The Evolving Accountant

Harlands Accountants

Accountants are boring - but not this one!! We look to learn from those that have been down the same route, this podcast refuses to talk trial balances, forecasts or profit and loss but getting ripped jeans into the boardroom. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Signature Pubs & Cold Town Beer - COLD AS F***
Oct 11 2023
Signature Pubs & Cold Town Beer - COLD AS F***
In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting a distinguished guest, Louise Maclean, Director of Signature Pubs and Cold Town Beer, a leading figure in the FMCG sector.Cold Town Brewery has a rich and captivating history deeply intertwined with Scotland's brewing heritage. Their story begins with a nod to the brewing legacy of Edinburgh's Calton Hill Brewery, which pioneered lager production in Britain way back in 1835. Nestled in the chilly shadow of Arthur's Seat, the brewery's neighborhood earned the moniker "Cauld Toon," eventually evolving into "Cal-ton." This evolution of language gave birth to the name Cold Town Hill, serving as the foundation for the brewery's identity.In early 2018, Cold Town Brewery embarked on its journey, starting as a modest microbrewery within the walls of an abandoned church in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Grassmarket district. Despite humble beginnings, their dedication to crafting exceptional brews was unwavering, supplying local venues and gaining a foothold in the city's vibrant bar scene. Their full range of beers was refined through collaboration with industry professionals who reveled in the art of fine libations. After numerous iterations and feedback, they proudly introduced their signature creation: Cold Town Lager.As their reputation grew, more establishments welcomed Cold Town Brewery into their fold, prompting the need for expansion. They established their main operations on Dunedin Street in order to cater to a diverse array of bars and restaurants throughout Scotland. In early 2019, their journey came full circle as they transformed their original microbrewery location into Cold Town House, a place that not only houses an evolved brewing facility but also offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle beneath the imposing castle rock. It's a story that reflects their unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional beer in the heart of Scotland's capital.Join us as we explore Louise's remarkable journey, gaining insights into her illustrious career. In this conversation, we'll uncover:Louise's FMCG Sector Journey: Delve into the experiences and pivotal moments that have shaped Louise's career in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.The Brands in Focus: Learn about the fascinating brands that Louise oversees, including Signature Pubs, a conglomerate of venues with hundreds of dedicated staff, navigating the hospitality sector's challenges.The Birth of Cold Town Beer: Uncover the intriguing origins and motivation behind Cold Town Beer, a venture that adds a unique flavor to the beverage industry.Customer-Centric Approach: Discover how Cold Town Beer places customer satisfaction at the core, with a commitment to refining their offerings based on real-time feedback.Navigating Industry Shifts: Explore the dynamics of running brands in an evolving landscape, including insights into the differences between the on-trade and off-trade segments.Launching New Drinks Brands: Gain valuable tips and advice from Louise about launching new drinks brands in the ever-changing landscape of 2023/24.What Lies Ahead: Peer into the future as we discuss the exciting developments and prospects on the horizon for Signature Pubs and Cold Town Beer.Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
Flavour by smoke
Oct 4 2023
Flavour by smoke
Flavour, an integral part of our daily lives, takes center stage at Besmoke. They understand the pivotal role that complex, clean, balanced, and bold flavours play in making your products truly stand out. Thepassion lies in bringing these flavours to life, enhancing any application they touch.Since the inception in 2004, they have been on a relentless quest to redefine smoked food ingredients. Huw has pioneered state-of-the-art patented technology, which removes a staggering 95% of carcinogenic PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) from smoke. This innovation has allowed them to craft fresh, complementary, and well-rounded flavours. They've even engineered smoke volatiles to transform the culinary landscape, offering clean grill flavours, umami-enhancing taste modifiers, and reductions in salt and sugar content, among other innovations.Now, let's dive into the remarkable benefits of Besmoke:Authentic smoke and grill flavours that elevate your culinary creations.A revolutionary process that eliminates over 95% of PAHs, ensuring a natural, clean, and safe experience.Say goodbye to acrid smoke tar – the technology removes it entirely.They're committed to sustainability and promoting healthier choices.The product journey began with the introduction of our SmokeCreate™ range, utilising traditional smoking techniques to produce rich, deep, and irresistibly savoury ingredients.But the true essence of Besmoke lies in their PureTech™ lineup. This collection harnesses the power of the patented technology to deliver balanced smoke, grill, or umami flavours in their purest form. It's a game-changer, allowing them to enhance flavour profiles and reduce salt and sugar levels while maintaining quality and purity.The story of Besmoke is woven with the passion and dedication of the founder, Huw Griffiths. His fascination with flavour science ignited in 2004 when he embarked on smoking garlic in an old tin ballot box. Endless experimentation led to the creation of high-quality smoked garlic that gained popularity at delis and food markets across the country. With the addition of smoked salt and smoked pepper, Besmoke was born.In our conversation with Huw Griffiths, we delve into:Huw's personal journey and career.The core mission of the Besmoke brand.The inspiration that drove Huw to enter the FMCG sector.What sets Besmoke's products apart in the market.Defining moments that have shaped the brand's significant growth in the FMCG sector.Unexpected pivots or adaptations made along the journey.Exciting developments on the horizon for the Besmoke brand.Join us as we explore the fascinating world of flavour and innovation with Huw Griffiths.Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
Titanic Brewery - From 7 barrels to over 4 million pints a year!
Sep 27 2023
Titanic Brewery - From 7 barrels to over 4 million pints a year!
Hailing from Staffordshire, two beer aficionado brothers, Keith and Dave Bott, known for their unwavering standards when it comes to a good pint, take the helm at Titanic Brewery.Their commitment to beer excellence led them to an unconventional path – acquiring Stoke's brewery and personally overseeing its operations.With three decades of brewery management under their belts and a workforce of approximately 250 locals, Keith's dedication still sees him mashing in each morning at the brewery (provided you're an early riser to witness it), while Dave is frequently found constructing bars and giving our pubs, both existing and newly added to our portfolio, a fresh coat of paint.In this episode, we sit down with David Glenwright of Titanic Brewery to delve into the world of beer. Our conversation explores:David's journey into the drinks industryThe brand's underlying purposeTitanic Brewery's unique bod cafe-bar concept and the reasons behind its creationStrategies for maintaining the brand's appeal to younger generations year after yearThe remarkable growth story, going from 7 barrels to over 4 million pints annuallyA glimpse into what lies ahead for the brewery's future endeavors.Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
The Home of Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Sep 13 2023
The Home of Champagne & Sparkling Wine
In this episode we speak to founder of Glass of Bubbly and Champagne Collectors, Christopher Walkey.Christopher has a passion for Champagne and sparkling wines along with pairing them with foods. A multi award winning marketeer with a string of successful start-up and investment concepts. Now focused on a passion that is Glass of Bubbly and travelling internationally reviewing sparkling wines, pairing menus and venues.Glass of Bubbly has evolved to become one of the biggest names promoting the glorious and ever expanding world of Champagne and sparkling wines. From a simple start up idea via a husband and wife team with big hearts and passion for the subject, they have become one of the busiest names showcasing some of the finest fizz from around the globe, helping to highlight wonderful sparkling wine regions, the diversity of producers and the amazing aromas and flavours each corner of our earth can provide us.Champagne Collectiors, Founded by Christopher and a small group of first round investors with a unique online concept enabling:Multi-level auction formats from non-disgorged direct from original cellars to consumer sales with no history.Quality controlled review notes and scoring to guarantee expert tasting notes from fellow connoisseurs across an in-depth database of Champagne House vintages.Member profile building including tokens towards purchases via reviews and article submissions. The ranking system not only gives members the opportunity to discovers some of the rarest vintage labels, but also exclusive invites to once in a lifetime Champagne and food experiences.During the conversation with Christopher, we discuss:Getting into the fizz sectorHow a brand makes bottles famousThe fizz awardsInvesting in wine and the demandExpectations of the marketplace for the futureNext stages for the brandsContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
The story of Hawkshead Relish Company - Juicy Jams and Savoury Sauces
Sep 6 2023
The story of Hawkshead Relish Company - Juicy Jams and Savoury Sauces
In this episode, we talk to Maria Whitehead MBE, Director at Hawkshead Relish Company,The story of how they went from a cafe in the Lake District, to a multi Award Winning Artisan Food Producer shipping products worldwide.In 1999, from a busy cafe in the Lake District Town of Hawkshead, 2001 being impacted by the foot and mouth outbreak and everyone being told to stay away from the countryside.Having started with a small range of 2-3 products, they found out that Mark had the knack for coming up with great new recipe ideas and the success of the Relishes and Preserves lead to an increased production which meant the little shop was groaning at the seams as the range kept growing to 100 products. Mark's imaginative and great tasting products lead to Hawkshead Relish also winning over 60 Great Taste Awards.During the chat with Maria, we discuss:2001 from today, making a drastic pivot due to foot and mouthDeciding to not work with the supermarkets and actually pulling out of a deal'Greedflation' - As a business deciding to not put prices up on ever increasing supply challengesTHE B WORD - As an export champion of the North West with D.I.T and the impact that the business had immediately from Brexit and currentlyNext steps for the family businessContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
From Kitchen Table to TikTok Shop - The Business Journey of Candy's Cupcakes
Aug 16 2023
From Kitchen Table to TikTok Shop - The Business Journey of Candy's Cupcakes
In this episode, we are joined by Candice Bannister, MD of Candy's Cupcakes.Candy's Cupcakes was formed from a Kitchen but now in a designated unit and selling thousands of cupcakes per week via their website and TikTok Shop.Candice began making cupcakes and cakes as a hobby from her home kitchen in 2011 and grew a local loyal customer base via social media.In February 2012, Candice decided to turn her passion for bakery and art into a business and gave up her full-time job in social housing. Candy's Cupcakes was open to all.During the global pandemic in 2020, the online store began to grow in popularity with customers opting to ship gifts nationwide when they were unable to be with loved ones and friends. Over the years, Candy's have been honoured to make a wide variety of bespoke orders, wedding cakes and large branded orders working with well-known companies and celebrities like Blue Peter and will.i.am.During the conversation, we discussed:The journey of the business, from side hustle to full time role.The various stages of a growing business and the challenges that comes with itBeing a female leader and the support network around Candice.Selling cupcakes via the TikTok ShopWhat the future looks like for Candy's Cupcakes.Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
Down to Earth, Delicious.
Aug 9 2023
Down to Earth, Delicious.
In this episode, we speak to Dr. Adrian Massey, Founder of Earth'd Drinks and his journey for creating the Earth'd cereal drink.If you’re thinking, not another plant-based company, then you’re exactly right! Earth’d is something truly different and what makes them so truly different is their Foodlosophy. This is essentially the belief that food should taste delicious, be nutritious, and not only do no harm, but contribute positively to wellbeing of the planet. Simple, right? So, why isn’t everyone doing it? Dr. Adrian Massey. Founder, a food technologist with a PhD in Food science and a 1st Class (Hons) in Food Science & Nutrition and, most proudly, a father. When his first child was born at 29-weeks, Adrian received a shock to the system that made him change the way he thought about the  food we eat, the world we live in, and the future we hope for. Travelling back-and-forth to NCIU, he subsisted on convenience foods that offered neither the taste nor the basic nutrition he needed to keep his energy and hopes up. He realised that we all need and deserve more, and he knew that with his expertise and experience, he could, in a small way, create a big change that was positive and absolutely necessary.And that’s how Earth’d started. Just a new dad wanting more – more deliciousness, more nutritiousness, and a healthier, happier world for his family to live and thrive in.During the chat with Adrian we discussed:Adrian's career and journey to dateMore on what the brand does and why it was createdBiggest challenges of a new FMCG brandGetting British Airways as a first customerNext stages for the business journeyMaintaining a strong company culture durng periods of growthContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
Can you name your favourite Prosecco brand?
Jul 26 2023
Can you name your favourite Prosecco brand?
Discover your new favorite Prosecco brand in this episode as we chat with Michael Goldstein, the dynamic mastermind behind Prosecco Ventures and Bella Principessa.A spirited entrepreneur and connoisseur, Michael's ambitious mission is to transform Bella Principessa from merely 'bubbles in a bottle' to a universally loved lifestyle brand.Michael's obsession with Prosecco began during a trip to Venice, where he was startled to learn that despite Prosecco's sales dominance over Champagne, few could name their preferred Prosecco brand.Recognising the importance of presentation alongside quality, he found this aspect lacking in competitors.This gap sparked the creation of Bella Principessa Luxury Prosecco, a brand embodying Italian charm and hospitality, designed to take pride of place at your table, as a treasured gift, and enhance any special occasion.But as Michael reminds us, "being an entrepreneur is like leading a mission to the moon. We don't just aim for the stars; we also build the rockets that take us there."Throughout this interview, Michael provides a raw, candid look into the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey, making this episode an inspiring listen.In this podcast, we delve into:Michael's intriguing career path and his journey crafting Bella Principessa, including overcoming legal challenges.The discrepancies between authentic Italian Prosecco and what usually reaches the UK market.The art of getting the most bang for your buck in the wine industry.Tactics for brand growth, unforgettable moments, and future brand expansion plans.Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
The World's Best Contemporary London Dry Gin
Jul 19 2023
The World's Best Contemporary London Dry Gin
In this episode, we speak to Rachel Hicks, Co - Founder of Sky Wave Gin. It took over 6 months, more than 40 recipe variations, and over 300 expert testers to get to the smooth flavours you can now enjoy in Sky Wave’s award winning Signature London Dry Gin -–officially The World’s Best Contemporary London Dry Gin. Sky Wave Gin distil exactingly to the London Dry style using the ‘one shot’ method to create their multi-award winning signature gin. The perfect quantity of 13 botanicals from around the world for each single batch are added directly to the wash, resulting in a fabulous, full-flavoured mouth feel. They add absolutely nothing afterwards except the finest Oxfordshire natural mineral water from Blenheim Palace, so that they can absolutely guarantee the flavours going in to your glass. It is distilled gently in very small batches, only a few hundred bottles at a time allowing them to manage the flavour precisely and results in a remarkably smooth gin.During the recording, we discuss:Rachel's career from being a journalist in the BBC to creating the worlds best ginChallenges faced while building the brand and productDefining moments that impacted the brands growthMaking sure the brand resonates with consumers and stays relevant in an ever-changing marketInnovative strategies and unique marketing approaches to promote your brandStepping up to a super premium Gin brandContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
Protein, Bodybuilding and recovering from an EBITDA LOSS of £1.1M
Jun 28 2023
Protein, Bodybuilding and recovering from an EBITDA LOSS of £1.1M
In this episode, we speak to Mark Harrison, Managing Director of The Protein Partners and producer of CNP Products. At CNP they have one mission, and that is to support you in reaching your goals. Whether that’s powering through your next training session, keeping on top of your health focused nutritional needs or when it’s time to get serious and take your sport to the next level. They know achieving goals like these becomes part of a lifestyle, your lifestyle, and that it is important to get the right sports nutrition made convenient, great tasting and formulated to be as effective as possible so reaching them is that one step closer. Which is why they have taken the high end formulas provided to athletes and made them theirselves in house, meaning you get the best quality products at affordable prices.During the conversation with Mark, we discuss:Mark's career to becoming the MD of The Protein PartnersFormed by British Bodybuilding Champion Kerry Kayes and 'that' famous photo of Kerry being between Ricky Hatton & Floyd Mayweather at the weigh-in before the fight during the time Kerry was training Ricky.Bad decisions and money being wastedThe Business Journey and recovering from a £1.1M EBIDTA LOSS in 2018Deciding on your marketing budget, spliting it between on and offlineBest marketing tactic vs ROI in the last 12 monthsForgetting about your customers whilst other products on the market are targeting them2023 product launches and info on a future product release - the CNP marketing team are now hunting us down!!Taking the next step in your own personal developmentContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
The London Dough Company - Going Global!
Jun 21 2023
The London Dough Company - Going Global!
In this episode, we talk to Kathryn Bricken, Founder of Doughlicious.Doughlicious aims to be inclusive. Every cookie dough flavour is 100% gluten-free thanks to our unique blend of gluten-free flours. There are also dairy-free, organic and vegan flavours. Everything is made with the finest ingredients and no artificial additives or preservatives. They produce cookies that are better for you and the environment (in a factory powered by renewable energy). Their ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers who adhere to high standards of quality, animal welfare and sustainable production methods. The dough is individually portioned so you only bake what you need in order to minimise food waste (from chilled or frozen).Kathryn Bricken, Mum and now entrepreneur, has a passion for baking. From an early age she understood how food is more than fuel; it is a way of bringing people together and making magical memories. After moving to London, Kathryn became famous amongst her friends for baking the best American-style cookies using the finest natural ingredients. She was often asked to make extra dough so that her friends could bake cookies at home. In 2014 Kathryn decided to share her secret with the rest of the UK … Thus, Doughlicious was born.Whether you’re a cookie lover wanting to get your hands on their Ready-To-Bake Cookie Dough, a keen chef waiting to get your bake on with the Savoury Biscuits, a dessert fanatic looking to cool down with their Dough•Chi or a busy body trying to satisfy your cookie cravings on the go with Snackable Cookie Dough – there’s a lot of Doughlicious products for everybody!During the chat with Kathryn, we discuss:- Founder Fatigue- Trying to launch a Female led brand and the challenges that it brings- Challenges that come when launching frozen products into hot countries (Australia & Saudia Arabia)- The B (Brexit) Word and the challenges that it brings to a FMCG business- Running a business whilst battling breast cancer- Question from a previous guestContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!
Enjoying great wine shouldn’t cost the earth!
Jun 14 2023
Enjoying great wine shouldn’t cost the earth!
In this episode, we talk to Laura Rosenberger,  Co-Founder of Laylo.Laylo was created to make environmentally conscious drinking a no-brainer... Delicious wine, fresh for 6 weeks in beautifully designed packaging - which just so happens to be better for the planet. We know we still have further to go, and we’re busy working on ways we can reduce our impact even further.The design of glass wine bottles has barely changed in 200 years. But the amount of bottles and how we ship them around the world really has - and it has become unsustainable.Laylo believe that drinking great wine is a joy we all deserve. Boxed wine is the smartest alternative, and improvements in the materials used to create the bags means great quality wines will stay tasting great.Wine in glass bottles doesn't work for how we drink wine today. The half empty bottles turned to vinegar in the fridge door… The guilty hangovers because you felt obliged to polish off the last drop… And (the worst!) the I-wanted-wine-but-couldn’t-justify-it G&Ts. After working together at one of the UK’s largest wine companies, Laura and Laura decided to search for a better solution. The answer had been under our noses the whole time - boxed wine! So they set out to make boxed wine better, by sourcing fantastic wine and creating beautiful boxes you’d be proud to share with friends.Since then they have won awards, been featured in national newspapers, and sold boxes at Selfridges. During the chat with Laura, we discuss:- From Zero to business in the FMCG Sector- The opportunites, fundraising and challenges of running your own business- Focussing on 3 things as a business owner to make sure your business is going in the correct direction- Sustainability - the decision to not use glass bottles- What the next 12 months for Laylo look like- Listening to advice, but you don't always have to take it- Question from a previous guestContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at host@theevolvingaccountant.co.ukDon't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!