The Fun Side Of Business

Send us Fan MailGetting kicked out of school doesn’t exactly scream “future success”… but for Tom Hines, it was just the beginning.In this episode, we chat with coach and Hindsight founder Tom Hines about how fear of failure can quietly shape your life, showing up as avoidance, self-doubt, and unrealised potential  and how to flip that into confidence, purpose, and real impact.From growing up in rural Suffolk with the classic “bags of potential” label, to working in corporate HR across different cultures, Tom shares a refreshingly honest journey. We dig into what actually drives behaviour at work: why people switch off in training, how influence really works, and why leaders who dodge vulnerability lose trust (even if they don’t realise it).We also get into “sustainable joy” and why that Sunday night dread is a red flag, not just part of life.If this hits home, give it a listen, share it with someone who needs it, and don’t forget to subscribe.Support the show

Send us Fan MailA 9-year-old selling horse chestnuts for cash doesn’t exactly scream “future entrepreneur”… but Scott Russell was never following the usual script.In this episode, we get into the real journey. He left school at 16 and learned what classrooms don’t teach, how to sell, how to hustle, and how to handle real money. Turns out, earning early can teach you more than perfect grades ever will.Then comes the twist. A “too good to be true” telecoms job drops him in with just a clipboard and confidence. Instead of backing out, Scott doubles down. He shares how he built credibility from a tiny Mayfair office, landed solid deals, and created businesses with predictable, scalable revenue, the kind buyers actually want.If you’re into smart growth, exits, or purpose-driven business, this one’s for you.Support the show

Send us Fan MailA house sale can fall apart for the most unexpected reasons — like someone refusing to leave behind a spare cooker. Then, in contrast, another deal can be saved simply because an estate agent rolls up their sleeves, cleans up an empty property, stages it with whatever’s on hand, and helps buyers instantly picture a future there. That’s the side of “selling homes” most people never see, and it’s exactly what we dig into with Joe and Peter Wood from the Joe Wood Property Team.Peter shares his long-term view of the UK property market, including an early wake-up call with negative equity and how his background in banking and business coaching shapes the way he manages risk, pressure, and people. Joe brings the scrappier origin story — starting with a phone book, relentless door knocking, and a mindset shift sparked by Rich Dad Poor Dad. We also explore why Keller Williams stood out to them, how they built a modern estate agency in Ipswich, and why the goal shifted from being the cheapest option to delivering the best value.If you’re buying or selling, this episode is packed with practical insights: smarter negotiation tactics, pricing strategies that actually work, staging that changes how buyers feel, and the hidden complexity of conveyancing, where a third of deals can collapse before completion. We also break down why buyers often go head-to-head with pros while under prepared, and how acting as a trusted adviser can protect both sides of a move.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEver notice how most of what you stress about never actually happens… yet somehow it still ruins your whole day? Yeah, same. In this episode, we get real about overthinking, pressure, and trying to look like you’ve got it all together when you’re just keeping your head above water.We zoom out and talk about what real wealth actually looks like, and spoiler, it’s not just money. Peace of mind, strong relationships, enjoying what you do… that’s the stuff that actually matters.We also get into the power of community. Why networking isn’t just “nice to have” but essential, especially when things feel tough. Having the right people around you makes everything easier.It’s honest, it’s relatable, and there’s plenty of laughs along the way.If this hits home, share it with someone who needs it — and ask yourself: what does your happy look like right now?Support the show

Send us Fan MailTwo young founders turn up with no media training, no budget, and a ridiculous amount of drive, then somehow make it work. We chat with Harrison Turner and Tom Mumford from In The Business about what it really takes to start before you feel ready, and why “step one” is the missing piece for so many aspiring entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed by online noise, or stuck waiting for the perfect moment, this conversation is a reset.We get into the reality of building a podcast and a personal brand: publishing imperfect work, learning what to edit and what to leave in, and staying consistent long enough for the compounding to kick in. Harrison shares the kind of persistence most people talk about but never do, including spending hours to secure walk-and-talk interviews and using content as a doorway into bigger opportunities. Tom adds the grounded view on systems and turning creative energy into something sustainable.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEver had that moment where you’re the one holding it all together… and then suddenly, everything feels like too much? That’s exactly where Jo Wood found herself....... and it completely changed the direction of her life!We kick things off with Jo’s journey from building a career in office roles, eventually rising into senior HR leadership within the NHS. She shares the three simple rules that shaped her career (and honestly, they’re ones everyone should hear)Then we get into the real stuff. Burnout, anxiety, and the physical warning signs so many of us ignore. Jo opens up about hitting breaking point, being completely overwhelmed, and how she slowly rebuilt herself with the right support.Now, through Insight to Mental Health, she’s helping others do the same. Bringing real, practical support into workplaces, from well being and burnout to neurodiversity and beyond.If this hits close to home, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone who needs it, hit follow, and let us know the one thing you’re taking away from this episode 💛Support the show

Send us Fan MailHe’s built companies, coached fighters and written books!In this lively and honest episode, Craig Sennett (Knight Web Design) joins us for a conversation that proves a winding path can be your greatest advantage.Craig shares what it was like growing up across five primary schools and three high schools, constantly being “the new kid.” That experience sharpened his people skills but came with hidden costs to confidence, something many will relate to. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at school governance, and what really goes on as budgets tighten.From there, we dive into the world of recruitment. Craig unpacks the difference between effort and results, the power of honest selling, and lessons from building and pivoting businesses.We also explore real-world self-defence, where awareness beats flashy techniques, and understanding the law is just as important as knowing how to throw a punch.If you’re into business, resilience, or real talk about growth—this episode delivers.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat if the best way to “win” at life is to take a completely sideways route? This week we’re joined by Henry Tapp from Suffolk Mind for a chat that’s equal parts funny, honest, and low-key life-changing.Henry’s origin story? Rugby captain meets heavy-metal superfan. A university wobble, the kind that forces you to rethink everything.We get behind-the-scenes stories from his time in Parliament: big dreams, tiny intern pay, chaotic commutes, and yes… office cricket. It was a crash course in the difference between status and substance — and it nudged him toward work that actually helps people. That path led him to connecting donors and businesses with charities, and eventually into the mental health space with Suffolk Mind.We also talk about the sneaky way alcohol can drain your energy, why Henry hit pause on drinking, and how running became his reset button. He’s now training for the Brighton Marathon, using long miles to clear his head.There’s burnout chat. Bold career quits. Supportive partners. And loads of practical ways to get involved in mental health without just writing a cheque.Support the show

Send us Fan MailHis story starts small: £17 a week working at the Co-op, running some of the toughest stores in town, and learning early that empathy often works better than punishment (even with shoplifters). Somewhere between late shifts and coaching his local football team, he made a bold move, buying his first house at just nineteen!No flashy courses. No overnight success. Just saving deposits the slow way, leaning on a good mortgage broker and solicitor, and steadily building a portfolio that eventually reached eight properties.Then came the curveball. Interest rates shot up and suddenly every mortgage was in arrears. Most people told him to sell. Instead, he grabbed a blank sheet of paper, made a plan and fought his way back within two years.Along the way we talk karate discipline, contractor horror stories and property lessons learned the hard wayOh, and casually, he once sang at the Royal Albert Hall.Support the show

Send us Fan MailFairness over fortune, that’s the mantra guiding Denise Head’s 36-year journey from shy student with “average grades” to partner at a people-first law firm. In this episode, she lifts the lid on the side of law you rarely see: the grind of high-stakes personal injury and children’s cases, the myths of big salaries, and the relentless pressure of magic-circle training. Denise shares the challenges of claims farming, overregulation, and paperwork that can overshadow purpose, issues that mirror the struggles in social care and clinical work.At the heart of it? Relationships. Her firm prioritizes continuity, accountability, and fighting for justice when it counts, like a child-care case that still shapes her approach today. Along the way, Denise reveals the skills she hires for, the mindset that sustains her, and advice for anyone dreaming of law: make a difference, not just a paycheck.Support the show

Send us Fan MailFeeling like your business is slowly getting squeezed from all sides? You’re not alone, and it might not be over. In this episode, insolvency practitioner turned business rescue pro Gary Rupping shares why the end of a company doesn’t have to mean the end of your business (or your future)From growing up in competitive South Africa, navigating the credit crunch, and even dealing with a visa scare, Gary’s journey helped him develop the steady, down-to-earth approach founders rely on most when the pressure is intense.We bust one big myth: rescue experts aren’t just “undertakers.” Gary explains the difference between saving a company and saving the actual business. Protecting jobs, value, and know-how even if the legal structure has to change. He walks through real, usable options like HMRC time-to-pay plans, creditor deals, pre-pack sales, managed wind-downs, and even simple strike-offs, and when each one makes sense.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThink Sea Cadets, a strict dad, and a life full of hustle… then add marathon security shifts, door-to-door cable sales, and a wild detour into multi-level marketing. That’s Martin’s early life..It all led him to estate planning, but not in the boring, legal-brochure way. Martin went from selling to genuinely helping people protect their families: wills, trusts, powers of attorney. He built teams, stood by his principles, and proved you can do well while actually doing good.In this episode, we dive into the moments that shaped him, the lessons he’s learned, and how to plan for life without losing your integrity. Stories, laughs, and surprisingly practical advice.Support the show

Send us Fan MailFebruary is the deep exhale after January’s tax-season chaos. Once the self-assessment dust settled, we sat down to talk about why this year felt calmer, sharper—and honestly, more fun. The answer wasn’t magic. It was a few smart tweaks that changed how we work together.We start with the real talk: who handles the heavy tax lifting, who keeps clients moving, and how we survive the last-minute January scramble without setting the team on fire!Then there’s culture. Our team runs on friendly competition with consequences—escape room penalties, bowling showdowns, arcade brackets, and a scoreboard that never forgets. The stakes are silly, but the accountability sticks. It builds trust, speed, and a shared shorthand for pressure moments. Yes, there were disputes over dodgy strikes and one unforgettable encounter with chicken hearts at dinner. That’s the point. Stories create bonds.With the storm behind us, February turns into planning season. We map capacity, tighten reminders, and set firmer boundaries on late requests to protect quality. We also swap fast, practical leadership lessons—from knowing your weak spots to why tools like Canva punch above their weight.The takeaway? Design systems so people can win—and make them fun enough to stick.Support the show

Send us Fan MailA holiday isn’t just flights and a bed — it’s a story you get to live. And Mark? He’s lived a few.In this episode, we sit down with a man whose journey runs from private-school pranks and pub sackings to Malia’s wild rep scene, a 20-year stint in the drinks industry and finally… designing once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.We unpack what actually makes a trip unforgettable (spoiler: it’s not the star rating). Mark explains how he designs itineraries that feel personal — starting with who you are, then layering in pace, place, and purpose. He shares how destination experts unlock experiences algorithms can’t, sidestepping over-tourism and turning “nice holiday” into “remember this forever.”Expect colour, chaos, and great stories: Spinalonga tours, Samaria Gorge mishaps, infamous Malia nights, cocktail flaring in London, and a “retirement” that lasted about five minutes.There are also plenty of practical takeaways — how to spend smarter, build in one standout experience, balance downtime properly, and offer clients a safe option, a stretch, and something a little bit wild.We wrap with what’s next for Mark (Kenya, Zanzibar, Corfu, Alpine slopes) and one simple message: if you’re going to go… make it count.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe are joined by Adele Chaplin, a humanist celebrant who starts every wedding and funeral with a blank page and a very real question: who are these people?Adele’s journey is anything but traditional. Raised in Dundee, she took a scenic route through sales jobs, BBC web development and the National Archives before landing in what she now calls “the best job in the world.” Along the way, she found humanism — a belief system with no higher power or afterlife, but a deep trust in people, connection and meaning.We unpack what that looks like in practice: weddings with vows that are genuinely funny or achingly tender, rituals invented from scratch, and ceremonies featuring everything from owl-delivered rings to meadow parties with live bands and fire-breathers. We also talk legal realities (yes, the paperwork bit is still annoying in England and Wales… for now).On the funeral side, Adele is honest, kind and refreshingly fearless — telling true stories, embracing quirks, and helping families say goodbye in ways that actually fit. From green burials to acid house send-offs (and her own surprisingly upbeat funeral playlist), this is an episode about choosing meaning over manuals — and having a laugh along the way.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe met a cleaner who built a business with zero experience. A flooring pro radiating full wizard energy. A travel lead, financial advisors, and even a DJ.. because why wouldn't we.Throw in IT, private investigation, PR, and business consulting, and the show quickly stopped feeling like a podcast and started feeling like a dinner party where everyone has a wildly different job and far too much insight for one table. Somewhere along the way, we also talked menopause and aromatherapy… because leadership lessons show up in unexpected places.Across six months, we collected amazing guests, big laughs, and more than a few “wait…what?” moments.There was wisdom. There was chaos. There were stories we’re still unpacking.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat if the “dream job” isn’t actually the dream?This week we’re chatting with Emma Propter King, whose career has taken her from conservatoire practice rooms to celebrity contact lists and even a private 737 (casual). On paper, it’s all very glossy. In real life? Exhausting, all-consuming, and quietly wrecking everything else.Emma tells us about her ultra-disciplined early years, before lifting the curtain on life as a PA to the mega-rich. We’re talking 24/7 availability, wild requests, Christmas-morning emergencies, and fixing couture disasters in Paris. Yes, there are famous names… but the real story is how fast “excess” becomes normal, and how much it costs in sleep, sanity, and missed life.Then comes the plot twist: Emma steps off the jet, heads back to Suffolk, and builds a calmer, meaningful career as Head of Communications at Churchmanor Estates. Same high standards, zero private planes. She shares how those elite skills actually translate brilliantly to real-world impact—brands, websites, community, and work that ends at a sensible hour!If you’ve ever questioned whether status is worth the stress, or dreamed about choosing peace over polish, this one’s for you.Support the show

Send us Fan MailSteve Wright’s career path zigzags so wildly it should come with a seatbelt.He started out aiming for carpentry, and somehow ended up in a darkroom below deck on 1980s cruise ships, snapping photos and selling memories one slightly forced smile at a time -  welcome to the glamorous reality of ship photography.Then came Casino Royale. One throwaway comment later and Steve found himself launched into a completely unexpected second career as Daniel Craig’s double. What could have been awkward lookalike gigs turned into confident performances after an acting coach taught him how to “walk into a room'Along the way, there were near-disasters , cinematic moments, and plenty of “how is this my life?” stories. Think blue trunks in Saint-Tropez and Norwegian TV!  It’s a story of graft, guts, good timing, and saying yes before logic kicks in!Support the show

Send us Fan MailOne minute she’s an airline professional carving up the ski slopes; the next, she’s watching people drift out of Reiki sessions as if someone’s hit the refresh button on their souls. Donna dives headfirst into holistic training, sneaks into a fully booked course, and discovers a natural talent for creating aromatherapy “potions” tuned to emotions—fear, frustration, even full-blown chaos. Add kinesiology wizardry, tapping, eye movements, phobia-busting, yellow filters, and sensory overload, and you get small tools, big shifts, and wonderfully unexpected stories.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDeveloper John Howard joins us to spill the real tea on Ipswich’s most argued-about buildings.  Also, construction timelines? Think “dog years,” but slower.Then we head to street level, where things get spicy. Business rates seem designed by someone who’s never met an actual business. We wrap with skills and leadership: more homes need more plumbers - and a mayor who runs the region like a project, not a popularity contest.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe skip the clichés and get into the good stuff: growing up between the US and Ipswich, a hairdressing dream that went spectacularly wrong, fast climbs in retail, and the wild days of selling store cards and PPI. Then comes the curveball—launching the Suffolk Wedding Show, moving into hotel business development, and helping flip a struggling property with pure graft and people skills.Then the pandemic hit. The workload exploded. Mel’s confidence tanked. Anxiety, fog, flushes—then... menopause kicks in!We cover what actually works, what’s nonsense, and why honesty wins in the wellness world. It’s also a mini survival guide for partners, bosses, and teams: the signs to spot, small tweaks that help people stay brilliant, and why psychological safety isn’t just a buzzword. We even dip into andropause—the quieter male hormone drop that gets renamed “midlife crisis.”Like the chat? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop a quick review.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with travel consultant Nathan Rose, whose path runs from bar shifts to optician training to fifteen years of police response—then into crafting highly personal holidays that fit real lives.What sets his approach apart is the detail: building trips around a clear wish list and honest budget, arranging airport wheelchair assistance without fuss, flagging room access needs in advance, and even sourcing restaurant menus to avoid all-inclusive regret. He explains when DIY booking makes sense and when a personal travel consultant saves you hours, money, and stress—especially with multi-centre itineraries and group travel like destination weddings. And yes, he cuts through TripAdvisor noise by reading what reviews actually say, not just the stars.If you want less scrolling and more living—tailor-made itineraries, fair pricing, and a real human who has your back from booking to touchdown—this conversation will change how you plan your next escape. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a holiday, and leave a review to tell us where you’re heading next.Support the show

Send us Fan MailAndy Hayward’s whole career basically kicked off because he got curious and tore down a moped on his parents’ driveway. That one moment sent him from the factory floor to running sales for multi-million-pound engineering groups—and eventually building a consultancy that’s lasted 15 years.  Every step sharpened Andy’s sense of pace, process, and ownership—and showed him exactly what falls apart when those things are missing.The plot thickens when he joins a screen-printing company, nails ISO 9001, and accidentally makes himself redundant by making everything work too well. So he learns sales the gritty way—walking industrial estates, cold-calling from phone books, figuring out markets by actually talking to people. When a failing telecoms project blows up, he rebuilds the whole sales approach, lands blue-chip clients, and proves that knowing why something works beats copying tactics every time. Later, boardroom trust issues and the 2008 crash force another reset, but also shape the method he teaches today.His philosophy? Research first, respect always, qualify hard. Right person, right need, or walk away. No Wolf-of-Wall-Street nonsense—just honest conversations that lead to deals people feel good about.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat if the best business playbook was born in a garage—with a cheap guitar and borrowed power socket? Meet Stephen Norris, who went from a council estate with no exams to landing Bank of England contracts, selling a fast-growth startup, and turning losses into profit for a private-equity firm. His edge isn’t pedigree—it’s people, pace, and punk-level courage.Stephen’s first rule: listen more than you talk. Selling solutions, not slogans, propelled him through ISS and Kimberly-Clark, where his lack of a degree clashed with corporate norms. Then came entrepreneurship—an early vehicle immobiliser sold as risk insurance, not tech hype. Success across Europe taught him that cash beats profit and discipline fuels scale.Now a turnaround specialist and Vistage chair, he helps CEOs cut noise, follow the money, and rebuild culture—because numbers rise when people thrive. Behind it all is a raw backstory of violence, near-death, and recovery that anchors his mission: help others grow.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat started as a late-night chat at a petrol station turned into So Solid Crew: the underground sound that took UK garage from pirate radio to number one. DJ Syndicate takes us behind the decks and into the chaos - how a group of friends built a movement that shaped UK musicFrom BBC 1Xtra to Glastonbury’s muddy magic, we follow DJ Syndicate's journey. Expect stories of broken tapes, proud mums, near misses, and full-circle moments with legends from Tinie Tempah to Ghostface Killah.It’s a raw, funny, and inspiring deep dive into creativity, culture, and the hustle that keeps the beat going. Hit play!Support the show

Send us Fan MailFew people can turn carpet chat into great storytelling — but Daryl Smith, the Prince of Flooring, does it effortlessly. We chat about his winding career path: jewellery diplomas, retail chaos, a decade in self-storage — and how it all led back to the family carpet business his dad started in ’84.Daryl drops real-world flooring wisdom: why the right choice starts at your front door, not in a showroom; when to pick wool vs. synthetic; why underlay matters more than you think; and how home visits save you from “sample wall” overwhelm.The stories? Gold. A wedding ring rescue, a fainting tough guy, Christmas returns, and flooring installs in the strangest spots — boats, caravans, even a treehouse. Through it all, Daryl’s vibe stays the same: honest advice, no hard sell, just pride in getting it right.If you’re planning a home revamp (or just love a good small-biz story) this one’s for you.Support the show

Send us Fan MailSometimes life takes the long way home — and that’s exactly what happened with David Button. From soldiering in Belfast to driving buses around Ipswich, and now running his own funeral service, David’s story is about finding purpose in unexpected places.We talk about how army discipline turned into everyday resilience, how loss and depression shaped his empathy, and what it really takes to show up for families on their hardest days. From coroner callouts to late-night callouts, from checklists to quiet kindness, this is about doing meaningful work with heart (and polished shoes).If you like stories of second chances, steady leadership, and finding calm in chaos, you’ll love this one.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when an Ipswich school kid with shaky careers advice follows curiosity instead of a script? Tori Burn’s journey bounces from local audits to teaching in Beijing, from Deloitte in Auckland to running a 14‑acre holiday park through power cuts, blocked pipes, and a global lockdown. Funny, honest, and full of lessons you can actually use.Back in the UK, Tori turns that chaos into ISO consulting that actually helps—cutting waste, speeding decisions, and unlocking tenders. Straight talk on when to certify, aligning first, using AI, and why governance matters everywhere. Wins, missteps, and practical frameworks you can actually use.If you’re after resilient operations, better clients, or real sustainability, this episode sticks. Subscribe, share, and tell us which part of Tori’s journey you’re stealing next.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat if the best IT work is the stuff you don’t even notice—no drama, no heroics, just things quietly working the way they should? That’s Gary’s story. He went from fixing his school’s computers as a teenager to running AnyIT, a managed service provider built on reliability, compliance, and actual human support. We talk about the real day-to-day behind IT, why “have you tried turning it off and on again?” is secretly great advice, and how the cloud has raised the stakes when things break.But Gary’s world isn’t just help desks and servers. Through the Stowmarket Flyer he got plugged into the local business scene, and that same mindset—plan for resilience, cut single points of failure, let small wins add up—took him into property too. Renting out rooms, providing internet, and eventually buying the whole building turned into a kind of “practical pension.” It’s all very Gary: steady, no-fuss, and quietly clever.This chat is funny, honest, and packed with insights about why reliable systems are the hidden engine behind creativity—and why the quiet path usually comes out on top.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Kathy Duffy—NHS physio turned entrepreneur—to unpack a bold career pivot built on ethics, real savings, and a lifestyle that actually fits.  We explore tough questions about network marketing, the difference between hype and real value, and how she protects integrity by walking away when switching isn’t right. For Kathy, it’s the same core skill as physio: listen first, set fair expectations, and do what serves the person in front of you.This is a practical, human blueprint for change. We talk flexible work that bends around 4 a.m. swim practices, letting go of a professional identity after two decades, and leading teams without making anyone “work for” you. Whether you want a small side income or a full-time shift, the lessons land: build around your life, keep ethics non-negotiable, and choose hope over burnout. If you’ve felt the ceiling, you’ll find courage and clear steps here.Enjoyed this conversation? Follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a hopeful nudge, and leave a quick review to help others find us.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat makes a financial advisor truly effective? Is it technical knowledge, product expertise, or something more fundamental? Colin Low, founder and Managing Director of Kings Fleet Financial Planning, reveals it's about striking the perfect balance between expertise and accessibility.The chat takes a fun twist when Colin shares his big aha! moment about client conversations. “I had too much knowledge and was overcomplicating things,” he admits. That’s when he figured out how to strip away the jargon and explain money stuff in plain English. Now, that’s the secret sauce at Kings Fleet—making finances make sense. Whether you’re laying bricks, painting walls, or planning pensions, being good at your job shouldn’t put up walls with people. As he puts it: “We’ve all got our flaws—we can’t all be brilliant at everything!” Whether you're in financial services or any other business, Colin's insights on building trust, communicating clearly, and contributing meaningfully to your community offer valuable lessons for sustainable success. Subscribe now and join the conversation about the human side of business.Support the show

Send us Fan MailJake Slinn’s journey proves you don’t need top grades to make it big in business. At just 26, he’s running JS Global Group, a company turning over £2.5 million – and it all started with only £400 in his pocket. Despite leaving school with just two GCSEs and dealing with dyslexia, Jake found his own way. As he puts it: “I can’t read or write, but I can sure count pound notes.”His business tackles a side of global trade most people never think about: what happens to shipping containers full of expired food, fake goods, or abandoned stock? JS Global’s main job is securely destroying items that can’t be sold, from rotten bananas to unsafe kids’ toys. Jake’s success even landed him a BBC documentary, The Container King, where he returned to Suffolk New College to encourage students who might be struggling at school. His story shows that success doesn’t always come from exam results – it can come from passion, creativity, and finding smart solutions to real problems. For anyone who feels held back by their education, Jake’s container empire is living proof that there’s more than one way to build a future.Support the show

Send us Fan MailFrom architecture dreams to graphic design reality, Chris Chenery's creative journey spans over 25 years of professional evolution. What began as a childhood fascination with drawing house plans transformed into a successful careerChris shares the bold move that launched his career – organizing a student exhibition in Covent Garden that caught the attention of a design agency who offered him a position. When his London partnership dissolved in 2017, Chris faced the challenge of establishing his own business in Ipswich. Despite losing his three main clients simultaneously, he rebuilt his network through local connections while leveraging his extensive London experience as a key differentiator. His story demonstrates how relationships and adaptability often matter more than location in the creative industries.Chris's journey offers valuable insights into professional resilience and the power of following your skills rather than your original plan.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDiscover the refreshingly honest and hilarious journey of George, who built a successful cleaning company despite having virtually no cleaning skills. From being the classroom clown whose reports consistently noted "so much potential if only he could pay attention," to finding himself on all fours with socks in hand trying to mop up a flooded luxury lodge while the client watched in horror – George's story proves that entrepreneurship often means embracing your limitations while playing to your strengths.What makes this conversation so valuable is George's candid admission that his path to founding Vivo Clean was anything but straight.Whether you're considering starting a business in an unfamiliar field or looking to grow an existing one, George's story offers both entertainment and wisdom. Sometimes success isn't about knowing everything – it's about knowing which skills truly matter and being humble enough to delegate the rest.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEver wondered what happens when someone defies every expectation in their industry? Caroline Russell's journey from school-hating teenager to successful financial advisor before age 30 demolishes stereotypes and proves that success rarely follows a conventional path.The most powerful moment in Caroline's story comes after a crushing setback when an advisor told her to "go back to being admin support because you'll never make it as an advisor." What makes Caroline particularly refreshing is her authenticity. She brings a genuine personality to an industry often associated with older men in suits. Her well-known passion for beer and pizza over champagne and fancy dinners has made her not just a successful advisor but also a media personality for Quilter, challenging perceptions about what financial advisors should look and act like.Ready to rethink what's possible in your own career? Caroline's story proves that determination, strategic thinking, and authenticity can triumph over traditional expectations and self-doubt. Listen now and discover how finding the right support and believing in yourself can lead to extraordinary success.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThink accountancy is all numbers and spreadsheets? Think again. We pull back the curtain on what your accountant really sees when they examine your financial records – and it's far more revealing than you might imagine.Have you ever tried to claim a questionable expense on your taxes? We'd love to hear your stories – though we can't promise we'll approve them!Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to be a private investigator in the digital age? Barry Parker of De Sudor Investigations pulls back the curtain on this mysterious profession, sharing the fascinating twists and turns of his career path from footballer to prison officer to professional private eye!The evolution of private investigation work forms the heart of our conversation, as Barry explains how traditional matrimonial surveillance has largely disappeared in our smartphone era. "Why would you employ someone like me to give you the answer that you already know?"Whether you're intrigued by the art of investigation, curious about keeping your digital footprint under wraps, or just love tales from society’s shadowy corners, Barry’s got stories that’ll hook you. From the locked gates of his prison officer days to the unpredictable streets of private investigation.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEver wondered what podcast hosts really think about their guests once the recording stops? That's exactly what we reveal in this peek behind the podcast curtain as we discuss our exclusive subscriber content, "The Extra Slice."For less than the price of a weekly coffee, subscribers don't just get extra content—they become part of our growing community. The podcast has evolved from casual recordings to a show where guests eagerly ask "When am I on?" Subscribe now to join our podcast family and discover what we really think about everyone who sits behind our microphones!https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517371/subscribeSupport the show

Send us Fan MailJames Gunther shares his remarkable journey from McDonald's floor manager to partner at Fenwright Estate Agency, demonstrating how commitment, resilience and genuine passion for helping clients can lead to professional success.• Left school at 16, opted for work experience over university debt without clear career direction• Initially rejected by Fenwright before being called back for a second interview months later• Transitioned from a world of mailing property details to today's digital research-empowered buyers• Describes the satisfaction of helping clients through significant life transitions as deeply rewardingIf you're interested in property services or have any questions, please visit fenwright.co.uk or reach out to James Gunther directly.Support the show

Send us Fan MailCraig Starling, Director at Ipswich Computer Solutions and finalist for Suffolk Director of the Year, shares his journey from IT apprentice to award-nominated business leader at just 29 years old."We're IT people with personalities," Under his leadership, the company evolved from being "Suffolk's best kept secret" to having a prominent public profile, all while maintaining a direct approach to customer service.Perhaps most compelling is Craig's humility despite his rapid rise. Despite spearheading ICS's transformation and receiving recognition at the highest  levels, he consistently attributes success to team effort and maintains that everything they do is "for our clients."Want to hear how personality might be your business's secret weapon? Listen now to discover insights from one of Suffolk's most promising young business leaders about blending technical excellence with authentic human connection.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a schoolboy who didn't like homework transforms into someone managing millions in client investments? James Roper's story is a refreshing reminder that career paths are rarely straightforward.Despite having a young family and the security of regular employment, James took the leap into financial advising. "I remember standing up at a networking breakfast announcing I'd started my own business and saying 'I'm shi**ing my pants,' That vulnerability resonates throughout our conversation as he discusses the ethical challenges he faced in previous roles and how finding work aligned with his values changed everything.The most powerful insight from our discussion? Trust isn't just about credentials—it's about genuinely caring for people. "I'll look after them, I'll look after their parents, I'll look after their children," James explains about his clients. "They almost become friends." Five years into his career as a financial advisor, James has finally found work that doesn't feel like work at all.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWayne shares how he built Platinum Cleaning from zero while surviving on just £500 a month with a mortgage and family to support. His candid reflections reveal both the exhilarating and devastating moments of entrepreneurship.What makes this conversation special isn't just Wayne's remarkable rise from retail worker to business owner, but his refreshing honesty about what truly matters in business. Whether you're thinking about starting your own business, already in the thick of it, or just love real success stories, this episode is for you. Wayne’s story shows that with true commitment to people and service, you can build something amazing—even if you’re starting from scratch.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail"Failure only happens when you stop trying." This powerful belief has guided Helen throughout her remarkable journey from frustrated corporate employee to successful entrepreneur.On this episode of The Fun Side of Business, Helen reveals the crucial but often misunderstood distinction between PR and marketing. Her special talent lies in spotting the newsworthy aspects of businesses that owners themselves often overlook—finding the hidden gems that deserve media attention.Helen's career path reads like a masterclass in determination. Helen consistently sought growth and meaning in her work. Along the way, she faced both professional setbacks and personal challenges. These obstacles only strengthened her resolve to succeed on her own terms.What truly sets Helen apart is her relationship-first approach to business. Unlike traditional cold sales techniques that she despises, Helen builds genuine connections that naturally lead to opportunities. Beyond professional insights, Helen shares touching personal moments—from diving into a recycling bin to help her future husband, to naming her business on the anniversary of her father's passing, to her commitment to showing her daughter the importance of financial independence. Her story proves that authentic relationships, unwavering determination, and a refusal to accept failure create not just business success but a meaningful life journey.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe're pulling back the curtain to reveal the authentic humans behind local businesses.The Fun Side of Business podcast emerged from our belief that "people buy from people." As hosts of networking events, we've witnessed countless fascinating stories hiding behind professional personas. These aren't formal interviews but relaxed conversations where guests share their journeys – complete with wrong turns, surprising revelations, and the raw emotions that shaped their paths to success.Join us every Wednesday morning at 7:00am for a new episode – the perfect companion for your commute.Subscribe now and discover the real people behind the businesses in your community. For those wanting more, our premium subscription offers bonus content including our unfiltered post-interview thoughts. Listen in and transform how you see the business world around you!Support the show