This Is The North

Alison Dunn
This Is The North

The gap between the rich and the poor, the North and the South is greater than ever before. And yet, the North has a rich history of world changing industry and innovation. So, what’s happened? How have we got here and what are we going to do about it? On This is the North, we explore these questions. With expert guests, including academics, local business people, and charity leaders, we discuss why the poverty gap matters and what we can do about it. Hosted by Alison Dunn, charity Chief Executive and dedicated social justice advocate, This Is The North is a podcast that comes from the North, is about the North, and celebrates our creativity - past, present and future. We’ll ask how can we all use our influence to create a better future for the North. ... Connect with Alison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisondunncag/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 9 JAN

    Ep 25. Feeding Hope: From Food Insecurity to Systemic Change with Professor Greta Defeyter OBE

    Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society. In this powerful episode, Alison speaks with Professor Greta Defeyter OBE, Director of the Healthy Living Lab at Northumbria University, about the devastating impact of food insecurity. With one in five children living in food-insecure households, Professor Defeyter brings both academic expertise and personal insight to this urgent conversation. Through her remarkable journey—from returning to rural Suffolk in the mid-80s as a single mother with just 16 pence and a pair of hiking boots to a leading academic researcher and recent recipient of an OBE for her services —Greta illuminates the complex web of challenges facing food-insecure families. She shares how a chance encounter with a child stuffing toast into his pockets at a school breakfast club transformed her research focus, leading to groundbreaking work on food insecurity and school feeding programmes. The conversation delves deep into systemic issues, from the normalisation of breakfast clubs and food banks to the barriers preventing eligible families from accessing free school meals. Professor Defeyter challenges current approaches, advocating for auto-enrolment systems and questioning why £88 million in unused free school meal allowances vanish from school systems annually. The discussion reveals how seemingly simple solutions, such as providing water fountains in schools or allowing meal allowances to roll over, face bureaucratic hurdles that disproportionately impact the most vulnerable students. Episode Timestamps: 00:42 Defining Food Insecurity 02:18 Professor Defeyter's Personal Journey 04:32 The Evolution of Breakfast Clubs 06:08 Impact of Food Insecurity on Child Development 13:02 Barriers to Access 27:48 Affordable Food Hubs and Alternative Solutions 32:35 Policy Recommendations 40:34 Auto-enrolment and Future Solutions This episode serves as a powerful call to action in how we address food insecurity. Through Professor Defeyter's insights, we see how seemingly separate issues—from school food standards to data sharing between government departments—connect to create and perpetuate cycles of food poverty. Her vision for change, including auto-enrolment for benefits and reimagining school food systems, offers hope for a more equitable future. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe now to stay updated and help shape a brighter, more equitable future. Host: Alison Dunn  Guest: Professor Greta Defeyter OBE Producer: Peter Bell 🔗 Key Publications This podcast is produced by Purpose Made, empowering change through intentional leadership and shared knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  2. 15/12/2024

    Ep 24. Business, Legacy, and Innovation: A Conversation with Charlie Hoult

    Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society. In this compelling episode, Alison delves into the heart of Northern entrepreneurship with Charlie Hoult, a visionary fourth-generation businessman whose family legacy has helped shape the North East's business landscape. As the driving force behind Hoults Yard Business Centre, Charlie embodies the transformative spirit of modern entrepreneurship while honouring the rich industrial heritage of his family's century-old enterprise, which began with Maling's Pottery. Through intimate conversation, Charlie unveils the delicate balance of preserving family legacy while embracing innovation and change. His journey from traditional industry to creating a dynamic business hub reflects the broader evolution of the North's economy. The discussion explores how Hoults Yard has adapted to modern workplace demands, pioneering hybrid work solutions and fostering a vibrant community of entrepreneurs. Charlie's involvement with the National Innovation Centre for Data demonstrates his commitment to positioning the North East at the forefront of technological advancement. This episode transcends typical business discourse by examining the intersection of family values, entrepreneurial spirit, and regional development. Charlie's insights into community-building offer a blueprint for sustainable economic growth in the North. His story exemplifies how traditional business wisdom, when combined with forward-thinking innovation, can create lasting positive change in our communities and challenge the systemic barriers facing Northern development. Episode Timestamps: 00:30 Meet Charlie Hoult 01:06 The Legacy of Hoults Yard 10:12 Adapting Through Crises 11:27 Charlie's Diverse Career Path 15:06 Entrepreneurial Insights and Challenges 19:28 Risk-Taking and Business Planning 21:43 Balancing Family and Risk 22:17 Generational Change and Entrepreneurship 23:31 Political Aspirations and Community Impact 26:37 Tech Innovation and Regional Development 35:15 Conscious Capitalism and Networking 40:34 Future of the North East 45:04 Final Thoughts This episode serves as a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship, demonstrating how traditional business values can evolve to meet contemporary challenges while maintaining their core purpose. Charlie's story reminds us that true business success isn't just measured in profits but in the lasting impact we create in our communities and the opportunities we create for future generations. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe now to stay updated and help shape a brighter, more equitable future. Host: Alison Dunn  Guest: Charlie Hoult Producer: Peter Bell This podcast is produced by Purpose Made, empowering change through intentional leadership and shared knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  3. 17/11/2024

    Ep 23. Gambling with Lives: James Grimes on Addiction, Advocacy, and Systemic Reform

    Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society. In this compelling episode, Alison speaks with James Grimes, Head of Prevention at Gambling with Lives, about the devastating and often-overlooked crisis of gambling addiction. This epidemic has claimed countless lives and continues to disproportionately harm communities in the North of England. James shares his deeply personal journey, charting a path from despair to redemption, and exposes how a seemingly innocuous pastime can spiral into a life-altering compulsion. Together, they unpack the societal and systemic forces that allow gambling harms to persist—from the legacy of the 2005 Gambling Act to the alarming rise of youth gambling. They also highlight the powerful work of Gambling with Lives, a charity founded by bereaved families advocating for reform and offering support to those affected. This episode dives into the ethical and social dimensions of gambling-related harms, drawing parallels to Big Tobacco and spotlighting the urgent need for systemic change. Through initiatives like The Big Step campaign and grassroots recovery programmes, James and Alison reveal a hopeful path forward—a way to reclaim lives and challenge an industry that profits from vulnerability. This isn’t just a conversation about addiction; it’s a wake-up call. It’s a rallying cry for communities, leaders, and policymakers to confront entrenched systems, rethink the way we address gambling harms, and fight for a future where no one is left behind. Episode Timestamps: 00:42 The Impact of the 2005 Gambling Act 02:18 Gambling’s Effect on Youth and Families 04:32 Comparing Gambling to Big Tobacco: Parallels and Differences 05:29 The Role of Personal Responsibility vs Industry Accountability 06:08 Gambling-Related Suicides: The Hidden Epidemic 13:02 James Grimes’ Journey to Recovery 27:48 The Big Step Campaign: Advocacy in Action 32:35 Support Systems and Recovery Resources This episode serves as a powerful reminder that real change requires collective action—from grassroots campaigns to bold regulatory reform. James’ story reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, recovery and hope are possible. By amplifying voices like his, Alison Dunn challenges us to confront entrenched norms, spark systemic reform, and imagine a future where no life is sacrificed to preventable harm. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe now to stay updated on conversations that matter and help shape a brighter, more equitable future. Host: Alison Dunn Guest: James Grimes Producer: Peter Bell This podcast is produced by Purpose Made, empowering change through intentional leadership and shared knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

  4. 27/10/2024

    Ep 22. Exploring Worlds Through Words: A Conversation with Anne Cleeves

    Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society. In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with the brilliant Ann Cleeves, best known for her globally acclaimed crime fiction. Our conversation covered her journey from an avid library-goer to an award-winning author, and her commitment to the communities she writes about. Ann’s work captures not only the suspense of crime and mystery but also the underlying social issues, empathy, and resilience found in real life. We delved into Ann’s early life, the variety of jobs that shaped her perspective, and her pathway to publication. She shared insights into the importance of authentic settings, drawing on her love for the North East and how it plays a pivotal role in her stories. Ann’s novels, like Raven Black, and her recent bestseller, The Dark Wives, explore complex characters and themes that resonate far beyond the page, touching on real societal issues. One highlight of our discussion was the Reading for Wellbeing Project, an initiative close to Ann’s heart, which emphasises the mental health and wellbeing benefits of reading for pleasure. We discussed how this project is bringing comfort, community, and mental health support to people through books and shared reading experiences. Ann also shared her thoughts on the challenges libraries face today and the critical need for public funding to keep these invaluable resources alive for future generations. This conversation with Ann reminded me of the power of storytelling to build connections, honour community roots, and advocate for change. Her stories are more than mysteries; they are reflections of the voices and places that shape us, and they serve as a call to remember the social and educational spaces—like libraries—that nurture and inspire us all. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:22 – Ann's Early Life and Inspirations 03:10 – The Journey to Becoming a Published Author 05:18 – Challenges in the Publishing Industry 08:09 – The Dark Wives 09:58 – Impact of Social Issues on Writing 12:02 – Vera: A Global Phenomenon 14:46 – Adapting Books to Screen 17:07 – The Inspiration Behind Raven Black 17:58 – The Essence of Crime Writing 20:54 – Challenges Facing Libraries Today 26:06 – Reading for Wellbeing Project 32:57 – Upcoming Works and Final Thoughts Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe and join us in building a brighter, more inclusive future. Alison Dunn (Host) Ann Cleeves (Guest) Peter Bell (Producer) This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, committed to driving societal change through shared knowledge and transformative conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  5. 13/10/2024

    Ep 21. Bridging the Gap: Sir David Bell on Unlocking Talent and Creating Opportunity in the North

    Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society. In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Sunderland University. Sir David’s career in education and public service is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a headteacher to serving as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education, and now leading Sunderland University, he’s been consistently driven by a deep commitment to expanding education, creating opportunity, and strengthening community at every turn. We explored Sir David’s diverse work across politics, education, and his impactful role with Carbon Homes in social housing. Sir David also offered a rare insider’s perspective on the critical role of civil servants during political transitions, unpacking what it truly means to "speak truth to power" and how to navigate those pivotal moments of leadership with integrity and purpose. But perhaps the most important takeaway from our conversation is something Sir David said that truly resonates with me: “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t.” That simple truth underlines everything we discussed. Our job—whether in education, politics, social policy, or community development—is to close that gap. It’s about creating the opportunities that unlock the talent that exists all around us, especially here in the North. This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a reminder that creating opportunity is not just a goal but a responsibility we all share. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to This Is The North Podcast 00:30 Meet Sir David Bell: A Storied Career in Education 01:20 The Secret to Success: Loving Every Job 03:05 Diverse Interests: From Housing to Arts and Culture 06:02 Role of a Permanent Secretary: Insights and Experiences 09:27 Transitioning Governments: Challenges and Processes 20:16 Civil Service Dynamics: Speaking Truth to Power 26:03 Addressing Disparities: Education and Social Mobility 30:36 Regional Focus: Skills and Devolved Government 35:17 Sunderland University: A Unique Institution 38:48 Sunderland Medical School: Expanding Opportunities 42:55 Conclusion: Celebrating Success Stories Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe now and join us in empowering our communities and shaping a brighter, more equitable future. Alison Dunn (Host) Sir David Bell (Guest) Peter Bell (Producer) This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, committed to driving societal change through shared knowledge and transformative conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

  6. 29/09/2024

    Ep 20. Driving Disability Inclusion in Business: A Conversation with Katie Talikowska

    Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society. In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Katie Talikowska, CEO of The Valuable 500, a global movement focused on making disability a boardroom priority. The Valuable 500 is working with over 500 global businesses, including household names like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, representing a collective workforce of more than 23 million employees and a combined market cap of 23 trillion US dollars. Together, Katie and I dive into the challenges of driving systemic change, exploring the cultural differences and barriers that often stand in the way of genuine inclusion. Katie highlights the importance of inclusive leadership, transparent reporting, and authentic representation. We round off our conversation by looking ahead to the SYNC 25 Accountability Summit in Tokyo, a pivotal event for tracking progress in disability inclusion on a global scale. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - The Mission of The Valuable 500 05:09 - Tackling Cultural Differences in Disability Inclusion 08:36 - Katie’s Journey: From Advertising to Advocacy 09:09 - The Maltesers Campaign: Shifting Public Perception on Disability 14:24 - The Vision of Caroline Casey and the Birth of The Valuable 500 19:39 - Convincing Global Companies to Join The Valuable 500 22:42 - Strategic Focus Areas: Leadership, Representation, and Accountability 25:13 - Challenges with Employee Retention in Disability Inclusion 25:57 - The Role and Importance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) 28:27 - Disability Inclusion in SMEs: How Smaller Businesses Can Make a Difference 31:11 - The Power of Intersectionality in Disability Inclusion 33:02 - Media’s Role in Normalising Disability Representation 38:50 - Dealing with Backlash Against Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Efforts 41:44 - SYNC 25: The Upcoming Accountability Summit in Tokyo 47:20 - Final Call to Action for Disability Inclusion This conversation with Katie reinforces a crucial lesson: inclusion is not a one-off project—it’s a continuous, strategic effort that needs to be embedded into the core of every business. Katie’s work with The Valuable 500 reminds us that true progress only happens when we’re willing to push beyond surface-level diversity initiatives and hold ourselves accountable for creating lasting, systemic change. The upcoming SYNC 25 Summit will be a powerful opportunity to do just that. Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe now to join us in empowering our communities and shaping a brighter, more equitable future. Alison Dunn (Host) Katie Talikowska (Guest) Peter Bell (Producer) This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, committed to driving societal change through shared knowledge and transformative conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min

  7. 15/09/2024

    Ep. 19 Behind the Curtain: How Politics Really Works (feat. Joe Tanner)

    Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society. In this fascinating episode, Alison engages in a candid, thought-provoking conversation with Jo Tanner, a renowned political strategist who has worked across the political spectrum and is a regular commentator on current affairs. Jo began her career as a broadcast journalist before leading the PR efforts for Boris Johnson’s 2008 Mayoral campaign. Today, she’s a familiar face on programmes like Good Morning Britain, BBC’s Politics Live, Channel 4 News, and more. Jo takes us behind the scenes of political strategy, explaining how her work has shaped both Conservative and Labour campaigns. Together, they explore pressing issues such as public expectations from the government, the challenges of devolution, and why representation matters for building a fairer society. Jo also shares her passions for mental health advocacy, elevating women’s voices, and grassroots football and education initiatives. This conversation underscores the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of long-term thinking in today’s political landscape. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:31 Meet Jo Tanner: Political Strategist 01:12 The Role of a Political Strategist 02:35 Navigating Political Ideologies 05:12 Balancing Personal Values and Professional Duties 08:15 Challenges in the Current Political Landscape 13:32 Election Campaign Dynamics 20:12 Reflections on Boris Johnson's Leadership 25:44 Influential Figures and Personal Experiences 27:58 Overcoming Accent Challenges in Politics 28:51 Support from Male Colleagues 29:23 Training Women in Media 29:44 Facing Public Criticism 31:19 Authenticity in Leadership 33:51 Challenges for Women in Politics 38:50 Founding the Women's Parliamentary Football Team 44:57 Promoting Mental Health Awareness 48:01 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 50:18 Future of Devolution in the North East Reflecting on this conversation, it’s clear that Jo Tanner’s ability to navigate the complexities of political strategy—while staying true to her values—offers invaluable lessons for anyone seeking to foster meaningful, systemic change. Her insights remind us that by empowering diverse voices, especially women and underrepresented groups, we can reshape politics to serve all communities. Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe now to join us in empowering our communities and shaping a brighter, more equitable future. Alison Dunn (Host) Jo Tanner (Guest) Peter Bell (Producer) This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to driving societal change through the power of shared knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  8. 01/09/2024

    Ep. 18 Our Altered Life: Charlie Beswick

    Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society. In this deeply moving episode, Alison sits down with Charlie Beswick, a passionate advocate for parent carers and the author of Our Altered Life. Charlie opens up about her emotional journey raising her twin boys, particularly Harry, who was born with Goldenhar syndrome and later diagnosed with autism. The conversation dives into the complexities of parenting a child with special needs, the impact on family dynamics, and the societal judgments they often face. Charlie also shares her professional evolution from teaching to advocacy, focusing on educating employers about the unique skills and needs of parent carers. This episode offers powerful insights into the emotional and practical realities of raising a child with special needs, highlighting resilience, community support, and enduring hope. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to This Is The North Podcast 00:32 Meet Charlie Beswick: Advocate and Author 01:35 From Pregnancy to Diagnosis: Charlie's Journey 02:46 Navigating Emotional Struggles and Family Dynamics 05:22 The Highs and Lows of Parenting a Child with Special Needs 12:57 Confronting Public Perception and Advancing Advocacy 18:55 Charlie's Professional Transition and Advocacy Work 23:16 Building Support Systems and Embracing Personal Growth 33:22 Advice for Carers and Final Reflections Reflecting on this conversation, it's evident that Charlie’s strength and resilience are not only inspiring but also a powerful call to action. Her story shines a light on the unseen challenges faced by parent carers, urging us all to rethink how society supports and values these remarkable families. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and the urgent need for systemic change to build a world where every individual, regardless of circumstance, can flourish. Charlie's journey through grief and anger, challenges and triumphs, loss and acceptance, ultimately leads to a place of profound love for the life she shares with her two beautiful children—children she wouldn’t change for the world. Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe now to join us in empowering our communities and shaping a brighter, more equitable future. Alison Dunn (Host) Charlie Beswick (Guest) Peter Bell (Producer) This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to driving societal change through the power of shared knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
See All (26)

Trailer

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The gap between the rich and the poor, the North and the South is greater than ever before. And yet, the North has a rich history of world changing industry and innovation. So, what’s happened? How have we got here and what are we going to do about it? On This is the North, we explore these questions. With expert guests, including academics, local business people, and charity leaders, we discuss why the poverty gap matters and what we can do about it. Hosted by Alison Dunn, charity Chief Executive and dedicated social justice advocate, This Is The North is a podcast that comes from the North, is about the North, and celebrates our creativity - past, present and future. We’ll ask how can we all use our influence to create a better future for the North. ... Connect with Alison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisondunncag/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Alison Dunn
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alison Dunn 2023
  • Show Website
    This Is The North

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada