Feeding Britain sustainably – David Simmons from Riviera Produce

Tight profit margins, producing food at scale and caring for the environment – fifth-generation Cornish farmer David Simmons discusses the challenges of farming today. His family business supplies UK supermarkets with 70 million cauliflowers, broccoli and cabbages a year, so there’s a good chance you’ve eaten their produce. While telling the story of how Riviera … Read more

Leading in uncertain times – Will Michelmore’s career in law, beer and finance

Fifth-generation lawyer Will Michelmore spent most of his career as a partner at South West law firm Michelmores. Since 1996, he has chaired the board of St Austell Brewery, one of the UK’s leading independent brewers and pub companies. Both businesses were founded by his ancestors, and in 2014 Will co-founded alternative lender Bricks Finance. … Read more

Balancing people, planet and profit – Insights from Graze CEO Joanna Allen

Joanna Allen shares insights on the value of diverse leadership, B Corp and why purpose is integral to business, as we explore the evolution of Graze into the UK’s leading healthy snacking brand. Launched in 2008 as a subscription-only service, Graze is now a thriving retail and direct to consumer business. We delve into the … Read more

Developing businesses using private equity – Chris Ormrod from Cakesmiths

What does Richard Branson, Andy Serkis and Pamela Anderson all have in common? It’s our latest podcast guest Chris Ormrod from Cakesmiths who joins us for a chat.  Having worked at big brands such as Virgin, Mars and Haagan Dazs, Chris Ormrod now describes himself as a property developer for businesses. Using private equity, he … Read more

Becoming an employee ownership trust – Emily Delve from Coastal Recycling

What to bear in mind when a business becomes an employee owned trust – just one of the topics in the latest podcast episode, when our guest shares their experience nearly two years on. With a background in accountancy and corporate finance, Emily Delve, Group Commercial Director at Coastal Recycling talks about developing the business, … Read more

The power of B Corp – Thomas Bourne from Greenheart

The stars aligned when B Corp came to the UK in 2015 according to our latest podcast guest as it was everything he believed business should be about.  Thomas Bourne tells the story of how he went from corporate lawyer to running this own business. He now, with his team, helps companies achieve B Corp … Read more

Diversifying in agriculture – Adam Henson & Duncan Andrews from Cotswold Farm Park

Sometimes businesses must diversify to survive. Business partners Adam Henson and Duncan Andrews grew Cotswold Farm Park by diversifying into tourism alongside traditional farming activities.  We were fascinated when they joined us on the Business Noodles & Doodles podcast to spill the secrets of how diversification has driven their business success. You’re in for an … Read more

A conversation with Hugo Tagholm from Surfers against Sewage

Taking over as CEO in 2008, Hugo tells us how he has developed what was a single issue pressure group into the well-known marine conservation charity that today campaigns not just about sewage pollution but plastic pollution, water quality and climate change.  When Hugo took over the organisation, he says how “it has come to … Read more