Collaboration

Nine days before stepping onto the stage, I was still designing marketing materials, booking trains, and wondering if I had bitten off more than I could chew. Two days later, my suitcase wheels literally fell off on the way to the station. This is the real story behind the stage moment people see online. The chaos, the quiet support, the mistakes you live with, and the human connections that make it all worth it.

Fear stops more founders from posting video than lack of skill ever does. At a recent Small Business Academy session with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, we explored why visibility feels so hard, what the data really shows, and how business owners can move from fear to first video without waiting for confidence to arrive.

Last night I had the pleasure of interviewing Lucy and Michael Joerin, and it turned into a genuinely inspiring conversation. Their reflections on building Stowhill Estates, reshaping their careers and supporting others through coaching were thoughtful, open and full of practical insight. I’m now looking forward to diving into post-production and starting their book The Elite Agent, which already feels like essential reading after hearing more about their journey.

The Solihull Business Awards 2025 was an unforgettable evening celebrating the very best of our local business community. As a judge, I had the chance to see the process come to life and share the experience with my wife, Rachel. From inspiring conversations with leaders like PJ Ellis, Scarlett Allen-Horton, and Gabriel Imevbore to celebrating the finalists, it was a night full of vision, resilience and community spirit.