Essex Business Podcast Rickard Luckin

In this episode, we explore the power of networking with three Essex-based networkers and relationship-building experts. From leveraging social media to attending industry events, our guests share practical tips and strategies for expanding your network, nurturing meaningful relationships, and unlocking new opportunities.
To kick things off, Aaron Desmond, Founder of Networking Essex, the largest networking group in the county, speaks to our reporter Chris Penhall about how his journey began with Networking Essex and the importance of effectively networking to harness new business opportunities. We also hear from Matthew Rowe, Director of MJR Marketing and PR Consultancy Ltd, who provides valuable insights into how he is utilising networking and relationship building to drive the growth of his own start-up.
Finally, Eve Calderbank, Creator of Ambitious Women in Essex, an initiative affiliated with Essex County Council, shares her experiences in establishing this network. Renowned for supporting local women throughout their careers and its highly coveted networking events across Essex, Ambitious Women in Essex has become a beacon of empowerment and opportunity in the county.
Recorded April 2024 
Guest speakers: 
Aaron Desmond, Founder of Networking Essex networking-essex.co.uk Matthew Rowe, Director of MJR Marketing and PR Consultancy Ltd mjrmarketingandpr.co.uk Eve Calderbank, Co-Chair of Essex County Council’s Women’s Network and Creator of Ambitious Women in Essex essex.gov.uk

In this episode, we talk to three Essex-based business leaders about their personal stories, the challenges they have overcome, and the leadership principles that have guided them to success. This episode offers valuable insights into effective leadership strategies that you can implement in your own business pursuits.
Reporter Chris Penhall speaks to Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd, about her roles as both a leader and a consultant, as well as offering invaluable insights into overcoming common challenges and fostering effective leadership practices. Also, David Malthouse, Managing Director of First Intuition Chelmsford, recounts his evolution from accountant to trainer to business owner. David discusses the obstacles he has faced on his path of personal and professional development.
Plus, Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, reflects on her journey to her current position, sharing the lessons she has learned along the way. Jane also sheds light on the unique challenges faced by leaders in the charitable sector.
Recorded March 2024
Guest speakers:
Lis McCormick, Director at McCormick Consultants Ltd mccormick.ltd David Malthouse, Managing Director of First Intuition Chelmsford firstintuition.co.uk Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust ehaat.org

In this episode, we explore the digital landscape alongside three Essex business leaders who have embraced technology to drive growth and innovation. Learn about their digital transformation journeys, the tools and strategies they found most effective, and how technology has become a crucial component of their overall business strategy.
Reporter Chris Penhall speaks to Matt Carr, Co-Founder of ECOedge, who explains how their start-up company is leveraging technology to propel its journey. Also, Stuart Belbin, Senior Account Executive at Ascend Broking Group Ltd, talks about the increasing integration of technology in the insurance sector.
Plus, Hilary Collins, Founder of Colchester-based Big Wave PR, engages in conversation with Chris Penhall regarding the influence technology has had on the operations of the PR and marketing world, and how AI can be of assistance… on occasions!
Recorded February 2024
Guest speakers:
Matt Carr, Co-Founder of ECOedge myecoedge.com Stuart Belbin, Senior Account Executive at Ascend Broking Group Ltd ascendbroking.co.uk Hilary Collins, Founder of Big Wave PR wearebigwavepr.co.uk

In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, we dive into the dynamic world of business expansion, exploring the journeys of three successful entrepreneurs from Essex to uncover the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the strategies they employed to successfully grow their business on a national and international level.
Reporter Chris Penhall talks to Alistair Hunter, Managing Director of The DS Group, about the company’s transition from a local to a national presence. Additionally, Nicky Crisp, Managing Director of Impamark, shares a captivating narrative detailing the evolution of a solo enterprise into an award-winning family-run company, boasting office locations in both Burnham-on-Crouch and Spain.
Plus, we hear from David Bell, founder of Simboc, a UK-based consultancy firm specialising in business and technology that has expanded its reach internationally.
Recorded January 2024
Guest speakers:
Allistair Hunter, Managing Director at The DS Group thedsgroup.co.uk Nicky Crisp, Managing Director at Impamark impamark-promotional-merchandise.co.uk David Bell, Founder of Simboc simboc.com

Predicting the future landscape of the business world is becoming increasingly difficult, but strategic planning for what lies ahead remains vital for organisations of all sizes. In this episode, we've asked three experts to gaze into their crystal balls and share their opinions on what’s in store for the Essex business scene in 2024.
Ann Scott is Essex Development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses. Following her predictions at the onset of 2023, she spoke to our reporter, Chris Penhall about both potential challenges and opportunities for small businesses in the coming year. 
Plus, Ashton Hunt, Group Managing Director at Tees, provides a comprehensive overview of factors poised to impact businesses in the next 12 months and Andy Turner, Essex Director at Let’s Do Business Group, discusses some of the challenges ahead and the support they can provide.
Recorded December 2023
Guest speakers:
Ann Scott, Essex Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses fsb.org.uk Ashton Hunt, Group Managing Director at Tees teeslaw.com Andy Turner, Essex Director at Let’s Do Business Group letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk

In this episode of the Essex Business Podcast, amidst the festive aroma of mince pies and satsumas, we explore the significance of Christmas as the pivotal lifeline for the retail sector.
The widespread belief suggests that the holiday season is a decisive make-or-break period for many businesses. However, we examine whether this notion still holds true, or if it has evolved into something of a myth.
Reporter Chris Penhall talks to Sara Tupper, Chelmsford BID Manager, on how the city centre retail scene gears up to get tills ringing during the Christmas season, and Helen Wood, Manager at Colchester Waterstones looks at the importance of Christmas on the retail/hospitality sector.
Plus, Laura Muncey, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Anglia Ruskin University, provides a broader economic context to the discussion, exploring how external factors such as inflation and global events may be influencing Christmas trading in Essex.
Recorded November 2023
Guest speakers:
Sara Tupper, Chelmsford BID Manager
chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/chelmsford-bid Helen Wood, Manager at Waterstones, Colchester
waterstones.com Laura Muncey, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Anglia Ruskin University
aru.ac.uk/people/laura-muncey