We talk about community interest companies and the importance of food in this episode. Milly Fyfe is a digital marketing expert, blogger, podcaster, farmer’s wife, mum of 2, food producer and the founder of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC. She’s formerly worked for the Shorthorn Society and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution amongst others. All in all she has a passion for flying the flag for British agriculture. No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents website - No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents - Milly FyfeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoFussMealsForBusyParentsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nofussmealsforbusyparents/Hero video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/882150057Podcast: https://feeds.captivate.fm/the-countryside-kitchen/Crowdfunding link: https://gogetfunding.com/seedcorn-fund-to-assist-no-fuss-meals-for-busy-parents-cic/ Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Today we're talking about staying well this winter. Lucy Williamson is a registered nutritionist and former vet based in Hertfordshire. Lucy was named as Freelance Nutritionist of the Year 2020 by the Caroline Walker Trust, and she has previously been a visiting lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Hertfordshire, an Ambassador for The Real Food Campaign and Love British Food.Lucy's website - Lucy Williamson Nutrition- Nutritionist based in Greater London (lwnutrition.co.uk)Lucy's gut health course - The Gut Health Course - LWNutritionEpisode on Diary of a CEO podcast on fasting - The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett: E256: The Miracle Doctor: EVERYONE should start Fasting right now! (NEW SCIENCE) Dr. Mindy Pelz on Apple Podcasts Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

From the 14th to the 16th November hundreds of people will be gathering in Exeter for the Nuffield Conference and dozens of Nuffield scholars will be presenting their findings from their global travels. If you haven’t heard of Nuffield I suggest you go and visit the website which is nuffieldscholar.org but in short Nuffield, or ‘The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust’ as it is formally called is a charity organisation whose aim is to bring positive change to agriculture through the development of its future leaders, sending them overseas to learn from others and helping them share their ideas when they return home. Since 1947, Nuffield has awarded Scholarships to over 1,000 members of the food, farming, horticulture and rural industries to study a topic that they are passionate about.Today Ben is joined by two scholars from the 2022 cohort who will be presenting in a couple of weeks time and we talk about their findings and where they go from here. Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Today we’re talking about B Corporation Movement. B Corp certified companies are businesses verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. B Corps commit to positively impact all stakeholders that they are involved with – from their workers, to communities, customers, and the planet. There are now over 6800 B Corps around the world across 161 industries and 89 countries. 1300 of these B Corps are in the UK. Today Ben is meeting the Managing Director of a newly certified B Corp. Duncan Murray-Clarke is MD of The Ad Plain – an agency with several wings to its bow – from content creation to publishing, social media, branding, design and media planning. TAP, as The Ad Plain is known, has bases in the UK and in Spain and its specialism is agriculture. Find out more about TAP here - The Ad Plain - Content Specialist Agencyand BCorp here - What is a B Corp? - B Lab UK (bcorporation.uk) Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Ex-SAS military adviser Mick Hawkes and his daughter have launched a new business specialising in improving farm security and preventing rural crime. After 22 years working in corporate security following 24 years in the military, Mick Hawkes returned to rural Herefordshire and realised how much of an issue rural crime was. Rural theft across the UK cost an estimated £40.5m in 2021, according to NFU Mutual’s annual report, with thieves targeting fuel, livestock and machinery. And, the cost increased by over 40% in the first quarter of 2022. Mick offers advice on farm safety as well as personal safety training for farmers and farm workers. www.hawkesandco.uk Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here.  You can find out more about the Countrywoman's Guide here.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here.  You can find out more about the Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here.  Pomodoro Technique website - The Pomodoro® Technique | Cirillo Consulting GmbH (francescocirillo.com)

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here.  For the Rural Planning Co visit their website here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Link to the Sleep FoundationMake sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Link to the Women in Food and Agriculture Mentoring programme - deadline 14th July .Link to Henry Plumb Foundation. Contain's Milly's 'big reveal' - listen on for an exclusive update about where Milly is going next...You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:53 Milly comes in. 3:26 Clare comes in. 3:46 Milly introduces herself. 4:21 Clare introduces herself. 5:36 The Women in Food and Agriculture Mentorship Programme.6:39 How did Milly get involved with it?8:00 Milly and Clare's first meeting.9:40 How does Clare and Milly's mentoring relationship work?10:58 Monthly meets.11:26 Clare introduced Milly to another business owner in Ireland. 13:09 The benefits of mentoring for Milly.14:53 The benefits for Clare as a mentor. 16:00 Rural Pod Media promo message.16:52 What is the right time to take on a mentor?19:20 Setting expectations.22:00 Mentoring can be in all areas of life or business.22:10 Milly's 'big reveal'27:08 Focus on the listeners - what advice would Milly and Clare give to someone looking at mentoring?30:05 What do Milly and Clare do so they are focussed on their goals? 32:42 Shout outs - Milly is on @millyfyfe (all the platforms); CIC is No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents. Alltech is @alltech. Clare is on LinkedIn.34:45 Ben rounds up the episode. 

You can find out more information about Perennial CFO here.This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. RuralPod Media or Perennial CFO accept no responsibility for using any of the information contained in this podcast. Joey's handles:Twitter - @JoeydeWit_Email -  [email protected] You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:40 Joey comes in and talks about his family farming background and his interest in numbers.5:10 Joey's background in banking.6:30 Joey recognises the opportunity for the new business.7:07  Why work with an advisor?8:23 What is a fractional CFO? What services does Joey provide?10:30 Joey's system of 6 steps  - baseline requirement starting with a financial health check. 12:45 Cashflow.14:52 Costs and keeping  a handle on them.15:40 Book keeping as a bottle neck for the business.18:00 Chart of account. 20:10 Reconciliation of accounts.22:40 Message about RuralPod Media.23:31 Using and understanding your numbers and the benefits of this.26:46 Going beyond a basic cashflow forecast.28:40 KPIs31:00 Keeping accountability32:14 Forecasting and how far ahead is it useful to forecast?36:03 How do banks look at a business? 36:36 The 5 C's of Credit41:16 The Amazon Business Fly Wheel (Joey's interpretation)46:00 Joey's handles - twitter @JoeydeWit_; Linkedin ; [email protected] 46:56 Ben rounds up the show.   

Ben chats to Amanda Marshall, the founder of Devon based outdoor clothing business 3 Donkeys. You can find 3 Donkeys on their website here. Insta and facebook @3donkeysclothing ; twitter @3donkeysltdYou can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:02 Amanda comes in2:14 The 'why' of 3 donkeys and how Amanda spotted a gap in the market.4:48 Was Amanda surprised when she realised there wasn't anything else out there to fit the need...6:40 After the prototype.7:28 What's in the name - Amanda's three donkeys/9:20 Some things happen without planning - spotting new opportunities. 10:44 Amanda's advice to new entrepreneurs12:30 Go for it!13:00 You have to have resilience.13:22 RuralPod Media message.14:12 The exciting and positive side of running a business for Amanda.16:07 Starting  a business during Covid.17:35 All 3 donkeys' coveralls are made in the UK18:27 As a rural business are there any particular challenges or opportunities by being a rural business?20:44 The size of the market.22:12 What drives Amanda?23:30 Inspiring stories.23:48 Five years time. 25:00 What does Amanda do so she keeps focussed on her goals?26:18 www.threedonkeys.co.uk ; all social media platforms @3donkeysclothing ; twitter @3donkeysltd27:12 Ben rounds up

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk For more on Claire visit: clairetaylormedia.com 

Today’s episode is mostly for farmers looking to diversify their businesses and thinking of how to finance these ventures.You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:03 Andrew comes in.2:55 Andrew talks about himself and his business.4:11 Today we are talking about farm diversification. Staying broad, what are some typical enquiries that Andrew gets from farmers?6:09 Has there been a spike in interest in diversification from a finance point of view?7:26 How have farmers historically viewed debt and has that shifted?10:36 What are lenders looking for and considering?13:59 How do lenders view established businesses and new businesses?16:39 Taking an example farm and how they might diversify.21:47 Message about RuralPod Media.22:36 Financial planning and projections.24:20 What time process does it take?26:26  Attitudes to risk.29:56 What does Andrew do to keep focussed?32:30 How to get in touch with Andrew - [email protected] 33:17 Ben rounds up.

A solo episode with Ben on happiness in life and work and why checking in on what we are grateful for is important. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk This week's call to actionWrite down 3 things that you are grateful for in life. Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.1:47 Checking in with yourself. 3:00 Continue to push yourself. 3:18 The problem with goals. 4:31 RuralPod Media message.5:23 How to improve our daily wellbeing. 5:39 Be kind.5:52 Practising gratitude. 6:48 Happiness is a choice. 7:23 Conclusions.8:13 Today's call to action. 

Today is all about growth mindset and getting our minds into focus to improve not just our work lives but our entire lives, and develop and hone our skills in having a mindset of growth and development. There are few people better placed than my guest today to discuss this as in 2017 he launched a podcast to explore this very thing – the growth mindset podcast – and has since produced 9 seasons covering 240 episodes, speaking to a wide range of guests in addition to focussed solo episodes on all aspects of growth and mindset. Sam Harris is a serial entrepreneur. He is currently the co-founder and CEO of Podvine, an end to end social podcasting platform, but he has started multiple businesses in the past stretching right back to Pedal Power Transport Limited which he launched during his first year at Bristol University where he studied Biology. He’s also an investor, he’s travelled to over 60 countries and has some incredible stories.You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk This week's call to actionThink about whether you have a fixed or growth mindset and consider what it is that you really want in life. Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.3:10 Sam comes in.3:27 Sam doesn't like being put on the spot...4:54 Thinking about death...6:17 Sam talks about his background. 7:45 Where there is a problem find a solution. 8:32 Sam goes through some of his business ideas and realities and his learning points. 12:05 Travelling through Asia. 13:16 Being opportunistic and looking for new opportunities. 14:50 Growth Mindset Podcast - why and when did Sam start it?18:05 Sam likes doing lots of different things...if you want to experience as much as possible in life...does a growth mindset have to mean growth across all aspects of life?19:37  There are many different elements of life - how do you categorise life and is that a healthy thing to do?21:27 Be in tune with what area of life you need to improve at any one time. 21:36  RuralPod Media message22:28 Purpose.24:38 Planning and prioritising time. 26:34 Sense of planning and thinking what you want to achieve. 27:20 How do you prioritise different aspects of life. 30:32 The edge of Sam's comfort zone. 32:22 Life is mostly seeking some sort of risk. What is an adventure?32:38 How much should you fail in business?35:24 How much does goal setting drive what Sam does?37:38 Advice on how to grow in a certain direction? What about developing a growth mindset?41:00 How does Sam stay focussed?43:47 How do you find out more about Sam or get in touch? 45:04 Ben rounds up.  

Today is all about combining growth and strategy and getting ourselves into that mindset of thinking about where we’re going but putting that through a commercial lens. Veronica Still has vast amounts of experience in sales and commercial strategy across the media, events, technology and information services sectors. She has led large sales teams, managed budgets of over £15 million and has a broad skill set from negotiation to change management, advertising, sales, digital media and marketing. Apart from anything else she has a passion for success and driving things forwards and has given huge amounts of value to the teams that she has worked on and built. Currently at CH4B Vron has worked for many years in the agricultural world including nearly 10 years at Reed Business Information where she rose to the role of sales director for their agriculture portfolio, which included Farmers Weekly. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk This week's call to actionCreate or update your strategic plan for growing your business using the tips that Vron gives.  Contact VronCH4b - Central Hub For Business - The Business Success Community (ch4b.co.uk)Find Vron on Linkedin - Veronica Still Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:37 Vron comes in. 2:55 Vron explains her background in sales.3:57 Is a commercial strategy any different to any other kind of strategy?6:26 Why have a strategy in the first place?7:42 Is a commercial strategy any different if you're a start up or a commercial business?10:42 The GROW model. 14:27 Roadmapping15:37 Sponsor message from RuralPod Media16:28 SWOT analysis.18:44 How regularly to update your strategy?21:10 People and teams - how best to manage your team with goals and strategy in mind? And finding the right people to undertake certain actions as well as training and coaching people.24:20 Understanding your customers.27:16 Funnels.29:20 Approaching your customer with your funnel. 30:39 Farmers - is it relevant to us? 33:13 Getting in touch with Vron - CH4B 34:19 Ben rounds up. 

Today Ben is joined by skier, four-time Winter Olympian for Great Britain, presenter of Ski Sunday and much more besides: Chemmy Alcott. With a career high ranking of 8th in the World, 7 times as British National Overall Champion and the only British female skier to ever win a run in a World Cup, Chemmy is widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest ever skiers.East Sussex, where she was born, isn’t perhaps your typical start for a pro skiier but Chemmy began the sport from an early age and her talent was clear as a junior. At the age of 12 she became a member of the British Junior Alpine team and she spent every British summer between the ages of 11 and 19 out in New Zealand to train during their winter. As well as skiing Chemmy was a talented tennis player, but it was the winter sport that she chose to specialise in. She went on in her senior career to win numerous titles. Threaded throughout this journey of sporting prowess however has been a tale of injury and overcoming this adversity. She has broken 49 different bones, including her neck at the age of just 11 and her leg following a severe crash whilst training in Canada in 2010. That accident required over 1000 minutes of surgery. Again and again Chemmy picked herself up and battled through the adversity to reach success once again. Since retiring from competing on the world stage after The Sochi Olympics in 2014, she has immersed herself in the world of broadcasting and the media. Among other things she now presents for the BBC on Ski Sunday and commentates on the World Cup Ski Series for Eurosport. Furthermore, she competed in ITV’s Dancing on Ice in 2012, finishing 5th. She continues to push herself to tackle and achieve many new physical challenges and has completed the 100 mile road race in London for example and has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Her passion for encouraging girls confidence is immense and her ‘X-elle’ scheme aims to develop girls confidence through sport.You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk This week's call to actionTo assess your own state of resilience as it is at the moment and remember an occasion when you overcame adversity. Be as present as you can.  Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.3:57 Chemmy comes in. 4:39 What is resilience for Chemmy?6:15 Skiing dominated Chemmy's life growing up - she explains more about how her childhood experiences prepared her for life. 8:50 Chemmy wants to be a great downhill skier.10:19 How did Chemmy grow up to know how to keep picking herself up, dusting herself down and moving forwards?12:48 Chemmy didn't think that she could release her full potential.15:25 Channelling fresh thinking - but continued breakage of bones.16:20 The rest of the team believes in Chemmy.18:20 Chemmy's accident in 2010 and why it had such an impact. 22:10 Dancing on Ice.23:45 It's ok to not win. 24:00 Goal setting.25:50 What changes can you make on a daily basis?26:04 What drives Chemmy?28:36 What about advice for someone who is going through change?30:46 Chemmy's broadcasting career and BBC Ski Sunday.32:50 Chemmy's retirement from skiing. 34:50 What has Chemmy found most effective in encouraging others to perform at their best?37:08 What does Chemmy do to keep focussed?39:05 What does Chemmy have coming up this year in 2023?40:27 Ben rounds up. 

Today’s focus is recruitment and finding good people to help you develop your business. Often this is something that can hold small and medium sized businesses back, especially if you end up taking on the wrong people – that can cause an even bigger headache. Similarly if you find the right people and build a team of people who are committed, connected and driven to succeed for all of you then it can do amazing things for your growth potential. But how do you find those people? Well that is the specialism of my guest today. Hugh Pocock is on the show. Hugh is the co-founder and Director of Cultura Connect which is a bespoke recruitment agency aimed solely at the agricultural industry. Hugh is also a farmer and has worked at a senior level in the wider industry giving him a great perspective on recruitment and staff from many different angles.  You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk This week's call to actionHow could taking on that next person help you to grow your business to that next level? Brainstorm this.  Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:12 Hugh comes in. 2:57 Hugh wears a number of different hats - he explains his background. 5:02 Hugh's time at Cogent.6:00 How and why did Hugh start Cultura Connect?8:32 Two stage screening process - find and interview. 9:20 Hugh's passion for making a difference for the lives of candidates. 10:16 How has Cultura Connect evolved over its first few years?11:38 Cultura Connect takes on new people itself. 12:20 How do you know what to look for in a good candidate?13:42 Why use a recruitment consultant or an agency?15:35 What, if anything, is unique about agriculture when it comes to recruitment?16:50 Does Hugh find many candidates coming to Cultura Connect from non agricultural roles? 18:15 Fitting a job to a candidate.19:10 How do you know if a candidate will fit well within a team?21:34 How should a business design a new role?22:53 How to support new staff in their role when they join?28:35 Signs of a bad approach to going about recruitment. 30:24 What if someone isn't sure about taking the leap to take someone on?32:22 What's next for Cultura Connect?33:05 What does High do to keep focussed on his goals?33:38 Follow Cultura Connect on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @CulturaConnect or visit culturaconnect.co.uk35:17 Ben rounds up the show.  

Ben is joined today by Aly Robins who is a business coach and marketing consultant from Montana in the US. Aly also runs a website design agency called Snowy Mountain Marketing. More than anything Aly is completely passionate about agriculture and rural business and has a drive to help rural businesses flourish and people to be their very best. You can also find her over on the Agriculture and Rural Business Podcast .Today, we’ll be talking about getting an idea off the ground but also hear more about Aly’s business journey and some of her events and projects including Rural Reimagined. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk This week's call to actionHow can you 'think bigger' in your business?  Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:54 Aly comes in. 3:22 Aly talks about her background.4:42 Aly's first business.6:30 Hiring a business coach.7:07 Business is about problem solving.11:10 Change your beliefs and change your life; change your mindset and you will change your life. 12:37 Rural stereotypes and how rural people see themselves.15:00 Society has skewed the way we think and our beliefs and created a system that doesn't allow you to build wealth.17:00 People who have an idea for a business but don't act on it.19:25 Take a small action each day - what is the first step to take to make an idea reality? 20:10 Mindset24:00 When something is questioned that is huge.27:00 Is there anything unique about rural?29:00 What main piece of advice would Aly give to someone trying to get their idea off the ground?29:34 What is your business offer and how can you make your first sale?30:50 Rural Reimagined33:14 Aly's podcast37:00 Where is Aly heading?38:49 What does Aly do to keep focussed on her goals?43:00 Ben wraps up the episode. 43:40 Today's action: think big.

How are your motivation levels? Do you find yourself sometimes more motivated than at other times? This episode explores this and more.  You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk This week's challengeThink about your why. Why are you doing what you're doing? This should help you to keep motivated.  Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.1:47 It is normal to not be motivated all of the time. 2:05 Definition of motivation: the desire to act in service of a goal. 2:58 Motivation is about finding your why. 3:24 Why is it important to think about motivation?4:54 intrinsic v extrinsic motivation.6:30 How to improve your motivation - make sure your goal aligns with your values. 7:34 Learning new things.7:45 Progress takes time. 8:16 Remember your why.8:25 Find an accountability partner.8:48 Do the simple things well - eating, sleeping, resting, exercise. 9:04 Round up  

How far along are you on your business’s journey towards achieving net zero? Have you already got there? Or is it something that you haven’t thought about. How are your energy costs looking and how sustainable is your energy source moving forwards? Have you already transitioned towards renewable sources, considered it or again, not even thought about it yet? That is what we discuss on this episode.Ben Tansey and Neil Harrison are co-directors of ReHeat, based up in the north east of England. ReHeat was founded in 2011 to help businesses and communities transition towards renewables and indeed flourish without the environmental and financial costs of fossil fuels. From in house consultancy to project and engineering teams offering practical solutions for businesses Ben and Neil have built a very exciting rural business. Their client base is varied and includes businesses in various sectors from food and drink to local authorities, education, charities, hospitality, historic estates and rural communities. As well as discussing future energy challenges and solutions I want to hear a bit about Ben and Neil’s own business journey. You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk This week's call to actionPut some time in your diary to consider your energy costs and sources and how you could adapt.  Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:38 Ben Tansey comes in. 2:54 Ben Tansey talks about his background.3:46 Neil Harrison talks about his background. 5:22 How has ReHeat developed over time?6:57 Neil discusses the local source of a fuel and the end use. 8:10 Rural businesses are good at spending money locally.9:05 What does 'sustainable, secure and affordable energy' mean to Ben and Neil?10:50 The benefits of wood fuel.11:40 If you are generating your own heat the cost will remain fairly constant.13:48 Ben and Neil work with a wide variety of businesses - what is their take on how the rural sector is doing when it comes to the transition towards net zero?16:54 What about the pace of change and the appetite for the uptake to change sources? 19:30 The upcoming ban on new fossil fuel based heating systems.21:50 Working in some amazing places.22:08 The challenges of working in remote areas.23:50 Which business sectors are further along the net zero path than others?25:23 What is holding people back from making the transition?29:50 Supply of biomass.32:12 We need to be planting more. 36:15 Recruitment and the wider business at ReHeat40:50 Where is the business heading?43:15 What do Ben and Neil do to keep focussed on their goals?44:53 How do listeners get in touch - @reheatRT on twitter or visit www.reheat.uk.com 45:58 Ben rounds up.  

Have you ever experienced burnout? Have you had work related stress? It's really important we look out for it in ourselves and other people and take steps to prevent it. This is what we discuss in today's episode. ReferencesEpisode 19 with Tony Ilett on physical and mental fitnessEpisode 21 with Lucy Williamson on nutritionArticle in the Journal of Rural Studies on farmer burnoutThe Warning Signs of Unhealthy Stress (in Farmstrong)About burnout on FarmstrongBusiness Health Institute piece with stats on burnout. Mental Health UK page on burnout You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk This week's challengeThink about whether you are experiencing work related stress and what action you could begin to take to prevent it.  Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:37 What is burnout?3:04 Common signs of burnout.4:08 Awareness of burnout is building.4:25 Statistics to do with burnout. 5:50 Burnout in farming.7:54 You may not recognise that you are burnt out.8:36 Signs of unhealthy stress.9:31 The twelve stages of burnout.13:24 How to prevent burnout?15:45 Talk about your feelings and check in with others.17:09 Take breaks.19:06 Have a good community around you.21:30 Roundup of the show and call to action.  

Today we’re talking about digital and tech and asking what the rural sector can do more of to embrace the digital space and how digital can help rural business to develop and move forward?Host Ben Eagle is joined by: Emma Simkiss (Managing Director at Freestyle) Camilla Hayselden-Ashby (Head of Product at Fieldmargin) Adam Short (Co-founder of MA Systems Ltd, owner of Temple Technologies Limited and a first generation farmer)You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk This week's challengeWrite down 3 ways that you could embrace digital more in your business.  Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:29 Emma Simkiss introduces how this podcast episode came about and introduces how Freestyle sees itself within the rural space.3:59 Camilla Hayselden-Ashby introduces Fieldmargin and how it helps farmers. 5:29 Adam Short talks about how he works with livestock farmers and the wider agricultural industry. 7:36 The challenge of encouraging people in the tech sector into the rural space.8:59 The benefits of embracing digital for rural business (starting with Emma's view).11:50 Tech and digital needs to solve problems.12:41 How much of this is about digital education? 15:20 The change you need might be a 'process;' solution.16:30 What are we already doing well in digital in the rural space?23:15 Emma asks the question of how to bridge the gap between the tech sector and farmers who are struggling with cost of inputs etc.26:40 What role does digital have when it comes to tackling some of the bigger challenges of our time, including the climate crisis?28:05 The digitisation of connection and communication.30:30 Diversity of jobs available in the tech and the rural space.34:43 What do our guests do to keep focussed on their goals? 38:40 How to contact Emma, Camilla or Adam? 40:40  Ben rounds up the show. 

Jamie Perry is the founder and Director of Lasting Change at The Hope Revolution Foundation. How do we instil more hope in society and how can we work together to make that sense of hope commonplace and an everyday thing? You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.ukjamieaiperry@thehoperevolutionfoundation.org.uk or search The Hope Revolution Foundation on LinkedIn This week's shout out:Corner Cottage Bakery in Kineton. The White Swan Pub in Kineton. This week's challengeWrite down 3 things that you will do to instil positive change in your own organisation in the next month and how you will do those?  Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:02 Jamie comes in. 2:40 How did the idea for the Hope Revolution Foundation begin?5:47 Hope and soap7:32 Jamie's definition of hope9:16 Hope can do so  much. It's a difficult time. 10:20 Jamie's experience with the Birmingham tornado.12:10 What will Jamie do tangibly with the Hope Revolution Foundation.15:50 Men and suicide and projects to aid prevention. 18:20 A project to help those with dementia.21:24 How can rural businesses get involved?23:47 Hope and mindset.27:00 The power of small actions.29:05 What drives Jamie?31:30 What's next?33:04 What does Jamie do to keep focussed on his goals?36:04 Shout out for rural businesses (see above)37:50 LinkedIn the best way to get in touch.39:00 Ben rounds up the episode. 

Startup Colorado is a fascinating nonprofit which supports rural entrepreneurs across the state of Colorado in the USA. Their services include a free peer to peer Entrepreneur network, scholarships, event programmes and various services which are provided in collaboration with other business support organisations. The organisation was originally founded in 2011 at the Silicon Flatirons Center at the University of Colorado Law School. Since 2017 it has been focussed solely on the foundation and success of the Colorado’s rural based enterpreneurs, who by themselves make up a really exciting community. Startup Colorado is all about fostering growth in these businesses through strategic networking, partnership development and collaboration. Ben is joined by Margaret Hedderman who is the Communications Director at Startup Colorado.  You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:21 Margaret comes in2:27 Margaret discusses Startup Colorado and introduces herself. 5:50 Rural business goes beyond just agriculture. 7:30 What challenges do Colorado's startups face?10:45 Backstory to the organisation. It hasn't always been a non-profit.17:37 How are businesses using the online network?20:16 Startup Colorado helps people on different stages of their business journey. 22:15 Co-working spaces23:18 What has Margaret learnt in terms of what works for supporting businesses?26:34 the Startup Colorado podcast. 29:22 What does Margaret do to make sure she remains focussed on her goals?30:15 A shout out for a rural business: Robin Hall who runs Town Hall;  Tail Wind Nutrition32:13 Where to go to find out more?32:55 Ben rounds up the show. 

Ben discusses SMART goals in today's episode and encourages everyone to review their goals for the year and perhaps set new goals. SMART goals are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely.  You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.1:45 A goal is an intention.3:10 What does SMART stand for?4:10 'Specific'6:55 'Measurable'8:22 'Achievable'10:46 'Relevant'11:15 'Timely'13:45 Keep flexibility15:30 write your goals down and have an accountability partner15:44 Round up for the day16:19 Next week. 

Ben speak to Ray Jenkins from RJ Trees and Hedging in Herefordshire. Re the Open Farm Sunday shout Out click here to find out more about the breakfast meetings.  You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk Timestamps for today's episode1:04 Ben introduces the show.2:31 Ray comes in.2:54 What is Ray's business? 3:55 High demand which is driven by British grown and grant funding. 4:20 Ben asks Ray to talk about his career before.5:10 How did Ray get into growing in the first place?6:15 Why did Ray decide to start his own business?8:06 What advice would Ray give to somebody who is considering taking the leap to start their own business?9:15 Shout out for Open Farm Sunday. 10:25 What is the why for Ray? What are his goals?11:28 A typical week for Ray and the importance of planning and thinking ahead.13:11 The challenge of inflation and cost of inputs.14:13 Other challenges, including the weather.14:55 Opportunities.16:05 Managing people.17:02 The nuts and bolts of the startup phase - what were the challenges at the startup?18:43 Where would Ray like the business to be in 5 years time?19:14 How does Ray stay focussed on his goals? 20:08 LinkedIn21:14 Ben rounds up21:25 Finish. 

How to Succeed at Networking Today on the podcast Ben is joined by Milly Fyfe to discuss networking and some tips for how you can become a better networker. Milly Fyfe is a digital marketing and social media consultant and food and farming ambassador based in Northamptonshire. She writes the No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents blog and hosts the Countryside Kitchen Meets Podcast. You can buy her e-cookery book 'No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents' here.You can find all of Milly's links, including her website on her linktree here. You can follow Rural Business Focus on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocusHave you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit benjamineagle.co.uk Timestamps for today's episode1:03 Ben introduction to networking2:15 Milly comes in.2:48 Does Milly enjoy networking?4:05 What do you want to achieve from networking?5:40 There are lots of organisations that have opportunities to network - what are some of them?8:52 Ben explains how there is the temptation to be everywhere and do everything, so how to prioritise? 11:57 Ben and Milly discuss tips for successful networking. Never dismiss anyone in a room. Every conversation could be useful. 13:40 Milly goes to Coventry16:34 Tips for before, during and after the networking event. 16:55 What to wear to the networking event?19:10 What questions to ask at networking events?21:29 Where to stand?24:40 After the event - what to do?28:30 Networking on social media - facebook, instagram, twitter31:29 LinkedIn34:39 What does Milly do to keep focussed on her goals?36:11 Milly's shout out's for the week.37:14 How to follow Milly38:12 Ben rounds up. Shout outs this week to: Young Farmers; Ladies in Beef; Ladies in Pigs; Daventry Farmers Discussion Group

Jez Fredenburgh has written for BBC Future, National Geographic, Farmers Guardian and Farmers Weekly, among others. She was Deputy Business Editor at Farmers Weekly for 2 years and she recently produced and hosted the main interview on Farmers Guardian’s weekly podcast, Over the Farm Gate. You can find here jez-fredenburgh.comAnna Jones has worked as a journalist and programme maker across a range of different media, including 15 years at the BBC, working on shows such as Countryfile, Farming Today and Costing the Earth. She has also produced documentaries for the BBC World Service and written articles and opinion pieces for a range of publications including The Guardian, Farmers Guardian, Farmers Weekly, Pig World and Farm Business. In 2018 she founded Just Farmers, which is a communications project for British agriculture, working to build confidence among farmers and growers about talking to the media, while also helping journalists and programme makers to find independent authentic voices at the grassroots of farming. Anna's book, Divide: The Relationship Crisis Between Town and Country is available is all good book shops or on amazon. You can find her at jonesthejourno.comAnna's shout out was for Parc Carreg . Timestamps01:04 Ben introduces the show.03:11 Anna and Jez come in. 03:30 Anna and Jez give more information about themselves ' 'why journalism?'03:45 Anna knew what she wanted to do from the age of 12. 06:16 Jez answers the question 'why journalism'? for her. 10:30 A story that Anna is proud of - series produced and presented for the BBC World Service in 2018/2019. 11:49 A story that Jez is proud of - a story on coffee in Colombia.13:55 Understanding context.15:00 Challenging as well as helping your interviewee feel comfortable. 15:24 Anna discusses her Nuffield and how agriculture is covered in the mainstream media. 16:32 Just Farmers18:00 Jez uses Just Farmers.19:40 The challenges that journalists are under. 22:08 The pressures as a programme maker. 25:10 How do you decide what makes a good story? 28:10 The challenge of covering the same stories each year and every year, using examples from Countryfile. 30:10 Jez discusses explainers and guides and how tos, especially in the trade press. 31:30 How can listeners prepare themselves for when a journalist approaches them?32:29 Would man on bus find this interesting?33:20 The media does not have an agenda. The media does a lot of good. 35:22 Jez explains how the media is essential. Tips for dealing with journalists. 37:17 Jez explains how she remains focussed on her goals. 39:08 Anna claims that she 'just bumbles along'. 42:00 Jez and Anna's promotions.   

Find out more about Pinstone here. 1:03 Ben introduces today's show2:20 Hannah comes in2:45 Hannah talks about her background4:50 Hannah introduces Pinstone6:58 The Business Barn survey7:40 Hannah explains what we mean by public relations9:52 PR as 'the dark arts' - is that fair?12:40 Keeping up to date and knowledgeable14:45 Is rural PR any different?22:12 Consistency22:49 Pinstone's podcast - the agri-food comms cast25:39 The media and how PR and the media interact29:00 Hannah's tips for working in PR30:20 What does Hannah do so she keeps focussed on her goals?32:16 Innocent Drinks and Aldi33:06 More info on Pinstone33:40 Ben wraps up the episode.

Chris Manley is a Nuffield scholar studying leadership around the world. He has worked for Muller UK and Ireland Group, Tesco, Sainsburys and Mole Valley. Last year he started the #walkwithme campaign to raise further awareness of the links between physical and mental health and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. For more about the #walkwithme campaign you can read this in Somerset County GazetteFollow it on twitter @walk_withmeTo get involved simply use the hashtag #walkwithme on any social media platform. 01:03 Ben introduces the episode02:30 Chris introduces his background03:34 Where did #walkwithme come from? How did it start?05:10 Chris's free verse about walkwithme06:52 Ben talks of his previous struggles with mental health07:56 Other people have been getting involved with the campaign10:05 Chris talks about Somerset14:26 Interlude about the Quantocks (voiceover)15:08 Chris talks about Nuffield and his scholarship about leadership18:16 soft skills19:56 ''We're not talking about agriculture in a positive light''20:48 Interlude about the power of positivity (voiceover)21:51 Is there still a stigma surrounding mental health?25:00 When something unexpected happens it can derail what you are doing. 32:05 Interlude on knowing and understanding ourselves (voiceover)32:26 How does Chris know when to get outside?36:26 How this relates to farmers. When farmers need to be there they will be there. 36:56 Interlude on change (voiceover)37:30 How change impacts on mindset39:05 The biggest challenges faced by agriculture41:00 Ben learning from mistakes!44:19 Interlude on momentum (voiceover)45:02 Starting is the hardest thing.46:40 What legacy would Chris like #walkwithme to have?47:52 Ben rounds up and finishes

You can follow Bizza on Instagram @adventuresofashepherdessYou can find out more about Eileen by visiting her website or find her on instagram @coachingwitheileenFind out more about the retreat here.01:04 Intro from Ben01:38 Bizza introduces herself02:44 Bizza explains how she came to go on a mindset retreat05:20 Bizza explains what the retreat involved06:03 Bizza looks at an obstacle or challenge that she has experienced in the past.07:55 Overthinking09:45 Procrastination and overuse of social media11:23 What gets in your way of your goal?14:52 Risks to take in 202315:41 Mood board16:29 Who was there?18:05 Values and opinions of others will differ from yours

1:03 Intro from Ben2:20 Milly introduction2:52 Milly discusses her own brand4:38 Remaining consistent6:53 Trademarking9:37 What is a brand?13:50 How to benchmark your brand?15:48 Rebranding17:05 Logos18:56 Recognisable brands21:31 Building a Brand on a Budget24:47 Gifs27:34 Grants28:45 Good countryside brands31:00 Round upMilly's website - Milly Fyfe Marketing and PR Services - Food and FarmingMilly's LinkTree - MillyFyfe | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | LinktreeMilly's blog post on why she decided to trademark her name and an explanation of the process that she went through. Mentioned:Muddy Matches - Online dating site for the countryside in the UK and IrelandFarm Safety Foundation / Yellow Wellies - YellowWellies.org

Milly mentions: Snapseed (photo editing app); Capcut (video editing software); LinktreeMilly's Linktree with her various links - found hereHere is the content campaign calendar mentioned by Milly during the podcast episode - find it hereAccounts mentioned:@FCNcharity (Farming Community Network)@yellowwelliesuk (Farm Safety Foundation)@glebefarmfoods@fairfaxandfavor@oldmillafp (Old Mill Accountants)@macgregorphoto 

Ben looks at ways to form a habit and why it's important

Get a pen and notepad ready to list out some of these events for your 2023 diary. 

Have you set your goals for 2023? Take some time to think about what you want to achieve?