BrumPod

Thanks for sticking with BrumPod - we're really sorry we haven't brought you any episodes lately - Rich moved house mid December, and has been without proper broadband ever since! (The joys of living in the countryside) However, installation of the broadband is now within DAYS so we will be bringing you regular episodes again very soon. So thanks for staying with us and being a subscriber, we look forward to bringing you lots more episodes this year, with some fantastic guests along the way! We'll be back in your favourite podcast app, VERY soon.... Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking. https://brummies-networking.co.uk Brummies Networking on Twitter: @brummiesnet BrumPod on Twitter - @brumpod Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic BrumPod - The UK Small Business Podcast. BrumPod is designed for small businesses, because 2/3 of the hosts are small businesses! Our goal is to bring you topics that affect you as a fellow small business owner directly; everything from website tools and technology, changes in regulations, business networking tips, business growth; plus we talk to regular guests from all walks of life, discussing their journeys in working with small businesses to make other people’s lives easier. BrumPod Hosts: Richard Heathcote(VoiceOver Artist) - https://www.richardheathcote.co.uk Iwan Thomas(BusinessCoach) - http://www.iwanthomasassociates.co.uk Jason Jones(SelfStorage) - https://www.accessstorage.com

In Episode17 we discuss an offshoot topic from Episode 16, and look at how the world's attitude has changed over the years from kids growing up and being taught the traditional 'get a degree and then get a job' mentality.  With the tools, technologies and platforms available these days, it's getting much easier for people looking to go down the self-employment and freelance route to be able to learn new skills, enhance their knowledge on different subjects to help prepare themselves for being a job creator, rather than just being someone 'with a job' in traditional employment. Should schools do more to teach the entrepreneur's way of life more since the world is changing rapidly? Is it something that is even in the remit of a school? As with the benefit of the internet and online courses and YouTubers offering tutorials on just about anything, is it simply just down to personal ingenuity and proactive mentality, in a digital version of the 'survival of the fittest'? We discuss! What are your thoughts? Leave us your comments on this episode's blog post via the website below. Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking. https://brummies-networking.co.uk Brummies Networking on Twitter: @brummiesnet BrumPod on Twitter - @brumpod Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic BrumPod - The UK Small Business Podcast. BrumPod is designed for small businesses, because 2/3 of the hosts are small businesses! Our goal is to bring you topics that affect you as a fellow small business owner directly; everything from website tools and technology, changes in regulations, business networking tips, business growth; plus we talk to regular guests from all walks of life, discussing their journeys in working with small businesses to make other people’s lives easier. BrumPod Hosts: Richard Heathcote(VoiceOver Artist) - https://www.richardheathcote.co.uk Iwan Thomas(BusinessCoach) - http://www.iwanthomasassociates.co.uk Jason Jones(SelfStorage) - https://www.accessstorage.com

In this episode we look at the current and future state of the modern workplace, what a 'workplace' even consists of in this technological age. So many business folk can get on perfectly well with just a laptop, a phone and a decent broadband connection.  Are traditional offices still as popular as they were with the idea of 'hotdesking' becoming more of a thing?  More and more people are working flexible hours, remotely from home or coffee shops without feeling the need to be in an actual office.  What will the future workplace be like? Will more of us work remotely and feel less need to commute? What happens to teamwork? What about when you're working on sensitive client material, what type of location would be better? We discuss one particular horror story.  If 5G and web technologies enable more of us to work flexible hours and in non-office based locations, will we miss out on the social aspect; the water cooler moments, gossip, relationship building, etc etc? Also we look at all of this and how it impacts the area of mental health, and obtaining a healthy work-life balance. We weigh up the pros and cons.  Episode resources referenced in the show: http://blog.condecosoftware.com/state-of-the-workplace-in-2018-report https://www.workfront.com/blog/state-of-work-2019 https://www.forbes.com/sites/abdullahimuhammed/2018/12/21/10-remote-work-trends-that-will-dominate-2019/#1db7fdb7c72a https://www.talentlyft.com/en/blog/article/161/7-key-workplace-trends-in-2019 Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking. https://brummies-networking.co.uk Brummies Networking on Twitter: @brummiesnet BrumPod on Twitter - @brumpod Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic BrumPod - The UK Small Business Podcast. BrumPod is designed for small businesses, because 2/3 of the hosts are small businesses! Our goal is to bring you topics that affect you as a fellow small business owner directly; everything from website tools and technology, changes in regulations, business networking tips, business growth; plus we talk to regular guests from all walks of life, discussing their journeys in working with small businesses to make other people’s lives easier. BrumPod Hosts: Richard Heathcote(VoiceOver Artist) - https://www.richardheathcote.co.uk Iwan Thomas(BusinessCoach) - http://www.iwanthomasassociates.co.uk Jason Jones(SelfStorage) - https://www.accessstorage.com

Episode 15 sees us talking to our special guest, Doug Ward, from B13 Technology based in Birmingham. Doug is a tech expert who deals with mobile technologies including app and software development and other web based tools.  We discuss what the differences, pros and cons are between these technologies and more importantly, HOW they can help you as a small business. Are they easy to access? Does your business need an app or is it fine to just utilise a mobile friendly website? Can they revolutionise the way you work and interact with your customers? How will 5G and mobile technologies marry up in the future, and what added functionality will they bring? Tune in to find out the answers to all these questions as Doug enlightens us on all things tech! Doug can be found at: https://www.b13technology.com https://twitter.com/b13technology Some interesting app stats that we discussed during the episode: https://buildfire.com/app-statistics/ Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.   https://brummies-networking.co.uk Brummies Networking on Twitter: @brummiesnet BrumPod on Twitter - @brumpod Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic BrumPod - The UK Small Business Podcast. BrumPod is designed for small businesses, because 2/3 of the hosts are small businesses! Our goal is to bring you topics that affect you as a fellow small business owner directly; everything from website tools and technology, changes in regulations, business networking tips, business growth; plus we talk to regular guests from all walks of life, discussing their journeys in working with small businesses to make other people’s lives easier. BrumPod Hosts: Richard Heathcote (Voice Over Artist) - https://www.richardheathcote.co.uk Iwan Thomas (Business Coach) - http://www.iwanthomasassociates.co.uk Jason Jones (Self Storage) - https://www.accessstorage.com

In this episode, we look at HS2, the UK's proposed high speed rail link which aims to run along the spine of the country, connecting up all the major cities. Ideal in theory, but at what cost?  With budgets spiralling out of control, and now the government saying they are now putting it up for review to assess spends and its future viability, we discuss its merits, and its pitfalls. With estimated costs going from £33m to potentially £100m by the time it's finished, will it be worth the investment? Are other technologies more worthy of that kind of investment; the likes of electric car infrastructure for instance, making that 100% green from factory to on the road - is that potentially a better way to invest that kind of money? You'll have to decide for yourself of course, we are just here to raise the questions that need raising. Resources referred to in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Central_Main_Line https://www.nextgreencar.com/electric-cars/statistics/ https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/jaguar/107398/the-government-isnt-doing-enough-to-encourage-electric-car-sales https://www.hs2.org.uk/why/ https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/latest-news/news/2019/8/22/watch-timing-of-hs2-review-is-frustrating-and-unhelpful/ https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/latest-news/news/2019/8/22/more-business-reaction-to-hs2-review/ https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1168852/HS2-latest-high-speed-rail-updates-cost-government-review-boris-johnson-dominic-cummings https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-49420332 http://stophs2.org/facts Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking. https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic BrumPod - The UK Small Business Podcast. BrumPod is designed for small businesses, because 2/3 of the hosts are small businesses! Our goal is to bring you topics that affect you as a fellow small business owner directly; everything from website tools and technology, changes in regulations, business networking tips, business growth; plus we talk to regular guests from all walks of life, discussing their journeys in working with small businesses to make other people’s lives easier.

In Episode 13 of BrumPod, we briefly revisit GDPR given some recent themes in the news, and people we've come into contact with who are in contravening the regulations - so we wanted to serve a reminder that everyone is liable under GDPR - it applies to all businesses, from big business all the way down to micro businesses and one man bands. Ensure you're compliant! And we're also looking at the subject of the importance of downtime in your business; getting away on holiday to be able to recharge your own personal batteries and clear the cobwebs, to ensure good mental health and optimum wellbeing. It's vitally important that we all look after our own health as well as the health of our businesses - so if you haven't managed to get away on holiday, do book some time off! Go abroad, take a 'staycation', visit the coast - whatever your chosen route, make sure you give yourself adequate time to relax, recharge, and look after your own state of mind.  Some of the articles we refer to in this episode below. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49099364 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-45976300 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jul/10/gdpr-fines-ba-british-airways-marriott-data-watchdog https://threatpost.com/google-fine-privacy-gdpr/141055/ https://tide.org/blog/british-airways-google-gdpr https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jul/09/marriott-fined-over-gdpr-breach-ico https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/news-and-events/news-and-blogs/2019/07/former-motor-industry-worker-ordered-to-pay-25-500-from-proceeds-of-data-theft/ https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/news-and-events/news-and-blogs/2019/07/estate-agency-fined-80-000-for-failing-to-keep-tenants-data-safe/ https://lifelabs.psychologies.co.uk/users/3881-maxine-harley/posts/18485-the-threat-to-mental-health-that-self-employment-brings Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.   https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic

Episode 12. Should your business be on Instagram? It's the fastest growing social network, with it boasting some impressive stats that might make you think seriously about getting your own business on there if you're not already. We explore some of the ways you can leverage the audience on Instagram to make it a great channel for promoting your business, making the most of your online marketing efforts.  We also discuss some of the ways you can reduce the extra time it may take for your business to adopt yet another social media channel, using various tools and technology to help you, speeding up the process. Resources we refer to during the episode: https://www.websitehostingrating.com/instagram-statistics/ https://later.com/blog/instagram-marketing-trends-2019/ Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.   https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic

In this episode we look at British company What3Words, who are revolutionising the way the entire globe is mapped and divided up into accurate universal addresses. With 75% of countries lacking an accurate method of addressing, some having none at all, this could make a massive difference to the world, so not only can you find businesses and people more accurately; it could save lives through accurate location pinning for humanitarian efforts, and for the emergency services. We explore all the areas this could be utilised, and think of other ways that perhaps haven't been thought of before. More info: https://brummies-networking.co.uk/what-3-words-could-save-your-life/ We also have a birthday bash for Jason at The Botanist, Temple St, Birmingham on Fri 28th June. Get your free ticket on Eventbrite now, and hopefully see you there. Book in using the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brummies-birthday-bash-the-botanist-tickets-62197760175 Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.   https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic

In this episode we look at the changing face of the British high st - are bricks and mortar buildings still important to us? How are we using them? How are the high streets evolving with user demand?  Big businesses are closing stores, big chain and high end restaurants are closing, but some are thriving. Plus Primark has opened the world's biggest store right here in Birmingham. We look at the ways the high street can remain relevant to modern society. The new Clean Air Zone is being introduced to Birmingham in 2020 - what will this mean for travel into the city and for the businesses within it? Will you be affected? Below are some links to things we talk about that may be useful for planning your future travel into the city centre. https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20076/pollution/1763/a_clean_air_zone_for_birmingham https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-47867785 http://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/birmingham-westside-extension/five-ways/ Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.   https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic

In today's episode we look at the equation of Cost vs. Time vs. Value, seeing what is best for you and your wallet. This all came about after replacing a car headlamp bulb last week. I promise you it's more informative & entertaining that it sounds!  We look at skillsets; knowing when is the right time to pay someone to do various things for you. Do you have the time, skills or patience to learn to do something? Or does it work out most cost effective to let someone else do it? We even look at the parable that's floated around the internet since the day it was switched on - the one about the engineer and a hammer. Weighing up all the options so hopefully it makes life easier for you in the long run, and makes you think about how valuable your time is. Everyone has the same amount of hours in a day - it's up to us to work out how to spend them. Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.   https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic

A conversation with Gayle Kelly, Regional Fundraiser for Birmingham & Black Country at Parkinson's UK, on how she utilises business networking in her fundraising and awareness-building efforts. Some really insightful thoughts, well worth a listen to her perspective on it all. Especially leveraging networking for things you may not expect or immediately think of, which could help you too. You can find out more about Gayle here: https://twitter.com/gaylepukbhambc Parkinson's UK website: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk Info on her 'Secret Supper' event mentioned in the episode: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/events/secret-supper-2019 The Afternoon Tea event: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/events/sparkling-afternoon-tea-2019 The Sutton Walk event: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/events/walk-parkinsons-sutton-park Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.   https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic

In this episode we focus solely on the topic of mental health in the workplace, with special guest contributor David Andrew, of David Andrew Coaching.  Looking at all the ways life & work can affect our mental health; recognising the signs of someone suffering, and what we can do to combat it.  You can find out more about David on his website:  https://davidandrewcoaching.com And if you or someone you know is suffering mental health issues, and need some guidance, The Samaritans is a fantastic place to go for help and advice. It is always best to address issues as early as possible. And if you have a friend who you think is suffering, talk to them about it as soon as possible. https://www.samaritans.org Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.   https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic

In this episode we talk about several important bits of info coming up that you should be aware of, dates for your diary in regards to the UK Gov's 'Making Tax Digital' timeline, as well as important updates to employment law, and how Brexit will be affecting employers and employees if  they're EU nationals. We also discuss the initiative that Paul Uppal, the UK's Small Business Commissioner wants to deploy, namely a tool that would help small businesses know which large businesses are BAD payers! Large businesses are notorious for being late payers, so he wants to bring in a traffic light system to help small businesses plan when they're likely to be paid so it doesn't negatively impact their businesses, helping them to plan and grow their businesses.  Useful resources: http://www.iwanthomasassociates.co.uk/newsletters/BusinessMattersVol8No1b.pdf https://www.elev8bymazars.co.uk/solutions/mtd/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAhKviBRCNARIsAAGZ7CeoDLZ0iuZgZBLf4U9C0CX5pYNNXtIhS1FwfUUC18Pi4hYKr5VN1Y4aAm4vEALw_wcB https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/2019-employment-law-eight-changes-to-look-out-for/ https://www.smallbusinesscommissioner.gov.uk/news-3/ Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.   https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic

In our last show of 2018, we look at the different ways people treat networking around the festive period. Should we still maintain utter professionalism, or is it ok to be a bit more relaxed? And we look at why some events work, and the reasons others perhaps don't; looking at all the different flavours of networking and their various merits. This episode is Christmas themed, as it's our last one now for 2018. However, we will be back bright eyed and bushy tailed from early January onwards, with some brilliant guests lined up for future episodes. So do stay tuned for all the latest info and updates. Follow @brumpod on Twitter for all the latest news. Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking. https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic

We firstly discuss Channel 4's decision to move their HQ to Leeds instead of Birmingham. Contrast that with Netflix's decision to start investing in the Midlands by using it as a place to film and produce future original content, plus them investing heavily in Europe-centric content. Then we look at a report that discusses how people working from home could be doing themselves damage. With more and more people self employed or on flexi-time working from home, is your home workstation suitable? Reports show the stats of people working from kitchen tables stooped over laptops, even working from sofas and even their beds! We discuss the ways you can prevent future pain and back problems by getting your workstations set up properly, including standing & height adjustable desks. Resource: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/latest-news/news/2018/11/6/research-finds-home-workers-not-supported-on-correct-workstation-set-up/ Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking. https://brummies-networking.co.uk Twitter: @brummiesnet Produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com Twitter: @happycontentco Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com Twitter: @birocratic

In this episode we talk about the UK government's digital initiative, 'Making Tax Digital', which is designed to make business owners' lives easier by creating a seamless digital workflow, simplifying the tax and VAT submission process. Those that'll be hardest hit initially are smaller businesses who maintain their accounts through offline spreadsheets. It will require transitioning to third party cloud software platforms like QuickBooks, FreeAgent etc, as they will work hand in hand with the government's 'MTD' API. The first stage is rolling out in April 2019, so if you're VAT registered then you need to start preparing now. We discuss the various points of view, and the significant pitfalls that most business owners everywhere could find along the way. The long and short - be prepared! Further reading, and info quoted during the show: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/uk/making-tax-digital/ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/software-suppliers-supporting-making-tax-digital-for-vat/software-suppliers-supporting-making-tax-digital-for-vat https://www.accountancyage.com/2018/08/16/making-tax-digital-challenges-and-timescales/ https://www.sage.com/en-gb/blog/making-tax-digital-in-trouble/ https://www.accountancyage.com/2018/08/08/making-tax-digital-a-simpler-system-or-muddying-the-waters/ Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking. Produced by Happy Content Co. https://brummies-networking.co.uk https://happycontentco.com Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com

In our second episode, we discuss the fact that 5G broadband technology is to be piloted & launched in the Midlands, UK. What will that mean for technology generally, and us in business? Also we look at LinkedIn and networking etiquette - what annoys us, and how important it is to cultivate and nurture our connections; looking at the various criteria we should all probably use when deciding who to accept connection requests from. Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking. Produced by Happy Content Co. https://brummies-networking.co.uk https://happycontentco.com Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com

In BrumPod's inaugural episode, we discuss the relevance of business cards in today's technological society; do they still serve a purpose? Also we talk about business networking, and give our top tips as to how you can maximise your results from it. Brought to you by Brummies Networking's team members; Richard Heathcote, Jason Jones, Iwan Thomas & Danny Peters. Podcast produced by Happy Content Co. https://happycontentco.com https://brummies-networking.co.uk Music by Birocratic - http://birocratic.com