Explore every episode of the podcast BD Talks

In this episode of BD Talks, Chris Pullen, Head of Business Development at Kennedys, joins our host, Caitlin Roxburgh, to discuss the role of Key Account Management (KAM) and its growing importance as a business development tool for professional firms. 

From exploring the role of personal and professional relationships in KAM to strategies for engaging risk averse partners, this episode is required listening for anyone leading Key Account programmes. 

Our latest episode of BD Talks sees Caitlin Roxburgh joined by both Rose Hall, Client Director, Strategic Projects in AI and Integration at HSF Kramer and Phil Tyler, Head of Digital Marketing at Lewis Silkin, discussing one of the most important topics for the industry: AI.  

With insight on the value of AI collaboration, the human disconnect that could arise between firms and clients with increased AI use and the importance of upholding emotional intelligence, this conversation is a hugely instructive if you’re thinking about the pros and cons of AI at your firm.  

Listen below to hear what this means for BD and marketing professionals. 

In this episode of BD Talks, Caitlin Roxburgh is joined by Charlotte Evans, a freelance Business Development & Marketing Consultant, with over 25 years of experience in the professional services sector. 

As those in professional services know, navigating bids and proposals is not a one-size-fits-all. Charlotte brings a fresh perspective and insight into how she generates and demonstrates ROI on proposals and nurtures the power of storytelling to win bids.

In this episode of BD Talks, Henry Maples, Partner at Murrells, joins Caitlin Roxburgh on BD Talks to explore what effective business development looks like for a specialist law firm. 

From building meaningful client relationships to concrete thought leadership, Henry offers a real-world perspective on the strategies that drive growth when you may not have the same resources as a larger firm. 

Discover how Henry’s approach to marketing and business development can reshape your own firm’s growth.

In this episode of BD Talks, Caitlin Roxburgh is joined by Deborah Farone, CEO of Farone Advisors LLC and former CMO at elite US law firms including Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Debevoise & Plimpton. 

Deborah explores the vital role BD skills play for ambitious lawyers, and how to develop them in a way that is authentic and unique to them, alongside sharing fascinating insights from her new book “Breaking Ground: How Successful Lawyers Build Thriving Practices”. 

Discover how Deborah’s innovative approach to business development can transform your strategy and learn how you can stand out in a competitive world. 

It’s our last BD Talks episode of 2025, so it’s great to have such an accomplished guest with us this month - Burges Salmon’s Chief Markets Officer, Amelia Stirling.

Amelia has worked at some of the biggest firms across the professional services sector, as a consultant and head of department, to her current C-Suite position at one of the UK’s market-leading law firms.

During this episode, Amelia explains her approach to marketing and business development within the professional services, from the importance of forging a robust personal brand to building teams that pursue bold ideas for their clients.

You’ll also learn why Amelia thinks that ‘in-person’ activity remains vital for business development at professional services firms. Listen now and join us as we pick the brains of a real leader in the world of marketing and business development.

In this month’s episode of BD Talks, we spoke to the many-hatted Rachael Wheatley, a marketing and BD expert and Co-Director of Bluegreen Learning Ltd.

During the conversation, Caitlin and Rachael discussed what valuable marketing is and how to measure marketing’s efficacy in an environment awash with trackable metrics.

Learn how and why ‘volume’ and ‘ratio’ rule the roost when it comes to measuring the value of all your marketing efforts in this episode.

In this episode of BD Talks, Caitlin Roxburgh speaks with renewable energy solicitor and community energy advocate Sonya Bedford MBE about balancing credibility with personality, why lawyers shouldn't underutilise marketing, and how storytelling can help professional services cut through short attention spans.

In this month’s episode of BD Talks, Nicholas Barrows, Director of Marketing at Trowers & Hamlins, shares how deep sector expertise and a values-led approach are reshaping marketing and business development in professional services. 

Nicholas explores the shift towards client-centric strategies grounded in genuine market understanding and highlights the importance of consistency over uniformity when leading global teams. He discusses the role of diversity and inclusion as a business enabler, the nuances of personal branding for partners, and how technology — particularly AI — is opening new creative opportunities for BD professionals. 

In this month’s episode of BD Talks, Laura Ottley, Chief Marketing Officer at Addleshaw Goddard, shares her insights on the evolving role of marketing in driving international business growth.  

Laura discusses the positive shift from product-pushing to client-focused strategies, the impact of AI on marketing, and the importance of cultural sensitivity. She also offers advice on building strong relationships, earning trust with stakeholders, and navigating challenges in leadership. 

In this month’s episode of BD Talks, Nicola Stopps, founder of Simply Sustainable, discussed how sustainability is now a critical driver for business growth, attracting talent and customers while ensuring long-term success.  

Nicola emphasised the importance of addressing both social and environmental challenges, the growing role of leadership in sustainability, and the need for businesses to prepare for stricter future regulations on climate change. 

In this month’s episode of BD Talks, we’re joined by Andy Haigh, Partner at Translink Corporate Finance. Andy shares his journey from a technical role in accountancy to becoming a leader who values interpersonal connections, mentorship, and business development. 

Andy also discusses the challenges and successes of rebranding from BHP to Translink  and the firm’s focus on selecting clients who align with their values.  

This month, our BD Talks podcast guest is Kim Sare, Chartered Financial Planner at Guided Financial. Kim walks us through her journey from establishing her first business, Parafinity, to founding Guided Financial, driven by a desire for fulfilment after a personal wakeup call.  

Kim highlights the evolution of financial services, emphasising the importance of accessibility and mindset when seeking professional advice.  

Also, learn what trends in digital marketing and client engagement are reshaping how financial services providers connect with clients, and how Kim’s commitment to ESG principles influences her approach. 

In the latest episode of BD Talks, Caitlin Roxburgh speaks with Alex Knapp about the importance of social impact when it comes to business development in professional services.

Firms with clear ESG/CSR initiatives stand out and attract both clients and top talent, so how do you get started?

In this episode of BD Talks, Peter Kane sits down with Sarah Croot of Meritas to discuss issues surrounding imposter syndrome, diversity and confidence.

She also speaks about how to help partners see the value of BD, and the importance of identifying who is willing to put the work in.

Our episode for this month is with Emma Richmond and our MD Peter Kane, she covers Whitney Moore's interesting join Managing Partner relationship with her colleague Cillian Balfe in the context of Dublin's rising reputation as the 'London on the Liffey'.

They discuss how to handle this rise, keeping the positive aspects of tradition whilst delivering on promises to partners.

This month on BD Talks our MD, Peter Kane, was joined by Stuart Smith from CM Murray, a boutique law firm specialising in employment law.

Stuart discusses how CM Murray is staying ahead of the curve when it comes to their business development, including their early embrace of video content.

Since joining the firm four years ago, Stuart has been key in growing the company’s online presence, developing their resource library and other online tools; including an NDA checker and an LLP Agreement tool.

He discusses how he did this alongside recommending techniques for holding partners’ attention in this latest episode.

Our latest episode of BD Talks is with Audrey Holden, Head of Business Development at Ampa, managing brands such as Shakespeare Martineau.

Audrey takes us through the group’s growth ambitions, including how to successfully navigate and nurture seven distinct brands.

This month our BD Talks podcast guest is the accomplished Karl Brown. Not only is Karl an established Partner at Clarke Willmott, but he’s dedicated to numerous ‘extracurricular’ work, including supporting young aspiring lawyers of the South West UK.  

Karl walks us through the key points you need to consider when trying to get senior members of firms engaged with marketing and BD, and exactly how to implement them within the legal sector.  

Also, learn what trends an experienced property partner predicts will affect your firm in this exciting new episode! 

We sit down with Bob Caren and discuss anything and everything around human connection. He outlines some of the more common issues he helps people with and how often times listening is a more effective tool than talking.

For the first episode of the eighth season of BD Talks, we are joined by Gemma Comley. As marketing director at Ghyston, she discusses the importance of finding your brand personality when it comes to accountancy marketing, how to champion gender diversity in your firm and their pride in being Bristol-based.

For the latest episode of BD Talks, we sat down with Robin Clempson to discuss his role as Director of Marketing at Albert Goodman, including how he applies a scientific approach to marketing, what the firm is doing to attract talent and how to stand out from the crowd in what is typically a “sea of blue”.

In the fifth episode of BD Talks, Anna Lake of Anna Lake consulting discusses client listening, professional services marketing, and how to 'do what you do best' and then to 'outsource the rest'.

In the fourth episode of BD Talks season 7, we speak to Oli Ballard; co-founder and director of Business Leader magazine. He digs in to the secrets of media and PR, whilst giving advice on how to grow your firm's reputation. 

For the third episode of BD Talks, series seven, we were joined by Bob Mytton, Partner and Creative Director at Mytton Williams.

Following on from our Communicating Values report and roundtable, Alexis and Caitlin discussed:

• strategies for sharing ESG and related messaging;
• how to engage your people in driving positive change;
• what the future may look like for ESG in professional services;
• and more! 

For the fourth episode of BD Talks, series six, we were joined by Adele Ross, a business strategy and growth expert in the tech sector.

For the third episode of BD Talks, series six, we were joined by Pauline Caldwell. Pauline has worked as an HR Director for both law and accountancy firms, most recently at Clyde & Co. She is now a Non-Executive Director and HR consultant to professional firms.

For the second episode of BD Talks, series six, we were joined by Darren Stockley, Managing Director at Ixora Energy.

For the first episode of BD Talks, series six, we were joined by Sharon Collins, Head of Go-to-Market at BDO.

For the fourth episode of BD Talks, series five, we were joined by Laura Dunbar, Head of Sectors and Clients at Womble Bond Dickinson.

For the third episode of BD Talks, series five, we were joined by Richard Crook, Marketing and Business Development Director at Saffery Champness.

For the second episode of BD Talks, series five, we were joined by Charlie McNeil, Associate Director, Business Development, EMEA Capital Markets at White & Case LLP.

For the first episode of BD Talks, Series Five we were joined by Carmen Ogilvie of IPFA.

For the third episode of BD Talks, Series Four we were joined by Tim Skipper, Managing Director of Totum.

For the second episode of BD Talks, Series Four we were joined by Boko Inyundo, Senior Marketing Manager, Technology Sector at DLA Piper. 

For the first episode of BD Talks, Series Four we were joined by Samuel Edmonds, Senior Interior Designer at HLW International.

For the sixth episode of BD Talks, Series Three we were joined by Anthony Carroll of Twenty Essex.

For the fifth episode of BD Talks, Series 3 we were joined by Quentin Vaile of Meritas.

For the fourth episode of BD Talks, Series Three we were joined by Graham Munday, Marketing Director at Hydrock.

For the third episode of BD Talks, Series Three, we were joined by Simon Miles of PwC.

For the second episode of BD Talks Series 3, we were joined by Ian Grimley, Partner at Roxburgh Milkins.

For the first episode of BD Talks: Series Three, we were joined Nicola Dyke, Senior Manager at Axiom.

For the third and final episode of BD Talks: Series Two, we were joined Tom Parkin, Partner at The Berkeley Partnership.

For the second episode of BD Talks: Series Two, we were joined by Abby Winkworth, Partner at JMW Solicitors.

For the second episode of BD Talks (series two) we were joined by Simon Agar, Senior Business Development Manager - International Relations at Slaughter and May.

For the eleventh episode of BD Talks, we were joined by Richard Tonge, Principal, & Dave Maturo, Managing Director, of Grant Thornton LLP U.S. and Ross Allen of the Department for International Trade. 

For the tenth episode of BD Talks, we were joined by Jamie Wallis, Head of BD, International Corporate & Special Projects at DLA Piper.

For the ninth episode of BD Talks, we were joined by Leor Franks, Chief Marketing Officer at Augusta Ventures and Michael Rosen of Soundbite Communications. 

For the eighth episode of BD Talks, we were joined by Steve Wilson, Partner and Head of New York Office and Tim Rezendes, VP, Legal - International at Osborne Clarke