The Elite Business Podcast

Hosted by elitebusiness

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100

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Aug 2026

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About the show

At Elite Business, we’re passionate about championing new business. Providing fresh perspectives and representing disruptive solutions, we’re interested in the startups and SMEs that are spearheading Britain forward. From tech unicorns to entrepreneurs transforming healthcare with AI, we cover the movers and shakers making enterprising exciting. Our online platform covers up-to-the-minute content and presents a unique angle on the things enterprises need to know, from maximising the potential of mobile to setting the world alight on social media. We also gather the best and brightest voices in the community to share their experience.

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August 24, 2026Episode 12534 min

Are too many tech tools actually making your business less productive?

There’s an app for almost everything: CRM, accounting, payments, project management, marketing, reporting and now an ever-growing range of AI tools. But when those systems don’t work together, technology designed to simplify a business can quickly create more complexity. In this Elite Business Live 2026 session, Christina Hamilton, CEO of ClearCourse, is joined by Billy Price, Managing Director of Field Services, and Josh Barling, Managing Director of Retail, to explore how SMEs can escape the technology trap and choose tools that genuinely support growth. They discuss: 🔹 Why “tool sprawl” can damage productivity 🔹 Why businesses should start with the problem, not the software 🔹 The importance of connecting systems and data 🔹 When to buy technology rather than build it yourself 🔹 Why successful technology projects depend on employee buy-in 🔹 How automation and AI can help people work smarter 🔹 Why small efficiencies can have a major impact on performance 🔹 How to choose technology partners that can grow with your business The key takeaway? The smartest technology strategy isn’t about having the most software or the latest AI tools. It’s about understanding the problem you’re trying to solve and finding the simplest, smartest and most connected way to solve it. ▶️ Watch the full discussion for practical advice on building a technology strategy that makes your business simpler, smarter and more productive. #SME #SmallBusiness #BusinessTechnology #DigitalTransformation #AI #Automation #Productivity #BusinessGrowth #EliteBusinessLive https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness

August 17, 2026Episode 12416 min

Is Bad Data Silently Sabotaging Your Business? | Steve Forsdick - Market Location. EBL2026

Businesses have access to more data than ever, but is that data actually helping them make better decisions? In this Elite Business Live session, Steve Forsdick, Business Development Director at Market Location, explains why poor-quality data could be quietly undermining your sales, marketing, CRM and AI investments. Steve explores why businesses should focus less on the size of their database and more on its accuracy, relevance and reliability, especially as AI and automation become increasingly important. In this session, discover: 🔹 Why B2B data can decay rapidly 🔹 How bad data makes good technology look bad 🔹 Why the best database isn’t necessarily the biggest 🔹 How human verification can improve data quality 🔹 Why GDPR and PECR can become a competitive advantage 🔹 The questions every business should ask before buying B2B data 🔹 How better data can lead to better targeting, stronger pipelines and more sales Steve also shares a real-world example where cleansing and enriching a company’s data helped generate 4,800 leads, 1,800 sales-qualified leads and 200 new customers within three months. As Steve puts it, businesses need to stop asking “How much data do we have?” and start asking a much more important question: “How much of it can we actually trust?” #EliteBusinessLive #BusinessData #DataQuality #B2BMarketing #Sales #Marketing #AI #CRM #BusinessGrowth #gdpreparation https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness

August 10, 2026Episode 12344 min

Will AI recommend your business? And is reputation becoming the new SEO?

AI is rapidly changing how customers discover businesses. Instead of simply searching Google and comparing a list of links, people are increasingly asking AI who they should trust, which company they should use and who the experts are. At Elite Business Live 2026, Alison Shadrack, Founder and CEO of Adia PR, explores what this shift means for SMEs and why PR, reputation and third-party credibility could become increasingly important in the age of AI. Alison explains how earned media, founder visibility, thought leadership, awards, case studies and consistent online authority can all help create the signals that both people and AI use to establish trust. In this session, discover: 🔹 Why AI is becoming a recommendation engine 🔹 Why reputation could be the new SEO 🔹 How PR can help improve your visibility in AI results 🔹 Why founder profiles and thought leadership matter 🔹 How earned media creates signals of trust and authority 🔹 Why businesses should create content around real customer questions, not just keywords 🔹 How smaller businesses can compete with much larger brands 🔹 Why consistent PR activity can become a compounding asset The key message is simple: AI may be changing how customers find businesses, but trust, authority and reputation still determine who gets recommended. So, ask yourself one question: Would AI recommend your company? If the answer isn’t what you’d hoped for, it might be time to start giving it better reasons to say yes. #EliteBusinessLive #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #PublicRelations #PR #SEO #GEO #BusinessGrowth #SME #Entrepreneurship #Marketing #ThoughtLeadership #BrandReputation https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness

August 3, 2026Episode 12247 min

From staying relevant to redefining the creator economy | Sam Thompson & Ben Hacker | EBLive|! 2026

What does it take to stand out in today’s creator economy? In this engaging fireside chat from Elite Business Live 2026, Sam Thompson and Ben Hacker, co-founders of Content Jungle, reveal why content creation is no longer just for influencers or global brands. Whether you’re running a local bakery, scaling a franchise or leading a multinational business, your ability to tell authentic stories has become one of your biggest competitive advantages. Sam Thompson & Ben Hacker - Write up.docx Discover why: * Authenticity consistently beats polished advertising * Storytelling matters more than algorithms and trends * Creator-led content often outperforms traditional marketing * You don’t need expensive equipment or a huge budget to create engaging content * Every founder has a story worth telling * Taking action is more important than waiting for perfection Sam Thompson & Ben Hacker - Write up.docx Sam and Ben also discuss the future of the creator economy, how audiences have shifted from traditional media to individuals and brands, and why businesses that embrace content today will be better positioned for tomorrow. Sam Thompson & Ben Hacker - Write up.docx If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not interesting enough to create content,” this conversation might completely change your perspective. As Sam puts it, “A hundred views is better than zero.” Sam Thompson & Ben Hacker - Write up.docx 👍 If you enjoyed this interview, please like, subscribe and turn on notifications for more conversations with today’s leading entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders. #EliteBusinessLive #SamThompson #BenHacker #ContentJungle #ContentMarketing #CreatorEconomy #Storytelling #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Marketing #SmallBusiness #PersonalBrand #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #digitalmarketing https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness

July 27, 2026Episode 12143 min

Unlock growth with TikTop Shop: Turning viewers into shoppers - Live from EBL2026

Discover how TikTok Shop is transforming the way customers buy online. 🚀 In this session from Elite Business Live 2026, TikTok Shop’s George Meagher and Ed Gilmartin explain why traditional ecommerce is being replaced by Discovery Commerce, where products are found through engaging content, trusted creators and authentic recommendations rather than search bars. Learn why businesses of every size should be paying attention to TikTok Shop, how creators are becoming the new sales force, why AI is changing digital advertising, and what brands need to do to turn viewers into loyal customers. Whether you’re an ecommerce retailer, entrepreneur or marketing professional, this session is packed with practical insights to help you reach new audiences and grow your business in the changing world of online shopping. Unlock growth with TikTop Shop - write up.docx In this video you’ll learn: * Why Discovery Commerce is reshaping online shopping * How TikTok Shop turns content into sales * The role of creators in building trust and driving conversions * Why great ecommerce fundamentals still matter * How AI is simplifying digital advertising * Practical strategies to grow your business with TikTok Shop 👍 If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe and hit the notification bell for more insights from industry leaders at Elite Business Live. #TikTokShop #Ecommerce #DiscoveryCommerce #DigitalMarketing #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #ContentMarketing #AI #Retail #EliteBusinessLive https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness

July 20, 2026Episode 12047 min

Making life easier for small businesses, with Emma Jones the UK's Small Business Commissioner.

What support is actually available to help small businesses start, grow and scale in the UK? In this insightful panel discussion from Elite Business Live 2026, Emma Jones, the UK’s Small Business Commissioner, brings together experts from government, finance, business support and entrepreneurship to explore how founders can access the funding, advice, networks and expertise they need to grow. The panel looks beyond simply finding finance to explore the wider support ecosystem available to UK entrepreneurs, from Growth Hubs and Start Up Loans to mentoring, leadership development and government-backed business programmes. You’ll hear practical insights on: • How Growth Hubs can connect businesses with funding, mentors, universities and specialist support • The finance and guidance available through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme • Why understanding the problem your business solves is critical before seeking funding • How Help to Grow: Management can support business owners and develop leadership skills • The impact of late payments on SMEs and the role of the Fair Payment Code • How government initiatives aim to improve productivity and help more UK businesses scale • Why finding the right people, advice and support at the right time can transform a business Featuring insights from Emma Jones, Richard Jeffery of The Growth Company, Tracey Kilty of Start Up Loans at the British Business Bank, entrepreneur Eunice Mwale of Lovehands Care Services, and Paula Crofts from the Department for Business and Trade. The key message? Growing a business doesn’t have to be a solo journey. The funding, expertise and opportunities you need may already exist. The challenge is knowing where to find them. Watch the full discussion to discover where small businesses can turn for practical support and how accessing the right help at the right moment can make the journey from starting up to scaling up much easier. #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessUK #BusinessFunding #StartUpLoans #EliteBusinessLive #BusinessSupport #Entrepreneurs #sme https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness

July 14, 2026Episode 11939 min

Innovation is not the tech - it’s the discipline to use it. Mark Sweeny of deNovo Solutions at EBL.

Technology is evolving faster than ever, but according to Mark Sweeny, Founder and Chief Executive of De Novo Solutions, the businesses that succeed won't necessarily be those with the latest AI tools or biggest technology budgets. They'll be the ones with the discipline to use them effectively. In this thought-provoking session, Mark shares the lessons behind growing De Novo Solutions into a £12 million technology business in under four years, explaining why sustainable innovation is built on operational excellence, consistent execution and strong leadership rather than technology alone. In this session, you'll discover: Why technology amplifies existing behaviours – for better or worse. How operational innovation creates the foundation for growth. Why professional services firms need to move beyond the traditional "bums on seats" model. How AI and automation should support, not replace, good business processes. The importance of discipline, routines and decision-making in scaling a business. Why capturing organisational knowledge is essential for long-term success. Whether you're a founder, business owner or senior leader, this session offers practical insights into building a more resilient, scalable and future-ready organisation. #EliteBusiness #EliteBusinessLive #BusinessInnovation #OperationalInnovation #Leadership #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneur #Entrepreneurship #Founder #BusinessOwner #ScaleUp #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Automation #DigitalTransformation #OperationalExcellence #BusinessStrategy #GrowthStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #Technology #FutureOfWork #SMEs #SmallBusiness #UKBusiness #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #DeNovoSolutions #MarkSweeny 🎤 Elite Business Live 2026 | Innovation is not the tech - it’s the discipline to use it Subscribe for more insights from the UK's leading business event. https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness

June 29, 2026Episode 11841 min

Forget the AI hype: Where UK small businesses should really start

Artificial Intelligence is dominating business conversations, but are UK SMEs focusing on the wrong question? At Elite Business Live 2026, industry leaders from Sage, Hermes Digital and British Veterans Owned shared practical advice on how small businesses can successfully adopt AI without getting caught up in the hype. Rather than chasing the latest AI tools, the panel explains why businesses should first identify their biggest operational challenges, automate repetitive processes, and only introduce AI where it genuinely adds value. The discussion also explores agentic AI, trust, productivity, hiring, and why human judgement will remain essential as AI continues to evolve. In this video you’ll discover: • Why AI adoption should start with solving business problems, not following trends • How automation and AI work together to improve productivity • Why businesses using AI are often hiring more people, not fewer • The importance of keeping humans involved in key decisions • How AI can give business owners back their most valuable resource: time Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur or business leader looking to understand the real opportunities AI presents, this session offers practical, actionable insights you can apply today. 👍 If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe and turn on notifications for more insights from Elite Business Live. #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #SmallBusiness #SME #BusinessGrowth #BusinessAutomation #Entrepreneur #Sage #EliteBusinessLive #DigitalTransformation #BusinessTechnology #Productivity #UKBusiness #Innovation #leadership https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness

June 22, 2026Episode 11741 min

Improve your business one slice of toast at a time: EBL2026 Live Session with Dave Stubberfield

At Elite Business Live 2026, Dave Stubberfield, CX and Continuous Improvement Consultant at Carter Consultancy, explored one of the most overlooked truths in business: small decisions create big outcomes. Using two unexpected teaching tools, a pig and a slice of toast, Dave demonstrated how organisations often fall into the trap of making assumptions, creating inefficient processes, and relying on disconnected systems that frustrate both employees and customers. In this insightful session, Dave explains: ✅ Why understanding customer requirements is critical ✅ How poor processes become embedded over time ✅ The connection between employee experience and customer experience ✅ Why technology amplifies behaviour rather than fixes problems ✅ The leadership balance between support and micromanagement ✅ How small, continuous improvements can drive significant business growth From customer loyalty and process improvement to leadership and workplace culture, this session is packed with practical lessons that businesses of any size can apply immediately. Watch now to discover why improving your business might start with something as simple as a slice of toast. 🍞 #EliteBusinessLive #CustomerExperience #BusinessImprovement #Leadership #ContinuousImprovement #CX #EmployeeExperience #BusinessGrowth #CustomerService #processimprovement https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness

June 15, 2026Episode 11626 min

What can a £400 billion industry teach you about building a brand?

At Elite Business Live 2026, five of the beauty world's most compelling founders and brand leaders came together to answer that question — and the lessons go far beyond skincare and makeup. Hosted by Oli Barrett, this panel brought together: Chloe Walsh – Founder of Clamana David Allerton – Founder of SE-LF Lucie Macleod – Founder & CEO of Hair Syrup Ning Cheah – Founder & Director of The Beauty Crop Sarah Lee – Head of Discovery Commerce at The INKEY List Together they unpacked what's really driving growth in modern business — from founder-led content and community building to the rise of discovery commerce on TikTok and beyond. In this session you'll discover: ✅ Why your brand needs a clear reason to exist (not just a product) ✅ How authentic founder storytelling outperforms traditional advertising ✅ The community-building strategy that turns customers into advocates ✅ What "discovery commerce" means and why it's changing every industry ✅ Why the best marketing can't save a product that doesn't solve a real problem Whether you're in beauty, tech, finance or hospitality — the principles driving the world's most exciting brands are the same. And they're all here. #EliteBusinessLive #EliteBusiness #EliteBusinessMagazine #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #StartupAdvice #FounderStory #BeautyBusiness #BeautyIndustry #BeautyFounder #BeautyEntrepreneur #BeautyBrand #FounderLedMarketing #DiscoveryCommerce #TikTokMarketing #SocialCommerce #CommunityBuilding #BusinessPanel #UKBusiness 🎤 Elite Business Live 2026 | The Beauty Economy: Where Style Meets Business Subscribe for more insights from the UK's leading business event. https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness