Business Without BS

Oury Clark

Your weekly dose of real-world business intelligence. No gurus, no fluff - just practical lessons from people who’ve built, scaled, failed, adapted, celebrated, and done it all again. We don’t admire success from afar - we dissect it, decode it, and deliver the lessons straight to you. Subscribe for weekly insights and free resources that strip away the jargon and deliver the real-world lessons you wish you'd got at business school.

  1. Dodge Woodall on Entrepreneurship, Hustle Culture and Bournemouth 7s Festival

    1 DAY AGO

    Dodge Woodall on Entrepreneurship, Hustle Culture and Bournemouth 7s Festival

    EP 414 - Dodge Woodall reveals how he mortgaged his family home during the 2008 financial crisis to launch what became the 30,000-person Bournemouth 7s Festival. From growing up above a pub to building and scaling multiple businesses, this is a raw masterclass in risk-taking, resilience, and real entrepreneurship. We cover: • Why entrepreneurship is an extreme sport • Risk addiction and betting everything • Scaling a festival brand without investment • Why most people shouldn’t start a business • The power of phone calls over emails If you’re serious about business, leadership, or starting up - this episode is essential viewing. Follow us: Instagram TikTok Linkedin Twitter Facebook

    1hr 22min
  2. The Real Impact of the Employment Rights Act

    2 DAYS AGO

    The Real Impact of the Employment Rights Act

    EP 413 - The UK’s new Employment Rights Act is being framed as a major step forward for workers. But what happens when stronger protections collide with the realities of hiring, risk, and running a business? In this episode, we sit down with leading employment lawyers to unpack the biggest changes: from the reduction in unfair dismissal thresholds to new restrictions on “fire and rehire,” and longer tribunal timelines. For large corporations, these shifts may be manageable. For SMEs - which create the majority of UK jobs - the implications could be far more significant. We explore the unintended consequences of well-meaning policy: Will businesses become more cautious about hiring? Does reducing flexibility increase risk? And could this ultimately impact job creation? This is a grounded, practical conversation about how employment law works in the real world and what both employers and employees need to understand as the rules change. Chapters: 00:00 New Rights - Big Risks 01:51 Meet Oury Clark's Employment Law Experts 02:07 Is It Good or Bad 03:15 Why This Act Exists 04:45 Top Changes Overview 05:03 Unfair Dismissal Cut 06:17 Tribunal Deadlines Extended 07:20 Sexual Harassment Duties 08:40 Fire and Rehire Ban 10:48 Redundancy Rules Tighten 12:21 Fair Work Agency Powers 13:23 April Changes Rundown 14:50 Unfair Dismissal Deep Dive 17:36 Hiring Gets Harder 19:44 Contracting and EOR Rise 28:34 Tribunals Backlog and ACAS 32:03 AI Fuels More Claims 36:59 Compensation Cap Removed 42:09 Any Upsides to Reform 44:25 Fire and Rehire Explained 45:12 Fire and Rehire Basics 46:04 Five Fair Dismissal Reasons 46:57 SOSR and Business Change 50:38 New Rules and Restricted Variations 53:23 Tribunals and Enforcement Delays 54:42 Performance Management Reality 56:47 Protected Conversations Explained 01:01:21 SSP Changes and Sickness Absence 01:05:20 Occupational Health and Return Plans 01:07:57 Sexual Harassment Duties Expand 01:14:51 Practical Steps Before April 01:19:14 Growth Concerns and Global Competition 01:24:29 Myths Rapid Fire 01:25:45 Final Thanks and Sign Off Follow us: Instagram TikTok Linkedin Twitter Facebook

    1hr 26min
  3. Statutory Sick Pay, Employee Benefits & UK Employment Law Explained

    2 MAR

    Statutory Sick Pay, Employee Benefits & UK Employment Law Explained

    EP 412 - How far should UK employers go when it comes to looking after staff? In this episode we break down the real cost of being a “nice” employer - from UK statutory sick pay (SSP) and full sick pay policies to employee benefits, pensions, flexible working, and permanent health insurance (PHI). With major UK employment law changes coming, SMEs face difficult trade-offs: Is full sick pay worth the payroll cost? Does unlimited holiday actually work? Can generous benefits create legal risk? Are employers responsible for employees’ long-term wellbeing? Featuring insights from Oury Clark's employment lawyer Jessica Bass and financial adviser Freddie Pattenden, this episode is a practical guide for SME founders, directors, and HR leaders navigating sick leave, compliance, retention, and post-COVID workplace expectations. If you run a UK business and want to balance competitiveness, fairness, and sustainability - this one’s for you. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 00:00 Caring Without Going Broke 00:57 Meet the Experts 01:27 What Staff Really Want 03:38 Compliance Value Competition 05:28 PHI Income Protection Debate 11:22 Post Covid Flex and Mental Health 15:36 Legal Minimums Sick Pay Changes 21:54 Morality Consistency and Flex 26:15 Being Nice Can Backfire 29:10 Structuring Benefits and Contracts 32:09 Unlimited Holiday Pitfalls 32:51 Unlimited holiday pitfalls 34:50 Perks arms race 37:07 SMEs vs big firms 38:35 Pension basics explained 39:43 Qualifying earnings trap 42:41 Pensions and retention 47:17 Salary sacrifice demystified 54:43 Self employed pension gap 55:06 Death in service cover 57:15 Private healthcare reality 59:19 Tailoring PMI benefits 01:03:00 Managing premium increases 01:04:43 Virtual GP and AI support 01:06:16 Avoiding Benefit Red Herrings 01:08:14 Flexible Benefits Allowance 01:11:20 Renewals and Underwriting Traps 01:13:47 Flexible Working Rights 01:15:33 Office Returns and Discrimination 01:19:49 Mental Health Boundaries 01:21:46 Best Benefits and Compliance 01:27:10 Business or BS Quiz 01:27:55 Maternity and Paternity Debate 01:34:28 Wellbeing Apps and Final Wrap Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok Linkedin Twitter Facebook

    1hr 36min
  4. After You Die - This Conversation Decides What Happens

    2 FEB

    After You Die - This Conversation Decides What Happens

    EP 411 - Most families don’t just feel grief when someone dies - they feel anger. Anger about the mess, the debt, the confusion, and the things nobody sorted out. In this episode of Business Without BS, we have the conversation most people avoid - but absolutely shouldn’t. We talk about what actually happens if you die without a plan, why love isn’t flowers and chocolates, and how a few uncomfortable decisions can completely change your family’s future. This isn’t about being wealthy. It’s about being responsible. We cover: What happens if you die without a will (and why modern families are hit hardest) Why unmarried partners are often left with nothing Life insurance: what it really does, how cheap it can be, and when it matters most Powers of attorney and the nightmare families face without them Business owners, shares, and the chaos nobody plans for Why “I didn’t get round to it” is one of the worst legacies you can leave This conversation is uncomfortable, but it might be the most loving thing you ever do for the people you care about. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 00:00 The Importance of Wills and Life Insurance 01:14 The Consequences of Not Planning Ahead 02:05 Meet the Experts: Financial and Legal Advisors 02:37 Understanding Wills and Intestacy Rules 09:49 The Importance of Communication and Regular Updates 12:34 Life Insurance: Protecting Your Loved Ones 22:29 Power of Attorney: Ensuring Your Wishes Are Honored 37:47 Understanding Income Protection 39:16 The Importance of Life Insurance 39:53 Building Financial Security 41:17 Starting the Conversation on Wills 44:21 Choosing the Right Executor 47:01 Navigating Probate and Inheritance Tax 51:47 Managing Digital Assets 01:06:08 Final Thoughts on Financial Planning Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok Linkedin Twitter Facebook

    1hr 9min
  5. UK Nov '25 Budget - What It Means for Businesses, Individuals & Foreigners

    05/12/2025

    UK Nov '25 Budget - What It Means for Businesses, Individuals & Foreigners

    EP 410 - Tax Without BS returns with a fiery but surprisingly hopeful breakdown of the November 2025 UK Budget. Andy, Jemma and Emma from Oury Clark sift the good, the bad, and the “are-you-kidding-me?” of Britain’s latest fiscal plan From scale-up salvation and EIS boosts, to SME heartbreak, Mansion Tax grumbles, pension puzzles, and the four-year foreign-income free-for-all. It’s the only budget reaction that’ll make you laugh and rethink your life insurance. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 00:00 Andy's Episode Synposis 02:29 Business Tax Positives 05:37 Funding Gaps and EIS 14:18 Business Rates and SME Challenges 18:16 Inheritance Tax and Business Property Relief 23:58 Impact on SMEs and Entrepreneurs 33:12 Understanding Business Rates 34:04 Personal Taxes Overview 34:16 Employee Ownership Trusts Explained 37:54 Income Tax Threshold Freeze 38:55 Salary Sacrifice and ISA Changes 40:08 Financial Literacy and Investment Advice 43:44 Mansion Tax and Property Levies 48:42 Tax Avoidance vs. Tax Evasion 55:48 Foreign Income and Gains Regime 01:00:32 Final Thoughts and Budget Reflections Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok Linkedin Twitter Facebook

    1hr 1min
  6. World Mental Health Day: Jerry Hyde and Mai Hua on Group Therapy, Masculinity and Vulnerability

    08/10/2025

    World Mental Health Day: Jerry Hyde and Mai Hua on Group Therapy, Masculinity and Vulnerability

    EP 409 - What happens when you strip away phones, comfort and pretence? Therapist Jerry Hyde - often called “the most dangerous therapist in the world” - and filmmaker Mai Hua explore the raw truths of mental health, vulnerability and masculinity. Released for World Mental Health Day, the conversation dives into why modern life keeps us disconnected, how radical retreats (no phones, no showers, no distractions) transform people, and why real healing means breaking the rules. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Jerry Hyde is called “the most dangerous therapist” How radical retreats challenge comfort, technology and ego The link between phones, distraction and mental health decline Why vulnerability is strength in therapy and relationships How group therapy transforms masculinity and human connection If you’re interested in mental health awareness, therapy, and breaking free from modern distractions, this episode offers unfiltered insights and challenges conventional thinking. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 00:00 BWB with Jerry Hyde and Mai Hua 00:40 Introducing Jerry and Mai 01:52 Exploring Masculinity and Vulnerability 04:03 The Power of Retreats 05:44 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health 06:27 The Importance of Human Connection 08:50 Challenges of Modern Parenting 18:53 Understanding ADHD and Trauma 32:24 Gender Dynamics and Therapy 45:25 Therapy as a Lifestyle Choice 45:52 Challenges of Couples Therapy 47:02 The Art of Self-Inquiry 47:41 Collaborative Conflicts 48:09 Gender Differences in Therapy 57:44 Cultural Perspectives on Therapy 01:03:02 Making a Man: The Documentary 01:05:42 The Importance of Vulnerability 01:23:12 Therapy and Group Dynamics 01:25:17 Wrap Up Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok Linkedin Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

    1hr 27min
  7. Why British Meetings Drive Germans Crazy

    01/10/2025

    Why British Meetings Drive Germans Crazy

    EP 408 - What happens when British charm collides with German order in the workplace? In part 4 of our Business Without Baggage series, we speak to professor and senior partner at GTK Germany - Manfred Klein - who breaks down the surprising differences - and hidden similarities - between the UK and Germany’s business cultures. From awkward handshakes and endless small talk to rigid agendas and direct feedback, discover why British and German colleagues often clash in meetings, negotiations and everyday work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why German efficiency and precision frustrates British colleagues How British politeness and vagueness confuses German teams The truth about work - life boundaries in Germany vs the UK Why Germans trust process while Brits trust personality How cultural differences can make or break international business deals If you’re doing business with Germany, managing international teams, or just curious about cross-cultural communication, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and a few laughs. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 00:00 Business Without Baggage part 3 - Germany 00:43 Meet Manfred - A Legal Heavyweight 01:16 The Importance of Formality and Punctuality 02:20 Setting and Following an Agenda 04:53 Work-Life Boundaries in Germany 17:05 Direct Communication and Feedback 29:14 The Role of Hierarchy and Family Businesses 39:25 Social Security and Employee Expectations 40:54 Understanding German Employee Benefits 41:25 Work-Life Balance in Germany 42:05 Challenges in the German Health and Pension Systems 42:54 Maternity and Parental Leave Policies 44:01 Declining Birth Rates and Social Security 46:26 Immigration and Cultural Integration 48:05 German Cultural Traits and Business Etiquette 49:15 Economic Challenges and Quantitative Easing 50:25 Direct Communication and Efficiency in Germany 57:00 Business Collaboration Between Germany and UK 59:16 Ease of Doing Business in Germany 01:09:00 Common Mistakes When Doing Business in Germany 01:11:03 Visa and Property Ownership in Germany 01:13:50 Andy Wears German Carnival Outfit 01:15:19 Business or Bullshit quiz! 01:18:04 Wrap Up Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok Linkedin Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

    1hr 19min
  8. Startup Lessons, Resilience & How Failure Builds Success: John B Stapleton Explains

    24/09/2025

    Startup Lessons, Resilience & How Failure Builds Success: John B Stapleton Explains

    EP 407 - What does it really take to build a food empire from scratch? We're giving our chat with John B Stapleton - serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of the New Covent Garden Soup Company and Little Dish a re-run to remind us about the hard-won lessons behind his multi-million-pound successes. From inventing the UK’s fresh soup category to mentoring today’s challenger brands, John shares his insights on: Why resilience beats a “genius idea” every timeHow to raise investment when the market is stacked against youThe truth about failure - and why it’s the best teacher for entrepreneursBootstrapping until you “know what you’re doing”The entrepreneurial ego: small “e” vs big “E” Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling towards exit, this episode is packed with real-world advice on how entrepreneurs really win - and why sometimes failure is the very thing that sets you up for millions. Perfect for founders, investors, and anyone navigating today’s uncertain business landscape. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 00:00 BWB with John Stapleton 00:40 John's Background and Achievements 01:19 Current Business Climate and Challenges 04:22 Investment Strategies and Advice 12:45 Mentoring and Advising Startups 14:25 Mission Ventures and Investment Platforms 18:17 Entrepreneurial Traits and Success 24:43 The Birth of Lamborghini 25:22 The Cult of Entrepreneurial Personality 26:29 The Value of Failure 28:51 Consumer Insight and Resilience 30:05 The Fresh Soup Revolution 34:21 Quickfire - Get To Know John 41:26 Wrap Up Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok Linkedin Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

    41 min
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About

Your weekly dose of real-world business intelligence. No gurus, no fluff - just practical lessons from people who’ve built, scaled, failed, adapted, celebrated, and done it all again. We don’t admire success from afar - we dissect it, decode it, and deliver the lessons straight to you. Subscribe for weekly insights and free resources that strip away the jargon and deliver the real-world lessons you wish you'd got at business school.

Information

  • Creator
    Oury Clark
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    400
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Oury Clark
  • Show Website
    Business Without BS

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