Novel: Leaders Lessons

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Host Andrew Borland interviews inspiring leaders from the Liverpool City Region on their innovative journeys and contributions to the UK economy. The Novel podcast highlights the efforts for driving change and fostering innovation, enterprise, and entrepreneurship. Working with public and private sectors, Novel aims to enhance infrastructure and support to boost economic growth. The podcast serves to showcase the leaders, businesses, and community behind UK innovation and sustainability efforts. Novel forms part of the UKSPF Horizons project, delivered by The University of Liverpool.

Episodes

  1. Episode 8: David Millar | Heap & Partners Ltd

    09/17/2025

    Episode 8: David Millar | Heap & Partners Ltd

    David Millar of Heap & Partners shares personal reflections on his company’s enduring dedication to manufacturing innovation. David has been passionate about pushing the boundaries, from the early days when they were among the first in the UK to get a telephone, to their vital role in the global distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. David takes pride in both the modest and monumental innovations his company has achieved. He believes that small businesses like his can deftly outpace larger corporations. David also stresses the importance of the manufacturing sector and the nation embracing a more risk-taking approach, encouraging a mindset where robots are seen as partners rather than adversaries.

    1h 19m
  2. Episode 7: Frank McKenna | Downtown in Business

    09/08/2025

    Episode 7: Frank McKenna | Downtown in Business

    From ‘Skem’ to West Minister - Frank McKenna, founder, Group Chairman and Chief Executive of Downtown in Business, one of the most influential business organisations in the North. Frank candidly discusses his own journey from political leader to business leader and advocate.  We explore his 20 year career as a changemaker and the importance of government supporting business, the entrepreneurial spirit and regional devolution.

    2h 24m
  3. Episode 6: Paul Jones | Northern Automotive Alliance

    08/19/2025

    Episode 6: Paul Jones | Northern Automotive Alliance

    Having worked for organisations that included Bentley and the Volkswagen Group, Paul supports and promotes the automotive industry, providing strategic insights, and facilitating collaborations to foster growth and innovation within the sector. Paul reflects on his impressive accent to leadership in the automative sector, where taking initiative and preparing future leaders has proven key, whilst highlighting how companies like VW honour British culture and legacy, shaping consumer perception. We'll also tackle the industry's evolving landscape, driven by legislation, competitors, and technological advancements.

    54 min
  4. Episode 5: Nicola Honey | Scenegraph Studios

    08/06/2025

    Episode 5: Nicola Honey | Scenegraph Studios

    Nicola Honey reflects on her journey from being a leading games developer, to co-founding one of the UK’s most exciting XR companies. Nicola explores the challenges and opportunities in the gaming industry, which is currently facing greater growth than the movie and music industries, combined.    Nicola shares her journey of following her passion just before the lockdown which would challenge her dynamic skillset, highlighting the potential of practicing VR in a safe environment and the rewarding experience of working with schools, despite it clashing with traditional game development values.

    1h 14m
  5. Episode 4: Jonathan Butters | Butters Innovation

    07/28/2025

    Episode 4: Jonathan Butters | Butters Innovation

    Andrew speaks with the self-proclaimed ‘designosaur’, Jonathan Butters of Butters Innovation who dives into the design industry, discussing the changes he has seen in his lifetime, how technology is impacting creativity in addition to the extracurricular skills needed to blow away the client whilst taking leaps of faith.

    1h 30m
  6. Episode 3: Chris Berg | A2O

    07/17/2025

    Episode 3: Chris Berg | A2O

    Business owner Chris Berg emphasises the importance of building experience before reaching the top. Reflecting on lessons from his own career, Chris discusses the necessity of diversifying skills, leading to an understanding that having multiple capabilities is essential for career resilience. Chris calls for greater support for entrepreneurs in Britain, suggesting that more resources and encouragement would benefit the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    1h 1m
  7. Episode 2: Jake Lavelle | JPL Flavours

    07/17/2025

    Episode 2: Jake Lavelle | JPL Flavours

    Jake takes us on a remarkable journey, recalling his time at finishing school, unsure of his career direction and what his future would or could look like. Fast forward to today, Jake is a proud family man and the successful owner of a multi-million-pound business, opening a state-of-the-art super facility and leading the industry. With stories of taking daring leaps of faith and navigating financial hurdles, Jake emphasises the importance of memory, even recalling a specific scent from two years ago. He reflects on the challenges of acquisitions and his determination to build a successful business in his own community. Central to his success is fostering a culture of innovation, with an ambitious growth plan that sets sights on international expansion. Amidst tales of trial and error, Jake humorously recalls the advice of a career advisor who suggested he aim lower, showcasing how far he has come.

    48 min
  8. Episode 1: Jen Fenner | DefProc Engineering

    07/17/2025

    Episode 1: Jen Fenner | DefProc Engineering

    Join creative designer and co-founder of DefProc Engineering, Jen Fenner, as she delves into the art of thinking outside the box, sharing unique insights on fostering true innovation, even when faced with challenges, and continuously asking ourselves, “what’s next?” Discover Jen’s journey from nearly opening a sandwich shop to leading dynamic design projects, illustrating the adaptability and resilience needed in entrepreneurship. Jen discusses the hurdles of launching new ideas and offers advice on embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.

    1h 18m
  • 8 Episodes

About

Host Andrew Borland interviews inspiring leaders from the Liverpool City Region on their innovative journeys and contributions to the UK economy. The Novel podcast highlights the efforts for driving change and fostering innovation, enterprise, and entrepreneurship. Working with public and private sectors, Novel aims to enhance infrastructure and support to boost economic growth. The podcast serves to showcase the leaders, businesses, and community behind UK innovation and sustainability efforts. Novel forms part of the UKSPF Horizons project, delivered by The University of Liverpool.

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