Category: podcast

JULIAN GLASSPOLE, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT VEHICLE WEIGHING SOLUTIONS, TELLS MARTIN PORT ABOUT HIS COMMITMENT TO UK MANUFACTURING AND HOW IT IS POWERING COMPANY GROWTH.

Vehicle Weighing Solutions (VWS) specialises in the design, manufacture, installation and service of bin weighing, overload protection systems and waste management software.

Julian founded VWS 15 years ago and the company now employs 150 people and is the market leader in its sector.

Julian says a commitment to UK manufacturing is what sets the business apart. 

The company designs and manufactures its machinery and equipment across three plants in Reading and Chesterfield. Customers can see for themselves the depth of engineering and keeping the manufacturing in-house means VWS can turn orders round quickly if needed.

Julian adds that entrepreneurs and business owners are bound to make mistakes along the way. The most important thing is to learn from them.

“There were decisions made when we first started that I would be too embarrassed to tell you about. The thing I would share is that no matter how dark it gets, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. You’ve just got to believe in yourself and be bloody minded and keep going.”

Julian’s ambition is to keep growing VWS and to keep pushing its bin weighing product to improve recycling rates and reduce global waste. 

VWS became a BigChange customer three months ago and Julian says the service has already made the business far more efficient.

“It’s early days but so far BigChange has exceeded my expectations.”

27TH MAY 2022 – NICK GLYNNE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE AT BUY IT DIRECT, TELLS MARTIN PORT ABOUT THE COMPANY’S INCREDIBLE GROWTH STORY.

Starting out as a computer shop in Huddersfield, Buy it Direct is now one of the UK’s largest online retailers, behind brands including AppliancesDirect and Furniture123.

Nick Glynne explains how his strategy of buying distressed businesses and turning them around has helped him create a £500m business that prides itself on excellent customer service and top product knowledge.

27TH MAY 2022 – MARK ALBISTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GARIC, TELLS MARTIN PORT HOW THE COMPANY HAS GROWN FROM A £15M BUSINESS TO A £40M UK LEADER IN PLANT HIRE SOLUTIONS OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS.

Mark says having the right team is crucial to business success. He looks for people that prioritise customer service and are passionate about what they do – whether it’s sales and marketing or business operations. 

Garic, which employs 270 people, uses the BigChange platform to manage job scheduling and to offer a quick turnaround for customers looking to hire its products.

30TH MAY 2022 – BUSINESS GURU DR LEE WILLIAMS, FOUNDER OF JOWSA CONSULTING, SHARES HIS TIPS ON HOW COMPANIES CAN GET THE MOST FROM THEIR WORKERS AND PRODUCTS.

Jowsa Consulting helps businesses and their leadership teams think differently, and Dr Lee Williams has worked with BigChange many times over the years.

Lee tells Martin Port that recruiting the best talent is crucial for business growth. He says employers should look for people that are different from themselves and who are going to bring a fresh perspective to the business.

30TH MAY 2022 – CHARLENE LYONS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF BLACK SHEEP BREWERY IN MASHAM, NORTH YORKSHIRE, EXPLAINS HOW SHE IS ADAPTING AND GROWING THE COMPANY TO MEET CHANGING CONSUMER TASTES AND HABITS. 

Founded 30 years ago, Black Sheep Brewery is an important part of the community in Masham.

Charlene Lyons, who joined the brewery in January 2020, tells Martin Port how she has expanded the company beyond core cask beer and has secured a major deal with UK airline Jet2.

Charlene says her focus is on top-quality ingredients and excellent customer service.

30TH MAY 2022 – RICHARD ABRAHAMS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LEEDS-BASED ELMHURST WINDOWS, EXPLAINS HOW TRUST AND QUALITY SETS THE COMPANY APART. 

Elmhurst Windows has been in business for 50 years and was set up by Richard’s father, Jack Abrahams. Richard joined the family firm in 1992 and is still there 30 years later.

Elmhurst offers everything from double glazing to doors and conservatories.

Richard says the company has maintained the same values from the 1970s: Top quality and great after-sales. This means customers trust the business and recommend it to others. 

30TH MAY 2022 – AGED 28, GEORGE FAIRHALL, FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF WAC, IS A TECH SUPERSTAR. 

WAC is a work/life and money management app. The app is designed for workers who are paid by the hour, whether it’s on a zero-hours contract or a regular contract. WAC helps users track their earnings and manage tips, overtime and rotas; and also helps workers with their legal rights. 

George Fairhall started WAC in January 2019 with a £5,000 wedding gift from her parents, and in July 2021 the company raised £70,000 to develop the product further.

WAC is now operational in 18 countries and is currently in the middle of a £1m funding round to expand further overseas.

George says having a dedicated and loyal team is essential to the success of a tech start-up, as they genuinely want to see your business succeed and will stick with you. She is also motivated by the positive feedback that comes from users.