The Business Talks Podcast with Sam Thomas

#16 - Evan Sellick - Taking the leap to start a vintage clothing business, to striving for stability, with future plansIn this episode I speak with local business owner, who started his own business from a young age, supported by family, Evan Sellick. Evan has already been recognised for his work and scaling up the business, having recently moved into a new unit in 2025 with the amount of stock he has. With continued sales through online platforms, to growing the size of the business, to marketing and building relationships, to logistics, to stability, to future plans, there's a great episode here to listen to if you want to start your own business.

#15 - Cllr Sean Wharton - Equity over Equality and the Importance of DisciplineIn this episode I speak with former Cwmbran Town AFC Manager and Footballer, Sean Wharton, as he talks about his life, running his own business - No Boundaries Training and Consultancy and being a Councillor. Sean talks about the importance of discipline in his life and what football taught him, even when he least expected it. Sean has now taken to a life of public service, delivering community practice and cohesion across Cwmbran. With a commitment to education and looking to inspire others, Sean has set up his own company, where he works with schools, community groups and businesses talking about important contemporary topics. Listen to the full episode on Spotify and YouTube.

#14 - Molly Jean-Crowther - Consultancy, Network 75, University and Role as Chief Financial OfficerYoung Network Professionals and Network 75 - Conferences, Sustainability, Community Investment, Networking and Promotion to the role of Chief Financial Officer The demands facing a Chief Financial Officer and the development of systems for Network Rail Consulting and Advising on Projects for Amey Consultancy - the insights into the requirements and assessment Public Sector work and projects The importance and benefit of University for your own personal growth, as well as the opportunity to have funded pathways into learning Career Transitions and Professional Development Change processes, adaptability and willingness to changeLeadership and Management Interested in how to network? Interested in working within the Network Rail Industry? Interested in working in Finance? Interested in consultancy and advisory roles? Interested in University? Then this episode is for you. Make sure to subscribe and follow to listen to the full episode on Spotify and YouTube.

#13 - SPECIAL EPISODE - Imogen Davies - Cultural Influences that has led to freelancing opportunities (The Business Talks Podcast x The Reflective Coach Podcast x The Beecham Podcast)In an exclusive first with a partnership between The Business Talks Podcast, The Reflective Coach Podcast and The Beecham Podcast you can listen to our combined interview with Author, Poet and Publisher, Imogen Davies as she talks about her cultural influences and freelancing opportunities. A current Masters student, she has lived in Wales, Catalonia, France and Scotland, experiencing different ways of life, meeting new people and developing networks that have allowed her to gain fantastic experiences, working at multiple events. Imogen's most recent experience led her to being part of the Women's Euros 2025 team with the Welsh National Team, going to Switzerland, whereby her work was used in an important speech to the Welsh squad. You can check out Imogen's work across her social media, including LinkedIn and her own website @Imogen Davies Poet & Writer on Google.

#12 - Ben Tweddle - From working in Logistics at 16, to now being a Company DirectorThis 35 minute business snapshot into running a business and the lessons learnt from over life, to managing your people, to delivering a service and product based company, then its time to listen. Ben's experience and knowledge within the business world has led to him now becoming Director of Protex Insurance LTD, a company that puts people first.

#11 - Josephine Grech - Genocide, Srebrenica, Anti-Racism and Technological AdvancementIn this episode, in a new collaboration between The Beecham Podcast and The Business Talks Podcast, we speak with Cardiff and Vale College Lecturer, Josephine Grech. Josephine heads up the Anti-Racism Programme at the College and works within the advanced technology projects, developing the use of AI and its teaching. Josephine is involved in a number of projects, including raising awareness around conflicts all around the world, including genocides and Srebrenica.

#10 - Barry Fallon - Establishing a Brand and Developing a Business ModelIn this episode we speak to the Co-Owner and Operations Manager for the Tin Can Kitchen, part of "The Yard Group Limited". Barry talks about his influences from his early life, which led to his decision into becoming a business owner. The business has diversified into new geographical areas and has opened up a separate food company in previous years, however, after reflection and covid, the company realigned and is now highly established in Newport. We talk about - ➡️Business Growth and Future Plans for Development ➡️High Quality Customer Care and Service ➡️Conflict Resolution in Customer Complaints➡️Strategic Partnerships, Marketing and Recognition ➡️Sourcing and Sustainability ➡️Supply Chain and Impacts ➡️Covid and Recovery ➡️Realignment and Branding➡️Management of people and staff➡️Culture and Environment ➡️Costings & MUCH MORE You can watch and listen to the full episode on both YouTube and Spotify. If you haven't yet clicked subscribe or follow, please do so!

#9 - Joe Granville - A family run business aiming to conquer Newport In this episode I speak to the Managing Director of The Rogue Welsh Cake Company, Joe Granville, who talks about where his idea for the company came from and starting it with his mum from their kitchen. Unconvinced by their competitors products Joe has since entered the market with his own Welsh cakes, providing a blend for the people of Newport. Joe has since opened up a store front based within Newport Market and talks about his hands on approach to the business. We hear how Joe reflects upon his role as Managing Director, as he seeks to develop his vision further to grow the company. Partnerships, networking and learning from others are important aspects of the business world, where Joe talks about the support of Alacrity, who feature further into this podcast series, with another guest also giving a shout out to Joe and attending events. In this great episode you can hear about the authenticity of a local company and how it strives to conquer the market.

#8 - Lauren Morse - Ethical Business Practice and Organic Growth for an SME in Torfaen In this episode I speak with SME Business Owner and Founder of Torfaen Zero Waste, Lauren Morse. Lauren talks about the political factors that can impact her business and how she has strategically worked with the local authority and other businesses to ethically source products. Lauren talks about the growth of her business, from taking on employees and the demands placed upon a business owner. Torfaen Zero Waste has its own storefront and offers a range of products that provides sustainability and a contribution to the environment, which can cause a headache between operating a business, whilst meeting community need. We can support local by going to these stores and supporting business owners. You can check out more about Torfaen Zero Waste across their socials.

In this episode we speak to SME Business Owner and STEM Award Winner, Zoe Hooper as she talks about the importance of an online presence, sustainability and future plans of Pocket Potions.

In this episode Lewis talks about his influences and family history within the motor trade and what led to his position at the Sytner Group now. Lewis talks about the importance of focusing on good customer relationships, which is important in every aspect of business. As a Business Manager he works closely within the brand of Jaguar Landrover and BMW, developing innovation in achieving business outcomes, sales and having positive impacts upon performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#5 - Luca Conibeer - Business Snapshots - Founding a Grassroots Football Club, Third Sector and SustainabilityIn this episode Mr Conibeer talks about founding his own grassroots football club, giving insights into the internal and external demands that a football club faces. You may play for a club yourself and you may not realise how much work goes on in the background. One of the core topics we cover on this podcast is sustainability and this means various outcomes and impacts for various guests - whether its their ingredients and supply chain, to packaging and complying with political pressures, laws or policies, to recruitment and investment in staff, sustainability has a wide spectrum which is critical for any organisation. What is covered in this episode - ➡️Founding a grassroots football club, establishing values, structure and standards ➡️Recruitment of players and coaches and how this takes place ➡️Strategic Partnerships and how this contributes to growth and sustainability ➡️Working with families, parents and carers to fundraise and market the club ➡️Identifying facilities and business operations & costs ➡️Investment and growth of a club and how the financial demands keep rising ➡️Funding Bids and Processes➡️Compliance and Regulation ➡️Political and External Factors ➡️Becoming a Community Asset and identifying the needs of community groups with the use of data ➡️Coach Development and Education Pathways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#4 - Imogen Pickton - Starting a Business at the age of 21, the World of Social Media & Content Management and Building a Portfolio and Network In this episode Sam speaks to owner and founder of "Imogen Grace Socials", Imogen Pickton. Imogen founded the business at the age of 21, following her success and growth as a freelancer, working for multiple companies and brands, building her own portfolio. Imogen has grown the business, delivering on key performance indicators for a number of businesses, that has allowed her to contract out to other freelancers due to demands her business faces. Imogen talks about the importance of copyright laws and compliance, quality assurance and how to build a network. Imogen talks about the world of social media, content creation and gives insights into how to develop a brand for other companies. Imogen's work and quality has allowed her to acquire contracts for multiple businesses, with greater plans for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Sam speaks to Mrs Davies, President of Henllys Rotary Club, who talks about her experience in teaching and business. Mrs Davies talks about the importance of PR, Organic Growth, Strategic Partnerships, Strategic Planning, Marketing, Leadership and Management and monitoring key performance indicators. This insightful episode allows listeners to understand what the Rotary Club is and the services it offers, whilst understanding what goes on behind the scenes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#2 - Bronwyn O'Flaherty - From Estate Agency. to a Cleaning Business, to a Care Business. Lessons from multiple industries In this episode business owner and founder, Bronwyn O'Flaherty talks about developing her business venture into a brand and the evolution into new industries. Bron's experiences of running businesses in multiple sectors has allowed her to continue ongoing learning and reflection, continuously evolving her approach to business. Bron talks about having motivation as an individual, learning from making decisions, financing, business start up, recruitment, partnerships and her plans to develop the business even further. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first episode of The Business Talks Podcast, Sam interviews Business Owner and Outdoor Educator, Peter Savage. Peter talks about starting up a business and business growth. Peter talks about how to register a company, with the various types of companies available, the submission of finances, future plans, growth, partnerships and his passion for outdoor education. The podcast focuses on business operations, giving insights into how individuals have started their own businesses, where they've combined their education, experience and skills, driving their passion and business interest into a business venture. Peter, a former student of Croesyceiliog School talks about his journey from leaving school, to educating young people, to running his own business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.