23. From shop floor to CEO of Kurt Geiger: How to climb to the top in fashion with Neil Clifford

Consistent branding has the power to increase your revenue by up to 20%.  But with massive rebrands making headlines for all the wrong reasons, how can you refresh your image without alienating your audience?In this episode of 'All About Business,' I sit down with David Robertson Mitchell, who spent almost a decade working as a brand consultant for Mercedes’ Formula One team.We discuss how he helped build Lewis Hamilton’s influential brand with the Mercedes’ Formula One team, the secret to getting your finance director on board with your marketing plans and why Jaguar’s recent rebrand might not be as terrible as you think.   David Robertson Mitchell aka The Brand Rover,  is the Founder and Managing Director of dna-rB, a brand consultancy that works with individuals, businesses and sport teams to define brands, support the implementation of brand strategy and help manage reputations. dna-rB specialises in personal and corporate branding, ensuring alignment between a company’s brand and the personal brand of its CEO.Timestamps02:43 Branding Mercedes’ Formula One team07:14 Lewis Hamilton's personal brand evolution14:12 Branding success stories in sports17:11 Rebranding challenges and strategies30:31 The importance of messaging34:25 Consistency in branding and marketing39:40 Personal branding strategies42:42 The CEO brand52:14 Reputation managementLinksCheck out David Mitchell's websiteFollow David Mitchell on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk.

With new economic policies forcing UK businesses to tighten their purse strings, how can we keep the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit alive, while also getting the economy back on track? In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Luke Johnson, the serial entrepreneur who spotted some of the UK’s most popular food brands, including Pizza Express, The Ivy and Gail’s Bakery.  We discuss how to spot a winning investment, what the UK should be doing to promote entrepreneurship, and Luke’s five tips for reviving the economy.Luke Johnson is an entrepreneur known for expanding the Pizza Express brand.  He also founded Signature Restaurants, which owned notable restaurants including, The Ivy, and Le Caprice. Luke is currently Chairman of Risk Capital Partners, a private equity firm. From 2015-2021 he wrote a regular column for The Sunday Times where he shared his business expertise.Timestamps02:11 Who is Luke Johnson?06:36 The traits entrepreneurs need to have07:23 Pizza Express beginnings11:36 Being a projector13:40 The British business climate23:19 Risk Capital Partners26:03 Gail's Bakery27:33 Luke's business formula31:56 How we can encourage entrepreneurship in the UK36:09 Luke's book and weekly column For entrepreneurs40:56 Television and the arts46:04 Future projects with Risk Capital Partners49:05 Reed Interview RoundLinksGet Luke’s book Visit Luke’s websiteCheck out Risk Capital Partners Follow Luke on LinkedInFollow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

With 77% of 13-18 year olds using artificial intelligence in some way, how can we make sure young people are using AI effectively while also protecting them from its potential dangers? In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Philip Colligan, the CEO of Raspberry Pi Foundation, which provides free AI education to children across the globe. We discuss why AI is becoming more and more human-like, how to build a global network and why asking AI to help with homework might not be such a bad thing. Philip Colligan is the CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a charity that promotes computing education for young people. The Foundation aims to help young people realise their full potential through the power of digital education.Timestamps02:05 Raspberry Pi going from charity to billion-pound business07:07 The IPO journey and listing Raspberry Pi15:39 AI literacy and preparing the next generation27:44 The role of AI in education31:07 Inspiring young minds36:45 Global expansion and partnerships39:06 Challenges and strategies for global outreachLinksCheck out Experience AI Visit Raspberry Pi foundation’s websiteVisit Code ClubVisit Hello WorldFollow Philip on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

The UK’s life science sector is booming, generating over £100 billion in turnover in 2022. And with more and more companies entering the space, how do you marry business and science to create a drug that not only makes money but saves lives.In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Dame Kate Bingham, Managing Partner at SV Health Investors, specialising in biotechnology investments. Kate has over 30 years of experience in healthcare investment and led the UK's vaccine task force during COVID-19.She shares the ins and outs of health care investment, the challenges that came with leading the UK’s vaccine taskforce, and what she did when the press questioned her credentials. Dame Kate Bingham is a venture capitalist and biotech investor. She is best known for her role as the chair of the UK Vaccine Taskforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she led efforts to procure and distribute vaccines. Katie is currently a managing partner at SV Health Investors, specialising in biotechnology investments. Kate was awarded a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2021.Timestamps02:22 Kate Bingham's career journey05:42 Precision medicine and disease modification12:01 The future of healthcare and AI14:18 Dementia discovery funds and new drugs20:32 The challenges and rewards of venture capital24:29 The Importance of constructive relationships in venture capital30:37 Challenges and successes of the vaccine task force40:32 Navigating political and public scrutiny49:59 Women in science and leadershipLinksFollow Kate on LinkedInVisit Kate’s company websiteFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you go from cleaning toilets to running a multi-million pound company?In this episode of All about business, I sit down with Neil Clifford, the CEO of luxury footwear brand Kurt Geiger. Neil left school with just one O-Level, and rose to become a top player in the retail industry. We discuss the lessons Neil learned from his early retail jobs, why CEOs shouldn’t work from home, and how he helped turn Kurt Geiger into a multimillion pound international business. Neil Clifford started his career at Kurt Geiger as a store manager and worked his way up to becoming CEO over the course of 20 years. He has been instrumental in expanding the business internationally and launching its online presence. The brand has grown to operate in 28 countries with 57 standalone retail locations.Neil is also dedicated to giving back to the community, having set up The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation which aims to raise £1 million every year to support young creatives. The Foundation has also created Business By Design, an academy for 18-20 year olds to upskill and prepare them for careers in fashion.Timestamps03:12 First jobs and rising through the retail ranks13:17  Career breakthroughs22:12 Private equity and global expansion37:36 Strategies for business growth40:05 Personal reflections50:24 Philanthropy and social responsibilityLinksCheck out Kurt GeigerFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

A recent YouGov survey found that 82% of managers are ‘accidental'. So, what is an accidental manager? Why are there so many of them, and just how much is it affecting results within your business?In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Ann Francke OBE, the CEO of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which provides training, qualifications and resources for managers.She reveals her tips for dealing with toxic bosses, how line managers impact employee wellbeing, and the key skills every manager needs to be successful.About AnnAnn is CEO of the Chartered Management Institute, an organisation that creates confident leaders through leadership development training, qualifications, and research. She started her career at Procter & Gamble and has held senior executive positions at Mars, Boots, Yell and BSI. She is an expert on gender dynamics in the workplace and has written a book about how to create a gender-balanced workplace. Ann also wrote the Financial Times Guide to Management and was named as one of the Top 100 Women to Watch in the 2015 Female FTSE Cranfield report. In 2020, she was awarded an OBE for her services to workplace equality.Timestamps02:38 The importance of professional management training06:56 Key skills for new managers16:49 The impact of conscious leadership21:37 Dealing with bad management 31:28 Addressing conflict and toxic behaviour37:28 The role of line management in organisational success39:19 Sponsorship vs mentorship44:56 Examples of effective leadership48:24 Gender balance and inclusivity in the workplace51:39 The say-do gap in inclusivity54:13 The importance of professionalising managementLinksFollow Ann on LinkedInRead Ann’s bookGet management trainingFollow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How can you use data to increase revenue, improve customer relationships, and make better business decisions?In today’s episode of All About Business, I speak with Anita Dougall, the co-founder and CEO of data consultancy firm, Sagacity. Anita started the business in 2005, and since then has helped companies like AA, British Gas, and Moonpig spin their data into business gold. She reveals how to use data to optimise customer engagement, drive revenue, and resolve the billing issues that could be costing you millions.About AnitaAnita is the CEO and founding partner of Sagacity, a leading consultancy that specialises in providing data-driven insights to help businesses maximise their returns. Before co-founding Sagacity in 2005, Anita worked in investment banking. Her experience in financial and commercial roles that relied heavily on technology, led to her becoming an independent consultant, eventually co-founding Sagacity.In 2025, Anita was recognised on the E2E Female 100 track list, which celebrates the UK’s fastest growing female-led or founded businesses.Timestamps00:31 Understanding data04:55 Improving customer engagement06:28 Billing and debt collection 20:03 Anita's career journey30:13 Business growth37:30 Choosing the right investor42:46 Recruitment and company culture45:58 Data usage and permissionsLinksVisit Sagacity’s websiteRead about Anita’s recognition on the E2E Female 100 track listFollow Anita on LinkedInFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit www.flamingo-media.co.uk 

How do you turn an idea you had at uni into a multimillion-pound enterprise? UNILAD and LADbible founder, Alex Partridge, started both companies while he was studying at university, and was a millionaire by the time he was 25.In this episode of All About Business, we discuss the power of social media, the podcast that led to his ADHD diagnosis, and the harrowing court case that almost cost him everything. About AlexAlex Partridge is the founder of UNILAD and LADbible, two of the UK's most popular news and entertainment platforms. He has been open about his struggles with ADHD, and has written a book that explores how the diagnosis has impacted his life and career. Alex also hosts the podcast, ADHD Chatter, where he discusses ADHD with leading experts, celebrities and psychiatrists.Timestamps00:43 Alex's early entrepreneurial ventures03:58 Late-night pizza deliveries06:19 The birth of UNILAD09:12 Going viral and building a team18:08 Challenges and legal battles22:37 Facing the courtroom: A flashback to childhood anxiety30:33 Alex’s ADHD diagnosis40:08 Starting a new career42:29 Advice for aspiring entrepreneursLinks:Watch Alex’s podcastRead Alex’s book Follow Alex on LinkedInFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit www.flamingo-media.co.uk 

In a world where consumers are obsessed with Temu and SHEIN, how can you attract customers to your high-end brand while staving off competition from cheaper alternatives? In this episode of All About Business, I speak with Billie-Jo Cronin, the founder of luxury accessories brand, Good Squish.   Billie-Jo and her brother, Phoenix, bootstrapped the company, selling 1,900 units in under a year, while also gaining celebrity endorsements.We discuss how they grew the company organically through Instagram, why community is central to their brand, and why local production and quality control go hand in hand. About Good SquishGood Squish is an independent brand that specialises in hand-stitched accessories made from dead stock fabrics, which helps to reduce waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise go unused. Their products, which include scrunchies, hair pins, keychains and tote bags, feature whimsical and creative designs. Timestamps01:26: The Concept of Dead Stock02:22: The Organic Growth Journey08:31: Maintaining Quality and Customer Satisfaction14:56: Expanding Internationally19:35: Working with Family23:31 Decision-Making and Idea Curation24:36: Challenges and Benefits of Collaborations32:40: Celebrity Endorsements and Organic Growth36:49 Future PlansLinksCheck out the Good Squish websiteFollow Good Squish on InstagramFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Concern around AI is higher than ever. But could 2025 be ‘make or break’ for businesses who have yet to embrace it? In this episode of 'All About Business' I talk with sibling duo, Richard and Archie Hollingsworth, founders of Fixer AI. They discuss their journey from bootstrapping a $5 million agency to spearheading an innovative AI personal assistant tool which they say can give you an hour back every day. They share insights from their transformative stint in Silicon Valley, reflect on the impactful role of AI in modern businesses, and highlight why 2025 is a pivotal year for AI adoption. Timestamps04:24 Building Fixer AI07:00 Success and Growth of Fixer AI21:05 The Accelerator Experience30:04 Moving to San Francisco: A Family Decision31:02 Cultural Diversity in the Accelerator Program32:13 Lessons from the American Business Culture33:14 The Power of Being Direct36:27 Adapting to the American Market38:05 Building a Strong Team41:34 Brothers in Business: Trust and Dynamics44:46 Hiring and Scaling Up54:09 Future Goals and ReflectionsLinksFollow Archie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archie-hollingsworth-a07168152/ Follow Archie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hollingsworth-444b8589/ Visit Fyxer.AI: https://www.fyxer.comFollow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media.