On the Leeds Business podcast I chat to inspiring, fascinating and super-impressive Leeds Business Owners, lifting the lid on their own unique personal business journeys; the ups, the downs, the successes and the failures and their own secret sauce. We also get a unique ‘how to…’ from each guest, to assist you on your own business journey. In addition we speak the city’s movers and shakers, and specialists on everything business related.
I’m speaking to Founders who have sold their business for millions, start-up Founders who have an exciting new product or service, major Business Owners with the city’s biggest companies, fascinating hidden Leeds businesses and everyone in between… just as long as they have an interesting business journey to share, I talk to them..
The ‘how to..’ segment shares essential business learnings like;
* How to raise Angel Investment
* How to create a business plan
* How to sell your business
* How to create a business strategy
* How to build a marketing campaign
* How to buy a business competitor
* How to read a P&L statement
… and much much more…
Why Leeds? It’s a brilliant place to live, work and play and is full of brilliant businesses and inspirational business leaders. And it’s my hometown.
So if you’re a Business owner, or want to be one, or are simply interested in the Leeds business scene, you’ll want to be listening. The show is free to listen to and there’s a new episode every Wednesday, released at 7.00am so you can listen on your morning commute, at the gym, in the park or at home.
The Leeds Business Podcast is hosted by Phil Fraser. Phil launched, scaled and sold his own business and is now a Business Sounding Board helping SME Business Owners like you to NOT be lonely at the top. Phil loves to hear other people’s business journeys.
Want to suggest a guest for the show? Email phil@leedsbusinesspodcast.com.
If you’re a Business Owner who’s feeling lonely at the top, or is strategically stuck or simply needs a supportive, confidential ear from someone who’s been there done that, email phil@philfraser.co.uk.
Leeds Business Podcast is produced by Simon Treen at Western Studios in Leeds.
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Why international PR is not always great for business - Claire Daniels, Trio Media
Saison 4 · Épisode 90
mercredi 1 octobre 2025 • Durée 34:44
Join Claire Daniels, CEO of Trio Media, as she delves into her inspiring journey.
Discover how Claire navigated personal tragedy to become a successful business owner, the challenges of taking over an existing company, and the lessons learned from international PR coverage. Claire also shares her unique 'Top 20 Reasons' exercise to help your business refine your marketing messages.
If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.
INTRODUCING CLAIRE DANIELS
Claire Daniels is the owner and CEO of Trio Media, a web and performance marketing agency based in Leeds. Trio Media is a well-established agency, supporting a number of businesses within Leeds and the wider region in their marketing efforts. They rank #19 on Campaign’s Best Places to Work.
Claire’s career in marketing spans over 15 years, and has seen her lead global marketing teams and strategic initiatives. Claire has regularly appeared in the media and is no stranger to being interviewed on live TV and radio.
Claire is now focussed on scaling Trio through the integration of AI - with funding secured to build their own AI product, which is currently in production.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] Introduction to Trio Media and the Impact of personal loss on Claire’s career
[00:06:00] Navigating family dynamics in the business
[00:16:00] The four-day work week experience, and the problems it brought
[00:21:00] Working with your husband in the business
[00:23:00] Understanding customer needs: The ‘Top 20 Reasons’ exercise
[00:31:00] My brilliant business idea
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS
• When you buy into a business it’s like being put in charge of a train and working out the controls before the next stop
• It’s a misconception that all PR coverage must equal new business. It doesn’t.
• There’s a huge difference in what you say and what customers want to hear
3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR
“I didn’t know we pay our tax quarterly”
“We were on the BBC, ITV, every newspaper”
“Even though my husband thought it was a terrible idea that I work with his sister, he doesn’t think it’s a terrible idea that he works for me”
What's the story behind Berrys Jewellers? With Simon Walton, Managing Director
Saison 4 · Épisode 89
mercredi 24 septembre 2025 • Durée 35:15
Introducing Simon Walton, Managing Director of Berry's Jewellers. We discuss the history of Berry's, the challenges and advantages of running a family business and the expansion of their stores. Simon shares insights into the luxury watch and jewellery industry, including the importance of building relationships with brands and the unique challenges of selling high-value items, including the dangers of robbery. The conversation also touches on the impact of online shopping and the strategies Berry's employs to create an exceptional in-store experience.
If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.
INTRODUCING SIMON WALTON
Simon Walton is Managing Director of Berrys, a 5th generation family jewellers. Currently with 13 stores, Berrys is one of the largest independent watch and jewelry businesses in the U.K.
Berrys recently opened the only Patek Philippe boutique outside of London in Leeds.
Simon is married with 3 kids, a fanatical Leeds Rhinos fan and keen road cyclist.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] Introducing Berrys Jewellers
[00:03:30] Navigating family dynamics in the business
[00:06:00] Expansion through opportunity
[00:10:00] the cash-intensive nature of the jewellery industry
[00:13:00] The security challenges
[00:16:00] Retail expansion when the High Street is dying
[00:19:00] Building luxurious shops and selling luxury products
[00:30:00] My brilliant business idea
[00:32:00] The future of Berrys
The 'AI in music' success story - with Hazel Savage, Syntho
Saison 4 · Épisode 88
mercredi 17 septembre 2025 • Durée 42:08
Join us as we dive into the fascinating journey of Hazel Savage, a trailblazer in AI and music tech. Discover her unique insights on entrepreneurship, and her experiences in building and selling a successful AI company. Hazel shares her candid thoughts on the challenges and triumphs of innovation, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you
INTRODUCING HAZEL SAVAGE
With 18 years experience in the music industry, Hazel is a music-tech lifer, guitarist and currently the CEO at Syntho. Previously, in 2018 Hazel was the CEO and Co-Founder of Musiio, an AI startup which sold to SoundCloud in 2022. She started her music-tech journey as an early employee at Shazam and has also had the privilege and experience to work at Pandora Internet Radio, Universal Music, BandLab and HMV.
Hazel travels globally speaking at conferences and talking to catalogue owners about the value of artificial intelligence integration and digital transformation in the music industry. As a female founder in the heavily male-dominated industries of music and tech, Hazel seeks to offer insights with interesting and humorous anecdotes, as well as easy-to-follow explanations and use cases of artificial intelligence technology.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] Introduction to Syntho and Hazel's journey
[00:02:30] Retirement and the call to action
[00:05:15] The Incubator experience, finding a co-founder
[00:10:34] From Idea to Execution; Starting Musio
[00:16:15] Navigating the Exit; selling Musio
[00:32:30] Back to the grind and embracing the hustle
[00:36:00] How to ideate for a start-up idea
From Lockdown to Launchpad - JFDI; The Mexi Bean Express Story with Danielle Best
Saison 4 · Épisode 86
mercredi 10 septembre 2025 • Durée 31:37
Join us as we dive into the amazing journey of Danielle Best, founder of Mexi Bean Express. Discover how she navigates the challenges of balancing multiple business ventures, from launching a restaurant during COVID to expanding into yoga and sweets. Danielle shares her insights on resilience, innovation, and the importance of having the right team behind you.
If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.
INTRODUCING DANIELLE BEST
Danielle Best is the owner and CEO of Mexi Bean Express, Kalm wellness studio and Charlie’s Desserts.
Danielle began her entrepreneurial journey in 2020. After travelling to Mexico, she identified a niche for high-quality quick-service Mexican food with authentic flavours.
Since then, Mexi Bean Express has expanded to multiple locations and won multiple awards, including the Hospitality Leader of the Year award at the Business Desk Yorkshire Leadership Awards.
She has also formed a partnership with the Community Foundation for Calderdale and got involved in initiatives supporting women in business.
As a single mother of three and an independent business owner, Danielle knows how hard it can be to start and develop a business, especially balancing it with the demands of personal life.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] The birth of Mexi Bean Express
[00:06:00] Expansion and growth strategies
[00:12:00] How to build a franchise
[00:18:00] Introducing Kalm, and Charlie's Desserts
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS
If it doesn't work, it's not a failure. Just try and try again.
Lead generation advice from a lead generation agency - Faresh Maisura, Blueberry Marketing Solutions
Saison 4 · Épisode 87
mercredi 10 septembre 2025 • Durée 31:12
Join Faresh Maisura as we explore the journey of launching a business post-employer administration, the significance of mentoring and the impact of business courses. Discover insights on lead generation, public sector challenges, and the power of community support in entrepreneurship.
If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.
INTRODUCING FARESH MAISURIA
Faresh Maisuria is the founder and Managing Director of Blueberry Marketing Solutions - a business development agency founded overnight in 2005 in response to an unexpected opportunity. Originally based in a university incubator at Leeds Beckett, Blueberry benefited from a range of local enterprise initiatives that helped shape its early direction and growth. Now approaching its 20th anniversary, the company has grown into a team of over 50 and continues to champion entrepreneurial thinking, with 24 former employees having gone on to start their own businesses.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] Journey to setting up Blueberry Marketing
[00:08:00] Growing the business and the Goldman Sachs small business course
[00:11:00] Expanding into, and working within, the Public Sector
[00:16:00] Business journey pain points
[00:19:00] Lead generation advice and insights
[00:24:00] What is an EOT (Employee Ownership Trust) and what are the benefits
[00:25:00] How to start a business - some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS
Opportunities sometimes happen in the strangest ways
People are always willing to help
The best way to network in Leeds with Gordon Bateman, Climb UK
Saison 3 · Épisode 85
mercredi 25 juin 2025 • Durée 37:39
Listen to one the best connectors in the Leeds business eco-system; Gordon Bateman.
Gordon discusses his business background and a series of fortunate accidents that led to one of the biggest events on the Leeds business calendar. He also gives us a great networking tip.
If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.
INTRODUCING GORDON BATEMAN
Gordon Bateman has over 30 years’ experience supporting ambitious businesses and the investors who back them. He specialises in helping organisations design, build, and retain outstanding executive and non-executive teams that drive sustainable growth. Working closely with some of the UK’s most active investors, Gordon is a trusted advisor on talent strategy, portfolio development, and scaling challenges.
Gordon founded Investor Ladder to strengthen connections between investors and regional innovation ecosystems. In 2023, he launched Climb to address three core needs: better support and advice for growing businesses, improved access to finance across the UK regions, and more effective international expansion - both into and out of the UK.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] The Journey to CRSI
[00:03:00] The challenges in startup recruitment and navigating people management
[00:08:00] The birth of Investor Ladder and connecting Investors with businesses
[00:15:00] How Climb came about
[00:18:00] The Impact of Climb on the business community
[00:21:00] Highlights and Features of Climb 2025
[00:24:00] How to optimise your experience at events
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS
Interior design, Leeds United and aliens with Amanda Cook, Design Tonic
Saison 3 · Épisode 84
mercredi 18 juin 2025 • Durée 34:35
Amanda Cook launched her business after a failed MBO followed by a discussion over a pint of Guinness.
Listen how she tells us about the importance of networking in the building of her business, how much support there is out there for businesses and and why cash is king.
We also discuss Leeds United and aliens…. Although not in the same sentence!
If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.
INTRODUCING AMANDA COOK
Amanda Cook has worked in commercial interior design and fitout for over 20 years.
In 2019, she launched DesignTonic Ltd with Joe Darcy. They create amazing commercial spaces to work, rest and play in. From advice and inspiration through to full design, fit and furnish, their bespoke services give you exactly what you need to fit your timescale and budget.
DesignTonic Team’s expert knowledge, precise attention to detail and friendly approach have already seen them complete fantastic projects for clients like Leeds United, Yorkshire County Cricket, Caddick, Vastint and Relentless.
The business has now expanding adding their DT sports and DT projects brands.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] Introduction to Design Tonic
[00:05:00] Creating a Business Plan and the first clients
[00:11:00] Navigating COVID-19 challenges
[00:14:00] The current state of the hospitality market
[00:17:00] Expanding into sports and concert venues
[00:23:00] Overcoming business challenges
[00:26:00] How to build brand recognition
From start up to M&S supplier to insolvency - Greg Fraser, Bottle Baking Co
Saison 3 · Épisode 83
mercredi 11 juin 2025 • Durée 42:04
Running a business can often be compared to riding a rollercoaster.
From small beginnings in his kitchen to £1m orders from M&S and winning awards to cashflow problems and crashing back down, today’s guest, Greg Fraser has ridden that rollercoaster.
Listen to Greg’s amazing story and you’ll learn so many business lessons.
If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.
INTRODUCING GREG FRASER
Greg Fraser is a multi-brand founder with a passion for building standout food and gifting businesses that bring joy, spark curiosity and challenge the norm.
Greg has launched and grown The Bottled Baking Co and The Doggy Baking Co from scratch while also nurturing Laura’s Confectionery and Mon Dessert following an acquisition.
From kitchen experiments to nationwide and worldwide listings, Greg Fraser has learnt what it takes to go from idea to shelf, and how to keep evolving in a fast-paced consumer world. He's also learnt the hard way, how the business world can be brutal and how life may not go the way you were expecting it to.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] The genesis of Bottle Baking Co
[00:07:00] From hobby to business: The early days and scaling up
[00:17:30] The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Growth
[00:19:00] Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
[00:22:00] Challenges of rapid growth and stock management
[00:30:00] Scaling production challenges
[00:32:00] The excitement of partnering with Marks and Spencer
[00:36:00] Financial struggles, cashflow management and the dangers of over-reliance on a single client
Running a £300m turnover business with Nick Howarth, Howarth Timber Group
Saison 3 · Épisode 82
mercredi 4 juin 2025 • Durée 48:14
Today’s guest runs a 1000 staff, 45 location, £300m turnover business. AND he’s a 6th generation family owner.
Hear the fascinating story of Howarths Timber, the successes and failures of the business, how you manage such a huge entity and the family-owned aspects that power it. There's also learnings from the failures the company have experienced too.
From sawing down trees to AI, this episode is one worth listening to….
If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.
INTRODUCING NICK HOWARTH
Nick Howarth joined the company in 1979 after completing a Management degree at Manchester University. He and his brother became joint chair in 1988 after their father died.
The Howarth Timber Group is a 185-year-old Leeds based 7th generation family business with a turnover of £300 million, employs over 1,000 colleagues and is listed within the Sunday Times Best Places to Work Award. Howarth Timber Group import timber, value add process it and distribute it along with related building materials nationwide, operating from 45 locations.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] The history of Howarths Timber
[00:07:30] Working in the family business
[00:10:00] The development of Howarths into new markets
[00:14:00] What is ‘value-add’? And helping the competitors…
[00:17:00] The challenges to managing a huge operation
[00:20:00] Adapting to market change and the businesses core values
[00:30:00] The use of AI and technology in the business
[00:35:00] The need for family emotional engagement in a family business
Sixth form to £mm exited tech founder in 10 years - with Jordan Appleson, Founder, Hark
Saison 3 · Épisode 81
mercredi 28 mai 2025 • Durée 55:37
Jordan Appleson left school to go into employment at 17. He then went on to found, and sell, one of the most successful Leeds tech businesses.
Listen as a chance conversation sparks a business idea, how a pivot really changed the business, the reasons for an abandoned PE raise and how a cold email turned into a business sale.
Along with the undoubted successes there’s lots of ‘we didn't do this so well’. There is so much in this episode to learn from. Despite being so successful, today's guest Jordan is open enough to include of the things he didn’t get right on his journey so far.
If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.
INTRODUCING JORDAN APPLESON
Jordan Appleson is the Founder & CEO of Hark, which was acquired by S&P500 tech company SolarEdge Inc. Jordan is an expert on Industrial IoT tech for Energy Transition with a background in software and hardware. He is now leading teams and deployments globally.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] Leaving school at 17 and starting work full time
[00:15:30] The effect of the Branded3 sale
[00:19:00] The initial idea for Hark
[00:23:00] The pivot into energy and the difficulties of revenue v focus
[00:35:00] Business growth and lessons learnt
[00:42:00] The sale of Hark
[00:49:00] The investment round that didn’t happen
[00:55:00] How to build culture post-acquisition
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS
• If you’re starting up a business it’s not a part-time thing. You’re either in or out
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3 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS
• people by from people when they have confidence that they know what they're talking about
• people want the experience of shopping on the high street
• When selling luxury brands, the brand is bigger than your business
3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR
“Over a 10 year period we opened one store a year"
“there's always a very good armed police presence in Leeds"
“I sold a Patek Phillipe for two and a half million pounds"
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