My Local Marketer Podcast

This podcast aims to shine a light on the successes, key learnings and insights from Reading’s people and businesses. In the present and the past. We explore their recipes for success, the mistakes they’ve made and how you can avoid them, as well as inspirational stories that will give you a feel-good boost.

Ep.79 Julie Williams | Escaping the Loneliness of Business Leadership 01/15/2026

Ep.79 Julie Williams | Escaping the Loneliness of Business Leadership This episode features Julie Williams, an executive coach and founder of Coaching Reading, who discusses her transition from corporate marketing to coaching and her mission to ignite "authentic leadership" within individuals and teams. Julie brings over 15 years of senior marketing experience and a decade of specialised coaching expertise to the conversation. The conversation delves into the intersection of brand and leadership, highlighting how Julie helps leaders align their personal values with their organisation’s culture. She describes her role as "lighting fires"—a philosophy that inspired her own podcast—where she helps clients spark internal change to overcome professional plateaus and the "loneliness" of leadership. The discussion also touches on the vital topic of community and collaboration. Julie emphasises the importance of building local networks, exemplified by her work with Coaching Reading, a community interest organisation that provides accessible coaching. Finally, the conversation covers the importance of purpose-driven growth and the power of word-of-mouth in building a sustainable business. Julie concludes by encouraging listeners to identify what truly motivates them, using those insights as a foundation for setting meaningful goals and a clear vision for the future. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Close the Gap Between "Brand" and "Culture" Many business owners focus heavily on external marketing but neglect the internal culture. Julie highlights that for a business to be truly successful and authentic, the internal culture (how your team behaves) must align with the external brand (the promises you make to customers). 2. Combat the "Loneliness of Command" Through Community Julie discusses how business owners often feel isolated, bearing the weight of every decision. She emphasizes that "lighting a fire" within your business often requires a sounding board—whether through a coach, a mastermind group, or local networks like Coaching Reading. 3. Shift from Management to "Lighting Fires" Moving from being a "manager" who controls tasks to a "leader" who inspires others is the key to scaling. Julie explains that identifying your own core purpose—and what motivates your team—is what creates sustainable, long-term growth rather than just short-term productivity. TIME CODES 00:00 Welcome to Julie 00:31 Introduction to Julie 01:44 How Julie became an executive coach 03:58 Julie’s audiences 06:33 How Julie markets her business 07:56 What are the challenges Julie’s audiences face 11:29 Examples of Julie’s work with clients 13:58 Some people are not suited to leadership roles 15:14 Julie’s coaching experience 18:08 A couple of Julie’s podcast episodes 20:51 Julie’s coaching session with Lucy 23:50 The challenges of being a leader 25:28 About Coaching Reading 28:41 Competitors or Collaborators? 29:52 Challenges Julie has faced 33:25 Get started on what you want to do! 34:02 Tips for business owners 35:31 Play to your strengths! 36:14 Julie’s final thoughts /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/39577745

Ep.78 Susanne Clausen | Securing Reading’s Creative Infrastructure 01/08/2026

Ep.78 Susanne Clausen | Securing Reading’s Creative Infrastructure This episode features Susanne Clausen, Chair of Open Hand Open Space (OHOS) and Professor of Fine Art at the University of Reading. The conversation delves into the unique nature of Open Hand Open Space, which is housed in Brock keep, a historic military keep on Oxford Road. Susanna emphasises that it serves as the town's only dedicated provider of long-term artist studios and the only dedicated contemporary art gallery in Reading. We also discuss Susanne’s work and her exhibitions, as well as the vital role OHOS plays in providing affordable infrastructure for local creatives. Finally, the conversation covers the significant challenges regarding the building's future. Susanne concludes by encouraging listeners to visit the gallery to discover the "best kept secret" of Reading’s cultural landscape. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Retention of Local Talent For a town to thrive, it must provide the infrastructure necessary to keep skilled graduates from local institutions like the University of Reading. OHOS serves as a critical bridge, offering the only dedicated long-term studio spaces for artists post-graduation. Without these affordable "incubator" spaces, creative talent often migrates to other cities, taking their innovation and economic contribution with them. 2. Boosting Reading’s International Brand and Profile Art is a vehicle for global networking. Susanne highlights how local artists represent Reading on the world stage—citing her own recent exhibition in Miami—which helps position the town as a sophisticated cultural destination rather than just a commercial hub. Supporting such spaces enhances Reading’s competitive edge against comparable cities like Oxford or Milton Keynes. 3. Social Value and Community Cohesion through Cultural Hubs OHOS acts as a "best kept secret" that drives community engagement by partnering with diverse groups, including refugees and the Hong Konger community. For business owners, a vibrant, culturally inclusive Oxford Road district improves the local environment, making it a more attractive place to live, work, and invest. TIMECODES 00:00 Welcome to Susanne! 00:23 What is Open Hand Open Space 01:17 University of Reading connection 01:49 Reading’s best kept secret 03:18 How Open Hand Open Space fits into Reading’s creative setting 04:15 Some artists at Open Hand Open Space 06:18 Open Hand Open Space for the general public 06:56 How Open Hand Open Space is promoted to the public 07:52 About Susanne Clausen 10:02 What Reading needs to support artists 11:46 Why it’s good for artists to exhibit their work 12:18 Is artwork used to convey specific messages 13:52 Challenges faced by Open Hand Open Space 17:06 How can people support Open Hand Open Space 18:26 Susane’s final thoughts /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/39577195

Ep.77 Maria Lloyd | 4 Simple (But Overlooked) Shifts for Business Growth 12/25/2025

Ep.77 Maria Lloyd | 4 Simple (But Overlooked) Shifts for Business Growth In the final My Local Marketer episode of 2025, Maria shares four key takeaways from local business interviews to help Reading-based entrepreneurs succeed in 2026. 1. Mastery of Industry Insights Maria highlights Becky Ottery from Eclectic Games, who stays competitive by tracking designer blogs, attending trade shows, and listening closely to customer interests. To streamline this, Maria suggests using AI prompts—specifying your niche and location—to identify the best sources and people to follow. 2. Strategic Positioning Differentiating your business from giants like Amazon is essential. Local shops provide value through specialist advice, product trials, and physical experiences that online retailers cannot match. Understanding this unique positioning allows for more effective marketing and targeting. 3. Shared Knowledge Systems Becky Nallon of Double Barrelled Brewery shares how they use a "product book" containing brewer and marketing notes to empower front-of-house staff. Collate your team's knowledge into a central resource to ensure consistent, high-quality customer service. Solo owners can use spreadsheets to track these details for contractors or partners. 4. Extraordinary Customer Touchpoints Inspired by Pete Hefferon of Shed, Maria advises auditing every business touchpoint to add "thoughtful tweaks" that turn ordinary interactions into memorable experiences. Creating a "Fans First" culture leads to fiercely loyal followings and increased word-of-mouth growth. By refining information channels, USP, and internal communication, local businesses can build a standout brand for 2026. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Build Robust Information Channels To stay competitive, establish formal systems to track industry news, local developments, and audience interests. You can use AI tools like Gemini or ChatGPT to help identify specific blogs, trade press, and key influencers to follow. Becky Ottery from Eclectic Games highlights that listening to customers is often the best "crowd-sourced" method for staying ahead of trends. 2. Define Your Strategic Positioning Clearly define how your business adds value in ways that global competitors like Amazon cannot. Specialist knowledge and physical experiences—such as product trials or expert advice—are critical USPs for local businesses. Understanding these unique advantages allows you to target your marketing more effectively. 3. Centralise Your Team’s Knowledge Improve customer service by sharing expertise across your entire staff. For instance, Double Barrelled Brewery uses a "product book" containing brewer and marketing notes to empower their team with consistent information. Even solo entrepreneurs can benefit by recording service details in a spreadsheet to streamline communication with future partners or contractors. 4. Elevate Every Customer Touchpoint Audit every interaction a customer has with your brand and identify where you can add "thoughtful tweaks". Taking an ordinary process and making it extraordinary makes your business more memorable and shareable. This "Fans First" approach helps cultivate a loyal following and drives word-of-mouth growth. /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/39528315

Ep.76 Tomson Chauke | Bridging Cultures and Building Brand in Reading 12/18/2025

Ep.76 Tomson Chauke | Bridging Cultures and Building Brand in Reading This episode features Tomson Chauke, a musician, community leader, and founder of World Groove, discussing his mission to build bridges across the diverse communities of Reading. Tomson wears many hats, including running his band Limpopo Groove, working as a session musician, and hosting a radio podcast on B Radio. The conversation centres on the work of his main project, World Groove CIC, which uses African drumming to help young people and young adults with autism find their rhythm. Tomson explains how this work creates a vital community where parents and carers also meet, share experiences, and form a supportive "tribe". He also mentions running the Sanctuary Strikers football team for asylum seekers and refugees as another way to connect people. Tomson delves into his strategies for engaging diverse audiences, particularly through his vision for the World Groove festival, which aims to bring together the music and food of different cultures present in Reading. His workshops are designed to be simple and fun for everyone, using bodies, voices, and hands to create music and encourage interaction, effectively taking people away from their phones and back into shared human experience. Finally, the discussion touches on the challenges facing community initiatives, mainly the lack of financial backup and the difficulty of finding suitable venues. Tomson strongly advocates for increased support, urging businesses to think outside the box and invest time, not just money, in helping community groups and struggling families. He concludes by emphasising the importance of kindness, paying attention to local needs, and sharing stories that inspire people in the community. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Power of Time Investment Over Just Money: Businesses should view community support as more than just financial donations. Investing employee time—even just a few hours a month—in local initiatives like World Groove creates deeper, more authentic connections with the community you serve, leading to improved brand goodwill and local visibility. Collaboration Requires Flexibility and Openness to New Ideas: While approaching a partnership with a vision is good, be prepared to adapt it. Instead of dictating terms, approach potential partners with an open mind and ask, "Can you try this?" or "What can you bring to the table?". This flexibility is crucial for staying relevant, attracting new talent, and finding unexpected mutual benefits. Building an Inclusive Local Network: Tomson’s use of drumming and football to bridge cultural gaps provides a model for engagement. Businesses can leverage diverse local groups to expand their network and connect with untapped talent and customers, thereby learning more about the diverse community of Reading. TIMECODE 00:00 Welcome to Tomson 00:24 Introduction to Tomson 00:49 Tomson’s focuses 01:30 Bringing people together 02:43 How Tomson breaks down barriers and brings people together 04:04 How Tomson started to connect people 06:01 Open yourself up to different experiences 07:20 How Tomson balances everything 08:18 Advice for people who want to start collaborating 11:07 Tomson’s audiences 13:07 How Tomson gets people engaged in an activity and having fun 16:17 What has peaked people’s interest the most about what Tomson does 17:54 What challenges Tomson has faced 19:26 Tomson’s key takeaways from the people he’s interviewed 20:15 Local stories are more relatable and need to be shared to inspire local action 21:37 Tomson’s plans for the future 23:58 How businesses can support the local community 27:06 Tomson’s final thoughts /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/39417005

Ep.75 Will Carver | Why Authenticity is Your Biggest USP 12/11/2025

Ep.75 Will Carver | Why Authenticity is Your Biggest USP In this episode, Will Carver, a successful writer, podcaster, and fitness business owner, shares his philosophies on work and creativity. The conversation delves into his preference for the title "writer" over "author," his method for balancing his different activities and roles, and his views on the changing landscape of the publishing industry. The discussion begins with Carver's view that a writer uses words to change the world and make sense of difficult subjects. We then discuss his podcast, Nothing Important Happened Today, and how Will uses this creative outlet. We then turn towards discussing Will’s fitness business, which he runs with his partner. The conversation also covers the challenges of traditional publishing. Will’s core message for other business owners is that authenticity is key to finding and keeping an audience. He encourages them to find their unique selling proposition (USP) and fully commit to it. He concludes by emphasising that patience is a superpower in business, necessary for enduring the initial phases of development and ultimately outpacing those who seek instant gratification. KEY TAKEAWAYS Embrace Radical Authenticity to Define Your Niche After being advised by his first publisher to hide his "real self" on social media, Will found that people weren't engaging with him. Once he committed to being himself, he developed a dedicated "cult following". Review all your marketing channels and ensure the voice, mission, and offering truly represent who you are, as this will attract your ideal audience. Commit Fully to Doing One Thing Exceptionally Well As someone who juggles multiple careers, Will notes that being multi-passionate can lead to the feeling that "I'm not doing any of them well". He advises that while "you can do anything you want, but you can't do everything you want," the goal should be to "pick something and just do it well" and "go fully at it". Identify the single most critical strand of your business, commit to spending the time and effort necessary to develop it, and use patience as a "superpower" to far outpace competitors seeking instant results. TIME CODES 00:00 00:18 Introduction to Will 01:02 How Will manages everything 02:13 Will’s podcast and how it connects with his writing 04:34 Why Will prefers ‘writer’ to ‘author’ 07:16 The difference between being self-published and using a publisher 11:27 Will’s writing process 13:42 What Will learns from the different things that he does 17:04 Will’s audiences 19:13 Advice for business owners- AUTTHENTICITY AT END 21:31 Be patient! 23:42 Problems and challenges Will have faced | Will’s US 28:03 Final message /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/39247900

Ep.74 Brendan Carr | The Mirror Test: How Do you Reflect Your Target Market? 12/04/2025

Ep.74 Brendan Carr | The Mirror Test: How Do you Reflect Your Target Market? Ep.74 The Mirror Test: How Do you Reflect Your Target Market? This episode features Brendan Carr, Community Engagement Curator at Reading Museum, discusses his role, the museum's vast collections, and strategies for engaging audiences. Brendan was born and bred in Reading and has a wealth of experience in museums, including the last 25 years at Reading Museum. The conversation delves into the evolution of Reading Museum, which is housed in the beautiful red brick Reading Town Hall and has been accumulating collections for over 140 years. He emphasises that the visible displays are just the "forefront," while the vast reserve collection acts as the town's "memory bank" for researchers worldwide. The discussion touches on the vital topic of contemporary collecting and community engagement. Brendan stresses the importance of the museum acting as a "mirror," where people can see their own culture and background reflected. Engagement strategies focus on a balance of "old school" simple, tactile interactives and leveraging digital platforms for a growing global audience. Finally, the conversation covers the challenges of funding, and the success of strategic partnerships and crafting "compelling" projects that align with the needs of funding agencies. Brendan concludes by encouraging listeners to visit the free museum for discovery and its positive impact on long-term wellbeing. TIME CODES 00:00 Welcome 00:55 An introduction to Reading Museum 04:41 How large is the museum collection and how much is on display 08:19 How Reading Museum decides what stories and objects to collect 12:23 How Reading Museum staff keep the collection relevant over time 18:29 Brendan’s role at the museum and what it involves: Community Engagement Curator 23:34 What works for engaging museum audiences 29:07 The data Reading Museum collect and how they’re used 35:02 What challenges Brendan faces in carrying out his role 41:07 Brendan’s final thoughts for listeners KEY TAKEAWAYS Be a "Mirror," Not Just a Platform: Customers must see themselves reflected in your product or service. Ensure your offerings and marketing reflect the diversity and current story of your target audience to establish identity and a feeling of belonging. Craft Compelling, Aligned Partnerships: The museum augments its budget by raising funds through grant applications. The key is to craft partnership arrangements with communities and projects that fulfil the needs of the funding agencies/partners. Business owners should look for partners whose strategic goals align with their project's outcomes, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Proactive Asset Acquisition: Don't just save records—proactively collect items, stories, and data that reflect your current history. Business owners should be capturing the tools, narratives, and artifacts of their current success (e.g. prototypes, early marketing materials, customer testimonials, team stories) as they happen. /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/39133750

Ep.73 Alex Langlais | Scaling a Successful Reading Eatery (Without Losing the Personal Touch) 11/27/2025

Ep.73 Alex Langlais | Scaling a Successful Reading Eatery (Without Losing the Personal Touch) This episode features Alex Langlais, the owner of Café Yolk, discussing her background, the development of Café Yolk, and her philosophy on running a successful hospitality venture. The conversation delves into the diverse community it serves, and the detailed operational strategy behind its success. The discussion begins with Alex's French-Canadian background and her upbringing in the restaurant industry, highlighting the essential need for passion and resilience in the field. She explains that Café Yolk was created to fill a market gap by delivering good quality food at an affordable price point, which is something she struggled to find when she first moved to the UK in 2007. The conversation then moves to her practice of running the café, which focuses on intense attention to detail and consistency in execution. To maintain quality at scale, Alex developed Baby Yolk as a smaller, easier-to-operate "capsule" that can deliver consistency with less reliance on constant human presence, drawing parallels to the operational success of McDonald's. Finally, the discussion touches on the constant operational challenges, which affect an industry operating on small margins. Alex advises other business owners to "be curious," stay open to new ideas, and be passionate about the business side of the industry to survive. She concludes by mentioning her plans for the future. TIME CODES 00:00 Welcome to Alex Langlais 00:28 Alex’s background 01:26 The gap that Café Yolk fills 02:19 Who are Café Yolk’s audiences 04:28 What makes Café Yolk stand out/What is Café Yolk’s USP? 06:04 How has Alex been able to get the details for Café Yolk right 07:48 How Alex’s hospitality background has helped her to scale 08:46 What is ‘Baby Yolk’? 10:04 Getting the correct operations in place for hospitality 10:50 The challenges Alex has faced over the years 12:38 Why you need to be passionate about the product and the business side 13:50 The tight margins in hospitality 14:16 The structure of Alex’s week 16:03 Alex’s advice for other business owners 17:28 You can’t beat the classics! 18:02 Alex’s plans for the future for Café Yolk 19:11 Alex’s final thoughts KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Master the Micro-Details to Create a Premium Experience at Any Price Point Alex demonstrates that quality is built on meticulous attention to every aspect of the customer journey, not just the core product. What are the "touchpoints" in your service or product that are often generic in your industry. How can you elevate them? 2. Design for Consistency and Scalability from Day One Alex views her business as a "heavy machine to operate" and recognises that consistency is difficult to maintain with many people involved. Her solution was developing Baby Yolk, a smaller "capsule" designed to be easily replicated and deliver the same quality with less reliance on constant human error. What part of your service delivery relies too heavily on one individual or subjective judgment? 3. Be Passionately Business-Minded to Combat Slim Margins and External Pressures In an industry with minimal margins, Alex stresses that passion for food is not enough; you must be equally passionate about business. This requires being extremely agile, constantly making hard decisions, and quickly re-adjusting the menu, operations, and pricing in response to volatile factors like government decisions, taxation, and ingredient shortages. How can you implement a routine for high-velocity decision-making regarding finances and inventory? /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/39125115

Ep.72 Tony Cowling and Tricia Marcousé | How to build an impactful & scalable community model 11/20/2025

Ep.72 Tony Cowling and Tricia Marcousé | How to build an impactful & scalable community model This episode features Tony Cowling and Tricia Marcousé of Draughtbusters, a community group dedicated to draught proofing the homes of people in energy poverty. Originating from a 2013-2014 initiative by Reading Borough Council, the service is provided free of charge. Despite the low overhead, the work is highly impactful: draught proofing can lead to annual savings of £150 to £250 and more on energy bills. Tony, a former builder, explains that common draughts are found in places like leaky trickle ventilators, under newly fitted doors, around pipes, and through floorboards. Draughtbusters operates via a referral system through organisations like Reading Borough Council, Citizens Advice, and local hospitals, which helps establish the group's legitimacy and checks for energy poverty. Tricia manages the admin and promotion, noting that their biggest challenge is overcoming public suspicion due to scams and managing expectations. They stress that the purpose is to provide an essential service to those who cannot afford it, and that draught proofing is the vital starting point before investing in major projects like heat pumps. Looking ahead, Draughtbusters is expanding its reach beyond Reading. They are actively training and setting up autonomous groups across the region and as far as Scotland, with 15 new groups forming in surrounding towns over the last two and a half years. They conclude by asking listeners to volunteer to help meet the increasing demand for their invaluable service. KEY TAKEAWAYS Prioritise Simple, High-ROI Intervention The most impactful solutions are often the simplest, not the most expensive. Draughtbusters proves that a £22 investment in draft-proofing materials can yield £150 to £250 (and sometimes up to £600) in annual savings for clients. This demonstrates that focusing on eliminating foundational inefficiencies (like draughts) delivers massive, immediate, and recurring returns before tackling major capital projects. Leverage Credibility for Project Flow (The Referral Engine) To overcome public scepticism and the challenge of appearing as a "scam", Draughtbusters established a trust-based referral system. By partnering with trusted institutions like the Reading Borough Council, Citizens Advice, and the NHS, they ensured a consistent and vetted flow of clients. This structure is a powerful blueprint for any business or CSR initiative requiring verified need and high-trust acceptance. Build a Scalable, Autonomous Training Model The project's structure is designed for growth without central micromanagement. Draughtbusters scaled by focusing on training and workshops to help others set up autonomous groups. This enabled rapid expansion, resulting in 15 groups forming in surrounding towns and others as far as Scotland. The lesson is that to scale community impact, you must provide a replicable framework and empower local leaders to run their own operations. TIMECODES 00:00 Greeting to Tony and Tricia 00:16 What is Draughtbusters 00:36 How did Draughtbusters start? 01:20 The Impact Draughtbusters is making 01:32 The most common causes of draught in a home 02:45 What is the mix of new to old homes in Reading? 03:23 What is the process for how someone contacts Draughtbusters 04:24 Tony’s background and how he became interested in preventing draughts 06:12 Tricia’s role in draughtbusters and how she promotes Draughtbusters 10:38 Draughtbusters groups outside of Reading 12:24 Challenges the group has faced 16:24 Draughtbusting tips from Tricia 19:47 Draughbusters going forwards and economics of Draughtbusters 21:23 Final thoughts /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/38990850

Ep.71 Tara Deane | Networking and Community Building that Drives Growth 11/13/2025

Ep.71 Tara Deane | Networking and Community Building that Drives Growth This episode features Tara Deane, founder of the Inside the Music Scene podcast, Inside the Music Scene. Tara is a former radio presenter, promoter, and musician who manages a wide array of creative projects in the music scene. The discussion covers her lifelong journey in music, her unique approach to building a supportive community, and her strategies for managing creative burnout. The conversation delves into the evolution of Inside the Music Scene, which started in lockdown and now functions as a social media platform as well as a podcast. Tara explains how the platform offers a backstage view, interviewing not just artists, but also the vital support network like photographers, sound engineers, and music video shooters. She also details her content strategy. Finally, the discussion touches on the vital topic of community-building. Tara urges other creators to focus on networking, being genuine, and giving value to others. She encourages musicians to explore different scenes and open mic nights to evolve their skills. She concludes with her future plans, and some valuable advice for everyone. KEY TAKEAWAYS Use Collaborative Content to Grow Your Audience. Tara highlights the efficiency of leveraging a community through co-creation. By interviewing over 30 people at a festival and using collaborative social media posts, she saw her following triple. Growth is Driven by Networking and Giving Value. True, long-term business success is built on relationships. Tara emphasises that business owners must be out there, doing the grafting, giving value, and doing things for others, recognising that this foundational work is what ultimately drives growth and builds a supportive, engaged network. Your "Niche" Should Embrace Competition, Not Shun It. Tara models a powerful mindset by viewing competition as a positive force. Instead of being irritated by other promoters starting events on the same night, she sees it as a healthy, competitive market which draws in more participants and ultimately benefits your own platform. TIME CODES 00:00 Welcome to Tara Deane! 01:04 Tara’s background 01:56 Tara’s activities 04:40 How Tara has developed her podcast 07:48 Finding your balance and growing your network 09:21 How Tara has developed her community 14:04 The importance of being nice! 15:04 Advice for local artists 17:59 Tara’s plans for the future 20:34 Tara’s advice /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/38883755

Ep.70 Phil Newcombe | Train Your Brain to Think Differently for Growth 11/06/2025

Ep.70 Phil Newcombe | Train Your Brain to Think Differently for Growth This episode features Philip Newcombe, an artist and educator based in Reading. The discussion centres on his artistic journey, his minimal and concept-driven work, the challenges facing the local art scene, and his philosophy on creativity. The conversation delves into his background, then moves to his artistic practice, which focuses on objects, sculpture, and text presented in minimal settings. Phil aims to challenge people and get them to think for themselves, playing with "notions of beauty and time". He encourages aspiring artists to "always believe in what you do" and "never listen to anyone else". Finally, the discussion touches on the local art scene and collaboration. Phil notes the Reading visual arts scene is always a struggle, though the music scene has always been prolific. He highlights the need for artists to stay in Reading and create long-lasting, artist-run spaces. He also discusses Silent Academy, an artist-run multimedia press he runs with Andrew Shaw, which has a desire to "disrupt habitual thinking". He concludes with his plans, including the quarterly publication How to Walk Slowly. KEY TAKEAWAYS Embrace "97% Thinking" to Achieve Breakthroughs: Innovation requires a period of deliberate thought and incubation, even if it looks like inactivity. Encourage time for reflection, research, and non-linear thinking, rather than always optimising for speed. The goal is to move from a long, unrefined idea to a "really concise message," which takes significant effort and patience. Disrupt Habitual Thinking by Challenging Assumptions: The Silent Academy is run by Phil and his colleague, Andrew Shaw. Phil suggests the best way o challenge assumptions is to be attuned to the world, noticing the "glimpses”. Constantly question "how things are expected to be done". By putting familiar objects or ideas back into a new context, you can refocus attention on basic elements like shape, form, and colour, which can reveal overlooked strategic insights or market positioning. Use Trust and Space to Maximise Collaboration: Successful collaboration requires setting aside egos and offering mutual trust. The key is to "take a step back and listen" and give the collaborator "carte blanche". This process, though sometimes uncomfortable, puts you in a position to "adapt" and receive new creative "dividends" you hadn't considered. Define a collaborative framework where partners feel trusted and empowered to challenge you, even if it makes you "uncomfortable". TIME CODES 00:00 Introduction to Phil Newcombe 00:23 Phil’s background 01:37 How the Reading art scene has changed over the years 03:25 What makes art a good form of communication 05:33 Phil’s work 09:54 You need to train yourself to undertake a creative process 10:54 Phil’s creative process 12:45 How you can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary 13:43 Lessons Phil has learned from the exhibitions that he’s done 14:58 How Phil found his international exhibitions 16:03 Know your audience!: Is your work for you or an audience? 17:04 Silent Academy: How audiences can challenge their own perceptions 16:43 How Phil collaborates with other artists 20:52 Phil’s plans going forwards 23:26 Phil’s final thoughts /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/38778525

Ep.69 Maria & David Lloyd | Essential Brand Lessons to Grow Your Business 10/30/2025

Ep.69 Maria & David Lloyd | Essential Brand Lessons to Grow Your Business In this episode husband and wife, Maria and David Lloyd, discuss brand. Maria chats with her husband, David Lloyd, a graphic designer and all-round creative. They combine their respective expertise in marketing and design to discuss their favourite brands and lessons that local businesses can learn from them. Maria highlights Untamed, Café Yolk, and McDonalds, while David’s chosen brands are Greggs, Liquid Death, and Boston Dynamics. The discussion touches on a wide range of topics, including quality, cultural relevance, building a brand, and patience. Finally, they both conclude with their key takeaways and one final tip for local brands. KEY TAKEAWAYS Prioritise Product Quality and Personalised Experience: The product or service you deliver must be the best—it's your starting and stopping point. Once that's nailed, focus your marketing and customer service efforts entirely on your audience. Use Creative Hooks and Novelty to Generate Free PR: You don't need a huge budget to stand out. Implement fun, memorable ideas—whether it's Gregg's launching a vegan sausage roll or Liquid Death giving water a heavy-metal look. These "stunts" and strong creative hooks create conversation and generate word-of-mouth and free PR. Build a Brand with Patience and Consistency: Brand building is not a day-one process; it happens over a period of time. Local businesses should be patient, focus on one core staple that they do well, and ensure consistency in their design and messaging. Even for B2B companies, consistency and strong messaging are key to avoiding being "very boring" TIME CODES 00:00 Welcome and David’s introduction 01:01 Maria’s first brand focus | Untamed 06:34 David’s first brand focus | Greggs 12:20 Maria’s second brand focus | Café Yolk 17:50 David’s second brand focus | Liquid Death 21:38 Maria’s third brand focus | McDonalds 26:06 David’s third brand focus | Boston Dynamics 31:00 Maria’s summary 31:34 David’s summary /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/38813000

Ep.68 Jenny Morgan | Unlocking the Secrets of Bees 10/23/2025

Ep.68 Jenny Morgan | Unlocking the Secrets of Bees This episode features Jenny Morgan of Jenny's Bees, a qualified master beekeeper who took up the hobby upon retirement. Jenny now manages 35 hives. The discussion centres on her journey into beekeeping, her extensive qualifications, the fascinating life of bees, and the challenges they face. The conversation delves into the rigorous British Beekeeping Association (BBA) education programme that led to her Master Beekeeper status. Jenny explains key aspects of bee behaviour, including how foraging bees communicate the location of nectar sources. Finally, the discussion touches on the vital topic of bee conservation and education, a main focus for Jenny, who is also the education officer for Reading Beekeepers. She encourages people interested in beekeeping to take a six-week introductory course to understand the cost, commitment, and legislation, noting that bees are regulated livestock. She concludes with a message on the main challenges facing bees—particularly wild bees. She urges the public to help by buying honey from local beekeepers and planting flowers that bloom throughout the year. TIMECODES 00:00 Welcome to Jenny Morgan 00:37 How Jenny got into beekeeping 01:57 Jenny’s beekeeping qualifications & what the exams involve 04:34 Microscopy and how it helps bees and beekeepers 05:26 Why honey is different colours and what this means 07:21 How bees communicate and what they communicate 09:27 How Jenny sells her honey to help her bees 11.02 How much honey a hive can produce 11:32 How colony sizes change throughout the year (changes between winter and summer activities) 13:40 How Jenny educates different audiences: specialists and the general public 17:06 How you can help British bees 18:17 The challenges that bees are facing 22:19 How to care for bee colonies 23:10 Jenny’s plans going forwards 24:50 Jenny’s final thoughts KEY TAKEAWAYS The Value of Niche Expertise and High-Level Qualification Jenny's authority is built on achieving the highest level of expertise—the Master Beekeeper qualification. For local business owners, this highlights the marketing and trust value of deep specialisation and accreditation. Strategic Marketing and Promoting Local Sourcing Jenny's primary marketing strategy revolves around promoting her honey's "unique selling point" the fact that it is local and comes from bees foraging in the immediate locale. The Power of Education as a Marketing and Recruitment Tool Jenny uses education in multiple ways: Community Engagement: Giving talks to the general public (schools, church groups, museums) creates brand awareness for Jenny's Bees and helps to educate the community. Educating specialists: As the Education Officer for Reading Beekeepers, she encourages newcomers to enrol in a structured six-week introductory course. She is also on the exam board for the British Beekeeping Association. /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/38630540

Ep.67 Sherrie Allum | Overcoming Self Doubt & Why You Need to Start Now 10/16/2025

Ep.66 Liz Felix | How to Future-Proof Your Traditional Niche & Beat the Seasonal Slump 10/09/2025

Ep.65 Maria Lloyd | The VOP Framework: Your Three-Point Checklist for Sustainable Growth 10/02/2025

Ep.65 Maria Lloyd | The VOP Framework: Your Three-Point Checklist for Sustainable Growth 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. /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/38381920

Ep.64 Zoe Dudding | The Solopreneur's Guide to a Strong Start 09/25/2025

Ep.64 Zoe Dudding | The Solopreneur's Guide to a Strong Start 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. /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/38298185

Ep.63 Jamie Read | How Creativity Drives Impact and Growth 09/18/2025

Ep.63 Jamie Read | How Creativity Drives Impact and Growth 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. /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/38211585

Ep.62 Richard Nicholson | The Power of Giving Back: Lessons from Reading Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club 09/11/2025

Ep.62 Richard Nicholson | The Power of Giving Back: Lessons from Reading Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club 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. /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/38114185

Ep.61 Damien Passmore | The Secret to What's On Reading's Success 09/04/2025

Ep.61 Damien Passmore | The Secret to What's On Reading's Success 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. /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/38034280

Ep.60 Glen Dinning | Building a Brand that Lasts with Blue Collar 08/28/2025

Ep.60 Glen Dinning | Building a Brand that Lasts with Blue Collar 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. /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/37947160

Ep.59 Tony & Stuart | Borrow More, Buy Less: Inside the Reading Library of Things 08/21/2025

Ep.59 Tony & Stuart | Borrow More, Buy Less: Inside the Reading Library of Things 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. /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/37852860

Ep. 58 Specsavers | Adapting a National Brand to Local Needs | Specsavers, Reading. 08/14/2025

Ep. 58 Specsavers | Adapting a National Brand to Local Needs | Specsavers, Reading. 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 /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/37690250

Ep.57 Iryna and Peter | Reading’s Ukrainian Community Centre 08/07/2025

Ep.57 Iryna and Peter | Reading’s Ukrainian Community Centre 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). /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/37627420

Ep.56 Molli Cleaver | Building Bridges Between Reading University and the Community 07/31/2025

Ep.56 Molli Cleaver | Building Bridges Between Reading University and the Community 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 /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/37566990

Ep.55 Louisa Guise | How to Build Influence and Market Yourself 07/24/2025

Ep.55 Louisa Guise | How to Build Influence and Market Yourself 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 /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/37478725

Ep.54 Terry’s Reading Walkabouts | Exploring Reading One Step at a Time 07/17/2025

Ep.54 Terry’s Reading Walkabouts | Exploring Reading One Step at a Time 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 /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/37351840

Ep.53 Steve Bulley | Navigating Business Growth & Challenges with Berkshire Growth Hub 07/10/2025

Ep.53 Steve Bulley | Navigating Business Growth & Challenges with Berkshire Growth Hub 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 /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/37293370

Ep.52 Pete Hefferan | Be Efficient & Stand Out with Shed Café 07/03/2025

Ep.52 Pete Hefferan | Be Efficient & Stand Out with Shed Café 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 /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/37215245

Ep.51 Dave Jenkins | Cryptic DJ: The Creation of a Daily Music Quiz App 06/26/2025

Ep.50 Mary Genis | Building a Thriving Arts Business: Culture Mix Arts 06/19/2025

Ep.50 Mary Genis | Building a Thriving Arts Business: Culture Mix Arts 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 /episode/index/show/c66aff0b-4be2-4e31-b785-9cd2b93483f5/id/37010285

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