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How do you build a creative business from scratch and ensure it steadily grows without compromising on quality, craft, or values? In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Penelope Chilvers, English footwear designer and founder of the eponymous luxury brand, and they talk about building a resilient business rooted in craftsmanship, customer closeness, and long-term thinking. Penelope shares her unconventional journey from training as a painter to launching a footwear business in London as a single parent. She reflects on learning her trade from the ground up, building a brand without formal business training, and why necessity — not strategy — drove her early entrepreneurial decisions. Penelope talks about the importance of craftsmanship, materials, long-term supplier relationships, and how staying close to customers has shaped everything from design to retail strategy. James and Penelope discuss growth, from opening stores and expanding internationally, to raising investment and introducing clothing alongside footwear. Penelope shares why steady, organic growth has served her better than chasing trends, how slow fashion has become a competitive advantage, and why durability, purpose, and trust now matter more than ever. This is a thoughtful conversation about learning your craft, respecting the people who help you build, and creating a business designed to last. Timestamps: 02:59 From painter to designer 07:59 The first big orders 15:00 Sustaining quality and craftsmanship 22:52 Family and business dynamics 29:50 Expanding into the American market 35:52 Men's range and iconic products 47:58 Slow fashion and ethical production Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: Follow Penelope Chilvers on LinkedIn: Find out more about Penelope Chilvers store here: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you create a modern PR strategy that builds brand relevance and marketing-led businesses able to thrive through cultural and technological change? In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Francesca Gamble, founder of GTN Consultancy, to explore the future of PR, marketing, and business in an AI-driven world. With a career spanning global agencies, luxury fashion brands, and major cultural moments — including Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, and the London 2012 Olympics — Francesca shares her journey from agency leadership to launching her own independent consultancy. She explains what it really takes to build a modern PR and marketing business without hype, awards, or ego, and why so many agencies fail by prioritising image over impact. The conversation dives deep into brand partnerships, celebrity collaborations, and equity-based deals as powerful growth strategies for challenger brands. Francesca breaks down why great products still fail without strong marketing, how cultural relevance directly drives sales, and why results matter far more than industry accolades. Looking ahead, Francesca offers a bold and timely perspective on the future of PR and advertising in the age of AI. As automation accelerates across marketing, media, and communications, she argues that being human, authentic, and culturally aware will become the ultimate competitive advantage. A no-nonsense conversation about entrepreneurship, independence, brand relevance, and building a business that lasts in a rapidly changing world. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:38 Starting a PR business 10:08 The role of PR in modern marketing 17:54 Celebrity partnerships and brand collaborations 32:28 The importance of flexibility and client relationships 42:24 The reality of entrepreneurship 51:03 Successful celebrity brand partnerships 58:00 The future of PR and female founders Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: Follow Franscesa Gamble on LinkedIn: Find out more about GTN Consultancy here: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

What if the future of food isn’t bigger, faster, and more centralised, but local, decentralised, and community-powered? In this episode of the All About Business podcast, James is joined by Pete Russell, Founder of Ooooby and Co-Founder of DECENT, to explore how technology, ethical entrepreneurship, and optimism can transform the global food system from the ground up. Pete shares his journey from running a highly profitable industrial food business to building one of the UK’s leading local food platforms, connecting independent farmers and producers directly with their communities. The conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, scaling purpose-led businesses, and the challenges of building alternatives to industrial food supply chains. A key theme of the episode is steward ownership, a business model that separates profit from control. Pete explains how steward ownership protects mission, prevents mission drift, and ensures long-term impact over short-term returns, offering a compelling alternative to traditional shareholder capitalism. James and Pete also explore the future of commerce and AI, with Pete presenting a bold vision of a shift from the attention economy to the intention economy. As artificial intelligence reshapes how we discover and buy products, Pete argues that traditional marketing and advertising may become obsolete, replaced by systems that prioritise values, trust, and genuine human needs. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:03 Meet Pete Russell: The Visionary Behind Oooby’s Food Revolution 03:06 What Is Oooby? Decentralizing the Global Food Supply Chain 06:25 Farm-to-Table Logistics: How Oooby Empowers Local Farmers 10:12 The 1.9% Disruptor: Why Low-Margin Tech is Saving Small Farms 14:45 Debunking the Myth: Why Local Food Costs Less Than Supermarkets 19:30 The Awareness Gap: Why Traditional Food Systems Still Dominate 27:05 17 Years of Resilience: Pivoting Through Near-Death Business Challenges 33:40 The Software Pivot: Solving the Logistics Nightmare of Local Food 40:00 Future of Food: AI, Agentic Commerce, and Decentralized Platforms 56:15 What wakes you up on a Monday? Follow James Reed on Linkedin Follow Pete Russell on Linkedin Find out more about Oooooby and how to sell local food online All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Building a billion-pound business is one thing, but what does it take to scale globally, exit successfully, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs? In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe, the home emergency repairs and improvements launched in 1993. Richard talks about his journey from early failures to growing a FTSE 100 multinational across the UK, France, Spain, the US, Canada, and Japan that sold for £4.1 billion in 2022. Richard shares how a plumbing insurance model sparked the subscription-based affinity partnerships, the challenges of international expansion, and why copying successful ideas while focusing on execution was key to cracking markets and achieving organic growth. Together they discuss Richard’s post-exit ventures including Growth Partner, Business Leader magazine, and his bestselling book "How to Make a Billion in Nine Steps". The conversation also explores Richard's passion for inspiring breakthroughs, the role of optimism in navigating setbacks, and why doubling the UK's large companies through community-driven support, matters more than ever in a challenging economic landscape. Timestamps 01:00 The early struggles and pivots 06:42 The breakthrough: Plumbing insurance model 17:40 The power of copying and mentorship 28:53 Challenges and opportunities for mid-size businesses 37:55 Introducing growth partner: investment in retail 48:10 The not-to-do list for entrepreneurs 01:02:29 Recruitment: Hiring your replacement Follow James Reed on Linkedin Follow Richard Harpin on Linkedin Buy Richard’s book “How to Make a Billion in Nine Steps” All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Winning Olympic gold is one of the highest achievements in sport, but what are the skills that you can apply to build an elite team in your business? In this episode of All About Business, James meets Adrian Moorhouse MBE, three-time Olympian and gold medalist. Adrian talks about his journey from the pool to the boardroom, exploring big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs), the power of curiosity, and heart-driven leadership in challenging times, and why mindset, meaning, and community matter more than ever for sustained success in sport and business. Adrian discusses his entrepreneurial transition, launching Lane Four in 1995, growing it through high-performance culture and client impact, and navigating its sale to EY in 2021, while confronting common entrepreneur pitfalls. He also shares how escaping school bullying through swimming ignited his drive and why choices over sacrifices defined his path. Timestamps 01:20 Transition to business 04:44 Challenges and learnings 07:58 Creating a winning team 12:41 Resilience and focus techniques 17:16 From athlete to entrepreneur 32:30 Navigating the 2008 financial crisis 36:46 Mentoring and leadership insights 48:53 The intersection of sports and business 57:09 The importance of curiosity in leadership Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow Adrian Moorhouse on Linkedin Find out more about The Tom Dean Swim School All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Building a career in television is one thing, but what does it really take to produce global hits like The Crown and Outlander while building and scaling a production empire? In this episode of 'All About Business,' James speaks with Andy Harries, co-founder and CEO of Left Bank Pictures. Together they discuss Andy's 50-year journey from a promotion scriptwriter at Granada Television, to launching his own company, selling it to Sony, and navigating the streaming revolution. Andy explains how being rejected at 26 became the fuel for his ambition, how his early documentary work took him around the world, and what he learned directing cultural icons including the Sex Pistols, Malcolm McLaren, and Truman Capote. The conversation dives into the business of creativity, including the high stakes Netflix pitch that led to a 100 million pound deal for The Crown, what global streamers look for when backing premium drama, and how British television has scaled to a global audience. Andy also reflects on his transition into an executive chairman role, mentoring the next generation of talent, and why protecting British creativity and a strong BBC matters more than ever. Timestamps 02:26 Journey through Granada 06:02 Transition to comedy and drama 09:34 The Queen and Prime Suspect 12:47 Founding Left Bank Pictures 39:35 Reaching out to Ken Braner 50:17 The Crown and Netflix partnership 01:04:35 Transitioning roles and future projects Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Find out more about Left Bank Picture and Andy Harris All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, is one of the most famous houses in the world. But what does it really take to run it as a modern business? In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Fiona, Lady Carnarvon, custodian of Highclere Castle, about managing a 1,300-year-old heritage estate with roots dating back to 749 AD. She shares how Downton Abbey transformed Highclere’s global profile, what it is like to live and work alongside a major film production, and how the castle evolved into a year-round destination. Lady Carnarvon discusses her entrepreneurial approach, from Christmas events and behind-the-scenes tours to virtual experiences, bestselling books, and Highclere Castle Gin, while confronting the hard economic realities of British farming and long-term stewardship. The conversation also explores Highclere’s ghost stories, its sense of community, and why heritage, kindness, and authenticity matter more than ever in a changing world. Timecodes 04:29 Christmas at Highclere 09:56 Tutankhamun and Downton Abbey 18:41 Challenges of modern farming 27:11 Ghost stories and blessings 36:45 The mysterious death of Lord Carnarvon 43:38 The success of Highclere Castle Gin 48:03 Building a brand and community 56:43 Final thoughts and future plans Follow James Reed on Linkedin: Find out more about Lady Carnarvon and Highclere Castle: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Some of the biggest global businesses started the same way: someone spotted an opportunity early- and then chose the right partner. In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with serial venture builder James McHugh, founder and chairman of Tquila. James reveals the “build-operate-transfer” playbook behind multiple eight-figure exits and how he’s now riding the AI wave with agentic systems and post-keyboard CRMs. He also  shares how he spotted the Salesforce gap in Europe in 2010, repeatedly building (and exiting) high-growth tech-services including joint ventures with Salesforce, ServiceNow and now AI leaders like Anthropic and you.com.  A candid conversation on scaling fast, choosing truth-seeking AI, why governments are dangerously unprepared for mass unemployment, and what abundance on the other side might actually look like. Timecodes 02:31 The Salesforce Opportunity: Building a Business in Europe 05:21 The tquila Story: Naming and Early Success 08:29 The Role of Partnerships in Business Success 11:13 AI and the Future: Opportunities and Challenges 23:22 The Impact of AI on Employment and Society 33:55 The Future of AI and Human Values 38:45 Driverless Cars and the Future of Transportation 47:04 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society 49:15 The Future of Human Longevity with AI Follow James Reed on Linkedin: Follow James McHugh on LinkedIn: Find out more about tquila: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you build a culture where risk-taking is celebrated, bureaucracy is banished and everyone thinks like an entrepreneur? In this episode, James is joined by Chris Hulatt, Co-founder of Octopus Group, a multi-billion-pound investment and energy business that started in a living room and grew into a global force spanning fund management, renewable energy and technology. Chris shares how Octopus went from backing UK startups to creating Octopus Energy, now valued at $9 billion, and why initiatives like Springboard are helping employees become founders themselves. We talk about how to make fast decisions without perfect data, why bureaucracy kills creativity and what it really takes to scale up without losing your entrepreneurial spark. Timecodes: 02:43 - Octopus Energy: The Startup Story 09:16 - The Importance of Financial Literacy 12:21 - Octopus Group Funds & Investment Approach 17:21 - Culture of Entrepreneurship at Octopus 21:40 - The Springboard Scheme for New Ventures 25:08 - Success Stories & Learning from Failure 28:44 - Barriers to Entrepreneurship in the UK 31:13 - Octopus Group’s Shared Purpose 34:05 - Decision Making & Avoiding Bureaucracy 41:05 - Customer-First Philosophy 44:05 - The Future of Octopus Group Donate to the BigGive Christmas challenge NOW! Follow James Reed on Linkedin Follow Chriss Hulatt on LinkedIn Find out more about Octopus Group All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Building a career in food is one thing - but what does it really take to become one of the UKs most famous chefs?  In this episode of 'All About Business,' James Reed speaks with renowned British chef Tom Carriage, exploring Tom’s journey from washing dishes in small kitchens to becoming a Michelin-starred chef and a successful business owner with a portfolio of restaurants.  Tom discusses his approach to leadership, the ethos behind mentoring young professionals, and his thoughts on balancing passion with business acumen. They also delve into Tom’s personal transformation, including his significant weight loss and sobriety, and discuss the broader challenges facing the hospitality industry, including taxation and workforce management.  Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 02:40- Early career and challenges 08:52 Building a culinary empire 13:10 Philosophy and success 17:11 Mentorship and team building 27:18 Journey to sobriety 31:29 Embracing neurodiversity in the kitchen 40:52 Challenges in the hospitality industry 47:16 Future plans and reflections Donate to the BigGive Christmas challenge NOW! Follow James Reed on Linkedin Visit Tom Kerridge's website to learn more about his food, venues, books and other ventures All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How can businesses gain a true understanding of what drives customer decisions? And how can science be applied to create marketing that not only feels deeply human but also delivers measurable results? Today on All About Business, James is Raphy March, Managing Director at Cowry Consulting, a pioneer in combining behavioral science with AI to help global brands like Coca-Cola, EasyJet, and Sky, influence behavior at scale. They explore practical insights on building human-centered AI strategies, the ethics of shaping customer experiences, and how entrepreneurs can use data and psychology to stand out, scale, and grow with purpose. Timecodes: 02:16 Introduction to Raphy March and Cowrie Consulting 08:27 The Nudge Unit and Government Applications 09:08 Behavioral Science in the Private Sector 17:53 Case Study: Keep Britain Tidy 26:51 Ethics in Behavioral Science 29:31 Practical Applications of Behavioral Science 33:37 Using Physical Evidence to Justify a Pay Rise 36:09 Improving Customer Retention at Sky 43:50 Behavioral Science in Brand Perception 49:16 The Role of AI in Behavioral Science 01:07:02 Future of Behavioral Science and AI Sign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOW Be part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow Raphy March on LinkedIn Find out more about Cowry Consulting All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Being successful in hospitality is incredibly tough. But how do you keep a focus on quality and authenticity whilst expanding into multiple new locations? In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Sir Rocco Forte, titan of the luxury hospitality and hotel industry. They explore his incredible journey as an entrepreneur within a family whose history in hospitality spans over a century. They also delve into how he has prioritised community impact in his work as well as maintaining a family-oriented approach to make something special that lasts. Timecodes: 02:23 Building Iconic Hotels 09:43 The Forte Family Legacy 11:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Business 21:46 Expanding the Hotel Empire 38:54 Family Involvement in the Business 43:53 Leadership and Decision Making 01:00:25 Economic Views and Government Policies Sign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOW Be part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Find out more about Sir Rocco Forte and Forte Hotels here All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Socialism doesn’t work. Hyper-capitalism doesn’t work. Is this the answer? What happens when the DNA of a corporation changes? In this episode of 'All About Business', Alex interviews the usual host, James Reed, about his new book, 'Karma Capitalism.' The discussion revolves around the concept of Karma Capitalism, which James defines as a people-centric variant of capitalism where companies, known as Philanthropy Companies or 'Philcos,' allocate at least 10% of their shares to a charitable foundation. James shares personal experiences, including a life-changing accident, that catalyzed his belief in businesses having a purpose beyond profit. He outlines the benefits of this business model, such as improved longevity, increased profitability, and enhanced corporate citizenship. The conversation also touches on the challenges in current capitalism, the limitations of ESG, and the practical steps for companies to become Philanthropy Companies. James emphasises the potential for this philosophy to create a significant positive impact on business and society. I Timecodes: 03:45 The wake-up fall story 12:01 The Big Give and philanthropy 17:14 The benefits of being a Philco 22:16 Legacy and longevity of Philcos 28:55 Examples of successful karma capitalism 31:15 How to transition to a Philco 34:59 The impact of Philco on business 47:15 Challenges and opportunities for family businesses 51:09 Final thoughts and reflections Sign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOW Be part of the million job giveaway HERE Check out PhilCo’s website: Check out BigGive’s website: Buy ‘Karma Capitalism’ book: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

The question is...are you a faithful, or are you a traitor? Television is something we all enjoy. But few of us get to see how the shows we love actually come to life and why some of them grip the nation in what can only be described as a phenomenon.  Today on All About Business, James is joined by Stephen Lambert OBE. Stephen is a producer and founder of Studio Lambert, the production company behind some of the UK’s most successful shows like The Traitors, Gogglebox, Squid Game: The Challenge and Race Across the World.  In this episode, they explore how Stephen built the UK’s most successful independent production company, what goes into producing formats that connect with audiences around the world, and why encouraging risk-taking and innovation is so important in TV. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction 01:09 How Stephen Lambert Started His Career 03:27 The Evolution of the TV Business 20:00 Studio Lambert – Sued by Michael Jackson 20:50 Undercover Boss 25:51 Gogglebox 29:02 Celebrity Traitors 35:08 Celebrity Race Across the World 38:34 Squid Game: The Challenge 42:48 Confidentiality – Avoiding Leaks & Spoilers 47:09 How to Find Work in Television 55:28 Developing a Show 1:01:05 The Future of Unscripted Television 1:08:43 Interview round Sign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOW Be part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com  This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Is it possible to be a highly successful entrepreneur without compromising your commitment to customers, staff, and society? In this episode of All About Business, we’re joined by John Spiers, entrepreneur, philanthropist, veteran of the wealth management industry, and Chairman of EQ Investors, one of the UK’s leading B Corporations. John shares why he returned to the sector to found EQ Investors, how he deliberately built its culture around putting the client first, and why the bottom line will look after itself if you do things correctly. He reveals the unique structure of EQ Investors, with a foundation owning a quarter of the shares, giving clients and staff confidence in the company’s long-term stability and purpose. This purpose-led structure earned the company the highest B Corp score in the UK. John also shares his critique of shareholder-focused capitalism and the short-term pressures of private equity, arguing why a long-term, stakeholder-first model creates greater business resilience. John shares his immense knowledge on how to be an effective philanthropist, explains the creation of his platform, Giving Is Great, and offers vital advice on what to look for, and what not to look for, when assessing a charity’s effectiveness. This episode is packed with valuable insight if you’re an entrepreneur interested in purpose-driven business, investment strategy, and how to build a company that prioritises all its stakeholders for long-term success. Timecodes: 03:52 The concept of philanthropy companies 05:14 Challenges and benefits of philanthropy companies 12:34 The importance of early years and environmental causes 21:24 The creation and impact of giving is great 33:12 The power of matching donations 39:59 Challenges in charity data and impact reporting 47:58 Evaluating charity leadership 54:17 The rewards of philanthropy Check out EQ Investors website: Follow EQ Investors on LinkedIn: Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk