Tod Talks from Toddle About

Toddle About
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Tod Talks shines a light on the amazing businesses supporting families with children aged 0–5. Hosted by Toddle About’s Bill Clapson, each episode introduces a new guest from the world of parenting and early years, sharing insights, inspiration and practical tips. Whether you're a parent navigating the early years or a business serving this community, you'll find stories worth hearing. Discover what’s out there—and how it can help your family or your business grow.

  1. How One Mum Built a Successful Handmade Children's Clothing Brand | Anna from Raph & Rose

    8 hrs ago

    How One Mum Built a Successful Handmade Children's Clothing Brand | Anna from Raph & Rose

    Subscribe to the free magazine:⁠⁠https://toddleabout.co.uk/magazine/north-hampshire-west-berks/ In this episode of Tod Talks, Bill Clapson chats with Anna, founder of Raph & Rose, a handmade children's clothing brand creating bright, colourful and comfortable clothing for babies and children. Based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, Anna shares how a hobby making clothes for friends and family evolved into a successful business. Inspired by the birth of her daughter and frustrated by the lack of fun, vibrant children's clothing available on the high street, she decided to create her own designs and build a brand that celebrates colour, creativity and individuality. Anna discusses teaching herself to sew, launching products on Etsy, the unexpected boost her business received during the pandemic, and the realities of balancing entrepreneurship with family life. The conversation also explores the importance of supporting local businesses, sustainable production, and why every Raph & Rose garment is designed, printed and handmade in the UK using 100% organic cotton. Whether you're a parent looking for unique children's clothing or a small business owner seeking inspiration, this episode offers a fascinating insight into building a purpose-driven brand from the ground up. Find out more about Raph & Rose: https://www.raphandrose.com Follow Tod Talks for more conversations with the brilliant businesses helping families thrive. #TodTalks #ToddleAbout #RaphAndRose #ChildrensClothing #OrganicCotton #ShopSmallUK #Mumpreneur #SmallBusinessUK #HandmadeInBritain #FamilyBusiness

    6 min
  2. Toddle About Live: Baby & Toddler Sleep Tips with Norland-Qualified Nanny Melanie Hastings

    3d ago

    Toddle About Live: Baby & Toddler Sleep Tips with Norland-Qualified Nanny Melanie Hastings

    Subscribe to the free magazine:⁠⁠https://toddleabout.co.uk/magazine/north-hampshire-west-berks/ This special episode of Todd Talks was recorded live at Toddle About Live, where Bill sat down with exhibitors, experts, and local businesses supporting families across the region. In this short Toddle About Live special, Bill catches up with Melanie Hastings, a Norland-qualified nanny and certified sleep consultant to discuss her holistic approach to helping families improve sleep. Melanie explains why every child is different, why sleep isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and how factors you might never consider including pets, daily routines, and family dynamics can have a huge impact on a child's sleep patterns. Bill and Melanie discuss: • Why successful sleep support starts with understanding the whole family • How daytime sleep affects nighttime sleep • Common causes of disrupted sleep in babies and toddlers • Supporting twins with different sleep needs • Early morning wake-ups as the mornings get lighter • The difference between virtual and in-home sleep support Drawing on her experience as a Norland-qualified nanny and sleep specialist, Melanie shares practical insights into helping families move from simply surviving sleepless nights to thriving with routines that work for everyone. This episode is part of a special Toddle About Live series, showcasing the businesses, experts, and services helping local families thrive. Look for the next episode coming soon. Find out more about Melanie's work at https://site.melaniehastings.sleepnanny.co.uk

    7 min

  3. May 19

    How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market + Get Found by AI | Dan Sagar Part 2 | Tod Talks

    In Part 2 of Bill Clapson’s conversation with business growth coach DS Business Growth founder Dan Sagar, the focus shifts to one of the biggest challenges facing modern businesses: standing out in a crowded marketplace. Dan shares practical strategies that small businesses, local service providers, and family-focused brands can use to differentiate themselves from competitors, build trust faster, and improve their visibility in AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT and Google AI. Topics covered in this episode include: How to analyse your competitors properlyWhy reviews and reputation matter more than everUsing experience and credibility to build trustCreating guarantees and promises that attract customersWhy pricing transparency helps businesses growHow knowledge-base content improves SEO and AI visibilityThe future of Google search and AI recommendationsCommon marketing mistakes that reduce trust onlineHow local businesses can improve their AI trust signals Dan also explains how businesses can start preparing now for the shift towards AI-driven search and discovery, including tools and strategies that can help businesses get recommended more often online. If you run a local business, children’s activity company, franchise, or service-based business, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can start using immediately. Find out more about Dan and his coaching programmes at DS Business Growth Toddle About magazine is free to subscribe directly to your door - ⁠http://toddle.fun/subscribe

    25 min

  4. May 5

    Ride On Time: Kids Parties, Play Sessions & Road Safety for Under 5s | Tod Talks

    In this episode of Tod Talks, Bill sits down with Tracey Taylor, co-owner of Ride On Time, a unique children’s activity business bringing ride-on toy parties, play sessions, and early years road safety education to families across Oxfordshire and beyond. Tracey shares how a simple idea inspired by her own children grew into a thriving business with over 100 ride-on toys, unforgettable party experiences, and expanding franchise opportunities across the UK. But Ride On Time is more than just fun. Tracey reveals the powerful mission behind their “Safe Little Steps” programme, helping young children learn vital road safety skills through play. With UK road accident statistics highlighting the importance of early education, this work is making a real difference to families and communities. In this episode, you’ll discover:• How Ride On Time creates stress-free, high-energy kids’ parties• Why play-based learning is key to early years development• The importance of teaching road safety from a young age• How nurseries and schools can access the Safe Little Steps programme• Opportunities to join the Ride On Time franchise Whether you’re a parent, nursery, or local business, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical ideas. Find out more: https://rideontimehire.com/ If you are interested in learning more about franchise opportunities with Ride on Time then get in touch with Tracey at 07789 887 636, or via email at info@rideontimehire.com. Toddle About magazine is free to subscribe directly to your door - http://toddle.fun/subscribe

    22 min

  5. Apr 21

    Spring with Toddle About: Events, Activities & Family Fun for 0–5s | Quarterly Update with Bill & Emily

    Spring has arrived and with it, a brand-new issue of Toddle About! In this quarterly update, Bill and Emily Clapson are back to chat through everything happening in the world of Toddle About—from live events and exciting new features to the must-read content inside the latest magazine. Click here to subscribe to Toddle About Find out more about Toddle About Baby Show, Milton Keynes, click here. Find out more about Toddle About LIVE! Suffolk click here.

    40 min

  6. Apr 7

    Ducks 2 Water founder James Nugent on swimming lessons built for every child

    Toddle About magazine is free to subscribe directly to your door - http://toddle.fun/subscribe Ducks2Water is a swim school built around confidence, enjoyment, and progress, helping children learn to swim in a calm, supportive environment parents trust. Ducks2Water offers child-first swimming lessons for babies, toddlers, and children, from early Ducklings classes through to Swim England Stages 1–7. Lessons are delivered across Buckinghamshire, with each programme designed to support steady progress at a pace that feels right for every child. Our approach combines recognised Swim England progression with engaging, confidence-led teaching. Children are encouraged, supported, and taught with care, helping them enjoy the water while building skills that parents can trust will last. To find out more about Ducks 2 Water head to https://www.ducks2water.com

    30 min

  7. Mar 24

    Small business support special with business growth expert Dan Sagar

    Toddle About magazine is free to subscribe directly to your door - http://toddle.fun/subscribe In this special episode of Toddle About Bill is joined by business growth expert Dan Sagar. Dan gives his 3 top actionable steps that will help transform your business. If you are a small business owner this episode is a must listen (or watch). If you would like to connect with Dan head to https://dsbusinessgrowth.co.uk

    27 min

  8. Mar 10

    Building a Family Business and Designing Your Retirement | Richard & Chloe Pearce from Richard Pearce Wealth Management

    Subscribe to the free magazine:⁠⁠https://toddleabout.co.uk/magazine/north-hampshire-west-berks/ In this episode of Tod Talks, Bill sits down with Richard and Chloe Pearce from Richard Pearce Wealth Management, a family-run financial planning business focused on helping people design the retirement they actually want. Richard spent 17 years working in financial services before starting his own firm so he could focus on what he’s most passionate about: pensions and helping people plan their future with confidence. Chloe later joined the business to run operations and business development, turning it into a true family partnership. But their story took an unexpected turn when their son Archie was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just eight years old. The experience reshaped their priorities, strengthened their family values, and inspired them to give back to the community that supported them. If you would like to find out more about Richard Pearce Wealth Management head to https://richardpearcewealthmanagement.co.uk If you would like to support Archie with his fundraising efforts head to https://www.justgiving.com/page/archie-pearce-t1d

    27 min
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About

Tod Talks shines a light on the amazing businesses supporting families with children aged 0–5. Hosted by Toddle About’s Bill Clapson, each episode introduces a new guest from the world of parenting and early years, sharing insights, inspiration and practical tips. Whether you're a parent navigating the early years or a business serving this community, you'll find stories worth hearing. Discover what’s out there—and how it can help your family or your business grow.

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