ScaleUp Radio

I’m Granger Forson and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. On this episode, I talk with Steve Mason, the visionary behind Nova Blue Technologies, a remote-first cybersecurity company that grew from a solo startup during the lockdown to a 14-strong international team.

Steve shares how a “kindness is the default” ethos permeates Nova Blue’s culture, creating an atmosphere of trust, flexibility, and empowerment. Fueled by his GCHQ and defense industry background, Steve’s focus on proactively configuring systems – rather than just alerting – sets Nova Blue’s managed service apart.

Their hiring principle of “attitude, aptitude, and appetite” has seen Nova Blue attract dynamic, passionate individuals who fit perfectly into the “Nova Legion.” With 70% of leads coming from channel partners, Steve reveals how they are diversifying lead generation and why they are committed to organic growth before eyeing a potential exit.

You’ll be inspired by the bold international aspirations (Canada, Middle East, Indonesia) that guide Nova Blue’s expansion plans – and the “people-first” approach they’ll keep at every stage. Tune in for insights on building a vibrant culture, scaling organically, and protecting SMEs worldwide.

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. Also, you can nominate a guest for ScaleUp Radio if you know someone with an interesting ScaleUp story – you can find how in the show notes. So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of kindness is the default, attitude-aptitude-appetite, and bootstrapped growth with Steve.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.
https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Steve can be found here:

steve@nova-blue.net

Resources:

Start With Why By Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/239994?ean=9780241958223

The Infinite Game  by Simon Sinek - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-infinite-game-simon-sinek/185827?ean=9780241385630

The Rest Is Politics podcast - https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuSr/

Diary of a CEO - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Microsoft Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software

Stirling Bank app - https://www.starlingbank.com/download/

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I sit down with Peter Rucinski, co-founder of Assure Technical, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how his company has evolved to provide cybersecurity solutions for SMEs.

Originally focused on high-value military and infrastructure projects, Assure Technical pivoted in 2016 to serve small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them navigate the increasingly complex world of cybersecurity. Today, they offer services like Cyber Essentials certification, penetration testing, and security audits to businesses that may not have dedicated security expertise in-house.

Peter’s leadership style has been shaped by his Royal Navy background and a unique 18-month sailing adventure with his family, which forced him to balance running his business remotely while navigating the unpredictability of life at sea. His experience has given him deep insights into risk management, problem-solving, and maintaining resilience—all of which are critical in both sailing and cybersecurity.

During our conversation, Peter shares practical advice for SMEs looking to improve their cybersecurity posture, including:
🔹 Why simply acknowledging cybersecurity as a priority can make a significant difference
🔹 How adopting the UK government's Cyber Essentials standard can mitigate 80% of common cyber risks
🔹 Why AI security doesn’t require special treatment beyond standard IT best practices

We also dive into the challenges of scaling a cybersecurity business, from balancing sales and delivery capacity to attracting and retaining skilled talent in a competitive market. Peter explains how digital marketing, automation tools like Zapier, and strategic partnerships have helped Assure Technical continue to scale while maintaining high service standards.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Peter.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Peter can be found here:

https://assuretechnical.com/

hello@assuretechnical.com

Resources:

Zapier - https://zapier.com/

BitOffender - https://www.bitdefender.com/

          https://gravityzone.bitdefender.com/

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we explore the invisible forces that drive team success with Csaba Toth, the founder of ICQ Global. Csaba is an expert in psychological safety, cognitive diversity, and motivational drivers—three key factors that can make or break a scaling business.

ICQ Global operates in over 50 countries, with a network of more than 100 licensed partners, and is taught in 60 universities worldwide. The company focuses on measuring and optimising team dynamics to improve collaboration, innovation, and long-term performance.

Throughout our conversation, Csaba shares how businesses can build high-performing teams by fostering psychological safety, embracing cognitive diversity, and understanding the motivational drivers that fuel engagement.

Key Insights from This Episode:

🔹 Psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams – It’s not just about trust; it’s about ensuring people feel safe to take risks, challenge ideas, and contribute without fear of punishment.

🔹 Cognitive diversity acts like a team’s immune system – When teams embrace different ways of thinking rather than just surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals, they make better decisions and drive greater innovation.

🔹 Intrinsic motivation (Motivation 3.0) is the key to long-term performance – Traditional reward systems often fail to drive creativity and engagement. Understanding what truly motivates individuals can unlock a team’s full potential.

We also discuss the scaling challenges that come with building a strong team culture, the risks of taking on investors without strategic alignment, and how leaders can balance passion with clear, practical communication.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Csaba.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Csaba can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/csabatothinterculturaldisc/

Resources:

Uncommon Sense In Unusual Times by Csaba Toth - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Uncommon-Sense-Unusual-Times-Csaba/dp/1951503082

Adam Grant - https://adamgrant.net/

Amy Edmondson - https://amycedmondson.com/

Daniel Pink - https://www.danpink.com/

I am Granger Forson, and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. In this inspiring episode, I talk with the remarkable trailblazer, Ukponu Ayogu, who is dedicated to uplifting immigrant women and mothers through coaching, mentorship, and technology solutions.

We discuss her journey of starting a business born out of personal necessity – transforming her own struggle to find fulfilling work in a new country into a powerful resource for others. You’ll hear how her focus on helping women understand their ‘why’ and monetise their passions has fuelled incredible success stories.

From creating streamlined tech stacks that automate processes for work-life balance, to launching the Rising Phoenix Network, Ukponu is on a mission to bring robust support to thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs. She shows us the importance of proving a business model before seeking outside funding, and how email marketing can truly change the game.

If you’re ready to learn from someone who has mentored hundreds of women already, this is the conversation for you. Tune in and discover how to realign your motivation, build a supportive community, and set the foundation for a thriving business future! ✨

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of Passion, Persistence, and Global Empowerment with Ukponu.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Ukponu can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ukponuayogu/

Resources:

Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/think-and-grow-rich-the-original-classic-hill/2073500?ean=9781906465599

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-lean-startup-how-constant-innovation-creates-radically-successful-businesses-eric-ries/1171537?ean=9780670921607

Dare To Lead by Brene Brown - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/dare-to-lead-brave-work-tough-conversations-whole-hearts-brene-brown/406737?ean=9781785042140

The Female Start Up Club podcast - https://www.femalestartupclub.com/pages/podcast

Unfinished Business podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6y2bgkjQwaNqAVusotUFMo

Mindset Manifestation podcast - https://mikaylajai.com/podcast/

Structured app - https://structured.app/

Apple Podcast app - https://www.apple.com/uk/apple-podcasts/

Digest app - https://www.producthunt.com/products/digest-app

Hi there, and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90 and inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System. We aim to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences..

I’m Kevin Brent, and in today's episode, I’m joined by Sean Taylor, the founder of Zip World—one of the UK’s most exciting adventure tourism businesses.

In this episode, we’ll cover three key areas:

1. Sean’s entrepreneurial journey—how Zip World grew from a single tree-top adventure in 2007 to a multi-site operation employing around 1,000 people.
2. The challenges of scaling—including the impact of private equity investment, the difficulties of planning regulations, and why acquisitions are now key to growth.
3. Quickfire insights—including Sean’s leadership philosophy, how his military background shaped his approach, and what’s next for Zip World.

Sean’s story is packed with valuable lessons about resilience, strategic growth, and the importance of creating unforgettable experiences.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Sean.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Sean can be found here:

https://www.zipworld.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-taylor-1421a7b7/

Hi there, and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences.

I’m Kevin Brent, and in today's episode, I’m joined by Chibuikem Osuchukwu, also known as Chibs, the founder of GuDee—a plant-based protein brand harnessing the power of West African superfoods.

Chibs’ journey is a fascinating one. He started his career in aerospace engineering but made the bold move into entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for nutrition, sustainability, and making a positive impact. GuDee is pioneering the use of egusi seeds, a high-protein, nutrient-dense, and allergy-free superfood that’s been consumed in West Africa for over 5,000 years.

In this episode, our conversation is structured into three parts:
1️⃣ First, we discuss GuDee’s products, business model, and where it is on the ScaleUp journey.
2️⃣ Then, we explore the key challenges Chibs has faced while scaling, including educating the market about an unfamiliar product, navigating complex logistics, and bootstrapping the business.
3️⃣ Finally, we wrap up with a few quickfire questions to get to know Chibs’ thoughts on entrepreneurship and business growth.

One key takeaway from this episode? 👉 Educating your market is just as important as having a great product. If customers don’t understand what you’re offering, they won’t buy it!

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Chibs.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Chibuikem can be found here:

https://gudee.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chibuikemosuchukwu/

https://www.instagram.com/getgudee/

Resources:

HubSpot - https://www.hubspot.com/

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we’re joined by Rhian Caffull, the founder of VegLife, a fast-growing plant-based food brand making waves with its signature plant-based scotch eggs. What started as a small idea has now grown into a business that has sold over 70,000 units, with a strong focus on sustainability, education, and community impact.

Rhian’s entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly when she was made redundant from her job as an expedition leader during the pandemic. She turned this challenge into an opportunity, creating a plant-based alternative to the classic scotch egg—first as a hobby and then as a full-fledged business. With bootstrapped growth through catering, events, and independent retailers, she is now preparing for her first round of investment to scale production and expand even further.

In this conversation, Rhian shares the reality of growing a food brand, from tackling the challenges of accessing capital to balancing product development and scaling production. She also talks about the importance of social impact, including community initiatives, education, and sustainability efforts that are embedded in VegLife’s mission.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Turning a crisis into an opportunity – how redundancy led Rhian to create and grow VegLife
🔹 Bootstrapping a food business – the power of starting small, selling at events, and building demand
🔹 The hidden challenges of scaling – why capital access, ingredient costs, and production limitations are key hurdles
🔹 The power of mission-driven entrepreneurship – how social impact and sustainability can be business drivers
🔹 Preparing for investment – what to look for in an investor and why alignment on values is critical

Beyond business growth, VegLife is about making an impact. Rhian shares how the company is involved in community fridge programs, educational talks, and work placements, with plans to launch a foundation to expand its social mission.

If you’re interested in scaling a food business, impact-driven entrepreneurship, or navigating the challenges of investment, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Rhian.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Rhian can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/veglifeeats/

https://www.facebook.com/veglifeeats

https://www.veglifeeats.com/

hello@veglifeeats.com

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we’re joined by Dan Burner, a successful entrepreneur who built and sold a multi-million-pound home care agency, scaling it from a spare bedroom operation to a business with over 1,000 staff and 1,500 clients. Today, Dan is using his experience to coach SMEs on business growth and scaling strategies.

Dan shares his hard-earned lessons on what it takes to grow and exit a business successfully, from investing ahead of growth and implementing strong systems to the emotional and strategic challenges of selling a company. Now, as a business coach, he works with a diverse range of SMEs, helping them understand their growth potential and navigate the hurdles of scaling.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Scaling successfully – why investing ahead of growth, having solid systems, and effective delegation are key
🔹 Exiting a business – the emotional and strategic challenges of selling and why competition among buyers is beneficial
🔹 Maintaining quality while growing – how a strong reputation and focus on service quality drive organic expansion
🔹 Lessons from coaching SMEs – why resilience, preparation, and the right mindset are critical for scaling up
🔹 The ‘say yes and make it happen’ approach – embracing the challenges of business growth with confidence

Dan’s insights are invaluable for any business owner looking to scale, prepare for an exit, or develop a long-term growth strategy. Whether you're in the care industry or any other sector, his experiences in building, scaling, and selling a business offer practical advice you can apply to your own journey.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you listen to podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Dan.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Dan can be found here:

danburnercoaching.com

https://www.instagram.com/danburnerbusinessstrategist/

On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we bring you a special session from ScaleUp Club, where we had the privilege of speaking with Ian Morgan, founder of MBS Accountants. Ian shares invaluable financial strategies that can help business owners scale sustainably, improve profitability, and avoid common financial pitfalls.

In this conversation, Ian introduces his approach to business growth using the "3 Rs" – Retention, Repeat orders, and Re-engagement – as key drivers of marketing success and cash flow stability. He also dives deep into pricing strategy, warning against the hidden dangers of discounting, and shares practical tips for cost management and financial best practices.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The "3 Rs" framework – how focusing on existing clients and past customers can drive significant revenue growth
🔹 The real cost of discounting – why a small price cut can halve your profits and what to do instead
🔹 Expense management made simple – how to categorise and cut unnecessary costs to improve cash flow
🔹 The importance of regular financial reviews – how weekly tracking of key financial metrics can transform decision-making
🔹 Scaling challenges – how to spot when your business model isn’t built for growth and how to adjust

Whether you're looking to tighten up your financial processes, improve profitability, or scale your business sustainably, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you listen to podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Ian.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Ian can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/ian-morgan-mbs

https://www.youtube.com/@theleakybucket

https://www.mbsaccountants.co.uk/