Best Jordan Appleson Podcasts (2025)

1
Sixth form to £mm exited tech founder in 10 years - with Jordan Appleson, Founder, Hark 54:22

4d ago54:22

54:22

Jordan Appleson left school to go into employment at 17. He then went on to found, and sell, one of the most successful Leeds tech businesses. Listen as a chance conversation sparks a business idea, how a pivot really changed the business, the reasons for an abandoned PE raise and how a cold email turned into a business sale. Along with the undoubt…

1
From banker to business owner to Charity Chair - Tracy Fletcher, Smart Works Leeds 1:00:37

11d ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Today’s episode with Tracy Fletcher covers her time in banking and recruitment, with some great advice for YOU when YOU recruit staff, and then we discuss Smart Works Leeds where she is The Chair. Listen not only to what Smart Works Leeds does but, more importantly, how you can support and get involved with this much-needed and highly effective cha…

1
Everything you need to know Angel Investment & Angel investing with Martin Avison of Angel Groups 43:48

18d ago43:48

43:48

Angel Investment. What is it? Who needs it? What should you include in your agnel pitch deck? What are the pitfalls to look out for? And much more. Martin Avison heads up Leeds-based Angels Groups and gives us some insight into the complex world of Angel Investment. INTRODUCING MARTIN AVISON Martin Avison is the founder of angelgroups and Incluziv,…

1
What's it really like running a bar? - John Gyngell North Bar 44:48

25d ago44:48

44:48

How many times have you thought, ‘wouldn’t it be cool to run a bar’. Today we talk to someone who’s done exactly that…. And owned a brewery too. As you might expect it’s not as easy as you might think…. He also drops a few truth bombs like ‘As a start up business owner you do roles that you a) haven’t been trained for, b) don’t like and c) aren’t v…

1
Building an AI business - Jeremy Smith, Neural Voice 44:11

1M ago44:11

44:11

Two letters are dominating business at the moment. A and I. But what is it and more importantly, how can it help your business? Today we speak to Jeremy Smith, Founder of Neural Voice about his AI business, how it came about, what it can do and the stresses and strains of raising the funding for it. INTRODUCING JEREMY SMITH Jeremy Smith is the foun…

1
From corporate events to premium ice cream - Dirk Mischendahl, Northern Bloc 46:53

1M ago46:53

46:53

From nightclubs to huge corporate events and how a 1970s ice-cream van led to the launch of a premium ice cream brand. Meet today’s guest, Dirk Mischendahl, MD of Northern Bloc. As well as the devastation that Covid caused on the business, there’s also loads more fascinating tales, and learnings. INTRODUCING DIRK MISCHENDAHL Dirk Mischendahl sold h…

1
The Apprentice winner one year later - Rachel Woolford, North Studios 50:05

2M ago50:05

50:05

What happens after the cameras stop rolling when you win The Apprentice? After hearing her story last year (give it a listen If you haven’t yet - link below) we caught up with 2024 Apprentice winner, Rachel Woolford, to find out what’s been happening in the business since she won, how she spent the £250,000, the ups (and downs) of being a winner an…

1
A concierge service for the rich and famous, with Matt Cheshire, Needs Group 41:35

2M ago41:35

41:35

Matt Cheshire, CEO of the Needs Group offers a VIP concierge service to the rich and famous. Matt has over 25 years of experience providing quality services to a variety of clients. Matt tells us how he got into this fascinating niche sector, how he deals with people who never get told no, the ups and downs caused by Covid and the importance of pam…

1
From failing business to multi-award winning success - Graeme Hall, Brandon Medical 50:35

2M ago50:35

50:35

This week we speak to Graeme Hall, Executive Chairman of Brandon Medical. Graeme shares with us a great template for turning around a failing business, navigating selling into the NHS, the importance of company culture and values and also gives a simple, but really useful guide on how to start exporting. INTRODUCING GRAEME HALL Graeme is Executive …

1
The entrepreneur within - Mark Roberts 49:26

2M ago49:26

49:26

Mark Roberts is an entrepreneur, investor, innovation coach and now a published author. Listen as Mark explains the unique trigger that made him quit corporate life to launch his start up, how appearing on This Morning created huge problems for his business and a secret fact you never knew about Pringles. There’s also a brilliant ‘How to’ if you're…

1
From Ukrainian refugee to Dragons Den star - the amazing story of Yana Smaglo, MD Nenya 1:00:39

3M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

What would you do if you had 15 minutes to get out of your home? Listen to the amazing story of Ukrainian refugee, Yana Smaglo. Yana discusses the business she built, and had to leave behind, in Ukraine, how she set up a new business in the UK and how she ended up on Dragons Den, getting four offers and winning investment from Stephen Bartlett and …

1
How to solve these four business problems - the Business Surgery 23:57

3M ago23:57

23:57

Do you have one of these common Business Problems? And looking for a solution? Welcome to the latest bonus episode of the Leeds Business Podcast, featuring our most recent Business Surgery problems. If you're a Business Owner, have a listen; you've probably experienced at least one, or more, of these problems..... and now you have a potential solut…

1
A Business Owner's Masterclass with Daniel Priestley 1:06:00

3M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

The second most popular episode to date, featuring Daniel Priestley. On April 23rd 2024 I wrote a post on Linked in, titled ‘I hate Daniel Priestley’. See https://www.linkedin.com/posts/philfraser_i-hate-daniel-priestley-im-sueing-activity-7185564354442854400-nVXA/. The post went viral! Off the back of it Daniel agreed to be a guest on the podcast.…

1
How to create a business from a hobby - Dan & Michael, The Square Ball 1:06:23

3M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

The most popular Leeds Business Podcast episode ever. For many, turning a hobby that they love into a paying business is the ultimate dream. This week I speak to Dan Moylan & Michael Normanton of The Square Ball, who’ve made that dream come true. Listen how they describe how personal financial problems demanded that it became a paying success, the …

1
Dinosaurs, Bear Hunts and Monopoly with Andrew Cooper, Chief Exec of LeedsBID 56:15

6M ago56:15

56:15

Dinosaurs, Bear Hunts and Monopoly. This week we have a slightly different episode as we speak to Andrew Cooper, Chief Exec of LeedsBID. LeedsBID has recently been voted in for a third term after a resounding endorsement from businesses in Leeds city centre - its Chapter 3 to run from April 2025-March 2030 will see the BID invest £18.2m back into t…

1
All you need to know about Private Equity - Jamie Roberts YFM 45:08

6M ago45:08

45:08

This week we speak to Jamie Roberts Chief Investment Officer at YFM Equity Partners. I took the opportunity to ask Jamie everything we all need to know about taking Private Equity in your business. Even if you’re not looking at inward investment right now, there’s tons of great stuff in here including what PE houses look for, where the power really…

1
4 more business problems solved in the Business Surgery 16:48

6M ago16:48

16:48

Have you got one of these Business Problems? Welcome to the monthly, bonus episode of the Leeds Business Podcast, featuring the latest Business Surgery problems. If you're a Business Owner, have a listen; you've probably experienced at least one, or more, of these problems..... and now you have a potential solution. This month’s round up features t…

1
A different Leeds media - Dan Murray, LeedsList.com 44:04

6M ago44:04

44:04

This week's guest is Dan Murray of Leeds-List.com Dan tells us about the step from freelancer to business owner with just a ‘back of a fag packet business plan, how not being the same as other media owners causes problems, incoming growth pains and the benefits of the Chamber of Commerce and LeedsBID. The business surgery segment answers the questi…

1
I sold my business... then immediately launched another one - Anna Sutton, The Data Refinery 1:01:10

6M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

This week we speak to Anna Sutton, Co-Founder of the Data Refinery. For most of us building then selling one business would be enough. Not with today’s guest who, having sold one business, immediately launched a second one. Anna also shares with us the complexities of being the leader rather than the do-er, business growth pains and a chastening fu…

1
How to turn a hobby into a 'proper' business - Dan & Michael, The Square Ball 1:08:55

7M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

For many, turning a hobby that they love into a paying business is the ultimate dream. This week I speak to Dan Moylan & Michael Normanton of The Square Ball, who’ve made that dream come true. Listen how they describe how personal financial problems demanded that it became a paying success, the multiple revenue streams that power the business, the …

1
Counter-terrorism, breaking records and building a business - introducing Mike Bates 52:40

7M ago52:40

52:40

Today we have the most amazing guest in Mike Bates. Ex Covert Counter-terrorism Operations Leader turned entrepreneur, public speaker and venturer. Mike talks about his learnings from 20 years in the Royal Marines and counter-terrorism, what high performance looks like, the benefit of ‘hot debriefs’, the power of trust and so, so much more. You hav…

1
4 'must solve' business problems - Bonus Episode 18:49

7M ago18:49

18:49

Business Problems? Welcome to the monthly, bonus episode of the Leeds Business Podcast, featuring the latest Business Surgery problems. If you're a Business Owner, have a listen; you've probably experienced at least one, or more, of these problems..... and now you have a potential solution. This month’s round up features the following business prob…

1
All about B2B, green-hushing and company culture with Georgia Halston, Halston Group 50:13

7M ago50:13

50:13

This week we speak to Georgia Halston, Group CEO of the Halston Group. Georgia tells us about launching her own business, buying another one to add on to it, how she established her company culture pillars BEFORE she employed any staff, all about ‘green hushing’ and some incredible stats about our Very own NHS. The business surgery answers the ques…

1
All you need to know about selling your business - Intelligent Business Partners 50:34

7M ago50:34

50:34

We ask everything you need to know about selling a business with Mark Fitzgerald-Cooke of Intelligent Business Partners. Even if you’re not looking at selling right now, there’s tons of great stuff in here to get your house in order in preparation were you to ever do so. For more information on our sponsors, YFM Equity Partners, please visit www.yf…

1
May the force be with you - Adam Oldfield, Force 24 1:02:16

8M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

This week we speak to Adam Oldfield, Founder & CEO of Force 24. Adam tells us about ‘forming, storming, norming and performing’, the dangers of having too much money in the business, how market pressure forced him to change the business offering and how he rejected, perhaps wrongly in hindsight, an offer to sell the business. The business surgery s…

1
Solving a problem with a start-up - George Fairhall, WAC 55:39

8M ago55:39

55:39

This week we speak to start-up founder George Fairhall all about her business journey to date with WAC. If you'd been cheated out of £200 in wages over a two week period, what would you do? This week's guest used it as the inspiration for her business.... Hear how George has gone all the way from problem to solution via paper mock ups, pandemic lau…

1
From family tragedy to Dragons Den success - Kate Ball, Mini First Aid 58:55

8M ago58:55

58:55

Kate Ball founder and director of Mini First Aid shares with us the family tragedy that inspired her to launch her business, tells us all about her successful appearance on Dragons Den (and how a McDonald's bribe helped seal the deal) and explains how, and why, the business is built as a franchise. The business surgery segment answers the question;…

1
A great business idea executed badly and other tales - Mark Fitzgerald-Cooke, Intelligent Business Partners 1:03:21

8M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

This week we speak to Mark Fitzgerald-Cooke, MD of Intelligent Business Partners. Mark tells all about the difficulties in moving from print to online, a great business idea that didn’t work and how owning the process gives you power in a sector. The business surgery segment answers the question; "I'm currently doing my business planning. How far i…

1
What's it like being fourth generation in the family business? - James Kempley, Troy Foods (Salads) 53:14

9M ago53:14

53:14

For more information on YFM equity Partners please visit www.yfmep.com (and tell them Phil from Leeds Business Podcast sent you!) This week we speak to James Kempley, Managing Director of Troy Foods (Salads) Ltd. James tells us about the stresses and strains of being 4th generation in a family firm, the perfect storm that forced part of the busines…

1
Supporting, and investing in, female founders with Jordan Dargue, Co-Founder, Lifted Ventures 52:01

9M ago52:01

52:01

For more information on YFM equity Partners please visit www.yfmep.com (and tell them Phil from Leeds Business Podcast sent you!) This week’s guest is Jordan Dargue, co-founder of Lifted Ventures. Jordan shares with us her journey into angel investing, developing the early stage investing community in Leeds and the North and now building Lifted Ven…

1
Gordon Ramsay's favourite Italian restaurant - John Dammone, Salvos 1:02:01

9M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

For more information on YFM Equity Partners please visit www.yfmep.com (and tell them Phil from Leeds Business Podcast sent you!) This week we speak to John Dammone, co-owner of legendary Leeds restaurant, Salvos. John tells us all about the early days of the restaurant, some key lessons learnt in some unsuccessful business expansions, how they kep…

1
Turning a disaster into a profit - Mark Costello, Founder, Horsforth Brewery 50:00

9M ago50:00

50:00

This week we speak to Mark Costello, Founder of the Horsforth Brewery. Mark tells us how he’s grown the business from a home brewing hobby in his kitchen to a fully-fledged brewery and tap room, the effect of launching the business on the first week of the first lockdown, his successful crowd-funding campaign and how a Christmas disaster turned int…

1
Dragons Den reject to multi-million pound business - Laura Bartlett, House of Coco 38:20

10M ago38:20

38:20

This week we speak to Laura Bartlett, founder of fashion and lifestyle magazine, House of Coco.. Laura tells us about her disastrous appearance on Dragons Den, how The Clothes Show caused her to become personally bankrupt, the growth of her current business and the benefits of being tee-total. She also shares with us how to get PR for your business…

1
Change your beliefs and build your business confidence - Steve McDermott, Confidence Club 1:00:52

10M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

This week we speak to Steve Mcdermott, multi-award winning Presentation Mastery Coach. There is SOO MUCH learning in this episode, you’ll definitely need a pen and paper. From presentation skills and limiting self-belief to launching your own business and grasping opportunities. You can also win a free copy of Steve’s book. INTRODUCING STEVE McDERM…

1
Is funeral care 'making money from misery'? - Sarah Jones, Full Circle Funerals 56:48

10M ago56:48

56:48

This week we speak to Sarah Jones, Founder of Full Circle Funerals. Sarah tells us all about the growth and the amazing sale of her first business, the post-sale emotions after you’ve sold, the launch, only 9 months later, of her second business and why she picked funeral industry. Plus, she tells us what it’s like to work with a brother. Could you…

1
How to build at £350m turnover business - Nick Glynne, Buy it Group 53:10

10M ago53:10

53:10

This week we speak to Nick Glynne, Founder & CEO of the BuyIt Direct Group.. Nick tells us how he went from a single Huddersfield laptop repair shop to a £350m turnover business by buying and fixing distressed businesses. He shares with us how the learnings from two failed business acquisitions moulded the company’s strategy, the pros and cons of t…

1
Accidental start up to multi-million pound sale - Phil Fraser, Which Bingo 36:34

10M ago36:34

36:34

Many people have asked for my business journey story, so this week the tables are turned and I’m the guest. You’ll hear how a failed angel investment pitch, turned into an accidental business launch, my ‘sliding doors’ moment, how the sale of the business came about and why you don’t need to be ‘lonely at the top’. The interview was originally broa…

1
8 must-listen business lessons 25:57

10M ago25:57

25:57

As a precursor to Series Two, I’ve selected what I think are 8 must-listen business learnings chosen from the 38 brilliant guests we’ve had so far. I could have picked way more as every guest that we’ve had on has been fascinating to listen to and learn from. Before we start, I have one simple request; Please hit the follow or subscribe button on t…

1
How to build a fashion brand - Simon Brown, Joe Browns 54:00

1y ago54:00

54:00

This week we speak to Simon Brown, founder of fashion and lifestyle brand, Joe Browns. Simons tells us where the inspiration for the brand came from, shares with us the business ups and the personal downs of Covid, being told that he was unemployable, the three ‘i’s the brand lives by and a great checklist for starting your own business. Rasputin a…

1
I hate Daniel Priestley - Entrepreneurship Masterclass with Daniel Priestley 1:07:23

1y ago1:07:23

1:07:23

On April 23rd 2024 I wrote a post on Linked in, titled ‘I hate Daniel Priestley’. See https://www.linkedin.com/posts/philfraser_i-hate-daniel-priestley-im-sueing-activity-7185564354442854400-nVXA/. The post went viral! Off the back of it Daniel agreed to be a guest on the podcast. Before you start listening to this week’s episode make sure you have…

1
Being caught in the 2008 RBS scandal - Dean Hartley 56:30

1y ago56:30

56:30

This week we speak to Dean Hartley and hear all about some of the darker sides of business; the threat of VCs kicking you out of your own business, being caught in the 2008 RBS GRG scandal and what happens when you’re at strategic loggerheads with your fellow board members, and the personal low point of exiting a business. INTRODUCING DEAN HARTLEY …

1
From start-up to aim-listed plc - Jonathan Straight, Straight plc 59:30

1y ago59:30

59:30

This week's guest is Jonathan Straight, founder and former-CEO of recycling solutions company Straight plc. Jonathan tells us how the business came about, the journey to becoming a plc, the crisis caused by over-trading and then the eventual sale of the company. And he discuss the important question, 'what do you wear after selling your business?' …

1
Apprentice 2024 winner, Rachel Woolford - Owner of North Studio gyms 55:30

1y ago55:30

55:30

This week I’m delighted to have Apprentice winner and North Studio owner, Rachel Woolford as my guest. Rachel explains all about launching her boutique gym just weeks before lockdown and the stress it caused her, reveals the secrets from behind the scenes of The Apprentice, tells us all about her time on the show and shares what it's been like sinc…

1
How to run a Pop-Up Shop - Simon Williams & Marshall Frieze 42:16

1y ago42:16

42:16

This week’s guests are Marshall Frieze and Simon Williams who, for only three weeks a year, run a speciality pop-up shop. Hear why they do it, the unique challenges they face, how Covid turned EVERYTHING on it’s head and what the key is to the shop’s continued year-on-year improvement. INTRODUCING SIMON WILLIAMS & MARSHALL FRIEZE Simon Williams is …

1
Fiona Conor - MD, Trust Electric Heating 44:48

1y ago44:48

44:48

Starts at 00.45 This week’s guest is Fiona Conor, Managing Director of Trust Electrical Heating. Fiona tells us all about her amazing & varied route to becoming a business owner, the ups and downs of registering a patent, the huge importance of brand, the need for a business coach to vomit on…. and how to stop your ‘leaky bucket’ and increase your …

1
The quickest way to reduce your business carbon footprint - Peter Kirby & Will Smith, Tred 48:38

1y ago48:38

48:38

This week we speak to green banking start-up, Tred. Peter & will discuss where the idea of a green bank account came from, the secret tip that worked for improving their network connections, how the first round of testing changed the business strategy, the positives and negatives of a wait list and what it feels like to secure £1m of funding. We al…

1
The secret of successful angel investment - Colin Glass OBE 43:33

1y ago43:33

43:33

This week’s episode is slightly different as we meet one of the Leeds business community’s most well-known faces, Colin Glass OBE. Colin shares his expertise on a variety of business topics including what makes a great business founder, funding options available for businesses, what is a NED and why you might need one, what sweat investment is and,…

1
I've built 10 £1m+ businesses - Nigel Botterill, Founder, Entrepreneurs Circle 52:23

1y ago52:23

52:23

This week we speak to Nigel Botterill, Founder of Entrepreneurs Circle. Nigel tells us why bootstrapping is the WRONG way to run a business, how incompetence launched his most successful business, the day he found £500k missing from his business bank account and the bedroom business that went multi-million pound in months. He also gives a 'how to' …

1
Start up to £mm sale in 7 years - Alistair Maiden, Founder of SYKE 49:15

1y ago49:15

49:15

In this week’s episode we talk to Alistair Maiden, founder of legal tech company, Syke. Hear business tales and learnings from the legendary Ken Morrison, Alistair’s eureka moment for the business, how the business grew to an eventual multi-million pound sale in the US plus the hard changes that needed to take place after sale. Plus, what’s it like…

1
How to win at property development - Christine Yorath, Property Developer 36:28

1y ago36:28

36:28

In this week’s episode we speak to local property developer and interior designer, Christine Yorath. Christine talks us through her property career, plus how she started a skincare business when returning from Vancouver, the almost accidental launch of a successful property letting business and teaches us how to avoid getting stabbed in the back in…

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Jordan Appleson Podcasts

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