PODCAST · business
Beyond the Numbers with Bev Wakefield
by Briight Studios
Welcome to Beyond the Numbers, the podcast where we take the stress out of business finance and break down the numbers in a way that actually makes sense. Each week, you’ll be joined by Bev Wakefield as she shares straight-talking, practical advice to help you take control of your business finances. From cash flow to pricing, profit to planning, Bev breaks it all down with clarity and simplicity, so you can make confident decisions and build a business that truly works for you.
Episodes
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They Gave Her 12 Months to Live. She Built a Business and a Life of Meaning | Author Barbara Baker
At 24, Barbara Baker was told she had just 12 months to live. What followed was not simply a story of survival. That diagnosis shaped how Barbara approached risk, leadership, business and life for decades to come. Barbara went from nurse to entrepreneur, building a workplace nursery business that...
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He Lost £250,000... and It Was the Best Education He Ever Had | Martin Sandhu | Beyond The Numbers
What happens when the business you built starts becoming the beast you serve? Martin Sandhu has scaled a business from three people to 80, generated six-figure monthly revenues and lost £250,000 on an idea he now calls the best education he ever had. In this honest conversation with Bev…
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You’re Not Failing. You’re Learning. | Baasit Siddiqui, Gogglebox & Educator
Failure is easy to call a lesson once the sting has gone. In the moment, it can feel like proof that you are the failure. Baasit Siddiqui is known from Channel 4’s Gogglebox, but television is only one part of his story. He is an educator, keynote speaker, founder of the Let’s Thrive education...
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If You Stand Still, You’re Going Backwards | Richard Gerver, Leadership Expert & Author | S04 E04
Richard Gerver has spent his career challenging the way we think about leadership, change and human potential. But one of his biggest lessons is simple: the moment we become too comfortable protecting what already works, we risk getting left behind. After transforming a struggling Derbyshire...
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Generic AI Is Erasing Your Brand | Ben Afia, Author of The Human Business | S04 E03
AI is changing business faster than most leaders realise. But according to AI strategist and The Human Business author Ben Afia, the biggest risk isn't being replaced by AI – it's becoming indistinguishable because of it. Ben is currently helping align hundreds of marketers across a Fortune 500...
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Lived Experience, Leadership and Purpose | Paul McAnulty | S04 E02
Bev Wakefield is joined by Paul McAnulty, CEO of Rebuild East Midlands, to explore lived experience, leadership, purpose and the role business owners can play in rebuilding lives. Paul shares his own journey through exploitation, homelessness, policing, charity work and ethical business, and...
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Leadership Is Not About Being Liked, It’s About Getting the Best From People | S04 E01
Season 4 opens with a big one. In this first episode, Bev is joined by executive coach and Tough Talk Mentor Cheryl Thompson for a bumper conversation for business owners who need their people at their best if they want to scale, grow and stop carrying everything themselves. Cheryl shares why...
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Build to Freedom, Not Just a Sale S03 E12
“I’ll sort that later.” “I’ll pay myself properly when things settle.” “One day I’ll sell, and that will be my pension.” In this final episode of the series, Bev shares the shift that changed everything for her: moving from building to sell to building for freedom now. She breaks down the three...
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Grow on Your Terms S03 E11
More clients. More revenue. More staff. More pressure. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev challenges the idea that bigger automatically means better. She shares why most businesses don’t hit a revenue ceiling, they hit a capacity ceiling, and how chasing growth without intention can…
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From Cultural Pressure to Corporate Power | Lessons from Kavita Oberoi | S03 E10
What happens when you stop waiting to be promoted and start building your own table? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Kavita Oberoi OBE, founder of Oberoi Consulting and the Oberoi Business Hub, to talk about resilience, cultural expectation and backing yourself when no…
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Find Your People And Don’t Go It Alone S03 E09
The 3am spirals. The weight of payroll. The quiet fear of getting it wrong. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people who love you. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev shares why building a business in isolation is one of the biggest mistakes founders make.…
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From Operator to Owner, And Why It Changes Everything S03 E08
You can be busy all day and still not be building anything bigger. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev explores the identity shift that changes everything, moving from operator to owner. From being the rainmaker and problem solver to becoming the architect and leader, this is the…
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The Hard Lessons Behind a Successful Exit | Lessons from Matt Hay | S03 E07
Rapid growth looks impressive from the outside. It feels very different on the inside. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Matt Hay, founder of Bulbshare, to talk about scaling too fast, rebuilding after collapse and ultimately exiting the business. From early agency...
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Systemise Before You Suffer (+ Let AI Help) S03 E06
If everything in your business lives in your head, no wonder you’re exhausted. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev shares why systems are not just efficiency tools, they are wellbeing tools. From scattered processes and constant interruptions to being the bottleneck in your own business…
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Hire for Heart, Lead with Trust S03 E05
Why don’t my team care as much as I do? How do I find the right people? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev shares what she would do differently if she started again, starting with hiring for heart and leading with trust. She reflects on early hiring mistakes, the real cost of keeping the...
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Leading 30 Years of Impact at YMCA Derbyshire | Lessons from Gillian Sewell | S03 E04
What does leadership really look like when lives depend on it? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Gillian Sewell, Chief Executive of YMCA Derbyshire, whose three decades of service have transformed opportunities for young people across the county and beyond. Gillian shares...
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I’d Charge Properly (From Day One) S03 E03
Pricing is where confidence wobbles and self-doubt creeps in. It is also where so many business owners quietly undercut themselves. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev shares what she would do differently if she started again, and it starts with charging properly from day one. She unpacks...
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I’d Build Around Life, Not Fit Life Around Business S03 E02
When you start a business, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll sort the balance later. Later, when things calm down. Later, when it’s successful enough. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev shares what she’d do differently if she started again, and it starts with building a business around...
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Leadership Lessons From a Front Line Negotiator | Lessons from Nicky Perfect | S03 E01
We’re often taught that leadership is about control, authority, and having all the answers. But what if real leadership starts somewhere quieter, with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the courage to change how you show up? In this episode, Bev is joined by Nicky, whose career began…
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What's One Thing You Learnt in 2025? (Live at Vibrant Supper Club) | Bonus Episode
In this live episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev takes the podcast to the Vibrant Supper Club for an evening of food, conversation, and connection. Local business owners share what they’ve learned this year, the advice they’re taking into the new year, and what keeps them going. From the…
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Life Is Good When? (Live at Electric Daisy) | Bonus Episode
In this episode, we took the podcast on the road to ask business owners a simple question: “Life is good when…?” In this live episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev dives into candid conversations that explore the highs, challenges, and surprising insights of both personal and professional life. From...
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Say Yes or Say No! Making Better Business Decisions S02 E12
Most business owners don’t fail from lack of opportunity. They fail from saying yes to too many of them. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev explores how to make decisions that create focus instead of chaos. You’ll uncover why your calendar fills faster than your capacity, how to spot the...
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How to Build Recurring Revenue Without Losing Your Soul S02 E11
The feast-and-famine cycle is exhausting. Chasing clients, starting every month at zero, and never knowing when the next payment will land. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down how to build recurring revenue that fits your business and your brain. You’ll explore nine proven…
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From Backpack Sales to Boardroom Strategy | Lessons from Scott Parsons S02 E10
Scaling a business isn’t just about ambition - it’s about grit, clarity, and knowing when to hold your nerve. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev Wakefield speaks with Scott Parsons, co-founder of Forsyth Barnes, about building one of the UK’s fastest-growing recruitment firms from the...
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What’s the Exit Plan? (Even If You Don’t Want to Sell Yet) S02 E09
What happens to your business if you take three months off? If the answer makes you nervous, this episode is for you. Bev dives into what it really means to build a business that works without you at the centre of every decision. She explains why exit planning isn’t just for people looking to…
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The Happiness Threshold: Why More Money Isn’t Always the Answer S02 E08
You hit the big revenue goals. You buy the car, upgrade the office, hit those £10k months, and still feel exactly the same. If more money was supposed to bring happiness, why does it so often come with stress, guilt, or emptiness? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev unpacks the psychology...
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The Truth About Hustle Culture (and Finding a Better Way) | Lessons from Serena Humphrey S02 E07
We’re told that success is about pushing harder - longer hours, bigger goals, and never switching off. But what if the real win is building a business that gives you freedom, not burnout? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Serena Humphrey, founder of The F Word, to explore...
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How to Make Your Business Pay You (Now and Later) S02 E06
You started your business for freedom. To build something that gives you flexibility, fulfilment, and a better life. But too often, that dream gets lost in the day-to-day reality of running the business. You pay your team, your suppliers, your taxes… and somehow, you end up last in line. In this...
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Making Paying Yourself First a Non-Negotiable Habit S02 E05
Too many founders build businesses that pay everyone except themselves. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down how to finally flip that script and start paying yourself a proper, consistent salary without guilt or guesswork. You’ll learn how to calculate exactly what you should be...
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Turning Setbacks into Strategy on the Journey to Success | Lessons from Dave Pounds S02 E04
Building a business isn’t a straight line. It’s a series of small battles, big pivots, and hard-earned lessons. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Dave Pounds to uncover what it takes to turn an idea into a thriving business. You’ll hear the moments of doubt, the decisions...
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What’s Your Number? The Income You Actually Need S02 S03
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev builds on the conversation about defining “enough” and shows you how to put an actual figure on it. You’ll discover how to work backwards from the life you want, calculate the revenue your business needs to support it, and price your offers with clarity...
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What is Enough? Redefining Success as a Business Owner S02 E02
What’s Enough? It’s a question every business owner asks but rarely answers. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev explores what enough really means for you, your money, and your life. You’ll unpack why chasing “more” can actually cost you more, discover the three-bucket model for…
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From a Failed Business to an 8-Figure Sale to Sage | Lessons from James Ashford S02 E01
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, James Ashford, founder of GoProposal and best-selling author, shares the journey that took him from humble beginnings to transforming how accountancy firms deliver value. James talks candidly about raising standards in business, building a culture that…
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Building a Business with Purpose | Lessons From Peter Ellse, Cosy S01 E14
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Peter Ellse, CEO of Cosy Direct, shares how his company has carved out a unique space in the education sector by staying firmly rooted in purpose. He discusses how Cosy prioritises social impact alongside profitability, why he believes business leaders…
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10x or 1% Better? Finding Your Best Path to Growth S01 E13
What does growth really mean for your business? And is it always the right goal? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down two very different paths: fast, headline-style growth vs. slow, steady, sustainable progress. You’ll explore why understanding your reason for growth is…
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Can I Afford to Hire? S01 E12
Can I Afford to Hire? It’s one of the most common questions business owners face. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down the numbers you need to look at before bringing someone new on board. You’ll explore what it really costs to hire, how to calculate your break-even point, and…
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Breaking the Owner Trap S01 E11
Most founders don’t realise they’re the biggest bottleneck in their business until burnout and stalled growth force them to face it. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev unpacks the Owner’s Trap: why being the hub of every decision hurts your business value and how to break free. You’ll...
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What The Chuff Does That Mean? S01 E10
Ever nodded through a finance meeting pretending to know what “EBITDA” means? You’re not alone. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev cuts through the jargon to decode the most confusing financial terms business owners face. You’ll learn what those acronyms and reports actually mean, like…
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From a £200k Loss to Doing £7M | Lessons From Dean Jackson, HUUB S01 E09
What happens when innovation meets endurance? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Dean Jackson, founder of the performance gear brand HUUB, for a conversation that goes deeper than just business. You’ll hear how Dean turned a passion for sport into a global brand trusted by...
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How to Lead Better by Prioritising Yourself S01 E08
It’s easy to focus on performance and forget the person driving it. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev takes a step back from finance to talk about something just as vital - your well-being. You’ll explore why personal health, energy, and support systems are essential to high performance,...
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The One-Page Plan Every Business Owner Needs S01 E07
Most business plans gather dust. This one fits on a single page, and actually gets used. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev walks you through how to create a simple, clear plan to keep you focused, track what really matters, and stay aligned with your goals. You'll learn how to set...
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The Danger of Relying on One Big Client S01 E06
If too much of your income comes from one client, your business could be more fragile than it looks. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev explains why overreliance is risky and what you can do to fix it. You’ll learn how to create a healthier revenue mix, build a steady pipeline, and avoid...
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Why More Sales Won’t Fix a Broken Business S01 E05
More sales won’t save a broken business model. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev busts the “just sell more” myth and explains why chasing revenue without fixing your margins can do more harm than good. You’ll learn how to plug the profit leaks, spot your most valuable customers, and make...
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The Secret to Getting Paid On Time S01 E04
Getting paid shouldn’t be the hardest part of running a business. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev shows you how to take the stress out of late payments and keep your cash flow steady. You’ll learn how to set clear terms, follow up with confidence, and use simple tools to make sure you...
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Pricing Mistakes That Are Costing You Money S01 E03
Pricing mistakes aren’t just costly – they're crippling. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev reveals the common pricing pitfalls that are draining your profits and how to fix them. You’ll learn why value-based pricing is key, the real cost of discounts, and how small price adjustments can...
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Stop Cash Flow Anxiety in Your Business for Good S01 E02
Cash flow stress isn’t just frustrating - it’s exhausting. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev unpacks the real reasons business owners lose sleep over money and how to break the cycle. You’ll learn why recurring revenue changes everything, the 3 simple systems that bring financial…
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Why Your Profits and Bank Balance Don't Match S01 E01
Why does your bank balance never seem to match your profit? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev explores the key differences between profit and cash flow - and why confusing the two can lead to serious financial stress. She explains the impact of VAT, loan repayments, asset purchases, and...
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Trailer
Welcome to Beyond the Numbers! Each week, you’ll be joined by Bev Wakefield as she shares straight-talking, practical advice to help you take control of your business finances.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Beyond the Numbers, the podcast where we take the stress out of business finance and break down the numbers in a way that actually makes sense.
Each week, you’ll be joined by Bev Wakefield as she shares straight-talking, practical advice to help you take control of your business finances. From cash flow to pricing, profit to planning, Bev breaks it all down with clarity and simplicity, so you can make confident decisions and build a business that truly works for you.
HOSTED BY
Briight Studios
CATEGORIES
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