People Doing Things
'People Doing Things' is a podcast series that explores the challenges and complexities of young people, who decide to take a risk, follow their dreams and ultimately do something different and transformational with their working lives. Hosted by brand strategist, Ed Little of Koto, the series aims to be a platform to celebrate and inspire the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
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Pizza Pilgrims - Thom Elliot
04/15/2024
Pizza Pilgrims - Thom Elliot
Say hello to Thom Elliot. Back in 2012, he and his brother James founded Pizza Pilgrims - a remarkable journey that turned a simple tuk-tuk into a pizza empire spanning over 20 locations. Fueled by a passion for authentic Italian pizza and disillusioned with their previous careers in advertising and TV production, the brothers bought a Piaggio Ape and set off on a month-long pilgrimage across Italy. They immersed themselves in the art of pizza making, studying ingredients and flavours, and brought their newfound knowledge back to London. Starting with a single oven in their vehicle at Berwick Street Market in Soho, they captured the hearts of Londoners, epitomising the street food revolution. From a target of selling 350 pizzas a week in their early days to now selling 45,000+ week, Pizza Pilgrims has grown meteorically. With 20 pizzerias in London and additional outlets in Nottingham, Cambridge, Leeds, and Brighton, the brand has become synonymous with authentic Neapolitan pizza in the UK. Despite this rapid expansion, Thom and James have maintained a close-knit company culture, employing around 500 people who share their passion and vision. In this episode, we chat with Thom Elliot about turning a street food stall into a beloved chain, how the pizza landscape has changed over the last decade, the importance of staying true to your roots and what the future holds for Pizza Pilgrims.
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Chapel Down - Frazer Thompson
03/24/2024
Chapel Down - Frazer Thompson
Introducing Frazer Thompson, the visionary behind Chapel Down. Frazer's journey began in an unexpected way—he founded Chapel Down in 2002 after a playful wager with a friend led him down the path of winemaking. What started as a gamble transformed into a success story, with Chapel Down emerging as England’s leading winery and achieving a stock market valuation of £120 million. Frazer's early days were humble, starting as a paperboy in the outskirts of Newcastle before moving to London in the late seventies to study business at the University of Greenwich. His career in marketing quickly escalated, leading to a significant tenure at Whitbread starting in 1986, where he delved into marketing and strategy for their inns and ale sectors including Bodington’s The Cream of Manchester. In 1996, a new chapter began when he joined Heineken in Amsterdam, a move that reshaped his family's life and his career. He loved being in Holland and working for the Dutch brewer, but found himself becoming someone he didn't want to be - drowning in his own corporate speak. Despite the success, Frazer yearned for something more personal and authentic, eventually leading him to the world of English winemaking. In this episode, we delve into Frazer's remarkable journey from corporate executive to wine industry pioneer, how Chapel Down became a British icon, particularly thanks to the royal wedding, and his current ventures with Folc and Impossibrew. Cheers!
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AUFI - Nick & Toby
02/25/2024
AUFI - Nick & Toby
Say hello to Nick and Toby. They founded ‘Ask Us For Ideas’ (or AUFI for short) back in 2010 connecting ambitious businesses with the top 1% of creative agencies globally, from startups and scaleups to household names. Born out of the last recession, they’ve experienced the growth of a totally different brand building landscape firsthand. From the rise of social media and DTC brands to the boom of VC backed tech businesses out to change the world - often playing match-maker from both sides of the creative touchline. And while the landscape has undoubtedly shifted, what hasn’t changed is their belief in the power of creativity to drive businesses further. A belief shared by both agency partners and the brands they choose to work with. However, while they make great connectors working with businesses like WeTransfer, Brewdog and TaskRabbit, over the last few years they’ve also turned their hand to investing, getting involved with brands like Cabinet, Surreal, Days and Haus - taking the risks they actively encourage of their clients. In this episode we seek to harness their unique position between brand and agency to look into the future of the market, playing clairvoyant to the year ahead while also seeking to understand the changing priorities of the brands you represent and the agencies you connect. Enjoy.
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This!™ - Andy Shovel
02/12/2024
This!™ - Andy Shovel
Introducing Andy Shovel. He co-founded the plant-based meat alternative brand THIS!™ back in 2019 on a mission to force the world’s livestock into retirement. Only five years on, his vegan start-up is now valued at over £150mn and doing exactly what it set out to. Last year alone they saved 557k animals from the slaughterhouse targeting reforming meat lovers searching for familiar textures and flavours. From fry-up favourites like streaky bacon and sausages, bbq classics like burgers and mince through to Sunday specials like their THIS!™ isn’t roast chicken and stuffing. And that’s not all. In 2023 they were the fastest growing retail brand in the UK expanding into a wide range of on-the-go options including sandwiches, wraps and pasta salads stocked across majors like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and ASDA through to restaurants like Neat Burger, Bills & Greggs. Their rise to fame has been anything but boring. Forget an earnest tone dressed in soft greens - they like to state things in black and white. Not just welcoming controversy but actively seeking it out. From pranking anti-veganist Piers Morgan with an ice sculpture to launch their frozen range through to a Veganuary helpline for reforming meat lovers and big OOH ads across London such as their recent ‘This! is kind of a pig deal’ to promote their pork sausages. And their newsjacker strategy seems to be working. Despite the meat free category losing some of its sheen and critics daming processed foods, This!™ has bucked the downward trend growing the category by 33% while market leaders such as Quorn and Richmond continue to decline. In this episode we talk about the boom, bust and realignment of the meat-free space, their strategy for success in a volatile market and their plans for the future. Dig in.
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Botivo - Sam & Imme
01/25/2024
Botivo - Sam & Imme
Welcome Sam and Imme. They’re the co-founders of Botivo, the small batch aperitif inspired drink on a mission to put the craft and depth of flavour from the alcohol world into the non-alcohol space. Based in Hertfordshire, they use a combination of natural ingredients starting with an apple cider vinegar and wildflower honey base with botanicals of wormwood, rosemary, gentian and thyme with an orange zest flourish. The result: a herbal flavour profile with bitter and citrus notes and a long finish. Like their drink, their origin story is one of natural encounters. Sam, the artisan, had been running his previous business The Rum Runner, creating drinks and cocktails for high-end weddings and events - even the highest wedding in the land. After receiving umpteen requests for a non-alcoholic cocktail and being dissatisfied with what was on offer he decided to make his own. Turns out it was pretty good with guests asking him to bottle it and buy it. Jump to a few years later, and Imme, self proclaimed hedonist had fallen in love with the drink - using it for both non-alc and alcoholic cocktails. At another wedding, the pair met, serendipitously, and as they say the rest was history. With their first raise behind them, they’ve been flooding the bars, restaurants and independents of London making their way into the likes of Wholefoods, St John, River Café and Hawksmoor - brandishing their signature yellow branding and stand out illustration style up on shelfs and bars. And for me it’s not just the branding that catches your eye but the taste and versatility of the drink that leaves a lasting memory. Having tried the majority of non-alcoholic options, it’s one of the few I’d actually keep in my cupboard all year round. In this episode we talk about the revival of craft, why every artisan needs a hedonist and why blurring the lines is tomorrow’s tipple of choice. Enjoy.
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Manílife - Stu Macdonald
11/23/2023
Manílife - Stu Macdonald
Say hi to Stu Macdonald - the founder of Manilife, the undisputed champion of peanut butter. It all started back in 2014 when Stu moved to Argentina seeking to escape a looming job in accountancy, swapping numbers and spreadsheets for peanuts and social enterprise. While working for a peanut butter estate in Buenos Aires, he fell in love with jars of the gold stuff and started selling them wherever he could. But what really makes his peanut butter, peanut butter like no other - especially when there are so many peanut butters on the market competing for our affection? Returning back from Argentina he sought to combine the fantastic relationships he had built with growers in Argentina & quality ingredients with companionship back home, calling on close friends to help him bring his vision to life. After several failed attempts forcing him to flirt with that job in accountancy, the thing he feared most, an accidental over roasting of their beloved Argentinian peanuts created something magical in the kitchen - their signature deep roast. A PB gamechanger - using a method more akin to deep roasted coffee than to the majority on the market which often used discarded peanuts from snacking and whose butters are made in bulk not in batches. It turned out to be perfect timing. Peanut Butter was about to experience a huge boom in the UK market loved by both foodies and gym bunnies alike who enjoyed the taste and the high protein. And with a little luck and encouragement from early customer turned investor Judith managed to raise their first crowdfund of £250k in record speeds. They have since raised a further £2m over three consecutive rounds of funding taking them to be one of the fastest growing spreads in the UK now stocked by the likes of Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado and many more. In this episode we talk about fighting expectations, blazing his own trail, the evolving role of a founder as well as learn a few tips and tricks of the trade. Enjoy.
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Otherway - Jono Holt
11/06/2023
Otherway - Jono Holt
Introducing Jono Holt. Ten years ago he founded Otherway, the strategically-led studio where design and advertising work together to connect brands with a new generation of consumers. Forged from a background in advertising but with a desire to create omni-channel brands in a fast-changing digital world; Jono spotted the DTC trend early, looking to brands like Warby Parker in the states, going on to launch brands like Butternut Box, Psycle, Hylo, Cabinet, Moju, Lucky Saint and many more, including their own watch brand Farer. And in many ways, ten years on, Otherway have come full circle. Not only launching a new studio in San Francisco but playing a hand in a surprising amount of ads that you'll see on the London Underground. With brands like Strongbow, Deliveroo, Inches, Graze, Moretti, and Hayman’s Gin all demanding a slice of Otherway’s creative aptitude for first-class communications. For me this episode is a special one. The 100th episode. I spent four years at Otherway working closely with Jono and learning as much as I possibly could from him. An approach to brand strategy that is provocative, commercial, to-the-point and delivered with conviction without the fluff, time-wasting or jargon that you can find lurking in other agencies. He hasn’t taught me everything but he’s taught me a hell of a lot - and I’m lucky to count him among my mentors today. In this retrospective episode we look back at the past ten years in business and to the future, garnering his point of view on the world of brands today while looking at the opportunities in the market tomorrow. If you’re interested in branding, advertising, agencies or the venture ecosystem then this one’s for you. Enjoy.
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Dream Green - Ellen Miles
10/23/2023
Dream Green - Ellen Miles
Say hey to Ellen Miles. She runs Dream Green, a social enterprise on a mission to make cities greener by giving people the information, inspiration, and tools to get guerrilla gardening. Based in East London, they’ve provided youth groups with nature-based skills, communities with grant funding and advice, and festival-goers with messy, radical fun. Through a range of online guides, real-life workshops, and tailored one-to-one support - her plan is to inspire us all to become green fingered activists. This summer she’s spent her time touring festivals like Latitude, Boomtown and Wilderness, promoting her debut book “Get Guerrilla Gardening: A Handbook for Planting in Public Places”. It’s definitely struck a chord, gaining an avid following and making her way onto the BBC, The Guardian, Gardeners World and many more. She calls it ‘Botanarchy’ - beautiful anarchy challenging neo-liberal capitalist state using plants to brighten the concrete jungles we live in, preserving biodiversity while helping our cities become more resilient to global heating. In this episode we talk about encouraging thousands of people to take ownership of their neighbourhoods, social media as a tool of next generation activism and the practical ways you can start planting in public spaces. Enjoy.
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Peachies - Morgan Mixon & Rima Suppan
09/27/2023
Peachies - Morgan Mixon & Rima Suppan
Say hello to Morgan and Rima. They founded Peachies - a nappy brand supporting families through the first 1,000 days. Engineered to be a super soft upgrade with unrivalled performance and no nasty chemicals. Their mission is to change the world, one poop at a time. When we think of nappies, we think of brands like Huggies and Pampers, big brands that have dominated the market for years, followed by a range of cheaper supermarket own brands by the likes of Tesco and Asda. It’s big business too with the market expected to rise by 20% over the next five years to £1.1bn - primarily through inflation and premiumisation. That’s a lot of nappies with the UK disposing of around 3 billion disposable nappies each year, representing an estimated 2% to 3% of all household waste. By the time one baby is potty trained the baby could use 4,000 to 6,000 nappies. Enter Peachies, a female-led start-up pioneering a more environmentally friendly nappy brand that speaks directly to parents rather than their kids. Stylish, relatable, independent and more than the majority of what’s on the market today. In this episode we talk about their journey so far, the upgrades they are making to nappies and how we’re entering a new dawn of millennial driven parenthood. Enjoy.
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Mermaid Gin - Xavier Baker
09/10/2023
Mermaid Gin - Xavier Baker
Introducing Xavier Baker on the show. He runs the Isle of Wight Distillery, home to their signature Mermaid Gin in original, pink and zest formats - as well as newly launched Spiced Rum and Salted Vodka to keep your taste buds refreshed. If you thought their bottles were the only things filled with spirit you’d be wrong. Xavier is unstoppable. He’s not only a self-taught brewer and distiller but an avid environmentalist, adventurer and athlete. He’s rowing across the Atlantic to raise awareness for the preservation of ocean habits and raise funds for marine-focused charities. The SeaHorse Trust, Surfers Against Sewage and the Hampshire Wildlife trust. Taking on the challenge with two friends of his. It’s not only he himself bucking the booze founder stereotype but his brand is too. In the UK gin sales have been on the decline over the last few years while Mermaid Gin has been on the up. A staple of the South Coast of England, making its way into bars and bottle shops. As one of the first BCorp spirits brands they join the likes of Bruichladdich, SipSmith and Warner’s Distillery who care deeply about the environment, looking to create more sustainable ways for us to enjoy our favourite cocktails. In this episode we get to know the spirit fuelling Xavier, discuss the kinship between distillers and nature and explore why the US gin market is exploding. If you’re a gin lover, pour yourself a cocktail and take a sip. Enjoy.
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SIRPLUS - Henry Hales
08/14/2023
SIRPLUS - Henry Hales
Introducing Henry Hales. He founded SIRPLUS, the relaxed tailoring brand born from surplus fabrics with a vision to create clothes that are worn more, last longer and adapt to the seasons. What started off as turning excess shirt fabric into upmarket boxer shorts back in 2010, has transformed into a British menswear staple offering a whole host of product lines, from shirts and knitwear, to outerwear, loungewear, and smart suiting that’s ideal for weddings and parties. Now with over six stores in the likes of Notting Hill, Chelsea, Marylebone, Piccadilly, Islington and Bank - they’ve come a long way from selling colourful underwear in Spitalfields market. But with tailoring on the decline, and a plethora of menswear brands for dapper gents to choose from you’d be forgiven for thinking where the opportunity really lies. Is it in the price point? The location? The marketing? The mission or the brand? Maybe it comes down to knowing his audience really well. Building a brand for himself and others like him who like to dress well but don’t wear a suit to work everyday. Perhaps it comes from a generous dose of naivety. Not hailing from the fashion world but the property world having studied real estate at university. Being less influenced by what you read in the papers and instead focusing on trusting your gut instinct. This combination of trusting his nose, a strong eye for spotting an opportunity and working with the planet in mind has led him to launch Tu Pak. A fulfilment business that cares about the planet and your brand - using his learnings and connections from one world to influence another. In this episode we talk about dressing the dapper in deadstock, the power of naivety and how one business can inspire another. Enjoy.
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Newfoundland - Freddy Manduca
08/01/2023
Newfoundland - Freddy Manduca
Introducing Freddy Manduca. He founded Newfoundland, one of the UK’s leading providers of diagnostic tests and medical devices, on a mission to make self-testing accessible across a myriad of health concerns. What started as a desperate race to provide the UK with enough Covid tests has pivoted into a business predicated on the idea of convenient and affordable self diagnosis for the people. This enables people to skip lengthy wait times with overcrowded and under-resourced NHS but also not pay the often extortionate amounts with private doctors - filling a valuable middle ground. Through Newfoundland, people can now put their health in their own hands without having to pay the premium. It means you can test yourself for things like HIV, UTIs, menopause and prostate health through to things like thyroid, bowel health, kidney health as well as iron and vitamin deficiencies. Not only does this negate some potentially awkward conversations at the clinics but with rapid self-test technology you can find out in minutes not days - sparing you any angst. With telehealth brands like Thriva, Hertility, Hims, Supply Life all on the rise, we are entering a new era of healthcare, where we can keep track of our health without relying primarily on a doctor. However, while many of these brands charge you £100 for the privilege, Newfoundland are democratising tests for a tenth of the price. In this episode we talk about the crazy War Dogs adventure that led to them supplying 91 million Covid-19 lateral flow tests, the underworld behind covid events and where healthcare trends are taking us. Listen in.
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Concat - Laura Jardine Paterson
07/24/2023
Concat - Laura Jardine Paterson
Introducing Laura Jardine Paterson. Founder of Concat, the first digital-led company by all refugee and female developers based in Lebanon. It’s one of the most ethnographically rich businesses I’ve come across in a long time. A sign of the times in a way that is positive, progressive and profound. Take every single stereotype about web development; male-dominated, tech-focused, for profit, based in the West - then do the opposite. That’s what Concat is. Predominantly female, human-centric, working with refugees, based in the Middle East - on a mission to create top quality websites for international clients, whilst providing sustainable employment for talented, marginalised developers. And so far they’re doing a pretty good job. 15 empowered developers, 80% female team members & 70+ happy clients - with many more on the horizon. Zain. Now, what I love about Concat is that it’s a smart innovative solution to a real world problem. They’re not trying to sell us more things we don’t really need. They’re connecting hungry and ambitious people with opportunities that are beneficial for them and their partners. And what started out as a chance encounter in Lebanon, when Laura met two talented refugee developers - has morphed into an intrinsically good business with real purpose at its core. In this episode we talk about the tangible problems they are solving, what it’s actually like on the ground in Lebanon at the moment and how she is planning to exponentially scale up the business. Enjoy.
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Suri - Mark Rushmore and Gyve Safavi
07/13/2023
Suri - Mark Rushmore and Gyve Safavi
Say hello to Mark and Gyve. They founded Suri, the world’s sleekest electric toothbrush, equal parts stylish as it is sustainable. Founded in 2021, they decided to re-engineer the toothbrush from the head down, when they learned that over 4 billion toothbrushes are chucked away globally each year. That’s a lot of plastic, enough to stretch around the circumference of the globe, end to end, 17 times. Turns out it’s harder than they thought. So what’s their thesis on getting people to ditch other toothbrushes in favour of theirs. It’s a trifecta of design, performance and sustainability. Firstly, it must look the part - something you’d be proud to place in your bathroom. Secondly, it has to be as good as, if not better than your current electric toothbrush. Think speed, power and battery life. Thirdly, it must be as sustainable as possible. Both in terms of how it’s created, using plant based materials but also in how you repair it or dispose of the heads. Ultimately, every part of the experience must feel like an upgrade. And for me it certainly doesn’t disappoint. It’s turned brushing your teeth from a chore into a moment of luxury, becoming a point of envy for my girlfriend who’s still stuck with her Oral B. In this episode we talk about the journey so far, the vision for the future and the biggest surprises along the way.
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Grounded - Gabriel Bean
07/04/2023
Grounded - Gabriel Bean
Say hi to Gabriel Bean. Him and his business partner Bryn Ferris, launched Grounded in 2020 and are the most natural plant-based protein drink out there. Listed in the likes of Whole Foods, Selfridges and Planet Organic - they are on a mission to make the cleanest protein shakes on the planet, using only real ingredients straight from the ground. Turns out it’s harder than you think. Thing is, when you start a brand your ideals quickly have to face up to business realities. ‘I want my [insert underloved F&B brand] to be the most sustainable, delicious, ethical, affordable product in the world’. ‘Ah that’s going to cost WHAT!?! per unit. No one’s going to pay for that. I guess we’ll have to cut some corners or start again to get the price down’. But Gabriel ain’t cut from the same cloth as the rest of us. His guiding mantra - ‘don’t compromise on anything’. Half mad scientist, half charming-down-to-earth-founder - he wears his obsessive tendencies with style. And it seems to be working. They are now the best selling protein shake in Wholefoods and Planet Organic (outselling Huel and many others) and the No.1 Dairy-free protein shake on Amazon. Why is this? Well their m*lkshakes (with an asterisk instead of the i) hit all the right notes: high protein, vegan, no dairy - free from gluten, soya, nuts & GMOs. They also taste and look damn good with Chocolate and Mint Chocolate options online and on shelf. They join a playful army of function-first brands reinventing categories with higher protein and lower sugar alternatives with flair, authenticity and personality. In this episode we tuck in to the challenges and realities of starting a F&B brand, what ‘no compromise’ really looks like and why blurring the lines of m*lkshakes with protein is perfect for a new generation who like their lines blurred. Enjoy.
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Regular Practice - Tom Finn & Kristoffer Sølling
06/20/2023
Regular Practice - Tom Finn & Kristoffer Sølling
Introducing Tom Finn & Kristoffer Sølling. They’re the founders and directors of Regular Practice - one of my favourite up & coming branding agencies and one of It’s Nice That’s One’s To Watch. Based of Broadway Market in London’s Hackney. Despite working with big businesses like Fred Perry, Tom Dixon, Acne Studios and Tom’s - their specialism comes from variety - working across multiple categories and life stages. From fashion and art, to F&B, hospitality, tech and beauty - using the learnings from one category to push boundaries in the next. Rejecting convention in favour of innovation. They’ve also worked for and with a number of People Doing Things alumni including Mob Kitchen on Peckish, their app for real foodies and Juiced, their talent agency. As well as travel guide, Step and a soon to be released rebrand for social media agency Spin Brands with more in the pipeline. What I particularly value and respect is their ability to combine top-class design rigour with a youthful energy and expression. Hailing from the art world, not the agency world - Tom & Kristoffer have fought hard to earn a seat at the branding table; bringing a sense of hard work, humility and a generous dose of underdog spirit to all they do. Reflected in their eponymous namesake - Regular Practice. In this episode we reflect on how they’ve got to where they are today, the type of agency they are trying to build and how artificial intelligence and technology is changing how we create and interact with the brands of tomorrow. If you don’t know your dielines from your wireframes then this ones for you. Enjoy.
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Padel Shift - Jack Chaplin
05/12/2023
Padel Shift - Jack Chaplin
Welcome Jack Chaplin. He founded Padel Shift, a builder and operator of Padel tennis sites around the UK. They currently have 2 sites with several more on the way. Their remit: to get more people playing the game that’s taking the world by storm. So what is Padel and why is it the fastest growing sport in Europe? Padel is a squash-tennis hybrid racket sport, which is almost always played as doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by glass and metallic mesh walls. The beauty lies in both its rules and its ergonomics. Two padel courts with four people per court can fit into one full size tennis court. Meaning 8 people can play at one time instead of 2 or 4 people. With rising populations and an increasing demand on urban planning it not only makes commercial sense but spatial sense too. It’s also far more accessible and safer than tennis or squash. The back and side walls make it a game of placement and precision over power and speed. Underarm serves mean less double faults. Smaller courts make it faster and more dynamic. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro you can have a cracking game either way. Jack’s promise. ‘Give me 15 mins on court and I’ll turn you from a sceptic into a padel addict’. In this episode we talk about Jack’s internal need to be all-in to give it his all, the race to establish themselves as a major competitor with new players popping up every other day and whether this sport is a passing fad or a permanent fixture. Enjoy.
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Futsol - Nico Willson
04/26/2023
Futsol - Nico Willson
Say hi to Nico Willson on the show today. He co-founded Futsol. A lifestyle destination for football lovers. They sell sophisticated football apparel for on and off the pitch. Despite football being the most universal sports in the world. A sport where no matter where you are you can drop a ball and have a kickabout with someone - no matter your background, race, language or gender. But it’s a game that’s lost some of its charm - embroiled in over-commercialisation and at times, corruption. From dodgy world cup contracts to share price signings. A fight against racism to diva managers and gross invasions of privacy on the public stage. Distracting us from the soul of the sport. Futsol are deliberately swimming against the cultural tide of the sport. Inviting us to fall back in love with this beautiful game through a range of nostalgic capsule collections often collaborating with photographers and graphic designers. But their ambitions are not limited to product alone. They want to become the ‘Rapha of Football’ with club houses and community pitches of their own in the not too distant future. In this episode we talk about the journalistic origins of the brand, what football is missing and their vision for the future beyond product into experiences and community. Enjoy.
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Juno - Ally Fekaiki
03/14/2023
Juno - Ally Fekaiki
Welcoming Ally Fekaiki on the show today. He’s the founder of the world’s largest employee wellness platform - Juno. A global platform that gives employees flexible access to meaningful benefits all in one place. Table football, subsidised cafes, monthly pizza. The reality is that workplace perks are anything but. On the whole they are top down initiatives, a percentage of revenue, a line marked ‘culture’ on the company P&L spreadsheet. Sweeping generalisations that neither employee or CFO particularly look forward to. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Juno takes the stress away from companies increasingly becoming less centralised, putting it in the hands of the employees - enabling them to choose from a wide range of perks from foodie fridge fills to digital detoxes, nutritional advice to house plants. And with $8mn raised to date the working world is very much their oyster. In this episode we talk about what company culture is headed, what companies need to do to stay ahead of shifting tides and Ally’s own mantras for getting the balance right.
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JERMS - Louise Macnab
03/06/2023
JERMS - Louise Macnab
Say hello to Louise Macnab. She’s the international attorney turned gut health campaigner - starting a movement with her brand Jerms - an all-in-one Gut Health support with Probiotics, Prebiotics, Digestive Enzymes & Organic Superfoods. Working hard and under high pressure as a corporate lawyer in New York and Brussels, Louise started experiencing burnout and chronic stress induced gut issues like SIBO, leaky gut, chronic fatigue and anxiety. In search of a solution, she uncovered the vital role gut health has on our overall health. Bacteria in our guts, as she soon discovered, has a huge impact on our bodies and daily wellbeing. And while the gut microbiome is one 2023’s hot topics, there’s a dearth of eye-catching brands out there making the space accessible yet desirable. In this episode we talk about facing burnout, finding salvation in bacteria and how she’s using her brand to spread the word.
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Fresh Fitness Food - Caspar Rose
02/18/2023
Fresh Fitness Food - Caspar Rose
Introducing Caspar Rose. Foodie, Spin Instructor, charity advocate and founder of The Wellness Food Group (TWFG) - a merger between Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen. Two function-first meal prep businesses who’ve paired up to co-create a healthier nation through convenience and personalised nutrition with more lined up to join their house of brands in the next 12 months. Caspar leads Fresh Fitness Food, a tech-first, personalised meal delivery service, after having worked as a chef at a number of Michelin Star restaurants in both Sydney and London. During his time as a sous chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze, the business launched, taking orders over phone, prepared from his Notting Hill flat. In 2015, Fresh Fitness Food started scaling. They now deliver over 100,000 meals each month across the UK and have invested £2mn in their technology platform that makes it all happen. TWFG is set to turnover £12M+ in 2023, with a projected revenue of £50M by 2025. But it’s not all spreadsheets and P&L’s for Caspar. When he’s not in the boardroom he’s busy optimising things in their new kitchens or instructing in a Ride Republic spin studio. In this episode we talk about the power of knowing your audience, the dynamics of a merger, and how they’re equal parts food brand and tech business. Enjoy.
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Bold Bean Co - Amelia Christie-Miller
01/22/2023
Bold Bean Co - Amelia Christie-Miller
Say hello to Amelia Christie-Miller. She’s the happy go lucky founder of Bold Bean Co, on a mission to make you as obsessed with beans as she is. But here’s the thing. These beans aren’t just any beans. These are chef approved, top of the range, foodie favourites - meaning you can give Heinz the can and explore a whole new world of protein rich legumes. She first discovered beans while she was on an Erasmus exchange in Spain. One morning, like most students, she was too hungover to go shopping and instead took a jar of creamy heirloom butterbean out of the fridge. They were so tasty they transformed her perspective on beans, helping her reappraise their dusty reputation. After graduating, she had a brief stint working for Gail’s Bakery in London, before moving into food technology with Foodchain, a start-up working in sustainable produce where she became convinced that beans were the answer to so many of our food system issues. It was not until she was furloughed at the start of the pandemic that she decided to turn her passion for beans into a business. In this episode we talk about boldly going where no bean has gone before, growing organically, her tastemaker strategy working with chefs and foodies to spread the word and crowd-sroucing her values like a Gen-Zer. Dig in.
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REAL - David Begg
01/14/2023
REAL - David Begg
Introducing David Begg. His career to date has been nothing short of illustrious. After studying engineering at Durham and Cambridge, he spent ten years in consulting before becoming one of the founding team members of Booking.com. He then went on to co-found Tom Dixon and education tech company Magic Town before finding his spiritual home in REAL Sparkling Tea. According to the sommeliers at The Fat Duck, REAL is the ‘finest non-alcoholic drink on the market’. Brewed with some of the most expensive teas in the world, REAL’s impressive array of sparkling teas are more akin to a natural wine or a champagne than a soft drink. The complexity of the fermented drink is perfect for food pairings - cutting through fatty acids with tannins that help counteract sweet foods and a sweetness that softens salty and savoury meals. It’s taken the team over two years in the making to achieve the quality and consistency with their hard work being recognised by over 50 Michelin star restaurants including The Pig, La Gavroche and Clove Club, as well as stockists like Waitrose. In this episode we talk about how a chance encounter with homebrewed kombucha has transformed into a multi-million pound opportunity, creating the UK’s first standalone non-alcoholic Fermentery and where the palettes of top restaurateurs and sommeliers are taking us. Cheers.
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Grwth Club - Joe Benn
12/13/2022
Grwth Club - Joe Benn
Joe Benn. Founder, advisor, connector, AND FMCG fanatic. He’s had over a decade of experience working with fast growth disruptive businesses, including co-founding UGLY drinks back in 2015. UGLY was a truly original challenger brand that won fame and fortune across both the UK and in the US, rebranding sparkling water as the soda drink of choice, before others followed suit. In 2020, Joe stepped away from the company, and has since gone on to advise a number of FMCG brands like allplants, Tenzing, Graze in the UK culminating in him recently launching Grwth Club, a platform designed to match startups with the right agencies and investors. Along with co-founder Jake Higgins, they utilise their extensive network and experience to match businesses with the best possible partners for your brand. In this episode we’ll talk about Joe’s experience in the FMCG industry (past and present), where the market is heading for brands in this space and the need for his latest venture, Grwth Club (Grwth without the O).
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Dr. Wills - Dr Will Breakey
12/07/2022
Dr. Wills - Dr Will Breakey
Say hello to Dr. Will Breakey. A founder, foodie, doctor, plastic surgeon AND alchemedic condimist. He co-founded Dr Will’s back in 2015 with Josh Rose and Liam White. An interesting concoction of backgrounds - medicine, nightlife and investment banking. It turned out to be the recipe for success, becoming one of the UK’s fastest growing, all natural, condiment ranges. They started by giving Ketchup a much needed reformulation - switching up the 19 cubes of sugar, for 3 and half dates. The same sweet taste without refined sugar. From there they’ve taken the same approach to the rest of the condiment aisle, launching products like Beetroot Ketchup, BBQ Sauce, Classic Mayo, Spicy Mayo (my favourite), Vegan Mayo, Hot Sauce Sriracha as well as a number of dressings. The remit is simple. To make food better by making better foods. In this episode we talk about chipping away at the big H’s (Heinz and Hellman’s), raising £1.1mn in record speed during the pandemic and why he has no plans to give up his medical career.
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J.S.Health - Hermione Underwood
11/16/2022
J.S.Health - Hermione Underwood
Say hello to Hermione Underwood on the show today. A founder, serial entrepreneur, recovering workaholic and newly appointed CEO of J.S.Vitamins in the UK and Europe. Starting off with LVMH in Australia, Hermione went on to start her own PR agency The H Collective. But that wasn’t enough. This experience and network enabled her to co-found jewellery brand, a leather goods brand and a wine brand in fairly quick succession. Now she heads up J.S.Vitamins over here with a clear sense of purpose: to make J.S.Health a household name in the UK and Europe, just as it is in Australia. One of the things I love about Hermione is that, despite her optimism, determination and candour, there are serious challenges that she’s had to work hard to overcome. Layers, that the deeper you go, the more you uncover. Like facing burnout, recovering from long Covid, being abroad while your mum is facing chemo, different waves of therapy and, more recently, becoming a step-mum, getting pregnant and getting married. In this episode we talk about trying to find the right balance between driving ambition and personal health, her role as CEO of J.S.Vitamins in the UK and how she’s going to overcome her next adventure. Motherhood. Enjoy.
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BettaF!sh - Deniz Ficicoglu
10/27/2022
BettaF!sh - Deniz Ficicoglu
Say hello to Deniz Ficicoglu. She co-runs BettaF!sh, heating up the alternative seafood space with a 100% plant-based tuna made from seaweed and fava beans. The Berlin startup is part of a growing fish-free category that netted $116mn in VC funding last year. BettaF!sh kicked things off a year ago when they launched their three flagship TU-NAH Sandwiches across 4,000 ALDI stores in Germany. This was the largest launch the alt seafood category had ever experienced. They subsequently launched their next product, Pizza TU-NAH (a rogue choice for British taste buds, but a childhood staple in Germany). Since then, they have expanded their portfolio with more to come in 2023. However, while those of us who’ve watched Seaspiracy will no doubt be cheering them on, for reducing bycatch and overfishing, the jury is still out as to whether plant-based fish will sink or swim. In this episode we explore their love for seaweed, their vision of becoming a centre for R&D beyond seafood alternatives and the story so far.
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Duppy Share - George Frost
10/08/2022
Duppy Share - George Frost
Introducing George Frost. He runs Duppy Share, a London based, Caribbean born drinks business inspired by rum folklore. A brand so synonymous with rum in the UK, that you’d be hard pressed to remember that they’re only seven years old. No doubt you’ve tasted their blends of Jamaican and Barmudan rums, on the streets of Notting Hill carnival, mixed your own at a house party, or danced the night away with a raised, golden Duppy cup in your hand. (And if you haven’t I’d recommend their 5 year old, oak aged blend to get you started). But while the story of rum and the caribbean, is one of fun, excitement and a welcoming nature. George’s story is one that is bittersweet. He lost his father aged 26 and his brother two years later. Realising how ‘fragile’ life is, he was inspired to take the leap to start Duppy Share, spurred on by his father’s motto ‘Never waste a second.’ In this episode we get up close and personal with George, delving into Duppy’s origin story, his recent collaboration with grime artists Kano and of course the rum itself.
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Feast It - Digby Vollrath
09/10/2022
Feast It - Digby Vollrath
Introducing Digby Vollrath on the podcast. He co-runs Feast It, the UK’s leading digital event marketplace, connecting party planners with over 1500 of the best suppliers, from food and drink, through to florists, photographers and marquees in just a few clicks. Launched in 2017, on a mission to simplify organising events, they’ve become a go-to destination for weddings, corporate parties and festivals - working with the likes of Spotify, Soho House and Secret Cinema. They’ve also facilitated parties for Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise, Lewis Hamilton and Angelina Jolie. Having been described as ‘the Airbnb of the party food world’ - they’ve revolutionised an industry that previously only really existed through word of mouth, yellow pages and behind the closed black books of event organisers. However, digitalisation is not the only string to their bow. A big part of what they do is curation. Only 1/20 supplier applications are successful ensuring that all their suppliers are top draw. In this episode we talk about his tactics for getting started, whether he's a professional party planner's best friend or worst nightmare and what someone who helps facilitate thousands of parties a year does to switch off.
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Paynter - Huw Thomas & Becky Okell
08/21/2022
Paynter - Huw Thomas & Becky Okell
Introuding Huw and Becky, business partners and partner partners on the podcast. They run Paynter, a clothswear brand selling limited edition jackets, in batches, four times a year. Launched in 2019, each jacket is made-to-order, taking 6-8 weeks to be made, operating a no waste business model. But if you thought getting your hands on one of these jackets was easy. You'd be mistaken. Each batch is one of a kind from their initial chore jackets to later iterations using varying materials such as Japanese denim, Tiger Stripe camo, and Italian Corduroy. Despite having thousands of people on their waitlist, there are only a limited number of jackets available at each release, often selling out entire batches in a matter of minutes. Their PB is 120 seconds. In this episode we talk aboutgetting started, running a made-to-order business and where the world of fashion might be heading.
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