On the Couch with Biscoes

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by Jane Lamer, Head of Economic Development and Skills at Portsmouth City Council, to explore how the city supports businesses, skills, and economic growth.Jane shares insight into Portsmouth’s thriving entrepreneurial scene, the support available to startups and SMEs, and how initiatives like enterprise centers and business helplines help companies grow and succeed.They also discuss apprenticeships, youth employment, and the importance of collaboration across organisations like Shaping Portsmouth to create opportunities for local people and businesses.The conversation celebrates Portsmouth’s vibrant community, including its centenary year, the Lion Trail, and the City of Culture 2029 bid.A positive and insightful episode for business owners and anyone interested in Portsmouth’s future.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by trainee solicitor Sally Allen to share her powerful and personal journey of living with an invisible disability while building a career in law.Sally opens up about being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in her early twenties after a period of serious illness and delayed diagnosis. She discusses undergoing life‑changing surgery, including the removal of her large bowel and adapting to life with a stoma, all while continuing her studies and completing her law degree.The conversation explores the challenges of recognising symptoms, speaking up in healthcare settings, and the importance of persistence when advocating for your own health. Sally also highlights how stigma around conditions like bowel disease can delay vital conversations and why breaking that silence is so important.Together, they discuss disability awareness in the workplace, including the importance of disclosing invisible disabilities, accessing reasonable adjustments, and creating open, supportive environments. Sally shares her advocacy work with charities and her passion for helping others navigate both diagnosis and professional life.From running half marathons to starting her legal career, Sally’s story is one of resilience, determination, and redefining what’s possible after a life‑changing diagnosis.An inspiring and honest episode for anyone navigating health challenges, disability in the workplace, or pursuing their career against the odds.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by Duke Harrison Hunter, founder of Ambassador for Change, to discuss the powerful work he’s doing to educate young people on knife crime, county lines, substance abuse, and serious youth violence.Drawing on his lived experience, including years of addiction and time spent in prison, Duke shares how he now uses his story to deliver impactful school assemblies and community talks aimed at prevention and early intervention. From primary schools to sixth form students, his sessions focus on behaviours, consequences, resilience, and mental health.The conversation explores the reality of county lines exploitation, highlighting how young people from any background can be targeted and groomed. Duke explains the warning signs parents should look out for, from sudden behavioural changes to secrecy, multiple phones, and unexplained possessions.They also discuss the rise in knife crime among young people, why education at an early age is critical, and the long-term consequences that are often overlooked. Duke’s approach is honest, direct, and designed to give young people the knowledge they need to make safer choices.The episode also highlights how businesses and individuals can support this work through sponsorship, helping fund school visits and ensuring more young people have access to these life‑changing conversations.A powerful and eye‑opening episode for parents, educators, and businesses looking to make a real difference in their communities.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison sits down with CP Robinson, Chair of Portsmouth Pride, to discuss how the organisation is evolving into a year‑round, sustainable charity supporting the LGBTQ+ community across Portsmouth.CP shares the story behind hosting UK Pride, delivering 52 events over 26 weeks, and engaging over 20,000 people, while keeping the majority of activities free and accessible. The conversation explores why Pride is about more than just a single event, highlighting the ongoing work taking place with local organisations, the NHS, and community groups.They also dive into the value of meaningful business partnerships, showing how companies can go beyond sponsorship to build authentic, inclusive practices that support their teams and communities. From lived‑experience workshops to tailored collaborations, CP explains how organisations can embed inclusivity into their culture.The episode also uncovers the often unseen work behind Portsmouth Pride, including mentorship programmes, volunteer development, and community initiatives that create long‑term social impact.A must‑listen for businesses, community leaders, and anyone interested in inclusion, social impact, and making a difference in Portsmouth and beyond.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by Sandie Davis, Partnerships Coordinator at Spark Community Space. Sandie shares how Spark has grown into a vibrant, volunteer‑powered community hub supporting people who feel isolated or disconnected and why genuine partnerships with local businesses are essential to keeping the charity thriving.They discuss how organisations can become Spark ambassadors, the many ways businesses can give back beyond financial donations, and the creativity behind fundraising events like the annual Spark Ball. Sandie also explains how anyone can visit the space, pay what they can, enjoy a famous cheese toasty, and help fund someone else’s visit through “pay it forward” donations.A heartfelt conversation about community, connection, and the small acts of kindness that keep Spark shining.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by colleague Adam Manning, solicitor and one of the few notaries public in the UK. Adam lifts the lid on the fascinating world of notarial work, from authenticating documents for overseas weddings to handling international property transactions and urgent business needs.He shares the unusual and rigorous training involved, including studying Roman law and private international law, and explains why notaries remain essential for creating trust in documents used abroad. Adam also talks about his unique legal seal, the pressure of last‑minute requests, and how he and his team step in to help clients meet tight international deadlines.The conversation ends on a lighter note as Adam reveals his passion for space, space law, and (of course) the occasional terrible dad joke.A warm, insightful episode showcasing a rare legal specialism and the person behind it.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison sits down with Mark French from One Financial Solutions to unpack what financial advisors really do, the differences between restricted, tied and whole‑of‑market advice, and how to plan effectively for the future.They explore later‑life financial planning, including care‑home funding and long‑term care annuities and discuss how legal and financial professionals work together to support vulnerable adults.The conversation also dives into the Armed Forces Covenant and Employer Recognition Scheme, with Mark sharing why supporting the armed forces community matters and how businesses can get involved.A warm, informative chat about financial wellbeing, care planning and community commitment.

Welcome to On the Couch with Biscoes, your home for honest, unscripted business and community conversations brought to you by Biscoes Solicitors. We work with a huge range of local organisations, and we’ve learned so much from the people behind them, now we want you to hear their stories too.In this episode, Alison is joined by Stephanie Bellchambers, Head of Biscoes’ Family Department, for a thoughtful and eye‑opening conversation about some of the most sensitive areas of family law. Stephanie explains the wide range of support her team provides, from divorce, separation and domestic abuse matters to the specialist areas of fertility law, surrogacy and collaborative divorce.Together, they explore the realities behind modern family‑building: donor conception, the legal pitfalls of informal arrangements, the protections offered by licensed clinics, and the complex journey intended parents face when navigating surrogacy in the UK or abroad. Stephanie also lifts the lid on collaborative law, a more dignified, constructive alternative to traditional divorce that keeps couples in control and reduces conflict, cost and emotional fallout, especially for children.They also discuss Biscoes commitment to providing legal aid for vulnerable clients, particularly survivors of domestic abuse, ensuring that vital support remains accessible within the Portsmouth community.This isn’t a legal lecture, it’s a warm, reassuring conversation that highlights the human stories, modern challenges and compassionate solutions at the heart of family law.So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and join us on the couch.

Welcome to On the Couch with Biscoes, your home for honest, unscripted business and community conversations brought to you by Biscoes Solicitors. We work with a huge range of local organisations, and we’ve learned so much from the people behind them, now we want you to hear their stories too.In this episode, Alison is joined by two familiar Portsmouth faces: Terence from Delivered Social, and Joe, CEO of OVIO Solutions. Both recently navigated the stresses of moving home, and they share what the conveyancing process really feels like, whether you’re a first‑time buyer stepping into the unknown or juggling the sale and purchase of your next home.Together, they chat about the value of having a supportive solicitor, why clear communication can calm even the most nerve‑wracking moments, and how understanding the legal process can turn confusion into confidence. Alison also lifts the lid on what actually goes on behind the scenes in conveyancing, from checks, searches and surprises, to why things take longer than people expect.Beyond home‑moving, the episode celebrates both guests’ passion for Portsmouth: from championing the city through the Ambassador Programme to supporting the LGBTQ+ community through Portsmouth Pride. It’s a conversation rooted in positivity, community spirit and the people who make Portsmouth thrive.This isn’t a legal deep dive, it’s a genuine, cosy chat about homes, community and the importance of feeling supported.So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and join us on the couch.

Welcome to On the Couch with Biscoes, your home for honest, unscripted business and community conversations brought to you by Biscoes Solicitors. We work with a huge range of local organisations, and we’ve learned so much from the people behind them, now we want you to hear their stories too.In this episode, Alison sits down with Gary Spencer‑Humphrey, founder of Nova Care Consultants. Gary shares his journey as an experienced social worker and explains the vital work his team does across Portsmouth, from mental capacity assessments and care‑planning support to specialist mental health expertise.Together, they unpack some of the most misunderstood areas of adult social care: how capacity is assessed, what happens when families disagree on decisions, the realities of deputyship, and how mental health professionals make difficult calls under the Mental Health Act. Gary also offers insight into his work as an Approved Mental Health Professional and expert witness, providing a rare look into the complex decisions that can affect the lives of vulnerable people and their families.This isn’t a legal deep dive, it’s a genuine, comforting chat that celebrates the individuals shaping our local community.So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and join us on the couch.

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, we’re joined by Becki Simmons, the heart behind Sparks Community Space. Becki shares her inspiring journey, from hosting simple online coffee chats to creating one of Portsmouth’s most vibrant and impactful community hubs.We dive into her personal story, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and how Sparks has grown into a welcoming space that supports and connects so many across the city. This honest, unscripted conversation offers a warm look at the people and passion behind Sparks Community Space.This isn’t a legal deep dive, it’s a genuine, comforting chat that celebrates the individuals shaping our local community.