James Reed: all about business
Hosted by James Reed CBE, Chairman and CEO of Reed Group, this podcast features candid conversations with business leaders, philanthropists, and charitable celebrities. Guests share their journeys and provide actionable advice on leadership and strategy. The show aims to empower listeners to implement smarter, more meaningful approaches in their own businesses or careers.
Episodes
92. When should you hire, raise or expand? The lessons from Forest Bikes | Caroline Seton
When do you hire, when do you raise, and when is expansion actually the right move?In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Forest co-founder Caroline Seton to pull back the curtain on how a London startup scaled to over two million rides a month. From using smart pricing to make customers do the heavy lifting in logistics, to navigating 33 separate sets of local regulations, Ca
91. How to build your own talent pipeline | Lisa Bryer OBE & Charlie Kennard MBE
If your industry is facing a talent shortage or failing to prepare the next generation of workers, the solution isn't to wait for traditional institutions to adapt, it's to build the training infrastructure yourself.In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Oscar-nominated film producer Lisa Bryer OBE, and Day One Trust CEO Charlie Kennard MBE. Together, they break down a practic
90. The lowest-risk way to scale a start-up | Jake Wilmot-Sitwell
Are you exhausting resources trying to build every system from scratch? You could achieve faster, safer, scale by taking a proven playbook. And executing it better than anyone else.In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jake Wilmot-Sitwell, co-founder and COO of Sandbox VR UK. Jake shares how he transitioned from venture capital to entrepreneurship, taking on £10M in capital to s
89. The business decision you'll thank yourself for in 5 years | James Perry
When your business hits an existential wall, are you willing to rethink your entire financial structure to protect your vision, or will you compromise the mission just to survive?Most founders believe scaling requires bowing to traditional venture capital and prioritizing short-term margins. COOK proved there is another way by surviving near-bankruptcy, funding its own expansion through an unexpec
88. How to build a disruptive product without outspending industry giants | Mark Rushmore
Most consumer goods brands ask you to buy more - SURI does the opposite. They designed a sustainable, electric toothbrush made from plant-based materials that is fully recyclable. As a result they scaled to over £50 million worth of sales in just four years.In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Mark Rushmore, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Sustainable Rituals, SURI.
87. How to start and scale a charity: Supporting 7000 kids a week through football | Charlie Hyman
Most charities are told to secure funding before they spend. Bloomsbury Football did the opposite — investing in fundraising before the money existed, and growing from four children to 7,000 a week as a result. In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Charlie Hyman, founder and CEO of Bloomsbury Football. His fast-growing social enterprise harnesses the universal power of grassroot
86. Lab-grown diamonds were underestimated. Here's how they're disrupting luxury | Nathalie Morrison
Most people underestimated lab-grown diamonds. Conventional wisdom says that luxury is about heritage, exclusivity and the power of a brand. So why are consumers embracing them so quickly?And what does that tell us about the future of luxury businesses and the shift in consumer values?In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Nathalie Morrison, founder and CEO of Astrea London. Her
85. "We were £1.5M in debt": The turnaround strategy that could save your business | Zoe Paskin
Financial crises can hit any business- especially in today's economy. Selling might feel like the only option. But is it?What should founders do when things look bleak? How do you rebuild momentum, and give your business the best possible chance of surviving and thriving? When one pair of siblings were running The End nightclub, they found themselves £1.5 million in debt and facing enormous pressu
84. How to grow your business without losing control | David Palmer
Scaling a business seems like the obvious goal. But what if growth without the right strategy leads to losing control?In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with David Palmer, founder of Life of Fish, the modern London fishmonger that started as a lockdown pop-up outside a Peckham cafe, and has now grown into a multi-site retail and wholesale business built on sustainability, craft, a
83. Are you selling too early? The succession model most founders have never heard of | Victoria Stapleton
Thirty years of building a business without a board, without investors, and without ever wanting to sell, and it just keeps growing, there’s something to learn from that.In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Victoria Stapleton, founder of Brora, the British luxury cashmere and clothing brand. Victoria has built Brora over 30 years from a single supplier and a home phone number i
82. Start now. The sign your business idea is ready to build | Sahar Hashemi OBE
Most people think successful entrepreneurs spot brilliant ideas.Sahar Hashemi believes the opposite.In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Sahar Hashemi, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Buy Women Built. They talk about Sahar’s journey over three decades building businesses, backing herself, and why entrepreneurship is far simpler than most people make it.Sahar shares the har
81. How Gousto is taking on the ultra-processed food industry | Timo Boldt
60% of the UK diet is ultra-processed. And the food industry is manufacturing your addiction. So why is this public health crisis continuing in plain sight, and what it would actually take to change it?Two things are clear. Britain's food system is more broken than most people realise. And Gousto is far more interesting a business than its recipe boxes suggest.In today’s episode, James speaks with
80. How a £5,000 workshop became a global luxury brand | Tom Faulkner
What does it take to build a luxury brand by accident and keep it thriving for 30 years without ever taking outside investment?In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Tom Faulkner, award-winning British furniture designer and founder of Tom Faulkner Limited. They talk about the unlikely journey from redundancy at a record label to running one of the UK's most distinctive handcraft
79. What businesses should learn from museums about innovation | Elizabeth McKay
How can a major museum be run with the same entrepreneurial mindset as a high-growth business?In today's episode, James Reed speaks with Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of the London Transport Museum. While many perceive museums as static archives, Elizabeth explains how she applies commercial strategy to ensure one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks remains financially sustainable and r
78. The crisis facing UK retail and food businesses | Sarah Bradbury
Why are millions of jobs going unfilled in one of the UK’s biggest industries, while so many young people are struggling to find work?In this episode of all about business, James Reed speaks with Sarah Bradbury, CEO of the Institute of Grocery Distribution, about the future of the UK food industry, the growing challenge of attracting young talent, and why the sector may offer far more opportunitie
77. What it’s really like running a funeral directors business | Damian Melville
Running a business is hard, but what is it like when your work sits at the centre of people’s most emotional moments?In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Damian Melville, Managing Director of Melville & Daughter Funeral Directors. Together they explore leadership in one of the most emotionally demanding industries there is.Damian shares his journey into the family b
76. How to get a pay rise: Salary negotiation that works | Connor Scully
Is an awkward conversation the only thing standing between you and the salary you deserve?In this episode of all about business, Connor Scully, Senior Executive Consultant at Reed Specialist Recruitment, sits down with James to discuss how professionals can effectively secure a pay rise in their current role.Connor shares practical advice on how to move beyond the discomfort of pay discussions by
75. How to calculate what you're worth in the job market | Leanne Appleton
How do you know if you’re being offered what you’re worth?In this episode of all about business, Leanne Appleton, recruitment expert at Reed, speaks with James about how professionals can increase their earning potential and achieve a higher salary.Leanne shares practical insights into what really drives salary growth, from understanding your market value to building in-demand skills and positioni
74. How to grow a business fast and exit successfully | Andrew Hulbert
How do you grow an idea into a multi-million pound business before the age of 40?In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Andrew Hulbert, entrepreneur and founder of Pareto Facilities Management, a company he built from his bedroom into a £50 million business before successfully exiting in his thirties.Andrew shares the journey from a difficult start in Oxford and an unconv
73. No cows here: Could your pint become your next leather wallet? | TJ Mitchell
Could the answer to a more sustainable handbag or wallet lie at the bottom of your pint glass?In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Dr. Edward "TJ" Mitchell, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Arda Biomaterials, a London-based startup redefining the future of leather. Using cutting-edge technology, Arda transforms waste grain from brewers and distillers into sust
72. How to build a successful brand in a competitive market | Steve Perez
How do you turn a single idea into a global brand and keep winning in an industry where most products fade away?In this episode of all about business, James sits down with Steve Perez, founder of Global Brands, to unpack the reality behind building one of the UK’s most successful drinks businesses from scratch.Steve shares how he identified a gap in the market early on, and backed his instincts to
71. The interview method that actually works in 2026 | Will Moore
Why do some candidates succeed in interviews while others fail, even with the same experience?In this episode of all about business, James speaks with Will Moore, Senior Area Manager at Reed Specialist Recruitment, about how to effectively prepare for a job interview.With more than a decade of experience in recruitment, Will shares practical advice on how candidates can approach interviews with co
70. The 7 Second CV: What recruiters wish everyone knew | Libby White
What is the biggest mistake people make when writing a CV? And how can yours land you an interview in 7 seconds?In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Libby White, Senior Consultant at Reed specialising in marketing, communications, PR and design recruitment.While some people claim the CV is becoming outdated, Libby explains why it remains a critical tool for getting interviews
69. The career mistake smart people keep making (and what actually matters) | Sophie Clarke
What’s the difference between chasing the next job and building a long-term career?In this episode of All About Business Shorts, James Reed speaks with Sophie Clarke, recruitment expert at Reed, about how professionals can think more strategically about their careers.Sophie explains why focusing only on job titles or salary increases can sometimes distract from long-term career growth. Instead, sh
68. Ex Gordon Ramsay Group CEO reveals his turnaround playbook | Stuart Gillies
How do you build world-class standards in hospitality and then lead at the highest level of business?In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Stuart Gillies, chef, restaurateur, and former CEO of the Gordon Ramsay Group, about building excellence in hospitality and leading through growth, crisis, and reinvention.Stuart shares his journey from starting out in kitchens through intern
67. How to evolve your offering to grow a service-based business | Gregory Nice + Jack Stanton
How do you build a creative agency that cuts through in a crowded, fast-changing media landscape?In this episode of All About Business, James talks with Gregory Nice and Jack Stanton, co-founders of NICE Productions. Together they discuss growing a modern creative agency in the age of social-first content, multi-channel marketing, and AI disruption.Gregory and Jack share how they built NICE Produc
66. From miniskirts to stem cell therapy: How a fashion leader is changing heart failure treatment | Jenifer Rosenberg OBE
How do you turn a bold idea into a national institution that changes lives?In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jenifer Rosenberg OBE, entrepreneur in fashion and social impact leader, about building purpose-driven organisations that create lasting change.Jenifer shares her journey from spotting a gap in support for families facing serious illness, to co-founding Heart Cells Fo
65. From Dragon’s Den to Startup Success | Jinesh Vohra
What if becoming mortgage-free wasn’t about earning more money, but about using what you already spend more intelligently? In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jinesh Vora, Founder and CEO of Sprive, the UK fintech app helping homeowners pay off their mortgages faster without changing their lifestyle.Jinesh shares his journey from a 14-year career at Goldman Sachs to fintech fo
64. How to convert visibility into sales and long-term growth | Penelope Chilvers
How do you build a creative business from scratch and ensure it steadily grows without compromising on quality, craft, or values?In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Penelope Chilvers, English footwear designer and founder of the eponymous luxury brand, and they talk about building a resilient business rooted in craftsmanship, customer closeness, and long-term thinking.Penel
63. The future of PR and business in an AI world | Francesca Gamble
How do you create a modern PR strategy that builds brand relevance and marketing-led businesses able to thrive through cultural and technological change?In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Francesca Gamble, founder of GTN Consultancy, to explore the future of PR, marketing, and business in an AI-driven world.With a career spanning global agencies, luxury fashion brands, and
62. How to stack revenue: The 3 levers that optimise growth of any local food business | Pete Russell
What if the future of food isn’t bigger, faster, and more centralised, but local, decentralised, and community-powered?In this episode of the All About Business podcast, James is joined by Pete Russell, Founder of Ooooby and Co-Founder of DECENT, to explore how technology, ethical entrepreneurship, and optimism can transform the global food system from the ground up.Pete shares his journey from ru
61. The email that saved HomeServe and sparked a £4bn business | Sir Richard Harpin
Building a billion-pound business is one thing, but what does it take to scale globally, exit successfully, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs?In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Sir Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe, the home emergency repairs and improvements launched in 1993. Sir Richard talks about his journey from early failures to growing a FTSE 100 mult
60. Gold medal to boardroom: The one olympic method I applied that turned my workforce elite | Adrian Moorhouse MBE
Winning Olympic gold is one of the highest achievements in sport, but what are the skills that you can apply to build an elite team in your business?In this episode of All About Business, James meets Adrian Moorhouse MBE, three-time Olympian and gold medalist. Adrian talks about his journey from the pool to the boardroom, exploring big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs), the power of curiosity, and hea
59. From rejection to £100m deals: The Netflix pitch that changed British TV | Andy Harries OBE
Building a career in television is one thing, but what does it really take to produce global hits like The Crown and Outlander while building and scaling a production empire?In this episode of 'All About Business,' James speaks with Andy Harries, co-founder and CEO of Left Bank Pictures. Together they discuss Andy's 50-year journey from a promotion scriptwriter at Granada Television, to launching
58. Behind the doors of Downton Abbey: Managing the 1,300-year-old Highclere Castle | Lady Carnarvon
Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, is one of the most famous houses in the world. But what does it really take to run it as a modern business?In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Fiona, Lady Carnarvon, custodian of Highclere Castle, about managing a 1,300-year-old heritage estate with roots dating back to 749 AD. She shares how Downton Abbey transformed Highclere’s globa
57. How to spot the next billion dollar opportunity before everyone else | James McHugh
Some of the biggest global businesses started the same way: someone spotted an opportunity early- and then chose the right partner.In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with serial venture builder James McHugh, founder and chairman of Tquila. James reveals the “build-operate-transfer” playbook behind multiple eight-figure exits and how he’s now riding the AI wave with agentic systems
56. Banishing bureaucracy: How Octopus Group built a culture of entrepreneurship leading to a $9 billion valuation | Chris Hulatt
How do you build a culture where risk-taking is celebrated, bureaucracy is banished and everyone thinks like an entrepreneur? In this episode, James is joined by Chris Hulatt, Co-founder of Octopus Group, a multi-billion-pound investment and energy business that started in a living room and grew into a global force spanning fund management, renewable energy and technology. Chris shares how Octopus
55. Fame, failure & a 12-stone weight loss: The journey to 2 Michelin stars | Tom Kerridge
Building a career in food is one thing - but what does it really take to become one of the UKs most famous chefs? In this episode of 'All About Business,' James Reed speaks with renowned British chef Tom Carriage, exploring Tom’s journey from washing dishes in small kitchens to becoming a Michelin-starred chef and a successful business owner with a portfolio of restaurants. Tom discusses
54. The secret behavioural prompts brands use to influence your choices | Raphy March
How can businesses gain a true understanding of what drives customer decisions? And how can science be applied to create marketing that not only feels deeply human but also delivers measurable results?Today on All About Business, James is Raphy March, Managing Director at Cowry Consulting, a pioneer in combining behavioral science with AI to help global brands like Coca-Cola, EasyJet, and Sky, inf
53. Titan of the hotel industry reveals the 3 things you need to know to open a luxury hospitality business | Sir Rocco Forte
Being successful in hospitality is incredibly tough. But how do you keep a focus on quality and authenticity whilst expanding into multiple new locations? In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Sir Rocco Forte, titan of the luxury hospitality and hotel industry. They explore his incredible journey as an entrepreneur within a family whose history in hospitality spans over a centu
52. Karma Capitalism: Why being a good business IS good business | James Reed CBE
Socialism doesn’t work. Hyper-capitalism doesn’t work. Is this the answer?What happens when the DNA of a corporation changes?In this episode of 'All About Business', Alex interviews the usual host, James Reed, about his new book, 'Karma Capitalism.' The discussion revolves around the concept of Karma Capitalism, which James defines as a people-centric variant of capitalism where companies, known a
51. Celebrity Traitors finale week: The REAL big dog! Producer and Founder of Studio Lambert | Stephen Lambert OBE
The question is...are you a faithful, or are you a traitor?Television is something we all enjoy. But few of us get to see how the shows we love actually come to life and why some of them grip the nation in what can only be described as a phenomenon. Today on All About Business, James is joined by Stephen Lambert OBE. Stephen is a producer and founder of Studio Lambert, the production company
50. How to spot a charity that's a red flag (and how to give smarter) | John Spiers
Is it possible to be a highly successful entrepreneur without compromising your commitment to customers, staff, and society?In this episode of All About Business, we’re joined by John Spiers, entrepreneur, philanthropist, veteran of the wealth management industry, and Chairman of EQ Investors, one of the UK’s leading B Corporations. John shares why he returned to the sector to found EQ Investors,
49: Is your passion a business worth starting?: The simple method to find out | Johnnie Boden CBE
What is the secret to building an iconic brand that resonates with millions of customers on a global scale?In this episode of All About Business, we're joined by Johnnie Boden, founder and creative director of the iconic British clothing brand, Boden. Johnnie shares his unconventional journey from an unfulfilling career in the city, to founding a fashion brand that now generates over £350 million
48: Is this platform a new era beyond OnlyFans?: Innovation VS ethical responsibility | Felix Henderson
How do you balance innovation with ethical responsibility? This week on All About Business, we’re joined by Felix Henderson, Co-founder and COO of Ohchat, a generative AI business that builds "digital twins" of real-world content creators. In this episode, Felix shares his journey of building a business from the ground up, and provides insight into the AI future of adult entertainment and how an e
47: The power of PR: Controlling your brand reputation and the steps to handling a media crisis | Sarah Woodhouse
How do you build a resilient brand and lasting reputation and control chaos when a PR crisis hits?This week on All About Business, we’re joined by Sarah Woodhouse, co-owner and director at Ambitious PR. With over 25 years of experience in strategic communications, Sarah helps high-growth businesses manage their public image and tell their story with transparency.In this episode, Sarah offers pract
46. “We lost 11 million in one month!”: What Hays Travel did to go from crisis to smashing £3 Billion | Dame Irene Hays
Dame Irene Hays built Hays Travel with her husband John, growing it from a small counter at the back of a babywear shop into the UK’s largest independent travel agency with 512 branches nationwide. Along the way, she navigated major industry shifts, acquired the legendary Thomas Cook brand, founded the Hays Travel Foundation, and built a leading apprenticeship programme that now employs hundreds o
45. Should you hire ex offenders? Reed's report is here and the verdict is in! | Alex Head
Reed's Report: Employer Attitudes to Hiring People with Criminal ConvictionsResettling into society after prison is a huge challenge — especially when employers are reluctant to hire people with a criminal record. Too often, talented individuals are overlooked, leaving skills and potential untapped, and making them far more likely to reoffend. In this episode, we dive into the findings of the late
44. Can we save the post-covid schooling crisis with THIS AI tool? | Phillippa De’Ath
Education is changing fast, and the old ways of running learning institutes are no longer working. Philippa De’Ath set out to solve this when she co-founded Arbor Education, a platform designed to shift the focus of teachers away from admin work and back to what matters most: the students.In this week’s episode of All About Business, Philippa shares how she and her co-founder built a mission-drive
5 top summer takeaways you should hear to grow your business - Part 2
Fresh from the holidays? Here are 5 top summer takeaways to get you inspired and ready for September. In this special bonus episode of All about Business, we’ve handpicked some of the most valuable insights from our incredible podcast guests. Since launching last October, we’ve had the privilege of hearing the powerful journeys, lessons, and strategies from some of the most successful entrepreneur
43. 5 top summer takeaways you should hear to grow your business - Part 1
Fresh from the holidays? Here are 5 top summer takeaways to get you inspired and ready for September. In this special bonus episode of All about Business, we’ve handpicked some of the most valuable insights from our incredible podcast guests. Since launching last October, we’ve had the privilege of hearing the powerful journeys, lessons, and strategies from some of the most successful entrepreneur
42. Silent Disco Founder: "I didn’t want to build a company; I wanted to build a feeling" | Toby Burns
Great business ideas don’t have to be original, they just have to work. Some of the most successful startups are built by borrowing proven concepts, improving them, and executing better. That’s exactly how Toby Burns, founder and CEO of The Silent Disco Company, built a scalable business from a simple idea. In this week’s episode of All About Business, Toby shares how he turned a simple idea
41. The new poverty line: How working professionals are being pushed into hardship and what to do about it | Mark Game
Just last week, a Data Analyst was forced to turn to charity to feed his family. Once secure in a stable profession, he is now among the growing number of educated, working professionals whose livelihoods have been eroded by soaring inflation, pushing them into hardship. And the crisis shows no signs of easing.In this week’s episode of All About Business, Mark Game, Co-Founder of The Bread and But
40. Microsoft’s 6 principles for developing the best AI strategy | Jed Griffiths
AI isn’t the future, it’s already reshaping the way we work, build, and compete. If you’re starting or looking to scale a business right now, understanding how to actually use AI, not just talk about it, could be your biggest edge.In this week’s episode of All About Business, Microsoft UK’s Chief Digital Officer Jed Griffiths shares what he’s seeing at the front lines of AI adoption. From how ente
39. Smarter, fairer, faster: How AI is redefining graduate hiring | James Uffindell
Most graduates leave university with a degree but little direction, but how do you figure out what to do with your life, and how do you actually get your foot in the door?In this week’s episode of All About Business, the founder of Bright Network James Uffindell shares the full journey. From his first venture helping students access top universities, to scaling Bright Network into one of the UK's
38. The chemistry of growth: turning a mould problem into a thriving business | Byron Dixon OBE
Five years. Zero sales. No paycheck. Most people would’ve given up. Byron Dixon didn’t. Instead, he turned his chemistry knowledge and desire for change into Micro-Fresh. A breakthrough technology now used globally to fight mold, bacteria, and bad smells in everything from school shoes to hospital bedding.In this episode of All About Business, we meet Byron Dixon, scientist, entrepreneur, and foun
37. Hitting rock bottom to building a global brand from scratch | Matthew Jones
He pushed himself to the limit and lost everything. But that didn’t stop him from coming back stronger than ever and building a global brand from scratch.On this episode of All About Business we meet Matthew Jones, founder of Bread Ahead, who teaches us why the road to success isn’t always smooth. For him it was full of late nights, hard lessons, and a brutal turning point that forced him to rebui
36. How to get users on your app from day one | Michelle Kennedy
Nearly 10,000 apps are uploaded to the app store every week, and most of them are ignored. So how do you launch one that becomes a movement?In this episode of All About Business, we’re joined by Michelle Kennedy, founder and CEO of Peanut; the social networking app that has transformed how women connect and help each other through every stage of motherhood.What does it take to walk away from a top
35. Cargo without borders: How airships are about to connect the unreachable | Mark Dorey
Did you know that nearly half the planet still isn’t connected? In many places, getting essential supplies like medicine and food is not only costly, it’s nearly impossible. But what if we were standing on the edge of a breakthrough that could change all of that?On this episode of All About Business, we're joined by Mark Dorey, co-founder and CEO of Straightline Aviation. A pioneering company buil
34. The importance of being idle: A serious case for doing less | Tom Hodgkinson
We've long been taught that hard work is beneficial for both body and mind, but is that truly the case? Could there be inherent value in slowing down, embracing rest, and allowing ourselves the space to simply be idle?Today on 'All About Business', we meet Tom Hodgkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of The Idler Magazine, a publication that teaches its readers the value of slowing down.In this epi
33. Surfers Against Sewage: Are we sitting on a public health time bomb? | Giles Bristow
The UK is ranked last in Europe for bathing water quality. With a small team and limited resources, how have a ‘bunch of surfers from Cornwall’ got parliament to listen and launch a commission on England’s chemical cocktail of stinking sewage?Today’s guest on All About Business is Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a water reform charity that’s been around for over three decades.In this
32. What a venture capitalist is REALLY looking for when deciding to invest in your business | Sasha Kaletsky
What should you do if you have a brilliant business idea but don’t have the funds to bring it to life? In today’s episode of All About Business, I'm joined by venture capitalist Sasha Kaletsky. Sasha is the co-founder of investment firm Creator Ventures which he started with his cousin Caspar Lee. They have injected millions of dollars into digital tech companies in six short years. 
31. MIND GYM: The work-out that will enhance your brain for ultimate productivity | Octavius Black CBE
How can you use psychology to quickly go from struggling employee to productivity machine? Today’s guest on All About Business is Octavius Black CBE, the co-founder of MindGym, a corporate learning company that merges behavioural science with leadership development to turn struggling teams into powerhouses of productivity.In this episode, we discuss the psychology behind high performance, why
30. How the Princess of Wales’ favourite designer would build a jewellery brand in 2025 | Kiki McDonough
How would a Jeweller who has become a favourite amongst the royal family start from scratch in 2025?In this episode of All About Business, James interviews Kiki McDonagh, a fifth-generation jeweler renowned for her work with high-profile clients including Princess Diana and the current Princess of Wales. They discuss how she transformed the perception of fine jewellery, making it more accessible a
29. From nail art in Dalston to global beauty-tech icon | Sharmadean Reid MBE
How do you build a brand that not only speaks to a whole generation of women, but also transforms an entire industry?In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Sharmadean Reid MBE, the trailblazing entrepreneur behind brands such as WAH Nails, Beautystack and The Stack World. We discuss her experiences navigating the fashion and tech industries, how the pandemic changed her o
28. Adapt or die: How can businesses improve efficiency? | Livio Manzini
In December 2020, the UK signed its first post-Brexit trade deal with Turkey, safeguarding a £18.6bn relationship. But how did Turkey become so important for UK business?In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Livio Manzini, Chairman and CEO of Bell Holding, a packaging and services company based in Turkey. We explore Turkey’s secret to efficient manufacturing, why trade wars are bad
27. Lewis Hamilton’s brand expert reveals the key to building a winning reputation | David Robertson Mitchell
Consistent branding has the power to increase your revenue by up to 20%. But with massive rebrands making headlines for all the wrong reasons, how can you refresh your image without alienating your audience?In this episode of 'All About Business,' I sit down with David Robertson Mitchell, who spent almost a decade working as a brand consultant for Mercedes’ Formula One team.We discuss how he
26. "Net Zero is a Fantasy!" 5 ways to save the economy according to former Gails Chairman | Luke Johnson
With new economic policies forcing UK businesses to tighten their purse strings, how can we keep the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit alive, while also getting the economy back on track? In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Luke Johnson, the serial entrepreneur who spotted some of the UK’s most popular food brands, including Pizza Express, The Ivy and Gail’s Bakery. We discuss how to s
25. Human-like AI is rewiring our kids' brains! Educating the future generation | Philip Colligan
With 77% of 13-18 year olds using artificial intelligence in some way, how can we make sure young people are using AI effectively while also protecting them from its potential dangers? In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Philip Colligan, the CEO of Raspberry Pi Foundation, which provides free AI education to children across the globe. We discuss why AI is becoming more and more
24. Responding to a crisis: The force behind getting life-saving vaccines to the public | Dame Kate Bingham
The UK’s life science sector is booming, generating over £100 billion in turnover in 2022. And with more and more companies entering the space, how do you marry business and science to create a drug that not only makes money but saves lives.In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Dame Kate Bingham, Managing Partner at SV Health Investors, specialising in biotechnology investments.
23. From shop floor to CEO of Kurt Geiger: How to climb to the top in fashion | Neil Clifford
How do you go from cleaning toilets to running a multi-million pound company?In this episode of All about business, I sit down with Neil Clifford, the CEO of luxury footwear brand Kurt Geiger. Neil left school with just one O-Level, and rose to become a top player in the retail industry.We discuss the lessons Neil learned from his early retail jobs, why CEOs shouldn’t work from home, and how he he
22. 82% of management are 'accidental managers'. Here's how to fix it | Ann Francke OBE
A recent YouGov survey found that 82% of managers are ‘accidental'. So, what is an accidental manager? Why are there so many of them, and just how much is it affecting results within your business?In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Ann Francke OBE, the CEO of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which provides training, qualifications and resources for managers.She reveals
21. Fix your ops issues and save thousands every year by looking at THIS data | Anita Dougall
How can you use data to increase revenue, improve customer relationships, and make better business decisions?In today’s episode of All About Business, I speak with Anita Dougall, the co-founder and CEO of data consultancy firm, Sagacity. Anita started the business in 2005, and since then has helped companies like AA, British Gas, and Moonpig spin their data into business gold. She reveal
20. LADbible Founder: The contract I signed that put me in hospital | Alex Partridge
How do you turn an idea you had at uni into a multimillion-pound enterprise? UNILAD and LADbible founder, Alex Partridge, started both companies while he was studying at university, and was a millionaire by the time he was 25.In this episode of All About Business, we discuss the power of social media, the podcast that led to his ADHD diagnosis, and the harrowing court case that almost cost hi
19. GOOD SQUISH: Harnessing the power of an instagram personality to generate thousands of sales | Billie-Jo Cronin
In a world where consumers are obsessed with Temu and SHEIN, how can you attract customers to your high-end brand while staving off competition from cheaper alternatives? In this episode of All About Business, I speak with Billie-Jo Cronin, the founder of luxury accessories brand, Good Squish. Billie-Jo and her brother, Phoenix, bootstrapped the company, selling 1,900 units i
18. What The UK needs to learn from Silicon Valley about AI | The Hollingsworth Brothers
Concern around AI is higher than ever. But could 2025 be ‘make or break’ for businesses who have yet to embrace it?In this episode of 'All About Business' I talk with sibling duo, Richard and Archie Hollingsworth, founders of Fixer AI. They discuss their journey from bootstrapping a $5 million agency to spearheading an innovative AI personal assistant tool which they say can give you an hour back
17. The world's #1 mental health clinic for the rich and famous: Spotting the signs before it's too late | Jan Gerber
Entrepreneurs often possess traits that drive their success in business. But what if these same traits were also the root cause of deteriorating mental health, and, if left unaddressed, could ultimately lead to the collapse of their entire business?In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, the world’s no.1 exclusive mental health clinic for the
16. A British business legend at 91 | Sir Alec Reed
Businessman, philanthropist, a maverick at turning strange ideas into success. In this very special episode, and in celebration of his 91st birthday, I sit down with my father, Sir Alec Reed. Sir Alec founded Reed in 1960 from a carpet shop in Hounslow with just £75 in his pocket. Since then, he’s founded several charities, launched a business school and in 2011, was knighted for his services to b
15. Making big decisions whilst sticking to your values | Steph Rix
How can you turn everyday employees into strong leaders who are proud to work for your business?In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with executive coach and 'Life’s Work' founder, Steph Rix. She explains how you can beat imposter syndrome for good, the difference between leadership and management and how you can use your personal values to become a better leader.Steph is the Founder
14. Is your workforce frazzled? The science of mindfulness and increasing productivity | Ruby Wax OBE
With over a quarter of UK workers experiencing negative wellbeing because of work, how can you improve your own mental wellbeing, and stop being frazzled for good?In this episode of 'All About Business,' I sit down with comedian, writer and mental health advocate Ruby Wax OBE.We discuss how mindfulness can transform your mental health, how businesses can support struggling colleagues and the time
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