Why Small Business Matters

Northumbria University
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Why Small Business Matters from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University provides a platform for successful small business leaders to tell their stories, offer advice and unravel what it means to be a successful modern SME. Brought to you by the Help to Grow Management delivery team at Northumbria University, Small Business Matters takes a casual but inciteful look behind the scenes with contributions from rising entrepreneurs and leaders of established small businesses that have been trading for many years.   It will find out what gets them up in the morning, how they've navigated the challenges of the pandemic and their vision for small business in the region, the country and across the globe.  For more info on Help To Grow visit Northumbria.ac.uk/HelpToGrow

  1. Into the Dragon's Den - Robson & Robson Part 2

    11/26/2025

    Into the Dragon's Den - Robson & Robson Part 2

    Robson & Robson are a creative agency specialising in multidisciplinary design - elevating brands, packaging, and products. led by Dan and Joe Robson in the northeast of England, they've spent over a decade helping businesses across sectors and partnering with leading global brands. Not only that but they're not the pressures of launching a product first hand. In 2023 they appeared on Dragons Den where they successfully received investment into their SeedCell technology from Sara Davies. In this podcast hear the long road they had to travel to get to that point, with Brexit and Covid thrown in for good measure.This is the first part of 2 episodes with Dan & Joe, so be sure to follow Why Small Business Matters on your favourite podcast app to get the next episode! This podcast is brought to you by the Help To Grow Management course, at Northumbria University. To find out more visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  2. Sowing the seeds of success - Dan & Joe Robson

    10/08/2025

    Sowing the seeds of success - Dan & Joe Robson

    Robson & Robson are a creative agency specialising in multidisciplinary design - elevating brands, packaging, and products. led by Dan and Joe Robson in the northeast of England, they've spent over a decade helping businesses across sectors and partnering with leading global brands. Not only that but they're not the pressures of launching a product first hand. In 2023 they appeared on Dragons Den where they successfully received investment into their SeedCell technology from Sara Davies. In this podcast hear the long road they had to travel to get to that point, with Brexit and Covid thrown in for good measure.This is the first part of 2 episodes with Dan & Joe, so be sure to follow Why Small Business Matters on your favourite podcast app to get the next episode! This podcast is brought to you by the Help To Grow Management course, at Northumbria University. To find out more visit northumbria.ac.uk/helptogrow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  3. Why Employee Ownership Matters...

    05/09/2025

    Why Employee Ownership Matters...

    In this episode we team up with Rachel Clarke of Bournemouth University Business School, and Liam Toms, and SME owner in Dorset. Liam Toms is a communications and engagement manager at Grapevine, a company based in Dorset. He has a background in marketing and business engagement, having previously worked with Bournemouth University, where he facilitated projects connecting students with real-world business challenges. He has also been involved in alumni networking events, supporting local business communities Employee ownership is a powerful business model that gives workers a direct stake in their company, often through shares or an employee-owned trust. This approach has several key benefits: 1. Increased Motivation & Productivity: When employees have a financial and personal investment in the company’s success, they tend to be more engaged and committed to their work. 2. Stronger Workplace Culture: Employee ownership fosters collaboration, trust, and transparency, leading to a more positive and cohesive company culture. 3. Long-Term Stability: Since employee-owned businesses aren’t as vulnerable to external investors or sudden corporate takeovers, they often demonstrate greater resilience over time. 4. Better Retention & Recruitment: Employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers shared benefits, and the model is attractive to skilled workers looking for long-term security. 5. Greater Wealth Distribution: Rather than concentrating profits among a small group of executives or shareholders, employee ownership helps distribute financial rewards more fairly across the workforce. Companies like John Lewis Partnership in the UK have successfully implemented employee ownership, proving that this model can drive both profitability and worker satisfaction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min
  4. Working On AND IN Your Business - Jenny Cairns & Simon Read

    04/10/2025

    Working On AND IN Your Business - Jenny Cairns & Simon Read

    In this episode Sarah Stephenson explores the importance of business leadership and mentoring, and why finding time to work ON and well as IN your business is crucial.Jenny Cairns is owner or North East startup The Doggy Daycare Centre, as is a former participant of the Help To Grow Management programme. There she was partnered with Simon Read, also known as The Business Skipper, and has helped Jenny's business navigate the choppy waters of entrepreneurship.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min
  5. Why The Right Finance Matters - Richard Bearman, British Business Bank

    03/10/2025

    Why The Right Finance Matters - Richard Bearman, British Business Bank

    In this episode, Dr Matt Sutherland delves into the vital role small businesses play in the economy with Richard Bearman, Co Chief Banking Officer at the British Business Bank. Discover how the bank supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UK through tailored financial solutions, including startup loans, and learn about the innovative programs designed to help businesses thrive. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by small firms and the strategies to secure the right funding at the right time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
  6. The Importance Of The External Voice! Andrew Silver - Director, 360 Growth Partners

    02/18/2025

    The Importance Of The External Voice! Andrew Silver - Director, 360 Growth Partners

    In this episode Sarah Stephenson talks to a Northumbria Allumni and Director of 360 Growth Partners Andrew Silver. Together, they explore the crucial aspects of business partnering, performance management, and transforming strategy into tangible results. Andrew shares his extensive experience in mentoring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and emphasises the importance of collaboration and feedback in driving business growth. Listen for practical insights and strategies that can help your business thrive, with some big questions you can as about your business today..!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min
  7. Why Culture Matters - Leigh Venus - CEO Kielder Observatory

    01/22/2025

    Why Culture Matters - Leigh Venus - CEO Kielder Observatory

    This episode truly reaches for the stars, as Dr Matt Sutherland sits down with the CEO of one of the UK's most unique attractions situated in one of the most remote parts of Northumberland.Leigh Venus has just marked his first year as CEO of Kielder Observatory, and discusses the challenges and the wonder this fantastic attraction brings to visitors. Leigh also has a long history of working in the NE cultural sector, and discusses with Matt why culture is so important to the economy of the region overall.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min
  8. How to embrace tech, in a non tech business!

    12/05/2024

    How to embrace tech, in a non tech business!

    In this episode we once again go on tour to University of Salford, with our guest host Prof Mandy Parkinson, and her guest Bassel Ounah. Bassel is the visionary behind APNA Diving School and Neptune Submerge Limited. Discover how Bassel transformed his passion for diving into a pioneering venture using augmented and virtual reality to create immersive underwater experiences. Learn about the innovative ways Neptune is raising environmental awareness and mental health support through technology, and the challenges faced in adopting these cutting-edge solutions. Dive into this fascinating discussion on sustainability, education, and the future of diving, proving water and technology can mix!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
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About

Why Small Business Matters from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University provides a platform for successful small business leaders to tell their stories, offer advice and unravel what it means to be a successful modern SME. Brought to you by the Help to Grow Management delivery team at Northumbria University, Small Business Matters takes a casual but inciteful look behind the scenes with contributions from rising entrepreneurs and leaders of established small businesses that have been trading for many years.   It will find out what gets them up in the morning, how they've navigated the challenges of the pandemic and their vision for small business in the region, the country and across the globe.  For more info on Help To Grow visit Northumbria.ac.uk/HelpToGrow

Information

  • Creator
    Northumbria University
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Newcastle Business School
  • Show Website
    Why Small Business Matters