Two pints of lager and a spreadsheet
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Every entrepreneur, business owner and businessperson has a back story. Join us as we chat with inspiring individuals and successful business owners who tell us theirs. We uncover the events that got them to where they are today - the triumphs, and of course, the bumps along the way.
We’re a passionate bunch of cloud accountants from the North East, Co-founders of Blu Sky, Dave and Jon, have been through the business growth journey themselves. From their converted pub of an office, they put the world to rights over a virtual pint (or non-alcoholic beverage of choice!)
We’re a passionate bunch of cloud accountants from the North East, Co-founders of Blu Sky, Dave and Jon, have been through the business growth journey themselves. From their converted pub of an office, they put the world to rights over a virtual pint (or non-alcoholic beverage of choice!)
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Jon and Steve chat with three founders about the real-world impact of AI on creativity, leadership, and building products:Ellie Chapman – Founder, Lim (live visualisation & facilitation)Alistair McLeod – Founder, Gray Fox Consulting (fractional CIO/CTO)Stephen “Mitch” Mitchell – Founder & CEO, SQCDP.co.uk (factory digitisation)In this episode:How AI is reshaping creative work—without replacing human connectionLeaders setting guardrails: ethics, transparency, and “AI red lines”Using AI to boost productivity (20–30%?) vs. risking sameness and shortcutsHallucinations, fact-checking, and why value should come before techStartups vs. enterprises: who adapts faster?Data-driven manufacturing, better meetings, and the premium on human facilitationTakeaways:Curiosity beats fear, quality control matters, and the future belongs to teams that blend human judgment with smart automation.Follow the show for more candid conversations with founders and operators.#TwoPintsPodcast #AI #Creativity #Leadership #Innovation #NorthEastBusiness
In this episode, Jon and Steve are joined by three North East founders who’ve each taken very different paths to building a business:💻 Mark Renney – Managing Director, Wubbleyou🧠 Billy Webber – CEO, XR Therapeutics⚙️ Jarek Rosinski – Founder, Transmission DynamicsTogether, they share candid stories about the highs, lows, and lessons of entrepreneurship – from turning university spinouts into thriving companies, to weathering setbacks and learning the value of resilience along the way.We discuss:• The defining moments that sparked their ventures• Why resilience is more than just a buzzword• Surviving setbacks and using them as fuel• Balancing vision with day-to-day reality• The advice they’d give their younger founder selvesThis episode is an honest reminder that behind every business is a story of risk, resilience, and relentless determination.—🎧 Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast about the real stuff behind running a business — hosted by co-founders Jon Dudgeon and Steve Robinson.📺 Watch the full video on YouTube🔔 Follow the podcast to catch new episodes🌐 Learn more at blusky.co.uk
In this episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet, Jon and Steve are joined by three leaders who know what it takes to build – and keep – a thriving team:👥 Sam Spoors – Founder, Talentheads🔗 Di Gates – Founder, Connection Heroes💡 Trevor Norman – Founder, TriberoThey get honest about why engagement levels have been flat for years and explore what it will really take to change that. From outdated benefit packages to the demands of hybrid working, the conversation challenges assumptions and pushes leaders to think differently.We discuss:• Why many benefits packages are no longer fit for purpose• The danger of assuming you know what your team wants• Why leaders must get out from behind the desk• The role of AI and digital tools in modern teams• How trust and vulnerability build thriving workplacesIf you lead a team – or want to – this episode is packed with practical insights and candid advice on creating an environment where people perform, grow, and stay.—🎧 Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast about the real stuff behind running a business, hosted by co-founders Jon Dudgeon and Steve Robinson.📺 Watch the full video on YouTube🔔 Follow the podcast to catch new episodes🌐 Learn more at blusky.co.uk
In this episode, Jon and Steve are joined by three people working across investment, education, and business support — all with a front-row seat to the founder journey:💼 Alasdair Greig – Director, North Star Ventures🏛️ Lizzie Withington – Head of Enterprise, Newcastle University📈 Julie Cuthbertson – Head of Client Delivery, UMiTogether, they explore what founders really need – beyond just capital and guidance. The conversation covers brutal honesty, emotional weight, and the power of collaborative support.We discuss:• The unspoken pressures of leadership and expectation• What makes advice actually helpful (and what doesn’t)• Why founders need space to be honest – and heard• The gaps between what founders say and what they really feel• Building trust, not just tick-box supportIt’s an unfiltered conversation that brings fresh insight into how we can build better businesses by building better ecosystems.—🎧 Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast bringing together founders, doers, and big thinkers for honest conversations over a pint. It’s not about jargon – it’s about what really matters in business.📺 Watch the full video on YouTube🔔 Follow the podcast to catch new episodes
🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a SpreadsheetIn this episode, Jon and Steve are joined by three North East founders who believe storytelling is more than marketing — it’s how we make sense of who we are and what we’re building:📖 David Broom – Founder of B7🎨 Ellen Hedley – Co-Founder of Vida Creative📣 Rachel McBryde – Founder of McBryde & CoTogether, they explore how the stories we tell — and don’t tell — shape our confidence, decisions, and long-term success.We discuss:• The moments that give us permission to begin• Why vulnerability builds credibility• Building businesses later in life (and why that’s powerful)• The pressure to appear polished — and how to resist it• How storytelling fuels culture, connection, and clarityThis is a conversation for anyone who’s ever questioned if their story is worth telling. (Spoiler: it is.)—🎧 Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast about the real stuff behind running a business — hosted by co-founders Jon Dudgeon and Steve Robinson.🌐 Watch the full video on YouTube🔔 Follow to get future episodes as soon as they drop
🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a SpreadsheetIn this episode, Jon and Steven are joined by three of the North East’s finest minds in tax: Adrian O'Connell, Gary Smith and Nick Gray.Together, they unpack the myths around tax advice, explain why you can’t afford to DIY your tax planning, and give some home truths about how bad decisions—or no decisions—can impact your exit valuation.👥 They cover: • Why great tax advice isn’t just about saving money • The difference between tax compliance and proactive planning • Why pensions and SIPP strategies aren’t just for retirement • What HMRC’s current focus means for R&D claims and inheritance tax • How changes to Business Asset Disposal Relief and CGT are impacting founders • The importance of getting the right advice at the right time—especially at the start🎯 This is a must-listen for startup founders, growth-focused business owners, and anyone thinking about an exit or fundraising.—🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast bringing together founders, doers, and big thinkers for honest conversations over a pint. It’s not about jargon – it’s about what really matters in business.👀 Watch the full episode on YouTube🔔 Follow the podcast to hear future episodes first
In this episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet, Jon and Steve are joined by three powerhouse women from the North East business scene:💚 Clare Blunt – Founder of Venture Zero🌍 Sarah Thackray – Co-Founder of BeaconHouse Events♻️ Mandy Barker – Founder & Creative Director of Sail CreativeFrom climate anxiety to cultural shifts, this is a conversation that goes far beyond balance sheets. The group talk openly about what it means to lead with purpose, the messy middle of business ownership, and the strength it takes to challenge the norm.We discuss: • Why purpose-led business isn’t just a trend – it’s the future • How to create real impact in your industry • Balancing passion with profit • Loneliness in leadership and imposter syndrome • The hidden pressure of hustle cultureWith real talk, plenty of laughs and a few uncomfortable truths, this episode is a must-listen for anyone building something that matters.—🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast bringing together founders, doers, and big thinkers for honest conversations over a pint. It’s not about jargon – it’s about what really matters in business.👀 Watch the full episode on YouTube🔔 Follow the podcast to hear future episodes first
🎙️ Welcome to a brand-new season of Two Pints of Lager and A Spreadsheet!In this episode, we’re joined by Gill Hunter (Square One Law), Elaine Stroud (The Entrepreneurs Forum), and Dave Gibson (Blu Sky Co-Founder & Chairman) as we dive into the world of business podcasting.We explore:🔹 What they’ve learned from starting and running their own podcasts🔹 The biggest surprises and challenges along the way🔹 The value of podcasting as a tool for storytelling, networking, and learning🔹 Their favourite moments (and what they wish they knew before starting)Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast or just love hearing behind-the-scenes insights from business leaders, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.🎧 Listen now to hear the lessons from Two Pints of Lager and A Spreadsheet, Fear Less, Do More, and A Cast of Entrepreneurs!
We're joined by Co-founder of Jena and LeSalon, Jean-Michel Chalayer. We explore the link between growing up multilingual and thriving in the world of business. We delve into the importance of empathy, problem-solving, and a growth mindset. The conversation also covers the power of MVPs for testing ideas and managing risk, the importance of adaptability, and the challenges faced when building and selling a business.
We're joined by Fractional CIO, CTO, IT Director and founder of Gray Fox Consulting, Alistair McLeod. Hear about his journey as a programmer, from joining Sage in the early days when they were still a start up, to launching his own business. We discuss a whole range of topics including, being mindful of the change that comes with growth, expanding your horizons, determination and putting your mind to it. Along with how tech is not just an enabler, but a business problem solver, and the future of AI, how it will accelerate humans and support them to be as productive as possible.
We’re joined by Co-founder and CEO of Macrofin, Ross Latta. You’ll hear us discuss the FinTech space, NetSuite consultancy, and ERP implementations. We also discuss fostering a growth mindset, building a collaborative work environment, emotional intelligence, and the befits of a hybrid work model.
We're joined by Ride the Tide Founders Tom Hebden and Jodie Pepper who tell us why they left their corporate jobs to start building their personal growth and wellness business. You'll hear us cover several important topics including workplace wellbeing, tackling stress, personal growth, dealing with conflict and finding your purpose.
We’re joined by fractional CFO and best-selling author Andy Cristin. You’ll hear us discuss a whole range of topics including how being niche can help you be profitable and saleable, accountability, remaining focused, the importance of having a good mentor and a sounding board. You’ll also hear our top tips for setting up a successful business, and everything you should expect when you exit it.
We're joined by Square One Law’s Gill Hunter. We chat through Gill’s career, from studying geography, to becoming one of the North East’s first tech lawyers. Together we cover tackling challenges and fearlessness, the need for prioritising team well-being, and creating an inclusive culture within the professional services industry.
We're joined by founder and CEO of Just Williams, Jessica
Williams. In this episode you’ll hear us discuss a whole range of topics including, sales psychology, building relationships, B Corp certification, emotional intelligence and business leadership. We also cover high performing teams, grit, resilience, physical and mental fitness.
We're joined by strategy and sustainability expert Katrina Appleyard of Appleshed Consulting. This episode covers ESG and implementing a strategy, the B Corp process and building a better future. Together we cover the importance of making better decisions now to help future generations. Along with why climate education and a hands on approach will shape future connections with the planet and the need to protect it.
We’re joined by co-founder and executive chairman of The Disruption House, Rupert Bull. Within this episode you’ll hear about all things environment, social and governance (ESG). Rupert talks us through the importance of sustainability, challenges to business owners and the small steps you can take to make a difference. We also discuss why sustainability is so important for both market and talent access, alongside your values and internal communication.
We’re joined by Chief Executive of Entrepreneurs Forum, Elaine Stroud. You’ll hear us discuss several topics including: creating a supportive, diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial community, creating engaging content, scaling up and sustainable enterprises. We also cover the North East vs New Zealand, keeping your energy levels high, the importance of embracing a growth mindset and trying new things in order to be the best version of yourself.
We’re joined by founder and director of Beaconhouse Events, Sarah
Thackray. In this episode we cover all aspects of events planning and management including organising sustainable events. You’ll hear us discuss varying topics including: reducing your carbon footprint, having a supportive team around you, learning as you go, maintaining a positive mindset, giving back to the community and so much more.
We're joined by Mark Bryant, founder of Media Partnership and Film Hero. Hear how Mark got into media, from working in radio, to starting his own award-winning business. We discuss the excitement of starting your own business, but the culture shock, imposer syndrome and isolation that comes with it. You'll hear us cover, being a specialist instead of a generalist, networking events and how they've changed, building relationships and sharing valuable content on social media. We also chat through the importance of client personas and how they can help you connect with potential customers. Along with the difference between and need for hero, hub, help, hook and hold content.
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