The Business Besties Club Podcast

Katie Clayton
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Welcome to The Business Besties Club Podcast! The go-to space for ambitious small business owners and entrepreneurs who want real talk, practical strategies, and a whole lot of support. Hosted by Katie Clayton, marketing consultant and your new business bestie, this podcast is all about having honest, unfiltered conversations about building, marketing, and growing a business. There is no fluff or jargon, just real stories, actionable advice, and a big dose of encouragement.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 12: More Than Grades: Leadership & Character with Simon Taylor & Andy Davis

    Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast – your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support. In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Simon Taylor and Andy Davis from Warren Farm Primary School for one of the most thought-provoking conversations of the series. Although they work in education, this episode isn't just for teachers or parents. It's for anyone interested in leadership, culture, resilience and helping people reach their potential. Simon shares how his journey from the British Army into education shaped his approach to leadership, while Andy reflects on his own experience of struggling at school and how that inspired him to become the kind of teacher he once needed himself. Together, they discuss why preparing children for life should go beyond academic success, and how focusing on confidence, communication, resilience and character can transform not only schools, but communities. We also explore what business owners can learn from education, why schools should think differently about identity and reputation, and how creating a strong culture starts with a clear purpose. In this episode, we talk about: • Leadership and culture• Character development in education• Building resilience and confidence• Preparing young people for life beyond school• School branding, identity and communication• Lessons business owners can learn from education This episode is for anyone who believes success is about more than results and wants to build stronger people, stronger teams and stronger communities. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves education isn't just about what children learn — it's about who they become. Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketing Learn more about Warren Farm Primary School via their Instagram @warrenfarmprimary or on their website www.warrenfarm-primary.co.uk

    1h 33m

  2. 2d ago

    Episode 12: More Than Grades: Leadership & Character with Simon Taylor & Andy Davis

    Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast – your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support. In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Simon Taylor and Andy Davis from Warren Farm Primary School for one of the most thought-provoking conversations of the series. Although they work in education, this episode isn't just for teachers or parents. It's for anyone interested in leadership, culture, resilience and helping people reach their potential. Simon shares how his journey from the British Army into education shaped his approach to leadership, while Andy reflects on his own experience of struggling at school and how that inspired him to become the kind of teacher he once needed himself. Together, they discuss why preparing children for life should go beyond academic success, and how focusing on confidence, communication, resilience and character can transform not only schools, but communities. We also explore what business owners can learn from education, why schools should think differently about identity and reputation, and how creating a strong culture starts with a clear purpose. In this episode, we talk about: • Leadership and culture• Character development in education• Building resilience and confidence• Preparing young people for life beyond school• School branding, identity and communication• Lessons business owners can learn from education This episode is for anyone who believes success is about more than results and wants to build stronger people, stronger teams and stronger communities. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves education isn't just about what children learn — it's about who they become. Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketing Learn more about Warren Farm Primary School via their Instagram @warrenfarmprimary or on their website www.warrenfarm-primary.co.uk

    1h 33m

  3. Jun 1

    Episode 11: Cocktails, Courage & Taking the Leap with Hannah Green

    Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast – your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support. In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Hannah Green, founder of Tipples & Tonics, for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a business from passion, navigating setbacks, and having the courage to take the leap. Hannah shares how a love of cocktails, discovered whilst working at a local restaurant during sixth form, eventually grew into a thriving mobile cocktail events business. What started as a hobby alongside a full-time career in accountancy became something much bigger – but not without plenty of challenges along the way. From balancing a side hustle whilst studying and working full-time, to pivoting her business during COVID with cocktail deliveries and virtual masterclasses, Hannah opens up about the reality of entrepreneurship and what it takes to keep showing up when things get tough. We also talk about the difficult decision to leave the security of a full-time job, the horsebox disaster that threatened to derail her first year of self-employment, and how one of the hardest periods of her business journey became one of her biggest learning experiences. In this episode, we talk about: • Building a business alongside a full-time job• Side hustles and knowing when to take the leap• Pivoting during COVID and finding new opportunities• Entrepreneurship, resilience and self-belief• Navigating setbacks and learning from failure• Growing a local business through events, networking and community This episode is for anyone building something on the side, navigating a difficult season in business, or wondering whether they have what it takes to turn their passion into a career. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring reminder that courage doesn't mean having all the answers — it means taking the next step anyway. Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketingConnect with Hannah on Instagram or TikTok: @tipplesandtonics or at www.tipplesandtonics.co.uk

    1h 12m
  4. Episode 11: Cocktails, Courage & Taking the Leap with Hannah Green

    May 31

    Episode 11: Cocktails, Courage & Taking the Leap with Hannah Green

    Welcome back to The Business Besties Club, the podcast for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives who want honest conversations about business, resilience, growth, and what it really takes to build something successful. In this episode, host Katie Clayton sits down with Hannah Green, founder of Tipples & Tonics, to discuss her journey from accountancy to entrepreneurship and how she built a growing cocktail events business from a passion project. Hannah discovered her love for cocktails whilst working at 1709 in Lichfield during sixth form. What began as occasional cocktail events alongside a full-time accountancy career gradually evolved into a thriving business offering mobile cocktail bars, cocktail masterclasses, weddings, corporate events and private celebrations. But the journey hasn't always been smooth. We talk about building a business alongside a full-time job, adapting during COVID through cocktail deliveries and virtual masterclasses, taking the leap into self-employment, and overcoming one of the biggest challenges of Hannah's career when a faulty horsebox threatened to derail her first year in business. In this episode, we cover: • Starting a side hustle whilst working full-time • Growing a mobile cocktail business • Entrepreneurship and resilience • Pivoting during COVID • Taking the leap into self-employment • Learning from setbacks and challenges • Building a successful local events business • Small business growth and mindset This episode is perfect for anyone who dreams of turning a passion into a business, is currently building something on the side, or needs a reminder that every challenge can become part of your story. Remember besties... there is no perfect time to start. Sometimes you just have to take the leap. Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketing Connect with Hannah on Instagram and TikTok: @tipplesandtonics and www.tipplesandtonics.co.uk #BusinessBestiesClub #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessUK #WomenInBusiness #SideHustle #SelfEmployed #BusinessGrowth #BusinessPodcast #CocktailBusiness #EventsBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #TipplesAndTonics

    1h 12m

  5. Apr 29

    Episode 10: From Kids Parties to Luxury Events - Building a High-End Events Business with Jayde & Joel

    Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast - your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support. In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Jayde and Joel, founders of Jayde Elise Events, for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a business from the ground up. From organising children’s parties and touring village halls, to creating luxury events for high-profile clients, their journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight. Jayde shares how the business started completely organically - with no big plan - while Joel talks about his journey into the business and the reality of building it together. Together, they open up about the early challenges, the pressure of making things work financially, and how they slowly grew the business into something they could never have imagined. In this episode, we talk about: • Starting a business from scratch• Growing through word of mouth• Building a strong supplier network• Transitioning into a high-end events business• Working as a couple in business• The realities behind building a successful brand This episode is for anyone building something from the ground up and wondering if it will all pay off. 🎧 Tune in for an honest reminder that every stage of the journey matters... and growth takes time. Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketingConnect with Jayde & Joel on Instagram: @jaydeeliseevents or on their website: www.jaydeelise.com

    1h 24m

  6. Mar 31

    Episode 9: From Side Hustle to Creative Brand Studio – Building Hayley Kim Studios with Hayley Warwick

    Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast — your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support. In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Hayley Warwick, founder of Hayley Kim Studios, for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a creative business from the ground up. Hayley shares how she spent four years building her business alongside a full-time job — working evenings, weekends and lunch breaks — before finally taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship in 2023. But this conversation is about more than just business growth. We talk about purpose, freedom, and the reality of building a life around what truly matters. Hayley also shares how losing her mum shaped her perspective on time, success, and why she chose to build a business that gives her freedom — not just income. In this episode, we talk about: • Building a side hustle into a full-time business• Knowing when to take the leap• Branding for small businesses• Creating a brand that stands out• Designing a life around freedom and purpose• Turning creativity into a business This episode is for anyone building something on the side, feeling ready for more, or wanting to create a business and brand they truly love. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring reminder that success isn’t just about what you build — it’s about the life you build alongside it. Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketing Connect with Hayley on Instagram: @hayleykimstudios Connect with Hayley on LinkedIn @hayleywarwick

    1h 2m

  7. Feb 27

    Episode 8: Choosing Calm Over Chaos - Sobriety, Identity & Building a Business with Luke Smith

    Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast - your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support. In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Luke Smith, Managing Director of Smiths Business Supplies, for a powerful and honest conversation about identity, sobriety, leadership, and building a business with purpose. Luke shares his journey from early entrepreneurial hustle to launching his company from his mum’s living room during the COVID pandemic. But beneath the business story is a deeper transformation - growing up without knowing his biological father, battling a decade of drink and drugs, navigating depression, and ultimately choosing discipline, clarity, and calm over chaos. Now approaching five years sober, Luke reflects on how doing the inner work shaped not only his life, but his leadership and business success. In this episode, we talk about:• Building resilience through adversity• Entrepreneurship during COVID• Sobriety and leadership• Discipline, mindset and identity• Choosing calm over chaos in business and life This episode is for any business owner who has ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain and is ready to build something stronger from the inside out. 🎧 Tune in for a powerful reminder that your past does not define you - but your choices do! Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katieclaytonmarketingConnect with Luke on Instagram: @llukesmith_

    58 min

  8. Jan 29

    Episode 7: From Performer to Multi-Business Owner: Ellie Ham on Confidence, Content & Being Seen

    Welcome back to The Business Besties Club Podcast - your go-to space for ambitious business owners who want real talk, practical inspiration, and a whole lot of support. In this episode, host Katie Clayton is joined by Ellie Ham - actor, multi-business owner, and founder of Ellie Shoots Socials - for an honest, empowering conversation about confidence, creativity, and showing up in business. Ellie began her professional acting career at just 13 years old on CBBC’s 4 O’Clock Club and has since built an impressive career across TV, film, and commercial work, including projects with Netflix, BBC, Sky, Disney, and Marvel. Alongside her work on screen, Ellie is also the founder of LCA Academy, a drama school training young performers, and LCA Talent Agency, where she manages and represents talent across TV, film, and commercial work. Most recently, she launched Ellie Shoots Socials, helping business owners show up confidently online through filming, presenting, creative direction, and results-driven content. In this episode, Ellie shares how confidence is built over time, not something you’re born with, and why so many business owners struggle with visibility. Together, Katie and Ellie talk about content creation, authenticity, storytelling, and how to create content that connects - without needing to be perfect. This is a powerful conversation for anyone who has ever felt nervous about being seen, unsure what to post, or stuck waiting to feel “ready.” 🎧 Tune in for a confidence-boosting episode full of real stories, practical insight, and the reminder that you don’t need to be perfect - you just need to start. Connect with Katie: @katieclaytonmarketingConnect with Ellie: @elmayham | @ellieshootssocials | @lcaacademyandagency

    1h 7m
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About

Welcome to The Business Besties Club Podcast! The go-to space for ambitious small business owners and entrepreneurs who want real talk, practical strategies, and a whole lot of support. Hosted by Katie Clayton, marketing consultant and your new business bestie, this podcast is all about having honest, unfiltered conversations about building, marketing, and growing a business. There is no fluff or jargon, just real stories, actionable advice, and a big dose of encouragement.

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