Bizfest Takeover WK 3 with Tia, Adrian and Rebekah

BizFest South West Takeover Week 3 is packed with the stuff business owners actually talk about when the cameras are off: AI that saves time (not just fancy tools), getting your head clear enough to make better decisions, and sorting the anxiety that shows up when you have to walk into a room full of strangers and “network”.

Gavin kicks us off with a BizFest update: we’re a little over 71 days out from the doors opening on 1 April, there are around 30 exhibitor stands left, and the exhibitor-only networking event is happening on 28 January at Dartington Hall.

He also shares why they’ve shortened the speaker schedule this year: fewer talks, more time on the floor, more real conversations and more networking.

More information - https://bizfestsw.co.uk/

Then we meet three exhibitors:

Tia Collard from fiftyminds breaks down the biggest AI myth for SMEs. If your business runs on vibes and messy processes, AI won’t fix it, it’ll just accelerate the chaos. She talks about cancelling the “million tools”, mapping what you actually do day to day, and using AI in the back end where it quietly makes you more efficient.

Adrian Ferraro from The Bioasis explains why the best business ideas don’t happen in four square office walls. His off-grid retreats and team days in South Devon are designed for resilience, teamwork, leadership and clearer strategy, with proper outdoor experiences, not just a walk and a chat.

Rebekah Gabrielle clears up what hypnotherapy is really like. No stage-act nonsense, no clucking like a chicken. Just working with the subconscious, the part of the mind “running the show”, to help with anxiety, self-worth, relationships, and even smoking.

• Website: https://www.thebioasis.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ferraro-18048814/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebioasis/

• Email: mailto:adrian@thebioasis.com

• Phone: tel:+441392984878

• Website: https://www.fiftyminds.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-collard/

• Book a call: https://fiftyminds.com/contact-2/

• Email: mailto:tiacollard@fiftyminds.com

• Website: https://www.investorincustomers.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonclapp1/

• Email: mailto:sharon.clapp@investorincustomers.com

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This week on Business Fest, we’re talking about the stuff that makes your business look credible fast: PR, personal branding photography, and print that actually gets picked up and remembered.I’m joined by:Natalie Trice (Natalie Trice Publicity) on how to get visible without feeling intimidated by PRLucy Holding (Lucy Holding Brand Photography & Media) on helping camera shy business owners show up confidently and consistentlyMartin Taylor (1Vision Print) on print, branded merch and exhibition stands that do the heavy lifting when you’re busy talking to peopleWhat we cover:- Why PR is not scary when you start by being your own newsmaker- How to get photos that look like you, not a version you think you “should” be- What to put on your stand so people instantly know who you are, what you do, and how you help- Why freebies work best when they’re part of a real conversation- How branding, photography, print and PR all connect as one storyGuest links:Natalie Trice Publicity: https://natalietrice.co.uk/Natalie on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/natalie-triceLucy Holding Brand Photography & Media: https://www.lucyholding.co.uk/Lucy on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lucyholdingbrandLucy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyholdingbrandphotography/1Vision Print: https://www.1visionprint.co.uk/1Vision Print on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/1vision-printAshley’s links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/Website: https://just.15mins.dayLive & Linking Hub: https://just.15mins.dayTimestamps:00:00 Intro and chaos, we’re live00:23 What today’s show is about (marketing, branding, PR)01:17 Natalie: what PR really does for business owners01:53 Lucy: confidence and consistency with brand photography02:40 Martin: print, merch and display that helps you stand out03:31 Gavin joins, BizFestSW update06:29 Where to start with PR without overthinking it09:11 Helping people feel natural on camera12:14 Common print mistakes and how to spend your budget well15:13 Why exhibiting works when you treat it like relationship building19:23 Practical tips to maximise your stand and your exposure29:43 Lucy’s Brand Boost Day mention31:02 Natalie’s book and publicity basicsWatch the episode, like, comment, and subscribe.Watch the show on YouTubeConnect with Ashley on⁠ LinkedIn ⁠My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day Get your free LinkedIn profile review: https://just.15mins.day/f/review-yt

PODCAST Episode Number 225

We're kicking off 2026 with a bang

The BizFest SW Takeover is officially here! In this special launch episode, I’m joined by the ever-enthusiastic Gavin Harris from Fourfront Events, alongside the brilliant Kate Moss from Vranch House and performance coach Alan Olive.

We reflect on what made BizFest 2025 such a roaring success, from the vibrant energy on the show floor to the behind-the-scenes planning that brought it all to life.

Gavin gives us a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026. This means exhibitor enquiries up 400% and a growing sense of community, it's shaping up to be something really special.

Kate shares how one day at BizFest completely transformed her charity’s approach to networking. Her story is full of heart. It proves that even small connections at events can create big ripples.

Meanwhile, Alan talks about bringing Olympic-level insights to business teams and how trust, happiness, and emotional intelligence drive performance. Both guests remind us that business isn’t just about profit. Business is more about people, purpose, and showing up with energy and care.

Whether you’re thinking of exhibiting, visiting, or just want a feel-good hit of business inspiration, this episode sets the tone for what BizFest SW is all about.

Fun, meaningful conversations. Real community. And a shared commitment to helping the Southwest thrive. Pop it in your diary now: April 1st, Westpoint Arena.

You’re not going to want to miss it.

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Episode Number 224

Live & Linking #96 with Ben Westerby

Ben Westerby is the kind of person you remember on LinkedIn, and not because he’s shouting louder than everyone else. But because he is consistent.

He’s built a strong reputation as a fractional Finance Director and business mentor, and he’s done it by being consistent, being human, and leaning into what makes him different. And that includes the Friday jokes.

His jokes are supposed to be a bit rubbish, and that’s exactly why people stop scrolling. But the real story is how Ben’s used LinkedIn to build trust over time, turn visibility into conversations, and create a business model that actually gives him breathing room.

In this episode we get into what “fractional” really means, why it’s becoming more common, and how Ben supports businesses that need senior financial input without the cost of a full-time FD.

He shares how he shifted into a retainer model, planned his client cadence right through to the end of 2026, and why doing fewer things better has helped him create more balance.

We also talk LinkedIn properly: the algorithm being all over the place, why consistency wins anyway, and how speaking on stage and meeting people through LinkedIn has had a massive knock-on effect in the real world too.

Ben’s top LinkedIn tips are simple, and that’s why they work.

Ben Westerby

• Email: ben@westerbyconsultancy.co.uk

• Website: https://www.westerbyconsultancy.co.uk/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-westerby

Portfolio (fractional) Finance Director and business mentor. Best known for his Friday jokes on LinkedIn, proving accountants do have a sense of humour, even if the jokes are intentionally terrible.

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Live & Linking #95 with Nicky Dunn and Friends

This is the final Live & Linking before Christmas, and we’re going out with a bang (and a few dodgy Christmas hats). I’ve got the wonderful Nicky co-hosting with me, and we’ve lined up three fantastic guests to help us reflect, laugh, and share a bit of wisdom from what’s been a wild, wonderful 2025.

First up is Kate Manton, coach, facilitator and speaker from Baobab Works. She’s had a belter of a yea BOOM!!! She launched her own business, joined the PSA, doing speaking gigs, and properly showing up on LinkedIn (after a bit of a confidence wobble). Her work helps leaders and teams cut through the noise and actually communicate like humans — with clarity, humour and proper connection. If you’re thinking about stepping up your team dynamics or personal presence in 2026, she’s your woman.kate@baobabworks.co.uk

Then we spoke to Andy Hix

He’s a leadership coach who’s on a mission to help men in high-pressure tech and finance roles lead with emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Andy ran sixteen men’s mental health workshops in November (yes, sixteen!) and is now planning a leadership retreat for 2026. His approach blends mindfulness, vulnerability and years of coaching experience — he’s got that calm, grounded energy you want more of.

You’ll find him at andyhix.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.📧 andy@andyhix.com

And finally, Ali Young from AY Business Law brought both legal wisdom and Christmas antlers to the party. Ali’s not your average solicitor — she helps business owners plan their exit from day one, not just when a buyer knocks. With nearly 30 years in law (and a £70m deal under her belt), she simplifies the whole process and keeps the human side front and centre. If you're even thinking about selling your business one day, get her on your radar now. You’ll love her straight-talking approach — and she gives free legal advice too!📧 aly@ay-law.co.uk | LinkedIn

So whether you're still working, wrapping presents, or driving home for Christmas — pop this on. It's full of honesty, humour, a few touching moments, and plenty of inspiration to take into 2026.

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Live & Linking #94 with Heather Barrie

This week’s guest is Heather Barry, a brilliant goal achievement strategist who doesn’t just talk about setting goals—she shows us how to actually achieve them.

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at SMART goals or felt like traditional methods don’t quite fit the way you work, this one’s for you. Heather’s M.A.R.S.T.A goal-setting method is a total game-changer—designed to work with the way your brain ticks, whether you're a creative, a planner, or somewhere in between.

We talked about why most people fail at goal setting (hint: it’s not laziness) and how understanding your personal productivity style makes all the difference.

Heather introduces us to her Animal Productivity Quiz—where you might find out you’re a squirrel, a terrier, or even a magpie—and explains how knowing your dominant ‘animal’ helps you plan better, stay focused, and get things done without burning out. It’s fun, it’s insightful, and it’s surprisingly accurate!

So if you’re starting to think about what you want 2026 to look like, tune in. We cover everything from how to break down big goals into doable actions, why focus and accountability matter, and how to avoid the “set and forget” trap.

Heather also shares her goals for next year—including expanding her coach training programme and embedding her M.A.R.S.T.A method into more organisations. You’ll come away from this episode ready to plan in a way that feels inspiring, achievable, and totally personal.

🔗 Connect with Heather Barry: 🌍 Website: www.marstagoals.com 📲 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heatherbarrie1 🧠 Take the Animal Productivity Quiz: Click here

Don’t just set a goal—set the right kind of goal. Let’s do this. Like, comment, subscribe!

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Live & Linking #92 with Louise McDonnell

This week, I’m joined by Louise McDonnell

BOOM!!!She is a marketing strategist, agency owner, and all-around expert in helping service-based businesses turn their social media into a sales machine.

Based in Ireland, Louise has been in the marketing game since before Facebook was even a thing, and she’s still ahead of the curve.

We explore Louise’s five-pillar framework for building a social selling system that actually works.

She explains why the real work happens before you start posting, how to sharpen your messaging, what makes lead generation effective, and why AI isn’t the magic bullet.All this from her INSIGHTS!!Whether you DIY your marketing or outsource it, Louise lays out a clear roadmap that’ll help you stop guessing and start growing.

So if you’ve ever felt stuck on social media or wondered why your content isn’t converting, this is your wake-up call.

Louise’s approach is practical, tested, and genuinely doable. Even if marketing isn’t your thing. And with her free masterclass and assessment, you’ve got everything you need to get started.

Name: Louise McDonnell

Email: louise@sellonsocial.media

Website: www.sellonsocial.media

Webinar Site: www.sellonsocialmedia.academy

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/louisemcdsocial

Short Bio: Louise McDonnell is an award-winning social media strategist and coach, a four-time best-selling author, and the founder of SellOnSocial.Media Digital Marketing Agency & Academy. For over 20 years, Louise has helped coaches and consultants grow online with clear systems and fresh perspectives on messaging and business strategy. She's the coach every business owner dreams to meet: approachable, interactive and deeply invested in helping you succeed.

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Live & Linking #92 with David Cook

Here’s our latest episode of Live & Linking, and this week I’m joined by David Cook, a former CFO who swapped boardrooms for bootstrapping when he bought Practice Flow.

This is a practice management tool built specifically for accountants and bookkeepers.

What makes this story even more inspiring? David did it to help create a meaningful job for his autistic son, who now works with the development team.

We dig deep into what it’s like to go from retirement-ready to startup life, and how David’s decades in finance (Laura Ashley fans, yes, that Laura Ashley) shaped the way he approaches building a business.

We explore the frustrations accountants face with complex software, and how Practice Flow keeps things simple, smart, and stress-free by automating task management, syncing with Companies House, and ditching the spreadsheets.

If you’re an accountant still juggling deadlines with post-it notes and Excel files

Or you’ve thought about moving to a tool but feel overwhelmed by the choices.

This episode gives you some ideas worth listening to.

David explains what makes Practice Flow different, what’s coming next, and why real customer conversations are now his favourite part of the job.

Try Practice Flow: https://practiceflow.io

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