ScaleUp Radio

Join Granger Forson on ScaleUp Radio for an exhilarating dive into the entrepreneurial universe of Danny Matthews, the visionary behind Short Story Ventures.

In this episode, we explore Danny's unique approach to entrepreneurship. Learn why obsessing over problems rather than solutions can be a game-changer for your business.

Danny’s mantra of "validating the problem" has not only shaped his career but also the success of the start-ups he mentors. With a focus on branding, design, and strategic positioning, Danny ensures that each venture is not just a business, but a story worth telling.

What does it take to double your prices successfully? Danny shares his daring pricing strategy that took him from charging £150 to £12,500 for a logo design, setting a new standard in understanding market value.

Moreover, his insights on creating a results-only work environment reveal how autonomy and accountability can lead to unprecedented productivity.

This conversation isn't just about business growth; it's about transforming how we think about work and leadership.

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 Pokémon, problem-solving, value creation, and team autonomy with Danny Matthews.

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/apply

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/

Danny can be found here:

hello@shortstoryventures.com

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

Resources:

Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/building-a-storybrand-clarify-your-message-so-customers-will-listen-donald-miller/4099240?ean=9781400201839

Extreme Trust by Don Peppers & Martha Rogers - https://www.waterstones.com/book/extreme-trust/don-peppers/9781591844679

Traction by Gino Wickman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/traction-get-a-grip-on-your-business-gino-wickman/3561744?ean=9781936661831

Why Work Sucks And How To Fix It by Cali Ressler - https://www.waterstones.com/book/why-work-sucks-and-how-to-fix-it/cali-ressler/9781591842927

The Huberman Lab Podcast - https://www.hubermanlab.com/podcast

Xero - https://login.xero.com/

Find me, Granger Forson, at [BizSmart Gloucestershire](http://www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk) or connect with me on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/).

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we explore the captivating world of Carla Prout, the dynamic force behind Carla’s Captivating Content. Delve into her entrepreneurial journey, where flexibility and passion reign supreme.

Carla’s story is not just about business growth but also about personal evolution, as she transitioned from leading a team back to thriving as a solo entrepreneur. Discover how challenges like team management and maintaining quality leads prompted strategic shifts that reflect her core values: flexibility, balance, and passion.

Carla also shares valuable insights on making compliance training engaging through gamification and immersive learning experiences.

If you're navigating your own business scaling journey or considering a shift in your entrepreneurial approach, this episode is rich with lessons learned and inspirational takeaways.

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 how to build a business through flexibility, empowerment, and strategic pivots with Carla Prout.

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/apply

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/

Carla can be found here:

https://www.carlascaptivatingcontent.com/

info@carlas-captivatingcontent.com

linkedin.com/in/carla-prout-942060182

Resources:

Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/untitled-tba-steven-bartlett/4970805?ean=9781529301496

Asana - https://asana.com/

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, we’re joined by Steven Borwell-Fox, an entrepreneur who transitioned from running a service-based company to acquiring Telecetera, a product-focused business, in 2019.

Steven will share his journey, detailing the strategic due diligence involved in the acquisition, the benefits of a holding company structure, and the lessons learned in leadership.

You’ll hear how focusing on individual strengths rather than trying to clone oneself, and the importance of cash flow forecasting in seizing business opportunities, have shaped his approach to business.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot your business model, Steven’s insights are bound to provide valuable guidance.

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

Stay tuned for a deep dive into navigating business transitions and optimising company structure for growth.

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/apply

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/

Steven can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/borwell

https://telecetera.co.uk/

Resources:

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/atomic-habits-the-life-changing-million-copy-1-bestseller-james-clear/2458373?ean=9781847941831

Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/team-of-teams-new-rules-of-engagement-for-a-complex-world-general-stanley-mcchrystal/3549357?ean=9780241250839

Simon Sinek - https://simonsinek.com/

Harvest - https://www.getharvest.com/

Xero - https://login.xero.com/

Spotler - https://spotler.co.uk/

Office 365 - https://www.office.com/

Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-teams/log-in

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, we explore the inspiring journey of Seán, founder of the luxury watch brand Edward Christopher.

Discover how Seán transitioned from a disillusioned journalist to a visionary entrepreneur, creating exquisite watches that do more than just tell time—they give back, donating 10% of profits to children's charities.

We'll dive into the challenges of pricing and marketing a new luxury brand in a crowded market, the lessons learned from a failed partnership, and Seán's strategies for success.

Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever
you like to listen to your podcasts. You can also nominate a guest for ScaleUp Radio if you know someone with an interesting ScaleUp story – you can find how
in the show notes 

For now, Join us as we uncover how passion, philanthropy, and perseverance can build a brand that aims to leave a lasting legacy. Stay tuned!

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:

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/

Seán can be found here:

https://edwardchristopher.com/

support@edwardchristopher.com

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

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 today we’re diving into the remarkable journey of Fazane Fox, founder of Fazane Fox Production Agency. Fazane started with a passion for fashion, launching her own label 13 years ago, only to pivot to a full-service production agency supporting over 100 brands globally.

We’ll explore her transition from struggling with her fashion label to thriving in production, the resilience she displayed through personal and professional crises, and her strategic insights that have shaped her business.

Plus, learn about her future plans to transition from fashion mogul to DJ in Ibiza.

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

Join us for an inspiring look at adaptability, perseverance, and strategic evolution in the fashion industry. Let’s get started!

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/apply

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/

Fazane can be found here:

https://www.fazanefox.co.uk/

Resources:

D2N2 Growth Hub - https://www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/

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 this week on the show I’m joined by   Meg Hawkins, founder of Meg Hawkins Art. Starting from her kitchen table, Meg has grown her passion for art into a flourishing global business.

We’ll explore her journey from making handmade greeting cards to securing international licensing deals and launching a wide array of products. Meg will share crucial lessons about the importance of communication, adapting to consumer feedback, and her vision for turning her family-run business into a recognisable household brand.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or simply love a great business story, this episode is packed with insights on nurturing a small venture into a global success.

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

Join us as Meg shares her inspiring story of growth, innovation, and family values.

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/apply

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/

Meg can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/meg-hawkins-a0049717

meg@meghawkins.com

https://www.meghawkins.com/

https://www.meghawkinsltd.com/

Resources:

Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/losing-my-virginity-richard-branson/4006450?ean=9780753519554

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/shoe-dog-a-memoir-by-the-creator-of-nike-phil-knight/1040030?ean=9781471146725

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

Grammarly - https://www.grammarly.com/

Hi there and welcome back to another Spotlight Special episode 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 Today we bring back  Sam Fenton-Elstone of Anything is Possible and put him in the spotlight at our ScaleUp Club and give other business owners the chance to ask Sam their questions. 

AIP is  a company that has grown impressively to 70 people across several offices in just six years. Sam will share how strategic long-term contracts have provided financial stability and enabled bold decisions.

We’ll also explore their unique approach to hiring during the uncertain times of COVID-19, focusing on attitude over experience to build a resilient and adaptive culture.

Discover how balancing autonomy with effective processes and embracing diverse perspectives fuels their success and collective intelligence.

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

Get ready for an insightful conversation and Q&A on navigating growth and cultivating a thriving company culture. Join us to find out how to make anything possible in your business too!

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/apply

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/

Sam can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/samfentonelstone

https://aip.media/

sam@aip.media

Welcome to another insightful episode of ScaleUp Radio! I'm Granger Forson, your host from BizSmart Gloucestershire, committed to guiding you through the complexities of scaling up your business with ease and joy. You can discover more about the journey to business joy at [www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk](http://www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk) or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Today, we dive into the inspiring journey of Fiona McKinnon, a visionary in the tech start-up world who transitioned from the brink of burnout to founding the Moment Company. Fiona shares her profound insights on creating a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and performance, drawing from her own experiences to enlighten us on building a people-focused culture ad starts with being curious about me.

In this episode, Fiona discusses her career spanning over two decades in tech start-ups, her pivotal moment of change due to burnout, and how it led her to co-found the Moment Company. She emphasises the significance of psychological safety, trust, communication, and the ground-breaking strategies implemented at Keynes Digital to foster rapid growth and a nurturing work environment.

Fiona also delves into her personal growth journey, hosting the podcast "May the Life Force Be With You," exploring the realms of mindfulness, spirituality, and personal development. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of wellbeing in the workplace.

Listeners will be captivated by Fiona's advice on cultivating a successful business environment that champions employee wellbeing as a cornerstone for growth. She highlights practical steps for start-ups aiming to emulate the success of Keynes Digital, stressing the importance of understanding the 'why' behind your business and embracing new ways of thinking.

Join us as we explore Fiona McKinnon's transformative journey, unveiling the essence of leadership, culture, and wellbeing in the fast-paced tech industry. Discover how to integrate these principles into your scale up strategy for sustainable success.

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/apply

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/

Fiona can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/fiona-mckinnon

https://momentcompany.co/

Resources:

Into The Magic Shop by Dr James Doty - https://www.waterstones.com/book/into-the-magic-shop/dr-james-doty/9781444786194

May The Lifeforce Be With You podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@Maythelifeforcebewithyou

The Rest Is Politics - https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/

The Rest Is Entertainment - https://www.goalhangerpodcasts.com/the-rest-is-entertainment

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

F1 podcast - https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/all.podcast.html

Whoop app - https://www.whoop.com/gb/en/

Welcome back to another delicious slice of inspiration on ScaleUp Radio, where we feast on the success stories that warm the entrepreneurial soul. I'm your host, Granger Forson. You can find me nurturing the seeds of business joy at [www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk](http://www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk) or connecting the dots of opportunity on LinkedIn.

Today, we delve into the savoury journey of Rachael Willoughby, a maven in melding creative ingenuity with gustatory delight through her ventures, Square One Software and CasaGees Pizza Delivery.

Rachael's odyssey is a testament to the transformative power of adversity, pivoting from graphic design to web development amidst the 2009 recession, only to concoct a whole new success recipe with CasaGees during the lockdown.

Her story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and the art of leveraging one's passion into a thriving business.

With over two decades of experience under her belt, Rachael's insights are golden for anyone looking to navigate the tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship with grace and gusto.

In this episode, we explore how Rachael's knack for networking, her strategic pivot to digital marketing, and the embrace of a "Fix what bugs you" mentality propelled her software business to new heights.

Meanwhile, CasaGees stands as a testament to the power of quality, community engagement, and creative marketing – from the "50% Club" to serendipitous pizza giveaways that captured the hearts (and stomachs) of her local area.

Listeners, prepare to be inspired by Rachael's journey from facing the brink during a recession to rolling out the dough of her dreams amidst a global pandemic.

Her story is a rich blend of perseverance, strategic innovation, and the joy of bringing people together, whether through pixels or pizzas.

Remember, in the world of business, every challenge is just an ingredient in the recipe for success.

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 email using the address below.

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 - 

Scale your Business - The Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System

Rachael can be found here:

linkedin.com/in/rachaelwilloughby

https://casagees.co.uk/

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

Resources:

High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/high-performance-habits-how-extraordinary-people-become-that-way-brendon-burchard/101940?ean=9781788176576

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-revised-and-updated-30th-anniversary-edition-stephen-r-covey/3555997?ean=9781471195204

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz - https://profitfirstbook.com/

Just F*cking Do It by Noor Hibbert - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/just-f-cking-do-it-stop-playing-small-transform-your-life-noor-hibbert/6240417?ean=9781473692954

Zoho Expense - https://www.zoho.com/uk/expense/