James Reed: all about business

Could the answer to a more sustainable handbag or wallet lie at the bottom of your pint glass?In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Dr. Edward "TJ" Mitchell, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Arda Biomaterials, a London-based startup redefining the future of leather. Using cutting-edge technology, Arda transforms waste grain from brewers and distillers into sustainable, animal-, and plastic-free leather alternatives that are poised to disrupt the fashion and materials industries.TJ shares his remarkable journey from a PhD in radioactive waste storage to the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. He opens up about the pivotal moments that led to founding Arda Biomaterials, meeting his co-founder, and the bold decision to pivot from food-based protein products to sustainable materials. TJ also talks about the challenges of scaling a deep tech startup, from overcoming scientific and engineering hurdles, to building a team, and navigating the complexities of fundraising.TJ reflects on the importance of networking and immersing yourself in the right communities, the art of storytelling as an entrepreneur, and why asking for advice often leads to unexpected opportunities.Timestamps02:39 From PhD research to entrepreneurship06:22 Discovering the value of waste grain12:15 Pivoting from food-based protein to leather alternatives14:19 Using chemistry to mimic collagen for sustainable leather20:33 The science behind transforming waste into leather-like materials21:20 Why communication and storytelling are key for entrepreneurs24:47 Advice for scientists: finding co-founders and startup programs35:00 The future of plastic-free, animal-free materials in fashion39:49 Arda Biomaterials’ vision as a waste transformation company42:13 Scaling globally and creating local production facilitiesFollow James Reed on LinkedInFollow TJ Mitchell on LinkedInFind out more about Arda Biomaterials hereAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you turn a single idea into a global brand and keep winning in an industry where most products fade away?In this episode of all about business, James sits down with Steve Perez, founder of Global Brands, to unpack the reality behind building one of the UK’s most successful drinks businesses from scratch.Steve shares how he identified a gap in the market early on, and backed his instincts to create products that would resonate with a new generation of consumers, most notably the breakout success of VK. But Steve’s story isn’t just about spotting an opportunity, it’s about the discipline required to execute, the risks that come with backing your own judgement, and the resilience needed to navigate inevitable setbacks along the way.The conversation goes deeper into what actually drives success in a highly competitive, fast-moving industry. Steve explains why understanding your customer better than anyone else is a non-negotiable, how to stay relevant as trends shift, and how many businesses fail not because of bad ideas, but because of poor execution.He also reflects on leadership as a business scale. From making tough commercial decisions under pressure, to building a team you can trust, and knowing when to adapt, versus when to stay the course.This is a grounded, experience-led conversation about entrepreneurship without the fluff that covers risk, resilience, execution, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.Timestamps02:56 From pub manager to van hustle08:43 Business bust and rock bottom14:33 Inventing VK 25:16 Keep your equity keep control38:27 Building a hotel empire43:36 High Court tax challenge57:34 Multi-generational mindsetFollow James Reed on LinkedInFollow Steve Perez on LinkedInFind out more Global Brands and VKAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Why do some candidates succeed in interviews while others fail, even with the same experience?In this episode of all about business, James speaks with Will Moore, Senior Area Manager at Reed Specialist Recruitment, about how to effectively prepare for a job interview.With more than a decade of experience in recruitment, Will shares practical advice on how candidates can approach interviews with confidence and structure. He explains the four key steps to interview preparation, from researching the company and reviewing the job description, to understanding the people you’ll be meeting, and preparing examples from your own experience.The conversation also explores how candidates can structure answers clearly and communicate their achievements with confidence. Will highlights why using facts and measurable results is far more effective than exaggeration, and how practising answers out loud can dramatically improve performance on the day.They also discuss some of the most common mistakes candidates make; asking vague questions that reveal a lack of research, failing to prepare real examples of past work, and overlooking the importance of preparation for virtual interviews, where technology, environment, and presentation still matter.Whether you're preparing for your first interview, or your next career move, this episode offers practical insights to help you present yourself clearly, confidently, and authentically.Timestamps01:12 Four step interview prep06:26 Nailing tell me about you08:59 STAR method14:41 Handling weaknesses questions19:16 Practice and common mistakesFollow James Reed on LinkedInFind out how Reed can help you advance your career here: Find out more about Reed Specialist Recruitment here: Explore our online course ‘Life's Work: How to get ahead in a career you love’ here:All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

What is the biggest mistake people make when writing a CV? And how can yours land you an interview in 7 seconds?In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Libby White, Senior Consultant at Reed specialising in marketing, communications, PR and design recruitment.While some people claim the CV is becoming outdated, Libby explains why it remains a critical tool for getting interviews and how small changes can dramatically improve your chances of standing out.Drawing on her experience screening CVs every day, Libby shares practical advice on how candidates can present their experience more effectively, highlight measurable achievements, and tailor their CV for different roles.From structuring your professional summary to avoiding common mistakes (including over-reliance on AI-generated CVs), this episode is packed with actionable tips for job seekers at every stage of their career.Follow James Reed on LinkedInFind out how Reed can help you advance your career here: Find out more about Reed Specialist Recruitment here: Explore our online course ‘Life's Work: How to get ahead in a career you love’ here:All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

What’s the difference between chasing the next job and building a long-term career?In this episode of All About Business Shorts, James Reed speaks with Sophie Clarke, recruitment expert at Reed, about how professionals can think more strategically about their careers.Sophie explains why focusing only on job titles or salary increases can sometimes distract from long-term career growth. Instead, she argues that understanding your strengths, motivations, and the skills you want to develop is key to making smarter career decisions.The conversation explores how building a strong personal reputation — through reliability, communication, and trust — can open doors throughout your career. Sophie also shares why asking better questions when considering new opportunities, and thinking beyond the immediate job move, can help professionals make decisions that compound over time.This is a practical discussion about career strategy, personal brand, and making job moves that support long-term professional growth.Timestamps01:37 Progression not job hopping04:44 CV turnoffs and AI08:35 Numbers beat responsibilities13:15 Formatting and what to remove17:29 Hobbies out systems in21:44 Junior CVs and early experienceFollow James Reed on LinkedInFind out how Reed can help you advance your career here: Find out more about Reed Specialist Recruitment here: Explore our online course ‘Life's Work: How to get ahead in a career you love’ here:All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you build world-class standards in hospitality and then lead at the highest level of business?In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Stuart Gillies, chef, restaurateur, and former CEO of the Gordon Ramsay Group, about building excellence in hospitality and leading through growth, crisis, and reinvention.Stuart shares his journey from starting out in kitchens through international experience in Sweden, Italy, and New York, to becoming a senior leader at the Gordon Ramsay Group. He reflects on the discipline, attention to detail, and resilience he developed early in his career, and how those lessons shaped his transition from chef to CEO during one of the toughest periods in hospitality.The conversation explores leadership under pressure, making hard commercial decisions, closing and opening businesses, and why devolving responsibility builds stronger teams. Stuart also shares what it’s really like to run a family hospitality business with his wife Cecilia, navigating COVID as founders, and why consistency, standards, and purpose matter more than ever in building a business that lasts.A grounded conversation about leadership, craftsmanship, and building high-performance teams in one of the toughest industries in business.Timestamps00:00 Start: Stuart Gillies Former CEO Gordon Ramsay Group & Restaurateur04:30 Early Career Journey: YTS Scheme to International Kitchen Experience Sweden Italy15:43 New York Daniel Restaurant: Career Catalyst Working With Top French Chefs22:17 CEO Transition: Leading Gordon Ramsay Group Business Strategy & Restaurant Decisions36:43 COVID Challenge: Launching Bank House Chislehurst & Number Eight Sevenoaks38:30 Family Business Success: Working With Wife Cecilia & Teaching Kids Work Ethic50:00 Couple Business Partnership Advice: Building Strong Marriage Before Business Venture59:00 Leadership Lessons: Comfort Zone Growth Mindset & Future Hospitality VisionFollow James Reed on LinkedInFollow Stuart Gillies on LinkedIn: Find out more Number Eight restaurant here:All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you build a creative agency that cuts through in a crowded, fast-changing media landscape?In this episode of All About Business, James talks with Gregory Nice and Jack Stanton, co-founders of NICE Productions. Together they discuss growing a modern creative agency in the age of social-first content, multi-channel marketing, and AI disruption.Gregory and Jack share how they built NICE Productions from weekend side projects into a London-based creative agency producing campaigns across TV, social, radio, cinema, and out-of-home. They reflect on starting young, balancing creativity with commercial reality, and how long-term client relationships helped them survive industry shocks, from COVID, to strikes, and shifting media budgets.The conversation explores how creative agencies can stand out in a saturated market, why multi-channel campaigns now matter more than single-format ads, and how low-budget, high-impact content can outperform expensive campaigns when it connects culturally. They also discuss the real impact of AI on creative work, why human creativity still matters, and how young people can break into the industry with fewer barriers than ever.This is a candid conversation about building a creative business, staying relevant in a disrupted industry, and creating work that cuts through in a noisy world.Timestamps02:42 Launching Nice Productions08:12 Rebrand to ‘Nice’18:44 Standing out in a crowded market22:05 AI disruption in content37:53 Why big ideas cost big money46:43 Turning virality into new business57:34 Landing big clients01:02:38 How they generate ideasFollow James Reed on LinkedInFollow Gregory Nice on LinkedInFollow Jack Stanton on LinkedInFind out more NICE Productions hereAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you turn a bold idea into a national institution that changes lives?In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jenifer Rosenberg OBE, entrepreneur in fashion and social impact leader, about building purpose-driven organisations that create lasting change.Jenifer shares her journey from spotting a gap in support for families facing serious illness, to co-founding Heart Cells Foundation and growing it from a kitchen-table startup into a nationally recognised charity. She reflects on navigating funding challenges, building credibility with clinicians and policymakers, and leading through the emotional realities of mission-led work.The conversation explores scaling a purpose-driven organisation sustainably, balancing commercial discipline with social impact, and the importance of governance, partnerships, and long-term strategy. Jenifer also shares lessons from stepping back from founder leadership, earning an OBE, and staying resilient while driving systemic change.A thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship with purpose, leading with conviction, and building something that truly lasts.Timestamps02:18 From post room to senior role08:07 Quality and innovation with Marks & Spencer16:28 Branching out into fashion26:40 The power of innovation30:23 A personal journey with heart failure35:24 Founding the Heart Cells Foundation48:37 Maintaining energy and healthLinksFollow James Reed on LinkedInFollow Jenifer Rosenberg OBE on LinkedIn: Find out more the Heart Cells Foundation here: Be part of the million job giveaway HERE All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

What if becoming mortgage-free wasn’t about earning more money, but about using what you already spend more intelligently? In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jinesh Vora, Founder and CEO of Sprive, the UK fintech app helping homeowners pay off their mortgages faster without changing their lifestyle.Jinesh shares his journey from a 14-year career at Goldman Sachs to fintech founder, shaped by a three-generation family legacy of entrepreneurship. He reflects on leaving a high-paying corporate role, bootstrapping a startup through the pandemic, and building trust with banks and lenders in a highly regulated industry.The conversation explores scaling a fintech responsibly, from angel and venture funding to securing a major TV-for-equity deal with Channel 4. Jinesh also shares candid lessons from pitching on Dragons’ Den, alongside insights on leadership, resilience, AI, and avoiding growth at all costs.This is a practical conversation about financial freedom, fintech innovation, and building a purpose-led business that helps people take control of their money.Timestamps01:49 The birth of Sprive: A mortgage app revolution11:10 Jinesh's entrepreneurial journey and family legacy14:39 The Goldman Sachs experience24:01 Navigating the pandemic and launching Sprive32:09 Networking and angel investors34:11 Dragon's Den experience41:15 Hiring strategies and team building48:49 Future vision and personal goalsFollow James Reed on LinkedInFollow Jinesh Vohra on LinkedInFind out more about Sprive App hereAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk