Explore every episode of the podcast What One Thing?
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Reduce Business Costs by Solving the Right Problems - Dave Oakes | 04 nov. 2026 | 00:32:02 | |
Are you spending money on problems you haven't properly identified? Or investing in technology without knowing whether it will make a difference? In this episode of What One Thing?, we're joined by Dave Oakes, CEO of PowTechnology, whose One Thing is: "Start with the problem, not the technology." This episode is about understanding what's happening in your business, identifying where you're losing money and finding practical ways to improve performance. From rising energy costs and inefficient processes to stock management and everyday waste, Dave explains why better information can help businesses make better decisions without necessarily investing in expensive technology. In this episode, we discuss:
The big takeaway? You can't improve what you don't properly understand. Before investing in a solution, make sure you know what problem you're trying to solve and have the right information to make that decision. About Dave Oakes and PowTechnologyDave is CEO of PowTechnology, specialists in intelligent automation for 35 years. PowTechnology connects data from sensors and machines to the cloud, providing insights that help businesses identify opportunities, improve performance and increase resilience. Their solutions help businesses reduce energy and operational costs, prevent breakdowns, maximise resources, meet regulatory requirements, improve services and develop new revenue opportunities. PowTechnology works with businesses from start-ups to global multinationals. They are a Siemens Solution Partner and hold ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications. Connect with Dave and PowTechnology: Website: https://www.PowTechnology.com Email: sales@PowTechnology.com Find Dave Oakes and PowTechnology on LinkedIn. What One Thing is brought to you by Affirm IT and Corbar Accounting. Listen to What One Thing? the business podcast focused on practical ideas growing business owners can actually implement and discover the one lesson that could change the way you run your business. Connect with the hosts: Affirm IT Services https://affirmit.co.uk/ Corbar Accounting https://corbar.uk/ #WhatOneThing #BusinessPodcast #BusinessGrowth #CostReduction #BusinessEfficiency #DigitalTransformation | |||
| Are You Investing in Your People or Just Your Business? - Angela Hodgson | 21 oct. 2026 | 00:40:22 | |
You invest in new machinery, better systems and technology to help your business grow. But are you investing enough in the people who actually make it happen? In this episode of What One Thing, Hayley and Phil welcome back Angela Hodgson to explore why investing in your people is just as important as investing in your equipment, particularly in manufacturing and engineering businesses. And we're not just talking about sending people on another training course. Angela challenges the way businesses approach leadership development, staff training and performance improvement, and explains why so much time and money can be spent on training without anything really changing. We talk about:
We also explore something many business owners will recognise: knowing you need to spend more time developing your people, but struggling to find that time when customers, deadlines and day-to-day problems keep getting in the way. If you're a manufacturing or engineering business owner, MD or business leader who wants to build a stronger team and a better-performing business, this episode is for you. What One Thing is brought to you by Affirm IT and Corbar Accounting. Listen to What One Thing? the business podcast focused on practical ideas growing business owners can actually implement and discover the one lesson that could change the way you run your business. Connect with Angela Hodgson: Connect with the hosts: Affirm IT Services https://affirmit.co.uk/ Corbar Accounting https://corbar.uk/ | |||
| How to Stop Firefighting in Your Manufacturing Business - Harvey Leach | 07 oct. 2026 | 00:35:35 | |
What happens when your manufacturing business grows, your team gets bigger… but somehow everything feels harder to control? In this episode of What One Thing, Hayley Baxter and Phil Davenport are joined by Harvey Leach to talk about a problem many growing manufacturing businesses will recognise: firefighting. Harvey shares his own experience in the automotive industry, where every day became a cycle of chasing parts, answering problems and simply trying to get through the day. The turning point wasn’t working harder or recruiting more people. It was creating visibility, structure and simple daily routines that helped the team regain control. We talk about:
If your business is successful but increasingly feels like everyone is incredibly busy without quite knowing whether you're moving forward, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can actually use. Because sometimes the answer isn't more people, more hours or working harder. It's stepping back long enough to understand what's really going on. What One Thing is brought to you by Corbar Accounting Ltd and Affirm IT, sharing practical conversations and ideas to help business owners build stronger, better-run businesses. What One Thing is brought to you by Affirm IT and Corbar Accounting. Listen to What One Thing? and discover the one lesson that could change the way you run your business. What One Thing? is the business podcast focused on practical ideas growing business owners can actually implement — without the fluff. Connect with Harvey Leach: Connect with the hosts: Affirm IT Services https://affirmit.co.uk/ Corbar Accounting https://corbar.uk/ | |||
| Know Your Numbers: Management Accounts, Profit Margins & Better Business Decisions - Marc McArdle | 23 sept. 2026 | 00:34:26 | |
Do you really know what’s going on in your business financially? In this episode of What One Thing, Hayley and Phil are joined by Marc McCardle, who shares how a post-Covid shock forced him to get much closer to the numbers behind his family business. After years of growth, rising costs and squeezed margins started to have an impact. The problem was, relying on year-end accounts meant Marc didn’t see what was happening quickly enough. That became the start of a journey into management accounts, gross and net profit margins, understanding costs and getting much more granular about where the business was actually making money. Marc shares what he learned, the practical changes the business made and why knowing his numbers now gives him far more confidence when making decisions about pricing, costs, recruitment and future growth. We also talk about: • Why year-end accounts alone might not tell you enough This isn’t about becoming an accountant or spending your life buried in spreadsheets. It’s about having enough visibility over your business to understand what’s working, what isn’t and what you might need to change. Because better numbers aren’t really about the numbers. They’re about making better business decisions. What One Thing is brought to you by Affirm IT and Corbar Accounting. Listen to What One Thing? and discover the one lesson that could change the way you run your business. What One Thing? is the business podcast focused on practical ideas growing business owners can actually implement — without the fluff. Connect with Marc McArdle: Connect with the hosts: Affirm IT Services https://affirmit.co.uk/ Corbar Accounting https://corbar.uk/ | |||
| The Superhero Complex: Business Growth, Boundaries & Learning to Let Go - Ben McManus | 09 sept. 2026 | 00:33:34 | |
What happens when the very thing that makes you good at running a business starts costing you outside of it? In this episode of What One Thing?, Hayley Baxter and Phil Davenport are joined by Ben McManus, founder of BM Civil Engineering, to talk about what Ben calls his “superhero complex” — his drive to solve problems, do things properly and deliver for his clients, whatever it takes. It’s an approach that has helped Ben grow a successful civil engineering consultancy, build a strong team and develop client relationships where he’s prepared to have difficult conversations, stand by his pricing and even walk away from work when it doesn’t feel right. But there’s another side to it. Ben shares candidly how prioritising the business has sometimes come at a cost to himself and his family — and why he’s now learning that not every problem needs Batman. We talk about:
If you’re a business owner, founder or entrepreneur who feels responsible for everything, struggles to switch off or finds it difficult to let other people take over, this conversation might feel very familiar. Because sometimes the next stage of growing your business isn’t about doing more. It’s about realising you don’t have to save Gotham every day. Listen to What One Thing? and discover the one lesson that could change the way you run your business. What One Thing? is the business podcast focused on practical ideas growing business owners can actually implement — without the fluff. Connect with Ben McManus: Connect with the hosts: Affirm IT Services https://affirmit.co.uk/ Corbar Accounting https://corbar.uk/ | |||
| Your Brand Isn’t Your Logo: How Manufacturers Build a Business People Trust - Lucy Rennie | 26 août 2026 | 00:36:33 | |
What makes a manufacturing business the one customers trust, recommend and keep coming back to? It isn't a new logo. It isn't posting more on LinkedIn. And it definitely isn't creating content simply because somebody told you that you should. In this episode of What One Thing?, Hayley Baxter and Phil Davenport are joined by Lucy Rennie to unpack what building a genuinely trusted brand looks like for manufacturing and engineering businesses — and why it has to start on the inside. Lucy shares why so many established manufacturers jump straight to marketing without first understanding what they stand for, what they want to be known for and why customers and employees should care. We get into:
And crucially, this isn't just a conversation about “branding”. Lucy gives practical exercises you can take back into your business, including a simple employee pulse survey and the “fly on the wall” exercise: if you could overhear your ideal customers talking about your business when you weren't in the room, what would you want them to say? Because people are going to form an opinion of your business anyway. The question is: are you being intentional about what that opinion is? If you run or lead an established manufacturing, engineering or growing SME and want to build a business customers trust, employees are proud to work for and people naturally recommend, this episode is for you. What One Thing? is the business podcast focused on practical ideas growing business owners can actually implement — without the fluff. Connect with Lucy Rennie: Connect with the hosts: Affirm IT Services https://affirmit.co.uk/ Corbar Accounting https://corbar.uk/ | |||
| How Manufacturers Can Win More Business: Turn Marketing Into Sales - René Power | 12 août 2026 | 00:32:50 | |
Most manufacturing businesses spend their time chasing new leads while overlooking one of the biggest opportunities already sitting in front of them. In this episode, we are joined by Rene Power, an industrial marketing specialist with more than 30 years' experience helping manufacturing and professional service businesses attract, convert and retain high value clients. CIM qualified and self employed since 2015, Rene has guided businesses through the challenges of pre Covid, the pandemic itself and the ever changing business landscape that followed. Today, through Rene Power Marketing, he helps businesses build sustainable growth using practical, high impact marketing strategies that actually generate results. Together we discuss the "blindingly obvious" strategy that many manufacturers still aren't using, why businesses are often afraid to simply "make the ask", and how historical sales data could become your most valuable source of new work. In this episode we cover: ● Why reactivating previous prospects is often faster and more profitable than cold outreach. ● The real reason business owners avoid direct conversations. ● How to combine LinkedIn, personal branding and one to one networking effectively. ● Turning past enquiries into a warm sales pipeline. ● Managing ghosting, stalled projects and inconsistent sales cycles. ● Lessons from running businesses through Covid and beyond. ● Why being brave enough to ask can transform your business. Whether you're a manufacturing business owner, sales director or marketer looking to win more of the right work, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put into action immediately. Connect with Rene Power: Connect with the hosts: | |||
| Practical AI Processes - Marie Piercy | 29 juil. 2026 | 00:22:04 | |
AI is everywhere, but are small businesses actually using it to save time and improve the way they work? In this episode of What One Thing, hosts Hayley Baxter and Phil Davenport are joined by AI specialist Marie Piercy to explore how business owners can move beyond experimenting with AI and start building practical, repeatable systems that make a real difference. From creating AI-powered ideal client profiles using your existing customers, to building sales and marketing processes without losing the human touch, this conversation is packed with practical ideas that any business can start implementing today. After the interview, Hayley and Phil reflect on the episode, sharing the ideas they'll be taking back into their own businesses, the importance of starting small, and why making time to "play" with AI might be the biggest step of all. In this episode you'll discover:
Whether you're completely new to AI or looking for practical ways to use it in your business, this episode is full of actionable insights that you can implement straight away. 🎙 About What One Thing Every episode we ask successful business owners one simple question: "What's the one thing that's helped move your business forward?" Hosted by: Hayley Baxter – Corbar Accounting New episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations that give business owners one practical idea they can implement immediately. Every episode asks one successful business owner: What's your one thing? Connect with us Hayley Baxter – Corbar Accounting Connect with Marie #Sales #Marketing #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #USP #SalesStrategy #BusinessDevelopment #CustomerExperience #BrandStory #BusinessPodcast #WhatOneThing #LeadGeneration #BusinessAdvice #MarketingStrategy | |||
| People Buy Holes, Not Drills:| How to Stand Out and Win More Customers - Alastair Ruston | 15 juil. 2026 | 00:26:24 | |
Everyone says you need a USP. But what if that's the wrong place to start? In this episode of What One Thing, hosts Phil Davenport and Hayley Baxter are joined by sales consultant Alastair Ruston to explore one of the most powerful concepts in sales and marketing: People don't buy what you do. They buy the result of what you do. From the famous phrase "People buy holes, not drills" to practical ways of uncovering what really makes your business different, this conversation is packed with ideas every business owner can put into practice. Whether you're an accountant, IT company, manufacturer or service business, if you've ever struggled to explain why customers should choose you, this episode is for you. In this episode you'll learn:✅ Why your USP probably isn't your real differentiator ✅ The simple questions every business owner should ask themselves ✅ Why your staff can help uncover what makes your business special ✅ How your customers already know your biggest selling point ✅ Why people buy emotionally before they justify logically ✅ How AI can help turn customer feedback into compelling marketing If you've ever found yourself saying "we're different because we offer great service," this episode will completely change how you think about selling your business. 🎙 About What One Thing Every episode we ask successful business owners one simple question: "What's the one thing that's helped move your business forward?" Hosted by: Hayley Baxter – Corbar Accounting New episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations that give business owners one practical idea they can implement immediately. Every episode asks one successful business owner: What's your one thing? Connect with us Hayley Baxter – Corbar Accounting Connect with Alastair Alastair Ruston - Blitz Sales Solutions #Sales #Marketing #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #USP #SalesStrategy #BusinessDevelopment #CustomerExperience #BrandStory #BusinessPodcast #WhatOneThing #LeadGeneration #BusinessAdvice #MarketingStrategy | |||
| The Business Plan You Should Never Stop Updating - Laura Holland | 30 juin 2026 | 00:33:32 | |
Running a business isn't just about writing a business plan... it's about continually evolving it. In this episode of What One Thing?, Hayley Baxter and Phil Davenport are joined by structural engineer and business owner Laura Holland to explore why business planning should be a living document, not something you complete once and forget. Laura shares the honest reality of growing an engineering consultancy from scratch, the confidence challenges that come with leadership, when to hire (and when to say no), and why business coaching transformed the way she runs her company. Whether you're starting your first business or scaling an established one, this episode is packed with practical advice on planning for growth without losing sight of why you started. In this episode we discuss:✔️ Why your business plan should evolve with your business One of the biggest lessons from this conversation is that nothing in business is fixed. Businesses evolve, people evolve and your plans should evolve too. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by business planning, struggled with confidence or wondered whether you're growing too quickly, this episode is for you. Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations that give business owners one practical idea they can implement immediately. Every episode asks one successful business owner: What's your one thing? Connect with us Hayley Baxter – Corbar Accounting Connect with Laura Laura Holland - Ecotech Engineers #BusinessPlanning #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #Leadership #BusinessCoach #ScalingABusiness #BusinessOwner #SME #Confidence #Hiring #VisionBoard #WorkLifeBalance #WhatOneThing #Engineering #LeadershipDevelopment | |||
| Talk To People - Daisy Ferns | 17 juin 2026 | 00:29:46 | |
The Most Underrated Business Growth Strategy with Daisy Ferns In a world obsessed with algorithms, followers, and going viral, what if the real secret to growing your business was much simpler? In this episode of What One Thing?, Hayley Baxter and Phil Davenport sit down with lead generation specialist Daisy Ferns, whose one thing is refreshingly straightforward: talk to people. Daisy shares how building genuine relationships has helped her create multiple successful businesses, including a six-figure business, and why so many business owners are overlooking one of the most powerful growth tools available to them – real human conversations. Together, they explore: ✅ Why social media isn't a substitute for relationships If you're tired of chasing algorithms and wondering where your next client will come from, this episode is a timely reminder that business is still built on people. About Daisy FernsDaisy helps established business owners generate leads through authentic relationship-building and strategic outreach. Rather than relying solely on inbound marketing, Daisy's approach focuses on creating meaningful conversations that turn into opportunities and long-term clients. Connect with Daisy | |||
| Stop Buying AI Tools: Solve the Problem First - Richard Geary & Scott Evans | 03 juin 2026 | 00:24:17 | |
What One Thing AI Podcast Everyone is talking about AI. But what if most businesses are approaching it completely the wrong way? In this episode of What One Thing AI, Phil Davenport and Hayley Baxter are joined by Richard Geary and Scott Evans from the AI Foundry to discuss one of the biggest mistakes business owners make when implementing AI. Instead of starting with ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini or the latest AI tool, Richard argues that businesses should first identify the problem they are trying to solve. The conversation explores: ✅ Why AI should be the last part of the solution, not the first If you're wondering how to implement AI in your business without wasting time, money or effort, this episode provides a practical framework to help you start in the right place. About What One Thing AIWhat One Thing AI explores the real-world AI tools, strategies and lessons that business owners can use to improve their businesses. Each episode focuses on one practical idea that can make a meaningful difference. Hosted by Hayley Baxter of Corbar Accounting and Phil Davenport of Affirm IT Services. #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT #Copilot #Gemini #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #DigitalTransformation #Productivity #WhatOneThingPodcast #AIForBusiness #BusinessSystems #BusinessLeadership #BusinessStrategy | |||
| We Tried a 30-Day Business Challenge… did we win or learn? | 20 mai 2026 | 00:15:14 | |
Phil Davenport and Hayley Baxter reflect on their attempt to implement a 30-day relationship-building challenge inspired by their own podcast advice. What started with good intentions — outreach messages, networking coffees, introductions, and accountability — slowly became overwhelming as real business life got in the way. In this honest conversation, they unpack:
A thoughtful episode for business owners trying to balance growth, networking, marketing, and actually running the business at the same time. 🎙️ Brought to you by Corbar Accounting and Affirm IT Services Ltd. | |||
| Be Real - Why Pretending Everything's Fine Is Hurting Your Business - Marc Johnson | 06 mai 2026 | 00:34:41 | |
Marc’s What One Thing is:
In this episode, we explore the pressure many business owners feel to look successful, polished, and “together” — even when reality feels very different behind the scenes. Marc shares his experience growing up in a family business, the pressure to prove himself, and how networking changed once he stopped trying to project perfection and started having more honest conversations. We also discuss:
A very human conversation about leadership, business culture, and letting your guard down a little. Brought to you by Corbar Accounting and Affirm IT Services Connect with: | |||
| Why Your Ideal Client Isn’t Who You Think - Diyar Abdullah | 22 avr. 2026 | 00:31:01 | |
Why do some deals close instantly… while others drag on forever and go nowhere? In this episode of What One Thing, we sit down with Diyar to break down a different way of thinking about sales, marketing, and lead generation. Instead of focusing on your product or service, this conversation explores how understanding data, timing, and buyer intent can completely change how you win business. We talk about:
If you’ve ever felt like your marketing should be working… but isn’t converting, this episode will help you rethink where to focus. Brought to you by Corbar Accounting and Affirm IT Services Ltd. Connect with: | |||
| The One Thing That Stops You Doing Everything in Your Business - John Lamerton | 08 avr. 2026 | 00:26:06 | |
In this episode of What One Thing, we sit down with entrepreneur and author John Lamerton to explore the single shift that transformed his business — and his life. After years of running multiple businesses, working long hours, and trying to do everything himself, John hit breaking point. A health scare forced him to rethink how he was working and led him to a powerful realisation: You don’t need to do more. You need to focus on one thing. John shares how he went from being a “busy fool” juggling everything — from marketing to operations to finance — to focusing on his role as the marketer of his business. We cover: • Why doing everything holds your business back This episode is for business owners who feel overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or stuck in the day-to-day running of their business. 🎧 If you’re ready to stop doing everything and start focusing on what actually moves the needle, this one’s for you. John's Website | |||
| How to Build a Consistent Pipeline: Our 30-Day Relationship Building Experiment | 25 mars 2026 | 00:10:07 | |
If you’ve ever listened to business podcasts and thought “this is great… but I’ll never actually do it” — this episode is for you. In this special episode of the What One Thing podcast, Hayley Baxter and Phil Davenport do something different. Instead of just discussing the ideas shared by successful founders, they commit to implementing one — properly. The focus? Over the next 30 days, they set clear targets:
No selling. No pitching. Just intentional relationship building. They also open up about the real challenges behind business growth:
This episode is the starting point of a live business experiment — tracking whether small, consistent actions can create real growth. If you're a business owner looking for more consistent leads, stronger relationships, and a more intentional way to grow your business — this is one to follow. 🎯 Subscribe to follow the full 30-day implementation journey | |||
| How To Use AI Without The Hype - Ian Lockwood | 11 mars 2026 | 00:33:54 | |
There’s a lot of noise around AI — but most small business owners don’t need more hype. They need practical ways to reduce pressure, improve customer experience, and scale without adding unnecessary cost. In this episode, Ian Lockwood shares how he implemented an AI chatbot across multiple websites to reduce inbound calls, automate parts of the quote process, and improve the customer journey — with a clear warning about guardrails and AI “hallucinations”. In this episode, we cover:
What One Thing is a podcast for thinking business owners talking to thinking business owners — grounded conversations that focus on what’s useful, not what’s trendy. Hosted by Phil Davenport and Hayley Baxter. Brought to you by Corbar Accounting and Affirm IT Services Ltd. If you’ve been experimenting with AI (or avoiding it), share your “one thing” in the comments — what’s the one business problem you’d actually want AI to solve? And if you found this useful, subscribe for more practical episodes. | |||
| Know Your Numbers - Debbie Porter | 25 févr. 2026 | 00:31:59 | |
If you’re bringing in revenue but still not seeing the profit you expect, this episode is for you. | |||
| Growth Without Freedom Isn’t Success – Bev Flanagan | 11 févr. 2026 | 00:34:12 | |
What does it actually take to build a business (an accountancy practice in Bev's case) that doesn’t rely on you 24/7? In this episode of What One Thing?, we’re joined by accountant, coach and international speaker Bev Flanagan. Bev shares how she went from being constantly “on” for clients — even while supporting her sister abroad — to building a fully systemised, cloud-based accountancy practice that allowed her to travel, work from anywhere, and ultimately sell her firm. We cover: • How to stop creating a job and start building a business asset If you’re an accountant, bookkeeper or service-based business owner who feels chained to your desk, this episode will resonate. Bev now coaches accountants and bookkeepers to build scalable, profitable firms with clarity and confidence. 🎯 Her one thing? — 🔗 Connect with Bev: — What One Thing? is the bi-weekly podcast for growing UK business owners with a team. Brought to you by Corbar Accounting and Affirm IT Services. Subscribe for practical insights, honest conversations, and real-world lessons from business owners building something bigger. | |||
| You Built It… Now What?: When Success Misaligns – Lisa Johnson | 28 janv. 2026 | 00:27:58 | |
What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted — and still feel unfulfilled? In this episode of What One Thing, we’re joined by Lisa Johnson, who built a multi-seven-figure business, topped the charts, and was invited into the most elite entrepreneurial spaces — before realising the “more” mindset no longer worked for her. From turning down Necker Island to choosing a £6.99 Chinese with friends, Lisa shares the moment she realised success had drifted away from what actually mattered. In this honest, reflective conversation, we explore:
This episode is for business owners who’ve built something impressive — but are quietly asking whether it still feels right. 🎙 Hosted by Hayley Baxter (Corbar Accounting) & Phil Davenport (Affirm IT) 👉 If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with another business owner on the same journey. | |||
| Lessons Learned Running a Business in 2025 (Honest Reflections from Two Founders) | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:28:02 | |
What really changes after another year of running a business? Chapters
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| What We’ve Learned From Running a Weekly Podcast as Business Owners| What One Thing | 24 déc. 2025 | 00:20:25 | |
What’s one thing about starting a podcast that you thought would be easy… but wasn’t? In this behind-the-scenes episode of What One Thing, hosts Hayley Baxter (Corbar Accounting) and Phil Davenport (Affirm IT Services) reflect honestly on what it’s really like running a weekly podcast alongside two busy businesses. They share what surprised them, what took far longer than expected (editing, captions, clips, admin), how tough audience growth can be without consistent marketing, and how they’ve embraced AI tools (Riverside transcripts + GPT) to save time and tighten up the show. If you’re a business owner considering launching a podcast — or you’re trying to build your brand through content without burning out — this episode is packed with real-world lessons. ⏱️ Episode timestamps 00:05 – What seemed easy but wasn’t? If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a business owner who’s thinking about hitting “record.” What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Taking Radical Responsibility in Business: How Jo Simpson Survived the 2008 Crash | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:31:45 | |
What do you do when your business looks successful on the outside… but the numbers tell a very different story? In this episode of What One Thing, Hayley Baxter (Corbar Accounting) and Phil Davenport (Affirm IT Services) talk to Jo Simpson, an accountant who grew multiple businesses – including two multi–seven-figure ventures – before the 2008 crash exposed just how fragile things really were. Jo shares:
Phil and Hayley use Jo’s story as a springboard to talk about:
If you’re a business owner in the East Midlands (or anywhere else) who wants to grow and sleep at night, this episode will challenge how you think about responsibility, risk and leadership. What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Nice Won’t Scale. Or Will It? Culture as Strategy – Neil Shaw | 10 déc. 2025 | 00:22:45 | |
Can you really scale from 4 to nearly 40 people and keep a calm, positive, nice culture? In this episode of What One Thing, hosts Hayley Baxter (Corbarr Accounting) and Phil Davenport (Affirm IT Services) talk with former MSP owner Neil Shaw about growing an IT business fast – without losing your values or your mind. Neil shares how he:
If you’re an IT business owner, accountant, or run any growing SME, this episode will help you think differently about what leadership looks like – especially if you don’t fit the traditional “hard-nosed” mould. In this episode you’ll learn:
🎧 Listen now and find your “one thing” to move your business forward. About Neil Been in the IT industry for 30 years. Various roles including PC builder, onsite engineer, consultant, and director, throw in a failed MBO and then having a silly idea to start an MSP - Co-founded True MSP in 2017 and exited in Jan 2025. What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Stop Trusting Recruiters Blindly: The Hidden Model – Rebecca Morris | 03 déc. 2025 | 00:25:35 | |
Traditional recruitment is broken – especially for small businesses. In this episode of What One Thing, hosts Hayley Baxter (Corbar Accounting) and Phil Davenport (Affirm IT Services) talk with Rebecca Morris from Benchmark Recruit about why “bums on seats” hiring is costing businesses far more than they realise. They dig into:
Hayley brings the financial and commercial angle – looking at the true cost of a bad hire and why cheap routes like job boards aren’t always cheaper in the long run. Phil adds the IT and systems perspective – from having laptops and tech ready on day one to using tools properly without losing the human touch. If you’re a business owner in the UK with a growing team and you want to recruit better and keep great people longer, this one’s for you. 👉 Listen, follow, and share with another business owner who’s about to make their next hire. What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Discounting Is Destroying You: Brutal Math – Stuart Mason | 26 nov. 2025 | 00:28:33 | |
In this episode of What One Thing, Phil Davenport (Affirm IT Services) and Hayley Baxter (Corbar Accounting) sit down with entrepreneur Stuart Mason to unpack a business collapse that no one saw coming—until it was too late. This conversation isn’t about doom and gloom. It’s about the real risks small and medium-sized businesses face, especially around discounting, cashflow, pricing pressure, and over-stretching for growth. Phil and Hayley break down the lessons through the lens of IT, Accounting and everyday business decision-making—so East Midlands business owners can take action before problems escalate. ⭐ What You’ll Learn
🎧 Perfect for: Manufacturing and professional services businesses · SME owners with 5–50 staff · Business leaders who want to price properly, protect margins, and avoid cashflow traps. If you’ve ever wondered whether discounting is harmless—or “just what the industry does”—this episode will change the way you think about pricing forever.
Buy Stuart's book here
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| Stop Trading Time for Money: Build Resilience – Angela Hodgson | 19 nov. 2025 | 00:27:42 | |
This week on What One Thing, we sit down with leadership consultant Angela Hodgson (Ignite Improvement Ltd), who went from leading a global team through Barcelona riots, burnout and personal loss… to rebuilding her career with clarity, courage and a brand-new purpose. It’s a powerful conversation — but as always, Phil and Hayley bring it back to what really matters for small business owners across the East Midlands: your people, your values, and the way you lead when pressure hits. What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| You Are the Problem: Brutal Leadership Wake-Up – Steve Knowles | 12 nov. 2025 | 00:25:05 | |
When everything seems to be going wrong, the hardest truth to face is that you might be the problem. In this episode, hosts Phil Davenport (Affirm IT Services) and Hayley Baxter (Corbar Accounting) talk with Steve Knowles, who shares how a consultant’s brutal honesty turned his struggling accountancy practice around — and what that taught him about leadership, control, and trust. Key Takeaways:
Phil and Hayley’s reflections: Whether you’re running a manufacturing firm, professional service business, or IT or accounting practice, this conversation is full of real-world lessons about growth, resilience, and staying human in a world of systems and automation. 🎧 Listen now to hear how to spot the warning signs before things go wrong — and how to build a business that runs on trust, not burnout. #WhatOneThingPodcast #SmallBusinessGrowth #LeadershipLessons #Delegation #TeamValues #EntrepreneurMindset #EastMidlandsBusiness #AffirmIT #CorbarAccounting What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| AI for SMEs: Your Processes Are Too Manual: Automate 60% Today – Neil Macdonald | 05 nov. 2025 | 00:33:18 | |
AI isn’t just for big corporations — it’s for small businesses too. In this episode of What One Thing, Phil Davenport, Hayley Baxter, and Craig Millar sit down with Neil MacDonald from Technology4Business to explore how small businesses can use AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to save time, simplify work, and get better results. Neil shares practical, real-world examples of AI in action — from automating repetitive admin tasks to creating smarter systems that free people up to focus on what matters. 💡 You’ll learn:
🎧 Listen now to discover how AI can make your business faster, calmer, and more human. Guest: Neil MacDonald, Technology4Business 🔗 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatonething #AIForSMEs #SmallBusiness #WhatOneThingPodcast #TechMadeHuman #AffirmIT What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| You Are the Bottleneck: Why Your Team Can’t Grow – Dawn Baxter | 30 oct. 2025 | 00:30:34 | |
If your business can’t run without you, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode:
Perfect for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to grow sustainably — and keep their sanity in the process. Dawn Baxter is a Social Media and selling guru. Multi Business owner including Beyond the Dawn Digital LTD a full house digital marketing brand & agency. Dawn is passionate about helping female entrepreneurs build sustainable brands, community and sales using social media as a connection tool.
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| You’re Hiding in Plain Sight: The Brand Truth – Jojo Smith | 23 oct. 2025 | 00:30:30 | |
Overview Key insights
Guest https://www.facebook.com/sassyjojosmith https://www.instagram.com/creativsas https://www.creativsas.co.uk/about Call to action Connect with Phil and Hayley Hayley - LinkedIn Corbar Accounting What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| You’re Undercharging And Overdelivering – Meg Fenny | 16 oct. 2025 | 00:35:06 | |
Overview Key insights
Guest Meg Fenney is the Founder and Director of HR Download, a people-first consultancy powered by a passionate team of HR professionals. Together, they help businesses build confident, healthy workplaces through fractional HR support, executive coaching, and tailored training. With optimism, fairness, and creativity at the heart of everything they do, Meg and her team bring clarity and energy to every challenge—making HR simple, human, and impactful.
Under Meg’s leadership, HR Download has become a trusted partner for growing organisations across the UK. The team works closely with clients to shape strategic people decisions, navigate employment law, and foster cultures where people thrive. Whether supporting leaders or empowering teams, Meg ensures HR Download delivers with integrity, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to helping businesses grow through their people.
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| AI Won’t Save You: Discipline Will – Ewan Reid | 08 oct. 2025 | 00:22:41 | |
This week on What One Thing? AI, hosts Phil Davenport and Hayley Baxter sit down with Ewan Reid, Head of Utilis, an Amsterdam-based IT support company with over 21 years of experience helping growing businesses across Europe. Ewan shares how he tackled one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses today — how to start with AI in a way that actually delivers results. Instead of chasing the hype, he focused on a simple, high-impact problem: improving documentation, SOPs, and internal consistency. Through practical experimentation, Ewan and his team used ChatGPT Projects to create standardised, branded documentation in minutes — turning a time-consuming chore into a streamlined, collaborative process. The result? More efficient operations, better knowledge sharing, and a stronger foundation for growth. Phil and Hayley unpack how this approach can be replicated by any SME — even if you’re not technical — and why documentation may be the smartest first AI project you’ll ever run. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
🔗 Resources Mentioned
👥 About the Guest Ewan Reid is the Head of Utilis, a managed IT service provider based in Amsterdam. With over two decades in business, Ewan brings a hands-on approach to technology, favouring experimentation, learning-by-doing, and practical AI implementation over theory.
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| Perfectionism Is Costing You - Donna Hall | 01 oct. 2025 | 00:28:59 | |
Overview
Key insights
Guest Call to action Connect with Phil and Hayley Hayley - LinkedIn Corbar Accounting What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| You’re Using Xero Wrong: The Hidden Cost – Ian Phillips Xero | 24 sept. 2025 | 00:32:46 | |
In this episode of What One Thing AI, hosts Hayley Baxter and Phil Davenport sit down with Ian Phillips, Head of Sales UK at Xero, to explore the most underutilised feature in Xero: payments integrated directly into invoices. Ian shares why enabling simple payment options (Stripe, GoCardless and others) can dramatically reduce debtor days, improve cashflow, and enhance professionalism in client relationships. He also highlights the surprising number of UK businesses still not using bank feeds and data capture tools, and explains the difference between digitalisation and digital transformation. Looking ahead, Ian provides an insider’s view on Xero’s AI roadmap (Jax), the company’s OpenAI partnership, and how automation will allow bookkeepers and accountants to step up from transactional tasks to trusted advisory roles — giving directors real-time financial insights to drive growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: · Why invoice payments are still underused — and the impact on cashflow · Practical onboarding tactics to get clients using automated payments · How bookkeepers can move from admin to advisory conversations · What’s next for Xero with AI, Jax, OpenAI, and e-invoicing (PEPPOL/Tickstar) · Why valuing bookkeeping as the “foundation” of business finance is essential 💡 If you’re a business owner not yet using Xero’s payment and bank feed functionality, this conversation could save you time, money, and stress. Connect with Ian Phillips Link to Xero's report referenced in the podcast get it here 📢 If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, share with a fellow business leader, and leave us a review to help others discover the show. What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Your Brand Is Hiding You: Why You’re Invisible – Regina Martin | 17 sept. 2025 | 00:31:07 | |
Episode theme: Journaling for self-discovery — the fastest path to authentic visibility In conversation with Regina Martin (visibility strategist, brand/web designer; founder, The Confidence Healer), Phil and Hayley explore how self-knowledge underpins brand clarity, marketing that resonates, and more sustainable leadership. Regina charts her move from corporate to entrepreneurship, the “nicer in person” moment that prompted change, and why a short, reflective journaling habit outperforms more complex frameworks for busy owners. Key insights
Guest links Enjoyed this episode? Please follow, rate and share with a business owner who’d benefit. https://corbar.uk/ https://affirmit.co.uk/ What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| You’re Not Failing — You’re Quitting Too Early: Marginal Gains – Alastair Robertson | 10 sept. 2025 | 00:48:43 | |
In this episode of What One Thing, hosts Phil Davenport and Hayley Baxter interview Alastair Robertson (Supportive Solutions & CB Training). Alastair shares how he scaled to 34 people by prioritising self-sufficient contractors, using a simple outcome-focused review after every project, and building pipeline through relationships rather than advertising. We cover:
Ideal listeners: Owner-managers and directors of 5–50 person firms aiming to grow without adding managerial complexity. Call to action: If this helped, please follow the show and share it with a business owner who’d benefit. Alastair Robertson Connect with Phil & Hayley Time-Stamped Topics 00:00 Intro & context What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Busy But Broke: The Pricing Wake-Up Call – Jade Hallam | 03 sept. 2025 | 00:27:20 | |
Digital marketer Jade Hallam, founder of Clever Clicks, shares how she scaled from solo freelancer to an award-winning B2B agency, lifted prices without losing momentum, hired for culture, and chose the right marketing channels instead of chasing shiny objects. This week on What One Thing, Phil Davenport and Hayley Baxter interview Jade Hallam, founder of Clever Clicks. Jade went from freelancing during pregnancy to launching a B2B digital agency in 2022—now a multi-award winner with a 92% retention rate and a growing remote team. We unpack the pivotal moves behind that growth: moving from working in the business to on the business, bringing in a consultant to plan properly, raising legacy prices (and why that improved profitability and client fit), hiring for culture as much as capability, and using tooling and process (e.g. Teamwork) to keep visibility across client work. Jade also explains how to choose marketing channels based on audience “watering holes”, and why many campaigns fail due to poor fit—not poor platforms. You’ll learn:
If this episode helped you, follow the show and share it with one other business owner who’s scaling a team.
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| From Operator to Owner: The Shift That Changes Everything – Kelly Shaw | 27 août 2025 | 00:48:16 | |
In this episode of What One Thing, hosts Phil Davenport and Hayley Baxter are joined by Kelly Shaw, entrepreneur, salon owner, and business coach. Kelly shares her remarkable journey from working in luxury spas across the globe to buying a struggling local salon and transforming it into a thriving, sustainable business. Her story highlights the realities of entrepreneurship: the risks of over-reliance on one client, the difficulties of leading a team, and the moment she realised that true success required stepping away from day-to-day operations to focus on leadership and culture. Listeners will gain insights into:
Kelly also reveals her one thing every business owner should focus on to strengthen their business from the inside out. 📌 Connect with Kelly Shaw Email. hello”kellyshaw.co.uk Web. www.kellyshaw.co.uk Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/iamkellyshaw/ Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/kellyshawme LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyshawme/ If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and share with business leaders in your network. Kelly's Bio Kelly Shaw brings over 30 years of industry experience, having excelled as a Spa Director for renowned luxury groups like The Four Seasons and Shangri-La, and as a Senior Educator for Dermalogica. As the founder of Hampshire’s award-winning salon k:SPA, Kelly has spent the past 16 years perfecting a Salon-meets-Spa experience driven by trust, res What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Stop Playing Small – Jo Wood & Zoe Whitman | 21 août 2025 | 00:50:28 | |
In this episode of What One Thing, Phil Davenport and Hayley Baxter are joined by Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman, co-founders of The Six Figure Bookkeeper and leaders of a thriving 30,000-strong community of bookkeepers. Together, they explore:
This is an honest, insightful conversation about the realities of building a business, navigating visibility, and the mindset shifts required to stop “playing small.” 👉 Connect with Jo & Zoe: Listen to The Bookkeeper’s Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Or find out more here 6figurebookkeeper.com 🎧 Listen on your favourite platform: What One Thing? About The 6 Figure Bookkeeper The 6 Figure Bookkeeper launched in 2020 due to our own needs for community support with growing our bookkeeping businesses. We built a Facebook Community, The 6 Figure Bookkeepers’ Club, and The Bookkeepers’ Podcast launched shortly after. Our openness and willingness to share advice that gives other self-employed bookkeepers more chance for success has quickly built a loyal, supportive and empowering community. The CPD Accredited business training courses we deliver to bookkeepers and accountants show how enormous the opportunity is to make a positive impact on this sector. We are focused on delivering commercial outcomes for bookkeeping business owners by helping them grow sales and profits whilst building systemised businesses that allow them flexibility. At The 6 Figure Bookkeeper, we believe that we are stronger when we work together. We are significantly experienced in creating mutually beneficial marketing partnerships with brands and SASS companies. We are regularly engaged by software provider What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Stop Overthinking Sales: Just call people – Hazel Woodward | 13 août 2025 | 00:48:02 | |
Social media agency founder Hazel Woodward shares how she turned her COVID startup into a thriving 16-person business in just five years — and the one thing that made the biggest difference. From winning her first clients in 48 hours to hiring internationally, building SOPs, and bringing on an investor, Hazel’s journey is packed with lessons for UK business owners in professional services, marketing, and beyond. Whether you want to grow your team, improve profitability, or build systems that scale, you’ll find practical strategies you can apply today. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Resources & Links:
Listen on Your Favourite Platform:
What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Stop Charging By The Hour: You’re Undervaluing Yourself – Jenna Farmer | 06 août 2025 | 00:28:10 | |
In this week’s What One Thing? podcast, we’re joined by Jenna Farmer, a former teacher turned journalist and PR expert who built a thriving six-figure business — without a media degree, London agency backing, or traditional network. Jenna shares her journey to growing a flexible, purpose-driven PR business in the UK. We dive into mindset, marketing, systems, and why charging by the hour almost held her back. ✅ From blogging to books Her one thing? Moving from hourly rates to project-based packages — a shift that changed everything. 🎧 A must-listen for any service-based business owner ready to grow smarter, not harder. Drop a comment - what is your one thing you've taken away from this episode? CONNECT WITH JENNA on Instagram @jennafarmerpr
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| Outsourcing Isn’t Weakness — It’s Growth – Catherine Wenborn | 30 juil. 2025 | 00:26:32 | |
In this episode of What One Thing, we sit down with Catherine Wenborn, founder and Managing Director of Vines Legal, a specialist family law firm in Chesterfield. Catherine shares her journey from employed solicitor to business owner, revealing how she went from launching with just four client files to leading a growing, niche legal practice. We cover:
Whether you're in law, professional services, or any B2B industry — if you're a business owner with a team looking to grow, you'll find valuable insight and inspiration in Catherine's story. 🔗 Learn more about Vines Legal: https://vineslegal.co.uk 🎧 Don’t forget to follow the podcast and leave us a review if you find this helpful. What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Revenue Isn’t Success: The £1m business she shut down – Emma Hine | 30 juil. 2025 | 00:31:24 | |
Are you growing your business — or just growing your stress? In this episode of What One Thing?, we’re joined by business strategist and mentor Emma Hine, who shares her honest journey from scaling a multi 6 figure e-commerce business to burnout… and how she’s now helping other business owners avoid the same trap. We talk about:
Whether you’re just starting out or stuck in a cycle of “doing more to make more,” this conversation will help you refocus on building a business that actually serves your life. Emma Hine is a business strategist & mentor. She helps purpose-driven business owners create aligned, profitable businesses that give them the freedom to live life on their terms. For Emma, success begins with getting crystal clear on your dream and then building a business that allows you to live it everyday. Drawing from her experience of building and running a million-pound e-commerce business that took over her life completely, she’s deeply committed to helping others grow their businesses on their own terms. Now an Amazon bestselling author of The Calibrated Life and podcast host of Dream Business Dream Life, Emma inspires others to pursue success by following their own path, with passion at the core of everything they do. Her biggest lesson? You don’t need to sacrifice yourself to achieve what works best for you. Outside of her business, Emma is a happily married mum of three and nanny of three. She loves spending time with friends and family, and when you add a glass of wine and some sunshine, you’ll find her in her happy place. You can follow Emma here: https://www.instagram.com/iamemmahine https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-hine https://dreambusinessdreamlife.buzzsprout.com | |||
| Your Business Became A Prison: Escape the “monster” you built – Sophie Baldwin | 30 juil. 2025 | 00:46:22 | |
After losing her corporate job, Sophie Baldwin took the leap into business — and learned fast that it takes more than a logo to build a brand. In this episode, she shares how she went from self-doubt to self-employed, why clarity beats perfection, and the one mindset shift that helped her grow a business that truly aligns with her values. Sophie Baldwin, founder of Double Digit Ltd — a bookkeeping practice that helps business owners feel calm, clear, and in control of their finances. Sophie and her team work with purpose-led founders who care deeply about their work but often feel overwhelmed trying to juggle it all. Using smart tech and thoughtful processes to make their financial lives easier, more predictable, and less stressful. Sophie also runs a neurodivergent-friendly business and lives in a neurodivergent household, and so understands the importance of flexibility, clarity, and systems that work in real life. Before launching Double Digit, Sophie worked as a PA in the City — an experience that taught her how to stay calm under pressure and keep complex things running smoothly. https://www.digitbookkeeping.co.uk/ What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| Why Confidence Matters More Than Qualifications in Business – Hayley Baxter | 12 juin 2025 | 00:19:40 | |
In this episode of What One Thing?, Phil flips the mic and interviews co-host Hayley Baxter about her journey from burnt-out corporate finance leader to founder of Corbar Accounting. Hayley opens up about the fears and doubts she faced starting her business, why she didn’t call herself an accountant at first (despite being experienced and qualified!), and how a random taxi ride at a business event helped her build the support network that’s been pivotal to her success. They chat about: If you’re a business owner navigating early growth — or still stuck on the edge of “should I start?” — this is one to plug into. 🔗 Connect with Hayley on LinkedIn: Hayley Baxter 🔗 Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: Phil Davenport 👂 Like what you hear? Follow What One Thing? for weekly real stories and lessons from real businesses on a growth journey. What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||
| From Redundancy to Resilience Leaping into Business - Phil Davenport | 11 juin 2025 | 00:14:54 | |
In this opening episode of What One Thing?, Hayley sits down with co-host Phil to uncover the story behind his IT business, Affirm IT. Phil shares how he went from redundancy (just a week before his daughter was born) to building a growing managed service provider — with nothing more than a £250 credit card, one client, and a whole lot of drive. They cover: Phil’s journey is relatable, honest, and full of moments most business owners will recognise — from self-doubt and burnout to bold decisions and real progress. 🚀 Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, this one’s for you. 🔗 Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: Phil Davenport 🔗 Connect with Hayley on LinkedIn: Hayley Baxter 👂 Follow What One Thing? for weekly real stories and real lessons from real businesses on the grow. What One Thing Podcast – with Phil & Hayley | |||