The Passions Project

Laurie Fermor co founded Freddie's Farm with her husband after walking around the aisles of a supermarket feeling unimpressed with the selection of snacks available for kids. The couple knew they could make something that was better quality and tastier with the ingredients they had on their doorstep as vegetable and fruit farmers. Rather than just think, they acted and what a journey it has been. In this exclusive interview, Laurie describes how they managed to turn their passion into a successful business now on a global trajectory. A real inspiration for budding entrepreneurs everywhere!

Elspeth started Dunn Virtually to help SME businesses or busy individuals who need the support of an assistant but are not yet able to commit to someone full or part time. She enjoys working within different sectors and brings experience of being an Executive level PA and Project Manager to businesses. Since leaving the University of Wales, Newport in 2004 with a BSc (Hons.) degree in Business Administration. Elspeth has worked within businesses ranging from Multinational and SMEs (Medium, Small and Micro) to Academia. Located in Ashford, Kent, Dunn Virtually is equipped to support business locally, nationally and internationally where required. Elspeth is also passionate about her work with Wet Wheels South East. Wetwheels offers a unique opportunity for disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages - including those with multiple, profound and complex impairments - to access the water.

Julie and Alfie are founders of Dolly and Friends Dog Training. Between Julie & Alfie, they have seen 100’s of dogs and have thousands of hours’ worth of experience. Working with dogs and helping dog owners is their passion, no dog is too big or small, they train them all. They take pride in their work, as their reviews will testify. They also work with the prestigious trainer Nigel Marshall at Dog Trainer UK and are proud of what they achieve with him. If you want to see two individuals with a passion for all things canine then check out this fabulous interview.

James Hanaway is Director of Development at the Cheetah Conservation Fund UK. Th CCF is a global leader in the research and conservation of the cheetah. They run award-winning programmes in education, conservation and habitat restoration and are dedicated to protecting the cheetah in the wild. CCF UK focuses on building their network and support base in the UK.

Today's guest is music industry veteran Nick Stewart, who signed U2, Killing Joke and The Long Ryders to Island Records. Nick's career, spanning nearly 30 years, includes stints at Island Records, Polygram, Sony BMG and Warner Music. He has worked with, amongst others, Robert Palmer, Grace Jones, Steve Winwood, Blondie, Lonestar, The Eagles, Echo And The Bunnymen, The Storys, New Order, Thin Lizzy, Sir Elton John and Dire Straits. Enjoy.

Rupinder is a COACH, CONSULTANT, NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and TRUSTEE with experience in Marketing • Branding • Change Management • Insights & Strategy.  She is a creative and commercially astute director with over 25 years’ experience developing and executing effective marketing and brand strategy to facilitate business success.  Innovative, intuitive, with the ability to ensure long-term engagement across all audiences. An experienced NED with The Piece Hall and British Weightlifting and Executive Consultant with a proven capacity to provide constructive challenge, set big picture strategy and provide pragmatic guidance on how to best use the available experiences to meet these goals. Proven national and international track record in sports retail strategy, employee experience insight & strategy, product and services marketing and NPD, workshop design and management, automotive, oil & chemical marketing, mobile retail strategy and FMCG management.

Stefan Johansson is a Swedish racing driver who drove in Formula One for both Ferrari and McLaren, among other teams. Since leaving Formula One he has won the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans and raced in a number of categories, including CART, various kinds of Sports car racing and Grand Prix Masters.

Paul Arnold is a composer and classically trained musician, gifted at the piano, guitar and trumpet, although not usually at the same time. He has an MSc in Music Technology and a BA (Hons) in Music and Computing and his musical influences include 80s glam rock music, film scores and pop music of most sorts past and present. It’s important to have a broad appreciation of music in this chosen field!

Originally from Norfolk, and a member of the family which produced Britain's greatest naval hero, Philip's work within executive search over the past 14 years and as a Trustee has provided him with a unique opportunity to develop long term relationships with senior figures within the commercial, financial services, academic, public and not for profit sectors and within government and Parliament.   He has served as the Founder Chair of the 7/7 Memorial Trust and as Vice Chair of Best Beginnings and currently serves as a trustee of Coram Beanstalk, the national literacy charity, Theodora Children's Charity, which brings music, magic, fun and laughter to children in hospitals, hospices and specialist care through visits from Giggle Doctors and as a Member of the Survivors Advisory Forum at the National Emergencies Trust.   Philip has built an enviable reputation within executive search as a consequence of his understanding of the sectors within which he works, his connections, the strength and quality of the shortlists he is able to deliver and his palpable commitment to supporting clients to achieve the diversity they seek.

Mo Ali is an award winning director, working with some of the most innovative actors/artists/brands in the European and African entertainment industry.  His feature debut, the post-apocalyptic action-thriller "Shank", was released theatrically in 2010, entering the UK Charts at number 4 and has now been released in more than 15 territories around the world.  His second feature, "Montana", was a searing look at life in the underbelly of London. After appearing at the Sitges Film Festival, the most prestigious genre festival in the world, it sold to 30 territories and it went on to be nominated for Best Independent Feature at the NFAs and both Best Picture and Best Director at the Screen National Awards.  Mo is also a board member of British Urban Film Festival, patron of the East Side Educational Trust and mentors over 26 young London based filmmakers.