Adam (Active Internet Marketing) and John (Octopus Computers) sit down with Kevin, founder of Landmark IFA and chair of Landmark Financial Group. He shares why he left large institutions, opened the doors with staff but no clients, and scaled to 37 advisers and 65 staff through smart hiring, acquisitions, and an employee ownership trust. We dig into culture (“ego-less,” team first, DYP (deliver your promise) and how Landmark handles regulation, training, and AI as a force-multiplier, not a headcount reducer. If you’re growing a professional services firm, this is a blueprint for sustainable scale without losing your soul.

Key takeaways from our talk with Kevin:

• Employee ownership locks in independence and adviser confidence.
• Growth lever: acquire retiring books and use them to recruit rising advisers.
• AI is a tool to lift capacity, not replace people.
• Reputation is the moat. You only keep it by doing what you said you’d do.

Discover the story behind Landmark IFA’s impressive growth and how an employee-owned business model helped scale the firm to 65 staff. In this episode, Kevin shares practical insights on building a thriving financial services business with a purpose-driven culture.

If you’re interested in IFA growth, employee-owned businesses, or strategies for scaling with strong leadership and values, this conversation is full of inspiration and takeaways.

Subscribe, like, and comment - we’d love to know which part of Kevin's journey inspired you most!

#EmployeeOwnership #IFAGrowth #BusinessGrowth #PurposeDrivenLeadership #CompanyCulture #FinancialServices #TheBlondeBeat #BusinessGrowthShow

Welcome to The Business Growth Show with Jo from The Blonde Beet, Stamford’s first and only plant-based café, bistro, and community space.

Join Adam and Jon as they explore Jo’s fascinating pivot from sustainability work and student behaviour change to launching a thriving, welcoming café right in the heart of Rutland. Jo walks us through her journey, from cozy supper clubs and lockdown takeaways to acquiring a charming, slightly hidden premises and transforming it into a vibrant, inclusive space.

Discover how Jo built a café that caters to everyone:

• Thoughtful, seasonal, zero-waste menus that appeal beyond the vegan niche.
• The creative use of textural delights like toasted seeds and nuts to elevate dishes.
• Community-driven programming, from art displays and book clubs to workshops and supper clubs.
• The power of collaboration and intentional choices, including local refill partnerships and sustainable sourcing.
• The ongoing challenge and joy of staying true to mission while managing growth.

Whether you're into hospitality, community-building, or purposeful entrepreneurship, this episode is full of feel-good inspiration and practical insights.

Subscribe, like, and comment - we’d love to know which part of Jo’s journey inspired you most!

#PlantBasedBusiness #CommunityCafe #SustainableGrowth #LocalEntrepreneurs #FoodAndCommunity #TheBlondeBeat #BusinessGrowthShow

Welcome to Episode 7 of The Business Growth Show! Join hosts Adam and Jon as they chat with Tony Gardner from Hegarty Solicitors, a pillar of the Stamford and Rutland business community with over 35 years of leadership and networking experience across multiple industries.

Tony opens up about his unique career journey, from roles in sales, marketing, and organisational leadership to stepping into legal services. Discover how he uses his diverse experience to help businesses flourish, not just legally, but through genuine human connection and strategic networking.

We dive into:

• The power of authentic networking and how Tony connects businesses, even beyond legal solutions.
• Why local businesses thrive with relational outreach, not just transactions.
• Navigating the rise of AI in legal work, and why combining AI with human oversight is more important than ever.
• His top tip for growing teams: empowering people, driving accountability and supporting them to shine.
• And a sneak peek at upcoming local initiatives, including an Invest‑for‑Growth workshop coming this summer - small, personable, and designed to support business expansion.

If you're intrigued by building resilient brands rooted in community, or curious about legal strategies that embrace innovation, this episode is a must-listen.

Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment. Tell us which part of Tony's story struck a chord with you!

#BusinessGrowth #NetworkingTips #AIinLegal #LocalEntrepreneurs #EmpowermentLeadership