Many questions business owners have begin with "Do you know someone who?" or "How can I..?". And someone who aims to answers some of those questions is Reshma Begum, Development Manager of the North East branch of the Federation of Small Business. Celebrating 50 years of advocating for small businesses, Reshma shares the FSB's journey from its inception in 1974 to its current role as a vital support system for SMEs and the self-employed. Discover how the FSB supports its members with legal protection, financial advice, and a strong voice in government. Explore the challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses today, from evolving technology to new trading regulations. Learn about the importance of community building, networking, and mentorship in the small business ecosystem. Whether you're looking to start, grow, or exit your business, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. 

Celebrate the third anniversary of "Why Small Business Matters" with us as we take a retrospective journey through the wisdom shared by our esteemed guests over the years. In this special episode, we revisit 10 key lessons learned, focusing on the power of networking, communication, and collaboration. Join hosts Dr Matt Sutherland and Sarah Stephenson as they delve into insights from Oli Barrett, Caroline Theobold, John McCabe, Jeni Smith, Scott Gould, and more. Discover practical tips on expanding your network, enhancing communication, and leveraging university partnerships for business growth. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your small business thrive, plus it's a great taster for what you've missed if you've recently started listening!

We delve into the critical world of intellectual property (IP) and patents, exploring why small businesses must consider legal protection for their innovations, creative works, designs, or software. Host Sarah Stephenson is joined by intellectual property experts Charlotte Watkins and Jason Boakes, founders of York based patent law firm Secerna. They discuss the importance of IP rights, common pitfalls for SMEs, and how businesses can strategically safeguard their valuable assets. Discover practical advice on IP strategy, tax relief benefits, and how to handle potential infringements effectively. This episode is brought to you by the Help To Grow Management programme from Northumbria University. To find out how your business could benefit visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow Intellectual Property, Patents, Trademarks, Copyright, Ip Strategy, Small Business, Sme, Legal Protection, Innovation, Creative Works, Design Protection, Secerna, Northumbria University, Tax Relief, Ip Infringement, Business Assets, Legal Rights, R&D Tax Credits, Ip Management, Entrepreneur

In this episode of "Why Small Business Matters," Katey Curtis delves into the world of sustainability with two local business owners from Huddersfield. Joff Ward, founder and managing director of CorkSol UK, and Kevin Chatham, owner and manager of the Northern Teahouse, share their insights on what it means to run a sustainable business. They discuss the importance of sustainable materials, ethical employment practices, and how small changes can make a big difference. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on creating a sustainable business model that goes beyond just being eco-friendly. To find out how Huddersfield Business School, Times Higher Education’s Business School of the year 2023 can help your business – head online to hud.ac.uk/about/schools/Huddersfield-business-school where you can find out all about the business support and professional development programmes we offer our region’s businesses.”

In this episode, we explore the impactful world of digital transformation and how it can revolutionise small businesses. Join host Matt Sutherland as he delves into insightful discussions with Dr Ashmita Randhawa, Director of R&D at Sunderland Software City, and Jamie Hardesty, Director of Communications and Ecosystem Development at Sunderland Software City. Discover how digital transformation is not just about adopting shiny new technologies but also about cultural change, efficiency, and productivity. Learn about the various support programmes available for small businesses, including Digital Pathfinders and the Hartree Centre Northeast hub.  Plus we look ahead to the technology developments you should be considering which are on the horizon in the second half of this decade! Digital Transformation, Small Business Support, Sunderland Software City, Technology Adoption, Business Efficiency, Productivity Tools, Iot Devices, Ai And Machine Learning, 5G Technology, Quantum Computing, Digital Pathfinders, Tech Startups, Innovation Programmes, Immersive Technology, Hartree Centre Northeast Hub, Digital Adoption, Business Growth, Tech Ecosystem, Northumbria University, Net Zero Goals

As a small business owner marketing can become a top priority which always ends up at the bottom of your to do list. In this episode Dr Matt Sutherland speaks to Paul Hart, co founder and MD of North Shields business Cargo Creative. Paul has many years of experience in the world of marketing, and in this episode we look at some simple ways you can give your business a boost, and why it doesn't have to cost you a great deal of time or money. Paul explains why it is important to have a plan, how a small post on Linked In can start a conversation, and also why it important to get away from the digital world and have real life conversations to market your business. All this and much more discussed in this latest episode, bought to you by Help to Grow Management at Northumbria University. northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

In this episode we take a break from the studio and are delighted to be guests of Newcastle University, recording in the Catalyst, with a dynamic community of dynamic businesses and research specialists, working collaboratively to develop products and services. The main focus is on the Arrow programme arrowinnovation.org.uk, and why four of the North East’s Universities (Newcastle University, Durham University, Sunderland University and Northumbria University) are involved in helping business access knowledge to ·       Develop a new product or service ·       Undertake research and development ·       Gain proof of concept and validation ·       Develop your MVP ·       Access research facilities and equipment ·       Gain research insights Arrow’s targeted innovation projects are fully-funded and open to businesses based in County Durham, North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland. Arrow has already helped over 150 businesses in the region innovate thanks to funding to funding from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Durham County Council and North of Tyne Combined Authority Guests include four representatives from the universities and two business owners who have partnered with Arrow.  The panel features Chris Angus, Programme Manager for Arrow from Newcastle University, Mike Jurowski, Business Development Manager from Sunderland University, Andrea Zachariou, Senior Innovation Associate from Durham University and Jenny Taylor, Executive Director of Research and Innovation Services from Northumbria University. We are also joined by 2 people who have gained valuable knowledge and support from Arrow. Janine Craig, Founder of Shop by Shape, an AI product to help minimise waste in the fashion industry and Dik Barton, Founder and COO of Armatrex, a company developing expanding foam for use as an inflatable splint for use in emergency situations. To find out more about the Arrow project visit: arrowinnovation.org.uk

In this special episode we are on tour in South Yorkshire, Associate Professor Alexandra Anderson from Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University hosts the show, and speaks to a leading entrepreneur from the city.  This episode looks at inclusivity from a social and economic perspective, Laura Winson is our special guest, co founder of Zebedee, an inclusive talent agency in Sheffield. Zebedee is a real disruptor in the talent agency world, challenging the way disability and physical difference are represented in fashion and the media.  They have recently been the focal point of Channel 4's Talent Agency documentary, and in tis episode we hear about the challenges and success of creating a truly inclusive company. 

In this episode, we talk about The Small Business Charter and the valuable support provided to small businesses over the last ten years. Dr Matt Sutherland is joined by 3 guests, Flora Hamilton, Erin Sully-Norris and Helen Lee, three people who have experienced first hand the important work provided by the Small Business Charter. Flora Hamilton having spent the last ten years as director and head of financial services at the CBI, in May this year became the CEO of the Chartered Association for Business Schools (CABS) with direct responsibility for the Small Business Charter and accreditation. Celebrating world class business schools across the UK & Ireland that demonstrate excellence and impact in supporting small businesses, including more recently, the successful delivery of the Help to Grow management scheme. We're also thrilled to be joined by Erin Sully-Norris, Head of Commercial at Epicurium, a North East snack food business and an alumni of Help To Grow Management at Northumbria. Helen Lee also joins us, she's Programme Manager at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, with a core focus on facilitating universities and small business collaboration. For more info on the Help To Grow Management course at Northumbria visit Northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

In this episode the Why Small Business Matters podcast head out on tour from Northumbria University in Newcastle, to our capital and the University of West London. In this episode we ask "Why Apprenticeships Matter", and to answer that question are some very experienced guests. Hosted by John Charlton, Head of Knowledge Exchange at UWL, we are also joined by Janet Rowson, Director of Apprenticeships, and Sashin Shah, who has welcomed apprentices into his organisation Onepoint via UWL for a number of years. We look at the value Apprenticeships bring to individual development, the advantages hiring apprentices can bring to an organisation, and different working cultures which may help retain budding professionals for a longer period. This podcast is part of the Why Small Business Matters series from Northumbria University, made possible by the UK Government Help To Grow Management course at Newcastle Business School. For more visit Northumbria.ac uk/helptogrow

In this episode Sarah Stephenson explores the world of HR and how to retain your best people with Kathryn Rodgers, of Newcastle based face2face HR. Are you a small business owner struggling with the complexities of human resources? You're not alone. Human resources is a field that often gets bogged down in regulations and paperwork, losing sight of the very people it's supposed to serve. But what if you could transform your HR into a powerful tool for employee engagement and retention? Enter Kathryn Rodgers, a seasoned HR consultant and the latest guest on "Why Small Business Matters." With over 21 years of experience under her belt, Kathryn has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of HR practices. She's here to tell us why communication is not just a buzzword but the cornerstone of successful HR management. To find out more about the Help To Grow Management course at Northumbria University visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

Step inside the game-changing Business Clinic at Northumbria University, where the future of business consultancy is being redefined. This episode features the voices of those at the forefront: Nigel Coates, Dr Rebecca Dutson and entrepreneur Kelly Maxwell of Kelly's Heroes. Learn how the clinic's unique approach has not only provided over 700 small businesses with tailored support but has also equipped students with unmatched real-world experience, leading to successful careers and business transformations. For more information on the Help To Grow Management programme visits northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

In this special episode the podcast is on tour in the North West, as Professor Jennie Shorley is joined by special guest Helen Tonks. Helen is the vision and drive behind the growth of the multi award-winning Hydraulics Online brand; from a business start-up on a blank sheet of paper in 2004, to the Northern Powerhouse Export Champion and global provider that they are today - with customers across 20 sectors in 130 countries around the world.  Helen is actively involved in local and regional education, through providing careers support to local high schools and real business engagement and learning opportunities to university students.  In recognition of all this, Helen was selected to join the Northern Power Women Power List, celebrating those who challenge the norm and use their influence and power for good, and then for Mentor of the Year in 2023. If Helen wasn't busy enough she juggles the whole work-life balance with being mum to seven. Yes, seven kids. So if you’re someone who feels like there’s never enough hours in the day, Helen is going to share some time management tips too!

In this episode Sarah Stephenson is joined by recruitment entrepreneur and group CEO Steve Rawlingson. Steve founded Samuel Knight, a specialist renewable energy and sustainable transportation recruitment business in 2014 from a single person office in Newcastle. Steve discusses how despite some tough school years, he always felt he would be an entrepreneur.  Fast forward to 2023 and Samuel Knight employs over 100 consultants with offices throughout the UK, USA and Middle East. They generate $35 million annually and offer recruitment project solutions across 48 countries. Steve has over 20 years of international human capital and specialist staffing experience within the engineering and technology sector, delivering project-based solutions for the renewable energy and sustainable transportation industries. Steve's mission is to help build a greener and more environmentally friendly world by working with his global community to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. Having had success with his own businesses, Steve is now committed to helping those starting out with their own journeys. Steve does this via mentoring, speaking and investing in start-ups. Steve has also launched his own podcast called Unlock Your Mindset (Click For Link) Available on all podcast platforms now Why Small Business Matters is brought to you by the Help To Grown Management team at Northumbria University. To find out how Help To Grow could help your business, visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow 

In this episode of Why Small Business Matters Dr Kate Harland talks to Steve Underwood, Founder and Managing Director of Bonded Agency based in Newcastle. We discuss why culture and values can't be created overnight, why support networks are immensely important in business, and building a brand from the ground up!  Steve is a prominent member of the business sector growth board for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, also chairing a sub board for digital strategy. In addition Steve chairs a regional committee for NABS, a support organisation for people working in advertising and media. This podcast is brought to you by the Help To Grow Management team at Northumbria University, for more information on how you can help further your business management skills head to Northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

In this episode Sarah Stephenson is joined by Justin Turner, business author and director of the accountancy and book keeping firm Orange Umbrella, a company where the aim is to relieve business owners of unnecessary stress and anxiety. He's also a subject expert and visiting lecturer at Northumbria University, helping business leaders to understand finance and financial management. Justin describes himself as a Newcastle-based entrepreneur with a passion for helping business owners understand their business finances.  In this episode we discover why the basics of accountancy are vital to small businesses, such as cash forecasting, and how modern technology can help things run smoothly for you! To learn more about the Help to Grow Management course at Northumbria, visit Northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

In this episode we aim to unlock the power of networking, with Jeni Smith, owner of North East networking specialists NetKno. In this episode learn why it is important to have a strategy, and how with a little creative thinking you can avoid a morning of bad hotel coffee, and develop useful connections.  Also hear about Jeni's own journey including  setting up a networking business in 2020, just as lockdown happened.  And she has a few tips you can use right now to help improve your own networking game. This podcast is hosted by Paul Beal, of the Help To Grow Management team at Northumbria University. For more info visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

In this episode Dr Matt Sutherland investigates the world of Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property, and how ideas with the right support can help solve some of today's biggest challenges. Joining Matt is Dr Iain Thomas is Head of Life Sciences at Cambridge Enterprise, part of the University of Cambridge that supports new models for developing early stage technology that can provide effective technology exchange. Iain is responsible for a team that is working across the life sciences sector from human health therapeutics to agritech and research tools.  Iain is also the chair of world leading association for professional knowledge exchange practitioners Praxis Auril. We also hear from Dr Andy Walsh, Director, Academic Liaison at GSK, where he has a focus on supporting GSK scientists who collaborate & innovate with academia, and he also supports the broader knowledge exchange community as an NED at Praxis Auril. This podcast is brought to you by the Help To Grow Management team at Northumbria University, to find out more head to Northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

In this episode Sarah Stephenson from the Northumbria University Help To Grow Management programme explores the world of top level construction projects.  Many of us have had a manage a small renovation either at home or in business, and come face to face with the stress and pitfalls they can bring. But what if that project was the size of a high rise office block? Paul Bevan is a highly experienced Project Manager with a broad portfolio of skills. A former Royal Air Force Officer specialising in infrastructure, Paul has been managing projects at home and overseas for 25 years, utilising local workforces and working to UK regulations in austere environments. Since leaving the RAF, he has specialised in large public sector construction and demolition projects. His mantra is that communication and relationship building are critical to project success.

In this episode the focus is on sustainability & net zero, 2 phrases we hear a lot about but what do they actually mean, and what do businesses need to do to achieve them? Sarah Stephenson talks to Tamma Carel, founder and owner of 2 businesses with experience in this area. Imvelo is an environmental consultancy helping companies understand sustainability and environmental management to meet United Nations sustainability targets. And she's also the founder of iCOR, and environmental compliance platform. Find out exactly what "net zero" and "carbon offsetting" mean, and the 1 big thing you can change in your business to help your business become more sustainable. This podcast is brought to you by the Help To Grow management team based at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University. For more info visit Northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

In this episode of Why Small Business Matter, Dr Kate Harland explores the journey from the security of a large corporation to venturing out on your own as an entrepreneur. Sam Spoors is founder and Talent & Resourcing Director of Talentheads, a North East based talent and resourcing agency based in Morpeth. Becoming the boss of your own successful company has obvious benefits , but there are also some large challenges and Sam explains how she has managed these though the early years of her business.  We also learn about who has inspired her along the way, and a few tips you can use straight away at the end for anyone looking to start their own entrepreneurship journey too. Why Small Business Matters is brought to you by the Help To Grow Management teams at Northumbria University in Newcastle UK. For more info visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

Engagement is a word many of us hear in business on a daily basis, but what IS engagement?!   Formerly a church minister, he literally wrote the book on how people engage with ideas, things, and each other, working with organisations such as the United Nations and Microsoft. Scott joins Dr Matt Sutherland to talk about creating better engagement, for both employees, brands, customers and your community in general.  Discover the differences between awareness and selling, the power of clarity, simplicity and communication. In this podcast Scott also shares 3 unlikely things you can do today to improve engagement in your business!

Does being a good person make you a successful one? Why should you act now to avoid regrets later? And why it's ok to say no! These are some of the topics explored in this episode with Raman Sehgal, author of the best selling book "The Floundering Founder", and founder & Global President of ramarketing, a multi million dollar marketing and content agency with a focus on life sciences. Starting the company in 2009, Raman is from Newcastle and a graduate of Northumbria University.  In this episode Sarah Stephenson discusses some his experiences on that journey which have led him to sharing his knowledge in his book. Living by a few key principles he can help you reengineer your business—and your life—for long-term success. Whether you're a business owner or not, there will be at least 1 thing in this podcast with may just change your outlook on life..!

In this episode, Dr Matt Sutherland is joined by Joe Marshall, CEO of the National Centre for Universities & Business. An independent organisation focussed on making the UK the best place in the world for businesses and universities to collaborate. We're also joined by Stuart Wilkinson, acting director in Innovation & Research Service at University of Oxford. The team at Oxford have led many ground breaking projects which have changed our lives, one such example would be Covid vaccine research and their collaboration with Astra Zeneca.  In this episode find out how businesses of all sizes can benefit from collaboration, and why the work needs to happen now to solve the issues for the next generations. For more info on the Help To Grow programme, visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

Hosted by Dr Matt Sutherland from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, this episode explores the topic of mental health and business, and in particular of the business owner. Natasha McDonough has an impressive CV, working with top entrepreneurs in the US including Seth Godin of Yahoo and the founders of Office Depot. She's also been a nanny to Hollywood celebrities..! Now though she's swapped Venice Beach for Roker Beach and is based in Sunderland where she is the founder and CEO of MMC Marketing & Research, finding out what customers think of brands & businesses and helping them win with consumers. She has a particular interest in the mental aspect of business and discusses this in more detail, and how helping people have a better mindset can ultimately help the economy! This podcast is in association with Northumbria University's Help To Grow Management Programme. Find out more at northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

Hosted by Sarah Stephenson, this episode looks at the process of starting a small business, and how the Business School at Northumbria University can help students become entrepreneurs, whilst giving them the safe space to research, test and validate their ideas. Mark Renney is the founder of Wubbleyou, a scalable software business whose journey began in 2010 at Newcastle Business School when along the way Mark was introduced to our second guest Graham Baty, Head of Student & Graduate Enterprise at Northumbria. Hear about Mark's own journey from student to thriving business owner, and how Graham and the Incubator project at Northumbria provided Mark with a safe space to test and try out ideas. He also learned the need to bridge the gap between the technical knowhow of his software product, and that of being a successful business operator. This podcast is in association with Northumbria University's Help To Grow Management Programme. Find out more at northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

On this episode of Why Small Business Matters, we are joined by Natalie, Emily & Corin from fast growing Cornish Ed-tech business KEVRI, 3 female founders who have made their mark in what is traditionally a highly male dominant industry. They met at Falmouth University while on a business course which pushed them together, and saw them having to launch a business of their own!  Their software allows universities and organisations to capture the social and economic value of Knowledge Exchange. This allows them to maximise their impact, but also unlock valuable public funding too.  This podcast is in association with Northumbria University's Help To Grow Management Programme. Find out more at northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

We welcome two influential business brains active in the business world who will be sharing their experience and advice on the challenges facing SMEs today. Charlotte Keenan  Charlotte leads the Office of Corporate Engagement's international responsibilities and serves as global head of 10,000 Women. She is a member of the EMEA Inclusion and Diversity Committee.  Charlotte joined Goldman Sachs in 2015 as an executive director in the EMEA Office of Corporate Engagement and was named managing director in 2019. Prior to joining the firm, Charlotte was chief executive of Tony Blair's Foundation. Previously, she worked in Investment Banking at JP Morgan Cazenove in London and Jefferies and Co. in Houston.  Charlotte represents the firm on the UK Government's Scale Up Taskforce and with the Scale Up Institute, a UK non-profit focused on supporting small business growth. She also serves as chair of the Expert Advisory Council for the UK government’s Help to Grow: Management program for small businesses. Charlotte earned an MA from Oxford University in 2003. She was a Frank Knox Fellow at Harvard University from 2003 to 2004, and earned an MA in International C Affairs from Columbia University. Michael Hayman MBE DL Michael is chair and co-founder of the campaigns firm Seven Hills, which works with the mission-driven leaders and organisations realising the positive potential of business. It is the SABRE EMEA Corporate Consultancy of the Year 2022 (PRovoke Media).  He is also Chair of the Small Business Charter, the award for the UK’s world-class business schools, and is a member of the UK Government’s Help To Grow: Management Advisory Council. Michael is national Chair of Entrepreneurs at the private bank and wealth manager Coutts. He is Honorary Professor of the Purpose Economy at the University of London where he also holds an honorary doctorate. He is also an Honorary Fellow in Entrepreneurship at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. Michael hosts the podcast Change Makers, which presents fresh ideas and inspirational life stories from people with a passion – the campaigners, creators, connectors and contrarians – making a difference. He also co-authored Mission: How The Best In Business Break Through for Penguin Random House. He co-founded the national campaign for early stage enterprise, StartUp Britain, which was launched by then Prime Minister David Cameron and fully supported by HM Government. Michael is a member of the Advisory Council of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a columnist for CityAM, contributing editor for Country & Town House and a former enterprise columnist for the Daily Telegraph.He was awarded an MBE for services to enterprise, is a fellow of the British American Project and a Freeman of both the City of London and the Worshipful Company of Stationers.

In this episode of Why Small Business Matters, we take a look at how the Covid 19 Pandemic forced one North East business to reevaluate their model, and as a result transform their future! Mark Philpott is our guest, following a 10 year career as a specialist physiotherapist in the British Army he's become a leading figure in the occupational health field and is now CEO at NPH Ltd. NPH Ltd are a Newcastle based healthcare provider who offer home and work place based health assessments and education. But the arrival of Covid led them to increase their testing activity, and setting up the testing facility at Newcastle Airport for those travellers requiring Covid tests on arrival or departure. But what if simple lateral flow testing could be expanded to a wealth of other conditions? Well it can, and this is where NPH are now turning their attention as Mark explains in this episode. Don't forget to like and subscribe to the series, and learn about the power of networking, taking your business global, and developing your people. Why Small Business Matters is brought to you by the Help To Grow Management Programme at Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University. For more info visit Northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow 

Throughout this series we'll be catching up with a number of Northumbria alumni, to discover what life after Northumbria looks like..! Robert Lundgren Jones was a Newcastle Business School student, whose passion for travel and performance led to him setting up his own interactive tour company, Lundgren Tours. Find out how the idea was born, how he overcame the challenges of launching a travel company amidst the pandemic, and how Northumbria University remain on hand to help in his onward journey!  This episode is hosted by Professor Dawn Whitton, and also features contributions from one of Rob's tutors, Graham Baty.

In this episode Dr Matt Sutherlandis joined by 2 very special guests to discuss the topics of "Duty of Care" in sport, and look at the parallels between being a professional athlete & being a small business owner. Baroness Grey-Thompson is an 11 time Paralympic medalist, and has claimed her place among the all time greats in British athletics. She's also the Chancellor of Northumbria University, as well as sitting on the boards of numerous organisations across the North East and the wider UK.  Colin Allen is National Operations Lead at TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) and is responsible for overseeing the both the strategic and day-to-day TASS operations. Another aspect of his role involves leading on programme and project work to support the development of NGB’s England Talent Pathways. He's overseen the progression of a number of talented young athletes such as Tom Daley, into Olympic champions. In this episode Tanni talks about her life and recent work to improve Duty of Care in sport. Her work in this area prompted a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (funded by the ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council) between Northumbria University and SportsAid.

To mark 1 year of the Help To Grow Management programme, this month we find out more about the course from some of those who have undertaken it.   This show was recorded live at the iconic Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, and featured a panel chaired by northeast entrepreneur and connector Caroline Theobald CBE. Learn how business support organisations in the region can help your business and listen to some inspirational business leaders who have turned their businesses. Plus see how support organisations can help inspire you to grow your business even further.  The Panel The Chair: Caroline Theobald CBE Rhiannon Bearne: Policy and Representation Director North East Chamber of Commerce Reshma Begum: Regional Development Manager Federation of Small Businesses Elaine Stroud: CEO Entrepreneurs Forum Kelly Maxwell: Owner of Kelly’s Heroes Private Tuition Phil Robinson-Artley: Operations Manager Pondkeeper Nick Downing: Director of Operations and Transformation NPH Group

In this episode Matt Sutherland is joined by Lucy Winskell OBE and Emma Gaudern. Lucy until recently has been Pro Vice Chancellor of Northumbria University, with a focus on employability and strategic partnerships. Prior to joining Northumbria over a decade ago Lucy was a top litigation lawyer, and has extensive non executive director experience. Her journey is about to continue in a different direction as in the summer she will become Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, serving her Majesty in the region. Also joining Matt in this episode is Emma Gaudern, founder of EMG Solicitors in the North East. Emma also has breadth of business experience, with EMG making impactful contributions to both their clients and broader society. This podcast is in association with Northumbria University's Help To Grow Management Programme. Find out more at northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

In this episode hosted by Matt Sutherland, we explore the topic of internationalisation, with a man who has spent over 35 years working in global business. Richard Swart grew up in South Africa, but seeking a life away from the troubles in that country at the time he moved to America, before finding himself in at the deep end of the business world  and heading for Peterlee in County Durham to establish Berger UK.   He knows first hand what it is like beginning a new life is a strange country, but in business he has been responsible for working on deals in international markets such as China, where expectations differ greatly from those of the UK and Europe. In this episode find out more about Richard's journey, how he has gained the respect of business leaders around the globe, why Peterlee is a great place to build a business, and the impact Covid and Brexit has had on his own company.  Richard is also chair fo the Open North Foundation, and the Advanced Manufacturing Forum, and is hugely passionate about success of businesses in the North East. This podcast is in association with Northumbria University's Help To Grow Management Programme. Find out more at northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

To coincide with International Women's Day 2022, this episode of Why Small Business Matters speaks to Kirsty McDine-Daniels and Shelley Haque, 2 of the women behind The Millin Charity based in the North East. They help women set up their own businesses, gain employability skills, access training and be part of a supportive community of women working towards financial independence. Through working with the charity women gain the confidence and skills to not only achieve their goals but also improve their wellbeing, connections and opportunities. Hosted by Sarah Stephenson from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University. Brought to you by theHelp To Grow Management Programme at Northumbria University, Why Small Business Matters provides SMEs and small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and what it means to be a successful modern SME. To find out more about the Help To Grow Management programme, visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow 

Family, Ambition Curiosity & Innovation - Those are the values which run though North East tech company NBT, led by Executive Chairman Toby Bridges. NBT is a family business dating back to 1908 and some good old family values run through the company ethos. Toby explains why you should put trust in your team to make some big calls, and why there is no such thing as a stupid question. Also joining us in this episode is Jessica Williams, founder and MD of JustWilliams, a sales and marketing agency based on Teesside. She has recently launched a new sales academy to help bring more professionalism to selling, and together with Toby she sits on a number of boards involved with small business in the region. And we learn about how small business owners can find those all important ways to grow and get help to move their enterprise on, and why simply meeting people can transform your future. Hosted by Sarah Stephenson from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University. Brought to you by theHelp To Grow Management Programme at Northumbria University, Why Small Business Matters provides SMEs and small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and what it means to be a successful modern SME. To find out more about the Help To Grow Management programme, visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow     

Brought to you by the Help To Grow Management Programme at Northumbria University, Why Small Business Matters provides SMEs and small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and what it means to be a successful modern SME. In this episode Hannah Hesselgreaves speaks to the new CEO of the North East England Chamber Of Commerce, John McCabe. He started his career in PR with Northumbrian Water, before moving into communications roles with Transco and Newcastle Building Society among others.  Now with that executive experience, becoming an entrepreneur and now moving into an influential role leading the region, John has a valuable perspective on what it means to do business in the North East. To find out more visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

Brought to you by the Help To Grow Management Programme at Northumbria University, Why Small Business Matters provides SMEs and small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and what it means to be a successful modern SME. In this episode Matt Sutherland speaks to Craig Skillicorn, a Northumbria University illumni about his journey from the North East, to Managing Director of international electronics business DDC Electronics. Specialising within the aviation and defence sector, you might not be familiar with the company name, but if you've ever been on a plane you're probably encountered their work..! Craig explains more about his philosophy around managing a team, and ensuring you get the best out of great people. And why there's more to hiring the right person than just an impressive CV, and thinking about long term development of your team. To find out more visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow

Brought to you by the Help To Grow Management Programme at Northumbria University, Why Small Business Matters provides SMEs and small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to share their stories and what it means to be a successful modern SME. In this episode Dr Matt Sutherland explores the topic of connectivity and the importance of establishing a wide network. Joining him are to of the most connected people in British business today, Oli Barrett MBE and Caroline Theobald CBE. They explain in more detail why in the digital age, it's our human connections that count, and give tips on how we can all be better and more helpful networkers. Oli Barrett is a serial entrepreneur and founder or co founder of many businesses, including Tenner, Start Up Britain and Turn On the Subtitles. He's also a connector, with the Independent calling him "the most connected man in Britain". He's been involved in more than 10 international trade missions, and sits on the advisory boards including Tech London Advocates and One Million Mentors. Caroline Theobald CBE is one of the most connected people in the North East of England and has a breadth of business experience. In 2000 she established The Bridge Club as a place for businesses to connect and partner. She's involved with women's business networks with Gabriel Investors and champions gender equality, and ethical & responsible business. In 2014 she co foundedFirst a dedicated learning and development agency specialising in entrepreneurial skills.    

We're excited to bring you an entertaining new podcast for business owners and managers : Why Small Business Matters.  This new podcast will provide a platform for successful small business leaders to tell their stories, offer advice and unravel what it means to be a successful SME in 2021. Brought to you by the Help to Grow Management delivery team at Northumbria University, Small Business Matters takes a light-hearted but inciteful look behind the scenes with contributions from rising entrepreneurs and leaders of established SMEs that have been trading for many years.  It will find out what gets them up in the morning, how they've navigated the challenges of the last 15 months and their vision for small business in the region, the country and across the globe.