Why Small Business Matters

Robson & Robson are a creative agency specialising in multidisciplinary design - elevating brands, packaging, and products. led by Dan and Joe Robson in the northeast of England, they've spent over a decade helping businesses across sectors and partnering with leading global brands.

Not only that but they're not the pressures of launching a product first hand. In 2023 they appeared on Dragons Den where they successfully receive...

In this episode we team up with Rachel Clarke of Bournemouth University Business School, and Liam Toms, and SME owner in Dorset.

Liam Toms is a communications and engagement manager at Grapevine, a company based in Dorset. He has a background in marketing and business engagement, having previously worked with Bournemouth University, where he facilitated projects connecting students with real-world business challenges. He has also b...

In this episode Sarah Stephenson explores the importance of business leadership and mentoring, and why finding time to work ON and well as IN your business is crucial.

Jenny Cairns is owner or North East startup The Doggy Daycare Centre, as is a former participant of the Help To Grow Management programme. There she was partnered with Simon Read, also known as The Business Skipper, and has helped Jenny's business navigate the...

In this episode, Dr Matt Sutherland delves into the vital role small businesses play in the economy with Richard Bearman, Co Chief Banking Officer at the British Business Bank.

Discover how the bank supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UK through tailored financial solutions, including startup loans, and learn about the innovative programs designed to help businesses thrive.

Join us as we explore the challenges faced...

In this episode Sarah Stephenson talks to a Northumbria Allumni and Director of 360 Growth Partners Andrew Silver.

Together, they explore the crucial aspects of business partnering, performance management, and transforming strategy into tangible results.

Andrew shares his extensive experience in mentoring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and emphasises the importance of collaboration and feedback in driving business growth...

This episode truly reaches for the stars, as Dr Matt Sutherland sits down with the CEO of one of the UK's most unique attractions situated in one of the most remote parts of Northumberland.

Leigh Venus has just marked his first year as CEO of Kielder Observatory, and discusses the challenges and the wonder this fantastic attraction brings to visitors. Leigh also has a long history of working in the NE cultural sector, and di...

In this episode we once again go on tour to University of Salford, with our guest host Prof Mandy Parkinson, and her guest Bassel Ounah.

Bassel is the visionary behind APNA Diving School and Neptune Submerge Limited. Discover how Bassel transformed his passion for diving into a pioneering venture using augmented and virtual reality to create immersive underwater experiences.

Learn about the innovative ways Neptune is raising enviro...

Many questions business owners have begin with "Do you know someone who?" or "How can I..?". And someone who aims to answers some of those questions is Reshma Begum, Development Manager of the North East branch of the Federation of Small Business.

Celebrating 50 years of advocating for small businesses, Reshma shares the FSB's journey from its inception in 1974 to its current role as a vital support system for SMEs and the self-emp...

Celebrate the third anniversary of "Why Small Business Matters" with us as we take a retrospective journey through the wisdom shared by our esteemed guests over the years.

In this special episode, we revisit 10 key lessons learned, focusing on the power of networking, communication, and collaboration. Join hosts Dr Matt Sutherland and Sarah Stephenson as they delve into insights from Oli Barrett, Caroline Theobold, John McCabe, Jen...

We delve into the critical world of intellectual property (IP) and patents, exploring why small businesses must consider legal protection for their innovations, creative works, designs, or software.

Host Sarah Stephenson is joined by intellectual property experts Charlotte Watkins and Jason Boakes, founders of York based patent law firm Secerna.

They discuss the importance of IP rights, common pitfalls for SMEs, and how businesses ...

In this episode of "Why Small Business Matters," Katey Curtis delves into the world of sustainability with two local business owners from Huddersfield. Joff Ward, founder and managing director of CorkSol UK, and Kevin Chatham, owner and manager of the Northern Teahouse, share their insights on what it means to run a sustainable business. They discuss the importance of sustainable materials, ethical employment practices, and how sma...

In this episode, we explore the impactful world of digital transformation and how it can revolutionise small businesses. Join host Matt Sutherland as he delves into insightful discussions with Dr Ashmita Randhawa, Director of R&D at Sunderland Software City, and Jamie Hardesty, Director of Communications and Ecosystem Development at Sunderland Software City.

Discover how digital transformation is not just about adopting shiny n...

As a small business owner marketing can become a top priority which always ends up at the bottom of your to do list. In this episode Dr Matt Sutherland speaks to Paul Hart, co founder and MD of North Shields business Cargo Creative.

Paul has many years of experience in the world of marketing, and in this episode we look at some simple ways you can give your business a boost, and why it doesn't have to cost you a great deal of time ...

In this episode we take a break from the studio and are delighted to be guests of Newcastle University, recording in the Catalyst, with a dynamic community of dynamic businesses and research specialists, working collaboratively to develop products and services.

The main focus is on the Arrow programme arrowinnovation.org.uk, and why four of the North East’s Universities (Newcastle University, Durham University, Sunderland Universit...

In this special episode we are on tour in South Yorkshire, Associate Professor Alexandra Anderson from Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University hosts the show, and speaks to a leading entrepreneur from the city. 

This episode looks at inclusivity from a social and economic perspective, Laura Winson is our special guest, co founder of Zebedee, an inclusive talent agency in Sheffield. Zebedee is a real disrupto...

In this episode, we talk about The Small Business Charter and the valuable support provided to small businesses over the last ten years.

Dr Matt Sutherland is joined by 3 guests, Flora Hamilton, Erin Sully-Norris and Helen Lee, three people who have experienced first hand the important work provided by the Small Business Charter.

Flora Hamilton having spent the last ten years as director and head of financial services at the CBI, i...

In this episode the Why Small Business Matters podcast head out on tour from Northumbria University in Newcastle, to our capital and the University of West London.

In this episode we ask "Why Apprenticeships Matter", and to answer that question are some very experienced guests. Hosted by John Charlton, Head of Knowledge Exchange at UWL, we are also joined by Janet Rowson, Director of Apprenticeships, and Sashin Shah, who has welcom...

In this episode Sarah Stephenson explores the world of HR and how to retain your best people with Kathryn Rodgers, of Newcastle based face2face HR.

Are you a small business owner struggling with the complexities of human resources? You're not alone. Human resources is a field that often gets bogged down in regulations and paperwork, losing sight of the very people it's supposed to serve. But what if you could transform your HR into...

Step inside the game-changing Business Clinic at Northumbria University, where the future of business consultancy is being redefined. This episode features the voices of those at the forefront: Nigel Coates, Dr Rebecca Dutson and entrepreneur Kelly Maxwell of Kelly's Heroes. Learn how the clinic's unique approach has not only provided over 700 small businesses with tailored support but has also equipped students with unmatched real...