"Absolute tosh!" Our very own Steve Waud doesn't hold back on trickle down economics, but is one of the most passionate advocates for the trickle up effect of growing and supporting small businesses. He covers launching BEF 21 years ago, initially as an 18-month project and his own journey from apprentice engineer to commercially-savvy business developer to CEO of BEF. "I knew what it was like to go to banks and ask for money," says Steve, who is characteristically forthright about the ...

Apollo Cloud has experienced remarkable growth, tripling its turnover in two years and winning around 80 customers, including a multinational, multi-billion dollar turnover company. The technology business provides omnichannel telephony and comms services to customers who value the power of communication, including professional services, logistics and other firms, and educational organisations. Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Michelle Atkinson reveals the power of putting the "special"...

"I thought, right, I'm 43 and this is the thing that I need to do. This is my thing," says Chris Withers, inventor of the board game combining sports challenges with maths, Mi-box Live. The former teaching assistant has designed and created an innovative board game and app that transforms mathematics learning into a fun, interactive experience. Drawing on his background in education and his own experiences at school – "I was a good sportsman, but struggled to read and write at school. So I st...

Today's guest Kayleigh Laverick describes how she launched Mamma Social Co and, in just a few years, built it into national brand that is changing the landscape of parenthood. In 2021 Kayleigh found herself feeling increasingly isolated and struggling after the birth of her second child. She is frank about how this culminated in thoughts of suicide. She reached out to friends and met up with other mums, which swiftly confirmed that new mothers need more help. This and the knowledge of an 18-m...

What can Start Up loans be used for? How do you apply for a Start Up loan? And what information do you need to provide to give yourself the best chance of a successful application? In the last few episodes we've heard from some of the entrepreneurs supported by BEF. There are many more to come. But today, BEF Investment Manager Habib Karimi and Associate Investment Manager Amber Kershaw give us the benefit of their experience as they spill the beans on what makes for a successful Start Up loa...

Ellie Barden set up Grace Forge, her blacksmithing and metal fabrication business, six years ago. She creates unique metalwork in mild steel, beautiful copper jewellery, and runs workshops. In this inspiring conversation relevant to independent craftspeople, makers and anyone interested in the art and business of blacksmithing, Ellie: Describes her journey from an apprenticeship as a farrier to running her own blacksmithing businessGives invaluable tips about advertising on Etsy, a platform u...

"Rattle a tin in someone's face and you might get a pound, but if someone's having fun you might end up getting a lot more money for a good cause," says Rob Cairns, founder of Fund A Fest CIC. His business, a social enterprise, helps charities, community groups and social enterprises create fundraising events. Fund A Fest launched in 2019 after the "world had changed" when Rob was ill and subsequently diagnosed with Lyme disease. This pushed Rob to want to work for himself with charitable an...

Ben is Chief Enchantment Officer of The Potions Cauldron Group which incorporates The Hole In Wand mini golf courses in Blackpool, Chester, Seaham and York, The Potions Cauldron – magical "emporiums and experiences" in Edinburgh and York, and a website selling drinks across the world. He and business partner Phil Ponder turned down an amazing offer (and then an even MORE amazing one) on Dragon's Den. He tells the story, explores the pros and cons of equity and debt finance, and describ...

Every box Lyndsay sends out to a customer changes someone's life. Few businesses could make such a claim, but this is what people tell her day in and out. Her business, Neo Walk, now employs ten and has customers in 35 countries. American actresses Selma Blair and Christina Applegate have both become big advocates for Lyndsay's handmade walking sticks. But it all started in her kitchen. After Lyndsay experienced a catastrophic MRSA infection, her left leg was amputated. "I knew that I neede...