The Business Babble

Andy Low from OKTO Group joins the lads for a real-world chat about automation that actually makes sense. No fluffy jargon, no “just add AI” nonsense. Instead, Andy breaks down how businesses can connect the dots between enquiries, quotes, job scheduling, and customer comms so nothing gets missed and nobody’s hunting through WhatsApp, email, Messenger, and spreadsheets.They dig into the truth about “AI taking jobs”, why most systems only do 80% of what you need, and why the last 20% is where the magic happens. Plus, Andy shares how COVID pushed him from Excel-heavy data work into building tools that turn days of manual reporting into one click, and why the human touch still matters more than any software.If you’re serious about saving time, tightening up your processes, and scaling without losing your soul, this one will give you plenty to think about and a few ideas you can put into action straight away.

In this episode of Business Babble, we’re joined by Sabine Klaus Carter, founder of Creation Editor and an award-winning videographer and photographer with over 20 years’ experience working with businesses, charities and startups across Scotland and beyond.Sabine shares why most business videos fail, why preparation matters more than filming, and how authentic storytelling can help small businesses outperform much larger competitors. We talk about return on investment, trust-based marketing, behind-the-scenes content, podcasts, and how video continues to drive results long after it’s published.She also shares her personal journey, from growing up in a toy factory in Germany to studying art and filmmaking in Dundee, working with clean rooms, universities, charities, startups and helping raise millions in funding through powerful video storytelling.If you’re a business owner wondering whether photography, videography or podcasting is worth the investment, this episode will completely change how you think about marketing.In this episode we cover:Why 80% of great video happens before filming startsHow video builds trust and long-term ROI for SMEsBehind-the-scenes content vs polished website videosCommon mistakes businesses make on YouTube and InstagramHow video helps small businesses compete with national brandsBudget-friendly ways to use video without spreading yourself thinThe power of networking, follow-up and authenticity in businessSabine’s journey from student filmmaker to trusted business partnerWhether you’re just starting out or scaling an established business, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration.🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations with business owners, creatives and entrepreneurs. 📩 Find Sabine at creationeditor.co.uk

In the first Business Babble episode of 2026, we’re joined by Michael Crookston from Datel Solutions, a telecommunications provider helping businesses across Scotland and the North of England modernise how they communicate.The UK’s legacy copper phone network is being switched off on 27/01/2027, and Michael shares why this is one of the biggest telecoms changes in decades. We break down what the switch off means for business owners, how VoIP and IP telephony actually work, and why modern companies are moving beyond basic phone lines into Unified Communications (UC).We also get into practical topics that matter in the real world, including call recording, call analytics, staff performance monitoring, CRM integration, and how to keep service quality high while scaling a growing business. Plus, we discuss AI in telecoms and customer service, including real time meeting transcription, sentiment analysis, action points, and what business owners should ask before jumping on the AI bandwagon.If you’re a business owner thinking about phone systems, internet connectivity, business WiFi, Microsoft Teams calling, or preparing for the UK PSTN switch off, this episode is packed with insights you can use right now.In this episode, we coverThe UK phone line switch off and what’s changing by 27/01/2027VoIP explained in plain English (voice over your internet connection)Unified Communications (UC) and why businesses are adopting itCall reporting, analytics and monitoring without “being devious”Improving customer journey with data and consistent processesScaling a business without losing service qualityAI in telecoms: transcription, sentiment, next steps and automationWhy “people buy from people” still matters in 2026GuestMichael Crookston Datel Solutions Business line: 01383 844244 Email: michael@datel-solutions.co.ukKeywordsUK PSTN switch off, copper network switch off, VoIP UK, business phone system Scotland, IP telephony, unified communications UC, Microsoft Teams calling, call analytics, call recording, CRM integration, business telecoms, business WiFi solutions, customer journey, onboarding processes, AI in business communications, sentiment analysis, Fireflies transcriptionSubscribe for more episodes on business growth, real conversations, and practical strategies for entrepreneurs in Scotland and beyond.#BusinessBabble #VoIP #Telecoms #UnifiedCommunications #UKBusiness #ScotlandBusiness #PSTNSwitchoff #MicrosoftTeams #CustomerExperience #AI

Most business owners see insurance as a grudge purchase. Something you pay for and hope you never need. But what happens when the worst actually happens?In this episode of the Business Babble podcast, we sit down with Doug from NFU Mutual Edinburgh to unpack the reality of business insurance, risk management, and why protection is one of the most misunderstood decisions entrepreneurs make.We talk honestly about why insurance is never about fear, why cheap cover often fails when it matters most, and how real claims change the way business owners think forever.Doug shares his journey from university and military ambitions into running an insurance agency, starting during COVID, and building a trusted business backed by relationships, credibility, and long-term thinking.If you are a business owner, director, self-employed professional, or planning to start a business, this episode will challenge how you think about risk, responsibility, and protecting what you have worked so hard to build.In this episode, we cover:Why insurance feels like a grudge purchase and why that mindset is dangerousThe real reason cheap insurance policies fail when you need them mostBusiness interruption myths exposed after COVIDWhy brokers matter more than price comparison websitesHow underwriting actually works and why honesty mattersCyber insurance, professional indemnity, and modern business risksKey man insurance and protecting the future of your companyReal-world examples of claims, floods, fires, accidents, and business failureHow trust, relationships, and education protect businesses long-termThis episode is essential listening for UK business owners who want peace of mind, resilience, and a smarter approach to protecting their business, their people, and their future.🎧 Listen now and rethink how you protect what matters.

Most business owners focus on growth, sales, and scaling… but completely ignore the one thing that actually determines whether they end up financially free or financially trapped.In this episode of Business Babble, we sit down with Will Burns from Carnethy Wealth to break down the financial basics that nobody teaches at school and most entrepreneurs leave far too late.We talk honestly about:What a financial advisor actually does and when you really need oneWhy starting early matters more than how much you earnHow compound interest really works (in plain English)The biggest financial mistakes business owners makePensions, ISAs, and why not using your allowances costs you thousandsHow to extract profits from your business in a tax-efficient wayWhy protecting your income and your business is just as important as growing itThe importance of planning your exit before you even think about sellingWhy “DIY investing” often fails without the right mindsetHow young people can build wealth even on an average wageIf you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone who wants to build long-term financial security for yourself or your family, this conversation could completely change how you think about money.This episode is not about get-rich-quick schemes or hype. It’s about mindset, planning, protection, and making your money work for you over the long term.👇 Drop a comment below: What’s one financial move you wish you’d made earlier?👍 Like the video if this helped 🔔 Subscribe to Business Babble for real conversations about business, money, and mindset

It’s the Business Babble Christmas special, complete with jumpers, mugs, lights, and Johnny “Hoho”. But after the laughs, the chat turns real. 2025 felt tough for a lot of businesses, so we dig into what reflection actually means when you can’t remember last Thursday’s dinner, and why you need a simple strategy to review what really moved the needle.We talk focus and planning for 2026, cash flow realities, recurring revenue pressure, and why most businesses stay stuck doing the same things hoping for different results. There’s a big theme of ripping off the band aid, having the uncomfortable conversations, tightening the basics customers notice, and building better information systems so you stop running purely on gut feel.We also get into succession planning, building a business that isn’t reliant on you, debt as a tool (and banks wanting “two kidneys”), and why experiences beat stuff every time. A funny, honest, practical episode to help you shut off, reset, and go into 2026 with clearer priorities and more purpose.

In this episode of Business Babble, the lads start with the chaos of World Cup ticket pricing, resale mark-ups, and the reality of the “working fan” getting priced out… then pivot into a proper conversation about mental fitness, routines, mentorship, and why business can feel so lonely.You’ll hear:The real-world value of a morning routine, from faith and quiet time to getting in early and winning the first hours of the dayWhy power naps and knowing your peak energy window can change your productivityThe truth about mentors, advisory boards, and why you shouldn’t try to figure everything out yourselfThe big takeaway: an advisory board’s main job is risk management, and even the best boards only get it right 50% of the timeHard-earned lessons on resilience, perspective, and why “this too shall pass” is more than just a phraseA timely reminder about time, screens, and actually living in the momentIf you’re building a business, leading a team, or just trying to keep your head right through pressure, this one hits.👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: what’s one change you’re prepared to make in 2026 to improve your life and business?

This week the lads dive straight into the uncomfortable truth that most business owners avoid. If you feel constantly exhausted, stuck in the hamster wheel and wondering why the payoff never seems to match the effort, this episode hits home.Johnny, Mike and Wicus unpack the realities behind burnout, bad clients, rising costs, government pressure and why so many owners end up trading a job for a harder job without even realising it. From difficult staff to spiralling expenses, from tax frustration to losing sight of your goals, this is an honest look at why business feels tougher than ever and what you can actually do about it.Inside this episode• the real difference between owning a business and owning a job• why one toxic client or staff member drains all your energy• how to get control of your costing, pricing and margins for 2026• the bell curve of staff and who you should stop wasting time on• the shareholder mentality every top performer has• why most owners never hit their goals and how to change that• how to build a plan you’ll actually stick to• why culture is behaviour, not buzzwords• the emotional toll of leadership and how to regain your fireThere’s laughter, frustration, proper rants and some very real advice on building something that works for your life instead of swallowing it whole.If you feel like you’ve been working forever and getting nowhere, this episode will give you clarity, direction and a much needed reset before the new year.

Are you still turning up, talking too much and wondering why prospects are not buying? In this episode of Business Babble, Mike, Johnny and Wicus sit down with Edinburgh based sales trainer Brendan Walsh (Hawthorne Business Group) to break down what good selling actually looks like in 2025.Brendan shares why old school hard sell tactics fail, why your prospects do not care about your product and only care about what you can do for them, and how to move from “show up and throw up” to authentic, needs based selling. He explains his QDQ model for sales activity (quantity, direction, quality), why results are backward looking, and why your focus should be on consistent, proactive sales activity instead.You will learn:Why everyone in business is in sales, whether you like it or notHow to run a first sales meeting where the prospect does 80% of the talkingThe QDQ framework to drive better pipeline and more consistent resultsHow to handle objections without getting defensive or discounting on priceWhy “no dickheads” should be a non negotiable rule for your ideal clientsThe power of referrals, repeat business and preparation in B2B salesIf you are a business owner, salesperson or consultant who wants to close more deals without feeling pushy, this conversation is packed with practical sales tips, objection handling techniques and mindset shifts you can use straight away.📌 GuestBrendan Walsh, Hawthorne Business Group, EdinburghSales training, sales management and coaching for SMEs and growing teams.👍 Like, subscribe and hit the bell for more real world business, sales and mindset conversations from the Business Babble podcast.#sales #salestips #salestraining #smallbusiness #B2Bsales #businesstips #authenticselling #BusinessBabble

In this hard-hitting episode, Johnny, Mike and Wicus dive into the looming economic downturn that everyone can feel coming. Rather than sugar-coating it, they break down exactly how business owners should prepare, from stress-testing your numbers to stripping back expenses, strengthening your people, and tightening up your sales process.They explore practical steps to survive and thrive during a correction: building cash reserves, diversifying clients, improving customer experience, cutting non-essential costs, reviewing debt, and spotting the opportunities that appear when others panic.The trio also dig into leadership, culture and team resilience, sharing the mindset shifts needed to steer a business through tough times. If you’re a business owner who wants to stay in control rather than get caught off guard, this episode gives you the strategic backbone you need.This is your world. Shape it, or someone else will.

Is Britain actually broken, or can strong leadership, better standards and personal responsibility turn it around?In this episode of Business Babble, Johnny, Wicus and Mike sit down with Willie Rennie MSP to pull back the curtain on politics, the economy and what all of it really means for small business owners, entrepreneurs and working families in Scotland and across the UK.Willie shares his journey from growing up in his dad’s grocery shops to becoming an MP for Dunfermline and then MSP for North East Fife, and why that background shaped his views on work ethic, leadership and accountability.They get into the big uncomfortable questions most people shout at the TV but never get to ask a politician directly:Why do so many people feel the system is stacked against small businesses and landlordsIs the benefits system encouraging people to stay at home rather than workWhy is it so hard to find people who actually want to work 9 to 5Is the NHS and education system broken or just badly ledHow much damage have Brexit and constant political chaos really doneWhy is there so little consequence and accountability at the topWhat does real political leadership look like in 2025You will hear honest views on:Leadership and communicationHow good leaders make unpopular decisions, stick to them and build trust over time. Why “saying less and being clearer” matters, and why hunting for agreement instead of cheap point scoring could transform politics and business.SMEs, tax and confidence in the economyWhy small and medium businesses feel squeezed from every angle. How unstable policy, endless press releases and mixed messages in Westminster and Holyrood crush confidence, investment and growth.Benefits culture, work ethic and consequencesA raw discussion about benefits as a lifestyle, missing consequences, and why some people feel it pays more to stay at home than to work. Willie also explains the hidden side, where people are broken, stuck in the system and scared to take risks in case their support is taken away.NHS, AI and public servicesHow a lack of joined up digital systems and slow adoption of technology and AI in the NHS wastes time and money. Real stories of hospital systems that do not talk to each other, and why long term thinking keeps losing out to putting out fires.Education, behaviour and standardsFrom belting in schools in the 80s to today’s lack of boundaries. The panel debate behaviour, consequences, neurodiversity, ADHD, autism and the need for early intervention and standards that still prepare kids for the real world.Immigration, housing and Reform UKWhy people feel angry about immigration, people in hotels and housing policy, and how ignoring these concerns drives voters toward Nigel Farage and protest parties. Willie explains why sneering at these voters is a huge mistake and why politicians should spend more time listening to them, not dismissing them.If you are an entrepreneur, SME owner, landlord, employer or just someone who feels the system is not working, this conversation will make you think differently about:What you can control in your own life, family and businessWhat effective leadership actually looks like in practiceHow politics, policy and public services really shape the business environment🔔 Subscribe to...

In this episode of Business Babble, Johnny, Wicus and Mike go on a full throttle rant about politics, weak leadership and why the UK feels like it is running on fumes.From Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget and a “black hole” economy, to parenting, policing, cashless payments and spineless politicians, the lads ask one big questionIf everyone is feeling squeezed and fed up, why are we all just accepting itThey dive intoWhy the coming UK budget matters to every business owner and familyThe idea of dropping VAT rates but making everyone register from day oneHow bad policy, zero accountability and constant “spin” have weakened trustParenting, screens and why kids have no consequences any moreCommunities that look away instead of stepping inWhy cash still matters and what would happen if we all used it againThe power of ordinary people when they actually act togetherWhat real leadership should look like in business and in governmentIt is raw, unfiltered and very honest.If you are a business owner, leader or just someone who is sick of feeling like a passenger in your own country, this one will hit a nerve.👍 If this episode made you think, hit like🗣 Tell us in the comments. Are we becoming a nation of wet wipes or can we still swing the pendulum back🔔 Subscribe to Business Babble for more real talk on business, money and mindset

In this special Fife Business Week edition of Business Babble, we sit down with Dot Smith (Fife Council Economic Development), Fraser McKee (Business Gateway Fife), and local business leaders Stacey McKinley from Ductform, Pete McDonald & Andrew Nicholson from Viper Applied Sciences, Temi Ajayi-Salami from AYT Foods, and Steve Wilson from Focus Business Consultancy.Together, they share real stories of starting, scaling, and surviving in Fife, revealing why the region continues to lead Scotland in business startups and innovation. From family-run firms to explosive engineering, energy, and cultural retail, this episode uncovers how collaboration, trust, and local support networks create one of the UK’s strongest business ecosystems.🎯 You’ll learn:How Fife Council and Business Gateway work hand-in-hand to make business support accessibleThe secrets behind Fife’s record-breaking startup success rateWhat it’s really like running a family business through tough timesHow new technologies and AI are shaping traditional industriesWhy community, culture, and trust are the foundations of every great business💬 Featuring candid conversations, laughs, and inspiring honesty, this episode proves one thing: #FifeMeansBusiness.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support local entrepreneurs and stay tuned for more real stories and real success from Business Babble.

Brand is not a logo. In this Business Babble episode, David Reid from Because Brands Matter joins us to unpack what a real brand is, why it lets you charge a premium, and how to build one that customers trust. We dig into values, positioning, consistency, naming, colours, audience testing, and the practical steps to launch or refresh a brand in B2B and beyond.You will hear clear, usable advice for start-ups and established firms. We cover brand workshops, guidelines, culture, service delivery, and the mistakes that destroy trust. Expect examples from Quick Fit, Apple, Manchester United, and more, plus a reality check on influencers and AI buzzwords.HighlightsBrand vs logo. What actually matters for trust and pricingHow to define values, personality, and clear positioningWhy strong brands start at day one and help you scaleNaming that sticks and when to avoid initialsColours and audience testing without overthinking itConsistency, culture, and the full customer journeyWhen to rebrand and how to do it without losing equityPractical B2B launch playbook with budgets and channelsCommon branding mistakes to dodgeAbout our guestDavid Reid is a brand strategist and founder of Because Brands Matter, based in Edinburgh. He helps organisations define their positioning, build brand systems, and implement them with consistency. Connect with David on LinkedIn by searching David Reid, Edinburgh, Because Brands Matter.About Business BabbleConversations for owners and operators who want straight-talking insight on brand, growth, and building resilient companies.If you found this useful, please like and subscribe, and share it with someone who is starting up or planning a rebrand.

Entrepreneur, author and NLP trainer Rebecca Bonnington joins Business Babble to spell out why most companies stall. It is not the economy, it is culture. She explains how NLP helps founders and leaders ask better questions, make faster decisions, build resilient teams and scale towards a valuable exit. We get into people first leadership, defining non-negotiables, turning chaos into systems, and why hundreds of small customer moments beat any so-called USP. There are spicy takes on education, resilience, parenting, and the future of innovation too.What you will learnHow NLP helps entrepreneurs run their own head and solve problems fasterThe simple culture framework that attracts the right people and repels the wrong onesWhy standards and boundaries matter more than slogansThe truth about scaling vs growing and when to plan your exitA real client story that doubled the pipeline and boosted profitWhy kids need resilience and what business can learn from thatGuestRebecca Bonnington — NLP trainer, coach, author and creator of the Kick Ass Culture methodologyFind Rebecca at tricrest.com or on LinkedInNLP for entrepreneurs, business culture, leadership coaching, scale a business, exit strategy, people first leadership, company values, recruiting and retention, UK business podcast, resilience, small business growth, define your non-negotiables#BusinessBabble #NLP #Leadership #CompanyCulture #Entrepreneurship #ScaleUp #ExitStrategy #UKBusiness

Belinda Roberts MBE joins Business Babble for a no-filter chat on what it really takes to build and scale a business. We dig into risk, cash flow, funding routes, invoice finance, pitching to angel investors, sales that feel human, and why authenticity matters more than polish. Belinda also lifts the lid on WEDO Scotland, why many firms hit a growth plateau, and how to get past it.If you want straight talk on entrepreneurship in Scotland with practical takeaways you can use today, this one is for you.What you will learn:How Belinda was awarded an MBE for services to business and entrepreneurshipThe real challenges founders face in 2025 across sectorsRisk appetite, resilience and the traits that actually matterCash flow first principles and funding options, including invoice finance and personal guaranteesHow to build a clean, tight pitch deck in 10 to 15 slidesKnowing your numbers without getting lost in the weedsSales without the hard sell. Relationship, trust, follow-upWomen in business, equality debates, and the reality of trade-offsWhy networks like WEDO Scotland help you break the plateauEvents, supper clubs and how to get involvedAbout our guestBelinda Roberts MBE is the founder of WEDO Scotland, championing established entrepreneurs through peer learning, real talk and useful connections.Useful linksWEDO Scotland: weduscotland.comIf you found this useful, hit like, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more weekly conversations with founders and operators.#entrepreneurship #BelindaRoberts #WEDOScotland #ScottishBusiness #startups #founders #cashflow #funding #invoicefinance #angelinvestors #pitchdeck #sales #networking #womeninbusiness #authenticity #BusinessBabble

In this episode of Business Babble, we sit down with Anna Black of Lindores Stay in North Fife, Scotland. Anna shares her inspiring journey of transforming a third-generation family farm into a thriving hub of luxury lodges, equestrian experiences, whisky collaborations, and unforgettable food & drink events.Discover how Lindores went from traditional farming to one of Scotland’s most unique rural destinations, featured on BBC Scotland’s Greatest Escape and even in a Red Bull stunt with Danny MacAskill.We dive into:✅ The story behind diversifying a working farm into hospitality and tourism✅ Collaborations with Lindores Abbey Distillery and top local chefs✅ Creating sustainable, circular farming practices with whisky by-products and crop rotations✅ The risks and rewards of taking on debt to grow a business✅ Building a strong brand, culture, and customer experience in a competitive market✅ How generational farming values meet modern tourismWhether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, hospitality, sustainable farming, or rural tourism in Scotland, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, collaboration, and resilience in business.📍 Find out more about Lindores: https://www.lindores.co.uk👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs shaping their industries.

Former pro rugby player and Effective Now founder Mark Blair joins Business Babble to tackle a big question: are schools preparing young people for the modern workplace, or are we leaving a massive skills gap for employers to solve?In this episode we unpack how meta skills and soft skills like confidence, resilience and communication are built through sport and real-world experiences, why many CVs miss the mark, and how businesses can partner with schools to create meaningful pathways into work. We also hear how Effective Now’s SCQF-accredited programme helps the “grey middle” of pupils who are neither high-attainers nor in targeted support, and why experiential learning beats one-off team bonding days.What you’ll learnThe difference between team bonding and true team developmentWhy three in four young people lack workplace skills, and what to do about itHow sport transfers to leadership, delegation and communication at workPractical employability tips for teens: CV strategy, interview mindset, phone skillsThe apprenticeship dilemma for SMEs and how to invest in the right peopleHow business–school partnerships open real careers in engineering, tech, sales, admin and moreWhy performance beats presenteeism, and how to build confident, resilient young teamsWho this is forEmployers, school leaders, careers advisers, parents and young people who want clear, practical routes from school to sustainable work.

Trying to shift strategy without losing your team? Consultant Alan Russell from Forth Road Ltd joins Business Babble to show how real change sticks when you lead the right conversations. We dig into culture clashes after acquisitions, why listening beats telling, and how to balance fear, reason and data so people come with you.What you’ll learnThe first conversation to run when strategy changesHow to surface the voices of fear, reason and dataPractical facilitation tips for boards and leadership teamsCulture alignment after mergers and acquisitionsRemote versus in-person change and how to set the cadenceVisual maps that make complex change easy to graspUsing data at the right moment without weaponising it

Landlord and former ad man Guy Harrower joins Johnny and Mike to share how he pivoted from running a creative agency to managing a mixed commercial and residential property portfolio across Edinburgh, Dundee and beyond. We get into why he sold Edinburgh rentals and moved into Dundee student lets, the real pros and cons of commercial leases with national tenants, and how Scottish regulation, rent caps and Section 24 have reshaped the market. Guy talks candidly about failing fast, learning faster, and why due diligence beats auction “bargains”. You will hear practical tips for first-time landlords on choosing a strategy, financing without overreach, picking the right streets, and managing risk after Covid and rising rates. We also cover business mindset, networking, NLP, protecting your health, and knowing when to pivot or let go.What you will learn:Commercial vs residential in Scotland and where the returns really areHow to pick an area and tenant profile that actually worksThe impact of regulation, interest rates and stress tests on buy to letRed flags when buying at auction and how to avoid costly mistakesMindset lessons on failure, focus and taking actionPerfect for anyone eyeing buy to let in Scotland, scaling a portfolio, or debating a pivot in business.