In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with Nigel Mills CBE, a champion for business and entrepreneurialism in the North of England.

Like Carl, Nigel began his career as a Chartered Accountant. He qualified at PriceWaterhouseCoopers before leaving to buy an independent convenience store business, which he scaled to a portfolio of 77 stores, before selling it to Tesco PLC.

After selling, Nigel set up, developed and subsequently sold highly regarded The Lakes Distillery, which was acquired by English sparkling wine producer, Nytimber in a deal, which valued The Lakes Distillery at £71 million.

Nigel was one of the founders of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and is a trusted advisor, Non-Executive Director, mentor and investor.

Nigel talks to Carl about how he switched from a plan to be a professional golfer to become an accountant after his grandfather passed away, before landing a place at PwC. He covers the highs and lows of his business career, the importance of sport in his life, the range of investment and mentoring opportunities he is regularly offered and how he decides which ones to pursue, and invest in.

This educational and thought-provoking episode highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with the experience and expertise of others, coupled with persistency when pursuing ambitious entrepreneurial endeavours.

Connect with Nigel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-john-mills-cbe-6a555042/

Connect with Carl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/

This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with inspiring global recruitment specialist Steve Carter.

Australian entrepreneur, who has been in the UK for almost 30 years, Steve rose from recruitment industry novice to a CEO position and subsequently become a board advisor helping firms in the sector from start-ups, scale-ups and those looking to internationalise their operations.

An accidental recruiter and accidental ‘Aussie export’, having only originally planned to be in the UK for two years, Steve has made Britain his home and the base for his entrepreneurial endeavours.

He began his career with Hays Global, as a candidate and was offered a job as a recruiter, thus beginning a journey that took him to the other side of the world, falling in love with the UK.

After climbing the ladder with a number of corporate firms, Steve became CEO of Robert Half UK, before making the move to run his own business, acquiring a London-based agency, which he, and an investor, scaled, buying a plc in a ‘take private’ deal and rebranding the collective group, Morgan McKinley Recruitment.

Steve talks in this podcast about the inspiration that led him to a career in recruitment, (and how she became his wife), and how he earned the focus that gave him the financial independence and drive to take his career forward.

This insightful and engaging episode highlights and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurialism, when is it time to exit and what happens next.

Connect with Steve

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevecarter2/

Website: https://www.thesatoripartnership.com/

Connect with Carl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/

This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of a CEO’, Carl sits down with straight-talking, networking and recruitment specialist entrepreneur Helen Trueman-Howe.

Helen is the co-founder of Northeast Network, a thriving networking hub in North East England, and the founder and Managing Director of Heels & Brogues Group, which specialises in recruiting talent across manufacturing, engineering, renewables, HVAC and professional services.

A reunion of secondary school friends, Helen and Carl reminisce about growing up in Sunderland and how her formative years in education had no bearing on her future success.

Rather than sitting her GCSEs, Helen was working in a tampon factory and from there built a ‘streetwise’ education that actually led her to securing a place at university, setting the tone for a very interesting and varied career path that has seen her succeed in entrepreneurship.

Helen talks in this podcast, as she does in life, with her heart on her sleeve, covering everything from ADHD and imposter syndrome versus self-belief, to the opportunities and challenges of self-employment and business ownership.

This insightful and entertaining episode highlights how the dynamism of entrepreneurship, building networks and how you can make your own fate in life and business, can transform challenges into opportunities and turn bold ideas into lasting success.

Connect with Helen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-trueman-howe-528469121

Websites: https://northeastnetwork.co.uk/ & https://hbgrecruitment.com/

Connect with Carl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/

This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of a…’, Carl has a unique entrepreneur in the hot-seat; broadcaster, TedTalk speaker, author, comedian, impressionist, artist and business founder, Alfie Joey.

Having spent 15 years practicing as a priest in his native North East, Alfie made the decision to take a unique path that has led to him being behind a BBC microphone, becoming a successful comedian, compering large and high-profile events, a speaking coach and even the Britain’s Got Talent stage!

Alfie talks about how the microphone is the tool of his trade and helps make him the #speakeasyguy to enable people from all walks of life, particularly in business, enhance their communication skills.

This highly engaging, often hilarious and consistently insightful episode highlights how creative skills can be the foundation for a business but also used by those in business to be more successful.

Listeners will discover why people say ‘Alfie Joey makes you appreciate being alive’ and his infectious passion for life and for helping people.

Connect with Alfie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfie-speakeasyguy-joey/

Website: https://alfiejoey.com/

Connect with Carl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/

This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of Confessions of a CEO, Carl sits down with the fascinating and sometimes controversial Gary Goldsmith.

A multi-millionaire from his business career in IT recruitment, Gary is known to most people as uncle to Catherine, Princess of Wales and the first evictee from the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2024.

However, his story goes much deeper than that and in this detailed and frank conversation with Carl, Gary reveals the challenges and struggles of his life, that have included a police conviction and drug issues.

Gary shares his personal and professional journey through the highs and lows of his life, and talks about his current business enterprise, RDLC Pirates, which he co-founded and is CEO. The RDLC is the leading global network for recruitment CEOs, MDs, founders, shareholders and directors.

For the inside track on one of business’ most colourful characters who gives a very open and honest account of his life, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Gary

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygoldsmith/

Website: https://www.rdlcpirates.com/

Connect with Carl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/

This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode, Carl Swansbury chats with Paul Cheetham Karcz, founder and Managing Partner of Sedulo, to discuss his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building a respected and privately owned independent accounting advisory business.

Paul shares how his working-class background and early education shaped his ambition and fuelled his drive to build a successful business. He reveals why attitude beats process every time, why workplace culture isn't just a buzzword, and how a little bit of honest feedback (even when brutal) can be a game-changer for personal and professional development.

As a passionate advocate for creating opportunities, Paul also highlights his foundation's mission to support underprivileged children, reinforcing that success should have a purpose beyond business.

The conversation also explores identity, legacy, and the delicate balance between business and family life. Paul's shares powerful insights on self-awareness, resilience, and the importance of building trust within teams.

If you're looking for motivation, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on leadership, this episode is for you.

Connect with Paul:

Website: https://sedulo.co.uk/team/paul-cheetham-karcz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-cheetham-karcz/

Connect with Carl:

Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/

This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of Confessions of a CEO, Carl chats with internationally renowned keynote speaker and author, Geoff Ramm.

Geoff’s journey is one of grit, creativity, and an unwavering passion for exceptional customer experiences. From his humble beginnings in the North East of England to running a successful agency, OMG Marketing, and becoming a globally sought-after speaker, he understands the power of delivering celebrity-level service.

Geoff shares why treating every customer like a VIP isn’t just a nice-to-have but the secret sauce to business success. He also opens up about the evolution of his business focus from marketing to customer experience consultancy.

If you're looking for inspiration, motivation, and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Geoff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/customerservicespeaker/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website: https://www.geofframm.com/

Connect with Carl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/

This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

Ever wished you could get some top business tips from a real-life Dragon?

Carl Swansbury sits down with TV star and business icon Sara Davies to delve into her extraordinary journey from launching her crafting business Crafters' Companion, to becoming a household name in our stores and on our screens.

Sara opens up about her entrepreneurial triumphs, the challenges she faced in overcoming self-doubt, and her unwavering passion for helping others embark on their own business ventures. Her journey has even led her to the Den, where she’s inspired and invested in countless entrepreneurs.

Together, Carl and Sara explore the resilience and innovation behind successful business ownership, including the secrets you'll need to fuel your own entrepreneurial aspirations.

This is an episode NOT to be missed.

Connect with Sara:

Website: https://sara-davies.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-davies-mbe-7406854/?originalSubdomain=uk

Connect with Carl

Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk

This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.