• Episode 13 - Caroline Southgate - Is there money in care?
    Jul 16 2025

    In this week’s episode of Entrepreneur Conversations, James Martin sits down with Caroline Southgate, founder of a thriving care business that supports over 140 elderly people in the community. With a passion rooted in compassion, Caroline shares her journey from startup to scaling a purpose-led enterprise in one of the most emotionally demanding sectors.They dive deep into what it takes to build trust at scale, how to lead with empathy while navigating the realities of entrepreneurship, and the operational challenges of managing a care team in a highly regulated industry. Whether you're building a people-first business or looking for insights on leading with heart and resilience, this conversation is a must-listen.

    👉 Click here for information about Baddow Park Masterclass .

    👉 Follow James on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates: ⁨@JamesMartinEntrepreneur⁩

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 12 - Mark Creaser - You need this man in your business!
    Jul 9 2025

    Join James Martin as he sits down with Mark Creaser about his Entrepreneur Journey and experiences that have brought him to where he is today. They delve into Mark’s early entrepreneurial struggles, pivotal moments that shaped his leadership, and the strategies he uses to scale sustainably. Expect actionable insights on overcoming failure, fostering innovation, and navigating growth in today’s competitive market.

    👉 Subscribe now and don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with practical takeaways for your own business.

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    50 mins
  • Episode 11 - Neil Sweeney - What is life after exit?
    Jul 2 2025

    In this episode of Entrepreneur Conversations, James Martin sits down with Neil Sweeney, the security-sector entrepreneur who scaled and sold his UK security firm, Sicuro, for approximately £4.5 million—and has since pivoted into school photography.

    Neil co-founded and led Sicuro (UK) Ltd from 2012 until exiting in March 2021, growing it into a leader in construction-site and vacant-property security. In February 2024 he became Managing Director of Carmel Jane Photography, leveraging his experience to steer a school photography business with a strong emphasis on culture and team cohesion.

    But this wasn’t just a change of industry—it was a strategic transformation. Neil explains how:

    • 🔐 Growing Sicuro through operational discipline, an EOS-driven culture, and customer trust made it exit-ready

    • 📸 Transferring strengths like systems, values, and leadership to build a photography business founded on transparency and team-first ethos

    He shares insights on:

    • The moment he recognised that culture and process could power a creative, service-oriented enterprise

    • How EOS clarity and cohesive values shaped both Sicuro and now Carmel Jane Photography

    • Balancing the emotional journey of selling a business and launching anew in a completely different sector

    • Leadership lessons learned in security that perfectly translate into running a photography company

    This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs exploring how to:

    • 💡 Harness existing business infrastructure for new ventures

    • 🔄 Navigate exits with strategic vision and culture intact

    • 🛠️ Reinvent themselves by applying proven systems to fresh challenges

    Tune in to discover:

    • How exit-ready systems can fuel post-sale ventures

    • The mindset behind transforming one business into the springboard for another

    • Authentic, culture-led leadership in action

    If you're an entrepreneur aiming to scale, sell, and transition with purpose—and want to build your next venture on solid foundations—Neil's journey offers both inspiration and practical guidance.

    🔗 Subscribe, review, and hit the bell to stay updated—and let us know which part of Neil’s pivot from security to school photography resonated most with you!

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Episode 10 - Paul Jefford - How does a Boutique Dispatch Company work?
    Jun 25 2025

    In this episode of Entrepreneur Conversations, James Martin sits down with logistics innovator Paul Jefford, who built his delivery business Dispatch Bros on the foundation of his long-established music retail company, Strings Direct.

    Paul has led Strings Direct Limited since 2006, growing it into a trusted micro-business based in Rochford, Essex, known for its exceptional customer service and guitar-string expertise. In April 2023, he co-founded Despatch Bros Ltd, extending that operational infrastructure into the logistics space

    But launching Dispatch Bros wasn’t just a pivot—it was a strategic expansion. Paul explains how the warehousing, shipping know-how, and team culture honed at Strings Direct became the springboard for a fully fledged delivery specialist. He shares:

    • The moment he saw a logistics opportunity inside a retail business

    • How he balanced two distinct brands—Strings Direct and Dispatch Bros—without diluting either.

    • The operational efficiencies and challenges of running parallel ventures

    • His leadership approach when juggling music retail with parcel delivery

    • This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs looking to unlock new value within your own operations—and launch new business lines without starting from scratch. Paul’s story is a masterclass in reinvention while staying rooted.


      Tune in to discover:

    • How existing infrastructure can power a second startup

    • The strategic mindset behind launching a “business within a business”

    • Real-world lessons in scaling and brand alignment

    • If you’re an entrepreneur seeking to build smarter, grow organically, and leverage proven systems, this conversation will inspire your next move.


      🔗 Subscribe, review, and hit the bell to stay updated—then let us know in the comments which part of Paul’s dual‑business journey resonated most with you!

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    58 mins
  • Episode 9 - Sara Kelly - What is a brand?
    Jun 18 2025

    In this episode of Entrepreneur Conversations, James Martin sits down with branding expert Sara Kelly, whose career has spanned work with iconic global names like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. But it was a personal health crisis - her battle with cancer - that truly reshaped her perspective on business, branding, and the kind of clients she chooses to work with today. Sara shares how her definition of success has evolved, why authenticity now sits at the heart of her work, and how her experiences have led her to build a more values-driven approach to branding. This powerful conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking alignment between personal growth and professional purpose.

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    55 mins
  • Episode 8 - Dan Wylie - What they don't tell you about selling your business.
    Jun 11 2025

    In this episode of Entrepreneur Conversations, James Martin chats with Dan Wylie, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in the care sector. Dan shares the powerful story of how selling his care business became a transformative experience - not because of the money, but because of the deeper journey it set in motion to discover his true purpose. Since then, Dan has gone on to build and grow businesses across a range of sectors. This inspiring conversation dives into the mindset shifts that come with exiting a business, the evolving identity of an entrepreneur, and how purpose can guide long-term success. A must-listen for business owners and entrepreneurs seeking more than just the bottom line.

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    57 mins
  • Episode 7 - John Holiday - The Entrepreneur's Accountant
    Jun 4 2025

    In this episode of Entrepreneur Conversation, Dyslexic James engages with John Holiday, a seasoned accountant who has collaborated with a diverse range of business ventures. Together, they explore the intricate dynamics between traditional accounting practices and the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. John sheds light on the challenges accountants face in adapting to the rapid evolution of modern business models and the entrepreneurial spirit driving them. This discussion offers valuable insights for both entrepreneurs seeking agile financial strategies and business professionals aiming to bridge the gap between conventional accounting and innovative enterprise.

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    43 mins
  • Episode 6 - James Burtt - Turning passion into profit with podcasting!
    May 28 2025

    In this episode of Entrepreneur Conversation, Dyslexic James sits down with James Burtt, a seasoned business owner and podcasting expert who’s built a career helping others find their voice and amplify their message.

    Together, they dive into the ups and downs of James Burtt’s entrepreneurial journey - from early struggles to working with high-profile names like James Sinclair and Ted Baker. With a deep understanding of the podcasting world, James shares how this powerful medium has shaped his business, built credibility, and opened unexpected doors.

    Whether you're thinking about starting a podcast, building a personal brand, or navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, this conversation offers valuable insight, real-world experience, and inspiration to stay the course.

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    1 hr and 19 mins