Small Business Voices Wales

About Small Business Voices Wales

Small Business Voices Wales explores the real stories behind local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community changemakers across Wales. We dive into challenges, culture, policy, and what it truly takes to thrive as a local business in today’s economy. Real talk, real people, real Wales.

Publisher

Franck Banza

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 May 2025

Latest episode

10 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Aug 2026

   Emotional Intelligence: The Business Skill Nobody Taught Us

   How well do we really understand the thoughts and emotions influencing the way we work, lead and live? In this episode, Kim sits down with Chris Williams, Founder of Koala Wellbeing, to explore the human side of business and what it takes to stay well while navigating pressure, uncertainty and adversity. Chris shares his own journey into wellbeing, including seeking support himself, the stigma around men asking for help, and how his career in learning and development led him to Emotional Intelligence. Together, they explore self-awareness, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, resilience, identity and belonging, and the journey from performance to survival and ultimately burnout. Chris also introduces the “ME Window” — a practical tool for stepping back from difficult thoughts, understanding what matters and breaking patterns that can keep us stuck. A practical and honest conversation about understanding ourselves better and finding healthier ways to live, work and lead. 🔗Connect with Chris: koalawellbeing.co.uk/ Chris Williams on Linkedin 🎥Follow Us on Instagram @smallbusinessvoiceswales

2. 

   15 May 2026

   Authenticity in a Curated World with Lydia Fasham

   In this episode of Small Business Voices Wales, co-hosts Franck and Kim sit down with Lydia Fasham for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about human connection in an increasingly curated world. What starts as a conversation about relationships and business evolves into a deeper reflection on vulnerability, identity, entrepreneurship, authenticity, self-trust, grief, resilience, AI, and the pressure of perfection in modern life. Lydia is a Business Development and Client Relationship Specialist and the founder of Henler — a business focused on helping organisations build stronger, more meaningful relationships through the power of genuine human connection. ✨ This episode explores: Why people want to feel seen and heard The pressure of perfection and curated identities Building your inner voice and learning to trust your gut The impact of the people around us Entrepreneurship, discouragement, and resilience AI and the future of human connection What authenticity actually means in practice The biggest mistakes businesses make in relationships A reflective and deeply human conversation about business, identity, and staying real in a world that often rewards performance over connection. 🔗 Connect with Lydia: Website: Henler Henler on LinkedIn Lydia Fasham on LinkedIn 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @smallbusinessvoiceswales

3. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Episode 8 - Young, Welsh and Building Bold Brands: Inside Ddraig Studio

   In this episode of Small Business Voices Wales, host Kim sits down with Ben, co-owner of Ddraig Studio, a fast-growing creative agency helping businesses turn ideas into bold, impactful brands across Wales and beyond. What started as a casual conversation between family on a cruise quickly became something much bigger. Within just three months, Ben and his co-founder Aaron went from idea to launch — building a business, securing clients, and laying the foundations for a creative studio rooted in ambition, resilience, and Welsh identity. This episode dives into the realities of starting a business from scratch — not the polished version often seen online, but the honest journey of taking action, making decisions quickly, and learning on the go. 🎙️ In this episode, we explore: • The moment a simple idea became a real business• What it’s like building a company with family — and making it work• The meaning behind Ddraig and the role of resilience in early-stage business• Why most people never move past the “idea stage”• The biggest mistakes small businesses make when it comes to branding• Honest insights into what makes a business stand out — and what holds it back• How to spend your first £500 on marketing effectively• Common areas where small businesses waste money• Whether Wales produces enough ambitious businesses — or plays it too safe• What needs to change to make Wales one of the best places to start a business• The vision for Ddraig Studio and what success looks like in the next five years 💡 Why this episode matters This conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking about starting a business, currently in the early stages, or looking to grow their brand. It breaks down the gap between having an idea and taking action, while offering practical, real-world advice that can be applied immediately. Ben’s story is a reminder that you don’t need years of planning to get started — sometimes, the biggest step is simply deciding to begin. 🐉 About Ddraig Studio Ddraig Studio is a Wales-based creative agency focused on helping businesses build strong, memorable brands. From branding and design to long-term business support, the studio works closely with clients to turn ideas into scalable businesses. Website: ddraigstudio.co.uk 🎧 Small Business Voices Wales is a podcast dedicated to spotlighting the real stories behind small businesses across Wales — celebrating the people building, growing, and shaping the future of the Welsh economy. 👉 Subscribe, share, and keep supporting local businesses.

4. 

   7 Mar 2026

   Our Welsh Story

   This St David’s Day, The Welsh Dream explores what it means to belong in modern Wales. From the rolling hills and beaches to the music, dance, and language that shape our communities, this episode celebrates our heritage, our diversity, and the connections that bring us together. Join us as we reflect on the past, share stories from across Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and beyond, and discover how small acts — planting a daffodil, learning a folk dance, speaking Welsh — can create lasting impact. This is a celebration of inclusion, community, and the Wales we are building together. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a newcomer, or learning Welsh for the first time, this episode is a reminder that everyone has a place in our Welsh story. Keywords/Tags: St David’s Day, Welsh culture, community, inclusion, Welsh language, folk dancing, heritage, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, The CAE, employability, belonging, multicultural Wales

5. 

   20 Jan 2026

   🍺 Episode 7: Brewing Change — Power, Purpose & Alcohol-Free Innovation with Joelle Drummond

   Episode Summary – Small Business Voices Wales ft. Joelle Drummond (Drop Bear Beer) In this episode of Small Business Voices Wales, hosts Kim and Franck sit down with Joelle Drummond, co-founder of Drop Bear Beer Co., Wales’s first B-Corp brewery and one of the UK’s leading alcohol-free craft beer brands. Joelle shares her journey from kitchen experiments to building a globally recognised challenger brand — all while disrupting a traditionally male-dominated industry. The conversation explores the deep roots of brewing as women’s work, the shifting perceptions of beer and alcohol-free products, and what it really takes to challenge an industry that wasn’t built with you in mind. Together, they unpack themes of identity, resilience, purpose, and leadership, including navigating doubt, imposter syndrome, raising investment as a values-led business, and balancing profit with sustainability and inclusion. Joelle also reflects on building a company alongside her life partner, the realities of growth and acquisition, and what motherhood has taught her about leadership and pace. This episode is an honest, inspiring conversation about breaking barriers, reclaiming space, and proving that small, values-driven Welsh businesses can make a global impact — without compromising who they are.

6. 

   5 Dec 2025

   Episode 6 – “Who Gets to Innovate? Rethinking the Language of Business”

   Small Business Voices Wales In this episode, Kim and Franck unpack the myths, misconceptions, and cultural biases surrounding entrepreneurship and innovation. They explore how the language of business — words like entrepreneur, innovation, pitch, accelerator — can feel intimidating or exclusionary, especially for people from working-class or ethnic minority communities. The hosts challenge the glamorised image of entrepreneurship, reminding listeners that enterprise has always existed in homes, kitchens, markets, and neighbourhoods long before it appeared in tech hubs or boardrooms. They highlight how innovation is rooted in culture, lived experience, migration, and necessity — often emerging quietly from communities rather than corporations. Through humour, history, and real examples from The CAE, Kim and Franck argue that the future of Welsh innovation lies in recognising the everyday creativity of ordinary people. Whether it’s a food recipe passed down generations, a cultural product reimagined for Wales, or a side-hustle born from resilience — it all counts. Their message is simple but powerful: Innovation belongs to everyone — and the language of business must evolve to reflect that.

7. 

   12 Nov 2025

   Episode 5 — Money Matters: Breaking Barriers to Finance in Wales

   Finance can be the difference between an idea that stays in your head and one that changes your life. Yet for many small business owners in Wales, getting access to finance still feels like climbing a mountain with no map. In this episode, hosts Franck Banza and Kim Mamhemde dive deep into the financial challenges facing small businesses across Wales — from rising costs and limited access to loans, to confidence, trust, and representation in financial systems. They explore what needs to change to make finance fairer and more inclusive — and reveal The CAE Investment Fund, designed to bridge the gap for underrepresented entrepreneurs. 💬 “Finance isn’t just about numbers — it’s about opportunity, fairness, and inclusion.” In this episode: Why access to finance still feels out of reach for many small businesses The reality of cash flow, late payments, and cost pressures Barriers faced by women, ethnic minority, and rural entrepreneurs Alternative finance models that put people before paperwork How The CAE Investment Fund is building a fairer future for entrepreneurs in Wales Resources mentioned in this episode: Purple Shoots – Community microfinance supporting Welsh entrepreneurs(purpleshoots.org) Development Bank of Wales – Finance and investment support for Welsh businesses(developmentbank.wales) The CAE Investment Fund – Coming soon: community-led finance for diverse entrepreneurswww.caentr.org 🎧 Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: @cae.wales | #SmallBusinessVoicesWales | #MadeInWales

8. 

   15 Oct 2025

   EPISODE 4 - Breaking the Mould with Bowla — Hannah Worth on Growth and Grit

   🎧 SBVW Episode 4 – Breaking the Mould: Hannah Worth on Growth and Grit In this episode, hosts Franck Banza and Kim Mamhende chat with Hannah Worth, founder of Bowla Ltd — the innovative bakery behind the bowler-hat-shaped loaf that’s redefining Welsh baking. Hannah shares her journey from launching her first shop in Swansea Market to growing Bowla through pop-ups and collaborations. She opens up about the realities of running a small food business — from managing finance and staff to finding resilience through creativity and community. A must-listen for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of small business in Wales.

9. 

   19 Sept 2025

   Small Business Voices Wales – Episode 3: Is the System Stacked Against Small Businesses?

   In this episode, hosts Franck Banza and Kim Mamhende ask a big question: are the odds stacked against small businesses in Wales? From spiralling costs and access to finance, to red tape and the controversial holiday let tax rules, this conversation dives into the everyday pressures business owners face. We explore how government policies can sometimes have unintended consequences—and what a fairer, more supportive system could look like. This isn’t just about economics. It’s about people, communities, and the role small businesses play in keeping Wales thriving. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.

10. 

    29 May 2025

    Small Business Voices Wales – Episode 2: Brewing Up A Storm with Mari Arthur of Tetrim Tea

    Franck and Kim Mamhende interview Mari Arthur, founder of Tetrim Teas, about running a socially driven tea business in rural Wales, emphasizing sustainability and community impact.

11. 

    8 May 2025

    Why do so many local businesses struggle to survive?

    Host Franck explores the multifaceted challenges confronting small local businesses in Wales, examining cultural norms, consumer habits, and the dominance of large corporations that impede their growth.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 15 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

31

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Small Business Voices Wales

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.