In this episode of Business Noodles, we sit down with Nick Buckland, a serial chair and non-executive director with a diverse career spanning both the private and public sectors.

Nick shares his journey from starting as a computer scientist to holding positions on ten different boards. He discusses the evolution of his portfolio career, the impact of technology on business and the significant changes in the education sector, particularly with the rise of apprenticeships.

Nick also delves into the role of non-executive directors, emphasising the importance of offering positive challenges rather than just being critical. He highlights the differences between the public and private sectors and the lessons they can learn from each other. The conversation touches on the productivity challenges in the UK and the benefits and drawbacks of AI in business.

Listeners will gain insights into how boards can stay connected with frontline operations, the importance of business continuity plans and the growing trend of employee ownership in companies. Nick's engaging anecdotes and practical advice make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in business leadership and innovation.

A fascinating journey from journalism to leading a family-run innovative print company in Cornwall - Zoe Jones, managing director at KCS Print and Root Sustainable Labels joins us in this podcast episode.

She talks about the unique challenges and opportunities in the print industry, her unexpected transition into the business and the inspiring story of her mother who founded the company in the late 80s. Zoe also delves into her experiences working in Russia and Argentina - and how these adventures shaped her career.

Listeners will gain insights into the importance of sustainability in business, as Zoe discusses the launch of Root Sustainable Labels and their commitment to eco-friendly practices. She also touches on the impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on the business and how they navigated these turbulent times.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability and the print industry. Zoe's story is not only inspirational but also offers valuable lessons on resilience and innovation.

Using AI to detect and prevent digital fraud is the latest business for our guest Oliver Crofton, a serial technology entrepreneur known for his ventures in cybersecurity and safeguarding businesses.

Oliver shares his journey for founding multiple successful businesses, often seeing the potential before it becomes mainstream (cybersecurity is just one example). He also discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting and growing these businesses, highlighting the importance of foresight and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Throughout the conversation, Oliver emphasises the need for innovation and resilience in the face of adversity, sharing valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Note - Since recording this episode, Meysey has rebranded to Continual.