In this special, seasonal episode of the SME Growth Podcast, we reflect on a year that has tested even the most resilient business leaders. Against a backdrop of rising costs, legislative pressure, economic uncertainty and rapid change, we pause to acknowledge the strain many leaders are under, and the fact that simply keeping going has been an achievement in itself. With a blend of humour, realism and optimism, we look honestly at the challenges facing UK SMEs and why losing heart is understandable, but giving up is not the answer.

We then turn our attention forward. This episode is about hope, renewal and practical leadership as we head towards 2026. We share a simple but powerful framework, our 6 Box Model, as a guide for rebuilding momentum across marketing, sales and client relationships. At its core, this is an engaging reminder that growth is not about chasing shiny tactics, but about stewarding relationships, staying disciplined, and having the courage to keep showing up when conditions are tough.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The reality of leading a business during sustained economic pressure
• Why resilience, not perfection, has defined strong leadership this year
• The importance of pausing, reflecting and re-energising
• Relationships as the foundation of sustainable growth
• The Wellmeadow 6 Box Model as a practical growth framework
• How marketing, sales and retention must work together
• Why optimism and discipline matter more than ever going into 2026
  

Who this podcast is for:

This episode is for any and all SME business leaders, who appreciate a moment of light relief alongside meaningful reflection. It’s deliberately fun, a little silly, and highly engaging, without losing sight of the very real pressures leaders are facing. If you run a business, lead a team, or carry the responsibility of keeping things moving forward, this episode is designed to make you smile, pause, and feel reassured that you’re not alone in the challenge.

Quotes to remember:

"The night is always darkest before the dawn”.

“When it comes to relationships, never forget the three C’s: compassion, communication and kindness”.

“You may be in a slump, but your business is not dead”.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Take deliberate time to reflect on the year before rushing into new plans
2. Re-commit to nurturing key relationships with clients, colleagues and partners
3. Review your marketing through two lenses: attraction (inbound) and visibility (outbound)
4. Strengthen your referral activity by making it intentional, not accidental
5. Audit your lead nurturing, are prospects genuinely being looked after?
6. Bring discipline back into your sales pipeline management
7. Focus on client retention as a growth strategy, not an afterthought
8. Lead with clarity, courage and consistency as you move into the new year

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

 https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#SMEGrowth #BusinessLeadership #UKBusiness #SmallBusinessUK #BusinessOwners #LeadershipMindset #EntrepreneurLife #MarketingStrategy #SalesLeadership #BusinessResilience #GrowingABusiness #ClientRelationships #BusinessReflection #EndOfYearLeadership #WellmeadowPodcast #SMEGrowthPodcast #KingSpeech #ChristmasSpecial #ChristmasBroadcast #EndOfYearReflection #Christmas

As we reach the end of the year, we take a clear-eyed look at what 2025 has really meant for UK SMEs, the highs, the headaches, the policy shifts and the practical realities that have shaped day-to-day business life. We discuss everything from sluggish productivity and rising labour costs to the rapid shifts in AI, cybersecurity, cloud dependence and energy challenges. Rather than dwelling on doom and gloom, we explore what these trends genuinely mean for leaders running small and medium-sized organisations, and where the real opportunities lie moving into 2026. Ultimately, we ask: what should SME leaders actually prioritise next year?

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & Festive Warm-Up

00:02:30 – Why SMEs Matter

00:06:05 – The UK Economy in 2025

00:10:20 – Policy, Tax & The Autumn Budget

00:15:45 – Energy Costs & Infrastructure

00:20:00 – Tech Outages & Cloud Dependence

00:24:00 – Cybersecurity Risks

00:27:30 – AI’s Evolution in 2025

00:33:00 – Priorities for SMEs in 2026

00:37:00 – Closing Thoughts & Christmas Teaser

Key Topics Discussed:

- The true state of the UK economy for SMEs with modest growth, persistent productivity challenges and rising costs.

- The impact of fiscal drag, labour-cost increases, National Insurance changes and shifting tax policy.

- Tech reliability issues: major outages across AWS, Cloudflare, Google Cloud and Microsoft 365.

- Cybersecurity risks, with 43% of UK businesses reporting incidents and the increasing financial exposure.

- How AI has evolved into a practical productivity tool, “AI team-mates” and real-world use cases.

- New regulatory requirements, including implications of the EU AI Act for UK firms selling into the EU.

- Energy costs, infrastructure challenges and the broader effect on UK competitiveness.

- What SMEs should prioritise for 2026: productivity, resilience and strategic investment.

Who This Podcast Is For:

This episode is made for UK business owners, directors, and senior managers, particularly those running SMEs who want a grounded, balanced view of the business landscape as we head toward 2026. It’s equally valuable for leaders in operations, finance, HR, technology and sales who want clarity on the trends shaping cost pressures, digital tools, regulation and growth opportunities.

Quotes to Remember:

“We can’t change the macro, but we can absolutely change our little corner of the world”.

“Don’t spend too much time looking at your competitors, focus on what you can change in your own environment”.

“AI is shifting from entertainment to real-world application, it’s becoming a genuine team-mate”.

Actionable Takeaways:

1.) Build multiple budget scenarios for 2026; don’t assume the best-case outlook.

2.) Review your productivity strategy, focusing on automation, AI assistance and smarter processes before hiring.

3.) Strengthen cybersecurity: staff training, phishing awareness, insurance options and contingency planning.

4.) Prepare for tech outages by ensuring backups, offline access and workable continuity plans.

5.) Revisit pricing models to ensure they reflect increased labour, tax and energy costs.

6.) Map where AI can support your team, from research and planning to operational efficiency.

7.) Audit your compliance position if you sell into the EU, particularly around AI use and data handling.

8.) Keep customer value central; service, experience, and reliability are competitive differentiators that don’t require huge budgets.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here: https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#SMEGrowth #UKBusiness #BusinessLeadership #EntrepreneurLife #SmallBusinessUK #BusinessStrategy #ProductivityTips #AIGrowth #DigitalTransformation #CyberSecurity #TechForBusiness #EconomicOutlook #MarketingForSMEs #UKEconomy #UKBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #SMEGrowthPodcast #Wellmeadow

In this episode, we explore the challenges many business owners face when shifting from being the chief “doer” in the business to becoming a confident and capable delegator. We discuss why so many leaders struggle to let go, what sits behind the reluctance to hand over responsibility, and how this hesitation ultimately restricts scalability, resilience, and business valuation. 

We reflect on the psychological, practical and emotional elements of delegation, from the fear of things going wrong, to the comfort found in routines, to the realisation that effective leadership requires stepping back so others can step up. Drawing on anecdotes, research, and our own experiences, we look at the triggers that often push leaders to change, and the frameworks that make delegation not only possible but successful. 

Chapters: 

00:00:29 — Opening & Festive Warm-Up 

00:03:05 — Celebrating Episode 150 

00:04:02 — Introducing Today’s Topic: Delegation 

00:06:07 — The Founder’s Trap: Doing vs Delegating 

00:07:37 — Why Letting Go Is So Hard 

00:10:53 — Triggers That Force Change 

00:17:08 — Vision, Strategy & Direction 

00:22:13 — Roles, Responsibilities & Structure 

00:25:11 — Systems, Rhythms & Documentation 

00:31:16 — Leadership Evolution & Closing Thoughts 

Key Topics Discussed: 

- The hidden costs of founder-centric decision making and why it caps business value. 

- How overwork leads to burnout, poor decision making, and strained relationships, often prompting the realisation that “something must change”. 

- The importance of establishing a clear vision, strategy and guiding principles before effective delegation can happen. 

- Why talented team members disengage or leave when they aren’t empowered. 

- The emotional side of letting go, moving from “doer” to “architect” as your role evolves. 

- Building rhythms, structure and documentation to protect quality and consistency. 

- How systemising delegation increases scalability, resilience, and long-term success. 

Who This Podcast Is For: 

This episode is designed for business owners, founders, senior leaders and department heads who feel overstretched, overwhelmed, or stuck at a growth plateau.

Quotes to Remember:

“It’s amazing how you can double or triple the value of a business just by the leader learning to step back”.  

“Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation will cause your worst fears to come true". 

“If you don’t delegate, you won’t just limit growth, you’ll lose good people who want the chance to step up”.

Actionable Takeaways: 

1.) Audit your week: Identify tasks only you should be doing versus tasks you’ve simply always done. 

2.) Clarify your vision: Ensure everyone knows the destination, so they can make informed decisions without you. 

3.) Define clear roles: Assign ownership of the big buckets, selling it, delivering it, counting it, to avoid “all chasing the ball”. 

4.) Introduce simple rhythms: Weekly check-ins, monthly reviews and consistent one-to-ones create structure and accountability. 

5.) Document as you go: Start small, capture the processes that most frequently bottleneck you. 

6.) Empower with guardrails: Use guiding principles and values as “bumper rails” to help people make good decisions independently. 

7.) Let go gradually: Delegation gets easier with practice, start with low-risk tasks and build confidence on both sides. 

Wellmeadow Reading List:

- The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

- Good Strategy, Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt

- Good to Great & Built to Last, Books by Jim Collins

- Adapt as an Architect: A Mid-Career Companion by Randy Deutsch

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here: https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow 

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions. 

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇 

In this episode, we explore one of the most important, and most misunderstood, decisions for any business owner: whether to scale or deliberately stay small. Drawing on ideas from Mike Jones' Happy Business Revolution, along with our own experience of working with hundreds of SMEs, we discuss the realities behind “systemising before scaling”, the hidden costs of growth, and why many owners underestimate the personal and organisational toll of transitioning from operator to architect.

This episode offers a grounded, honest reflection on the practical, emotional, and strategic factors involved in taking a business beyond its current limits.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Opening Chat

00:04:40 – Podcast Intro

00:05:12 – Recent Episodes Recap

00:07:39 – To Scale or Not to Scale

00:10:17 – Systemisation & Decision-Making

00:13:35 – AI, Markets & Case Studies

00:17:16 – From Doing to Designing

00:20:05 – Focus, Boundaries & Saying No

00:24:13 – People, Risk & Investment

00:27:00 – Staying Small vs. Scaling

00:33:50 – Closing Thoughts

Key Topics Discussed

• The four stages of business growth and why systemisation must come before scale
• The owner’s shift from operator to architect, and why many resist it
• How ego, identity and personal preference affect growth decisions
• Why “staying comfortable” can quietly increase risk
• Case studies of companies that scaled well vs. those that didn’t
• The role of purpose in motivating a business through uncomfortable change
• Investment, risk, and the realities of bringing in external partners
• Why saying “no” becomes essential when moving beyond the early hustle
• The danger of building systems that look good but don’t genuinely enable scale
• Structuring a business to survive shocks and market shifts

Who This Episode Is For:

This conversation is ideal for business owners, founders, senior leaders, and managers of SMEs who are wrestling with whether, and how, to grow their organisation. It’s particularly relevant for those feeling stuck between a comfortable status quo and the daunting prospect of scaling, as well as those considering investment, succession, or major structural change.

Quotes To Remember:

“It’s very hard to scale something when you’re not even quite sure what it is you’re scaling”.

“The owner has got to be prepared to systemise what they’re doing, even when it feels uncomfortable or counter-intuitive”.

“If you haven’t built the ability to shift and change, one big storm could be the end of you”.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Clarify your purpose: decide what scaling is for, more impact, resilience, profit, or succession, not just growth for its own sake.
2. Define what ‘scaling’ actually means: is it revenue, margin, reach, number of clients, or something else?
3. Systemise before you scale: document how decisions are made, how work is delivered, and how success is measured.
4. Evaluate your talent bench: identify who can grow with the business and who may not fit future requirements.
5. Be willing to narrow your focus: specialisation often makes systemisation and profitable scale far easier.
6. Stress-test your business: ask how your current model would cope with a major market shift or operational shock.
7. Be selective with advisers and investors: ensure anyone supporting your scale journey genuinely understands SMEs and isn’t simply selling a template.
8. Build for handover, not dependency: your business should be able to function, and grow, without you doing everything.
   

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:
https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#SMEGrowth #BusinessStrategy #ScaleUp #BusinessLeadership #UKBusiness #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessUK #GrowthStrategy #ScalingBusiness #BusinessSystems #OperationalExcellence #BusinessInsights #StrategicThinking #PurposeDrivenBusiness #SMELeaders

In this episode, we revisit the fast-moving world of HubSpot and explore what its latest developments actually mean for business leaders. We reflect on how the CRM has evolved far beyond a marketing tool and is increasingly becoming a central operational platform, one that can shape data quality, streamline processes, and even act as an AI-powered “team-mate” inside your business.

We discuss the business case behind these changes rather than the technical details alone: what matters for leaders who want smoother operations, better decision-making, and a clearer, more reliable picture of what’s happening day-to-day. We also share some practical experiences from recent client work, showing how AI-driven features are already transforming reporting, customer management, and even proposal writing.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & Warm-up chat

00:03:20 – Recent guests

00:07:10 – Why HubSpot updates matter for business owners

00:13:25 – Smart CRM: new visual tools, Gantt views & better systemisation

00:19:20 – AI assistants: real-world use cases, insights & proposal automation

00:26:15 – Marketing Hub changes: Marketing Studio, personalisation & AEO

00:30:45 – Sales & Service Hub updates: quoting, CPQ and AI-driven support

00:33:40 – Projects in HubSpot & what the future may hold

00:36:30 – Final thoughts & next week’s topic teaser

Key Topics Discussed:

• The growing importance of data quality for reliable sales and marketing activity
• HubSpot’s Smart CRM updates and what they mean for business visibility
• Practical AI use cases for reporting, proposals and customer sentiment
• New marketing tools, including Marketing Studio and AI-driven optimisation
• Early steps towards project management and improved quoting within HubSpot

Who This Podcast Is For:

This episode is designed for business owners, directors, sales leaders, marketing managers, and operational heads who rely on accurate data, efficient systems, and timely reporting. If you’re considering how AI and CRM platforms can reduce workload, tighten processes, or help your team collaborate more consistently, this discussion will give you clear, practical context without the jargon.

Quotes to Remember:

“Cleaner data isn’t just a technical win, it’s the foundation of faster campaigns, better service, and smarter decisions”.

“HubSpot is becoming less of a marketing platform and more of an operational team-mate”.

“If you feed HubSpot the right information, it can now act almost like another employee inside your business”.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Review your CRM data quality; poor data slows down sales, campaigns and reporting. Identify gaps and inconsistencies.
2. Explore Data Hub or Operations Hub features if you have data spread across multiple systems (ERP, finance, production, HR).
3. Turn on AI features in HubSpot and begin with small tests: sentiment summaries, meeting summaries, or property updates.
4. Use the Gantt-style deal view to understand deal age, bottlenecks, and realistic time frames for closing business.
5. Try the AI Search Grader (HubSpot) to see how your website performs for AI-driven search, not just Google.
6. Consider whether HubSpot Projects could streamline simple internal workflows or small delivery processes.
7. Challenge your team to use the Smart CRM and AI assistant; better adoption leads to better business-wide visibility.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

⁠https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow⁠

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#UKBusiness #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #SalesStrategy #MarketingStrategy #DigitalTransformation #HubSpotUK #AIForBusiness #DataQuality #CustomerExperience #SMEUK #BusinessLeaders #GrowthMindset #OperationalExcellence #ProductivityTools #BusinessInsights #TechForBusiness #ModernWorkplace #ScaleUp #B2B #HubSpot #SMEGrowth

In this episode, we discuss why the business sale market is fundamentally broken, and what that means for owner-managers who expect to sell one day. Joined by Neil Ackroyd, founder of Precision Corporate Finance, we explore the uncomfortable truth that for every one business sold, three are liquidated. Through Neil’s personal experience and candid insight, we examine why many companies, despite solid profits, will never sell, and what business leaders can do to change that trajectory.

We also explore the psychology of the owner-manager: the desire for freedom, the challenge of delegation, and how leadership style can shape the long-term fate of a business. Neil’s stories, from surviving the 2008 crash to building and rebuilding businesses, offer both realism and reassurance for leaders facing similar decisions.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Surfing, Perfection & Business Parallels

00:06:18 – Meet Neil Ackroyd: Founder of Precision Corporate Finance

00:10:04 – Surviving the 2008 Crash

00:14:32 – The Broken Market

00:16:00 – The £1m EBITDA Reality Check

00:22:50 – The Psychology of the Owner-Manager

00:30:55 – From Leader-Led to Quasi-Leader-Led

00:44:13 – The Protégé Model Solution

00:49:12 – Accepting Hard Truths

00:52:35 – Final Reflections

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why the business sale market is “broken” and what the data really shows.
• The £1m EBITDA threshold: why smaller firms rarely attract buyers or private equity.
• How brokers overvalue companies and fuel false expectations.
• The difference between being leader-led and quasi-leader-led, and why that transition is crucial.
• How owner-managers’ strengths can also be their barriers to growth.
• Practical alternatives to liquidation: protecting legacy through the “protégé” model.
• What makes a business truly saleable, and what stops it from being so.

Who This Episode Is For:

This episode is aimed at owner-managers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders running small to medium-sized firms — particularly those thinking about growth, succession, or eventual exit. It’s equally relevant for advisors, accountants, and anyone supporting privately owned businesses navigating the realities of scale and sale.

Quotes to Remember:

“For every one business that’s sold, three are liquidated”.

“The truth will set you free, but first, it’s going to annoy you”.

“Realise that the person standing in the way of your business’s growth is probably you”.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Check your scale: If your business is below £1m EBITDA, build with a sale in mind, not the assumption that one will come.
2. Shift your structure: Start transitioning from leader-led to quasi-leader-led operations by empowering others to make decisions.
3. Challenge your assumptions: Get an independent valuation before assuming your business is saleable.
4. Plan succession early: Think in decades, not months. The earlier you address exit planning, the more options you’ll have.
5. Be brutally honest: Accept that your greatest strengths as a founder may also be holding your business back.

🎓 SME Growth Podcast Homework: Further Reading & Resources

Take Neil’s Free Quiz to see where your business might be holding you back:

👉https://precisioncf.outgrow.us/BusinessRelationshipHealthCheck

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#BusinessGrowth #SMELeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #UKBusiness #BusinessOwners #ScaleUp #SmallBusinessUK #LeadershipDevelopment #OwnerManagedBusiness #BusinessStrategy #BusinessValuation #ExitPlanning #CorporateFinance #PrivateEquity #SuccessionPlanning #MergersAndAcquisitions #EBITDA #BusinessExit #FinancialStrategy #SMEGrowthPodcast #BusinessPodcastUK #Wellmeadow #UKSMEs

In this episode, we sit down with Angela Hodgson, former Bentley senior leader turned high-performance team strategist, to explore the realities of burnout in leadership and business. We discuss how success at the surface can mask deeper misalignment, and why being out of touch with your authentic self often accelerates exhaustion rather than achievement.

Angela shares her powerful personal story of navigating corporate prestige, personal pressures, and eventual burnout, culminating in her decision to leave the automotive world and redefine what success really means. Through candid conversation, we reflect on what it takes to recognise your own “red zone” before it’s too late, and how to build teams and habits that keep you firmly in the green.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & welcome

00:01:20 – Angela’s career at Bentley

00:05:45 – Early signs of burnout

00:08:30 – The Barcelona crisis

00:10:50 – When work and life collide

00:14:00 – Wearing the leadership mask

00:16:00 – Hitting burnout & seeking help

00:19:30 – The Red, Amber, Green wellbeing zones

00:22:40 – Supporting leaders & teams

00:24:50 – Leaving Bentley for a new path

00:00:27:10 – Creating the Team Success System

00:30:20 – Spotting burnout in yourself & others

00:31:30 – Free tools & practical resources

00:32:30 – Final thoughts & wrap-up

Key Topics Discussed:

• The personal and professional journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial purpose.
• Understanding the “Red, Amber, Green” zones of wellbeing and performance.
• How inauthentic leadership and masking behaviour contribute to burnout.
• The importance of recognising misalignment between personal values and workplace culture.
• Building resilience and self-awareness through counselling, reflection, and structure.
• Angela’s Team Success System and Power Framework; tools to help leaders create healthy, high-performing teams.
• The role of mental health awareness in leadership, especially for business owners and C-suite executives.

Who This Episode Is For:

This episode is designed for business owners, senior leaders, and ambitious professionals who find themselves questioning the cost of their success. Whether you lead a growing SME, sit on an executive team, or support others through organisational change, this conversation offers both empathy and practical insight. It’s especially relevant for those who may feel “stuck in the red zone”, outwardly thriving, but inwardly running on empty.

Quotes to Remember:

“From a burnout perspective, the more you lean away from your core self, the more you’re going to burn out.”

“We all have a red zone, amber zone, and green zone, but my green might be your red.”

“I realised I’d built a version of myself for everyone else, it took burnout to meet the real me.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Map your zones: Define what your red, amber, and green zones look like, personally and professionally.
2. Check for alignment: Regularly reflect on whether your current role or habits align with your authentic values.
3. Normalise the conversation: Talk openly about mental health and resilience in leadership circles.
4. Set structural stability: Use clear routines and support systems to create predictability and calm, especially for neurodiverse teams or families.
5. Build a high-performance framework: Explore Angela’s Team Success System to identify and close performance gaps through purpose, organisation, work habits, engagement, and results.

🎓 SME Growth Podcast Homework: Further Reading & Resources

Check out Angela's free resource to help you understand what may be going wrong within your team and practical tips to put success into place.

👉 https://igniteimprovement.co.uk/quiz

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

In this episode, joined by guest Mike Jones, we explore the psychology of business owners; what drives us, what holds us back, and how our mindset can be both our greatest strength and our biggest obstacle. We discuss the unique pressures that come with leading a business, from managing risk and control to balancing ambition with well-being. Drawing on insights from experience and behavioural science, we reflect on why many of us find it difficult to let go, delegate effectively, or truly enjoy the process of running a company, even when it’s thriving.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction & The SME Growth Podcast 3rd anniversary

00:04:00 – The 6 Box Model and what comes next

00:07:00 – Guest intro: Mike Jones & The Happy Business Revolution

00:10:00 – Understanding the founder mindset and risk

00:15:00 – Control, delegation, and the fear of letting go

00:22:00 – Ego, identity, and emotional resilience

00:30:00 – Finding happiness in business and redefining success

00:35:00 – Final reflections & key takeaways

Key Topics Discussed:

- The psychology and mindset of business owners and founders

- Why many entrepreneurs struggle to delegate and let go

- Balancing risk, control, and emotional investment in the business

- The link between ego and the company’s identity

- How to find happiness and meaning in running a business

- The importance of reframing problems as part of the growth process

- Lessons from behavioural science and practical leadership experience

Who This Episode Is For:

This episode is for business owners, founders, and senior leaders in SMEs who want to understand the deeper, human side of entrepreneurship. It’s especially relevant for those who feel the strain of leadership, balancing the need for control with the desire for growth, and who want to create happier, more sustainable businesses without losing themselves in the process.

Quotes to Remember:

“There’s this paradox that as business owners, we are much more comfortable with risk than the average population”.

“What’s the point in having a business unless it’s going to make you happy?”

“The game of business isn’t to get rid of your problems, it’s to replace current problems with new ones”.

Actionable Takeaways:

1.) Acknowledge your psychology: Recognise that fear of failure or loss of control is natural, but it doesn’t have to dictate your actions.

2.) Detach your ego: Your business’s success or failure isn’t a reflection of your personal worth.

3.) Accept imperfection: Mistakes are part of growth; allow others to make them and learn.

4.) Prioritise meaning: Build a business that brings happiness and purpose, not just financial return.

5.) Reframe problems: See them as the healthy by-product of progress, not signs of failure.

6.) Celebrate wins: Begin meetings by recognising what’s gone well before tackling challenges.

🎓 SME Growth Podcast Homework: Further Reading & Resources

The Happy Business Revolution by Mike Jones:

👉 ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Business-Revolution-business-customers/dp/1781338701

The Happiness Trap by Dr Russ Harris:

👉 ⁠⁠https://thehappinesstrap.com/free-resources/⁠⁠

The Pa⁠th of Least Resistance by Robert Fritz:

👉 ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Path-Least-Resistance-Robert-Fritz/dp/0449903370⁠

Poor Charlie’s Almanack by Charlie Munger, referenced through Munger’s timeless idea:

👉 ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poor-Charlies-Almanack-Essential-Charles/dp/1953953239⁠

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

⁠https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow⁠

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

In this episode, we round off our six-part series exploring the Wellmeadow 6 Box Model, our framework for understanding how marketing and sales work together to drive sustainable growth in SMEs. We discuss the often-overlooked final stage of the model: customer retention and satisfaction. Once a deal is done, the real work begins, ensuring your clients stay happy, engaged, and ready to buy again.

We explore how integrating your sales, operations, and customer service teams is essential to maintaining healthy client relationships and predictable revenue. From aligning KPIs across departments to leveraging CRM data effectively, we share practical ways to dissolve silos and create a seamless experience that benefits both your business and your customers.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & sailing chat

00:03:14 – Episode overview

00:05:44 – Customer retention

00:07:04 – RevOps & breaking silos

00:09:13 – Retention vs new business

00:11:15 – Forecasting & churn

00:14:08 – Managing client success

00:17:33 – AI & sentiment tracking

00:22:12 – Customer service today

00:26:15 – Automation & support systems

00:31:03 – Using internal knowledge

00:33:08 – Series wrap-up

Key Topics Discussed:

- Why customer retention should be as celebrated as customer acquisition

- The critical handover between sales and operations after a deal closes

- Using CRMs and shared data to create transparency across teams

- Applying AI and sentiment analysis to measure client happiness in real time

- The role of service engineers as “undercover salespeople” for opportunity spotting

- How to balance automation, AI, and the human touch in customer service

- Lessons from traditional support systems and what SMEs can learn from SaaS models

Who This Episode Is For:

This episode is aimed at business owners, managing directors, and sales or operations leaders who want to strengthen their customer relationships and drive growth through smarter collaboration. It’s particularly relevant for those managing service delivery teams or looking to implement CRMs, RevOps models, or AI tools within their business.

Quotes to Remember:

“You don’t want to fill a leaky bucket; it’s hard to grow if you keep losing the customers you’ve already won.”

“The single biggest thing you can do to break down silos is to make sure everyone’s looking at the same data.”

“Sales and ops have got to talk together, they’re both at the core face of what the customer really wants.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1.) Integrate systems and data: Ensure marketing, sales, and operations all work from a shared CRM to improve communication and accountability.

2.) Measure client sentiment proactively: Use AI or manual methods to gauge customer satisfaction throughout the relationship, not just at the end.

3.) Recognise the power of retention: Track and report on churn and repeat business as seriously as new sales.

4.) Empower your delivery teams: Train service or technical staff to identify and report new opportunities during client interactions.

5.) Balance automation and humanity: Use AI to handle volume and speed, but make sure customers can still access genuine human support when needed.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#CustomerRetention #ClientExperience #CustomerSuccess #RevenueOperations #RevOps #BusinessGrowth #SmartGrowth #6BoxModel #WellmeadowPodcast #BusinessStrategy #SME #UKBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CustomerJourney #CustomerSatisfaction #Retention

In this episode, we discuss one of the most critical boxes of our 6 Box Model: Box 5, the sales pipeline. As the bridge between lead generation and revenue, a healthy pipeline determines whether your business is poised for growth or facing a dry spell. We explore how business leaders can maintain visibility across their opportunities, ensure data integrity within their CRM, and make informed decisions that align with real-world performance rather than wishful thinking.

We also reflect on the importance of structure, process, and discipline in sales management, from setting up the right number of pipelines to defining clear entry and exit criteria for each stage. Drawing from our experience working with SMEs, we highlight how to avoid bloated or outdated pipelines, improve forecasting accuracy, and harness AI tools to analyse trends, timing, and deal performance without losing the human perspective that underpins effective selling.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & Warm-Up

00:03:10 – Welcome & Series Context0

0:05:50 – Managing Your Sales Pipeline

00:06:40 – Bridge Between Leads and Revenue

00:08:00 – One Pipeline or Many?

00:10:20 – Pipeline Visibility & Forecasting

00:11:50 – Defining Stages & Criteria

00:13:10 – Opportunity Identified

00:17:00 – Qualification vs Discovery

00:19:00 – Finish-Line Fever & Deal Quality

00:20:10 – AI & Data in Sales

00:23:00 – Automating Quotes & Proposals

00:24:00 – Keeping the Pipeline Healthy

00:26:10 – Metrics That Matter

00:29:00 – Consistency Over Heroics

00:31:40 – Action for the Week

00:32:50 – What’s Next

Key Topics Discussed:

- Understanding the pipeline as the bridge between marketing leads and revenue.

- When and why you might need more than one pipeline.

- The importance of defining clear, measurable stages in the sales process.

- Balancing automation and human judgment in forecasting and qualification.

- Using data and AI to track deal health, timing, and conversion probability.

- Recognising “finish-line fever”, the tendency to chase every deal regardless of quality.

- Ensuring pipeline discipline: next steps, follow-ups, and keeping deals moving.

- How to use metrics like pipeline cover, deal velocity, and value-added tracking.

- The critical role of consistent reporting and forecasting for business stability.

Who Is This Episode For:

This episode is designed for business owners, sales leaders, and senior managers who want to bring greater structure and insight to their sales process. It’s particularly relevant for SME leaders looking to move beyond ad-hoc sales tracking and instead implement a disciplined, data-informed approach to business growth. Whether you manage your own deals or lead a team of account managers, you’ll gain clarity on how to make your pipeline a real management tool, not just a visual checklist.

Quotes to Remember:

“The pipeline is the bridge between lead generation and revenue”.

“If you can’t even have the first conversation, you’re not going to have a second".

“Consistency and discipline are far more important than chasing the big, glamorous deal”.

Actionable Takeaways:

1.) Review your pipeline structure: Identify whether your current stages reflect the real buying journey.

2.) Check for health and accuracy: Remove dormant deals and ensure each opportunity has a clear next action.

3.) Align forecasting with delivery: Distinguish between sales forecasting and revenue forecasting to improve cash flow planning.

4.) Embrace automation wisely: Use CRM insights or AI tools to highlight deal risk and timing patterns.

5.) Schedule regular reviews: Dedicate time each week to assess your pipeline and take corrective action early.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here: https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#LeadGeneration #PipelineHealth #B2Bsales #CRM #SMEGrowth #PipelineManagement

In this episode of the SME Growth Podcast, we explore the often-overlooked but critical role of nurturing within the sales and marketing process. We discuss how nurturing acts as the bridge between marketing and sales, ensuring your business stays front-of-mind for prospects who are not yet ready to buy. Far from being a one-size-fits-all approach, effective nurturing requires thoughtful planning, disciplined data hygiene, and a keen understanding of your audience.

We also examine the importance of cadence, segmentation, and content strategy in building meaningful relationships over time. Whether through newsletters, tailored outreach, or carefully designed workflows, nurturing can turn a static database into a dynamic asset that delivers long-term value.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction & 6 Box Model recap

00:04:00 – What “nurture” really means

00:06:00 – Frequency, cadence, and finding the sweet spot

00:09:00 – Real-world examples: B2B vs B2C approaches

00:13:40 – Newsletters, data hygiene, and segmentation

00:18:00 – Personalisation, personas, and smart content

00:22:00 – The nurture loop: staying front of mind

00:26:00 – Nurturing vs spam: ethical boundaries

00:28:00 – Referral schemes, shareable content & curation

00:30:30 – Wrap-up & what’s next in the series

Key Topics Discussed:

• The definition of nurturing in a business growth context
• The difference between nurturing, drip campaigns, and spam
• Why frequency and cadence matter (finding the "sweet spot")
• Segmentation and data hygiene as essential foundations
• The role of proactive vs reactive nurturing strategies
• Using content curation and personalisation to add genuine value
• Measuring ROI and learning from engagement patterns
• Incentives, referral mechanisms, and shareable content

Who This Podcast is For:

This episode is aimed at business owners, sales leaders, and marketing professionals who want to strengthen their pipeline management and maximise the value of their contact database. If you’re looking to move beyond ad-hoc email blasts and towards a structured nurturing strategy that drives real engagement, this conversation is for you.

Quotes to Remember:

“Nurturing is almost that bridge between marketing and sales.”

“Segmentation is a massive part of nurturing.”

“To do it properly requires quite a lot of planning, and it also requires an awful lot of data hygiene.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Review your cadence: Test and refine how often you contact prospects to avoid both fatigue and forgetfulness.
2. Segment meaningfully: Group contacts by persona, lifecycle stage, or previous interactions to increase relevance.
3. Invest in data hygiene: Keep your CRM clean to reduce bounce rates and maintain credibility.
4. Blend personalisation with scalability: Use smart content and tokens to tailor messaging without creating endless variants.
5. Measure ROI over time: Track which nurture efforts turn into opportunities to guide future investment.
6. Add value beyond the sale: Use content curation, humour, or adjacent topics to keep audiences engaged even when they’re not ready to buy.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here: ⁠https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow⁠

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#SMEGrowth #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #SalesStrategy #CustomerNurturing #SMELeaders #BusinessLeadership #UKBusiness #GrowthMindset #SmallBusinessTips #B2BMarketing #SalesAndMarketing #Entrepreneurship #BusinessDevelopment #LeadershipInsights

In this episode, we explore referrals as a cornerstone of sustainable business growth, continuing our journey through the Wellmeadow 6 Box Model. Having already examined inbound and outbound approaches, we now turn to the often underappreciated but highly powerful world of referrals. We discuss why referrals carry greater weight than most other lead sources, the trust dynamics that underpin them, and how business leaders can actively cultivate a referral culture without it feeling transactional.

Rather than treating referrals as a lucky accident, we share a practical framework that categorises contacts into three tiers: those who already refer regularly, those who might with a nudge, and those who could but don’t yet. From here, we outline how leaders can nurture each group through gratitude, reminders, and education. Ultimately, referrals are about relationships, discipline, and generosity, and when approached with authenticity, they can create compounding growth effects across any sector.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & Six Box Model Recap

00:06:09 – Box 3: Referrals Explained

00:09:07 – Why Referrals Matter

00:11:07 – Three Types of Referrers (Thank, Remind, Educate)

00:13:26 – Mapping Referral Networks

00:17:34 – Relationships & Authenticity

00:21:36 – Generosity and Paying It Forward

00:25:04 – Systems & Discipline in Referral Management

00:29:26 – Building Connections That Last

00:30:55 – Final Thoughts & Closing

Key Topics Discussed:

• Referrals as the third box in The 6 Box Model, sitting alongside inbound and outbound strategies.
• Why “referrals don’t happen without relationships”, the importance of trust and social proof.
• The three tiers of referrers: Thank, Remind, Educate.
• Mapping referral chains to reveal unexpected growth patterns.
• Using discipline (not rigid cadence) to keep your referral network alive.
• How generosity and authenticity turn referral conversations from transactional to natural.
• The risks of being formulaic vs. the benefits of genuine human connection.

Who This Podcast Is For:

This episode is designed for business owners, directors, and senior leaders in SMEs who want to strengthen their pipeline beyond inbound marketing and cold outreach. It’s especially valuable for those in professional services and B2B sectors where trust, reputation, and relationships are critical to long-term growth.

Quotes to Remember:

“Referrals don’t happen without relationships.”

“Relationship plus rapport equals results.”

“Think, remind, educate – the three levels of referrals.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Audit your deals: Look back over the last 12–24 months and map where your work originated. Identify key referral sources.
2. Segment your referrers: Place contacts into tiers; those who already refer, those who sometimes do, and those who could.
3. Create a system: Build prompts (in your CRM or manually) to thank, remind, and educate your referral network consistently.
4. Focus on generosity: Approach conversations with genuine curiosity about others’ businesses before mentioning your own.
5. Make it enjoyable: Referrals thrive on authentic human connection; find ways to stay in touch that feel natural and rewarding.

📺 Watch the full episode here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxidTz-gZZeOglpIvvpCQRQ

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#SMEGrowth #BusinessGrowth #Referrals #SalesStrategy #MarketingStrategy #UKBusiness #SMELeaders #ClientRelationships #WordOfMouth #Networking #SalesGrowth #BusinessDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #TrustInBusiness #SixBoxModel #ProfessionalServices #B2BMarketing #RelationshipBuilding #SmartBusiness #WellmeadowPodcast

Outbound Marketing often gets a bad reputation, whether through memories of cold calls, inbox spam, or intrusive interruptions. But in this episode, we explore why outbound remains a valuable part of the sales and marketing toolkit, particularly for SMEs. We discuss how to approach it thoughtfully, blending technology, creativity, and human touch to create a consistent and scalable process that actually works.

We also reflect on how outbound has evolved, from the “shoe leather” days of door knocking to today’s AI-driven outreach, and consider where the balance lies between automation and authenticity. The conversation covers multi-channel strategies, experimentation, and the importance of aligning sales and marketing efforts so that outbound becomes a meaningful way to build connections rather than a box-ticking exercise.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction & listener feedback

00:02:40 – Outbound marketing explained

00:08:30 – Outbound vs inbound

00:10:00 – The role of AI in outbound

00:16:30 – Sales or marketing responsibility?

00:19:00 – Multi-channel strategies

00:22:00 – Direct mail & creative outreach

00:29:00 – Scaling outbound for SMEs

00:32:00 – GDPR & deliverability

00:33:00 – Next week: referrals

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why outbound marketing still matters for SMEs
• The perception problem: outbound as “spam” vs outbound as opportunity
• The resurgence of outbound as inbound becomes harder
• Balancing automation, AI, and genuine personalisation
• Multi-channel approaches: email, LinkedIn, phone calls, direct mail
• Practical tips for structuring campaigns, sequences, and messaging
• Who “owns” outbound, sales or marketing?
• GDPR and deliverability considerations for SMEs

Who Is This Episode For:

This episode is aimed at business owners, sales leaders, and marketers within SMEs who want to build a sustainable growth strategy. If you’re looking for practical, realistic ways to reach new audiences without wasting time, money, or goodwill, this discussion is especially relevant.

Quotes to Remember:

“Outbound gets you in front of people who aren’t looking, and that’s why it still matters”.

“Don’t treat outbound as a massive overhead; find a way of doing it that you can keep consistent”.

“There is no silver bullet; you have to experiment and find what works for your market”.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Use outbound to complement inbound, not replace it.
2. Focus on personalisation, even small touches like humour or relevant details can cut through.
3. Build multi-channel campaigns (email, LinkedIn, phone, direct mail) rather than relying on one tactic.
4. Keep sequences going longer than three emails, but vary the content to add value, not noise.
5. Treat outbound as a system: automate where possible, but stay human where it matters.
6. Ensure GDPR compliance and email deliverability settings are in place before scaling.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#SMEGrowth #BusinessGrowth #UKBusiness #SMELeaders #Entrepreneurship #OutboundMarketing #B2BMarketing #SalesStrategy #MarketingStrategy #LeadGeneration #DigitalMarketing #AIinMarketing #BusinessDevelopment #CustomerEngagement #SmartBusiness

In this episode, we take a deep dive into inbound marketing, the first “box” in our 6 Box Model. We explore how SMEs can attract and qualify leads in a way that builds relationships rather than scares prospects off. From lead magnets and scorecards to CRM automation and lead scoring, we discuss how to make inbound a structured, disciplined process that fits with today’s buyer behaviour.

We also look at how the landscape has changed. With AI tools now answering many top-of-funnel questions instantly, we explain why inbound content needs to evolve, moving beyond e-books towards interactive tools, templates, and scorecards that deliver immediate value. We share practical examples of how we use these approaches ourselves, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to ensure inbound integrates properly with sales and outbound activities.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & why SMEs can be more agile than corporates

00:04:40 – The Six Box Growth Model: focus on Inbound Marketing (Box 1)

00:06:22 – What inbound really means today & how the buyer journey has changed

00:11:15 – Leads, MQLs, and SQLs explained (and why it matters)

00:14:20 – Using lead magnets, scorecards, and automation effectively

00:26:08 – Does inbound work for everyone? Common pitfalls & SEO challenges

00:31:17 – Key rules for inbound success & what’s next in the model

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why inbound is more than just a marketing buzzword, it’s about attracting the right people into your ecosystem.
• The role of lead magnets, scorecards, and gated content in building engagement.

• How to distinguish between a lead, an MQL (Marketing Qualified Lead), and an SQL (Sales Qualified Lead).

• Why you shouldn’t treat every download as a buying signal.

• How AI and changing search behaviour are reshaping inbound strategy.

• The importance of content quality, consistency, and alignment with your ideal customer profile (ICP).

Who Is This Episode For:

This episode is for SME owners, directors, and marketing leaders who want to improve how they generate and qualify leads. It’s also valuable for sales professionals seeking to understand where inbound fits into the wider growth engine, and how to avoid wasted effort chasing the wrong kind of contact.

Quotes To Remember:

“The fact someone has filled in a form doesn’t mean they want you to ring them.”

“Busyness is not the same as progress, inbound needs structure and scoring.”

“You need to be honest about whether inbound is really where your market is looking.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Define your buyer personas and customer profiles before creating inbound content.
2. Use interactive tools like scorecards to give value and capture richer data.
3. Keep forms simple at first, and use progressive profiling over time.
4. Put UTM tracking in place so you know where leads are really coming from.
5. Build lead scoring into your CRM to separate casual downloaders from engaged prospects.
6. Don’t assume inbound will deliver the same for every business; invest proportionately to your market.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#InboundMarketing #LeadGeneration #MarketingStrategy #DigitalMarketing #ContentMarketing #B2BMarketing #MarketingTips #SalesAndMarketing #MarketingQualifiedLeads #SalesQualifiedLeads #CRMStrategy #HubSpotTips #MarketingAutomation #SMEGrowth #UKBusiness #BritishBusiness #SmallBusinessUK #UKSME #BusinessGrowth #TheSMEGrowthPodcast #HubSpot #6BoxModel

In this episode, we introduce "The 6 Box Model", our framework for building a growth engine that connects marketing, sales, and customer retention in a way that’s simple, structured, and practical. Too often, growth strategies are presented as complex diagrams or a maze of disconnected activities. We’ve distilled our experience into six clear boxes that help business leaders understand where their efforts should be focused, how those areas interconnect, and what “good” looks like when it comes to managing growth.

We discuss each of the six boxes: inbound, outbound, referrals, lead nurturing, pipeline management, and customer retention,  and how they create a closed-loop system for sustainable growth. Along the way, we share examples from our own client work, draw on lessons learned, and highlight the importance of data integrity, prioritisation, and simplicity in decision-making.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & fishing chat 🎣

00:04:00 – Episode 138 begins

00:07:45 – The Six Box Model explained

00:11:30 – Inbound, Outbound & Referrals

00:14:00 – Lead Nurturing

00:16:00 – Pipeline Management

00:18:00 – Customer Retention

00:21:00 – Inbound marketing today

00:24:00 – Outbound prospecting

00:27:30 – Power of referrals

00:30:40 – Nurturing contacts

00:33:40 – Managing the pipeline

00:35:30 – Retaining clients

00:37:00 – Wrap-up & next steps

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Six Box Model as a practical framework for managing business growth.
• Inbound, outbound, and referral strategies for bringing new opportunities into your ecosystem.
• The role of lead nurturing in keeping prospects engaged over time.
• Pipeline management as both an art and a science.
• Customer retention as the final, and most valuable, stage of the cycle.
• Why simplicity beats complexity when it comes to growth frameworks.

Who Is This Episode For:

This episode is aimed at business owners, directors, and senior managers of SMEs, as well as those in sales, marketing, and client success roles who are looking for a clear way to connect their day-to-day activities to long-term business growth.

Quotes to Remember:

“The genius is in the simplicity.”

“Pipeline management is an art and a science.”

“You need something to hang all these thoughts together in a framework.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Map your work sources; track whether clients come via inbound, outbound, or referrals, and use that insight to shape strategy.
2. Prioritise ruthlessly: you can’t do everything at once; focus where the biggest growth opportunities lie for your business.
3. Invest in lead nurturing: move beyond one-off campaigns and create consistent, valuable touchpoints with prospects.
4. Tighten pipeline discipline: review your sales process, metrics, and follow-up routines to reduce leakage.
5. Think retention, not just acquisition; develop processes to keep existing customers happy and turn them into advocates.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here: https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#BusinessGrowth #SMELeadership #SalesStrategy #MarketingStrategy #LeadGeneration #CustomerRetention #PipelineManagement #BusinessFramework #GrowthModel #SmartGrowth #SMEGrowthPodcast #UKBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Inbound #Outbound #Prospecting #The6BoxModel #Nurturing #Referrals #SME

In this episode, we explore why September is one of the most powerful points in the business year to reset momentum. Unlike January, which often feels sluggish and weighed down by dark mornings and holiday excess, September brings with it a natural energy. People return from summer breaks refreshed, school terms start, and businesses have a clear run through to Christmas. We discuss how to harness this “back to school” feeling to sharpen focus, re-engage teams, and put plans in place for a strong year-end.

We reflect on how leaders can use September to review pipelines, refresh sales strategies, and revisit budgets or forecasts. It’s also the ideal moment to align teams, re-energise internal projects, and ensure personal and business goals are still on track. Rather than drifting into the final quarter, we explore practical ways to use this period as a launchpad for growth and momentum.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & catching up after summer
00:03:50 – Why September is the best time to reset
00:09:30 – Using August downtime wisely
00:12:00 – Sales, referrals & budget planning for Q4
00:15:30 – Re-energising teams & strategy reviews
00:25:15 – Staying focused and finishing the year strong

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why September is often more effective for resetting than January
• Using downtime in August to prepare for a strong autumn push
• Reviewing sales pipelines, referral opportunities, and client follow-ups
• Budget planning, forecasting, and preparing for Q4 activity
• Aligning and energising teams for the sprint to Christmas
• The importance of strategy reviews and leadership reflection
• Turning noise into signal: focusing on what really matters
• Seizing September trade shows, exhibitions, and deal opportunities

Who This Episode Is For:

This conversation is aimed at business owners, leaders, and senior managers looking to make the most of the final quarter. It’s especially relevant for those in sales, marketing, and leadership roles who want to turn September into a catalyst for renewed energy and focus across their organisations.

Quotes to Remember:

“September is the shiny new pencil case month, the perfect time to reset.”

“Don’t waste September. Treat it as a campaign period, not just a continuation.”

“Focus on the signal, not the noise, channel energy into what you can control.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Review your sales pipeline and actively re-engage stalled conversations.
2. Revisit budgets and forecasts to ensure you’re on track for Q4.
3. Use September to run a strategy review or leadership reset session.
4. Re-energise your team: clarify priorities, reinforce values, and plan for year-end.
5. Choose one or two internal projects to carry forward with real focus.
6. Treat September to December as a campaign sprint, setting clear short-term goals.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #UKBusiness #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPlanning #SeptemberReset #QuarterFourPlanning #YearEndGoals #StrategicPlanning #SalesPipeline #TeamAlignment #BusinessRefocus #GoalSetting #SMEGrowth #SmallBusinessUK #SMELeadership #BusinessOwners #UKSMEs #GrowingBusiness #SMEGrowth #SMEGrowthPodcast

In  this episode, we discuss how artificial intelligence is shaping the way small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) approach growth, efficiency, and problem-solving. Our guest, Lee Russel, a digital nomad and founder of Minimum Viable Launch, shares practical insights on helping companies adopt AI tools without falling into the trap of hype. Together, we explore the realities of using AI as an accelerant, not a replacement, to free up people to do more impactful work.

This conversation moves beyond the headlines to the lived experiences of UK business owners and leaders experimenting with AI in day-to-day operations. We highlight where companies are succeeding, where they’re overreaching, and how to strike the right balance between curiosity and caution. Above all, we make the case that AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about equipping them to deliver more value.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction & Guest Background
00:04:30 – What AI Really Means for SMEs
00:09:00 – AI as an Accelerant, Not a Replacement

00:14:00 – Starting Small: First AI Experiments

00:20:00 – Real-World Case Studies & Lessons Learned

00:28:00 – Avoiding Common AI Pitfalls

00:36:00 – Future of AI in Small Business & Closing Thoughts

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why AI should be treated as a tool and accelerant, not a silver bullet.
• Common mistakes SMEs make when adopting AI (including the “God model” trap).
• How to start small with AI experiments that actually create measurable impact.
• The value of unstructured data (emails, calls, conversations) as a hidden asset.
• Avoiding the erosion of authenticity when using AI in customer interactions.
• Balancing creativity with restraint to get the best from AI tools.

Who This Podcast Is for:

This episode is aimed at business owners, directors, and managers of SMEs, especially those in service sectors,  who want to understand how AI can drive real results without overwhelming their teams. It will also resonate with consultants, sales leaders, and operational managers interested in turning technology into a practical business advantage.

Quotes To Remember:

“AI is a tool that allows you to do what you do in a more remarkable way.”

“Unstructured data is gold, it turns your conversations into actionable insights.”

“AI should amplify your customer relationships, not automate away your authenticity.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Start small: identify one or two simple AI experiments to test in your business.
2. Interview your team to uncover bottlenecks, and focus AI on removing those obstacles.
3. Use templates and clear guardrails when prompting AI for consistent outputs.
4. Treat AI as an accelerant: redeploy saved time into higher-value work.
5. Be intentional: ensure any AI adoption enhances credibility and authenticity with customers.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#SMEGrowth #SmallBusinessUK #UKBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #AIForBusiness #AITools #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #WorkSmarter #ProductivityTools #BusinessStrategy #InnovationInBusiness #SmartDecisions #FutureOfWork #BusinessPodcast #TechForGood #AIInnovation #LeadershipDevelopment #ScalingUp #AI #AICulture

In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur and author Steve Brown to explore the realities of starting and growing a business. Drawing on his own experience building a recruitment firm, Steve shares lessons on resilience, decision-making, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. We also discuss his new book 'Start & Build a Successful Business', which serves as the kind of practical guide he wishes he had when starting out.

Our conversation covers both the rewarding and the challenging aspects of business ownership. From the fears that come with relying too heavily on key customers or staff, to the breakthroughs that come from structured learning and peer support, Steve’s journey highlights what it really takes to build something sustainable.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction & Welcome

00:02:00 – Steve Brown’s Background & Book Idea

00:06:00 – The Tipping Point: Growing Beyond £2–3m Turnover

00:09:00 – Learning Through Cranfield & Mastermind Groups

00:15:00 – Mindset, Resilience & Lessons From Failure

00:22:00 – Writing Start & Build a Successful Business

00:27:45 – Self-publishing & Reflections on the Process

00:32:20 – The Future: AI in Recruitment

00:33:45 – Closing Thoughts

Key Topics Discussed:

• The motivation and process behind writing Start and Build a Successful Business
• Lessons learned from running and scaling a recruitment company
• Why resilience, tenacity, and mindset are critical for business leaders
• The value of peer networks, masterminds, and formal development (e.g. Cranfield’s Business Growth Programme)
• Overcoming setbacks, avoiding isolation, and learning from others’ mistakes
• Reflections on self-publishing and how AI is transforming traditional industries

Who This Episode Is For:

This discussion will resonate with business owners, entrepreneurs, and SME leaders who are navigating the challenges of growth. It’s also valuable for anyone considering starting a business and wanting a realistic but encouraging perspective on what lies ahead.

Quotes to Remember:

“What got you here, won’t get you there.”

“The darkest hour is always the hour before dawn.”

“If you are driven by giving value to your customers, then you’re always going to, that’s resilience in itself.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Find your peer network: Join mastermind groups or forums to share ideas, get perspective, and avoid isolation.
2. Prioritise mindset: Build resilience by treating setbacks as learning opportunities rather than permanent failures.
3. Keep learning: Look for structured programmes (like Cranfield’s) or mentoring to challenge your thinking and broaden your leadership approach.
4. Crystallise your vision: Use tools like vision boards to stay motivated and clear on your long-term goals.
5. Consider new channels: Whether writing, speaking, or running forums, find ways to share knowledge—it often leads to unexpected opportunities.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here:

https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #SME #SmallBusiness #UKBusiness #BusinessOwners #ScaleUp #Resilience #MindsetMatters #GrowthMindset #BusinessMindset #ContinuousLearning #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessAdvice #StartupLife #RunningABusiness #SmartDecisions #BusinessStrategy #SMELeaders #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #SMEPodcast #GrowthPodcast #YouTubePodcast #BusinessCommunity

In this episode, we tackle a topic that many business leaders quietly admit they should know more about, the basics of finance. From profit and loss to balance sheets and cash flow, we strip away the complexity to show that understanding your numbers is not only manageable, but essential for making sound business decisions. Drawing on real-world examples, we discuss the warning signs to look out for, how to interpret financial statements, and the risks of leaving the numbers solely to your finance team.We share practical insights on reading between the lines of your accounts, identifying potential issues early, and asking the right questions in board meetings. Whether it’s spotting discrepancies in working capital, understanding the difference between margin and mark-up, or managing cash flow with confidence, we show how a solid grasp of financial fundamentals can protect your business from unnecessary risk and help you seize growth opportunities.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & cider-making banter

00:04:15 – Why every business director must understand finance basics

00:09:15 – P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow explained for small business owners

00:15:40 – Cash flow statement vs cash flow forecast – what’s the difference?

00:21:10 – How to manage VAT and tax by ring-fencing cash

00:25:55 – The 5 key numbers to track in your business accounts

00:27:20 – Mark-up vs margin explained – avoid this common pricing mistake

00:29:30 – How to calculate your business break-even point

00:31:45 – Final advice: know your numbers to grow your business

Key Topics Discussed:

- The difference between profit & loss, balance sheets, and cash flow, and why all three matter.

- How to spot red flags in your numbers before they become critical issues.

- Why all directors, not just finance directors, are responsible for financial understanding.

- Common mistakes around mark-up vs. margin, and how to price correctly.

- Practical formulas and rules of thumb for quick financial checks.

- The role of assumptions in forecasting and the importance of realistic numbers.

- Managing VAT and cash reserves to avoid unnecessary stress.

- The value of timely, accurate management accounts for decision-making.

Who Is This Episode For:

This episode is aimed at business owners, directors, and senior managers, particularly in SMEs, who want to strengthen their financial literacy. It’s also valuable for sales leaders, operations managers, and anyone who participates in financial discussions or decision-making, but may feel less confident with the terminology and mechanics of business finance.

Quotes To Remember:

“Know your numbers, because then you can start to adjust accordingly.”“Profit doesn’t mean cash, and cash is what keeps you alive.”“Mark-up is not the same as margin, get that wrong and you’re leaving money on the table".

Actionable Takeaways:

1) Review your P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow together, not in isolation.

2) Learn and use quick-check formulas (e.g., break-even = fixed costs ÷ gross margin %).

3) Don’t wait months for management accounts; push for timely reporting.

4) Regularly check debtor and creditor days to maintain a healthy cash flow.

5) Separate VAT and other tax liabilities into a dedicated account.

6) Make sure your pricing method reflects your target margin, not just a percentage mark-up.

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here: https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#ProfitTips #BusinessFinance #Profitability #PricingStrategy #BusinessMargins #Cashflow #DidYouKnow #BusinessHacks #SmartBusiness #WorkSmarter #MoneyMatters #UKBusiness #UKEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessUK #BritishBusiness #UKSME #BusinessTips #Leadership #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessStrategy #SmallBusinessAdvice #BusinessGrowth #TheSMEGrowthPodcast #SMEGrowth

In this episode, we explore the transformative potential of “vibe coding”, a new frontier in how businesses can develop digital tools and software without requiring traditional coding skills. By simply describing what you want a tool to do, platforms like Base 44 can now generate entire applications using AI, essentially allowing us to prototype and build systems in real time with natural language prompts.

From board meetings to back-of-the-napkin ideas, we share how we've been able to create fully functional apps within hours, not weeks. Whether it's solving operational inefficiencies, enhancing internal processes, or even launching entire products, this episode demonstrates how AI is democratising software development and empowering non-coders to turn ideas into reality.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – What Is Vibe Coding?

00:02:36 – Why This Could Change Everything for SMEs

00:06:50 – Building Apps Without a Developer

00:12:54 – Real Business Use Cases (Demos & Ideas)

00:17:09 – Unlocking Innovation Across the Team

00:21:13 – From Prototype to Product

00:28:09 – Limitations, Frustrations & Lessons Learned

00:32:38 – Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for Business Owners?

Key Topics Discussed:

- What “vibe coding” really means and how it works

- Real-world business applications for AI-generated software

- From Post-it notes to production: the leap from idea to prototype

- Using vibe coding for strategic planning and change management

- Empowering teams with creativity and technical capability

- Risks, limitations, and best practice tips for getting started

- Reflections on how AI tools can reshape productivity and innovation

Who Is This Episode For:

This episode is tailored for business owners, leadership teams, operations managers, and anyone involved in digital transformation or innovation strategy. Whether you're in marketing, sales, finance, or delivery, if you're facing inefficiencies or have ideas you've struggled to bring to life, this episode will inspire practical routes forward.

Quotes to Remember:

“It’s not just another tool, it’s software that writes software.”

“This isn’t about replacing coders, it’s about enabling thinkers to become makers.”

“We’re not just prototyping software, we’re prototyping how our businesses could run.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1) Start with a problem: Identify a repetitive task or inefficiency and describe the ideal solution using plain English.

2) Test in real time: Use vibe coding platforms during meetings to demonstrate what’s possible, on the spot.

3) Build prototypes fast: Treat your early builds as throwaways; focus on rapid iteration, not perfection.

4) Think MVP: Start small. If the tool adds value, then consider scaling or getting developer support later.

5) Stay secure: Always be cautious with sensitive data and API keys, and use built-in security checks where available.

6) Take snapshots: Save versions frequently to avoid backtracking when errors arise in AI-generated code.

7) Use it to drive change: Involve teams in idea-generation exercises with vibe coding,  and encourage hands-on participation.

🎧 Watch/Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here: https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! 👇

#SMEGrowth #UKBusiness #BusinessStrategy #BusinessInnovation #DigitalTransformation #TechForSMEs #ScalingUp #SmartBusiness #VibeCoding #NoCode #AIAutomation #AIForBusiness #BuildWithAI #AITools #SoftwareWithoutCoding #Coding #SolveBusinessProblems #InnovationInAction #Prototyping #BusinessEfficiency #ProductivityTools #FutureOfWork #DigitalTools #CreativeThinking #BusinessTrends