Tech a Break

In this episode of Tech a Break, Andy joins us virtually from London, and it sparks an interesting conversation about travel.What happens when you're away from the office? Could your business continue to run smoothly without you being physically there?

Growing a business sounds simple… get more customers, make more money, right?Well… not quite.In this episode of Tech a Break, Adam and Andy unpack the real challenges that business owners face as they grow.

In this episode of Tech a Break, we're delighted to welcome back Louise Dargue, who first joined us all the way back in Episode 31.This episode is all about Louise's bookkeeping business... although judging by some of the stories, you could be thinking it was actually about her holidays!We catch up with Louise to hear what’s changed since her first appearance and how her business has evolved.

In this episode of Tech a Break, Adam and Andy discuss the do’s and don’ts of business networking.Networking isn’t about selling to everyone in the room it’s about making connections, learning from others, and becoming part of a community.A huge thank you to our sponsor, Darlington Business Club, for supporting this episode and helping businesses connect and grow.

Want to get an hour of your week back? This episode of Tech a Break is packed with simple shortcuts that can save you time every single day.Adam and Andy share their favourite keyboard shortcuts, Outlook tricks, Excel tips, and workflow hacks that help them work faster and smarter.

This is a very special episode of Tech a Break 🎉This month, Hubspoke Media celebrates an incredible10 years in business, so Andy decided it was finally time to turn the microphone around and interview Adam about the journey so far.

In Episode 126 of Tech a Break, we’re joined by Jonathan Blench, owner of Blench Photography and Blench Digital.Jonathan takes us behind the lens to talk all things photography.We also chat about smart cameras, behind-the-scenes content, social media, and even the privacy concerns around wearable tech like smart glasses. Find out more about Jonathan’s work: https://www.blenchphotography.co.uk/ https://www.blenchdigital.co.uk/

In Episode 125 of Tech a Break, Adam and Andy ask a slightlyterrifying question…What if organic social media was turned off tomorrow?And yes… the legendary fictional rare book shop from our early episodes makes a comeback to help us explore the problem once again.

In this episode of Tech a Break, we’re joined by a very special guest, James, Andy’s son, coming to us live via Teams all the way from Austria.James is a kindergarten teacher, teaching English to children from all over the world, and he gives us a fascinating insight into what it’s like working in such a diverse, international environment.We chat about the importance of learning languages, how they help us connect with people from different cultures, and why starting young can make such a big difference. We also explore whether technology plays a role in the classroom and how it supports (or doesn’t!) early learning.

Adam and Andy talk in depth about pricing jobs, implementing new workflows and ultimately breaking the bottleneck that comes with running a business!

In Episode 122 of Tech a Break, we’re joined by Martin for a conversation that’s both eye-opening and genuinely inspiring.Joining us via video call, Martin shares his experience of using technology as a blind person, navigating a world that wasn’t originally designed with accessibility in mind. From everyday tools to workplace systems, he gives us a real insight into the challenges, workarounds, and innovations that make tech usable.As Martin puts it: the world wasn’t built for him, so he had to build himself for the world. And through that journey, he’s become a true tech professional, working in the industry his entire life.

In Episode 121 of Tech a Break, Adam and Andy tackle an important topic for every household, internet safety. We break down ways to keep your family, (especially children) safe online, without needing to be a tech expert. From setting clear rules and screen time boundaries to understanding your home Wi-Fi setup.We also explore tools like ad blockers, guest Wi-Fi networks, and parental controls, explaining how they work and how they can help create a safer digital environment at home.

In Episode 120 of Tech a Break, we’re joined Ian Lamming.Ian shares his journey into journalism, how he built his career, and the passion that’s kept him going through years of storytelling. It’s one of those conversations that could have gone on for hours.

In Episode 119 of Tech a Break, we’re joined by Jen Jarvie and Howard Little, the minds behind Detective Rooms, an immersive experience that puts you in the role of the detective.Forget just escaping a room… this is about solving a crime.Step into realistic crime scenes, analyse evidence, review witness statements, and work with your team to crack the case before time runs out. It’s a fully interactive experience where logic, teamwork, and a bit of pressure all come into play.Jen and Howard take us behind the scenes of how Detective Rooms was created, how the experience is designed to feel so real, and the tech that helps bring these investigations to life.Find out more: https://detectiverooms.co.uk/

In Episode 118 of Tech a Break, we welcome back a familiar face, Dan, Centre Manager of Darlington Workspace.Dan first joined us way back in Episode 20, and now he’s back to share what’s changed, how things have grown, and what it’s like running a hub that’s home to so many brilliant local businesses.We chat about the development of Darlington Workspace and what goes on behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Plus, we dive into Dan’s passion for gaming.

In Episode 117 of Tech a Break, Adam and Andy take a step back into the early history of computing and one of the most important moments in technology.We explore the work of Alan Turing at Bletchley Park during World War II. Turing and his team were tasked with breaking the German Enigma machine, which was used to send encrypted military messages.To tackle the challenge, Turing helped develop the Bombe, a machine designed to crack the daily settings of the Enigma system. This breakthrough allowed Allied forces to decrypt critical communications and played a major role in countering the German U-boat threat in the Atlantic.It’s a fascinating look at how early machines and a race against time helped lay the foundations for the computers and technology we rely on today.

On this weeks episode of Tech a Break, Adam and Andy rattle through the underdogs of efficiency and productivity software to speed up workload and management (basically how to be really quick on your computer!)

In this episode of Tech a Break, we’re joined by Martynfrom Cheney Payroll Consulting and Bureau Services, a company that helps businesses take the stress out of payroll, implementing brand new systems, improving existing processes, or even handling the entire payroll function fromstart to finish.Martyn shares his journey into the world of payrollconsulting, how he built his business, and what it really takes to create efficient systems that companies can rely on. We also chat about the tech behind payroll, the common mistakes businesses make, and why getting it right is more important than most people realise.

In this episode of Tech a Break, we welcome backsomeone very special. Our very first ever guest, Hannah Worsley returns to the mic! And this time, she’s here to talk about something we don’t always think about… the dangers of technology.Want to learn more about Hannah and her work?👉 https://hannahworsley.com/

In Episode 113 of Tech a Break, Adam and Andy talk about biohacking, where technology meets the human body… We talk wearable tech like Apple Watches, Fitbits, diabetes trackers, and how they’re already changing lives through health monitoring, insulin tracking, and early warnings when something isn’t right. But then things get a little more futuristic.People playing chess with their minds using Neuralink or paying at the checkout with a chip implanted in their hand.Is this useful progress… or are we going too far?

He’s back! After mysteriously disappearing since December, Adam finally returns to Tech a Break.In this episode, we catch up and jump straight into some big topics affecting businesses right now. We talk about the real challenges companies are facing, how platforms like Substack are changing the content and communication game, and the growing role of AI Agents in Copilot, what they are and what they can do.

In Episode 111 of Tech a Break, we’re joined by Adam Gray. Car reviewer, journalist, and the mind behind The Car Buying Coach.Adam’s journey is anything but ordinary. From living in Saudi Arabia to returning to the UK and building a successful career in automotive journalism, he shares how cars shaped his path. We also dive into Adam’s work as The Car Buying Coach, helping people actually enjoy the car-buying process.

In Episode 110 of Tech a Break, we welcome our second guest of 2026, Mark, administrator of Northern Athletics, the organisation behind track & field, road running, and cross-country competitions across the north of England.We talk about the technology that makes modernathletics possible, including athlete rosters for tracking progress over time and chip timing systems that ensure every second counts on race day.

In this week's episode of the Tech a Break podcast, Andy is joined by Natalie Warren-Green, the founding director of Mirabilis. Natalie (known by many as Tilly) is an experienced senior director with a proven track record of international success in organisational change leadership, marketing, strategy, business development, publishing, programme, portfolio, and PMO management, and product development.

It’s the most techy time of the year! For Episode 108, Adam and Andy take a festive stroll down memory lane, revisiting highlights from all 108 episodes of Tech a Break.We also reflect on some brilliant guests who’ve joined us along the way and the unexpected things we’ve learned from them.We wish you a very Merry Christmas, a relaxing break, and a tech-filled New Year.

In this episode of Tech a Break, we discuss iOS vs Android and Mac vs Windows.We break down the pros, cons and hidden wins of each ecosystem, from the perspective of business owners who rely on tech every day and everyday users who just want a smooth ride.

Ever wondered how to safeguard your business from unexpected technology failures? 🤔 This week, we're talking about building business resilience and implementing a robust risk assessment strategy. Gain valuable lessons learned and refine your business strategy to stay ahead of potential disruptions.

This one’s special. Today on Tech a Break, our guest is… Andy! Yep, host, tech brain, accidental comedian, and the guy behind Resilient Business Systems, which just hit a MASSIVE 20-year milestone.We’re going way back to where it started:the first client, the early chaos, the big risks, and how the whole thing grew into a business built on (you guessed it) resilience.

Ready to take off? In today’s episode of Tech a Break, we’re joined by the one and only Stuie Ellerton from SimFly, the genius behind SimFly’s immersive experiences.

In today's episode, Adam Walker brings the history of the printing press to the table as they discuss how this pivotal invention could impact technology in 150 years! Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments and be sure to check out our other episodes on our channel.

Welcome back to another episode of the Tech a Break podcast where this week Adam and Andy are joined by AI guests! They have asked Google's NotebookLM to take a deepdive on past episodes and are able to openly discuss topics live with the join function. It's exciting to say the least to be sure to stay tuned and let us know if you have used NotebookLM too.

On this episode of Tech a Break, we sit down with Kane from Mitchell Digital to talk about his journey in business. Kane shares insights into running a modern digital agency, adapting to new technologies and how he uses AI.📩 Contact Kane:Email: [email protected]: 07971 939429Website: https://mitchelldigital.co.uk/

Today Adam and Andy are celebrating a huge milestone — 100 episodes! To mark the occasion, Adam brought in his DJ decks and gives Andy a crash course in mixing, scratching, and spinning the tunes.

On this episode of Tech a Break, we sit down with Jolanta Drygas from Alventor Ltd, which helps companies implement strategic projects and successfully manage change.We explore her journey, practical advice for businesses, and uncover the story behind the “lemon juicer” 🍋To get in touch with Jolanta, reach out at [email protected]

On this episode of Tech A Break, Adam and Andy talk about time management. What works, what doesn’t, and how tools like the Microsoft Teams Planner app can help. Along the way, they can’t resist a good rant about business.

On this episode of Tech A Break, we’re joined by Jess from The Hullabaloo Theatre, a charity dedicated to creating inspiring theatre for young audiences aged 0–16 years old.As one of the first customers of Resilient, The Hullabaloo has played a special role in our journey, and Adam often captures their vibrant activities through photography.

Journey down the marketing rabbit hole with Adam and Andy as they talk about what goes on under the surface 🐰

On this episode of Tech A Break, we dive deep into the customer journey, what it really means, what it takes to get it right, and why even the smallest details (including toilet roll in the stalls) can make all the difference.We also bring back our fictional rare bookshop, first introduced in some of the earliest episodes.

On this episode of Tech A Break, we’re joined by Rob from Rob-Cam Productions, a filmmaker creating diverse video content inspired by TV and film. From vlogs and motion graphics to promotional films, visual effects, podcasting, and more, Rob brings a creative edge to everything he does.We dive into his journey as a filmmaker, his insights on AI in the creative industry, and the evolving role of visual effects in storytelling.

*nothing in this episode is to be taken as financial advice*Today on Tech a Break, we welcome back Rob, co-founder of LightningPayNZ, who first joined us in Episode 41 to break down Bitcoin and the Lightning Network.This time, we go even deeper into the world of cryptocurrency, focusing on why you should have Bitcoin, how it’s evolving, and what LightningPayNZ is doing to make transactions faster, easier, and more accessible for everyone.If this subject interests you, find out more from Rob: https://lightningpay.nz/@lightningpaynz

Today on Tech a Break, we’re joined by Adam. No, not the boss, the other Adam! He takes us behind the scenes of a super creative project: a stop-motion TV advert for Darlington College, starring their newest tiny talent, Little DC the puppet.From sketching storyboards to hand-cutting props and editing each frame, Adam walks us through the month-long journey of bringing this animated advert to life.

Today on Tech a Break, we're excited to welcome back Liz Lawrence from TigerDove Marketing, a highly skilled and experienced marketing consultant who first joined us in Episode 34.This time, Liz teams up with Adam to dive into the details of a recent collaborative project they've been working on. Together, they discuss how combining their unique skills and perspectives led to a powerful and effective marketing campaign.

Today on Tech a Break, we sit down with Craig, owner of Castle Homes, a forward-thinking estate agency based in Darlington.Craig shares the story behind building his company, how technology is used within his business and why Alex the Robot, their virtual assistant, is the first voice many clients hear when they call.

Today on Tech a Break, we’re joined by Science and Magic, a forward-thinking digital marketing company.In this episode, we explore how the “science” of analytics and the “magic” drive engagement, and create campaigns that stand out in a crowded digital world.

Today on Tech a Break, Adam and Andy are letting it all out, yes it's a full-on rant session.From ridiculous clickbait news headlines (“You won’t BELIEVE what happens next!”) to those creepy targeted ads that just won’t go away (yes, we’re looking at you, foot-related ones)

Today on Tech a Break, we’re joined by Jo, the passionate force behind VIXI Fitness, the brand-new gym at Darlington Business Central.Jo shares the story behind launching the gym, what makes VIXI different, and why being close to people is key to what they do.

In this episode of Tech a Break, we chat with Liam, the newest apprentice at Resilient Business Systems.Liam may only be three weeks into the job, but his passion for tech and IT runs deep. He shares what it’s been like stepping into the world of IT, how he landed the apprenticeship, and what excites him most about the industry.

Today on Tech a Break, we're joined by Hannah Ross from We Do HR and We Do Health and Safety — two outsourced consultancy companies helping businesses stay on the right side of the rules without the hassle of hiring in-house.

This week on Tech a Break, we roll out the red carpet for Darren, the founder of an exciting new startup: Carpet Ninja — a professional carpet and upholstery cleaning business.He’ll clean your carpet so fast, you won’t even know he was there — like a true ninja. One minute it's stained, the next it's sparkling.Darren shares the journey behind launching Carpet Ninja, the challenges of starting from scratch, and the passion that drives him to deliver top-tier cleaning services.

Today we are joined by two lovely ladies: Annemarie Vendy, Branch Manager at Darlington Helping Hands, and Kate, a dedicated Care Coordinator. Together, they share their passion for supporting individuals who wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes.From managing services to coordinating care, they open up about the real-life impact of their work, the emotional depth of caregiving, and why, as they beautifully put it: "you can teach people care, but not how to care."