In this episode, Rosie is joined by Sarah Jordan from YOU Underwear and Lindsey from Start to Thrive. Y.O.U underwear makes organic cotton underwear for men, women and girls that lets you look good, feel good and do good. Their products are made from super-soft GOTS-Certified Organic and Fairtrade cotton that’s PETA-approved vegan – Y.O.U underwear…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Sarah Dennis from Mostly Books and Lindsey from Start to Thrive. Mostly Books is an award-winning independent bookshop located in the heart of Abingdon offering an excellent range of books, greeting cards, gifts and children’s toys. The team can source most titles ready for collection the following day (subject t…

In this episode I'm joined by Mike Foster, business mentor and founder of The Entrepreneurs Mentor and the Oxford Business Community Network. Mike and I talk about failure, why it's important to fail, and how you can learn from it. We talk about our own failures and drawing on his expertise as a business mentor, Mike shares other key areas in busin…

In this episode I'm joined by Josh Cox, web developer and founder of Pristine Web Solutions, a creative web development agency. Josh and I talk about the challenges you can expect when setting up your business, how to get your first client, how to work multiple roles, and how to manage cashflow. We share the mistakes we made when starting our busin…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Annabel Lee from Annabel Lee Communications and Lindsey from Start to Thrive. Annabel Lee Communications is a boutique communications agency specialising in PR for creative and purpose driven businesses. Founded by Annabel Lee, a PR expert and freelance writer with almost 15 years’ experience, Annabel Lee Communi…

In this episode I'm joined by Andrew Hancock, Founder and Creative Director of Brand Asylum, a brand communications agency based in Oxfordshire. Andrew and I talk about creativity, what it is to be creative, and pose the question “can anyone be creative?”. We also chatted about the future of creativity, and briefly the value of creativity, a conver…

In this episode I'm joined by Lindsey Eynon, coach and founder of Start To Thrive, a business she created after walking away from her successful 20 year career at BMW. Lindsey and I talk about restarting your career and comparing yourself to others. We discuss why she decided to leave her comfortable job and high paying salary to set up her own bus…

In this episode of Out of Hours, I'm joined by Ash Hudson, founder of Hudson's Agency a digital marketing agency with one mission: to create a greener and fairer world by working exclusively with ethical brands. Ash and I talk about personal beliefs & values and how you can stand up for them in business. We discuss our own personal values and how t…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Tom, manager of the Ultimate Picture Palace, and Lindsey from Start to Thrive. The Ultimate Picture Palace is Oxford’s oldest and only independent cinema. The cinema is run by a small team of film fanatics who pick the programme, screening only the best mainstream, indie, foreign-language, and documentary films, …

In this first episode of Out of Hours, I'm joined by Harriet McAtee, founder of Nourish Yoga Training and host of In Our Experience, a podcast about living well with Nourish Yoga Training. Harriet and I talk about learning by doing, taking on risk, and how we both fell into our careers despite going to university to study and qualify in different i…

Out of Hours is a fortnightly podcast about personal growth, business, and passions - recorded over a drink or two, out of hours. Featuring frank conversations including overcoming the odds, embracing limitations, comparison, and burnout, host Matt Eastland-Jones speaks with business owners and creatives to share stories and actionable advice with …

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Cass, from The Oxford Weaving Studio. The Oxford Weaving Studio is Oxfordshire’s first community-minded creative studio dedicated to contemporary weaving. Offering studio membership, private tuition, group weaving workshops and creative weaving sessions for adults and children, Cass is passionate about sharing he…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Katie, from Every Body Studio. Every Body Studio is a small, supportive, non judgmental space for movement classes on Magdalen Road in east Oxford offering both online and in-person movement classes. Yoga studios and other wellness settings are often intimidating, but Every Body Studio is devoted to making a diff…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Bea, from Headington Fairtrade. Headington Fairtrade is run as a community co-operative gift shop specialising in fairly traded products from all over the world, as well as Ecover and Faith in Nature refills and other eco products. The team are passionate about the importance of fairly traded products and ethical…

Hey it's Rosie here from Independent Oxford! Season 3 of The Independent Oxford Podcast is launching in January - I can't wait to share even more indie stories with you in 2022.By Independent Oxford

In this episode, Mike continues his conversation with Kate Bell, founder of Zip Us In and inventor of the Jacket Expansion Panel for pregnancy and maternity. After identifying the problem of not being able to comfortably and safely carry her newborn wearing her winter jacket, she went to find a solution. She designed a prototype and just 5 years on…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Kate Bell, founder of Zip Us In and inventor of the Jacket Expansion Panel for pregnancy and maternity. After identifying the problem of not being able to comfortably and safely carry her newborn wearing her winter jacket, she went to find a solution. She designed a prototype and just 5 years on and the award winn…

In this episode, Mike shares his 12 ways to generate leads for your business, 6 online, and 6 offline. Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co.uk YouTube: youtube.com/c/MikeFosterOxford LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikefosteroxford Twitter: twitter.com/mikefozoxford Instagram: instagram.com/mikefozoxford Fac…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Daren Elsley, founder of Bollox, a mens underwear brand Daren founded after losing one of his friends to cancer. Daren shares his motivations, successes and mistakes in this candid interview. Bollox - mybollox.co.uk Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co.uk YouTube: you…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Dan Greenall from Oxford Vapours, which he launched in 2012 aged just 17 years old. Dan shares his story of smoking, dropping out of a post-school business course, the challenges of recruitment as his business grew, and new ventures. Another entrepreneurs journey. Oxford Vapours - oxfordvapours.com Connect with Mi…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Nick Hughes from Dynamic Coach Group, for a 2 part conversation into sales. They discuss how to maximise conversions, advice on hiring your first sales person, whether or not sales is a skill that can be learned, and the relationship between sales and marketing. This is part 2 of the conversation. Dynamic Coach Gr…

In this solo episode, Mike shares his 7 steps to success when creating your marketing plan. He covers key details including understanding your objectives, knowing your audience, why you should measure activity not outcomes, and more. Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co.uk YouTube: youtube.com/c/MikeFo…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Nick Hughes from Dynamic Coach Group, for a 2 part conversation into sales. They discuss how sales has changed over the past 2 years, sales pipelines, and advice to businesses struggling with sales. This is part 1 of the conversation. Dynamic Coach Group - dynamiccoachgroup.co.uk Connect with Mike Foster, The Entr…

In this episode, Mike shares his thoughts and experience on scaling businesses. He talks about being clear on your purpose for scaling, predicting the future of your business and the market, and ensuring it's the right time for your business. Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co.uk YouTube: youtube.com…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Matt Eastland-Jones, filmmaker and podcast producer (producer of this podcast) and founder of Story Ninety-Four. Matt shares his entrepreneurs journey from university drop-out, to freelance filmmaker, to business-owner, the lessons he learnt a long the way, and the importance of teaching ourselves new skills to gr…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Sam Birkett and Sally Green from the Marketing Meanders Podcast, who take a deep dive into all things marketing and content, covering topics such as marketing strategy, content marketing, and lessons we learnt from the pandemic. This is Part 2 of the conversation. Amiable Marketing - amiablemarketing.co.uk Sally G…

Thank you to everyone that has listened to Season 2 of the Independent Oxford Podcast, and to all of our guests for sharing their indie journeys. We'll be back with Season 3 later in the year. Bye for now! Connect with Independent Oxford Website: independentoxford.com Twitter: @IndieOxford Instagram: @IndependentOxford Recorded and Produced by Stor…

In this episode, Mike shares his 10 steps on how to simplify and streamline your business to help you reach your desired outcomes. He also discusses the compounding effect of making marginal gains to different parts of your business. Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co.uk YouTube: youtube.com/c/MikeFo…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Paul, from Sandfield Guest House, who after returning to Oxford from living in Brazil during the 2000's, decided to convert his family home in central Oxford into a Guest House in 2009. 12 years later and the Sandfield has welcomed more than 3,300 guests and is home to even more memories. Just two miles from hist…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Sam Birkett and Sally Green from the Marketing Meanders Podcast, who take a deep dive into all things marketing and content, covering topics such as marketing strategy, measuring success and analytics, and the effect of the pandemic on businesses and their marketing. This is Part 1 of the conversation. Amiable Mar…

In this episode, Anna is joined by Lindsey, from Start to Thrive, who left her corporate job to pursue a career as a professional coach, helping others gain clarity and confidence in their lives and careers. Lindsey at Start to Thrive is passionate about coaching humans who feel stifled to move forward with clarity and resilience. Helping them get …

In this episode, Mike is joined by Salim Benadel, founder of Storm Internet, and they discuss the that they key to personal growth is to follow you passions, escape the comfort zone, and fight the fear. Storm Internet - storminternet.co.uk Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co.uk YouTube: youtube.com/c/…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Harriet, from Nourish Yoga Training, an Australian yoga teacher who moved to Oxford to provide yoga training to yoga teachers. She talks about her passion for yoga, the importance of community, and her beloved narrow boat on the Thames. Nourish Yoga Training facilitates journeys of exploration and transformation …

In this episode, Mike is joined by Vicki Strachan, Patent Attorney and CEO at Strachan IP, who talks about the different forms of IP protection and explains why every business business should consider IP protection. Strachan IP - strachanip.co.uk Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co.uk YouTube: youtube…

In this episode, Anna is joined by Claire, from Open Stage Arts and Creativity Found, who talks about why she wanted to provide drama and singing classes to adults, her podcast Creativity Found, and why doing things for you is so important to our lives. Open Stage Arts hosts drama and singing classes for adults that are designed to be fun, friendly…

In this episode, Mike talks about effective planning to ensure the success of your vision. He discusses how he creates a one-page plan with his clients to identify the high pay-off activities required to reach their goal, and the importance of systemisation. Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co.uk YouT…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Emily from, Hoyle's of Oxford, who talks about what it's like working in a family business, board games and her passion for sustainability. An independent, family-run games shop based on Oxford’s High Street since 1997, they sell traditional and vintage table-top games including chess, backgammon, mah jong and go…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Salim Benadel, founder of Storm Internet, who talks about his story setting up his business, learning from past mistakes, and why following your passion is key to building a successful business. Storm Internet - storminternet.co.uk Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co…

In this episode, Anna is joined by Sophie from the Yellow Submarine Cafe, a fantastic cafe co-staffed by trainees with learning difficulties, and she talks about her journey, the amazing work done by the Yellow Submarine Cafe, and the importance of community. Often rated #1 for coffee and tea in Oxford by TripAdvisor, 70,000 customers each year vis…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Lou Webster founder of The Coffee Consultancy, who talks about the business of coffee, how she supports her clients, the impact of the pandemic on hospitality, and why coffee is an undervalued product. The Coffee Consultancy - thecoffeeconsultancy.com Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: en…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Roshni, from Tikka and Tadka, who shares her story of starting an Indian Catering company just before lockdown, and the inspiration she takes from her mother and India. Tikka and Tadka is a Indian catering company. Based in Wantage they create curry nights locally, and 5 day curry boxes all throughout Oxfordshire…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Aaron Rudman-Hawkins, Managing Director and Founder of The Evergreen Agency, who talks about his journey from freelancer to award-winning SEO agency owner. The Evergreen Agency - theevergreenagency.co.uk Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co.uk YouTube: youtube.com/c/M…

In this episode, Anna is joined by Tom, from Fallow & Fields, who talks about the lessons he and his business partner learnt when they decided to open a delicatessen at the start of the pandemic, and the importance of supporting independent businesses. Fallow & Fields are an event catering company who’s passion and ethos has always been on making t…

In this episode, Mike shares his expertise, from over 25 years of networking, on how to effectively network and grow your business by building lasting relationships. Connect with Mike Foster, The Entrepreneurs Mentors Website: entrepreneursmentor.co.uk YouTube: youtube.com/c/MikeFosterOxford LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikefosteroxford Twitter: twitt…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Grant Hayward who talks about his decision to walk away from corporate life to pursue a career focused on helping purposeful businesses and the growing scene of purposeful businesses in Oxfordshire. OSEP is a Community interest Company supporting Social Enterprise, enterprising charities and purposeful businesses…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Lou Webster, Founder of The Coffee Consultancy, a self-confessed "Costa Girl" turned coffee expert after her love for coffee blossomed during a working holiday in Canada. She returned and after working for Soho Farmhouse as Head Barista, decided to launch her own coffee consultancy business in 2019. The Coffee Con…

In this episode, Anna is joined by Sarah, from Sarah Wiseman Gallery, who, aged 24, set up her own Art Gallery in Summertown with the mission of bringing contemporary art to Oxford. Sarah Wiseman Gallery is a place to see and buy fantastic contemporary art. You will be greeted by a warm welcome from an enthusiastic team, led by director Sarah Wisem…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Rebecca Cheetham, Founder of Siendo, to discuss why she launched Siendo and why it's important to give people the knowledge, tools and confidence they need to support their own wellbeing, at every stage of their lives. 00:00 - Introduction 01:58 - Defining wellbeing 03:34 - Working with change in a positive way 04…

In this episode, Rosie is joined by Sarah, from The Herberowe Candle Co., who talks about her addiction to candles which led to her to start making her own using all-natural ingredients and how it evolved into a business whilst the whole country was in lockdown. The Herberowe Candle Co makes natural wax candles that are hand-poured in small batches…

In this episode, Mike is joined by Aaron Rudman-Hawkins, Managing Director and Founder of The Evergreen Agency, to discuss the importance of increasing your businesses visibility online, and how he helps his clients using SEO and PPC. 00:00 - Introduction 00:55 - Demystifying SEO 03:16 - Identify your goals first, digital marketing second 05:20 - A…