Leeds Business Podcast

Hosted by Phil Fraser

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Oct 2025

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On the Leeds Business podcast I chat to inspiring, fascinating and super-impressive Leeds Business Owners, lifting the lid on their own unique personal business journeys; the ups, the downs, the successes and the failures and their own secret sauce. We also get a unique ‘how to…’ from each guest, to assist you on your own business journey. In addition we speak the city’s movers and shakers, and specialists on everything business related. I’m speaking to Founders who have sold their business for millions, start-up Founders who have an exciting new product or service, major Business Owners with the city’s biggest companies, fascinating hidden Leeds businesses and everyone in between… just as long as they have an interesting business journey to share, I talk to them.. The ‘how to..’ segment shares essential business learnings like; * How to raise Angel Investment * How to create a business plan * How to sell your business * How to create a business strategy * How to build a marketing campaign * How to buy a business competitor * How to read a P&L statement … and much much more… Why Leeds? It’s a brilliant place to live, work and play and is full of brilliant businesses and inspirational business leaders. And it’s my hometown. So if you’re a Business owner, or want to be one, or are simply interested in the Leeds business scene, you’ll want to be listening. The show is free to listen to and there’s a new episode every Wednesday, released at 7.00am so you can listen on your morning commute, at the gym, in the park or at home. The Leeds Business Podcast is hosted by Phil Fraser. Phil launched, scaled and sold his own business and is now a Business Sounding Board helping SME Business Owners like you to NOT be lonely at the top. Phil loves to hear other people’s business journeys. Want to suggest a guest for the show? Email phil@leedsbusinesspodcast.com. If you’re a Business Owner who’s feeling lonely at the top, or is strategically stuck or simply needs a supportive, confidential ear from someone who’s been there done that, email phil@philfraser.co.uk. Leeds Business Podcast is produced by Simon Treen at Western Studios in Leeds.

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October 29, 202534 min

How to overcome Imposter Syndrome - with Clare Josa

Imposter Syndrome expert, Clare Josa, is this week's guest. In this episode we discuss how you can beat Imposter Syndrome.You'll learn what are the symptoms of Imposter Syndrome. Plus the five key steps to beating Imposter Syndrome and how to help someone with Imposter Syndrome.Impostor syndrome, also known as impostor phenomenon or impostorism, is a psychological experience in which a person suffers from feelings of intellectual and/or professional fraudulence.If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.INTRODUCING CLARE JOSAClare Josa is considered a global authority on Imposter Syndrome, as well as leading the landmark 2019 Imposter Syndrome Research Study and publishing her book; 'Ditching Imposter Syndrome'.She is the author of eight books and has been interviewed by the likes of The Independent, The Daily Telegraph and Radio 4, amongst others. Clare speaks internationally on how to change the world by changing yourself. An expert in the neuroscience and psychology of performance, her original training as an engineer, specialising in Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, means her inspirational approach to Imposter Syndrome is grounded in practical common sense, creating breakthroughs not burnout.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:00] Introducing Clare Josa[00:01:00] What is Imposter Sundrome?[00:04:20] What isn't Imposter Syndrome?[00:08:00] Debunking some of the rubbish out there about Imposter Syndrome[00:12:00] Good & bad stress and self-sabotage as part of Imposter Syndrome[00:16:00] How to identify what is, and what isn’t, a bout of Imposter Syndrome[00:21:00] How to press pause on a bout of Imposter Syndrome in under a minute[00:23:45] The 5 key steps to ditching Imposter Syndrome[00:28:00] The book 'Ditching Imposter Syndrome'[00:30:00] How to start turning your inner critic into a genuine cheerleaderVALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUHave you got Imposter Syndrome? Take Clare's free Imposter Syndrome test at https://impostersyndrome.scoreapp.com/Buy the book 'Ditching Imposter Syndrome - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1908854960/ref=nosim?tag=lbp08b-21Website: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/Work with Phil - www.philfraser.co.uk Website: www.clarejosa.com www.ditchingimpostersyndrome.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarejosaDON'T FORGET THE LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST ‘FAIR DEAL’My half of the agreement; Every week I bring you inspiring Leeds Business people FOR FREE.Your half of the deal - Share this episode with TWO people who you think will get value from itYOU MAY ALSO LIKEHow to turn a hobby into a ‘proper’ business – Dan & Michael, The Square Ball - <a...

October 22, 202536 min

From potential disaster to huge growth due to the covid lockdown- Kate Hutchinson, The Sustainability Community

Kate Hutchinson’s events company went from potential disaster to huge growth during the pandemic. Listen how chance meetings and recommendations have powered her business growth and how she's now growing her events company in the sustainability sector.If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.INTRODUCING KATE HUTCHINSON Kate Hutchinson is the Founder of The Sustainability Community - a national network of 20,000+ sustainability leaders spanning CEOs, government strategists, investors, community builders and climate innovators. United by a shared mission to accelerate the green economy and build a fairer, low-carbon future, we bring this vision to life through high-impact conferences, partnerships and programmes that connect ideas with action. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:00] Introduction to the Sustainability Community [00:03:00] Kate’s personal entrepreneurship journey [00:06:00] Getting started, connections and the importance of being on an accelerator [00:12:00] The important part the pandemic played in the business growth [00:20:00] The pivot to the sustainability industry [00:27:00] How to network effectively [00:30:00] Monetising the Sustainability Community and the expansion plans [00:34:00] My brilliant business idea 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS * When networking your number one priority is how you can help someone * If you make an event free to attend you can have a drop out rate of up to 60% * The biggest benefit of an accelerator is the connections you make with other founders 3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR “We grew 325% in the first year of the pandemic” “I wrote my first business plan on a canal boat” “I went to see Leeds City Council with no logo, no website, no nothing. Just a spreadsheet” VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOU Website: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/ Work with Phil - www.philfraser.co.uk  Website: https://www.thesustainabilitycommunity.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-hutchinson-9b7757a0/ Shout out: Victoria Garcia https://www.bindethics.com/  Mihaela Gruia https://www.researchretold.com/  DON'T FORGET THE LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST ‘FAIR DEAL’My half of the agreement; Every week I bring you inspiring Leeds Business people FOR FREE.Your half of the deal - Share this episode with TWO people who you think will get value from itYOU MAY ALSO LIKE (AS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE)Helen Oldham - https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/helen-oldham/Anna Sutton - https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/anna-sutton/Georgie Fairhall - https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/george-fairhall/Listen to Phil's story - https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/phil-fraser/ ABOUT YOUR HOSTPhil Fraser went from an accidental kitchen table start up, with no investment, all the way to multi-million pound sale to a PLC 18 years later. He’s travelled

October 15, 202530 min

From a side hustle to a nationally franchised business - James Ooi, Little Bao Boy

James Ooi, the founder of Little Bao Boy tells us how he transitioned from a career in sales to launching a successful street food business, starting from a side hustle in his flat to expanding into multiple locations.James shares insights on the challenges of building a food business, the importance of building a personal brand, and the strategic moves that helped Little Bao Boy thrive. Tune in for an inspiring journey of passion, perseverance, and innovation in the food industry.If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.INTRODUCING JAMES OOIGrowing up in his parents noodles shop hospitality has always been a part of James' life. Starting in corporate sales he always missed the buzz if hospitality. Almost a decade ago he launched Little Bao Boy, which has grown from a small street food set up to 38 franchises across the UK.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:00] From sales to street food[00:03:00] The birth of Little Bao Boy[00:06:00] Taking the leap: leaving a steady job[00:09:30] Navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship[00:12:00] The Importance of community when building a brand[00:15:00] Expanding horizons: franchising and growth[00:18:00] Quality control and the evolution of business operations[00:24:00] Building a personal brand in the Digital Age[00:28:00] Advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs[00:30:00] My brilliant business idea3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS• When you start a business you have to become an accountant• It’s not just how good your product is. People invest in you as a person.• Don’t overthink your personal brand. Just go out there and create content3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR“no-one gets into business because they want to learn how to read a P&L sheet”“It took a year and a half to sort out the franchising side of things”“One of our videos has 2.6m views on it”VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUWebsite: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/Work with Phil - www.philfraser.co.uk Website: https://www.littlebaoboy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-ooi-7b740b86/ Shout out: https://dohhut.com/ https://www.thingsinbread.com/DON'T FORGET THE LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST ‘FAIR DEAL’My half of the agreement; Every week I bring you inspiring Leeds Business people FOR FREE.Your half of the deal - Share this episode with just ONE person who you think will get value from itYOU MAY ALSO LIKEWhat it’s really like running a bar – John Gyngell, North Brewhttps://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/north-bar-john-gyngell From Lockdown to Launchpad – JFDI; The Mexi Bean Express Story with Danielle Best - https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/danielle-best-mexibean/From start up to M&S supplier to insolvency – Greg Fraser, Bottle Baking Co - <a...

October 8, 202530 min

How AI is revolutionising the pet insurance industry with Paul Hallett, Founder & Executive Chairman, Vet-AI

An argument in the vets was the spark for today’s guest. Listen as Paul Hallett of VET AI discusses what’s important when raising funds, the supportive business eco-system of Leeds, the extra benefits that strategic investors bring and …… bank accounts for pets !If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.INTRODUCING PAUL HALLETTPaul Hallett is the co-founder of Vet-AI, the Leeds-based vet tech company behind the Joii Pet Care app, which uses AI and telemedicine to make veterinary care more affordable and accessible. Paul launched Vet-AI in 2017 with veterinarians Robert Dawson and Sarah Warren, driven by a desire to solve real problems in the veterinary industry, including burnout and rising costs.As a tech expert who isn't afraid to challenge the status quo, Paul is passionate about building relationships and improving the lives of pets, vets and owners. Blending entrepreneurial drive with a meaningful mission, he has guided Vet-AI through its growth, scaling the business into one of the UK’s most innovative vet tech ventures.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:00] Lessons from liquidation and new beginnings[00:06:00] Insights into fundraising[00:09:00] The birth of Vet-AI: From idea to execution[00:12:00] Building the team, initial steps, early growth and challenges[00:18:00] The Role of AI in veterinary care[00:21:00] Strategic partnerships and a change in the business model[00:24:30] Overcoming obstacles and business learnings[00:27:30] My brilliant business idea5 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS• It’s easy to be distracted in business, particularly younger businesses. The businesses that make it are very focused.• People are critical. Who have you got in and around you.• Early traction is key when looking for investment.• Don’t think ‘it will be ok tomorrow’; you have to de-risk by acting now• Strategic investors usually think longer term that VCs4 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR“We were really good at acquiring customers but not very good at keeping them”“It was one of those serendipitous moments. It got my cogs working”“Vets commit suicide four times the UK general population”“Our first employee was a quantum physicist”VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUWebsite: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/Work with Phil - www.philfraser.co.uk Website: www.vet-ai.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vet-ai/ Shout out: https://livve.uk/DON'T FORGET THE LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST ‘FAIR DEAL’My half of the agreement; Every week I bring you inspiring Leeds Business people FOR FREE.Your half of the deal - Share this episode with TWO people who you think will get value from itYOU MAY ALSO LIKETurning a hobby into a business - The Square Ball - https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/the-square-ball/Building an AI business – <a href="https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/neural-voice-jeremy-smith/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

October 1, 202534 min

Why international PR is not always great for business - Claire Daniels, Trio Media

Join Claire Daniels, CEO of Trio Media, as she delves into her inspiring journey.Discover how Claire navigated personal tragedy to become a successful business owner, the challenges of taking over an existing company, and the lessons learned from international PR coverage. Claire also shares her unique 'Top 20 Reasons' exercise to help your business refine your marketing messages.If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.INTRODUCING CLAIRE DANIELSClaire Daniels is the owner and CEO of Trio Media, a web and performance marketing agency based in Leeds. Trio Media is a well-established agency, supporting a number of businesses within Leeds and the wider region in their marketing efforts. They rank #19 on Campaign’s Best Places to Work. Claire’s career in marketing spans over 15 years, and has seen her lead global marketing teams and strategic initiatives. Claire has regularly appeared in the media and is no stranger to being interviewed on live TV and radio. Claire is now focussed on scaling Trio through the integration of AI - with funding secured to build their own AI product, which is currently in production. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:00] Introduction to Trio Media and the Impact of personal loss on Claire’s career[00:06:00] Navigating family dynamics in the business[00:16:00] The four-day work week experience, and the problems it brought[00:21:00] Working with your husband in the business[00:23:00] Understanding customer needs: The ‘Top 20 Reasons’ exercise[00:31:00] My brilliant business idea 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS• When you buy into a business it’s like being put in charge of a train and working out the controls before the next stop• It’s a misconception that all PR coverage must equal new business. It doesn’t.• There’s a huge difference in what you say and what customers want to hear3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR“I didn’t know we pay our tax quarterly”“We were on the BBC, ITV, every newspaper”“Even though my husband thought it was a terrible idea that I work with his sister, he doesn’t think it’s a terrible idea that he works for me”VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUWebsite: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/Work with Phil - www.philfraser.co.uk Website: www.trio-media.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-daniels-trio-media/ Shout out: https://www.blocstudio.co.uk/ YOU MAY ALSO LIKETurning a hobby into a business - The Square Ball - https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/the-square-ball/Building an AI business – https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/neural-voice-jeremy-smith/Interior design, Leeds United and aliens - <a href="https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/amanda-cook-design-tonic/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

September 24, 202535 min

What's the story behind Berrys Jewellers? With Simon Walton, Managing Director

Introducing Simon Walton, Managing Director of Berry's Jewellers. We discuss the history of Berry's, the challenges and advantages of running a family business and the expansion of their stores. Simon shares insights into the luxury watch and jewellery industry, including the importance of building relationships with brands and the unique challenges of selling high-value items, including the dangers of robbery. The conversation also touches on the impact of online shopping and the strategies Berry's employs to create an exceptional in-store experience.If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.INTRODUCING SIMON WALTONSimon Walton is Managing Director of Berrys, a 5th generation family jewellers. Currently with 13 stores, Berrys is one of the largest independent watch and jewelry businesses in the U.K. Berrys recently opened the only Patek Philippe boutique outside of London in Leeds.Simon is married with 3 kids, a fanatical Leeds Rhinos fan and keen road cyclist. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:00] Introducing Berrys Jewellers[00:03:30] Navigating family dynamics in the business[00:06:00] Expansion through opportunity[00:10:00] the cash-intensive nature of the jewellery industry[00:13:00] The security challenges[00:16:00] Retail expansion when the High Street is dying[00:19:00] Building luxurious shops and selling luxury products[00:30:00] My brilliant business idea[00:32:00] The future of Berrys3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS• people by from people when they have confidence that they know what they're talking about• people want the experience of shopping on the high street• When selling luxury brands, the brand is bigger than your business3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR“Over a 10 year period we opened one store a year"“there's always a very good armed police presence in Leeds"“I sold a Patek Phillipe for two and a half million pounds"VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUWebsite: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/Work with Phil - www.philfraser.co.uk Website: https://www.berrysjewellers.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/berrys-jewellers/Shout out: https://www.green-room.com/DON'T FORGET THE LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST ‘FAIR DEAL’My half of the agreement; Every week I bring you inspiring Leeds Business people FOR FREE.Your half of the deal - Share this episode with just TWO people who you think will get value from itYOU MAY ALSO LIKEBuilding an AI business – https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/neural-voice-jeremy-smith/Interior design, Leeds United and aliens - https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/amanda-cook-design-tonic/Kitchen table to £mm sale to a plc - <a href="https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/phil-fraser/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

September 17, 202542 min

The 'AI in music' success story - with Hazel Savage, Syntho

Join us as we dive into the fascinating journey of Hazel Savage, a trailblazer in AI and music tech. Discover her unique insights on entrepreneurship, and her experiences in building and selling a successful AI company. Hazel shares her candid thoughts on the challenges and triumphs of innovation, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for youINTRODUCING HAZEL SAVAGEWith 18 years experience in the music industry, Hazel is a music-tech lifer, guitarist and currently the CEO at Syntho. Previously, in 2018 Hazel was the CEO and Co-Founder of Musiio, an AI startup which sold to SoundCloud in 2022. She started her music-tech journey as an early employee at Shazam and has also had the privilege and experience to work at Pandora Internet Radio, Universal Music, BandLab and HMV.Hazel travels globally speaking at conferences and talking to catalogue owners about the value of artificial intelligence integration and digital transformation in the music industry. As a female founder in the heavily male-dominated industries of music and tech, Hazel seeks to offer insights with interesting and humorous anecdotes, as well as easy-to-follow explanations and use cases of artificial intelligence technology.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:00] Introduction to Syntho and Hazel's journey[00:02:30] Retirement and the call to action[00:05:15] The Incubator experience, finding a co-founder[00:10:34] From Idea to Execution; Starting Musio[00:16:15] Navigating the Exit; selling Musio[00:32:30] Back to the grind and embracing the hustle[00:36:00] How to ideate for a start-up idea[00:45:00] Building Leeds Angels3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGSHave strong beliefs, but loosely heldGet as many experts as possible to kick the tyres on your business ideaIf you don't have bad days, you can't have good days3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR“What is your non-consensus view of the world?"“People are arseholes..."“When I told people what I was doing, lots of them said, "Well that won't work will it" "VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUWebsite: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/Work with Phil - www.philfraser.co.uk Website: https://www.leedsangels.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelrebeccasavage/Shout out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crispin1/https://auditsu.com/DON'T FORGET THE LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST ‘FAIR DEAL’My half of the agreement; Every week I bring you inspiring Leeds Business people FOR FREE.Your half of the deal - Share this episode with TWO people who you think will get value from itYOU MAY ALSO LIKEMaking a hobby a 'proper' business - Leeds United podcast, The Square Ball<a...

September 10, 202531 min

Lead generation advice from a lead generation agency - Faresh Maisura, Blueberry Marketing Solutions

Join Faresh Maisura as we explore the journey of launching a business post-employer administration, the significance of mentoring and the impact of business courses. Discover insights on lead generation, public sector challenges, and the power of community support in entrepreneurship. If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.INTRODUCING FARESH MAISURIAFaresh Maisuria is the founder and Managing Director of Blueberry Marketing Solutions - a business development agency founded overnight in 2005 in response to an unexpected opportunity. Originally based in a university incubator at Leeds Beckett, Blueberry benefited from a range of local enterprise initiatives that helped shape its early direction and growth. Now approaching its 20th anniversary, the company has grown into a team of over 50 and continues to champion entrepreneurial thinking, with 24 former employees having gone on to start their own businesses.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:00] Journey to setting up Blueberry Marketing[00:08:00] Growing the business and the Goldman Sachs small business course[00:11:00] Expanding into, and working within, the Public Sector[00:16:00] Business journey pain points[00:19:00] Lead generation advice and insights[00:24:00] What is an EOT (Employee Ownership Trust) and what are the benefits[00:25:00] How to start a business - some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGSOpportunities sometimes happen in the strangest waysPeople are always willing to helpTo get to that shared goal, an EMI scheme really works3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR“Neil ran a £20m business. I asked Neil every question under the sun”“As a lead generation company, if you cant generate your own leads you shouldn’t be in business”“Out of adversity look at how it can work for you”VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUWebsite: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/Work with Phil - www.philfraser.co.uk Website: https://blueberryms.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faresh-maisuria-8009761/ Shout out: Ryan Evans - https://www.rmesport.com/ YOU MAY ALSO LIKESixth form to £mm exited tech founder in 10 years – with Jordan Appleson, Founder, Harkhttps://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/jordan-appleson-hark/Interior design, Leeds United and aliens with Amanda Cook, Design Tonichttps://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/amanda-cook-design-tonic/From start up to M&S supplier to insolvency – Greg Fraser, Bottle Baking Cohttps://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/bottled-baking-greg-fraser/Accidental start up to multi-million pound exit – Phil Fraser’s story<a href="https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/phil-fraser/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

September 10, 202531 min

From Lockdown to Launchpad - JFDI; The Mexi Bean Express Story with Danielle Best

Join us as we dive into the amazing journey of Danielle Best, founder of Mexi Bean Express. Discover how she navigates the challenges of balancing multiple business ventures, from launching a restaurant during COVID to expanding into yoga and sweets. Danielle shares her insights on resilience, innovation, and the importance of having the right team behind you.If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.INTRODUCING DANIELLE BESTDanielle Best is the owner and CEO of Mexi Bean Express, Kalm wellness studio and Charlie’s Desserts. Danielle began her entrepreneurial journey in 2020. After travelling to Mexico, she identified a niche for high-quality quick-service Mexican food with authentic flavours. Since then, Mexi Bean Express has expanded to multiple locations and won multiple awards, including the Hospitality Leader of the Year award at the Business Desk Yorkshire Leadership Awards.She has also formed a partnership with the Community Foundation for Calderdale and got involved in initiatives supporting women in business.  As a single mother of three and an independent business owner, Danielle knows how hard it can be to start and develop a business, especially balancing it with the demands of personal life. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:00] The birth of Mexi Bean Express[00:06:00] Expansion and growth strategies[00:12:00] How to build a franchise[00:18:00] Introducing Kalm, and Charlie's Desserts5 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGSIf it doesn't work, it's not a failure. Just try and try again.Are you strong enough for this? Do you want it enough? How much are you prerpared to put to get itFor a franchise to work, You've got to have one recipe for success and then replicate itGive it a shot. If it doesn't work, at least you triedYou've got to take that risk. No risk, no reward3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR“I've got massive dreams. And I think it's contagious"“I knew I wanted to be massive and national and global"“I cant move for business plans (NOT)"VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUWebsite: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/Work with Phil - www.philfraser.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-best-02297820b/ Websites: MexiBean Express - https://mexibeanexpress.co.uk/Kalm - https://kalm.world/ Charlie’s Desserts https://charliesdesserts.com/Shout out: https://www.eatitdrinkit.co.uk/ Zeta Weber - https://msha.ke/zetawebberDON'T FORGET THE LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST ‘FAIR DEAL’My half of the agreement; Every week I bring you inspiring Leeds Business people FOR FREE.Your half of the deal - Share this episode with just ONE person who you think will get value from itYOU MAY ALSO LIKEhttps://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/kate-ball/ https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/the-square-ball/<a...

June 25, 202537 min

The best way to network in Leeds with Gordon Bateman, Climb UK

Listen to one the best connectors in the Leeds business eco-system; Gordon Bateman.Gordon discusses his business background and a series of fortunate accidents that led to one of the biggest events on the Leeds business calendar. He also gives us a great networking tip.If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.INTRODUCING GORDON BATEMANGordon Bateman has over 30 years’ experience supporting ambitious businesses and the investors who back them. He specialises in helping organisations design, build, and retain outstanding executive and non-executive teams that drive sustainable growth. Working closely with some of the UK’s most active investors, Gordon is a trusted advisor on talent strategy, portfolio development, and scaling challenges.Gordon founded Investor Ladder to strengthen connections between investors and regional innovation ecosystems. In 2023, he launched Climb to address three core needs: better support and advice for growing businesses, improved access to finance across the UK regions, and more effective international expansion - both into and out of the UK.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:00] The Journey to CRSI[00:03:00] The challenges in startup recruitment and navigating people management[00:08:00] The birth of Investor Ladder and connecting Investors with businesses[00:15:00] How Climb came about[00:18:00] The Impact of Climb on the business community[00:21:00] Highlights and Features of Climb 2025[00:24:00] How to optimise your experience at events3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGSWhat works for an established business, doesn’t necessarily work for a start upBusiness is all about building relationshipsThe whole of the north is an amazing place to do business3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR“We spend more time talking about the poor employees rather than those that are doing really well”“We had £16b of active funds in the room”“We all know we need to network, but most of us hate it”VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUWebsite: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/Work with Phil - www.philfraser.co.uk Websites: Climb - www.Climb-uk.comCRSi - www.crsi.teamInvestor ladder - www.investorladder.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonbateman1/Shout out: Net-Zu (they don't have a website yet)DON'T FORGET THE LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST ‘FAIR DEAL’My half of the agreement; Every week I bring you inspiring Leeds Business people FOR FREE.Your half of the deal - Share this episode with just ONE person who you think will get value from itYOU MAY ALSO LIKE (CLIMB SPEAKERS AS MENTIONED)Chris Black - https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/chris-black/Jordan Dargue - https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/lifted-ventures/George Fairhall - <a href="https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/george-fairhall/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

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