Explore every episode of the podcast The Business Besties Club Podcast

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast – your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support.

In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Simon Taylor and Andy Davis from Warren Farm Primary School for one of the most thought-provoking conversations of the series.

Although they work in education, this episode isn't just for teachers or parents. It's for anyone interested in leadership, culture, resilience and helping people reach their potential.

Simon shares how his journey from the British Army into education shaped his approach to leadership, while Andy reflects on his own experience of struggling at school and how that inspired him to become the kind of teacher he once needed himself.

Together, they discuss why preparing children for life should go beyond academic success, and how focusing on confidence, communication, resilience and character can transform not only schools, but communities.

We also explore what business owners can learn from education, why schools should think differently about identity and reputation, and how creating a strong culture starts with a clear purpose.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Leadership and culture• Character development in education• Building resilience and confidence• Preparing young people for life beyond school• School branding, identity and communication• Lessons business owners can learn from education

This episode is for anyone who believes success is about more than results and wants to build stronger people, stronger teams and stronger communities.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves education isn't just about what children learn — it's about who they become.

Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketing

Learn more about Warren Farm Primary School via their Instagram @warrenfarmprimary or on their website www.warrenfarm-primary.co.uk

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast – your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support.

In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Hannah Green, founder of Tipples & Tonics, for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a business from passion, navigating setbacks, and having the courage to take the leap.

Hannah shares how a love of cocktails, discovered whilst working at a local restaurant during sixth form, eventually grew into a thriving mobile cocktail events business. What started as a hobby alongside a full-time career in accountancy became something much bigger – but not without plenty of challenges along the way.

From balancing a side hustle whilst studying and working full-time, to pivoting her business during COVID with cocktail deliveries and virtual masterclasses, Hannah opens up about the reality of entrepreneurship and what it takes to keep showing up when things get tough.

We also talk about the difficult decision to leave the security of a full-time job, the horsebox disaster that threatened to derail her first year of self-employment, and how one of the hardest periods of her business journey became one of her biggest learning experiences.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Building a business alongside a full-time job• Side hustles and knowing when to take the leap• Pivoting during COVID and finding new opportunities• Entrepreneurship, resilience and self-belief• Navigating setbacks and learning from failure• Growing a local business through events, networking and community

This episode is for anyone building something on the side, navigating a difficult season in business, or wondering whether they have what it takes to turn their passion into a career.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring reminder that courage doesn't mean having all the answers — it means taking the next step anyway.

Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketingConnect with Hannah on Instagram or TikTok: @tipplesandtonics or at www.tipplesandtonics.co.uk

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast - your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support.

In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Jayde and Joel, founders of Jayde Elise Events, for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a business from the ground up.

From organising children’s parties and touring village halls, to creating luxury events for high-profile clients, their journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight.

Jayde shares how the business started completely organically - with no big plan - while Joel talks about his journey into the business and the reality of building it together.

Together, they open up about the early challenges, the pressure of making things work financially, and how they slowly grew the business into something they could never have imagined.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Starting a business from scratch• Growing through word of mouth• Building a strong supplier network• Transitioning into a high-end events business• Working as a couple in business• The realities behind building a successful brand

This episode is for anyone building something from the ground up and wondering if it will all pay off.

🎧 Tune in for an honest reminder that every stage of the journey matters... and growth takes time.

Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketingConnect with Jayde & Joel on Instagram: @jaydeeliseevents or on their website: www.jaydeelise.com

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast — your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support.

In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Hayley Warwick, founder of Hayley Kim Studios, for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a creative business from the ground up.

Hayley shares how she spent four years building her business alongside a full-time job — working evenings, weekends and lunch breaks — before finally taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship in 2023.

But this conversation is about more than just business growth.

We talk about purpose, freedom, and the reality of building a life around what truly matters. Hayley also shares how losing her mum shaped her perspective on time, success, and why she chose to build a business that gives her freedom — not just income.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Building a side hustle into a full-time business• Knowing when to take the leap• Branding for small businesses• Creating a brand that stands out• Designing a life around freedom and purpose• Turning creativity into a business

This episode is for anyone building something on the side, feeling ready for more, or wanting to create a business and brand they truly love.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring reminder that success isn’t just about what you build — it’s about the life you build alongside it.

Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketing

Connect with Hayley on Instagram: @hayleykimstudios

Connect with Hayley on LinkedIn @hayleywarwick

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast - your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support.

In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Luke Smith, Managing Director of Smiths Business Supplies, for a powerful and honest conversation about identity, sobriety, leadership, and building a business with purpose.

Luke shares his journey from early entrepreneurial hustle to launching his company from his mum’s living room during the COVID pandemic. But beneath the business story is a deeper transformation - growing up without knowing his biological father, battling a decade of drink and drugs, navigating depression, and ultimately choosing discipline, clarity, and calm over chaos.

Now approaching five years sober, Luke reflects on how doing the inner work shaped not only his life, but his leadership and business success.

In this episode, we talk about:
• Building resilience through adversity• Entrepreneurship during COVID• Sobriety and leadership• Discipline, mindset and identity• Choosing calm over chaos in business and life

This episode is for any business owner who has ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain and is ready to build something stronger from the inside out.

🎧 Tune in for a powerful reminder that your past does not define you - but your choices do!

Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketingConnect with Luke on Instagram: @llukesmith_

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast - your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support.

In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Ellie Ham - actor, multi-business owner, and founder of Ellie Shoots Socials - for an honest, empowering conversation about confidence, creativity, and showing up in business.

Ellie began her professional acting career at just 13 years old on CBBC’s 4 O’Clock Club and has since built an impressive career across TV, film, and commercial work, including projects with Netflix, BBC, Sky, Disney, and Marvel.

Alongside her work on screen, Ellie is also the founder of LCA Academy, a drama school training young performers, and LCA Talent Agency, where she manages and represents talent across TV, film, and commercial work. Most recently, she launched Ellie Shoots Socials, helping business owners show up confidently online through filming, presenting, creative direction, and results-driven content.

In this episode, Ellie shares how confidence is built over time, not something you’re born with, and why so many business owners struggle with visibility. Together, Katie and Ellie talk about content creation, authenticity, storytelling, and how to create content that connects - without needing to be perfect.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone who has ever felt nervous about being seen, unsure what to post, or stuck waiting to feel “ready.”

🎧 Tune in for a confidence-boosting episode full of real stories, practical insight, and the reminder that you don’t need to be perfect - you just need to start.

Connect with Katie: @katieclaytonmarketing
Connect with Ellie: @elmayham | @ellieshootssocials | @lcaacademyandagency

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast - the go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support.

In this final episode of the year, host Katie Clayton sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Kelly Riddington, the incredible founder behind Heaven Sent and Nero Bianco, two thriving brands built from passion, grit, and a fearless willingness to reinvent when life demands it.

Kelly’s story is one every small business owner needs to hear.

From launching her first beauty business at just 20, to navigating multiple salon moves and expansions, to facing the heartbreak and loss of control during lockdown, Kelly opens up about the moments that shaped her as an entrepreneur, including the mental toll of 2020 and how she rebuilt herself and her business from the ground up.

Out of that challenging season came something extraordinary: Nero Bianco, the luxury home fragrance brand that started as a kitchen table side hustle and has now grown into a stunning store and workshop space in Lichfield. Kelly shares the whole journey, from wax melts in the kitchen to a fully-fledged brand with a devoted community.

This episode is packed with honesty, heart, and the kind of behind-the-scenes lessons you only learn by living them. Kelly talks about the pressure of fast renovations, the unwavering support of her family, the emotional decision to close one of her long-running salons, and what it really takes to juggle two growing businesses while staying true to your values.

It’s a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and trusting your instincts, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring, uplifting episode full of real stories, actionable wisdom, and the reminder that every setback can spark something beautiful.

Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketing
Connect with Kelly on Instagram: @heavensentlichfield @nerobianco or visit www.nerobianco.co.uk

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast - the go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical strategies, and a whole lot of support.

In this packed episode, host Katie Clayton sits down with Michelin-starred chef and entrepreneur, Tom Shepherd, for an unforgettable conversation about ambition, resilience, and what it really takes to turn your passion into a thriving business.

Tom, the award-winning owner of Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, Staffordshire’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant, shares his journey from life as an employed chef to taking the leap and building his own restaurant and brand from the ground up.

Along the way, he opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship - from cooking his famous Cow Pie for Prince William, to being welcomed into James Martin’s family, hosting his own restaurant at Royal Ascot, and even the moment he made an incredible £46,000 in just 30 minutes when Upstairs bookings first opened.

It’s an incredible story of courage, creativity, and belief, and a reminder that success doesn’t come without risk, heart, and a few wild adventures along the way.

🎧 Tune in for a powerful episode full of inspiration, honest insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the UK’s most exciting culinary talents - who, at such a young age, is only just getting started!

Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketing

Connect with Tom on Instagram: @cheftomshepherd

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club: the podcast where real, unfiltered conversations meet business strategy and inspiration.

In this uplifting episode of The Business Besties Club, host Katie Clayton chats with Florence Moore, founder of FloFit, about the power of authenticity, empowerment, and community in women’s health and wellness.

Flo shares her journey from personal transformation to building a thriving fitness and wellness brand that celebrates compassion over competition. Together, they explore the realities of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and finding balance between business, family, and self-care.

This episode is for every woman who’s ever felt the pressure to do it all. It is an important reminder that true wellness starts with connection, confidence, and being unapologetically yourself.

🎧 Tune in for an honest conversation about empowerment, motherhood, and the strength found in community.

Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketing

Connect with Flo on Instagram: @flofit_healthandwellness

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club: the podcast where real, unfiltered conversations meet business strategy and inspiration.

What can small businesses learn from a five-time Marketer of the Year who’s led some of the UK’s most iconic brands?

In this inspiring episode of The Business Besties Club, Katie sits down with Pete Markey, former Chief Marketing Officer at Boots, with an impressive career spanning senior leadership roles at TSB, Aviva, the Post Office, and beyond.

Pete has been recognised repeatedly as one of the UK’s top marketing leaders, but what sets him apart is his down-to-earth approach, passion for mentorship, and belief that marketing should make a real difference—not just for brands, but for people.

We dive into:

How Pete worked his way up from the ground floor to CMO

The timeless marketing principles every business (big or small) should master

Building confidence and strategy when you’re growing your brand

Why leadership and diversity matter more than ever in business today

Whether you’re a start-up founder, a growing small business, or just love honest conversations about leadership and marketing, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour, and practical advice you can put into action today.

Hit play to hear what big-brand brilliance can teach small business owners—and why marketing success starts with knowing your customer and believing in yourself.

Connect with Pete:

Instagram: petemarkeycmo

TikTok: pete.markey.cmo

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club: the podcast where real, unfiltered conversations meet business strategy and inspiration.

In this episode, Katie sits down with the amazing mother-daughter duo, Sarah and Lois Hobbs, to chat all things business, family, and navigating challenges with heart. Together, they run a thriving business in the giftware industry, and their journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Sarah shares how she started in giftware back in 2001 and how self-employment gave her the freedom and flexibility she craved. Lois opens up about the power of an ADHD and dyslexia diagnosis, and how understanding her learning style changed everything.

They dive into:

- What it’s really like running a family business

- How the pandemic changed buying habits and shaped their strategy

- The power of authenticity in sales and client relationships

- Navigating learning differences in life and business

- Why trade shows still matter, and how they build trust

If you value genuine connections, family support, and honest conversations about self-employment and personal growth, this episode is for you. So grab your favourite drink, hit play, and join the club, because every entrepreneur needs a business bestie!

Connect with Katie: @katieclaytonmarketing

Connect with Sarah and Lois: @hobbsagencies

Welcome to the very first episode of The Business Besties Club: the podcast where real, unfiltered conversations meet business strategy and inspiration.

In this episode, Katie sits down with the incredible Danielle, founder of Dermatouch Aesthetics, a clinic that’s all about enhancing natural beauty and helping clients feel their absolute best.

Danielle’s journey is one of resilience, heart, and hustle. From navigating university and an unexpected pregnancy to balancing motherhood with nurse training, Danielle has faced it all and come out stronger. Now, she’s built a thriving aesthetics business doing what she loves.

They chat about:

• Her bold leap from nursing to full-time entrepreneurship

• The realities of starting a business while raising a family

• Why passion and persistence matter more than a perfect plan

If you're a small business owner, side hustler, or dream chaser, you’re going to love this one. So grab your coffee, hit play, and join the club. Because every entrepreneur needs a business bestie!

Connect with Danielle: @dermatouch.aesthetics
Connect with Katie: @katieclaytonmarketing