
Growing People, Growing Business, Celebrating 100 Episodes Of ScaleUp Wisdom With Granger Forson
Hey, I’m Granger Forson! In this special episode, we’re looking inward on my own business journey, from the days of engineering beer taps to embracing the power of continuous improvement.
I’ll be sharing the highs and lows of ditching the corporate path in favour of scaling up my own adventure. You’ll hear my learning from 100 recoding’s of ScaleUp Radio podcast and growing my own business, and how nurturing a culture of experimentation built a strong foundation for BizSmart Gloucestershire.
Listen in as I reflect on countless interviews with fellow entrepreneurs, each story helping me refine my approach to growth, strategy, and joyful leadership. My experience in Lean and 2 Second Lean shaped a coaching style that focuses on people-first development, from identifying strengths to leading with clarity.
Throughout this conversation, I’ll reveal the five key pillars that every business owner can use to strengthen their own enterprise, covering everything from repeatable processes to forging the right mindset in your team. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your passion into a sustainable future, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Grow A Mighty Business Rooted In Purpose And Impact
In today’s episode, we shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurial journey of the remarkable Catherine Frankpitt, founder and Managing Director of Strike Communications.
Catherine has built a “small but mighty” PR agency dedicated to “comms for good.” What does that mean? It’s her creative way of describing how she elevates charities and not-for-profits by telling their stories authentically and powerfully, ensuring that important causes reach the right audiences.
From navigating the pandemic just weeks after launching, to bringing together a team that mirrors her passion for positive social impact, Catherine’s journey is a testament to strategic thinking and perseverance. She explains how being lean allows her agency to remain agile while delivering results that truly matter, especially in the charitable sector.
We also touch on the art of leadership in a growing team. Catherine candidly shares her lessons learned in people management and how striking the right balance between flexibility and accountability is crucial for success.

Kindness as The Default In Cybersecurity with Steve Mason Nova of Blue Technologies
On this episode, I talk with Steve Mason, the visionary behind Nova Blue Technologies, a remote-first cybersecurity company that grew from a solo startup during the lockdown to a 14-strong international team.
Steve shares how a “kindness is the default” ethos permeates Nova Blue’s culture, creating an atmosphere of trust, flexibility, and empowerment. Fueled by his GCHQ and defense industry background, Steve’s focus on proactively configuring systems – rather than just alerting – sets Nova Blue’s managed service apart.
Their hiring principle of “attitude, aptitude, and appetite” has seen Nova Blue attract dynamic, passionate individuals who fit perfectly into the “Nova Legion.” With 70% of leads coming from channel partners, Steve reveals how they are diversifying lead generation and why they are committed to organic growth before eyeing a potential exit.

Having a Strong ‘Why’ To Ignore Global Impact - with Ukponu Ayogu
In this inspiring episode, I talk with the remarkable trailblazer, Ukponu Ayogu, who is dedicated to uplifting immigrant women and mothers through coaching, mentorship, and technology solutions.
We discuss her journey of starting a business born out of personal necessity – transforming her own struggle to find fulfilling work in a new country into a powerful resource for others. You’ll hear how her focus on helping women understand their ‘why’ and monetise their passions has fuelled incredible success stories.
From creating streamlined tech stacks that automate processes for work-life balance, to launching the Rising Phoenix Network, Ukponu is on a mission to bring robust support to thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs. She shows us the importance of proving a business model before seeking outside funding, and how email marketing can truly change the game.
If you’re ready to learn from someone who has mentored hundreds of women already, this is the conversation for you. Tune in and discover how to realign your motivation, build a supportive community, and set the foundation for a thriving business future!

From Bedroom Startup to £9M Travel Empire - How Holiday Architects Rebuilt Built a Thriving Travel Brand post COVID
On today’s episode, I’m speaking with Andrew Hunt, the founder and CEO of Holiday Architects, a travel company that has gone from a bedroom startup to a £9 million turnover business, specializing in long-haul, tailor-made holidays. But this is not just a story of success—it’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and smart scaling.
Andrew shares how he built a business where deep customer relationships, an experienced team, and a strategic approach to marketing became the foundation of growth. He takes us through the challenges of scaling, surviving the COVID-19 crisis, and the decision to merge with another company—a move that ultimately made Holiday Architects stronger than ever.
We’ll also dive into Andrew’s approach to recruitment, financial management, and building a team that thrives in a remote-first world. He explains why he values trust and delegation and how he empowers his employees to take ownership of decisions.

Brewing with Purpose: The Inspiring Story of Cotswold Lakes Brewery with of Nick Hunt
On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I chat with Nick Hunt, the Chief Beer Officer and co-founder of Cotswold Lakes Brewery, a microbrewery redefining what it means to run a purpose-driven business.
Nick takes us through the journey of founding Cotswold Lakes Brewery in 2021 with a clear mission: creating “Beer with Purpose.” He shares how the business has grown from homebrewing experiments to an award-winning brewery that integrates sustainability, community, and quality into every pint.
You’ll hear how Cotswold Lakes Brewery uses surplus bread to craft their beers, harvests rainwater to reduce their environmental footprint, and hosts taproom events to engage with the local community. Their unique approach ensures that both purpose and profit thrive in harmony.
Nick also reflects on the challenges of growing a seasonal business, the lessons learned from early missteps, and the importance of testing, pivoting, and embracing curiosity to achieve sustainable growth.

From Startup to £8M in 3 Years: The Secret Sauce of Media Planning and Scaling with Adam Hopkinson
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I speak with Adam Hopkinson, founder of PASHN Media Agency.
PASHN Media, founded in 2022, is a dynamic media planning and buying agency that connects brands with their ideal customers. Adam and his team specialize in the fashion, entertainment, and leisure sectors, catering to clients with advertising budgets of £1-1.5M per year. Within three years, Adam has grown PASHN to an impressive £8M in revenue with a team of 12 – all while maintaining profitability and a clear focus on innovation and client impact.
Adam shares how he built PASHN “cold,” relying on industry relationships, creative marketing, and a strong emphasis on empowering his team. From finding versatile “open water swimmers” to shaping roles as the business grows, Adam emphasizes a culture of adaptability and collaboration, ensuring the team is aligned and motivated to excel.
We also discuss the importance of financial discipline in scaling a business, with Adam highlighting the value of early financial planning and clear communication with clients. He offers invaluable insights into the challenges of startup life, including navigating difficult client relationships and maintaining a steady cash flow.

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Robin Waite's Fearless Business Journey
This episode of ScaleUp Radio features the inspiring journey of Robin Waite, founder of Fearless Business, a coaching practice helping service-based businesses thrive.
Robin’s story begins with running a successful web design and marketing agency for over a decade. Despite growing to 180 clients and generating nearly £250,000 in revenue, Robin faced burnout and made the courageous decision to close the business. What followed was a transformative shift into coaching, where Robin now empowers entrepreneurs to repackage their services, escape the time-for-money trap, and double their revenue while working with fewer clients.
In this episode, Robin shares the importance of strategic partnerships, focusing on marketing assets with long-term impact, and prioritizing health and meaningful work. His insights on pricing strategies—such as raising rates dramatically to attract better clients—are eye-opening and actionable for any business leader.
We also explore how Robin’s recent health challenges have shaped his approach to work and life, emphasizing joy, travel, and connections over the grind. With practical tips on building influential relationships and creating sustainable marketing strategies, Robin’s story is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone on a ScaleUp journey.

From Pop-Ups to Multi-City Restaurants: Scaling Restaurants with Passion and Precision with Dorian Kirk
In this episode, I’m joined by Dorian Kirk, founder of Art Hospitality, whose restaurant group journey has transformed from humble pop-up beginnings to a powerhouse of chef-led concepts across multiple cities. Dorian’s experience in the industry—starting at the age of 14 as a dishwasher—has nurtured a deep-rooted passion for culinary innovation and authentic leadership.
Dorian shares how he and his brother began Art Hospitality with just £500 and a single concept, expanding into a multi-brand group with six thriving restaurants. He emphasizes the importance of empowering talented chefs by offering ownership stakes, creating what he calls “Chef-preneurs.” This innovative approach has become the heartbeat of Art Hospitality, blending creativity with entrepreneurship to drive each new concept's unique flair.
One of the highlights of Dorian's journey is his ability to adapt under pressure. Faced with the pandemic’s challenges, Dorian quickly pivoted, investing in outdoor spaces and launching fresh concepts to not only survive but thrive. His dedication to his team and his relentless pursuit of excellence have helped Art Hospitality come out stronger, with plans for significant growth in the coming years, including expanding their Maneki Ramen brand and new ventures into pub and fine dining sectors.

Automation & AI: The Future of Business with Data³
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Helen Tanner, the founder of Data3, a data AI consultancy that’s been transforming businesses for over seven years. DataCUBE helps organisations untangle their data and unlock powerful insights, paving the way for leaner, more efficient operations.
Helen shares how DataCUBE pivoted from a traditional setup to an ultra-lean model by eliminating all non-essential roles like administration and marketing. Now, DataCUBE is run exclusively by technical experts and powered by cutting-edge automation tools. This shift allowed the company to focus on what they do best—delivering bespoke data solutions that help businesses scale without the typical overhead.
We also explore how DataCUBE’s success is built on being tech-agnostic, tailoring solutions to meet each client’s unique needs. Helen discusses their effective marketing strategies, from C-suite events to SEO, and why they ditched cold outreach entirely.
Throughout the episode, Helen reflects on her personal growth as a leader, the lessons she’s learned from scaling, and her vision for the future of AI-powered businesses. It’s a candid, inspiring conversation that will leave you rethinking how to leverage technology in your own business!

Payment Pioneers: How Roman Loban is Revolutionizing Micro-Business Payments
Today, we dive into the inspiring entrepreneurial saga of Roman Loban, the dynamic founder behind two innovative fintech companies, Xiva and FMPay. Both businesses aim to reshape how micro-businesses handle their financial transactions, with a special focus on inclusivity and local community support in Cheltenham.
In this episode, Roman shares how he bootstrapped his way to fintech innovation, starting with FMPay and later introducing Xiva, each complementing the other’s services. Roman’s approach to building a local yet expansive company—currently boasting about 30 staff members, with a core team in Cheltenham—illustrates his commitment to community and accessible business practices.
We’ll explore the challenges he faced in recruitment, culture cultivation, and lead generation, and how these experiences shaped his business philosophy.

Pouring a Greener Future: When in Rome Wine’s Mission for Sustainability
In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rob Malin, CEO of When in Rome Wine, a company that’s shaking up the wine industry in the most eco-friendly way possible.
Rob takes us through the remarkable journey of When in Rome, a business born out of a passion for both great Italian wine and environmental sustainability. Starting from humble beginnings at a Bath farmers market, When in Rome has grown into a significant player, now selling its innovative, low-carbon footprint wines across major UK supermarkets and even on British Airways flights.
The episode dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of growing a business committed to a clear mission: to decarbonize the wine industry by moving away from single-use glass bottles. Rob shares how they’ve embraced alternative packaging like cans, bag-in-box, and paper bottles to reduce their carbon footprint. He also opens up about the creative strategies they’ve employed to change consumer perceptions and build brand awareness on a limited budget.
But it's not just about the wine. Rob passionately discusses the importance of company culture and how When in Rome's dedication to sustainability has been the driving force behind attracting the right talent and keeping the team motivated. With a small but mighty team of six, they’ve managed to scale the business while staying true to their core values.

Leading by Example: How SupaFoot Is Walking the Talk on Values and Leadership
In this exciting episode of ScaleUp Radio, we sit down with Emma Price, the dynamic founder of SupaFoot, a flourishing podiatry practice that’s taken a giant leap from a solo operation to a 9-person clinic over the past decade.
Emma shares the inspiring story of how she was motivated by her mother’s career shift to start her own business, driven by a passion for helping people. SupaFoot has grown organically through an unwavering commitment to excellence and the power of personal referrals. Emma’s journey is a testament to the impact of living your business values, and her leadership style is all about going first – embracing vulnerability, promoting continuous improvement, and creating a culture where feedback and growth are the norms.
As SupaFoot prepares to expand into a new 7-room clinic, Emma discusses her strategic vision for the future. With a keen eye on maintaining the family-like atmosphere that sets SupaFoot apart, Emma is planning for full capacity within five years, with potential franchise options on the horizon.
Join us as we dive deep into Emma’s approach to recruitment, team development, and marketing in the niche field of podiatry. Whether you’re leading a business or looking to start one, Emma’s insights into overcoming challenges, staying true to your values, and leading by example will leave you inspired.

Transforming Business & Life from Aphra to Metamorphose: Grace Carter on Building Brands & Empowering Women
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Grace Carter, a dynamic entrepreneur who has seamlessly blended her passion for branding with a mission to empower women through her newly established Metamorphose Group. Grace started her entrepreneurial journey seven years ago with Aphra, a branding agency that has now become part of her larger vision, Metamorphose Group.
Grace’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and commitment to social impact. As the managing director of Metamorphose Group, she has built a unique business structure that encompasses 18 brands, each aligned with her core values of mental health, social equity, and entrepreneurship. Through her work, Grace is not only transforming the landscape of branding but also creating platforms that support women in various aspects of life and business.
One of the most compelling aspects of Grace’s journey is her candid discussion about the challenges of balancing motherhood with running a business. Her honesty about the sacrifices and mental load involved provides a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a female entrepreneur today.

Unlocking Cost Savings: Alexander Golev’s Path to Software Licensing Success
OIn this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into the inspiring journey of Alexander Golev, founder of SAMexpert. Alexander shares his incredible story of starting and scaling his business, providing valuable insights into the world of software asset management and Microsoft licensing.
Alexander began SAMexpert in 2003, and after a few years, he reestablished it in the UK, focusing on cost avoidance and consultancy in the complex field of Microsoft licensing. His journey emphasises the importance of hiring passionate employees who elevate the business and the significance of having a clear long-term vision from the start.
At SAMexpert, the team helps large enterprises and service providers navigate the labyrinth of Microsoft licensing, ensuring fair pricing and significant cost savings. Alexander’s approach of giving freely without expectation has not only built strong connections but also opened up new opportunities for the business.
With a multicultural team and a culture based on mutual trust and direct communication, SAMexpert stands out in the industry. Alexander shares his vision for the future, aiming for a £20M turnover, 100 employees, and international offices within the next five years, with a shift towards cloud cost management.

From Hobby to Global Success: The TruffleHunter Journey Navigating Storms
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Nigel Whitehouse, the visionary behind TruffleHunter UK.
Nigel started TruffleHunter as a hobby in Italy back in 2006, which evolved into a thriving business by 2010. Today, it stands as the UK's only company manufacturing a wide range of truffle products, from oils to butters, and fresh truffles. TruffleHunter operates across multiple channels, including online sales, retail, food service, and exports, with a strong brand presence in English-speaking markets.
Despite achieving a decade of consistent growth, TruffleHunter faced significant challenges when COVID-19 disrupted operations. Online sales surged, but wholesale plummeted, leading to a need for restructuring. Nigel shares insights into how he managed to streamline operations, right size the company, and retain a loyal core team.
One of the key highlights of TruffleHunter’s journey is their expansion into the US market. With a new distribution deal, Nigel is optimistic about significant growth opportunities ahead. He also discusses the complexities of Brexit, raw material inflation, and the future plans for enhancing production efficiencies.

Sustaining Growth and Investing in Long-Term Client Relationships with Scott Gulliver
Today, we’re diving into the entrepreneurial journey of Scott Gulliver, the visionary founder of Fluff Software.
Scott founded Fluff Software in 2020 with a clear mission: to bring the best practices from his extensive agency experience into his own company. What started as a two-person operation has rapidly grown into a thriving business with a specialised focus on visitor attractions. This episode explores how Scott’s bold decisions and strategic thinking have propelled Fluff Software to success.
One of the standout moments in Scott’s journey was hiring his brother-in-law with no coding experience and transforming him into a skilled developer. This move, emblematic of Scott's commitment to investing in people, has paid off tremendously. We’ll hear about the challenges and triumphs of scaling from 2 to 7 employees in just one year, and how Scott managed to maintain quality and client satisfaction during this rapid growth.
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