In case you missed it: Entrepreneurship Week at Bdaily

One week on from Bdaily’s latest weeklong special feature, Entrepreneurship Week, Senior Correspondent Matthew Neville and Correspondent Mark Adair reflect on the plethora of content that was delivered to readers, delving into all facets of the world of entrepreneurship. Read on to find out more…

Matthew: While this week delivered no shortage of quality and variety, I think it’s fair to say we came out swinging with an interview with the ever-insightful Laura Middleton, with whom we spoke about what it’s like to be a successful neurodivergent entrepreneur.

The managing director of Canny Social was incredibly generous with her knowledge and the piece really delivered something different. Check it out if you missed it!

Mark: I kicked off entrepreneurship week by talking to Olivia Ferdi, co-founder of the CBD drinks brand, TRIP. It was amazing to find out more about the journey Olivia and her husband Dan took, leaving behind their previous careers to leap into the unknown of the relatively new industry of CBD.

Matthew: Another cracking interview, my discussion with the brilliant former host of BBC Radio Newcastle, Alfie Joey, charted a course through the creative talent’s exceptionally eclectic career, from training as a monk to delivering TED Talks.

Mark: Speaking with Claire Tucker of Homework Workspace was fantastic. HomeWork Workspace is a co-working and business support company with locations throughout south west London who are set to continue growing. Hearing Claire’s journey from accountancy into the world of entrepreneurship was amazing.

However, for budding entrepreneurs looking for advice to kick start their new careers, her three key tips for would-be-entrepreneurs were truly pragmatic pearls of wisdom.

Matthew: Breaking away from the interviews, my next piece was put together with Ann Haagensen from Digital Glue, where she handily broke down the process of building a brand. With some invaluable wisdom at its core, this piece made for a contemplative and educational change of pace in the middle of a packed week.

Mark: As an Irishman, I’m always keen to shine a light on the achievements of Irish businesses. So when I got the chance to cover a story about a company which started its life in a University College Dublin programme for entrepreneurs, I was eager to find out more.

John Byrne, founder of regulatory risk intelligence firm Corlytics told me his journey from founding the firm to where it is now, as Corlytics expands its reach into the UK. As well as this, he shared his insights on what it takes to become an entrepreneur.

Matthew: In another fascinating chat with a North East based entrepreneur, I learned about the challenges and pitfalls that come with being a business owner from Hand Dyed Shoe Co’s Simon Bourne.

In a particularly candid and open discussion, Simon regaled us with the tale of the inception and growth of his business, alongside the trials he has had to overcome along the way.

Mark: I also heard from Gareth Smyth of Hilton Smythe Business Advisers. Having lost his job, he went back to university. Whilst at studying, he and Craig Graham started up the firm using student loans and overdrafts for initial funding.

Hilton Smythe helps buyers and sellers of small businesses throughout the UK, and for more than a decade have arranged the sale of all sorts of businesses from high street staples such as cafes and newsagents to engineering and manufacturing businesses.

Matthew: Rounding things out for my Entrepreneurship Week experience, I caught up with Callum Mather, founder of Endurance for a chat about his entrepreneurial mindset and how he approaches his work.

With a unique, sustainable business under his belt, Callum lent his wisdom to an article which has value for anyone who fancies themselves an entrepreneur.

Mark: Finishing up Entrepreneurship Week, I heard from Aman Chahal, co-founder of Stockton on Tees based TaperedPlus.

TaperedPlus specialises in designing and supplying flat roofing designs and insulation systems across multiple sectors, using innovative design technology and roofing materials to ensure high quality performance.

His story of hardwork and resilience on his entrepreneurial journey was brilliant to hear, and it was an excellent way to bring the feature week to a close.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily and Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily.