Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
Digital transformation is rapidly evolving and for many SMEs, it can be difficult to Navigate. Alessandro Di Stefano, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at Teesside University, breaks down the practical applications of AI and data-driven tools, giving insight into actionable strategies businesses can use to stay in the game.

5 days ago
5 days ago
Nobody can do business with you if they don’t know you exist. Charlotte Nichols, Managing Director of Harvey & Hugo, explains practical public relations (PR) strategies that can enhance your visibility, establish trust and position your brand as the go-to-choice in your industry.

5 days ago
5 days ago
With a decade in business, Jessica Williams, Founder/Managing Director of Just Williams, has a firm grip on the wheel, being able to pursue a PhD and run 13 marathons on the side. But this sales and marketing B Corp wasn’t built overnight. Jessica reflects on her business journey and shares tips for other likeminded sales-people looking to grow.

5 days ago
5 days ago
Mo Abassi, Senior Sustainability Engineer at Decerna, discusses how individual behaviours can play a key part in creating a sustainable workplace. Whilst new technologies and policies can make a big difference, Mo believes their Sustainable Workplace Wins toolkit can encourage people to adopt small but significant new behaviours, sharing positive messaging, advice and practical activities.

Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
#034 UMi speaks to Steve Erdal about growing an AI-enabled, human-led business
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
With a background in Corpus Linguistics and a keen interest in Scottish mythology, Steve Erdal found his niche in AI-enabled customer feedback analysis. The Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Wordnerds shares how the company has navigated proof of concept, seed funding and scaling through one of the most challenging times in business history.

Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Richard Bearman is the Managing Director of British Business Bank and overseer of the Start-Up Loans Programme which aims to help start-up businesses across the UK get access to funding and support. In this conversation he shares details of the funding and support available to new businesses, as well as the value of mentorship from industry experts.

Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Jim Holland is the CEO and Co-Founder of Carma, a business which partners with veterans and service leavers to plant trees in the UK. After serving in the Royal Navy for 13 years, followed by 16 years in large corporations, Jim was moved to create Carma to support fellow veterans while making a positive impact on the environment. In this conversation, Jim shares key lessons and personal insights from his journey to offering customers social impact from the palm of their hand.

Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
#031 UMi speaks to Steve Pugh about being an effective leader
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Steve Pugh is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and Management Consultant, author, GB basketball player, and Founder of social impact start-up Roadmap MBA. With more than 20 years’ learning and board-level experience leading organisations through stock market floatation, recession and the pandemic, Steve is passionate about making business education more accessible for all. In this conversation, he shares how authentic and transparent leadership can positively impact people’s lives, and the importance of drawing on support to accelerate your learning.

Friday Oct 13, 2023
#030 UMi speaks to Kat Sykes about how divergent thinking powers change
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Kat Sykes has been described by clients as the Mary Poppins of Business Change. As the Founder of GameChanging Outcomes Ltd, Kat has drawn on her varied career as a primary school teacher, construction project manager and digital change manager to create a completely new type of service that encompasses the best of all worlds. In this conversation, she explains why it’s important to understand people’s ‘real KPIs’ in business, how play can encourage creativity and break down barriers to change in organisations, and the work she’s doing with Durham University on supporting entrepreneurs’ self-worth.

Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Listen to this episode to learn how you can improve your self-awareness and understanding of yourself and colleagues, and ultimately create a more confident and resilient you/workforce.

Monday Aug 21, 2023
Monday Aug 21, 2023
Ian Kinnery, a multi-accredited business coach, has made it his mission to help entrepreneurs experience what he calls ‘true entrepreneurial freedom’ through a mixture of industry techniques and personal experience. Listen to this episode to hear how you can achieve your goals, grow you business and become a great leader, all whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Amanda Rowan, International Trade Advisor and Caroline Wilson, Strategic Partnership Manager from the Department for Business and Trade delve deep into the exciting world of exporting within the Northern Powerhouse region. The Northern Powerhouse, renowned for its economic vibrancy, encompasses a network of dynamic cities and regions, boasting a diverse range of industries and resources. We shed light on the key aspects of exporting and how businesses can leverage the unique advantages offered by the Northern Powerhouse. Exploring the various trade opportunities available to entrepreneurs and established companies alike, showcasing success stories of businesses that have thrived through international expansion from this thriving economic hub.