Two pints of lager and a spreadsheet

Blu Sky

Every entrepreneur, business owner and businessperson has a back story. Join us as we chat with inspiring individuals and successful business owners who tell us theirs. We uncover the events that got them to where they are today - the triumphs, and of course, the bumps along the way. We’re a passionate bunch of cloud accountants from the North East, Co-founders of Blu Sky, Dave and Jon, have been through the business growth journey themselves. From their converted pub of an office, they put the world to rights over a virtual pint (or non-alcoholic beverage of choice!)

  1. Apr 1

    Ep. 70 Why AI Can't Scale Without Us with Paul Wealls

    In the final episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet, Jon and Steve are joined by Paul Wealls, Principal Consultant Sports at Lenovo, Visiting Researcher at Newcastle University Business School, published author, and AI thought leader. This conversation explores a different side of AI. While much of the noise around AI focuses on automation and job replacement, Paul shares why the real opportunity lies in combining technology with human judgement, creativity, and experience. From early adoption and global tech innovation to today’s AI landscape, Paul breaks down what’s real, what’s hype, and how businesses can start using AI in a practical, responsible way. You’ll hear about: Where AI is genuinely adding value in business today Why human input still matters more than ever The opportunities and risks of rapid AI adoption How AI can improve productivity without losing the human touch The role of neurodiversity in innovation and problem solving Why the North East is well positioned for growth in AI and tech A grounded and insightful conversation to close out the series, focused on what comes next and how to approach it with the right mindset. If you’ve enjoyed the podcast, make sure to follow and share it with someone who’s thinking about the future of business, technology, and AI.

  2. Mar 4

    Ep. 69 Myth Busting The World of Insolvency with Iain Nairn

    When people hear the word insolvency, it often brings fear, anxiety, and a sense of failure. But in many cases, it’s actually where clarity starts. In this episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet, Steve and Jon are joined by insolvency practitioner Iain Nairn to bust the myths around insolvency, explain the difference between administration and liquidation, and share what business owners can do when cash is tight and pressure is rising. You’ll hear why early conversations create more options, what personal liability risks directors should understand, and why insolvency does not have to be the end of the road. This is a practical, human conversation focused on real-world decisions, communication, and finding the right route forward. If you’re a founder, business owner, or adviser supporting growing businesses, this episode is a must. If you’ve got questions off the back of this discussion, reach out to Steve and Jon via LinkedIn or through Blu Sky.

  3. Feb 2

    Ep. 68 Naomi Allen Seales, Jamie Hardesty & James Katirai on Growth Mindset

    🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet In this episode, Steve and Jon are joined by three people working right at the centre of the North East’s startup, funding, and investment ecosystem: 💡 Jamie Hardesty – Director of Ecosystem Development, Sunderland Software City 💷 Naomi Allen Seales – Investment Manager, Northstar Ventures 📈 James Katirai – Head of Investments, NEL Fund Managers Together, they share practical, no-nonsense advice for founders, spinouts, and anyone thinking about what comes next in their business or career journey. The conversation focuses on what really matters before funding, scale, or growth ever come into play. We discuss: • Why doing the work upfront is essential • The importance of validation, market research, and evidence • Why building in a silo rarely works • Having funding conversations earlier than you think • The power of networks and collective momentum • Avoiding analysis paralysis • Trusting your instinct and taking action This is an honest, experience-led conversation about belief, momentum, and putting yourself in the best possible position to succeed. — 🎧 Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast exploring the real stories, decisions, and lessons behind building and backing businesses across the North East and beyond. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube 🔔 Follow the podcast for future episodes 🌐 Learn more at blusky.co.uk

  4. 12/03/2025

    Ep. 67 Paul Blake & Sam Blake on 29 seasons of running the UK's most successful basketball club

    🎙️ Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet In this episode, Jon and Steve sit down with two leaders at the heart of North East sport and community: 🏀 Paul Blake – Managing Director, Newcastle Eagles 💛 Sam Blake – CEO, Eagles Community Foundation Together, they talk openly about resilience, leadership, and what it means to build an organisation that can thrive long after you step back. From learning to let go of micromanagement to empowering the next tier of leaders, this is an honest look at legacy building inside a club that means so much to so many. We discuss: • Why resilience underpins everything they do • The emotional shift from “lead by example” to true empowerment • Letting go of micromanagement (even when it feels uncomfortable) • Preparing the next generation of leaders • Building something that lasts beyond any one person A thoughtful, human conversation from two people who have spent decades guiding both a club and a community. — 🎧 Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast about the real stories behind leading, growing, and sustaining brilliant organisations. 📺 Watch the episode on YouTube 🔔 Follow the show for future conversations 🌐 Learn more at blusky.co.uk

  5. 11/27/2025

    2025 Budget Special with Josh and Steve

    Budget Breakdown – What Rachel Reeves’ Tax Changes Mean for You In this Budget special, Josh and Steve unpack the key announcements affecting business owners, employees, landlords, and savers across the UK. They cover: • Dividend tax increases from April 2026 • Savings and rental income tax rises from April 2027 • A new annual tax on properties over £2M starting 2028 • Salary sacrifice changes for pension contributions above £2,000 • Cash ISA allowance cut from £20,000 to £12,000 • Frozen tax thresholds until 2031 • National Minimum Wage and Living Wage increases • The new mileage-based EV tax coming in 2028 From remuneration strategy to ISA planning, from rental income to electric vehicles, Josh and Steve explain what’s changing, who it affects, and what you may need to plan for. — 🎧 Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast breaking down the real-world business and tax changes that matter, hosted by the team at Blu Sky. 📺 Watch the video episode on YouTube 🌐 Learn more at blusky.co.uk 🔔 Follow for future Budget updates and insights

    2025 Budget Special with Josh and Steve

  6. 11/12/2025

    Ep. 66 Tristan Watson, Neil Stephenson, Dave Gibson

    Founders, Funding & Fallout What happens when startup founders fall out? In this episode, Jon and Steve sit down with three North East business leaders, Tristan Watson (Field Trip Supplies, Ignite Accelerator), Neil Stephenson (Stephenson Capital), and Dave Gibson (Blu Sky), to talk about the highs, lows, and hard truths of growing and selling companies. From cap tables and paperwork to founder alignment and investor expectations, they explore what really goes on behind the boardroom doors, and how to keep relationships intact when things get tough. It’s a candid, insightful conversation for anyone building, investing in, or leading a business that’s aiming to scale. Follow Blu Sky for more conversations at the intersection of business, finance, and real-world growth.

  7. 10/14/2025

    Ep. 65 Ellie Chapman, Alistair McLeod, Stephen Mitchell

    Jon and Steve chat with three founders about the real-world impact of AI on creativity, leadership, and building products: Ellie Chapman – Founder, Lim (live visualisation & facilitation) Alistair McLeod – Founder, Gray Fox Consulting (fractional CIO/CTO) Stephen “Mitch” Mitchell – Founder & CEO, SQCDP.co.uk (factory digitisation) In this episode: How AI is reshaping creative work—without replacing human connection Leaders setting guardrails: ethics, transparency, and “AI red lines” Using AI to boost productivity (20–30%?) vs. risking sameness and shortcuts Hallucinations, fact-checking, and why value should come before tech Startups vs. enterprises: who adapts faster? Data-driven manufacturing, better meetings, and the premium on human facilitation Takeaways: Curiosity beats fear, quality control matters, and the future belongs to teams that blend human judgment with smart automation. Follow the show for more candid conversations with founders and operators. #TwoPintsPodcast #AI #Creativity #Leadership #Innovation #NorthEastBusiness

  8. 09/10/2025

    Ep. 64 Mark Renney, Billy Webber & Jarek Rosinski

    In this episode, Jon and Steve are joined by three North East founders who’ve each taken very different paths to building a business: 💻 Mark Renney – Managing Director, Wubbleyou 🧠 Billy Webber – CEO, XR Therapeutics ⚙️ Jarek Rosinski – Founder, Transmission Dynamics Together, they share candid stories about the highs, lows, and lessons of entrepreneurship – from turning university spinouts into thriving companies, to weathering setbacks and learning the value of resilience along the way. We discuss: • The defining moments that sparked their ventures • Why resilience is more than just a buzzword • Surviving setbacks and using them as fuel • Balancing vision with day-to-day reality • The advice they’d give their younger founder selves This episode is an honest reminder that behind every business is a story of risk, resilience, and relentless determination. — 🎧 Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet is Blu Sky’s podcast about the real stuff behind running a business — hosted by co-founders Jon Dudgeon and Steve Robinson. 📺 Watch the full video on YouTube 🔔 Follow the podcast to catch new episodes 🌐 Learn more at blusky.co.uk

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About

Every entrepreneur, business owner and businessperson has a back story. Join us as we chat with inspiring individuals and successful business owners who tell us theirs. We uncover the events that got them to where they are today - the triumphs, and of course, the bumps along the way. We’re a passionate bunch of cloud accountants from the North East, Co-founders of Blu Sky, Dave and Jon, have been through the business growth journey themselves. From their converted pub of an office, they put the world to rights over a virtual pint (or non-alcoholic beverage of choice!)

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