Dorset Business Matters

What if the advice you keep giving people is the reason nothing is changing?In this episode of Dorset Business Matters, I sit down with Sam Stone, founder of Life Coaching with Sam, for her very first podcast appearance. Sam spent 11 years in the NHS, children's social care, pupil referral units and schools — giving advice for a living. Then she discovered coaching, handed in her notice, and within a week was running her own business.It's a brilliantly honest conversation about what it actually takes to back yourself when the salary stops.What you'll take away:Why counselling looks backwards and coaching looks forwards — and why that distinction matters for anyone who feels stuckThe difference between giving advice and asking the right question (and why the "advice monster" is sabotaging your team and your kids)How reflection and awareness are the two most under-used skills in business and in lifeWhy confidence doesn't arrive first — opportunities do, and confidence followsHow Sam built her entire client base through Instagram from her kitchen table, with nothing more than a laptop and ZoomThe "what if it does work?" reframe that gets new business owners off the fenceWhy group coaching, school-age coaching and coaching in job centres could change the countryAnd the line every business owner needs on a Post-it: your business should fund your life, not consume itWhether you're running a £10m business or thinking about leaving a salary to start your own, Sam's story is a reminder that the person most likely to hold you back is the one in the mirror — and that a good coach, in sport or in life, is the fastest way to get out of your own way.Listen, share it with someone who's stuck, and let me know what lands.Follow Dorset Business Matters for weekly conversations with the people shaping business in the South West.Find Sam: lifecoachingwithsam.co.uk | Instagram @lifecoachingwithsamFind me: simonellson.com | westdorset.actioncoach.co.uk

If you've been telling yourself AI is "a bit like Y2K" and will quietly blow over, this episode is the wake-up call.I sit down with Simon Kinsey, founder of Sparkstone Technology and Agent Factory, for a properly unflinching conversation about what AI actually means for SMEs right now. Simon spent 10 years as a chartered accountant before backing himself into business, has run Sparkstone for 28 years, and has kept the same senior team around him for 20 of those. He knows what resilience looks like — and he's just rebuilt a piece of software in six months that would previously have taken eight man-years.This is not hype. This is someone who builds the stuff, selling it to people who use it every day.What you'll take away:Why curiosity is the single most underrated trait in any business owner — and why it's non-negotiable nowThe honest truth about SMEs and AI: the biggest blocker isn't the tech, it's the lack of intent at the topWhat an AI "agent" actually is, broken down in plain English — a prompt, a tool, a container, and a way to repeat the jobThe real-world example of a hairdressing wholesaler pulling an extra £250k a year from WhatsApp photos of handwritten ordersThe chartered accountants saving a full person a month on VAT returns — with a build that pays for itself in 90 daysWhy "there are no easy jobs left" — and what that means for how you hire, train and promoteThe billion-dollar one-person business that Sam Altman predicted — and the founder who's already done itWhy Claude and desktop AI tools are only "the tiniest scratch on a massive surface"And the line every business owner needs tattooed somewhere visible: if you're coasting, you're dyingWe also get into the uncomfortable stuff — the minister for AI who doesn't use AI, 73% of employers reporting AI projects sabotaged by their own teams, and why the education system is still training people for 1952.Simon's closing line on entrepreneurship is one of the best I've had on the podcast: "The minute you go into business, you're inherently unemployable."Whether you're running a £10m business wondering where to start, or a one-person operation asking whether AI is worth bothering with (spoiler: day one, always), this one's for you.Follow Dorset Business Matters for weekly conversations with the people shaping business in the South West.Find Simon Kinsey: sparkstone.co.uk | agentfactory.co.ukFind me: simonellson.com | westdorset.actioncoach.co.uk

Most people don’t start businesses because they’re ready.They start because something inside them says, “There’s more than this.”In this episode of Dorset Business Matters, Simon sits down with Michelle Reade, founder of a wellness coaching practice, to unpack what it really takes to move from employed, to franchise success, to building a business of your own.Michelle spent 17 years helping others grow their businesses through franchising, scaling teams, and developing people — before finally taking the leap herself. What followed wasn’t just a new business, but a complete shift in identity, confidence, and direction.This is a conversation about more than business strategy.It’s about fear, confidence, and backing yourself.Inside this episode:• Why franchising can be a powerful way to start a business — and where it goes wrong• The biggest mistake service-based business owners make when they go out on their own• Why “borrowed advice” and copying others is holding people back• The truth about networking, confidence, and finding your tribe• How loneliness is quietly affecting business owners and their performance• What it really takes to move from practitioner to business ownerMichelle also shares her longer-term vision of building accessible business support for people who wouldn’t normally get it — creating community, not just clients.If you’re starting out, feeling stuck, or trying to figure out your next move, this episode will give you a clearer direction — and probably a bit of a push.

In the latest episode of Dorset Business Matters, I sat down with Rupert Holloway, founder of Conker Distillery — now 12+ years into the journey.  This isn’t a “look how successful it’s been” story.It’s a real look at what it takes to build, survive, and evolve a business through:• A booming start with zero real strategy• Hitting a plateau when the market catches up• Navigating COVID, cost of living, Brexit and supply chain chaos• Competing in an industry dominated by billion-pound brands• Learning (the hard way) that cashflow and numbers matter more than hypeThere’s also a brilliant thread running through this episode around brand.Not logos. Not colours.But what your business actually stands for.Rupert puts it simply:If people forget what your product tastes like, you’re fine.If they forget your brand… you’re gone.We also get into:• Why he wouldn’t start a gin business today• How Conker Coffee Liqueur became a real scale opportunity• The danger of chasing “what’s next” instead of doubling down on what works• Why staying in your lane might be the smartest move you make• And the one thing every business owner must understand from day one…👉 Know your numbers.Not your turnover.Not your ego.Your real numbers.If you’re building a business, growing one, or thinking about stepping out on your own, this episode is worth your time.🎧 Listen to the full episode here:[Insert Podcast Link]

From Car Dealer to Independent Finance Broker: Courage, Cashflow and Building a Business the Hard WayIn this episode of Dorset Business Matters, I sit down with Chris, who made the leap from the motor trade into building his own business as an independent finance broker.Chris shares the real story behind that move. Not the polished version. The honest one. Leaving a secure role, stepping away from the comfort of a salary, and backing himself to build something of his own in a world where trust, relationships and timing matter more than ever.We talk about:Chris’s background in the motor trade and what selling finance inside dealerships taught himWhy moving to the “other side of the desk” gave him a stronger understanding of how finance really worksThe decision to go independent, and why it felt both terrifying and necessaryWhat the first three months of self-employment were really likeBuilding a client base through networking, referrals and consistencyWhy trust matters more than noise in financial servicesCashflow pressure, invoice finance and the difference between factoring and invoice discountingHow business owners can use funding properly to support growth instead of panic-filling gapsThe importance of niching down instead of trying to be everything to everyoneWhy courage, conviction and proper support matter when you’re starting a businessChris also talks openly about the emotional side of business ownership. The pressure, the responsibility, the family balance, and the reality that when it’s your business, the buck stops with you.There’s also a brilliant thread running through this episode around research, AI and modern business building. Chris makes the point that there has never been more information, support and technology available to help someone start well, think clearly and move faster. But you still need to be bold enough to act.This is a grounded, practical conversation for anyone thinking about starting a business, growing one, or trying to get smarter about finance, cashflow and decision-making.If you want a business episode with real-world lessons, not fluff, this one delivers.

Marketing Without Research Is Guesswork: Lee Hill on Why SMEs Jump Too FastIn this episode of Dorset Business Matters, I’m joined by Lee Hill, founder of Runway.Lee and his team do two things. For larger businesses and corporates, they deliver customer and market research. For SMEs, they’ve recently launched a drop-in Head of Marketing service for Managing Directors who need proper strategic support, without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire.The conversation hits a nerve straight away. Most SME marketing fails for one simple reason: people jump straight to execution. They start posting on social media, hiring a freelancer, running ads, sending emails… but they have not done the thinking first. Lee’s view is refreshingly blunt. If you have not stepped back to answer why the business exists, what problem it really solves, and what customers actually need, then what you are doing is not marketing. It is just activity.We talk about:Why marketing gets cut first when times are tough, and why that is usually the worst moveThe difference between marketing and sales, and why most businesses confuse the twoHow research often saves companies a “bucket load” of money by stopping them choosing the wrong channelWhat “lightweight” research actually looks like (and why you do not need 1,000 survey responses)Why websites were originally built like print brochures, and why that mistake still kills conversions todayHow brand trust can make people tolerate a clunky website, but new businesses do not get that luxuryThe smart way to use AI in marketing (hint: not asking it to invent your strategy from outdated online data)Lee’s real business lessons from COVID, scaling too fast, and building the second business with more disciplineHis practical advice for anyone about to leave employment and start a businessHis book recommendation: Good to Great by Jim Collins, especially the part about hiring self-motivated peopleIf you’re building a business and your marketing plan is “in your head”, this episode will give you a friendly shove. Lee’s core message is clear: start with research, get confident in the problem you solve, then spend money on execution.

From Teen IT Fixer to Trusted MSP: Building OTECH with Confidence, Character and CareIn this episode of Dorset Business Matters, I sit down with Kyle Sharland, founder and Managing Director of OTECH, a managed service provider supporting businesses across the UK with IT, cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity.Kyle’s journey didn’t start with a grand plan or corporate backing. It started at 15 years old, fixing servers on an industrial estate, learning the trade hands-on, and building trust one relationship at a time. Ten years on, OTEC is a growing, values-led business with a strong reputation and a clear view on where IT, cyber and responsibility are heading.We talk about:Starting young and learning by doingBuilding a business without losing your humanityThe loneliness of early-stage business ownershipWhy confidence matters more than credentialsPricing, churn and having the courage to charge properlyCybersecurity myths and what small businesses really needWhen to bring in external help and why support networks matterResponsibility, leadership and carrying other people’s livelihoodsGiving back through OTEC’s laptop donation scheme for schools and charitiesThis is a thoughtful, honest conversation about business growth, pressure, purpose and doing the right thing — even when it’s hard.If you’re a business owner, founder or leader navigating growth, self-doubt or complexity, this episode will give you perspective, reassurance and practical insight.

From Garden Shed to 7,000 Sq Ft: Building Mad MowersWhat started as a home-schooling project fixing broken lawnmowers in a garden shed has grown into a serious Dorset business with a 7,000 sq ft unit, commercial contracts, cutting-edge technology and a clear plan for the future.In this episode of Dorset Business Matters, I sit down with Michael and Andrew Drapper of Mad Mowers. Michael, just 18 years old, is Managing Director. Andrew is his dad, business partner and the steady hand behind the scenes. Together, they share an honest, no-nonsense account of what it really takes to build a business from scratch.We talk about:Growing a business without a grand plan – and why that’s more common than people admitThe reality of being a teenage Managing DirectorCashflow shocks, seasonality and nearly getting caught outWhy shiny object syndrome kills progressMoving from paper tags to fully customised systems using NotionThe shift from petrol to battery and robot mowersCommercial contracts, service plans and recurring revenueHiring, process building and stepping out of the day-to-dayWhy getting a business coach earlier would have saved pain and timeThis is a grounded, practical conversation about learning the hard way, staying focused, and building something that lasts.If you’re starting out, scaling up, or wondering why running a business feels harder than you expected, this episode will resonate.

Photography, Self-Doubt and Saying Yes: Building Folio CreativeIn this episode of Dorset Business Matters, I’m joined by Beth, founder of Folio Creative — a personal brand photographer and content creator working with female founders across Dorset to elevate their online presence with confident, warm, story-led brand visuals.Beth started her business in 2020, right in the middle of COVID, after finishing a photography degree and finding the traditional career path had basically vanished overnight. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she created them. Doorstep shoots, small local makers, side hustles turning into real businesses, and a steady climb built on showing up, building trust and learning as she went.We talk about:Starting a business with passion, but no clue how business worksHow networking helped Beth learn faster than any course couldWhy Instagram is still her best lead generation toolThe reality of being a solo founder and pushing through self-doubtBuilding a reputation that creates referrals over timeCreating and hosting sold-out events for female foundersWhat it really takes to grow when your work is personal and relationship drivenThe long game: freedom, flexibility, travel, and building a business that supports a lifeThis is a thoughtful, encouraging conversation for anyone starting out, feeling behind, or wondering if they’ve got what it takes. Beth’s message is simple and powerful: say yes, learn fast, and back yourself.

Having been an employee, then in a partnership, and now a Ltd company you could say Louise had done it all. She shares some great insight, from self doubt to motherhood and of course the best bit, would I do it all over again and some advice to newbies just getting going.At the Inspiration Agency we value communication, taking the time to listen to and really understand our clients. Every client has a dedicated Account Manager supported by a team of industry experts in Design, Digital and PR.The agency tailors their approach to client’s unique needs, whether a one-off PR project or retained support in case of crisis. Clients report that they see a significant increase in engagement and enquiries after working with the agency and that they make the whole process easy and stress-free. With a team of 15, her day is now less designing logos and leaflets and more leading the team to deliver excellent service and results for arange of varied clients across the UK.

 Kaz is a chartered financial planner. She deals with everything all the way from mortgages up to complex tax cases, business owners selling their businesses and large inheritance tax cases.10 years in the business and some key lessons along the way, learning from mistakes, ambitious to grow and in the enviable position of loving what she does!Again, some great insights and advice, particularly from her early days.Listen and enjoy!

In the heart of Dorset lives Domvs Estate Agents. 20 years in the making, a wealth of knowledge and insight and a very informed CEO in Polly.You'll hear the pain, frustration, delights, learnings, balancing work and motherhood and much more in this episode, tune in for some great insights, whether you are getting started or already in business, this is one for you!Polly says "It might not be what you'd expect to hear from an estate agent - but actually people are more important to me than 'bricks and mortar'! Behind every property there is a story, a lifestyle, a dream, so we founded an estate agent that truly puts people front and centre. Buying, selling, or renting a property is emotional, sometimes stressful, and potentially tricky, so DOMVS' ethos has always been to offer the best advice and guidance, and be a trusted adviser to our clients and indeed anyone looking to build a life in Dorset"

This week, we feature another Dorset Business and ask Alison why and how she got started, what her biggest challenges are and what's next. Alison and her husband Steve have built their business over 8 years and are not finished yet!Have a listen and don't forget to subscribe....

Miranda and Karen, veterans of the world of journalism, but have never run a business prior to 2022.A great story, full of trials and tribulations, now in year 4 and finally feeling like they are getting a handle on the business.A circulation of 20,000 and >70,000 readers every month! If you arent reading it or advertising in it, you should be.The Hyperlocal Newspaper of the year 2025!!

In this episode, we'll hear about Stuart's remarkable journey from working in the nightclub industry to a huge health scare, to becoming a trusted financial advisor, and we'll learn what it takes to build a successful independent financial services business. Stuart is the owner and principal advisor at MacNab Financial Services Limited, bringing over twenty years of experience in financial services with a focus on mortgages and protection advice.

 Welcome to the premier episode of Dorset Business Matters, where we sit down with the region's most inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders to uncover the stories behind their success. Today we have an incredible guest joining us. She's the founder and managing director of Total Guide To Group, a thriving enterprise that's been connecting businesses and communities for over 14 years. She's also the Southwest Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year for 2025. From building multiple successful businesses to championing the power of relationships in an AI-driven world, her journey is packed with insights you won't want to miss. So let's dive right in and meet the woman behind it all.

A Female founder with a fascinating story, this is just the first minute of the full recording, just to whet your appetite! Much more to follow in this first episode of Dorset Business Matters, launching soon!If you follow this podcast and run a business in Dorset, and want to drop in for an episode, send your details to [email protected] and Danielle will get you booked in!

Welcome to Dorset Business Matters — the podcast that gives Dorset business owners a voice and shares their lessons on business and on life.After coaching hundreds of business owners across the country, one thing’s always clear — behind every successful business there’s a story. Usually, it involves a few sleepless nights, a near miss or two, and a lesson that only experience can teach. This podcast is about those stories. The wins, the wobbles, and the what-the-hell-happened moments that make running a business equal parts challenge and adventure.Each week, I’ll sit down with a Dorset-based entrepreneur, leader or local legend to talk about what really makes business work — and what nearly broke it. We’ll cover everything from leadership and mindset, to money, marketing and managing people — the stuff no textbook prepares you for. Whether you’re running a growing company, just starting out, or simply curious about how others do it, this is your space to learn, laugh, and realise you’re not alone in the madness of entrepreneurship. So, if you love Dorset, business, and a good dose of honesty, hit follow now. The first episode drops soon — and trust me, you won’t want to miss it!If you are interested in appearing on the Podcast, drop us an email at [email protected] and we'll find a space for you!