Vodafone Business and Enterprise Nation partner to launch a brand-new weekly podcast aimed at real small businesses

Vodafone Business has partnered with Enterprise Nation to launch a weekly podcast shining a spotlight on the brilliant work small businesses do every day.

The Small Business Sessions will feature real start-up founders and business owners talking about their journey to success – as well as some of the not so successful challenges along the way.

The series is part of the business.connected initiative, a programme of free support delivered by Vodafone Business and small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation.

The podcasts aim to give listeners everything they need to know about starting and growing a business, as well as tips on embracing the power of digital tools and marketing. With a crucial year ahead for the British economy, the podcast will provide an essential weekly briefing with pragmatic tips from those that are adept at navigating change.

It will be hosted by Dan Martin, a seasoned and energetic small business journalist and podcast enthusiast.

Emma Jones CBE, founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation, said:

"The Small Business Sessions is only podcast small businesses need to set you up for the coming week. It's important for us to keep our small business listeners ahead of the game with tips and inspiring stories from people that have experienced the highs – and the lows – of running a start-up or small business and come out the other side.

“With our podcast, we want everyone else to join the conversation."

The guests on the podcast include:

• Ailis Topley, founder of ceramic natural candle firm Pott Candles, who turned a lockdown hobby into £1m in sales.

• Kay Suppamas, founder of on-trend London-based terrarium firm Leafage.

• Navjot Sawhney, founder of the Washing Machine Project, who is on a mission to provide displaced and low-income communities with an accessible, off-grid washing solution, empowering women with the time to take charge of their lives.

Ailis said:

"So I'd say be naive, you know, be naive, don't let anyone tell you can't do it and don't take no for an answer, just keep going if you truly believe in it, but also be really clear about what you're trying to do.

"I think naivety is a superpower. Don't let people tell you that it can't be done. Don't let people kind of dampen your vision and you're super clear about what you want to do and how you want to do it."

Starting on 11 October, new episodes will be released every Wednesday on the usual podcast platforms (including Apple Podcasts and Spotify) and on the Enterprise Nation podcast page.

ENDS

About Enterprise Nation

Enterprise Nation is a business support platform and provider delivering support to more than 800,000 small businesses every year. It is a membership organisation on track to have 120k members by the end of 2023. Its aim is to help people turn their good ideas into great businesses – through expert advice, events, acceleration support and networking.

Enterprise Nation was founded in 2005 by British entrepreneur Emma Jones CBE, also co-founder of national enterprise campaign StartUp Britain. She is author of best-selling business books and is a frequently called-on and regular media commentator on a range of issues which affect the UK's growing number of SMEs.