Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Business and a Brew

The Dalkon Shield IUD was introduced in the 1970s with the promise of revolutionising contraception, but its story serves as a sobering reminder of what can happen when innovation outpaces responsibility. Designed by Dr. Hugh Davis and marketed by A.H. Robbins, the device’s peculiar shape, resembling a beetle might have seemed like a stroke of medical ingenuity, but the reality was far from reassuring.

This tragic chapter in medical history teaches us some hard lessons. First, the absolute necessity of rigorous clinical testing before any product hits the market. The consequences of cutting corners in the development and testing phases can have lifelong repercussions for patients. Second, the critical role of corporate responsibility in safeguarding public health - profit cannot come before safety. And finally, the importance of informed consent. Patients must be given a complete and honest picture of potential risks to make truly informed decisions about their health.

The Dalkon Shield story isn’t just about a faulty product; it’s a cautionary tale about trust, ethics, and the impact of decisions made in boardrooms on real lives. It reminds us to question, to demand accountability, and to advocate for transparency in every aspect of healthcare and beyond.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

We take a closer look at the ever-changing world of online dating, exploring its highs, lows, and everything in between. Together, we unravel the story of Bumble, the app that put women in control by making them initiate conversations. At the core of Bumble’s creation is Whitney Wolfe Herd’s powerful story - her experience with sexual harassment at Tinder motivated her to build a platform focused on empowerment and safer interactions.

With a valuation nearing $270 million in 2024 and nearly 60 million users, Bumble has grown beyond dating, branching into networking and friendships. But we question whether it truly delivers on its promise to foster respect and accountability. As we discuss the challenges of moderating online behaviour and the importance of user experiences in shaping successful platforms, we reflect on how technology is redefining the way we connect with one another.

Join us as we dig into Bumble’s story, its impact, and what it all means for the future of finding love - or even just a good conversation - online.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

We explore the fascinating story behind Ben & Jerry's, diving into how two friends with dreams of pottery and medicine unexpectedly became ice cream legends. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield originally planned to open a bagel shop, but a $5 ice cream-making course set them on a new path. In 1978, they opened their first shop, experimenting with a variety of foods before narrowing their focus to ice cream by 1979.

Ben's anosmia (the inability to smell) shaped the brand's signature style of intensely flavoured, chunky creations, as he relied on texture and bold flavours to make each bite memorable. Not all their ideas were hits - rum raisin, anyone? - but their willingness to innovate and their dedication to ethical practices built a brand that stands for more than just premium desserts.

From supporting social justice initiatives to refusing to compromise on quality or cater to mass-market trends, Ben & Jerry’s became a symbol of values-driven success. 

Join us as we uncover how these sugar-sweet hippies turned a $5 course and a passion for doing good into a globally beloved ice cream empire.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

We delve into the chilling story of Harvest Time Bakery in Leicester, where a tragic and preventable accident shook the industry in 1998. When a 75-foot tunnel oven malfunctioned, the bakery’s owners prioritised avoiding downtime over proper safety protocols, with devastating consequences.

This harrowing incident underscores the critical importance of health and safety regulations in the workplace. We examine how negligence led to significant fines for the company and its directors, sparking conversations about corporate responsibility and the human cost of cutting corners. 

Join us as we reflect on the lessons this tragedy teaches about valuing safety over speed and profit.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

We take a deep dive into the remarkable life of Colonel Sanders, exploring how he transformed from a farmhand with humble beginnings to the face of one of the world’s most recognisable brands, Kentucky Fried Chicken. Together, we unpack his journey through challenges like dropping out of school, tackling gruelling jobs, and facing rejection a staggering 1009 times before his iconic chicken recipe was accepted. From dramatic shootouts to devastating fires, Sanders’ story is one of resilience, grit, and determination. 

Join us as we uncover how he turned a series of setbacks into the foundation for a global franchise, reminding us all of the power of persistence.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

In our first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on who we are, how we met, and why we’ve finally decided to turn our chats into a podcast!

This podcast is about more than just business – it’s about the real stories behind it. We’ll dive into the uncomfortable truths, celebrate the wins, and everything in between. Whether it’s a lesson we’ve learned the hard way, an industry insight, or just a funny anecdote from the week, we promise to keep it authentic, relatable, and always entertaining.

We want you to feel like you’re sitting at the table with us, sharing ideas and sparking conversations. So, grab your favourite brew, hit subscribe, and join the journey. Don’t forget to leave a review or drop us a question – we’re all about community, and your input makes this podcast even better.

Welcome to Business and a Brew!

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.