Ever wondered what it really takes to grow a small or medium-sized business? In each episode, we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and secrets of innovative leaders in the SME world. From overcoming challenges to celebrating wins, this is your inside look into what drives success in today’s fast-paced business landscape.
🔑 Key insights
🌟 Real stories from real business owners
⚡ Actionable advice for entrepreneurs & leaders
💡 Fresh perspectives on industry trends
Hosted by Adam Kene, the CEO of Kene Partners and Co-Founder of OPUS.
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-t...
Connect on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ever wondered what it really takes to grow a small or medium-sized business? In each episode, we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and secrets of innovative leaders in the SME world. From overcoming challenges to celebrating wins, this is your inside look into what drives success in today’s fast-paced business landscape.
🔑 Key insights
🌟 Real stories from real business owners
⚡ Actionable advice for entrepreneurs & leaders
💡 Fresh perspectives on industry trends
Hosted by Adam Kene, the CEO of Kene Partners and Co-Founder of OPUS.
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-t...
Connect on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if you could see disruption coming and turn it into opportunity?
In this episode of Behind the SME, host Adam Kene, speaks with Athena Peppes — futurist, economist, and former Accenture strategist — about how small and medium-sized businesses can use foresight to anticipate change, build resilience, and stay ahead in a world of constant disruption.
They break down practical ways to “look to the horizon” without losing sight of today’s priorities, from horizon-scanning and team signal alerts to scenario planning and AI readiness.
💡 Highlights include:
If you’re a founder, leader, or strategist who’s too busy fighting fires to think long-term, this one’s for you.
🎙️ Behind the SME is hosted by Adam Kene, CEO of Kene, exploring the real stories, insights, and lessons from the entrepreneurs and leaders powering the UK’s SME economy.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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From turning a £5 million turnaround story into a £2.2 billion exit to steering a travel brand through the chaos of COVID, Mike Jones has built a career on turning complexity into clarity through technology, leadership and curiosity.
In this episode of Behind the SME, Mike shares 30 years of lessons in scaling fast-moving businesses, rebuilding teams under pressure and creating cultures where innovation thrives.
He talks about why growth doesn’t come from control but from empowering experts, how he rebuilt a company from the inside out during lockdown, and why “weaponising your weirdness” might just be the key to thriving in the age of AI.
🔎 You’ll learn:
Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a business, or exploring how AI can sharpen your edge, this episode is full of practical wisdom and candid stories from a technologist who’s built, rebuilt, and reimagined success more than once.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Nicole Spencer, MD of RMC & Board Member at FESPA UK
From navigating self-doubt at breakfast in a room full of technical jargon, to earning respect and building trust as a new face in the factory, Nicole shares how humility, curiosity, and grit have shaped her leadership journey.
In this episode of Behind the SME, Nicole unpacks how “knowing nothing” became her secret weapon, why the act of asking “why?” matters more than knowing the answer, and how she’s championing change across both her business and the global print industry.
🔎 We cover:
Whether you’re leading a team, trying to be more authentic at work, or just looking for ways to turn uncertainty into strength, this episode is full of real stories, honesty, and leadership wisdom from someone who’s learned it all the hard way.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Steve Peralta, Co-Founder of Unmind, cultural advisor, and leadership coach.
From redefining psychological safety as a strategic advantage, to exposing why leader well-being is the single biggest predictor of business performance, Steve brings a refreshingly human perspective to the future of work.
In this episode of Behind the SME, we dive into why culture can’t be fixed with a “10-step plan,” how managers “set the weather” inside organisations, and why recovery, rest, and authenticity matter more than ever in high-performing teams.
🔎 We cover:
Whether you’re scaling a startup, leading a team, or rethinking your own role at work, this episode is full of practical insights, hard truths, and inspiration for building cultures where people truly thrive.
📌 Useful links from this episode
🌐 Steve's website: https://www.steveperalta.co/
💡 Unmind: https://unmind.com/
🔗 Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peraltasteve/
✍️ Read his Substack: https://substack.com/@steveperalta
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Steve Morris, Senior Leader at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).
From helping startups transform Tupperware-box prototypes into world-ready products, to guiding 800+ SMEs a year through automation, funding, and growth - the MTC is quietly powering some of the UK’s most exciting manufacturing success stories.
In this episode of Behind the SME, we go inside the High Value Manufacturing Catapult to explore how the MTC is helping close the UK’s productivity gap. Steve shares what SMEs get wrong about innovation, why adoption beats invention, and how they’re making advanced tech like robotics and 3D printing more accessible than ever before.
🔎 We cover:
Whether you’re a founder, a manufacturer, or just curious about the future of UK industry, this episode is packed with insight, energy and practical advice.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Erika Robinson, UK General Manager at Constant Contact and Founder of PICNIC.
From building a thriving soft play business while raising two small children, to leading the UK arm of a digital marketing company, Erika Robinson’s career has been shaped by curiosity, grit and a love for small business.
In this episode of Behind the SME, Erika shares how she balanced entrepreneurship with motherhood, what she's learned from scaling two very different ventures, and how she’s building Constant Contact’s UK presence from the ground up - with a strategy rooted in product-market fit, data, and unwavering support for SMEs.
🔎 We cover:
Whether you're scaling a startup or navigating a new leadership challenge, Erika’s story is a masterclass in trusting your instincts and backing yourself.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Alex Merry, Founder of TEDxClapham and Public Speaking Coach at MicDrop
From knocking on doors as a sales rep to helping leaders own global stages, Alex Merry’s journey is rooted in storytelling, tenacity and a mission to make ideas worth sharing truly heard.
In this episode of Behind the SME, Alex reunites with host Adam Kene – his former door-to-door sales partner – to unpack how those early sales days laid the groundwork for his career in public speaking, what it really takes to move people with words, and how he's helping business leaders uncover their message and deliver it with impact.
🔎 We cover:
Whether you’re a founder, leader, or simply someone with a story to tell, this episode will get you thinking about your message – and how to make it matter.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Lyndsay Mason, Founder and CEO of For The Creators.
From climbing the corporate ladder to launching two purpose-led businesses, Lyndsay Mason’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention and relentless curiosity.
In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Lyndsay to hear how growing up in an entrepreneurial household shaped her ambitions, why she walked away from a high-flying corporate career after burning out, and what it really took to build For The Creators — while navigating pregnancy, identity shifts and self-doubt.
🔎 We cover:
Whether you're a founder, a mother or someone seeking clarity in your career, Lyndsay’s story is a powerful reminder that the best ideas often come from lived experience.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Tom Parsons, Founder of Aetha Design.
From Dyson engineer to launching his own design studio, Tom Parsons has always believed great products come from asking the right questions.
In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Tom, Founder of Aetha Design, to explore what it takes to build a purpose-led product agency, why simplicity wins, and how his love for nature inspires his work.
🔎 We cover:
Whether you’re designing a physical product or building a service, Tom’s approach to clarity, craft, and client collaboration is full of insight.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Tom Kennard, CEO of Pragma Holis.
What happens when a consultancy puts people before process — and still delivers world-class outcomes?
In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Tom Kennard, co-founder and CEO of Pragma Holis, a strategic consultancy that's rethinking how businesses approach transformation. With a background that spans the public and private sectors, Tom brings a fresh, systems-led approach to helping organisations become more adaptable, regenerative, and truly human-centric.
From working with grants, to guiding clients through complex change with clarity and purpose, Tom shares the mindset and methods that have shaped his journey — and his company’s mission.
We cover:
🌱 Why “human-first” isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a business imperative
🗣️ Using simple language instead of technical jargon to help build a better team
📈 Running a business with confidence
🤝 The purpose of grants and their importance
If you're a founder, leader, or changemaker curious about doing business differently — and better — this episode is for you.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with George Hosegood, Founder & Director at Trailpoint.
What does it really take to build a successful business – and what happens when you do things differently from the start?
In this episode of Behind the SME, we speak with George Hosegood, a serial entrepreneur who co-founded Turvec, a leader in active travel infrastructure, before launching Trailpoint – a company acquiring and growing digital agencies with long-term vision and quality at its core. George shares how his journey from cycle parking systems to agency roll-ups has shaped a refreshingly honest approach to entrepreneurship.
Whether you're a founder looking to scale, exit, or rethink your strategy altogether, George offers sharp insight into what matters most – and what’s often overlooked – in the process of building businesses that last.
We cover:
🚲 Starting a business with zero industry experience
📈 How he learned to sell (badly, then better)
👥 The power of hiring and growing talent from within
🧠 Why a business coach made all the difference during the tough years
📉 When it's time to move on—and how to do it right
If you’ve ever questioned the standard playbook for success, this episode will challenge your assumptions – and give you a new one.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Stuart Lotherington, Managing Director at SBR Consulting.
What makes a high-performing sales team – and how can SMEs build one?
In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Stuart Lotherington, Managing Director of SBR Consulting, a specialist consultancy focused on developing world-class sales capabilities for businesses of all sizes. With decades of experience in sales leadership and transformation, Stuart shares how SMEs can take a strategic approach to selling – moving from reactive to proactive, and from instinct-led to insight-driven. Whether you're the founder, the first sales hire, or managing a growing team, Stuart offers practical frameworks and fresh perspective.
🎙️ In this episode we cover:
If you're serious about scaling your business through sales, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Will Newland, founder and MD of SoBold.
What happens when you skip the corporate ladder and go straight into starting your own company?
In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Will Newland, founder and MD of SoBold, a high-performance WordPress agency working with enterprise clients across healthcare, finance, real estate, and SaaS.
Straight out of university, Will spotted a problem in the way websites were being built – and decided to fix it himself. Over the last 10 years, he’s grown SoBold into a 20-person team, turning a scrappy solo operation into a profitable, high-performing agency.
🎙️ In this episode, we cover:
Whether you're a founder, creative, or SME leader, this one's packed with hard-earned lessons and practical advice from someone who's built it from the ground up.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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Behind the SME with Tim Gray, Owner & Managing Director of Dairi-Pak.
What does it take to build a business that stands the test of time? In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Tim Gray, the driving force behind Dairi-Pak, to explore how he’s shaping the future of sustainable packaging.
Tim has spent decades navigating the evolving landscape of manufacturing, steering Dairi-Pak through industry shifts and changing consumer demands. Now, his company is at the forefront of providing flexible, sustainable packaging solutions that meet the needs of businesses today.
💡 What you’ll learn:
📦 Adapting a legacy business – how Tim keeps Dairi-Pak ahead of the curve
📈 Leadership lessons – growing a business through industry change
🚪 The power of doorknocking – how early sales experience shaped Tim’s leadership
💡 Innovation vs tradition – balancing progress with core values
Whether you're in manufacturing, business leadership, or just fascinated by innovation in everyday industries, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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How do you turn years of industry expertise into a thriving business? In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Arabella Dupont, former Conde Nast Brides editor turned entrepreneur, to uncover the journey of launching and growing The Bridal Beauty Co.
Arabella spent over a decade in luxury magazines, curating the best in bridal beauty before taking the leap to create her own brand. Now, her business offers curated beauty boxes and bridal gifts, catering to women beyond just the wedding day.
💡 What you’ll learn:
Whether you’re a beauty lover, a founder, or someone looking to pivot your career, this episode is packed with real insights on brand-building, resilience and making your expertise work for you.
Like what you hear? We'd love to know!
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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What happens when a senior banking leader transitions from global finance to advising SMEs? In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Jonathan Beebe, a former Barclays and Merrill Lynch executive who now serves as an advisor, investor, and non-exec across multiple businesses.
Jonathan shares his unique perspective on the SME world—offering insights from both big corporations and hands-on SME leadership. He unpacks the key lessons business owners need to know when seeking investment, managing advisors, and making the shift from founder-led to a scalable company.
What you'll learn:
If you're a founder, business leader, or thinking about raising investment, this episode is packed with must-know insights to help you navigate growth, funding and leadership.
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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In this episode, we sit down with Niama El Bassunie, a trailblazing entrepreneur who built and exited a successful B2B marketplace in Africa and is now backing the next generation of founders at Baobab Network.
Niama shares her journey — from starting WaystoCap, navigating the challenges of scaling a cross-border trade platform in Africa, and ultimately exiting the business. She also unpacks the realities of raising capital in emerging markets, building trust in digital commerce, and why having a strong "why" is the key to resilience.
What you’ll learn:
If you’re an entrepreneur, investor or business leader looking for real, hard-earned insights on growth, fundraising and exiting a business, this episode is for you.
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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In this episode of Behind the SME, Adam Kene sits down with Jordan Relfe, Co-founder of Lifeproven, to explore the challenges and rewards of building a purpose-driven business in the real estate sector. From navigating the early days of entrepreneurship to embedding ESG principles in the property industry, Jordan shares candid lessons on resilience, leadership and finding your "why."
Key takeaways include:
If you're a founder, leader or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your journey. Give it a listen!
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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In this episode of Behind the SME, Adam Kene is joined by Sage Lakhani, COO of Kene, whose career journey has taken her from working at PwC to leading high-performing teams in the SME space. As a Chartered Tax Adviser, Sage brings deep expertise in tax solutions, process optimisation, and team management, paired with a passion for building strong client relationships.
Tune in as Sage shares:
Whether you're managing a team, thinking about hiring a COO, or just looking to refine your operations, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can apply today.
🎧 Join us for an inspiring discussion packed with actionable insights to help you refine your leadership and strategy.
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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In this episode, Adam Kene speaks with John Wyer, Founder and Co-owner of Bowles & Wyer, about his 30+ years of experience leading a successful landscape design and build business.
John reflects on navigating crises, redefining business identity, and the powerful role of culture in driving growth. From battling financial challenges to creating a purpose-driven, values-led organization, John’s journey offers invaluable lessons for SME leaders.
Tune in for insights on:
This is a must-listen for anyone looking to create a business that thrives through purpose and alignment. 🎙️
Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme
Connect on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme
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