Business Without BS

EP 414 - Dodge Woodall reveals how he mortgaged his family home during the 2008 financial crisis to launch what became the 30,000-person Bournemouth 7s Festival.From growing up above a pub to building and scaling multiple businesses, this is a raw masterclass in risk-taking, resilience, and real entrepreneurship.We cover:• Why entrepreneurship is an extreme sport• Risk addiction and betting everything• Scaling a festival brand without investment• Why most people shouldn’t start a business• The power of phone calls over emailsIf you’re serious about business, leadership, or starting up - this episode is essential viewing.Follow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebook

EP 413 - The UK’s new Employment Rights Act is being framed as a major step forward for workers.But what happens when stronger protections collide with the realities of hiring, risk, and running a business?In this episode, we sit down with leading employment lawyers to unpack the biggest changes: from the reduction in unfair dismissal thresholds to new restrictions on “fire and rehire,” and longer tribunal timelines.For large corporations, these shifts may be manageable.For SMEs - which create the majority of UK jobs - the implications could be far more significant.We explore the unintended consequences of well-meaning policy:Will businesses become more cautious about hiring?Does reducing flexibility increase risk?And could this ultimately impact job creation?This is a grounded, practical conversation about how employment law works in the real world and what both employers and employees need to understand as the rules change.Chapters:00:00 New Rights - Big Risks01:51 Meet Oury Clark's Employment Law Experts02:07 Is It Good or Bad03:15 Why This Act Exists04:45 Top Changes Overview05:03 Unfair Dismissal Cut06:17 Tribunal Deadlines Extended07:20 Sexual Harassment Duties08:40 Fire and Rehire Ban10:48 Redundancy Rules Tighten12:21 Fair Work Agency Powers13:23 April Changes Rundown14:50 Unfair Dismissal Deep Dive17:36 Hiring Gets Harder19:44 Contracting and EOR Rise28:34 Tribunals Backlog and ACAS32:03 AI Fuels More Claims36:59 Compensation Cap Removed42:09 Any Upsides to Reform44:25 Fire and Rehire Explained45:12 Fire and Rehire Basics46:04 Five Fair Dismissal Reasons46:57 SOSR and Business Change50:38 New Rules and Restricted Variations53:23 Tribunals and Enforcement Delays54:42 Performance Management Reality56:47 Protected Conversations Explained01:01:21 SSP Changes and Sickness Absence01:05:20 Occupational Health and Return Plans01:07:57 Sexual Harassment Duties Expand01:14:51 Practical Steps Before April01:19:14 Growth Concerns and Global Competition01:24:29 Myths Rapid Fire01:25:45 Final Thanks and Sign OffFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebook

EP 412 - How far should UK employers go when it comes to looking after staff?In this episode we break down the real cost of being a “nice” employer - from UK statutory sick pay (SSP) and full sick pay policies to employee benefits, pensions, flexible working, and permanent health insurance (PHI).With major UK employment law changes coming, SMEs face difficult trade-offs:Is full sick pay worth the payroll cost?Does unlimited holiday actually work?Can generous benefits create legal risk?Are employers responsible for employees’ long-term wellbeing?Featuring insights from Oury Clark's employment lawyer Jessica Bass and financial adviser Freddie Pattenden, this episode is a practical guide for SME founders, directors, and HR leaders navigating sick leave, compliance, retention, and post-COVID workplace expectations.If you run a UK business and want to balance competitiveness, fairness, and sustainability - this one’s for you.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Caring Without Going Broke00:57 Meet the Experts01:27 What Staff Really Want03:38 Compliance Value Competition05:28 PHI Income Protection Debate11:22 Post Covid Flex and Mental Health15:36 Legal Minimums Sick Pay Changes21:54 Morality Consistency and Flex26:15 Being Nice Can Backfire29:10 Structuring Benefits and Contracts32:09 Unlimited Holiday Pitfalls32:51 Unlimited holiday pitfalls34:50 Perks arms race37:07 SMEs vs big firms38:35 Pension basics explained39:43 Qualifying earnings trap42:41 Pensions and retention47:17 Salary sacrifice demystified54:43 Self employed pension gap55:06 Death in service cover57:15 Private healthcare reality59:19 Tailoring PMI benefits01:03:00 Managing premium increases01:04:43 Virtual GP and AI support01:06:16 Avoiding Benefit Red Herrings01:08:14 Flexible Benefits Allowance01:11:20 Renewals and Underwriting Traps01:13:47 Flexible Working Rights01:15:33 Office Returns and Discrimination01:19:49 Mental Health Boundaries01:21:46 Best Benefits and Compliance01:27:10 Business or BS Quiz01:27:55 Maternity and Paternity Debate01:34:28 Wellbeing Apps and Final WrapWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebook

EP 411 - Most families don’t just feel grief when someone dies - they feel anger.Anger about the mess, the debt, the confusion, and the things nobody sorted out.In this episode of Business Without BS, we have the conversation most people avoid - but absolutely shouldn’t.We talk about what actually happens if you die without a plan, why love isn’t flowers and chocolates, and how a few uncomfortable decisions can completely change your family’s future.This isn’t about being wealthy. It’s about being responsible.We cover:What happens if you die without a will (and why modern families are hit hardest)Why unmarried partners are often left with nothingLife insurance: what it really does, how cheap it can be, and when it matters mostPowers of attorney and the nightmare families face without themBusiness owners, shares, and the chaos nobody plans forWhy “I didn’t get round to it” is one of the worst legacies you can leaveThis conversation is uncomfortable, but it might be the most loving thing you ever do for the people you care about.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 The Importance of Wills and Life Insurance01:14 The Consequences of Not Planning Ahead02:05 Meet the Experts: Financial and Legal Advisors02:37 Understanding Wills and Intestacy Rules09:49 The Importance of Communication and Regular Updates12:34 Life Insurance: Protecting Your Loved Ones22:29 Power of Attorney: Ensuring Your Wishes Are Honored37:47 Understanding Income Protection39:16 The Importance of Life Insurance39:53 Building Financial Security41:17 Starting the Conversation on Wills44:21 Choosing the Right Executor47:01 Navigating Probate and Inheritance Tax51:47 Managing Digital Assets01:06:08 Final Thoughts on Financial PlanningWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebook

EP 410 - Tax Without BS returns with a fiery but surprisingly hopeful breakdown of the November 2025 UK Budget. Andy, Jemma and Emma from Oury Clark sift the good, the bad, and the “are-you-kidding-me?” of Britain’s latest fiscal planFrom scale-up salvation and EIS boosts, to SME heartbreak, Mansion Tax grumbles, pension puzzles, and the four-year foreign-income free-for-all.It’s the only budget reaction that’ll make you laugh and rethink your life insurance.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Andy's Episode Synposis02:29 Business Tax Positives05:37 Funding Gaps and EIS14:18 Business Rates and SME Challenges18:16 Inheritance Tax and Business Property Relief23:58 Impact on SMEs and Entrepreneurs33:12 Understanding Business Rates34:04 Personal Taxes Overview34:16 Employee Ownership Trusts Explained37:54 Income Tax Threshold Freeze38:55 Salary Sacrifice and ISA Changes40:08 Financial Literacy and Investment Advice43:44 Mansion Tax and Property Levies48:42 Tax Avoidance vs. Tax Evasion55:48 Foreign Income and Gains Regime01:00:32 Final Thoughts and Budget ReflectionsWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebook

EP 409 - What happens when you strip away phones, comfort and pretence? Therapist Jerry Hyde - often called “the most dangerous therapist in the world” - and filmmaker Mai Hua explore the raw truths of mental health, vulnerability and masculinity.Released for World Mental Health Day, the conversation dives into why modern life keeps us disconnected, how radical retreats (no phones, no showers, no distractions) transform people, and why real healing means breaking the rules.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Jerry Hyde is called “the most dangerous therapist”How radical retreats challenge comfort, technology and egoThe link between phones, distraction and mental health declineWhy vulnerability is strength in therapy and relationshipsHow group therapy transforms masculinity and human connectionIf you’re interested in mental health awareness, therapy, and breaking free from modern distractions, this episode offers unfiltered insights and challenges conventional thinking.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Jerry Hyde and Mai Hua00:40 Introducing Jerry and Mai01:52 Exploring Masculinity and Vulnerability04:03 The Power of Retreats05:44 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health06:27 The Importance of Human Connection08:50 Challenges of Modern Parenting18:53 Understanding ADHD and Trauma32:24 Gender Dynamics and Therapy45:25 Therapy as a Lifestyle Choice45:52 Challenges of Couples Therapy47:02 The Art of Self-Inquiry47:41 Collaborative Conflicts48:09 Gender Differences in Therapy57:44 Cultural Perspectives on Therapy01:03:02 Making a Man: The Documentary01:05:42 The Importance of Vulnerability01:23:12 Therapy and Group Dynamics01:25:17 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

EP 408 - What happens when British charm collides with German order in the workplace?In part 4 of our Business Without Baggage series, we speak to professor and senior partner at GTK Germany - Manfred Klein - who breaks down the surprising differences - and hidden similarities - between the UK and Germany’s business cultures.From awkward handshakes and endless small talk to rigid agendas and direct feedback, discover why British and German colleagues often clash in meetings, negotiations and everyday work.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why German efficiency and precision frustrates British colleaguesHow British politeness and vagueness confuses German teamsThe truth about work - life boundaries in Germany vs the UKWhy Germans trust process while Brits trust personalityHow cultural differences can make or break international business dealsIf you’re doing business with Germany, managing international teams, or just curious about cross-cultural communication, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and a few laughs.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Business Without Baggage part 3 - Germany00:43 Meet Manfred - A Legal Heavyweight01:16 The Importance of Formality and Punctuality02:20 Setting and Following an Agenda04:53 Work-Life Boundaries in Germany17:05 Direct Communication and Feedback29:14 The Role of Hierarchy and Family Businesses39:25 Social Security and Employee Expectations40:54 Understanding German Employee Benefits41:25 Work-Life Balance in Germany42:05 Challenges in the German Health and Pension Systems42:54 Maternity and Parental Leave Policies44:01 Declining Birth Rates and Social Security46:26 Immigration and Cultural Integration48:05 German Cultural Traits and Business Etiquette49:15 Economic Challenges and Quantitative Easing50:25 Direct Communication and Efficiency in Germany57:00 Business Collaboration Between Germany and UK59:16 Ease of Doing Business in Germany01:09:00 Common Mistakes When Doing Business in Germany01:11:03 Visa and Property Ownership in Germany01:13:50 Andy Wears German Carnival Outfit01:15:19 Business or Bullshit quiz!01:18:04 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

EP 407 - What does it really take to build a food empire from scratch? We're giving our chat with John B Stapleton - serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of the New Covent Garden Soup Company and Little Dish a re-run to remind us about the hard-won lessons behind his multi-million-pound successes.From inventing the UK’s fresh soup category to mentoring today’s challenger brands, John shares his insights on:Why resilience beats a “genius idea” every timeHow to raise investment when the market is stacked against youThe truth about failure - and why it’s the best teacher for entrepreneursBootstrapping until you “know what you’re doing”The entrepreneurial ego: small “e” vs big “E”Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling towards exit, this episode is packed with real-world advice on how entrepreneurs really win - and why sometimes failure is the very thing that sets you up for millions.Perfect for founders, investors, and anyone navigating today’s uncertain business landscape.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with John Stapleton 00:40 John's Background and Achievements01:19 Current Business Climate and Challenges04:22 Investment Strategies and Advice12:45 Mentoring and Advising Startups14:25 Mission Ventures and Investment Platforms18:17 Entrepreneurial Traits and Success24:43 The Birth of Lamborghini25:22 The Cult of Entrepreneurial Personality26:29 The Value of Failure28:51 Consumer Insight and Resilience30:05 The Fresh Soup Revolution34:21 Quickfire - Get To Know John41:26 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

EP 406 - Economist and tax strategist Oriana Morrison pulls doesn't hold back in our chat about the UK economy, HMRC, tax avoidance, and inequality.Founder and CEO of ECNMX and trusted advisor to world champion athletes and entertainers, Oriana Morrison explains why HMRC is “shameful,” how tax is used as social engineering, and why Britain risks losing its top talent to fairer systems abroad.From the realities of sportswashing in Saudi boxing to the politics of envy driving the UK’s broken tax system, Oriana shares blunt insights you won’t hear from politicians, even or accountants.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Oriana Morrison calls HMRC “shameful”The hidden truth about tax, fairness and inequalityHow sportswashing in Saudi boxing really worksWhy Britain risks a Latin American-style economic collapseHow tax myths are driving talent and wealth out of the UKIf you want to hear about the future of Britain’s economy, the truth about tax and HMRC, and what it really means for athletes, creatives, and entrepreneurs, pull up a chair and press play.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Oriana Morrison01:30 Sportswashing in Saudi?04:09 Economic Realities of Sports Consumption09:33 Oriana's Role and Expertise14:01 Tax and Economic Policies16:57 HMRC: Challenges and Criticisms 26:50 Global Economic Perspectives42:28 Insider Trading and Ethical Dilemmas42:54 Navigating Client Relationships and Global Networks43:37 Oriana's Story: The Band Fallout46:32 Legal Battles and Partnership Laws53:11 Lessons Learned and Client Challenges59:42 Social Media vs. Tax Advice01:04:48 Quickfire - Get To Know Oriana01:08:49 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!01:17:10 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

EP 405 - Is Italy an entrepreneur’s dream or a business nightmare compared to the UK? In part 3 of our Business Without Baggage series, Andy speaks with corporate lawyer Marco Pistis about the cultural and legal contrasts between doing business in Italy and the UK.From relationship-driven deals to bureaucracy that stifles scale, Marco explains why British companies often struggle in Italy - and what they can learn from its unique, trust-first culture.What you’ll learn:Why relationships and trust matter more than rules in ItalyThe North-South divide: how culture, punctuality, and payments differHow family-run businesses dominate the market - and what that means for outsidersWhy bureaucracy and employee protection laws slow scalingHow UK businesses can avoid costly mistakes when entering ItalyWhere the real opportunities lie: Milan, the mid-market, and creative industriesPerfect for entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors looking to navigate UK - Italy business differences.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Business Without Baggage #3 Italy00:41 Meet Marco Pistis: The Insider's Perspective01:38 The Emotional Approach to Business03:50 Friendship and Business in Italy10:25 The Importance of Punctuality and Flexibility16:10 Hierarchy and Family Businesses23:20 Employee Expectations and Labour Laws26:07 Cultural Cues and Misunderstandings29:15 Cultural Taboos: Money and Religion29:54 Negotiating Business Deals in Italy31:56 The Importance of Food in Italian Business33:34 Challenges and Stereotypes in Italian Business34:34 Setting Up Business in Italy: Banking and Bureaucracy37:50 Tax Benefits and Wealthy Expats in Italy48:36 AI and Cultural Communication49:58 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!50:22 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me