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Podcasts
44 podcasts available
Freedom, loneliness and the truth about self-employment
The reality of working for yourself Behind every successful freelancer is a story of resilience. Self-employment offers enormous opportunities, but it also demands confidence, persistence and a willingness to face uncertainty. This episode examines the realities of independent working. Working for yourself can offer freedom, flexibility and fulfilment. But it can also bring uncertainty, loneliness and financial risk. In Episode 2, Liz Barclay examines the realities of self-employment, includin...
Self-employment: Britain’s forgotten economic powerhouse
Self-employment: Britain's forgotten economic powerhouse 4.4 million people. £336 billion. Why are the self-employed overlooked? Britain's self-employed workforce contributes more than £336 billion to the economy and includes everyone from electricians and builders to consultants, creatives and business owners. Yet despite their enormous contribution, many still feel overlooked by policymakers and misunderstood by the wider public. In this episode, Liz Barclay explores what self-employment reall...
Why the market should normalise in 5 years
The Renters’ Rights Act is now reshaping England’s private rental market. In this three-part Business111 Coffee Podcast series, Liz Barclay talks to Keith Giddons of Royal Arsenal Residential, an estate agent of 30 years and a landlord himself, about what the reforms mean in practice for tenants, landlords and the rental market.
Landlord exits will push rents higher
Landlords may sell up. Tenants could pay the price If landlords leave the market, rental supply falls. If rental supply falls, rents rise. That is the uncomfortable possibility behind the Renters’ Rights Act.
Where the Market Will Be in 5 Years
In part three, Liz Barclay and Keith Giddons look at the wider market impact: rent tribunals, rent-in-advance restrictions, overseas tenants, students, buy-to-let confidence and whether good landlords may decide the risk is no longer worth it.
How Landlord Exits Hurt Tenants
“Good landlords need to understand the new rules before they panic.” “This is meant to protect tenants, but if landlords leave, tenants may still pay the price.” “The law of unintended consequences is written all over parts of this reform.” “Referencing, record keeping and communication with tenants now matter more than ever.” “One bad decision on a tenant can cost a landlord thousands.”
Landlords Ready to Abandon Rentals
If landlords leave the market, rental supply falls. If rental supply falls, rents rise. That is the uncomfortable possibility behind the Renters’ Rights Act.
Part three: Will landlords quit the market?
Landlords may sell up. Tenants could pay the price This may be designed to protect tenants, but could it end up reducing the number of homes available to rent? If landlords leave the market, rental supply falls. If rental supply falls, rents rise. That is the uncomfortable possibility behind the Renters’ Rights Act. In part three, Liz Barclay and Keith Giddons look at the wider market impact: rent tribunals, rent-in-advance restrictions, overseas tenants, students, buy-to-let confidence and wh...
The Power of Property Leverage
The Renters’ Rights Act is now reshaping England’s private rental market. In this three-part Business111 Coffee Podcast series, Liz Barclay talks to Keith Giddons of Royal Arsenal Residential, an estate agent of 30 years and a landlord himself, about what the reforms mean in practice for tenants, landlords and the rental market.
Part two: Pets, possession and problem tenants
Most tenancies work perfectly well. But when they don’t, thecost can be brutal. This episode looks at the practical risks landlords cannot afford to ignore.The Renters’ Rights Act is not just about eviction notices.It changes the balance of power around pets, rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, possession grounds and court action. In part two, Liz Barclay asks Keith Giddons what happens when things go wrong. How should landlords protect themselves? What role should estate agents play? And why d...
Part One: Renters’ rights: fair reform or landlord frightener?
No-fault evictions are over. Landlords now face a new reality. For tenants, this is meant to bring security. For landlords, it brings uncertainty. Keith Giddons explains the practical changes without the panic. The biggest shake-up in private renting for decades is here. Section 21 no-fault evictions have gone, fixed-term tenancies have effectively given way to periodic tenancies, and landlords now need clear legal grounds to regain possession. Liz Barclay talks to Keith Giddons, estate agen...
The hidden cost of “dodgy shops”: Britain’s real businesses pay the price
When politicians start talking publicly about “dodgy vape shops”, “dodgy barber shops” and “dodgy nail bars”, we should all pay attention — but we should also tread carefully. Because behind the headlines sits a serious issue for consumers, legitimate businesses and struggling high streets alike. The Government’s new multi-agency crackdown on suspected criminal businesses involving HMRC, the police and the National Crime Agency reflects something important: this is no longer simply a trading s...
Universities scramble to catch up with the side hustle generation
Britain’s freelance revolution heads for the classroom Universities scramble to catch up with the side hustle generation A new national push to legitimise freelancing is gathering momentum across Britain’s colleges and universities as educators race to support a generation of students already building businesses before they graduate. FreelancerClub.net founder Matt Dowling says the old education model is failing thousands of aspiring freelancers by treating them like startup founders chasing inv...
Freelance Britain is booming — and it’s no longer just creatives and coders
The side hustle generation is rewriting the rules of work Freelancing is no longer a fallback for people between jobs. It is becoming one of the fastest-growing career choices in Britain, driven by younger workers, remote working and a new generation of entrepreneurs who see flexibility, independence and specialist skills as the future of work. From lawyers and finance professionals to tech experts, media creators and students still at college, the freelance economy is expanding into almost eve...
Why companies are rebuilding around freelancers and AI
Britain’s freelancer boom is changing work forever Why companies are rebuilding around freelancers and AI Freelancers are no longer sitting on the sidelines of the economy. They are becoming central to how modern businesses operate. In this episode, Liz Barclay talks to Matt Dowling, founder of Freelancer Club, about the explosive growth of freelance working, the rise of side hustles among younger generations, and why companies are increasingly building “blended workforces” around flexible talen...
The freelance revolution is reshaping Britain’s workforce
The rise of the blended workforce Britain’s freelance economy is changing fast. In this episode, Liz Barclay talks to Matt Dowling, founder of Freelancer Club, about the rise of flexible working, the pressures facing freelancers, and why businesses are increasingly building teams around freelance talent, remote working and AI. The discussion covers late payments, unpaid work, IR35, ethical hiring and the growing number of younger people turning to freelancing and side hustles as traditional emp...
Small businesses are quietly closing. Government must finally listen
From tax complexity to vanishing local support, Britain’s smallest firms are being squeezed from every direction. If they fail, communities feel it first There is a phrase I hear more and more often from small business owners: “I’m still open… but only just.” It is not dramatic. It is not shouted. It is not even always visible. But it is everywhere. And it should worry us far more than it does. Because Britain’s smallest businesses are not collapsing in headlines. They are quietly closing...
Help to Grow - Management Essentials
The Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a free, government funded course is built around short, practical videos and real-world advice — a flexible, self-guided introduction to the kind of thinking that drives growth. And if you want to go further, the full Help to Grow: Management Course which is 90% funded by government goes deeper — with structured learning, peer support, and one-to-one mentoring to help you build a robust growth plan around your business. Here, we bring that thinking to...
Episode 3: the January 2027 shift is the real strategic turning point
In this episode, we look ahead to the major employment law changes coming in January 2027 — and why they could fundamentally change how small businesses hire.” Why small firms are worried about January 2027 • Unfair dismissal qualifying period • Qualifying period cut • From 2 years → 6 months • Less time to assess staff • Faster risk exposure • More cautious hiring Removal of compensation cap • Compensation cap removed • Awards based on actual loss • Higher exposure for employers • Claim ...
Why small firms are worried about January 2027
The anxiety is not abstract. It changes who small businesses hire, how quickly they act, and how carefully they document everything. Large firms hear “compliance”. Small firms hear “risk, paperwork and cost without an HR department. Hiring Risk - Recruitment becomes more consequential because mistakes become harder and costlier to unwind. Admin load - Policies, probation, manager training and record-keeping all matter more. Legal exposure - Bigger penalties and broader protections increase press...
What ERA means to small business employers
What changes from 6 April, in practical terms 6 April 2026 The first visible shift is about immediate rights and immediate employer duties. “The rules now bite much earlier in the employment relationship.” Day-one family rights Unpaid parental leave and paternity leave move much closer to the start of employment. The support slide should stress: there is less waiting, less employer breathing space. Redundancy consultation gets more expensive If 20 or more redundancies are proposed in 90 days, th...
When the Numbers Stop Adding Up — Where Do You Turn?
What happens when a business starts to struggle — and there’s no obvious way out? In this opening episode, Grace Brownfield of Business Debtline explains how thousands of small business owners find themselves under pressure, often silently. This is not about failure — it’s about reality. From cashflow squeezes to mounting tax bills, many businesses hit difficult moments. The difference, as Grace explains, is what happens next. Business Debtline offers something rare: calm, impartial, non-judgeme...
From Crisis to Control—Rebuilding a Small Business
“No miracle fix—just grit, honesty and starting again.” After hitting financial crisis before and during Covid, Graham Lloyd Evans began the slow process of rebuilding—both his business and his confidence. In this episode, he explains how honest conversations with creditors, disciplined financial planning and a growing network of trusted clients helped turn things around. There’s no overnight success story here. Instead, Graham describes the reality of recovery: incremental progress, learning to...
Cash Flow Is King—And It Can Break You
“You’re profitable on paper—but still can’t pay the bills.” Profit means nothing if the cash isn’t in the bank. In this episode, Graham Lloyd Evans explains why cash flow is the single biggest challenge facing small and micro businesses—and how it nearly brought his to its knees. From chasing unpaid invoices to dealing with large companies that delay payments, Graham reveals the daily pressure of keeping a business afloat when money isn’t arriving on time. He also shares practical lessons: invoi...
When Business Debt Becomes Personal
What happens when your business survives—but you don’t? In this episode, Graham Lloyd Evans shares a deeply personal account of how financial pressure moved from his company into his home life. As income slowed, debts built and the stress became relentless—bringing sleepless nights, difficult choices and the constant fear of what might happen next. This is the reality many small business owners face but rarely talk about. Graham explains how ignoring the problem only made things worse, and why r...
Top UK economic body warns: red tape choking small businesses
The Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) has warned that Britain is failing to unlock one of its most powerful economic assets, as micro-businesses with the potential to drive GDP growth are being constrained by regulation, complexity and neglect. In the latest episode of the ERC’s Exploring Enterprise podcast series — titled Micro Business: The Untold Story — leading researchers and practitioners examine why the UK’s smallest firms remain overlooked despite their central role in the economy. Profes...
Why Constant Policy Changes Are Making Britain’s Smallest Employers Think Twice About Hiring
The video features a discussion between Liz Barclay and Samantha about the challenges faced by small businesses in the UK, particularly in relation to policy changes. The main point raised is the need for policy stability, as frequent changes create uncertainty and erode business confidence. Small business owners, who often juggle multiple roles, find it difficult to keep up with the constant changes in legislation and policy. This not only costs money to implement but also drains emotional and ...
The franchise formula: how one founder turned a small idea into national growth
The video features a discussion on the benefits of franchising for small business owners. The speaker highlights that franchising provides a quicker route to success, as franchisees can leverage the knowledge and experience of the franchisor from day one. This includes access to established processes, structures, training, and ongoing mentorship, which helps to avoid common mistakes and reduces risk. However, the speaker also acknowledges that franchising has had a reputation issue due to past i...
One Idea, Eight Franchises, 50 Jobs — Micro Business Success Story
In this video, Liz Barclay speaks with Samantha Acton, the founder of Domestic Angels, a successful UK franchise business. Samantha shares her journey from starting with no business plan or experience in recruitment to now having eight franchises across the UK employing about 50 people. She highlights the challenges she faced, particularly in employing people and learning to manage wages. Samantha's story underscores the importance of curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn in the face...
The benefits of Making Tax Digital – and where to get the right help
In this video, Liz Barclay speaks with Eriona about the upcoming changes to the UK tax system, specifically the implementation of 'Making Tax Digital'. This new initiative, which is set to be phased in between April 2026 and April 2027, has raised concerns among small business owners who are unsure about how to navigate the changes. Eriona provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for this transition, stressing the importance of understanding what 'Making Tax Digital' entails and how it wi...
Why small businesses are worried – and what MTD really changes
In this video, Liz Barclay and Eriona discuss the Making Tax Digital scheme, a UK government initiative that requires businesses to manage their taxes online. They address the concerns of small and micro-businesses, which include apprehension about using new technology, potential penalties for errors, increased frequency of tax payments, and the associated costs. Eriona acknowledges that these concerns are valid, particularly the worry about increased costs due to the need for more frequent inte...
Making Tax Digital - what does it mean to me?
In this episode of The Coffee Podcast, Liz Barclay and ACCA-registered accountant Eriona discuss the new 'Making Tax Digital' initiative by the UK government. This significant shift in how small and micro businesses report their income is set to replace the traditional annual income declaration with five yearly submissions. Businesses will now need to make a quarterly submission every three months, summarising their income for that period, and a final 'end of period' statement at the end of the ...
Falling inflation does not mean falling pressure for the UK’s small and micro businesses.
In the video, Liz Barclay, Britain's former Small Business Commissioner, discusses the recent drop in inflation to 3% from 3.4%. While this is good news for households, Barclay emphasizes the challenges still faced by small businesses. She explains that businesses are dealing with wage increases, rent increases, and business rates increases, with some reporting significant hikes in costs such as employer's liability insurance. She suggests that if businesses can absorb these costs without raisin...
What is AI and what can it do for me?
In this episode of Business111.com coffee pod, Liz Barclay and Kirsty Ingleson discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in small businesses. Ingleson, who works for AI Meets Reality, explains that AI is already embedded in our daily lives, often without us realizing it. She mentions examples like predictive text and sat navigation systems. The conversation then shifts to the recent boom in generative AI, which pushes AI to its limits to create new things based on its training. Ingleson h...
How do I get confident using AI?
In the video, Kirsty discusses the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in small businesses, particularly in the construction sector. She dispels the common misconception that AI will take over jobs, instead arguing that it will simply change the nature of work. For instance, AI can automate tasks such as organising emails or painting with a spray arm, freeing up time for business owners to focus on other aspects such as marketing and pricing. She also mentions a semi-automated brick mason that ...
What next for Jimmy Barber?
The video features Liz Barclay discussing her podcast, 'A Job Done Well', which is aimed at helping individuals improve their work performance and enjoyment. She shares insights on a range of topics such as coping with redundancy, leading transformations, managing performance, and different leadership styles. Barclay is also developing a product to help individuals improve their performance, by setting their own goals, optimizing their ways of working, and maintaining the right attitude and mind...
Why Going It Alone Is the Hardest Way to Run a Business
In the final episode of Business111.com's Coffee Podcast, Jimmy Barber, an expert in organisational culture, discusses the importance of seeking support for small business owners. Barber emphasises that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a survival skill, especially given the isolation that can come with running a small business. He advises business owners to establish a support network in advance, rather than waiting until problems arise, as it can be difficult to think clearly unde...
You Don’t Get Culture by Accident -
In the second episode of Business111.com's Coffee Podcast, business culture expert Jimmy Barber discusses the importance of culture in business success. He emphasizes that culture is not an accidental by-product, but a crucial element that needs to be thoughtfully planned and integrated into the business strategy. Barber argues that even the best products and plans can be undermined by a toxic culture. He suggests that business owners, regardless of the size of their organization, should conside...
Freedom Isn’t Free: What No One Tells You About Going Self-Employed
In the first episode of Business111.com's Coffee Podcast, business culture expert Jimmy Barber discusses the challenges and benefits of being self-employed. Barber highlights that while self-employment offers freedom, it also requires creating your own structure and momentum, likening it to the difference between swimming in a pre-existing river and having to create your own river. He emphasizes that every aspect of the business becomes the responsibility of the self-employed individual, which c...
Mental health and small businesses: the bigger picture
In the Business 111 Coffee Pod, Liz Barclay and Matthew Knight discuss the mental health challenges faced by small business owners, freelancers, and sole traders. Barclay, a freelancer herself, highlights the feelings of isolation and the difficulty in finding help. Knight, who runs Leapers.co, shares insights from his eight years of research into mental health issues for small business owners and freelancers. He emphasizes that issues such as isolation, late payments, and 'ghosting' by clients ...
What pressures are damaging small business mental health?
In the latest episode of the Business 111 Coffee Pod, the discussion focused on the changing workplace and its impact on the mental health of small business owners and freelancers. The guest, Matthew Knight, shared his insights from eight years of research in the small business sector. He highlighted the significant changes brought about by COVID-19, including shifts in work location, expectations, and availability. The pandemic also led to a drop in self-employment as people sought more stable,...
Taking care of yourself when business feels isolating
The video discusses the importance of mental health and well-being for small business owners, freelancers, and the self-employed. Matthew Knight from leapers.co.au emphasizes the need for employers to have a holistic strategy for taking care of all their workers, regardless of their employment contract. He suggests that treating self-employed individuals well not only benefits their mental health but also enhances productivity and commercial outcomes. However, he also warns of potential complica...
Coping mechanisms: the ABC approach
In the Business 111 Coffee Pod or Tea Break podcast, the focus is on the mental health of self-employed individuals, sole traders, freelancers, and small business owners. The guest, Matthew Knight, provides insights into the resources and support available for mental health issues. He emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as everyone's situation is unique. Knight introduces the ABC of mental health for small businesses. 'A' stands for Awareness, which involves self-reflection o...
Budget Day 26th November 2025
In the video, former Small Business Commissioner Liz Barclay discusses the challenges faced by small businesses in the UK, particularly in light of the upcoming budget. She highlights the concerns of small business owners, such as Sonny Lee, who runs a family fish and chip shop, about the bleak outlook for the high street and the potential impact of increased minimum wages. Barclay emphasizes that small businesses, which traditionally provide first jobs and work experience for young people, are ...
Stay in the loop
Join a growing community of business owners. Get the latest business guidance and economic news via WhatsApp, email, or RSS.