Playbook for Success – Details, episodes & analysis

What actually happens when you decide to grow by acquisition instead of grinding it out organically?

In this first episode of 2026, we sit down with two operators who’ve done the hard yards and then stepped into the Champions League of business growth.

Craig Brennan, Chairman of SK4 Holdings, and Eddie Ray, CEO of Progressive Education Group, share what it’s really like to buy, integrate and scale businesses in the children’s activity and education sector.

No theory. No hype. Just real insight.

We cover:

• Why M&A can accelerate growth far faster than organic expansion
• The financial reality behind valuations and multiples
• Why people and management teams matter more than spreadsheets
• What actually makes a deal succeed or fall apart
• How to avoid “deal heat” and emotional decision-making
• The difference between acquiring a business and successfully integrating it
• Why financial sophistication becomes non-negotiable at this level

Craig breaks down the numbers behind valuation in practical terms. Eddie explains the integration process and the 100-day mindset. Both are honest about the pressure, the learning curve and the mistakes.

If you’re running a kids’ activity, education, sport or leisure business and wondering what your next move looks like, this episode will stretch your thinking.

Because at some point, growth stops being about hustling harder.

It becomes about thinking differently.

Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real

Want to grow overseas? Would Eastern Europe be the first place you’d think about master franchising? For many UK kids' activity providers, the answer is no. But maybe this episode will change that.

We’re joined by Michal Dodok and Martin Rapavy, co-founders of Zooza, a smart admin and growth platform for children’s activity providers that’s thriving across Eastern Europe and now entering the UK. We dive into cultural differences, pricing models, how English is prized more than at home (meaning you might not even need to translate your materials), and what UK brands can learn from their European cousins.

You'll hear why parents in countries like Romania and Slovakia are paying more for kids' activities than UK parents, while providers operate with lower costs. We talk about the deep relationships between families and educators, what makes a brand stand out abroad, and how UK businesses are admired for their branding and simplicity.

So… what do you need to do to expand into these markets? And is your next big move local or global?

Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real

AI in the Kids' Sector: Embracing Innovation Without Losing the Human Touch

In this special roundtable episode of Playbook for Success, we’re diving headfirst into the world of AI – but with a twist. This isn’t a tech talk for Silicon Valley – it’s a practical conversation about what AI really means for the kids’ activity sector, alternative education, sport, play, and franchising.

We’re joined by Mark Mollenbeck, Managing Director of Booking Autopilot, and Nick Wild, creative technologist and content innovator, to explore how AI can help businesses become more productive, efficient, and faster - freeing up time and boosting profit.

We unpack how AI tools can support everything from video, audio and image creation to predictive and prescriptive analytics, which help you spot problems early and take smart action. But it’s not about replacing humans - in fact, the need for strong human input is more important than ever.

Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration. Don’t be scared of change - this is your chance to get ahead of the curve.

Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real

🎙️ Owning vs. Renting: The Big Decision for Sports Coaches & Business Owners!

Ever thought about taking the leap from renting spaces to owning your own sports facility? 🤔 Today’s guests, Mike Layfield (ML Sports and Fitness) & Rick (Junior Sports Stars), have been through it all - the risks, the costs, the surprises, and the rewards.

In this episode, we cover:
✅ Why they took the plunge into facility ownership instead of continuing to rent
💰 The hidden costs (including a shock bill that blindsided Mike! 😱)
📈 How owning a facility unlocked new revenue streams & future-proofed their businesses
🚧 The unexpected challenges—and how they tackled them
🏆 Their best advice for anyone thinking of doing the same

🎧 Listen now and let us know - would YOU take the leap?

Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real

Mike and Mark chat with Tim Freed and discuss all things automation, handy online tools and new innovative platforms for digital marketing excellence!

Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real

In this episode of Playbook for Success, host Mark Rasche, with podcast producer Mike Roberts sit down with Steve Brown, co-founder of JB Sports and Education, to discuss the incredible journey of building a thriving business in the world of sports coaching, education, and community development. Steve shares the secrets behind his company's impressive growth from a small football coaching operation to a multi-faceted business that touches everything from school PE services and swimming academies to training programs and community sports initiatives.

Key highlights include:

• How JB Sports and Education diversified into five key areas to future-proof the business
• The importance of quality, trust, and relationships in business growth
• Building a strong team culture and retaining top talent in the sports and education sector
• Strategic insights for business owners looking to diversify their revenue streams

If you’re ready to learn how to scale your business, safeguard against market changes, and empower your team, this episode is packed with practical lessons from the front lines.

Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real

Join Mark Rasche and Mike Roberts in this inspiring episode of the "Playbook for Success" podcast, where they chat with Tessa Day, the visionary behind ClubHub UK about the benefits of starting a business young and digital marketing you can do to be seen online.

Discover how Tessa's journey from running a musical theatre club to pioneering the UK's largest children's activities directory began at the young age of 21. 

Learn about the digital strategies that propelled her business to award-winning heights, and gain insights on leveraging personal branding and digital marketing for business success. 

This episode contains awesome practical tips for entrepreneurs aiming to make a significant impact in their industries.

Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real

Mark Rasche and Mike Roberts are joined in the virtual studio by Get Active founders Shaun, Ryan, and Rob.

Learn how they built and scaled their sports and childcare business, the challenges they faced, and the process of successfully selling the company.

They also share insights on building strong management teams and the importance of staff training. Discover how their new venture, Storyy Group, continues to make a positive impact. This episode is packed with valuable advice for entrepreneurs looking to sell their business or grow in the industry.

Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real

In their first ever episode of "Playbook for Success," Mark Rasche and Mike Roberts sit down with Mark Whitwood, founder of Active Sports Group. 

Discover Mark's journey from a passionate sports enthusiast to leading a successful children's activity business. He shares valuable insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of resilience, and strategies for business growth in the children’s activity sector. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur in the making or looking to inspire change in your field, Mark’s story provides actionable advice and real-world wisdom for navigating the complex landscape of children's sports and leisure activities. 

Join us to learn how dedication and a clear vision can transform passion into a thriving enterprise.

Proudly edited and distributed by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

Voiceover by Rebecca Christian of RL Coaching 

Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real