How Jude Wharton Built a Business That Works for Life and Family

In this episode of It’s Your Business, Kath is joined by Jude Wharton, one half of husband-and-wife team Ready Steady Websites, for an honest and insightful conversation about building a business around family life and making it work for the long haul. Jude shares how she and her husband Chris took the leap into business 16 years ago while expecting their first child, after realising that long hours, commuting and nursery life were not the future they wanted for their family. What followed was a bold decision to step away from secure jobs and grow a business together, even with a six-month-old baby and no guarantees. Jude talks openly about those early days, the challenges of working as a couple, the importance of defining roles, and how moving from home into an office helped them separate work and family life and properly find their rhythm. The episode also explores how Ready Steady Websites has evolved over the years, from bespoke design work to WordPress themes, courses, template websites, done-for-you services and now more advanced lead and marketing systems through their software, Connector. Jude explains why staying flexible has been essential, how they have responded to changing client needs, and why listening to what small businesses actually want has shaped every step of their growth. Kath and Jude also discuss the rise of AI, the risk of businesses becoming too bland and automated, and why the human side of business still matters. Jude shares her thoughts on using technology well without losing creativity, personality or trust, and why businesses that think carefully about how they connect with people will continue to stand out. This is a great episode for anyone running a business with a partner, juggling family and work, building an online presence, or trying to grow in a changing digital world without losing what makes their business unique.To get in touch: https://readysteadywebsites.com/Want to start YOUR own Podcast? Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk