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Social enterprises exist to create impact. Not measuring it is like trying to reduce your blood pressure without checking whether your medication or lifestyle changes are having an effect, according to social enterprise and impact specialist Heidi Fisher.Yet many social entrepreneurs are mired in a swamp when it comes to measuring, managing and understanding their impact.Heidi Fisher joins me for episode 325 of Business Live to explain her five-stage LEAN social impact approach.  Social enterprises of all sizes use it to understand, demonstrate and improve their social impact.Heidi runs through the five stages (Define, Plan, Measure, Analyse and Learn), why each is important, how to use them, common pitfalls and how to embed impact management into day-to-day operations. Well-known for her unflinching honesty, Heidi has run social enterprises for over two decades and worked with or supported thousands of social entrepreneurs. She was awarded the MBE for this work a year ago and is determined for social enterprise to become the default way to do business. Understanding, being realistic about and boosting your social impact is a key element.Also in this episode: new events, grant and loan funding and an entrepreneurial community.Timings:0 - 2:44 introduction2:44 interview with Heidi Fisher30:05 new events from the Business and IP Centre Sheffield32:05 the Digital Entrepreneurial Community, a new networking group in Sheffield32:50 the Cultural Recovery Fund is now open for applications from eligible businesses, social enterprises and charities – details34:26 wrapping upHeidi's new book, Impact First: The social entrepreneur's guide to measuring, managing and growing your impact is out now. 

Do you remember supermarket shelves stripped bare when the UK went into its first national lockdown in 2020? And widespread reports of no home delivery slots?There are many other places to buy groceries though – but lots of independent shops don't or didn't have their own online shops or delivery services. That's where this week's guest Mazen Musaeed, founder and CEO of 3Miles comes in.His Sheffield startup helps people running locally-rooted independent grocery businesses bring their products online and offer delivery and collection services to their customers.Mazen's last appearance on Business Live was in October 2019 as the business soft-launched as a Minimum Viable Product. In the 14 months since then it has rebranded, doubled the size of its team and enabled "hundreds of thousands of pounds" of business for its customers. Mazen describes how.Also covered in this episode (number 324) of Business Live:The 7th Annual #MicroBizMatters Day is today, featuring recognition, action and learning for people running micro businesses. There are 10 hours of digitally streamed learning sessions from more than 100 business owners covering all the sectors of the economy hardest hit by the pandemic. The event is organised by Tina Boden and (recent guest on the show) Tony Robinson OBE. They say more than a million freelancers, self-employed people and micro business owners will kick start 2021 by helping each other. Get involved here.Grants/support through the Paul Hamlyn Foundation: Tech for Good programme and the Social Enterprise Exchange: Small Grants Scheme.Sheffield has been awarded up to £15.8 million through the Future High Streets Fund.How to get in touch to put yourself forward as a potential guest.

"It's important we can still look forward to a great future," says Mike Lawrence, workplace health and wellbeing consultant.Working from home means many business leaders and employees feel isolated; others experience overwhelm and burnout, or never stop working. He has strategies to protect and support you and your colleagues' health and wellbeing. Born and raised in a working-class part of Sheffield, Mike now lives in Chesterfield. But as a young man he had to move to London to access employment opportunities: covert racism in Sheffield proved an enormous barrier. Has that changed? Is the city a better place now for a young Person of Colour?Mike "could talk for a week about some of the challenges I've had to overcome." Alongside his one-to-one practice in Sheffield, he now works with many corporate firms and large organisations, enabling them to address discrimination, bias and barriers to inclusivity. He describes initiatives and action, underway and needed, to create a level playing field for all.It's been a year of immense stress: the pandemic, losses of family and friends, concerns for people's health, living under restrictions, businesses going under or at risk of it, and horrifying  injustices. Mike supports people with depression and experiencing anxiety, so how does he protect himself and what did he do differently this year?Mike is also frank about a period in his life when his own confidence took a battering and how he addressed this, and describes practical actions you can take to protect and build your own.Timings:0 - 2:06 Introduction.2:06 How to address isolation, prevent burnout, and protect yourself from a festive "tipping point."11:08 Because of discrimination Mike moved from Sheffield to London to develop his career. He talks about this, the impact of the world witnessing the horrific killing of George Floyd this year, Black Lives Matter, and initiatives and action to create a level playing field for all.27:29 How Mike looked after his own health and wellbeing during 2020.30:29 The book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl has been transformational for many, including Mike: why does he recommend it?33:50 Mike is a co-author of "Confidence: How to Have it and Keep it," published this year. He describes some of his own experiences.38:10 How Mike found mentors.39:30 Realistic advice for business leaders about listening, asking questions and building trust.44:39 How to find Mike Lawrence Health and Wellbeing online, and the book.46:05 Some thank-yous.47:02 Business grants available in the Sheffield City Region.48:37 Wrapping up.

Normally on this show we get to pick the brains of business leaders and social entrepreneurs. Today's episode is a little different: it's a deferred brain-picking, if you like.I recently joined a live call with Carol Jordan, Head of Planning at ITV News, organised by Broadcast Revolution. Responsible for three daily TV news bulletins, Carol has brilliant and valuable advice about what she's looking for when it comes to non-breaking news stories.What makes for a great item on the news ? How can you show a producer or planner that you can deliver if you've never been on air before? And how do you pitch a TV news decision-maker effectively? There are loads of tips here you can use.Also on today's show: more ideas for fantastic gifts from social enterprises and independent businesses; thoughtful presents which also make the world better. Mentions for Regather Sheffield's hampers, Treehouse Board Game Café's shop, The Substantial Meal IPA from Triple Point Brewery,  And Other Stories, publishers of innovative contemporary writing. Plus an opportunity to have your say about new plans to enable people to travel around Sheffield more easily on foot, by bike and public transport.Timings:0 - 2:34 Introduction.2:34 Carol Jordan: what sort of stories is ITV News looking for? How do you grab her attention?8:36 Carol's pitch bugbears and how to pitch effectively.(I've distilled Carol's advice from a live Q&A I attended with her, organised by Broadcast Revolution – thanks Josh and team).14:41 After last week's episode, more ideas for lovely gifts from social enterprises and independent businesses.21:02 Want to be on this radio show? What we're looking for and how to get in touch.22:28 Consultation about 'Connecting Sheffield' – how to get involved and have your say about the plans (deadline 7 January 2021)24:28 Wrapping up.

In this episode: a round-up of support, funding and grants for businesses and social enterprises; a guide to where to buy wonderful presents which have a positive rather than negative impact in the world.It was 'Black Friday' when this show was first broadcast on FM radio, traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year, perhaps followed by 'Cyber Monday.'  Certainly a day when many people think about buying presents. There’s increasing understanding that every £1 or penny we spend has an impact which can be good, bad or ugly.What I mean by that is we have enormous choice when it comes to where we buy things, online and off.  We have options. And many people want to buy great quality and thoughtful gifts which also make the world better, not worse. So I've made a few recommendations. Feel free to send your own ideas and if I can, I'll mention them in a future show.Timings:0 - 2:25 Introduction2:25 Gift guide covering clothing, outdoor gear, bags, luxury items, a magazine, coffee, chocolate, other social enterprises, and independent businesses in Sheffield.11:20 Sheffield to enter Tier 3. Grants and support including lockdown support grants of up to £3,000; Restart and Recovery Fund (opening here on 2 Dec; first come, first served); supply chain support grants for businesses which supply other businesses forced to close.18:30 Support for social enterprises: The Thriving Communities Fund.20:55 Wrapping up and a mention for Bookshop.

How do you turn thoughts of a better future into reality? How can we create high-quality jobs,  make places work better for people, and truly enable an inclusive and green recovery?Paul Riley, director and network co-ordinator at Transition Liverpool CIC joined me for today's show, episode #320.He originally got in touch after I asked social entrepreneurs and purpose-driven business leaders to nominate the books which have had the biggest impact for them.In this episode, Paul covers three books (two of which I've read and know to be both brilliant and urgently applicable):Kate Raworth's Doughnut Economics (shortlisted for the FT/McKinsey business book of the year; named one of Forbes' best business books)Rob Hopkins' From What Is to What If (an imaginative tour de force showing how to change societies for the better)and Matthew Bolton's How to Resist, crammed with effective strategies for changemaking. Plus we discuss the green economy and yesterday's comments from Chris Stark, the chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change, that achieving net zero carbon emissions in the UK is likely easier than previously thought – and can be done to quickly improve the lives of millions.Also in this episode: a new business grant scheme in Sheffield; the Reset 2020 Festival of Social Enterprise; and the British Library's Start-Up Day.Timings:0 - 3:10 Introduction3:10 Paul Riley, Transition Liverpool CIC4:15 Discussing Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth15:07 Discussing From What Is to What If by Rob Hopkins24:17 Discussing How to Resist by Matthew Bolton30:10 Transition Liverpool CIC, its mission and actions to achieve this including sPark It Liverpool 33:19 What were the barriers to becoming a CIC?36:00 Reaching net-zero, making lives better: are we doing enough and what should we do? How to create great green jobs42:30 Forthcoming events including the British Library's Start-Up Day (with a Business & Intellectual Property Centre Sheffield session with Kisha Bradley)46:46 The Reset Festival in Sheffield City Region and International Social Enterprise Day48:25 new Business Grant scheme in Sheffield City Region49:40 Wrapping up and a Happy Birthday to Sheffield Live on FM radio

Food Works collects, upcycles and shares surplus food, preventing 7-9 tonnes from being wasted every week. CEO Rene Meijer describes how it achieves this – and what this fantastic social enterprise has been doing this half-term to ensure no child in Sheffield should go hungry.Rene explains how Food Works operates (and has adapted), how it makes ingredients and meals accessible to people and how it earns its income.I also asked Rene how his interest in food and sustainability has been shaped – and pressed him for leadership and management tips. His are well worth reflecting on.Also on the show: Rachel Veitch-Straw (no relation!) of Key Fund on a new capital grants programme for social enterprises (and a brief diversion into brass band music!)Plus I cover the local restrictions business support grant; Sheffield’s Business Response Group and its new Business Recovery Plan; an online shop selling goods from independent traders at The Moor Market and more.Timings:0 - 2:28 introduction2:28 Rene Meijer24:32 The  local restrictions business support grant27:01 Rachel Veitch-Straw36:07 Sheffield's Business Recovery Plan; The Moor Market; Printed By Us; wrapping upThis is episode #319 of Business Live – please do leave a rating or review, which helps more people to find it and hear from our fantastic guests.

Minreet Kaur is a freelance presenter, producer and reporter.  She’s worked in radio and television for the BBC, Sky News and multiple other media channels.Her father Rajinder Singh the "Skipping Sikh" has inspired people all over the world. His work to show people how to stay fit and healthy led to an MBE. Minreet used her journalistic skills and expertise to tell his story and make it go viral. Minreet has covered sensitive stories such as how divorce has been viewed as a stigma for women in the Sikh community, alcohol abuse and vitiligo with respect and dignity.But as a result of COVID she’s under-employed. She knows where she wants to be: presenting on The One Show, for example; sharing stories which need to be heard with warmth and compassion. She describes the stories she is most proud of, what she's doing to progress her career, and how journalism in changing in 2020.Minreet also has tips about how to get your message heard. She is frank about the difficulties of establishing a career in journalism, bias, and the need for action on inclusivity, diversity and nurturing talent in the media.Also in this episode (number 318 of the show): Tier 3 for Sheffield and South Yorkshire; changes to the Job Support Scheme; The CAF Resilience Fund for social enterprises and charitable organisations and more.Timings:0 - 42:38 Minreet Kaur interview44:07 Tier 3 for Sheffield and South Yorkshire45:06 Reduced employer contributions via The Jobs Support Scheme and other measures – brief details and some reaction49:04 Details of new grant funding available from the CAF Resilience Fund and loan/grant funding from The Social Investment Business Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund51:00 Good news for Sheffield Sustainable KitchensYou can watch Minreet Kaur's showreel here and get in touch with her via twitter or Linkedin.

We're talking about radio in episode 317 of Business Live. There's been a surge in listener numbers for local and community radio stations since the pandemic, and we explore why, with guests Sangita Basudev of Sheffield Live! and Shahid Ali of Link FM.It was Local Radio Day this week, highlighting the value of local radio to communities and celebrating the unique relationship between local broadcasting and listeners.Local radio has helped people to reduce isolation, tell their stories, keep in touch with local and relevant news, and hear journalists put people in authority to account. And a new piece of research has found that two thirds of UK adults now appreciate and value journalism more since the global coronavirus pandemic began.Sangita and Shahid both go into detail about how Sheffield Live! and Link FM are serving their audiences in 2020.And Sangita reveals an ambitious plan to expand choice for radio listeners tuning to digital radio in Sheffield and Rotherham, through small scale DAB (what's that? Listen to find out). Shefcast Digital, a social enterprise, could bring over 20 new digital radio stations to the airwaves.Timings:0 - 3:10 Introduction3:10 Sangita Basudev, Sheffield Live!22:31 Shahid Ali, Link FM36:36 Updates: Social Enterprise UK's Choose Communities and #BuySocial campaign; a CBE for Matt Smith of Sheffield-based social investor Key Fund; Sheffield Hallam named the best university for degree apprenticeship training at a national awards ceremony; a telephone patent clinic from the Business and IP Centre Sheffield.

Tony Robinson OBE is my guest for episode 316 of Business Live. Tony has hard won advice for anyone who runs their own business or is thinking about starting one. And he’s someone who has waled the walk and earned the right to give that advice having started and run businesses for over 30 years.This wide ranging chat also covers bootstrapping rather than borrowing, why small is beautiful and what Tony sees as a natural progression from E.F. Schumacher's views on "economics as if people mattered."We talk about what makes Tony so angry with business stadium speakers and scammers and why he’s using his new book The Happipreneur - Why #MicroBizMatters? written with Taryn Lee Johnston, to support a not-for-profit campaign group, #ExcludedUK, that acts as an "inclusive alliance for the excluded."Also in this episode: Applications are open for the Community Business Trade Up Programme, run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), in partnership with Power to Change. Up to £10,000 grants plus peer support could be available.And almost £100m has been spent through Social Enterprise UK's "The Buy Social Corporate Challenge" according to new figures. 24 of the UK’s biggest businesses have signed up.

How do you make sales easy? What's the difference between a prospect and a suspect – and why should you treat each differently?Steve Knapp is the author of a best-selling sales book and one of the people behind a programme called Plan.Grow.Do, which offers fully funded training here in the Sheffield City Region. He has plenty of tips about effective selling in today's show, and describes the structure and content of the Plan Grow Do programme – perhaps your business could benefit?Andy Freeman of Space to Breathe was one of 50 business leaders who piloted Plan Grow Do earlier this year. The results for Andy were transformational - he describes how in this episode.Also on today's show: the Chancellor's Winter Economy Plan statement included a replacement for the furlough scheme, and a number of other measures designed to support businesses and protect jobs. Will they do that? We cover what they are and some reactions.Plus Danny Kruger's new report, Levelling up our Communities, was published this week. Commissioned by the government, it includes measures which might enable more social enterprises and small businesses to win public sector contracts. Details of those later on.

Here's a super retail success story. 20 months ago Kelly Wright launched The Refillery – now Edinburgh's largest plastic-free and ethical shop.She left a well-paid corporate job to launch the business. Even before Covid-19 some folk might have had doubts about launching a bricks-and-mortar retail business when many high streets are struggling. It was certainly a 'huge financial risk' for Kelly, she says: 'at times I couldn't breathe...'But The Refillery has gone from strength to strength, smashing through Kelly's first-year targets, becoming a local community hub as well as a thriving business, winning an award from an international foundation, and adapting through lockdown.Why did Kelly leave a job she loved and was good at to launch The Refillery? How did she fund its startup costs? How did she adapt during lockdown? What have been the biggest challenges – and what is she most proud of? And what's next for the business? Kelly covers it all in this interview.Also in this episode: social enterprise in Africa offers 'job creation on steroids' according to new British Council report.Timings:0-3 introduction and almost-a-rant from me3:37 Kelly Wright interview3:50 What The Refillery in Edinburgh sells5:06 Kelly's previous career and why she launched the business after working on initiatives to reduce packaging and wanting to make a positive – and radical – change8:14 Was it frightening to make this leap?9:00 The key moment which helped Kelly when she nearly gave up her dream and continued in her job – but instead, pushed through to make The Refillery happen11:05 How The Refillery became a lifeline in recent months12:00 What Kelly did to adapt and protect customers' and colleagues' health as a result of Covid-19 – and how she launched a click-and-collect service16:07 How Kelly financed the business using her own savings and support from DSL Business Finance17:41 The challenge of finding the right premises (and another rant from me!)20:00 How The Refillery has totally surpassed Kelly's expectations21:36 In July The Refillery won the Environmental Sustainability category in the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards – how is Kelly using the cash prize?22:22 Launching 'The Refillery Community' nationwide and how this will scale-up plastic-free retailing25:00 These are UK-wide plans, including for Sheffield and other cities28:53 Some great advice Kelly had early on30:20 Wrapping up Kelly's interview and contact details31:07 Have your say! Sheffield City Region LEP's strategic economic plan32:25 'Job creation on steroids' – study finds social enterprise offers opportunity to create jobs and reboot economies (additional reporting from the Thomson Reuters Foundation)36:32 Wrapping up this episode and how to put yourself forward as a future guest

Would you like a slice of £250,000 to start a business which will solve a pressing problem? Em Scicluna joined me on the show today to tell us about a new scholarship programme for 18-22 year olds, launched by business accelerator TwinklHive.Em is TwinklHive's Resident Growth Manager at Twinkl Educational Publishing. She outlines what’s the scholarship includes, who can apply and how to do so, and what Twinkl are looking for.Em also covers some other entrepreneurs supported by TwinklHive before this scheme – and her own background before taking on this role.Also on the show: a bumper bonanza of business book recommendations with excerpts from interviews with purpose-driven entrepreneurs Johnny Pawlik and Sarah David, each talking about books which made a dramatic, powerful impact on their businesses and their lives.

The word went out: tell me about a book which helped you in business. And Jane Austin of Persuasion Communications got in touch with an intriguing choice: not "Persuasion" by her near namesake Jane Austen, but Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre.Jane explains how re-reading Jane Eyre gave comfort through the difficulties of the pandemic – and how great novels like this offer lessons we can all benefit from in terms of communicating with others with more empathy and understanding.The Brontës and Thomas Hardy are immersive and as relevant as ever, says Jane, and the characters in these books engender many values of great use at the moment: in business, in life.Timings:0 - 2:17 introduction,2:17 Jane Austin,25:46 Another chance to hear a recent interview with Mihaela Gruia,46:00 Wrapping up.

"In a world when a lot of things are hard and tough, art is leading the way to beauty and some of the best things that we can achieve in our humanity, I love art." Jean-Michel Ledru.Much is written and said about effective management. But sometimes actions don't follow words. So it was wonderful to hear from Jean-Michel Ledru, CEO of Merci Maman, a five million-turnover personalised jewellery company.Ledru's passion for people and mission as a manager and in business to contribute to their happiness and growth is clearly underpinned by actions. How do you nurture a culture where people are joyful to work and empowered to try new things? A business where "magic" thrives? What does effective management mean in practice? Can it be learned? Ledru gives a thorough insight into his management and leadership philosophy in this interview.Now 58, he has worked in more than 25 countries in Europe and Africa holding varied CEO roles, running a business selling musical instruments online, then creating the startup incubator in one of the top business schools in Europe. He took up the role at Merci Maman three months ago and I hope you'll enjoy his thoughtful and frank answers in this episode. Here are the timings:0 - 2:36 Introduction.2:36 Jean-Michel Ledru's career: 14 years at Burger King, traveling widely; CEO of a food business in South Africa, then CEO of a chain of seafood restaurants in France; launching his own business; then 10 years at EDHEC Business School.6:30 How Jean-Michel became CEO of Merci Maman and why he was so excited to take up the role.8:40 Merci Maman and the message on Ledru's own personalised jewelry.10:40 If you want the customers to feel something magical, you need something magical in the business itself. How Ledru nurtures an environment in which magic can thrive.12:46 Why "try" is one of Merci Maman's values, and what happens if it doesn't work.13:30 The impact of "Analysing Performance Problems" – a management book by Robert F. Mager and Peter Pipe published in 1991.14:40 "As a manager, when people don't succeed you fail."16:20 Jean-Michel also recommends "The Mind Illuminated" by John Yates, covering meditation (which he has practiced for 25 years) and neuroscience.18:30 We are all different, and need to find our own paths to health and well-being: whatever makes us happy and joyful, says Jean-Michel, who runs because he likes it.22:15 Painting, art, and all forms of creation.23:07 How and why did Merci Maman's sales grow so much recently? Jean-Michel explains.26:40 Working internationally: experiences and advice.30:00 The crucial importance of diversity, listening, and letting people try things.32:20 Why I think you should read Figuring by Maria Popova.33:17 How to put yourself forward to be on the show.34:01 Countdown to Art in the Gardens in Sheffield's Botanical Gardens.36:26 Wrapping up.

There's a lots of smoke and mirrors in online retail, especially when it comes to suppliers of PPC, SEO and other services necessary to build a successful ecommerce store.But Paul Clapham knows how to choose the right partners so his business, Uskees, gets the results it needs. There can be smoke and mirrors around the word 'sustainable' too, especially when it comes to fashion. The industry is notorious for the detrimental environmental and human impacts of fast fashion. Now, brands and labels are desperate to append the term 'sustainable' to their business, often with no clear explanation of what that means.In this episode, Paul covers:what he means by 'fast fashion' and how Uskees stands against thiswhy Uskees moved from selling other firms' clothes to launching their own clothing rangethe principles of sustainability in Uskees' clothing, including materials, packaging, avoiding plastics, repair kits and moremistakes he's made when working with SEO and PPC partners – and how he now chooses and works with people to get results and share the rewardswhy he chose Shopify as the platform for online salesthe life and business-changing impacts of two books he recommends, 'Why We Sleep' by Matthew Walker and 'Factfulness' by Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling RönnlundAlso in this episode: Sheffield well-being startup, Champion Health, launched by young social entrepreneur Harry Bliss, has expanded with support and investment from education publisher Twinkl.

The media has become notorious for its barriers to social mobility. It’s easy for a young person to gain work experience and secure paid internships if they have a parent with connections; it can be impossible for people without access to a network to gain experience.Think that's not a problem? Even if you don't care about inequality of opportunity then the numbers should convince you: businesses which are more diverse and more inclusive perform better, according to multiple varied pieces of research.Many businesses want to become more inclusive. What do they need to do? Listen to Arit Eminue. She runs DiVA, a recruitment and training organisation specialising in creative, business, and digital apprenticeships. She’s supported at least 1000 individuals into employment through apprenticeships and paid internships. In this episode Arit describes how she's helped people into work; what skills are in biggest demand; how businesses can become more inclusive and her five-step framework (LATTE) to support efforts to be anti-racist. She also covers her own journey from foster care to multi-award winning entrepreneur with clients including media brands such as All3 Media, Sony Music, the BBC, Warner Music, Endemol Shine UK, Warner Bros, the Southbank Centre, Fremantle and UK Music.Arit also tells me about her (brilliant) YouTube channel, and the book she recommends the most. Listen to find out what it is.Our second guest in this week's show is sales expert Paul Durrant. He responded to my call for entrepreneurs to name the books which made the most impact on their business. I was looking for practical points which people had read and implemented.Paul made the leap from employee to business owner six years ago, catalysed by the book he recommends. His sales consultancy business is now thriving. And he's now an author himself.Paul tells us more about the tools and learning he acquired from his recommended book, and his own book containing practical sales tips. He has a clear, succinct piece of sales advice in this episode too.Timings:0 - 1:58 introductions1:58 - 28:39 Arit Eminue28:39 - 41:01 Paul Durrant41:01 get in touch, funding, events and wrapping upLinks mentioned in the show:Arit's LATTE framework: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-scared-being-called-out-racist-pull-up-chair-have-arit-eminue/ and YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwbKi8RaDavlQsvbCy_qE1AHer business: https://www.divaapprenticeships.comFind Paul's own book (on Amazon) here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Entrepreneurial-Sales-practical-entrepreneurial-sales-savvy/dp/1916230407/Paul's business: https://pdtsalesconsultancy.co.uk/Sheffield City Council's support for Sheffield businesses: https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/your-city-council/coronavirus-support-for-businessBusiness Sheffield's August virtual workshop programme http://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/business/events

It waits for no-one and if lost is never found again. Free yet priceless. We're talking of course about time: many business leaders wish they had more of it.Victoria Moffatt, the founder of LexRex, knows how to get more time. Her firm specialises in helping lawyers communicate. A former lawyer herself, Victoria read The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss soon after it was published. The book "blew her mind." She describes why in this interview.Soon after launching LexRex, Victoria needed to outsource. Effective outsourcing is a tenet of The Four Hour Workweek, and Victoria put many of its principles into action. But outsourcing well can be challenging. Many business leaders really struggle with it. Victoria covers the mistakes she made and her three crucial steps to outsourcing effectively.Also in this episode: Tony Gibbs of Marque is an avid reader of business books. What's his top book recommendation and why? How did he put what he learned from it into action? Listen in to find out.Some readers get inspired by business books but then move to the next one – and the one after that – without implementing what they learned. Victoria and Tony both love reading, but it's clear they changed their businesses and how they work as a result of the books they discuss in this episode. These books boosted their businesses, perhaps they can boost yours too.

What's complicated and costly for many companies? The energy market. But in today's show, practical advice on how to navigate your energy costs from Linda Spencer of Professional Energy Purchasing Ltd.Energy companies seem to pass wholesale price rises on to customers immediately. Yet many businesses feel there's a big delay before their supplier passes on any drops in the wholesale price. Linda explains why. Her business helps customers reduce their overall energy usage too. She tells me how.Alongside these and other energy saving and purchasing tips Linda offers a healthy dose of Yorkshire inspiration. She set up her business in 2013. Seven years later she has several members of staff and the business' growth has been entirely self-funded.Also on the show:Book review: A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom StandageTrials of electric vans for Sheffield businessesThe Social Enterprise Support FundThe Well Rotherham Y Accelerator Social Connectivity ChallengeWorrying GDP and employment data from the ONSThe Job Retention Bonus scheme and the Kickstart schemeThe Eat Out to Help Out initiative and the VAT cutHope you enjoy this episode – if so, please do leave a review or rating! Thanks for listening.Timings:0 – 1:47 Introduction1:47 Interview with Linda Spencer of Professional Energy Purchasing31:48 Electric vans for Sheffield34:24 Business and social enterprise funding and support (Social Enterprise Support Fund; The Well Rotherham Y Accelerator Social Connectivity Challenge and more)43:05 Book review of A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage45:12 Wrapping up

An interview with David Hanney, CEO of outdoor equipment manufacturer and retailer Alpkit, plus business and social enterprise funding opportunities and two book recommendations.David covers Alpkit's Foundation, funded by the business and making small grants with huge impacts; Alpkit's astonishing share offer success this week; the firm's commitment to sustainability and its journey to accreditation as a B Corp.Alpkit launched in 2004 and designs, sources and sells outdoor equipment, clothing and bikes. Its Alpkit Foundation (a charity with nine trustees, funded by 1% of Alpkit sales) donates small grants to all sorts of projects across four themes: diversity and inclusion, participation, environment and health and wellbeing. "A small amount of money can build a lifelong love of the outdoors," says David.David describes the phenomenal impact which small grants can make and how to apply to the Foundation. And he has a wonderful story of a key moment which led to formally launching the foundation.As a business Alpkit is going from strength to strength with record sales over the last 12 weeks, where like-for-like sales were up 50 per cent to £2.3m. What's driven the growth? David explains.And this week Alpkit launched a share offer on Crowdcube through which customers could become shareholders in Alpkit from just £10. This reached its target of £750,000 in eight minutes and went on to hit its £1.5m cap 44 minutes later.It brought in nearly 1400 new share owners: customers and members of staff. "We've been completely overwhelmed by the support," says David, "at one point there were five people investing per second...it was like watching Glastonbury tickets sell out." He also has advice for other businesses considering making this kind of public share offer.Alpkit itself is on the way to accreditation as a B Corporation (a business meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose).We cover how businesses must take responsibility for driving positive changes, Alpkit's environmental sustainability reporting, and David's ambition for Alpkit to be a world-class B Corp by 2023. There's another lovely story featuring a Blue Peter annual too.Also in this week's programme: three business funding opportunities; events; an important call for social enterprises; two book recommendations (Women of Steel by Michelle Rawlins and Figuring by Maria Popova) and more.Timings and links to resources mentioned in the show at https://www.jamieveitch.co.uk