Talking Heads

In this episode, Hiren Gandhi, Vice Chairman of Buckinghamshire Business First, and David Finch, Managing Director of Purple Frog, discuss the art of branding and value creation.

From 'remarkability pillars' to standing out in the market, they offer expert advice on achieving brand consistency and success.

Tune in as they share tips for entrepreneurs and explore the keys to building a remarkable brand.

Join Elizabeth Adlington, board member at Buckinghamshire Business First, and Ashley Carr, founder and managing director of Neo PR, as they talk all things public relations.

The pair discuss thought leadership and the transition from traditional to digital PR, exploring the significance of crafting compelling content, maintaining consistency, adept crisis management, and proactive preparedness.

Tune in for expert insights on skilfully navigating the ever-evolving landscape of public relations.

Join Michael Garvey as he sits down with Steve Baker, MP for Wycombe and Minister of State for Northern Ireland.

The pair discuss the perceived disconnect between people and politics, delve into the intricacies of the economic and political landscape, analyse the evolving dynamics between public and private sectors, examine the UK planning system and its potential role as a hindrance to progress, and much more.

Join us as two seasoned voices in politics and economics share profound insights into the challenges and opportunities that shape our collective journey ahead.

In this inspiring episode, Daniel Cope, Buckinghamshire Business First's Climate Change Programme Manager, engages in a captivating conversation with Chris Hines, a trailblazer in sustainability.

As the first Director of Sustainability at the Eden Project, co-founder of Surfers Against Sewage, and owner of 'A Grain of Sand,' Chris shares his remarkable journey and the environmental mission that has defined his career.

The duo delve into the profound "how and why" of championing positive change. They provide valuable insights, covering topics from the economic advantages of embracing green practices to advice on tackling greenwashing and the pivotal role of transparency in sustainability efforts.

In a powerful conclusion, Chris shares his advice for individuals who are keen to embark on a positive change journey in 2024.

Don't miss this thought-provoking episode, filled with wisdom from two visionaries dedicated to shaping a greener, more sustainable future.

In this episode, Philippa Batting engages in a dynamic conversation with John Wallbank, the driving force behind Fairhive Homes.

As a not-for-profit social landlord, Fairhive Homes focuses on providing affordable housing and currently supports over 20,000 residents.

This episode explores Fairhive's merger with Buckinghamshire Housing Association, its role as a Disability Confident Employer, and the transformative impact of fostering an inclusive culture.

Philippa and John discuss the concrete benefits of adopting a Disability Confident approach. They touch upon Fairhive's collaboration with Talkback, shedding light on the UK's disability employment gap. And in a personal moment, John shares insights into navigating Type 1 diabetes.

Don't miss this episode for a thoughtful exploration of social responsibility and the powerful influence of fostering an inclusive culture.

Michael Garvey sits down with Yvette Lamidey, Director of The Business Locksmith, and English Policy Representative for The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), for a wide-ranging discussion about supporting small businesses and helping business communities to thrive. They discuss the relationship between Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire, how to foster business community integration, and the significance of organisations like FSB and Buckinghamshire Business First. Finally, Yvette offers a glimpse into 2024 with various predictions for the business community.

Business leaders Victoria Brocklesby (Origin Global) and Kris Theophanous (Bradbury Tracks) have an insightful conversation about a subject both know well: the benefit of pursuing continuous improvement and innovation in business.

Kris discusses BBF’s MD Ngage programme – an extensive leadership programme that takes business owners, MDs and CEOs out of the day-to-day running of their business to explore fresh ideas, find new solutions to challenges, and grow as a leader.

Origin Global are the Buckinghamshire Company of the Year 2022, as recognised at the Buckinghamshire Business Awards, at which Bradbury Tracks are a former finalist in the Digital Innovation category.

Michael Garvey is joined by Henry Tadros, Chairman of Ercol Furniture, and the fourth generation running the family business founded in 1920 by Henry’s great-grandfather, Lucian R Ercolani.

The pair discuss the rich history of Ercol, the fusion of contemporary manufacturing methods with age-old craftsmanship, obstacles encountered in exporting, and the significance of apprenticeships and active involvement with the youth of the county, as demonstrated by their participation in the Bucks Skills Show.

Michael Garvey is joined by Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve, whose mission it is to deliver sustainable energy on the scale needed to move the needle on climate change. The pair have a wide-ranging conversation about the current climate crisis, demystifying electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure, and what Gridserve are doing to mitigate some of these issues and reshape energy and transport in the UK.

Victoria Brocklesby, co-founder and COO of Origin Global, joins Buckinghamshire Business First MD Philippa Batting to discuss the remarkable story of Origin and its involvement with Buckinghamshire Business First.

Origin Global - the UK’s leading specialist manufacturer of bespoke aluminium Bi-folding Doors and Windows - is the reigning Buckinghamshire Company of the Year, triumphing at the 2022 Buckinghamshire Business Awards, where they also won Growth Business of the Year.

Helen Barrett, Head of Marketing & Sustainability at Moogies Limited, joins Buckinghamshire Business First MD Philippa Batting to discuss how Moogies invests in underperforming pubs and restaurants, turning them into thriving, sustainable businesses that are recognised and valued by the communities they serve.

There are currently four venues within the Moogies community of pubs, all within North Buckinghamshire, in beautiful village locations; The Eight Bells (Long Crendon), The Black Boy (Oving), The Russell Arms (Butlers Cross) and The Dinton Hermit (Ford).

Cathryn Barnard, Director & Co-Founder of Working the Future, joins Buckinghamshire Business First MD Philippa Batting to discuss a few of the significant trends transforming the workplace.

Cat has a long background in building and nurturing high-performing teams for success outcomes. Her interest in human dynamics has transferred to her expert analysis of the future of work, and her insights help business leaders futureproof their commercial activities.

In conversation with Philippa Batting, BBF’s Climate Change Programme Manager Dan Cope explains clearly and concisely how businesses can measure and reduce their carbon emissions – and what support is available to help them do it.

The two have an honest conversation about the reasons why employers may delay tackling their carbon emissions, and why, in the face of climate change and skyrocketing energy prices, there are limitless benefits to facing the challenge head on.

Speaking with Vicky Hope-Walker, CEO of the National Paralympic Heritage Trust, about Buckinghamshire’s place in history as the Birthplace of the Paralympics, how the trust ensures its services are accessible, the value to businesses of being welcoming to all, the places in Bucks that are already getting it right, and some practical ideas for businesses to implement.

Podcast recorded: 10th March 2022

Michael Garvey is joined by Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, with the pair talking about the future of the local economy and town centres, hybrid working, Bucks as a tourism destination, the strength of our local business community, and why the council works closely with Buckinghamshire Business First.

In the debut episode of Talking Heads, Buckinghamshire Business First Chairman Michael Garvey talks innovation, football shirts and ‘The Power of We’ with Sir Stuart Hampson, the former Chair of the John Lewis Partnership and Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.