British Business with Matt Holland

When a podcast clip goes semi-viral on Instagram, the comments tell you more about how the public sees business owners than any survey ever could.In Ep 71, Matt and Charlie unpack the fallout from a reel asking what businesses would do if minimum wage jumped overnight to £15 an hour — 20,000 views, 100+ comments, and a real-time look at the gap between operator reality and online opinion.They get into why so many people think SMEs are interchangeable with multinationals, the rising cost stack founders are absorbing quietly, and what the backlash says about respect (or lack of it) for the people taking the risk.Along the way, they talk about social media as a double-edged sword for SMEs — when your following gets bigger than your business, when "looking busy" online costs you support, and why most of us still aren't consistent enough with it.Takeaways:📱 What a semi-viral reel exposes about how the public sees business owners💷 Why an overnight 18% wage jump isn't the same conversation as fair pay🧾 The cost stack founders absorb that nobody outside business sees🪞 When your social presence over-eggs the reality of the business🎯 Why consistency on content beats clever every single timeFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

161 UK pubs shut their doors in Q1 2026 alone — one publican turning the lights out every 13 hours. And the pressure isn't easing.In this episode, Matt and Charlie unpack two damning stats from the British Beer and Pub Association and UK Hospitality, before tearing into the Green Party's proposal to push the national living wage from £12.71 to £15 an hour — an 18% jump in a single year.They debate what a hike like that would actually do to small businesses already buckling under April's 4.1% wage rise, employer NI at 15%, and a £1.4bn cost increase across hospitality alone. Spoiler: it's not the politicians who pick up the bill.Along the way, they get into youth unemployment, the death of the middle-market restaurant, why this only accelerates AI adoption and offshoring, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when the game keeps changing underneath you.Takeaways:📉 Why 161 pub closures in one quarter is a warning shot for every SME💷 What an 18% minimum wage jump would actually cost small business🤖 Why higher labour costs only speed up AI and offshoring decisions👷 The youth unemployment problem nobody in Westminster is solving🔪 Why Matt thinks the next 12 months are about taking market share, not playing safeFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

UK job vacancies have just dropped to 711,000 — the lowest level since the pandemic, and now below pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, unemployment has climbed to 4.9%, with 206,000 more people out of work than a year ago. Something's shifting.Matt and Charlie unpack what's really going on. Meta, Amazon, Oracle, Citigroup, Accenture and Block have all confirmed major redundancies in recent weeks — and most of them are citing AI as the reason. The question is whether that trend is about to trickle down to UK SMEs.Matt shares a conversation he had with a Manchester recruiter who's just made 25% of his own team redundant — because his clients have stopped hiring. Charlie pushes back on the AI narrative and asks whether some of this is just big businesses using the moment to trim fat. They get into employment costs, the April 2026 NI hikes, offshoring, and why hiring at home has become a last resort for so many UK founders.If you run a UK business and you're trying to work out what hiring looks like over the next 12 months — or whether you should be hiring at all — this one is for you.Takeaways:📉 Why UK job vacancies have hit their lowest level since the pandemic🤖 The big-name companies citing AI as the reason for layoffs💼 What a Manchester recruiter is seeing inside his own client base💷 How rising employment costs are pushing UK founders to offshore🔍 What the next hiring cycle could look like for SMEsFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail — Matt learned that the hard way at the Manchester Marathon on Sunday.In this Claude Check-In, Matt and Charlie sit down with their favourite AI co-worker for an honest update on what's actually working and what isn't. Charlie's gone deep — using Claude to build a full direct-to-consumer safety footwear website, front end and back end, on a shoestring budget. Matt's been too busy to touch it for two weeks, and openly admits it.They get into the difference between LLMs, agentic AI, and automation — and why most founders are still treating AI like a chatbot when it can now run their browser, build their websites, and stress-test their plans. Plus the British Business Bank stat that poor planning is a top three reason UK small businesses fail in year one — and what that has in common with running a marathon you didn't train for.Takeaways:🏃 Why "failing to prepare" applies as much to business as it does to a marathon🤖 The difference between LLMs, agentic AI, and automation — and why it matters🛠️ How Charlie used Claude to build a full D2C website without big budget📋 Why a SWOT analysis is the best starting point for using AI in your business📓 Matt's two-diary system for separating day-to-day from big-picture ideasFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

You can't grow what you stop learning from — and the best founders never switch off.In this episode, Matt and Charlie unpack why peer-to-peer conversations, mentoring and time with other business owners is one of the most underrated growth tools out there. Matt's just back from two days in Essex — a one-to-one with James Sinclair, a guest spot on Paul and Lee's podcast, and hours on the phone with James from Nutriseed — and the takeaway is the same every time.They get into why 76% of small business owners say mentoring has been key to their growth, but most have never done any of it. Why bigger isn't always better when it comes to who you learn from. And why putting yourself in front of someone further ahead than you is uncomfortable for a reason.Plus — the official rebrand reveal. New name. New jingle. Same two of us.Takeaways:🎙️ Why we've rebranded to British Business: The Bottom Line🤝 The difference between networking and a real peer-to-peer conversation📈 Why 76% of SME owners credit mentoring with their growth🧠 Why you can learn just as much from smaller businesses as bigger ones⏳ How to push hard, then pull back — without burning outFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

Most small business owners know their prices should go up. They just can't bring themselves to do it.In Episode 66, Matt and Charlie get into the real psychology behind pricing — why founders undercharge, why the fear of losing customers is almost always bigger than the reality, and why putting your prices up is often the most commercially responsible thing you can do right now. Recorded with Charlie calling in from Spain, surrounded by palm trees and Brent crude updates.They also pull back the curtain on their own businesses — from shipping thresholds and delivery gap tracking to labour cost percentages and the compounding effect of letting small inefficiencies slide. Because pricing confidence and cost control aren't separate conversations. They're the same one.Takeaways:💸 Why undercharging can actually cost you the job📦 How tweaking your delivery threshold saved one business £150k in a year🧮 The percentage mindset every founder needs to understand their real margins😬 Why the customers you lose when you raise prices are often the ones you didn't want anyway🔧 Price and cost control — why both have to happen at the same timeFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is finally here after 11 years of delays — and if you're a sole trader earning over £50K, the clock is already ticking. Matt and Charlie break down what it actually means, who it hits, and why limited company directors like them won't be losing sleep over it (yet).Takeaways:🧾 MTD for Income Tax kicks in at £50K from April 2026, dropping to £30K in 2027 and £20K in 2028 — quarterly reporting is coming for almost every sole trader⛽ Fuel duty is hammering small businesses running vans and vehicles, with over 53p per litre going straight to the treasury before you've even started💸 The UK's tax gap sits at £46.8 billion — small businesses account for 60% of it, and that's exactly why HMRC is tightening the screws🏭 Charlie's making moves on a new warehouse unit — weighing up the cost vs the growth opportunity and whether to pull the trigger🏃 The British Business Running Club leaderboard gets a mention — Matt's top, Jacob's second, and Charlie's... working on itFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

Two episodes ago, Matt made the case for Claude over ChatGPT. Now it's time to show their workings. Matt and Charlie check back in on what they've actually been doing with Claude day-to-day — the real tasks, the real results, and what it's changed inside their businesses.Matt breaks down how he's been using Claude across HR contracts, SEO research, and the Ahrefs integration — and why giving AI proper context is the difference between a useful tool and a waste of time. Charlie shares where it's landed for him too.They also get into the bigger picture — UK SME AI adoption has jumped from under 20% to 35% in just 12 months, and the gap between founders who are genuinely embedding it versus those just dabbling is already starting to show.If you're still treating AI as something you occasionally ask a question, this episode is your reality check.Takeaways:🤖 Why Matt switched from ChatGPT to Claude — and what's actually better⚙️ The specific tasks Claude is handling inside their businesses right now📈 UK SME AI adoption jumped from 20% to 35% in 12 months⏳ Why dabbling with AI isn't enough — and what proper use looks like🔮 What the next few years of AI in business could mean for UK foundersFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

If you’re working hard, running a business, or trying to get ahead… but it feels like you’re standing still — this one’s for you.Matt and Charlie go from paper rounds and £5-an-hour jobs… to a proper breakdown of why work doesn’t feel like it pays in the UK anymore.They dig into the numbers, the incentives, and the reality for both employees and business owners — from rising taxes and stagnant thresholds, to welfare, hiring challenges, and the growing gap between effort and reward.This isn’t politics. It’s what it actually feels like on the ground running a business and trying to build something.No fluff. No theory. Just a real conversation about what’s broken — and what might fix it.Takeaways:💷 Why earning more doesn’t always mean keeping more📉 The real impact of tax thresholds and wage compression🏢 Hiring problems: no-shows, motivation, and incentives⚖️ Welfare vs work — where the balance is off📊 Why businesses feel squeezed even when they’re growing🧠 The mindset shift from revenue to profitability🤖 Plus: AI, Claude, and how business owners are actually using itFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

AI is everywhere right now — but most UK businesses still aren’t actually using it properly.In this episode, Matt and Charlie dive into how SMEs are really using AI (and where most founders are getting it wrong). Despite all the hype, fewer than 20% of UK small businesses are actively using AI tools in their operations — and many who say they are, are really just experimenting with it like a search engine.Matt explains why he thinks Claude might currently be the best AI tool for UK SMEs, why he prefers it over ChatGPT, and how tools like large language models can genuinely improve productivity when used correctly.The conversation also explores the confusion between AI, automation, and APIs, why many businesses resist adopting new technology, and where AI could realistically replace or support tasks inside a small business.No hype. No “AI will replace everyone” nonsense. Just a practical conversation about how small businesses can actually use AI today.In this episode:💥 Why most UK businesses say they use AI — but actually don’t💥 The difference between AI, automation, and APIs💥 Why Matt thinks Claude currently beats ChatGPT for business use💥 How large language models can help founders make faster decisions💥 The real opportunities for AI inside small businesses💥 Why AI-generated content can actually harm your website SEOIf you run a business and want to understand where AI actually fits into your operations, this episode breaks it down without the tech jargon.Follow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

If your business is growing and you’re starting to run out of space, this episode will feel very familiar.Matt and Charlie dive into a challenge facing thousands of UK SMEs right now: commercial property. Warehouses are scarce, rents are rising, planning is slow, and the leap from a small unit to something bigger can be financially brutal.Charlie talks through the reality of growing a production business while constantly fighting for space. Matt shares his own experience trying to buy a warehouse — from deposits and valuations to legal costs and the endless complexity of commercial property deals.They unpack why warehouse vacancy rates have dropped below 3% in the UK, what that means for growing businesses, and why many founders are stuck between staying cramped or taking on serious risk to expand.The conversation also gets into leases, landlord negotiations, planning restrictions, and the uncomfortable truth: moving to a bigger space can either unlock growth or quietly break the business.No theory. No property hype. Just the real decisions founders face when they hit the limits of the space they’re in.💥 Why warehouse shortages are becoming a serious barrier for UK SMEs💥 The risks hidden inside commercial property leases💥 Why growing into a bigger unit can make or break a business💥 The real costs of buying a warehouse in the UK💥 Why planning, regulation and supply are slowing down business growthIf you run a business — or plan to — this episode explains a problem you’ll almost certainly face sooner or later.Follow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

If you’ve ever sat there running a business and thought “why the hell am I doing this?” — this episode will probably feel very familiar.Matt and Charlie have an honest conversation about the weeks founders rarely talk about publicly: the ones where motivation drops, costs keep rising, and it feels like you're working harder than ever just to stand still.The episode starts after Charlie messages Matt saying he feels “lower than a snake’s belly” and questioning why he bothers running a business at all. That opens up a brutally honest discussion about the emotional and financial pressure that comes with building something yourself.They talk about the reality of employing people when revenue isn’t guaranteed, the frustration of growing turnover without seeing more money personally, and why so many founders quietly question whether the whole thing is worth it.Along the way they also discuss the UK’s small business landscape — including the fact that around 5.5 million SMEs make up over 99% of UK businesses and roughly 60% of private sector employment.Despite that, most small business owners operate under enormous pressure: rising costs, staffing challenges, tax, regulation, and constant cash-flow tension.The uncomfortable truth: a huge number of founders go through periods where they seriously consider quitting.But most don’t.Takeaways:💥 Every founder has weeks where running a business feels brutally hard💷 The financial reality of growing a business without seeing personal reward for years📉 Why many founders feel like they’re constantly treading water financially🧠 The psychology behind why founders keep going when it would be easier to walk away🏃 Why routine, discipline and fitness often help when motivation disappearsFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

If you run a business and your wage bill is rising again in April… this one’s for you.The National Living Wage is going up by over 4%. Inflation is sitting around 3%. The Bank of England says wage growth above target risks keeping inflation sticky.So who’s right?Matt and Charlie go head-to-head on the wage spiral debate — whether increasing minimum wage above inflation fuels further price rises, or whether businesses are too quick to blame wages for broader cost pressures.This isn’t theory. It’s payroll, margins, hospitality, retail, SMEs and the real decisions business owners have to make when costs move faster than productivity.No politics. No grandstanding. Just what actually happens on the ground.Takeaways:💥 Why wage growth above productivity creates pressure somewhere in the system📊 CPI explained properly — and why services inflation matters most🏪 The SME squeeze: labour, NI, pensions and margin compression📈 Absorb the cost or pass it on? The uncomfortable pricing reality⚙️ Productivity vs pay — and why efficiency is no longer optionalIf wages rise 4% but output doesn’t… someone pays.The question is: who — and for how long?Follow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

Why do business rates even exist?That’s where this one starts.Matt and Charlie continue the VAT conversation from Episode 57 — but this time they zoom in on business rates, empty high streets, and why expanding a small business feels like doing it with your hands tied behind your back.They talk about:• Why warehouses are sitting empty• How jumping from one unit to the next can 4x your costs overnight• Councils, planning delays and “no idling” signs• Whether government actually understands what it’s like to run a businessThen it gets interesting.The ChatGPT Question of the Week:“If you were Chancellor for one year and your only goal was to grow UK small businesses — what three changes would you make, and what would you cut to pay for them?”What follows is part serious policy thinking, part rant, and part accidental manifesto.Takeaways:🏗 Why planning reform might stimulate more growth than tax cuts💷 The real impact of business rates on expansion decisions📉 Why sector-specific VAT changes could work better than blanket cuts🧠 The case for teaching entrepreneurship properly in schools⚖️ Why efficiency in government spending matters more than headline taxesNo scripts. No party lines. Just two founders trying to work out what would actually move the needle for small businesses in the UK.Follow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

Costs are rising. Margins are shrinking. And it feels like another bill lands every week.Charlie kicks this one off with a proper rant about rising ICO fees (which gets awkward fast). But underneath the humour is something real — the cumulative pressure small businesses are feeling.Matt shares what it’s like watching a £500k VAT payment leave the account — and why “it’s not your money” doesn’t make it feel any better.Then the conversation turns bigger.Ireland is cutting hospitality VAT to 9%. The UK is still at 20%.With labour costs climbing, energy high and business rates biting — are we squeezing one of the country’s biggest youth employers into the ground?They break down:📊 Why VAT feels invisible to consumers but painful to founders☕ What’s really happening to pubs, coffee shops and restaurants👥 Why hospitality matters for young people and future entrepreneurs💷 Whether VAT thresholds should be scrapped or dramatically raised🔥 Why small policy shifts can change everything on the groundNo scripts. No spin. Just two business owners reacting to what’s actually happening right now.Follow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

By the time growth kicks in, the excitement fades — and the real pressure begins.In Part Two with Jacob Lockwood, Matt and Jacob talk about what actually changes once a business starts moving. More revenue. More staff. Bigger decisions. And less room for error.They unpack what scaling exposes in leadership, how decision-making shifts when the stakes are higher, and why the business that got you here won’t necessarily get you there.Along the way, they discuss responsibility, letting go of control without dropping standards, and why growth often feels heavier than founders expect.Takeaways:📈 Why growth amplifies weaknesses you could previously ignore🧠 How decision-making changes when the stakes rise👥 The pressure that comes with employing more people⚖️ Letting go of control without losing standards🎯 Why “making it” rarely feels how you imaginedFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - / mrmattholland 👨‍💻 LinkedIn - / mrmattholland 📱 TikTok - / mrmattholland ❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - / theworkwearexpert 👨‍💻 LinkedIn - / charlie-smith-1a55295b Follow Jacob: 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jacobalockw...Follow Lockwood Premium British Smocks: 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lockwood_sm...

What does it actually take to build something properly in Britain?In this episode, Matt sits down with Jacob Lockwood — founder of Lockwood Smocks — to talk about British manufacturing, resilience, and the reality of building a product business from the ground up.Jacob isn’t interested in shortcuts. He’s building in the UK. He’s backing quality. And he’s doing it in a market where going overseas would be easier and cheaper.They get into:• Why he chose British manufacturing (despite the cost)• What customers really value — and what they say they value• The pressure of building a physical product brand• Why conviction matters when the numbers don’t look great• The difference between branding and actually believing in what you’re doingThis isn’t a polished “overnight success” story.It’s about graft. Risk. Setbacks. And backing your principles when it would be easier not to.Takeaways:🇬🇧 Why “Made in Britain” still carries weight — if you do it properly📦 The hidden realities of running a product-based business🔥 Why belief in your mission has to outlast early struggles📈 What scaling really exposes in founders and teams🧠 The mindset required to keep going when others doubt youIf you care about building something real — not just something trendy — this one’s worth your time.Follow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/Follow Jacob: 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jacobalockwood?igsh=OHRsa2xueHk0Y2Q5Follow Lockwood Premium British Smocks: 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lockwood_smocks?igsh=czNyYTViN3o0Ym8=

Growth sounds great — until your systems start breaking.In this episode, Matt and Charlie talk through what actually happens when a service business grows. From investing in capacity and resilience to dealing with bottlenecks, big orders, and firefighting, this is an honest conversation about scaling without breaking what’s already working.It started as a bonus episode — but turned into a proper deep dive on growth, operations, and building a business that can handle pressure.Takeaways:⚙️ Why growth creates operational problems before it creates freedom📈 Building capacity before bottlenecks choke the business🧱 Why resilience matters more than short-term efficiency🤝 The difference between transactional work and long-term B2B relationships🧠 Why solving problems is the real serviceFollow Matt:📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X – https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

By February, the noise has faded — and pressure starts doing funny things to decision-making.In this episode, Matt and Charlie talk about trust, pressure, and how founders make calls when they don’t have all the information. Using The Traitors as a loose lens (despite Charlie not actually watching it), they explore how confidence, bias, and speed can distort judgement in business.Along the way, they check in on wins, wobbles, goal progress, and why February is where most plans quietly fall apart — or finally get real.Takeaways:🧠 How pressure changes decision-making🤝 Why trust is tested when information is incomplete⚖️ Confidence vs competence under stress🎯 Why February is the real goal-setting test🔄 When to push forward — and when to rethinkFollow Matt:📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X – https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

Every founder says their website matters — but most treat it like a brochure and hope for the best.In this episode, Matt is joined by Charlie Smith (Workwear Innovation) to talk honestly about websites, SEO, and the basics most founders avoid. From neglected sites and unclear offers to traffic that doesn’t convert, they unpack why “having a website” isn’t the same as having one that actually works.Takeaways:🌐 Why most small business websites don’t convert🔧 The simple, boring fixes that actually move the needle📉 Why traffic is useless if the offer isn’t clear🧠 How founders avoid website decisions — and what it costs🤖 What AI search means for websites going forwardFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Charlie:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theworkwearexpert👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-smith-1a55295b/

You can love what you do — but if it doesn’t make money, it’s not sustainable.We unpack the tension between passion and profit, and how we’ve learned (the hard way) that doing meaningful work still needs to pay.Takeaways:💸 Why profit protects the work you care about💥 The cost of keeping “passion projects” alive too long🧠 Rebuilding offers that are both fulfilling and viable📉 The moment we realised love alone isn’t enoughFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/

Milestone episode. But instead of celebrating, we’re calling ourselves out.This one’s a punchy breakdown of the stuff we’ve wasted time on as founders — and what we’re finally done pretending works.Takeaways:🕒 Time-wasting habits that felt productive (but weren’t)📉 The tools and workflows we’ve binned🧠 Why simplifying creates better strategy🧱 How to protect time and momentumFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/

You can’t grow what you don’t measure — but most founders avoid the numbers that matter.This episode breaks down the weekly tracking habits we actually stick to, and why they save us time, cash and stress.Takeaways:📊 What numbers we track weekly — and why🧱 The difference between tracking for clarity vs. control💥 When we’ve avoided data — and paid for it later🔁 How one simple spreadsheet changed our decision-makingFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/

If you’re not feeding your brain, you’re falling behind.This one’s all about how learning from other founders — like James Sinclair — has shaped how we build, think, and stay sharp when the days are long.Takeaways:📚 How James Sinclair’s thinking has impacted us💡 Why business content matters more when you’re tired🔄 The balance between learning, copying, and staying original🧠 How consuming better stuff leads to clearer decisionsFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/

It’s January — the month where energy’s high, clarity’s low, and pressure creeps in fast.We break down how to use Q1 to set a real tone for the year — one that sticks beyond week two.Takeaways:📆 Why most people waste January planning instead of doing🧠 The mindset shift that keeps you consistent after the buzz fades📉 What we’re simplifying (and not overthinking) this year🚀 How to build Q1 momentum that lasts past Q2Follow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/

If you’re listening to this on Christmas Day — we appreciate you.This one’s a proper festive reflection and a fresh start. We’re setting our 2026 goals, looking back on the year, and asking:Would last year’s version of you be proud of where you’re at now?Takeaways:🎯 Why goal setting needs to be more than just writing lists🎄 Lessons we’re taking from 2025 into the new year🧱 The small habits we think will compound in 2026🔁 What we’re letting go of — for real this timeFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/

Goal setting sounds easy — until you’re 3 weeks into January and already ignoring the plan.In this episode, Matt and Tom talk honestly about how they approach goal setting as founders. What actually works? What falls apart? And how do you plan for a year when you know things will go sideways?If you're tired of big vision boards that gather dust, or setting goals that are secretly someone else’s expectations, this one’s for you.Takeaways:🎯 The difference between goals that sound good and ones that stick📉 Why vague goals lead to founder guilt and decision fatigue🧠 What we’re keeping, ditching, and doubling down on in 2026📆 How to set targets without overengineering your year💬 Goal setting as a tool for clarity — not a test of ambitionFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/

🎧 BONUS EPISODE — Running Hard, Getting Nowhere. (Lean into the pain.)It’s the end of the year. The Budget’s landed. And if you’re running a small business right now — it probably feels like you’re sprinting just to stay still.In this bonus episode, Matt and Charlie (Workwear Innovation) sit down for an honest, unfiltered catch-up: how the Autumn Statement hit, why business feels heavier than ever, and what we’re both doing to wind down before Christmas.No filters. No plan. Just two founders calling it how it is.Takeaways:💸 Why the Budget headlines sound better than they feel🛠️ National Insurance, full expensing, and what’s still missing🏃 The “treadmill” feeling of working harder for the same results🎄 How we’re switching off (or trying to) over Christmas🧠 One thing we’ll do differently heading into 2026Follow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1

Everyone wants to talk about big ideas and viral tactics — but most founders quietly win by getting the boring stuff right.In this episode, Matt and Tom dig into the unglamorous systems, habits, and backend processes that actually make a business sustainable. From onboarding flows to repeatable delivery, this is the stuff that doesn’t make headlines — but builds real wealth.If you’re chasing scale without structure, or burning out trying to do everything manually, this one’s your permission to simplify.Takeaways:🧱 The unsexy backend habits that create long-term margin📉 Why most founders overcomplicate instead of operationalise🧠 How boring systems buy clarity, calm, and consistency🚫 The difference between “doing the work” and just doing stuff💡 The real flex isn’t working harder — it’s building smootherFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/

Everyone loves to say “the UK supports small business” — but does it really?In this episode, Matt and Tom get real about what it’s actually like to start and grow a business in the UK. From HMRC fear to red tape, broken systems, and a lack of real support, we dig into why so many founders feel like they’re pushing uphill — even when they’re doing everything right.Whether you’re early-stage, scaling up, or just sick of chasing forms and funding schemes, this one’s a vent, a therapy session, and a tactical deep-dive all in one.Takeaways:🇬🇧 The emotional cost of red tape and broken systems🧱 Why starting is easy — but sustaining is brutally hard📉 How fear of HMRC and burnout slows real growth⚖️ The tension between vision, reality, and admin chaos🚀 What real “support” would look like for UK founders

This one’s about running — but also about running a business.After time off, marathon training, and a bit of a mental reset, we talk about the link between physical consistency and business clarity. No fitness preaching — just honest reflections on why your head performs better when your body’s not falling apart.Takeaways:🏃 Why training routines help stabilise your founder energy🧱 How fitness makes business decisions feel less overwhelming🎯 When discipline in one area spills into others (and when it doesn’t)🔄 What we changed in 2025 to feel sharper, calmer, and more consistent💬 Why your best business ideas come after the 5k, not beforeFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/

Black Friday brings the noise — and the pressure. Discount emails, sales FOMO, margin stress… sound familiar?In this episode, we talk honestly about what this season really does to small businesses. Is it worth playing the game? Are we training customers to wait for offers? And what happens when you try to take a stand and don’t discount?Takeaways:💥 Why discounting isn’t always the “easy win” it looks like📉 The hidden costs: margin, customer perception, and team stress🔁 What we’ve tried — and what we’d never do again🎯 How to stay commercially smart without racing to the bottom🧠 Building long-term customer trust in a discount-obsessed worldFollow Matt:📸 Instagram -   / mrmattholland  👨‍💻 LinkedIn -   / mrmattholland  📱 TikTok -   / mrmattholland  ❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn -   / tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555  

We made it to 40 episodes — a milestone Matt set back in December. But what happens when you actually hit your goal?In this one, we reflect on the journey so far: what’s changed, what we’ve learned, and why recording this podcast has become more than just content — it’s become part of how we think, lead, and grow.We also get honest about how it felt not doing the show for a bit, what we missed, and how to keep momentum once the “hype” fades.Takeaways:🎯 Why setting a goal matters — but hitting it isn’t the end🧠 What the podcast has taught us about business clarity🎙️ The difference between talking about business and doing it🔄 What we’d change if we started the show again💬 Why you should go back and listen to old episodes — and what to noticeFollow Matt:📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrmattholland/👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattholland/📱 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmattholland❌ X - https://x.com/mrmattholland1Follow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/

If you’re growing a team while juggling cash, stock, and a hundred fires… this one’s for you. Matt and Tom break down the leadership mistakes founders keep repeating then get practical about how to fix them: consistency, time, feedback, and getting your head and body in shape. No jargon. No fluff. Just what actually works.Takeaways:💥 Why inconsistency kills trust - and how to steady your leadership🧠 Listening over lecturing: reading the “other side of the valley”🧱 Feedback without being a dick and asking for feedback back🏃 Fitness clearer decisions, lower stress, better leadership🔟 “Be a 10”: showing up with energy, standards and intentChapters:00:00 - Intro & why revisit leadership01:05 - Are we actually good leaders? Brutal self-audit04:45 - Listening lecturing; tailoring feedback to people08:10 - “Hurricane Matt” & the cost of inconsistency12:00 - Fitness vs mind: which comes first for leaders?16:40 - Stress, cash, stock - protecting time to lead18:50 - “Be a 10” - energy, standards, enthusiasm22:45 - SWAT yourself: strengths, weaknesses, threats27:30 - Are you at your potential? The push for better30:45 - Final word: stop picking the easy optionLinks🎧 Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch all episodes https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matthttps://linktr.ee/mrmattholland🌐 Follow Tomhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙 Morgan / Studiohttps://cheshirepodcaststudio.com

We tried to “fix the UK” in one episode. No party lines—just two business owners pulling apart VAT thresholds, corp tax tiers, NI on jobs, apprenticeships, R&D claims and business rates. If you’re stuck under the VAT threshold, scared of getting tax wrong, or avoiding hires because the system’s a maze… this is for you.🇬🇧 Simple changes that would actually help SMEs grow💼 NI holidays + hiring incentives that make sense🧾 VAT & corp tax simplification (and why tiers trap you)🧪 R&D & training reliefs—how to make them usable🤖 Could an AI Chancellor design a fairer system?Chapters00:00 Cold open: flags, polarisation & how to talk about it02:46 Why we fixate on “our hill” and ignore other views04:45 Tax: pride in paying vs spending well06:10 UK tax is 21,000+ pages—why complexity kills growth08:45 VAT thresholds, corp tax tiers & perverse incentives12:10 Small firms fear “getting tax wrong” (and skip reliefs)15:25 Education gap: why founders aren’t taught any of this18:05 R&D claims: useful… but a racket?21:30 Hiring Brits: NI holidays for grads & long-term unemployed24:20 Train your team: 150% relief idea for real upskilling26:40 VAT tapering vs flat VAT vs raising the threshold28:30 Business rates & why scaling gets punished31:00 Dividends vs PAYE, risk vs rights (founder reality)35:20 Could an AI Chancellor design policy without politics?39:10 Wrap: simple rules → more growth → more tax revenueLinks🎧 Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch all episodes https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matthttps://linktr.ee/mrmattholland🌐 Follow Tomhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙 Morgan / Studiohttps://cheshirepodcaststudio.com

We talk real growth. Tom’s team just turned on TikTok Shop and did £100k in a week. Not hype - operations, fees, affiliates, product fit, stock, couriers, and the mindset to keep scaling without blowing up cashflow. Volume beats luck - but only if you survive the plateaus.What you’ll learn:🧠 How “volume negates luck” actually plays out day-to-day🛒 TikTok Shop vs Amazon/eBay - fees, ads, affiliates, who wins when📦 Stock, seasonality & couriers - why boring ops decide your margin💸 Growth vs cash: plateaus, VAT/corp tax, and not overtrading👥 Founder mindset: competitiveness, networking, and personal developmentChapters00:00 Welcome back 01:00 Goals, volume, and doing 40 episodes in 202503:30 Visiting TikTok HQ → why we waited (too long) to launch06:00 TikTok Shop mechanics: product fit, price bands, affiliates, caps09:30 Fees reality: TikTok vs Amazon vs eBay (+ ads effect)12:40 Why TikTok converts: in-app checkout & attribution15:00 Logistics: stock landing, Yorks, Royal Mail, negotiating rates18:30 Three very different AOV models (premium vs mid vs value)21:30 Marketplace as a lever — but don’t become dependent24:00 Competitor research, abbreviated accounts, copy & deploy27:30 Personal development → business growth (events, talks, networking)31:00 Responsibility to grow teams, not just revenue33:30 The cash trap: tax, VAT, corp tax, and consolidation phases36:00 Biggest regret: under-maximising the COVID boom39:00 Should AI write your 3-year plan? (and would you follow it?)41:00 Wrap & next week’s teaser: fixing UK tax incentivesLinks🎧 Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matt: https://linktr.ee/mrmattholland🌐 Follow Tom:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙 Morgan / Podcast Studio:https://cheshirepodcaststudio.com

We’ve just spent 10 days in India meeting our offshore teammates — and it’s changed how I think about UK hiring, AI adoption, and where British SMEs find their next edge. In this honest chat, we cover the reality of offshoring (good and bad), why UK incentives miss the mark, and how AI will outpace cheap labour if you actually use it.Takeaways💡 Offshoring works when your systems & SOPs are tight (or it fails).🤖 AI augments good people one A-player can do the work of three.🌍 India’s talent pool is hungry, but AI adoption lags (your chance).💷 UK hiring costs/risks are real; be strategic with roles.✈️ Go see your offshore team culture + process clicks in person.Chapters00:00 Intro & why this topic now01:10 Travel stories (Indonesia, India, comfort zones)05:18 India first impressions: scale, talent, culture06:40 UK offshoring reality & incentives09:58 Remote work → offshoring: blessing & curse12:45 Work ethic, mindset & comfort in the West15:00 India’s stark contrasts & what it teaches18:30 Costs, hotels, value — and BA lost my bag19:55 Should you offshore? When, where, and how22:20 Systems, onboarding, accountability (or it fails)25:00 The AI gap in India (and why that matters)28:45 AI = augmentation → real efficiency gains31:30 Practical plan: train offshore teams on AI33:40 Travel for leverage (Canton Fair, sourcing)35:20 Question of the Week: 1 offshore hire vs 10 AI tools?36:14 Next week’s teaser: Tom’s TikTok Shop rocketLinks🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matt (all links): https://linktr.ee/mrmattholland🌐 Follow Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙 Morgan / Podcast Studio: https://cheshirepodcaststudio.com

We’re back in the studio after a long summer holidays, kids, flu, and a lot of thinking. Can founders ever truly switch off? What did time away change about how we lead, plan, and trade into Q4? Today’s a straight, unfiltered catch-up with real talk on decompression, pressure, and why this podcast exists.Takeaways🧠 You don’t need to “switch off,” but you do need to decompress to think clearly📈 Seasonal dips are fine set up compounding improvements before Q4🛠️ Leadership isn’t louder; it’s calmer after a reset🏝️ Time away = clarity to fix ops, SEO, and systems🎙️ Keep the podcast simple: shorter, focused topics that actually helpLinks🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matt: https://linktr.ee/mrmattholland🌐 Follow Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙 Morgan / Podcast Studio: https://cheshirepodcaststudio.com

Building a business is equal parts graft and grief. In today’s episode, Charlie Smith Workware Innovation breaks down how a family stationery company survived lockdowns, pivoted to branded workwear, and is now posting ~500% YoY growth while still in the “do-everything” phase. We talk real hiring beyond family, SOPs, content consistency, and resisting shiny-object syndrome.Takeaways:🧵 Pivot playbook: how they went from paper & pens to embroidery/print without blowing up the brand.📈 Compounding growth: consistent content + keeping customers beats new tricks.👨‍👩‍👦 Family first… until it isn’t: culture, loyalty, and hiring your first non-family member.🗂 SOPs save sanity: standardisation that lets you scale without losing your soul.🧠 Mindset: frustration, patience, and celebrating small wins on the way up.Guest / Resources:Workware Innovation: https://workwareinnovation.co.ukLinks:🎧 Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHLdho0f9o3hc0WjLZ📺 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matthttps://linktr.ee/mrmattholland🌐 Follow Tomhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙 Morgan / Podcast Studiohttps://cheshirepodcaststudio.com

Got cash sat in your business? Don’t let it gather dust. In this episode, Steph “The Property Teacher” joins me as guest & co-host to break down how founders can deploy profits into residential property safely, sensibly, and without wrecking your week. We cover strategy, area, property, the £30-£50k reality for a first BTL, and how to avoid the horror-story pitfalls (auctions, agents, and bad sourcing).Takeaways🧭 Start with strategy, then pick area, then the property💸 Cashflow + capital growth beats shiny liabilities🧑‍💼 Get a property-savvy accountant before you buy🧱 Avoid auction traps: due diligence first, emotion second📈 Don’t obsess over yield alone ROI & time-to-money-back matterWhere to find Steph + wrap-upGuest / ResourcesSteph “The Property Teacher”: Instagram & Facebook (search “Steph the Property Teacher”), LinkedIn (same), property-school.comMy links & show hub below 👇Links:📺 Watch on YouTube (channel): https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matt: https://linktr.ee/mrmattholland🌐 Follow Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙 Morgan / Podcast Studio: https://cheshirepodcaststudio.com

Ever thought about leaving your job to build a property empire? Steph, aka The Property Teacher, went from English teacher to owning 17 properties in just a few years. This episode is full of brutal honesty about education, property investing, and why most “property coaches” are blagging it.What you’ll learn in this episode:📚 Why Steph left teaching after 13 years🏘 How she built a 17-property portfolio💸 When to sell, when to hold in property🚨 The dark side of property education & “fake coaches"🧠 How neurodiversity shapes learning & business success🔗 Links:🎧 Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHLdho0f9o3hc0WjLZ📺 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matthttps://linktr.ee/mrmattholland🌐 Follow Tomhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙 Cheshire Podcast Studiohttps://cheshirepodcaststudio.com

Small business owners this is your wake-up call. AI is reshaping everything: Google, SEO, ads, and how customers discover your brand. In this episode, Matt sits down with James Starky (Black Lab Digital) to unpack how businesses must adapt or get left behind. From ChatGPT agent mode to SEO strategy, this is essential listening.🔑 Key Points:🧠 AI will drastically change Google search and visibility⚙️ Small businesses must start using AI now here’s how📉 Zero-click searches are killing organic traffic🚀 ChatGPT’s agent mode is an automation game-changer💡 Real examples from SEO, retail, and content creation📍 Chapters:00:00 Intro & James Starky’s Return01:03 Why Small Businesses Must Stay Digitally Relevant02:24 AI vs. High Street Retail: A Warning from Arcadia03:30 Search Engine Disruption Explained05:45 Zero-Click Results & The Death of Traffic07:10 How AI Recommends Products (Real Example)08:40 Digital Ad Spend Hits £35 Billion10:30 Why Nike Pulled Ads and What That Means for You12:25 Using AI for Email, SOPs & Automation16:30 ChatGPT Agent Mode: What You Need to Know18:20 Workspace Wars: Gemini vs. 36522:00 AI Projects, Personalisation & Internal Knowledge26:00 Final Thoughts & AI Challenge for Business Owners27:00 Is AI-Generated Content Cheating?28:50 Wrap-up & Where to Find James🔗 Creator Links:🎧 Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matthttps://linktr.ee/mrmattholland👨‍💻 Follow Tomhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙️ Morgan / Podcast Studiohttps://cheshirepodcaststudio.com

You pour your heart into building a business, but what happens when the early days are freezing cold (literally), your first hire doesn’t work out, and the rules of the game keep changing?This week, Matt sits down with James Starky, founder of Black Lab Digital, to talk about leaving a safe job, starting in his parents’ barn, the lessons learned from that first hire, and why saying “no” can be your biggest business win.🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode🏠 How James went from working in a freezing barn to running a 7-person agency💼 The reality of hiring your first employee (and letting them go)📈 Building a scalable agency without losing culture🛑 Why saying “no” can make you more money than saying “yes”🤖 Future-proofing your business in the age of AI🕒 Chapters0:00 Introduction & What to Expect1:02 From Agency Life to Barn Office Beginnings3:36 Early Challenges & First Clients7:00 Where the Entrepreneurial Spark Came From10:30 The Reality of Scaling a Marketing Agency17:04 Knowing Your Limits & Saying “No”21:10 Building the Right Team Culture27:31 Biggest Challenges Facing Black Lab Digital Today31:22 Goals for the Next 12 Months & Beyond35:01 How to Connect With James Starky👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more honest founder stories!🎧 Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🙋‍♂️Matt:https://linktr.ee/mrmattholland🧔Tom:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙️Morgan ( Studio Owner ) :https://cheshirepodcaststudio.com💡 Key Takeaway:Hiring is hard, culture is fragile, and growth takes discipline. The founders who win are those who know when to push forward and when to say no.

Last week we explored how AI could change the way we work forever. This week Matt and Tom take aim at something more immediate the UK’s looming October Budget and a tax system that’s choking small business.From VAT cliffs to capital gains, employer NI to inheritance tax, what happens when government spending rises… and entrepreneurs are the ones footing the bill? Is this how we grow a country or how we kill the spirit that builds it?🎯 Top 5 Takeaways📈 37.7% Tax Take Is Unsustainable. Highest since WW2 and entrepreneurs are paying for it.💷 NI Hikes and Threshold Cuts Are Job Killers. Businesses are penalised for hiring.🚫 The £85k VAT Cliff Freezes Growth. Founders stop scaling to dodge the tax trap.🧾 Capital Gains, Dividends and Inheritance Are Next. These taxes disincentivise long-term building.🧠 The Real Fix Is Simpler. Slash waste, reward risk, and let builders build.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Intro – Why this episode (and why Matt’s fuming)03:28 The “highest since WW2” tax take (37.7% of GDP)06:45 Employer NI up to 15% and threshold slashed09:56 VAT on private schools and childcare — who really pays?11:06 The £85k VAT cliff that freezes small biz growth14:53 CGT to 18%, IHT freeze to 2030, business shares hit19:34 Rumoured Round 2 dividend scrap? wealth tax?23:40 Business rates, EV charges and crypto clampdowns27:22 Has it ever been this bad for entrepreneurs?31:44 Our fixes cut waste, reward productivity, stabilise policy34:35 Your turn which tax would you scrap first?💡 Key TakeawayBritain can’t tax its way to growth. If we want real innovation, jobs, and economic resilience, we need to empower the people who create value not punish them for trying.🎧 Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matthttps://linktr.ee/mrmattholland👨‍💻 Follow Tomhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙️ Cheshire Podcast Studio (Morgan)https://cheshirepodcaststudio.com💬 Question for YouIf you could scrap one tax or threshold change to help businesses grow what would it be, and what would you fund instead?Let us know in the comments.

Last week we explored how AI is transforming small business. This week Matt, Tom, and Morgan take things much deeper into the social, political, and ethical fallout of AI taking over... everything.From farming to finance, coding to customer service, what happens when machines outperform humans at almost everything? Is this the end of work as we know it, or the start of something else entirely?🎯 Top 5 Takeaways🤖 Most Jobs Will Go. Oxford says 35% will be “affected” but the lads think that’s a wild underestimate.💷 Universal Basic Income Might Be Inevitable. If half the country’s out of work, how do we support society?🧠 Vocational Careers Are on the Line. Coding, customer service, even warehouse packing AI’s coming for them all.🌱 Self-Sufficiency Will Make a Comeback. As tech advances, old skills like growing food and making fire might save us.🧒 Your Kids Need Different Skills Now. Creativity, critical thinking, adaptability. The robots can’t do that (yet).⏱️ Chapters00:00 Intro - AI isn’t coming... it’s already here03:00 Oxford's "35%" prediction too low?06:00 Which jobs are actually at risk?11:30 AI vs agriculture and what farmers lose16:45 Coding, dev teams and the collapse of junior roles22:00 Customer service bots and AI-human mimicry27:30 Universal Basic Income inevitable or impossible?31:00 Will taxes explode to support society?36:00 What should your kids learn in a post-AI world?42:00 How we define success when work disappears47:00 Will AI create super-rich elites and mass unemployment?52:00 Could AI collapse capitalism itself?55:30 The rise of the creator vs consumer divide59:00 The dangers of forgetting how to survive1:03:00 Final thoughts – adaptability beats anxiety💡 Key TakeawayAI isn’t just changing your business it could change everything about how we live. But with the right mindset, there’s still room to lead, create, and thrive.🎧 Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcast🌐 Follow Matthttps://linktr.ee/mrmattholland👨‍💻 Follow Tomhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/🎙️ Cheshire Podcast Studio (Morgan)https://cheshirepodcaststudio.com💬 Question for YouIf AI replaced your job tomorrow… what would you do next? Build something? Grow your own food? Start a movement?Let us know in the comments.

Would you trust AI to run your business? Could you spot an AI-written product description, or would you even care?This week, Matt, Tom, and Morgan swap war stories (and a few hate comments) for a deep dive into the AI revolution changing British business right now, not five years from now. From customer service bots to data-driven decisions, we unpack how UK companies are using AI (and sometimes missing a trick), what’s just hype, and what you need to know to stay ahead.Expect real-life examples from the trenches, honest chat about the human side of tech (is it really “robotic” if you can’t tell?), and plenty of tips on using AI for everything from sharper emails to strategic analysis even if you’re not a techie.🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode🤖 The truth about how British businesses are (and aren’t) using AI right now📈 AI for real-world problem-solving: stock analysis, cashflow, customer service, and more🧑‍💻 How to blend human judgement with machine intelligence (and when NOT to trust the robot)🇬🇧 Surprising UK stats: why we’re punching above our weight in global AI investment✉️ Why even dyslexics are using AI to sharpen up business emails🏃 Running competitions, tax loopholes, and TrustPilot rants what does AI not touch?🧠 Are we all about to be replaced? The real opportunities (and threats) of the AI era💡 How to future-proof your business and yourself in an age of exponential change🕒 Chapters0:00 Intro & why you should leave us a hate comment3:00 Life updates, running challenges, and British small business stories6:05 British Business Fact of the Week: UK’s AI investment boom8:04 How Matt, Tom, and Morgan actually use AI in their companies (warts and all)16:00 Data, cashflow, and letting AI spot the anomalies21:00 Are British businesses ahead, behind, or just confused?25:00 AI and customer service: Would you know if it’s a bot?29:00 Could AI be your business mentor (or Chancellor of the Exchequer)?33:00 Is it even possible to future-proof your job anymore?36:00 Closing thoughts, wild predictions, and a challenge for listeners🎧 Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcastMatt:Linktree - https://linktr.ee/mrmatthollandTom:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/Morgan:Podcast Studio - https://cheshirepodcaststudio.com💡 Key Takeaway:If you don’t embrace AI, your competition will. The winners? Those who keep adapting—one human judgment call at a time.Question for You:Would you let AI run your business if it did 80% as well as you? Why or why not? Drop your answer in the comments!#BritishBusiness #AIinBusiness #Automation #UKBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ChatGPT #BusinessPodcast #FutureofWork #Leadership

You pour your heart into building a business then a war breaks out, borders close, and your entire team is scattered. Would you risk it all and rebuild?This week, Matt and Tom sit down with Paul from MageCloud, a Ukrainian founder who built a seven-figure agency from scratch, then had to start again when everything changed overnight.From hustling fruit in Siberia to navigating UK visas, Silicon Valley failures, and wartime pivots, Paul’s journey is a real-life playbook for resilience, reinvention, and growth.🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode🇺🇦 How Paul survived post-Soviet hardship and learned to hustle from age 10💻 From developer to agency owner: the wild journey behind MageCloud🏃‍♂️ Why founders must own their mistakes and pivot quickly when the world changes🌍 How to build and manage cross-border teams (and why Ukrainian devs are different)🚀 What it’s really like to lose $100k chasing the Silicon Valley dream🧠 Why AI disruption forced a full business pivot and how to future proof your agency👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The raw reality of moving your family to safety while leading a business💡 Real lessons in resilience, leadership, and not letting setbacks define you🕒 Chapters0:00 Introduction & What to Expect0:45 Paul’s Wild Entrepreneurial Origins2:35 Selling Fruit, Surviving in Soviet Times4:00 Hustling in School & Early Businesses7:00 From Ukraine to the UK: The Big Move10:30 Building MageCloud (and Early Failures)14:40 Silicon Valley Dream And $100k Lost17:30 Surviving War & Rebuilding the Team20:30 Pivoting the Business: Agency vs Product22:55 Managing Teams in Ukraine & the UK25:30 The Family Story: Moving Amidst War28:00 Real Lessons in Resilience & Ownership30:45 The Role of Luck (and Why It’s Overrated)33:10 Future-Proofing Against AI Threats36:00 Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts37:35 Where to Find Paul, Matt & TomWhere to Find Us & Key Links🎧 Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcastPaul / MageCloud:Website - https://magecloud.agencyLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/magecloud/Matt:Linktree - https://linktr.ee/mrmatthollandTom:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/Podcast studio - https://cheshirepodcaststudio.com💡 Key Takeaway:Setbacks are inevitable. The founders who win are those who take full ownership, adapt fast, and keep building no matter what the world throws at them.What’s the hardest business pivot you’ve made and what did you learn? Drop your story in the comments!#BritishBusiness #FounderLife #ImmigrantEntrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #MageCloud #StartupStory #UkraineBusiness #Leadership #SmallBusinessUK #EntrepreneurshipCredits:Podcast by British Business PodcastProduced by Cheshire Podcast Studio (https://cheshirepodcaststudio.com)Guest: Paul - Founder, MageCloud (https://magecloud.agency)

You pour your energy (and sometimes a little bit of your sanity) into a new idea. But what happens when your big business brainwave… just isn’t working?Do you double down, Dyson-style, and keep pushing for that 5,000th prototype? Or do you do the hardest thing in entrepreneurship - cut your losses and move on?This week, Matt and Tom get brutally honest about when to quit - and why killing bad ideas fast can save your business, your time, and your mental health.🧨 How to spot when persistence becomes stubbornness (and why it’s so hard to admit defeat)💸 Knowing when to pull the plug on a project, hire, or partnership🧠 Why “sunk cost syndrome” is so dangerous for founders🥊 Real-world stories: agency regrets, wasted hours on beanies, and quitting booze🐟 Why sometimes catching the wrong fish is the only way to learn🌳 How quitting can actually help your business grow back stronger (like pruning a tree)🔥 Turning business “failures” into your next big winFrom Woolworths clinging to the high street, to James Dyson’s 5,000 prototypes, to Matt’s rant about shady agencies—this episode is all about the art of knowing when to walk away, and how to bounce back even better.💡 Key Takeaway:Quitting isn’t failure—it’s a skill. The best founders know when to kill a bad idea, cut their losses, and invest in what works.🎧 Listen now on Spotify | 📺 Watch on YouTube🔊 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcastFollow Matt:🌐 https://linktr.ee/mrmatthollandFollow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/💬 What’s something you wish you’d quit sooner in your business journey? Or did sticking it out finally pay off?#BritishBusiness #WhenToQuit #FounderLife #FailFast #BusinessLessons #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SmallBusinessUK #GrowthMindset

Ever found yourself putting off a tough conversation, hoping a bad hire will just “sort themselves out”?Or maybe you’ve ignored a red flag in an interview then paid the price for months?This week on British Business, Matt and Tom get brutally honest about hiring slow and firing fast—why it matters, why it’s so hard, and what happens to your team if you don’t act quickly enough. From awkward probation chats to the true cost of keeping the wrong person, we’re cutting through the British politeness to talk about protecting your business, your culture, and your sanity.We get real about:🔎 Why most founders wait too long to let people go🚩 The red flags we all ignore (and regret)💔 Why “being nice” can destroy your team👥 Building a squad you don’t have to babysit⚖️ The balance between second chances and protecting your best people🔥 Lessons from Lord Sugar: fire fast to save your businessPlus, rants on British bureaucracy, civil service pensions, and why hiring in the UK is so damn hard right now.💡 Key Takeaway:Kindness is great, but courage keeps your business alive. Hire with care. Fire with speed. Your A-players will thank you.🎧 Listen now on Spotify | 📺 Watch on YouTube🔊 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcastFollow Matt:🌐 https://linktr.ee/mrmatthollandFollow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/💬 Have you ever waited too long to let someone go? How did it impact your business?#BritishBusiness #Hiring #Firing #SmallBusinessUK #FounderLife #TeamCulture #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #ToughDecisions

You build a business because you care about the details. But at some point, your obsession with “getting it right” can choke growth, stress your team, and keep you stuck in the weeds.So… when is micromanaging actually good? And when is it just getting in your own way?This week, Matt and Tom dive into one of the most painful truths for founders: learning to let go.Why do entrepreneurs cling to every task, even after hiring? How do you really step back, build trust, and let your business scale without losing control?We get real about:🔍 The hidden upside (and obvious downside) of micromanagement🕹️ Why letting go can feel like losing a piece of yourself🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How to build trust so you’re not always needed📦 When it’s time to step away from the “shop floor” (and why it’s so hard)💥 Why great systems beat great people every time🚧 How to create guardrails for your team (without stifling them)Plus, the Timpson’s story: what Britain’s biggest shoe-repair chain teaches us about real delegation and local empowerment.💡 Key Takeaway:Real leadership means letting go. If you can’t trust your people, you hired the wrong ones or you’re the bottleneck. The more you let go, the more your business can grow.🎧 Listen now on Spotify | 📺 Watch on YouTube🔊 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4uqUUHL0KUZL2m9dLx9JvO📺 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@BritishBusinessPodcastFollow Matt:🌐 https://linktr.ee/mrmatthollandFollow Tom:👨‍💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcilvenny-b15b9555/💬 What’s the one thing you still can’t stop micromanaging even though you know you should?#BritishBusiness #FounderLife #Micromanagement #Delegation #LettingGo #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SmallBusinessUK #TeamBuilding #BusinessGrowth #BusinessMindset #growthmindset