In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Molly, Marketing Manager at Mytton Fold, to reveal why it is so much more than a hotel.

Molly shares how her role covers every part of the business, from promoting the bedrooms and restaurant to working closely with the weddings team, events, and day-to-day guest experience. We talk about Mytton Fold’s story through COVID, the transformation after being bought by local businessman Colin Mustoe, and the relaunch in 2021 following a full refurbishment.

You will hear what makes Mytton Fold a true destination in the Ribble Valley, with its wedding and function spaces, 34 bedrooms plus two master suites, an on-site restaurant open to the public, and its newest addition, outdoor padel courts that are already drawing in families, groups, and new visitors.

Molly also explains why Mytton Fold proudly sponsors the drinks reception at the Ribble Valley Business Awards each year and why supporting local business matters.

From proms and corporate stays to coffee catch-ups and weekend celebrations, this episode captures the atmosphere, community feel, and growing ambition behind one of the Ribble Valley’s best-known venues.

www.myttonfold.co.uk

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Ann Lord, founder of Artisan Escapes, an office-based travel agency in Whalley built around personal service and thoughtfully planned holidays.

Ann shares her journey through the travel world, starting at just 14, moving into travel management, then living her dream as cabin crew, before a career twist into teaching. That blend of experience and people skills eventually led her to launch Artisan Escapes in 2017, creating a business that focuses on giving clients time, attention, and expert planning through an appointment-led approach.

We chat about the huge variety of trips Artisan Escapes arranges, from simple sunshine getaways to tailor-made itineraries, cruises, safaris, honeymoons, destination weddings, city breaks, and everything in between. Ann also speaks honestly about the challenges of the pandemic for the travel industry, and how the business rebuilt and grew into a team of five as travel returned.

Finally, Ann explains why Artisan Escapes proudly sponsors the Micro Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, highlighting the value of community, relationships, networking, and local collaboration that helps businesses support each other and grow together.

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Victoria Hill from Harrison Drury Solicitors, talking about their Ribble Valley office based in Clitheroe, and their growing presence across the North West with multiple offices and a team of more than 220 people, while still keeping that smaller-firm feel locally.

Victoria shares her specialist area in private client work, including wills, tax planning, powers of attorney and probate, and explains how demand can shift depending on what is happening in the wider world, including the impact of recent changes affecting farming clients.

We also chat about Harrison Drury’s commitment to the rural community, including their presence at Clitheroe Auction Mart and plans for informal drop-in advice sessions to better support busy farmers.

We then dive into the Ribble Valley Professional Network, the quarterly get-togethers that bring local professionals together in a relaxed setting using local venues and businesses, helping relationships grow naturally into trusted connections.

Finally, Victoria explains why Harrison Drury proudly sponsors the Small Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, and why it is so rewarding to watch businesses grow year on year, supporting each other and strengthening the Ribble Valley community.

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by James Evans from Evans Accountants, a long-standing firm originally founded by his dad in the mid-1990s, now based in Whalley.

James shares the journey from the business starting in a front room to growing into a thriving team, with staff who have been part of the firm for well over a decade. We talk about the recent leadership transition, with James’s dad retiring on 1 February, and James working alongside fellow Director Kirsty, a tax specialist who has grown with the business.

We also chat about how accountancy has changed. Evans Accountants still handle the essentials like accounts and tax returns, but James explains how modern accountants now play a much more hands-on role, supporting clients with regular catch-ups, strategic decisions, growth planning, and acting almost like a part-time finance director. From property changes to specialist tax areas, James highlights why having the right accountant can feel like having a real partner in your business.

Finally, James explains why Evans Accountants proudly sponsor the New Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, and how the awards bring the local business community together, creating connections, conversations, and momentum right across the Ribble Valley.

To find out more www.evansaccountants.com

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Laura Sieczkowski, Managing Director of Mantle Packaging Machinery Ltd, a brilliant family business based in Whalley that quietly supplies packaging machines used in food retail across the UK and around the world.

Laura explains what Mantle makes, from machines that wrap fresh pizzas and seal ready-meal trays, to the consumables that go with them, all manufactured on-site by a small team. We talk about their global distributor network, how the business has evolved since it was founded in 1997, and what it is really like running a multi-generation family business where everyone has different strengths and roles.

Laura also shares her own unexpected journey into leadership, moving from nursing into the business, learning everything from finance and HR to strategy and growth. We finish by chatting about why Mantle sponsors the Food and Drink Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, and why celebrating local businesses matters when your customers and community are right on your doorstep.

To find out more go to www.mantlepackaging.co.uk

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother

In this episode of It’s Your Business, I’m joined by Pauline Wilde, Managing Partner at Forbes Solicitors, a full-service law firm with deep Lancashire roots and a national reach.

Pauline shares the story of Forbes, from its origins as a traditional high street practice to a modern, specialist firm spanning personal, commercial, and public sector legal services, with offices beyond Lancashire including Manchester, Leeds, and London.

We talk about why legal support is not just for crisis moments, but a smart part of planning and growth for both individuals and businesses, from buying a home and writing a will to structuring a company, bringing in key people, and navigating complex change.

Pauline also explains the purpose of the Forbes Foundation, created to support disadvantaged families through practical help beyond legal advice, and why giving back matters to the culture of the firm. Finally, we discuss why Forbes proudly sponsors the Large Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, and what Pauline learns from reading the entries and seeing how businesses are evolving in a fast-changing climate.

For more information contact www.forbessolicitors.co.uk

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Simon McDonald from Bowland Wild Boar Park, a family-run destination in the Ribble Valley that has grown into so much more than a day out with the animals.

Simon shares the story of taking over the park in 2019, how they brought the animal attraction back to life, and how the wider site now includes holiday lodges and a busy programme of teepee events including weddings, corporate wellbeing days, yoga, afternoon teas and school visits. We chat about the variety on offer, from wild boar and ostriches to woodland walks, kids’ activities, and educational trails that make it hard to do everything in just one visit.

Looking ahead, Simon explains their plans to refine the experience into a more welcoming country park feel, including an upgraded café and a more flexible way for locals to enjoy the space, alongside their strong focus on wildlife, sustainability, and community projects like the kitchen garden. Simon also shares why they proudly sponsor the Made in Ribble Valley Award, and why supporting local businesses matters when you are building something rooted in the community.

To find out more of to www.wildboarpark.co.uk

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Katie Wright from Woodcocks, Haworth & Nuttall, a long-established law firm with nine offices across Lancashire and roots dating back to 1791.

Katie explains what a modern full-service solicitor firm can help with, and shares her own specialist area, civil litigation, covering disputes such as landlord and tenant issues, boundary disagreements, and contentious probate including will disputes. We also talk about how their team approach works, why specialist departments matter, and how an initial chat helps make sure clients are matched with the right expert from the start.

Katie also shares why the firm sponsors the Medium Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, from celebrating local success to learning from the stories behind the entries, and enjoying the genuine community feel the awards create.

You can find them at www.whnsolicitors.co.uk

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother