesses with a host of inspirational people.
For this 8th episode, we are joined by the remarkable Kerensa Jennings, BT's Group Director for Digital Impact. Kerensa has had an amazing career so far, having worked at ITN, Sky, the BBC where she was Programme Editor
S2 Ep 7: The Power of Speech In Business
Welcome to series 2 of the Small Business Britain podcast. This series we will be covering topics to help, inspire and support small businesses with a host of inspirational people.
For this 7th episode we are joined by award-winning public speaker and communication consultant, Shola Kaye. Shola shares with us her story including how she experienced first-hand how it feels not to speak up and repre
S2 Ep 6: How To Ethically Sell with James Newell
Welcome to series 2 of the Small Business Britain podcast. This series we will be covering topics to help, inspire and support small businesses with a host of inspirational people.
For this 6th episode we are joined by sales expert, James Newell from Clear Sales Message who dispels the myths around selling and the preconceptions that go with it. As business owners, we are in business to sell, but
S2 Ep 5: How To Be More Money Savvy with Miss Lolly
Welcome to series 2 of the Small Business Britain podcast. This series we will be covering topics to help, inspire and support small businesses with a host of inspirational people.
For this 5th episode we are joined by award-winning financial advisor Lisa Conway-Hughes, aka Miss Lolly, to talk about how small business owners can best look after their finances.
It was a great chat about all things
S2 Ep 4: The Power of Being an Entrepreneur with Philip Salter
Welcome to series 2 of the Small Business Britain podcast. This series we will be covering topics to help, inspire and support small businesses with a host of inspirational people.
For this 4th episode we are joined by the founder of The Entrepreneurs Network, Philip Salter.
Philip shares with us his own entrepreneur story and what he has learnt on the way, why he started The Entrepreneurs N
S2 Ep 3: How To Be More Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diverse In Your Business with G, The Queer Box
Welcome to series 2 of the Small Business Britain podcast! This series we will be covering topics to help, inspire and support small businesses with a host of inspirational people.
For this 3rd episode we are joined by the wonderful G, co-founder of The Queer Box, an organisation training businesses of any size on gender, sexuality and relationship diversity.
G shares with us their story, ho
S2 Ep 2: Slow Fashion & Sustainability with Cucumber Clothing
Welcome to series 2 of the Small Business Britain podcast! This series we will be covering topics to help, inspire and support small businesses with a host of inspirational people.
For this 2nd episode we are joined by the inspiring founders of Cucumber Clothing, Eileen Willett and Nancy Zeffman.
Eileen and Nancy share their business story and how ethics and sustainability have always been at the
S2 Ep1: Balance with Zoe Hardman
Welcome to series 2 of the Small Business Britain podcast! This series we will be covering topics to help, inspire and support small businesses with a host of inspirational people.
To kick things off, we are joined by the wonderful Zoe Hardman to talk about our first topic of the series - Balance.
Zoe is not only a fabulous TV and radio presenter, hosting two weekend shows on Heart FM, but has co-
Luke Quilter, Sleeping Giant Media
Celebrating 12 years in business this month, our latest guest is the fab Luke Quilter, founder of digital marketing agency Sleeping Giant Media.
Luke shares with us the story of how he started Sleeping Giant Media after seeing a gap in the market and spending many an evening at his dining room table after working all day; the challenges during COVID of managing a 50-plus work force and how nearly
Michelle Ovens MBE, Small Business Britain
For episode 12 of the podcast, we wanted to do something special so we spoke to the founder of Small Business Britain, f:Entrepreneur and i:Entrepreneur and director of Small Business Saturday, Michelle Ovens!
It was a inspiring and wonderful chat about how Mich got to where she is today, the pivotal moments and conversations in her life and career so far (including one with Bill Clinton - c
Lorraine Thomas, View From My Window
Have you changed career to follow your dream of owning your own business?
This week's chat is with the inspiring Lorraine Thomas who shares her fascinating and empowering story of how she left a well-paid career in law to be her Dad's carer on minimal wage, but as fate - and an email error - would have it, has now found her true passion owning a successful property investment business.
Cheryl Laidlaw, Website In A Day / London Web Girl
With a 27.4k following on Instagram and an award-winning Website In A Day business, it was great to catch up with Cheryl Laidlaw, aka London Web Girl, to talk about her story, how she got to where she is and what she's learnt along the way.
It was an open, honest and refreshing chat - so please do give it a listen.
3 things we learnt: consistency is everything; even when you don't feel like showin
Mark Tomkins, Aubergine
How much value do you place on your website and how much time do you dedicate to it?
In episode 9, Karen speaks to Mark Tomkins, co-founder of Aubergine - a team of website designers, graphic designers and search optimisers based in Leighton Buzzard, and the recently crowned Supply Chain Champion at The Small Awards!
3 things we learnt: treat your website as a member of staff, yo
Victor Castejon, The Quick Brown Fox
21 years after the film, people are STILL taking photos outside 'that' famous door in Notting Hill. And why? Because they were captivated by that story in that piece of film.
In episode 8, Karen speaks to Victor Castejon founder of The Quick Brown Fox - a team of dedicated producers, videographers and marketing specialists who care about video and what it can do for your business throu
Gillian Jones-Williams, Emerge UK
In episode 7, Karen speaks to the fab Gillian Jones-Williams, founder of Emerge UK - a training and development consultancy that has just celebrated 25 years in business. Gillian shares with us her business story, her challenges along the way and how she has nurtured her clients.
3 things we learnt: what narcissistic listening is, the power of an open-ended question and how having a fe
Delight Mapasure, K's Wors
In episode 6, Karen speaks to the amazing Delight Mapasure founder of K's Wors - a multi-award winning eclectic range of Southern African inspired Boerewors. Dee is passionate about shaking up the UK’s incumbent premium sausage offering and has recently secured a national listing with Ocado. She is a serial entrepreneur who has established a successful urban cleaning company whilst working i
Fran Gubbay, Stamptastic
In episode 5, Karen speaks to the wonderful Fran Gubbay, co-founder of Stamptastic - an award-winning company providing a solution to school uniform labelling.
Fran shares with us her business story, the challenges they have faced during the past few months and how a chance product feature on TV boosted business when they really needed it.
3 things we learnt: honesty and authenti
Geoff Wilkinson, Wilkinson Construction
In episode 4, Karen speaks to the inspiring Geoff Wilkinson, aka The Building Inspector, founder and managing director of Wilkinson Construction - a multi-award winning approved inspectors providing building control services across London and south east England.
Geoff shares with us his experiences during lockdown being in the construction trade and how he had to quickly adapt his busi
Christopher Kenna, Brand Advance
In episode 3, Karen speaks to the inspiring Christopher Kenna, founder and CEO of Brand Advance - a cultural marketing agency that helps brands reach diversity and connects them with diverse audiences globally.
Christopher shares his fascinating story, the prejudices he still experiences and faces daily being a Black, gay man, and how small businesses currently have a great opportunity to en
Rowena Howie, Revival Retro
In episode 2, Karen speaks to the amazing Rowena Howie, founder of Revival Retro. Rowena shares her business story and her considerable ups and downs of the past few months as the owner of a bricks and mortar store.
3 things we learnt: the importance of supplier and customer relationships in testing times, the impact mental health can have on running a business (and vice versa!), and h
Sanjay Aggarwal, Spice Kitchen UK
In our first episode, Karen speaks to the inspiring Sanjay Aggarwal, founder of Spice Kitchen. Sanjay shares how his family business was sparked after a chat around the dinner table at Christmas, how his business has adapted in recent months, and his brilliant plans for the future.
3 things we learnt: don't let fear hold you back, get your marketing in check in challenging times, and the imp
