In this episode, Damien shares the story of how Pop Classics started as an online business 20 years ago and eventually expanded into a physical store. We discuss the challenges and rewards of running a record shop, including the importance of adapting to changing customer demands and supporting local artists.

Damien also talks about his passion for vinyl records and his commitment to providing a unique and personalized shopping experience for customers, as well as various live music performances and Record Store Day celebrations.

Time Codes

00:42 Introduction to Damian and Pop Classics

01:39 What do you like about Reading?

02:32 Pop Classics has just celebrated its 1st birthday in a physical store. What has the last year been like?

04:10 What vinyls does Damian like

05:03 Why did Pop Classics decide to open a physical store?

09:00 Why is it important to be nominated for pride of reading?

10:29 What does it take to be nomated for Pride of Reading?/ Pop Classics’ local initiatives

11:28 Local events and initiatives in Caversham

13:04 The importance of giving and receiving support for local independents

14:12 Pop Classics’ plans for the next year

16:43 Damian's advice for record buyers and sellers

18:10 Damian's key takeaway for listeners

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating story of Jelly, a beloved art studio and community hub in Reading.

Suzanne, the founder of Jelly, shares her journey of starting the studio over 30 years ago and how it has evolved to become an integral part of Reading's art scene. We explore the various programs and workshops Jelly offers, from community outreach to artist development, and how they contribute to the town's vibrant creative culture.

Suzanne also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the arts sector in Reading, including the importance of finding affordable spaces and securing funding. We learn about Jelly's strategies for promoting their work and reaching different audiences, both online and offline.

Time Codes

00:25 Welcome

00:42 Introduction to Suzanne and Jelly

01:11 What do you like about Reading?

02:25 How does jelly contribute to Reading’ art community?

03:12 How has Reading art community changed over time?

04:55 Suzanne's art

05:36 What Jelly offers the community and artists

07:00 What has and hasn’t worked for promoting Jelly over the years?

08:00 How to get to people who don’t have access to internet

10:04 How Jelly connects with target audiences

13:26 What challenges and opportunities are there for Reading's art sector?

15:06 How do you envisage Jelly’s role changing in next few years?

17:24 A highlight from Suzanne

In this episode, we interview former CIA agent turned CEO, Rupal Patel. Rupal has taken lessons from her fascinating background and experiences and turned them into her first book 'From CIA to CEO'. We explore key ideas in Rupal's book that can help entrepreneurs and business owners, including 'tactical ignorance' and 'comparisonitis'.

Rupal also shares actionable tips for business owners, emphasizing the importance of knowing your strengths and staying true to your values while remaining open to learning and experimenting with new strategies.

If you're looking for ways to grow your business while staying authentic and focused, Rupal’s leadership lessons from her unique background will give you practical tools to implement in your journey.

Time Codes

00:25 Welcome

00:48 Introduction to Rupal

01:51 Why come to reading and what do you like about it

03:16 Introduction to Rupal’s book

03:33 What have readers of your book resonated with the most?

09:22 What mistakes do local businesses and entrepreneurs make?

14:02 How can local businesses increase their visibility

15:25 Rupal's marketing strategy

20:08 Cold calls and emails — How to customise your appraoch for better results

21:55 Think of your business as a marathon

25:48 What are the most interesting questions you’ve received over the years? / What interviews do you enjoy?

32:40 What questions do you get asked the most?

35:02 Key takeaway

In this episode, Sarah explains how dressing with intention can boost your confidence and align your personal style with your brand. Sarah shares her 10 years' experience helping clients discover the colours and styles that make them feel empowered. We also discuss the importance of dressing for both your body shape and your mindset, and how your appearance plays a crucial role in representing your brand values. Tune in for inspiring case studies, actionable tips on dressing to reflect your brand, and insights into how personal style can influence first impressions and opportunities.

Time Codes

00:25 welcome

00:39 Introduction to Sarah

01:35 What do you like about Reading?

02:40 What is a Colour & Image Stylist?

03:40 What does 'Dress to Reflect Your Brand' mean?

05:32 Sarah's process for helping her clients and case study

08:04 Connection between your body language and the clothes that you wear

08:20 How to dress with confidence

11:08 How Sarah promotes her business

12:38 The importance of networking

14:12 How to keep in touch with people

15:02 How you can dress to reflect your brand

16:34 Sarah's newsletters

16:45 Your clothes need to earn a space in your wardrobe

17:17 Sarah's stylish socials

17:44 Use personal touches and keep things fresh!

18:28 Key takeaway

This week, Hugo shares his advice on how you can incorporate and measure the effectiveness of video in your business. Listen to things that have worked for Hugo, pitfalls to watch out for, and video ideas for you to try.

Time Codes

00:25 welcome

00:39 Introduction to Hugo

01:33 What do you like about Reading?

02:44 The challenges small businesses face in creating and distributing content & how to overcome them.

04:18 What videos and strategies work well for small businesses?

06:04 How can businesses find the right production company for them?

08:36 How can small businesses measure the ROI of their videos?

10:44 An example of a successful video project that Hugo has done

14:02 An example of a video project that was less successful, and the reason for this.

17:40 Key tips & advice fom Hugo's extensive career

19:21 Key takeaway

This week Gabriele Swift shares her advice on the subject of brand and lifestyle photography. If you own a business, or are looking to develop your personal brand, then don't miss this episode as we look at how you can develop your own photo library and think about developing your own brand style.

Time Codes

00:25 welcome

01:06 Introduction to Gabriele

02:37 What do you like about Reading?

03:31 What is brand and lifestyle photography?

04:22 What is your typical workflow for doing a brand and lifestyle photoshoot?

06:10 How do you work with your clients to capture their brand vision?

08:22 What challenges do you face in brand photography?

13:11 Where do you find the inspiration?

17:32 What tips do you have for people interested in brand and lifestyle photography?

19:59 Gaby's new co-authored book 'Be Brand Rich'

19:44 Key takeaway

This week, Adrian Raffill shares his thoughts on the common challenges that writers face and how to overcome them, some top ways to promote a local community group, and much more.

Time codes

00:25 welcome

00:38 Introduction to Adrian

01:26 What do you like about Reading

03:05 Overview of Caversham Writers

04:27 Benefits of being part of a writing group

05:59 What Caversham Writers does well

08:13 What challenges have you faced runnign the group?

10:39 How do you promote Caversham Writers?

14:42 Caversham Writers | Different meeting formats

16:31 Challenges writers face and how to overcome them

19:44 Key takeaways

20:59 A strategy for creating your own writing prompts

24:54 A new way to think abotu creativity

In this week's episode we talk to Mike Bostock, lead vocals and rhythm guitar in Dream Sellers, and founder of Raze the Roof, a charity that raises money for Royal Berkshire Hospital through it's charity arm. Mike shares his tips for musicians and music lovers, shines a light on Reading's music scene, as well as his cancer story.

This is a great episode with lots of advice from Mike.

Time codes

00:25 welcome

00:53 Introduction to Mike

02:38 How music has played an important part of Mike's life

05:49 About Dream Sellers and you’re never too old

08:07 Two things that contribute towards one's success

10:16 Tips for musicians; how to promote yourselves

13:02 How you can learn more about the Reading music scene (and anything local)

16:32 About Raze the Roof. What has and hasn’t worked in raising money for the charity.

21:45 How can people help with Raze the Roof

23:37 Other lessons from Mike's experience

24:18 Mike's final takeaway