In this episode we team up with Rachel Clarke of Bournemouth University Business School, and Liam Toms, and SME owner in Dorset. Liam Toms is a communications and engagement manager at Grapevine, a company based in Dorset. He has a background in marketing and business engagement, having previously worked with Bournemouth University, where he facilitated projects connecting students with real-world business challenges. He has also been involved in alumni networking events, supporting local busine...
May 09, 2025•50 min
In this episode Sarah Stephenson explores the importance of business leadership and mentoring, and why finding time to work ON and well as IN your business is crucial. Jenny Cairns is owner or North East startup The Doggy Daycare Centre, as is a former participant of the Help To Grow Management programme. There she was partnered with Simon Read, also known as The Business Skipper, and has helped Jenny's business navigate the choppy waters of entrepreneurship. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
Apr 10, 2025•43 min
In this episode, Dr Matt Sutherland delves into the vital role small businesses play in the economy with Richard Bearman, Co Chief Banking Officer at the British Business Bank. Discover how the bank supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UK through tailored financial solutions, including startup loans, and learn about the innovative programs designed to help businesses thrive. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by small firms and the strategies to secure the right funding at...
Mar 10, 2025•27 min
In this episode Sarah Stephenson talks to a Northumbria Allumni and Director of 360 Growth Partners Andrew Silver. Together, they explore the crucial aspects of business partnering, performance management, and transforming strategy into tangible results. Andrew shares his extensive experience in mentoring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and emphasises the importance of collaboration and feedback in driving business growth. Listen for practical insights and strategies that can help your...
Feb 18, 2025•39 min
This episode truly reaches for the stars, as Dr Matt Sutherland sits down with the CEO of one of the UK's most unique attractions situated in one of the most remote parts of Northumberland. Leigh Venus has just marked his first year as CEO of Kielder Observatory, and discusses the challenges and the wonder this fantastic attraction brings to visitors. Leigh also has a long history of working in the NE cultural sector, and discusses with Matt why culture is so important to the economy of the regi...
Jan 22, 2025•49 min
In this episode we once again go on tour to University of Salford, with our guest host Prof Mandy Parkinson, and her guest Bassel Ounah. Bassel is the visionary behind APNA Diving School and Neptune Submerge Limited. Discover how Bassel transformed his passion for diving into a pioneering venture using augmented and virtual reality to create immersive underwater experiences. Learn about the innovative ways Neptune is raising environmental awareness and mental health support through technology, a...
Dec 05, 2024•27 min
Many questions business owners have begin with "Do you know someone who?" or "How can I..?". And someone who aims to answers some of those questions is Reshma Begum, Development Manager of the North East branch of the Federation of Small Business. Celebrating 50 years of advocating for small businesses, Reshma shares the FSB's journey from its inception in 1974 to its current role as a vital support system for SMEs and the self-employed. Discover how the FSB supports its members with legal prote...
Oct 28, 2024•35 min
Celebrate the third anniversary of "Why Small Business Matters" with us as we take a retrospective journey through the wisdom shared by our esteemed guests over the years. In this special episode, we revisit 10 key lessons learned, focusing on the power of networking, communication, and collaboration. Join hosts Dr Matt Sutherland and Sarah Stephenson as they delve into insights from Oli Barrett, Caroline Theobold, John McCabe, Jeni Smith, Scott Gould, and more. Discover practical tips on expand...
Oct 08, 2024•44 min
We delve into the critical world of intellectual property (IP) and patents, exploring why small businesses must consider legal protection for their innovations, creative works, designs, or software. Host Sarah Stephenson is joined by intellectual property experts Charlotte Watkins and Jason Boakes, founders of York based patent law firm Secerna. They discuss the importance of IP rights, common pitfalls for SMEs, and how businesses can strategically safeguard their valuable assets. Discover pract...
Sep 24, 2024•44 min
In this episode of "Why Small Business Matters," Katey Curtis delves into the world of sustainability with two local business owners from Huddersfield. Joff Ward, founder and managing director of CorkSol UK, and Kevin Chatham, owner and manager of the Northern Teahouse, share their insights on what it means to run a sustainable business. They discuss the importance of sustainable materials, ethical employment practices, and how small changes can make a big difference. Join us for a thought-provo...
Sep 18, 2024•45 min
In this episode, we explore the impactful world of digital transformation and how it can revolutionise small businesses. Join host Matt Sutherland as he delves into insightful discussions with Dr Ashmita Randhawa, Director of R&D at Sunderland Software City, and Jamie Hardesty, Director of Communications and Ecosystem Development at Sunderland Software City. Discover how digital transformation is not just about adopting shiny new technologies but also about cultural change, efficiency, and p...
Sep 04, 2024•34 min
As a small business owner marketing can become a top priority which always ends up at the bottom of your to do list. In this episode Dr Matt Sutherland speaks to Paul Hart, co founder and MD of North Shields business Cargo Creative. Paul has many years of experience in the world of marketing, and in this episode we look at some simple ways you can give your business a boost, and why it doesn't have to cost you a great deal of time or money. Paul explains why it is important to have a plan, how a...
Jul 15, 2024•36 min
In this episode we take a break from the studio and are delighted to be guests of Newcastle University, recording in the Catalyst, with a dynamic community of dynamic businesses and research specialists, working collaboratively to develop products and services. The main focus is on the Arrow programme arrowinnovation.org.uk , and why four of the North East’s Universities (Newcastle University, Durham University, Sunderland University and Northumbria University) are involved in helping business a...
May 07, 2024•48 min
In this special episode we are on tour in South Yorkshire, Associate Professor Alexandra Anderson from Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University hosts the show, and speaks to a leading entrepreneur from the city. This episode looks at inclusivity from a social and economic perspective, Laura Winson is our special guest, co founder of Zebedee, an inclusive talent agency in Sheffield. Zebedee is a real disruptor in the talent agency world, challenging the way disability and physical...
Apr 16, 2024•38 min
In this episode, we talk about The Small Business Charter and the valuable support provided to small businesses over the last ten years. Dr Matt Sutherland is joined by 3 guests, Flora Hamilton, Erin Sully-Norris and Helen Lee, three people who have experienced first hand the important work provided by the Small Business Charter. Flora Hamilton having spent the last ten years as director and head of financial services at the CBI, in May this year became the CEO of the Chartered Association for B...
Mar 04, 2024•36 min
In this episode the Why Small Business Matters podcast head out on tour from Northumbria University in Newcastle, to our capital and the University of West London. In this episode we ask "Why Apprenticeships Matter", and to answer that question are some very experienced guests. Hosted by John Charlton, Head of Knowledge Exchange at UWL, we are also joined by Janet Rowson, Director of Apprenticeships, and Sashin Shah, who has welcomed apprentices into his organisation Onepoint via UWL for a numbe...
Feb 13, 2024•49 min
In this episode Sarah Stephenson explores the world of HR and how to retain your best people with Kathryn Rodgers, of Newcastle based face2face HR. Are you a small business owner struggling with the complexities of human resources? You're not alone. Human resources is a field that often gets bogged down in regulations and paperwork, losing sight of the very people it's supposed to serve. But what if you could transform your HR into a powerful tool for employee engagement and retention? Enter Kat...
Jan 09, 2024•41 min
Step inside the game-changing Business Clinic at Northumbria University, where the future of business consultancy is being redefined. This episode features the voices of those at the forefront: Nigel Coates, Dr Rebecca Dutson and entrepreneur Kelly Maxwell of Kelly's Heroes. Learn how the clinic's unique approach has not only provided over 700 small businesses with tailored support but has also equipped students with unmatched real-world experience, leading to successful careers and business tra...
Dec 15, 2023•33 min
In this special episode the podcast is on tour in the North West, as Professor Jennie Shorley is joined by special guest Helen Tonks. Helen is the vision and drive behind the growth of the multi award-winning Hydraulics Online brand; from a business start-up on a blank sheet of paper in 2004, to the Northern Powerhouse Export Champion and global provider that they are today - with customers across 20 sectors in 130 countries around the world. Helen is actively involved in local and regional educ...
Nov 20, 2023•50 min
In this episode Sarah Stephenson is joined by recruitment entrepreneur and group CEO Steve Rawlingson. Steve founded Samuel Knight, a specialist renewable energy and sustainable transportation recruitment business in 2014 from a single person office in Newcastle. Steve discusses how despite some tough school years, he always felt he would be an entrepreneur. Fast forward to 2023 and Samuel Knight employs over 100 consultants with offices throughout the UK, USA and Middle East. They generate $35 ...
Oct 23, 2023•50 min
In this episode of Why Small Business Matters Dr Kate Harland talks to Steve Underwood, Founder and Managing Director of Bonded Agency based in Newcastle. We discuss why culture and values can't be created overnight, why support networks are immensely important in business, and building a brand from the ground up! Steve is a prominent member of the business sector growth board for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, also chairing a sub board for digital strategy. In addition Steve chair...
Oct 02, 2023•49 min
In this episode Sarah Stephenson is joined by Justin Turner, business author and director of the accountancy and book keeping firm Orange Umbrella, a company where the aim is to relieve business owners of unnecessary stress and anxiety. He's also a subject expert and visiting lecturer at Northumbria University, helping business leaders to understand finance and financial management. Justin describes himself as a Newcastle-based entrepreneur with a passion for helping business owners understand t...
Sep 11, 2023•41 min
In this episode we aim to unlock the power of networking, with Jeni Smith, owner of North East networking specialists NetKno. In this episode learn why it is important to have a strategy, and how with a little creative thinking you can avoid a morning of bad hotel coffee, and develop useful connections. Also hear about Jeni's own journey including setting up a networking business in 2020, just as lockdown happened. And she has a few tips you can use right now to help improve your own networking ...
Jul 03, 2023•35 min
In this episode Dr Matt Sutherland investigates the world of Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property, and how ideas with the right support can help solve some of today's biggest challenges. Joining Matt is Dr Iain Thomas is Head of Life Sciences at Cambridge Enterprise, part of the University of Cambridge that supports new models for developing early stage technology that can provide effective technology exchange. Iain is responsible for a team that is working across the life sciences se...
May 31, 2023•45 min
In this episode Sarah Stephenson from the Northumbria University Help To Grow Management programme explores the world of top level construction projects. Many of us have had a manage a small renovation either at home or in business, and come face to face with the stress and pitfalls they can bring. But what if that project was the size of a high rise office block? Paul Bevan is a highly experienced Project Manager with a broad portfolio of skills. A former Royal Air Force Officer specialising in...
May 09, 2023•29 min
In this episode the focus is on sustainability & net zero, 2 phrases we hear a lot about but what do they actually mean, and what do businesses need to do to achieve them? Sarah Stephenson talks to Tamma Carel, founder and owner of 2 businesses with experience in this area. Imvelo is an environmental consultancy helping companies understand sustainability and environmental management to meet United Nations sustainability targets. And she's also the founder of iCOR, and environmental complian...
Apr 19, 2023•37 min
In this episode of Why Small Business Matter, Dr Kate Harland explores the journey from the security of a large corporation to venturing out on your own as an entrepreneur. Sam Spoors is founder and Talent & Resourcing Director of Talentheads, a North East based talent and resourcing agency based in Morpeth. Becoming the boss of your own successful company has obvious benefits , but there are also some large challenges and Sam explains how she has managed these though the early years of her ...
Mar 23, 2023•52 min
Engagement is a word many of us hear in business on a daily basis, but what IS engagement?! Formerly a church minister, he literally wrote the book on how people engage with ideas, things, and each other, working with organisations such as the United Nations and Microsoft. Scott joins Dr Matt Sutherland to talk about creating better engagement, for both employees, brands, customers and your community in general. Discover the differences between awareness and selling, the power of clarity, simpli...
Mar 02, 2023•41 min
Does being a good person make you a successful one? Why should you act now to avoid regrets later? And why it's ok to say no! These are some of the topics explored in this episode with Raman Sehgal, author of the best selling book "The Floundering Founder", and founder & Global President of ramarketing , a multi million dollar marketing and content agency with a focus on life sciences. Starting the company in 2009, Raman is from Newcastle and a graduate of Northumbria University. In this epi...
Feb 06, 2023•44 min
In this episode, Dr Matt Sutherland is joined by Joe Marshall, CEO of the National Centre for Universities & Business. An independent organisation focussed on making the UK the best place in the world for businesses and universities to collaborate. We're also joined by Stuart Wilkinson, acting director in Innovation & Research Service at University of Oxford. The team at Oxford have led many ground breaking projects which have changed our lives, one such example would be Covid vaccine re...
Jan 24, 2023•47 min
