Episodes

  • EP31 - How I Built A Non-Profit To Feed Children Through Schools - Nathan Atkinson

    EP31 - How I Built A Non-Profit To Feed Children Through Schools - Nathan Atkinson
    Oct 22 2024
    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business,’ we talk with Nathan Atkinson from Rethink Food. Nathan shares the inspiring journey behind Rethink Food, a community interest company dedicated to providing food education for children. From his early days as a headteacher to creating impactful programs that combine health education with sustainability, Nathan reveals how Rethink Food is transforming the way young people approach food and well-being. HIGHLIGHTS · The mission of Rethink Food: Nathan discusses how Rethink Food aims to deliver 10 million hours of food education to help children live healthier lives. · Tackling food education creatively: How Rethink Food shifts the focus from crisis intervention to early prevention, using innovative programs like "Eat to Save the Planet." · Nathan's career transition: From headteacher to social entrepreneur, he shares the pivotal moment that led him to start Rethink Food. · Scaling a not-for-profit: The challenges and successes of growing a community interest company, from securing corporate partnerships to acquiring a surplus food operation. · The future of Rethink Food: Nathan discusses plans to expand their health and education programs into 7,000 schools and develop initiatives for teacher well-being. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they built their business. We explore the journey, challenges, and successes they've faced, providing valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences is a nationwide team-building company, offering fun mobile events like Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more. Use code PODCAST15 at this link for 15% off your next team building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://www.rethinkfood.co.uk/ Host Website – https://beacons.ai/wbtb EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran O'Doherty How I Built a Luxury Events Business From Startup to Superyacht – James Clutterbuck ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page DONATION Every episode of We Built This Business Podcast donates £10 to the British Heart Foundation. Donate Here
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    1 hr
  • EP30 - How I Overcame Burnout and Built a Business That Fits My Life - John Lamerton

    EP30 - How I Overcame Burnout and Built a Business That Fits My Life - John Lamerton
    Oct 15 2024
    In this episode of We Built This Business, we talk with John Lamerton from Big Idea Ventures. John shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting an internet marketing business with zero experience to building multiple successful ventures. He reflects on the lessons learned, including scaling too quickly and the value of lifestyle-focused businesses. This conversation dives deep into the balance between ambition and lifestyle, offering practical advice for both new and experienced business owners. HIGHLIGHTS 1. The Origin of Big Idea Ventures – John started it as a way to give back by mentoring entrepreneurs at his kitchen table, which then grew into a larger project helping thousands of business owners. 2. Scaling Too Fast – John’s experience of growing a business to 15 staff and two offices in just 18 months, which led to burnout and a complete business restructure. 3. From Civil Servant to Entrepreneur – How John transitioned from a civil service job he despised to running an internet business with no prior knowledge of marketing or even owning a computer. 4. Ambitious Lifestyle Business – John’s philosophy of balancing ambition with lifestyle, making sure the business works for you rather than the other way around. 5. Importance of Focus – John emphasizes focusing on one thing at a time, inspired by advice he received (and initially ignored), which later proved crucial to his success. 6. Learning from Failure – John’s candid discussion about mistakes made in early ventures and the process of rebuilding and learning from those experiences. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures, and everything in between. Running a business is hard work, so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business? PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team building company, experts in keeping things fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events like Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there’s something for every company. Visit this link and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://bigidea.co.uk/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran O'Doherty How I Built a Luxury Events Business From Startup to Superyacht – James Clutterbuck ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group. We have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page
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    54 mins
  • EP29 - How I Disrupted the Radio Industry with a Cloud Streaming Platform – James Mulvany

    EP29 - How I Disrupted the Radio Industry with a Cloud Streaming Platform – James Mulvany
    Oct 8 2024
    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business’, we talk with James Mulvaney from the Broadcast .co Group. James shares insights about his companies, Radio.co and Podcast.co, detailing how his business ventures have grown to serve global audiences and his approach to creating and sustaining successful brands in the audio industry. HIGHLIGHTS · James Mulvaney discusses the core of the Broadcast .co Group, which focuses on storytelling through audio and serves 5,000 radio stations globally. · Why separating Radio .co and Podcast .co into two entities was a strategic move, including future-proofing the company for potential sales. · The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radio listenership and the growth of digital radio formats. · James' entrepreneurial journey, starting a streaming service while at university and the challenges of balancing education with building a business. · The rise of podcasting and why James wishes they’d entered the space earlier. · The creation and success of Matchmaker.fm, a platform connecting podcast hosts with expert guests. · James' perspective on building a successful team and why hiring the right people is essential for growth. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business podcast to discuss how they have built their businesses. We explore how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures, and everything in between. Running a business is hard work, so why not learn from those who have already walked the path? PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team-building company, experts in Keeping Things Fun for companies. They offer a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, and more. There’s something for every company. Visit https://bit.ly/tbe-pod and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event! VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website Radio.co: www.radio.co Podcast.co: www.podcast.co Matchmaker.fm: www.matchmaker.fm Host Website We Built This Business: www.webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran O'Doherty How I Built a Luxury Events Business From Startup to Superyacht – James Clutterbuck ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page PodcastInstagram Page Facebook Instagram Page Donation Every week we release an episode of We Built This Business, we donate £10 to the British Heart Foundation. Support the cause at British Heart Foundation.
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    54 mins
  • EP28 - How I Built A Global Media Brand As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur - Oliver Bruce

    EP28 - How I Built A Global Media Brand As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur - Oliver Bruce
    Oct 1 2024
    In this episode of We Built This Business, we talk with Oliver Bruce from Pinpoint Media. Oliver shares his inspiring journey from starting Pinpoint Media while at university to growing it into a successful performance and creative agency with offices in the UK and South Africa. He also opens up about his experiences with neurodiversity—dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD—and how these challenges shaped his approach to business. Oliver discusses the realities of scaling a business, navigating acquisitions, bootstrapping, and the role of AI in the future of digital marketing. HIGHLIGHTS · Starting Pinpoint Media: Oliver recounts how he launched Pinpoint Media during university and the creative approach he took to building his business from scratch. · Neurodiversity and Entrepreneurship: Oliver shares his experiences with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD, explaining how these shaped his journey and approach to growing a business. · Scaling and Acquisitions: Insights into the growth of Pinpoint Media, including its acquisition of a performance agency and the lessons learned about integrating businesses. · Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding: Oliver talks about the challenges of bootstrapping his business and shares advice for entrepreneurs on when to seek external funding. · The Role of AI: Discussion on how AI is changing the digital marketing landscape and how Pinpoint Media is integrating AI into its services. · Entrepreneurial Lessons: Oliver reflects on key takeaways from running multiple businesses, dealing with stress, and finding a work-life balance as a leader. · Future of Digital Marketing: Predictions on how AI will reshape SEO, PPC, and the customer experience in the coming years. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We explore their journeys, including challenges, successes, failures, and everything in between. Running a business is hard work, so why not learn from those who are doing it? PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team-building company specializing in Keeping Things Fun for companies. With events like Game Shows, Sports Days, and the Crystal Challenge, there's something for every business. Visit this link and quote PODCAST15 for 15% off your next event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://www.pinpoint-media.co.uk/ Host Website –https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT · How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie · How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran O'Doherty · How I Built a Luxury Events Business From Startup to Superyacht – James Clutterbuck ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group, which includes brands in events, entertainment, and media. Brands include Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page DONATION Every week an episode of We Built This Business is released, we donate £10 to the British Heart Foundation. Since May 2024, we aim to donate £520 annually. Donate here.
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    54 mins
  • EP27 - How I Went From £18,000 Debt To Building A Nationwide Expo Business – Matt Larcome

    EP27 - How I Went From £18,000 Debt To Building A Nationwide Expo Business – Matt Larcome
    Sep 24 2024
    In this episode of We Built This Business, we talk with Matt Larcome from B2BExpos. Matt shares his journey from launching his first business expo at just 18 years old to building one of the UK’s leading B2B networking platforms. We discuss the evolution of expos, the importance of adapting to change, and how B2B Expos is reimagining networking for a new generation. Matt also offers insights into scaling a business, building a strong team, and maintaining a clear vision for growth. HIGHLIGHTS 1. The Origins of B2B Expos: Matt’s story of launching his first expo in just six weeks to get out of £18,000 debt. 2. Reimagining Expos: How Matt is transforming traditional networking events into experience-driven shows tailored for modern businesses. 3. Scaling Rapid Growth: From one show to over 30 across the UK, with a goal of reaching 64 events nationwide. 4. Building a Strong Team: Matt’s unconventional hiring process focused on attitude and ambition over experience. 5. The Power of Failure: Why Matt believes every failure is a stepping stone to success. 6. Future Goals: Expanding B2B Expos internationally and launching new products like memberships and communities. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between. Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business. PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences is a nationwide team building company, experts in Keeping Things Fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events like Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there’s something for every company. Visit https://bit.ly/tbe-pod and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://b2bexpos.co.uk/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT · How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie · How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business –Taran O'Doherty · How I Built a Luxury Events Business From Startup to Superyacht – James Clutterbuck ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page DONATION Every week that we release an episode of We Built This Business, we donate £10 to our charity, the British Heart Foundation. (Started 21.05.2024, aiming to donate £520 a year.)
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    57 mins
  • EP26 - How I Used Podcasting to Build a Marketing Strategy for Entrepreneurs – Mark Hayward

    EP26 - How I Used Podcasting to Build a Marketing Strategy for Entrepreneurs – Mark Hayward
    Sep 17 2024

    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business,’ we talk with Mark Hayward from Podcast Introduction Group and his show, Business Growth Talks.

    Mark shares how he founded Podcast Introduction Group, a company that connects business owners and entrepreneurs to podcast platforms. He details his entrepreneurial journey, from his early corporate career at PwC and KPMG to launching multiple ventures, including the podcast guesting business.

    Mark discusses the evolution of podcasting as a marketing strategy and offers insights into the importance of personal development, having mentors, and the resilience required to build a business.


    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Mark discusses the growth of his company, Podcast Introduction Group, which helps clients find the right podcasts to build their brands.

    • Transitioning from corporate roles at PwC and KPMG to entrepreneurship during the pandemic.

    • The impact of mentors in Mark's corporate and entrepreneurial journey.

    • Mark’s experience with starting his own podcast Business Growth Talks and its rebranding to focus on scaling businesses.

    • The challenges and rewards of hosting a live show for his 500th podcast episode.


    PODCAST INTRODUCTION

    Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business.

    We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between.

    Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business.


    PODCAST SPONSOR

    Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team building company that specializes in keeping things fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company.

    Visit https://bit.ly/tbe-pod and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event.

    VALUABLE RESOURCES

    Guest Website - https://podcastintroduction.com/

    Host Website - https://theexperiencespecialistsgroup.com

    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

    How I Built a Luxury Events Business From Startup to Superyacht – James Clutterbuck

    How I Went From Bus Shelter to Billion Dollar IPO – David Murray-Hundley

    How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran Doherty

    ABOUT THE HOST

    Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions.

    CONNECT & CONTACT

    Daniel Osullivan

    Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page

    Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk

    We Built This Business

    Podcast Website

    Podcast Linkedin Page

    Podcast Instagram Page

    Facebook Instagram Page
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • EP25 – How I Scaled My Creative Agency With A Global Freelance Network - James Berg

    EP25 – How I Scaled My Creative Agency With A Global Freelance Network - James Berg
    Sep 10 2024
    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business,’ we talk with James Berg from Picaroons, a full-service creative agency. James shares his journey from working in traditional agencies to founding Picaroons, a remote creative agency with a flexible, scalable business model. We delve into the inspiration behind the unique name of his agency, how his background in marketing strategy influenced his approach, and the challenges and successes he’s faced along the way. James also discusses the importance of work-life balance, the impact of his book on his business, and his philosophy of constantly creating and testing new ideas. HIGHLIGHTS 1. The Story Behind Picaroons: How James's love for pirates and a book called Be More Pirate inspired the name and business model of his agency. 2. Remote Agency Model: The advantages and challenges of running a fully remote agency with a small core team and a network of freelancers. 3. Work-Life Balance: James's move to Portugal and how he maintains a balance between work and personal life by surfing and enjoying nature. 4. Marketing Strategy Insights: James shares his approach to marketing strategy, the importance of flexibility, and how he adapts to clients' needs. 5. The Role of Content Creation: How James's book on social media ideas became a pivotal tool in growing his business and attracting high-profile clients like Facebook. 6. Chats with Dad: The podcast James created with his father, offering valuable business advice through casual conversations. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between. Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business. PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences is a nationwide team-building company that is an expert in keeping things fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company. Visit Team Building Experiences (https://bit.ly/tbe-pod) and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://picaroons.co.uk/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 4 - How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie Episode 5 - How I Built a Global Tech Events Business and Thrived in the Pandemic - Johnny Edser Episode 6 - How I Built a Digital Marketing Business and How I Exited - Alex Minchin ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Page SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE For every episode released, We Built This Business donates £10 to the British Heart Foundation. Help us reach our goal of £520 a year! Support the British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • EP24 – How I Defied Traditional Business Strategies and Built A Global Recruitment Company – Rod Bailey

    EP24 – How I Defied Traditional Business Strategies and Built A Global Recruitment Company – Rod Bailey
    Sep 3 2024
    In this episode of We Built This Business we talk with Rod Bailey from Executive Surf. Rod Bailey, founder of Executive Surf, shares his journey of building a global executive search firm that has adapted to the changing landscape of recruitment. From navigating the aftermath of 9/11 to transitioning to a fully virtual company, Rod discusses the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his business. He also introduces his innovative approach to "impact recruitment," where long-term success is prioritized over short-term wins. HIGHLIGHTS 1. Executive Surf's Origins: Rod explains the founding of Executive Surf in 2004 and its evolution from a traditional headhunting firm to a virtual global business. 2. The Impact of 9/11 on Recruitment: How the events of 9/11 led to significant changes in the recruitment industry and the challenges Executive Surf faced during this period. 3. Going Virtual: The decision to close physical offices and transition Executive Surf to a virtual company, allowing for greater flexibility and global reach. 4. Innovative Recruitment Models: Introduction of "impact recruitment," a model that links recruitment fees to the long-term success of placed candidates, ensuring better client and candidate outcomes. 5. Aligning Business with Purpose: Rod shares his thoughts on the importance of aligning your business with your passion and values, especially in challenging times. 6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Rod's advice for those looking to start a business in 2024, emphasizing the importance of purpose and passion. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between. Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business. PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team-building company who are experts in Keeping Things Fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company. Team Building Experiences Visit Team Building Experiences and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://www.executivesurf.com/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran O'Doherty⁠ How I Built An Award Winning Business As a Working Parent - Lisa Shepherd⁠ ⁠ How I Changed The Internet Forever – Ajaz Ahmed ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page Donation: Every week that we release an episode of We Built This Business we give £10 to our Charity the British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/ (Started 21.05.2024 we hope to donate £520 a year)
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    57 mins