Building a challenger brand – Will Little from Little’s Coffee Company and Roastworks

In this episode of Business Noodles, we sit down with Nick Buckland, a serial chair and non-executive director with a diverse career spanning both the private and public sectors.Nick shares his journey from starting as a computer scientist to holding positions on ten different boards. He discusses the evolution of his portfolio career, the impact of technology on business and the significant changes in the education sector, particularly with the rise of apprenticeships.Nick also delves into the role of non-executive directors, emphasising the importance of offering positive challenges rather than just being critical. He highlights the differences between the public and private sectors and the lessons they can learn from each other. The conversation touches on the productivity challenges in the UK and the benefits and drawbacks of AI in business.Listeners will gain insights into how boards can stay connected with frontline operations, the importance of business continuity plans and the growing trend of employee ownership in companies. Nick's engaging anecdotes and practical advice make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in business leadership and innovation.

A fascinating journey from journalism to leading a family-run innovative print company in Cornwall - Zoe Jones, managing director at KCS Print and Root Sustainable Labels joins us in this podcast episode.She talks about the unique challenges and opportunities in the print industry, her unexpected transition into the business and the inspiring story of her mother who founded the company in the late 80s. Zoe also delves into her experiences working in Russia and Argentina - and how these adventures shaped her career.Listeners will gain insights into the importance of sustainability in business, as Zoe discusses the launch of Root Sustainable Labels and their commitment to eco-friendly practices. She also touches on the impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on the business and how they navigated these turbulent times.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability and the print industry. Zoe's story is not only inspirational but also offers valuable lessons on resilience and innovation. 

Using AI to detect and prevent digital fraud is the latest business for our guest Oliver Crofton, a serial technology entrepreneur known for his ventures in cybersecurity and safeguarding businesses.Oliver shares his journey for founding multiple successful businesses, often seeing the potential before it becomes mainstream (cybersecurity is just one example). He also discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting and growing these businesses, highlighting the importance of foresight and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape.Throughout the conversation, Oliver emphasises the need for innovation and resilience in the face of adversity, sharing valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.Note - Since recording this episode, Meysey has rebranded to Continual.

In this latest episode of Business Noodles, we chat to Guy Tullberg, the managing director of Tracklements, an award-winning manufacturer of artisan condiments. Guy shares the fascinating story of how the business began with his father's discovery of a 17th-century recipe for whole grain mustard. He explains how the company has grown from a small family business to a renowned brand known for its high-quality condiments, including mustards, savoury jellies and onion marmalade.In the conversation, Guy discusses the importance of local supply chains and the resilience they provide. He also highlights the company's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, including their involvement with B Corp and the Living Wage Foundation.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in food, business and sustainability. Guy's stories about accidental discoveries, historical recipes, and the importance of collaboration and innovation offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts alike.

Welcome to our special episode of Business Noodles, focusing on corporate finance. We revisit a number of our previous episodes, pulling together the advice provided by our guests on topics ranging from early and late stage fundraising, using equity, through to buying and selling businesses. Guests featured include: Myles Hopper from Mindful Chef, Robin Hutson from the Pig Group and Hotel du Vin, Abby Allen from Pipers Farm and Will Ashworth from the Watergate Bay Hotel - plus a few more! 

After serving as an infantry reservist in Afghanistan, Andrew Pooley managed and grew businesses in the patient transport sector, culminating in a sale to a private equity-backed buyer following a successful turnaround. Now, as CEO and founder of Torbridge Capital, he invests in healthcare and learning and development businesses. In this episode, Andrew shares his career story and reveals how he has applied a ‘mission leadership’ model in the business world. He also discusses the highs and lows of selling a business, and what armed forces veterans can bring to the private sector.

Coffee entrepreneur Will Little shares insights on building a challenger consumer brand, dealing with supermarkets and working with family members. He discusses his experiences running two businesses: flavoured instant coffee specialist Little’s Coffee Company – founded by his parents 35 years ago – and speciality coffee roasters Roastworks. So why not grab your favourite brew and listen to his entertaining story from inside the coffee revolution?

High-profile chef and entrepreneur Michael Caines shares his career story, from the origins of his passion for food to his numerous business ventures. His journey from talented but wayward college student to acclaimed TV chef sheds light on the ingredients needed for success in the hospitality industry. Having worked with Raymond Blanc and the Williams Formula One team among others, Michael is now chef owner of Lympstone Manor Estate in Devon, as well as being a consultant to ambitious hotels and restaurants.

Working with small-scale family farms to develop a route to market for food produced in harmony with nature has been Pipers Farm’s mission for 35 years. Abby Allen, farms director and co-author of the Sustainable Meat Cookbook, shares her passion for food and farming as she discusses the value of local supply chains and collaboration between rural businesses. Her story sheds light on challenges for family businesses, including succession planning and working with external investors, as well as how consumer habits have changed since the pandemic.

Robin Hutson OBE worked at some of the world’s best hotels before launching the successful Hotel du Vin and The Pig hotel groups. Telling the story of his career in hospitality, from starting out as a waiter to pioneering the boutique hotel movement, Robin offers insights on starting, growing and selling businesses. He also shares his views on working with investors, changing trends in hospitality and why culture is key to success.