In this episode, we sit down with Lee Clark, founder of Authentic, to explore how small businesses can cut through complexity and unlock growth by focusing on what really matters. He also shares his personal journey into entrepreneurship - from launching a lead generation business during the 2008 recession to building and scaling his tech startup, GivePenny - highlighting the realities of bootstrapping, raising investment and learning through experience.

Lee reflects on the challenges founders face, from proving early ideas and securing funding to managing stress and maintaining wellbeing. He discusses the importance of speaking directly to customers, failing fast and prioritising sustainable growth over early investment. The conversation also touches on the pressures of entrepreneurship, the value of rest and support networks, and why authentic human connection remains critical in an increasingly AI-driven business landscape.

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Guest host Lynne Avery sits down with Darcy Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen, to explore what it really takes to build a standout brand.

Darcy shares her insights on creating a compelling brand story, building lasting customer loyalty, and growing in confidence as a business leader, offering practical takeaways for any business looking to scale with purpose. Recorded live at our International Women's Day event.

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In this live episode from the West Midlands Business Festival, we sit down with Kavita Parmar, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Word360, to explore how a purpose-driven tech company is scaling responsibly while transforming access to vital services.

Kavita shares the story of how Word360 grew from a small interpreting business in Handsworth into a multi-award-winning UK-wide and international language technology organisation, supporting over 750,000 people each year across 350+ languages. She reflects on the challenges of scaling in regulated sectors, leading a large distributed workforce, and maintaining trust and quality at every stage.

We also cover:

🌍 How Kavita’s lived experience and purpose-led approach sparked Word360’s creation

💪 The journey of women in tech and leadership, and the barriers she’s overcome

📈 How to recognise the right time to grow, and scale confidently without compromising values

🤝 The role of public and private support in unlocking growth opportunities

🏙️ Why place, purpose, and pride in the West Midlands remain central to Word360’s success

Whether you’re a founder, business leader, or just curious about scaling responsibly in complex industries, this conversation is full of practical insight, inspiration, and lessons from the frontlines of growth.

👉 Subscribe to The Growth Room Podcast for more conversations with the people shaping business in the West Midlands.

🔗 Learn more and access growth support: businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk/podcast

📲 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and more.

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In this episode, we sit down with Krishna Yadlapalli, CEO and Founder of Booghe Toys, to explore how a modern retail brand is using experience, community and innovation to reshape the way families shop and play.

Krishna shares how Booghe evolved from an ecommerce store into a highly interactive physical destination featuring play zones, hands-on product discovery and VR gaming. He also discusses what this shift taught him about customer behaviour, the importance of being unique and why balancing digital convenience with in-person engagement is becoming essential for today’s retailers.

We also cover:

🎮 Why experiential retail is transforming family shopping

🧠 What you learn about customers in-store that online data cannot show

🌆 Why Krishna remains confident in the long-term potential of the high street

👥 How leadership and team development support sustainable expansion

Whether you’re a retailer, founder or someone curious about where modern consumer experiences are heading, this conversation is packed with practical insight and forward-thinking ideas.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping growth across the West Midlands.

🔗 Learn more about BGWM: businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk

📲 Follow us: LinkedIn, Facebook, X @BizGrowthWM

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In this episode, we sit down with Rowan Crozier MBE, CEO of C. Brandauer & Co Ltd - one of Birmingham’s oldest and most innovative precision engineering firms, to explore how a heritage manufacturer with roots in the 1700s is shaping the future of global industry.

Rowan shares how Brandauer has transformed from a traditional West Midlands metal pressings company into a world-class exporter, now sending over 70% of its output to more than 26 countries.

From securing multi-million-pound international contracts to leading a management buy-out (MBO) and charting a 10-year growth plan to reach £12m+ turnover, Rowan discusses what it takes to evolve, scale, and stay competitive on the world stage.

We also dive into:

🌍 What makes a business truly “export ready”

💡 Why investing in people and skills is key to long-term success

⚙️ How automation and innovation are redefining British manufacturing

🤝 The role of regional partnerships and programmes in supporting SME growth

Whether you’re a Midlands manufacturer, a business leader, or simply inspired by stories of transformation and ambition, this conversation is packed with practical insights on balancing heritage, innovation, and global aspirations.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping growth across the West Midlands.

🔗 Learn more about BGWM: businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk

📲 Follow us: LinkedIn, Facebook, X - @BizGrowthWM

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Welcome to the very first episode of The Growth Room Podcast - where we share stories, strategies and support to help West Midlands businesses grow.

In this launch episode, we’re joined by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker. From leaving school at 16 to becoming a PwC partner, founding his own consultancy, and now leading the region as Mayor, Richard shares lessons on resilience, leadership, and driving growth.

We discuss:

• His business journey and the importance of supporting SMEs
• Practical advice for entrepreneurs on skills, collaboration, and new growth sectors
• Major regional investments, from jobs and housing to transport and innovation
• His vision for the future of the West Midlands economy

Whether you’re scaling your business, entering new markets, or seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights for business owners and leaders across the region.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping growth across the West Midlands.

🔗 Learn more: businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk

📲 Follow us: LinkedIn, Facebook, X – @BizGrowthWM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.