Advertise on podcast: Glasgow Business Stories

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Ryan Gibson, Managing Director, and Alison Gibson, Commercial Director of RSG Building Services, to talk about growing a business, building a strong team and learning to navigate the challenges along the way. Ryan and Alison share their experience of growing the company, from managing cash flow and taking on new staff to creating a workplace where people feel valued. They also discuss how they balance working together as a married couple and why they’re investing in AI to reduce repetitive tasks and give their team more time to focus on improving the business. In this episode, we discuss business growth, cash flow, company culture, working together and using technology to make better use of people's time.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Derek Mallon, Managing Director of Lomond Leisure Group, to talk about building a successful hospitality business across a range of unique venues. Derek shares how each venue has developed its own identity, the importance of partnerships with the travel trade and other local businesses, and why getting the right people and culture in place is such a big part of running a business. We also talk about the importance of quality, from fresh Scottish produce and traditional dishes to creating memorable experiences for customers. In this episode, we discuss hospitality, partnerships, company culture, customer experience and the importance of making the most of what makes your business different.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Daniela Sarti, Director of Sarti, to hear about the family history behind the business and how the restaurant has evolved over the years. Daniela shares the story of how her family first came into hospitality, the importance of preserving Sarti’s character while making improvements, and how customer habits have changed over time. We also discuss why Sarti has chosen to focus on its two established restaurants rather than continually expand, and the importance of building a business that is both profitable and a great place for customers and staff. We discuss family business, resilience, adapting to changing customer behaviour, preserving heritage and knowing when growth is not the only goal.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Danny Campbell, Founder of Hoko Design. Danny shares his journey in architecture, the challenges facing the profession and why he believes technology and AI could completely change the way architects work. He talks about using AI to remove time-consuming processes, improving the earning potential of architects and challenging some of the traditional ways the industry operates. Danny also discusses his experience on BBC’s Scotland’s Home of the Year, stepping back from the day-to-day business, dealing with online criticism and why learning to ignore the noise is an important part of building something different. It’s an honest conversation about architecture, innovation, leadership and having the confidence to challenge the status quo.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Paul Connelly, who has recently stepped back as Chief Executive of family business CSS Ltd after decades of leading its growth. Paul reflects on the journey of building the business, the lessons he's learned through competition, leadership and resilience, and why success has never been about money alone. He shares stories of overcoming major challenges, including the time scammers stole £350,000 from the business, and explains how his approach to leadership has evolved over the years. The conversation also explores the importance of work-life balance, learning from mistakes, and why looking after your people and your health is just as important as growing the business. It's an honest conversation packed with practical lessons from someone who has spent a lifetime building a successful family business.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we’re joined by Neil Drain, Store Director of Specsavers Kirkintilloch & Bishopbriggs. Neil shares his journey through decades in business, from opening his first optical store and learning some difficult early lessons, to building a successful franchise through strong customer service, leadership and team culture. He talks about the challenges of starting out on his own, the importance of creating an environment where people want to work, and why admitting mistakes and putting customers first are key to long-term success.  A great conversation about resilience, relationships and what it really takes to build a successful business.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Gareth Sandler, Founder of Orrjo, to discuss the journey of building a people-first business in the recruitment and talent space.  Gareth shares the lessons he learned from working in challenging environments early in his career, how those experiences shaped the culture he has built at Orrjo, and why kindness, support, and accountability can coexist with high performance. We also explore the importance of continuous learning as a leader, the role mentors and personal development have played in Gareth's growth, and how businesses evolve from saying yes to every opportunity to understanding exactly where they can deliver the most value. This is an honest conversation about leadership, culture, personal growth, and building a business that puts people at the centre of everything it does.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Victoria Nicol, Founder and CEO of My Language Connection. What started as a translation business has grown into an international company supporting clients across multiple sectors, while embracing technology, AI, and new markets along the way. Victoria shares the lessons she's learned over nearly a decade of building the business, from creating the right culture and leading a growing team, to maintaining strong relationships with clients and partners. We also discuss the challenges that come with scaling a company, exploring investment options, and preparing for the next phase of growth. Throughout the conversation, Victoria offers honest insights into leadership, customer experience, innovation, and why relationships remain at the heart of every successful business. Whether you're leading a team, scaling a business, or thinking about your next stage of growth, there's plenty of practical insight in this conversation.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Alan MacGregor, founder of Silver Birch Interiors, to explore the journey of building one of Scotland's leading interior fit-out and refurbishment companies. Alan shares the story behind the business, the lessons learned through years of growth, and the challenges that come with leading projects across a wide range of sectors. From winning work and building client relationships to managing teams and maintaining high standards, he offers an honest insight into what it takes to build a successful business in a competitive industry. The conversation also explores the importance of reputation, trust and delivering quality work consistently, as well as the role that strong relationships play in long-term business success. Throughout the episode, Alan reflects on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the decisions that shaped the company, and the mindset required to keep moving forward as a business grows. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, construction, interiors, or the realities of scaling a business, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Michael-John O'Shaughnessy, Managing Director for Glasgow, Ireland, Inverness and London at Will Rudd, to explore the world of structural engineering, city regeneration and the importance of relationships in business. Michael-John shares how building genuine trust and strong relationships became the foundation for growing the business, particularly during challenging economic times. He explains how developing specialist expertise in-house helped Will Rudd stand out and open doors to larger and more complex projects. The conversation also dives into the importance of preserving historic buildings, including Michael-John’s reflections following the devastating Glasgow fire that destroyed one of the city’s oldest buildings. He speaks passionately about restoration, heritage and the role engineering can play in protecting the past while preparing buildings for the future. We also discuss one of the standout projects of his career, Advocate’s Close in Edinburgh, where restoring centuries-old buildings helped transform a neglected part of the city back into a thriving space full of life and history. Alongside this, Michael-John shares his thoughts on diversity within engineering, why the industry is changing for the better, and why opening doors for young people at grassroots level is key to building a stronger future. If you are interested in leadership, regeneration, engineering, or the role relationships play in building a successful business, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Brian Toward, Chief Executive of Wholesale Domestic, to explore the journey of growing a long-established family business into a modern multi-site retail and e-commerce brand. Brian shares what it was like growing up around the business, working in the warehouse from a young age before eventually returning with fresh ideas and a vision for modernisation. He talks about spotting the opportunity in e-commerce, taking risks, and building on the strong foundations already in place. The conversation also dives into the expansion of Wholesale Domestic across Scotland, including opening stores in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, and the lessons that come with scaling teams, systems and operations across multiple locations. If you are interested in family business, retail growth, leadership or scaling a company while staying true to its roots, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Peter McBride, Founder of Scintilla, to explore the journey of building a specialist intellectual property firm and the lessons learned along the way. Peter shares what it was really like in the early days of starting out, from mastering his craft as a patent attorney to quickly realising he had to learn everything else that comes with running a business, including finance, systems and operations. He speaks honestly about the steep learning curve and the importance of staying curious. If you are building a business, protecting ideas, or navigating the challenges of growth, this episode is full of practical insights and honest reflections.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with Chris Wilson, CEO of Golden Charter, to explore the experiences, values and mindset that have shaped his journey into leadership. Chris reflects on his early entrepreneurial instincts, from small ventures at school to building a career working with businesses and eventually leading one of the UK’s most recognised funeral planning organisations. He shares how a pivotal decision to step away from a demanding role led him to start his own consultancy, driven by a desire to be more present for his family. We also dive into the unique perspective that comes from working in the funeral industry, including how it has changed the way Chris thinks about life, grief and conversations that many people tend to avoid. Alongside this, he speaks openly about the importance of hard work, resilience and the lessons passed down from his father that have guided him through challenging moments in business. If you’re interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, and building a career that aligns with your values, this is an episode full of honest insights and thoughtful reflections.

In this episode of Glasgow Business Stories, we sit down with David Wilson, CEO of Certum Limited, to talk about building and growing a technology business over more than two decades in a rapidly changing industry. David reflects on the early years of starting out, the relentless hard work required to get a business off the ground, and the lessons learned from mistakes along the way. From learning finance and sales to competing in a crowded IT market, he shares the realities of what it takes to survive and grow. We also explore how the technology landscape has evolved, from ageing servers and boxed software to cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 and Azure. David explains how Certum adapted its business model to focus on recurring revenue and built the systems, processes and teams needed to scale. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, technology, cyber security, or building a resilient service business, this episode is packed with practical insights from over 20 years in the industry.