People Behind Brands Mark Tuxford

For an insightful and scientific chat into microbiomes, People Behind Brands welcomes Asher Nathan, co-founder of BIOME9, the UK’s first gut-health test & personalised supplement programme for dogs. During the episode, Asher provides more insight into our human and pet health and why we should stand up and take notice sooner rather than later. Asher also opens up about his personal journey which has involved persistence and resilience to get where he is today, overcoming personal hardships, family challenges, depression and starting a business from his hospital bed whilst paralysed and in between operations on a slipped disk in his back. An explorative episode into a trending topic, with a man who is always looking for the next opportunity.

Men's fashion empire, Wear London is the brainchild of today’s guests, Alex Hayes & Matt Lea. The dynamic duo have a passion for the industry and are proud to help keep UK manufacturing alive one stitch at a time through premium products at affordable prices. Alex and Matt love what they do and if they can have a few laughs along the way, then why not. But it’s not all been plain sailing, the pioneers open up about their personal struggles and delve deeper into what makes them who they are today. Join us as we explore their journey and how they provide the ultimate customer experience from the very first touch point. 

For a festive special, Mark welcomes Jo Coldwell, the manager of independent book store Red Lion Books based in the heart of Colchester City centre. Jo is a family member on Mark’s fiancées side so he is delighted to welcome her on today’s episode to share her life lessons growing up in the East End of London to living in Britain’s oldest recorded city, Colchester. With her bubbly personality, incredible work ethic and bundles of energy, Jo talks to us about her career that has involved making tea for Boy George to sharing a bed with Radio 2 DJ Gary Davies. During this episode we also touch upon Jo’s personal stories involving the unexpected loss of her Father which hit hard to capturing the hearts and minds of book readers through her well renowned Appetite Book Club that attracts people from all over the country. Sit back, relax and enjoy a lady channelling her passion.

Well, what a treat we’ve got for you today! Mark welcomes a famous face to the podcast with none other than Bhasker Patel, fresh from his 12 year stretch on Emmerdale. Bhasker opens up about his initial shock at being told his character, Rishi Sharma would be killed off from the soap in a surprise twist. We also discuss Bhasker’s fantastic acting career to date including Only Fools & Horses and many other TV, film and theatre roles he’s had over the years. Bhasker also reflects on his culture and early childhood having come over to the UK from Uganda as a child and his experiences with racism over the years. A humble, warm individual who is ready to showcase his life lessons in an exclusive interview with People Behind Brands podcast.

What makes up the key components of the business or career you’re involved with? Many people might say the product or service offering, in addition to financial areas. But what if I said culture? Step forward Matt Phelan from The Happiness Index. Matt is all about creating a thriving culture of growth. His ethos is channelled through his company that helps organisations measure key employee engagement and happiness drivers to power their people strategy. Matt started his first business in his early 20’s and quickly won key accounts from Marks & Spencers, Ralph Lauren and many more household names so it’s only right we delve deeper into his life lessons from the world of business and find out what makes him who he is today.

Social media content planner, Amy Downes discusses the pros and cons of social platforms from a business point of view and why it’s important to have a strategy. 
Away from business, we also discuss social media on a personal level. Amy opens up about the harsh realities of Twitter trolls who have impacted her mental health and often crossed the line without repercussion.
Now I’ve known Amy a while, through a shared love of supporting Ipswich Town football club and her experience watching football over the years, good and bad, has led her to become an advocate for women in football, ensuring a safe environment and equality for all at Portman Road.
Throughout our chat Amy touches upon her own work/life balance; the pain of redundancy, setting up her own business and her honest take on Motherhood having been diagnosed with postnatal depression.
Hear how this brave woman in business opens up about her life to date, this is one not to be missed.