The Business Growth Show

In this episode of The Business Growth Show, we sit down with Chris Wardle: a Videographer and the founder Eldraw Creative Media, to discuss his journey from a wannabe Graphic Designer to a pioneer of Digital Marketing with the rise of Video based content. Chris shares how his creative journey started long before running a business. As a kid, he spent hours photoshopping body kits onto cars, developing an early passion for visual storytelling and design. That interest in creative media eventually led him into videography at a time when most businesses still relied heavily on traditional marketing and static content.Spotting the shift in the digital landscape, Chris founded a video content agency focused on B2B marketing, helping companies communicate complex products, services and brand stories through high-quality video. In a world where businesses are competing for attention online, video has become one of the most powerful tools for building trust, explaining value and driving engagement. In this conversation we explore: • How Chris transitioned from creative hobbyist to professional videographer • Why video became essential for modern digital marketing • The realities and challenges of growing a video content agency • The rise of AI-generated video and whether human-made content will remain dominant • Why storytelling, creativity and authenticity still matter in B2B marketing • The shared passion for cars that influenced Chris’s early creative work Chris also shares practical insights from working directly with businesses, explaining why companies investing in video marketing today need more than just a camera. They need strategy, clarity of message and content designed to connect with real audiences. Guest: Chris Wardle, a Videographer and the founder Eldraw Creative Media Company: Eldraw Creative Media If you're interested in Videography, SEO, digital marketing, innovation in creative content or the real stories behind building businesses, this conversation offers practical insight and an honest look at the entrepreneurial journey. Subscribe for more conversations with local Rutland business owners sharing how their ideas were built and how they continue to grow. #TheBusinessGrowthShow #Chris Wardle #Entrepreneurship #SEO #DigitalMarketing #Videography #BusinesstoBusinessAgency #Rutland #BusinessGrowth

In this episode of The Business Growth Show, we sit down with Dean Lynn, Entrepreneur, multi-venture operator and co-founder of PlayFundWin, to discuss his unconventional journey through technology, digital marketing, music and sport. Growing up as a disruptive student who didn’t fit the traditional path, Dean found his direction through the early internet and online gaming. What started as curiosity quickly turned into building and developing online games, where he first discovered the power of search rankings and digital visibility.That curiosity led him into the world of SEO, where he became highly skilled in aggressive link-building strategies designed to dominate Google rankings. After working as a contractor helping fast-moving businesses achieve rapid search growth, Dean later used that same expertise to help companies recover from damaging Black Hat SEO practices, removing penalties and rebuilding ethical, long-term search strategies.But his story doesn’t stop with digital marketing. Dean has also explored creative and community-driven ventures including music production, sports fundraising and innovation in fan engagement. His work has even opened doors to conversations with major football organisations including Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, where discussions around the future of fan engagement and digital experiences are shaping the next era of sport. In this episode we discuss: • How early online gaming sparked a career in technology • The hidden world of Black Hat SEO and how businesses get penalised • How companies recover from Google penalties and rebuild search rankings • Lessons learned from working across digital marketing, music and sport • Why innovation and creativity are shaping the future of audience engagementGuest: Dean Lynn, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of PlayFundWinCompany: PlayFundWin If you're interested in entrepreneurship, SEO, digital marketing, innovation in sport or the real stories behind building businesses, this conversation offers practical insight and an honest look at the entrepreneurial journey. Subscribe for more conversations with local Rutland business owners sharing how their ideas were built and how they continue to grow. #TheBusinessGrowthShow #DeanLynn # Entrepreneurship #SEO #DigitalMarketing #BlackhatSEO #SportsInnovation #Rutland #BusinessGrowth

In this episode of The Business Growth Show, we sit down with Emily Baxter, Personal Trainer and founder of Method Gym in Oakham, Rutland, to talk about building a modern fitness space rooted in education, confidence and long-term results. After five years of hands-on 1-to-1 Personal Training experience, Emily returned to Rutland with a clear vision. She wanted to create more than just another gym. Method Gym is a small group coaching facility designed for people who feel unsure about what their body truly needs. It combines personalised coaching, structured strength training, reformer Pilates, tailored nutrition support and dedicated recovery facilities including sauna and ice bath therapy. Emily shares how her background in one-to-one coaching shaped her holistic approach to health and fitness. We explore how Method Gym supports mobility, strength, body confidence and sustainable progress through expert coaching and clear programming. She also opens up about launching a local business in Oakham, the challenges of growing within Rutland, and how she built a strong community around trust and results. This episode is perfect for anyone searching for: • Personal training in Rutland • Strength training and reformer Pilates in Oakham • Personalised nutrition plans • Sauna and ice bath recovery facilities • Small group coaching with expert support • Local business growth stories in Rutland If you're interested in health and fitness coaching, starting your own gym, or discovering inspiring local businesses in Rutland, this conversation offers real insight from someone who has turned experience into a thriving community-driven brand. Guest: Emily Baxter (Personal Trainer and Gym Owner) Company: Method Gym (Rutland) Subscribe for more conversations with local Rutland business owners sharing how their ideas were built and how they continue to grow. #TheBusinessGrowthShow #MethodGym #PersonalTraining #HealthandFitness #Pilates #StrengthTraining #Sauna #IceBath #Oakham #Rutland #BusinessGrowth

Most business owners think they know how their business is doing… until someone asks for the numbers. In this episode of The Business Growth Show, we sit down with Angela & Rupert Turton from Blue Dragonfly Group to talk about the most common growth blocker they see in SMEs: not having a clear grip on your numbers. We unpack why relying on your accountant for outdated reports holds you back, how to build simple systems that keep finances clean and useful, and what it really takes to execute change inside a growing company. You’ll also hear practical advice on: • The “critical numbers” every business should track (and why a bank balance is not enough) • How to sort messy systems and make software actually talk to each other (CRM + accounting) • Why marketing is an investment, not just a cost • When a business hits the tipping point where structure, process and delegation become essential • How to chair better meetings with agendas, clear purpose and real decisions • Why communication is the foundation for growth • Working successfully with a business partner (even if they’re also your spouse) If you’re scaling past the early stage and want better cashflow control, clearer reporting, and a plan you can actually deliver, this one is for you. Guests: Angela Turton (Accountancy & finance clarity) + Rupert Turton (Project-led delivery & business change) Company: Blue Dragonfly Group (UK) Subscribe, Like, and Comment. We’d love to hear what part of Angela and Rupert's story or approach stood out most! #BusinessGrowthShow #Entrepreneurship #Accountingtips #Finance #Marketing #Sales #Peterborough #Rutland #Stamford #SmallBusiness #Leadership

Adam (Active Internet Marketing) and Jon (Octopus Computers) chat with Michael Parry, co-founder of Frank Modern, about building a modern estate agency in the Peterborough and Rutland market. Michael breaks down what’s really happening right now, why getting the setup, pricing and marketing right from day one is everything, and how listening properly has led to a big rise in off-market sales. He also shares what he’d do differently if he started again, how networking and visibility helped them grow fast, and why “old school” lead gen like direct mail is working again. We also get into the story behind the Frank Modern name, what it’s like running the business with his wife Morgan, and the next chapter. launching a new prestige-focused sister brand, Parry & Grace, for Rutland’s unique and exceptional homes.Main takeaways from our chat with Michael:- In a competitive market, visibility and strong marketing from day one matters.- Get the pricing right early and you give yourself the best chance of success.- Off-market deals come from understanding buyers properly and matching them well.- Process and communication after the sale can be the real differentiator.- You can’t be everything to everyone, sometimes you need to split the brand.Subscribe, like, and comment. We’d love to hear what part of Michael’s story or approach stood out most!#BusinessGrowthShow #Entrepreneurship #Property #EstateAgency #Marketing #Sales #Peterborough #Rutland #Stamford #SmallBusiness #Leadership

Adam (Active Internet Marketing) and Jon (Octopus Computers) chat with Toby Thomas, founder of Love Stamford. After moving from London to Stamford just before the pandemic, Toby went from online business training to a hyper-local project designed to connect residents, visitors, and businesses. He shares lessons from past ventures, including speed dating, domain hoarding, and a short-lived spinning tops empire, and how failure shaped his approach. We cover community pride, local growth challenges, and how Love Stamford aims to be an inclusive, collaborative hub. Plus: why cutting costs can matter more than sales, and why AI is a “sports hall-sized brain” for entrepreneurs.Main takeaways from our chat with Toby:Failure teaches as much as success: know when to cut losses.WordPress was a game-changer for making business training accessible.COVID showed Zoom’s potential, but also the loneliness of remote-only work.Love Stamford is built on inclusivity, collaboration, and no paywall gatekeeping.AI is like a free super-team: learn to use it as a business partner.Toby shares how he built Love Stamford through entrepreneurship, resilience, and community. Discover the failure lessons that shaped his journey and the power of building with purpose.Subscribe, like, and comment - we’d love to hear what part of Toby’s story inspired you most!#Entrepreneurship #FailureLessons #CommunityBuilding #BusinessGrowth #LoveStamford #Leadership #TheBlondeBeat #BusinessGrowthShow

Adam (Active Internet Marketing) and John (Octopus Computers) sit down with Andy Nisevic, founder of One Degree and leadership coach. Andy shares his journey from property investment into people development, and why he believes that small, intentional shifts can create extraordinary results in business and leadership. We dig into the power of DISC reports for building self-awareness, how COVID reshaped the way leaders need to show up, and why culture and accountability drive performance more than strategy alone. If you’re leading a team or scaling a business, this conversation is a playbook for unlocking potential without losing sight of people.Key takeaways from our talk with Andy:Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about creating space for others to succeed.Most companies underinvest in people, even though culture drives results.COVID accelerated empathetic and adaptable leadership models.Small, consistent “one degree” shifts compound into major growth.Coaching provides accountability and perspective leaders can’t always find themselves.Self-awareness, powered by tools like DISC reports, is the foundation for lasting development.Discover how Andy helps leaders transform their teams and businesses through culture, coaching, and the power of small shifts.If you’re interested in leadership growth, DISC reports, or strategies for building stronger teams, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.Subscribe, like, and comment - we’d love to know which part of Andy’s journey inspired you most!#Leadership #BusinessGrowth #DISCReports #OneDegree #Coaching #Culture #TheBlondeBeat #BusinessGrowthShow

Adam (Active Internet Marketing) and Jon (Octopus Computers) sit down with Simon Morris, entrepreneur, M&A operator, and coach. Simon shares his journey across sales, mail order, coffee, and buy and build, and why simple, people first moves often beat shiny tactics. We dig into how to make a business “buyable,” the Virtual Territory Management model that helped major brands cover more accounts, and the small customer journey tweaks that lift sales in days. We also unpack the CREAM framework for planning by reverse engineering, why hiring for attitude wins, and how first party data can turn into real revenue. Key takeaways from our talk with Simon: - Buy and build works when management can run the show without the owner. - Exit value rises with clear numbers, clean data, and a strong leadership bench. - Hire for attitude, train for skill, protect culture, communicate clearly. - Selling more to existing customers is the fastest path to growth. - CREAM framework, get clear, reverse engineer, act, monitor. - Virtual Territory Management covers second tier accounts at lower cost. - NLP tools help leaders improve communication and decision making. On a quick side note, Simon is our guest speaker at this month's Lunch and Learn networking event in Stamford, on 20th November. Tickets can be purchased at: https://bit.ly/4hOUEnU If you care about exits, acquisitions, team culture, or practical sales plays you can use this week, this episode is a toolkit you will come back to. Subscribe, like, and comment - tell us which tactic you will try first!#BusinessGrowth #MergersAndAcquisitions #BuyAndBuild #Sales #CustomerJourney #DataStrategy #NLP #Leadership #Culture #LunchAndLearn #BusinessGrowthShow

Adam (Active Internet Marketing) and Jon (Octopus Computers) sit down with leadership coach and motivational speaker Pete Rushmore from Flagship Partners. Pete shares how he helps business owners and senior leaders unlock performance through clarity, confidence, and accountability. He explains why great leadership comes down to direction, skills, and energy - and how understanding your people through motivation mapping can transform culture and results. Pete also talks about burnout, delegation, and how his own journey from corporate life to running a successful training and consultancy business shaped his leadership philosophy. He gives a sneak peek into Director’s Edge 2026, a one-day event designed to help directors lead with purpose, confidence, and energy.Director's Edge event details:📅 21st November 2025📍 Crown Lodge, Downham Road, Outwell, Wisbech PE14 8SE🕤 9:30 – 16:35🔗 Book your place: https://www.inslatt.co.uk/booking-form/Key points from the episode:- Why leadership success depends on direction, skills, and energy.- How motivation mapping helps teams stay engaged and fulfilled.- Lessons from scaling a family business with structure and communication.- The HERO framework for developing confident, high-performing leaders.- Why burnout is often a symptom of unclear purpose, not workload.If you’re a business owner or director looking to strengthen your leadership, energise your team, and lead with greater purpose, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world advice.Make sure to subscribe for more conversations on leadership, culture, and business growth. Hit like if you found Pete’s story inspiring, and drop a comment to share your biggest leadership takeaway.#Leadership #BusinessGrowth #MotivationMapping #TeamEngagement #Entrepreneurship #DirectorDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #TheBlondeBeat #BusinessGrowthShow

Adam (Active Internet Marketing) and John (Octopus Computers) welcome James Belderbos, founder of Belderbos Solicitors. James shares how he launched his firm mid-lockdown in 2020 after a career spanning criminal advocacy, litigation, and family law. We dive into challenges of location, why community presence trumps footfall, and how mediation and collaborative law keep families intact through separation. James discusses recruiting the right personalities, adapting to video hearings post-COVID, the impact of AI, and why bravery matters when starting a business. He also highlights family law reform, modern family dynamics, and how niche practices grow on reputation and empathy.Key points from the episode: No “average case” in family law - every family’s situation is unique.Mediation and collaborative law keep families intact through separation.AI helps with documents but can’t replace active listening in mediation.Reputation and bravery are key growth drivers for niche firms.Reform is overdue for cohabitation law, the system lags modern family life.If you’re looking for insights on family law, how mediation shapes modern legal practices, or strategies to build a community-driven and purpose-led business, this episode has plenty of inspiration and practical advice.Make sure to subscribe for more stories on law firm success and business growth, hit like if you enjoyed the conversation, and drop a comment to share which part of James’s journey inspired you most.#FamilyLaw #Mediation #LawFirmGrowth #LawFirmSuccess #PurposeDrivenBusiness #CommunityBuilding #Entrepreneurship #TheBlondeBeat #BusinessGrowthShow

Adam (Active Internet Marketing) and John (Octopus Computers) sit down with Kevin, founder of Landmark IFA and chair of Landmark Financial Group. He shares why he left large institutions, opened the doors with staff but no clients, and scaled to 37 advisers and 65 staff through smart hiring, acquisitions, and an employee ownership trust. We dig into culture (“ego-less,” team first, DYP (deliver your promise) and how Landmark handles regulation, training, and AI as a force-multiplier, not a headcount reducer. If you’re growing a professional services firm, this is a blueprint for sustainable scale without losing your soul.Key takeaways from our talk with Kevin:Employee ownership locks in independence and adviser confidence.Growth lever: acquire retiring books and use them to recruit rising advisers.AI is a tool to lift capacity, not replace people.Reputation is the moat. You only keep it by doing what you said you’d do.Discover the story behind Landmark IFA’s impressive growth and how an employee-owned business model helped scale the firm to 65 staff. In this episode, Kevin shares practical insights on building a thriving financial services business with a purpose-driven culture.If you’re interested in IFA growth, employee-owned businesses, or strategies for scaling with strong leadership and values, this conversation is full of inspiration and takeaways.Subscribe, like, and comment - we’d love to know which part of Kevin's journey inspired you most!#EmployeeOwnership #IFAGrowth #BusinessGrowth #PurposeDrivenLeadership #CompanyCulture #FinancialServices #TheBlondeBeat #BusinessGrowthShow

Welcome to The Business Growth Show with Jo from The Blonde Beet, Stamford’s first and only plant-based café, bistro, and community space.Join Adam and Jon as they explore Jo’s fascinating pivot from sustainability work and student behaviour change to launching a thriving, welcoming café right in the heart of Rutland. Jo walks us through her journey, from cozy supper clubs and lockdown takeaways to acquiring a charming, slightly hidden premises and transforming it into a vibrant, inclusive space.Discover how Jo built a café that caters to everyone:Thoughtful, seasonal, zero-waste menus that appeal beyond the vegan niche.The creative use of textural delights like toasted seeds and nuts to elevate dishes.Community-driven programming, from art displays and book clubs to workshops and supper clubs.The power of collaboration and intentional choices, including local refill partnerships and sustainable sourcing.The ongoing challenge and joy of staying true to mission while managing growth.Whether you're into hospitality, community-building, or purposeful entrepreneurship, this episode is full of feel-good inspiration and practical insights.Subscribe, like, and comment - we’d love to know which part of Jo’s journey inspired you most!#PlantBasedBusiness #CommunityCafe #SustainableGrowth #LocalEntrepreneurs #FoodAndCommunity #TheBlondeBeat #BusinessGrowthShow

Welcome to Episode 7 of The Business Growth Show! Join hosts Adam and Jon as they chat with Tony Gardner from Hegarty Solicitors, a pillar of the Stamford and Rutland business community with over 35 years of leadership and networking experience across multiple industries.Tony opens up about his unique career journey, from roles in sales, marketing, and organisational leadership to stepping into legal services. Discover how he uses his diverse experience to help businesses flourish, not just legally, but through genuine human connection and strategic networking.We dive into:The power of authentic networking and how Tony connects businesses, even beyond legal solutions.Why local businesses thrive with relational outreach, not just transactions.Navigating the rise of AI in legal work, and why combining AI with human oversight is more important than ever.His top tip for growing teams: empowering people, driving accountability and supporting them to shine.And a sneak peek at upcoming local initiatives, including an Invest‑for‑Growth workshop coming this summer - small, personable, and designed to support business expansion.If you're intrigued by building resilient brands rooted in community, or curious about legal strategies that embrace innovation, this episode is a must-listen.Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment. Tell us which part of Tony's story struck a chord with you!#BusinessGrowth #NetworkingTips #AIinLegal #LocalEntrepreneurs #EmpowermentLeadership

In this episode of The Business Growth Show, Adam and Jon sit down with Joanna Aikens, founder of Aikens Media, to hear how she went from freelancing in PR to running a successful global content marketing business, all from her home office in Rutland.Joanna shares her inspiring story of entrepreneurship, building a career in marketing before remote work was the norm, and raising two sons while growing her business. We dive into the realities of working solo, her early experience in the PR world (and modelling!), the evolution of tech in marketing, and how she’s embracing AI tools today.This one’s full of useful insight for anyone in marketing, PR, content creation, or starting a business from home.Topics we cover:Building a content agency from scratchWorking remotely long before it was coolFreelancing, resilience & risk-takingNavigating the future of AI in marketingWhy human connection still wins in businessDon’t forget to subscribe, like, and drop a comment - what part of Joanna’s story did you connect with most?#ContentMarketing #WomenInBusiness #FreelanceLife #PRStrategy #MarketingTips #WorkFromHomeSuccess #EntrepreneurJourney #AIinMarketing #BusinessGrowthShow

If you had to start a business today with next to no money, where would you begin? In this episode, Adam and Jon break down exactly what they’d do (and what they’d avoid) if they were launching from scratch in 2025. From getting your first customer quickly and avoiding branding rabbit holes, to leveraging local communities, testing your idea on the high street, and learning how to fail forward - this is a real-world, practical guide for anyone looking to bootstrap a business the smart way. They also dig into pricing strategies, referrals, processes, and why asking for help might be your best growth move. Whether you’re thinking of starting something new or trying to get traction with what you’ve already begun, this episode is packed with honest advice and low-cost strategies that actually work.

In this episode of The Business Growth Show, Adam and Jon tackle a hot local topic: Rutland’s potential loss of county status. With central government pushing for council mergers, what does that mean for one of England’s smallest, and proudest, counties? They break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes, what it could mean for residents and business owners, and why local identity matters more than ever. The conversation also explores the risks for small business funding, infrastructure changes, and whether the tight-knit Rutland community could be diluted as part of a wider region. It’s a grounded, honest look at how local decisions can ripple through the business world - and why it’s worth speaking up.

In this episode of The Business Growth Show, Adam and Jon explore the local networking landscape in the East Midlands, sharing honest insights on everything from BNI and the Rutland Chamber of Commerce to more relaxed events like In the Hive and walking networking groups. They talk about what works, what to watch out for, and how to approach networking without pressure. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your approach, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world experience that can help you build stronger business relationships.

In this episode, Adam from Active Internet Marketing shares how he transitioned from selling Yellow Pages ads to running a cutting-edge digital agency generating thousands of leads each year. We talk about the evolution of SEO, investing in R&D, helping clients hit personal goals (like buying that van or taking that long-overdue holiday), and the highs and lows of scaling a business. Adam also gets personal about his upcoming wedding and his long-term vision of achieving financial freedom. If you're growing a business or just curious about how modern marketing really works, this one's packed with honest advice and valuable insights.

Meet Jon from Octopus Computers, a self-proclaimed nerd turned entrepreneur who’s grown a local IT company into a tech partner for SMEs in the Stamford area and beyond. In this episode, Jon shares the story of how his dad’s side hustle evolved into a fast-growing business, what sets his team apart in the crowded IT space, and why soft skills matter just as much as technical ones. We dig into AI, client challenges, mentorship, and his bold plans for building a free business school for young founders. Whether you're a tech lover, a small business owner, or just curious about the future of digital services - this one’s packed with useful gems.