Talking Heads is the podcast from Buckinghamshire Business First that explores the business world in the ‘Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain’ through conversations with local and national business leaders and personalities.
You can find the podcast here > (Remember to subscribe to the pod to be the first to know when a new episode is available)
You can listen via the links below - and we're on YouTube, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts.
Episode 23
Building Britain’s Best-Loved Toy Store: Gary Grant’s Journey with The Entertainer
In this episode, Victoria Brocklesby sits down with Gary Grant, founder of The Entertainer, the UK’s largest toy retailer. From humble beginnings in Amersham in 1981, Gary shares how he and his family built a beloved national brand with over 160 stores in the UK, international franchises, and innovative partnerships with retail giants like Tesco and Marks & Spencer.
Gary offers insights into navigating the ever-evolving retail landscape, staying true to family values, and balancing tradition with innovation. He also shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses the importance of generosity, culture, and dreaming big.
Episode 22
Behind the Screens: Andrew M. Smith OBE DL on Film, Business, and Buckinghamshire
In this episode, Michael Garvey MBE is joined by Andrew M. Smith OBE DL, Corporate Affairs Director at Pinewood Group Limited, the iconic film studio behind some of the world’s biggest blockbusters.
Andrew shares his journey from the civil service to Pinewood, exploring his passion for the film industry and his role in driving economic development in Buckinghamshire. They discuss the impact of Pinewood’s expansion, the UK's film and television industry's global reputation, and the importance of supporting local businesses through initiatives like Buckinghamshire Business First.
Episode 21
Sustainability and Success: The Xpress Labels Approach
In this episode, Heather Dean is joined by John Palman, Sales Director at Xpress Labels Limited, a family-run self-adhesive label manufacturer in Aylesbury.
John talks about Xpress Labels' unique value proposition centred around sustainability, heritage, and partnership and how these principles have set them apart in a crowded marketplace.
Episode 20
The Power of Lean Principles with Tim Scurlock
In this engaging episode of the Talking Heads podcast, Jane Dell, Growth Programme Manager for BBF, sits down with Tim Scurlock, Director of ALC (Applied Lean Consulting).
Together, they delve into the world of Lean principles and process optimisation, uncovering its transformative potential for businesses of all sizes.
Episode 19
Beyond the Firewall: Navigating Cybersecurity with Marion Stewart
In this episode, Philippa Batting is joined by Marion Stewart, CEO of Red Helix, a leading cybersecurity company in Buckinghamshire.
Together, they delve into the critical realm of cybersecurity, exploring its challenges and opportunities. Marion shares her wealth of experience and insights as they uncover the evolving threat landscape, discuss practical cybersecurity measures for businesses, and explore the future impact of AI on security measures.
Episode 18
Crafting Remarkable Brands: Insights from Industry Leaders
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.
Episode 17
Strategies for Success: Public Relations in the Digital Age
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.
Episode 16
Charting the Course: Steve Baker MP's Insights on Politics and Economics
Michael Garvey MBE 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.
Episode 15
Greening the Future: A Conversation with Chris Hines and Daniel Cope
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.
Episode 14
Building Homes, Breaking Barriers: Fairhive's Journey to Inclusivity
In this episode, Philippa Batting engages in a dynamic conversation with John Wallbank from Fairhive Homes. As a not-for-profit social landlord, Fairhive Homes focuses on providing affordable housing and supports over 20,000 residents.
Philippa and John discuss the concrete benefits of adopting a Disability Confident approach. Don't miss this episode for a thoughtful exploration of social responsibility and the powerful influence of fostering an inclusive culture.
Episode 13
Navigating the business landscape with Yvette Lamidey
Michael Garvey MBE 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.
Episode 12
Talking about continuous improvement in business
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.
Episode 11
A brief history of Ercol, with Henry Tadros
Michael Garvey MBE 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.
Episode 10
The business of sustainable energy with Gridserve's Toddington Harper
Michael Garvey MBE 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.
Episode 9
Going from strength to strength with Origin Global
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.
Episode 8
From underperforming to thriving and sustainable - the Moogies way
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).
Episode 7
Talking the future of work with Cathryn Barnard
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.
Episode 6
How small businesses can change the world
Our Climate Change Manager (and all-round low carbon hero) Daniel Cope recently chatted to Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black’s chocolate and one of the UK’s leading eco business pioneers, about the outlook for businesses during the cost of living crisis, how small businesses are best placed to change the world…. and how Blue Peter helped influence her approach to business!
This podcast, which was recorded at our Net Zero MK event in October 2022, was supported by Low Carbon Workspaces, a project funded by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Ngage Solutions, part of the Buckinghamshire Business First Group
Episode 5
Talking carbon emissions – the business opportunity to reduce them
In conversation with Philippa Batting, BBF’s Climate Change Programme Manager Daniel 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.
Episode 4
Talking accessibility with Vicky Hope-Walker
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.
Episode 3
From Stowe to Bowie – why Simon Calder loves Buckinghamshire
Broadcaster Simon Calder joins Buckinghamshire Business First Managing Director Philippa Batting to reveal his favourite places in Bucks, the county’s green credentials, why international travel issues are an opportunity and a challenge for Bucks’ tourism and hospitality industry, and much more.
The two chatted just before Simon hosted the Bucks Future Tourism Summit – you can watch his speech here (and check out the rest of the event too!)
Episode 2
Michael Garvey MBE 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.
Episode 1
Talking Heads: Taking to the airwaves
In the debut episode of Talking Heads, Buckinghamshire Business First Chairman Michael Garvey MBE 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.