In this, our final episode for Season 1, we're taking a moment to pause and reflect on the wisdom and insights from the forward thinking academics and leading industry experts we've heard from so far. Think of it as a refresher course for those who followed along for the season, or perhaps a primer for those newer to the podcast. We hear some clips from across the season and discussing the issues and ideas that have come up along the way. Sit back, listen and enjoy.

Megatrends: Usually each of our episodes focus on a single issue but in this episode we’re doing something a little different – we’re gazing into the crystal ball of the future, contemplating what the business landscape could be like in twenty years’ time. Our guide to the future is the once-in-a-decade report released in 2021 by the CSIRO. Called Our Future World, the weighty tome identifies seven global megatrends that hold the key to the challenges and opportunities ahead and predict their likely impact on Australia’s people, businesses and governments. Let’s see what that future direction could be, and contemplate what it could mean for regional businesses.

In this episode, we're talking about recruitment and the challenges that can be involved, particularly in a regional location. We’ll explore the ins and outs of finding and keeping the right staff, and get some tips and advice on the strategies local businesses can implement as they look for the right person to join their team.

In this episode, we look at how you can engage with other businesses or partners to do more or to work more effectively. Whether you’re a large business looking for innovation, or perhaps to partner with government; or you’re a small business who wants to align with other like-minded operators, Angela looks at when collaborating can help you to reach new heights – and what to look out for along the way. She speaks with Ben Roche, Vice President of Engagement at the University, as well as Rebecca Zentveld, Coffee Roastmistress and Creative Director at Zentveld’s Coffee and with Christine Manfield, one of Australia’s most renowned chefs.

In this episode, we're talking about workplace culture. What is it? How to build it? And how do things like leadership and teamwork contribute to the magic of culture.

The Australian Red Meat industry has set a target to become carbon neutral by 2030, so in this episode we explore how local meat producers and graziers can embrace the push to become carbon neutral and explore ways your farm and businesses be part of this paradigm shift. Angela talks about the science with Dr Lukas Van Zwieten, Principal Research Scientist with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, and Adjunct Professor at Southern Cross University before hearing about the practical experiences of Kerry and Paul Wilson, co-owners of Nimbin Valley Dairy, one of the region’s most renowned food businesses.

This episode builds on the ideas explored in our business health checks episode. This time we sink our teeth into business finances, taking a deep dive into the financial health of your business – what to look for, what to worry about and some of the ways you can monitor your financial position. Angela gets key advice from Jennifer Harrison, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Business, Law and Arts and Southern Cross University before talking with Mark Awad, owner of Winding Road Distilling Co, about how he keeps a keen eye on the numbers in his business.

This episode of Business Bites is all about provenance; about why telling the story of the ingredients, the process, the location, the people behind your food matters. Angela goes into some quirky food facts with food historian and Associate Professor in History at Southern Cross University, Adele Wessell before talking with two business owners, Blue Ginger Picnic’s Tania Usher and Playing with Fire’s Rebecca Barnes,  about how they approach the art of storytelling to better connect with customers.

This episode of Business Bites looks at how, why and when to do a business health check. Angela Catterns gets a rundown on the basics of health checks from Southern Cross University’s Associate Professor David Noble and then chats with Matt Orr, Sales Director and Monique Smith, Marketing Manager from Brookfarm about Brookfarm puts the theory into practice. Finally, Cam Hogan from Dollars Making Sense discusses with Angela the importance of knowing your numbers and offers some practical advice for businesses.

Northern Rivers Food and Southern Cross University present Business Bites, the podcast series that discusses, evaluates and explores all the factors that contribute to making a successful business. In each episode we bring you wisdom and insights from forward-thinking academics and leading industry experts about what really helps a business stay relevant and thrive. Hosted by Angela Catterns, Business Bites is made possible with support from the NSW Government.

In our launch episode, we're talking about something business owners relate to: managing unexpected challenges. Angela explores how natural disasters and a worldwide pandemic have impacted regional businesses and what our guests learnt managing unexpected and unprecedented upheavals. She speaks with Dean Gould, Chief Marketing Officer at Southern Cross University; Trevor Lee & Lilly Choi-Lee from Naturally Northern Rivers; & Genna Pyewacket and Katrina Patton from Pyewackets Traditionals.