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. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.