by Maria Lloyd
This podcast aims to shine a light on the successes, key learnings and insights from Reading's people and businesses. In the present and the past. We explore their recipes for success, the mistakes they've made and how you can avoid them, as well as inspirational stories that will give you a feel-good boost.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
7/7/2024
See how your podcast performs across key metrics
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
Unlock comprehensive insights including:
See how your show performs across every key metric
High authority scores make your podcast more attractive to industry leaders and influencers who want to appear on credible shows.
Sponsors look for podcasts with proven authority and engagement. Your score demonstrates your podcast's value to potential partners.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you make data-driven decisions to expand your listener base effectively.
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
June 10, 2026
<p class="MsoNormal">This episode features Jenny Halstead, a painter, illustrator, and organiser, who discusses the history and logistical execution of the Whiteknights Studio Trail. Jenny shares her journey of launching the trail 26 years ago with co-founders Susanna Beer and Pip Hall to combat the lack of exhibition spaces in Reading, highlighting how the event has evolved into an annual walking tour. She emphasises that a truly successful community event is one built on clear objectives, simple systems, and a dedicated core of participants who are personally invested from day one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The conversation explores the structural and operational timelines necessary to run a seamless community art trail. Jenny explains her deliberate shift in managing the trail's scale: rather than allowing unmanaged growth, she prioritises a strict January selection process that balances a reliable core group with 50% new talent to maintain high standards and keep the walking route manageable. She also details the financial and administrative strategies used to encourage commitment, such as charging artist subscriptions to guarantee deadline compliance and securing long-term sponsorship from the University of Reading.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally, the discussion covers Jenny's upcoming projects, including her creative contributions to the June 2026 arts trail, where she will display landscapes, sketchbooks, and collaborative dinosaur illustrations tied to Reading's Summer Dino Trail. She concludes by encouraging listeners and local business owners to stop shying away from unique collaborations, reminding them that "if you don't ask, you don't get," and urges aspiring organisers to confidently pursue their own event ideas.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>1. The "If You Don't Ask, You Don't Get" Rule for Growth</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You cannot expand your business or your event by waiting for opportunities to come to you. Jenny's success with her illustrated book and subsequent museum exhibition happened purely because she approached potential partners with a good idea. Whether it is pitching an empty wall space to a local business or securing a major sponsorship, taking the initiative costs nothing and can unlock massive collaborative value.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>2. Connect Deeper by Sharing Your "Behind-the-Scenes" Process</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">True customer connection happens when you look past the finished product and invite people into your journey. By putting out raw sketchbooks and communicating the real decisions, mistakes, and tools behind the art, Jenny turns a passive viewing experience into an interactive educational moment. Business owners can replicate this by showcasing their own back-end processes to build trust, spark conversation, and engage their audience on a human level.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>3. Secure Team Commitment by Ditching "Free"</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you want an event or collaboration to run smoothly, people need to be personally invested. Jenny emphasises that charging participants a small subscription fee completely shifts their mindset. Unlike free events where people often sign up but easily drop out, a minor financial commitment keeps your team motivated, holds them accountable, and ensures everyone hits their deadlines on time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>TIMECODES</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>00:00</strong> Welcome!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>00:26</strong> What is Whiteknights Studio Trail</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>00:55</strong> How the trail came about and how it's kept fresh every year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>03:58</strong> Steps needed to set up the trail</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>05:14</strong> Funding the trail: University of Reading sponsorship and artist subscriptions</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>05:56</strong> How the University of Reading sponsorship started</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>07:01</strong> How Jenny has avoided big challenges in running the Whiteknights trail/advice for people wanting to organise a trail</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>09:29</strong> Advice for businesses/artists who want to collaborate</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>11:30</strong> If you don't ask, you don't get!: Jenny's Harris Garden collaboration</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>14:21</strong> What Jenny is showing on the 2026 arts trail</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>15:18</strong> Purpose of the Whiteknights Art Trail & communication tips for businesses</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>16:24</strong> Jenny's dinosaur cards connected to the Reading summer trail</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>17:42</strong> University of Reading centenary exhibition popup on Whiteknights Summer Trail</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>18:42</strong> How Jenny can keep people on track and to deadlines for the summer trail</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>19:49</strong> Jenny's plans for the trail moving forwards</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>20:58</strong> Jenny's step by step guide on how to set up your own event</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>22:34</strong> Funding: allow enough time before your event to apply for funding</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>23:01</strong> Consider what's free and what's paid</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>24:04</strong> Jenny's final thoughts</p>
April 23, 2026
<p class="MsoNormal">This episode features Kevin Harrington, a partner at Exit Factor, who discusses the critical importance of business exit planning for SMEs. Kevin shares his journey from civil engineering into marketing and business brokerage, highlighting how he and his partner Darrell launched their UK operations in Reading in early 2026. He emphasises that a truly successful business is one built to be "exit-ready" from day one, ensuring it is well-run, replicable, and not entirely dependent on the owner.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The conversation explores the structural and operational shifts necessary to increase a company's valuation. Kevin explains his shift in measuring success: rather than focusing solely on suppressing tax, he prioritises demonstrating consistent profit streams and reducing risk. He also details the "Iceberg of Ignorance," a concept used to encourage owners to engage their frontline staff to identify 100% of organisational problems and foster a better culture.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally, the discussion covers Kevin's upcoming projects, including Exit Factor's ambitious goal to open 30 offices across the UK within the next five years. He concludes by encouraging listeners to stop putting off the exit conversation and to seek an assessment early to ensure they have the freedom to exit on their own terms.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Your Business is Your Pension—Treat It Like One</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Most business owners view their company as their primary retirement fund, yet 80% of businesses fail to sell. To avoid retiring with a value "close to zero," you must shift your mindset from daily survival to growing asset value. This involves moving away from suppressing profits to avoid tax and instead demonstrating a clean, consistent profit stream that a buyer can actually believe in.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>De-risk to Drive Your "Multiplier"</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The value of your business is determined by Profit multiplied by a Multiplier (V = P X M). While profit is important, the multiplier is a direct measure of risk. You can significantly increase your valuation simply by reducing risks.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Use Data to Uncover the "Iceberg of Ignorance"</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Don't manage by "gut feel" alone; measuring performance naturally leads to improvement. Harrington highlights that while a CEO might only see 4% of organisational problems, the frontline staff see 100%. By using data to identify which customers are actually profitable versus those that "consume the most support time," and by involving your team in finding these solutions, you create a more efficient, "match-fit" business that is far more attractive to potential buyers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>TIME CODES</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>00:00</strong> Welcome to Kevin</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>00:24</strong> Kevin's background</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>01:28</strong> What is Exit Factor and how it helps business owners.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>02:38</strong> When should people think about preparing a business for an exit? (The answer may surprise you.)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>06:03</strong> Points that make a business appear 'risky' to potential buyers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>07:27</strong> Good business practices for one-person businesses</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>09:11</strong> How important are processes and data in contributing to the value of a business?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>12:36</strong> How to use data effectively</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>13:19</strong> Get your team involved & Yoshida's Iceberg of Ignorance</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>15:30</strong> What aspects of exiting do business owners mainly struggle with?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>20:47</strong> Exit Factor's typical client</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>22:33</strong> How Kevin communicates information to potential clients</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>24:24</strong> How the value of a business is calculated</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>28:21</strong> Bring people with you on the journey and why cutting costs doesn't work to grow a business</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>30:32</strong> Why communication is the most important skill</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>32:45</strong> Why Exit Factor chose Reading for their first UK office</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>34:29</strong> Exit Factor's plans going forwards</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>38:55</strong> Kevin's final thoughts and tips</p>
April 16, 2026
<p class="MsoNormal">In this episode, podcast host, Maria Lloyd, continues her deep-dive series into growth funnels. Maria focuses on the Consideration stage—the third part of her five-stage AICAR model—where potential customers are actively weighing different options to solve a specific problem. She emphasises that success in this stage stems from a deep understanding of the audience's pain points and clearly articulating how a business can solve those problems through their website and other marketing channels.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The conversation explores the necessity of Authority and Risk Mitigation to convert leads into sales. Maria explains how to build trust by using case studies, qualifications, and valuable content to demonstrate past success. She also provides practical strategies to make an offer more tempting, such as using free trials, split payment schemes, and clear deliverables tailored to different personality types, whether they are data-driven or visual learners.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally, the discussion covers Maria's actionable advice for the week: identifying three reasons why a customer should trust you and three ways to make a solution feel risk-free. She concludes by encouraging listeners to focus on providing genuine value, reminding them that they must prove themselves to their audience.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Zero In on the Audience's Specific "Pain"</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Maria emphasises that the consideration stage is where you must move beyond general awareness and deeply understand how your audience describes their problem. Business owners should identify whether their prospects are already looking for a solution or if they are still only feeling the "pain" without knowing the cause.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Establish Authority Through "Proof of Success"</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Because potential clients are likely weighing you against several competitors, building trust is non-negotiable. Maria suggests using case studies as a primary tool to demonstrate that you have successfully solved similar problems before, which helps prospects visualise how your service works creatively for them. Beyond qualifications, you can develop this authority by consistently delivering valuable, and/or helpful content that builds a long-term relationship with your audience before the sale even happens.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>De-Risk the Deal with "Tempting" Incentives</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Even when an audience trusts your capability, the fear of making a wrong choice can prevent them from crossing the finish line. Maria advises business owners to make their solutions look as risk-free as possible by offering split payment schemes, free trials, or bonuses for acting by a certain date. Tailoring your presentation—such as using data-driven logic for analytical types or visual layouts for visual learners—ensures that the value of your work is highlighted in a way that resonates with the individual's personality.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>TIME CODES</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>00:00</strong> Welcome & Introduction</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>00:39</strong> What is a growth funnel</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>00:54</strong> What is the Consideration stage and how to streamline this stage.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>01:12</strong> Point one: Audience</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>02:17</strong> Point two: Authority</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>03:53</strong> Point three: Risk mitigation</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>05:31</strong> Summary</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>06:01</strong> Your challenge for the week</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>06:27</strong> Final thoughts</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Pete Hefferan
Guest
Dave Jenkins
Guest
Mary Genis
Guest
Chris Mitchell
Guest
Becky Nallon
Guest
Cassie Greenman
Guest
Helen Lambert
Guest
Malcolm Pemble
Guest
Neil Taylor
Guest
Alex Forbes
Guest
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
This podcast aims to shine a light on the successes, key learnings and insights from Reading's people and businesses. In the present and the past.
We explore their recipes for success, the mistakes they've made and how you can avoid them, as well as inspirational stories that will give you a feel-good boost.
This podcast updates daily.
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Information about guest appearances is not available.
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.