Today, we are excited to introduce a very special guest, known affectionately in the industry as 'The Governor'—but don’t worry, it’s all about governance! Karl George MBE is with us today, a trailblazer and a leading authority in the realm of governance.

With a career that spans over three decades, Karl has been instrumental in guiding boards across the private, public, and voluntary sectors, helping them enhance their strategic direction and effectiveness. He is a respected visiting professor and author, and his writings, including the international bestseller 'The Effective Board Member,' are crucial for anyone seeking to excel in business leadership.

Karl has also created innovative frameworks like The TGF Governance Code and The RACE Equality Code, which have revolutionised organisational operations and leadership. His latest work, 'Governance 3.0,' provides fresh, international insights on governance that are essential for today’s fast-paced business environments.

So, whether you’re at the start-up phase or steering a more established company, Karl’s expertise is invaluable for all. Let’s delve into how solid governance can be your foundation for growth, profitability, and long-term success.

Key Points:

Karl’s Career Journey: From Accountant to Corporate Governance Expert

• Explore Karl's impressive journey from running his own successful accountancy firm to becoming a renowned expert in corporate governance. Learn how his experiences and insights have shaped his approach to advising businesses today.

Corporate Governance for SMEs

• Gain valuable insights on how to implement effective corporate governance in your SME. Karl shares practical advice on things such as establishing a framework and the right structure to ensure efficiency and promote sustainable growth.

The Power of AI in Business

• Join Karl as he delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for businesses. Understand how AI is currently being utilised and get a glimpse into its future applications, helping you stay ahead in the evolving technological landscape.

Building a Strong Governance Framework

· Karl guides us through the critical components of a robust governance framework. Discover how to develop effective policies and terms of reference in areas such as marketing plans, strategic planning, financial management, and equality, diversity, and inclusion, among others. Learn how these elements contribute to a well-governed organisation.

Understanding Boardroom Behaviour

· Explore the various types of team behaviours in the boardroom that can undermine the governance of your business. Karl sheds light on common disruptive actions and dynamics.

Karl’s Branding Journey

· Dive into Karl’s journey of branding and marketing himself as ‘The Governor.’ Discover the various iterations and strategies he employed to create a brand identity that aligns with his expertise and the services he offers.

· Recommended Resources:

Find Karl’s books here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Karl-George/author/B0034O1KRG?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

In this week’s episode, we welcome accountant and angel investor; Rob Jones.

Leveraging decades of first-hand experience as a thriving entrepreneur, seasoned finance director, and dedicated angel investor, Rob has meticulously crafted a successful accountancy firm.



Key Points:

Rob’s background and journey to Financial Director:

• Explore Rob’s journey from Britpop band member to a Financial Director working around the world.

Scaling and Guidance

• Rob takes us through what led to him setting up RJF Accountants and how he helps start-up businesses scale, raise investments, and make wise business decisions.

Building Solid Foundations

• Uncover the key foundations to set now, to pave the way for a successful sale of your business in the future.

You Learn More from The Failures

• Delve into Rob’s insights into overcoming the business challenges and failures he has faced and how he overcame then.

Recommended Resources:

• Check out Rob and RJF Accountants here https://rjf.uk.com/.

• In today’s episode, we interview Steve Perez, Founder and Chairman of Global Brands, an independent Chesterfield-based drinks business that includes hotels and restaurants – the award-winning Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel.
• Discover how Steve’s Spanish roots and his father’s influence helped pave the way for him to become an independent beverage and hospitality baron in the UK drinks industry.
• Eavesdrop on the pivotal conversation Steve has with his then-area manager the pub he ran, which brought clarity on the next step he should take (this ultimately led Steve to start his first business).
• Seven minutes into this episode, a key success tip is revealed which helped Steve gain a major foothold in the alcoholic drinks market and allowed him to cut costs like online retail giant Amazon.
• Hear why being a little unconventional can be a blessing in disguise. Steve’s success hinged on introducing his clients to products that no industry insiders were accustomed to.
• Take note of how the not-so-perfect storm of [HIDDEN] and recession led to the almost-overnight demise his first business which was turning over £10 million.
• Revealed: Following the aftermath of liquidating theor business, most people would lic their wounds and give up. But Steve rode the wave of the drinks market to embark on a new venture which, in less than five years, grew to £60 million turnover (not too shabby).
• Have your notepad ready and listen to the ingenious way Steve got funding to help the cashflow for his jewel-in-the-crown drink brand, Vodka Kick, despite having zero credibility with the banks. The best part is: the funding came with zero interest payments.
• The masterstroke decision taken by the team at Global Brands boosted sales and reduced the competition’s market share. Feel free to add this to your business playbook (if applicable).
• Check the Sui genesis approach Steve (the Drinks Baron) Perez takes to attracting top talent to work for him in key areas of his business, which may work for you just as well as it has for Global Brands (hint: it has to be a win-win for both parties).

Press play to uncover concepts that will help your business scale, grow, and profit.

In this episode, we're excited to introduce a leading figure in the world of debt enforcement, Britena Clarke. With six years of experience in the field, Britena is the managing director of IL Recoveries, a company that has a wealth of expertise when it comes to the effective enforcement of undisputed debts. Over the years, Britena has provided invaluable protection to numerous businesses by recovering millions, allowing them to continue their growth and sustainability.

Britena's approach to debt enforcement is anything but generic. Her years in the industry has turned her into a specialist with a keen eye for detail and a robust strategy tailored to each case. Her work ethic embodies diligence and a commitment to excellence, making her an invaluable ally for businesses facing the challenges of unpaid debts.

Key Points:

Britena’s Trajectory to Debt Recovery Expert

• Explore how Britena has built her expertise in debt recovery over the past six years, guided by her mentor Peter Murray. Learn about the experiences and lessons that have shaped her into a respected professional in the field.

Achieving Work-Life Balance

• Gain valuable insights into how Britena has successfully balanced her professional and personal life. Learn how she has developed a thriving business while maintaining fulfilment and harmony in her personal life.

How IL Recoveries Can Help

· Britena walks us through the ethos of IL Recoveries and the services they offer. Learn how IL Recoveries supports creditors by providing the confidence and protection needed to effectively pursue overdue debts, ensuring a reliable and professional approach to debt recovery.

A Client-Centric Approach

· Dive into the core principles that define IL Recoveries, focusing on transparency and strong communication. Learn how these values drive their client-centric approach, ensuring that clients are well-informed and supported throughout the debt recovery process.

· Recommended Resources:

Visit IL Recoveries here at: www.ilrecoveries.co.uk

In the realm of communication, only a small number of individuals possess the depth of expertise and breadth of experience as our next guest. We are honoured to welcome a huge figure in the art of writing, public speaking, and storytelling. He’s currently leading courses at the University of Cambridge and serving as a Senior Research Associate at Jesus College, Cambridge.

Beyond his academic accolades, he is the visionary behind Creative Warehouse, a business communication agency that has propelled businesses from their early stages to multi-million-pound enterprises. His prolific writing has not only enlightened professionals through his series on communication but has also captivated readers with eight thrilling novels.

Please join us in welcoming a true maestro of communication, a mentor to many, and a storyteller extraordinaire, Simon Hall.

Key Points:

Simon’s background and career history

• Learn about Simon’s varied and colourful career from being a BBC broadcaster for 20 years to teaching at Cambridge University.

Imposter Syndrome is Part of Us all

• Simon takes us through how imposter syndrome can affect more people than we think, and how it can drive you forward.

The Power of the Voice

• Uncover Simon’s tips for using your voice in the professional sphere, and how you can sell your services through the power of your voice.

The Rules of Writing

• Simon takes us through some tips on how create effectively written copy.

Business and Personal Challenges

• Discover the challenges Simon has faced as an entrepreneur and in his childhood and how overcame them and how they shaped who he is today.

Recommended Resources:

• Check out Simon's website at https://thetvdetective.com/

In today’s episode we speak to entrepreneur Greg Styan. Greg is the owner of GBS Life Coaching, whose path in business is as dynamic as it is inspiring.

Greg is a certified life coach, former teacher, and Governor for VIP families for over a decade. With expertise in nutrition, personal training, counselling, and NLP, he specialises in coaching men for work-life balance, productivity, and self-transformation.

Key Points:

Greg’s background and trajectory to being a business owner

• Learn about Greg’s origins as head of P.E at a secondary school to being a governor for VIP families.

His Business Breakthrough

· Explore the driving force behind Greg's decision to launch his own business and pinpoint the moment he recognised its growth.

Challenges and setbacks

• Uncover the challenges Greg and many other SME’s face and how he overcame them.

Key Life Principles

• Greg takes us through some of the key life non-negotiables he uses in his work as a life coach.

Being Bold and Brave in Business

• Uncover how bravery and boldness led to Greg’s business scaling to new heights.

How to Reach Your Business’s Full Potential

· Unlock the insights into unlocking the full potential of all SMEs, drawing from Greg's first-hand experiences as an entrepreneur.

Recommended Resources:

· Check out ‘The Balance Blueprint’ at www.gbslifecoach.com, tailored for men navigating stress, self-doubt, or a quest for personal rediscovery.

In today’s episode we review the film “The Founder". It tells the gripping tale of Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman who transformed a small but innovative fast-food restaurant, owned by the McDonald brothers, into a global franchise powerhouse. It's a story of vision, perseverance, and strategic scaling, showcasing how innovative ideas, when combined with relentless ambition and franchising, can lead to exponential growth and redefining an industry. This film is a masterclass in turning a local success into an international business phenomenon.

Key Points:

Origins of McDonald's:

• We explore the film's portrayal of McDonald's humble beginnings and the innovative spark ignited by the McDonald brothers.

Ray Kroc's Entrepreneurial Spirit:

• Discover Ray Kroc's inspiring attitude towards failure and how his entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for the birth of fast food.

Vision and Strategic Scaling:

• Examine Kroc's clear vision for McDonald's and how his strategic scaling efforts propelled the company into a global franchise powerhouse.

Unconventional approach:

• Uncover Ray Kroc’s unconventional approach to hiring franchisees.

Dubious Contracts:

• Explore the dubious nature of contracts portrayed in the film and its implications on the business relationships within the McDonald's empire.

Ray Kroc's Autobiography:

• Delve deeper into the mind of Ray Kroc by reading his autobiography, "Grinding Out."

Recommended Resources:

• Watch "The Founder" on Amazon Prime Video
• Go deep into the mind of Ray Kroc by reading his autobiography, "Grinding Out." Link to the autobiography

Welcome to 'The UK Business Breakthrough’ podcast designed for small business owners ready to break through barriers and level-up their business.

Join us for weekly insights, practical tips, and success stories from industry leaders and entrepreneurs. Whether you're starting or scaling, we provide the inspiration, guidance and tools you need to grow in the competitive world of business.

So, join us as we empower you to break through in business.

In this introductory episode, hosts: Sara, Rob, and Codie take you through what to expect with this brand new series.