UK Director Business

Sue Wilcock
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Born from real experience of running and leading a business, the UK Director Business Podcast recognises how challenging, and lonely, life at the top can be. Created for business owners, CEOs, directors and senior decision makers, it delivers inspiring, practical and informative content. Expect honest conversations with business leaders sharing their personal journeys, alongside expert insights, tips and advice to help you navigate challenges and find the support you need.

Episodes

  1. Bob Steward and Mark Hart, Joint MDs at Barnes Construction

    May 15

    Bob Steward and Mark Hart, Joint MDs at Barnes Construction

    In this episode of the UK Director Business podcast, Sue Wilcock of UK Director Magazines and Rob Thacker of Sona Insurance talk to the Joint Managing Directors of Barnes Construction, Bob Steward & Mark Hart. This is a fascinating insight into how two experienced operators share the responsibility of running a business as joint MDs. We take a trip down memory lane and reflect on how they have steadied the ship through difficult transitions, lockdowns, and what the future holds for them. Bob and Mark are two very different people who have built a thriving partnership, and they walk us through the secret to keeping the friendship alive, both personally and professionally. This episode is brought to you in association with Affinia, the accountancy and tax advisory firm helping businesses and individuals make better financial decisions with confidence. We provide the space for top-level conversation, without the noise. So, if you run a business based in Suffolk, Norfolk or Essex, why don’t you join our UK Director Business Club. To find out more: https://ukdirectormagazines.co.uk/uk-director-business-club/

    59 min
  2. Simon Bennett, CEO of VINTTRO

    Apr 16

    Simon Bennett, CEO of VINTTRO

    Join our UK Director Business Club: https://ukdirectormagazines.co.uk/uk-director-business-club/ In this episode of the UK Director Business podcast, Sue Wilcock of UK Director Magazines and Rob Thacker of Sona Insurance, talk to Simon Bennett, CEO of VINTTRO. Simon always brings a fantastic energy, and this episode is no different. We delve into his lifelong insomnia, building a successful lifestyle insurance business on just four hours of sleep, how he uses music as a creative outlet, and how his early career formed the foundation for how he runs his business today. This episode is brought to you in association with Affinia, the accountancy and tax advisory firm helping businesses and individuals make better financial decisions with confidence.

    47 min
  3. Gemma (Rosie) Cairns, CEO of ROL Cruise

    Mar 16

    Gemma (Rosie) Cairns, CEO of ROL Cruise

    In this episode of the UK Director Business podcast, co-host Rob Thacker of Sona Insurance, talks to Gemma aka Rosie Cairns, CEO of ROL Cruise. ROL Cruise helps its customers find their dream cruise holiday, but the people behind the brand are innovating beyond just cruises. After a successful transition into an employee ownership trust, the brand has become one of the UK’s best companies to work for. Find out how Gemma navigates the balance of power in an employee-owned business, as well as the surprising way she gets herself motivated to face the day. This episode is brought to you in association with Affinia, the accountancy and tax advisory firm helping businesses and individuals make better financial decisions with confidence.

    38 min
  4. Jenny Hanlon, CEO of Adnams Southwold

    Feb 16

    Jenny Hanlon, CEO of Adnams Southwold

    In this episode of the UK Director Business podcast, co-host Rob Thacker of Sona Insurance, talks to Jenny Hanlon, CEO of Adnams Southwold. This is a glimpse into Jenny’s rise through the ranks of one of Suffolk’s most prestigious businesses, juggling life in the boardroom and as a parent, as well as how she sees herself as a custodian of the centuries-old Adnams brand which spans brewing, distilling, wine, retail, and hotels. This episode is brought to you in association with Affinia, the accountancy and tax advisory firm helping businesses and individuals make better financial decisions with confidence.

    39 min
  5. Anna Butcher, coach, speaker, and new head of operations at Finova Money

    Jan 16

    Anna Butcher, coach, speaker, and new head of operations at Finova Money

    In this episode of the UK Director Business podcast, co-host Rob Thacker, CEO of Sona Insurance, talks to ex-MD, coach, speaker, and new head of operations at Finova Money, Anna Butcher. There is so much to take from the episode. Anna talks candidly about being a young MD in financial services despite not being qualified in the field, how she believes that creating the best environment and culture for a team yields the best results, and how she’s grown a reputation for leading teams that deliver results. This episode is brought to you in association with Affinia, the accountancy and tax advisory firm helping businesses and individuals make better financial decisions with confidence.

    57 min
  6. Michelle Denny, Michelle Denny Recruitment

    07/16/2025

    Michelle Denny, Michelle Denny Recruitment

    In this episode of the UK Director Business podcast, sponsored by Unity Online, host Sue Wilcock and co-host Alex Pattenden talk to Michelle Denny, Founder and MD of Michelle Denny Recruitment. Michelle talks about how she fell into recruitment at a fairly late stage in her career, and the pivotal point that led her to take the gigantic step and set up her own business six years ago at the age of 53. She shares her vulnerability and challenges around running her business, as well as explaining the reasons behind her a straight-talking, people-first approach. She also talks about her plans for the future, why family is so important, and how she would advise her younger self to be more courageous and to not be frightened about making mistakes.

    54 min
  7. Paul Hamilton, Founder and CEO of HALO

    06/11/2025

    Paul Hamilton, Founder and CEO of HALO

    In this episode of the UK Director Business podcast, sponsored by Unity Online, host Sue Wilcock and co-host Matt Sykes talk to Founder and CEO of HALO. HALO is the world’s first Purebred Unicorn and the UK’s second most valuable software company (behind sage). Paul shares his reasons behind starting the business, how they hire on character rather than experience, and how the business has grown from its HQ in Suffolk, to become a global player employing hundreds of people, competing with the leading AI platforms, Salesforce and ServiceNow. He also talks about the HALO mission to ‘change the way the world works’ and the launch of halograduates.com, aimed at supporting the next generation of talent into the industry.

    49 min
  8. Jake Nicholls, CEO of Tru7 Group

    05/12/2025

    Jake Nicholls, CEO of Tru7 Group

    In this episode of the UK Director Business podcast, sponsored by Unity Online, host Sue Wilcock and co-host Matt Sykes talk to Jake Nicholls, CEO of Tru7 Group. Jake is the third generation in the family business, having made the decision to join Tru7 in his mid-twenties after giving up competing internationally as a professional motorcross rider. In this episode, Jake talks about his reasons for making this decision and how the family dynamic works. He shares how he is learning from his father and being given the freedom to put his own stamp on the business. He also talks about legacy and how he believes in the next generation and is actively encouraging younger people to join the business and make a difference. To find out more: http://www.ukdirectormagazines.co.uk/

    52 min
  9. Cassandra Andrews, Therapeutic Coach

    04/05/2025

    Cassandra Andrews, Therapeutic Coach

    In this episode of the UK Director Business podcast, sponsored by Unity Online, host Sue Wilcock and co-host Matt Sykes talk to Therapeutic Coach, Cassandra Andrews, who is on a mission to help men 40+ find the emotional and physical freedom they crave. As a self-confessed podcast junkie, she consumes everything she can on mindset and motivation and in this episode, she shares her thoughts about how we have a generation of men who are repressing their emotions and gives listeners some free tools and takeaways to help men with their self-awareness. She also talks about her new book ‘Unlearning Masculinity’ and how she feels about treating people how you would want to be treated, and why she thinks that’s a load of rubbish. To find out more: http://www.ukdirectormagazines.co.uk/

    33 min
  10. Steve Flory, MD of Hudson Group and Chair of Ipswich Central

    03/05/2025

    Steve Flory, MD of Hudson Group and Chair of Ipswich Central

    In this episode of the UK Director Business podcast, which is sponsored by Unity Online, host Sue Wilcock welcomes guest Steve Flory, who shares his career journey from working in IT in the insurance sector, to launching his business, Ansaback, and then buying Hudson Group, which produces branded display products. Steve shares his valuable insights into entrepreneurship, customer service, and community engagement. He also discusses the importance of recognising opportunities, being resourceful and adaptable in business, as well as highlighting his commitment to serving the community in Ipswich, emphasising social inclusion and support for the homeless.

    47 min
  11. Jonathan Reed, Co-owner and CEO of Paddy & Scott’s Coffee

    02/05/2025

    Jonathan Reed, Co-owner and CEO of Paddy & Scott’s Coffee

    In the inaugural episode of the UK Director Magazines business podcast, host Sue Wilcock and co-host Matt Sykes interview Jon Reed, CEO and co-owner of Paddy and Scott's Coffee. The discussion explores Jon's journey prior to joining the business as MD and then completing an MBO in 2023. He talks frankly about his decision to buy the business, the challenges he faced and his personal transformation regarding health and lifestyle. Jon emphasises the importance of community, values, and providing meaningful opportunities for employees. He shares insights on leadership and his commitment to social responsibility. Kindly sponsored by Unity Online, the episode highlights Jon's dedication to authenticity and making a positive impact.

    49 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Born from real experience of running and leading a business, the UK Director Business Podcast recognises how challenging, and lonely, life at the top can be. Created for business owners, CEOs, directors and senior decision makers, it delivers inspiring, practical and informative content. Expect honest conversations with business leaders sharing their personal journeys, alongside expert insights, tips and advice to help you navigate challenges and find the support you need.

Information

  • Creator
    Sue Wilcock
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 UK Director Magazines & Saw Media Ltd
  • Show Website
    UK Director Business

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