Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast My Local Marketer Podcast

In this episode, Maria Lloyd interviews Zoe Dudding, the founder of Mind Body Baby, a company specialising in hypnobirthing. The discussion initially covers what hypnobirthing is, which Zoe describes as a form of childbirth education that empowers the woman to be in control of their experience.

The conversation then delves into Zoe’s personal journey and background. She shares that her passion for hypnobirthing began after having two positive birth experiences with her sons in 2020 and 2022.

Finally, the discussion touches on the challenges of running a new business. Zoe, who has a background in marketing, shares that she's had to be very focused and intentional with her time and budget. She advises other business owners to be conscious of where they spend their budget, focus on building relationships, and not get distracted by "vanity metrics". Zoe concludes with a message for business owners, advising them to look at what they consume and what they buy into, as this can often tell a story about effective marketing.

TIMECODES

00:00 Introduction

00:25 What is hypnobirthing?

01:02 How Zoe came to specialise in hypnobirthing

03:14 Why Zoe no longer felt aligned to her role and her options

 04:14 How hypnobirthing changed Zoe’s perspective

05:22 What marketing lessons Zoe has found most importance for a new business owner

07:01 The most random opportunities at the most random time

07:24 Zoe’s marketing plan

08:05 What data Zoe looks at now

09:06 How Zoe has managed to get success in a short span of time

09:51 What Zoe’s average week looks like

11:57 Zoe’s marketing tips for business owners

12:51 Challenges Zoe has faced

13:47 Zoe’s thoughts on how to spend marketing funds

16:35 Zoe’s plans for her business going forwards

17:22 Zoe’s message for expectant parents

18:06 Zoe’s final thoughts for listeners

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Focus on Building Relationships: For a new business, Zoe emphasises that getting the foundational elements like a website and social media "shopfront" set up is crucial. However, she advises new business owners to prioritise forging connections and building relationships within their community.

Be Intentional and Disciplined with Your Time and Budget: Zoe explains that as a small business owner, it's easy to get caught in a "vicious circle" where a lack of money leads to no investment, which in turn hinders growth. To avoid this, she suggests being conscious of where you spend your budget, even if it's small.

Prioritise Authenticity Over "Vanity Metrics": A key piece of advice from Zoe is to not get lost in "vanity metrics" or chasing trends. She warns that a trend might temporarily spike numbers, but it doesn't necessarily lead to conversions or bring in actual business. Instead, she advises business owners to focus on what feels authentic to their brand and to always ask themselves, "Why am I doing this?". She stresses that the ultimate goal is not just to have good numbers but to deliver excellent service that leads to word-of-mouth referrals.

In this episode Jamie Read, the partnership and inclusion manager at Berkshire Music Trust, gives an insight into the charity’s activities and a look at what goes on behind the scenes. The discussion initially covers the trust’s mission, its name evolution, and its diverse community work.

The conversation then delves into the trust's various activities, which are divided into three areas: schools, music centres, and communities. The trust also partners with other charities and organisations to serve communities that have traditionally been underserved.

Finally, the discussion touches on the trust's biggest challenge: funding and staff. Jamie shares ways in which they generate revenue and how the trust measures its success. Jamie concludes with a message about the trust’s goal of making music for everyone, regardless of their background or previous experience. He says that there is no such thing as someone who can't make music, just someone who hasn't made music yet.

TIME CODES

00:00 Greeting

00:40 What is Berkshire Music Trust

00:59 Berkshire Music Trust’s name change and reasons behind it

02:49 Jamie’s background

04:18 What Jamie’s role as Partnership and inclusion manager involves

06:39 How Berkshire Music Trust serves Reading

08:19 How Berkshire Music Trust collaborates with others

10:50 How Berkshire Music Trust sets project boundaries

12:05 Finding funding opportunities

13:18 How Berkshire Music Trust measures impact

15:00 Long-term case studies/ measuring impact over a long period of time

17:31 How Berkshire Music Trust trains its staff

19:00 Final thoughts

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Power of a Strong Brand and Mission

Berkshire Music Trust's name change from Berkshire Maestros was a strategic move to be more inclusive and appeal to a broader audience. This highlights that a brand's name, while just one word, can instantly create a barrier to access for potential customers. A strong, inclusive brand that clearly aligns with your mission can help you connect with your target audience and remove potential barriers to entry.

Creative Solutions for Revenue and Community Engagement

The trust has found innovative ways to generate revenue beyond traditional donations. This not only provides services that businesses need but also funnels the money back into the trust’s charitable projects. This shows that businesses can create new revenue streams by leveraging existing assets and offering unique services.

The Value of Strategic Partnerships

Jamie emphasises the importance of partnerships, which he actively seeks out with local businesses, grassroots organisations, and arts venues. By collaborating with other organisations, the trust can create a wider range of beneficiaries, which is something that funding grants often look for.

In this episode, Richard Nicholson talks about the Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club; a group of like-minded people who want to do things in the community and have a friendship group. The discussion covers the club's history, its core missions, and the challenges it faces.

The conversation delves into the club’s charitable activities, which focus on feeding the community and supporting youth. Richard explains that the club supports food banks and churches in Earley, Woodley, and South Reading, having distributed 7,000 meals over the past three years. The club is also active in schools, running competitions like "Youth Speaks" and helping students with mock interviews. Richard notes that these intergenerational efforts are mutually beneficial.

Finally, the discussion touches on the club’s biggest challenge: maintaining membership. Richard believes that while service clubs may not be fashionable now, this is a trend that will change. He concludes with a message about the club's desire to be a part of the community, helping wherever they can, whether through raising funds or offering their time and skills for various tasks.

TIMECODES

00:00 Greeting

00:22 What is a rotary club?

01:00 What are the focuses for Maiden Erlegh Rotary club

02:31 How Maiden Erlegh Rotary club collaborates and networks in the community

03:22 What do people need help with?

04:34 The benefits of older people and younger people interacting

05:48 What challenges have the group faced?

08:16 How the group markets itself

09:48 Training the group would benefit from

11:21 How much the group has contributed to the community over the last 35 years

13:13 Future plans for Maiden Erlegh Rotary club

14:53 Final thoughts

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Community Engagement as a Marketing Tool

Richard explains that the most successful way for the Rotary Club to form collaborations and get the word out is by getting out and talking to people, visiting schools, and speaking with community members. This highlights that in-person, face-to-face engagement remains a powerful way to build brand awareness and establish trust, even in a digital age.

The Value of Social Media and Adapting to New Platforms

Over the past four or five years, they have developed their marketing activity to be more active on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This shows that even non-profits and traditional organisations need to be flexible and adapt to new technologies to reach their target audience.

The Importance of Investing in Soft Skills

The club helps young people develop valuable skills such as public speaking and interview techniques. The Rotarians believe these are useful skills for anybody to have. This is a reminder to business owners that skills like communication, presenting, and interviewing are crucial for professional success, both for their own employees and for the future workforce. Investing in and supporting initiatives that foster these soft skills can have a long-term positive impact on the local talent pool and the community.

Damien Passmore, Marketing Officer and Web Editor for What's On Reading, shares his journey with the organisation and how it has become the "ultimate guide" for arts, culture, and heritage events in the Greater Reading area. The discussion covers the website's creation, its operational structure, and Damien’s background.

The conversation delves into the evolution of the business from its launch with 60 partner organisations to its current state with over 250 active partners. Damien explains his marketing philosophy, which highlights the crucial role of social media as a two-way communication tool.

Finally, the discussion touches on the future goals for What's On Reading, including the potential for physical advertising, such as print flyers or posters. Damien concludes with a message about the vibrant arts and culture scene in Reading, urging listeners to use the website to prove wrong anyone who says there is nothing happening in the town.

TIMECODES

00:00 Greeting

00:15 What is What’s on Reading?

01:31 Why What’s on Reading only covers Arts Culture and Heritage events

02:58 The ‘team’ behind What’s on Reading

04:08 How you can get your Arts/heritage event(s) listed on What’s on Reading?

05:10 Damien’s background and he got involved in What’s On Reading

06:55 To what extent has Damien’s personal involvement in local Arts and Culture helped him in his role at What’s on Reading.

08:15 The challenges Damien faced in getting traction going at What’s On Reading

10:28 How Damien promotes events in Reading

15:45 Connection between most popular content and most popular events

17:55 What’s On Reading data peak

20:25 Why events are important and advice for business owners

22:58 The future for What’s On Reading

24:24 Final thoughts

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Credibility is Currency: Building a strong reputation and relationships within the local community is crucial for success. Damien’s personal involvement in the arts and culture scene gave him immediate "legitimacy" and credibility with partners. This established a foundation of trust that made it easier to get organisations on board and grow the platform.

Social Media is a Two-Way Conversation: Social media is not just a broadcasting tool; it's a communication tool where "communication always goes two ways". What's On Reading's strategy focuses on being "social," engaging with followers, and responding to questions and comments. Damien also emphasises the importance of authenticity and adapting to platform changes.

Collaboration Drives Growth: Partnering with other local organisations can expand your reach and benefit your business. Passmore gives examples of successful collaborations, such as art exhibitions in pubs, which can draw in new customers. By finding the "right partnerships" that align with their brand, businesses can increase footfall and show community support.

In this episode, Glen Dinning, the director of Blue Collar Group, shares his journey building a permanent street food venue in Reading. Glenn shares how he was inspired by London's vibrant street food scene to create something similar in Reading.

The discussion covers the evolution of the business from organising street food festivals and markets starting in 2016 to the creation of Blue Collar Corner, a permanent site. Glen also shares the challenges he faced with the build, describing it as an "emotional roller coaster". He explains his marketing philosophy, which includes the importance of social media and authentic photos of the food.

Finally, the conversation touches on the future goals for Blue Collar Group, including a focus on improving the current venue and the long-term objective of building more locations in other towns and cities. Glen concludes with a message about the importance of supporting local, independent businesses.

TIMECODES

00:00 Introduction

00:51 What is the Blue Collar?

01:33 Why Glen founded Blue Collar

04:18 How easy was it for Glen to find street food sellers?

05:45 What street food does best in Reading?

07:55 Marketing Blue Collar

09:09 Photography at Blue Collar

11:12 How Glen manages his social channels

12:39 What challenges Glen has faced

14:14 Why did Glen want to build Blue Collar Corner.

16:28 How Glen built Blue Collar’s presence in Reading

18:15 How Glen decides what type of events to put on

20:58 How Blue Collar tries to cover all the food requirements

22:36 What skills Glen would like to improve

23:46 What is the future for Blue Collar

25:37 Final thoughts for listeners

Key TAKEAWAYS

Building a Business on Passion and Observation: Glen Dinning was inspired by the London street food scene and noticed a gap in his hometown of Reading. His journey demonstrates how turning a personal passion into a business can lead to creating something that fills a market need.

The Power of Longevity and Consistency: The reputation of Blue Collar Group was built on consistency. By continuing to host markets, run Blue Collar Corner, and introduce new food concepts, the business has grown its audience over time.

The importance of authentic photos: Dinning learned that authentic photos of food, taken with the venue or people in the background, resonate more with their audience than professional studio shots. He also emphasises that good photos are a "head start" for food traders because they are a key promotional tool for the business.

In this episode, Tony Cowling and Stuart Ward shine a light on the Reading Library of Things. The two founders discuss how the Library of Things adds value to the local area by providing an alternative to buying specialised tools, or other items you only use occasionally, like pressure washers, gazebos, or projectors.

The discussion covers the library's role in promoting resource-sharing and sustainability, highlighting how people can borrow professional-grade tools to do jobs themselves. Tony and Stuart explain that the library has 829 items and has accumulated tools worth at least £50,000. They also share the challenges faced when setting up the organisation. Finally, we discuss the ongoing need for more members and volunteers, as well as their future goals, including the long-term goal of having four locations across Reading.

TIMECODES

00:00 Intro

00:22 What is Reading Library of Things?

01:36 How did Reading Library of Things start?

02:45 Who is Tony Cowling?

03:24 Who is Stuart Ward?

04:07 What research they did to set up Reading Library of things

05:51 The importance of governance for a group

07:12 Challenges with setting up Reading Library of things

08:40 Successes at Reading Library of Things

09:18 Membership of Reading Library of Things

11:10 Number of tools and the most popular items

12:01 What has surprised Tony about Reading Library of Things?

14:30 The importance of having the right tool to do a job

15:16 Not competitors to traditional tool hire shops and tradespeople

16:27 How you can help Reading Library of Things

17:49 Bases for other Reading of Library Things in Town Centre

19:29 Future goals for Reading Library of Things

20:14 Final thoughts

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Offer tiered or value-based membership options: The Reading Library of Things offers a standard annual membership fee but also provides a free membership to those who donate a "significant tool". This model creates an incentive for people to contribute to the organisation's inventory while also attracting new members. It's a great example of a mutually beneficial business model.

The Importance of Established Governance: When starting a new venture, partnering with an existing, well-governed organisation can provide a significant advantage. The Reading Library of Things gained credibility by operating under Transition Town Reading, a UK-wide charitable network. This partnership provided them with an established governance structure. This organisational foundation proved crucial when the library applied for lottery funding, as they could demonstrate they were part of a reputable network.

Strategic Collaboration for Growth: The founders understand that working with other local groups is key to increasing their reach and sharing the workload. Tapping into other networks is also a great way to increase awareness and attract both new members and volunteers.

In this episode, three directors from the Specsavers Reading branch discuss how they operate as a locally owned and operated business within a well-known brand. Hashin Hirani, Retail Director, shares how the Reading branch is one of the largest in the country and has a wide range of services, including an on-site lab for same-day services. Randeep Bal, Ophthalmic Director, highlights the importance of looking after your eyesight and debunks common misconceptions about glasses. Finally, Suneeta Khanna, Audiology Director, talks about the store's range of audiology services, including hearing tests and ear wax removal. They also provide valuable advice on how to look after your hearing and eyesight in a world dominated by screens.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Customising a National Brand for Local Success: While Specsavers is a well-known national brand, the Reading branch operates like an independent business, tailoring its services to the local community. This approach demonstrates the value of local autonomy and responsiveness, even within a larger franchise or brand structure.

Adapting to Evolving Customer Needs and Demographics: The Reading Specsavers actively listens to customer feedback and has made significant changes to its store to meet community needs. This highlights the importance of being adaptable and responsive to a changing customer base.

Diversifying Services to Stay Competitive: The directors stress the importance of offering a varied range of services to stand out in a competitive market. This strategy of expanding service offerings creates additional value for customers and positions the business as a comprehensive healthcare provider in the community.

TIME CODES

00:00 Greeting

00:18 Greeting Hashin

00:30 What makes the Specsavers Reading branch unique

01:18 How Specsavers Reading focuses on the local community

02:46 Challenges faced at Specsavers Reading and solutions implemented

05:35 How Specsavers Reading keeps up to date with customer needs

07:00 How the demographic of Specsavers Reading has changed over time

07:57 Marketing Specsavers Reading

08:37 Hashin’s final thoughts

10:32 Greeting Randeep

10:46 The role of an Ophthalmologist

11:18 What an eye test involves

11:56 The connection between sight tests and general health

12:29 The slow progression of eye conditions

13:35 How often should you get your eyes tested?

14:44 Misconceptions around eyesight

17:11 How optometry is changing over time

17:48 How to look after your eyesight

19:35 How Randeep stays up to date with changes in the industry

20:54 Randeep’s final thoughts for listeners

21:24 Greeting Suneeta

21:36 Specsavers Reading Audiology services (including wax removal)

23:17 When should you go for a hearing test?

24:14 Misconceptions attached to hearing problems

25:05 How to look after your hearing

25:58 Why is there a hearing issue now?

27:08 Patterns in noticing hearing issues

28:24 Suneeta’s final thoughts

In this episode, Iryna Bakaliar, Head Librarian, and Peter Andrijeczko, Chair, of the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre. They discuss how the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre adds value to the local area by supporting the Ukrainian community, particularly the displaced Ukrainians who have arrived since the 2022 invasion.

The discussion covers the centre's role in preserving Ukrainian culture through its library, highlighting the importance of the Ukrainian language for children. They also explore various aspects of Ukrainian culture, including food, music, and notable figures in science, art, and sports. Iryna and Peter share the challenges faced by displaced Ukrainians, such as the loss of home and status, and the uncertainty of their visas. Finally, they discuss the support received from the British community and the ongoing need for job opportunities for Ukrainians. The episode concludes with reflections on appreciating life and the kindness shown by the UK.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Importance of Community and Support Systems: The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre serves as a vital safe space for other Ukrainians to come and pick up books, but also talk about life. This illustrates the fundamental human need for community, belonging, and a strong support network, especially during times of crisis. It's a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.

Resilience and Appreciation in Adversity: Despite immense loss and challenges, Ukrainians like Irina express gratitude for their safety and appreciate the simple things.

Adaptability and Reframing Life's Priorities: Ukrainians, forced to leave their established lives, are learning to "accept the reality" and "start from the beginning" while being grateful for the safety the UK provides. This demonstrates incredible adaptability in the face of involuntary change and a powerful reframing of what truly matters.

TIME CODES

00:00 Greeting

00:49 Introduction to Peter

01:29 Introduction to Iryna

03:17 Why it’s important to preserve Ukrainian culture

04:22 Ukrainian words

06:05 Key differences between English and Ukrainian languages

07:15 Learning a foreign language

07:36 Ukrainian culture highlights

11:29 Some of the challenges in moving to the UK (1968)

13:23 Support for Ukrainians in Reading

14:58 Some of the challenges in moving to the UK (Iryna’s recent experience)

17:57 How to support the Ukrainian community

20:10 What war has taught Iryna

21:42 Reading diversity and number of charities- sign of a good society

23:28 Appreciate what you have

24:18 Peter’s final thoughts

24:42 Visit the Ukrainian centre

25:13 Extract from Iryna’s favourite poem to end (Contra Spem Spero! By Lesya Ukrainka).

In this episode, Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at Reading University discusses how Reading University adds value to the local area by building partnerships with various stakeholders, including residents, the council, and local businesses.

We discuss the community engagement team's three-year action plan, and core objectives. We also explore the challenges that Molli has faced and opportunities that have arisen from collaboration with local organisations and residents. Finally, Molli also shares how they measure their success with engagement, and how it is a university-wide commitment, with many colleagues dedicated to connecting students with the local community.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Value of Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local organisations and residents, leads to more successful and meaningful outcomes than working in isolation. This demonstrates how businesses can achieve greater impact and reach by leveraging trusted community networks.

Building Trust is Essential for Long-Term Success: Molli emphasises that building trusting relationships takes significant time and effort but eventually leads to opportunities where people actively seek to work with you. For businesses, this underscores the importance of investing in genuine community engagement rather than solely focusing on immediate transactional gains.

Understanding and Responding to Local Needs: The university's strategy involves actively responding to local needs and interests, then aligning their resources to help. Businesses can apply this by genuinely understanding their community's pain points and offering solutions or collaborations that provide real value, fostering goodwill and potentially new markets.

TIMECODES

00:00 Greeting

00:32 Introduction to Molli

01:49 About Molli’s role as community engagement manager

04:45 Goal with integrating university and community

06:42 What challenges have Molli, and the engagement team faced?

10:15 What opportunities have Molli, and the engagement team uncovered?

14:52 Engagement across Reading University

18:30 How measure the value of the relationships

21:51 Final thoughts

In this episode, I catch up with Louisa Guise who was the first guest on the My Local Marketer podcast, launched in 2024. This is the one-year anniversary of Louisa’s book, which explores communication in the digital age, focusing on the benefits of using phones less and leaving unproductive group chats.

Learn about Louisa's journey promoting her book, which included talks at bookshops and libraries, and unexpected opportunities like speaking at the Harrogate International Festival and appearing on Australian television. She shares insights on balancing book promotion with a full-time job, dedicating weekends and evenings to various activities such as scheduling posts, contacting libraries, and engaging with journalists.

Louisa also provides valuable tips for aspiring authors, advising them to start building their web presence early and to develop a comprehensive marketing plan. She recommends her free marketing blog, "All About Digital Marketing," as a resource for authors. Finally, Louisa discusses the positive reception of her book and her future plans.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Proactive Marketing Pays Off: Louisa emphasises starting early to build a web presence and establish your expertise. This highlights that consistent effort in building your brand and putting yourself out there can lead to valuable, unpredictable PR and business growth opportunities.

Showcase Your Personality: Louisa suggests that business owners can gain a following by showcasing unusual hobbies or interests, as these personal touches make you more memorable and add personality.

Strategic Planning and Persistence are Crucial: Despite a full-time job, Louisa dedicated significant time on weekends and evenings to promoting her book. This underscores the necessity for business owners to have a robust, well-thought-out marketing plan and the persistence to execute it to see long-term results.

TIMECODES

00:00 Intro

00:51 Introduction to Louisa & her book

01:53 How Louisa has promoted her book over the last year

04:24 Find every opportunity to promote yourself

05:42 Louisa’s most surprising opportunity this year

07:38 How Louisa had promoted her book alongside her full-time job

09:23 Working with journalists

10:39 Tips for people publishing their books

15:04 What has reception to Louisa’s book been like

17:20 Louisa’s plans for the future

19:23 Final thoughts

Terry Dixon, founder of "Terry's Reading Walkabouts," started his walking tours in 2016. He has since raised over £26,000 for more than 30 local charities. Terry offers 22 different themed walks. In this episode, we discuss how Terry got started with his walks, how he promotes them, and how his project management background has helped him. We also discuss why Reading is such a wonderful town and the importance of history. Terry also highlights how he adapts to challenges, and why it’s important to look for opportunities.

HIGHLIGHTS

Adaptability and Opportunity Recognition: Terry highlights the importance of innovation and finding new opportunities even in adversity. This highlights the crucial business lesson of remaining agile and actively seeking out new possibilities, even when faced with significant obstacles.

Diversification of Offerings and Continuous Product Development: Terry constantly evolves his core product, creating two new walks a year and developing 22 different walking themes. This commitment to expanding his offerings and keeping content fresh ensures repeat engagement from his "band of wonderful followers" and appeals to a wider audience.

Prioritising Customer Experience: Terry emphasises that beyond fundraising, his primary goal is for people "to have a wonderful experience". This dedication to delivering a high-quality experience fosters a loyal "enthusiastic band of walkers" who often return, demonstrating how exceptional customer service can drive repeat business and cultivate strong community ties through word-of-mouth promotion. 

TIMECODES

00:00 Introduction

00:27 Introduction to Terry

01:40 About Terry’s Reading Walkabouts

03:50 Reading is a wonderful place to live!

05:17 Terry’s Pride of Reading Award

06:45 Terry’s charities

08:29 How Terry chooses the charities he works with

09:45 Terry’s favourite walk!

11:30 How Terry promotes his walks

12:51 Why history is awesome!

13:22 How Terry promotes his walks continued

14:17 Challenges Terry has faced/ Look for the opportunities

14:22 How Terry’s Project Management experience has helped him

19:03 How to find out more about Terry’s walks

20:44 Terry’s final thoughts

This episode features Steve Bulley from Berkshire Growth Hub. Steve discusses his background, and Berkshire Growth Hub. He explains that Berkshire Growth Hub acts as a "GP for businesses," offering free, confidential support and resources to companies at every stage, from startups to expanding enterprises.

Learn about the diverse services provided by the Growth Hub, including monthly startup courses, and connections to skills bootcamps. Steve also shares insights into current business trends and stresses the importance of sales in driving business growth. Finally, Steve explains how the Berkshire Growth Hub measures its success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Free, Tailored Business Support: The Berkshire Growth Hub acts as a "GP for businesses," offering confidential and free-at-the-point-of-need support for companies at every stage, from startups to scaling enterprises and those planning their exit.

Sales are Crucial for Growth – Don't Overlook Them: While marketing is important, Steve emphasises that many businesses need to focus more on sales to increase their revenue. He highlights that even the best marketing plan is wasted if businesses don't "close and ask for the business".

Understand Your Cash Flow: In today's economic climate, particularly for larger businesses, contracts can have much longer lead times, sometimes taking months to be signed off due to supply chain hesitancy. This emphasises the vital importance of cash flow management and sufficient reserves to bridge periods between projected and actual payments.

TIMECODES

00:00 Podcast Introduction

00:29 Introduction to Steve Bulley and his role at Berkshire Growth Hub

02:50 About Berkshire Growth Hub

04:54 Berkshire Growth Hub range of services

07:49 How Berkshire Growth Hub chooses its range of services

09:58 Patterns among local businesses

13:43 Other challenges faced by business owners

17:25 How Berkshire Growth Hub measures its success

21:26 How Berkshire Growth Hub promotes its services to business owners

23:14 How businesses can find out more

24:00 Steve’s final advice for business owners

This episode features Pete Hefferan, co-founder of Shed Cafe. Pete shares the fascinating journey of how he brought Shed Cafe to life, from a casual job opportunity to taking over the business with his wife, Lydia. Find out about the ongoing dedication required to curate fresh, high-quality food daily and ensure seamless service in a small, efficient space. We also explore the challenges, benefits, and highlights of running a café, and Pete’s focus on increasing efficiency. Finally, we discuss the Shed menu and how they source ingredients.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Agility and Streamlining for Resilience: Faced with rising costs, Shed Cafe, benefits from being a "sapling" rather than a "big oak tree," as it can bend through storms by changing suppliers and products. They've focused on streamlining their operations to deliver quality food quickly.

Innovation in the Everyday: The "Tomato Soup" Principle: Pete shares how to elevate a simple tomato soup recipe. This highlights that even common products can stand out with a creative twist. For business owners, this emphasises the importance of finding ways to differentiate standard offerings to capture customer interest and establish a unique selling proposition.

The Experience Economy: Pete notes that "good coffee is 10% beans". The other 90% is about the entire customer experience, including where they sit, the interaction with staff, and even how they pay. This takeaway stresses that in today's market, success often hinges on creating a holistic and memorable customer experience that goes far beyond the core product or service being offered.

TIME CODES

00:00 Introduction

00:24 Tomato & aubergine soup

01:02 Introduction to Pete

01:38 Why is it called Shed Café?

02:34 Why did Pete want to take over Shed?

04:15 How to check your bakes

04:58 What is Pete’s favourite part of running Shed?

07:09 Challenges Pete has faced running Shed

08:48 How Pete has tackled his challenges

11:12 Perfect your processes

11:40 Highlight from Shed’s history

12:28 Every day at Shed is different!

12:48 Sourcing ingredients for Shed

15:11 Finding customers for Shed

17:15 Your story is so important

18:11 Future plans for Shed

This episode features Dave Jenkins, the founder of Cryptic DJ. Discover how Dave transitioned from his e-commerce ventures to pursue a passion project that's now captivating a growing audience. Learn the strategic decisions behind Cryptic DJ's design, including how it draws inspiration from the viral success of games like Wordle to create a simple, universally engaging daily challenge accessible right in your browser.

Dave shares the fascinating journey of bringing Cryptic DJ to life, from initial airport napkin sketches to navigating the complexities of securing legal music licenses. Explore the ongoing dedication required to curate fresh, high-quality content daily and ensure seamless play across all devices. Jenkins also reveals his unique approach to promotion, blending community engagement through social media and live events with strategic media mentions that have led to significant user surges. Finally, get a glimpse into his "build it and they will come" philosophy for monetisation, focusing on audience growth as the foundation for future opportunities.

TIME CODES

00:00 Greeting

00:18 Introduction to Dave Jenkins

00:52 Dave’s approach to business

02:17 What is Cryptic DJ?

03:21 The ingredients for creating a popular game like Wordle

04:54 How Dave created his game and the technical side

08:25 The platform used to develop his game

09:28 The research done to create the game

11:46 Challenges in developing the game

13:54 Promoting the game

16:40 Monetising games

21:01 Final thoughts

In this episode, Mary Genis, Artistic Director and founder of Culture Mix Arts, discusses her journey into music and how her career has evolved. Mary highlights the importance of music accessibility and the benefits of steel pans as an orchestral instrument. She also explains how her experience working for Reading Borough Council and Arts Council England provided essential skills in project management, budget management, and understanding funding structures.

Amongst other things, we explore Mary's approach to running a not-for-profit organisation, which emphasises using funding to launch projects rather than for sustained income, and the importance of being organised and having strong financial systems. We touch upon how developing skills through various roles led to unexpected professional opportunities and enabled the growth of Culture Mix Arts. Mary also shares her experiences of creating employment opportunities and developing staff from within the organisation, reinforcing the idea that fostering talent can lead to significant company success.

Finally, Mary reveals her philosophy of life, which prioritises fulfilment over material success and encourages self-belief, sharing ambitions, and continuous personal growth.

Timecodes

00:00 Greeting

00:48 Introduction to Mary

01:33 The development of Culture Mix Arts

02:41 How Mary developed the skills that she needed to run her business | Mary’s role at Reading Borough Council

05:10 Mary’s role at Arts Council England Arts

06:49 Culture Mix Arts is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (ACE NPO). We discuss what this means.

08:37 The challenges of applying for funding

09:56 Tips for businesses looking to obtain funding

13:00 Why Mary decided to set up Culture Mix Arts as a company

14:21 A focus on two of Mary’s team who came to her as teenagers

17:45 How Mary makes Steel pans accessible to a wider audience

21:12 One of the main battles in engaging people

21:57 The challenges that Mary has faced in implementing her vision for Culture Mix

25:01 Mary’s philosophy of life

28:51 Mary’s final thoughts

In this episode, Chris Mitchell, a composer, producer, and performer, discusses his journey into music and how his career has evolved. Chris highlights the importance of music education for brain development and social skills. He also explains the difference between music and sound in film and TV production, and how they work together to create an immersive experience.

Amongst other things, we explore Chris’ approach to composing, which emphasises active listening and receptivity to initial ideas, a process he likens to 'playing what you hear'. We touch upon how investing in local initiatives can lead to fulfilling experiences and unexpected professional opportunities. Chris also shares his experiences of connecting through networking and reinforces the idea that strong communication and community ties are beneficial for both personal and business growth.

Finally, Chris reveals the projects that he’s currently working on, including choral pieces and a new musical.  

TIMECODES

00:00 Greeting

00:28 Introduction to Chris

04:36 Why is music important for children’s development

06:34 How Chris has developed different parts of his business

09:15 What is the difference between sound and music

12:38 Sound projects Chris has worked on

13:26 Get your name out there!

14:21 Chris’ Project Highlights

16:42 Chris’ process for creating music

21:01 Underscore

22:10 How can people find and make the most of music opportunities in Reading

24:21 Chris’ current projects

26:45 Chris’ local projects

28:58 Final thoughts

In this episode, Becky Nallon, Taproom Supervisor at Double Barrelled, discusses their role at the brewery, which they joined almost three years ago.

Becky explains their responsibilities as taproom supervisor, including managing the team, running events, and ensuring smooth operations. They highlight the joy of introducing customers to new beer styles and broadening their horizons beyond their usual preferences.

Becky shares how the learning process and support for staff has been key in helping them to work more effectively as a team and best serve their customers.

Becky also notes the impact of Double Barrelled’s beers being sold in supermarkets like Waitrose, John Lewis, and Tesco, which has drawn visitors from further afield, including London.

This extract is from the My Local Marketer podcast, you can listen to the episode on your preferred podcast platform, or on the episode landing page: https://mylocalmarketer.co.uk/podcast/48/

TIME CODES

00:00 Greeting

00:36 Introduction to Becky

01:09 What Becky’s role involves

02:29 Broadening people’s horizons with beer

03:27 The learning process

06:57 How everyone at Double-Barrelled works effectively together

07:55 Becky’s photography background

09:13 The Arts scene in Reading & Double Barrelled’s role

10:20 Double Barrelled’s tours

11:24 Double Barrelled’s audiences

12:30 How access to supermarkets has opened Double Barrelled to other audiences

14:40 Challenges Becky has faced

16:17 Look after your staff and they look after customers

17:27 Final thoughts

In this episode, Cassie Greenman, Taproom Shift Manager and Brewery and Warehouse Assistant at Double-Barrelled Brewery, shares the fascinating journey of the brewery and her diverse roles within it.

Cassie discusses how Double-Barrelled began as a unique wedding favour brewed by founders Mike and Lucy in 2015, evolving into a successful business that opened in November 2018. She highlights the brewery's recent expansion into major supermarkets while maintaining its microbrewery status, producing 1.3 million pints annually.

This episode also details the meticulous brewing process, from grinding malt and creating wort to boiling with hops and fermentation, and explains how spent malt is given to a local farmer to feed cows, ensuring no waste. Cassie offers insights into Double-Barrelled's most popular beers, Parker and Ding Lager, and addresses the challenges faced by women in the craft beer industry, while celebrating the brewery's inclusive environment.

Finally, Cassie reflects on Reading's rich brewing history, particularly the Simmons Brewery, and emphasises the importance of evolution, adaptation, and community collaboration among modern brewers. She underscores Double-Barrelled's commitment to fostering a thriving local community through various events and a welcoming atmosphere.

For more information, view the episode landing page:

https://mylocalmarketer.co.uk/podcast/47/

TIMECODES

00:00 Greeting

00:22 Introduction to Cassie

00:57 Introduction to Double-Barrelled

02:14 Location of Double-Barrelled

02:30 Cassie’s roles at Double-Barrelled

03:33 Trade customers (where you can find Double-Barrelled beers in Reading and Supermarkets)

04:39 How much beer Double-Barrelled produces

05:46 What is the process for making beer at Double-Barrelled

10:11 Where are the ingredients sourced from

12:26 Double-Barrelled’s most popular beer

13:39 Non-alcoholic beers and other options at Double-Barrelled

14:28 Challenges Cassie has faced in the industry

16:59 The history of beer In Reading

19:06 What can modern brewers learn from the past

20:50 Local groups and resources if you’re interested in learning more about brewing

22:23 Final thoughts

In this episode, Sarah Browning, a Kindness Cheerleader and Communications Consultant, discussing the importance of kindness in business and effective communication strategies.  

The discussion covers Sarah’s work in promoting kindness and its benefits for individuals and organisations, addressing its impact on productivity, happiness, and overall business culture.  

The episode also highlights the challenges of integrating kindness into business, including overcoming misconceptions and time constraints, and provides examples of how to implement kindness in the workplace.  

Sarah also shares her expertise on communication, discussing common challenges faced by businesses and strategies for effective internal and external communication, particularly during times of change.  

Finally, Sarah concludes by emphasising the power of kindness and offering ways for listeners to connect and share their own experiences with kindness.

TIMECODES

00:00 Greeting

00:36 Introduction to Sarah

02:15 Why kindness is important for businesses

05:54 What challenges has Sarah faced in getting businesses to understand the importance on kindness

09:25 Examples of how kindness can be incorporated into a business

11:41 What challenges have businesses faced with communication

14:48 How businesses can communicate change effectively

17:56 Final thoughts

19:34 Where to send your kindness stories

In this episode, Lorraine Briffitt, CEO of Connect Reading, shares the story behind the organisation's mission to connect various sectors in Reading for mutual benefit.

Lorraine discusses how Connect Reading has grown to facilitate collaboration between businesses, charities, the education sector, and public sector services, to foster a better local community, economy, and environment.  

The episode also highlights Connect Reading’s initiatives, including the Summer Giving Appeal and the development of a quality standard. As well as the challenges faced by local businesses, Connect Reading’s collaborative ethos, and future goals for expansion.    

Lorraine also reflects on the importance of collaboration, the evolution of Reading, and the organisation's role in supporting the local community.

TIME CODES

00:00 Greeting

00:28 Introduction to Connect Reading

01:27 How Lorraine got involved with Connect Reading

02:08 What is Lorraine’s mission for Connect Reading

03:10 How has Reading changed over the last 20 years

04:17 What Lorraine’s learned from her leadership roles

06:17 Examples of Connect Reading Projects

08:45 The challenges facing local businesses

10:54 Suggestions for how people can minimise these challenges

12:15 Collaborative opportunities for hospitality

13:12 How Connect Reading measures success

15:23 How Connect Reading helps local businesses

18:28 How Connect Reading is financed

20:40 Connect Reading’s plans for the future

22:26 Final thoughts for listeners

In this episode, Ian Gough from Reduce Energy, discusses the Green Park wind turbine, an iconic feature of Reading. Ian shares the turbine's history, from its 2005 erection to its energy output and physical dimensions.  

The discussion covers the turbine's role in renewable energy, addressing its efficiency, ROI, and environmental impact. As well as the practicalities of turbine maintenance and the growing need for renewable energy sources.    

The episode also highlights public perception, and the importance of education in dispelling myths and promoting change.  

Ian also provides advice on adopting energy-efficient practices and investing in renewable energy.

TIME CODES

00:00 Introduction

00:10 Welcome to Ian

00:47 Introduction to Ian and Reduce Energy Ltd

01:34 Overview of the Green Park wind turbine

02:44 Why install a wind turbine at Green Park

04:08 The ROI of a wind turbine

07:08 What is the impact of the Green Park wind turbine on the surrounding area

08:14 How environmentally friendly are wind turbines?

11:33 What is maintenance of a wind turbine like?

13:18 The benefits and challenges of the Green Park wind turbine

15:26 How to get people to accept the Green Park wind turbine

16:59 Why people need to start understanding renewable energy

20:06 Tips for individuals and small businesses who would like to use renewable energy

23:56 Final thoughts

25:12 How to find out about the Green Park wind turbine tours and talks.

26:11 Close

In this episode, Tom Price, Chief Engagement Officer at Reading Pride, shares the story behind one of Reading’s most vibrant community events.

Tom discusses how Reading Pride has grown into a 15,000-person celebration of inclusivity and joy, powered by a small team and strong partnerships.

The episode also highlights the charity’s year-round work, including new community outreach initiatives and collaborations with other organisations. As well as Reading Pride’s fundraising, promotion, and future goals.

Tom also reflects on the lessons that he’s learned over the years, the power of relationships, and why putting people first is key to long-term impact.

TIME CODES

00:00 Greeting

00:39 Intro to Tom Price and Reading Pride

01:23 The difference between Pride of Reading Awards and Reading Pride

02:14 How Reading Pride is organised

03:51 How has Reading Pride developed over the years

05:15 Get one thing set up before moving onto something else

06:15 How Reading Pride is funded

07:08 Reading Pride Merchandise

08:08 How Reading Pride is promoted

09:36 What Tom has learned over the years

10:28 How Tom manages his relationships

12:06 Plans for Reading Pride going forwards

13:39 Reading Pride fences

15:12 How can people and businesses get involved with Reading Pride

15:54 Final thoughts

In this episode, Jeroen Veheggen, Chair of Caversham AFC, shares how the club has grown into the largest grassroots football organisation in Reading, supporting over 800 players across all age groups.

Jeroen talks about his journey from parent volunteer to Chair and the club’s mission to provide inclusive, community-driven football. He highlights the challenges they face with outdated facilities and the ongoing efforts to secure investment and council support for vital improvements.

The episode also touches on the importance of volunteer support, the club’s approach to communication, and how they are working to strengthen ties with the wider community.

Jeroen leaves listeners with a powerful message about the value of getting involved in local causes and the difference that community-led action can make.

TIME CODES

00:00 Greeting

00:39 Introduction to Jeroen

02:57 The structure of Caversham AFC

04:09 Caversham AFC is run by volunteers

05:03 The problem with Caversham AFC’s Premises

08:19 Funding for new premises

11:01 Help needed to support development of Caversham AFC

12:03 It’s not all about winning

13:28 Caversham AFC’s role in the community

15:18 How internal communication works at Caversham AFC

17:38 The distribution of Caversham AFC’s newsletter

18:10 How people can help Caversham AFC

19:38 Final thoughts

In this episode, Abbie Trussler, the Communications Officer at No. 5 Young People, discusses this local charity in Reading that provides free counselling and support services to young people.

Abbie shares her personal journey with No. 5, starting as a 14-year-old using their counselling services, then volunteering, and eventually joining the staff team.

She discusses the organization's history, its services, and its impact on the community.

The interview delves into the challenges faced by young people today, particularly concerning school, the impact of COVID-19, and the pressures of the online world. Abbie also provides valuable insights on how adults can better communicate and support young people.

Abbie also shares No. 5's communication strategies, including their targeted social media approach and the upcoming launch of their podcast, designed to bridge the gap between young people and adults.

Finally, Abbie leaves listeners with a powerful message of support and encouragement for young people and adults alike.

TIME CODES

00:00 Introduction and Greeting Abbie

00:33 Introduction to Abbie and how she came to work at No.5

02:00 What is No.5 and how it helps young people

03:35 How many people work at No.5 and its impact

04:35 The challenges facing young people now-a-days

06:22 Has Covid made a difference to young people?

08:36 Abbie’s thoughts on the recent Adolescence programme

11:07 How can adults help young people

12:52 How No.5 connects with different audiences

14:30 The No.5 upcoming podcast

15:25 The decision behind starting the podcast

17:05 How the podcast helps the service

17:42 How to engage young people

19:09 Advice for young people or adults who are struggling

In this episode, Lynne Shipton, founder of the charity Chemogiftbags, shares her personal story of being diagnosed with breast cancer and how it led her to establish the charity.

Chemogiftbags provides comfort and support to individuals undergoing chemotherapy, by providing them with a free giftbag full of with items to help them through their treatment and make them smile.

Lynne also discusses the logistics of running the charity, shares valuable lessons applicable to business owners, and she highlights the significance of supporting local charities.

Lynne concludes the interview with an inspiring message about choosing to be someone's reason for hope and the profound impact of small acts of kindness.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Power of "Personal" Marketing & Connection: Lynne's story highlights the importance of understanding your target audience deeply, creating a personal connection, and offering something unique that resonates with their needs.  

Persistence and Creative Outreach: Lynne showcases the importance of persistence and thinking outside the box when promoting your cause or business. She actively seeks out opportunities, demonstrating that you need to be proactive and creative to cut through the noise.

Building Trust and Credibility: Lynne emphasises the importance of establishing credibility, especially when seeking support and funding. Becoming a registered charity was a key step for Chemogiftbags, as it provided assurance to donors and partners that the organisation was legitimate and trustworthy. This highlights the importance for businesses to build trust through transparency, professionalism, and demonstrating a commitment to their mission.

TIME CODES

00:00 Welcome to Lynne Shipton

00:41 Why Lynne setup Chemogiftbags

02:15 What Chemogiftbags offers people (bag contents)

04:05 Chemogiftbags are for men and women

05:01 How many people are served by Chemogiftbags

05:20 What are the logistics of running Chemogiftbags

07:53 The effort behind developing and maintaining connections in hospitals

09:20 Lessons Lynne’s learned since starting Chemogiftbags

10:20 What people say about the giftbags

13:03 Why Lynne decided to set Chemogiftbags up as a charity

14:55 How Lynne promotes Chemogiftbgs

16:24 Plans for Chemogiftbags going forwards

17:39 How can you help Chemogiftbags

18:49 Final thoughts

Neil discusses his role at the Purple Turtle, which includes managing event bookings, promotion, and social media marketing. He provides insights into how he structures his day and handles the diverse responsibilities of his position.  

The conversation explores the unique characteristics of the Purple Turtle, emphasising its significance as a Reading fixture and its diverse offerings, including bands, comedy, and club nights.  

Neil also shares two exciting developments at the Purple Turtle. First, securing an Arts Council grant for audience development and marketing, which will enable them to bring in a wider variety of music and artists, and invest in a two-camera AV system. Second, the Turtle’s expansion to include another medium-sized venue space.

The importance of the Purple Turtle’s contribution to the local community is discussed, from its free-entry philosophy to its support for local artists and events.  

Throughout the interview, Neil offers valuable advice on various aspects of event management, including the funding application process, choosing bands, promotion strategies, and connecting with audiences. He emphasises the need to adapt to the evolving entertainment landscape and the challenges of attracting and retaining an audience.

TIME CODES

00:00 Introduction

00:25 Greeting

00:46 Introduction to Neil

01:08 What Neil’s schedule looks like

01:58 Neil’s background

02:33 How Neil ended up at the Turtle

03:05 What is different about The Purple Turtle

04:00 The Turtle’s impact in Reading

04:33 What makes The Purple Turtle stand out from other bars in Reading

05:58 Successful in securing Arts Council Funding

09:42 Planning permission granted for new venue

10:53 How Neil chooses the bands

12:48 How Neil promotes events at the Purple Turtle

15:11 What works well for Neil on socials

16:06 The Purple Turtle helps the local community

17:26 What challenges has Neil faced since he started

17:55 Tackling the challenge of attracting audiences

18:38 What Neil likes about working at The Purple Turtle

18:58 Final thoughts

20:08 Getting annual events in place

In this episode, Simon Morris, speaks about his experience organising the Reading Geek and Science in Reading groups, and offers advice that can be applied to businesses.  

He discusses the differences between the Reading Geek Night and Science in Reading groups, explaining how Reading Geek Night is a more informal event covering a wide range of geeky topics, while Science in Reading is a deeper, more hardcore science-oriented event featuring speakers with science backgrounds from academia or industry.  

Simon details the challenges of managing both groups, including the work involved in organising speakers, utilising technology to streamline processes, and the importance of building and maintaining a pipeline of speakers.  

We also discuss Simon’s experience collaborating with Reading University, highlighting the mutual benefits of these partnerships.  

TIMECODES

00:00 Introduction

00:25 Greeting

00:41 Introduction to Simon

00:59 What Simon likes about Reading

02:17 Introduction to Reading Geeks and Science in Reading

03:22 The difference between Reading Geeks and Science in Reading

04:32 How Simon manages two groups simultaneously

06:50 How Simon finds and organises speakers

09:18 What Simon has learned as he’s grown both groups

11:30 How Simon promotes both groups

15:10 Simon’s collaboration with Reading University

18:46 How Simon has maintained group attendance since lockdown

23:36 How Simon encourages a wide group demographic (genders and ages)

25:50 Format of Reading Geek group meetings and how Simon encourages engagement

27:52 What topics are doing well at the moment

30:46 Plans for topics going forwards

31:21 Final thoughts

In this episode, Martin Butler, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Royal Berks Charity and passionate singer based in Reading. Martin shares his journey of balancing responsibilities with his love for music, discussing how he finds time for his passion alongside his professional and family life. He details his experiences with singing in choirs, performing as a soloist, and songwriting.

Martin offers insights into finding time for personal hobbies, the importance of well-being, and the diverse music scene in Reading, encouraging listeners to explore local venues and support local artists. He also emphasises the value of pursuing one's passions and offers advice for those looking to develop their creative interests, reminding listeners that "never say never" when it comes to following their dreams.

TIMECODES

00:00 Episode Introduction

00:25 Welcome to Martin!

00:38 Introduction to Martin

01:24 What Martin likes about Reading

02:43 Martin’s music background

05:28 Finding time for your passions

06:15 Martin’s singing genre

07:27 Martin’s song writing process

10:13 How Martin found the music video process

12:24 Martin’s special singing highlights

14:00 What was it like to sing at The Hexagon and Purple Turtle

15:08 Tips for finding great singing performances

17:23 Final thoughts

In this episode Tessa, a yoga teacher, circle facilitator, and author based in Caversham, Reading. Tessa shares her journey of building a diverse business rooted in community and connection over the past 15 years. This interview explores her work with yoga, menstrual cycle education, and the power of circle holding, including her recent book, "Circle Holding: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Talking Circles." Tessa discusses the importance of creating meaningful connections, the evolution of her business through online training and in-person events, and her vision for bringing circle practices into schools and intergenerational settings. She also shares valuable insights on marketing a multifaceted business, finding balance, and recognising the gaps where you can make a difference in your community. Tessa encourages listeners to explore the power of circles and to consider how they can bring positive change to their own lives and the lives of others in Reading.

TIMECODES

00:00 Episode Intro

00:25 Welcome to Tessa!

00:55 Intro to Tessa and her business

01:18 What Tessa likes about Reading

02:22 Tessa’s background

03:50 How Tessa’s business has developed over time

05:28 Pay attention to the common thread in your work

06:45 Tessa’s book

09:20 How Tessa launched her book

10:26 Tessa’s plans to promote her book going forwards

11:57 How Tessa has promoted her business

14:00 How Tessa finds time to do everything!

16:31 Tessa’s plans for the future

18:38 Final thoughts

This episode introduces Ethical Reading and explores its three core offerings:

Gurprit introduces Ethical Reading and its purpose, before expanding on one of the programmes that they offer: health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Brad discusses Ethical Reading’s core offering: Ethics in business, as well as their ethics in education programme.

Finally, Graham expands on the importance of sustainability, including financial sustainability for non-profits and how Ethical Reading navigates this challenge. He also mentions the vital role of communication in raising awareness and engaging the community in Ethical Reading’s mission.

TIMECODES

00:00 Introduction to episode

00:25 Introduction to Gurprit Singh

01:10 What is Ethical Reading?

04:20 What Ethical Reading does for ethics and health

05:36 How Ethical Reading measures its impact

07:12 Ethical Reading has something for everyone

08:14 Goals for Ethical Reading

10:10 Introduction to Brad Hooker

11:00 How Brad has found the transition from academia to the world of business

11:45 Brad’s role in Ethical Reading

12:10 What are Ethical Reading’s Business Ethics and Education Ethics offerings?

16:48 Programmes Brad has enjoyed

17:19 Fairness in business

18:51 Introduction to Graham Roberts

20:28 Sustainability on finance side of business

22:13 Challenges Ethical Reading has faced

24:22 Programmes for sustainability side

26:53 How Ethical Reading communicates what it does

28:09 Final thoughts

In this episode, Claire Rhodes, CEO of My Cancer My Choices, shares insights into the challenges and rewards of running a small charity. This 10-year-old Berkshire-based organisation provides complementary therapies like massage, acupuncture, and reflexology to people undergoing cancer treatment. Claire discusses the importance of building strong community relationships, leveraging word-of-mouth marketing, and securing vital funding. She also emphasises the impact of these therapies on patients' well-being and encourages listeners to consider supporting My Cancer My Choices through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word about their valuable services.  

TIME CODES

00:00 Intro

00:20 Greeting

00:58 What is My Cancer My Choices?

01:54 Examples of complementary treatments

03:08 The benefits of complementary treatments

04:26 The origin of My Cancer My Choices

05:59 Claire’s background and how she came to join the team

06:59 Claire’s biggest takeaway from the charity

07:27 How do the charity maintain relationships with groups?

09:39 How do they communicate with audiences?

12:31 What challenges has the charity faced over the years?

14:32 The charity’s impact on the Berkshire community

17:04 Plans for celebrating My Cancer My Choices 10th anniversary

19:27 How can people help the charity?

20:41 Final thoughts

In this episode, Holly Scott, an award-winning interior designer, shares her journey from window dressing at iconic London department stores to building her own successful interior design business, Holly Scott Interior Design.

Holly discusses how her passion for creativity and a desire to help others led her to pursue interior design. She shares valuable insights on building a successful interior design business, including overcoming imposter syndrome, developing a unique selling point, and effective marketing strategies.

Holly emphasises the importance of creating "happy homes" that reflect the client's personality and lifestyle, focusing on creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. She also discusses the importance of continuous learning and staying inspired while maintaining a focus on personal style and client preferences.

This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring interior designers, other business owners, and offers practical tips for anyone looking to create a more beautiful and fulfilling home environment.

TIMECODES

00:00 Introduction

00:25 Greeting

01:00 Introduction to Holly and Holly Scott Interior Design

02:04 Holly’s background

05:27 What led Holly to interior design

08:16 What advice would Holly give her younger self?

09:25 How Holly makes herself stand out

12:15 Challenges Holly has faced

14:21 Keeping up to date with the field

15:44 Holly’s marketing approach

17:46 How Holly got on Marlow FM

18:52 Holly’s approach to social media

20:33 Holly’s goals for 2025

21:40 Holly’s tips for people looking to design their home

23:04 Final thoughts

In this episode, Kirsti Wilson, Head of Marketing and Fundraising at Launchpad, shares Launchpad's holistic approach to supporting individuals at risk of homelessness, including prevention services, providing safe and supportive housing, and offering rehabilitation programs to help individuals rebuild their lives.

Kirsti emphasises the importance of local support for charities like Launchpad and encourages listeners to consider various ways to contribute, from financial donations and volunteering to simply raising awareness within their own networks.

We also discuss the challenges that Kirsti and her team have faced in fundraising and how they have overcome these through their adaptable and collaborative approach.

TIME CODES

00:00 introduction

00:28 Welcome

01:02 Introduction to Kirsti Wilson

01:26 What Kirsti Wilson likes about Reading

01:56 Launchpad’s mission and how it helps people in Reading

04:54 Launchpad’s start and how it’s changed over the years

05:42 Causes behind added demand for Launchpad’s services

07:10 Homelessness myths

09:56 Overcoming fundraising challenges

11:45 Connecting with small businesses and ways to support Launchpad

15:10 How to find a charity to support

16:10 Launchpad’s plans going forwards

18:05 Launchpad’s collaborative approach

19:10 Kirsti’s favourite story of someone Launchpad has helped

22:08 Final thoughts

In this episode, we delve into the world of Jacobs the Jewellers, a family-run jewellery store with a rich history in Reading, UK.

We speak with Adam Jacobs, the third-generation owner, about the challenges and successes of building a successful family business. Adam shares his insights on providing exceptional customer service and building strong relationships in Reading.

The episode explores the challenges facing independent businesses in today's competitive market, including the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviour and the ever-evolving retail landscape. Adam discusses the significance of craftsmanship, highlighting Jacobs’ commitment to quality and their focus on crafting unique made in the UK pieces.

TIME CODES

00:30 Introduction

00:43 Introduction to Adam and Jacobs the Jewellers

05:07 How Reading has changed over the years and Jacobs’ involvement with the community

06:51 What sets Jacobs’ jewellery apart

08:15 Jacobs’ website | Academy section

09:21 Jewellery, value and stories

12:13 What jewellery is popular now?

13:44 Finding your favourite piece of jewellery

14:28 The made in the UK stamp

17:00 Challenges Jacobs has faced

19:40 What ways work for marketing Jacobs

23:07 Goals for Jacobs moving forwards

24:17 Keeping up to date with the industry

25:22 Final thoughts

In this episode, we delve into the world of UnderTwoK, a Reading-based business dedicated to promoting sustainable living through the use of portable solar power.

We speak with Leanne, UnderTwoK’s shop manager, and Josh, one of its content creators, about their mission to help people live "under 2 kilowatt hours" per person per day.

Leanne and Josh share the challenges that they’ve faced, the importance of community engagement, and the power of effective storytelling through social media. They also emphasise the importance of sustainability in all aspects of business.

Leanne and Josh also share valuable tips on connecting with younger generations through social media and building a strong online presence, emphasising the importance of authentic engagement and creating content that resonates with their target audiences.

TIMECODES

00:28 Introduction

00:50 Leanne and UnderTwoK introduction

01:58 Introduction to Josh

03:40 What Leanne likes about Reading

04:48 What Josh likes about Reading

05:50 UnderTwok’s mission and why it’s important

09:30 Why and how to get younger people involved

14:05 How to balance the UnderTwoK’s mission with the business’ need to make money

16:34 Sustainability tips

18:20 Challenges getting the store up and running

19:22 What has worked

19:56 Josh’s challenges

22:29 What has Josh learned since he started

26:17 Getting your message in front of younger generations

30:29 Goals for UnderTwok going forwards

31:46 Final thoughts

In this episode, we speak with Becky Ottery, co-owner of Eclectic Games, a specialist board game retailer in Reading.

Driven by a shared passion for gaming and a desire to provide a welcoming space for players, Becky and her husband Daryl founded Eclectic Games in 2006. We delve into their journey, from navigating the challenges of starting an independent business to overcoming obstacles like the pandemic and the rise of online retail.

Becky discusses the importance of building strong customer relationships, providing expert advice, and creating a unique in-store experience that complements online shopping. She shares insights on marketing strategies, including community outreach, local partnerships, and the power of word-of-mouth recommendations.

TIME CODES

00:21 Introduction

00:34 Introduction to Becky and Eclectic Games

01:16 What Becky likes about Reading, UK

02:08 Why Becky and Darrell decided to start Eclectic Games

05:38 What advice Becky would give her younger self

07:41 You need to find a work: Life balance!

08:36 How Eclectic Games complements Amazon

11:05 Challenges and how Eclectic Games gives its customers value

15:21 Most popular items

17:30 Becky’s favourite games

19:43 Card games Becky and Darrell play together

20:51 Spiel in Essen: the biggest boardgame show in the world

21: 15 Staying up to date with the industry

24:01 Eclectic Games marketing strategy

27:37 My favourite part of running a game shop

28:03 What’s next for Eclectic Games

29:55 Becky’s goals for Eclectic Games

31:47 Eclectic Games “Retailer of the year 2024” award at Pride of Reading

32:35 Becky’s final thoughts

In this episode we delve into the world of community engagement with members of Caversham and District Residents’ Association (CADRA). We learn how CADRA plays a vital role in shaping the local community, from advocating for residents' interests to preserving local history.

CADRA's chair, Helen Lambert, as well as other committee members, Malcolm Pemble and Neil Taylor, share their experiences, the challenges and successes of their work. They discuss the importance of community involvement and the power of collaboration in achieving positive change.

This episode offers valuable insights into the importance of community engagement and the impact that local organisations can have on their neighbourhoods.

HIGHLIGHTS

Building Strong Community Ties: CADRA exemplifies the power of community engagement. By actively listening to residents, collaborating with other organisations, and fostering a sense of belonging, they've successfully addressed local issues and improved their community.

Long-Term Vision and Sustainable Growth: CADRA's decades-long presence demonstrates the importance of long-term vision and sustainable growth. By setting long-term goals and consistently working towards them, they've achieved lasting impact.

The Power of Collaboration: CADRA's success hinges on its ability to collaborate effectively with other organisations, local government, and residents. This emphasises the importance of building strong partnerships and leveraging the collective strengths of the community.

TIME CODES

00:25 Introduction to episode

00:44 Introduction to CADRA | Helen Lambert

02:48 Special CADRA projects | Helen Lambert

04:48 How CADRA collects feedback on special projects | Helen Lambert

05:05 What works well behind the scenes | Malcolm Pemble

06:16 CADRA website | Malcolm Pemble

06:32 Malcolm’s favourite section of the website | Malcolm Pemble

07:17 CADRA website | Helen Lambert

08:18 Helen’s favourite section of the website | Helen Lambert

08:32 What’s worked well for CADRA over the years | Helen Lambert

09:07 What worked well for CADRA in Emmer Green area | Neil Taylor

10:00 Feedback from Emmer Green residents on CADRA | Neil Taylor

10:57 Other projects for Emmer Green area | Neil Taylor

11:39 What has and hasn’t worked well for CADRA over the years | Helen Lambert

13:16 Why get involved in CADRA | Helen Lambert

14:58 How CADRA gets feedback from members | Helen Lambert

16:48 How to sign up to CADRA | Helen Lambert

In this episode with Meena Arch, she emphasises the importance of flexibility and creativity in running a successful business. This includes the value of collaborating with local artists, like the artist who created the iconic angel wing mural, and incorporating their work into the bar's branding.

Meena also discusses the importance of building strong relationships with staff and prioritising customer experience. She emphasises the significance of a warm welcome and creating a welcoming environment for all patrons.

If you're looking for inspiration to inject creativity and personality into your own business, this episode is not to be missed.

TIMECODES

00:21 Introduction

00:45 What like about Caversham

01:10 Intro to Meena and Angel Bar

01:38 Meena’s family in hospitality

02:14 Independence verses money

02:36 What Meena likes about hospitality

03:29 How Meena collaborates with local businesses

04:38 First two years in business need to be flexible

05:18 What challenges Angel Bar has faced and overcome

06:43 Unique touches in Angel Bar

07:48 How to divide time as a busy business owner

08:23 Plans for the future

09:24 Advice for anyone who wants to start new business

10:14 Look after your staff first

10:59 Final thoughts

In this episode, Louise and Colette, founders of Boogie Days, share their journey of bringing disco back to life.

Driven by a shared frustration with the lack of age-appropriate (daytime) disco opportunities, they decided to create their own. We delve into their motivations, the challenges they faced in setting up Boogie Days, and their unique approach to building a successful business.

Key Takeaways

Identify a Gap in the Market and Fill It

Build Strong Foundations

Leverage Your Existing Network

Episode Time Codes

00:25 Introduction

00:41 Intro to Colette, Louise and Boogie Days

01:51 What Colette and Louise like about Reading

02:35 How Boogie Days fits around other work and commitments

03:33 How Colette and Louise set up Boogie Days

04:41 Challenges of setting up Boogie Days

07:07 Why Boogie Days was set up as business rather than a hobby

07:56 What has worked well for Colette and Louise

09:13 How Colette and Louise set up and maintain connections

12:16 Plans for Boogie Days going forwards

13:32 How Boogie Days events are promoted

14:45 How Boogie Days events are organised

17:10 How to find your skills

18:38 Boogie Days target audiences

20:45 Key takeaways

21:08 Where to find out more about Boogie Days

In this episode, Phil Chatfield, a local resident and chair of the Caversham Bridge, discusses the history, evolution, and impact of this community newspaper. He shares insights into the challenges and rewards of running a volunteer-driven publication and how it has adapted to the changing media landscape.

Phil highlights the importance of local journalism in fostering community spirit, sharing local news, and showcasing the talents of local residents. We also discuss how the Caversham Bridge has evolved to become more inclusive, engaging a wider audience through both print and digital formats.

By understanding the needs and interests of the local community, the Caversham Bridge continues to be a valuable resource and a cornerstone of the Caversham and Emmer Green areas.

TIMECODES

00:24 Introduction

00:41 Intro to phil and Caversham bridge

01:02 What Phil likes about Reading and Caversham

01:57 How many people it takes to publish the Caversham Bridge every month

03:12 How Phil got involved with the Caversham Bridge

05:14 How the Caversham bridge has changed over the years

06:21 How has Phil changed the Caversham bridge since he took over as Chair

07:14 What role does a local newspaper have in the community

08:10 How Caversham bridge has tried to get different ages involved

09:24 Can anyone write for the Caversham bridge?

11:02 What challenges Phil faces in running a local newspaper

13:01 Plans for paper going forwards

15:06 How Phil promotes the Caversham bridge to find more readers

17:25 Where people can pick up the Caversham bridge

18:06 Final thoughts

In this episode, Alex Forbes, the owner of Fourbears Bookshop shares the story of how he transformed a dream into reality, opening a bookstore during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We delve into the challenges and rewards of running an independent bookstore, from curating a diverse selection of books to organising community events. Alex discusses the importance of building relationships with customers and fostering a sense of community within the shop.

The episode also explores the role of independent bookstores in the digital age and how they can offer unique experiences that online retailers cannot. Alex also shares his insights on marketing, event planning, and the importance of adapting to changing trends.

TIMECODES

00:23 Introduction

00:46 Introduction to Alex & Fourbears

02:14 What Alex likes about Reading and Caversham

03:31 Why Alex decided to open a bookstore

07:00 How COVID-19 helped Alex in the early stages of his business

07:52 Fourbears marketing approach

10:42 How Alex decides what events to run

12:38 Other lessons Alex has learned on his bookshop journey

15:07 Lessons Alex learned from Fourbears Fest 2024, and Fourbears Fest 2025

18:11 Two things that motivated Alex from Fourbears Fest 2024

19:33 What is the place for independent bookstores with modern shopping habits and online businesses like Amazon

22:22 How Alex divides his time as an independent store owner

26:10 Alex’s time as a cinema manager and how that’s influenced his approach now

28:38 Plans for Fourbears going forwards

31:02 Independent bookshops in Reading

31:52 Alex’s takeaways

In this episode, Emily Goode shares the rich history of Progress Theatre. Discover how Progress has adapted to changing times, its commitment to new writing, and how it has fostered intergenerational collaboration.  

Learn about the challenges and rewards of running an independent theatre, and the importance of volunteerism and community engagement. The episode concludes with a look towards the future, as Progress looks to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2026.

Whether you're a theatre enthusiast, a local resident, or simply curious about the arts, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Reading's cultural scene.

TIME CODES

00:23 Introduction

00:42 Introduction to Emily

01:03 How Long has Emily been in reading

01:22 what Emily likes about reading

02:06 progress theatre’s history

03:22 How does progress differ from other theatres in reading

04:27 Submissions for write fest next year dates

04:36 How Progress Theatre has Managed to Capture Different Generations

06:38 How Progress Theatre Promotes itself

07:17 How Progress Theatre stays up to date with changing audience tastes

08:53 The Most Rewarding Part of Running Progress Theatre

09:42 What is Difficult about Running Progress Theatre

11:48 Opportunities for Volunteers

12:38 Progress Theatre’s Future

13:31 More Opportunities to get Involved at Progress Theatre

15:28 Final Takeaways for Listeners

In this episode, Rachel, a local accountant and Reading Borough Councillor, shares her insights on running a successful small business. She discusses the importance of understanding your costs, pricing your services effectively, and building strong relationships with clients. Rachel also offers practical advice on navigating the challenges of starting and growing a business, including the importance of financial planning and seeking support from local networks.

Rachel's experiences as a councillor and business owner provide a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses today.

TIME CODES

00:23 Introduction

00:42 About Rachel

01:08 What Rachel likes about Reading

02:38 What made Rachel want to be a Councillor

04:34 How has Reading changed over the years since Rachel first because a Reading Borough Council member in 2020?

05:58 Rachel’s company | Holy Brook Associates

07:56 What financial challenges do small businesses face and what services do you offer to help?

09:54 Rachel’s tips for small businesses on pricing

13:06 how Rachel promotes her services and connects with the right clients

14:44 what financial advice to anything just starting out their small business

17:11 Suggestions for accountancy software

18:22 Where new small business owners can find advice and answers to their questions

20:39 Rachel’s future plans for Holy Brook Associates

21:43 Rachel’s key takeaway

In this episode, Lara Mackim, a key figure at Hickies, a historic music store in Reading, delves into the rich history of the store, tracing its roots back to 1864. Lara shares personal anecdotes about her family's connection to Hickies and her own journey from a young Saturday girl to a key role in the business.

The episode explores the challenges and triumphs of running an independent music store in the digital age. Lara discusses the importance of adapting to changing trends while preserving the store's traditional values. She also highlights the significance of community engagement and supporting local musicians.

Hickies' recent award win for the Pride of Reading Business in Action under 50 Employees is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their positive impact on the local community.

TIME CODES

00:25 Intro

00:58 About Lara and her role at Hickies

02:28 What Lara likes about Reading

03:11 Lara’s special connection with Hickies

04:22 What did Lara learn being as MD at Hickies

05:36 Hickies’ marketing strategy

06:27 Lara’s memorable events at Hickies

07:58 Range of products and services Hickies offers

09:07 What’s the hardest thing about running a music business?

11:12 How Hickies’ are celebrating their 160th birthday

12:28 Hickies’ plans going forwards

13:21 Can people go to Hickies for anything to do with music?

14:10 Advice for other independent business

15:15 Key takeaway

In this episode, Marius, landlord of the Dew Drop Inn, recounts how he and his wife, Sarah, came to own this charming pub nestled in the woods. We delve into Marius' passion for cooking and his unique approach to blending international inspiration with traditional British cuisine. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running a successful pub, from navigating the impact of COVID-19 to building strong relationships with the local community.

The episode highlights the importance of creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike, as well as the power of community engagement and supporting local businesses.

TIME CODES

00:24 Introduction

01:32 Support from the local community

02:30 How Marius and Sarah promote their activities

03:02 Why Marius and Sarah chose to take on the Dew Drop Inn

04:10 Challenges they’ve faced

06:07 Where Marius sees growth opportunities

07:57 Involvement in the local community

09:31 How their travels have influenced the Dew Drop Inn

12:55 Marius’ vision for the future

In this episode, James opens up about Reading Biscuit Factory, a unique cinema and community space in the heart of Reading. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of running an independent cinema and the importance of fostering a sense of community.

James shares insights into the programming decisions behind the cinema's diverse range of films, from mainstream blockbusters to independent cinema. He also delves into the collaborative spirit of the venue, highlighting partnerships with local artists, and community groups.

Time codes

00:23 Introduction

01:00 About James and Reading Biscuit Factory (RBF)

01:45 What James likes about Reading

02:23 RBF’s niche and local collaborations

04:54 How to get collaborations up and running

05:34 How RBF promotes themselves

06:50 How RBF selects what independent films to show

07:57 What James likes about independent films

09:10 How RBF balance business with free community side

10:22 How RBF helps local communities

11:22 What challenges do RBF face

14:06 Lessons to share with other independents

16:05 Plans for the future

16:30 How to follow RBF

17:12 Final thoughts

17:34 The RBF eyes

In this episode, Caroline and Liz, co-founders of Walk Works in Reading, share the story behind their inspiring venture, which turns local walking routes into guided group experiences that foster connection with nature and community. What began as a shared love for hiking evolved into Walk Works, offering locals a safe, guided way to explore scenic paths, meet new people, and support local businesses.

Time Codes

00:25 Introduction

01:10 Introduction to Caroline and Liz

02:34 What Caroline and Liz like about Reading

03:54 How Walk Works started

05:17 How Caroline and Liz promote walk Works

06:58 Extending Walk Works to businesses

09:38 What challenges Caroline and Liz face in running Walk Works

13:30 The future of Walk Works (developing the corporate side)

17:47 How Caroline and Liz find their walk routes

22:58 Advice for other independent business owners

24:59 Where can people find out more info

25:36 Final takeaways

In this episode, Mark Thwaites, the Management Director of Thames and Bristol Lidos, reveals the secrets behind their success.

Mark shares the inspiring journey of transforming a historic building into a thriving wellness destination. From the challenges of restoration to the art of creating a unique customer experience, we delve into the key lessons learned.

Discover how Thames Lido has successfully combined swimming, dining, and wellness into a holistic offering. Learn about the importance of community, the power of word-of-mouth marketing, and the strategies behind building a loyal customer base. Whether you’re a potential customer intrigued by Thames Lido’s offering, a business owner, or simply curious about the hospitality industry, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a memorable and sustainable experience and business.

TIME CODES

00:25 Introduction

00:29 The pronunciation of Lido

00:57 Introduction to Thames Lido

2:11 Introduction to Mark Thwaites

3:05 Thames Lido History

7:02 challenges faced in opening Thames Lido

9:05 Thames Lido’s range of services

13:06 How the winning formula for Thames Lido was discovered

16:34 Choosing the right name for Thames Lido

18:55 How Thames Lido has helped Reading and vice versa

21:51 The best way to promote Thames Lido and the importance of knowing your audience.

23:21 The similarities and differences between Thames Lido and Bristol Lido.

24:10 How Thames Lido has made itself accessible to a diverse range of audiences

27:13 Go with the flow and be satisfied with enough

28:11 Challenge- small car park at Thames Lido

28:43 Sustainability- hydro turbines and solar panels

30:46 Thames Lido’s own products and reducing chlorine in the pool

34:58 Final thoughts

In this episode, Nicolette, a professional artist and author based in Reading, shares her fascinating journey of transforming her illustrated children’s book, The Pink Peacock, into a fully-fledged theatre production.

Nicolette discusses the challenges of publishing her book, collaborating with musicians and actors, and the steep learning curve of adapting a story for theatre. She highlights the importance of community, tapping into the expertise of others, and the joy of seeing her vision evolve through teamwork. The episode delves into the creative process, from designing costumes and props to overcoming logistical hurdles like casting and venue selection. Nicolette also offers valuable advice on marketing local productions and reaching new audiences through community engagement.

Highlights

The Power of Collaboration – Nicolette emphasizes how crucial it is to collaborate with others when turning a creative idea into reality.

Adaptability in the Creative Process – Nicolette’s journey highlights the importance of flexibility. From adjusting costumes and props to rethinking parts of the script.

Overcoming Rejection and Staying Persistent – Nicolette's experience with rejection when trying to publish her book traditionally is a powerful reminder that persistence is crucial.

Balancing Creativity with Practicality – Nicolette had to learn the balance between her artistic vision and the practical constraints of a live production.

Time Codes

00:24 Welcome

00:45 Introduction to Nicolette

01:26 What Nicolette likes about Reading

02:29 Nicolette’s book & her experience writing, illustrating, and publishing her book.

04:38 How to find an illustrator

06:27 Why and how Nicolette turned her book into a theatre production

09:15 A few challenges translating the book into a theatre production

12:45 Nicolette’s big learning and how she adapted her props and script

16:54 How Nicolette promoted her theatre production

20:07 How Nicolette funded her production and what’s next

21:58 What happened when Nicolette applied for Arts Council funding

23:52 How do you stay focussed when you’re multi-passionate

24:45 Final thoughts/ tips

In this episode, we speak with Pete Doyle, a Reading-based musician and former business owner. Pete delves into his creative projects, including his collaboration with Reading Museum, where he composed a piece of music inspired by an art exhibition. He also discusses his passion for guitars, the importance of community, and his plans for launching an initiative to teach guitar in an accessible way.

Beyond music, Pete shares valuable marketing insights for independent businesses, drawn from his past experiences in social media training and local marketing, with an emphasis on being authentic, human, and local.

Time codes

00:25 Welcome

01:04 Pete introduction

01:31 Pete’s creative response to art exhibition

04:24 Pete's findings from his QR code project

05:29 How businesses can learn from art galleries and museums/ How creatives can get their work out there

08:03 Pete’s favourite guitar and previous music teaching experience

10:43 Pete’s guitar project for next year and the challenge of learning an instrument

13:33 How to keep motivated when playing music

15:40 How to create a community around music and more on Pete’s guitar project

17:25 Pete’s social media marketing advice for independent businesses

22:02 How social media can help with lead generation

24:59 The importance of local: quality over quantity

28:23 What do you like about Reading?

30:20 Final thought | Be yourself!