Interviews that go big on small business. Featuring local entrepreneurs and business owners, highlighting the successes, struggles, highs and lows of local businesses.
Reading the feed…
The presenter interviews Rob McAvoy, co-founder and CEO of Project Southchurch, about the upcoming third annual Southchurch Business Expo on 18th September, highlighting networking opportunities, career advice for students, and local business support, while also discussing Project Southchurch’s community initiatives and COVID-19 contributions.
EasyJet announces a new base at Southend Airport with 3 aircraft, 20 routes, and 140 direct jobs, while CEO Kenton Jarvis discusses UK expansion and sustainability goals. Kat Sanger, EasyJet pilot, and Gary Wilson, CEO of EasyJet Holidays, highlight job creation, new destinations like Marrakesh, and affordable travel. MP Bayo Alaba and Southend Airport CEO Jude Winstanley emphasise local economic benefits and tourism growth.
The Big Small Business Show features Alex Schlagman from savethehighstreet.org discussing a new initiative launching at the Victoria Centre in Southend, offering six rent-free shop units and business support to local entrepreneurs through a competition. Over 50 applicants have already applied for the six units, with hundreds more registering interest, aiming to repopulate empty spaces and create a collective of complementary businesses. The initiative provides not just free rent but also marketing, finance, and operational support to help new brands succeed long-term.
Dave Marley welcomes listeners to his breakfast show, discussing his morning radio format and Southend City Radio’s local business support. The *Big Small Business Show* features Arash Ali, owner of *Cut You Up* barbershops, who shares his journey from arriving in the UK at 16 to building multiple businesses, emphasizing mindset, customer loyalty, and community trust.
DJ Rell interviews Beth, owner of Luna Grace salon in Southend, about her journey since opening in 2021, the salon’s family-like atmosphere, and their recent UK Hair & Beauty Awards win for Best Salon Team. Beth shares insights on teamwork, balancing hard work with fun, and the personal meaning behind Luna Grace.
The presenter interviews Daniel Day, owner of Bunker 19, a newly opened venue in Southend featuring state-of-the-art golf simulators, a bar with local beers and cocktails, and street food from sister business Oak and Smoke, while discussing the venue’s history, community impact, and future plans.
Laura Steel from the Essex Small Business Awards discusses the program’s expansion to Essex, its mission to celebrate small businesses, and how to nominate or enter—with nominations open until mid-November. She highlights the awards’ categories, the upcoming ceremony in early 2024, and the free nomination process for businesses of all sizes.
Jackie Stimson discusses the successful launch event of The Launchpad, a flagship sustainable business hub in Southend’s new business park, highlighting its innovative eco-friendly design, peer-led business support model, and flexible co-working spaces. She explains how the centre fosters community collaboration, job creation, and local economic growth while encouraging sustainable practices among businesses. Details on office spaces, hot-desking options, and contact information for tours or inquiries are also provided.
