The SME Growth Podcast by Wellmeadow

Wellmeadow
The SME Growth Podcast by Wellmeadow

Co-hosts, Dave Parry and Rich Buckle have worked with over 100+ businesses at board-level through their growth consulting firm Wellmeadow. The SME Growth Podcast is an extension of the types of conversations we have in the boardroom. With a focus on marketing and sales strategies, we aim to give small and medium enterprise (SME) leaders tips, tools, and techniques that they can pick up and apply in their own business context. We also bring on business leaders and experts who tell their stories of the highs and lows in the world of business with a focus on the UK.

  1. 127: How Healthy Is Your Sales Pipeline?

    6D AGO

    127: How Healthy Is Your Sales Pipeline?

    In this episode, we take a practical look at how to assess the true health of your sales pipeline. It’s a topic that frequently arises in client conversations, especially during due diligence, forecasting, or periods of commercial strain. Yet, many businesses still rely on surface-level metrics or default CRM settings. So we share the tools and thinking we use to dig deeper into: what's really driving pipeline performance? By exploring concepts like data hygiene, deal velocity, and the importance of accurate forecasting, we highlight where typical sales metrics fall short and what to use instead. Whether you're managing a small sales team or scaling a more complex operation, we offer a set of insights and calculations that will help you understand your pipeline more clearly, act more deliberately, and forecast with greater confidence. Chapters: 00:00:00 – Intro & Rotisserie Chickens 00:04:10 – Episode Focus: How Healthy Is Your Sales Pipeline?00:06:30 – Data Hygiene: The Foundation of Pipeline Health 00:09:10 – What Should You Measure First? 00:11:30 – The Problem with the “3x Pipeline” Rule 00:14:20 – The Correct Pipeline Cover Formula Explained 00:17:05 – Forecast Accuracy and Probability Weighting 00:20:10 – Sales Velocity vs. Value Added 00:23:00 – Stalled Deals & Activity Flags 00:26:40 – Redesigning Pipeline Stages Around the Customer 00:29:00 – Win Rates by Segment and Deal Type 00:32:00 – Deal Concentration Risk 00:34:00 – Front-of-Pipeline Health & New Logo Acquisition 00:35:30 – Final Thoughts: Continuous Measurement & Improvement 00:36:50 – Outro: Future Topics & Podcast Wrap-Up Key Topics Discussed: Why data hygiene is the foundation of any meaningful pipeline metricThe problem with universal “3x pipeline” rules, and what to do insteadHow to calculate true pipeline cover using weighted values and sales cycle lengthThe importance of forecast accuracy and how to spot over-optimismReframing your pipeline from the customer's perspective to identify bottlenecks Who This Podcast Is For: This episode is designed for business owners, sales leaders, and commercial managers in growing SMEs. If you're responsible for driving revenue and making decisions based on pipeline data, this is a must-listen. Quotes to Remember: “You’ve got to measure the health of your pipeline in the context of the health of your system.” “Know your data intimately, the goal is to be able to talk about it almost fluently.” “If you’re just selling what’s already in your pipeline and not replacing it, it’s not been a good month.” Top Takeaways: Audit your CRM for data hygiene- make sure every deal has a value, an expected close date, and is linked to a contact and company. Calculate weighted pipeline value and average deal length to assess whether you have enough activity to hit your annual sales target. Find the Formula Here: Pipeline Coverage (%) = (Weighted Pipeline Value × Churn Rate) ÷ Annual Sales Target × 100 Review forecast accuracy and correct optimism bias- compare forecasted win probabilities to actual results. Reframe pipeline stages based on what the customer is doing, i.e., reviewing, considering, deciding, to better align with their journey. Segment win rates across deal size, salespeople, sectors, and customer types, to spot patterns, allocate effort more effectively, and refine targeting. Follow for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions. Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! If you are interested in what Wellmeadow does, head to our website: We deliver board support and HubSpot consultancy & implementation Follow The SME Growth podcast: YouTube:The SME Growth Podcast by Wellmeadow - YouTube Apple Music: The SME Growth Podcast by Wellmeadow - Podcast - Apple Podcasts All other available platforms: The SME Growth Podcast by Wellmeadow • A podcast on Spotify for Creators

    38 min
  2. 126: Disconnected & Exposed: Can Your Business Survive an Internet Outage?

    JUN 26

    126: Disconnected & Exposed: Can Your Business Survive an Internet Outage?

    In Episode 126 of the SME Growth Podcast, hosts Dave and Rich explore a hypothetical scenario that might feel a little too real: What if the internet went down across the UK? What starts off as a playful thought experiment quickly becomes a serious discussion about business continuity, digital resilience, and the practical steps SMEs can take to be ready, just in case. Inspired by a Sunday Times article that raised the possibility of cyber threats targeting UK businesses, the duo walk through what a week-long internet outage might look like, and how companies could (and should) prepare. Key Topics Discussed: Could your business survive without the internet?- Which cloud-based systems are truly business-critical?Why listing your tools and systems is more useful than you thinkHow to structure simple, cost-effective backups using existing techRevisiting old-school comms: fax machines, chequebooks, and landlinesCreating “grab bags” and contingency plans for a no-internet dayCould business continuity drills become the next team-building day? Quotes to Remember “You’re only as strong as the weakest link in your chain.”“If you could still send a fax, would you be one step ahead of your competitors?”“Even if it’s not apocalyptic, there are still good reasons to know what systems your business relies on.”“Don’t panic… but do prepare.” Top Takeaways: 1. Make a list of your business-critical systems. Start with accounting, CRM, HR, inventory, communications—anything stored in the cloud that your business can’t function without. 2. Back up your data regularly and locally.Some cloud platforms allow you to schedule daily data exports. Store these in a secure but accessible place so you always have a usable copy, even if the internet goes offline. 3. Plan analogue workarounds. Keep spare landline phones, paper order forms, and yes, even a chequebook. Sometimes, the old ways still work when the new ones don’t. 4. Consider alternate technologies.From Starlink to fax machines, thinking ahead about secondary systems might give you a valuable edge if things go sideways. 5. Run a no-internet drill.Test your resilience by pretending the internet is out for a day. What still works? What doesn’t? What do your team members instinctively rely on without thinking? Why This Matters While the idea of a national internet outage may sound extreme, cyberattacks, undersea cable damage, or critical ISP failures are not out of the question. This episode offers both a humorous and helpful lens on a scenario most businesses haven’t considered seriously enough. Whether you’re in operations, leadership or IT, the episode offers plenty of insight into cost-effective, practical steps SMEs can take today to improve their resilience, without going full “bunker mode.” Enjoying the podcast? Let us know in the comments. Like, share and subscribe to stay updated each week.

    35 min
  3. 125: AI-Powered Business Growth: Unlocking HubSpot with ChatGPT

    JUN 19

    125: AI-Powered Business Growth: Unlocking HubSpot with ChatGPT

    In this week’s episode of the SME Growth Podcast, hosts Richard and David explore the evolving world of AI in CRM's and how tools like ChatGPT and HubSpot’s latest data connectors are shifting what’s possible for sales, marketing, and business owners.It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pace of change. But beneath the jargon, there’s a simple idea: AI can help you make better decisions if you know how to ask the right questions. From the difference between Chat Mode and Deep Research, to the surprising number of professionals still not using AI at all, this episode unpacks it all with practical insights, real-world examples, and a few entertaining diversions involving firepits, EastEnders, and Napoleon. Chapters: 00:00:00 – Digital Detox & Firepit Stories 00:03:57 – Official Introduction & Recap 00:06:30 – Revisiting AI in Business 00:08:07 – HubSpot's AI Data Connector Announcement 00:10:02 – Star Trek, Dropbox & the Future of Chat Interfaces 00:12:46 – Deep Research vs Chat Mode 00:15:12 – Clean Data & CRM Usefulness 00:17:06 – Sales Tools and Incremental Gains 00:19:40 – AI-Powered Meeting Prep & Sales Coaching 00:24:24 – Limitations & API Workarounds 00:25:50 – Shifting Mindsets: From Linear to Lateral Thinking 00:29:18 – The Recall Revolution & Future CRM Intelligence 00:31:16 – Targeted Prospecting with AI at Events 00:32:08 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement Topics Discussed: Unlocking the Connector: What ChatGPT’s new CRM link means for your businessSurface speed vs. Depth of insight: Understanding Chat Mode and Deep Research (and when to use each)The AI Gap: Why so many professionals still haven’t jumped in and what that costsFrom insight to action: How AI-powered CRM tools can support better decision-making across your teamSmarter prep, better conversations: Using AI to walk into meetings with full context and confidence Quotes to Remember: “You could 100x that… by using AI to make all of those connections.” “We're not yet used to thinking in a new way, but there's a new possibility.” “Just ask it: what would be a good question to ask you?” “Salespeople still seem to think CRMs are evil…” Top Takeaways: AI is only as good as your data – tidy your CRM and structure your inputs Deep Research mode is a hidden gem – slow but powerful for decision-making The best use of AI? Saving time before meetings, not just after ChatGPT Teams is worth the upgrade –  £25/month could save you hours Your sales team may not hate CRMs – they may have just never seen a good one 🔗 Mentioned Tools & Terms: ChatGPT TeamsHubSpot CRMFathom AI Note-takerHeyGenDropbox integrationsDeep Research vs Chat Mode Follow for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions. Got feedback or questions? Drop a comment below – we read them all! If you are interested in what Wellmeadow does, head to our website: We deliver board support and HubSpot consultancy & implementation Follow The SME Growth podcast: YouTube:The SME Growth Podcast by Wellmeadow - YouTube Apple Music: The SME Growth Podcast by Wellmeadow - Podcast - Apple Podcasts All other available platforms: The SME Growth Podcast by Wellmeadow • A podcast on Spotify for Creators

    33 min
  4. 124: The Key Things about Key Account Management

    JUN 12

    124: The Key Things about Key Account Management

    In this week’s episode of the SME Growth Podcast, host Dave Parry sits down with David Ventura, founder of Front and Centre, to dig into a critical (yet often overlooked) part of the business growth journey: what happens after the sale.We’ve all heard the golden rule—look after your customers before someone else does. But in the race to land new logos, many businesses unconsciously neglect the ones they've already won. David brings a unique blend of sales insight, customer experience strategy, and a background in show business to help unpack this issue in an honest, entertaining, and highly practical conversation.Key Topics Discussed:The dopamine trap: Why chasing new business feels good—and how it risks long-term relationshipsHunter vs. Farmer: The realities of sales team structures and their impact on customer careHow AI is changing expertise: Why the value of knowledge is shifting and what really matters nowCustomer service vs. customer experience: Why being reactive won’t cut it anymoreCreating feedback spaces: The power of structured conversations with clients and when to involve a third partyCuriosity in sales: Recruiting, training, and developing curiosity as a core business skillQuotes to Remember:“The businesses that win in today's world are the ones that act and behave with intent.”“Curiosity never killed the cat. But it did make some really great salespeople.”“Habits are a wonderful set of handcuffs—until your competitors show up with something shinier.”“If you're just looking after a customer, you're reacting. Experience requires intention.”Top Takeaways:Intentionality is everything – Businesses must move from reactive service to proactive experience creation.Ask better questions – Shift from “How are we getting on?” to insightful, challenging questions that uncover the truth.Create deliberate spaces for feedback – Regularly carve out time to understand client expectations beyond day-to-day touchpoints.Curiosity drives growth – Hire and train for curiosity. It's the secret sauce in deepening customer understanding and building real trust.AI isn’t replacing value, it’s revealing it – Expertise alone isn’t enough anymore; delivery, experience, and human connection are the differentiators.Whether you’re in sales, account management, customer success, or leading a growing business, this episode is packed with ideas to spark reflection and action. Prefer to go deeper? Check out our previous 3-part series:Just One Thing (Ep. 120–123) – Real advice from real business leaders on what they’d change first.Enjoying the podcast? Let us know in the comments. Like, share and subscribe to stay updated each week.🎧 Available on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube📨 For enquiries or speaking requests: hello@wellmeadow.co.ukFollow The SME Growth podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSMEGrowthPodcastApple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sme-growth-podcast-by-wellmeadow/id1654715808

    37 min
  5. 123: Just One Thing: Advice For Business Leaders Part 3

    JUN 5

    123: Just One Thing: Advice For Business Leaders Part 3

    In the final episode of their business wisdom trilogy, Wellmeadow hosts, David Parry and Richard Buckle reveal why this advice isn't about chance at all. From a sales leader who sold a terabyte of data for £1 million to a military commander who managed £30 billion budgets, successful business leaders share their most valuable insights. The episode features contributions from recruitment specialists, technology executives, military leaders, and consultants across various sectors. Their collective wisdom challenges the notion that business success requires cutthroat tactics. The trilogy concludes with a powerful reminder that whilst there's no single silver bullet for business success, the combination of authentic leadership, strong relationships, and strategic thinking creates sustainable growth foundations. Discover why some of Britain's most successful business leaders believe that creating your own luck might be the most important skill you never knew you needed. Key Topics Discussed: In this final part of the trilogy, business leaders, clients, and contacts share their "just one thing" - key pieces of advice for growing businesses. The episode features insights from over 40 contributors condensed into practical wisdom. Leadership & Management The hosts discuss effective leadership and how bringing out the best in a team is the key to success. They emphasise the need to lead by example: If you want trust, show integrity; if you want energy, show energy. Show empathy with your team and recognise that everyone has different strengths.  Team Building & Culture Always employ people who share your own values at every level and ask yourself: "Would I go for a beer with this person?" (or spend time with them). The first 5-50 people you hire set the scene for your entire organisation, so be strong with difficult clients, but beautiful with your team. Customer Relations & Growth Always give customers more than they expect; surprise them in a good way and add that little bit of sparkle. When you exceed expectations, they'll do your marketing for free. David and Richard discuss what makes a good leader and how to excel in customer relations by building credibility through actions, looking after suppliers and knowing when to listen rather than talk. Persistence & Resilience The hosts discuss how beyond talent, timing, luck, skill, and funding, persistence is incredibly important and how we need to be prepared to pivot when opportunities arise. They emphasise the importance of getting out there, meeting people, and trying new things. Practical Business Applications The episode highlights how strategy should focus on how to achieve goals and that it shouldn't just focus on the endpoint. The hosts discuss how authenticity and trust are crucial and how, despite years in the making, they can be lost in seconds. There's a clear message and that is to understand your people, give them clear reasons for their work, and link it to organisational goals. Quotes to Remember "It's a marathon, not a sprint - pace the race." "Business doesn't have to be cutthroat - you can be decent, honest, trustworthy, and nice while still being successful." "Success isn't about one silver bullet - it's about doing multiple things well consistently. There is no one thing, there is no silver bullet." Top Takeaways: Be Lucky - But create the conditions for luck through preparation and opportunity Build Trust - Through authenticity, integrity, and consistent actions Surround Yourself with Good People - Values alignment is crucial Lead by Example - Walk the walk, don't just talk Focus on Relationships - Both with team members and clients Listen More Than You Talk - Engage genuinely with others

    40 min
  6. 122: Just One Thing: Advice For Business Leaders Part 2

    MAY 29

    122: Just One Thing: Advice For Business Leaders Part 2

    In this compelling second instalment of their business wisdom series, hosts David Parry and Richard Buckle from Wellmeadow, continue their exploration of invaluable advice from seasoned entrepreneurs, managing directors, and industry specialists. The conversation ranges from customer diversification strategies that saved companies from collapse, to the authentic leadership principles that build lasting teams. This episode delivers practical insights that small and medium enterprise owners can immediately implement to drive sustainable growth. Key Topics Discussed: The episode opens with a fundamental principle that resonates throughout: effective leadership centres on two core responsibilities - creating a compelling vision and building the right team to execute it. This theme weaves through multiple contributions, emphasising how authentic leadership shapes organisational success. Customer Relationship Management and Risk Mitigation A significant portion of the discussion focuses on customer diversification strategies, with particular attention paid to the dangers of over-reliance on major clients. Industry veteran Glenn shares his sobering experiences from both Ultra Furniture and Rolling Precision, highlighting how businesses can become vulnerable when single customers represent more than 15% of total revenue. The conversation explores practical approaches to monitoring customer concentration and building more resilient revenue streams. Building Resilience in Business Leadership Several contributors emphasise the critical importance of resilience in business leadership. Steve Jones, drawing from his experience as a head teacher managing schools for children with special educational needs, advocates for maintaining resilience whilst prioritising personal wellbeing. This balance between determination and self-care emerges as a recurring theme throughout the episode. The Power of Authentic Leadership Authenticity features prominently in the wisdom shared, with multiple contributors highlighting the importance of leaders demonstrating the behaviours they expect from their teams. This authentic approach builds trust within organisations and creates sustainable leadership cultures that drive long-term success. Technology and Continuous Learning The hosts discuss the rapidly evolving business landscape, particularly regarding artificial intelligence and its impact on traditional expertise models. They explore how business leaders must embrace continuous learning to remain competitive, whilst acknowledging the challenges some face in adapting to technological change. Practical Business Applications The episode provides concrete examples of successful business strategies, including innovative approaches to customer acquisition and retention. From precision engineering to planning consultancy, the featured businesses demonstrate how niche expertise combined with strategic thinking creates competitive advantages. Quotes to Remember  "Don't try to solve everyone else's problems." "There's only two things a leader needs to do: Create a vision. Build a team." "Act, interact and say and do what you expect your teams to do." Top Takeaways: When leaders constantly jump in to fix every issue, they're not actually helping - they're preventing their teams from developing problem-solving skills and taking ownership.Resilience isn't just about pushing through challenges, but about maintaining wellbeing whilst navigating uncertainty. These aren't theoretical concepts - they're battle-tested strategies from leaders who've built and scaled successful enterprises.Authentic leadership isn't just about being genuine - it's about demonstrating the exact behaviours you expect from your team.

    36 min
  7. 121: Just One Thing - Advice For Business Leaders

    MAY 22

    121: Just One Thing - Advice For Business Leaders

    The latest SME Growth Podcast episode features something different - real business advice from real entrepreneurs rather than business school theory. After reaching out to dozens of successful business owners, Dave Parry and Richard Buckle from Wellmeadow share the most compelling responses to a single question: "What's your one piece of advice for growing a business or being a good leader? " What makes this episode special is the authenticity - these aren't polished corporate mantras, but genuine wisdom earned through real challenges, successes, and even failures. Whether you're scaling a business or leading a team, these pearls of wisdom offer practical guidance from people who have actually walked the path. Key Topics Discussed: The episode features insights from successful business owners across various industries, from fitness training to manufacturing. Real entrepreneurs share their hard-won wisdom on growing businesses and leading teams. Focus Whether in business strategy or daily work habits, concentrate on completing tasks rather than juggling multiple priorities simultaneously. Identify The Basics “Don't lose sight of them as the business grows." From DJ to successful AV systems installer in schools, Rob emphasises the importance of sticking to core competencies rather than chasing every new opportunity. Trust Your Instincts Don't get caught up in what others expect or how others operate. Stay true to your values, especially in industries where standards may vary. Honesty And Integrity Authentic leadership means being prepared to do any job, staying accessible, and avoiding ivory tower mentality. Advice for growth: "Go for it, but have a Plan B." "Put yourself in your customer's shoes. Would you be delighted?" A Birmingham-based manufacturer competing against cheap imports has built success by going beyond satisfaction to true customer delight. His leadership advice is to be consistent, fair, and even-handed with your team. Three crucial pieces of advice: 1. Choose your business partners wisely. 2. Employ a Finance Director sooner than you think. 3. Be prepared to pay for outsourced advice. Quotes to Remember "Better to have a gap than someone wrong for the role" - the hire slow, fire fast principle in action. "Whether it's for your project, service, or end goal - do it with passion. It makes you work harder and influences people around you." "Trust your inner self, your gut feeling, the chatter that's guiding you." Top Takeaways: • Trust your instincts and maintain authentic leadership. • Customer focus and going beyond satisfaction to delight. • Staying true to core competencies whilst growing. • The importance of passion in driving business success. • Building the right team and making tough decisions quickly. • Balancing ambition with practical planning.

    34 min
  8. 120: Have You Forgotten To Listen To Your Customers?

    MAY 15

    120: Have You Forgotten To Listen To Your Customers?

    In this thought-provoking episode of The SME Growth Podcast, David Parry and Richard Buckle from Wellmeadow discuss how businesses can effectively respond when markets and customers evolve. They explore the importance of staying connected to customer needs rather than becoming fixated on established business models and focus on the dangerous disconnect between business vision and market reality. The episode highlights how even successful companies can lose touch with evolving customer needs and shares practical strategies for re-engineering growth by truly listening to what customers want now. Key Topics Discussed: The Customer Connection Challenge Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to connect their passion with market needsEstablished businesses often rely too heavily on what worked in the pastThe danger of being passionate about a business idea without validating market demand Re-engineering Growth Through Customer Focus Starting with what customers are genuinely looking for nowBalancing experience with openness to changing market conditionsWhy businesses must reframe expertise to match current problems, not historical solutions Learning from Business Failures The cautionary tale of Blockbuster failing to adapt to changing customer preferencesHow Netflix identified shifting customer behaviour and capitalised on itWhy companies must evolve their delivery methods even when core offerings remain valuable Strategic Environment Scanning The importance of continuously monitoring market changes• How regulatory shifts, competitor moves and customer preferences can rapidly alter business environmentsWhy leaders must balance internal focus with outward awareness: "Are you a meerkat or an ostrich?" Quotes to Remember: "The market just may not value your offering." "There's quite a lot of people out there that are passionate about wanting to start a business, but maybe not quite able to connect that with a market." “Are you actively scanning your business environment, or hiding from market realities?” "How can you re-engineer growth in your business? Starting from the point of view of what your customers are really looking for now." Top Takeaways There are three actionable steps for reconnecting with your market and testing new approaches without betting the farm. Practical Steps for Staying Customer-Aligned: Talk directly with customers - Make face-to-face or personal conversations a priorityReview your product/service offerings - Consider repackaging or reimagining based on customer feedbackPilot new approaches - Test potential pivots in controlled ways before full commitment

    35 min

About

Co-hosts, Dave Parry and Rich Buckle have worked with over 100+ businesses at board-level through their growth consulting firm Wellmeadow. The SME Growth Podcast is an extension of the types of conversations we have in the boardroom. With a focus on marketing and sales strategies, we aim to give small and medium enterprise (SME) leaders tips, tools, and techniques that they can pick up and apply in their own business context. We also bring on business leaders and experts who tell their stories of the highs and lows in the world of business with a focus on the UK.

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