From a secret herbal tonic mixed in Manchester in 1908 to a drink enjoyed in more than 60 countries, Vimto’s story is one of flavour, nostalgia, and innovation. In this episode of All Points West, Karl speaks with Andrew Milne, CEO of Nichols plc, about steering the iconic brand into new markets, from West Africa to Malaysia, and how Vimto became the soft drink of Ramadan. A conversation on legacy, leadership, and the enduring power of a great taste.
From Supercars to Supergrids: FlowGen’s Race to Reinvent Renewable Energy
In this episode of All Points West, Karl speaks with Dirk Kuester, Founder and CEO of FlowGen, the Swiss clean-tech innovator redefining wind energy through high-efficiency, modular microgrid systems.
With a background in automotive engineering for Ferrari, Lotus, and Porsche, Dirk brings precision design and speed-driven innovation to the renewable energy space. FlowGen’s technology is attracting serious investor attention — including a £28 million fundraising round and partnerships with Siemens and Schaeffler — as the world accelerates toward decentralised, secure, and off-grid power solutions.
Tune in for insights on microgrid resilience, European clean energy independence, and how FlowGen is shaping the future of green infrastructure investment.
In this episode of All Points West, Karl speak with James Lowery, CEO of Essensys, the AIM-listed software and technology business transforming the flexible workspace sector. James shares his journey from co-founding British Land’s Story brand to leading Essensys, and how his background as a GB decathlete shaped his leadership style. We explore the lessons of balance, resilience, and adaptability drawn from both sport and business, and what it takes to scale innovation in real estate technology while staying focused on health, family, and long-term strategy.
In this episode, Karl speaks with Brian Hall, Executive Chair of Great Western Mining, about the company’s strategy in gold, silver, and copper exploration. With decades of experience in international oil, gas, and mining ventures, Brian shares how Great Western is positioning itself to deliver long-term shareholder returns.
We discuss the company’s Nevada-based projects, the increasing demand for copper in the global energy transition, and the role of gold and silver as safe-haven assets during market uncertainty.
For investors following the natural resources, critical minerals, and precious metals sectors, this episode provides exclusive insight into Great Western Mining’s growth trajectory and outlook.
In this episode of All Points West, Carl speaks with Ian McDonough, CEO of Blackbird PLC, the AIM-listed pioneer in cloud-native video editing. They discuss Blackbird’s £2.13 million fundraise, its powerful client roster, and how its platform, Elevate.io, is transforming video production for creators and broadcasters alike. With experience at Viacom, BBC Worldwide, and Turner, Ian shares insights on cloud workflows, scaling content, and what’s next for media tech.
What if the future of energy storage didn’t rely on lithium? In this episode, Karl speaks with John Wood, CEO of Gelion - an AIM-listed Anglo-Australian battery tech and recycling company leading the charge in the energy transition.
John unpacks Gelion’s Gen 3 sulphur cathode breakthrough, how solid-state batteries could transform EVs and aerospace, and why abundant, low-cost materials like sulphur and zinc are key to the next era of clean tech. We also explore his work with NOAB Ventures and how circular economy thinking is reshaping battery recycling.
🎧 Sulphur just got sexy.
This week, All Points West welcomes Marcus Yeoman — veteran investor, consultant and chairman with deep experience in the small-cap landscape. Marcus currently chairs listed companies Medcaw Invest and Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group, also serving as a non-executive director at capAI Group.
In this episode, Karl explores Marcus's extensive experience in investment and capital markets, focusing on his recent projects including Medcaw's abandoned acquisition of Abyssinian Metals due to political issues in Ethiopia, and the restructuring of the capAI (formerly Dukemount Capital) to focus on AI technology. Delving into Marcus's problem-solving roles within companies, the importance of integrity and teamwork in the boardroom and his personal history, Karl uncovers valuable lessons in business resilience and growth.
How do you future-proof workforce management in sectors like banking, insurance, and healthcare? In this episode, Karl speaks to Richard Jeffery, Executive Chairman and Co-founder of ActiveOps, the global SaaS company leveraging AI to supercharge operational efficiency. We explore Richard’s 36-year career from PA Consulting to PwC, how he built a globally scaled SaaS business, and why he recently stepped into a new leadership role. From AI-powered productivity to leading through change, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in SaaS, AI, Future Of Work and Tech Leadership.
In this episode, we speak with David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International - the AIM-listed leader in autonomous vehicle technology for the aviation sector. From self-driving baggage carriers to cutting-edge management systems, Aurrigo is transforming ground handling operations at some of the world’s busiest airports. David shares the journey from founding the company with his brother Graham to pioneering automation in a rapidly evolving industry. With over 40 years in automotive and a deep-rooted passion for innovation, he reflects on leadership, sustainability, and what it takes to future-proof airport logistics.
On this episode of All Points West, Karl sits down with James Hickman, CEO of AIM-listed Finseta (formerly Cornerstone FS), a global payments company helping businesses move money seamlessly across 165+ countries in 140+ currencies, all from a single account.
With over 25 years in financial services and a career spanning major players in FX and payments, James shares insight into Finseta's recent rebrand, their strategy for growth post-IPO, and what it takes to scale in a fiercely competitive fintech market.
We talk about the future of cross-border finance, the challenges of regulation and innovation, and how Finseta is positioned to ride the wave of embedded finance, B2B digital payments, and global currency volatility.
Whether you're watching the FX markets, following AIM tech stocks, or scaling a startup in the fintech space, this one’s for you.
As the global race for critical minerals heats up, Cornish Lithium is entering a pivotal phase: transitioning from R&D to full-scale operations with a new CEO at the helm. In this episode of All Points West, Karl sits down with Kate DaSilva, corporate lawyer and General Counsel for Cornish Lithium, to unpack what this leadership shift means for the company and the broader UK battery supply chain. With over two decades of experience in M&A, IPOs, and corporate governance, Kate offers rare insights into the legal scaffolding behind high-growth green energy start-ups. We also explore what’s next for UK mining, the strategic importance of homegrown lithium, and how Cornish Lithium is positioning itself in an increasingly ESG-driven investment landscape.
In this episode, Karl sits down with Steen Andersen, CEO of ProBiotix Health, to explore how the microbiome is the next frontier in human health. From blood pressure reduction to cholesterol management, Steen breaks down the science behind their proprietary probiotic strain, and why gut health is key to our overall well-being.
Karl West digs into Steen's journey — from military service to his passion for gardening — and the challenges of helming his first publicly-listed company. Steen shares insights on helping ProBiotix navigate global health markets, building trust in the supplement industry, and how his passion for health led him to where he is today.
In this episode of All Points West, Karl is joined by Shaun Day, Managing Director of Greatland Gold, an AIM-listed gold and copper exploration and development company playing a key role in the evolving metals landscape. With more than 25 years’ experience across mining, infrastructure, and investment banking, Shaun shares his perspective on Greatland Gold's flagship projects, including its strategy to meet growing demand for gold and copper — two commodities central to the energy transition and global decarbonisation efforts. We also discuss Shaun's journey from CFO of ASX-listed gold producers Northern Star Resources and Saka Resources to leading Greatland, and his views on how education and talent development, through his work with the University of Western Australia, are shaping the future of the mining industry.
From commodity market dynamics to the search for new critical mineral resources, this conversation offers valuable insights into what’s ahead for gold and copper in 2025 and beyond.
How can technology solve our food security challenges?
On this episode of All Points West, we dive into the future of indoor farming, AgriTech, and fire safety with Simon Deacon, CEO of Light Science Technologies. From vertical farms and poly tunnels to energy-efficient lighting and sensor-driven growing environments, Simon’s company is pioneering scalable, sustainable solutions to help businesses produce more with less energy, fewer resources, and lower costs.
With over 30 years in innovation across lighting, electronics, AgriTech, and fire safety, Simon shares insights on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and food production and what it means for the future of global food security. Plus, we explore his work in circular design certification and how global brands are embracing sustainability standards.
Tune in now to discover how cutting-edge tech is reshaping how we grow, build, and protect.
As AI continues to disrupt industries, small and medium-sized businesses are rethinking how they manage essential services. In this episode of All Points West, we sit down with Daniel Gee, founder of Pri0r1ty AI, to explore whether automation can truly replace traditional business services. With SMEs spending over £60 billion annually on external providers, Pri0r1ty AI’s SaaS platform aims to cut costs and boost efficiency, handling tasks like press releases, regulatory news, and social media in seconds.
But where does AI end and human expertise begin?
Join us as we unpack the future of AI in business.
On this episode of the All Points West podcast, Karl sits down with Cailey Barker—a geologist, seasoned investor, and martial arts master—to discuss the dynamic world of gold exploration in Japan. Freshly appointed to the advisory board of Japan Gold, Cailey brings over three decades of mining and finance expertise to the table. We explore his journey from geologist to portfolio manager at BlackRock, his unique insights into the gold market amidst global economic shifts, and how his martial arts philosophy influences his strategic decisions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in precious metals, market trends, and the future of mining.
In this episode of All Points West, we’re joined by Thomas Abraham James, co-founder and CEO of AIM-listed Pulsar Helium, a trailblazer in the discovery and development of primary helium resources. With 17 years of global experience, including stints at Rio Tinto and Helium One Global, Tom shares his insights on the critical role helium plays in modern industries—spanning medical technology, space exploration, and quantum computing.
In this episode of All Points West, Karl sits down with Rob Marsden, CEO of Anglesey Mining, to explore the future of iron ore and critical minerals at a time when global demand for strategic resources is skyrocketing.
With nearly three decades of international mining experience, including 18 years at Rio Tinto, Rob shares insights on how Anglesey Mining is positioning itself to tap into the rising need for secure, domestic sources of critical materials – vital for industries from renewable energy to defence.
As governments push to reduce reliance on imports and secure supply chains, Rob discusses the role of the UK in the global critical minerals race, the importance of sustainable mining, and what lies ahead for Anglesey’s ambitious projects.
Don’t miss this deep dive into the evolving world of mining, critical resource development, and leadership in a rapidly shifting landscape.
In this final episode of the year, All Points West host, Karl West, dives deep into the global offshore energy market with Richard Turner, CEO of Tekmar Group PLC. Richard brings over 15 years of expertise in oil, gas, and offshore wind markets, leading innovative solutions in subsea cable design, manufacturing, and project management. We discuss Tekmar's role in advancing offshore renewable energy, from cutting-edge engineering to its vital impact on the green energy transition.
Join us as Richard shares insights from his leadership journey, including his time at GeoQuip Marine and JDR Cable Systems, and explores the future of sustainable energy. Don't miss this timely conversation, as offshore wind and renewable energy continue to dominate headlines in the fight against climate change.
Listen now to uncover how Tekmar is shaping the future of the global energy landscape.
🎙️On this episode of the All Points West podcast, Karl speaks to Paul Hogarth, founder and CEO of Tatton Asset Management, an AIM-listed investment management and financial advisory powerhouse.
With over 30 years of expertise in the financial services industry, Paul shares his journey from co-founding Bank Hall Investment Associates—a game-changing service provider that influenced 25% of the UK’s independent financial advisor sector—to establishing Paradigm Partners, a cornerstone of regulatory and compliance support for financial advisors and wealth managers.
We’ll dive deep into Paul’s insights on:
🎧 Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve on wealth management trends, regulatory challenges, and investment strategies!
