James Reed: all about business

Reed Global
  • 4.4 (297)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

'James Reed: all about business' puts you at the heart of fun, dynamic, candid conversation with business leaders, philanthropists and charitable celebrities as they use their journeys to give clear, actionable advice. Hosted by James Reed CBE, the Chairman and CEO of Reed Group, you’ll hear the highs and lows of what it means to be a true business leader to empower you to implement smarter, more meaningful strategy in your business or career.

  1. 5d ago

    81. How Gousto is taking on the ultra-processed food industry | Timo Boldt

    60% of the UK diet is ultra-processed. And the food industry is manufacturing your addiction. So why is this public health crisis continuing in plain sight, and what it would actually take to change it? Two things are clear. Britain's food system is more broken than most people realise. And Gousto is far more interesting a business than its recipe boxes suggest. In today’s episode, James speaks with Timo Boldt, founder and CEO of Gousto, about building one of the UK's most ambitious food businesses from scratch and why, 14 years and 80 million meals later, he's only just getting started. Timo shares how he left a career in investment banking to start again. With no money, no network, no customers, he shares what that journey has taught him about fundraising without connections, growing with your customers and building a business around a problem genuinely worth solving. They also discuss how Gousto has used AI intelligently from the beginning, not as a replacement for people, but as a tool that makes the whole operation sharper; from cutting food waste and optimising factory logistics to building fully personalised menus that 80% of customers now rely on. Timestamps: 01:37 What Gousto Does 06:23 From Banking to Entrepreneurship 13:24 Scrappy Startup and First Orders 25:35 Affordability Taxes and Transparency 31:16 Healthy Without Preaching 34:33 Factories And Delivery Network 42:12 China Trip AI And Robotics Links Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow Timo Boldt on LinkedIn Find out more about Gousto and their products Submit your application to Reed’s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    54 min

  2. May 25

    80. How a £5,000 workshop became a global luxury brand | Tom Faulkner

    What does it take to build a luxury brand by accident and keep it thriving for 30 years without ever taking outside investment? In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Tom Faulkner, award-winning British furniture designer and founder of Tom Faulkner Limited. They talk about the unlikely journey from redundancy at a record label to running one of the UK's most distinctive handcrafted furniture brands, with showrooms in London and New York, and a workshop in Swindon that has been making things by hand since 1996. Tom shares the story of how a side hustle in hand-painted tabletops became a serious business the moment he discovered what you could do with metal. He talks about buying a Swindon fabrication workshop for £5,000, inheriting two employees, slowly building a loyal team and a global client base. All through organic growth, word of mouth, and relationships with interior designers. They explore what it really means to build a premium, handcrafted brand in the modern world: the growing appetite among wealthy clients to understand how things are made, why British manufacturing remains a genuine selling point in the American market, and how Tom navigated the early months of US tariffs with a decision that cost him margin but protected his customer relationships. Together they also discuss the challenge of succession and legacy for founder-led businesses, why Tom has never chased scale for its own sake, and what he hopes to do next. Timestamps 4:56 From Chrysalis Records to Hand-Painted Furniture 8:40 Buying the Swindon Workshop (The £5,000 Decision) 12:56 The Pimlico Road Showroom & London's Design Cluster 15:53 Expanding to New York 20:24 Staying Artisan: Organic Growth & British Manufacturing 25:20 Signature Pieces: Capricorn & the Collections 36:13 Navigating Business Challenges & US Tariffs 43:01 Future Plans: Collaborations, Sculpture & What's Next 57:04 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow Tom Faulkner on LinkedIn Find out more about Tom Faulkner LTD and their products HERE Submit your application to Reed’s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    1h 9m

  3. May 18

    79. What businesses should learn from museums about innovation | Elizabeth McKay

    How can a major museum be run with the same entrepreneurial mindset as a high-growth business? In today's episode, James Reed speaks with Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of the London Transport Museum. While many perceive museums as static archives, Elizabeth explains how she applies commercial strategy to ensure one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks remains financially sustainable and relevant in a modern economy. Elizabeth shares insights from her unconventional career journey and explains why the museum identifies as the best in the world for urban transport. They explore the evolution of work through the lens of London’s history, from the original "chairmen" who carried sedan chairs to the "navvies" who hand-dug the first underground network. Together they discuss the balance between preserving heritage and driving innovation, including the story of Harry Beck’s revolutionary Tube map and how it was initially rejected for being too radical. Elizabeth also outlines the realities of leading a cultural institution that functions as both a charity and a successful commercial entity. Timestamps 01:48 Transport history highlights 09:50 Young entrepreneurs message 20:04 Design DNA of TFL 24:26 Running the museum business 33:27 Leading through uncertainty 40:21 Funding model explained 45:10 Youth skills pipeline Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow Elizabeth McCay on LinkedIn: Find out more about TFL Museum and their exhibitions here: Submit your application to Reed’s Entrepreneurs Fund for a chance to a £20,000 grant HERE All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    59 min

  4. May 11

    78. The crisis facing UK retail and food businesses | Sarah Bradbury

    Why are millions of jobs going unfilled in one of the UK’s biggest industries, while so many young people are struggling to find work? In this episode of all about business, James Reed speaks with Sarah Bradbury, CEO of the Institute of Grocery Distribution, about the future of the UK food industry, the growing challenge of attracting young talent, and why the sector may offer far more opportunities than people realise. Sarah shares insights from her 25-year career across major retailers, before stepping into one of the most influential leadership roles in the UK food sector. She explains how IGD works across the entire food system and how they help competitors collaborate on the biggest long-term challenges facing the industry. They explore the pressures reshaping food and retail, including changing consumer habits, climate change, AI, automation, workforce shortages, and the potential impact of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, on the future of food consumption. Together they also discuss leadership, collaboration between rival businesses, and why the UK food industry remains one of the country’s most important, and underestimated, economic forces. Timestamps 02:00 What IGD does 08:43 Retail tech and AI trends 12:27 UK food system challenges 18:36 Land use and solar farms 23:47 Hidden food careers 31:29 Youth unemployment urgency 43:27 Closing reflections and CEO Forum Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow Sarah Bradbury on LinkedIn Find out more about IGD and their impact HERE All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    48 min

  5. May 4

    77. What it’s really like running a funeral directors business | Damian Melville

    Running a business is hard, but what is it like when your work sits at the centre of people’s most emotional moments? In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Damian Melville, Managing Director of Melville & Daughter Funeral Directors. Together they explore leadership in one of the most emotionally demanding industries there is. Damian shares his journey into the family business, reflecting on the responsibilities that come when helping people in their most vulnerable time, and how that shapes both leadership-style and company-culture. He shares what balancing tradition with modernisation means, the realities of running a business where empathy is as important as efficiency, and the discipline required to maintain high standards in sensitive circumstances. The conversation explores what it means to lead with care while still making clear commercial decisions, how to build trust within communities, and why consistency and professionalism matter more than ever, in a service built on reputation. Damian also discusses the challenges of succession in a family-run business and the importance of supporting both clients and staff through emotionally complex work. A thoughtful, grounded conversation about leadership, responsibility, and building a business where purpose and performance have to coexist every step of the way. Timestamps 01:04 Finding a niche market 06:36 Going solo challenges 12:50 Winning trust locally 23:18 COVID shock to the system 36:27 Hiring costs and NI 43:25 A Funeral director day 01:00:26 Memorial innovations and burials Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow Damian Melville on LinkedIn Find out more about Melville & Daughters Funeral Directors here All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    1h 9m

  6. Apr 27

    76. How to get a pay rise: Salary negotiation that works | Connor Scully

    Is an awkward conversation the only thing standing between you and the salary you deserve? In this episode of all about business, Connor Scully, Senior Executive Consultant at Reed Specialist Recruitment, sits down with James to discuss how professionals can effectively secure a pay rise in their current role. Connor shares practical advice on how to move beyond the discomfort of pay discussions by focusing on preparation, timing, and proving your worth. The conversation explores how to assess whether you are truly due a salary increase, emphasizing the need to align your output with business goals and quantify your impact through measurable KPIs. Connor explains why being proactive, taking on extra responsibilities during company hardships, or "saying yes" to complex projects, is key to becoming an indispensable asset. Whether you feel underpaid or are looking to take the next step in your career, this episode offers a step-by-step guide to navigating pay conversations with confidence and a growth mindset Timestamps 02:00 Are You Due More 04:42 Prep And Timing Mistakes 09:38 When To Job Hunt 12:19 Ask In Person 15:36 Say Yes More Often 20:22 Employer Perspective on Pay Requests Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Find out how Reed can help you advance your career here: Find out more about Reed Specialist Recruitment here: Find out more Number Eight restaurant here: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    28 min

  7. Apr 20

    75. How to calculate what you're worth in the job market | Leanne Appleton

    How do you know if you’re being offered what you’re worth? In this episode of all about business, Leanne Appleton, recruitment expert at Reed, speaks with James about how professionals can increase their earning potential and achieve a higher salary. Leanne shares practical insights into what really drives salary growth, from understanding your market value to building in-demand skills and positioning yourself effectively in the job market. She explains why working harder isn’t always enough, and how being more strategic about your career decisions can significantly impact your long-term earnings. The conversation explores how to approach salary negotiations with confidence, including when to ask for a pay rise, how to benchmark your worth, and why timing plays a critical role. Leanne also highlights the importance of demonstrating impact through measurable results, rather than relying on tenure or job titles alone. Timestamps 02:10 Know Your Worth 04:15 Recruiter Advantage 05:41 Benchmark Beyond Salary 08:36 Reading Job Ad Salaries 11:14 Negotiation Prep 14:20 Avoid Over Underselling 17:37 Benefits That Matter 19:36 Perks Employers Can Add 21:52 Probation Pay Reviews 24:39 Counteroffers Warning Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Find out how Reed can help you advance your career here: Find out more about Reed Specialist Recruitment here: Find out more Number Eight restaurant here: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    29 min

  8. Apr 13

    74. How to grow a business fast and exit successfully | Andrew Hulbert

    How do you grow an idea into a multi-million pound business before the age of 40? In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Andrew Hulbert, entrepreneur and founder of Pareto Facilities Management, a company he built from his bedroom into a £50 million business before successfully exiting in his thirties. Andrew shares the journey from a difficult start in Oxford and an unconventional path into business, to scaling rapidly in a competitive industry and navigating the realities of high-growth entrepreneurship. He reflects on the mindset required to build something from nothing, the importance of winning (and keeping) customers, and why consistency and execution matter more than ideas. The conversation explores what it really takes to scale a business, from landing pivotal contracts that accelerate growth, to building a leadership team strong enough to step back from. Andrew also speaks candidly about the personal cost of success with long hours, burnout, and the moment he realised the business he built was no longer sustainable for the life he wanted. Now focused on family, investing, and sustainability, Andrew offers a different perspective on success that goes beyond financial outcomes. This is a grounded and honest conversation about entrepreneurship, growth, and what success really looks like once you’ve achieved it. Timestamps 02:17 Council estate roots 09:20 Knife lesson turning point 22:06 Bedroom startup launch 34:14 Why sell the business 42:57 Health reset and purpose 46:50 Sales tricks that work 54:47 Advice for entrepreneurs Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow Andrew Hulbert on LinkedIn Find out more about Pareto Facilities All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    1 hr
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4.4
out of 5
297 Ratings

About

'James Reed: all about business' puts you at the heart of fun, dynamic, candid conversation with business leaders, philanthropists and charitable celebrities as they use their journeys to give clear, actionable advice. Hosted by James Reed CBE, the Chairman and CEO of Reed Group, you’ll hear the highs and lows of what it means to be a true business leader to empower you to implement smarter, more meaningful strategy in your business or career.

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