ScaleUp Radio

ScaleUp Radio, produced by MonkeyPants Productions and hosted by Kevin Brent.

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Latest Episodes

Episode #532 - How a Family Duo Redefined Recruitment with Heart, Honesty and Local Spirit - with Harry Shearer

Episode #532 - How a Family Duo Redefined Recruitment with Heart, Honesty and Local Spirit - with Harry Shearer

I'm Granger Forson, and you can find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Harry Shearer, co-founder of Shearer Associates, a Gloucestershire-based finance recruitment firm that's built its success on relationships, trust, and a strong local ethos.

 

Harry shares how he and his mum, Claire, turned a simple "why not give it a go?" conversation in their garden into a thriving recruitment business serving Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Their approach is refreshingly personal in a world increasingly driven by KPIs and quick wins.

 

Throughout our conversation, Harry reveals how Shearer Associates focuses on long-term partnerships, not transactions, and how that authenticity has become their defining advantage. We also explore how being small and family-run allows them to stay agile, adaptable and deeply connected to their community.

 

Harry talks openly about the early challenges of balancing the excitement of growth with staying disciplined in the business fundamentals, from cashflow to marketing. You'll hear how structure, systems and the Pomodoro method keep him grounded and productive, even when the to-do list feels endless.

 

Finally, Harry shares his reflections on leadership, learning from his mum's wisdom, and how authenticity on platforms like LinkedIn can transform client engagement. It's an inspiring story of humility, experimentation and growth, one that perfectly embodies the spirit of "Fix what bugs you" and "Just do it and find out."

 

To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. Also, you can nominate a guest for ScaleUp Radio if you know someone with an interesting ScaleUp story – you can find how in the show notes. So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of authenticity, trust and growth with Harry Shearer.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

 

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

 

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.
https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

 

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

 

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

 

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Harry can be found here:

https://www.shearerassociates.co.uk/

 

Resources:

Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/building-a-storybrand-clarify-your-message-so-customers-will-listen-donald-miller/4099240?ean=9781400201839&next=t

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/atomic-habits-the-life-changing-million-copy-1-bestseller-james-clear/2458373?ean=9781847941831&next=t&next=t

Brick - https://getbrick.app/

Outlook - https://outlook.live.com/

Brand Fathers podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/2wgTQ7mXBngdiNzcJ2cUJZ

Modern Wisdom podcast - https://chriswillx.com/podcast/

Episode #531 - Getting Creative In The Financial Space To Create A Successful Team - with Helen Bower

Episode #531 - Getting Creative In The Financial Space To Create A Successful Team - with Helen Bower

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Helen Bower, founder of Adder Bookkeeping, a practice she built from a solo venture to a thriving 8-person business over the course of two decades. Recently, Helen sold the business to Fresh Financials Group and now works part-time, having achieved her goal of a better work-life balance.

Helen's journey is a fantastic case study in growing a service-based business with purpose, resilience, and a bit of creativity. What began as a way to balance work and family life gradually evolved into a scalable, systemised business with a strong team culture and a focus on delivering value through strategic financial insight.

Together, Kevin and Helen cover three key areas:

  1. The Business Journey – From solo bookkeeper to team-based practice offering high-value, tech-enabled financial services.
  2. Scaling Challenges – Including team management, leadership transition, and the emotional and practical considerations of selling a business.
  3. Quickfire Questions – Helen shares her perspectives, advice for other founders, and her experience with the ScaleUp Challenges.

You'll hear how Helen embraced technology and cloud-based systems early on, how she built a positive team culture through gamification and creativity, and why recurring revenue and financial metrics were central to her growth strategy. She also shares candidly about the challenges of staff management, getting pulled back into day-to-day operations, and the importance of planning for exit early.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Helen.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

 

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

 

Helen can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenbowerbookkeepingpractice

https://www.adderbookkeeping.co.uk/

https://www.freshfinancials.com/

hello@freshfinancials.com (Put ScaleUp Radio and FAO Alex in the Subject line)

 

Resources:

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-e-myth-revisited-why-most-small-businesses-don-t-work-and-what-to-do-about-it-michael-e-gerber/82114?ean=9780887307287&next=t

The 33 Laws of Business & Life by Steven Bartlett - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-second-book-by-steven-bartlett-keep-it-to-yourself-steven-bartlett/7257436?ean=9781529146523&next=t

Engager - https://engager.app/

Microsoft Teams - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software

James Ashford - https://jamesashford.com/

Episode #530: ScaleUp Club - Maintaining The Balance Between Entrepreneurial Freedom and Corporate Structure - with Ross Latta and Adam Johnson

Episode #530: ScaleUp Club - Maintaining The Balance Between Entrepreneurial Freedom and Corporate Structure - with Ross Latta and Adam Johnson

In this special ScaleUp Club Q&A session, we welcomed back two familiar faces – Ross Latta, co-founder of MacroFin, and Adam Johnson, representing 3RP. I originally interviewed Ross and his Macrofin co-founder Stephen.  Since then, both Macrofin and 3RP, once competitors in the NetSuite ERP space, have recently been acquired by Cooper Parry – a bold move that's opened up new opportunities and strategic directions for each.

What followed was an insightful, honest conversation around leadership transitions, cultural integration, and navigating the delicate balance between entrepreneurial freedom and corporate structure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Merging Without Losing Identity: Although MacroFin and 3RP now sit under the Cooper Parry umbrella, both retain operational autonomy – a deliberate move to preserve their distinct cultures and strengths.
  • Constructive Conflict Fuels Growth: Encouraging debate, challenging ideas, and psychological safety are central to how both teams make decisions and innovate.
  • Leadership Evolution: With access to more experienced leadership, Ross and Stephen have been able to shift focus toward strategic growth and people development.
  • Bold Moves Enabled: Financial backing from Cooper Parry has allowed both businesses to think bigger, act bolder, and invest in long-term impact.

Standout Quote:
"We've built a culture where everyone can challenge decisions — because it's not about being right, it's about getting it right." – Ross Latta

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Ross and Adam.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

 

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

 

Ross can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-latta-macrofin

 

Adam can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtjohnson

Episode #529: What Really Drives Scale – Purpose or People?

Episode #529: What Really Drives Scale – Purpose or People?

This week on ScaleUp Radio, we explore two different but equally powerful approaches to scaling a business. One focuses on building a community that challenges social perceptions, while the other focuses on guiding people through change and transformation.

Tariq Kazemi, Co-founder and CEO of Bldbro, shares how his passion project became a £3 million skincare brand built around confidence and authenticity. What started as an online community for bald men has become a movement that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance.

Uzma Aitqad, Founder of Magna People Change Consulting, helps organisations navigate digital and cultural change by focusing on people, not just process. With a background in engineering and a master's in organisational change management, she brings a unique perspective to how leaders can make transformation stick.

Together, they explore the balance between purpose and people – showing that successful scaling depends on both.

 

Meet the Guests

Tariq Kazemi – The Community Builder
Bldbro was founded to change the narrative around baldness. Tariq and his two co-founders built a brand rooted in authenticity and confidence. Guided by the belief that healthy conflict leads to better decisions, the trio created a business culture that encourages open debate and collective ownership. From choosing sustainable aluminium packaging over cheaper plastic to learning sophisticated growth metrics such as Lifetime Value and Customer Acquisition Cost, Tariq's story is one of purpose meeting performance.

Uzma Aitqad – The Change Catalyst
Uzma founded Magna People Change Consulting to address one of the biggest causes of failure in transformation: people and culture. She believes 70% of change initiatives fail because organisations focus on systems, not adoption. Her approach combines practical frameworks with empathy, helping leaders move from "doers" to influencers who inspire engagement. For Uzma, success means ensuring every change is understood, embraced and sustained.

 

Key Lessons for Business Owners

  • Mission before product – purpose drives growth.
  • Culture determines success – people need to believe in the vision.
  • Healthy conflict creates better decisions.
  • Adoption is the measure of real change.
  • Structure and consistency enable sustainable scale.

 

Community or Culture – The Real Advantage

Tariq demonstrates how authenticity and purpose can build powerful customer loyalty. Uzma shows that without internal engagement, even the best strategy will struggle to succeed. Their journeys highlight that scaling a business is about balance – between external brand identity and internal leadership strength.

 

Final Thoughts

Tariq and Uzma remind us that scaling is both a mindset and a mission. Success is not just about what you build, but who grows with you along the way.

🎙️ This episode was created with artificial intelligence as part of our ScaleUp Radio.

 

Listen and Learn More

🎧 Listen to the full interviews on ScaleUp Radio:
https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/scaleupradio

📅 Book a call with Kevin Brent to discuss your scaling journey:
https://c.bizsmart.co.uk/widget/bookings/kb-30

Episode #528 - Managing Rapid Growth in a Competitive Market - with Tariq Kazemi

Episode #528 - Managing Rapid Growth in a Competitive Market - with Tariq Kazemi

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we sit down with Tariq Kazemi, co-founder and CEO of Bldbro, the game-changing skincare brand designed specifically for bald men. What started as an Instagram community aimed at shifting the stigma around hair loss has now evolved into an award-winning business that's turning heads in the grooming industry.

Tariq shares the incredible journey of building Bldbro—from a soft launch that sold out in months to reaching £3 million in revenue in just 365 days, with over 3,000 active subscribers and ambitious international plans. With a strong focus on community, quality, and brand mission, Bldbro isn't just creating products—it's changing perceptions.

This conversation is packed with insights and inspiration and is structured in three key parts:

  1. The Business & the Journey – Tariq discusses the origins of Bldbro, their unique hero product (Bldbro Daily, a matte moisturising gel with SPF), and how they've scaled so rapidly.
  2. Challenges of Scaling – We explore the tension between product development and customer feedback, the impact of fast growth, and lessons from their fundraising journey—including closing a £1 million seed round.
  3. Quickfire Round – A light-hearted look at Tariq's personal views on leadership, inspiration, and what's next.

Key Highlights:

  • Achieved 800% growth in 2023, and on track for 400% in 2024
  • Awarded the Men's Health Grooming Award, Telegraph Recommended, and West Midlands Startup of the Year
  • Building a team culture rooted in healthy conflict, shared mission, and remote collaboration
  • Marketing success driven by Instagram community, word-of-mouth, and bold campaigns across Meta ads, national radio, and more

The one key thing Tariq shared that really resonated was this:
"We're not just creating skincare—we're building confidence and community for bald men everywhere."

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Tariq.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

 

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

 

Tariq can be found d here:

https://www.instagram.com/bld.bro/

https://bldbro.com/

 

Resources:

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/shantaram-now-a-major-apple-tv-series-starring-charlie-hunnam-gregory-david-roberts/d08a35c26ee7e86f?ean=9780349117546&next=t

Excel - https://excel.cloud.microsoft/en-gb/

Notion - https://www.notion.com/

Conjura - https://www.conjura.com/

Shopify - https://www.shopify.com/

Episode #527 - Leading Change Through People, Not Just Process - with Uzma Aitqad

Episode #527 - Leading Change Through People, Not Just Process - with Uzma Aitqad

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we dive into one of the most underestimated – and most essential – elements of successful business growth: change management.

Our guest, Uzma Aitqad, brings over 25 years of experience in the corporate world and a deep understanding of organisational change. As the founder of Magna People Change Consulting, she now helps SMEs navigate complex digital transformations by focusing on people, not just process.

The episode unfolds in three parts:

  1. Uzma's journey from electronics engineering to change consultancy, and the founding of Magna.
  2. Her practical insights into scaling challenges, the human barriers to change, and why 70% of change initiatives fail.
  3. A rapid-fire round covering Uzma's favourite resources, leadership tips, and more.

 

The one key thing:

Successful change is not about technology – it's about people. If your team isn't on board, the transformation won't stick.

Whether you're an SME founder struggling to let go of control, or a leader trying to build agility into your team, this episode is full of practical strategies to help you scale with confidence.

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Uzma.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

 

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

 

Uzma can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/uzma-aitqad/

https://www.magnapeoplechange.com/

 

Resources:

People-centric Organisational Change By Julie Hodges - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/people-centric-organizational-change-engaging-employees-with-business-transformation-professor-julie-hodges/df2a1743f3b4d71c?ean=9781398612556&next=t

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/atomic-habits-the-life-changing-million-copy-1-bestseller-james-clear/2458373?ean=9781847941831&next=t&next=t

Transformation Talk Podcast - https://samforget.com/podcast/

Manus AI - https://manus.im/

Perplexity - https://www.perplexity.ai/

Napkin AI - https://www.napkin.ai/

 

Episode #526 - Profit, People, and Purpose: What Defines True Business Success?

Episode #526 - Profit, People, and Purpose: What Defines True Business Success?

This week on ScaleUp Radio, two business leaders share how very different journeys can lead to the same goal: building a company that thrives beyond its founder.

Dan Boardman-Weston, CEO of BRI Wealth Management, grew up in the family firm and became one of the youngest CEOs in the financial sector. His story shows how credibility, structure and culture form the foundation for long-term success.

Paul Miller, founder of Cornish Accounting Solutions, built his business after a life-changing illness reminded him what matters most. He reshaped his accountancy practice around relationships, trust and purpose.

Together, they ask a vital question: is business success defined by ambition and structure, or by compassion and legacy?

 

Meet the Guests

Dan Boardman-Weston – The Driven Successor
Dan joined BRI at 18 and became CEO in his late 20s. Determined to earn respect on his own merits, he focused his first years on getting the right people, processes and culture in place before scaling. He believes in training and empowering staff, saying the key to growth is putting the right people in the right roles. His goal is clear: to grow BRI's £700 million in client assets while staying true to a culture built on trust and service.

Paul Miller – The Relationship Builder
Paul founded Cornish Accounting Solutions in 1994 after "drifting" into accountancy. Surviving meningococcal septicaemia forced him to cut 80-hour weeks and refocus on what truly mattered. He built a business rooted in empathy and long-term relationships, often calling himself a "consigliere" who listens first and advises second. By focusing on fewer, better-fit clients, Paul increased profit and restored balance to his life.

 

Key Lessons for Business Owners

  • Work on the business, not in it. Both leaders highlight the need for systems and time to think strategically.
  • Invest in people. Training and trust turn staff into the engine of growth.
  • Choose the right clients. Profit and calm come from quality, not quantity.
  • Plan before you expand. Sustainable scale begins with internal stability.
  • Prioritise well-being. Health and perspective matter as much as ambition.

 

Legacy or Leadership – The Real Difference

Dan's success comes from structure and discipline. His focus is on building a scalable company where performance and culture grow together.

Paul's success comes from reflection and empathy. His focus is on relationships, community and leaving a lasting impact.

Both show that leadership is not about being indispensable. It is about creating a business that can thrive without you.

 

Insights from the ScaleUp Challenge Report

BizSmart's ScaleUp Challenge research reveals that only 7% of UK SMEs have a truly scalable model, while 49% say their business would suffer if they stepped away for three months. SmartBoard® members who strengthen people and planning foundations achieve on average 31.6% headcount growth and 43% turnover growth within three years.

 

Final Thoughts

True success is measured not just in numbers but in people and purpose.
Dan and Paul remind us that growth is about balance — between drive and discipline, profit and passion, leadership and life.

 

Listen and Learn More

🎧 Listen to the full interviews on ScaleUp Radio:
https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/scaleupradio

📅 Book a call with Kevin Brent to discuss your scaling journey:
https://c.bizsmart.co.uk/widget/bookings/kb-30

 

This episode was created using Artifical Intelligence

Episode #525 - From Numbers to Narratives: A Journey in Accounting and Relationships - with Paul Miller

Episode #525 - From Numbers to Narratives: A Journey in Accounting and Relationships - with Paul Miller

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we welcome Paul Miller, the founder of Cornish Accounting Solutions, who shares his unique journey in the world of accounting and business. With over 40 years of experience, Paul is not your typical accountant; he is an author, a coach, and a passionate advocate for family businesses.

 

Paul takes us through his early days in the field, detailing how he transitioned from a traditional accounting role to building a thriving practice that prioritises relationships over mere numbers. He emphasises the importance of communication and emotional intelligence in fostering strong client connections, believing that understanding clients' needs is crucial for success.

 

As he reflects on the evolution of the accounting industry, Paul highlights the impact of technology and the necessity for accountants to adapt by offering more value-added services. He discusses the challenges family businesses face and the significance of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

 

What You'll Learn in This Episode

- The importance of soft skills in business and accounting

- How to effectively transition from a technician to a business owner

- Strategies for building lasting client relationships

- The unique challenges faced by family businesses

- Insights on letting go and empowering the next generation

 

Join us for an insightful conversation that explores the intersection of accounting, family values, and long-term success. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from Paul's wealth of experience!

 

Make sure you subscribe to ScaleUp Radio to keep up with our latest episodes and insights into scaling your business.

 

For now, let's dive into the journey of Paul Miller and discover the lessons he has learned along the way.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

 

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

 

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

 

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

 

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

 

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

 

Paul can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmiller-cas/

paul@cornishaccounting.com

 

Resources:

Building a Legacy by Paul Miller - https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Building_a_Legacy.html?id=Mrar0AEACAAJ&redir_esc=y

Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/never-split-the-difference-negotiating-as-if-your-life-depended-on-it-chris-voss/3692653?ean=9781847941497&next=t

Diary of a CEO podcast - https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/

Xero - https://www.xero.com/

 

Episode #524 - Scaling with Purpose: How BRI Wealth Plans to Hit £1B in Assets - with Dan Boardman-Weston

Episode #524 - Scaling with Purpose: How BRI Wealth Plans to Hit £1B in Assets - with Dan Boardman-Weston

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Dan Boardman-Weston, the CEO of BRI Wealth Management – a financial planning and investment management firm overseeing £700 million in assets for around 1,200 clients.

Dan's journey is nothing short of remarkable. He joined BRI at just 18, took on various investment roles, and, after completing an MBA at 24, became one of the youngest CEOs in the sector at 28/29. Now, he's steering the company through an ambitious growth phase, with sights set on hitting £1 billion in AUM within two years, and potentially doubling that within five.

This conversation is packed with valuable insights, and it's structured into three parts:

  1. Understanding the Business: Dan explains what sets BRI apart – blending the expertise of a large firm with the personalised service of a boutique one. He shares their "no-dickhead" policy, the importance of team training, and how 75% of new business comes through client referrals.
  2. Scaling Challenges & Strategy: From managing rapid change across people, processes, and proposition, to integrating acquisitions smoothly with a 98% client retention rate, Dan offers a transparent view of what it really takes to scale. He also shares how he's learning to let go of the day-to-day and focus more on strategy.
  3. Quickfire Wrap-Up: Dan gives practical advice for business owners, emphasising the compounding power of early financial planning, staying diversified, and being bold in trying new approaches.

The standout message? "Be bold. Try new things. Don't be afraid of failure."

Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

For now, continue listening for the full story from Dan.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

 

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

 

Dan can be found here:

https://brigroup.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-boardman-weston/

 

Resources:

ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/

Bio of ScaleUp Radio

ScaleUp Radio, produced by MonkeyPants Productions, is a business podcast dedicated to helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of scaling up their businesses. Hosted by Kevin Brent, the podcast features guests who have successfully scaled their own businesses and can provide valuable insights and advice on various aspects of business growth.

With a focus on helping listeners overcome the obstacles that often hinder scaling efforts, ScaleUp Radio draws on BizSmart's extensive research and experience working with numerous owner-managers. 

Kevin Brent explores the common reasons why many organizations struggle to scale and discusses how the challenges evolve as businesses reach different milestones on their ScaleUp Journey.

Kevin introduces ESUS, a proven system designed to help entrepreneurs scale up effectively. By following the ESUS framework, entrepreneurs can overcome the hurdles they face at each stage of their business's growth and achieve sustainable and profitable scaling.

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United States

Looking for guests (senior leaders in tech, professional services and small business)

Podcasts

United States

CEO Uncovered by Create Every Opportunity, hosted by Ashley Henschel.

The B2B Leadership Podcast, hosted by Nils Vinje.

Podcasts

United States

The Startup Project, hosted by Nataraj.

Podcasts

Canada

"Leadership Conversations with Inspirational People" is a podcast hosted by Rishan Barat.

The EdTech Bites Podcast, hosted by Gabriel Carrillo.

Podcasts

United States

"Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician" is a podcast hosted by David B. Mandell, JD, MBA.

Podcasts

United States

Entrepreneur Perspectives, hosted by Eric Kasimov.

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