This week Mike talks to Quentin Le Hetet

Quentin is the UK Country Director at GiPA, an organization renowned for its in-depth market research and intelligence in the automotive sector. Under his leadership, GiPA recently conducted the comprehensive "GiPA EV Drivers Survey 2024," offering invaluable insights into the EV market, driver preferences, and the evolving landscape of automotive maintenance and care.

Mike and Quentin do a deep dive into the GiPA EV Drivers Survey 2024, with growth in the EV sector and shifts in consumer preferences. They discuss the most surprising consumer attitudes toward EVs revealed in the survey, particularly regarding purchasing habits and brand preferences. Also the key factors driving the adoption of EVs in the UK and and what trends should consumers and industry stakeholders be prepared for?

Ask for the GiPA EV Drivers Survey 2024 report here or visit the GiPA's website. www.gipa.eu

Follow or connect with Quentin on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/quentin-le-hetet-07142a41/ or email Quentin qlehetet@gipa.eu

In this week episode Mike talks to Max Pog

Max is fully immersed in the world of venture studios having research the model extensively with a 7-month report called Big Startup Studios research and created a huge online community. Those that aren't familiar with the Venture studios model, also known as startup studios or company builders, are organizations that build companies using their own ideas and resources. Unlike traditional venture capital firms that invest in existing companies, venture studios are hands-on, actively participating in or leading the development of the business from the ground up. Max has run two of the largest venture studio conferences on Linkedin, each drawing over a thousand registrants; He's fostering a thriving community through the Venture Studio Family.

Max has been at the helm of creating three profitable ventures from the ground up: a successful e-commerce electronics reselling business that I he sold at 17.

In their conversation, Max and Mike delve into the advantages of the Venture Studios model and examine how they stand apart from conventional incubators and accelerators. They explore the criteria for selecting the finest venture studio and the advantages entrepreneurs can gain by partnering with one. Max also share's compelling success stories that have emerged from venture studios and they touch on Max's venture community, the growing interest from venture capitalists, and Max's insights on the potential evolution of the venture studio model.

Find out more about Max and Venture Studios

– Paper on venture studios https://inniches.com/startup-studios-research
– Linkedin https://linkedin.com/in/maxpog
– Our conference recordings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNwIhYfXY_Q&list=PLO8LnZLmikuv17Dk0xmIxkiwyMAxgn6DN

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This week Mike talks to automotive industry legend Glenn Mercer

Glenn Mercer brings to the table over three decades of expertise in the automotive industry, initiating his illustrious career in 1985 with McKinsey as a Partner in their Automotive Practice. Throughout his tenure, he engaged in numerous client projects, amassing a wealth of experience. Since 2006, Mercer has operated as an independent consultant, offering his services to a variety of prestigious investment firms such as KKR, Kleiner Perkins, and Baillie Gifford, as well as providing guidance to industry stakeholders like Ricardo, NADA, and NAAA. He has contributed as a board member to several automotive companies including Rimstock, Stackpole, and Grakon, served as an expert witness in legal matters related to the automotive sector, and shared his insights on automotive economics as a lecturer at esteemed institutions like Wharton, Coventry University, and CWRU. Before embarking on his journey in the automotive world, Mercer gained valuable experience at the CIA and BP. His leadership roles have included serving as President of the Society of Automotive Analysts and Director of the International Motor Vehicle Program. Glenn has also has owned 3 different NSXs (!), a WRX, an STi, a 928 and S2000 - Read and follow Glenn's Car Charts.

Glenn and Mike delve into Glenn's professional journey and explore the future changes in the automotive industry. They compare the distinctions between the US and UK, particularly in electric vehicles (EV), question why the industry still operates on a 'winner-takes-all' approach, and discuss the role of software in transforming the automotive sector.

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In this week's episode Mike talks to David Betteley.

David is an expert in automotive finance with a history of leadership roles at major firms like Vauxhall Finance, Toyota Financial Services, and Jaguar Land Rover. Now, as a chairman, he leverages his experience to guide companies through growth, funding, and strategic planning, working with Tomorrow's Journey, CrediCar and Right Charge.

Mike and David explore the distinct skill sets required for start-ups compared to large corporations, highlighting how these skills might not always be interchangeable. David shares insights from his experience as a chairman of start-ups, learning about these critical differences first-hand. Additionally, they discuss the current dynamics of car finance and the anticipated trends for 2024, offering their perspectives on what lies ahead in this evolving sector.

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This week Mike talks to Claire Richards, Principal Sustainability Consultant from Anthesis Group.

Claire Richards, plays a pivotal role in guiding businesses and organizations towards environmentally responsible and sustainable practices. She combines a deep understanding of environmental science, sustainable development, and corporate social responsibility with strategic planning and project management skills. Claire's duties often encompass conducting comprehensive sustainability assessments, developing strategies to reduce carbon footprints and waste, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and implementing green initiatives.

Mike and Claire examine the importance of early-stage businesses embracing ESG principles, emphasizing how a comprehensive ESG strategy can support sustained success. They investigate how the adoption of ESG measures differs across various industry sectors, including automotive, and point out the unique obstacles businesses encounter while integrating ESG into their practices. Additionally, they discuss strategies for rapidly growing companies to expand without compromising their ESG objectives or losing their competitive advantage.

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In this week's episode Mike talks to Carwow Founder James Hind.

James Hind is the founder of Carwow, a revolutionary platform that has transformed the way people buy new cars in the United Kingdom. Before launching Carwow in 2010, Hind's insights into the automotive industry were honed through his background in finance and a personal passion for cars. Recognizing the challenges and inefficiencies consumers faced in the car buying process, Hind envisioned a more transparent, hassle-free approach that would empower buyers while also serving dealerships. Carwow, under Hind's leadership, has since established itself as a pivotal service, simplifying the car buying journey by connecting buyers with dealers in a competitive, yet fair, online environment. Hind's innovation not only redefined consumer experiences but also injected a new level of fairness and efficiency into the automotive sales industry, making him a notable entrepreneur in the tech and automotive sectors.

Mike and James discuss the evolution of Carwow, as James built the business, including the big calls, the wrong calls. They also discuss the motor sector themes and where Carwow is positioned today.

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Peter Cowley, is a Cambridge-based tech entrepreneur, angel investor, and speaker, has a substantial portfolio with investments in more than 75 technology startups. Formerly serving as the chair of the Cambridge Angels, he now holds the title of President Emeritus at the European Business Angels Network (EBAN). Additionally, Cowley is a board member of the Global Business Angels Network (GBAN), which falls under the umbrella of the Global Entrepreneurs Network.

In this episode, Mike and Peter delve into Peter's journey and knowledge gained from investing in companies. They explore current trends in the industry and offer a wealth of tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Find out more about Peter's work here including his investment book - The Invested Investor, Project Cancer, how Peter has turned his Cancer diagnosis into a project to help live with the disease and his latest book Public Success, Private Grief.

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IN this week's episode Mike talks to Douglas Lawson, Co-Founder and CEO of MarktoMarket.

MarktoMarket is a software platform providing data and analytics to professional advisers and investors to identify and connect with opportunities, value assets, map markets, benchmark performance, and more.

Mike and and Douglas discuss how Doug moved from a career in Fund Management to founding MarktoMarket, the challenges and learning curves that come with a startup and what trends is MarktoMarket seeing at the moment.

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