In this episode, Maria discusses her strategy for growing local groups, which is based on the framework of Value (V), Operations (O), and Promotion (P). In the first part of the podcast, Maria speaks as the Chair of Reading Film and Video Makers and how this framework has been applied to the group for the 2025-2026 season, which is undergoing evolution because membership numbers dropped after COVID. In the second part of the episode, Maria highlights the strategies used by other Reading-based groups which allow them to deliver value, operate effectively, and promote what they do. All the points mentioned in this episode can also be applied to businesses and other offerings. TIMECODES 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Reading Film and Video Makers (RFVM)background 01:31 RFVM current group problem and solution 01:56 Three-point framework for how to develop a sustainable group 02:10 Value and how this is applied to RFVM 03:48 Operating procedures and how this is applied to RFVM 07:38 Promotion and marketing and how this is applied to RFVM 09:45 How Reading groups provide their members with value (Caversham writers; CADRA; Science in Reading) 14:06 How Reading groups have refined their operations (Science in Reading; Toastmasters; Professional Speakers Association (PSA)) 17:27 How Reading groups promote what they do (History of Reading society, Dreading Slam poets) 19:00 Summary KEY TAKEAWAYS Prioritise Value Before Promotion (V-O-P Order is Key): Successful growth requires focusing on value first, then operations, and only then on promotion. There is no point in promoting something if it doesn't offer value. Streamline Operations for Accessibility and Efficiency: Effective operations involve making your offering easy to access and run. Use Collaboration and Existing Networks for Low-Cost Promotion: The most effective promotion often comes from mutually beneficial collaborations and tapping into existing networks.
In this episode, Maria Lloyd interviews Zoe Dudding, the founder of Mind Body Baby, a company specialising in hypnobirthing. The discussion initially covers what hypnobirthing is, which Zoe describes as a form of childbirth education that empowers the woman to be in control of their experience. The conversation then delves into Zoe’s personal journey and background. She shares that her passion for hypnobirthing began after having two positive birth experiences with her sons in 2020 and 2022. Finally, the discussion touches on the challenges of running a new business. Zoe, who has a background in marketing, shares that she's had to be very focused and intentional with her time and budget. She advises other business owners to be conscious of where they spend their budget, focus on building relationships, and not get distracted by "vanity metrics". Zoe concludes with a message for business owners, advising them to look at what they consume and what they buy into, as this can often tell a story about effective marketing. TIMECODES 00:00 Introduction 00:25 What is hypnobirthing? 01:02 How Zoe came to specialise in hypnobirthing 03:14 Why Zoe no longer felt aligned to her role and her options 04:14 How hypnobirthing changed Zoe’s perspective 05:22 What marketing lessons Zoe has found most importance for a new business owner 07:01 The most random opportunities at the most random time 07:24 Zoe’s marketing plan 08:05 What data Zoe looks at now 09:06 How Zoe has managed to get success in a short span of time 09:51 What Zoe’s average week looks like 11:57 Zoe’s marketing tips for business owners 12:51 Challenges Zoe has faced 13:47 Zoe’s thoughts on how to spend marketing funds 16:35 Zoe’s plans for her business going forwards 17:22 Zoe’s message for expectant parents 18:06 Zoe’s final thoughts for listeners KEY TAKEAWAYS Focus on Building Relationships: For a new business, Zoe emphasises that getting the foundational elements like a website and social media "shopfront" set up is crucial. However, she advises new business owners to prioritise forging connections and building relationships within their community. Be Intentional and Disciplined with Your Time and Budget: Zoe explains that as a small business owner, it's easy to get caught in a "vicious circle" where a lack of money leads to no investment, which in turn hinders growth. To avoid this, she suggests being conscious of where you spend your budget, even if it's small. Prioritise Authenticity Over "Vanity Metrics": A key piece of advice from Zoe is to not get lost in "vanity metrics" or chasing trends. She warns that a trend might temporarily spike numbers, but it doesn't necessarily lead to conversions or bring in actual business. Instead, she advises business owners to focus on what feels authentic to their brand and to always ask themselves, "Why am I doing this?". She stresses that the ultimate goal is not just to have good numbers but to deliver excellent service that leads to word-of-mouth referrals.
In this episode Jamie Read, the partnership and inclusion manager at Berkshire Music Trust, gives an insight into the charity’s activities and a look at what goes on behind the scenes. The discussion initially covers the trust’s mission, its name evolution, and its diverse community work. The conversation then delves into the trust's various activities, which are divided into three areas: schools, music centres, and communities. The trust also partners with other charities and organisations to serve communities that have traditionally been underserved. Finally, the discussion touches on the trust's biggest challenge: funding and staff. Jamie shares ways in which they generate revenue and how the trust measures its success. Jamie concludes with a message about the trust’s goal of making music for everyone, regardless of their background or previous experience. He says that there is no such thing as someone who can't make music, just someone who hasn't made music yet. TIME CODES 00:00 Greeting 00:40 What is Berkshire Music Trust 00:59 Berkshire Music Trust’s name change and reasons behind it 02:49 Jamie’s background 04:18 What Jamie’s role as Partnership and inclusion manager involves 06:39 How Berkshire Music Trust serves Reading 08:19 How Berkshire Music Trust collaborates with others 10:50 How Berkshire Music Trust sets project boundaries 12:05 Finding funding opportunities 13:18 How Berkshire Music Trust measures impact 15:00 Long-term case studies/ measuring impact over a long period of time 17:31 How Berkshire Music Trust trains its staff 19:00 Final thoughts KEY TAKEAWAYS The Power of a Strong Brand and Mission Berkshire Music Trust's name change from Berkshire Maestros was a strategic move to be more inclusive and appeal to a broader audience. This highlights that a brand's name, while just one word, can instantly create a barrier to access for potential customers. A strong, inclusive brand that clearly aligns with your mission can help you connect with your target audience and remove potential barriers to entry. Creative Solutions for Revenue and Community Engagement The trust has found innovative ways to generate revenue beyond traditional donations. This not only provides services that businesses need but also funnels the money back into the trust’s charitable projects. This shows that businesses can create new revenue streams by leveraging existing assets and offering unique services. The Value of Strategic Partnerships Jamie emphasises the importance of partnerships, which he actively seeks out with local businesses, grassroots organisations, and arts venues. By collaborating with other organisations, the trust can create a wider range of beneficiaries, which is something that funding grants often look for.
In this episode, Richard Nicholson talks about the Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club; a group of like-minded people who want to do things in the community and have a friendship group. The discussion covers the club's history, its core missions, and the challenges it faces. The conversation delves into the club’s charitable activities, which focus on feeding the community and supporting youth. Richard explains that the club supports food banks and churches in Earley, Woodley, and South Reading, having distributed 7,000 meals over the past three years. The club is also active in schools, running competitions like "Youth Speaks" and helping students with mock interviews. Richard notes that these intergenerational efforts are mutually beneficial. Finally, the discussion touches on the club’s biggest challenge: maintaining membership. Richard believes that while service clubs may not be fashionable now, this is a trend that will change. He concludes with a message about the club's desire to be a part of the community, helping wherever they can, whether through raising funds or offering their time and skills for various tasks. TIMECODES 00:00 Greeting 00:22 What is a rotary club? 01:00 What are the focuses for Maiden Erlegh Rotary club 02:31 How Maiden Erlegh Rotary club collaborates and networks in the community 03:22 What do people need help with? 04:34 The benefits of older people and younger people interacting 05:48 What challenges have the group faced? 08:16 How the group markets itself 09:48 Training the group would benefit from 11:21 How much the group has contributed to the community over the last 35 years 13:13 Future plans for Maiden Erlegh Rotary club 14:53 Final thoughts KEY TAKEAWAYS Community Engagement as a Marketing Tool Richard explains that the most successful way for the Rotary Club to form collaborations and get the word out is by getting out and talking to people, visiting schools, and speaking with community members. This highlights that in-person, face-to-face engagement remains a powerful way to build brand awareness and establish trust, even in a digital age. The Value of Social Media and Adapting to New Platforms Over the past four or five years, they have developed their marketing activity to be more active on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This shows that even non-profits and traditional organisations need to be flexible and adapt to new technologies to reach their target audience. The Importance of Investing in Soft Skills The club helps young people develop valuable skills such as public speaking and interview techniques. The Rotarians believe these are useful skills for anybody to have. This is a reminder to business owners that skills like communication, presenting, and interviewing are crucial for professional success, both for their own employees and for the future workforce. Investing in and supporting initiatives that foster these soft skills can have a long-term positive impact on the local talent pool and the community.
Damien Passmore, Marketing Officer and Web Editor for What's On Reading, shares his journey with the organisation and how it has become the "ultimate guide" for arts, culture, and heritage events in the Greater Reading area. The discussion covers the website's creation, its operational structure, and Damien’s background. The conversation delves into the evolution of the business from its launch with 60 partner organisations to its current state with over 250 active partners. Damien explains his marketing philosophy, which highlights the crucial role of social media as a two-way communication tool. Finally, the discussion touches on the future goals for What's On Reading, including the potential for physical advertising, such as print flyers or posters. Damien concludes with a message about the vibrant arts and culture scene in Reading, urging listeners to use the website to prove wrong anyone who says there is nothing happening in the town. TIMECODES 00:00 Greeting 00:15 What is What’s on Reading? 01:31 Why What’s on Reading only covers Arts Culture and Heritage events 02:58 The ‘team’ behind What’s on Reading 04:08 How you can get your Arts/heritage event(s) listed on What’s on Reading? 05:10 Damien’s background and he got involved in What’s On Reading 06:55 To what extent has Damien’s personal involvement in local Arts and Culture helped him in his role at What’s on Reading. 08:15 The challenges Damien faced in getting traction going at What’s On Reading 10:28 How Damien promotes events in Reading 15:45 Connection between most popular content and most popular events 17:55 What’s On Reading data peak 20:25 Why events are important and advice for business owners 22:58 The future for What’s On Reading 24:24 Final thoughts KEY TAKEAWAYS Credibility is Currency: Building a strong reputation and relationships within the local community is crucial for success. Damien’s personal involvement in the arts and culture scene gave him immediate "legitimacy" and credibility with partners. This established a foundation of trust that made it easier to get organisations on board and grow the platform. Social Media is a Two-Way Conversation: Social media is not just a broadcasting tool; it's a communication tool where "communication always goes two ways". What's On Reading's strategy focuses on being "social," engaging with followers, and responding to questions and comments. Damien also emphasises the importance of authenticity and adapting to platform changes. Collaboration Drives Growth: Partnering with other local organisations can expand your reach and benefit your business. Passmore gives examples of successful collaborations, such as art exhibitions in pubs, which can draw in new customers. By finding the "right partnerships" that align with their brand, businesses can increase footfall and show community support.
In this episode, Glen Dinning, the director of Blue Collar Group, shares his journey building a permanent street food venue in Reading. Glenn shares how he was inspired by London's vibrant street food scene to create something similar in Reading. The discussion covers the evolution of the business from organising street food festivals and markets starting in 2016 to the creation of Blue Collar Corner, a permanent site. Glen also shares the challenges he faced with the build, describing it as an "emotional roller coaster". He explains his marketing philosophy, which includes the importance of social media and authentic photos of the food. Finally, the conversation touches on the future goals for Blue Collar Group, including a focus on improving the current venue and the long-term objective of building more locations in other towns and cities. Glen concludes with a message about the importance of supporting local, independent businesses. TIMECODES 00:00 Introduction 00:51 What is the Blue Collar? 01:33 Why Glen founded Blue Collar 04:18 How easy was it for Glen to find street food sellers? 05:45 What street food does best in Reading? 07:55 Marketing Blue Collar 09:09 Photography at Blue Collar 11:12 How Glen manages his social channels 12:39 What challenges Glen has faced 14:14 Why did Glen want to build Blue Collar Corner. 16:28 How Glen built Blue Collar’s presence in Reading 18:15 How Glen decides what type of events to put on 20:58 How Blue Collar tries to cover all the food requirements 22:36 What skills Glen would like to improve 23:46 What is the future for Blue Collar 25:37 Final thoughts for listeners Key TAKEAWAYS Building a Business on Passion and Observation: Glen Dinning was inspired by the London street food scene and noticed a gap in his hometown of Reading. His journey demonstrates how turning a personal passion into a business can lead to creating something that fills a market need. The Power of Longevity and Consistency: The reputation of Blue Collar Group was built on consistency. By continuing to host markets, run Blue Collar Corner, and introduce new food concepts, the business has grown its audience over time. The importance of authentic photos: Dinning learned that authentic photos of food, taken with the venue or people in the background, resonate more with their audience than professional studio shots. He also emphasises that good photos are a "head start" for food traders because they are a key promotional tool for the business.
In this episode, Tony Cowling and Stuart Ward shine a light on the Reading Library of Things. The two founders discuss how the Library of Things adds value to the local area by providing an alternative to buying specialised tools, or other items you only use occasionally, like pressure washers, gazebos, or projectors. The discussion covers the library's role in promoting resource-sharing and sustainability, highlighting how people can borrow professional-grade tools to do jobs themselves. Tony and Stuart explain that the library has 829 items and has accumulated tools worth at least £50,000. They also share the challenges faced when setting up the organisation. Finally, we discuss the ongoing need for more members and volunteers, as well as their future goals, including the long-term goal of having four locations across Reading. TIMECODES 00:00 Intro 00:22 What is Reading Library of Things? 01:36 How did Reading Library of Things start? 02:45 Who is Tony Cowling? 03:24 Who is Stuart Ward? 04:07 What research they did to set up Reading Library of things 05:51 The importance of governance for a group 07:12 Challenges with setting up Reading Library of things 08:40 Successes at Reading Library of Things 09:18 Membership of Reading Library of Things 11:10 Number of tools and the most popular items 12:01 What has surprised Tony about Reading Library of Things? 14:30 The importance of having the right tool to do a job 15:16 Not competitors to traditional tool hire shops and tradespeople 16:27 How you can help Reading Library of Things 17:49 Bases for other Reading of Library Things in Town Centre 19:29 Future goals for Reading Library of Things 20:14 Final thoughts KEY TAKEAWAYS Offer tiered or value-based membership options: The Reading Library of Things offers a standard annual membership fee but also provides a free membership to those who donate a "significant tool". This model creates an incentive for people to contribute to the organisation's inventory while also attracting new members. It's a great example of a mutually beneficial business model. The Importance of Established Governance: When starting a new venture, partnering with an existing, well-governed organisation can provide a significant advantage. The Reading Library of Things gained credibility by operating under Transition Town Reading, a UK-wide charitable network. This partnership provided them with an established governance structure. This organisational foundation proved crucial when the library applied for lottery funding, as they could demonstrate they were part of a reputable network. Strategic Collaboration for Growth: The founders understand that working with other local groups is key to increasing their reach and sharing the workload. Tapping into other networks is also a great way to increase awareness and attract both new members and volunteers.
In this episode, three directors from the Specsavers Reading branch discuss how they operate as a locally owned and operated business within a well-known brand. Hashin Hirani, Retail Director, shares how the Reading branch is one of the largest in the country and has a wide range of services, including an on-site lab for same-day services. Randeep Bal, Ophthalmic Director, highlights the importance of looking after your eyesight and debunks common misconceptions about glasses. Finally, Suneeta Khanna, Audiology Director, talks about the store's range of audiology services, including hearing tests and ear wax removal. They also provide valuable advice on how to look after your hearing and eyesight in a world dominated by screens. KEY TAKEAWAYS Customising a National Brand for Local Success: While Specsavers is a well-known national brand, the Reading branch operates like an independent business, tailoring its services to the local community. This approach demonstrates the value of local autonomy and responsiveness, even within a larger franchise or brand structure. Adapting to Evolving Customer Needs and Demographics: The Reading Specsavers actively listens to customer feedback and has made significant changes to its store to meet community needs. This highlights the importance of being adaptable and responsive to a changing customer base. Diversifying Services to Stay Competitive: The directors stress the importance of offering a varied range of services to stand out in a competitive market. This strategy of expanding service offerings creates additional value for customers and positions the business as a comprehensive healthcare provider in the community. TIME CODES 00:00 Greeting 00:18 Greeting Hashin 00:30 What makes the Specsavers Reading branch unique 01:18 How Specsavers Reading focuses on the local community 02:46 Challenges faced at Specsavers Reading and solutions implemented 05:35 How Specsavers Reading keeps up to date with customer needs 07:00 How the demographic of Specsavers Reading has changed over time 07:57 Marketing Specsavers Reading 08:37 Hashin’s final thoughts 10:32 Greeting Randeep 10:46 The role of an Ophthalmologist 11:18 What an eye test involves 11:56 The connection between sight tests and general health 12:29 The slow progression of eye conditions 13:35 How often should you get your eyes tested? 14:44 Misconceptions around eyesight 17:11 How optometry is changing over time 17:48 How to look after your eyesight 19:35 How Randeep stays up to date with changes in the industry 20:54 Randeep’s final thoughts for listeners 21:24 Greeting Suneeta 21:36 Specsavers Reading Audiology services (including wax removal) 23:17 When should you go for a hearing test? 24:14 Misconceptions attached to hearing problems 25:05 How to look after your hearing 25:58 Why is there a hearing issue now? 27:08 Patterns in noticing hearing issues 28:24 Suneeta’s final thoughts
In this episode, Iryna Bakaliar, Head Librarian, and Peter Andrijeczko, Chair, of the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre. They discuss how the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre adds value to the local area by supporting the Ukrainian community, particularly the displaced Ukrainians who have arrived since the 2022 invasion. The discussion covers the centre's role in preserving Ukrainian culture through its library, highlighting the importance of the Ukrainian language for children. They also explore various aspects of Ukrainian culture, including food, music, and notable figures in science, art, and sports. Iryna and Peter share the challenges faced by displaced Ukrainians, such as the loss of home and status, and the uncertainty of their visas. Finally, they discuss the support received from the British community and the ongoing need for job opportunities for Ukrainians. The episode concludes with reflections on appreciating life and the kindness shown by the UK. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Importance of Community and Support Systems: The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre serves as a vital safe space for other Ukrainians to come and pick up books, but also talk about life. This illustrates the fundamental human need for community, belonging, and a strong support network, especially during times of crisis. It's a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Resilience and Appreciation in Adversity: Despite immense loss and challenges, Ukrainians like Irina express gratitude for their safety and appreciate the simple things. Adaptability and Reframing Life's Priorities: Ukrainians, forced to leave their established lives, are learning to "accept the reality" and "start from the beginning" while being grateful for the safety the UK provides. This demonstrates incredible adaptability in the face of involuntary change and a powerful reframing of what truly matters. TIME CODES 00:00 Greeting 00:49 Introduction to Peter 01:29 Introduction to Iryna 03:17 Why it’s important to preserve Ukrainian culture 04:22 Ukrainian words 06:05 Key differences between English and Ukrainian languages 07:15 Learning a foreign language 07:36 Ukrainian culture highlights 11:29 Some of the challenges in moving to the UK (1968) 13:23 Support for Ukrainians in Reading 14:58 Some of the challenges in moving to the UK (Iryna’s recent experience) 17:57 How to support the Ukrainian community 20:10 What war has taught Iryna 21:42 Reading diversity and number of charities- sign of a good society 23:28 Appreciate what you have 24:18 Peter’s final thoughts 24:42 Visit the Ukrainian centre 25:13 Extract from Iryna’s favourite poem to end (Contra Spem Spero! By Lesya Ukrainka).
In this episode, Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at Reading University discusses how Reading University adds value to the local area by building partnerships with various stakeholders, including residents, the council, and local businesses. We discuss the community engagement team's three-year action plan, and core objectives. We also explore the challenges that Molli has faced and opportunities that have arisen from collaboration with local organisations and residents. Finally, Molli also shares how they measure their success with engagement, and how it is a university-wide commitment, with many colleagues dedicated to connecting students with the local community. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Value of Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local organisations and residents, leads to more successful and meaningful outcomes than working in isolation. This demonstrates how businesses can achieve greater impact and reach by leveraging trusted community networks. Building Trust is Essential for Long-Term Success: Molli emphasises that building trusting relationships takes significant time and effort but eventually leads to opportunities where people actively seek to work with you. For businesses, this underscores the importance of investing in genuine community engagement rather than solely focusing on immediate transactional gains. Understanding and Responding to Local Needs: The university's strategy involves actively responding to local needs and interests, then aligning their resources to help. Businesses can apply this by genuinely understanding their community's pain points and offering solutions or collaborations that provide real value, fostering goodwill and potentially new markets. TIMECODES 00:00 Greeting 00:32 Introduction to Molli 01:49 About Molli’s role as community engagement manager 04:45 Goal with integrating university and community 06:42 What challenges have Molli, and the engagement team faced? 10:15 What opportunities have Molli, and the engagement team uncovered? 14:52 Engagement across Reading University 18:30 How measure the value of the relationships 21:51 Final thoughts
In this episode, I catch up with Louisa Guise who was the first guest on the My Local Marketer podcast, launched in 2024. This is the one-year anniversary of Louisa’s book, which explores communication in the digital age, focusing on the benefits of using phones less and leaving unproductive group chats. Learn about Louisa's journey promoting her book, which included talks at bookshops and libraries, and unexpected opportunities like speaking at the Harrogate International Festival and appearing on Australian television. She shares insights on balancing book promotion with a full-time job, dedicating weekends and evenings to various activities such as scheduling posts, contacting libraries, and engaging with journalists. Louisa also provides valuable tips for aspiring authors, advising them to start building their web presence early and to develop a comprehensive marketing plan. She recommends her free marketing blog, "All About Digital Marketing," as a resource for authors. Finally, Louisa discusses the positive reception of her book and her future plans. KEY TAKEAWAYS Proactive Marketing Pays Off: Louisa emphasises starting early to build a web presence and establish your expertise. This highlights that consistent effort in building your brand and putting yourself out there can lead to valuable, unpredictable PR and business growth opportunities. Showcase Your Personality: Louisa suggests that business owners can gain a following by showcasing unusual hobbies or interests, as these personal touches make you more memorable and add personality. Strategic Planning and Persistence are Crucial: Despite a full-time job, Louisa dedicated significant time on weekends and evenings to promoting her book. This underscores the necessity for business owners to have a robust, well-thought-out marketing plan and the persistence to execute it to see long-term results. TIMECODES 00:00 Intro 00:51 Introduction to Louisa & her book 01:53 How Louisa has promoted her book over the last year 04:24 Find every opportunity to promote yourself 05:42 Louisa’s most surprising opportunity this year 07:38 How Louisa had promoted her book alongside her full-time job 09:23 Working with journalists 10:39 Tips for people publishing their books 15:04 What has reception to Louisa’s book been like 17:20 Louisa’s plans for the future 19:23 Final thoughts
Terry Dixon, founder of "Terry's Reading Walkabouts," started his walking tours in 2016. He has since raised over £26,000 for more than 30 local charities. Terry offers 22 different themed walks. In this episode, we discuss how Terry got started with his walks, how he promotes them, and how his project management background has helped him. We also discuss why Reading is such a wonderful town and the importance of history. Terry also highlights how he adapts to challenges, and why it’s important to look for opportunities. HIGHLIGHTS Adaptability and Opportunity Recognition: Terry highlights the importance of innovation and finding new opportunities even in adversity. This highlights the crucial business lesson of remaining agile and actively seeking out new possibilities, even when faced with significant obstacles. Diversification of Offerings and Continuous Product Development: Terry constantly evolves his core product, creating two new walks a year and developing 22 different walking themes. This commitment to expanding his offerings and keeping content fresh ensures repeat engagement from his "band of wonderful followers" and appeals to a wider audience. Prioritising Customer Experience: Terry emphasises that beyond fundraising, his primary goal is for people "to have a wonderful experience". This dedication to delivering a high-quality experience fosters a loyal "enthusiastic band of walkers" who often return, demonstrating how exceptional customer service can drive repeat business and cultivate strong community ties through word-of-mouth promotion. TIMECODES 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Introduction to Terry 01:40 About Terry’s Reading Walkabouts 03:50 Reading is a wonderful place to live! 05:17 Terry’s Pride of Reading Award 06:45 Terry’s charities 08:29 How Terry chooses the charities he works with 09:45 Terry’s favourite walk! 11:30 How Terry promotes his walks 12:51 Why history is awesome! 13:22 How Terry promotes his walks continued 14:17 Challenges Terry has faced/ Look for the opportunities 14:22 How Terry’s Project Management experience has helped him 19:03 How to find out more about Terry’s walks 20:44 Terry’s final thoughts
This episode features Steve Bulley from Berkshire Growth Hub. Steve discusses his background, and Berkshire Growth Hub. He explains that Berkshire Growth Hub acts as a "GP for businesses," offering free, confidential support and resources to companies at every stage, from startups to expanding enterprises. Learn about the diverse services provided by the Growth Hub, including monthly startup courses, and connections to skills bootcamps. Steve also shares insights into current business trends and stresses the importance of sales in driving business growth. Finally, Steve explains how the Berkshire Growth Hub measures its success. KEY TAKEAWAYS Free, Tailored Business Support: The Berkshire Growth Hub acts as a "GP for businesses," offering confidential and free-at-the-point-of-need support for companies at every stage, from startups to scaling enterprises and those planning their exit. Sales are Crucial for Growth – Don't Overlook Them: While marketing is important, Steve emphasises that many businesses need to focus more on sales to increase their revenue. He highlights that even the best marketing plan is wasted if businesses don't "close and ask for the business". Understand Your Cash Flow: In today's economic climate, particularly for larger businesses, contracts can have much longer lead times, sometimes taking months to be signed off due to supply chain hesitancy. This emphasises the vital importance of cash flow management and sufficient reserves to bridge periods between projected and actual payments. TIMECODES 00:00 Podcast Introduction 00:29 Introduction to Steve Bulley and his role at Berkshire Growth Hub 02:50 About Berkshire Growth Hub 04:54 Berkshire Growth Hub range of services 07:49 How Berkshire Growth Hub chooses its range of services 09:58 Patterns among local businesses 13:43 Other challenges faced by business owners 17:25 How Berkshire Growth Hub measures its success 21:26 How Berkshire Growth Hub promotes its services to business owners 23:14 How businesses can find out more 24:00 Steve’s final advice for business owners
This episode features Pete Hefferan, co-founder of Shed Cafe. Pete shares the fascinating journey of how he brought Shed Cafe to life, from a casual job opportunity to taking over the business with his wife, Lydia. Find out about the ongoing dedication required to curate fresh, high-quality food daily and ensure seamless service in a small, efficient space. We also explore the challenges, benefits, and highlights of running a café, and Pete’s focus on increasing efficiency. Finally, we discuss the Shed menu and how they source ingredients. KEY TAKEAWAYS Agility and Streamlining for Resilience: Faced with rising costs, Shed Cafe, benefits from being a "sapling" rather than a "big oak tree," as it can bend through storms by changing suppliers and products. They've focused on streamlining their operations to deliver quality food quickly. Innovation in the Everyday: The "Tomato Soup" Principle: Pete shares how to elevate a simple tomato soup recipe. This highlights that even common products can stand out with a creative twist. For business owners, this emphasises the importance of finding ways to differentiate standard offerings to capture customer interest and establish a unique selling proposition. The Experience Economy: Pete notes that "good coffee is 10% beans". The other 90% is about the entire customer experience, including where they sit, the interaction with staff, and even how they pay. This takeaway stresses that in today's market, success often hinges on creating a holistic and memorable customer experience that goes far beyond the core product or service being offered. TIME CODES 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Tomato & aubergine soup 01:02 Introduction to Pete 01:38 Why is it called Shed Café? 02:34 Why did Pete want to take over Shed? 04:15 How to check your bakes 04:58 What is Pete’s favourite part of running Shed? 07:09 Challenges Pete has faced running Shed 08:48 How Pete has tackled his challenges 11:12 Perfect your processes 11:40 Highlight from Shed’s history 12:28 Every day at Shed is different! 12:48 Sourcing ingredients for Shed 15:11 Finding customers for Shed 17:15 Your story is so important 18:11 Future plans for Shed
This episode features Dave Jenkins, the founder of Cryptic DJ. Discover how Dave transitioned from his e-commerce ventures to pursue a passion project that's now captivating a growing audience. Learn the strategic decisions behind Cryptic DJ's design, including how it draws inspiration from the viral success of games like Wordle to create a simple, universally engaging daily challenge accessible right in your browser. Dave shares the fascinating journey of bringing Cryptic DJ to life, from initial airport napkin sketches to navigating the complexities of securing legal music licenses. Explore the ongoing dedication required to curate fresh, high-quality content daily and ensure seamless play across all devices. Jenkins also reveals his unique approach to promotion, blending community engagement through social media and live events with strategic media mentions that have led to significant user surges. Finally, get a glimpse into his "build it and they will come" philosophy for monetisation, focusing on audience growth as the foundation for future opportunities. TIME CODES 00:00 Greeting 00:18 Introduction to Dave Jenkins 00:52 Dave’s approach to business 02:17 What is Cryptic DJ? 03:21 The ingredients for creating a popular game like Wordle 04:54 How Dave created his game and the technical side 08:25 The platform used to develop his game 09:28 The research done to create the game 11:46 Challenges in developing the game 13:54 Promoting the game 16:40 Monetising games 21:01 Final thoughts
In this episode, Mary Genis, Artistic Director and founder of Culture Mix Arts, discusses her journey into music and how her career has evolved. Mary highlights the importance of music accessibility and the benefits of steel pans as an orchestral instrument. She also explains how her experience working for Reading Borough Council and Arts Council England provided essential skills in project management, budget management, and understanding funding structures. Amongst other things, we explore Mary's approach to running a not-for-profit organisation, which emphasises using funding to launch projects rather than for sustained income, and the importance of being organised and having strong financial systems. We touch upon how developing skills through various roles led to unexpected professional opportunities and enabled the growth of Culture Mix Arts. Mary also shares her experiences of creating employment opportunities and developing staff from within the organisation, reinforcing the idea that fostering talent can lead to significant company success. Finally, Mary reveals her philosophy of life, which prioritises fulfilment over material success and encourages self-belief, sharing ambitions, and continuous personal growth. Timecodes 00:00 Greeting 00:48 Introduction to Mary 01:33 The development of Culture Mix Arts 02:41 How Mary developed the skills that she needed to run her business | Mary’s role at Reading Borough Council 05:10 Mary’s role at Arts Council England Arts 06:49 Culture Mix Arts is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (ACE NPO). We discuss what this means. 08:37 The challenges of applying for funding 09:56 Tips for businesses looking to obtain funding 13:00 Why Mary decided to set up Culture Mix Arts as a company 14:21 A focus on two of Mary’s team who came to her as teenagers 17:45 How Mary makes Steel pans accessible to a wider audience 21:12 One of the main battles in engaging people 21:57 The challenges that Mary has faced in implementing her vision for Culture Mix 25:01 Mary’s philosophy of life 28:51 Mary’s final thoughts
In this episode, Chris Mitchell, a composer, producer, and performer, discusses his journey into music and how his career has evolved. Chris highlights the importance of music education for brain development and social skills. He also explains the difference between music and sound in film and TV production, and how they work together to create an immersive experience. Amongst other things, we explore Chris’ approach to composing, which emphasises active listening and receptivity to initial ideas, a process he likens to 'playing what you hear'. We touch upon how investing in local initiatives can lead to fulfilling experiences and unexpected professional opportunities. Chris also shares his experiences of connecting through networking and reinforces the idea that strong communication and community ties are beneficial for both personal and business growth. Finally, Chris reveals the projects that he’s currently working on, including choral pieces and a new musical. TIMECODES 00:00 Greeting 00:28 Introduction to Chris 04:36 Why is music important for children’s development 06:34 How Chris has developed different parts of his business 09:15 What is the difference between sound and music 12:38 Sound projects Chris has worked on 13:26 Get your name out there! 14:21 Chris’ Project Highlights 16:42 Chris’ process for creating music 21:01 Underscore 22:10 How can people find and make the most of music opportunities in Reading 24:21 Chris’ current projects 26:45 Chris’ local projects 28:58 Final thoughts
In this episode, Becky Nallon, Taproom Supervisor at Double Barrelled, discusses their role at the brewery, which they joined almost three years ago. Becky explains their responsibilities as taproom supervisor, including managing the team, running events, and ensuring smooth operations. They highlight the joy of introducing customers to new beer styles and broadening their horizons beyond their usual preferences. Becky shares how the learning process and support for staff has been key in helping them to work more effectively as a team and best serve their customers. Becky also notes the impact of Double Barrelled’s beers being sold in supermarkets like Waitrose, John Lewis, and Tesco, which has drawn visitors from further afield, including London. This extract is from the My Local Marketer podcast, you can listen to the episode on your preferred podcast platform, or on the episode landing page: https://mylocalmarketer.co.uk/podcast/48/ TIME CODES 00:00 Greeting 00:36 Introduction to Becky 01:09 What Becky’s role involves 02:29 Broadening people’s horizons with beer 03:27 The learning process 06:57 How everyone at Double-Barrelled works effectively together 07:55 Becky’s photography background 09:13 The Arts scene in Reading & Double Barrelled’s role 10:20 Double Barrelled’s tours 11:24 Double Barrelled’s audiences 12:30 How access to supermarkets has opened Double Barrelled to other audiences 14:40 Challenges Becky has faced 16:17 Look after your staff and they look after customers 17:27 Final thoughts
In this episode, Cassie Greenman, Taproom Shift Manager and Brewery and Warehouse Assistant at Double-Barrelled Brewery, shares the fascinating journey of the brewery and her diverse roles within it. Cassie discusses how Double-Barrelled began as a unique wedding favour brewed by founders Mike and Lucy in 2015, evolving into a successful business that opened in November 2018. She highlights the brewery's recent expansion into major supermarkets while maintaining its microbrewery status, producing 1.3 million pints annually. This episode also details the meticulous brewing process, from grinding malt and creating wort to boiling with hops and fermentation, and explains how spent malt is given to a local farmer to feed cows, ensuring no waste. Cassie offers insights into Double-Barrelled's most popular beers, Parker and Ding Lager, and addresses the challenges faced by women in the craft beer industry, while celebrating the brewery's inclusive environment. Finally, Cassie reflects on Reading's rich brewing history, particularly the Simmons Brewery, and emphasises the importance of evolution, adaptation, and community collaboration among modern brewers. She underscores Double-Barrelled's commitment to fostering a thriving local community through various events and a welcoming atmosphere. For more information, view the episode landing page: https://mylocalmarketer.co.uk/podcast/47/ TIMECODES 00:00 Greeting 00:22 Introduction to Cassie 00:57 Introduction to Double-Barrelled 02:14 Location of Double-Barrelled 02:30 Cassie’s roles at Double-Barrelled 03:33 Trade customers (where you can find Double-Barrelled beers in Reading and Supermarkets) 04:39 How much beer Double-Barrelled produces 05:46 What is the process for making beer at Double-Barrelled 10:11 Where are the ingredients sourced from 12:26 Double-Barrelled’s most popular beer 13:39 Non-alcoholic beers and other options at Double-Barrelled 14:28 Challenges Cassie has faced in the industry 16:59 The history of beer In Reading 19:06 What can modern brewers learn from the past 20:50 Local groups and resources if you’re interested in learning more about brewing 22:23 Final thoughts
In this episode, Sarah Browning, a Kindness Cheerleader and Communications Consultant, discussing the importance of kindness in business and effective communication strategies. The discussion covers Sarah’s work in promoting kindness and its benefits for individuals and organisations, addressing its impact on productivity, happiness, and overall business culture. The episode also highlights the challenges of integrating kindness into business, including overcoming misconceptions and time constraints, and provides examples of how to implement kindness in the workplace. Sarah also shares her expertise on communication, discussing common challenges faced by businesses and strategies for effective internal and external communication, particularly during times of change. Finally, Sarah concludes by emphasising the power of kindness and offering ways for listeners to connect and share their own experiences with kindness. TIMECODES 00:00 Greeting 00:36 Introduction to Sarah 02:15 Why kindness is important for businesses 05:54 What challenges has Sarah faced in getting businesses to understand the importance on kindness 09:25 Examples of how kindness can be incorporated into a business 11:41 What challenges have businesses faced with communication 14:48 How businesses can communicate change effectively 17:56 Final thoughts 19:34 Where to send your kindness stories