Welcome to the podcast about West Midlands business owners for West Midlands business owners. Every week, we’ll talk with a business owner from the region to celebrate the diversity of businesses and wealth of knowledge that make up the West Midlands business community. And of course, we all know that us West Midlands folk aren’t great at shouting about our wins. So this podcast is designed to help celebrate the fantastic achievements of our community by teasing out some of the nuggets that have…
Tom Ruston, owner of Bright & Beautiful Wolverhampton, shares his journey from employee to business owner, building a premium cleaning business rooted in strong relationships, exceptional customer service, and a passion for the West Midlands community. His personalised approach has helped differentiate the business in a competitive market while maintaining the highest standards of care. Tom…
Chris Neill, owner of Rehab Hair Salon, shares the journey behind one of the West Midlands’ longest-standing independent salons. Having progressed from manager to owner, he reflects on building upon the salon’s strong reputation while growing its digital presence and planning for future expansion. Chris discusses the mindset shifts that have shaped his leadership, including embracing failure as a…
Nick Platt, founder of Henwood Court Financial Planning, shares the journey behind his West Midlands-based financial planning and wealth management boutique, established in 2004. He reflects on building a people-first culture centred on trust, conscientious client care, and his “mother test” philosophy. He also discusses the challenge of stepping back from daily operations to support succession…
Mike Dixon, founder of HugglePets, shares the inspiring journey behind a unique West Midlands business that blends pet retail, product development, and community-focused animal therapy initiatives. Built from the ground up without external investment, HugglePets has grown through strong values, a supportive team culture, and a commitment to making a positive impact through both business and…
Michele Ibbs, a dynamic entrepreneur from the West Midlands, shares her journey from launching a call handling business in 2007 to expanding into AI, automation, and her latest venture, Truly Yours Agency. Passionate about developing young talent, Michele highlights the importance of apprenticeships and creating opportunities for future generations. She also reflects on the values behind her…
Graham Nicoll, founder of NCL Wealth Partners, has built a financial planning business on simplifying the complex and putting people first. After nearly three decades in the West Midlands, Graham has developed a deep appreciation for the region's honest, hardworking culture - something that resonates strongly in how he leads and serves his clients. In this conversation, Graham reflects on his…
Dave Rogers, known as the Business Explorer, shares his perspective on the entrepreneurial landscape of the West Midlands, with a passion for the Black Country’s heritage and growing tech scene. He explores the often-overlooked importance of succession planning, encouraging business owners to define clear long-term goals to avoid reactive, short-term decisions that can limit growth. Dave also…
Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer, shares the story of the historic West Midlands manufacturer that has continually evolved since its founding in 1862. From its roots in precision stamping and toolmaking to winning both the Queen’s Award for International Trade and the King’s Award for Innovation, Brandauer’s journey reflects a commitment to excellence, diversification, and forward-thinking…
Gareth Jones, Director of In-Comm Training Services, a leading apprenticeship training and consultancy business, shares his journey of building a purpose-driven organisation in the heart of the Black Country. Supporting around 500 engineering firms, his company is committed to developing talent and creating lasting socio-economic impact. With a team of 75 and two engineering academies, Gareth…
John Whitehouse, Director of Whitehouse Flexible Tubing, shares his deep-rooted connection to the West Midlands and the family business that has thrived in Redditch since 1960. From its origins in Birmingham to becoming a respected name in specialist tubing, John reflects on the values that have shaped the company’s journey. He discusses the culture of trust that underpins the organisation, their…
