Suffolk Money – Details, episodes & analysis

So many charities are doing such brilliant work, but almost all, without exception, are struggling finding the money, to not just continue doing what they’re doing, but to grow. One example is the Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding, based near Hadleigh, which uses horses to help children and adults who have disabilities. Kevin Burch has been to meet the team for our latest podcast, including chairman Debs Bennett, Martha (a regular, long-term rider at the centre) and Jan Derbyshire (Hon President). As Debs explains, this proudly independent charity welcomes about 150 people of all ages through the doors every week. However, even whilst run by volunteers, the centre costs in excess of £80,000 a year to run and, covering these costs is a constant battle. Lessons are tailored to the ability and needs of each rider and the benefits they receive is nothing less than remarkable. As well as the therapy, they gain new levels of confidence, self-esteem, and independence, which can have profound effects on their physical health as well as mental wellbeing. If you’d like to find out more about this wonderful charity, please visit www.shelleyrda.com

Emma Waddell is a very different kind of entrepreneur. She firmly prioritises being truly happy above money, and her happiness comes from creating beautiful dolls houses to the very highest standard. In this week’s episode, Kevin Burch visits Emma in her ‘paradise’ workshop, as Emma explains how she left the world of finance to set up her own business, Dolls House Grand Designs. With over 40 years of experience with dolls houses and miniatures, Emma is recognised as one of the best in her field. She has a magical talent for designing and building dolls houses, before kitting them out with the most intricate furniture and fittings. Each dolls house features craftsmanship to the highest possible level, and Emma explains how her skill sets include everything from carpentry and electrics through to roof-tiling, plumbing and painting and decorating – all on a small scale. Like all entrepreneurs, Emma has had to work very hard to build her excellent reputation. And in doing so, she’s earned the pleasure of working with big brands such as Jo Malone and Tiffany, making sets and props for their high-calibre adverts. These houses span all ages and cultures and Emma is passionate about encouraging young people into the trade; with so many skills involved, such as creativity, design and even architecture. To find out more, please visit https://www.dollshousegranddesigns.com

Welcome to the first episode of season six of our Podcast, Suffolk Money. Today, Kevin Burch takes a deep dive into the story of the Broomhill; from its magnificent past, through to the exciting regeneration scheme that has secured its future. Recognised as one of the finest outdoor pools in the country, Broomhill first opened in 1938. However, as Mark Ling (Chairman of the Broomhill Pool Trust) explains, when indoor, heated pools became more fashionable, the town struggled to financially support the aging lido and, Broomhill was forced to close. Having now been shut for more than 20 years, our iconic open air pool is now on the cusp of a £10 million transformation and could re-open within just two years. Mike Read MBE (Trust President) and Will Ludkin (Project Architect) tell us all about the exciting regeneration scheme and how this is dovetailing nicely with the current renaissance of open air swimming. All have been working hard to maintain the strong, art deco identity of the original building and preserve its heritage for future generations. But, unlike the old days, the pool will now be heated to make sure it can remain in use all year round, making it a much more sustainable model than ever before. To find out more about Broomhill’s regeneration, come along to the open weekend on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September from 10am until 4pm – everyone’s welcome! Or for more information please visit https://broomhillpooltrust.org You can also watch a short film version of the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbYnbVF4gGA

The Suffolk Money podcast could not exist without the work of Kevin and Sally Burch.

You may know them from their respective roles in the BBC - Kevin as a reporter on BBC Look East and Sally as a Producer at BBC Radio Suffolk.

We've been delighted to work with them since the start of this year but thought it would be helpful to hear about their backgrounds and careers so far.  We talk about the stories that changed their lives - and what are they both doing now?

We meet Peter Basford.  Born and bred in Suffolk, Peter is known to many through his time working at Lloyds Bank.

However, in the last few years, Peter has been instrumental in forming a network of Business Growth Coaches, being part of a new business innovation centre in Stowmarket and co-ordinating the FIPS (Finance, Insurance and Professional Services) group in Suffolk.

As well as hearing his story, Peter explains why Suffolk is a great place to do business.

 

Why take the risk of starting your own business or buying a business off someone else?

What are the challenges of being an entrepreneur or a 'solopreneur'?

In another one of our panel discussions, we speak with both a recent and experienced entrepreneur alongside a respected local business adviser.

• Jodie Davey (Kitty Bakes)
• Suzanne MacDonald-Carr (Business Coach and Mentor) with occasional input from Suzanne's dog too!
• Steve Flory (Hudson Group)

There is increasing academic evidence that giving is good for you and it's even better if you know how those gifts are being used.

Suffolk Community Foundation is a jewel in Suffolk's Crown as this is the model that it uses

We spoke to Tim Holder, the Foundation's Head of Public Affairs about what they do.  Suffolk is generally thought of as an affluent county but that does not mean that there are no needs.

Tim explains how needs can be hidden in both towns and rural areas alike and how the Foundation works to address these with the voluntary sector.

We also hear how the people of Suffolk rose to support the cash needs of charities and community groups as an immediate response to the pandemic.

What's your relationship with money?

There is no lack of information 'about' money but not everyone finds it easy to understand, work with or relate to?

What's your earliest experience of money?  What phrases did you hear as you grew up?  Or perhaps money was not spoken about in the household.

How can you address this?

We talk with Dennis Harhalakis about how he works with people from all backgrounds to address their concerns and anxieties.

 

https://cambridgemoneycoaching.uk/

In our first panel discussion, we look at how our shops and town-centres have responded over the last year.

How have proprietors coped and what changes did they make?

What has ben the immediate impact in our town centres?  Will they ever be the same again?

How has Suffolk compared with the rest of the country?  What can we offer that other areas can not?

What would our guests change if they ran the country?

With thanks to......

• Cathy Frost - Owner of Loveone in Ipswich https://www.loveone.co.uk/
• Mark Cordell - CEO of 'Our Bury St Edmunds' Business Improvement District https://www.ourburystedmunds.com/
• Stephen Moody - Suffolk Based Retail Analyst

We speak with Jenni Bradnam about her career in arranging bespoke holidays for people travelling around the world.

She tells us about dealing with the outbreak of the pandemic and the lengths she went to in order to bring people back from all four corners of the earth.

Jenni talks through her view of vaccine passports and what may happen with foreign travel in the years ahead.

 

https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/jennifer.bradnam