OBS Radio

In this episode of OBS Radio, Andy Hooper, Group CEO and Investor at GEE Capital, shares his insights on scaling businesses, pricing strategies, and the importance of building a strong team. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in entrepreneurship, discussing the five key elements necessary for overcoming growth stagnation. Andy also reflects on his own journey from side hustles to running multiple successful businesses, highlighting the significance of cash flow and effective delegation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of OBS Radio, Zoe Hanson speaks with Gary Frost, Managing and Strategic Creative Director at Frost, about why branding is more than just a logo it’s a business growth tool. Gary shares insights on: How branding builds real monetary value (think Coca-Cola’s $70B brand premium). Why SMEs should treat branding strategically, just like big names such as Nike and Apple. The importance of authenticity, storytelling, and values in building trust. Case studies from Dr. Oetker, Farnborough Air Show, and CM Shipping where strategic branding transformed businesses. Why consistency, strategy, and honesty trump gimmicks and “greenwashing.” Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned CEO, this episode reveals how strategic branding can reshape your business future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of OBS Radio, host Zoe Hanson speaks with protection consultant Coran Stubbington about the essential insurance needs for business owners. They discuss the alarming statistic that highlights the likelihood of illness or injury affecting one's ability to work, emphasizing the importance of life cover, private medical insurance, and income protection. Coran shares personal experiences and insights on how these protections can safeguard not just the individual but their family and business as well. The conversation also touches on the necessity of regular policy reviews and tailoring insurance to meet individual needs, concluding with success stories that illustrate the real-life impact of having the right coverage in place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of OBS Radio, business coach Dan Sagar shares essential strategies for growing a business, emphasizing the importance of follow-up, understanding financial metrics, and getting the basics right in operations. He discusses how effective follow-up can significantly increase lead conversion rates and how knowing your numbers can lead to better decision-making. Additionally, he highlights the need for businesses to create engaging environments that foster productivity and connection among team members. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In “How to De-Carbonise Your Premises”, Glenn Crump—non-domestic energy assessor at Verdant Eco and veteran Old Bond Store member—shares his “day-one planning” approach to commercial retrofit projects. Discover how embracing evolving energy regulations can unlock higher rents and better tenant quality, why proactive EPC compliance ahead of the Q2 2026 update is essential, and when it actually makes sense to switch heating off. Glenn also evaluates renewable technologies—air-source vs. ground-source heat pumps and the role of solar PV with storage—using real-world examples like his natureMo House retrofit. Whether you’re a property owner, asset manager, or sustainability professional, this episode equips you with the tools to future-proof your buildings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of OBS Radio, host Zoe Hanson chats with member Emma Dzenis of Your Office Sidekick Emma shares how a moment of chaos in a male-dominated office turned into her lightbulb moment. With no job security, but plenty of admin skill, Emma launched a freelance service before Virtual Assistant was even a mainstream term. Today, she runs Your Office Sidekick, a team of 6 admin pros offering flexible, expert support to business owners who are overwhelmed, overstretched, or just plain sick of doing admin. 📌 In this episode: Why Emma thought she invented being a VA How she grew from solo to a team of 6 What inbox detoxing really is (and why it’s a game-changer) The wild story of when she cleaned a client’s Airbnb herself! Whether you're a founder, freelancer, or simply tired of your inbox running your life — this is one to listen to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Marketing is a undoubtedly a creative endeavour, but there are also scientific laws of buyer behaviour that hold true across all sectors, and they’re quite often ignored or not understood." In this episode of OBS Radio, host Zoe Hanson chats with Rich Webley about his journey into the world of fractional marketing. Recognizing the growing demand for flexible marketing leadership, Rich transitioned from a traditional marketing role to becoming a Fractional Marketing Director. He shares how this approach allows smaller businesses to access top-tier marketing expertise without the commitment of a full-time hire. Tune in to learn how businesses can benefit from this model and why fractional marketing is on the rise! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most business owners don’t start a company to spend their days buried in spreadsheets. Member, Paul Clarke, founder of Ookkee, is here to change that. In this episode of OBS Radio, host, Zoe Hanson invites Paul to talk about why outsourcing bookkeeping isn’t just about saving time—it’s about unlocking financial clarity, making smarter moves, and keeping more money in your pocket. If you’re tired of second-guessing your numbers and want to take control of your business finances, this one’s for you. Plus we here about what is happening at Old Bond Store in February. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a very timely episode of OBS Radio, our host, Zoe Hanson is joined by OBS member, Ian Hurst, founder of We Are Hummingbird, as we delve into the complexities of how we experience and talk about mental health, with Ian sharing expert insights on why mental health is often misunderstood, the stigma surrounding it, and the barriers that prevent open conversations. From the simplicity of understanding mental health through three key actions – think, say, and do – to the importance of acknowledging that everyone’s experience is unique, Ian offers a refreshing and honest perspective on what it truly means to address mental health in today’s world. Whether you're currently navigating challenges yourself or supporting others, this episode is a must-listen for breaking down misconceptions and fostering a healthier dialogue about mental well-being. Plus we here from Membership Manager, Sara Merriman on all the exciting things happening at OBS in January. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 31 of OBS Radio, host Zoe Hanson, sits down with Jon Craddock, owner of Ares Legal to answer the critical question: "Why do I need a contract?" Whether you're a startup founder or an established business owner, this episode unpacks the importance of legal expertise in protecting your business and avoiding costly mistakes. Tune in for expert insights, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on navigating the legal side of entrepreneurship. Plus we hear from Membership Manager, Sara Merriman on what is happening at OBS in December. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to unlock the secret to treating customers like royalty while keeping your business running smoothly? This month on OBS Radio, host Zoe Hanson dives into the world of next-level customer experience with member Justin Neale, founder of Innovate CX. In this episode, "Re-imagining the Customer Experience," Justin shares expert insights on crafting unforgettable customer journeys, building lasting loyalty, and delivering real value—without burning out your team or your budget. If you’re looking to turn every interaction into an opportunity, this is the episode for you! Tune in to learn: How to create a customer experience that wows (and works for you). Practical ways to boost customer loyalty without stretching your resources. Real-world examples from businesses that put their customers at the heart of everything they do. This isn’t just about happy customers—it’s about fuelling growth through delivering an experience. Plus, as always, we hear from OBS Membership Manager, Sara Merriman on what is happening…

The Old Bond Store Story - How we got here and where we are heading! With founder, Liam Doe. To celebrate the upcoming 5th birthday of Old Bond Store this November, we’re joined by founder Liam Doe for a very special episode. He shares his remarkable entrepreneurial journey, the difficulties of bootstrapping a brand new concept, & facing the challenges of launching just three months before lockdown, and we learn how the act of ‘Clubworking’ is now a vital resource for over 150 local ambitious entrepreneurs and small business owners. Plus we learn what the future holds for this unique and exclusive business community. Hosted by OBS Radio Host, Zoe Hanson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you unknowingly losing potential clients due to poor imagery? Can you confidently say your visuals are elevating your brand, or are they driving people away? In this episode Zoe Hanson, The Podcast lady interviews renowned photographer and videographer Xavier Fiddes shares insider tips and reveals the secrets behind capturing stunning visuals that not only attract but also engage your audience. Listen to Xavier and learn how to make your imagery work for you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how a Travel Consultant can transform your business with insights from industry expert Mimi and learn about her love or trains and sushi. Mimi shares her expertise in both leisure and corporate travel, highlighting the benefits of personalised service. She also discusses achieving a turnover of £1 million right before the pandemic and how that effected her business and personal life. We also hear from our Membership Manager Sara Merriman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of OBS Radio, we dive into the stratosphere with Elaine Harding, a visionary in the aerospace industry. Elaine introduces us to her groundbreaking aerospace product poised to revolutionise the field. Beyond her innovative technology, Elaine shares her unique approach to timing and success, drawing inspiration from the skies. Join us as we explore the intersection of aerospace innovation and celestial strategy, and learn how Elaine has secured major investments to propel her vision forward. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a true industry trailblazer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, OBS Radio Host, Zoe Hanson welcomes serial entrepreneur, award winning author, and recent guest on Diary of a CEO, Daniel Priestley, to discuss the pivotal role of community in business success. Tune in via the link below as Daniel shares his insights on how cultivating a strong, engaged community can drive growth, foster innovation, and create lasting impact. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the most influential voices in business today. Plus we hear from Membership Manager, Sara Merriman, on what is happening at OBS in June. Takeaways Start thinking about your business as a global small business and embrace digital transformation. Consider how AI can disrupt and enhance your business, and start experimenting with AI technologies. Collect and utilize data to personalize customer experiences and create systems that revolve around each customer. Surround yourself with a supportive network of entrepreneurs to share ideas, seek advice, and stay motivated. Join a…

A good sales pipeline is imperative in business, but how do you build it up to the level you need? Join OBS Radio Host, Zoe Hanson and Your Lead Machine Co-Founder, and OBS Member, Drew Patel, to pick up the best tips for generating more clients and developing long lasting customer relationships. Plus we hear from OBS Membership Manager, Sara Merriman about all the exciting things happening at Old Bond Store in March. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you want your business to be seen as authentic, then the ability to tell a compelling story is essential. But how do you choose the stories that deserve to be heard? Join OBS Radio host, Zoe Hanson in the latest episode of OBS Radio, where she enjoys a compelling conversation with Lawrence Bath, an OBS Member and self-proclaimed Chief Story Officer, and we delve into the significance of the 'CSO', and understand the pivotal role it plays in preserving authenticity. Discover the narratives that truly resonate, as Lawrence sheds light on the criteria for an engaging story, and how to unlock a genuine connection with your audience. And that's not all, we hear from from OBS Membership Manager, Sara Merriman, providing a sneak peek into the upcoming events and developments at OBS in February. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Navigating Philanthropy: Insights and Strategies from thriving local charities. Uncover the art and benefit of effective giving – from fundraising to impact measurement. Join us as we explore the business side of running a successful charity. Joining OBS Radio host, Zoe Hanson are members, Debbie Moreton, CEO of Step by Step Partnership (www.stepbystep.org.uk), and Neil Lewis CEO of Maverick Minds & Tiny Toes Nursery (www.maverickminds.uk, tinytoesdaynursery.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ADVICE - Usually easy to give and sometimes difficult to take, but few will argue it forms the foundation of business decision making. With Old Bond Store a daily hive of knowledge sharing, what advice seems to have resonated with the community and has aided recent growth? OBS Radio host Zoe Hanson is joined in this brilliant episode by members, Alex Hurn, Zoie Golding MBE, Xavier Fiddes, Lawrence Bath, Sally Golden, and Donovan Long. Plus we hear from Membership Manager, Sara Merriman on what is happening during the festive month of December. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Indulge your senses and escape to the interesting business world of English Sparkling Wine, courtesy of our resident wine expert and OBS member, Bex Fisher of Hattingley Valley. Join us as we uncork the secrets behind this award winning vineyard and we learn more about the story, the strategy, the process, and the magic that makes this producer a partner of choice for British Airways and Waitrose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does anyone actually live up to their childhood ambitions? Did you want to drive a tractor and are now a farmer? Did you love lego and now work in construction? Did you once dress up Barbie dolls and are now a stylist to the stars? A fun episode where we hear from Old Bond Store members, Bex Fisher, Chris Schutrups, Graham Bell, Mikaela Jubb, Lee Harris, Ross Breckenridge, Jess Flemming, and Richard Allen about what they wanted to be when they grew up. Plus we hear from Membership Manager, Sara Merriman on what is happening at OBS in October. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's lots to think about when it comes to exiting your business, so when should it become part of the decision-making process and what should you have in place before closing the door or selling up? Joining host, Zoe Hanson is member and serial investor, Darren Jacobs, CEO of TOCA Group, and member and growth advisor, Steve Jones, Managing Director of Skills for Business Training. Plus, we hear OBS Membership Manager Sara Merriman on what is an exceptionally busy month of events in September at Old Bond Store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Henri Ghijben believes every entrepreneur should push themselves to speak up, but why is this important? Is failure part of success and you can't have one without the other? He learnt the hard way and brings his honest and open story to OBS Radio, with host, Zoe Hanson asking some tough and thought provoking questions. Plus we hear from Membership Manager Sara Merriman on the exciting things happening at Old Bond Store in August. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone's talking about it, everyone's using it, or so it seems. AI could affect our businesses and our lives in a big way, so how can you use it effectively? We talk to OBS member Nathan James, Founder and Owner of Peach Loves Digital and get his take on the difference between artificial and real intelligence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As business owners we have tricky conversations from time to time with people within our organisation. Many of us remember difficult situations where we did our upmost to please the people involved as well as trying to do what is best for the company. But how do you decide how to deal with it, and can you really keep everyone happy? Joining OBS Radio host, Zoe Hanson to tackling this interesting subject are Old Bond Store members Adam Myers, Head of HR Consulting at Stellamar & Ross Breckenridge, Managing Director of Breckenridge, the Growth Agency. Plus we hear from Membership Manager, Sara Merriman on what is happening at Old Bond Store in April. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For many the creation of wealth is the key driver to starting and building a successful business. But once we create it what do we do with it? How do we protect our hard earned cash? How important are 3rd parties to support you? Is external advice valuable? OBS host, Zoe Hanson talks to members, Shaun Ramazannezhad of McMillan Wealth Consultants and member, Alex Baines of Leverworks, as we tackle a taboo subject and enjoy some industry tips and advice. Plus we hear from membership Manager Sara Merriman about what is happening in March at Old Bond Store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most business owners put their work before their health, and while it is tough trying to juggle all the balls at once , should our physical and mental health be a prioirty and will it ensure a better chance of success for our business? We dive into this interesting subject with Old Bond Store Members and health fanatics Richard Allen, Sam Griffiths and Jessica Fleming, hosted as always by the amazing Zoe Hanson. Plus we hear from membership manager Sara Merriman on the exciting thnings happening at Old Bond Store in February. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So here is a bit of fun to start the year! They say no idea is a bad idea, but is that really true? OBS Radio host, Zoe Hanson speaks to Old Bond Store members about their most "Out There" business light bulb moments, but did they actually work? Plus we hear from Membership Manager, Sara Merriman on whats happening in January. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can processes help growth? Should you set the systems up when you start the business or further down the line? How often should you review your systems? OBS Host Zoe Hanson is joined by OBS Members, Operations Architect, Frederike Harms and Hannah Wallis, Management Consultant from Hantec Systems to answer these questions. Plus we hear from Membership Manager, Sara Merriman on whats happening at Old Bond Store during the festive seaon of December. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the building industry developing fast enough? Or is it lagging behind when it comes to innovation? Who better to tackle this question than Old Bond Store members Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate Homes and Alex Hurn, Managing Director of Sillence Hurn Building Consultancy. As always, probing & asking the tough questions is OBS Radio host, the fantastic Zoe Hanson. Plus we hear about all the exciting things happening at OBS in November from Membership Manager, Sara Merriman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a post covid world we have a craving for connection, but can we automate our marketing and it still be authentic? And is storytelling making a comeback within our customer communication? Hosted by the wonderful Zoe Hanson, we dive into this really interesting subject with industry thought leaders & OBS Members Kevin Briscoe, Managing Director of Briscoe PR, and Ross Breckenridge, Managing Director of Breckenridge Growth Agency. Plus as always we hear from OBS Membership Manager Sara Merriman on whats happening at OBS in October. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With wonderful Old Bond Store members, Adam Myers - Head of HR Consulting at Stellamar and Chris Pestell - Director of KM4 Group, we dive into the world of talent aquisition, discuss culture and try to work out if pay rises really work. Plus whats on at Old Bond Store in September from Membership Manager, Sara Merriman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can we finally talk about money? For years it's been a dinner table taboo, but does the younger generation view it differently? OBS Radio host, Zoe Hanson speaks to talk members, Crypto Professor Peter Bryant, best selling author of the book 'Crypto Profit' about the world of crypto-currency, and experienced practice lead of Unique Financial Planning, Gavin Rampton about how our relationship with wealth and how we create it has changed. We also get to know new Old Bond Store Membership Manager, Sara Merriman, and learn about her adventures in life and why she sees OBS as such an inspiring career decison. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everything has changed after the pandemic, but what effect has it had on the events industry? People are wanting more from their immersive experience, so are festivals leading the way or have they had their day? We talk to OBS Members Chris Rees, Ben McMahon, and Matt Sanger to see what they think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Self development, both personal and professional, why bother? In this episode we talk to members from the Old Bond Store business ecosystem, Scott stephens, CEO of Forth, Andy Hollands, the Business Ninja and Sam Griffiths, founder of Healthy in Business to find out where development has taken them, their collegues, their customers and their businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Community. What does it mean to you? Can businesses and entrepreneurs contribute to the community? Can businesses come from community? We speak to OBS members Zoie Golding, founder of Zoie Logic, Luke Newman, CEO of Testlands, and Gemma Nichols, Commerical Director for Southampton 2025 Trust to see what they think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of OBS Radio we talk to Old Bond Store member Chris Schutrups, founder of the Mortgage Hut, about building a data obssessed empire and dogs licking his feet, get cyber security top tips from Net Primates MD, Steve Cole and a chat with Nella Pang, Founder of Omega RE, about a start up's journey through a global pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We Talk to Old Bond Store members Daryl Bradley, co-founder of Yotspot about his super business for the Super Yacht industry, and Callum Donnelly, Managing Director of Etch Group about how they're changing the way we work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Member Zoe Hanson chats to her fellow Old Bond Store members about how the working world is changing and their ever evolving strategies to ensure business success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.