#47 Sustainable Essex: Ethical businesses leading the way
Essex Business Podcast
The focus on sustainability, along with ethical and environmental working practices, has become increasingly important for businesses of all sizes in recent years. In this episode, we explore sustainable development and ethical business practices in Essex with four inspiring guests. We highlight their significant contributions to sustainability and how they have effectively incorporated eco-friendly and ethical practices into their operations. Tune in to gain valuable inspiration and practical tips for driving positive environmental and social change in your own business endeavours. First,...
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#46 Navigating the sale process: Tips and pitfalls
Essex Business Podcast
Selling a business involves more than just finding a buyer; it requires meticulous planning, negotiation skills, and an understanding of a range of legal and financial implications. In this episode, we focus on the intricacies of navigating the sale process, discussing common challenges and best practices to ensure a successful transaction. First, Paul Forsyth, Partner at Ellisons Solicitors, speaks with our reporter Chris Penhall about key legal aspects of the sales process. He discusses complex areas such as contract negotiations, legal due diligence, and minimising legal risks for...
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#45 The power of networking: Nurturing relationships for success
Essex Business Podcast
In this episode, we explore the power of networking with three Essex-based networkers and relationship-building experts. From leveraging social media to attending industry events, our guests share practical tips and strategies for expanding your network, nurturing meaningful relationships, and unlocking new opportunities. To kick things off, Aaron Desmond, Founder of Networking Essex, the largest networking group in the county, speaks to our reporter Chris Penhall about how his journey began with Networking Essex and the importance of effectively networking to harness new business...
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#44 Leadership lessons: Inspiring success in a dynamic business world
Essex Business Podcast
In this episode, we talk to three Essex-based business leaders about their personal stories, the challenges they have overcome, and the leadership principles that have guided them to success. This episode offers valuable insights into effective leadership strategies that you can implement in your own business pursuits. Reporter Chris Penhall speaks to Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd, about her roles as both a leader and a consultant, as well as offering invaluable insights into overcoming common challenges and fostering effective leadership practices. Also, David...
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#43 Digital transformation: Leveraging technology for business success
Essex Business Podcast
In this episode, we explore the digital landscape alongside three Essex business leaders who have embraced technology to drive growth and innovation. Learn about their digital transformation journeys, the tools and strategies they found most effective, and how technology has become a crucial component of their overall business strategy. Reporter Chris Penhall speaks to Matt Carr, Co-Founder of ECOedge, who explains how their start-up company is leveraging technology to propel its journey. Also, Stuart Belbin, Senior Account Executive at Ascend Broking Group Ltd, talks about the...
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#42 From local to global: Expanding your business horizons
Essex Business Podcast
In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we dive into the dynamic world of business expansion, exploring the journeys of three successful entrepreneurs from Essex to uncover the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the strategies they employed to successfully grow their business on a national and international level. Reporter Chris Penhall talks to Alistair Hunter, Managing Director of The DS Group, about the company’s transition from a local to a national presence. Additionally, Nicky Crisp, Managing Director of Impamark, shares a captivating narrative detailing the...
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#41 Crystal-ball gazing into 2024 – if we dare!
Essex Business Podcast
Predicting the future landscape of the business world is becoming increasingly difficult, but strategic planning for what lies ahead remains vital for organisations of all sizes. In this episode, we've asked three experts to gaze into their crystal balls and share their opinions on what’s in store for the Essex business scene in 2024. Ann Scott is Essex Development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses. Following her predictions at the onset of 2023, she spoke to our reporter, Chris Penhall about both potential challenges and opportunities for small businesses in the coming...
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#40 Christmas trading – still the saviour of the retail and hospitality year?
Essex Business Podcast
In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, amidst the festive aroma of mince pies and satsumas, we explore the significance of Christmas as the pivotal lifeline for the retail sector. The widespread belief suggests that the holiday season is a decisive make-or-break period for many businesses. However, we examine whether this notion still holds true, or if it has evolved into something of a myth. Reporter Chris Penhall talks to Sara Tupper, Chelmsford BID Manager, on how the city centre retail scene gears up to get tills ringing during the Christmas season, and Helen Wood, Manager at...
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#39 Getting the best out of hybrid working
Essex Business Podcast
Hybrid working is now considered to be the new norm in many sectors, so in this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we explore how employers can get the right balance and maximise productivity whilst simultaneously ensuring their employees are fully engaged with the business. Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd talks to our reporter, Chris Penhall about the multifaceted challenges that companies face when navigating the world of hybrid working and Sarah Humphryes, Assistant Marketing Manager at Birkett Long, shares her experiences. Plus, Maldon-based elite performance...
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#38 Apprenticeships: the answer to our skills prayers?
Essex Business Podcast
As another batch of apprentices embark on new careers, and with apprenticeships available in just about every subject you can imagine, we ask whether apprenticeships are key to solving the skills shortages affecting so many sectors of business. In this episode, we hear from Hannah O’Brien and Toni Parrish, Employer Engagement Officers at Adult Community Learning Essex, which oversees hundreds of apprenticeships every year, and Debianne Messenger, Work Based Learning Manager at Career Track, an apprenticeship training provider working with local authorities and businesses in the Essex,...
info_outlineNow the dust appears to have mostly settled on the COVID crisis, one debate still rages: where should we all be working? Should we by now be back in the office 100% of the time, should we still have the freedom to work from home, or should we be combining the best of both worlds? Views vary, but in episode 23 we discuss the options for employers and employees alike.
Jessica Douglas, Strategic People and Performance Manager at Colchester Borough Council, talks about the ground-breaking flexible working policy they introduced in 2011 and we hear from Ann Scott, Associate Regional Director for East of England CBI, who has a firm finger on the flexible-working pulse of many businesses across Essex and the rest of the East of England
Plus, Joann Kebbell, Partner and Director of HR & L&D at leading Essex law firm Birkett Long, explains how they had to react to the strict COVID restrictions and how they sought to find a balance as the guidelines eased.
Recorded June 2022
Guest speakers:
- Jessica Douglas, Strategic People and Performance Manager at Colchester Borough Council
https://www.colchester.gov.uk/ - Ann Scott, Associate Regional Director for East of England CBI
https://www.cbi.org.uk/ - Joann Kebbell, Partner and Director of HR and L&D at Birkett Long
https://www.birkettlong.co.uk/